169: The Ultimate Tom Hanks Episode

The hosts discuss the excitement of award season as they prepare to bestow kernelships and medals. They humorously compare their version of award season to that of the cinematic world, noting how their podcast's 'October Fest' Awards create a sense of anticipation and fun.

Following their previous discussion on napping, the hosts read listener messages that contain a variety of opinions on the topic. Some listeners, like B.C. me, express skepticism about naps, describing them negatively, while others share fond memories of naps, especially those involving unique experiences, such as napping after donating blood.

The hosts award and discuss kernelships named after Colonel Sanders, recognizing supporters of the podcast. They honor three individuals: Alan Stewart, the musical contributor; Leo Ortega, who maintains a detailed episode spreadsheet; and Matt M., who has contributed jingles. The hosts reflect on their contributions, the meaning of kernelships, and the humorous lack of recognition from KFC.

The conversation leads into a celebration of Tom Hanks as they decide to award him the Brady Harron Medal for his contributions to film and representation of a good-hearted celebrity. The hosts share personal anecdotes about his films and their significance, discussing favorites among Hanks' body of work and how his films impacted their lives.

The hosts dig into their top ten favorite Tom Hanks movies, debating the merits of each selection. They touch on several of his iconic roles and the impact those films had on their lives—whether it's the heartfelt tales like 'Forrest Gump' or the comedic charm of 'Big.' They analyze the characters portrayed and their wider cultural significance.

A whimsical idea is put forward for a potential podcast segment where hosts discuss hypothetical scenarios involving characters from 'The West Wing.' This leads to a humorous conversation about how each would be portrayed, highlighting their personal traits and roles within a larger political context.

Finally, they brainstorm a new podcast segment that explores historical events based on the question 'When was the last time this happened?' This idea includes intriguing trivia about events from the realms of sports, science, history, and pop culture, creating a thought-provoking dialogue.