Joe Taylor

Simple Joe

A Life Sciences , Science and Religion & Spirituality podcast

#109 in Life Sciences · 🇬🇧 #151 in Life Sciences · 🇺🇸

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About the show

Live simple

Newest episodes

Top 10 Accidental Inventions and Discoveries

Nov 13, 2026 29 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. What happens when somebody makes a mistake and discovers something that changes the world? On today’s Simple Joe, it’s Top 10 Friday, and I’m counting down the Top 10 Everyday Inventions That Were Created by Accident. From ordinary things we take for granted to discoveries that have saved lives, these stories are pretty remarkable. Along the way, I share a few memories, get sidetracked by some of the things we all do, and wonder how different our lives might be if somebody hadn't followed up on an unexpected discovery. We also visit Cartagena, Colombia, check the weather, celebrate some birthdays, and recognize Friday the 13th. And here's what I find most interesting about today's list: accidents happen all the time, but sometimes the real discovery comes from somebody being curious enough to pay attention. Which accidental invention would surprise you the most? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

400-Year-Old Lock Finally Opened. What's the Combination?

Nov 12, 2026 25 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Today on Simple Joe, I'm digging into a 400-year-old mystery involving a shipwreck, buried treasure, and a brass combination padlock that nobody could open. Back in 1583, a merchant ship called the Ann Francis sank off the coast of Wales, taking its valuable cargo down with it. Centuries later, metal detectorist Peter Hughes spent 21 years recovering hundreds of gold and silver coins and other artifacts, including a mysterious four-letter combination lock. Researchers at Cardiff University finally cracked the code using modern CT scanning technology, but what was the lock protecting, and what does the combination A-N-C-E actually mean? We explore the ship's fascinating history, the unknown value of its recovered treasure, and the mystery that remains even after the lock was opened. And I've got to admit, using a CT scanner almost feels like cheating! I also send a special hello to our friends in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and share a few birthdays, historic events, and daily celebrations. There's just something fascinating about discovering things that have been lost for centuries, especially when they still have a story left to tell. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

The Mandela Effect: I Don't Remember It That Way!

Nov 11, 2026 41 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I can see Sinbad standing there in that purple genie outfit. I remember the movie Shazaam. There's just one problem. Apparently, it never existed! Welcome to Wildcard Wednesday, where I'm exploring the strange and fascinating world of the Mandela Effect, when large numbers of people remember something that apparently never happened. We're talking about the Berenstain Bears, Jiffy peanut butter, the Fruit of the Loom cornucopia, the Monopoly guy's missing monocle, and famous movie quotes we've all been getting wrong. But this gets personal when I share a disagreement with Karin and our friend Michelle about something that happened years ago. We're all absolutely certain we remember it correctly, even though our memories contradict each other. I also share how an old family photograph proved I'd been somewhere I had no memory of visiting. We'll explore how our brains reconstruct memories, why people can share the same false memories, and even wander into parallel universes, simulation theory, and some pretty wild ideas about reality. Because the strangest thing about the Mandela Effect might not be what we remember. It might be how completely we trust those memories. What's your Mandela Effect? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com. And if you've got an old VHS copy of Shazaam starring Sinbad, we really need to talk! Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 645 episodes

Top 10 Accidental Inventions and Discoveries

Nov 13, 2026 29 min

400-Year-Old Lock Finally Opened. What's the Combination?

Nov 12, 2026 25 min

The Mandela Effect: I Don't Remember It That Way!

Nov 11, 2026 41 min

Tuesday's Random Questions | November 10, 2026

Nov 10, 2026 27 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. On today's episode of Simple Joe, we're talking about some of life's little surprises, starting with Abraham Lincoln's history in the tavern business and my own experience owning a bar. I also give a shout-out to Daniel in Iowa, who listens during his overnight shifts at a workplace that might just be haunted! Along the way, we celebrate some famous birthdays, revisit the invention of windshield wipers, and explore the strange Mandela Effect surrounding Sinbad and a movie that never existed. Then it's time for Tuesday's Random Questions! Would I rather have unlimited airline tickets or free restaurant meals? What modern convenience couldn't I live without? Who would narrate a documentary about my life? We get into everything from cold shrimp and bologna sandwiches to the books that have shaped the way I think, including Atomic Habits. And as we head toward the holiday season, I share a reminder that matters more than all the things we buy: the best parts of life are the memories we make with the people we love. Because memories are better than stuff. Tuesday's Random Questions Who would you want to narrate a documentary about your life? What modern convenience would you struggle most to give up? Would you rather have unlimited free airline tickets or unlimited free restaurant meals for the rest of your life? What's a food that tastes better cold than hot? What is a book that changed the way you think? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Monday's Interesting Headlines | November 9, 2026

Nov 9, 2026 26 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today's episode of Simple Joe, we're kicking things off with a Michigan man who lived 555 days without a human heart, thanks to some pretty incredible medical technology. We're checking the weather in Ann Arbor, Michigan, celebrating birthdays, including Carl Sagan and the Incredible Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno, and looking back at the fall of the Berlin Wall and the world's first whole-eye transplant announcement. That eye transplant gets me wondering why we aren't using this technology to help more people see again. We also celebrate World Adoption Day, National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day, and National Scrapple Day, which brings back memories of some surprisingly delicious scrapple. Then it's time for Monday Interesting Headlines! We've got an enormous rubber band ball, a mysterious 400-year-old padlock, an electric toothbrush, some very unusual moths, and a hawk that's apparently too fat to fly. That last story reminds me of a particularly bold squirrel I encountered in Washington, D.C. And there's a possible future Top 10 list brewing, thanks to the F'ing Minister Mike, who wants to share the ten things he disagrees with Simple Joe about. As always, I want to hear from you! Which headline should I dig into on Thursday? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com. Let's slow down, have a conversation with a friend, and make some great memories. Monday Interesting Headlines Detroit man's 11,578-pound rubber band ball is the world's largest Cryptic padlock from a 400-year-old shipwreck finally opened — but it leaves a mystery This self-powered toothbrush makes electricity to kill cavity-causing bacteria These Moths Use Their G******s to Fend Off Bats—but Not in the Way You Think. They Emit Ultrasound to Scramble the Predators’ Sonar Hawk found grounded in Virginia driveway was 'too darn fat to fly' Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from...

Jesus Alone: How Do We Treat Others?

Nov 8, 2026 33 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today's Faith Connections episode of Simple Joe, I'm kicking off a three-part series called Jesus Alone, and I want to try something a little different. I'm a Christian, and I believe Jesus is much more than a great teacher or philosopher. But what if, just for these conversations, we set aside the miracles, the resurrection, and the theological questions and simply look at what Jesus actually taught about living a good life? Whether you're a Christian, an atheist, or a skeptic, I think there's something worth exploring here. In Part One, we're talking about how we treat other people. We'll look at Jesus' teachings about loving your neighbor, treating others the way you want to be treated, loving your enemies, and showing real mercy through the story of the Good Samaritan. We'll also talk about reciprocity, resentment, boundaries, and why we shouldn't let somebody else's bad behavior determine the kind of person we become. Is it possible to live with less scorekeeping, more generosity, and more compassion without becoming naive or letting people walk all over us? I think Jesus has some remarkable things to say about that. And maybe the question isn't just whether Jesus was a great teacher, but whether we're willing to actually listen to what He taught. I'd especially love to hear from you if you're not a Christian. Does this philosophy of life make sense to you? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com. Let's have a conversation. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Walk with Me: Having Fun, Don't Take Yourself So Seriously, Seeking Wisdom

Nov 8, 2026 34 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Come take a walk with me on this Saturday evening edition of Simple Joe. No script, no agenda, just a conversation as I wander around my Cincinnati neighborhood and share what's been going on in my life. I'm talking about the importance of good friendships, my regular Saturday morning conversations with Curt and Clay, and how artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and live. But the real fun comes from a late-night family game night at my niece's new home, where we played a couple of hilarious games called Medium and Boo and Yay. Somehow, I ended up on the floor howling like a dog, rubbing my belly, and patting my head. There's even a little life lesson in there about taking small steps and learning from feedback. Along the way, I'll share a few thoughts about surrounding yourself with good people, finding opportunities to help others, and not taking yourself too seriously. Because when it comes down to it, spending time with people you love, laughing together, and making great memories matters a whole lot more than buying more stuff. Memories are better than stuff. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Top 10 Most Overrated Sitcoms

Nov 6, 2026 31 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Are some of the most beloved sitcoms in television history actually overrated? On today's Simple Joe, I'm counting down my Top 10 Most Overrated Sitcoms, and this one might get me in trouble! We're talking about shows that became cultural phenomena, won awards, attracted millions of viewers, and earned devoted fan bases. But were they really as good as everybody remembers? I'm looking at popularity, critical acclaim, consistency, and the difference between a show's reputation and its actual entertainment value. Along the way, we'll talk about nostalgia, shows that overstayed their welcome, and why being enormously successful doesn't necessarily mean being great. I'll also confess which beloved sitcom I deliberately left off the list because I just couldn't bring myself to include it! Plus, we're talking ancient crayons, birthdays, historic events, National Nachos Day, and my appreciation for a great saxophone. I'd love to hear which sitcoms you think are overrated, which ones deserve their legendary reputations, and where you think I got it completely wrong. Come hang out with me for a little television controversy, some laughs, and another reminder that memories are better than stuff. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Walking a Robot Dog for $20 an Hour

Nov 5, 2026 26 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Would you take a job walking robot dogs for $20 an hour? That's a real opportunity a San Francisco robotics company called Dimensional was advertising, and today on Simple Joe, we're digging into the story behind the headline. These aren't robotic pets. They're part of an effort to teach artificial intelligence how to navigate the real world, and apparently, that's a lot harder than it sounds. We'll talk about what these robot dog walkers actually do, why the robots sometimes have to be carried home, and how AI and robotics could eventually change the way we work. I'm not afraid of AI, but I do think we need to pay attention to what it means for our jobs and our future. And yes, I'd take that robot dog walking gig! We also get into my favorite way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for traveling, the pressure of picking out donuts for everybody, birthdays, history, and a little more. It's another day of curiosity, conversation, and thinking about where technology might be taking us. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Prove Me Wrong: Android Phones Are Better Than iPhones

Nov 4, 2026 37 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. It's Wildcard Wednesday, and today I'm throwing down a challenge: Android phones are better than iPhones. Prove me wrong! I've got a Samsung Galaxy S24 for my personal phone and an iPhone for work, so I've spent some time in both worlds. I'm making my case for Android with more choices, better prices, greater customization, Google integration, and the freedom to make my phone work the way I want. Of course, I've got a little fun to poke at the Apple faithful, their loyalty, their ecosystem, and what I lovingly call the Apple cult. But I'll give Apple credit where it's deserved, and I'll even admit that my own Android loyalty might be getting in the way! There's one problem that really hits Grampy Joe where it hurts: my grandkids have iPads, and communicating with them isn't always easy. I'm looking for a good Android-to-iPad messaging solution, and I'm offering a free Simple Joe T-shirt to someone who can help me find one! So whether you're Team Android or Team iPhone, I want to hear your argument. Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com. Let's have some fun with this! Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Tuesday's Random Questions | November 3, 2026

Nov 3, 2026 37 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. It's Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and today on Simple Joe, we're visiting Creston, Iowa, celebrating birthdays, and looking back at a little history involving Chevrolet, Godzilla, and The Wizard of Oz. I've got a question about just how long Godzilla's legs would have to be to walk through the ocean, and I'll tell you why I didn't watch The Wizard of Oz all the way through until I was in my 40s. We're also celebrating National Sandwich Day, which gives me an excuse to talk about my love for a good old-fashioned bologna and cheese sandwich. Then it's time for Tuesday's Random Questions, and this week gets interesting! I'll tell you how I convinced my middle school science teacher that a piece of dried rubber cement was actually a cow's eye, explain why I'd give up television before music, and share a few recurring family jokes that might sound a little strange without the proper context. We'll also imagine Idris Elba playing me in a sitcom about my life and try to figure out which completely ordinary historical moment would be worth visiting in a time machine. It's a fun, sometimes ridiculous, and occasionally thoughtful conversation about childhood memories, our everyday habits, and the strange things that make us who we are. Come hang out with me, and don't forget to send me your answers! Tuesday's Random Questions What is the most convincing lie you told as a kid? If you had to give up either music or television for a year, which would you choose? What recurring joke would appear in the sitcom version of your life? What actor would be wildly miscast as you but hilarious to watch? If time travel existed, what boring historical moment would you want to observe? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you sh...

Monday's Interesting Headlines | November 2, 2026

Nov 2, 2026 19 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Today on Simple Joe, we're talking about something you probably didn't know about the Olympics: they used to award gold medals for art! We're also celebrating birthdays, including Daniel Boone, Burt Lancaster, David Schwimmer, and Nelly, plus National Deviled Egg Day, which reminds me of the time my daughter made one giant deviled egg from an ostrich egg. Then it's Monday's Interesting Headlines, and we've got some strange ones! A robotic hand that walks on its fingers, a million-dollar lottery ticket sitting forgotten in somebody's wallet, a company paying people to walk robot dogs, a 4,000-year-old dog's paw print, and a miniature T. rex relative that sold for an unbelievable $47.3 million. I've got plenty of questions about these stories, and I want to know which one you find most interesting. Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com and help me choose which story we'll explore on Thursday. And remember, memories are better than stuff! Monday Interesting Headlines Swiss researchers unveil robot hand that walks on its fingers $1M Powerball ticket spent two months in oblivious winner's wallet San Francisco company offering $20 an hour to walk robot dogs A Dog Left a Paw Print on This Mud Brick 4,000 Years Ago. Archaeologists Discovered It in the Rubble of a Bronze Age House Miniature T. rex relative sells for $47.3 million at auction Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Walk with Me: Missed Top 10 Episodes, Concrete-Filled Flowerpots, Lunch with Friends

Nov 2, 2026 33 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I'm trying something a little different on Simple Joe today! Instead of sitting behind a microphone, I'm taking you along on my Sunday evening walk for an unscripted, stream-of-consciousness conversation. We talk about the challenges of keeping a daily podcast going, the Friday Top 10 Halloween candy episode that never got released, and whether this walking-and-talking format might become a regular thing. I share some stories about volunteering with Karin in our church's pre-K class, watching football, and my ongoing backyard patio project involving concrete-filled planters and Edison string lights. We also get into podcasting friends who've inspired me, reconnecting with old coworkers, and how sometimes a simple lunch with a friend can mean more than we realize. This one's a bit of an experiment, and I'd love your feedback. Do you enjoy this kind of casual, unscripted conversation? Should I do more episodes like this? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com. And remember, spend time with the people you love, make some great memories, and never forget that memories are better than stuff. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

28 Years to Walk Around the World!

Oct 29, 2026 22 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. What would it take to spend 28 years chasing one goal? Today on Simple Joe, we're exploring the incredible story of Karl Bushby, a British adventurer who set out in 1998 to walk around the world and is finally approaching his hometown of Hull, England. We're talking more than 30,000 miles across 29 countries, crossing the frozen Bering Strait, swimming the Caspian Sea, and even swimming the English Channel, all without using transportation to advance his journey. Could you imagine dedicating nearly half your life to one adventure? I'm not sure I could have kept going! We also celebrate Bob Ross's birthday, which gives me a chance to share how we won a painting by one of his direct students while on vacation. Plus, we've got Richard Dreyfuss, Paul Orndorff, Black Tuesday, the debut of the ballpoint pen, National Cat Day, and much more. And as we think about Karl's remarkable journey, there's a reminder that great memories don't necessarily require 28 years or a trip around the world. Sometimes they're waiting to be made right where we are. Because memories are better than stuff. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

I Was There and Didn't Know I Was There!

Oct 28, 2026 28 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I was there, and I didn't even know it! On this Wildcard Wednesday episode of Simple Joe, I'm sharing a pretty funny story about witnessing one of the biggest University of Cincinnati football upsets in years and having absolutely no idea what I was watching. I went to Nippert Stadium with my son-in-law, Seth, and two of my grandkids to watch the UC Bearcats take on Texas Tech for Homecoming. Cincinnati won 37–24, the fans stormed the field, and I thought everybody was just really excited about Homecoming. Turns out Texas Tech was undefeated, ranked number eight in the country, and we'd just witnessed a HUGE upset! But there's something more to this story than football. It got me thinking about perspective, context, and how often we experience important moments in life without realizing just how special they are until later. We talk a lot about being present and living in the moment, but what happens when you're completely present and still don't understand the significance of what's happening around you? Sometimes you know you're making a great memory, and sometimes you don't find out until afterward. Either way, memories are better than stuff! Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Tuesday's Random Questions | October 27, 2026

Oct 27, 2026 25 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today's episode of the Simple Joe podcast, we're getting into five Random Questions that take me down some interesting roads. We start with the surprising history of potato chips, a little Navy Day recognition, and some October 27 celebrations before I get into the questions. I remember the freedom of riding my ten-speed bike all over Cincinnati as a kid, talk about why I'd love to spend six months in Portugal, and look back on the friendships that made working at Ponderosa one of my favorite jobs ever. I also remember a boss named Mark who taught me that you can hold people accountable, have high expectations, and still treat them with kindness. And then there's my imaginary food truck, where pizza and soft-serve ice cream would definitely be on the menu. It's a conversation about independence, good people, great memories, and the experiences that stay with us. I'd love to hear how you'd answer these questions, too! What was your first real taste of independence? If you could live anywhere for exactly six months, where would you go? What coworker do you still remember years later, and why? What was the best boss you ever had actually good at? If you had to open a food truck tomorrow, what would you serve? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Monday's Interesting Headlines | October 26, 2026

Oct 26, 2026 21 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Monday, October 26, 2026, episode of Simple Joe, we're heading to Jerusalem, Israel, and starting with the surprising true story behind Mary Had a Little Lamb. Yes, Mary Sawyer and her lamb were apparently real! We're celebrating birthdays for Pat Sajak, Keith Urban, Seth MacFarlane, Cincinnati's own Bootsy Collins, and Jon Heder, which gives me an opportunity to defend my love of Napoleon Dynamite. We also revisit the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, where I explain why I prefer the movie Wyatt Earp over Tombstone, even though Val Kilmer's Doc Holliday was outstanding. Plus, NASA discovers water on the sunlit Moon, and we celebrate National Pumpkin Day, National Mule Day, National Tennessee Day, and Austria's National Day. Then it's time for Monday's Interesting Headlines! We've got a possible astronomical connection to Van Gogh's Starry Night, a stuffed animal rescued from a storm drain, a combative bird at Chicago's airport, a man's 28-year walk around the world, and a mysterious century-old safe discovered in Michigan. Which story should I explore for Thursday's Story Behind the Headline? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com and let me know! Monday Interesting Headlines New study traces van Gogh's famed 'Starry Night' to an actual night sky from 1889 Public works employee rescues stuffed animal from storm drain Exotic bird flies into Chicago airport, fights with passengers Mapped: British man’s incredible 28-year quest to walk around the world as he arrives back in UK A mysterious, century-old safe was found in rural Michigan. Here's what was inside. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfrien...

Top 10 Food Myths

Oct 23, 2026 36 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. How many things have we heard about food that we just accept as fact? Today on Simple Joe, I'm counting down my Top 10 Food Myths, and some of these surprised me! We're talking about kitchen habits, food safety, childhood warnings, cooking techniques, and a Thanksgiving tradition that may have gotten a bad rap. Along the way, I share a few of my own questionable food habits, including my love of crispy, almost-burnt food, and discover that some things I've done my entire life might not be such great ideas. We're also visiting Salt Lake City, Utah, celebrating birthdays including Johnny Carson, Pelé, and Weird Al Yankovic, remembering the introduction of Apple's original iPod and the first appearance of the Smurfs, and enjoying a few unusual holidays. Plus, I share a listener's story about getting to pet a cougar, wonder about a strange little corner of Minnesota, and talk about why making memories with people we love matters more than stuff. Which food myths have you believed all your life? Give today's episode a listen, then let me know what I missed! Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Winnie-the-Pooh Turns 100, and a Bear Shows Up for Honey

Oct 22, 2026 20 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. A real black bear walks into a California library, raids the staff snacks, and helps itself to a jar of honey. And it happens on the exact 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh! In today's Simple Joe, I'm digging into this wonderfully strange story from the Mammoth Lakes Library, where an unexpected visitor wandered through the bookshelves, enjoyed a few snacks, and left without damaging a thing. We explore the remarkable coincidence, the history of Winnie-the-Pooh, and what the library staff had to say about their uninvited guest. I also talk about a few of my own encounters with wildlife and wonder what strange animal experiences you've had. Plus, we've got birthdays, historic events, unusual celebrations, and an interesting story about VH1 playing the same song for an entire hour. And as we get closer to the holiday season, I share a reminder about what matters most to me: spending time with people we love, because memories are better than stuff. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

A Tennis Net, Broken Arms, Cheesecloth, and a Dremel Tool

Oct 21, 2026 34 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. What happens when a bunch of guys head to a Christian men's conference and somebody dares me to jump over a tennis net? Well, I broke both of my arms. Both of them! On this Wildcard Wednesday episode of Simple Joe, I'm telling one of my favorite stories from years ago. It starts with a game of HORSE, cheap gym shoes held together with duct tape, and a little too much confidence. From there, things get ridiculous. There's a makeshift sling made out of cheesecloth, an unexpected church visit, a chewing gum disaster during communion, and a doctor who delivered the unforgettable news that BOTH of my arms were broken. And somehow, that's not even the end of the story. We've still got two brightly colored casts, a speeding ticket, and a Dremel tool involved. It's a story about pride, questionable decisions, and how sometimes the moments that don't go according to plan become the memories we talk about for years. And after all these years, I still think I could've cleared that tennis net! Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Tuesday's Random Questions | October 20, 2026

Oct 20, 2026 21 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Today on Simple Joe, it's Tuesday's Random Questions, and we're going in some interesting directions! I'm wondering whether rhinoceroses would be the rudest animals if they could talk, why I hope I'll still be riding roller coasters when I'm in my 80s, and whether we could ever bring back those old metal lawn darts. We also get into the Dunning-Kruger effect, why we sometimes think we're better at things than we really are, and one of history's biggest mysteries: how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids. Along the way, we're celebrating birthdays, remembering the legendary Tom Petty, talking about The Office, and recognizing everything from chicken and waffles to Sasquatch Awareness Day. It's a little funny, a little thoughtful, and exactly the kind of conversation where you never quite know where we'll end up. I'd love to hear your answers! Tuesday's Random Questions If animals could speak, which species would be the rudest? What is one thing you hope you are still doing when you are very old? If you could bring back one discontinued product, what would it be? What skill do you think everyone overestimates in themselves? If you could know the exact truth to one historic mystery, which one would you pick? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Monday's Interesting Headlines | October 19, 2026

Oct 19, 2026 24 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I'm back on Simple Joe after taking a few days off to fight a head cold, and I'm sharing a little about a quick trip to see my daughter and grandkids, including some quality Grampy Joe time. We're visiting Buffalo, New York, celebrating famous birthdays, remembering the opening of the first Blockbuster Video store, and talking about Evaluate Your Life Day, National Kentucky Day, and Alaska Day. Then it's time for Monday's Interesting Headlines! We've got 804 people dressed as dinosaurs breaking a world record, a bear stealing honey from a library on Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th birthday, a skateboarder topping 90 miles per hour, a mysterious dinosaur fossil discovered on the Isle of Wight, and two guys caught driving a couch down a North Carolina road. Which story should we explore on Thursday? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com to cast your vote. Plus, I'm announcing Daniel from Iowa as the winner of our longest plank contest, with an impressive two-minute, five-second plank. And as always, here's your reminder to spend time with the people you love, make some great memories, and remember that memories are better than stuff. Monday Interesting Headlines Roar-some! 804 people in dinosaur outfits smash record – and reduce a town to tears Bear visits library, steals honey on Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th birthday Redbull skateboarder breaks record for fastest downhill speed EVER, topping over 90 mph Isle of Wight fossil sheds light on enigmatic meat-eating dinosaurs North Carolina police stop two men 'driving' couch on a public roadway Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

A Lost Wallet, a Pregnancy-Test Lollipop, and Other Surprises

Oct 15, 2026 24 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today's episode of Simple Joe, we're talking about a lost wallet, a pregnancy-test lollipop, and a couple of pretty remarkable surprises. First, we're heading to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where a carpenter renovating a house discovered a wallet that had been hiding beneath the floorboards for 51 years. It disappeared in 1975, complete with a driver's license, student ID, handwritten birth certificate, a dollar bill, and even a ticket to see Hamlet. Thanks to a Facebook post and a little detective work, the wallet finally made its way back to its original owner, Richard Gilroy. It's a great little story about lost memories, unexpected discoveries, and somebody taking the time to do something kind. Then we'll look at TACT, an unusual pregnancy-test lollipop being developed by a Carnegie Mellon University design student that could someday help blind and visually impaired women independently detect pregnancy through a touch-based result. It's still a prototype, but the idea raises some interesting possibilities for privacy and independence. Along the way, we're celebrating birthdays, remembering the premiere of I Love Lucy and Dolly Parton's Jolene, talking cheese curds and lemon bars, and checking the weather in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Plus, I've got a little family time with the grandkids coming up this weekend. Just another Thursday with a couple of fascinating stories, a little nostalgia, and a reminder that sometimes the things we find aren't valuable because of what they're worth, but because of the memories attached to them. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

I've Discovered Yacht Rock!

Oct 14, 2026 24 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I have discovered yacht rock, and apparently I'm about 45 years late to the party! On this Wildcard Wednesday episode of Simple Joe, I'm talking about why I've suddenly fallen in love with the smooth sounds of Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, the Doobie Brothers, Ambrosia, Little River Band, and yes, even Steely Dan. I grew up listening to hard rock and heavy metal, so how did I manage to miss all this great music? I'll tell you how yacht rock became the soundtrack for road trips with Karin, our recent vacation, and even trips to Waffle House. We'll talk about why this music feels brand new to me instead of nostalgic, some surprisingly good life lessons I've discovered in classic yacht rock lyrics, and why it's never too late to discover something wonderful that's been right in front of you all along. Plus, we've got birthdays, historic events, National Dessert Day, and even chocolate-covered insects. So climb aboard, my friend. We're talking yacht rock, staying curious, and discovering new favorites in old places. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Tuesday's Random Questions | October 13, 2026

Oct 13, 2026 23 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. It's Tuesday, and we're visiting Truro, England, for another round of Tuesday's Random Questions! Today I'm talking about the gift I'm most proud of giving, our family vacations together, and what would happen if the internet disappeared for an entire month. I'm also picking one skill I'd love to download directly into my brain, sharing an old family mystery involving a possible fugitive from the French Revolution and a last name that might not be our original family name, and remembering the smell of homemade chili that always makes me feel at home. Along the way, we're celebrating Paul Simon, Sammy Hagar, Jerry Rice, and a few other birthdays, remembering the debut of Paddington Bear and the beginning of commercial cellular service in America, and talking about National M\&M Day. Plus, I've got an update on our Simple Joe plank contest, where a free T-shirt is on the line. I'd love to hear your answers, too! Tuesday’s Random Questions What gift have you given that you were especially proud of? If the internet disappeared for one month, what would change most in your life? If you could download one skill directly into your brain, what would it be? What family mystery would you love to solve? What is one smell from a kitchen that feels like home? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Monday's Interesting Headlines | Monday, October 12, 2026

Oct 12, 2026 23 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. On today's episode of Simple Joe, I'm talking about popcorn, caramel corn, movie theater snacks, and one of my biggest regrets involving unlimited popcorn refills. We're checking the weather in São Paulo, Brazil, and Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrating birthdays including Dusty Rhodes and Hugh Jackman, and looking back at Christopher Columbus, the origins of Oktoberfest, and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Then it's time for Monday's Interesting Headlines! We've got a missing dog showing up at a police station, a wallet lost for 51 years, another expedition searching for Amelia Earhart's plane, a 61-year-old woman holding a five-hour plank, and a lollipop that could help blind women independently detect pregnancy. Which story should we dig into on Thursday? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com and cast your vote. And I've got another challenge for you: tell me how long you can hold a plank. The listener reporting the longest time gets a free Simple Joe T-shirt! Monday Interesting Headlines Missing dog reunited with owner after showing up at Tampa police station Home renovation project leads to discovery of wallet lost for 51 years Amelia Earhart expedition heads to Pacific atoll hoping to find her plane 61-year-old woman holds 5-hour plank — a new world record — at Huntsman World Senior Games This Lollipop Could Help Blind Women Independently Detect Pregnancy Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Who Are You Trying to Impress?

Oct 10, 2026 35 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Who gets the best version of you? In today's Personal Development Saturday episode of Simple Joe, I'm asking a question I've been wrestling with myself: Why do we sometimes give more patience, kindness, and courtesy to complete strangers than to the people we love most? I share some memories of those not-so-peaceful family drives to church, when frustration filled the car but everybody suddenly became friendly the moment we walked through the church doors. We talk about the difference between being comfortable with someone and taking them for granted, why our closest relationships deserve more attention and encouragement, and how a simple one-day experiment might help us make a change. The big idea? We don't need to impress the people closest to us. We need to invest in them. Plus, we're celebrating birthdays, exploring the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, and talking about angel food cake, chess, and maybe why neckties aren't so good for our brains. I also give a shout-out to my imaginary friend SM2N, whose thoughtful response to my episode about working while on vacation challenged me to reconsider some of my commitments. I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's conversation. Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com. And remember, memories are better than stuff. Listen to SM2N's episode on Spotify Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Top 10 Great Ideas We Gave Up On

Oct 9, 2026 30 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. A Segway tour I spotted while on vacation got me thinking about all the great ideas we gave up on. You know, those inventions, products, and experiences that actually existed, that people bought and used, and then somehow just disappeared. This Friday, I'm counting down my Top 10 Great Ideas We Gave Up On, and some of these are absolutely fascinating. We're talking about forgotten technology, unusual transportation, clever inventions, and experiences that seemed like the future until the world moved on without them. Some probably deserved to disappear, but others make me wonder why we haven't given them another chance. And my number one choice? I'd love to see somebody figure out how to bring that experience back. Along the way, we've got birthdays, a little Cincinnati Reds history, some unusual celebrations, and the usual Simple Joe detours. What great idea do you wish somebody would bring back? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email joe@thesimplejoe.com. I'd love to hear what I missed! Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Yellowstone’s Geysers Are Full of More Than Hot Water

Oct 8, 2026 22 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this episode of Simple Joe, I’m digging into one of the strangest stories I’ve seen in a while: the weird trash Yellowstone geologists retrieve from geysers, hot springs, and other hydrothermal areas. We’re talking about more than 20,000 pieces of trash this year, including hundreds of hats, AirPods, retainers, fake fingernails, toys, Pokémon cards, an Uno card, hotel key cards, and even a tiny copy of The Vampire Diaries. Some of it gets blown or dropped in accidentally, but coins, rocks, and other objects can actually interfere with these delicate thermal features, and Morning Glory Pool is a great example of how debris can change what happens below the surface. The whole thing got me thinking about that awful feeling when you drop something somewhere you can see it but absolutely cannot reach it, including a friend who lost a phone from a roller coaster and a recent stop at a pier restaurant where the spaces between the boards are apparently just wide enough to swallow a credit card. Along the way, I also talk about Paul Hogan, R. L. Stine, Sigourney Weaver, Matt Damon, Bruno Mars, the Great Chicago Fire, the first enclosed shopping mall, National Pierogi Day, World Octopus Day, and a pair of cowboy boots I’ve owned for about 35 years and even wore when I got married. I also spend a little time on World Dyslexia Day and how sometimes simply understanding why something has always been difficult can give us a little peace and help us figure out how to work around it. If you’ve ever dropped or lost something in a place where you knew it was gone for good, I’d love to hear the story. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfri...

Prove Me Wrong: It’s Okay to Work While You’re on Vacation

Oct 7, 2026 31 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Wildcard Wednesday episode of Simple Joe, I’m asking you to prove me wrong: is it okay to work a little bit while you’re on vacation? I just got back from vacation, and while I recorded Simple Joe every day, I don’t really think of the podcast as work because it’s something I genuinely enjoy and a creative outlet for me. The harder question is what happens when I open the laptop for “just 45 minutes,” check email, answer a few questions, and convince myself that staying connected actually helps me relax. We look at research on psychological detachment from work, the importance of real recovery time, and the uncomfortable possibility that sometimes I’m checking in because I want people to notice that I’m still engaged. That gets even more complicated because I’m a leader who tells my own team to disconnect completely when they’re on vacation. I talk through boundaries, why we work when we’re supposedly off, whether helping a coworker is really so different from helping a friend, and whether a little intentional work can coexist with a real vacation. I’m still not sure there’s a perfect answer, but I do know this: if I believe the people who work for me deserve a real vacation, maybe I need to give myself permission to take one too. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Tuesday's Random Questions | October 6, 2026

Oct 6, 2026 20 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today’s Simple Joe, I start with the wild story of Daniel Boone’s 14-year-old daughter Jemima being kidnapped in 1776 and leaving clues through the wilderness that helped her father find and rescue her. From there, we check in on Melbourne, Australia, celebrate birthdays including wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino, Super Soaker inventor Lonnie Johnson, Tony Dungy, Elisabeth Shue, and Trevor Lawrence, and look back at the first widely recognized robbery of a moving train, the founding of the American Library Association, and the launch of Instagram. We also celebrate National Taco Day, National Noodle Day, World Cerebral Palsy Day, and National Badger Day before getting into Tuesday’s Random Questions. Along the way, I talk about why I wish I had started saving money much younger, what I learned from buying a bar and grill in my twenties, the infamous Christmas gravy burn my kids and I still laugh about, a couple of strange body-measurement facts that have been stuck in my head for years, and why I think what often looks like confidence is really bravery. I also come back to one of the biggest financial lessons I’ve learned: be careful who you trust with your money, do your due diligence, and remember that sometimes the most expensive lessons are the ones that stick with you the longest. Tuesday’s Random Questions What is the best advice you ignored? What is your funniest cooking failure? What completely random fact has stayed in your brain for years? What is something people often misunderstand about confidence? What is the best financial lesson you learned the hard way? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might...

Monday's Interesting Headlines | October 5, 2026

Oct 5, 2026 23 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I’m back home in Cincinnati after vacation, running on a little post-vacation exhaustion but happy to be behind the microphone again. Today we check the weather in West Milford, New Jersey, celebrate a huge list of October 5 birthdays including Ray Kroc, Steve Miller, Brian Johnson, Bernie Mac, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Mario Lemieux, Kate Winslet, Jesse Eisenberg, and Travis Kelce, and look back at the Beatles releasing “Love Me Do,” the debut of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, and the beginning of PBS. We also recognize Rhode Island Day, National Child Health Day, World Meningitis Day, World Teachers’ Day, and World Space Week. That last one hits especially close to home after I got to witness two SpaceX launches during vacation, including an incredible nighttime launch visible from Daytona Beach. Then it’s Monday’s Interesting Headlines, with weird discoveries in Yellowstone geysers, a towering charitable stack of canned goods, skydivers coming to the aid of plane-crash victims, Venus flytrap-inspired robotics, and SpaceX launching three rockets in a single day. Pick the story you want me to explore for Thursday and let me know by text or email. Monday Interesting Headlines “The weird trash that Yellowstone geologists retrieve from geysers” “Tower of canned goods sets unofficial record to mark Hunger Action Day” “These skydivers parachuted 3,000 feet to help people in a plane crash” “Venus flytrap-inspired robot hand material senses objects and grasps them under light” “SpaceX flies three rockets in one day, including a record trip to the station” Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

After One Month - Thank You!

Oct 3, 2026 24 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I’m a little over a month into the return of Simple Joe, and today’s episode is really about one thing: gratitude. I talk about why I brought the podcast back after a seven-month break, including needing the creative outlet, wanting to stay active in podcasting and coaching, and wondering whether anybody would still be there when I turned the microphone back on. The answer has been incredibly encouraging. Longtime listeners have returned, new listeners are showing up in cities around the United States and around the world, and many of you continue to text, email, argue with my Top 10 lists, suggest ideas, and remind me that there are real people behind those podcast analytics. I also talk about what I mean when I call you my friend, why disagreement doesn’t have to get weird, and what I hope Simple Joe can continue to be: something interesting, funny, encouraging, thoughtful, occasionally completely weird, and sometimes just a little company during your day. Most of all, this episode is my thank-you to the people who came back, the people who just found the show, the people who regularly reach out, and the quiet listeners who may never contact me but keep pressing play. I know you’re there, I appreciate you, and I hope we keep doing this together for a long time. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Top 10 Things You Think Are Illegal, But Aren’t

Oct 2, 2026 32 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I’m wrapping up our time in Daytona Beach, Florida, and today’s Simple Joe takes us from groundwater hiding beneath our feet to a Friday Top 10 built around something most of us have probably experienced: being told all our lives that something is illegal, only to find out later that it really isn’t. I talk about the final day of vacation, the possibility of doing a vacation wrap-up, and maybe even joining my pal Connecticut Curt on Geeking on Travel to talk about the trip. We celebrate birthdays for Groucho Marx, Steve Sabol, Don McLean, Avery Brooks, Annie Leibovitz, Sting, Kelly Ripa, Tiffany, and Efren Ramirez, then look back at Jerusalem’s surrender to Saladin, the debut of Peanuts, and Thurgood Marshall becoming the first African American justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. We also celebrate National Smarties Day, National Fried Scallops Day, and Guinea Independence Day. Then it’s Friday’s Top 10: Top 10 Things You Think Are Illegal, But Aren’t. Some of these are childhood myths, some are workplace myths, some involve driving, and a few sound so wrong that they almost have to be illegal. I also share a few stories of my own and ask what you grew up believing was against the law, only to discover later that it wasn’t. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Five Generations, One Birthday? What are the Odds?

Oct 1, 2026 31 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I’m spending October 1 in Daytona Beach, where vacation plans have shifted a little while Karin deals with a bronchial infection, but I still managed to get out for an electric-bike ride along the beach, meet Tony, a retired New York pizza-shop owner now living his dream selling Nathan’s hot dogs and Hershey’s ice cream, and make plans for a Halifax River cruise. Along the way, I’m talking about fishing cats that actually seem built for the water, birthdays including Jimmy Carter, Tom Bosley, Richard Harris, Randy Quaid, Mark McGwire, Zach Galifianakis and Brie Larson, some big October 1 moments involving Yosemite, NASA, Walt Disney World, EPCOT and the first commercial CD player, plus National Black Dog Day, homemade cookies, raccoons and my own five-year experiment with being a vegetarian. Then, for The Story Behind the Headline, I dig into the remarkable Bell-Harlow family, where five consecutive generations spanning 118 years were all born on September 14. I look at the roughly one-in-17.7-billion simplified math, whether the family could have tried to plan for the shared birthday, the fact that fifth-generation Arthur Bell was actually due on September 14 and arrived exactly on that date, and another strange pattern: the five generations alternate boy, girl, boy, girl, boy. It’s a fun story about coincidences, family traditions, birthdays and the little connections that can stretch across generations, and I want to know if your family has a strange repeating date, number or coincidence of its own. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

How Rich is Batman, Really?

Sep 30, 2026 30 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been thinking about Batman, Bruce Wayne, and a question I’d never really considered before: how rich would Bruce Wayne actually have to be to make Batman work in the real world? In this Wildcard Wednesday episode of Simple Joe, I dig into what it might really cost to finance the Batmobile, Batwing, specialized equipment, research and development, repairs, computers, medical support, manufacturing, and the hundreds of people who might be needed behind the scenes at Wayne Enterprises. I talk about why my preferred Batman is Christian Bale and why the Christopher Nolan version makes this question especially interesting, whether Bruce Wayne could make it work with $50 billion or might need a personal fortune closer to $75 to $100 billion, and why Lucius Fox and Wayne Enterprises may actually be more important to Batman than Bruce Wayne’s personal wealth. Then there’s the question nobody seems to ask: how do you employ all those engineers, scientists, mechanics, accountants, HR people, and support staff without somebody eventually figuring out that they’re working for Batman? Along the way, I celebrate International Podcast Day, wonder why any kid would choose white milk when chocolate milk was available at school, remember The Flintstones, talk about Truman Capote, Barry Williams, Fran Drescher, Marty Stuart and T-Pain, and share a little of what’s happening during my final days of vacation in Daytona Beach. It all comes back to a fun question that turns out to be a lot bigger than I expected: maybe Bruce Wayne’s greatest superpower isn’t being rich at all. Maybe it’s somehow keeping the most complicated secret organization in Gotham from being discovered by somebody in payroll. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/re...

Tuesday's Random Questions | September 29, 2026

Sep 29, 2026 31 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. In this episode of Simple Joe, I’m coming to you from Daytona Beach while we check in on Tangier, Morocco, celebrate National Coffee Day, and work our way through another round of Tuesday Random Questions. I share some vacation updates, including our somewhat disappointing dolphin and manatee tour and our plans to explore St. Augustine, where the haunted and paranormal stuff is definitely getting my attention. The Random Questions take us in a few different directions, from the teachers I still remember to how my thinking about being a dad changed as my daughters grew up. I talk about old high school friendships that faded with time, what I’d call the documentary of my life, and two very different kinds of late-night conversations I’ll always remember: meaningful talks with my daughters and those wonderfully ridiculous late-night conversations with friends after closing down a bar. It’s a Tuesday episode about memories, relationships, getting older, coffee, a little nostalgia, and seeing where five random questions take us. Tuesday’s Random Questions What teacher had the biggest impact on you, and why? When was the last time you changed your mind about something important? What would your personal documentary be called? What friendship ended that you still occasionally think about? What is the best conversation you remember having late at night? I’m glad you’re here. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Monday's Interesting Headlines

Sep 28, 2026 27 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I’m still on vacation in Daytona Beach, and today I’m talking about why we decided to skip the Garth Brooks concert after it turned into one big decision hassle, and why I’m glad we did get out for an awesome sunset cruise aboard the FunCat sailboat Arabella with Penny, Captain Troy, and especially Nick, the incredible first mate. We saw dolphins, caught a gorgeous sunset, and had one of those beautiful vacation nights you remember. I also spent some time on the beach and by the pool with Karin, continued reading Seth Godin’s The Practice, and started looking forward to another boat trip to hopefully see some manatees and dolphins. Along the way, I celebrate Ben E. King and “Stand by Me,” talk about my love of Star Trek after marking the anniversary of The Next Generation, explain why strawberries are better when you add enough sweetness, pie crust and whipped cream, and somehow get from National Drink Beer Day to growing up around beer and World Rabies Day to Michael Scott’s rabies 5K on The Office. Then it’s Monday’s Interesting Headlines, with a family sharing one remarkable birthday across generations, a 100-pound tortoise stuck in a culvert, 191 turtles and tortoises showing up at a FedEx office, a dad running a record-breaking mile while pushing his daughter in a pram, and the discovery of a possible 45-million-year-old “thunder beast.” Which one should I dig into for Thursday? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com and cast your vote. Family Officially Breaks Record for Most Generations Born on Same Day, and That's Not the Only Extraordinary Coincidence 100-Pound Tortoise Rescued From Culvert in Eagleville 191 Turtles and Tortoises Found in Unusual Shipment at North Texas FedEx Office Dad Unexpectedly Runs Record-Breaking Mile While Pushing His Daughter in a Pram Remains a Possible 45-Million-Year-Old “Thunder Beast” Discovered at California Construction Site Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.c...

Don't Worry About It!

Sep 27, 2026 22 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this episode, I’m talking about something I’m pretty good at doing: worrying about tomorrow before tomorrow even gets here. Even while I’m on vacation in Daytona Beach, I can find myself thinking about what’s happening back home, what’s going on at work, what we’re doing tomorrow, and all the things that could possibly go wrong. I tend to catastrophize, and if somebody tells me, “Hey, can we talk tomorrow?” my brain can write an entire three-act tragedy before I have any idea what the conversation is about. So for Faith Connections, I’m looking at what Jesus really meant in Matthew 6 when He said not to worry about tomorrow. I don’t think He was telling us not to plan, prepare, save money, think ahead, or be responsible. There’s a difference between planning for the future and mentally living through every terrible version of it before it happens. We’ll look at Jesus’ words about worry, the birds and the wildflowers, Proverbs 16:9, and making plans while remembering that the Lord determines our steps, and James’ reminder that none of us really knows what tomorrow will bring. I also talk about why communication matters, why people tend to go negative when there’s no narrative, and the point where useful planning becomes worry that accomplishes absolutely nothing. Maybe the question isn’t, “What could possibly go wrong tomorrow?” Maybe it’s simply, “What can I actually do today?” Make the plan. Do what you can today. Trust God with the parts you can’t control. And stop trying to live tomorrow before tomorrow gets here. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Do You Put Your Shopping Cart Back?

Sep 26, 2026 35 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Saturday episode of Simple Joe, I start with the surprising story behind Ric Flair’s adoption before checking in on Vienna, Austria, and Daytona Beach, Florida, then move through birthdays, historic events, and a few of today’s celebrations. But the heart of the episode is a Personal Development question: Do you put your shopping cart back? That simple question leads into the so-called Shopping Cart Theory and a bigger conversation about character, responsibility, kindness, and whether we move through the world as a net positive. A recent walk on the beach, where I watched someone stop to pick up trash that wasn’t hers, made me think about the tiny things we can do that nobody notices or rewards us for: returning the cart, picking up garbage, helping someone, letting somebody merge, defending someone who isn’t in the room, offering encouragement, or simply making life a little easier for the people around us. Maybe becoming a better human being isn’t mostly about dramatic gestures. Maybe it’s about a thousand small decisions to leave people, places, and situations just a little better than we found them. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Top 10 Real Laws That Sound Completely Made Up

Sep 25, 2026 24 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Friday episode of Simple Joe, I’m talking about 10 Real Laws That Sound Completely Made Up, including triangular margarine in Iowa, nighttime seaweed restrictions in New Hampshire, greased-pig contests in Minnesota, Kentucky’s anti-dueling law, Little Rock’s after-hours sandwich-honking rule, Indianapolis horse speed limits, Carmel-by-the-Sea high-heel permits, and California’s very specific rule about what happens when a frog dies during a frog-jumping contest. I also share a little vacation update from Daytona Beach, including our great night with Connecticut Curt and Margita at California Grill, Disney fireworks, Tinkerbell, and plans for a sunset catamaran cruise. Along the way, we celebrate birthdays, look back at a few moments in history, recognize National Daughter’s Day, National Quesadilla Day, National Lobster Day, National One-Hit Wonder Day, and World Pharmacists Day, and I share my own favorite one-hit wonder. Then I wrap things up with a preview of tomorrow’s Personal Development Saturday: Do you put your shopping cart back, and other little things help make you a good human being? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Thar' Be Whale!

Sep 24, 2026 23 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Thursday episode of Simple Joe, I start with a look at the cultural impact of Julia Child before checking in on the weather in Overland Park, Kansas, and Daytona Beach, Florida. I celebrate birthdays including Jim Henson, “Mean” Joe Greene, Phil Hartman, and Kevin Sorbo, look back at a few historic September 24 moments, and somehow work my way through World Gorilla Day, National Punctuation Day, National Horchata Day, and the wonderfully named National Mofongo Day. Then it’s time for The Story Behind the Headline: a humpback whale named Rio that traveled roughly 60 miles inland into the Sacramento River system. I dig into how a whale gets that far inland, whether a humpback can survive in fresh water, how researchers were able to identify Rio by its tail, and why officials wanted people to give the whale plenty of space. The story also sends me down a few side roads involving Star Trek, Delta Dawn, Humphrey the humpback whale, my daughter once spotting what she thought was an otter in our backyard, and what I’d do if a humpback suddenly surfaced next to my fishing boat. And as always, I wrap things up thinking about making memories, staying connected, and making today worth remembering. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Daytona Beach - Three Days In

Sep 23, 2026 46 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Wildcard Wednesday episode of Simple Joe, Karin joins me from Daytona Beach for a vacation update covering everything from the first few chaotic hours of the trip to the simple routines that are making this vacation so good. We talk about my airport wallet panic, the rental car that immediately started throwing warning lights, finally settling into the condo and letting the sound of the Atlantic wash the stress away, and my daily obsession with getting down to the beach early enough to watch the entire sunrise develop. We’ve already spotted dolphins, eaten at Crabby Joe’s, explored the coast around Flagler and Beverly Beach, dealt with a malfunctioning elevator, and discovered that sunscreen in your eyes can put a serious dent in an otherwise relaxing afternoon. More than anything, Karin and I talk about the way we like to vacation: schedule a few marquee things, but leave plenty of empty space to relax, wander around, read, listen to music, sit by the pool, and see what happens. Still ahead are dinner in Orlando with Connecticut Curt and friends at California Grill, a possible Fun Cat sunset cruise, our continuing hunt for affordable Garth Brooks tickets, a possible SpaceX launch, and maybe even an Atlantic sunrise followed by a Gulf Coast sunset. It’s only the beginning of the trip, and so far the ordinary moments have been every bit as memorable as the things we actually planned. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Tuesday's Random Questions

Sep 22, 2026 25 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today’s episode of Simple Joe, I’m coming to you from Daytona Beach while checking in on the weather for our friends in Saint Paul, Minnesota. We start with the strange realization that hamsters actually live in the wild, then roll through birthdays including John Houseman, Tommy Lasorda, Toni Basil, Debby Boone, Andrea Bocelli, Joan Jett, Bonnie Hunt, Ronaldo, and Tom Felton. We also look back at the first issue of National Geographic, the first Farm Aid concert, the premieres of Friends and Lost, and celebrate the first day of fall, Ice Cream Cone Day, Hobbit Day, Elephant Appreciation Day, White Chocolate Day, and World Narcolepsy Day. Then it’s Tuesday Random Questions, which takes me from careers I once considered and times I’ve felt out of place to childhood foods, the perfect dinner, and why I think life is better when you’re willing to take a few measured risks. And tomorrow for Wildcard Wednesday, Karen joins me to talk about how our vacation is going and the memories we’re making along the way. Tuesday’s Random Questions What is a career you once seriously considered? When have you felt completely out of place? What is a food you hated as a kid but love now? If calories, health, and price did not matter, what would your perfect dinner be? What is one risk you are glad you took? Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Monday's Interesting Headlines

Sep 21, 2026 25 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. On this Monday episode of Simple Joe, I start with the wild story of former Yankees outfielder Rubén Rivera taking a bat and glove from Derek Jeter’s locker, then we head to Tokyo, Japan, and Daytona Beach, Florida, for the weather. Florida rain sends me down a vacation-memory rabbit hole involving an upside-down attraction, a spinning tunnel, and a finger that may or may not have been broken. Birthdays bring Stephen King, Bill Murray, Faith Hill, Alfonso Ribeiro, and a few memories of my own, while today in history gives me the perfect excuse to explain why George Clooney still owes me a quarter. World Alzheimer’s Day gets more personal as I talk about my dad, my family’s experience with dementia, and why protecting our memories matters so much to me. I also celebrate gratitude, pecan cookies, miniature golf, and then dig into five Monday Interesting Headlines involving an incredible estate-sale find, a seriously overdue library magazine, everyday heroes lifting a car, a humpback whale in the Sacramento River, and a record-breaking Slim Jim. I wrap things up from my second day of vacation with a reminder I’ll probably never stop repeating: memories are better than stuff. Monday Interesting Headlines “Painting purchased for $30 at estate sale expected to fetch up to $250k” “Magazine from 1894 is finally returned to New Hampshire public library” “These bystanders lifted a car to save a woman who was trapped underneath” “Humpback whale spotted in Sacramento River near Rio Vista” “Nearly 430-foot Slim Jim breaks world record in Omaha” Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

God made a world worth enjoying

Sep 20, 2026 36 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Sunday episode of Simple Joe, I’m recording from Daytona Beach after one of those first vacation days that starts with travel, errands, a missing-wallet panic, rental-car trouble, and finally, a chance to sit down and look at the Atlantic Ocean. That quiet moment became today’s Faith Connections conversation about something simple: God made a world worth enjoying. I talk about the peace and awe I feel watching the ocean, why I make a point of seeing the sunrise while I’m here, and how easy it is to rush through life without noticing the beauty that’s been around us the whole time. We look at Psalm 104, Genesis 1, and 1 Timothy 6 and think about gratitude, creation, and the idea that not every beautiful moment has to become productive or turn into a self-improvement project. Sometimes it’s enough to stop, notice what God made, enjoy it, and say thank you. Along the way, we also celebrate birthdays, look back at a few moments in history, recognize some unusual September 20 celebrations, and start the show with Ryanair’s once-proposed idea for standing-room airline tickets. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Are you Ready For Fall? Let's Go!

Sep 19, 2026 29 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Saturday episode of Simple Joe, I’m talking about using the beginning of fall as a chance to reset without turning life into another giant self-improvement project. I share some of the things I hoped to do this summer that didn’t quite happen, especially riding my bike and getting more exercise, and why I’m choosing to look at fall as another opportunity instead of treating those missed goals like failures. We talk about simplifying the rest of the year, deciding what still matters, letting go of what doesn’t, getting the house ready for cooler-weather gatherings, making time for friends and family, using vacation time before the year ends, and taking better care of ourselves before the holidays arrive. There’s also plenty of room for pumpkin pie, chocolate-chip snickerdoodles, and enjoying the season without turning food into an enemy. My challenge is simple: take a few minutes this weekend to think about what’s working, what isn’t, and what one or two things you’d like to reset before the end of 2026. The year isn’t over, and there’s still plenty of time to finish what matters, simplify what doesn’t, spend time with people you love, and make this a really good fall. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Top 10 Things to Do in Florida That Aren’t Disney

Sep 18, 2026 36 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In this Friday episode of Simple Joe, I’m getting ready for a couple of weeks in Florida, so I’m having some fun with a Top 10 list of things to do in Florida that aren’t Disney or any other amusement park. And yes, Disney people, we’re still friends. I talk about why Florida means more to me than theme parks, share some of the places and experiences that make the state worth exploring, give a personal plug to Fun Cat Sailing in Ponce Inlet, and explain why Daytona Beach has become such an important place for me because of all the memories I’ve made there. I also love the idea of watching the sunrise over the Atlantic and then crossing the state to watch the sunset over the Gulf in the same day. Along the way, there’s plenty of conversation about birthdays, Black Sabbath, KISS, Rice Krispies Treats, tradespeople, manatees, snorkeling with a barracuda nearby, and even whether I finally need to get Apple TV just so I can watch Ted Lasso. Mostly, though, this episode is about getting out, seeing something new, spending time with people you care about, and remembering that great memories are worth a whole lot more than more stuff. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Two Guys, a Metal Detector, and a 28-Year-Old Mystery

Sep 17, 2026 25 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today’s Simple Joe, I’m talking about one of those stories that makes you wonder how something could possibly find its way home after nearly three decades. Two metal-detecting enthusiasts at Great Sacandaga Lake in New York discovered a high school class ring that had been lost for 28 years, then went out of their way to track down the owner and return it. That leads me down a few shiny-object roads about metal detecting, why these guys might make a pretty great reality show, things I’ve lost over the years, and whether I’d even care about an old class ring until somebody suddenly told me they found it. Along the way, we celebrate birthdays including Hank Williams, John Ritter, Jim Cornette, Patrick Mahomes, and more, look back at a few moments in history, and somehow manage to work free queso, country music, apple dumplings, pawpaws, and professional house cleaners into the same episode. I’m also getting ready to head to Florida for a couple of weeks, and tomorrow’s Friday Top 10 is inspired by the trip: the Top 10 Things to Do in Florida That Aren’t Disney. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Your Survey Results

Sep 16, 2026 21 min

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I’m sharing the results of the Simple Joe listener survey and talking about what you told me you enjoy most about the show, what surprised me, and what I learned from your feedback. Friday’s Top 10 remains a clear favorite, but I was genuinely surprised by how much you enjoy the Interesting Fact cold opening, along with Random Questions, Today in History, Daily Celebrations, Featured City weather, and the variety of having different formats throughout the week. Some features, including Cincinnati weather, Personal Development, Prove Me Wrong, and Faith Connections, received more mixed reactions, and I talk about why I still value having a show where every day doesn’t have to appeal equally to everybody. The part of the survey that meant the most to me was hearing so many listeners describe Simple Joe using the word “friend.” That’s exactly what I want this podcast to feel like: two friends talking about interesting things, ridiculous headlines, Top 10 lists, serious subjects, random questions, and whatever else comes up. I’m not planning to tear the show apart and rebuild it. Instead, I want to keep what’s working, keep experimenting, listen to your feedback, and make Simple Joe better without losing what it’s supposed to be in the first place: a friend on the other side of the microphone. Email me at joe@thesimplejoe.com or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

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Podcast details

Created by: Joe Taylor
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 13, 2026
Episodes: 645
Release period: Daily
Avg. episode length: 23 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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