Episodes
An artist of many talents, Tyler is one of the most prolific and extensive people making things today. While he's most known for his music, he's also created lanes in areas like clothing, TV, a festival, and more. In celebration of the 200th episode of this show, Kev and Jack talk about T and seeing his evolution over the past 15 years, the stages of his discography, and how he's been an inspiration.
Published 05/03/23
In a new series of breaking down the latest music releases, Jack and Kev discuss projects that have dropped this year so far. Covering 20 albums in 34 mins, this edition features smaller and bigger artists including Dreamville, Navy Blue, Kali Uchis, 6LACK, Jordan Ward, Lil Yachty, Tennis, Karol G, boygenius, Lana Del Rey, and more. Connected post with links to the different albums mentioned: https://www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/the-rotation-vol-1
Published 04/19/23
Depending on the traditions you have or what your interests are, festivals can take a mix of forms. Kev and Jack talk about what they associate with the term, what are the limits of when the format fits or not, and explore more modern examples. Including discussing music festivals (Coachella, Lollapalooza, etc), film festivals (Sundance, Cannes, etc), those that combine a mix (SXSW), and even a bigger outlier of sports events (Super Bowl, World Cup, etc). However you interpret it, one thing...
Published 04/05/23
The New York Yankees haven't won a championship since 2009, almost a decade and a half at this point. Following up on Aaron Judge's 62-homer spectacular run, the team re-signed him back to a major contract. They also made a couple of additions (like Carlos Rodon, one of the top pitching free agents of the offseason). However, the team is mostly similar to before. Can this be the year they turn it around and get by the Astros in the playoffs? Jack and Kev talk about where the team stands going...
Published 03/22/23
As a very practical item, there are many different styles and forms that bags can be. Kev and Jack break down some of the different types – from the school days (backpacks, string bags, rolling bags) to the travel bags (duffle bags, luggage situations) to the everyday bags (plastic back in the day to now, reusable, tote bags, IKEA's classic blue bag) to Kev's take on one that's been teased since the teaser of this show (fanny packs).
Published 03/08/23
In this new series around things to watch at home, anything might be explored from shows to movies to YouTube to sports and anything else. In the first edition, Jack and Kev discuss some of the things they saw over the past year – and some that they're deciding whether or not to watch still. Including series like Euphoria, Atlanta, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and more. Or movies like Top Gun, Avatar, Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Menu, Bones & All, The...
Published 02/22/23
While it can be glorified or dramatized excessively in movies, rain is usually more of an inconvenience than anything else. You have to be more careful about what clothes/shoes you wear, carry an umbrella around if you want to stay dry, and it can limit your choice of options for the day ahead. That all being said, rain can sometimes have its advantages as well. Kev and Jack talk about the different sides and the recent nonstop rain that just hit California for almost a month.
Published 02/08/23
A decade ago, one of the best selling and most beloved video games – The Last of Us – was released to the world. Now, its new adaptation airing on HBO is following up on that success. Just like the game, it's breaking records like being HBO's second-most watched series premiere in more than a decade and the viewers are only continuing to grow each week. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic U.S. and has a mass infection, though it pre-dates our own pandemic. Jack and Kev talk about both the...
Published 01/25/23
Choosing a symbol, typeface, figure, or shape to represent what you or your company stands for is not an easy decision. Besides the name in itself, a logo can be a major part of how a brand/company or individual presents themselves to the world. Kev and Jack talk about what can make a logo successful or not before looking at examples in areas including sports, food, cars, video games, movies/TV, and clothes.
Published 01/11/23
Now an annual tradition, it’s that time of the year to pick out the biggest highlight and disappointment albums of the year. Jack and Kev break down their personal Top 5 cons and Top 5 pros that came out in 2022.  For personal Top Songs playlists, see below:  Jack - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/js-2022-top-tier/pl.u-76oNGdyuNXoq7b Kev - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/2022-joints/pl.u-kv9lbZDtW4BpeW
Published 12/28/22
As the biggest international sport, the World Cup is always a highly-watched event. Plus, since it only happens every four years, it makes the stakes even more intense and makes winning it that much more difficult and special. With legends like Messi and Ronaldo taking on their last ever tournament this year, but with newcomers trying to disrupt history, it's an even further elevated competition. Kev and Jack talk about the futbol/soccer debate, experience with the sport to play or watch, how...
Published 12/14/22
With the takeover of digital and online culture, magazines have taken a bit of a back seat. But, they're not fully dead yet. From some of the bigger names still out there to small indie niche publications, there's issues being circulated. Some are just the low quality tabloid ones, but others hold it down with real art book level quality. Jack and Kev talk about their experience with magazines growing up, creating their own photo mag (Ludique), where they see the state of the industry now,...
Published 11/30/22
After the first Pros and Cons edition of the Gift Guide last year, this time there are some new limitations: only items that are too expensive for what they should be worth. But even though that's an auto-con, Kev and Jack each pick out some clothes and accessories that fit the bill as pros – outside of the price – from kicks to sweaters to things for the home. To view the images of what's mentioned: www.cesspoolnetwork.com/pros-and-cons-notes/overpriced-gift-guide-2023
Published 11/16/22
Since the last episode at the end of August, there were two main things that happened. One was the homestretch of the home run chase of Aaron Judge, who eventually broke Roger Maris’ record of 61 for both the AL and franchise records. The other was the playoffs, which after an initial bye-round came a win in the division series and then a brutal loss (as a sweep) in the championship series. Jack and Kev talk about the highs and lows of it all, how the season was in general, and a glimpse into...
Published 11/02/22
Especially in big cities with millions of people, most rely completely on public transport to get around. From buses to trains, it’ll (sometimes) bring you where you need to go, and at what can be a more affordable price. But, at what cost to your time/journey? Kev and Jack talk about their experiences with it in places such as NYC, LA, DR, SF, and across the world.
Published 10/19/22
From the GameCube and Wii on the console side to the Game Boy and Switch on the handheld end, Nintendo has made their mark in the video game world over the years. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with different systems, which have been some of the best and worst, and how Nintendo compares to other gaming companies like PlayStation or XBOX.
Published 10/05/22
While a lot of people fly or drive somewhere to go on vacation, there are some who decide to hit the sea instead. Cruises are a popular way to have a different type of experience while sailing around, even stopping at different places while on the go. But the question is: are they fun or lame? Kev and Jack talk about a recent experience Kev had on one, all the options there are to keep you entertained, some of the hidden downsides, and how that made an impact on the final verdict.
Published 09/21/22
In a new installment of breaking down new music, Jack and Kev look at a selection of albums and EPs released from May through mid August 2022. Selects from bigger artists, like Drake & Beyonce’s dance albums, to up-and-coming musicians who should be on your radar.
Published 09/07/22
The second check-in episode of the season unfortunately happens as the Yankees are going through an extended rough stretch, following an incredible start to the year initially. Kev and Jack talk about everything that’s been going wrong, how the trade deadline went, what could be changed, and vent about the state of the team overall. Plus, a brief look around the league (including Tatis, Pujols, Julio) and some early predictions for the playoffs and World Series ahead.
Published 08/24/22
It’s constantly around us, but we don’t always think about the designs of the buildings and other structures that impact our environments. Jack and Kev talk about their entry-level interest in architecture, observations on different cities usage, specific pro/con buildings, the few “names” in the field, and how it impacted other people like Virgil Abloh in his work. 
Published 08/10/22
After having success for a while as the OG leader of the streaming era, Netflix now is losing tons of subscribers and not having as many hits as they used to. With the release of the latest season of Stranger Things, and that show coming to an end soon, the future is arguably more unclear than ever. Kev and Jack talk about the red envelope days, it being as a platform for other network shows, the creation and development of Netflix Originals over time, and how everything has changed in recent...
Published 07/27/22
The way you decide to take photos can go many ways. Of course, most people just casually use their phones. And to be fair, the quality (especially iPhones) has really gone up to a high level in recent years. But if you’re not looking for something too clean, too digital, you might be someone who’s interested in shooting film. The format has continued to grow in popularity in recent years again and is having a resurgence. Jack and Kev talk about their experiences with it as part of their...
Published 07/13/22
As the show transitions to a bi-weekly schedule now, it was only fitting to talk about the idea of summer vacation. Mainly focusing on the time as a kid and throughout the time in-between the school years, Kev and Jack discuss their experiences over the years. Whether it be camp, summer school, traveling, going to baseball games, being hot in the NYC subway, and some other warm weather activities. See you every other week, from now on, for new P&C episodes! Full ep’s of past topics from...
Published 06/29/22
As a style of clothing that started in the ‘90s and became more and more popular over time, streetwear brings in all sorts of elements from skateboarding to hip hop. Jack and Kev talk about their experience getting into it when younger, SoHo as a central location to see different stores, and how it’s now evolved over time – especially following the efforts of (RIP) Virgil Abloh in pushing it to a more luxury and high end space in more recent years. From brands like Stüssy to Aimé Leon Dore,...
Published 06/22/22
In the fourth installment of the Mystery Box ongoing series, Kev and Jack pick out a few assorted mini topics to combine. Think of a set of now-outdated forms of media and communication, including one that might show up to your doorstep and one that you might display on your wall.
Published 06/15/22