In this summer-themed episode, Johnny Mack and Ricky G crack open the cold drinks and dive into their favorite warm-weather memories. From old-school pool days and Red Sox on the radio to grilling hacks and public water park trauma, this episode is packed with dad-life stories and relatable laughs.

They also explore what summer looks like today—whether it’s SharkTivity apps, fighting over thermostat settings, or debating the true MVP of dessert: slush or ice cream.

Highlights include:

• Hitting at Fenway Park (with an audience!) • Classic 1980s pool and beach traditions • Thermostat wars & lawn mowing rituals • Water park horror stories (flip-flops required) • Ice cream vs. slush: the ultimate dad decision

Fire up the grill and join us for a laid-back episode full of nostalgia, honesty, and laughs.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & green screen experiment 01:41 Recap: Vent This podcast appearance 02:39 Upcoming collab: The Midlifers podcast 04:00 Johnny hosts Father’s Day trivia 04:40 Ricky hits at Fenway Park 06:26 Local softball league kickoff 07:26 Childhood pool stories & summer freedom 09:20 River Beach, Biankey’s pizza, and Kelly’s chowder 12:04 Cape Cod vacations & pond swimming 14:28 Summer baseball burnout & AC battles 18:00 Slip ‘n slides, sprinklers, and city hydrants 21:00 Pet memories: Tiger the special cat 24:00 Red Sox radio nostalgia & Pedro/Clemens 26:39 Favorite summer songs: Will Smith, Van Halen, Go-Go’s 30:38 Adult summers, Cape trips & SharkTivity 34:09 Jaws trauma & favorite shark movies 35:00 Softball brotherhood in Boxford 36:21 Cookout vs. BBQ: the real difference 37:03 Hamburger or hot dog? 38:17 Ice cream vs. slush debate 41:00 Mowing the lawn = dad therapy 43:02 Renting pools & Airbnb drama 47:23 Public pool horror & Action Park documentary 50:22 Grilling favorites: sausages, steak, and toasted buns 55:00 “Make you a plate” meaning & grilling hacks 1:02:02 Hot dog tips, fried bologna & watermelon tricks 1:04:30 How to support the show & what’s next

Links & Mentions:

Class Action Park Documentary (HBO) Sharktivity App – Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Friends Talking Shop Podcast The Midlifers Podcast

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In this episode, Johnny Mack and Ricky G get nostalgic—and a little fired up—as they look back at “Things We Don’t Do Anymore.” From payphones to floppy disks and Blockbuster to pen pals, this is a dad-centric trip down memory lane packed with laughs, gripes, and the occasional sentimental moment.

They also debate which old-school habits we actually miss… and make bold predictions about what today’s kids will never do by the time they’re our age.

Highlights include:

• Growing up with landlines and dial-up modems • Forgotten school projects like pen pals and microfiche • Renting VHS tapes and the smell of a video store • Walkmans, Scholastic Book Club, and printed maps • What will our kids stop doing in 30 years?

Stick around for classic dad commentary, retro reflections, and what’s next for The Mack & G Show.

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode 28 Begins! 02:08 Midlife Podcast Collaboration Tease 04:25 Action Hero Bracket Preview 05:56 Today’s Topic: Things We Don’t Do Anymore 07:30 Payphones, Car Phones, and Corded Landlines 10:42 Kids Taking Over CarPlay & Music Battles 14:34 Pen Pals & Childhood Disappointments 18:01 Scholastic Book Club & Book Nostalgia 20:05 Physical Maps, AAA TripTiks & Navigation Memories 23:30 Traveler’s Checks, Paper Tickets, and Phone Books 26:00 Typewriters, Microfiche, and Floppy Disks 31:12 Blockbuster, VHS Rentals & LaserDiscs 33:33 Developing Film & Disposable Cameras 35:30 CDs, Vinyl, and Record Stores 37:28 Going to the Movies & Marvel Obsession 42:20 What Our Kids Won’t Do in 30 Years 46:54 Things We Miss vs. Glad Are Gone 50:00 Sneak Peek: Upcoming Guests & Action Hero Bracket 51:07 Patreon Plug & Final Sign-Off

Links & Mentions:

The Midlifers on YouTube Gary Gulman (Ode to the Discman) Gary Gulman (The Greatest Smartphone Story Ever Told) Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking

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In Episode 27 of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Jimmy Marra—founder of JMarra Hardscapes and full-time FedEx driver—who’s juggling a booming backyard business, fatherhood, and life in the suburbs.

We dive into Jimmy’s journey from basic landscaping to launching his own hardscaping company. He shares the chaos of raising four sports-crazed kids, balancing side hustles with a demanding day job, and the DIY spirit that led him to install fiberglass pools and build outdoor kitchens. Along the way, we get into neighborhood beefs, tricky customers, lawn care tips, and how his dad inspired his work ethic.

Highlights include:

• How Jimmy launched JMarra Hardscapes • Balancing FedEx work with his own business • Raising 4 kids in youth sports chaos • Installing fiberglass pools & outdoor kitchens • Crazy customer stories & neighborhood disputes • Lawn care tips for beginners • Fatherhood lessons and dad frustrations

Whether you’re a suburban dad, backyard project junkie, or just love hearing how regular guys grind and grow—this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode 27 Cold Open 05:12 Meet Jimmy Marra, Hardscape Pro & Dad of 4 07:08 Sports Chaos Raising Four Athletic Kids 10:41 Why Lacrosse is Replacing Baseball 13:04 From FedEx at 2:30 AM to Running a Business 16:34 Mama Bear Moments That’ll Hit Home 24:36 The Wildest Backyard Pool Build Story 32:08 Backyard Golf Retreat for the Win 37:15 Lawn Tips Every Dad Should Know 44:22 Moles, Chipmunks & Backyard Battles 53:14 How Jimmy Handles “Scope Creep” with Clients 58:48 His Son’s Excavating Biz and Proud Dad Moment

Links & Mentions:

🧱 JMarra Hardscapes on Facebook 🚜 Marra Excavation on Instagram 🏛️ The Residence on Netflix 💧 Rain Bird Irrigation 🌱 Home Depot Overseeder Rental

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In this episode, we sit down with stand-up comic Matt Moramarco to talk about comedy, marriage, and the dumbest fight he’s ever had (hint: it involves a pillow). From performing at the iconic Comedy Store and bombing mid-set to navigating newlywed life, Matt brings honesty, laughter, and some surprising stories.

We also unveil Matt’s 32-action-hero March Madness-style bracket—think John Wick vs. Jason Bourne—and tease a new YouTube Shorts series to go with it.

Highlights include:

• The nightmare comedy set that ended in a fall • Moving cross-country and the infamous pillow fight • Behind-the-scenes at the Comedy Store & Hollywood Improv • The truth about dating during COVID • Ultimate Action Hero bracket—who makes the cut?

Stick around—this one’s packed with laughs and late-night wisdom.

Timestamps:

00:00 Cold Open 00:42 Ireland Trip Recap + Boston Marathon Talk 14:52 Guest Introduction: Matt Moramarco’s Family Ties 15:24 Matt’s Comedy Origin Story 20:33 First Show at the Hollywood Improv 22:04 Comedy Store Set + Getting Paid 26:28 Worst Bomb Ever: Forgot His Set 30:56 Doing 5–7 Shows a Week in LA 35:03 Meeting His Wife on Hinge During COVID 41:18 The Infamous Pillow Fight Story 47:19 Lessons From Year One of Marriage 53:03 Comedy Showdown: Nostalgic Favorites 1:10:31 Teaser: 32 Action Hero Tournament 1:21:04 Closing Thoughts + Dumbest Fights Request

Links & Mentions:

🎤 Hollywood Improv 🎭 The Comedy Store 🤣 Sebastian Maniscalco 🧠 Gary Gulman 🎙️ Wayne Brady Skit on Chappelle’s Show 🍽️ Key & Peele: Continental Breakfast

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In this episode, we sit down with Dillon Salva—a former college football and basketball player who turned rejection from the NFL into a springboard for something bigger. Dillon shares his wild journey from crushing tackles to guarding Fetty Wap and Kevin Gates, training in Hollywood gyms, and landing a spot on Netflix’s Running Point.

You’ll hear about nightclub shootouts, touring with rappers, transforming his body through bodybuilding, and the resilience that kept him going when everything else fell apart.

Highlights include:

• How a college coach broke his confidence—and built it back • Getting scouted by the Patriots without knowing it • The insane story of becoming Fetty Wap’s trainer • A baby mistaking Kevin Gates for a mom (!?) • What it’s like to witness a shooting on tour

Stick around—this one is packed with unbelievable moments and serious inspiration.

Timestamps:

00:00 Show Intro 02:27 Family of Athletes: Records and Recruits 04:02 Early Lifting & Athletic Development 07:04 High School Transfers and Position Changes 10:09 Switching from QB to Tight End 13:18 New Coach, New Opportunities 14:47 Almost Playing in the SEC 17:04 Academic Struggles and Lost Scholarships 18:19 College Football at Kean & Injury Setbacks 21:00 Getting Moved Between Four Positions 22:02 Kicked Off Basketball Team After Spitting Incident 25:06 Brookdale Year and JUCO Hoops Success 27:19 Why Dillon Chose Merrimack 30:07 Coach Curran’s Tough Love Moment 34:03 NFL Interest, Patriots Scout Mention 36:11 Pro Days, Falcons & Redskins Tryouts 39:08 How He Met Jack Silva 41:11 CBD Line & Move to California 44:45 Meeting Jay Cutler & Larry Wheels 46:04 How Fetty Wap Found Him on Instagram 50:06 From Training Fetty to Being His Bodyguard 52:11 Wild Nights at Miami Swim Week 54:52 “Would You Take a Bullet?” 58:42 Witnessing Shootings on Tour 1:02:00 Meeting Kevin Gates at a Miami Club 1:06:50 Kevin Offers Bodyguard Job After Fetty’s Arrest 1:13:14 Why Kevin Gates is a Fitness Monster 1:15:03 Origin of the Nickname “Scutty” 1:16:12 Netflix Role in *Running Point* 1:18:42 His Acting Goals and SAG Eligibility 1:29:01 Prepping for Pro Card in Bodybuilding 1:32:00 Cheat Meals, Five Guys vs In-N-Out 1:34:00 Where He Hopes to Be at 40

Links & Mentions:

🎥 Dillon’s Instagram 📺 Watch Running Point on Netflix 💪 Team Personal Record (Larry Wheels’ Brand) 🎤 Kevin Gates Tour Info

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we welcome Paul Perillo—editor of Patriots.com and co-host of Patriots Unfiltered. Paul brings decades of New England sports experience to the mic, with stories spanning from Everett High to the Boston Herald newsroom and into Gillette Stadium’s media room.

We dive into his early athletic career, the hustle of breaking into sports journalism, and the evolution of youth sports and sports media. Paul reflects on working with legends like Bill Simmons, Michael Felger, Tony Massarotti, and Mike Reiss, all while bringing humor and humility to his journey.

Highlights include:

• Growing up in Everett’s sports culture • Playing baseball at BU & becoming team captain • Breaking into the Boston Herald • Covering high school, college & pro sports • Patriots insider stories & working with the Krafts

Whether you’re a sports fan, aspiring journalist, or nostalgic for old-school ball, this episode’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Show Intro 03:25 Growing up in Everett and early sports memories 08:45 Writing sports articles while playing for Everett 23:00 Baseball at BU and the story of becoming a college pitcher 36:24 Getting inducted into the BU Baseball Hall of Fame 40:25 Breaking into journalism at the Boston Herald 46:00 Working at the Herald with Tony Massarotti, Michael Felger, and Bill Simmons 53:45 Transitioning to the Patriots in 1999 1:04:30 Why all wide receivers are divas (except Larry Fitzgerald) 1:19:18 The 2001 Superbowl - The start of Patriot dynasty 1:30:30 Inside the Media 1:38:25 Patriots pick at #4 1:46:56 Advice for an aspiring sports writer

Links & Mentions:

🔵 Official website of the New England Patriots 🎙️ Patriots Unfiltered Podcast 🏒 Don Lucia speech on Player Development 🏈 The Seven Blocks of Granite at Fordham 📰 Boston Herald Sports 🐺 Northeastern Athletics

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Josh Kaplan—one of the voices behind the podcast Friends Talking Shop. Josh shares how three finance industry veterans turned late-night conference chats into a hilarious and relatable show that’s now over 85 episodes strong.

We dive into Josh’s Philly sports fandom, his 15-year journey playing in an adult street hockey league, and how he juggles podcasting, family, and a full-time career. The conversation also explores social media struggles, viral moments, and unexpected documentary obsessions.

Highlights include:

• How Friends Talking Shop got started • Podcast dynamics: Dave the host, Omar the wildcard • Street hockey stories (and injuries) • Growing on Instagram with help from the kids • Favorite shows from Love is Blind to Dr. Pimple Popper

Whether you’re over 50 or just feel like it, this episode is a fun, relatable ride.

Timestamps

00:00 Episode 23 Show Intro 07:22 Street hockey league: gear, injuries, and adult camaraderie 13:12 The Stretch Zone 20:40 Internships, sticker fails & early career mishaps 22:23 How Friends Talking Shop was born around a fire pit 26:24 Omar the wildcard: single life, eccentric style, and spontaneity 30:12 Josh’s “social media vault” strategy and posting tips 38:35 Why podcasting should always be for fun 48:51 When TikTok turned into a battlefield over “Jingle Bells” 54:45 Streaming picks: Jay & Pamela, Baylen, Love Is Blind, Lincoln Lawyer 1:03:28 Karen Read case – the local true crime twist 1:07:59 Show Wrap Up

Links & Mentions:

🎙️ Friends Talking Shop Podcast 🥃 Deacon Whiskey (FTS sponsor) 📺 Jay and Pamela on TLC 📺 Baylen Out Loud on Max 🧘 Stretch Zone 🔔 Controversy over Jingle Bells Fun Fact (Tik Tok) 🤢 Dr. Pimple Popper 📺 The Trial of Karen Read 🎵 “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Lee Richards, an accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the original guitarist for Godsmack. Lee takes us through his career—from the early days of forming one of rock’s biggest bands to stepping away for fatherhood, and now, gearing up for his first solo album, Lee Richards & Friends.

We explore his journey through music, working with legends, and how he balances rock and family life. He shares untold stories from the road, the inside scoop on writing hit songs, and what keeps him inspired after decades in the industry.

Highlights include:

• Godsmack Origins & Leaving for Fatherhood • The Reality of the Music Business • Songwriting Secrets & Collaborating with Rock Legends • The Craziest Crowd Lee Ever Played For • Balancing Music & Family Life • What’s next? Lee Richards’ debut solo album

Lee’s stories are raw, real, and full of wisdom—whether you’re a music fan, an aspiring artist, or just love a great conversation.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Mack & G Show 01:00 – Meet Lee Richards: Godsmack Origins 08:20 – Forming Godsmack & Early Days in the Band 12:40 – Why Lee Left Godsmack for Fatherhood 17:04 – The Harsh Reality of the Music Business 19:50 – Lee’s Songwriting Process & Inspiration 33:50 – Working with Producer Dave Jerden 43:40 – The Most Surreal Crowd Lee Ever Played For 48:31 – Touring in the U.S. vs. Europe: Key Differences 53:45 – Lee’s Upcoming Solo Album Lee Richards & Friends 56:42 – How Lee Balanced Music & Fatherhood 1:03:42 – Advice for Young Musicians Today

Links & Mentions:

• Another Animal on Spotify • Dropbox on Spotify • Godsmack on Spotify • Dropbox - Wishbone • Another Animal – Black Coffee Blues • Another Animal – Broken Again • John Kosco & Lee Richards - Touché • Richards/Crane feat. Myles Kennedy - Black & White (Official Video) • Bamboozled.Boston Podcast • Jordan vs Bird C64 Gameplay • Russell Autobody in Pelham, NH • Fletch - Put it on the Underhills Tab

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