Grief transforms us in ways we never expect. In this deeply moving episode, Jeff and David welcome their friend Jimmy for a raw, unfiltered conversation about navigating the landscape of loss. Each man brings a different perspective to the table—Jeff lost his father three years ago, David his mother last year, and Jimmy his son in a tragic car accident earlier this year.

The conversation begins lightheartedly as the friends catch up on recent events, from Sydney Sweeney controversies to theatrical endeavors. But as they transition into discussing their grief journeys, the mood shifts to something profoundly human and universal. Jimmy's courage in sharing his experience losing his son Charlie is particularly striking. Rather than letting devastation consume him, he's established a foundation that feeds the homeless in Charlie's memory and created a scholarship fund to honor his legacy.

What emerges throughout their conversation is how differently each person processes grief. For some, it's the immediate crash; for others, the reality takes hours or even days to sink in. They discuss the dreaded "firsts"—first birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries without their loved ones—and how time doesn't heal wounds so much as teach us to carry them differently.

Perhaps most powerful is their discussion of signs from beyond. Jimmy shares a remarkable story about his son's LED lights mysteriously flashing after praying for a sign, while Jeff mentions his father's voice still on his mother's answering machine. These moments of connection across the veil provide comfort amid overwhelming loss.

As parents, they reflect on how grief has changed their approach to parenting surviving children—becoming more protective, more intentional about creating memories, and more aware of life's fragility. The episode closes with a simple yet profound message: be kind to everyone you meet because everyone is fighting battles you know nothing about.

Join us for this heartfelt exploration of grief, resilience, and the ongoing journey of living with loss while finding ways to move forward with purpose.

We're back for episode 42 - the meaning of life according to Douglas Adams - tackling everything from the state of American politics to skyrocketing housing costs and summer adventures.

After catching up on family gatherings and beach trips, we dive into what we're calling "the big beautiful bill" and its implications for governance. The conversation takes a candid turn as we examine whether democracy itself feels fragile, and how Americans across the political spectrum are grappling with policies that seem increasingly disconnected from traditional governance norms. Have we crossed a line, or is this just another chapter in America's resilient story?

The economic discussion hits close to home when we share our mutual shock at today's financial landscape. With car loans at 10% interest and modest homes doubling in value over just six years, we're asking the question on everyone's mind: how are regular people supposed to afford basic necessities? This financial squeeze shapes our perspective on what's happening nationally.

Not all is doom and gloom, however. Our review of James Gunn's Superman film celebrates how it brilliantly skips the tired origin story, delivering what feels like "watching a comic book come to life." These cultural touchpoints provide necessary respite while demonstrating entertainment's power to unite us even in divided times.

Throughout it all, we maintain that personal connections matter most. "I'm just loving the person that's in front of me every time... no matter who they are," one of us reflects, offering a simple but powerful antidote to the divisiveness that defines our era.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation about finding balance in chaos. Have you discovered your own ways to stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Jeff goes rogue and records a solo episode for this "very special episode." (Makes one think of the TV show "Blossom", doesn't it?)

The fabric of America seems to be unraveling before our eyes. As we mark the 249th anniversary of our nation's founding, this raw, unfiltered episode captures one citizen's heartbreak and concern over recent political developments that threaten the very foundations of our democratic experiment.

Recorded on July 4th, 2025, just days after the passage of the controversial "Big Beautiful Bill," this deeply personal reflection examines the widening gap between America's founding principles and its current trajectory. Drawing from the Declaration of Independence's timeless words about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, we confront uncomfortable questions: What happens when elected officials prioritize power over people? What responsibilities do we bear as citizens when our leaders abandon their duty to represent all Americans?

The conversation doesn't shy away from difficult topics - from healthcare cuts that threaten the most vulnerable among us to the normalized political violence that would have been unthinkable just years ago. For anyone working in healthcare or dependent on Medicaid, the potential impacts of these policy changes create real, human consequences that extend far beyond partisan talking points.

Yet amid this critical examination of America's challenges, a stubborn optimism persists. Throughout our history, we've weathered dark periods before - from civil war to economic depression to civil rights struggles - and emerged stronger for having faced them. This episode seeks not just to identify problems but to inspire the collective action needed to reclaim America's promise.

Whether you lean left, right, or center, this thought-provoking discussion invites you to look beyond partisan divides and consider what kind of country we want to build for future generations. Join us for this special Independence Day episode that reminds us why, despite everything, America's story isn't finished yet.

The bromance is over, Knoxville is thriving, and restaurant bills are giving us heart attacks. Welcome to Episode 40 of Two Drinks and Again, where we're somehow still talking to each other after all this time!

We kick things off with a new format structured like an old-school newspaper (remember those?), diving into national, local, sports, and entertainment topics. The Trump-Elon breakup dominates our national discussion, as we analyze what happens when two massive egos collide and what it means for the political landscape. Why is Trump being so uncharacteristically quiet? Could Elon actually become a political force despite not being a citizen? Meanwhile, the Democratic Party faces its own generational struggles, pushing out younger voices just when they need them most.

Locally, we marvel at Knoxville's transformation, particularly the stunning new Smokies baseball stadium that's revitalizing once-avoided areas of the city. We're genuinely impressed by the thoughtful development happening throughout East Tennessee, even as we puzzle over how anyone affords those $3,000/month downtown apartments. Where are all these people working?!

On the entertainment front, we give enthusiastic reviews of Marvel's Thunderbolts (David Harbour continues to be a national treasure) and share our excitement for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. And yes, we have strong feelings about Tom Cruise still doing his own ridiculous stunts at whatever age he is now.

Through it all, we wrestle with aging, parenting adult children who still somehow disrupt vacation plans, and the bittersweet reality of planning for retirement. Whether you're nodding along or shouting counterpoints at your device, we invite you to join our conversation about navigating life's absurdities with humor and perhaps just a touch of makers mark or glenlivet to ease the journey.

Give us a five-star review if you enjoy our ramblings – after all, we're just trying to be decent to each other in increasingly indecent times.

Every sports fan knows the unique agony of watching your team implode in a crucial moment, and in this episode, we experience the full emotional journey of Duke's stunning collapse against Houston in the Final Four. What begins as analysis of a basketball meltdown expands into a much deeper conversation about changes sweeping through college sports, particularly the NIL system that has fundamentally altered how players, coaches, and universities interact.

The transformative power of money in college athletics has created a "pay-to-play" environment where players like Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava threaten to withhold participation unless financial demands are met. We examine how this shift affects team loyalty, coaching strategies, and the sustainability of college sports as we've known them. For coaches caught between recruiting new talent and re-recruiting their existing roster yearly, the landscape has never been more challenging.

Between passionate sports discussions, we celebrate surpassing 1,000 total podcast downloads and humorously navigate the worlds of scotch and wine appreciation. However, the conversation takes its most revealing turn when we admit to becoming the "older generation" we once swore we'd never be. Our candid reflections on managing younger employees who expect promotions simply for existing rather than demonstrating exceptional performance strikes a chord with anyone navigating today's changing workplace dynamics.

The episode concludes with thoughtful commentary on political polarization, particularly discussing Bill Maher's controversial dinner with Donald Trump and the importance of maintaining civil discourse across political divides. When both extremes demand complete ideological alignment, finding middle ground becomes increasingly difficult but ever more essential. Whether you're nursing the wounds of sports heartbreak or contemplating generational divides, we hope you'll join us in striving to be decent to one another, regardless of which side of any fence we find ourselves on.

The stock market has plummeted 15% since inauguration day, and Americans are feeling the impact across their retirement funds, investment portfolios, and daily expenses. This economic nosedive forms the backdrop for our raw, unfiltered conversation about the political landscape transforming America before our eyes.

We explore how the current administration's economic policies, particularly regarding tariffs and reshoring manufacturing, promise long-term benefits but are causing immediate financial strain. The transition period between policy implementation and economic results leaves many Americans, especially those nearing retirement, in a precarious position. When your 401k takes a massive hit just months before your planned retirement, theoretical future benefits offer little consolation.

Politics has become increasingly polarized, with both parties failing to address what voters actually care about. Democrats made trans rights their hill to die on in the 2024 election while voters were primarily concerned with inflation and immigration. Meanwhile, Republicans struggle with their own mixed messaging. The Wisconsin Supreme Court election results signal potential shifts in battleground states, while revealing deeper issues about the politicization of judicial positions meant to be impartial.

Media bias receives significant scrutiny as we reflect on the demise of objective reporting. From the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine to today's partisan echo chambers, Americans increasingly struggle to find trustworthy information sources. We explore how podcasts and personalized media have replaced traditional news outlets, further isolating people within their political bubbles.

What's your line in the sand? When do you decide enough is enough? As political extremes pull the country apart, we contemplate what might finally break the cycle of partisan reversals without sustainable progress. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion about finding common ground in divisive times and rediscovering the decency, acceptance, and tolerance needed to move forward together.

Ready to hear perspectives that challenge both sides of the aisle? Listen now and share your own thoughts on where America goes from here.

Basketball heartbreak, career celebrations, and the high cost of live entertainment take center stage in our wide-ranging conversation about life's wins and losses.

When Tennessee fell to Houston in the Elite Eight, it wasn't just another tournament exit—it represented the continuation of a painful pattern for Vol fans watching former coach Bruce Pearl take Auburn to yet another Final Four. We break down what made this year's tournament unique, with all four number one seeds advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 2009, and why Duke has emerged as the team to beat.

The conversation shifts to how NIL deals are transforming college basketball, with freshmen like Cooper Flagg already appearing in national commercials while still playing for Duke. This economic shift might actually keep star players in college longer, reversing the one-and-done culture that has dominated the sport. Meanwhile, the controversial timing of the transfer portal opening during tournament play raises serious questions about loyalty and focus.

On the personal front, David shares exciting news about his promotion to Senior Director of Food and Nutrition at University of Tennessee Medical Center after 15 years at his previous position. The episode also explores the joys and heartaches of watching children complete their sports careers, and the valuable life lessons that team activities instill.

We lament the skyrocketing costs of concert tickets, with shows by major artists now costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars for decent seats. From AC/DC to Louis CK, we discuss upcoming events worth the splurge and why some performances have become "one and done" bucket list experiences rather than regular entertainment.

What's your line for when things have gone too sideways? Join us for this thought-provoking episode about basketball, careers, entertainment, and finding joy in a world of constant change.

Jump into the honest, unfiltered world of Jeff and David as they navigate everything from American politics to March Madness in this captivating conversation that feels like joining old friends at your favorite bar.

They kick things off examining President Trump's recent address to Congress, offering sharp observations about the deteriorating decorum in political discourse. "Democrats are trying to match Trump's unprofessionalism, and I think that's hurting them more than it's helping them," David notes, setting the tone for their no-holds-barred political commentary. From Gavin Newsom's podcast missteps to complex budget negotiations, they dissect the political landscape with refreshing candor.

Basketball fans will appreciate their passionate breakdown of the upcoming NCAA tournament. The hosts analyze Tennessee's inconsistent performances, Duke's impressive form, and Auburn's surprising dominance with the expertise of lifelong fans. "I am happy that Bruce Pearl is finally getting his due," they acknowledge, while debating whether teams like Clemson might be this year's tournament dark horses.

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn when they reflect on high school experiences and reunions, sharing vulnerably about reconnecting with people from their past. "I hated high school. I really did," David confesses, sparking a relatable discussion about our complicated relationships with former versions of ourselves. Their reminiscing extends to Kevin Smith's filmography and classic 90s pop culture, celebrating everything from "Clerks" to "Chasing Amy" with infectious enthusiasm.

What makes this episode special is the authentic friendship that shines through every topic. Whether they're imagining how George Carlin would respond to today's politics or sharing updates about their children's major life transitions, Jeff and David create a space where listeners feel like they're part of an intimate conversation between friends.

Subscribe now and join the conversation – we'd love to hear your thoughts on what topics we should tackle next! Please leave us a 5-star review on whatever podcast platform on which you catch us!