Brian and Scott catch up over cocktails, swap plans for a packed holiday season, and compare family Thanksgiving traditions. Scott also makes the case for Aerosmith’s Rocks, the 1976 album that inspired their next listening pick.

• Brian mixes an autumnal Old Fashioned with homemade pumpkin simple syrup, Wilderness Trail wheated bourbon, and spicy bonfire bitters. Scott pours an Elijah Craig single-barrel Old Fashioned with apple blossom bitters.
• The friends talk about juggling holiday parties, Thanksgiving, travel, family gatherings, and gift shopping - and why shared experiences can make good presents.
• Brian describes his family’s low-stress Costco Thanksgiving meal, while Scott shares his uncle’s themed gatherings, which have included Japanese, Italian, and Greek menus. This year’s main dish is goose.
• Scott recounts the family’s Grandma Daris Dirty Joke Contest, where his son will defend his winning joke and trophy.
• Brian takes his kids to see Virginia play Arkansas at Capital One Arena. The game includes a surprise appearance from three pigeons, plus a second-half visit to a neighbor’s suite.
• Scott champions Aerosmith’s Rocks, praising its nine songs, energetic riffs, and influence on musicians including Pearl Jam and Slash. Brian especially enjoys “Back in the Saddle” and “Get the Lead Out.”
• Scott discusses Aerosmith’s shift from the band’s earlier albums to later hits written with outside songwriters.
• Scott picks Ashe's The Girl of Your Dreams for their next album listen. He says Ashe has worked with Finneas and that this is her fourth album.
• Scott previews a best-of episode for the podcast while he’s away. He also gives a shout-out to upcoming tours by Matt Nathanson, Dashboard Confessional, and Kings of Leon with Band of Horses. Brian recognizes veterans and their families ahead of Veterans Day.

Brian and Scott catch up over bourbon, revisit Third Eye Blind’s 1997 debut, and trade complaints about early darkness, frustrating flights, and Halloween trouble in the neighborhood. They also talk about getting older, tee up next episode’s Aerosmith album, and share a recommendation for a local murder mystery night.

• Brian sips Russell’s Reserve with a Reese’s peanut butter cup, while Scott tries to fight off a cold with Wilderness Trail bourbon and orange bitters.
• The hosts compare Halloween costumes: Scott went as Baby Shark and a chilly, undercover Spider-Man, while Brian’s family dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz.
• Brian and Scott agree that Christmas decorations and music showing up on November 1 is too early; they’d rather enjoy Thanksgiving first.
• They revisit Third Eye Blind’s self-titled 1997 album, which sold about six million copies and produced five singles. Scott’s favorite is “Graduate”; Brian’s is “Motorcycle Drive By.”
• Brian reflects on the album’s darker lyrics, including themes of addiction, abuse, and suicide, and mentions the band’s short documentary, Motorcycle Drive By.
• Scott is frustrated by the early darkness after the time change. Brian sympathizes, then describes a delayed New York flight, the restrictions of basic economy, and his anxiety about missing flights.
• Halloween brought more than costumes and candy for Brian’s neighborhood: a rock was thrown through his garage window, and other neighbors reported candy being taken.
• The hosts laugh about the mismatch between their ambitious solo plans and the reality of wanting to go to bed early, and about the physical indignities of family photos.
• Scott picks Aerosmith’s Rocks for their next album discussion, calling it a standout of the band’s 1970s material. Brian is looking forward to hearing it.
• Brian recommends a Stagecoach Theater Company murder mystery night at Ahso, while Scott offers a shout-out to newly elected officials.

Brian and Scott celebrate Halloween in costume with a five-bourbon, five-candy tasting, comparing how the pairings bring out different flavors. They also revisit Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, and share a story about the long lines and phone-locking pouches at a phone-free Jerry Seinfeld show.

• Brian and Scott discuss Thriller, released in November 1982 and described as having sold 70 million copies. They trade thoughts on its hits, lesser-known tracks, and the iconic “Thriller” video.
• Brian explains his pairing approach: match bourbon and candy flavors, using each to accentuate the other.
• Four Roses Single Barrel meets Twizzlers. Brian chose it for its red-berry notes; Scott, who usually dislikes Twizzlers, says the pairing makes them more enjoyable.
• Weller 12-Year and Butterfinger prove a less successful match: Scott finds the candy’s peanut-butter flavor overpowers the bourbon.
• Woodford Reserve Double Oaked with M&M’s becomes Scott’s favorite pairing. He likes both the bourbon and the combination.
• Taylor Small Batch Bottled-in-Bond joins Twix. Brian explains bottled-in-bond requirements, including 100 proof, at least four years of age, and whiskey from a single distillation season.
• Booker’s and a fun-size Snickers close the tasting. Brian picked the high-proof bourbon for the nutty character associated with Jim Beam; Scott finds it a strong finish.
• Scott’s overall favorite is the Twix pairing, while Woodford Double Oaked with M&M’s leads for bourbon. The hosts invite listeners to share their own candy-and-bourbon combinations.
• Scott recounts the long entry and exit lines at the Anthem’s phone-free Jerry Seinfeld show, where staff used Yondr pouches to secure phones and smartwatches.
• The hosts choose Third Eye Blind’s self-titled album for a future episode and encourage listeners to vote in the upcoming election.