Comical Start
534 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingDon't let the name fool you. This is not a comedy podcast. Send feedback to [email protected].
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Episodes
Eight Wigs of Hair
April 11, 2024 08:00 - 40 minutes - 18.6 MBAll the Mario Kart NPCs will cry and wail at the supremacy of Mark. Your hosts try to figure out intellectual property law. Grant brings Brevity. Your hosts discuss aspects of cleaning, particularly how they’ve needed to learn quite a lot about it. Mark brings Sunshine State. Call center equipment is of suspicious quality. Send feedback to [email protected].
OldVersions_DoNotUse
April 04, 2024 08:00 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBMark requests a survey of Grant’s computer. A lot can be deciphered from a few clicks around the ol’ desktop. Mark brings Sketchshark Comics. After a frank assessment of what Grant brings to the show, attempts are made to delve into the psyches of your hosts. Grant brings Brewster Rockit. Without a clear concept on which to grasp, Mark grabs the proverbial candy bar by the wrapper to talk about candy bars. Send feedback to [email protected].
Go Midwestern Plumber On Your Keister
March 28, 2024 08:00 - 41 minutes - 19.2 MBMark spotted a previously-discussed invention in the wild. Grant has some thoughts on the younger generation. Always get a pizza when you’re at the store. Grant brings bacon. Mark picks nits with Grant’s coping mechanism for incorrect use of language, but still tries to answer his questions. Mark brings Petunia & Dre. Grant and Mark saw the same AI error pop up in academia. Grant has a hot take on a hot drink. Send feedback to [email protected].
Team "Shut the Door"
March 21, 2024 08:00 - 41 minutes - 18.8 MBGet ready for salacious details this episode, like the finer points of color theory and immolating pizza boxes. What even is orange? Mark brings Half Full. There’s a concerning lack of butterflies, and neither host is great in the water. Grant brings Non Sequitur. Paper shredding may be the apex of all human experience. Send feedback to [email protected].
You're Going Pelican Mode
March 14, 2024 08:00 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBMark’s geography knowledge is immediately put to the test. He then proceeds to assign some writing homework. Your hosts are here to teach you how to be a better communicator. Grant brings Truth Facts. Mark quotes some insight from a comedian, and Grant describes an awfully strange culinary discovery. Mark brings Mr. Lowe. He wants to check in on Grant’s facial hair situation and its effect on the world. Send feedback to [email protected].
Disable Every Safety Feature
March 07, 2024 09:00 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBMark is poking around on his local marketplace. Can you force something to age like a fine wine? Is it worth potentially being swindled? Are alcohol-themed guitars good? Mark brings Life on Earth. Your hosts are ready to invest in a new and upcoming product category, and Mark wants to know about where Grant puts his rump. Grant brings Frank and Ernest. Mark needs to brush up on his Catholic theology. Send feedback to [email protected].
You Soup and You Bath
February 29, 2024 09:00 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBYour hosts reminisce about their time as online youths in a world built by Flash. Mark recounts going to a museum, and is excited about libraries. Grant brings Doodle for Food. Your hosts disagree on the finer points of temperatures. Mark brings Ginger Meggs. Grant has a spot for his money, and Mark is unsure about his storage solution. Send feedback to [email protected].
Too Much Rabbit Hole
February 22, 2024 06:00 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MBAfter exploring contact from the outside world, Mark lays out his device charging situation. These are important matters. Mark brings Half Full. Grant gets the low-down on Dune: Part 1 before discussing the future of his computer life. Grant brings Lola. Mark applies some self-care. Send feedback to [email protected].
English Strikes Again
February 15, 2024 09:00 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBGrant has a new toy, and boy is it clacky. Your hosts each share their side of the story of Grant receiving said item. Grant brings Breaking Cat News. He has a problem with some cat names, and Mark doesn’t have a decent vacuum. Grant thinks some warnings are just a little too obvious. Mark brings Nothing is Not Something. Answering the phone is for suckers. Send feedback to [email protected].
The Philly Special
February 08, 2024 09:00 - 41 minutes - 19.2 MBAfter a quick review of a victorious scene in San Francisco, your hosts let ambidextrous folks make them a bit political. Whoops! Mark brings Sarah’s Scribbles. He requests a story or two from his co-host. Be careful of those nasty phantom stairs and slippery slopes. Grant brings Yeah It’s Chill. Mark provides non-expert opinions on canine behavior based on his reckons. Send feedback to [email protected].
Nothing Says Romance Like “Patio & Garden”
February 01, 2024 09:00 - 43 minutes - 20 MBThings go off the rails immediately when your hosts begin to window shop on a well-regarded online retailer. Grant warns the listeners of the danger of laser engravers. Grant brings The Lockhorns. Mark has a confession about his breakfasting habits, but Grant is ultimately more concerned about the ramifications of a particular medicinal food item. Mark brings Today’s Szep. Grant may not frequent art museums, but he certainly isn’t critical of them. Send feedback to [email protected].
Embodying Boxness
January 25, 2024 09:00 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBSomething complicated died on Grant today only to allow him to save something much simpler. Good thing too, or we would have had quite the mess on our hands. Mark brings Haircut Practice. After a quick diversion from our sponsors, Mark has an admission. Grant can’t separate his dreams from reality. Grant brings Texts From Mittens. Mark has issues with a hypothetical situation. Send feedback to [email protected].
A Disgruntled Lefty
January 18, 2024 09:00 - 39 minutes - 18.2 MBMark can now address people with aplomb and pizazz. Grant could be a bit more colorful. Grant brings Sticky Comics. Mark gets a little too excited about a thought experiment. Mark brings Loose Parts. Have your hosts been hiding any tricks up their sleeves? Send feedback to [email protected].
Have Fun Being Delusional
January 11, 2024 09:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBThe boys are back in town to share their hot—or spicy? mild?—salsa takes. There are rather unique ways to use certain condiments, but Grant has failed to act on old information. He does have plenty to say on colors. Mark brings Angry Little Girls. Building snowmen is a time-honored tradition and Grant doesn’t have much patience for the final touches. Grant brings Buni and leaves everyone on a wild cliffhanger. Send feedback to [email protected].
Obsessed With Wood
January 04, 2024 09:00 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBValuing your time is important, particularly during a hectic holiday season. Mark ended up back at a key moment in Comical Start history as part of a company party. Grant brings Pickles. After staving off distraction, your hosts discuss the future of Mark’s facial hair. Then, the distractions return. Mark brings Texts From Mittens. Grant….. Send feedback to [email protected].
It's Essentially a Bomb
December 28, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBYour hosts can’t quite agree on how to run a gift exchange. And even if they could, Grant wouldn’t be too jazzed about it. Mark brings Liberty Meadows. After a bad joke, Grant learns something new about San Francisco residences. Cities are dirty. Grant brings Rip Haywire. There are key factors in selecting a dog’s name. Don’t mess it up. Send feedback to [email protected].
A Perfectly Natural Shape
December 21, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBMark is spreading gospels and breaking oaths. Snack cakes are important, as is participating in local journalism. Grant brings Frazz. What’s wrong with the world? Why can’t Grant draw a picture without being suggestive? Mark brings Miss Peach. He has a quick question about style. Send feedback to [email protected].
Hijinks Across the Ages
December 14, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MBMark has a revelation about wasted time over the last few years. Nice gifts are nice. Mark brings Savage Chickens. He teaches Grant about a niche TV show from decades ago, and that somehow turns into a love letter to a questionable Sci-Fi movie series. Grant brings Bob the Angry Flower. Your hosts get a little coy about their descriptions. Send feedback to [email protected].
Who or What Am I Chopping Up?
December 07, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 18.2 MBMark has a heck of a mundane morning, roaming between stores in an attempt to clean his dishes. Grant faces down a miniscule porcelain specter. Grant brings BFGF Syndrome. Mark has an unhinged take, allegedly. Food can go in mouths and be shared between people. Mark brings Poorly Drawn Lines. After determining Mark is wrong yet again, Grant shares a few highlights of his estimating prowess. Send feedback to [email protected].
You Can Treat Them With Disdain
November 30, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBA lot of talking happened this past weekend, and Mark rediscovers the now-useless fruits of his past self’s labor. Your hosts have somewhat different memories of concert band. Mark brings Nest Heads. He opts to fall down a rabbit hole of woodworking tools and skills because, really, he doesn’t know much. Grant brings Chuckle Bros. What does it even mean to be organized? Can anyone truly achieve the zen of a tidy living space? Send feedback to [email protected].
The Quality of This Product Could Be Improved
November 23, 2023 06:00 - 40 minutes - 18.7 MBGrant fights off some bad decisions. The world of microwaveable food in bags is ripe and varied, as is the range of generic-sounding culturally non-specific meal names. Grant brings Shen Comix. Mark indeed has colors associated with the immune system. Mark brings Kliban’s Cats. Flying doesn’t have to be difficult. Send feedback to [email protected].
Old and Hot
November 16, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBMark’s train of thought leaves the station without him, so Grant jumps in. Your hosts review some tricks and treats. One particular neighborhood has been put in a tough position for Halloween. Mark brings Lucky Cow. What animal would be your personal Remy? Why does rye bread so thoroughly defy description? Grant brings Bob the Squirrel. Mark shares a strong opinion, and Grant gets his facial hair confused. Send feedback to [email protected].
Make It as Possible as Possible
November 09, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 20 MBMark had an unusual wardrobe malfunction that nobody else could have noticed. Grant is ready to make some traditional cuisine with grandma-approved supplies. Mark has a pot. Grant brings Too Much Coffee Man. Procrastination is a powerful tool in the weirdest circumstances. Or is that just me? Mark brings Phoebe and her Unicorn. Grant wishes people would just tell him things. Like really, put in some effort. Send feedback to [email protected].
A Conversational Pose
November 02, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBMark recounts a thrilling experience of private and public performance. Grant gets an objectionably tasty advertisement. Mark brings Home Free. Children’s tales can be memorable, enlightening, and oh-so frightening. Plus their movie adaptations aren’t to be ignored. Grant brings Berkeley Mews. Mark meditates on the quality of his intuition. Send feedback to [email protected].
The Time You Had Have Have Had Had Spent
October 26, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 19 MBThere’s stuff in the air, and surprise! It’s equal parts flour and dust. Space-heating kitchen appliances are only good in the winter, and Mark made cookies. Grant brings Petunia & Dre. The infamous Nothing Box is discussed, though your hosts suspect it’s really a problem-solving tool. Mark brings Buckles. Grant continues to have personal troubles with targeted advertising and is prepared to be convinced in the future about pizza ovens. Send feedback to [email protected].
Like They Did In the ‘60s
October 19, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 18.7 MBAmusement parks are not in the shared vocabulary of your hosts. Mark’s lack of experience is somehow still more than Grant’s, at least in recent memory. Mark brings That is Priceless. Grant knows where he parked, and Mark issues a virtual challenge. Grant remains skeptical. Grant brings Berger and Wyse. Mark doesn’t like beets, but he enjoys them much more than a scare in the bathroom. He’s ambivalent about directed post-toilet moisture. Send feedback to [email protected].
I Was Trying to Make it Midwestern
October 12, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBMark is tired. Like, rather quite tired. Grant is extremely skeptical of sports physics at altitude. Grant brings Domestic Abuse. What the heck is car wax anyway? Definitely not a metaphor. But the entire public education system? Mark brings Stone Soup. Grant has flexible opinions on sausages except in on particular case. Send feedback to [email protected].
Powerhouse Beach Volleyball Combo
October 05, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBThere’s both good and bad in this world, and one can only hope that a fun new desk ornament outweighs the frustration of losing unimportant data. Grant learns a new productivity hack. Mark brings WaynoVision. Both hosts have precisely the same thought process about participating in the Olympics. How do they even practice some of these things? Grant brings Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal. Mark is a little bummed about the choice of topics Grant chose, and surprises him at the end. Send f...
It Goes Like "Woo Woo"
September 28, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 18.9 MBAfter the creation of a new band, your hosts confirm the small blip that is a lost listener. Grant found a new place to play. Grant brings Cheer Up, Emo Kid. Do consider the incredible value that is your United States Postal Service, and get informed. Mark brings Rabbits Against Magic. Grant may need a bowl next to his recliner. Send feedback to [email protected].
Two Hundred Dollars Worth of Garlic
September 21, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBThe more you spend the more you save! At least that is Mark’s approach to using his immunization coupons at a local grocery store. Egg yolks? Oreos? Yes, please. Mark brings Questionable Quotebook. Grant is feeling lukewarm. He’s not particularly keen on becoming soup when it isn’t soup weather. Grant brings Beardo. Mark is indeed a patron. Send feedback to [email protected].
Hibiscus
September 14, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 18.4 MBMark requests an answer to a longstanding bit of curiosity about Grant’s computer software. Mark has a similar affliction but with less effect. Grant brings Ordinary Bill. After a classic guessing game, Grant has a simple question tied to a decent television show. Mark brings xkcd. He entreats Grant to consider his life a piece of media. Send feedback to [email protected].
Lick to Hit the “A” Button
September 07, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBGrant’s side of the recording was lost, so we apologize for the low-bandwidth Skype call. There are limiting factors in baking. Sunday brunch is always good, even if it’s from McDonald’s. Mark brings Speed Bump. Yet another new toy has entered his life, and Grant is similarly delighted by its whimsy. Grant brings Invisible Bread. Nothing happens. Send feedback to [email protected].
Indeed, A Turtleneck
August 31, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBYour hosts dive right in to discussing slides and presentations. Grant has a bare-bones approach. Also, spreadsheets and data. Grant brings Underpants and Overbites. After an unrelated tangent, Mark opines on turtlenecks and similar neckwear. Mark brings Glasbergen Comics. Your hosts need space to think. Send feedback to [email protected].
Now You've Only Got Two Darts
August 24, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 19.1 MBHerbs and spice and everything nice are better when they come in giant containers. Although some seasoning mixes need to justify their existence. Mark brings Herman. Grant nominally regrets not playing with more projectiles as a kid, and isn’t sure where to begin with paintball. Mark has some rave reviews. Grant brings Batch Rejection. Mark discovers a personal rule of thumb on the fly for getting advice at a retailer. Send feedback to [email protected].
I Would Love Your Rabbit Hole
August 17, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 20.7 MBThere are a few false alarms with technology. Mark hit a reading milestone and has an impassioned review for all to hear. Grant has a bone to pick with a teen fiction author. Grant brings Chuckle Bros. After a self-effacing prologue, Grant provides insight into a problematic project. Mark brings Andy Capp. He requests that Grant describe himself. Send feedback to [email protected].
Mundanely Bizarre Things
August 10, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBA dilemma of money and experience nearly paralyzed Mark, and subsequently almost led him to impulsively do something silly anyway. Grant provides support. Mark brings Betty. After a failed and unfocused transition, Grant responds in generalities before listening to a tale of woe and growth. Grant brings Grand Avenue. Things get serious for a minute. Send feedback to [email protected].
…How About a Piñata?
August 03, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBGrant is introduced to the fearless march of technology observable in the Bay Area. Mark purchased a party favor that hit just right. Grant brings Bear with Me. Mark would rather not use his horn. Maybe there’s some trauma to unpack there. Mark brings Pickles. Grant is only occasionally a speed demon, while Mark has some regrets. Send feedback to [email protected].
Hydration by Proxy
July 27, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBMark has a new toy, and self-describing phrases are difficult. Are gardening-based puns an email faux pas? Mark brings Animal Crackers. He hopes to dredge up a social media campaign from Grant’s past. Lab safety makes that difficult. Grant brings Bound and Gagged. Mark gives unhelpful answers to unnecessary questions, all for the sake of Grant getting to say “No Whammies” and “Zonk”. Send feedback to [email protected].
Icons of Style
July 20, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBMark tells tales of the descent of Deadheads onto San Francisco. Totally separately, he separated a metal fidget puzzle. Grant’s on the hunt for an odd crochet gift. Grant brings Frank and Ernest. After a solid Whose Line reference, your hosts get deep into a discussion about wallpaper. A business that was presumed dead is found to be thriving. Mark brings Invisible Bread. Grant is only interested in payback. Send feedback to [email protected].
Save Penguin, Break Ice
July 13, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 22.9 MBThis episode starts with quite the introduction. Sweet treats? Tiny games? Knock-off products? Check, check, and check. Mark brings Overboard. Grant has a measured, discipline thought on prioritizing communication to others. Grant brings Cathy Classics. He's frustrated with the world. Send feedback to [email protected].
The Power of God and Anime
July 06, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 17.5 MBMark uses some fancy footwork to justify Grant’s poor communication. Your hosts find new uses for old tools. There’s not just one way to use dish soap. Grant brings Wallace the Brave. Mark has an Altoid anecdote, which turns into a confusing trip to a website. Cinnamon, yuck. Mark brings The Awkward Yeti. Post-rain activities are varied and fun. Send feedback to [email protected].
Oh, the Actual Spanish!
June 29, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBWith both hosts back in the mix, a proper and extremely minimal commemoration of 5 years occurs. This puts them on the precipice of quarter life crises. Grant gives his thoughts on large malls yet again. Mark brings Imagine This. A rewatch of a short video commences after an inspirational sentence from Grant, and the topic is left behind. Grant brings Calvin and Hobbes. Woods stuff resurface. A geographic revelation is had. Send feedback to [email protected].
You've Been a Bad Spoon
June 15, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBMark doesn’t sleep as well as Grant, and hates certain foods for pseudo-breakfast. How does one properly fry rice? Mark brings The Other End. What’s in a cloud? Do shapes just come about, and can you find their true form? Grant brings Ink Pen. It’s nor quite special burger time. Send feedback to [email protected].
Uploaded Nine Years Ago
June 08, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBWhat’s going on in the neighborhood? Your hosts go to the source with some hard-hitting reporting on youth dance classes, animal rescue, doctor visits, and scat. Grant brings Barkeater Lake. Pie is super good. Mark brings Sunshine State. Software updates are difficult to balance. Send feedback to [email protected].
The Gloves Are Off
June 01, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 20.7 MBA toy from the past is thoroughly explored. Mark almost spends between $25 and $150 to experience the thrill of the game one last time. Mark brings Junk Drawer. Grant’s one critique is that he doesn’t always get what he wants with criticism. Grant screws up by bringing Speed Bump. Mark briefly tells an unrelated story before answering a question. Send feedback to [email protected].
House Not Worky
May 25, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 20 MBMark needs an intense brainstorming session. All ideas are good ideas until they’re not. Grant brings Alley Oop. Mark is happy to fix a toilet, but not wires. Mark brings Rose is Rose. Childhood is fun and dumb. Send feedback to [email protected].
I Don't Like to Say "Panic"
May 18, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 18.8 MBBaseball and nice weather. What more could you ask for? How about some new cooking tips? Mark brings Truth Facts. After an obvious tangent regarding toilet paper, Mark wants a metaphorical discussion of productivity and deadlines. Grant brings Calvin and Hobbes. A power outage has caused some introspection. Send feedback to [email protected].
More Like Milking a Cow
May 11, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 22 MBWe’re at the intersection of technology and music. Mark has something new to share. Expensive audio equipment probably isn’t worth it. Grant brings Cornered. He monologues before Mark asks for clarification on something related to wine for which Grant can only provide a conjecture. Mark brings The Adventures of Business Cat. Awards are awarded. Send feedback to [email protected].
Had Any Good Pineapples Recently?
May 04, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBOfficial documents are a pain, particularly when they aren’t on your person. Grant doesn’t put in enough effort to please Mark in this landmark episode, so sniffing and pulling of produce is addressed. Mark brings Sarah’s Scribbles. Grant listens to new music, while Mark has only recently begun adventuring into new audio domains. Grant brings La Cucaracha. Mark would not read the magazine in question. Suddenly, a pivot to Minor League Baseball teams. Send feedback to [email protected].