Preparations are underway for tonight’s family party in Steve’s honor. Janet’s got a mouthwatering dessert in the offing and Steve’s hoping for an extra slice or two. Speaking of parties, we learn about the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk from Brendan, via the Wall Street Journal; Steve is well aware of this event and describes the vibe to us. Dag has one problem with the smoke of a distant fire. Also, it’s a Talk To Me Tuesday, where we talk *your* calls!

Steve watched a Noah Kahan documentary and found that he had lots in common with the popular singer. He also shared a playlist from his morning walk with Rosie. Hospital waiting rooms only play HGTV, for everyone’s overall relaxation. Dag is podcasting from the UP. Steve went to the pool at the club against his will, and Mike commented on his parents having a marital spat. Luckily, there is a backyard pool party scheduled for tomorrow.

Biting his tongue about his blocked driveway leads to a good karmic event for Steve. Discussion on the Home Run Derby’s branded magenta ball finds us pondering our favorite sports movies and our deserted island LPs as well. Buzz joins us for some spoilers, as well as his thoughts on the format of the show. Steve had a mind-bending dream that left him relieved to wake up.Buzz was “mesmerized” by Janet’s podcast appearance on last week’s show. Brendan plays matchmaker for Steve’s and Buzz’s robots.

The years roll by — time passages, if you will — and all of a sudden you find yourself enjoying an old song you used to dismiss outright. It happened for Steve on this morning’s walk with Rosie. Noah Kahan is still under review, however. Janet joins us today, to not only look ahead to Steve’s recovery, but also to look behind (spoiler alert!) at an utterly confounding Wordle word from yesterday. Canadian wildfire smoke is very present in Woodstock, but Brendan doesn’t notice it in Chicago.

Today’s show is a veritable full house, as we’re joined by Tom Thayer and Joe Gaspar (and for a spell, the distance voice of Janet). We’ve got thoughts on the All-Star Game, the National Anthem, the naked bike ride, and so much more. Steve fell out of bed, and attempted to blame Janet for it. Matt and his family came over for a hot-dog-fueled pool party. Brendan watched bands at Phyllis’ Musical Inn. Steve is eagerly awaiting the delivery of his small watch band.

Steve is fattening himself up ahead of surgery. Wants to give the Dr. something to lean on. We pause Talk To Me Tuesday to enact a Travel Tip Tuesday. As Dag gets ready for his first ever flight in first class, Steve points out the medical grade air that awaits all travelers. Michigan is battling a diarrhea outbreak that has been linked to produce. Steve hasn’t been to Michigan in awhile so he feels he’s pretty safe. He has other internal things to think about.

Steve got into a game of high-stakes chicken with an opposing driver. Ahead of open-heart surgery, he’s been practicing getting up from his chair in a manner comfortable for his soon to be sawed in half sternum. Brendan witnessed the Nude Bike Ride, and had a goat empanada. Dag and company performed a, freshly written Sunshine Boys song. Someone is getting a Santa’s list worth of wishes for his planned recovery and music rooms.

Steve and Janet, much like Buzz, took great delight in watching Project Hail Mary, a feel good movie about a handsome scientist that befriends a pile of boxes in outer space. Have we all read the classics, or did we just carry them around with us? Most of us know the correct way to put on a t-shirt. And we are all gearing up to watch the 1980 one-star classic, Alligator, which was apparently “shot” in various locations across the country.

Steve flies solo for a good portion at the end of today’s show (It’s a technical workshop!) but not before we get the chance to analyze an eclair bargain that’s being offered by Jewel, and has Brendan seeking advice from his village elders. For some of us, it’s the first time we’re not only hearing of, but actually listening to the immensely popular Noah Kahan, a singer/songwriter that’s burning up the charts in a mellow, thoughtful fashion.

Steve seems to be in an endless loop of doctors and medical info, but he’s handling it all in stride, despite the absence of caffeine in his life. He and Janet binged the first half of Season 5 of The Bear. Steve did reserve doubts about the plumbing situation at the fictional restaurant, however. Joe will be participating in the annual Naked Bike Ride, and he’s willing to pull Steve in a rickshaw. A Floridiot tries (and fails) to get creative with a hiding place.