Ed and Brendan throw open the phone lines and discover that live callers fit surprisingly well into the ongoing technical workshop, especially once bourbon mixers enter the conversation. Dag checks in from Dublin with just 2 shows left on the European tour, Durty Nellie’s rides off into the sunset, and Guttenberg faces the reality of his 50th High School reunion. Brendan also meets a movie trivia question he can’t answer, so clearly anything can happen on ‘live’ radio.

Steve is enjoying his new role as 2nd guest on his own show, with Tom Thayer stopping by to preview the Bears opener and share some memories of former teammate Matt Suhey. Joe becomes an unlikely Lake Shore Drive bicycle mechanic, while Ed teases a new show feature that could make things interesting. For now, Steve seems perfectly happy being the guy who drops by whenever he feels like it.

Steve is back behind the wheel, and it doesn’t take long before some aggressive high-beaming nearly turns his return to the road into an altercation. Dag checks in from Edinburgh, where the band enjoys a fine Scottish meal without a single bite of haggis. Meanwhile, Ed witnesses what he considers one of the most egregious calls in his entire college football-watching life, leading to the only reasonable conclusion: Muck Fichigan.

Steve learns the hard way that technical workshop is best conducted with Ed somewhere in the vicinity. Buzz discovers what may be the greatest dog movie ever made and, naturally, walks everyone through the plot. Listeners weigh in on Buzz’s ongoing bat situation, and even without a winged roommate involved, Buzz still manages to find trouble by getting trapped in bridge traffic.

Steve continues working on the delicate art of keeping his inner monologue on the inside, and issues a retraction regarding the new wine shop in Western Springs. Meanwhile, Dag checks in from England, where he’s taking in the sights, playing shows and learning that international travel gets considerably more exciting when passports and visas enter the conversation. Despite the paperwork, Dag made it across the pond in one piece, which is really all anyone can ask.

Clever podcasters proliferate as Steve joins the show with a full update on his recovery, and Janet drives him to Jack in the Box. Ed recalls the time a girl convinced him to join a book club, while Steve’s been doing some reading of his own. Joe discovers that Ed was born on Chicago’s South Side and spent his early years in the same neighborhood, proving they were practically childhood friends who just never met.

Cast thine ears upon the DahlCast as Matt Dahl rides in to help Brendan recap a weekend filled with history, majesty and an alarming amount of heavy weaponry. Brendan apparently had a chance to party like royalty and somehow blew it, while Ed takes umbrage with his questionable Renaissance faire food choices. Matt is fresh from a dog day celebration and counting down the hours until the kids go back to school. Apparently the end of summer is magical for everyone, just for very different reasons.

Steve’s doctor is keeping a close eye on his heart rhythm, while Tom Thayer figures Steve has about 7 more days on the PUP list before it’s time to make a decision on him. Tom also reports back from Nashville, where he followed Steve’s advice and hit Puckett’s for some great brisket, live music and an Australian singer with a catchy new single. There’s also talk of Nashville’s endless bachelorette parties, Steve’s old allegiance to Stroh’s, Tom’s preference for PBR and the important revelation that if you spot Tom eating barbecue, you should absolutely say hello. He might give you some brisket.

Buzz Kilman joins Dag and Brendan with another collection of stories that somehow connects a bat loose in his apartment, a Grateful Dead show and a chance encounter with a blues legend at Mariano’s that nearly turns into a record deal. Buzz also has some thoughts on dog movies, Bill Murray and a letter he’d like to send Bob Dylan. But the real fun starts when Buzz breaks out the harmonica, Dag grabs his guitar and they put all the talking aside long enough for a live blues jam.

With Steve away, Dag prepares to head across the pond and tackles the important question of how many shirts a touring rock star really needs. Brendan gets fitted for a tuxedo, discovers the security of suspenders and considers dressing up for the blood moon. Mopping day sparks a debate over vinegar, harsh chemicals and how often anyone really needs to clean the their floors. Plus, the rules of cheese dogs and why a Dag-Richard Marx collaboration probably isn’t happening.