Curmudgeon's Corner 2026

Curmudgeon's Corner is a weekly current events podcast

Automated transcripts available on episode detail pages starting with Ep 836

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Most Recent Episodes

January 2026

[Ep 970] 2025 Predictions Review [2:14:29]
Recorded: Sun, 2026-Jan-04 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jan-05 20:05 UTC


So last week you heard Sam and Ivan's predictions for 2026. Now see how they ended up doing on the 2025 predictions they made a year and a week ago. Did they wrap themselves in honor? Or were they completely humiliated with their obvious errors? Now is the time to find out! Oh. Plus a bit on Venezuela.	0:01:09 - Venezuela 0:20:39 - Politics 0:51:04 - International 1:15:27 - Economy 1:27:43 - Technology 1:50:28 - Hodgepodge

[Ep 971] Learned Nothing [2:12:09]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jan-17 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jan-19 02:07 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's corner Emily joins Ivan and Sam to talk about the events of the week. Plus visiting Brazil. Plus holding old grudges and age gaps. And a book. But yes, also Venezuela, Minnesota, and Kristen Sinema. Other stuff happened this week, but there is only so much time...	0:04:20 - But First Brazil Tourism Long Grudges Memorial Age Gaps Book: A Wizard of Earthsea (1968) 0:48:05 - But Second Kristen Sinema Renee Good MN Escalation Dem Response Venezuela

[Ep 972] Excused Absences [15:37]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jan-24 UTC
Published: Sun, 2026-Jan-25 03:16 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam explains why neither he or Ivan are here this week. Well, Sam is here, but barely here, just long enough to explain why he isn't here. It is a fun week of injuries and health challenges. So a minimal show. Sorry folks. Hopefully back to normal next week.	0:00:27 - One and Only Ivan Out Sam Out Peace Out

[Ep 973] Master Criminal [1:46:22]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jan-31 UTC
Published: Sun, 2026-Feb-01 23:40 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about Minnesota and Epstein as the big more serious things. But there is more! Health updates! Movies! Ivan gets a package! And the overall moral collapse of society!	0:00:45 - But First Health Updates Moral Collapse Movie: On the Waterfront (1954) Movie: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) 0:48:50 - But Second Package Arrival Minnesota Updates Epstein Updates Uninvestigated Allegations?

February 2026

[Ep 974] Working Intermittently [2:03:35]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Feb-07 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Feb-09 04:42 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan is out having a birthday thing, so Ed joins Sam and picks the topics. The big themes are RFK Jr's nonsense at HHS, the continued improvements in AI tech, and the end of the START treaty. But also movies and the weather, Election 2026 and the SAVE Act, and more!	0:00:50 - But First Cold Temps Walks and Runs Movie: Psych 2: Lassie Come Home (2020) Movie: Epic (2013) 0:26:23 - But Second Northern ATMs Electronic Transactions RFK Jr Nonsense Delayed Effects 0:59:25 - But Third Customer Support AI Improvements Moltbot/Moltbook Educational Changes 1:34:16 - But Fourth START Treaty Election 2026 SAVE Act Scandal Pace

[Ep 975] Coffee Kings [2:01:23]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Feb-14 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Feb-16 02:51 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan and Sam remember Ray Lynch, they talk about movies and television, Sam plugs his RobinLetter project, and then of course they discuss the systematic destruction of American government by the Trump administration. Oh. And Bad Bunny.	0:00:40 - But First Rough Months Ray Lynch RobinLetter Movie: The Graduate (1967) Movie: The Wizard of Oz (1939) 0:38:33 - But Second Government Incompetence Untrustworthy Economic Data Destruction of Trust Complicit or Spineless Slow Bleed of Support 1:24:21 - But Third L&O S6E23 Striking TV Episodes Bad Bunny Crimes Against Humanity Orifices

[Ep 976] 35 Degree Thumb [1:37:37]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Feb-21 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Feb-23 08:34 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk Tesla, AI, Tariffs, Economy, Epstein, Cars, Movies and RobinLetter. Is that enough for you? I hope so, cause that's what you have this week. Plus the benefits of checking your mail! So there ya go!	0:00:35 - Part One Movie: Tuck Everlasting (2002) Movie: Allegiant (2016) 0:16:49 - Part Two Tesla Pulling Back From Cars Electric Car Competition AI Risks and Benefits 0:49:04 - Part Three Looking at Mail Tariff Decision Negative Indicators 1:14:55 - Part Four New Epstein Consequences RobinLetter Update Expensive Cars

[Ep 977] Specifically Targeted [1:56:07]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Feb-28 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Mar-02 08:49 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about the war in Iran and the violence in Mexico. Those are the unavoidable big things of the week. But also beeping and bulbs, almost getting run over, movies, random trips, and a RobinLetter update. A full show!	0:02:58 - But First Beeping and Bulbs Near Misses Movie: Blade II (2002) Movie: A Minecraft Movie (2025) 0:49:38 - Iran War Why Attack? Possible Outcomes Whose Interests? Managing Attention 1:21:00 - Potpourri El Mencho Killing Random Yucatan Trip? Iran Again RobinLetter Update

March 2026

[Ep 978] Sucked Into A Warp Pipe [2:06:25]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Mar-07 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Mar-09 00:46 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan and Sam talk about more movies than usual, then the latest primary election results, the continuing situation with Iran, bad economic numbers, and more! As usual, tons of fun and excitement! Woo!	0:00:55 - But First Random Stuff Movie: Hoppers (2026) Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Movie: The Dark Knight Rises (2012) 0:44:45 - Primary Results Talarico vs Crockett Cornyn vs Paxton Moderate vs Progressive Others 1:09:05 - Stuffs Trump Quotes Iran Updates Economic Data New Lexus

[Ep 979] Flying Clowns [1:45:26]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Mar-14 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Mar-16 08:27 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan and Sam realize that besides the Iran War, which they spend the second segment on, there wasn't a lot of news stuff going on to talk about. So they spend the rest of the show on everything from problems with backups, to staffing issues at xAI, to some election updates, to Pi Day, to found Doctor Who episodes, and much more!	0:02:38 - But First Pi Day Syncing Problems Backup Problems 0:32:58 - But Second Iran War Update Absent War Goals Lack of Foresight 1:06:55 - But Third Election Updates Found Doctor Who xAI Exodus

[Ep 980] 43 Inches [1:06:09]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Mar-21 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Mar-23 10:10 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam goes solo, and completely eschews real news completely. Instead we have projectors and TVs, RobinLetter and health, and of course a couple of movies. Enjoy a lighter and shorter show than usual!	0:00:42 - One No Ivan Projectors TVs 0:13:26 - Two Not News Inspired RobinLetter Update Health Update 0:37:31 - Three Sick Again? Movie: Murder by Death (1976) Movie: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

[Ep 981] Gulf of Horror Moose [1:49:36]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Mar-28 UTC
Published: Sun, 2026-Mar-29 23:51 UTC


What do we have this week on Curmudgeon's Corner? Ivan is back with Sam again. For the news part of the show they talk about the TSA, about the plane vs firetruck crash at LaGuardia, about Iran, and about Trump. But first, they talk about Ivan's travels and Sam has a story about difficulties charging his car. Woo!	0:01:57 - But First Texas Trip Flight Simulator Miami Trip Charger Story Junk Email 0:47:59 - But Second Paying TSA Plane vs Firetruck Iran War Trump Mental Health Condo Wars

April 2026

[Ep 982] Stuck To My Brain [2:08:17]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Apr-04 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Apr-06 07:07 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about Trump's cabinet culture, the war in Iran, and more corporate layoffs. With all that negativity, they have to balance things out with Artemus II and a couple of movies too. And that is it.	0:01:10 - But First Corporate Layoffs Artemus II Movie: Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Movie: The Martian (2015) 0:52:06 - But Second Bondi Out Dumb and Lazy Possible Iran POWs Cabinet Turnover 1:16:08 - But Third Iran Economic Impact Iran Goals? Empathy, Diversity, and Expertise Election 2026

[Ep 983] Call It A Show [1:47:55]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Apr-11 UTC
Published: Sun, 2026-Apr-12 20:57 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan say Hello. And Hola. And Aloha. Then they talk phones and movies and Kings. Both real Kings and wannabe Kings. And of course the latest in Iran, the downfall of Swalwell, and much much more. Woo!	0:01:09 - But First Hello Origins Phone Use Small World Movie: The Killer (2023) Movie: Sound of My Voice (2011) 0:34:26 - But Second King Faisal I of Iraq Iran Ceasefire The Mad King Melania and Epstein Eric Swalwell 1:23:26 - But Third Impeachment 25th Amendment Funding Removal Artemus II Being Nice Hurts

[Ep 984] So Much Fun! [1:56:23]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Apr-18 UTC
Published: Sun, 2026-Apr-19 20:54 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan and Sam talk about stuff. Like they always do. This time you've got Iran, Orban losing, the economy, Justin Fairfax, corruption, work friends, movies, and lots more. Just all over the place this week!	0:00:46 - But First RFK's Raccoon Adversarial Press Work Friends Movie: Spy (2015) Movie: Gone With The Wind (1939) 0:42:09 - But Second Justin Fairfax Iran Update Corruption Economy Kash Patel 1:15:13 - But Third Orban Loses Accountability Pope vs Trump Vance and Rubio Stochastic Terror

[Ep 985] More Emboldened [1:37:21]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Apr-25 UTC
Published: Sun, 2026-Apr-26 18:08 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan couldn't make it, so instead Bruce joins Sam for discussions on the Iran situation and prediction trading markets. Plus a jet ski purchase, movies, updates on job hunts and RobinLetter, and more!	0:01:10 - But First Jetski Purchase Movie: Cars (2006) Movie: National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) Job Hunt Update RobinLetter Update 0:33:57 - But Second Strategic Goals Negotiations? Broader Implications US Weakened Domestic Politics 1:05:27 - But Third Election Betting Manipulated Outcomes Insider Trading Manipulated Narratives SPLC Indictment

May 2026

[Ep 986] Room Full of Clones [2:16:25]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-May-02 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-May-04 03:52 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan and Sam discuss the Oil Crisis and surrounding issues. That's the big one. But also, fitness trackers, the WHCD incident, Comey's 8647 indictment, SCOTUS and the VRA, a couple personal stories... and more!	0:01:05 - But First Our Reality Fitness Trackers Fall Story Ring Story 0:46:37 - But Second Oil Crisis Trump Reactions Spirit Airlines Failure Clean Energy 1:23:32 - But Third Inflation WHCD Incident 2nd Comey Indictment SCOTUS Kills VRA

[Ep 987] Somewhat Purple [1:12:54]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-May-09 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-May-11 08:34 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's corner, just Sam. Ivan is out. So Sam knocks out talking about a couple movies, then spends the rest of the show on the Gerrymandering wars that started with Texas and California, and have accelerated in recent weeks with Virginia and the gutting of the VRA.	0:00:38 - But First Movie: Mr. Jones (2019) Movie: The Short History of the Long Road (2019) 0:24:21 - But Second Gerrymandering War So Far VA SCOTUS Decision VRA Gutting Implications Backfire Possibilities? Downward Spiral

[Ep 988] What It Was [1:18:09]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-May-16 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-May-18 09:19 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan is out again, but this time he sends in a recorded message, so you don't miss him entirely! In the meantime, Sam covers an award his mom got, a movie, a TV show, his adventures getting ready for a fundraiser, and once again laments the "weird" attack was killed back in 2024.	0:00:32 - But First No Ivan Mom's Award 0:16:41 - But Second Fundraiser Movie: The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999) TV: Cosmos (1980, 2014, 2020) Message from Ivan Weirdos

[Ep 989] The Pumdits [2:00:19]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-May-23 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-May-25 07:04 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan is back and joins Sam to talk about all sort of things, most of them unfortunately related to Trump in one way or another. Yes of course Iran and Castro and corruption are Trump related. But somehow he is probably responsible for beeps and bulbs and stolen mugs too!	0:01:23 - But First Traveling and Bullying Beeps and Bulbs Mugs and Books RobinLetter Milestones Movie: How To Train Your Dragon (2025) 0:45:50 - But Second Trump Support Crashing Trump Corruption Trump Foreign Policy 1:13:03 - But Third Airline Industry Iran Can Kicking Ted Turner Castro Indictment Gabbard Resignation Late Night Dying

[Ep 990] Seemingly Inevitable [1:49:08]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-May-30 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jun-01 19:19 UTC


Once again, Ivan leaves Sam to do Curmudgeon's Corner alone. So of course he goes absolutely wild! Well, not really. A movie. A book. Some ranting on get rich quick schemes and the misuse of AI. Then some actual current events like primaries, Iran, and of course Trump!	0:01:18 - But First Alone Movie: Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982) Book: The Westing Game (1978) 0:21:45 - But Second Income Gap Get Rich Quick Schemes Faceless Copied Slop Enshittification at Scale AI Backlash? 1:05:18 - But Third California Governor Race Iran Déjà Vu Trump Setbacks Marcia Lucas

June 2026

[Ep 991] Thing To Go [1:41:21]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jun-06 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jun-08 04:22 UTC


This week Ivan is back with Sam once again! So off they go talking about everything from beaches to computers to movies. And of course the news: Iran. Primaries in California and Maine. 2024 again. Trump. All the usual. Plus don't miss EmbryoTurret!	0:01:55 - But First Rough Month New AirPods Computer Stories PNW Beaches Movie: Under Siege 2 (1995) Movie: Superman (2025) 0:45:32 - But Second EmbryoTurret.com Iran Situation California Primary Maine Primary 2024 Redux Trump Health

[Ep 992] Visionary Stuff [2:00:10]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jun-13 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jun-15 16:59 UTC


This week on CC, Sam and Ivan talk Kennedy Center and other Trump losses, the status of Iran talks, SpaceX and Musk, and all that sort of thing. Plus some books, movies, and even a little on how well things would have to go for Sam to not run out of money. Yay!	0:01:50 - But First Kennedy Center Sam Money Time Passing Book: It Can’t Happen Here (1935) Book: Atlas Shrugged (1957) Movie: Legend of the Spirt Dog (1997) 0:59:23 - But Second Trump Losses Expensive Shoes Iran Status SpaceX IPO Trillionaire Musk Anti-Bigness

[Ep 993] Purple Monkey [1:58:30]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jun-20 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jun-22 08:53 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the latest developments with the Iran situation. But first, the reflecting pool, Air Force One, UK politics, and some movies!	0:00:49 - But First Reflecting Pool Air Force One UK Politics Movie: Crocodile Dundee II (1988) Movie: Toy Story 5 (2026) Movie: The Godfather (1972) 0:56:04 - But Second Iran MOU Evaluating Outcomes Unforced Errors Breaks With Allies Might Makes Right Political Morality

[Ep 994] Soldiers, Knees, and Toes [1:57:05]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jun-27 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jun-29 17:55 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan discuss how Ukraine may have turned a corner and actually be winning the war with Russia. Plus they analyze the progressive wins in this week's Democratic primaries and the reaction of mainstream Dems. Oh yea, and movies and the Puerto Rican power grid. Enjoy!	0:01:00 - But First Puerto Rican Power Movie: Superman and the Mole Men (1951) Movie: Casablanca (1942) 0:41:54 - But Second Ukraine hitting Moscow Ukraine isolating Crimea Russian public opinion War on a budget 1:11:24 - But Third Progressive Victories The Big Tent Attitude and Energy 2028 and beyond

July 2026

[Ep 995] Era of Sheer Stupidity [1:51:14]
Recorded: Fri, 2026-Jul-03 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jul-06 08:07 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan and Sam chat about the triumphant Great American State Fair in DC (cough), SCOTUS, Mitch McConnell, the World Cup, a couple movies, and a ton of other random things. Fun fun fun!	0:01:21 - But First World Cup Road rage Movie: The Fog of War (2003) Movie: National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985) 0:45:28 - But Second Great American State Fair Trump Centricity William Henry Harrison Makeup for the 253rd? 1:07:10 - But Third SCOTUS Results Mitch McConnell European AC dialog Trump Phone

[Ep 996] Status Quo [1:45:56]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jul-11 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Jul-13 19:08 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan is unexpectedly away, so Sam once again carries the show! After the usual TV and Movies bits, Sam talks about Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, and Graham Planter, then a smorgasbord of other topical bits. Woo!	0:00:33 - But First Ivan Out TV: True Detective (2014-2024) Movie: Love, Classified (2022) 0:20:54 - But Second Lindsey Graham Mitch McConnell Graham Platner 1:04:28 - But Third NATO Summit Iran War Air Force One Binface

[Ep 997] Fight the Lettuce [1:39:27]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jul-18 UTC
Published: Tue, 2026-Jul-21 07:04 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan mock Trump's speech on election security. But also, the latest on Iran, the debate on permanent Savings Time, the explosive diarrhea outbreak, and the right way to use AI. But before all that, Juana joins in to a discussion on family dynamics mixing ADHD and Autism.	0:00:54 - But First ADHD/Autism Family Dynamics Airport Trips Disney Trips Dolphin Pictures 0:21:02 - But Second Trump Speech Reaction Voter File Access Foreign Propaganda No Changed Votes VoterID DJT Airport 0:59:42 - But Third Iran Update Saving Time Changes Explosive Diarrhea Smart AI Usage Gold Coins

[Ep 998] Fun Barking [1:36:00]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Jul-25 UTC
Published: Tue, 2026-Jul-28 04:31 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam is alone again. Sniff. Well, aside from some cameos from Alex and Jetski. Actual topics include GPS navigation, how Trump's communism rant is going over, Iran, and even some AI stuff. Oh, and of course some movies.	0:01:46 - But First Morning Delays Navigation Annoyance Finishing FNaF 2 Movie: ParaNorman (2012) Movie: Citizen Kane (1941) 0:33:23 - But Second Sign Duty Political Positioning McConnell Situation Iran Situation AI Model News

August 2026

[Ep 999] Lower Volta [1:48:53]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Aug-01 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Aug-03 02:24 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan and Sam hit the millennia old topic of safety vs liberty, the Blanche for AG drama, a look back at the 1976 Rocky movie, some thoughts on billionaires, and much much more...	0:05:15 - But First 24 Hour Flight El Salvador Safety vs Liberty Movie: Rocky (1976) 0:41:12 - But Second Reflecting Pool Fauci Hearing AG Blanche? Billionaires

[Ep 1000] Episode 1000!!! [2:56:51]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Aug-08 UTC
Published: Sun, 2026-Aug-09 20:43 UTC


This week is the 1000th episode of the Curmudgeon's Corner podcast. Ivan and Sam celebrate with a special retrospective at the beginning of the show, and Sam's son Alex made another special anniversary... thing... for the end of the show. In between a regular show with the news of the week, talk about AIs, movie reviews, and more! And with that, it is time to start the NEXT 1000 episodes! Woo!	0:00:45 - Special Cold Open 0:07:37 - But First FL/OH/WA Elections Flight Schedules Movie: Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) Movie: War Greatest Hits Live (2008) 0:48:39 - But Second AG Blanche Lame Duck Republicans Economic Updates Small World 1:35:19 - But Third Hank Green and AI Ivan and AI Sam and AI CC and AI 2:18:58 - Special Cold Close 2:54:17 - Actual Close

[Ep 1001] Do Your Thing [1:19:52]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Aug-15 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Aug-17 10:50 UTC


On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan start their journey to get to episode 2001 so they can play the music from that movie. In the mean time, election results, polling errors, Trump's Turkey escape, Count Binface, Sam got sick again, and more!	0:01:55 - But First Sam Health Kid Interference Movie: Cars 2 (2011) 0:25:00 - But Second Wisconsin Gov Polling Errors Trump/Musk AI 0:53:25 - But Third Turkey Escape Count Binface Random Stuff

[Ep 1002] Words from the Past [1:56:50]
Recorded: Sat, 2026-Aug-22 UTC
Published: Mon, 2026-Aug-24 00:36 UTC


This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan had something come up last minute, so Sam sticks out on his own once again. He covers movies, Natalie Harp, the ballroom, tariffs, Trump foreign policy, degraded military readiness, and more! Come slurp it all up!	0:00:38 - But First Suddenly Solo Movie Acceleration Movie: Ben Hur (1959) Movie: Toy Story (1995) 0:25:05 - But Second Trump Foreign Policy Natalie Harp Election 2026 AOC and Woke 1:18:11 - But Third Military Readiness Ballroom Construction Tariff Stuff Jeffries/Kushner Meeting

Credits

The Curmudgeon's Corner theme music is generously provided by Ray Lynch.
Our intro is "The Oh of Pleasure" (Amazon MP3 link)
Our outro is "Celestial Soda Pop" (Amazon MP3 link)
Both are from the album "Deep Breakfast" (iTunes link)
Please buy his music!

These podcasts are produced by Abulsme Productions.
They are released under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Abulsme Productions also produces the Wiki of the Day family of podcasts.
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