Episode 600: Red River Gumbo, Tom Keifer's Ooh, and Rush's New Drummer Breaks Our Brains

Todd updates us on the continuing saga of his backyard shed build—gravel stamping, Red River gumbo soil challenges, Costco door orientation problems, and his decision to buy plans from a Regina DIY guy on Etsy (rather than giving money to Costco). We also check in on Fitbit progress and celebrate Abby's first soccer goal in a perfectly called play that had Sean scrambling for his phone too late.

The conversation meanders through TSN's pricing versus Netflix, the joy and frustration of streaming subscriptions, and memories of going to the movies including a fascinating discussion about intermission culture in Portugal and how Europe does a few things better than North America. That leads into a rant about proprietary charging cables, Apple's lightning connector, and why USB-C finally makes everyone's life easier.

Todd accidentally name-drops two song titles while discussing his sod work—becoming the accidental Segway King—triggering a classic Pass or Go session. First up is Cinderella's "Falling Apart at the Seams" from Long Cold Winter, with Sean and Todd debating Tom Keifer's clean voice versus his signature rasp. Then comes Ratt's Lay It Down connected to "laying sod".

The back half of the episode dives deep into Rush's reunion tour featuring new drummer Anika, who Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee discovered playing with Jeff Beck. Sean and Todd watch her perform online in real time and are visibly blown away—comparing her fluid time signature changes to Eddie Van Halen falling down a flight of stairs and landing on his feet. Ticket prices for the Toronto show (sold out, resale at $456+) prompt a conversation about concert costs, Taylor Swift's Red Tour, and whether Rush coming to Winnipeg would be worth $300 a ticket.

The episode wraps with Sean mentioning a future episode dedicated to the band Bliss and their album, a tribute to his late friend and colleague Ray, who introduced him to the band and evolved from a pretty good guitarist to a really great one. Sean also invites the In Obscuria guys to come on the show after they attend the Rush Toronto concert.

Special thanks to Patreon supporters Ronald George Moore, Sam Thompson, Ruby, Tony Griggs, Corey Morissette, Kevin Brown, and Danny Pabst.

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