EPISODE 8: TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS AND FAKE FRIENDS

Episode 12: The Vulnerable Episode

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2571052/fan_mail/new] This vulnerable episode of Problematic (Episode 12), the host, Archie, provides a raw and honest update on the challenges he is currently facing in his personal life and with his podcast. Key highlights from the episode: •Podcast Frustrations: Archie expresses deep frustration with his co-host, Sam, regarding her lack of consistency, poor communication, and refusal to record in-person (2:09 - 8:44). He emphasizes how much work he is putting into the setup for their upcoming live show on August 3rd. •Personal Struggles: Archie opens up about his financial stress, including the burden of a mortgage and family dynamics (15:27 - 21:08). He also discusses his declining health, weight gain, and his struggle with aging as he approaches 40 (9:04 - 12:02). •The "Cancelation" Context: Archie reflects on the controversy surrounding his social media posts during the Super Bowl (12:23 - 15:07). He addresses being "canceled" for supporting Kid Rock and Gabby Barrett instead of Bad Bunny, and explains why he plans to attend the Sueños Festival regardless of the potential backlash. •Accountability: He takes a moment to apologize to Claire for disparaging comments he made about her in a previous episode to satisfy Bobby (26:04 - 28:58). He admits he was chasing a dramatic story and regrets his actions. •Gratitude: Despite the "chaotic" year, Archie expresses heartfelt gratitude to his listeners for hitting 250 downloads and for the continued support on his various platforms (29:10 - 30:23). I open up about where I’m at in life right now—mentally, emotionally, and financially. I talk about the pressure of carrying the weight of a mortgage while family dynamics feel one-sided, and what it’s like to show up every day when others don’t have to. I get into being “canceled” and why I’m still pulling up to the same festival in a few weeks, knowing the energy might not be welcoming. Because avoiding it isn’t my style. I also address the tension behind the scenes—having a co-host who isn’t showing up, not putting in the effort, and leaving me to carry something we built together. All I’m asking for is time and consistency… and I’m not getting it. There’s accountability in this episode too. I take a moment to apologize for something I said previously—owning what’s mine, while still standing on what I believe. This is about growth, frustration, honesty, and figuring out where I’m headed next—even when things feel uneven. No filters. Just the truth.

Episode 11: I DATED A REAL LIFE BILLY LOOMIS (GHOSTFACE)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2571052/fan_mail/new] This episode of the Problematic podcast features hosts Sam and Art reuniting after about a month off. They engage in a candid, rambling conversation covering topics ranging from lifestyle updates to personal relationships and the challenges of dating. Key Highlights: •Catching Up: The hosts discuss their recent lives, including Sam’s experience "attending" Coachella from her garage (1:21–1:58) and Art’s humorous attempts at dieting and fasting (3:42–4:00). •Dating and Relationships: Art opens up about reconnecting with a former flame named Richard (4:44–5:30), whom he has known since the MySpace era (5:42–6:50). They discuss the complexities of modern dating, the pressure to conform to societal norms like starting families (15:15–16:00), and the hosts' personal stance on choosing not to have children or get married (17:49–18:05). •Past Heartbreak: Art shares a deeply personal story about a past relationship with someone he calls Anthony, who he met on a Scream 4 message board (21:50–22:05). He details the emotional toll of that relationship, dealing with Anthony's closeted nature, paranoia, and mental health struggles (22:48–24:15). •Moving Forward: The hosts discuss the importance of being okay with being alone and why they prefer not to "start over" with new partners (27:40–28:05). They emphasize the value of self-acceptance and moving on from past trauma (26:10–27:35). Important Resource: At the end of the episode (29:58–30:37), the hosts share a public service announcement regarding mental health, encouraging anyone struggling to reach out for help via the National Suicide Prevention Hotline or Safe to Help Illinois (844-472-3345).

Episode 10: I GOT CAUGHT HOOKING UP IN THE CHILI’S PARKING LOT

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2571052/fan_mail/new] This video features a candid lunch-hour conversation between the hosts, Art and Sam, as they catch up on their lives while struggling with their weight-loss goals. The hosts engage in playful banter about their food choices—specifically Art claiming to eat a salad while Sam orders fast food—and discuss their personal lives, including dating mishaps and workplace dynamics. Key Highlights: •The "Lunch" Struggle: The conversation starts with the hosts ordering food, leading to a humorous debate about what they are actually eating versus what they claim to be eating to stay healthy (0:30-11:00). •Personal Stories and Confessions: Art shares a particularly wild story about a recent sexual encounter in a Chili's parking lot (19:40-21:30), which leads to a broader discussion about their dating lives, their history of being "hoes," and feeling "bloated" from poor choices (22:45-23:45). •Podcast Dynamics: Throughout the recording, they reflect on their podcasting journey, the importance of their viewers, and the challenges of staying consistent with their health goals (25:00-26:50, 28:40-30:40). •Workplace Banter: The hosts discuss how they handle teasing from coworkers regarding their weight, emphasizing that they only tolerate it from people they are actually close with (29:00-30:10). The episode concludes with a lighthearted agreement to focus on their health starting in April, despite their previous failures to stay consistent (30:30-32:50).

EPISODE 9: LIES, FIGHTS AND A DEAD BROTHER? (BONUS EPISODE)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2571052/fan_mail/new] My co-host breaks down the moment everything went left—working with a friend who not only did her bogus but dipped without a word, leaving her to clean up the mess and look crazy in the process. From workplace betrayal to friendship fallout, we’re unpacking every shady detail and asking the real question: how far is too far for attention, sympathy, or an easy exit?

EPISODE 8: TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS AND FAKE FRIENDS

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2571052/fan_mail/new] This episode of the Problematic podcast features the host discussing their negative experiences with relationships and friend groups, emphasizing a desire to avoid drama. Key topics include: •The Adrian Relationship (2019): The host warns against naive decisions in relationships, reflecting on moving in with a partner and quitting a job too soon (2:31-3:01). •Bobby and Chloe Drama: A detailed breakdown of a chaotic relationship involving jealousy, allegations of cheating, and the host getting involved in a dispute over Snapchat messages (3:56-10:28). •Toxic Friend Group Dynamics: The host describes a past friend group centered around a guy named Eddie and the fallout that occurred when Eddie developed feelings for Brooke (16:03-23:55). •The Festival Debacle: A specific incident where the host broke off a friendship with Brooke after a festival weekend, citing her behavior as overly demanding and annoying (26:30-34:14). •Host's Stance on Friendship: The host declares they are no longer looking for new friends and prefers to keep a distance from toxic, dramatic situations, specifically critiquing the behavior of straight friend groups (34:44-36:51).   • learning the hard way not to move in fast or quit work for a partner   • how jealousy turns couples into nonstop fights and control   • why calling evidence “AI” is just denial with a new label   • what blackmail actually means versus being exposed   • social media “love” compared with real-life flirting and cheating   • why I avoid friend groups and the drama that comes with them   • the Eddie, Brooke, PJ, and Erwin fallout and how stories get twisted   • the festival weekend that made me block a friend for good   • setting boundaries when someone keeps pushing for access