Episode 2 – Unscripted (with Liz)

Toxic Masculinity or Toxic Traits? A No-Nonsense Breakdown

Hosts Stephen and Michael close out June by debating men’s mental health, the phrase "toxic masculinity," and whether harmful behaviors should be labeled by gender or simply called abusive. They discuss examples—refusing therapy, aggression, emotional manipulation—and examine double standards, relationship communication, and accountability. The episode mixes candid personal stories, cultural critique, and practical reflections on how both men and women can recognize and change unhealthy behaviors to build stronger relationships.

June Overload: Awareness Months, Safety Briefs and Berry Wars

Hosts Stephen and Michael cover the chaos of June’s many awareness months, swap funny and strange military safety-brief stories, and discuss PTSD and men’s mental health. They also enjoy lighthearted tales of World Cup visitors discovering Waffle House, Buc-ee’s and ranch on pizza, then shift to a serious conversation about a deadly school track meet incident, questions of self-defense, jury selection, and parental responsibility.

Hole Challenge for Charity: 100 Holes, Bourbon & Bedtime Banter

Part B of the episode dives into a creative fundraiser idea for Rising Tide Athletics: a sunup-to-sundown "Hole Challenge" where donors sponsor hole restrictions or give flat donations, paired with sponsor perks, social media coverage, shirts and raffle ideas while navigating legal and logistical hurdles. The hosts also riff on local businesses, quirky promotional stunts (including a mariachi prank), minor-league hockey, community events and plans for live aftershows now that the show is Facebook verified.

LinkedIn: The New Good Old Boys Club?

On this episode of Backline's Bedtimes and Bourbon, hosts Stephen and Michael chat about parenting young adults, the role of LinkedIn in modern hiring and potential favoritism, insurance costs, college life skills, workplace production capacity, and colorful family stories — including a pepper-spray incident and classic car restorations. They mix humor, real-world observations, and practical advice while sipping bourbon. Part A wraps up after a lively 52-minute conversation, promising more in Part B.

Bedtimes & Bourbon: Hype, Scams and Cheap Cigars

Hosts Stephen and Michael riff on men's mental health month and dive into candid takes on overhyped bourbons (Blanton's, Angel's Envy), shady subscriptions (Disney arbitration), risky loans, golf gear flops, expensive youth sports, cigars, cars, and wild deployment stories. Raw, funny, and practical — personal anecdotes and buying advice combine with outrageous stories and straightforward tips for avoiding hype and bad purchases.