Manic Joy - podcast cover

Manic Joy

Dave and Reese Charestwww.manicjoy.com
A podcast about life, love, and uncertainty by Dave and Reese Charest.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Ep. 128: Charest Is History

In this episode of Manic Joy , Reese unwraps one of the most thoughtful gifts Dave has ever given her—a subscription to History By Mail . That kicks off a delightfully nostalgic conversation about Reese’s love of history, Jackie Robinson and Chock Full o’Nuts, Annie Oakley’s offer to lead 50 sharpshooters, and Johnny Cash’s presidential penmanship. Plus, a heartfelt detour into parenting, AI, and analog joy. There’s also sock drawer drama, meatball hats, and a cocktail that tastes like dessert—b...

Jun 19, 202554 minEp. 128

Ep. 127: Florida, man.

In this episode, Dave and Reese dive into a Florida-themed “Would You Rather?” game featuring everything from suspicious gators named Carl to crab shacks without AC. You'll hear about Reese's girls' trip to Florida including lizard sightings, lost flip-flops, and the power of a perfectly curated poolside routine. Plus, we debate the real MVP of Florida cuisine (Publix subs? Really?) and reflect on the proper use of ChatGPT in school and life. This one’s got laughs, a little ranting, and a whole ...

May 18, 202555 minEp. 127

Ep. 126: Fries, Lies & Fast Food Ties

Ever get in a fight over curly fries? Have a passionate opinion about the perfect fast food burger? You’re in good company. In this episode, Dave and Reese take a no-holds-barred journey through their fast food favorites, their childhood comfort foods, and the questionable culinary choices that shaped them. Who wins in the battle of the fries? Which burger gets a hard “nope”? And why is the Wendy’s Frosty basically therapy? Grab a snack (we know you want to), tune in, and join the debate—just do...

Apr 27, 202557 minEp. 126

Ep. 125: Baby, You Can Drive My Car!

In this milestone episode, Dave and Reese celebrate their daughters getting their first cars and take a joyride down memory lane. From champagne-colored LeBarons to minivans with TVs, they share the highs, lows, and laugh-out-loud moments of car ownership—including a few dealer horror stories and the joy of finding a good one. Plus, a featured cocktail named after a classic ride: the El Camino.

Apr 20, 202557 minEp. 125

Ep. 124: Hope Grows in a Dump: Our Garbage Pail Kids Deep Dive

What started as a chocolate martini and a trip to the auto shop turns into a full-on nostalgia spiral. Reese unearths her original Garbage Pail Kids collection—gum long gone, value still intact—and Dave dives into the bizarre history of the cards that shocked 1980s parents everywhere. Plus: thrift store treasures, Cadbury egg hunting, and a very special TED Talk shoutout.

Apr 13, 202551 minEp. 124

Ep. 123: Every Body Hurts

Reese turns a year older and declares: Every. Body. Hurts. From elbows to egos, nothing is safe in this birthday episode. She and Dave sip coffee, dissect Vesper martinis, recount sticker club lore, and dive deep into the magic (and cringe) of David Blaine and the Natalia Grace drama. It’s cozy, chaotic, and full of heart—as always.

Mar 30, 202538 minEp. 123

Ep. 122: A Show About the Show

In this meta-episode of Manic Joy , Dave and Reese take a break from their usual theme to turn the lens on the podcast itself. Over a delicious El Diablo cocktail, they dive into how AI (aka “Cathy”) helped them reflect on the show’s structure, tone, and future possibilities—from adding recurring segments like Reese’s Fun Fact or Dave’s Deep Thought , to tightening intros and bringing in surprise guest experts. Along the way, you’ll hear heartfelt insights, spontaneous sidebars (tiny straws, dir...

Mar 23, 202545 minEp. 122

Ep. 121: Stoopid Kids

Dave and Reese kick off a hilarious episode of Manic Joy by diving into the quirks and pains of modern life before heading into their most absurd childhood beliefs. Dave shares his traumatic prank call experience and magic vanishing quarter, while Reese recounts playing work as a kid and attempting to grow cotton from cotton balls in her grandmother’s garden. Don't miss out on the fun and surprises!

Mar 16, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 121

Ep. 120: Delving

Dave and Reese kick things off discussing their week, including a windy disaster that took down a tree in their yard. They sip on Bailey's chocolate martinis, debate the horrors of natural disasters, and their newfound obsession with Sunbasket meal kits (use the link for $90 off). Oh, and then they delve into some random questions. Buckle up for an episode full of laughs, rants, and unexpected tears....

Mar 09, 202542 minEp. 120

Ep. 119: Chatty Cathy and her questions, amiright?

Brace yourself as Dave and Reese dive into another episode where they discuss recovering from hangovers, Reese’s infamous choke incidents, and Dave's unrelenting grudge against a Brooklyn theater. Oh, and if you’ve ever wanted to know how Reese ranks a Mai Tai, this is the episode for you!

Mar 02, 202557 minEp. 117

Ep. 118: Joy or Annoy?

Dave and Reese kick off this episode with some hilarious banter about their weeks, filled with unexpected Friday vibes and food shopping frustrations. They dive into delightful anecdotes about neighborhood construction chaos, complete with friendly workers and unexpected parking woes. And don't miss the debut of the 'Joy or Annoy' game, where they hilariously debate life's little quirks from pumpkin spice overload to awkward camel toes!

Feb 22, 202543 minEp. 118

Ep. 117: Happy Valentine's Day!

Dave and Reese kick off this lively episode with musings about dreams, bedtime routines, and their love-hate relationship with Valentine's Day. They also delve into why public declarations of love are a no-no, share a wild tale of an airport disaster involving Air Canada, and reflect on the worst gifts they've ever exchanged. Tune in for a mix of hilarity, relatable rants, and heartwarming moments!

Feb 17, 202556 minEp. 117

Ep. 116: 20 Questions - Birthday Edition

Dave and Reese celebrate Dave's 51st birthday! ChatGPT chose the drink: Honeycrisp Bourbon Smash and Reese brings the theme. After some math, there's 20 questions. From the weirdest thing Reese has Googled to her dream of mastering tap dancing. And what Dave thinks the dinosaurs really sounded like to his heartwarming story about Scrabble with nana. Tune in for a mix of laughs, love, nostalgia, and some pretty bizarre questions!

Feb 07, 202557 minEp. 116

Ep. 115: Ransom Notes

Dave and Reese are back diving into life's absurdities. This episode kicks off with Oscar contender movie reviews. Have they found their new favorite party game? They also explore hypothetical hitman contracts with unique torture techniques, whether or not they'd take a brain pill, and the ultimate desert island dilemma. Tune in for all the fun and madness!

Feb 02, 202550 minEp. 115

Ep. 114: Showtime

Dave and Reese dive into life, love, and AI shenanigans. They chat about their playful confusion with AI, how it's transforming their work, and why Dave's going all in on the tech this year. Then, buckle up for their hilarious take on modern communication and nostalgia for pre-smartphone eras. Highlights also include Dave's epic company kickoff performance and Reese's charming stage reading escapades. Get ready for laughs, insights, and a touch of old-school flair!...

Jan 28, 202551 minEp. 114

Ep. 113: 11 O'Clock TikTok

Dave and Reese dive into life on January 19th, 2025, with a cocktail in hand, discussing everything from upcoming snowstorms to the abrupt TikTok ban. They also gab about the delicious 'airmail' rum drinks they're sampling and their quirky cat Peppah's antics. Plus, Reese shares her involvement in compelling theater projects while navigating the ups and downs of aging. It's a roller-coaster ride of laughs, insights, and a touch of drama!

Jan 20, 202558 minEp. 86

Ep. 112: Old Pal

Join Dave and Reese for a lively discussion on Christopher Nolan's epic sci-fi film, Interstellar, our mouthwatering review of a new BBQ spot, and a behind-the-scenes look at Dave's company skit preparations.

Jan 12, 202542 minEp. 112

Ep. 111: Happy New Year! 2025

Join Dave and Reese as they kick off the new year! They tackle everything from crafting the perfect cocktail to sharing outrageous party memories and the unpredictable nature of life, love, and uncertainty.

Jan 04, 202554 minEp. 111

Ep. 110: Wonderful Christmastime

Dave and Reese are vibing with holiday cheer! Thanks to Pepere's Punch members of the family join our dynamic duo to explore heartfelt family nostalgia intertwined with unexpected laughter. You won't want to miss this episode jam-packed with hilarious anecdotes, touching memories, and some unexpected tears!

Dec 28, 20241 hr 28 minEp. 110

Ep. 109: Twas the Night...

Dave and Reese kick off this episode with some hilarious misadventures featuring a messed-up Christmas poem and a spontaneous cocktail experiment gone awry. You'll find out about the surprising physical toll of VR skeeball. and and some heartwarming family moments leading up to Christmas.

Dec 22, 202447 minEp. 109

Ep. 107: Mystery Delivery

Dave and Reese share an epic tale of concert adventures, mystery packages that defy explanation, and a late-night drone encounter that had everyone on their toes! 🎸📦🤖

Dec 10, 202447 minEp. 107

Ep. 106: Stuffed

Dave and Reese dive into a post-Thanksgiving frenzy filled with leftover desserts and Turducken. Join the fun as they laugh about Black Friday shopping, competitive Friendsgiving games, and AI voice hilarity.

Dec 01, 202458 minEp. 106

Ep. 105: Midlife Hangry

Dave and Reese are back and Reese is hangry in her eternal struggle to find the perfect meal. Plus, would Reese leave Earth with Prince and Oprah in a space apocalypse? Would Dave hire a painter that watches porn on the job? BTW, neither would kick a clydesdale.

Nov 23, 202438 minEp. 105

Ep. 104: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

Dave and Reese load up the laughs as they dive into a quirky cocktail chat. They keep the fun rolling as they dive deep into all things Batman and DC universe, debating the highs and meh's of superhero movies. But the main event? The Tyson-Jake Paul fight, where anticipation meets epic letdown—genius or a total flop? Their candid reflections and cheeky banter are sure to keep you entertained.

Nov 17, 202452 minEp. 104

Ep. 103: Bugaboo Greek

Dave and Reese embark on an a surprise date night. A movie and dinner! Don't miss their detailed dissection of the movie 'Heretic.' A delectable Greek dinner. And of course, Reese's adorable obsession with mugs. Tune in for the shenanigans!

Nov 09, 202432 minEp. 103

Ep. 102: Halloween, Honeycrisp, Haircut.

Dave and Reese kick off this episode with a wild chat about blowing cinnamon for luck and a new martini makes it into the rotation, honeycrisp apple! Then, they dive into Halloween thrills, including a scare from an animatronic and a hilarious tale of an unexpected dead mouse. Finally, don't miss Dave's epic Houston trip, featuring a dramatic haircut adventure and some seriously good barbecue. Buckle up for laughs, mishaps, and an overall good time!

Nov 02, 202447 minEp. 102

Ep. 101 - Back at the Bar, Baby!

Dave and Reese are back in action at the bar! They’re talking about everything from their chaotic home renovations to upcoming Halloween antics. Get ready for nostalgic rants about 90s gadgets, getting scammed in online Scrabble, and even a hilarious game of Pictionary. Tune in for laughs, memories, and some spooky season fun!

Oct 26, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 101

Ep. 100: Blame It on the Rain!

Dave and Reese dive into a soggy adventure to their daughters' cross-country race, battling torrential rain and bathroom woes. Then more hyperthecticals: Office Politics Kick in the Ribs Shock the People, Nicely Tune in for a rollercoaster of humor and relatable life mishaps!

Sep 22, 202452 minEp. 100

Ep. 99: Praying!

Dave and Reese recount a surprisingly delightful weekend—Tarantino-style! Kinda. But first, they recap shenanigans while Dave was traveling. Get ready for a chaotic hotel check-in, LinkedIn misunderstandings, and badass Praying Mantises. All leading to a perfect farm-to-table dinner. Enjoy another mouth-watering episode!

Sep 08, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 99
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android