Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we’re joined by our friend, the hilarious Chris Garcia! In our first letter, a Pen Pal wants to know: how (and where!) do you flirt without the help of alcohol? In our second letter, a Pen Pal is working hard to get his life back on track, but feels the negativity that surrounds him creeping in. How do you reject negativity? We also discuss: Three Doors Down, being a flirty person, writing “ya” vs “you,” embracing joy, and more. We wish you well, sincerely, ...
Feb 16, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, In our first letter, a Pen Pal describes her plan to construct an off-grid homestead with her partner. She wants to know: what would our homesteads be like? In our second letter, a Pen Pal explains the emotional experience of returning their dog to the animal rescue group. They also ask: what are our travel bathroom strategies? We also discuss: banter, getting into Tool, how big an acre is, go-karting to the office, the Buc-ee’s bathroom, and more. We wish you well, s...
Feb 09, 2022•1 hr
Dear Pennies & Pallers, In our first letter, a Pen Pal asks for advice as they come to terms with a lack of passion in their long-term relationship and some lingering feelings for a high school love. In our second letter, a Pen Pal asks which fruit we think best captures our essences. We also discuss: the advantages of a Communications Degree, the definition of utilitarian, upside down pineapples, philosophical questions at the cheese store, and more. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pa...
Feb 02, 2022•54 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, In our first letter, a Pen Pal describes their incredible experience running a trail race through the Appalachian Mountains, and the strange feelings she had upon returning to normal life. In our second letter, a Pen Pal raves about Pixar’s “Soul,” and asks what art has moved us. We also discuss: a great Cameo from a fan, stinkin’ thinkin’, finding moments of zen, and more. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory Scovel See omnystudio.com...
Jan 26, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by the hilarious Sona Movsesian! In our first letter, a male Pen Pal explains how he learned to overcome shitty gender norms and embrace his love of crocheting. He then asks: do we have any interests or preferences that go against traditional gender norms? In our second letter, a Pen Pal shares the (incredible) January edition of the nude calendar he makes for his wife. We also discuss: Sona fighting in her dodgeball league, dick pics, reading ...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, In our first letter, a Pen Pal has a wild experience at a deeply strange acupuncture clinic. In our second letter, a Pen Pal fascinated by death explains why they love Victorian-era items and want to own an actual skeleton. They then ask: do we own any odd or meaningful items? We also discuss: calling a Little League game, a wreath made of hair, pressure points, embracing new experiences, and more. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory ...
Jan 12, 2022•1 hr 6 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week’s new Pen Pal is the always brilliant Brett Goldstein. Our first letter gets right to the point: how often do we sit down when we pee? In our second letter, a Pen Pal shares their thoughtful perspective on the joys of polyamorous living. We also discuss: clapping for yourself, poltergeists, going commando, redefining your relationship, and more. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory Scovel See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...
Jan 05, 2022•58 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, In this week’s letter, a Pen Pal writes about a topic near and dear to our hearts: buffets. We also discuss: the Micro Machines guy, French silk pie, how going for seconds made you a good boy, skipping the rolls, and more. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory Scovel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 29, 2021•30 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, First, a Pen Pal writes about their love for Elvis Presley, and asks how we want to be remembered when we’re gone. In this week’s second letter, a Pen Pal debates whether or not he should surprise his mother with a Christmas visit, given his mother’s schedule as a nurse and his own medical issues. We also discuss: the origins of Boxing Day, hologram Frank Sinatra, rock documentaries, buying Cameos to plug Pen Pals, and more. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals ...
Dec 22, 2021•45 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by our Pen Pal (and certified penny) Chris Sullivan! First, a Pen Pal writes about the spiritual power of sports, and the community that comes with it. In this week’s second letter, an artist Pen Pal asks for our opinion on translation convention, a storytelling device where characters in film speak the language of the audience, instead of the native language of the character. We also discuss: Chris binging Pen Pals, the new studio, the movie “...
Dec 15, 2021•49 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, The great Will Ferrell joins us this week to read your letters! In this week’s first letter, a high school senior asks what he can do to make his final year memorable - and invites us to his graduation party. Will shares some of his favorite high school memories - and explains how his son is carrying on the tradition of senior year hijinks. In our second letter, a Pen Pal is uncomfortable with his wife’s continued use of spanking as a disciplinary method for their chi...
Dec 08, 2021•59 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, Today we are joined by our incredibly talented friend, Skylar Astin! In our first letter, a Pen Pal asks about the fluid definition of “weird.” This week’s second letter discusses the struggle of making friends when you have social anxiety. We also discuss: Skylar’s new film “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas,” finding your passion early, getting weird, dad jokes, and a great Robin Williams story. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory Scov...
Dec 01, 2021•54 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by our new Pen Pal, the great Naomi Ekperigin! In our first letter, our Pen Pal Will asks for our favorite travel hacks. In this week’s second letter, our Pen Pal Chris Sullivan explains how drunken antics at the cabin as a young man ended with him swimming in a fiery lake. Yes, you read that right. We also discuss: the morning radio grind, Dairy Queen Blizzards, packing two days before flights, who gets invited to the cabin, and Naomi’s solo t...
Nov 24, 2021•56 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by the brilliant Kevin Nealon! In our first letter, a Pen Pal living in Japan asks us to name the new boat he is building. In this week’s second letter, a Pen Pal wants to know how to best support his girlfriend as she struggles with medical school and friends who don't reach out. We also discuss: Rory’s childhood Hans & Franz costume, boat guys, Kevin’s excellent caricatures, seeing mountain lions in the wild, and more. We wish you well, s...
Nov 17, 2021•44 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by the hilarious Hannah Berner! Catch her on tour now, and listen to her podcasts Berning In Hell & Giggly Squad. Our first letter asks about inconsiderate people: the jerk drivers, litterers, movie theater talkers, and the sickos who play music on the subway without headphones. In our moving second letter, a Pen Pal explains why he feels insecure about his wife’s deceased high school sweetheart. We also discuss: Instagram Lives with zero v...
Nov 10, 2021•57 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Adam Cayton-Holland! First, a Pen Pal shares her supernatural experience in the woods of Sweden and also performs an amazing rendition of the theme song in Swedish! In our second letter, the husband of an over-worked teacher asks for advice on dealing with a tough job (and casually plugs his vasectomy). We also discuss: Adam’s new comedy album “Hot Takes,” why the High Plains Comedy Festival is so cool, whether we’d walk into a ha...
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, First, we have a hot-off-the-presses (night of!) letter from a Pen Pal who was witness to a deeply unpleasant view when her beloved former boss sat down in short shorts. She wants to know: have we ever caught an unintentional glimpse of someone’s body that made us cringe? In our second letter, a Pen Pal asks for advice in dealing with a complicated and unrequited love for an inconsiderate person. We also discuss: soaking, guys who fight, going commando, how to pronoun...
Oct 27, 2021•46 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by the hilarious Andy Samberg! In our first letter, the best summer camp employee ever asks us about our preferred toilet paper orientation (over or under?). In our second letter, a Pen Pal learns that they are the great-great-grandson of a horse thief. Rory asks: is stealing a horse that bad? We also discuss: Andy getting competitive in recreational soccer, why Wood is a great name for a caddy, the fear of splash back, learning family history ...
Oct 20, 2021•43 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend (and your new Pen Pal), the hilarious Kyle Kinane! In the first letter, our Pen Pal explains that her home is haunted by the ghost of her husband’s father. She wants to know: how can you go #F2F (face-to-face) with a spirit? In this week’s second letter, our Pen Pal has landed the “job of his dreams,” but still feels like something is missing. What happens when you finally reach the goal you’ve been chasing for so long? We also di...
Oct 13, 2021•56 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by our friend Matt Walsh ( Veep star! UCB co-founder! Chicago Bears superfan!). In our first letter, a Pen Pal describes losing a cousin that felt like a “cosmic twin”. We discuss the power in feeling truly connected with another person - be it a relative, friend, or stranger. Our second letter asks the question: what is your perfect day? We also discuss: Matt’s new Veep rewatch podcast: Second in Command, the Chicago Bears, Daniel’s background...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week, we are joined by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds of The Dollop podcast for a very special LIVE Pen Pals - recorded at the High Plains Comedy Festival in Denver, Colorado! In our first letter, a Pen Pal wants to know: if you are competing against a child, should you always let the kid win? In our second letter, a Pen Pal reconnects with an ex-girlfriend, but isn’t sure how to handle things with their current partner. We also discuss: the airline industry, a...
Sep 29, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, In this week’s first letter, a Pen Pal explains their annual Ham Day tradition, a day devoted to eating ham with friends. Our Pen Pal wants to know: what time of year is best for a Ham Day? In our second letter, a Pen Pal receives the impossibly horrible news that his mother only has months left to live — and asks how to fulfill the promise he made with her to lead a joyous life. We also discuss: being sweet dumb, Uncle Mike’s conversational skills, ham flavored ice c...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 4 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week, we are joined by the brilliant and hilarious Annie Weisman (creator of “Physical”). In our first letter, a Pen Pal is shushed for cussing in front of her cousin’s children and wants to know if she was really in the wrong. In our second letter, a 13 year old Pen Pal reaches out and explains his complicated feelings about growing up in the Hasidic Jewish community. We also discuss: our upcoming live show at the High Plains Comedy Festival, Eric Stoltz, how to...
Sep 15, 2021•1 hr 3 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week’s first letter kicks off a conversation about obscure sex terms - you might want to consult Urban Dictionary. Our Pen Pal wants to know: when do you ask what a new sex term means, and when do you just pretend to understand it? In our second letter, a Pen Pal asks how we respond to the all-too-familiar feeling of being let down by our heroes. We also discuss: terrible ASMR, having a #RRGT, thieves, Tiger Woods, and many, many sex terms. Send your snail mail t...
Sep 08, 2021•53 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, In this week’s first letter, a Pen Pal (who may or may not know our names) expresses concern for the wellbeing of our planet - and looks for any tips on how to ward off existential dread. In our second letter, we are asked if a person’s favorite television show can be a red flag. We also discuss: our new PO Box, climate change, the reality show “Alone”, and identifying with Richard Drefyuss in "Stand by Me". Send your snail mail to: C/O The Pen Pals Podcast 5419 Holly...
Sep 01, 2021•42 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, Pete Holmes joins us this week to discuss soccer goalies, deviled eggs, codependency, eating penguins, and more! In this week’s first letter, our Pen Pal learns that her grandfather is back in the dating game, and explains her mixed feelings about the situation. In our second letter, we are asked to name our favorite drinks (and the perfect number of beverages to stop at). We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory Scovel See omnystudio.com/...
Aug 25, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week we are joined by our good friend (and Pen Pal) Ryan Sickler! In our first letter, one Pen Pal makes a convincing case for non-traditional sleeping arrangements. This week's second letter forces us to debate whether or not we could medal in Olympic curling. We also discuss: The HoneyDew podcast, reverse crying, the power of training, and going to concerts alone. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory Scovel See omnystudio.com/li...
Aug 18, 2021•57 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week, we learn how bargain hunting saved a woman from one of the most famous tragedies of all time. In our second letter, we hear from a Pen Pal who went through hell, and attempt to unravel the letter’s tangled web of relationships. We also discuss: the Titanic soundtrack, self growth, the delicious basil from Rochelle, and what we call asterisks. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory Scovel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...
Aug 11, 2021•56 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, This week’s first letter attempts to prove the existence of supernatural squirrels. In our second letter, our Pen Pal/certified cool teacher Ethan shares some of his favorite riddles. Plus we talk: the Cracker Barrel peg game, the joys of being gullible, and trying to be the first podcast in space. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk & Rory Scovel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 04, 2021•49 min
Dear Pennies & Pallers, The amazing Casey Wilson (Black Monday, Happy Endings) joins us for our first full episode as part of the Team Coco network! In this week’s first letter, we hear about a fling that may have moved a little too fast. In our second letter, we hear from a friend of the show struggling with depression amid changing life circumstances. Plus we discuss: meatball subs, green flags, and Casey’s fantastic new book. We wish you well, sincerely, Your Pen Pals Daniel Van Kirk &...
Jul 28, 2021•53 min
