In this special archive episode (originally recorded on July 29, 2025), we take a break from our scheduled programming to celebrate summer and the music that defines it. We dive into the personal meaning of the season, Jason’s self-proclaimed identity as a hedonist, and the concept of "the clock with no hands."
We reflect on the unusual "depressed summer" vibe of 2025 and the lack of a single, definitive communal “song of the summer.” Against the backdrop of a freezing San Francisco marine layer and deeply personal challenges — including Ro's husband, Ed, undergoing chemotherapy — we discuss the vital importance of cultivating joy through music, laughter, and kitchen dance sessions. We wrap up by sharing our ultimate, unconventional choices for the 2025 Song of the Summer.
A few highlights:
- The Joy of Summer: Jason shares why summer aligns with his hedonistic nature, recounting a childhood story from Missoula, Montana, where his mom first lovingly labeled him a hedonist for skipping a history lecture to ride his mountain bike on an 80°F day.
- The "Clock with No Hands": A discussion on slowing down and intentionality, inspired by a Patti Smith reference and a relaxing afternoon trip to a Lake Tahoe resort.
- The Missing 2025 Song of the Summer: Ro highlights cultural reporting from NPR and The Atlantic exploring how streaming and collective anxiety have shifted music consumption from high-energy bops to soothing, melancholic tracks.
- Dancing as Connection: Ro discusses her first-grade "go-go dancer" persona, and why dancing through life's transitions is her superpower.
- Defying the "Shitstorm": Celebrating life and finding everyday delight, even during immense hardships, specifically referencing Ed’s cancer battle.
Complete List of Songs (in the order mentioned):
- The Cars - Magic
- Charli XCX - 360 (From the album Brat, referenced via "Brat Summer")
- Chappell Roan - HOT TO GO!
- Charli XCX - Party 4 U
- Justin Bieber - Daisies (From the 2025 album Swag)
- Haim - I Quit
- Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)
- One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
- Rihanna - Love on the Brain
- Ben Folds - But Wait, There's More
- Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus - II Most Wanted
- Taylor Swift - Dear John
- The Power Station - Some Like It Hot
- Paul McCartney & Wings - Silly Love Songs
- Lady Gaga - Summer Boy
- Lady Gaga - Poker Face
- Lady Gaga - LoveGame (Referenced via "Disco Stick")
- Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing in the Street (Also referenced via the Van Halen cover version)
- Bryan Adams - Summer of '69
- Paul Davis - '65 Love Affair
- Karol G - Papacito
- Cake - Short Skirt / Long Jacket
- Sticky Situation - Summer in San Francisco (audio clip included in episode!)
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