Catch up on Last Podcast On The Left videos in minutes

The hosts, Marcus and Eddie, reminisce about their teenage summers, recalling attempts to emulate adult behaviors like smoking weed and drinking by using substitutes like cigarillos filled with tea or actual cigar leaves. This period was marked by a desire to experiment and fit in, often leading to humorous and sometimes unpleasant experiences.

The hosts, Ed and Henry, engage in a lively and often humorous discussion, reacting to audience comments and sharing personal anecdotes. This segment sets a casual and entertaining tone for the episode, highlighting their dynamic as hosts.

Marcus introduces the theme of the episode as a 'dark run,' stemming from a disturbing scroll through Instagram videos that presented horrors beyond belief. He selected these videos as his mandate for the day, setting a bleak tone for the stream.

The hosts introduce 'The Milky Life,' a 1993 Spanish film starring Mickey Rooney, where the central premise is a retiring billionaire who desires to become a baby and be raised by a wet nurse. This unusual concept immediately sets a tone of absurdity for the discussion.

The hosts introduce the 'Staff Picks' segment, where they review submitted videos and allow the audience to vote. They briefly discuss the anime 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' touching on its themes of angels, robots, and a whiny protagonist, with a humorous take on potential character pairings and a punny title suggestion.

Robert Englund posits that classic fairy tales, including Pinocchio, are rooted in dark, Freudian themes and cautionary tales that have been significantly sanitized over time. He argues that returning to these darker sources, like the original Grimm tales or the unsettling aspects of Pinocchio, is a valid artistic endeavor that resonates with audiences seeking more than just saccharine narratives. This approach acknowledges the complex psychological and societal underpinnings often lost in modern adaptations.

Henry defines power not just as physical strength, but as the ability to care for others and vanquish enemies, linking it to personal choices and the pursuit of success. He illustrates this with his gym injury, framing it as a testament to his commitment and a choice he has made over 42 years.

Ed argues that Sally Field's character in Steel Magnolias can be considered the 'final girl' of the film, implying a survival or resilience narrative within the movie's context. This is a humorous take on the film's dramatic elements.

Marcus suggests that AI could serve as a valuable acting partner for individuals looking to hone their skills or create audition reels, especially when human collaborators are scarce. This idea stems from the observation of Mischa Barton using AI for similar purposes.

The 'Staff Picks' segment features employees submitting videos for the hosts to react to, often resulting in content that is described as disturbing, bizarre, or shocking. This week's submissions included a 'cyst milker,' a robot fighting a child, and a German deer call championship, highlighting the staff's unique and often unsettling content curation.

Ed describes a weekly visit from a 'blood man' who collects blood from his wife, leading him to ponder the logistics and implications of such a service. He uses this as a segue into his personal philosophy as a 'true Satanist,' stating he doesn't need control and isn't in charge of his own home, embracing a more chaotic existence.

The hosts discuss the new intro music for 'The Ham Date,' noting its darker, more 'Trent Reznor'-esque tone, which they feel adds a sense of dread and anticipation, contrasting with the previous version's more upbeat feel. This shift in musical tone is seen as a deliberate choice to enhance the show's atmosphere.

The 'Backrooms' phenomenon originated from an anonymous post on 4chan featuring a distinctive, unsettling image of an empty, yellow-wallpapered space. This image was later accompanied by a narrative, also anonymously added, describing a concept of 'no-clipping' out of reality into an infinite, liminal space. This origin story, rooted in internet culture and anonymity, laid the groundwork for its widespread appeal.

Marcus kicks off the show by declaring it a 'Marcus Mandate' and humorously suggests that wearing pants is optional, encouraging viewers to remove them if they feel comfortable and are alone. This sets a tone of casual irreverence for the stream.

Darcy Weir's new documentary, 'The Psychic Phenomenon,' explores the thesis that psychic abilities and the UFO phenomenon are deeply connected, suggesting that aliens and UFOs are part of the psychic realm. He notes that while he hasn't personally practiced remote viewing, his documentaries build a chronological history of such phenomena, acknowledging contradictory evidence.

Holden is filling in for Henry during this 'Staff Picks' episode, and his presence is met with a mix of amusement and mild exasperation from the hosts, who joke about his perceived lack of contribution and unique 'vibe'.

Henry announces a shift in the show's focus from serious UFO investigations to Bigfoot, citing the increasing danger and intensity of UFO research. He believes Bigfoot, while still speculative, offers a less perilous subject matter for their content.

Ed Larson, claiming to be from the future, presents a bleak and absurd vision of 2027, where media is destroyed and societal norms have drastically shifted. He warns of impending doom and bizarre changes, setting a darkly comedic tone for the stream.

The hosts open the stream with jokes about a postponed war, promoting merchandise, and discussing their recent food purchases, setting a lighthearted and cynical tone.

Henry recounts making homemade ham salad to honor the show's upcoming Cincinnati appearance, 'Porkopoolis,' and shares it with the staff, noting Eric's vegetarianism. This culinary offering serves as a quirky, personal touch to the episode's opening.

Henry discusses his commitment to fitness, detailing his gym routine of four times a week and 45-minute sessions, while humorously questioning his results and diet.

Dr. Katherine Ramsland expresses skepticism regarding recent claims of new victims attributed to Dennis Rader, citing Rader's consistent denials and the lack of concrete evidence. She highlights that Sheriff Eddie Burton's investigation has presented interpretations that have alternative explanations, and Rader himself has stated he would not confess to crimes he did not commit, despite his love for fame. The Garber case in Missouri, initially linked to Rader, was later attributed to another suspect, demonstrating that appearances can be deceiving. This skepticism is further supported by Rader's own comments about the Garber case, where he found the description of the victim's binding 'sloppy' and insulting to his methods. The investigation into the Dana Stidum case also yielded no definitive link to Rader. The conclusion is that while some cases share superficial similarities, they do not definitively point to Rader as the perpetrator.

The directors consistently explore themes critical of the wealthy elite in their films, such as 'Ready or Not' and 'Abigail'. They posit that extreme wealth often leads to exploitation and that achieving such success typically involves compromising ethical boundaries. This critique serves as a recurring narrative element in their work, reflecting a societal observation.

The hosts express a strong dislike for St. Patrick's Day, viewing it as a problematic holiday that leads to excessive drinking and is often celebrated inappropriately. They find the commercialization and the general chaos associated with it to be negative.

Marcus introduces a scent from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab that smells distinctly like graveyard dirt, which he finds refreshing and enjoyable, while Ed dislikes it, associating it with the grave. Henry finds it refreshing and plans to use it at home.

The hosts introduce 'Fight Night: Round 2,' a live stream event featuring various combat-related content and commentary. They present their personas for the event, setting a tone of irreverent entertainment.

The hosts introduce the 'Staff Picks' segment, a recurring feature where staff members submit videos. They discuss the timing of the stream and the 'staff mandate' for submitting videos, noting that some members did not submit entries for the current month, attributing it to a shorter month but ultimately deeming it mandatory.

Henry expresses his belief that the Olympics are a waste of money and time, despite finding them entertaining. He acknowledges that his algorithm has collected videos of skilled men, leading to the 'Everyday Olympians' segment. Ultimately, Henry's initial skepticism gives way to amusement as he showcases the user-submitted content.

Ed Larson presents a video exposing potential price gouging at Walmart, where pre-packaged hams are labeled with inaccurate weights, leading customers to pay more than they should. He encourages viewers to weigh their hams at Walmart and demand accountability. This revelation sparks outrage and a call to action against corporate deception.

Ed Larson announces that he will be MCing at the Parliament Funkadelic Fest. He expresses both excitement and terror, anticipating a potentially chaotic audience and an early morning set time. Despite his fears, Ed plans to bring Holden with him, joking that Holden will serve as a 'pain boy' to distract the audience. The announcement concludes with Ed's preview of his set, promising a wild experience.