I’m listening to The Old Man’s Podcast, and “Monday Tea with Shonda” is like crashing a quirky family barbecue in a man cave—warm, chaotic, and brimming with indie charm. TOM (the Old Man), Shonda, and Eric have a cozy chemistry that feels like old friends riffing over coffee. TOM’s golf stories, like tossing balls into Bob’s yard, and Shonda’s sharp wit about sleepless nights or her thesaurus obsession (tharsis, really?) spark genuine laughs, while Eric keeps the ship steady. The global listener shout-outs—UK, Canada, Missouri—make you feel part of the gang.
But, TOM, darling, you hog the mic like it’s the last putt on the green. Your tales, though hilarious, ramble longer than a par-5, leaving Shonda and Eric in the bunker. The pacing, forgive its indie soul, stumbles like a cart in the sand, and the trivia segment lands like a shanked drive—fun idea, but it’s lost in the rough. These are small-budget hiccups, so they get a pass, but a tighter swing wouldn’t hurt.
Still, the episode’s heart shines. Shonda’s “Monday Tea” is a delight, her plug for her writing group a savvy indie move. The shout-out to listener Jake’s recovery, Star Wars t-shirt and all, is pure, feel-good gold. It’s raw, human, and lovably imperfect—a scrappy podcast with soul.
Rating: 3½/5