• From Nigeria to Everywhere: Peter Banigo’s Global Glow-Up
    Nov 21 2024

    This week on Been Trying to Meet You, we’re going international with our first guest from across the globe! Peter Banigo joins us from Nigeria to drop wisdom on everything from starting businesses and podcasts to growing veggies like a boss. Peter schools Robb, Toby, and Jim on harnessing solar power (literally), surviving as an introvert, and navigating life in the UK and Istanbul—because why stop at one continent?


    Oh, and we couldn’t skip roasting the U.S. weather because apparently, it’s trash everywhere. This episode is all about leveling up, one laugh at a time. Don’t miss it—Peter’s brilliance might just inspire you to plant a garden and power it with the sun (or at least complain more efficiently about the rain).


    Be sure to check out Peter's podcast at techyourbusinesspodcast.com.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Corporate Dropout & Magic Parking Spots: Jon Karr Gets Real (Mostly)
    Nov 14 2024

    On this week’s “Been Trying to Meet You,” we welcome Jon Karr, Philly’s photographer, filmmaker, and former corporate ladder-climber who threw his suit out the window (figuratively) to go full freelance. Jim and Robb get the inside scoop on Jon’s wild ride from boardrooms to balancing life with three kids, a wife, and a job that has him playing Scrabble on the regular to keep his sanity. Things get real about those “fun” pandemic times, growing up in Tennessee (hot chicken that’s too hot to handle), and Jon’s very suspiciously accurate math skills (who is he fooling?). There’s also a mystical parking spot, a disappearing guy named Steve, and a promise that no schoolwork was harmed in the making of this episode. Prepare to laugh, and maybe even shed a tear (or was that just from the fake hot chicken?).

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Mugs, Memories & Meaning: A Chat with Sam Mirkovich
    Nov 7 2024

    This week on “Been Trying to Meet You,” we’re thrilled to host Sam Mirkovich, a Walla Walla-based artist and educator with a unique twist on connection. Sam spends his days crafting pottery, specifically mugs, during intimate, heart-to-heart “conversations” with friends and family. Each mug reflects the vibe of their talk and is shipped to its recipient as a lasting memento. In this episode, we get real about life’s quirky side—covering irrational fears, books we’ve totally never read, regrets, the teachers who shaped us, and foods that instantly bring us home. Sam’s vibe is inspiring, and he’s offering a limited chance for a few lucky listeners to snag a session! Just comment with the secret word to get in on this special offer.


    Also, we’re on the lookout for guests who are as down-to-earth and cool as Sam. Head to beentryingtosignup.com and let’s make it happen!

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Mic Check? Toby’s Out, Brett’s In, and Deon Blackwell Brings the Heat
    Oct 31 2024

    This week, we welcome Deon Blackwell—Tampa artist, musician, and all-around awesome guest—to talk all things Halloween, fatherhood, and the wonders of Sweede Fest! From Black Friday Tic Tacs to dollar bills stapled on the wall, we go deep into some of life’s finest absurdities. And when it’s time to dive into being “girl dads,” Deon brings both humor and heart.


    With Toby mysteriously absent due to “technical difficulties” (aka, his mic gave up before he even started), Brett steps up to save the day, delivering a chef’s kiss edition of Skyline chili 3-way that steals the spotlight. Meanwhile, Jim and Robb are starting to question whether Toby takes this podcast seriously—or maybe he just needs a new mic?


    Get in on the laughs, the heart, and the heated Skyline chili debate. And remember, if you think you can bring more commitment than Toby, sign up to be a guest at beentryingtosignup.com.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Crystals, Toes, and Shrek: Olivia Reiman Makes Jim Squirm
    Oct 24 2024

    This Week on the “Been Trying to Meet You” Podcast: Olivia Reiman Joins the Chaos!


    In what might be our most hilarious (and awkward) episode yet, Olivia Reiman—photographer, podcaster, crystal connoisseur, and, oh yeah, Jim’s wife—stops by to make everyone squirm, especially her husband. The chemistry is palpable, the tension is real, and Jim might not survive this one. Tune in as Olivia takes the reins, dishing out some spicy takes that push Jim’s comfort zone to its absolute limit. It’s like watching a live therapy session, but way more entertaining.


    Things get really interesting when we dive deep into:


    Little Middle Toes: Ever thought your middle toe was insignificant? Think again! Olivia has a surprisingly deep take on this overlooked digit.

    Dark Romance: Olivia and Jim may have married, but how dark is too dark when it comes to love? Spoiler alert: we might need a trigger warning.

    Toby’s Unstoppable Shrek Fantasy Smut Obsession: Shrek is love, Shrek is life… and apparently, Toby still isn’t over it. Things take a weird turn, and we’re not sure we’re okay.

    St. Louis Pizza Sucks: St. Louis, we’re sorry, but your pizza’s trash, and we’re here to let you know. It’s like trying to enjoy the third season of Frasier—flawed, and frustrating, with too much cheese in the wrong places. And don’t even get us started on that Provel “cheese.”


    In between trying to make Jim cringe, we also take some well-deserved jabs at less fun podcasts—looking at you, Joe Rogan, your glow-up happened at the cost of our brain cells. We might even go as far as to suggest that listening to the Frasier reboot is better than sitting through a Trump rally. Hot takes? Yeah, we got ’em.


    Whether you’re into photography, crystals, or just watching Jim sweat, this episode is a masterpiece of comedy, awkwardness, and far-too-honest revelations. You don’t want to miss this wild ride.

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Blast from the Fryer: Russ Takes Over!
    Oct 17 2024

    This week on the “Been Trying to Meet You” podcast, Jim and Toby are off on a space mission straight out of the plot of Armageddon, so Russ stepped in to keep things rolling! Russ and Robb teamed up for an epic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about all things old school. They even announced their brand-new memoir podcast, The Moron Bros. Reflecting Hour, where they’ll dig into even more nostalgia.


    And food? Oh yeah, there was plenty of food talk! From classic Bennigan’s to all things fried, this episode will leave your mouth watering and your heart full of 90s vibes. Jim and Toby will be back next week, but until then, dive into this awesome episode and sign up to be a guest on the show at beentryingtosignup.com. Don’t miss out!

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Gen Z, K-Pop, and Dad Crashes: The Wesley Kettle Experience
    Oct 10 2024


    This week on Been Trying to Meet You, the dynamic trio—Robb, Toby, and Jim—sit down with Wesley Kettle, our youngest guest yet (18 years old, yikes!) and officially our first second-gen feature (shout-out to his dad, Brandon Kettle, who did it first, but apparently not right). We dive headfirst into all the hot topics: what the kids are calling things these days, the absolute failure of high school to prepare anyone for life, the mystery of motor boating (it’s probably not what you think), generational warfare, and… K-pop (because of course).


    Just when things start getting good, who crashes the party? None other than Wesley’s dad, determined to ruin the fun. Spoiler alert: he’s even more out of touch than we thought. And as usual, Russ pops in, like that one friend who shows up uninvited but you let stay because he’s kind of funny.


    While other podcasts are still googling things like “how to appeal to Gen Z?”, we’re out here living it, learning the lingo firsthand. Take notes, posers.


    Tune in, if you’re not afraid of feeling old.

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Retro Vibes & Robotic Lives: Joel Baggett’s Closet Collector Chronicles
    Oct 3 2024

    This week on “Been Trying to Meet You,” we’re vibing with none other than Joel Baggett, the ultimate collector. Joel’s stash isn’t just next-level—it’s the stuff of legends, from wrestling figures spanning the eras, to Punky Brewster throwbacks, and even new old stock Nintendo Entertainment Systems (yes, that’s right—NES in mint condition!). We dive deep into the quirks of his life, like the day-to-day of working with robots, and the nostalgia of snacks we can’t get our hands on anymore.


    This is one of those chill, feel-good episodes, perfect for a cruise through the week. Whether you’re all about the retro or just need a laid-back listen, you’re in for some serious good vibes. Tune in, grab your favorite snack (R.I.P. to the ones that didn’t make it), and ride the wave with us—this episode is pure fire! Don’t miss out!

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    1 hr and 27 mins