Podcast

COL795: LTAF: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 3

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In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food.It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for the cubs? In this third and final installment, the guys hit two more Midwestern states to check out their choices: Indiana and Iowa! With two fairs of festive feasts awaiting them, let’s see what the guys will stick their forks into.

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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 3 

It’s that time of year – STATE FAIRS are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for us? For our third go round we’re visiting more of the midwest with both Iowa and Indiana! The Indiana State Fair: Aug 1st-15th ’25  and The Iowa State Fair: Aug 7th-17th. It’s a master selection of tantalizing items this time.

First up, let’s stop by Indiana.

    • Butterfinger Funnel Cake by North American Midway Entertainment – Treat yourself to a Butterfinger Funnel Cake! Crispy, golden funnel cake topped with smooth vanilla cream and crunchy Butterfinger pieces. A perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy in every bite! 
    • Cookie Butter Cold Brew by Hook’s Drugstore Museum – It’s a vanilla cold brew with vanilla ice cream. Topped with whipped cream, cookie butter drizzle, cookie crumbles, and a cherry. 
    • Deep Fried Pork Chop Sandwich by Twisted Drinks and Food – Deep fried BBQ pork chop sandwich is as exactly as it sounds. We season our boneless pork chops with a dry BBQ rub , then deep fry them and serve them on a fresh bakery bun and top it with our yummy bbq sauce.
    • Dirty Dancing Egg Rolls by J & J A Taste of Home Catering & Food Truck – (2) 4″ chicken philly egg rolls dipped in our homemade hot honey lemon pepper buffalo sauce drizzled with ranch dressing.
    • Pickle Fried Oreos by Pickle Barrel – Nothing says fair like fried pickles! Try our twist on this fair favorite! A golden Oreo with a pickle slice placed on top dipped in our original, made from scratch batter topped with dill pickle seasoning and a side of ranch to dip in!
    • Cinnamon Toast Cookie Butter Pretzel Bites by Wilson Concessions – Pretzel bites covered in cinnamon and sugar then smothered with cookie butter, cream cheese icing and topped off with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. 2025 TASTE OF THE FAIR WINNER

Next, we’re swinging by Iowa.

  • Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll by Winn & Sara’s Kitchen – Experience the savory delight of Winn and Sara’s handmade Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll, made fresh just for the Iowa State Fair. Each eggroll is lovingly wrapped by hand, filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon and rich white cheddar cheese. A perfectly golden, crunchy exterior drizzled with Winn and Sara’s famous homemade ranch dressing. Every bite is a delightful combination of cheesy, savory goodness wrapped in a crispy, flaky shell. ($15)
  • The Scotcheroo Shake by Over The Top – Meet your new Fair favorite – a rich, creamy shake made with our handmade scotcheroo ice cream – peanut butter and butterscotch ice cream swirled with gooey scotcheroo fudge and packed with chewy chunks of the classic Midwest treat. It’s crowned with fluffy whipped cream, generous drizzles of chocolate and caramel and a full slice of scotcheroo on top. A nostalgic dessert reimagined as the ultimate Fair shake. ($12)
  • Three Little Pigs by Whatcha Smokin? BBQ – Oak-kissed smoked ham balls served as a trio flight of nostalgic flavors. First is a savory and sweet honey and mustard-glazed ham ball topped with cornbread crumbles, reminiscent of a tried and true corn dog. Next is a tangy cherry soda glaze with Maraschino cherries to give it the old-timey feel. The third ham ball has a buttery vanilla glaze dusted with powdered sugar, bringing a sweet contrast that plays on the classic Fair treat. ($13)
  • The Butter Cow Tornado by Dairy Zone – The Butter Cow Tornado is a swirling twist of gooey butter cake drenched in butterscotch, crowned with a white-chocolate Butter Cow candy. Every bite is a mini homage to the Iowa State Fair’s beloved butter sculpture. ($10)
  • Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese by What’s Your Cheez – It starts with a freshly made maple bread, then topped with a maple bourbon cream cheese. Add a gourmet maple bourbon cheddar cheese and wait. A bourbon maple candied bacon is added between all the goodness, and then it’s grilled to a golden brown and served with a maple bourbon raspberry dipping sauce. ($12)

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COL794: LTAF: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 2

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In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for the cubs? In Part 2, the guys head to Jeff’s home state of Minnesota to dish on some delectable delights. From cheese curds to timber twists, get a taste of the new cravings coming soon to a fair near you.

Show Topic

Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 2 

It’s that time of year – STATE FAIRS are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for us? This go round we’re returning to one of our faves, Minnesota! The Minnesota State Fair: Aug 21-Sept 1 ’25 And we’re taking a look at ten tempting tasty treats. 

  • Caprese Curds – Mozzarella cheese curds breaded with Italian seasoning and deep fried. Served over a bruschetta-flavored blend of tomatoes and basil, and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Served with a side of crostini for scooping. (Vegetarian)
  • Chicken-Fried Bacon Fries – Beef bacon strips double-breaded in tempura flour and fried. Garnished with fresh parsley and served in a cup. Choice of two dipping sauces: Cashville Hot, a brown sugar Nashville-style hot sauce; or 24k Gold BBQ, a passion fruit Charleston gold barbecue sauce.
  • Flauta Dippers – Seasoned shredded chicken stuffed in rolled corn tortillas and fried. Served in a cup filled with mild tomatillo salsa, sour cream and crumbled cotija cheese.
  • Grandma Doreen’s Dessert Dog – Vanilla ice cream, created by Minnesota Dairy Lab, sandwiched between two pieces of Grandma Doreen’s Coffee Cake – a family recipe from Elgin, Minn. – made by Wrecktangle Pizza. Skewered on-a-stick and drizzled with house-made strawberry rhubarb jam. Garnished with cinnamon toast-flavored crispy treats, whipped cream and sprinkles. (Vegetarian)
  • Hot Honey Pizza Ballzz – Three pizza dough balls stuffed with cheese curds, pepperoni, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with more pepperoni, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Finished with a drizzle of hot honey sauce.
  • Land of 10,000 Cakes – A Bridgeman’s Marble Sundae of Butter Brittle Ice Cream layered in a cup with a trio of mini Nadia Cupcakes – Creme Brulee, Loaded Pistachio and Chocolate Bliss. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry. (Vegetarian)
  • Pimento Cheese Puffs – Pimento cheese [a blend of cheddar cheese, mayo and pimento peppers] wrapped in puff pastry and deep fried. Served with a side of pepper jelly. (Vegetarian)
  • Pot of Gold Potato Dumplings – Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes folded into flaky dumplings, by Twin Cities-based Saturday Dumpling Co., and deep fried. Served with a side of Top the Tater® “The Original” Chive Onion dip. (Vegetarian without dip)
  • Timber Twists – A savory mixture of Italian sausage, mozzarella, cream cheese and barbecue rub piped into three large manicotti shells, then wrapped in bacon. Cooked in a wood-fired smoker for an infusion of smokey flavor. Served with a side of Giggles’ signature barbecue sauce.
  • Uncrustaburger – A 4 oz. hamburger patty with cheese, pickles and special sauce, sandwiched between two deep-fried peanut butter & grape jelly Uncrustables®.

HONORABLE MENTION: Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia – Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia puts a twist on a traditional favorite sweet lumpia flavor called Turon. This Filipino-American dessert mashes up deep cultural roots and modern flavor made with caramelized bananas, syrup-soaked French toast, and rich purple ube butter, then deep-fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar. Delicious for any meal of the day at the State Fair!

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COL793: LTAF: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 1

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In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for the cubs? This go round, the guys return to one of their fave states: Wisconsin! Listen in as the cubs take a look at a dirty dozen of delectable delights.

Show Topic

Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 1 

It’s that time of year – STATE FAIRS are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for us? This go round we’re returning to one of our faves, Wisconsin! Wisconsin State Fair: July 31-Aug 10 ’25 And we’re taking a look at a dirty dozen of delectable delights. 

  • Alligator Cajun Mac & Cheese Sundae – Alligator Cajun Mac & Cheese Sundae is your new favorite comfort food, featuring smoky alligator meat layered with creamy Cajun mac and cheese. Served in a waffle bowl and topped with shredded cheese, bacon bits, Cajun sour cream, and a cherry tomato, this dish brings big flavor and State Fair wow factor in every bite!
  • Banana Cream Pie Slush – The Banana Cream Pie Slush is a nostalgic, fair-ready treat that turns your favorite dessert into a refreshing frozen drink. Velvety banana slush layered with whipped cream and topped with crunchy vanilla cookie crumbles for a perfect pie-in-a-cup vibe. Sweet but balanced, it’s a cool, creamy crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss.
  • Brat Rangoon – Brat Rangoon are a crave-worthy fusion of Wisconsin comfort and Asian street food. This unique German-Asian dish features crisp wonton wrappers filled with bratwurst, cream cheese, green onion, and melted cheese, deep-fried, and drizzle with house-made sweet and sour sauce. Topped with Nori Komi Furikake seasoning, these savory bites pack flavors together in every crispy crunch.
  • Chicken ‘n Waffle Jerky – Chicken N’ Waffle Jerky is a sweet and savory snack that blends comfort food flavor with jerky convenience. Sliced chicken breast is perfectly seasoned then dried with real maple syrup creating a tasty fair snack that hits all the right notes. It’s high protein, low carb, and bursting with flavor in every strip.
  • Dill Dawg Dorito Bombs – A juicy hot dog stuffed inside a zesty dill pickle, dipped in golden cornbread batter, and fried to crispy perfection!
  • Hot Diggety Dog – Hot Diggety Dog reimagines the American classic by slicing an all-beef frank into strips, battering, and deep–frying it to crispy perfection. It’s then topped with beer cheese, smoky bacon, tangy Big Sky sauce, and a sprinkle of scallions for a savory flavor explosion.
  • Irish Onion Rolls – Irish Onion Rolls reinvent the classic onion roll with a rich Irish Stout caramelized onions and a blend of three cheeses plus crispy bacon. Wrapped in a crispy wonton shell and deep-fried to perfection, they come with a side of hearty Irish stout gravy for dipping. This savory snack is a perfect fusion of tradition and bold flavor.
  • Lumberjack Tots – Tater Tots topped with maple syrup, bacon, and powdered sugar!
  • Meatloaf and Mash Bomb Pop – Meatloaf & Mash Bomb Pop takes classic homemade meatloaf and wraps it in creamy mashed potatoes, then coats it in seasoned breadcrumbs. Deep-fried on–a–stick and served with a tangy secret sauce, it’s a nostalgic comfort food turned into an on-the-go meal.
  • Pickle Quesadilla – Pickle Quesadilla is a grilled tortilla filled with melted cheese and tangy pickle slices. Served with a special pickle-infused sour cream, it’s a tangy and savory delight for pickle lovers.
  • Pretzaroni Pizza Brat  – Pretzaroni Pizza Brat is the delicious fusion of a pretzel, a pizza, and a bratwurst. A St. Joe’s Garlic Parmesan brat is wrapped in pretzel dough lined with pepperoni, baked to golden perfection, and finished off with homemade garlic parm topping. Served with a side of marinara, it’s cheesy, meaty, and totally Wisconsin.
  • Smoked Reuben Parfait – Smoked Reuben Parfait is perfect for enjoying the rich, smoky flavors on the go! This dish layers creamy Swiss mac and cheese with smoked corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. Topped with crunchy marble rye croutons, it’s a handheld take on the classic Reuben sandwich.

Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia – Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia puts a twist on a traditional favorite sweet lumpia flavor called Turon. This Filipino-American dessert mashes up deep cultural roots and modern flavor made with caramelized bananas, syrup-soaked French toast, and rich purple ube butter, then deep-fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar. Delicious for any meal of the day at the State Fair!

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COL792: WGO: July 2025

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In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s our What’s Going On for the month of July. As the month heats up and flies away, listen in as the guys share their changes and challenges.

What’s Going On?

Feedback    

YouTube Subscriber:

  • TJR films

YouTube Comment:

  • @dindinmooshi1356 – My heartfelt love and condolences to you Gary, please know that their love surrounds you and their memories hold you until you meet again.

Patreon Updates

  • HAPPY SEVEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO DAVID T!
  • BIG BEAR CUB HUGS to our Patrons: 
    • Cubsters: Charles W. and Michael K.
    • Ubehrs: Dave T., Li, and Michael Q
    • plus our Buddies: Lloyd G., Michael V, Oan R.!

Recent Shows

  • COL790: WGO: June 2025
  • COL791: LTAS: Hooking Up 25 Years Post Millenium

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Drag Race

COLDR: AS10E04: Snatch Game, Talent Invitational, Smackdown for the Crown

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In this episode of COL Drag Race ‘T-Time’, Gary and Damon return one last time as the All Stars finish the final lap of the season. As the brackets come together, listen in as the guys dish on the riggory of the finale and discuss which queen snatches the crown. Was it talent or was it simply production talking smack?

Put the Pedal to the Metal:

  • Serve(s):  
    • [Damon] – Lydia Bringing It 
    • [Gary] – Bosco, Bosco, Bosco
  • Swerve(s): 
    • [Damon] – Only 3?
    • [Gary] – Points? What Points?
  • Nerve(s): 
    • [Damon] – Wildcard Floppery
    • [Gary] – Production Break

Snaps & Eyerolls:

  • Snaps for… 
    • [Damon] – Ginger Snaps!
    • [Gary] – Letting Queens Shine
  • Eyerolls for… 
    • [Damon] – Mistress’s Missteps/Snatch Game
    • [Gary] – Everyone Deserves a Crown!

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COL791: LTAS: Hooking Up 25 Years Post Millennium

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In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Sex. This time around, the guys return to compare notes about their hookups from the past to the present. What’s changed in the new millennium now vs when they were young cubs on the prowl? From internet chatrooms to DL guys on the apps, listen in as the guys talk about hookup culture and if there has been a change for the better or for the worse.

Show Topics

LTAS: Hooking Up 25 Years Post Millennium

The Let’s Talk About Sex series returns and we’re comparing notes from 2025 back to our earlier adventures. What’s changed in the new millennium now vs when we were young cubs on the prowl?

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COL790: WGO: June 2025

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In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s our What’s Going On for the month of June. As summer heats up, the guys get back together after some time away. It has been a month of traveling, work and trying to stay out of the sun. Listen in as the cubs bring you up to speed on their recent summer shenanigans.

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YouTube Subscriber:

  • BrantleyPruitt

BlueSky Follows:

  • @ademsapple.bsky.social‬

Patreon Updates

  • BIG BEAR CUB HUGS to our Patrons: 
    • Cubsters: Charles W. and Michael K.
    • Ubehrs: Dave T., Li, and Michael Q
    • plus our Buddies: Lloyd G., Michael V, Oan R.!

Recent Shows

  • COL787: WGO: May 2025
  • COL788: From Cubs to Daddy Cubs
  • COL789: ATNS: LGBTQIA+ Pride in 2025

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Drag Race

COLDR: AS10 E03: Wicked Good, Stagecooch, The Golden Bitchelor

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In this episode of COL Drag Race ‘T-Time’, Gary and Damon are feeling wicked as they review the last bracket of All Stars. As the final six queens step onto the stage, listen in as the guys bitch on how this lap ran. Was it solid gold or just a yellow brick road?

Put the Pedal to the Metal:

  • Serve(s):  
    • [Damon] – See Below
    • [Gary] – PAPER RUNWAY CHALLENGE!!
  • Swerve(s): 
    • [Damon] – No Singular Challenges
    • [Gary] – Country Performance Runways: Ginger & Denali and CLF’s Paper Runway
  • Nerve(s): 
    • [Damon] – Daya Beating a Dead Horse
    • [Gary] – The Denial of Denali

Snaps & Eyerolls:

  • Snaps for… 
    • [Damon] – Denali’s Package
    • [Gary] – Bracket 3 Shake Up
  • Eyerolls for… 
    • [Damon] – All Roads Lead to Minj
    • [Gary] – Production’s Blowback? [aka the Minj Manipulation]

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COL789: ATNS: LGBTQIA+ Pride in 2025

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In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s another All T No Shade episode. This time around, the guys deliberate on LGTBQ+ Pride in the year 2025. From the end of corporate rainbow marketing to a potential return to the marches and pride riots, listen in as the cubs share their feelings on the current landscape of Pride.

Show Topic

ATNS: LGBTQIA+ Pride in 2025

Have we reached the end of corporate rainbow marketing? It’s a new year and things have changed quite a bit this go round. It’s time for our annual review of the landscape for the LGBTQIA+ community here in the United States. More than ever, activism is on the upswing and perhaps the circuit party days are fading away. Are we returning to our roots with marches and riot energy vs parades?

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COL788: From Cubs to Daddy Cubs

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In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, the cubs are turning DADDY! With Father’s Day being last week, the guys shift their focus to discuss their mutual love of daddies. Listen in as the guys talk about what it means to transition from young cubs to cub daddies.

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From Cubs to Daddy Cubs

In this episode, the cubs honor this year’s recent Father’s Day with a discussion about what it means to go from being young cubs to turning into daddy cubs with the development of ever more grey hairs everywhere.

  • What did we think of daddies when we were younger?
  • When did we begin to recognize becoming daddies ourselves?
  • How do we feel about being daddy cubs?

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