Hello, friends, and welcome to another edition of Least Important Things Monthly.
I can smell it.
The dank humidity.
Fresh-cut grass.
Sweat-soaked shirts.
Dry electrolyte powder.
Hot rubber and metal.
These are the smells of the beginning of football season, specifically, August football. It’s the time of year when you hit sleds more than celebrate touchdowns, and “two-a-days” feel like a never-ending purgatory of exhaustion.
Ask any former football player in America (at any level), and they’ll describe the same smells.
It’s a chemical memory that captures ex-gridiron athletes this time of year, one of nostalgia, excitement, and fear.
I dreaded the early end of my summer vacation for football pre-season. While my friends spent August at the beach or playing video games in air-conditioned basements, I spent hours wearing ten pounds of creaky pads scorching under the hot sun.
Yet the smells of that season also provide a sense of comfort. The changing of the seasons. The constancy of the rhythm of life.
Because August football was the first indicator of Autumn. The “deep breath before the plunge” of a new school year, new classes, new friendships, new memories, and the possibilities of romance.
When I collapsed on the floor after an August football practice in a putrid state of dehydration and teen body odor, in the back of my head, I knew that crisp October Friday nights under the stadium lights were on the way. August's blistering heat and pain made way for the comforts of September and October. The pride of walking around the halls in your uniform on gameday, the adrenaline of running onto the field and waving at the student section in the bleachers, the bliss of a celebratory locker room, and the relief of sitting my sore ass on the couch all weekend watching the same game played by professionals.
Now, as an adult who gets back pain from just a restless night's sleep, the smell of late August is just a reminder. It’s nature’s indicator that change is coming. That life passes by as fast as football season. And whatever pain of the now will lead to something sweeter.
This Month's Least Important Things
Hosting the Host
In a special season two finale of Least Important Things, my wife Audrey takes over hosting duties and asks your burning questions for me.
No Bad Reviews - Alien Resurrection
In honor of Alien: Romulus, the latest installment of the slasher sci-fi franchise, I did a No Bad Reviews video on a misunderstood entry in the series—Alien Resurrection.
This YouTube-exclusive series is gaining traction, so I will continue making these vids in season three. Let me know what movie I should review next in the comments below, message me on Instagram, email me (leastimportantthings@gmail.com), or leave a voicemail.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
We did it. The final episode of Podcast of the Caribbean.
Mike and I recap the (almost) concise storyline, Johnny Depp phoning it in, and our reflections on the franchise. PLUS, we announce the next rewatch miniseries franchise.
Next Month’s Least Important Thing
What famous movie/TV show have you never seen?
To kick off season three of LIT, I’m getting honest.
What famous movie or TV show have you never seen (that you feel like you should have seen)?
I wouldn’t call myself a liar, but I’ve fibbed a few times that I’ve seen a piece of entertainment when I haven’t.
Well, it’s time to admit my blind spots. And you should, too.
Share in the comments below, message me on Instagram, email me (leastimportantthings@gmail.com), or leave a voicemail.
Your admissions will be featured in the next podcast and LIT Monthly.
Least Important Recommendations
Best Fall Movies
My favorite season of the year is upon us. It’s time to cook chili, wear a sweater, drink a warm beverage, and cozy up with seasonal Autumn movies.
Here’s my favorite fall movies list.
Thank You!
I’m officially wrapping up season two of Least Important Things this month.
You won’t notice much difference between the seasons, but I’m taking a short break and will return in October with new content and a new edition of LIT Monthly.
As always, thank you for reading, listening, watching, and supporting my work.