The Back Nines, Bedtimes, and Bourbon Podcast

Stephen and Michael continue their alphabet series with the letter C, diving into golf culture — covering pace of play, tee-time economics, golf cart costs and damage fees, cart girls and drink sales, course maintenance expenses, and apparel and club markups.The episode explores why golf has shifted from a leisurely pastime to a timed activity driven by revenue, and breaks down how courses make money and what golfers are actually paying for.

In this episode Stephen and Michael dive into the cooperage process and explain why bourbon barrels are toasted and charred, how char acts like a charcoal filter, and why U.S. law requires new charred oak for bourbon. They cover char levels (including the popular level 4 "alligator" char), flavor contributions from toasting, and examples from well-known distilleries.
The hosts also chat about creative reuses of spent barrels for smoking and decor, tasting anecdotes, and lighter conversation about cocktails, cooking, and upcoming episode topics.

Hosts Stephen and Michael examine the Netflix documentary Death of a Pastor's Wife, summarizing Mika Miller's life, the allegations against her husband JP Miller (including coercive control, grooming, and cyberstalking), and the circumstances surrounding her April 2024 death.The episode raises legal and ethical questions, explores marriage dynamics (protection versus control), parenting boundaries, and community responsibility, and offers personal reflections while encouraging listeners to watch the documentary and form their own opinions.

Hosts Stephen and Michael dive into the letter B with a lively episode about golf: the mental swings behind birdies and bogeys, warming-up routines, pace-of-play rules, and how one mistake can set the tone for a whole round.They also unpack golf culture—brand loyalty, wild infomercials, a personal PXG fitting story, equipment tips, veteran golf programs, and a humorous "Not the Masters" tournament plan.

Michael and Stephen break down what "allocated" really means in whiskey: limited production, long aging decisions, distillery and state allocation policies, and the role of marketing and resale in driving scarcity.
They use examples (Buffalo Trace, Weller, BTAC, Blanton's), explain lotteries, barrel picks and distillery programs, and offer practical advice on when an allocated bottle is worth the price.

Stephen and Michael kick off their "ABCs of" series with A for "Adrift," exploring modern fatherhood challenges.They share personal stories—an 18-year-old’s trip to West Virginia, struggles with responsibility, and how social media and screens shape kids’ priorities—and discuss practical approaches to encourage independence, work ethic, and real-life skills.

Hosts Stephen and Michael discuss social media from a father’s perspective, exploring how online anonymity fuels toxic behavior in casual gaming, school conflicts, and adult interactions.The episode also touches on internet nostalgia (MySpace, AIM, chat rooms), reactions to WNBA moments, money and cash-era stories, a late-night firepit anecdote, and a lighthearted DIY golf tournament idea.

In this lively live episode, hosts Stephen, Liz, Angela and Michael riff on what they wish for as parents and adults — from Copilot and AI in the workplace to mom guilt, kids growing up, and the longing for a simpler childhood. The conversation mixes tech, family life, and practical parenting struggles with plenty of humor and personal stories.Recorded as the show’s first Facebook live, the episode features candid banter, neighborhood memories, summer camps, and honest takes on modern parenting versus the past — a warm, unscripted look at family, community, and change.

Hosts Stephen and Michael take an objective, data-driven look at the gender pay gap across business, sports and entertainment, comparing corporate leadership, occupational patterns, and athlete endorsements.
They examine statistics on CEO pay, WNBA vs. NBA revenues and salaries, World Cup prize disparities, and potential fixes like pay transparency and performance-based compensation, ending with practical takeaways and open questions for listeners.

Hosts Stephen and Michael close out June by debating men’s mental health, the phrase "toxic masculinity," and whether harmful behaviors should be labeled by gender or simply called abusive. They discuss examples—refusing therapy, aggression, emotional manipulation—and examine double standards, relationship communication, and accountability.The episode mixes candid personal stories, cultural critique, and practical reflections on how both men and women can recognize and change unhealthy behaviors to build stronger relationships.