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Blueshirts Breakaway: A show about the New York Rangers artwork

Blueshirts Breakaway: A show about the New York Rangers

Ryan Mead and Greg Kaplan·Hosted by Ryan Mead and Greg Kaplan·688 episodes

NewsSportsHockeyRangers-focusedCo-host banterBeat writer guestsListener questions1-2 hrs/epTwice weekly

Ryan Mead and Greg Kaplan host this weekly New York Rangers podcast that discusses news and results about the team, and often jump off course for nonsense.

Why listen

Blueshirts Breakaway gives New York Rangers fans a long-running weekly hangout with Ryan Mead and Greg Kaplan, mixing team news, roster debate, guest analysis, listener questions, and off-topic nonsense. It is best for fans who want Rangers coverage that feels plugged into the beat writer world without losing the loose, opinionated fan energy of a group chat.

Episodes

1 hr 25 min
Jun 2, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 550 - The Finals Preview with Our Friend Fitz

This week the guys discuss the finals, you know, the important one, the finals that everyone cares about, I mean, it's the finals! Then Fitz join the Breakaway to talk about... thats right.. the finals. FINALS-lY, the guys return and answer some 5 stars on NYR's success over the past 20 years compared to other NY franchises and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 17 min
May 29, 2026
The Flying V: EP 30 - Auston Powers: International Man of Mystery with The Athletic's Jonas Siegel

The Flying V is back for its regularly scheduled podcast. Vince Mercogliano talks about the ongoing draft prep for the New York Rangers and what the latest off-season scuttlebutt is. Plus, Toronto beat reporter Jonas Siegel joins the show to discuss the state of the Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews' future, and the team's off-season strategy under new management. Then, answers to questions, as per usual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 31 min
May 26, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 549 - Can NYR Copy Vegas & Mailbag Episode

This week the guys discuss how Vegas has executed the exact way NYR would like to work. Then the guys answer 5 star questions and take questions from Twitter as well about Drury, RFAs and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 15 min
May 21, 2026
The Flying V: EP 29 - Project: Hail Mary with Newsday's Colin Stephenson

The Flying V returns, as scheduled! The Athletic's Vince Mercogliano opines about the state of the NHL Playoffs and what the Rangers draft strategy may be leading up to round one. Plus, Newsday's Colin Stephenson joins the show to discuss off-season trade talks and debating the importance of the draft vs. free agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 22 min
May 19, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 548 - NYR Shifting Draft Targets and Sheng Peng on SJS's #2 Pick

This week the guys discuss how the draft process in changing value in targets week by week. Then Sheng Peng of SJS Hockey Now joins the Breakaway to discuss who SJS could pick at #2 and if there is a Schneider trade. Finally the guys return and answer a bunch of 5 star questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 46 min
May 14, 2026
The Flying V: EP 28 - The Great Debaters with Blueshirt Banter's Chip23

The latest episode of The Flying V is here! Vince tackles NHL Draft preparations the Rangers are undergoing and what potential trades are lingering this summer. Plus, Blueshirt Banter's Chip23 comes on to debate Vince's article analyzing Jeff Gorton and what has happened since his exit. And, Twitter stuff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 24 min
May 12, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 547 - Benoit Allaire Retires, NYR Pick 5 and Chatting Trocheck with Ryan Hana

This week the guys discuss Allaire retiring as things keep going downhill for NYR, then draft and misinformation season begins and who NYR will be targeting at 5 and why Then Ryan Hana of Winged Wheel Podcast joins the Breakaway to discuss DET's current status, interest in Trocheck and potential deals to get done Finally the guys return and answer some 5 star questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 17 min
May 7, 2026
The Flying V: EP 27 - Mississippi Grind with FloHockey's Chris Peters

The Flying V returns! Vince breaks down the Rangers bad luck night with the lottery, how it might impact their draft strategy moving forward, and the changes to the organization's player development structure. Plus! FloHockey's Chris Peters joins the show to help break down the 2026 NHL Draft player pool. Then, answers to (some of) your Twitter questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 48 min
May 5, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 546 - Playing the Lottery with Connor Rogers

This week the guys discuss some NHL playoffs, the Leafs, Tanner Glass promotion and Hartford turnover Then Connor Rogers joins the Breakaway to discuss the lottery, NHL draft vs other drafts and more. Finally the guys return and talk Sterling along with some 5 star questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 20 min
Apr 30, 2026
The Flying V: EP 26 - Death of a Salesman

The Flying V is back! It's the off-season, so Vince Mercogliano is breaking down what the Rangers to-do list is and where the team needs to improve. Plus, a lengthy mailbag section answering all your burning questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 30 min
Apr 28, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 545 - Offseason Targets & Playoff Chat with Shayna Goldman

This week the guys discuss potential off season names to explore. Then Shayna Goldman of The Athletic joins the show to discuss the current happenings in the playoffs, a certain players 0 points and how to find the next Hagel Finally the guys return and answer a ton of 5 star questions including who would NYR want most moving forward Matthews, Brady or McKenna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 36 min
Apr 23, 2026
The Flying V: EP 25 - The Break-Up

The Flying V returns, and it's a season finale special! The Athletics Vince Mercogliano reacts to break-up day at MSG, with sound from Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, JT Miller, and head coach Mike Sullivan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 53 min
Apr 21, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 544 - Exit Interviews with Mollie Walker & Vince Z. Mercogliano

This week the guys discuss the end of the season and the summer ahead Then Mollie Walker & Vince Z. Mercogliano join the Breakaway to discuss the exit interviews and what's been communicated from the players and NYR front office to the fans. Finally the guys return and answer some 5 star questions about kid names and Quick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 7 min
Apr 14, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 543 - Lessons Learned From This Season

This week the guys discuss what we learned from this NYR season, what to make of Sullivan and other players moving forward and is Igor still the best goalie in the league? Then the guys return and answer is Baty just Schendier in the 5 star questions section. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 34 min
Apr 10, 2026
The Flying V EP 24 - This Is The End with Rick Carpiniello

Rick Carpinello joins to talk about the New York Rangers' recent performance, team dynamics, and offseason strategies. They explore the team's current state, player development, draft prospects, and potential trades, providing insights from a seasoned journalist now enjoying retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 27 min
Apr 7, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 542 - Brady Tkachuk vs Alexis Lafrenière & the Youth Movement with Lydia Pirner

This week the guys discuss NYR's recent success, Brady Tkachuk vs Alexis Lafrenière and making sense of all the winning. Then NYR beat Lydia Pirner joins the Breakaway to discuss her time in the locker room this season, the roller coaster of vibes and how the youth movement has effected their play Then the guys return and answer a bunch of 5 star questions as always. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 18 min
Apr 2, 2026
The Flying V: EP 23 - The Big Sick with The Athletic's Peter Baugh

The Flying V returns! Vince Mercogliano recaps the week that was for the Rangers, with an emphasis on player development, fan reaction to the recent wins, and how it's all impacting the team's draft position. Plus, The Athletic's Peter Baugh hops on to talk about season dynamics, lineup debates, and who might become a Ranger this summer. Then, Q's with a helping of A's Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 17 min
Mar 31, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 541 - Good Vibes From the Kids, Bad Vibes for the Tank

This week, Ryan is angry that NYR are winning meaningless games but it is nice to see some fun, but Ryan would like you to know, he's quite upset they are winning games. Greg tries his best to make positives of the situations. Then the guys return and answer a bunch of 5 star questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 41 min
Mar 26, 2026
The Flying V: EP 22 - Back to the Future with The Athletic's Scott Wheeler

The Flying V returns! Vince breaks down the Rangers organizational prospect rankings, young talent emerging on the roster, and Mika's 1,000th career game. Then, prospect guru Scott Wheeler joins the show to discuss the Rangers prospect depth, the future for Gabe Perreault + Liam Greentree, and a quick outlook on the upcoming draft. Plus, A's to your Q's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 33 min
Mar 24, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 540 - Mika's 1000, the Tank & Mike Sullivan Deep Dive with Jesse Marshall

This week, the guys record before NYR take 9 total shots vs OTT. Discuss Mika's 1000 games milestone, the best NYR forwards of the last 11 years and more. Then Jesse Marshall join the Breakaway to discuss Mike Sullivan and helps make sense of this year Finally the guys return and answer a bunch of 5 star questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 32 min
Mar 19, 2026
The Flying V: EP 21 - Everybody Wants Some with ESPN's Emily Kaplan

The Flying V returns! The Athletic's Vince Mercogliano talks JT Miller's return to the lineup, young players rising to the occasion, and what all this means for the future. Plus, ESPN's immaculate (cousin) Emily Kaplan makes her return to recap the trade deadline, the plans the Rangers are working on for the summer, and the dreaded rebuild v. retool debate. Then, answer to some of your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 20 min
Mar 17, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 539 - Panarin's Return, The Lafrenissance & Gabe's Development

This week the guys discuss Panarin's quotes returning to MSG for the first time, Laf's wild week and a half and why Gabes development is a key cornerstone of this team moving forward. And a bunch of 5 star questions about how to get good players for free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 54 min
Mar 10, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 538 - Post Deadline, Trocheck Stays and What Now with Vince Mercogliano

This week the guys discuss what did and mostly didn't happen at the trade deadline. Then Vince Mercogliano of the Athletic and The Flying V join the Breakaway to discuss who was in and who was out on Trocheck, how the summer plays out and how Drury is looking at his possible moves. Finally the guys return and answer a ton of 5 star questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54 min
Mar 9, 2026
The Flying V: EP 20 - 500 Days of Trocheck

NYR decide to keep Trocheck, what does this mean for the team, his value moving forward and what could happen this summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 58 min
Mar 3, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 537 - Trade Deadline Preview with Colin Stephenson

This week the guys discuss Trocheck's trade destinations, the vibe around this trade deadline, Fox's comments and more. Then Colin Stephenson of Newsday join the Breakaway to discuss this trade deadline and how many players can go along with the feeling around the locker room after the Olympic return Finally the guys return and answer a TON of 5 star questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52 min
Feb 26, 2026
The Flying V: EP 19 - New Jack City with The Athletic's Michael Russo

A post-Olympics episode of The Flying V is here! Vince Mercogliano is back discussing the Olympic hangover, what gold for Team USA means moving forward, and an update on the health front as the Rangers get set to return. Plus, fresh from Italy, The Athletic's Michael Russo joins the show to discuss what its like to cover the games, how team building played a role in Milan, and the never-ending Vincent Trocheck-to-Minnesota rumors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 13 min
Feb 24, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 536 - USA Win Gold

The guys discuss hockey belonging to the USA, how they have to watch NYR after this and a bunch of 5 star questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 10 min
Feb 19, 2026
The Flying V: EP 18 - The Green(tree) Mile with The Athletic's Corey Pronman

Vince Mercogliano returns for his weekly dive into all things New York Rangers. This week, he looks at the Olympic performances of the handful of Rangers in Italy, how training and rehab is going back in the states for those who didn't travel, and the future outlook for the team once the break is over. Plus, The Athletic's Corey Pronman joins the show to talk Liam Greentree, the Rangers prospect pool, and an outlook to the 2026 NHL Draft. Plus, answers to your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 36 min
Feb 17, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 535 - Lessons from This Season and USA's Path to Gold

This week the guys discuss the lessons they've learned from the season, what questions they still have and.... how has Drury's relationship management potentially pushed out even more players. Then the guys return and answer a ton of 5 star questions, you know the drill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 19 min
Feb 12, 2026
The Flying V: EP 17 - The Italian Job with Bill Bowler of the Windsor Spitfires

The Flying V with Vince Mercogliano returns! This week, Vince discusses the trade deadline outlook for the Rangers, how prospect development plays a role in all their decisions, putting a bow on the Artemi Panarin trade, and forecasting who might be next to leave. Plus, Windsor Spitfires GM Bill Bowler joins the show to discuss Liam Greentree, the newest Ranger prospect. Then, answers to your questions from Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 hr 4 min
Feb 10, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 534 - The Panarin Trade Saga with Vince Mercogliano & Zach Dooley

This week the guys recap the Panarin trade, Trocheck foreshadowing and more Then Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic and Flying V (great pod) joins the Breakaway to discuss the Panarin trade saga, what happened, what didn't, what's true, what's not, what now? And... a lot more. Then Kings Insider Zach Dooley drops by quick to talk about the Panarin trade from the Kings Perspective Finally the guys return to answer most of the 5 star questions of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

44 min
Feb 5, 2026
The Flying V: EP 16 - Cast Away

Minutes before the Olympic roster freeze goes into effect, the Rangers trade winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. The Athletic's Vince Mercogliano breaks down how the trade materialized, the impact it'll have on the rest of the season, and what's next for the Rangers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 8 min
Feb 3, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 533 - Panarin Possibilities and NYR are Good at Losing

The guys regroup and talk about a weekend game nobody should have watched, discuss why Matt Rempe is still playing and try to find the landing spot for Artemi Panarin Then the guys return and answer a bunch of 5 star questions about the trade deadline and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

41 min
Jan 29, 2026
The Flying V: EP 15 - Trading Places with The Athletic's Chris Johnston

The Flying V is back, and there's much to discuss! Vince Mercogliano breaks down the Carson Soucy trade, Artemi Panarin's future trade, and everyone on the horizon for the Rangers before the Olympic break. Plus, The Athletic's hockey insider Chris Johnston joins the show to break down the big decisions Chris Drury has to make ahead of the March trade deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 52 min
Jan 27, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 532 - Soucy Traded, Robertson in OT & Going Deep on Hartford with Hope

This week the guys discuss the Soucy trade, Robertson winning in OT, Panarin's trade timing and much more Then Hope joins the Breakaway to help make sense of what is going on at Hartford and why thats important to the NYR retool Finally for the last 50 mins of the show the guys return and answer a ton of 5 star questions about frankly everything Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 9 min
Jan 22, 2026
The Flying V: EP 14 - A House of Dynamite with The Athletic's Peter Baugh

The Flying V with host Vince Mercogliano returns! This week, Vince breaks down The Letter 2.0, who's accountable for the mess this season has become, and taking a deeper look into the potential trade assets ahead of the deadline. Plus, The Athletic's Peter Baugh joins from the West Coast, where he discusses Artemi Panarin's future in New York, potential trade partners for the Rangers, and the Retool v. Rebuild debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 hr 3 min
Jan 20, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 531 - The Letter 2.0 with Shayna Goldman

This week the guys discuss Drury's letter 2.0 and how that changes the future of NYR, who will be traded, life without Panarin and more. Then Shayna Goldman of The Athletic joins the Breakaway to discuss everything above and ruins Greg's week by the end of the interview. Finally the guys return and answer approximately 63 5 star questions because apparently there is a lot to talk about! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 32 min
Jan 16, 2026
The Flying V: EP 13 - The Fault In Our Stars with The Athletic's Arpon Basu

Latest episode of the Flying V is up! This week, Vince Mercogliano dives deep into the tailspin that has eaten the Rangers season alive and investigates the emotional toll the losing is having on the room. Plus, The Athletic's Arpon Basu joins the show to talk about life north of the border with the Montreal Canadiens, including their unique rebuild, the importance of player development, and the Jeff Gorton Effect. Then, answers to listener questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 35 min
Jan 13, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 530 - Who Should Stay and Who Should Go?

The guys discuss the pathetic performance in BOS on Saturday as NYR lose 10-2. Then they play a game of Who Should Stay and Who Should Go, for the entire NYR roster. After that they return to talk postgame SEA and read some of the quotes from the team before answering a bunch of 5 star questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37 min
Jan 8, 2026
The Flying V: EP 12 - Ex Machina

A turbulent week in Rangers-land, The Athletic's Vince Mercogliano returns to discuss significant injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox, the ongoing performance issues with the squad, and why the Rangers deadline plans may be changing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 14 min
Jan 6, 2026
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 529 - Igor's Injury, Fox Team USA Snub & Winter Classic

This week the guys discuss... everything in the title in that order along with a surprise James Dolan interview No guest this week but still a bunch of 5 star questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 14 min
Jan 2, 2026
The Flying V: EP 11 - Winter's Bone with The Athletic's Peter Baugh

A holiday season edition of The Flying V! Vince is back to deliver a mid-season report card, what January will mean for the Rangers in the long and short-term, and how injuries have impacted the team. Plus, The Athletic's Peter Baugh re-joins the show to discuss Adam Fox's Olympic snub, mid-season awards, and whether the Rangers need to sell at the trade deadline. Then, answers to your listener questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 41 min
Dec 30, 2025
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 528 - Making Sense of This Team with Katie Baker

The guys open the show by discussing the end of the CAR game, Igor's outstanding performance and how the offense continues to let the team down. Then Katie Baker of the Ringer joins the Breakaway to discuss how the connection to this team has weakened, the state of NY sports and how to spark joy again Finally the guys return and discuss a potential Panarin replacement along with answer a bunch of 5 star questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 44 min
Dec 23, 2025
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 527 - Miller's Injury, Missing Laf and the Bizarre Season Continues with Mollie Walker

This week the guys discuss another sick week (get it) from NYR. How can they play with pride, Laf just isn't showing up and they can't score, oh they also only win in OT, fun stuff Then Mollie Walker of the NY Post joins the Breakaway to discuss how weird this season has been, what this team might do without Panarin and how the retool might be around the corner Finally the guys return and answer a ton of 5 star questions including Jeff McNeil getting traded during the segment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 26 min
Dec 18, 2025
The Flying V: EP 10 - The Ugly Truth with The Athletic's Shayna Goldman

Vince Mercogliano is back following another busy week of Rangers hockey. He talks Mika Zibanejad's surprise benching, the return of two former Rangers, and the team's continuing issues finishing their shots. He's joined this week by The Athletic's Shayna Goldman to break down coach Mike Sullivan's system and its impact on the Rangers gameplay. Plus, answers to your burning questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 41 min
Dec 16, 2025
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 526 - Kreider and Trouba Return to MSG While Mika Rides The Bench with Rick Carpiniello

This week the guys discuss the loss to the Ducks, how the power play can't get it done, Kreider and Troubas videos, MSG's decision to not show them, Mika missing a meeting getting benched and a lot more Then friend of the show Rick Carpiniello join the Breakaway to discuss Mika getting benched, Kreider coming back and his thoughts on this NYR team Finally the guys return and get into Quinn Hughes being traded and a ton of 5 star questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 34 min
Dec 12, 2025
The Flying V: EP 9 - Rollercoaster Tycoons with WFAN's Chris Lopresti

On this week's rendition of The Flying V, Vince Mercogliano discusses the Rangers continuing to ride the seasonal rollercoaster, the impact of Adam Fox's injury, and Mike Sullivan's matchup strategies. Plus, WFAN's Chris Lopresti stops by to talk about the state of the season, leadership dynamics in the locker room, and the looming trade deadline. Then, answers to your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 37 min
Dec 9, 2025
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 525 - NYR's Bittersweet Week with our friend Fitz

This week the guys discuss of course the refs and how fantastic this week was for NYR and how it still feels so... you get it. Then friend of the pod Fitz joins the pod to discuss the state of the East, who would you swap rosters with right now and a wide range of topics Then the guys come back and answer 5 star questions on if Adam Fox is bad, playoff odds and Connor Sheary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 31 min
Dec 4, 2025
The Flying V: EP 8 - Clear and Present Danger with The Athletic's Chris Johnston

The Flying V is back! Fresh off the Thanksgiving break, Vince Mercogliano breaks down the ongoing rollercoaster season for the Rangers, Adam Fox's injury impact, what it means for a disjointed power play unit, and how the lineup can adjust to his absence. Then, The Athletic's Chris Johnston joins the show to discuss the decisions looming at the deadline, takeaways from the season as a whole so far, and the lingering questions surrounding the Rangers aging core. Finally, answers to this week's burning questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr 9 min
Dec 2, 2025
Blueshirts Breakaway EP 524 - Life Without Adam Fox

This week the guys discuss how NYR will handle life without Adam Fox, what that means for PP1 and how it's says a lot about Laf that he can't make it on. Then the guys return and answer a bunch of 5 star questions on Parsnips, team future and some other stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices