Catalog
Episodes
Understanding Upstate UpdateOct 23, 2026An update for the Spiedie Freaks and Rattle Snake Petes, we're going on a hiatus for a while. But don't worry we've got a backlog of almost 3 years worth of episodes, so get in there and re-listen to some old favorites, and dare I say discover some new favorites too!
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate- Ep 147- Understanding Peg Leg Bates Country ClubOct 2, 2026 · 39 minThis week we take a look at what was once the largest black owned and operated resort in the United States: Peg Leg Bates Country Club. Founded by the one legged tap dancing sensation, Peg Leg Bates, this Upstate destination had lots to offer, and was an important vacation hub for black families on the East Coast.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 146 - Interview with The Supreme SoupSep 25, 2026 · 59 minThis week we sit down with the Binghamton based rapper and activist, The Supreme Soup, to talk about his career in music and the Binghamton music scene.
Check out the music from The Supreme Soup
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 145- Understanding Mott'sSep 18, 2026 · 35 minThis week we get to the core of Upstate New York's apple dynasty, Mott's. If you've ever popped the top on a portable cup of applesauce you've benefited from the many apple innovations pioneered by Mott's.
Catch Jim at Crooked Mouth Brewing in Binghamton, NY on 9/19: tickets
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 144- Understanding LUMA Projection Arts FestivalSep 11, 2026 · 52 minThis week we return to the bright lights of Binghamton to learn all about the longstanding LUMA Projection Arts Festival, which, if you're reading this the day the episode releases, STARTS TODAY. We'll get into how this international festival began, what projection mapping exactly is, and what not to do if you're splitting a hotel room with a friend.
Catch Jim at Crooked Mouth Brewing in Binghamton, NY on 9/19: tickets
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 143- Understanding Ani DiFrancoAug 28, 2026 · 55 minWe close out summer with yet another musician from Buffalo, singer/songwriter (and much more) Ani DiFranco. From starting her own record label, putting out 20 albums, to publishing various volumes of poetry, she might be one of the most prolific artists we've ever covered.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 142- Understanding the Goo Goo DollsAug 14, 2026 · 48 minCome along with us this week as we go ga-ga for Goo Goo. From their grimy Buffalo, NY start as the Sex Maggots, to their inevitable pivot to Adult Contemporary chart topping darlings, we'll learn all about the rise and upstate roots of Buffalo's own, the Goo Goo Dolls.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 141- Understanding Woodstock '99Jul 31, 2026 · 1 hr 16 minWhat does Hilllary Clinton, Rosie Perez, and DMX have in common? Well, they all played a part in the literal shit show that would come to be known as Woodstock '99. So come along with us as we examine the music festival that makes Fyre Festival look like a walk in the park.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 140- Understanding BuffaloJul 17, 2026 · 46 minThis week we are headed to the Queen City of Upstate New York, Buffalo! From the history of Buffalo to the surprisingly large number of hit singles the Goo Goo Dolls racked up, we'll leave no stone unturned.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 139- Understanding Kampai Japanese Steakhouse in Vestal, New YorkJul 10, 2026 · 54 minThis week we are turning up the heat and taking a seat at the hibachi station as we learn about a venerable Vestal institution: Kampai Japanese Steakhouse. We'll chop it up about what has made this a destination for the Binghamton area for more than 50 years, and how founder, Richard Matsushima, came to create the first Japanese Restaurant in the Southern Tier.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Watch the mini-doc: A Walk With Richard
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Summer Vacation Rewind - Understanding Michigan Red HotsJul 3, 2026 · 43 minThings are heating up out there this summer so we are rewinding the tape back to one of our HOTTEST episodes, that's right, we're revisiting one of our MANY hot dog episodes and taking another bite out of the beloved Upstate delicacy: Michigan Red Hots.
Throw us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts! Include a suggestion in your review for something you'd like us to cover on Understanding Upstate and we just might cover it!
Follow us on instagram: @understandingupstate
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 138- Understanding Watkins Glen InternationalJun 26, 2026 · 54 minOften in these descriptions we use the phrase "buckle up", but today we mean it, because we're headed to the famous Watkins Glen International race track, host to Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, and much more. So gas up, kick your tires, and get ready to speed into another great episode.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 137- Understanding Turning Stone Resort & CasinoJun 19, 2026 · 46 minAs we turn the page to another episode we shift our focus to Turning Stone Resort & Casino. From it's lengthy court battles to establish itself as legitimate in the eyes of the federal government, climbing all the way to the Supreme Court, to tales of gambling splendor and squander, we'll cover it all! If we don't have you exclaiming "BINGO" by the end of this episode, I don't know what will.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 136- Understanding John McTiernanJun 12, 2026 · 51 minIf you spent any amount of time in front of a TV as a child in the 80's or 90's you are well aquatinted with the work of Albany's own. John McTiernan. He launched the Predator, Die Hard, AND Jack Ryan franchises, among many other films, and is heralded with reinventing the action genre. BUT it isn't a Hollywood ending for McTiernan, as you can take the director out of Upstate but you can't take the Upstate out of the director.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 135- Understanding BC PopsJun 5, 2026 · 48 minTake me to the river because this week we're learning all about one of the greatest Southern Tier traditions, BC Pops on the River! What could be better than popular tunes blasted by a floating orchestra? Add in giant floating rocking horses, and children perilously descending as a makeshift E.T. and you'll start to get an idea!
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 134- Understanding IBMMay 29, 2026 · 49 minThis week we are putting BIG BLUE under the microscope. That's right, we're talking about one of the biggest companies in the world, IBM, and it's humble origins in Upstate, NY. If you aren't already saying "I be excited", then I don't know what to tell you aside from, start listening!
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 133- Understanding Nirchi's PizzaMay 22, 2026 · 1 hr 2 minThis week we are serving up a slice of the Southern Tier as we look at a Binghamton institution: Nirchi's Pizza. We've got an episode packed with first hand experiences, reviews, and much more. So slid on over as we cut into a half sheet and talk about Nirchi's.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 132- Understanding L. Frank Baum and The Oz-stravaganzaMay 15, 2026 · 44 minThis week we follow the yellow brick road to L. Frank Baum to learn about his childhood and early days upstate to his success as an author. But there's more behind the curtain, as we uncover some of Baum's intensely held views, that make him yet another influential but problematic figure from Upstate, NY.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 131- Understanding Chautauqua, NYMay 8, 2026 · 46 minChautauqua means many things to many people, and today we're going to get into each of those descriptions. It's a town, an institute, a summer getaway, and a movement that for some became synonymous with the pursuit of knowledge. We'll dig into the 150+ year old institution that calls Upstate New York home to see what it's all about.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 130- Understanding the Binghamton Inebriate AsylumMay 1, 2026 · 54 minThough it's gone by many names over the centuries, one fact has remained true, the Binghamton Inebriate Asylum is one spooky looking building. From it's origins as the first facility of it's kind in the world to it's decades long decay, the House on the Hill has been an imposing fixture in Upstate New York for a long time.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 129- Understanding The Chenango CanalApr 24, 2026 · 55 minCANALS ARE BACK BAYBEEE! That's right, we're talking all about the Eerie Canal's younger sibling, the Chenango Canal! Ditch digging, tow path pulling, canal locks locking, what more could you want?! Well, unfortunately for this short lived Upstate canal system, evidently the people of Broome county wanted more things and they wanted them faster than the canal could provide. Join us as we learn about the boom and bust of this once great canal system. #YESCANALWEEK
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 128- Understanding Melville Dewey and the Dewey Decimal SystemApr 17, 2026 · 49 minThis week we are unpacking the history and impact of Melville Dewey. He didn't just influence library systems, but the entire state through his work in education, not to mention having a hand in the Adirondacks hosting the Winter Olympics. Overshadowing all of those accomplishments though is the fact he was a horrible person (and that's putting it lightly). But is it any surprise that a man obsessed with categorization turned out to be an avowed and unapologetic racist?
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 127- Understanding Dirty DancingApr 10, 2026 · 1 hrPut on your dancin' shoes and practice your lifts as we head back to the Borscht Belt to talk about the 1987 film "Dirty Dancing." While the film is set in Upstate, NY, it was shot in Virginia and North Carolina. Does it do Upstate justice or should we put "Dirty Dancing" in a corner? Listen to find out!
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 126- Understanding Utica Tomato PieApr 3, 2026 · 49 minThis week we return to Utica, New York to learn about yet another one of its many unique culinary dishes: tomato pie. Whatever you do, don't serve it hot, and don't call it pizza!
Watch: In The Twilight Zone
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 125- Understanding the Negro League Baseball Teams of Upstate New YorkMar 27, 2026 · 48 minJoin us as we look at the rich history of three Negro League Baseball Teams that once called Upstate New York home. From the Acme Colored Giants, to the Schenectady Mohawk Giants, and the New York Gorhams, we'll take swing at learning all about these teams and their players. Batter UP!
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 124- Understanding Phelps MansionMar 20, 2026 · 1 hr 2 minCome along with us as we delve into the opulent splendor of one of the crown jewels of Binghamton's now long gone Mansion Row, the Phelps Mansion. We'll take a look at the the man who financed this mansion, and the architect behind the designs, both of which who provide a treasure trove of upstate history.
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 123- Understanding ElmiraMar 13, 2026 · 54 minGlide on over to Elmira, New York with us to unpack the history of a town that has gone by many names, from "Queen of the Souther Tier" to "Hellmira", there's a lot to get into.
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 122- Understanding the Syracuse NationalsMar 6, 2026 · 59 minLace up your sneakers because we are hitting the court once more to examine another former pro NBA team that once called Upstate New York home. Come along as we look at the founding of Syracuse's own NBA team: the Syracuse Nationals.
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 121- Understanding Grace JonesFeb 27, 2026 · 44 minThis week we're learning all about the quadruple threat, Grace Jones. Though she was born in Jamaica, Grace Jones spent her teens in Upstate New York before she was launched to stardom in the 70's and 80's. There's LOTS to cover on her quadruple threat career, so lets get to it!
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Please consider donating if your are able: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 120- Understanding Ernie DavisFeb 20, 2026 · 49 minThis week we're learning about the Elmira Express, Ernie Davis, one of the greatest athletic talents to ever come out of Upstate NY. We'll learn about his domination on the court and field, and the tragic end to his short life.
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Please consider donating if your are able: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 119- Understanding The National Abolition Hall of Fame and MuseumFeb 13, 2026 · 45 minThis week we are heading to Petersburg, New York to learn all about the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum! We'll learn about the building that houses the museum and its own connection to the abolitionist movement, and dive into some of the inductees who have ties to Upstate, NY.
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Please consider donating if your are able: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 118- Understanding The Breweries of Upstate New YorkFeb 6, 2026 · 46 minThis week we are touring some of the finest breweries that Upstate NY has to offer. We're touring across the whole state so buckle up because we've got a lot of ground to cover as we explore the finest ales of the Adirondacks, the premiere pilsners of western New York , and the best beers in the Mohawk River Valley.
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Please consider donating if your are able: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 117- Understanding The Susquehanna RiverJan 30, 2026 · 48 minThis week we slip into the muddy waters of the serene Susquehanna to learn all about this riveting river. There's plenty of twists and turns in the tale of this 400+ mile long river, so there's no time to waste, dive in!
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Please consider donating if your are able: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 116- Understanding Murphy's IslandJan 23, 2026 · 49 minThis week we return to Broome County, NY to look at what has become a bit of an oddity floating in the middle of the serene Susquehanna: Murphy's Island. This private island would become the home to a local family, replete with 60's splendor (and its own cable car), and has since fallen into disrepair.So come along as we take a look at the story of the eccentric island (and a couple more on top of that)!
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 115- Understanding the Blizzard of '77Jan 16, 2026 · 52 minBatten down the hatches and bundle up because this week we are tackling the one of the most infamous storms to ever hit Upstate New York: the blizzard of 1977. This icy storm dumped colossal amounts of snow onto Buffalo, NY, shutting the whole city down for days, and trapping people in their homes with snow up to to their ROOFS!
Grab tickets for Stellar Human Presents: A Stand-Up Comedy Banger in Binghamton featuring none other than Jim Search: March 27th at 6:30 PM
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 114- Understanding SchenectadyJan 9, 2026 · 57 minJim and Rob head back to Upstate NY's Capital Region to learn a little bit about the history of Schenectady, NY. Where else can you find a place that the likes of General Electric, Mickey Rourke, and Andrew Yang call home? So tag along as we take a look at the city that lights up the world!
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 113- Understanding The Cider Mill of Endicott, NYJan 2, 2026 · 1 hr 11 minGrab a bushel and barrel on over to Endicott to learn all about the Triple City institution that is The Cider Mill. We'll learn all about the origins of this 100 year old mill, its fiery demise, and its glorious rise from ashes.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Holiday Rewind - Understanding Peppermint PigsDec 26, 2025 · 47 minHappy holidays to all the Spiedie Freaks and Rattle Snake Petes out there! We're rewinding the tape back to our 2023 Holiday Episode where we experienced the delights of smashing open a peppermint pig. As an extra treat, you can WATCH this full episode and delight in us smashing a weird little candy pig on YouTube.
If you've ever left a holiday celebration wanting to smash something, well then we have got the perfect Upstate tradition for you: peppermint pigs. Jim and Rob grab their tiny hammers and smash open this sweet swine from Saratoga to figure out why no one has ever seen hide nor hair of this holiday hog.
Throw us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts! Include a suggestion in your review for something you'd like us to cover on Understanding Upstate and we just might cover it!
Follow us on instagram: @understandingupstate
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 112- Understanding the Genesee Keg TreeDec 19, 2025 · 50 minThis week we're taking a look at a whole host of Upstate Holiday traditions. And chief among them were kicking things off with the Genesse Keg Tree in Rochester, NY. But don't worry, thats not the only giant metal object you can gather around this winter, we've got plenty to dig into, so let's get to it!
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 111- Understanding Buffalo's Tom and JerryDec 12, 2025 · 1 hr 3 minWhisk yourself away to to a cozy tavern and pour yourself a beverage so dense, thick, and chock full of alcohol, that it could only call Buffalo, NY home. That's right, we're taking a look at the origins and history of Buffalo's beloved holiday beverage, the Tom and Jerry!
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 110- Understanding Santa's Workshop and North Pole, NYDec 5, 2025 · 59 minIt's a holly jolly episode this week as we hitch up our one horse open sleigh and head for North Pole, NY to learn about one of the first theme parks in the U.S., and discover the history behind the Walt Disney of the Adirondack's: Arto Monaco!
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 109- Understanding the General Clinton Canoe RegattaNov 28, 2025 · 59 minPortage on over because today we are getting into another listener requested topic, the thrilling canoe race that takes off from Cooperstown and glides its way down the Susquehanna River to Bainbridge. We'll tackle the complicated history of the race's namesake, learn about the origins of the event in 1963, and talk about what it has become today. All the while eating fists full of chocolate chips and praying our arms don't give out. So come on in, the water is fine!
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Watch the brand new comedy special: The Bad Rufat (sound by Rob)
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 108-Understanding LacrosseNov 21, 2025 · 47 minThis week we return for another listener requested topic and dive into the history of North America's oldest organized team sport: Lacrosse! We'll learn about the sport's origins with the Haudenosaunee people, and how they sport has evolved over the years, all the while Jim relives his glory days as a middle school lacrosse player.
Get your hands on the NEW Understanding Upstate March: https://understandingupstate.printful.me
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 107-Understanding the Broome County Forum TheatreNov 14, 2025 · 52 minThis week we head to the county seat, to TAKE a seat at the Broome County Forum Theatre in none other than, Binghamton, NY. We'll learn all about the faces behind this venerable institution and talk all about the local, national, and international stars who have trodded across its boards!
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 106- Understanding AlbanyNov 7, 2025 · 1 hr 5 minGet in loser, we're heading to Upstate NY's Capital District to learn a little bit more about the oldest city in the entire state: Albany, NY. You might not be able to still get a 25 cent slice of pizza there, but there's still plenty to learn about, so join us as we crack open The Egg that is Albany!
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 105- Understanding Upstate NY’s Contributions to HorrorOct 31, 2025 · 1 hr 3 minTo bring another month of all things Upstate and spooky, we're taking a look the influence Upstate NY has had on horror films over the decades. It's often used as a location in movies (horror and otherwise), but we wanted to dig into how Upstate NY has been used as a source. What major film studio got its start Upstate with a slasher flick? Who is the Horror Laureate of Upstate NY? (It ain't Arch Merrill!) What famous director was inspired by his time Upstate to change careers and pivoted into creating horror movies? Start listening to find out!
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 104- Understanding the Urban Legends of Upstate NYOct 24, 2025 · 1 hr 7 minOur spooky marathon of episodes continues as we take a look at some of the Urban (and rural) legends of Upstate NY, and in one particular case, we examine a legend's origins and the ramifications it has on a small town. We'll also learn that much like their corporal counterparts, not even Binghamton ghosts are to be trifled with!
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 103- Understanding the True Horror of Upstate NYOct 17, 2025 · 1 hr 1 minThis week we are serving up five different true tales from Upstate New York that will have you quaking in your boots, shaking in your shoes, shivering in your slippers, cowering in your clogs, shrieking in your sneakers... I think you get the idea. From unsanctioned (and VERY unethical) medical experiments, to cursed manors, and more, there's more than enough real horror in this week's episode to leave you shuddering in your sandals (couldn't resist one more).
Check out Rob's brand new EP: Cyber Punish
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 102- Understanding the Fox SistersOct 10, 2025 · 1 hr 1 minOn this week's episode Jim and Rob take a look at the skeletons in the closet (and basement) of the clairvoyant, toe tapping, and knee cracking, Fox Sisters, and learn about the Upstate origins of modern day Spiritualism. We dive into the Fox Sister's history of being some of the first clairvoyants to give public performances, and look into the MANY failed performances by their piers from Buffalo, the Davenport Brothers.
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Also check out Rob's album: NY Sticky
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
- Ep 101- Understanding SerlingFest 2025Oct 3, 2025 · 1 hr 28 minPull up a chair and pop a squat as Jim regales us with his experience covering SerlingFest 2025 in Binghamton, NY. Sit back, relax, and smoke if you got 'em, cause Rod certainly would of. Enjoy!
Grab Jim's comedy album: Upstate Understandings
Also check out Rob's album: NY Sticky
Learn all about the behind-the-scenes of Jim's album in the documentary: Understanding Upstate
Regulars
Browse comedians →