Episode 502

Life is Random and Cruel

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	Justis
Type	Preview

Norse Code Episode 502: Life is Random and Cruel is an episode of the Norse Code podcast.

Overview

The episode features a preview of the Vikings' upcoming game against the Packers with guest Justis, discussion of the Lions, and an extensive mailbag segment covering topics ranging from quarterback decisions to Christmas tree care.

Segments

Opening: Introduction and announcements
Packers Preview: Game preview with guest Justis
Lions Discussion: Analysis of the Detroit Lions
Mailbag: Extended mailbag segment with listener questions

Mailbag Questions

Luke Braun's Dad - Can you explain the Denver Broncos to me like I'm 5?
Shub - You are stuck on an island and you have to spend 15 days listening to one person talk to you about their thoughts and beliefs. Your options are Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. Who do you pick and why?
Screenshot qb - Russell Wilson on a 25M-30M/yr or next year's 1st and another 1st for Kyler Murray, which would you prefer Arif?
Rahul - Is Jaren Hall the most optimistic we've been about a drafted quarterback since Teddy Bridgewater?
A second jet has hit drew bledsoe - For Arif's "Flores beating Goff" corner. Goff historically can't handle the demands of playing Quarterback when the blitz is getting to him. Flores and his love of the blitz needs no introduction. What did the lions do to mitigate the affects of the blitz on Goff? Was it a o line plan or was Goff just on his A game?
Zac Dixon - The impact of injuries this season has felt especially high. Is there a way to measure this impact and compare it against other teams in the league or even against past Vikings seasons? Perhaps with something like WAR or EPA so an injury to a QB is weighted higher?
Jack - With the loss of Hock, and the potential loss of Addison for this week, we're going with the Kid. KO and Kwesi have been pretty clear in their dedication to Kirk, so I suppose my question is, does Hall have any chance here? Or is this just for us to "see what we have" at back up?
Cody - For Arif's UW-Madison Alumni Corner: Nate Tice's latest mock draft has the Vikings selecting Iowa CB Cooper DeJean at pick #15. Would DeJean work well as a CB in the Flores scheme? Would you be okay with the Vikings re-signing Kirk and electing to draft a defender in the first round?
Room Bolsharif - Better mascot reaction to a clutch field goal. The drop to the knees "omg" or the bang your head against the field goal post
Pessimistic MN Sports Fan - For the offensive language corner: during the latest pod Arif applauded his guest for using the phrase "bite them in the bee-hind" an offensive phrase towards bees that encourages assaulting animals along the same lines as "beating a dead horse" or "killing two birds with one stone". How does Arif justify the use of such vulgar language on a supposedly bee friendly podcast?
Tankbee - For James's Relationship Corner, how many metric tons of carbon dioxide would you produce for love.
Logan Bolsharif - Question for Arif's gift giving corner: I listened to your advice for what to get my wife for Christmas, and ground up Ozempic and put into her oatmeal. She's very pissed. But surprisingly, once I said you suggested it, she's now mad at you and I am absolved. This is more of a comment, but she's says to tell you "watch yourself Arif". Question for James and Arif's relationships corner: marry, make love to, and murder - the moms of Christmas movies: Elf, Home Alone, and Muppet Christmas Carol.
Damian Barrett - Question for Arif's Employee Care Corner - Just how unfit would one of your writers need to be to fail a medical and see you guaranteeing them $37m?
Kyle Segall - First off, thank you Norse Code for saving my life. After spending years in the hospital due to consuming pink thyme mayo, the doctors were finally able to figure out the cause thanks to you and treat my Serratia marcescens infection. Secondly, when we're looking at the staggering amount of injuries that our team has faced this year, at what point should someone's job be in jeopardy?
Rebecca - My husband listens to your podcast religiously and is constantly talking about it, we are so close to having an arif shower curtain lol We have an ongoing debate and I was hoping you might be able to address it on your podcast. Is it important to water cut Christmas trees?

Guests

Justis appeared as a guest for the Packers preview segment.

Key Bits & Lore

The episode featured several recurring Norse Code corners including Arif's UW-Madison Alumni Corner, James's Relationship Corner, Arif's gift giving corner, and the offensive language corner discussing bee-friendly content. A listener mentioned being close to getting an "Arif shower curtain," adding to the show's ongoing merchandise lore.

Production Notes

Timestamps noted: 26:53, 40:59, 85:03 (edit a bit)

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