Catalog
Episodes
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
- Ep 100- Understanding Wegmans...Live!Sep 26, 2025 · 1 hr 14 minThe big 100th episode is here! Come take a guided tour with the fellas as they take a stroll through the Upstate institution Wegmans in Brooklyn. There's so much excitement awaiting...enjoy it!
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. 99- Understanding Wegmans (#FBF Episode)Sep 19, 2025 · 55 minThat's right folks...we are taking a step back in time to one of our classic episodes. We are revisiting the Upstate grocery store institution, Wegmans. Grab your coupons and come enjoy it!
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. 98- Nick Parisi InterviewSep 12, 2025 · 41 minThis week, we had the honor and privilege to sit down (virtually) and talk with Nick Parisi, the president of the Rod Serling Foundation. Learn all about Rod's legacy, the Twilight Zone, the statue in Rec Park and of course, why you should DEFINITELY be in attendance for SerlingFest 2025!
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
Buy tickets for SerlingFest 2025: https://rodserling.com/serlingfest-2025-tickets-on-sale-now/
Check out the Rod Serling Memorial Foundaiton: https://www.rodserling.com/
- Ep. 97 Understanding Niagara FallsSep 5, 2025 · 54 minGet your barrels ready to head over the Niagara Falls with this one Spiedie Freaks and Rattlesnake Pete's! We've got a scientific and cultural breakdown of one of Upstate New York's most majestic landmarks!
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 96- Understanding the Niagara MovementAug 29, 2025 · 48 minThis week we take a look at a pivotal time leading up to the Civil Rights Movement in America, the Niagara Movement. Get out your notebooks, folks, we've got a lot of gems here for you!
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 95- Understanding Saratoga SpringsAug 22, 2025 · 55 minThis week we take a dip in the refreshing waters of Saratoga Springs and tap into what makes this city great. From bottled water to a bounty of horse racing and botched runaway attempts we'll satiate your thirst for all things Saratoga Springs!
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 94- Understanding Ross Park ZooAug 15, 2025 · 55 minThis week we're swinging back through Binghamton to check out Zoo number two on Understanding Upstate, and learn all about the FIFTH zoo to ever open in the United States: Ross Park Zoo. As ever, this zoo does not disappoint, and makes for a wild episode. Zets!
As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and toss in your suggestion!
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 93- Understanding the Woodstock Rock FestivalAug 8, 2025 · 1 hr 31 minThis week we pack up our VW bus and head to Upstate, NY as we examine the groovy time that was had at Woodstock. While the festival looms large as a definitive moment in pop culture history, the festival almost didn't happen, several times! So hitch a ride as we dive into the iconic Woodstock music festival!
As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and toss in your suggestion!
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 92- Understanding IthacaAug 1, 2025 · 58 minThis week we debut a new episode format as we survey the great city of Ithaca, NY. From it's rowdier days when it was known as "Gamora", to it's unfortunate typhoid boom, and everything else in between, Jim and Rob get to the bottom of what makes Ithaca a gem in Upstate NY's crown.
As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and toss in your suggestion!
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 91- Understanding the New York State FairJul 25, 2025 · 1 hr 25 minThis week we take a trip to visit the oldest state fair in the United States, that s right we're headed to the Great New York State Fair! We cover a LOT of ground this episode, from Dairy Queens, to daredevils, and derechos, Rob and Jim examine what makes this fair so great. Miraculously, they also have stumbled upon a topic that can only be rivaled by canals when it comes to Rob's fanatical devotion.
As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and toss in your suggestion!
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 90- Understanding Paul ReubensJul 18, 2025 · 1 hr 12 minThis week we take a look at Oneonta's own, Paul Reubens, and learn all about the man behind Pee-wee Herman, and then some! Paul's career touched so many corners of Hollywood and pop culture that we're get into a veritable truck load of things on this episode. From Cyndi Lauper, to Zsa Zsa Gabor, to the Guys Choice awards, we cast a wide net to capture the full arc of Paul Reubens' career.
As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and toss in your suggestion!
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 89- Understanding Cornell ChickenJul 11, 2025 · 42 minWether you call it Cornell Chicken, State Fair Chicken, Baker's Chicken, or Fireman's Chicken, one thing remains true: it's one tasty bird. Join Jim and Rob as they learn about BBQ Bob and his novel approach to basting a tasty bird, which has gone on to be a staple of Upstate grilling for over 70 years.
As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and toss in your suggestion!
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 88- Understanding Utica's Stanley Theater (and Swifty's)Jul 4, 2025 · 49 minThis week Jim and Rob make good on the promise that if a Spiedie Freak or Rattlesnake Pete recommends an Upstate topic, they just might do an episode on it. So let's all take a trip to the majestic Stanley Theater in Utica, NY and bask in the glory of it's marvelous staircase (seriously, it's one of the finest set of stairs you'll set your eyes or feet on). Then we'll pop next door to check out Swifty's!
As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and toss in your suggestion!
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 87- Understanding Beef On WeckJun 27, 2025 · 1 hr 10 minThis week we take a look at the granddaddy of Buffalo's regional delicacies: Beef on Weck. This hefty sandwich has been keeping upstaters stuffed and full for well over a hundred years. We'll get to the bottom of what has made Beef on Weck a staple of Western New York's offerings.
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 →