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Because I'm John Sellmeyer

Because I'm John Sellmeyer

By: John Robert Joseph Sellmeyer
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About this listen

Welcome to a podcast powered by curiosity, caffeine, and the occasional existential crisis. Most episodes are interviews with interesting people who teach me something new—sometimes surprising, sometimes profound, always human. Other times, it’s just me, thinking out loud about whatever’s been rattling around in my brain lately. It’s part conversation, part observation, and part “how did we end up here?” If you like honest chats, unexpected turns, and the feeling of learning something without realizing it, you’re in the right place. No niche—just stories, thoughts, and wondering out loud.John Robert Joseph Sellmeyer Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Bad Bunny Effect: Purple Rain to Puerto Rico, The "Muted" Halftime Show (Lady Gaga, Drax, and more! Feat. Alondra!)
    Feb 10 2026

    In this episode of Because I’m John Sellmeyer, John and his beautiful wife Alondra reunite behind the mic for a deep dive into the cultural phenomenon that was Super Bowl 60. While the game itself—a Seahawks vs. Patriots rematch—might have been a "boring" defensive struggle for a Chiefs fan, the halftime show was anything but.

    We break down Bad Bunny’s record-breaking, cinematic halftime performance. With over 128 million viewers, it wasn’t just a show; it was a powerful statement on Puerto Rican culture, unity, and the resilience of the island's people. From the hidden messages about the power grid to the surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin (plus a legendary nod to Daddy Yankee), we discuss why this performance made Alondra feel "seen" and why it left John—our resident "gringo"—vibing along.

    Plus, we look ahead to some exciting life updates:

    • Autism in Film: A sneak peek at our upcoming episode with Reese, diving into characters like Forrest Gump, Drax, and Buddy the Elf.

    • The Big 10th Anniversary Trip: Planning our epic journey to London, Paris, and Rome for October 2026.

    • Destination: Puerto Rico: John and Alondra are heading to San Juan in just over a month!

    • Super Bowl Commercials: We talk about the funniest spots (shoutout to Ben Stiller) and the more controversial, impactful ones like Rocket Mortgage.

    Finally, stick around for a special guest review from Benjamin, who gives the halftime show his official rating.

    Check out John’s book: The Maw Beneath the Mane is available now on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Dive into this myth-infused thriller featuring Sal and his trailer full of gators—a perfect read that resonates with the themes of today’s world.

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    21 mins
  • Vecna Lives! And Happy New Year, Ya Stranger Thang
    Jan 8 2026

    Episode Summary:Grab a brown blanket and a blueberry spinach smoothie—we’re officially one week into 2026! Today, Johnny and his "extravagant" wife Alondra dive deep into the fallout of the Stranger Things season finale. *SPOILERS** Did Eleven really sacrifice herself, or are we all being gaslit by the Duffer Brothers?

    We’re breaking down the "Conformity Gate" theory: from the color-changing radio dials to the eerie orange graduation gowns and those suspicious blank signs. Is there a secret Episode 9 dropping, or are we just mourning the end of an era?

    Plus, we look ahead at the massive 2026 film slate, discuss our 10th-year anniversary plans (Venice?!), and Truman drops in with a very specific warning for Aunt Krissy.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • New Year's Vibes: Why 2026 feels "rough" but promising, and Alondra’s quest for guilt-free self-care.

    • Stranger Things Finale Spoilers: The "Rightside Up," Eleven’s fate, and why the ending felt a little too perfect.

    • Conformity Gate: Every clue pointing to a Vecna-induced illusion.

    • 2026 Blockbusters: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, and the Michael Jackson biopic.

    • Nostalgia Trip: Why we miss the 2000s and who we’d actually invite to dinner (Shakespeare vs. Celine Dion).

    Check out Alondra on TikTok: @lifewithlondri Read John’s Book: The Maw Beneath the Mane by JRJ Sellmeyer (Available on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited).

    #StrangerThings #StrangerThings5 #ConformityGate #Episode9Theory #Netflix #DufferBrothers #Eleven #VecnaLives #NewYears2026 #2026Movies #ChristopherNolan #TheOdyssey #TomHolland #MattDamon #AvengersDoomsday #RobertDowneyJr #DoctorDoom #SpiderManBrandNewDay #MichaelJacksonBiopic #DunePart3 #Cinephile #PodcastLife #10YearAnniversary #LifeWithLondri #MFDoom

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    39 mins
  • I'm a Fork, She's a Knife: Our Tamales vs. Ham Christmas
    Dec 10 2025

    Because I'm John Sellmeyer: Holiday Chaos, FNaF 2, and Wally World Jokes (Feat. Alondra)

    Get ready for some hilarious holiday chat as John Sellmeyer welcomes his beautiful wife, Alondra, back to the mic!

    In this episode, they dive into the festive frenzy, comparing old-school Black Friday madness to today's online deals (and a trip to "Wally World" is involved!). From five Elf on the Shelf dolls, including the possibility of an autistic elf, to John's deep dive into Christmas dinner rankings (Tamales vs. Ham vs. Turkey), you'll hear what's really happening in their Kansas City Christmas.

    Plus, John and Alondra talk about taking their sons to see Five Nights at Freddy's 2—their first horror movie in theaters! They break down the film's plot, discuss the rise of FNaF fan songs by artists like CG5 and The Living Tombstones, and reminisce about the nostalgia of The Grinch and those classic Claymation specials.

    Key Topics & Keywords:

    • Holidays

    • Christmas Shopping

    • Black Friday

    • Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (FNaF 2)

    • Elf on the Shelf

    • Tamales

    • Kansas City (KC)

    • Christmas Movies

    • Wally World / Walmart

    • CG5

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    21 mins
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