Inchoate. s7. episode 4.

In this candid and meandering April episode of Stay F. Homekins, Janie Haddad Tompkins and Paul F. Tompkins dive into the absurdities of modern life from their Los Angeles home. They open with reflections on the chaotic rhythm of their neighborhood—giant trucks tearing up the street before rain, a metaphor for life’s unpredictable disruptions. The conversation spirals into deep discussions about lying, authenticity, and the psychological toll of living with people who fabricate stories, drawing parallels to the revelation that the ABBA Voyage concert featured holograms. They critique the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, mocking its logistical absurdities and environmental contradictions, while sharing personal anecdotes about ticket-buying regrets and the futility of pretending the Olympics are imminent every year. The hosts then pivot to a darkly humorous exploration of a Netflix cult documentary about a self-proclaimed prophet who claims to be the new leader of a polygamous sect, fantasizing about marrying the Queen of England. Amidst this, they reflect on their 16-year marriage, debating a vow renewal versus a trip, and share excitement about upcoming creative projects, including a short film premiering at the New York Short Film Festival and a comedy feature shot in Savannah. The episode closes with a sharp critique of ride-share pricing, the failure of public transit in Charleston, and a scathing commentary on the political climate, particularly Melania Trump’s recent press conference and the broader culture of denial and performative truth-telling. Throughout, they balance humor with existential dread, celebrating connection, creativity, and the power of words—even as they grapple with the inchoate chaos of the world.