464: Donkey Math
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In Episode 464 of Triviality, titled 'Donkey Math,' hosts Ken, Matt, Neil, and Jeff welcome guest Daniel from Vermont and returning player Benjamin Lee Cuba from Massachusetts for a high-energy trivia showdown. The episode kicks off with a nostalgic 'Ghosts of Trivia Past' round, revisiting questions from the podcast's early days—such as the Leopold and Loeb kidnapping case and the identity of the slain king Belshazzar from the Book of Daniel—testing the hosts' long-term memory. The game then shifts to modern trivia, featuring categories like 'Dream of the Drop' (Archimedes screw), 'Crunching the Numbers' (Donkey Kong Jr. Math), and 'Dinosaurs Got Right to the Point' (Thagomizer). A standout moment comes when the hosts celebrate their cumulative score of 143 points—playfully dubbed 'Donkey Kong math'—after a strong second half. The episode closes with heartfelt shout-outs to Patreon supporters, the podcast's community, and the guests' creative projects, including Ben’s band Midnight Motion and Daniel’s deep dive into early Triviality episodes.
Revisiting old trivia questions can be both nostalgic and revealing of long-term knowledge retention.
The phrase 'Donkey Kong math' became a running joke and theme after the hosts' cumulative score of 143 points.
The Thagomizer, a spike-tipped tail on a stegosaurus, was named after a Far Side cartoon, blending pop culture and paleontology.
Patreon supporters gain access to exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free content, and behind-the-scenes material.
The hosts emphasize kindness and community, especially in the chaotic world of podcasting and trivia.
Welcome and Introductions
The hosts kick off the episode with banter about hosting duties, Neil's absence, and a playful dig at his 'quill in hand' routine. Daniel joins from Vermont, introducing himself as a fan of Triviality and The Daily Stoic, while Benjamin Lee Cuba returns from Massachusetts, sharing his background as a ballet pianist, comedian, and trivia host.
Ghosts of Trivia Past: Deep Cuts from Early Episodes
“We need a new plague. 100% office reference.”
Modern Trivia: From Archimedes to Donkey Kong Jr. Math
“Donkey Kong math is probably going to be the episode title now.”
Final Round: From the Periodic Table to the Code of Ur-Namu
“Man's got to have a code. Man's got to have a code.”
Closing Cheers and Shout-Outs
The episode wraps with heartfelt thanks to Patreon supporters, Daniel’s shout-out to Andy, Ben’s plug for his band Midnight Motion, and a final tribute to Airwave Media. The hosts reaffirm their mission: to make the world a better place through trivia and kindness.
“Be kind to each other. Be kind to yourself in this mad, mad world.”
“We need a new plague. 100% office reference.”
“Donkey Kong math is probably going to be the episode title now.”
Hosts
Guests
Benjamin Lee Cuba
person
Daniel
person
TomTom Club
media
Patreon
other
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
media
Donkey Kong Jr. Math
other
Shellac
product
Archimedes Screw
other
Leopold and Loeb
person
Thagomizer
other
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