How to do Stuff: Trick or Treating!
Summary
Simon Tierney joins Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman to argue that modern trick-or-treating has lost its traditional transactional roots. He advocates for reviving the Gaelic practice of "geising," where children must perform a routine or joke to earn a treat, and suggests replacing pumpkins with scarier turnip lanterns. The discussion also covers Tierney’s elaborate Halloween prank involving a hidden bald head and a metal cloche.
Topics discussed
Bj's 42% off Thanksgiving celebration ad
Introduction of Simon Tierney and Halloween topic
Critique of modern trick-or-treating habits
Gaelic origins of guising and performance requirements
The original meaning of 'trick' as a threat
Social experiment: asking kids to perform for treats
Turnips vs. pumpkins: Irish tradition vs. American import
The National Museum's terrifying turnip jack-o'-lantern
Where to buy turnips and carving difficulties
Simon's Modern Family-inspired Halloween prank
Closing remarks and show sign-off
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