In this episode, Jerry and Stably dive into Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football by Rob Smyth, a fascinating exploration of the life and myth of Carlos Kaiser. Known for his extraordinary ability to avoid playing professional football while maintaining a high-profile “career,” Kaiser’s story blends deception, charisma, and ingenuity. The hosts discuss how Kaiser leveraged charm, fake injuries, and carefully orchestrated media coverage to sustain his reputation in the elite world of football without ever stepping on the pitch.

Jerry and Stably analyze the cultural and systemic factors that allowed Kaiser to thrive in 1980s and 1990s football, highlighting how charisma and myth-making can sometimes outweigh skill and merit. They share amusing and thought-provoking anecdotes from the book, such as Kaiser’s elaborate schemes to evade matches, and explore broader themes of ambition, imposture, and the human fascination with larger-than-life figures.

The episode examines the ethical and societal implications of Kaiser’s actions, questioning whether his story is one of clever survival or manipulative fraud. With their trademark mix of humor and insightful critique, Jerry and Stably offer listeners a compelling look at a figure who turned football’s conventions on their head and became a legend for all the wrong—or perhaps right—reasons.

The podcast episode explores Fat Leonard: The Con Man Who Corrupted the US Navy by Craig Whitlock, focusing on the astonishing true story of Leonard Glenn Francis and his large-scale corruption scandal involving the U.S. Navy. Hosts Jerry and Stably delve into the book’s narrative, beginning with Francis’s origins as a Malaysian entrepreneur and his rise as a defense contractor, where he exploited weaknesses in Navy operations. Through bribes, lavish gifts, and manipulation, Francis secured lucrative contracts while engaging in systematic fraud, inflating invoices, and misappropriating resources.

The hosts highlight how Francis’s operation thrived in an environment rife with negligence and complicity, exposing systemic vulnerabilities in military oversight. They discuss specific examples, such as the misuse of Navy funds for personal gain and the pervasive culture of secrecy and entitlement that allowed Francis’s schemes to flourish. The story is presented as both riveting and disheartening, with the moral complexities and human failings of those involved taking center stage.

Jerry and Stably reflect on the broader implications of the scandal, including its impact on trust in military institutions and the challenges of reforming such entrenched corruption. Despite its detailed account of misconduct, the book is acknowledged as an engaging and accessible read that illuminates a lesser-known aspect of military history. The discussion blends critique, analysis, and a touch of incredulity at the audacity of Francis’s operations, making for an insightful exploration of a shocking case of institutional failure.

The episode opens with Jerry and Stably greeting each other warmly after a holiday break, reflecting on the New Year and its opportunities for renewal. They segue into the central discussion, focusing on “Heart of a Dog” by Mikhail Bulgakov, a novella set in 1920s Moscow. Stably introduces the story, describing it as a satirical exploration of Soviet society through the transformation of Sharik, a stray dog, into a human following an experimental surgery conducted by a renowned doctor, Professor Preobrazhensky.

The hosts delve into Bulgakov’s critique of the Soviet regime, examining how the novella uses humor and absurdity to highlight the societal and moral dilemmas of the time. They discuss the professor’s intentions behind the experiment, portraying it as a commentary on human nature and the challenges of attempting to create “ideal” citizens. Sharik’s transformation is analyzed as both a metaphor for social engineering and a direct critique of the upheavals of the Russian Revolution.

Stably highlights how the novella’s narrative structure juxtaposes Sharik’s perspective as a dog with his later experiences as a human, emphasizing the loss of innocence and the complexities of human existence. The conversation touches on Bulgakov’s use of vivid imagery and allegorical elements, with Jerry noting the novella’s blend of dark comedy and philosophical inquiry.

The hosts also discuss specific scenes and character dynamics, such as Sharik’s initial gratitude towards his rescuer and his eventual rebellion as he struggles to adapt to his new identity. They reflect on the ethical implications of the experiment and the broader questions it raises about science, power, and identity. Notable examples include the interplay between Professor Preobrazhensky and his assistant, Dr. Bormenthal, which underscores the tensions between ambition and responsibility.

Concluding the discussion, Jerry and Stably agree that “Heart of a Dog” remains relevant for its incisive critique of authoritarianism and its exploration of what it means to be human. They praise Bulgakov’s storytelling for its ability to provoke thought while entertaining readers, encouraging listeners to explore the novella for its rich thematic layers and enduring significance.