Wetzel's Pretzels with Jon Daly

"Wetzel's Pretzels with Jon Daly" is Episode 101 of *Doughboys*, hosted by Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. "Wetzel's Pretzels with Jon Daly" was released on April 27, 2017.

## Synopsis

The 'boys resume their regular format with a review of shopping mall staple Wetzel's Pretzels with the help of special guest Jon Daly (*Kroll Show*, *I'm Dying Up Here*). Mitch and Wiger discuss the merits of pretzels and various quick bites in general, and a skeptical Jon brings some real talk about chain fare. Plus, a surprise double dose of Snack or Wack.

## Nick's intro

In 249 C.E., Decius began his tyrannical two-year reign as Emperor of Rome. His ignoble legacy is evident by the fact that he has an atrocity named after him: the Decian persecution, an edict that required all citizens of the Empire to choose between loyalty to the Roman Gods or death. While not directly targeted at the State's growing Christian population, it had the effect of suppressing the faith and led to the execution of many prominent Christians, including even the Pope. In 250, aware of the danger of openly practicing his religion, Saint Paul of Thebes exiled himself to a cave in Egypt, becoming the first of the Christian hermits.

Two centuries later, these hermits began to organize themselves into monastic orders and Christian monks would become a powerful force in sustaining the Western religion's arts, literature, and culture. But beyond tasks like illuminating manuscripts, monks developed their own tradition of food; most famously fermentation, as beer brewed at monasteries continues to be among the most highly regarded in the industry, but also via pretzels, a savory pastry of European origin.

While a thoroughly secular snack today, for centuries, the monks' treat was considered overtly Christian due to its signature form. The cross shape symbolizes arms folded in prayer and its trio of holes symbolizing the Hole-y Trinity.

By the twentieth century, this millennia-old snack had traversed the Atlantic and was firmly ensconced in American food culture, and in 1994, Bill Phelps and his fortuitously named business partner started a soft-pretzel franchise that would quickly become a fixture at shopping centers, ballgames, and amusement parks across the nation.

Now with 305 locations in 28 states and six countries, how much of its success is attributable to its sweet and savory pastries? And how much did the memorable rhyming name of Phelps' co-founder?

And yes, his actual name is Rick Wetzel.

This week on *Doughboys*, Wetzel's Pretzels.

## Fork rating

* Jalapeno Cheese Dog
 Mike Mitchell
* Cheese Dog
 Jon Daly
* Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Dip
 Nick and Mitch shared
	+ Pizza Sauce
* Cin-A-Bitz
	+ Sweet Glaze Dip

**Spoonman's Bite of the Night** went to the Cin-A-Bitz. (Nick agreed.)

## Snack or Wack

In Snack or Wack, the Doughboys have a snack and decide if it is 'good' or 'bad.'

For this episode, they try Pepperidge Farm Vanilla Cupcake Goldfish Grahams.

They loved them.

 Mike Mitchell
 Jon Daly

## Snack or Wack

    In Snack or Wack, the Doughboys have a snack and decide if it is 'good' or 'bad.'

In a last second surprise after the first Snack or Wack, they have a second snack, the Oreo Milka Chocolate Candy Bar.

 Mike Mitchell
 Jon Daly

## Quotes

**Jon**: So on a car ride, what would be something you'd play?
**Nick** OK. Let me bring up my Spotify, some recently played tracks from my account... let's see, I like the *Castlevania: Symphony of the Night* soundtrack. Really good.
**Jon**: You're interesting.

**Nick**: \*huge sigh\* I don't know.

## The Feedbag

For me, it's always been the drive-thru. But the problem with that is that it puts pizza, most sandwiches, and other chains like Five Guys and Chipotle into some 'other' category.
How would you guys answer this question? What makes a fast-food restaurant 'fast food'?

 Jon Daly

## Related Episodes

* DD. Wetzel's Pretzels (Live)
* 256. Marco's Pizza
* 283. Jersey Mike's 2

## Photos (via @doughboyspod)

Jalapeno Cheese DogCin-A-BitzPizza BitzFresh Lemonade and Frozen Strawberry Lemonade