The Ordinary Effect

Why does it feel like every good idea, small win, or positive change is immediately met with skepticism or negativity?

In this episode of The Ordinary Effect, we explore the quiet ways jealousy shows up in everyday conversations — from tearing down new ideas, to resenting other people’s opportunities, to explaining why something “shouldn’t exist” instead of asking how it could be improved.

Using familiar examples like remote work, vi...

🎆 New Year’s Eve Is an Honest Night — Even When We’re Not

As the countdown approaches, many of us tell ourselves comforting stories about change, closure, and certainty. They help us get through the night — but we rarely stop to examine them.

🧠 The Quiet Narratives We Don’t Say Out Loud

From believing next year will magically be different, to assuming everyone else has it figured out, New Year’s Eve has a way of amplifying thoughts ...

🎄 Something Shifts This Time of Year

At Christmas, even familiar situations can feel heavier, louder, or more emotional. You might notice yourself reacting differently — and not always in ways you expect.

🤍 It’s Not Just You

From public spaces to family gatherings, there’s a shared tension in the air. Everyone feels it… but no one really says it out loud.

🧠 What’s Really Going On Beneath the Surface

Pressure, expectation, memory, and...

In this episode of The Ordinary Effect, Guido dives into the everyday financial creep most of us never question — the slow rise of subscription-based living. From “free trials” that aren’t really free to phone plans that magically inflate, we explore how small monthly fees quietly shape our stress, our habits, and our bank accounts.

Why Subscriptions Took Over Our Lives

We look at how companies shifted from one-time purchases to mont...

The holidays bring joy, celebration… and more food pressure than any other time of year. In this episode of The Ordinary Effect, we explore how to enjoy festive meals without guilt, without stress, and without falling into the all-or-nothing trap that December seems designed to create.

Why Holiday Eating Feels So Hard

We unpack the pressures, expectations, and “helpful” comments that make December feel like nutritional chaos — and wh...

Winter has arrived — and with it comes snow, frustration, and some of the worst behaviour we see all year. In this episode of The Ordinary Effect, Guido breaks down the little decisions people make during a snowfall that turn simple winter days into headaches for neighbours, drivers, and entire communities.

From driveway battles to snow-covered cars to the “not my problem” mentality, this episode taps into the everyday winter experi...

The holiday season is here — but instead of joy, many of us feel rushed, pressured, and oddly unsettled. In this episode of The Ordinary Effect, Guido takes aim at the shopping chaos we’ve all been swept into, and asks a question almost no one stops to consider:

When did the holidays stop feeling magical and start feeling like a competition?

Black Friday becomes the doorway into a much deeper conversation — about comparison, obligati...

🚗 When $13,000 Meets a Honda Civic

This episode of The Ordinary Effect starts with a shocking headline: young male drivers paying over $13,000 a year to insure a basic car. Guido breaks down what the article claims—and whether the numbers actually add up.

📊 The Percentages That Shape Your Premium

Insurance companies argue that higher premiums reflect higher risk. Guido unpacks the statistics around speeding tickets, collisions, and ...

❄️ Winter Arrives Early

A simple ad for winter rims turns into a full-blown social experiment. Guido Piraino unpacks 500 marketplace messages, explores why people don’t read anymore, and shares a funny yet revealing lesson about human nature, responsibility, and the modern rush to avoid doing the work ourselves. 

Host Guido Piraino opens the episode reflecting on the sudden early snowfall—nearly 20 cm in November—and how it sparks a ...

🕯️ Between Light and Loss This isn’t just another episode about death—it’s about how the living use it. Guido Perino opens a raw, poetic reflection on why November is called the month of the dead and why ancient rituals from Samhain to All Souls’ Day still echo through our modern grief. The month of fading light becomes a mirror for how we remember, connect, and let go.

💐  The Beauty—and Vanity—of Flowers We send flowers to funera...

Is this reasonable… or just ridiculous?
In this episode of The Ordinary Effect, host Guido Perino unpacks the growing frustration many of us feel but rarely articulate: Why is good service becoming so rare? From home repairs to car buying, Guido explores real-life examples that highlight how far companies have strayed from transparency, trust, and follow-through.

What you’ll hear:

• A brutally honest account of trying to buy a...

📝 Episode Summary:

In this fiery episode of The Ordinary Effect, host I revisit a personal and political story that’s gripping Ontario: the Premier’s recent announcement to remove Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras across the province. This decision hits close to home for me as I share a first-hand experience of receiving a questionable ticket en route to a funeral—and the ongoing battle that followed.

Through personal reflec...

🎙 Back from Summer Break

Host Guido Piraino returns after a short summer pause, kicking off the new school year with a timely topic: school uniforms. He reflects on his own high school experience and how things have evolved since then.

👔 The Problem with Uniforms

Guido dives into the main issues with uniforms today:

• Comfort: Why are uniforms often made with itchy, tight, or poor-quality fabrics? If students must wear them daily, ...

In this episode of The Ordinary Effect, Guido dives into the evolving nature of friendship in today’s world. Are we losing the art of connection? From unannounced visits that once felt natural to the growing need for scheduling every interaction, Guido reflects on how post-pandemic life has reshaped social norms. Discover why the way we give—our time, attention, and sincerity—matters more than ever.

The Lost Art of Dropping By:...

In this emotional and reflective episode, host Guido unveils a major update: the podcast formerly known as Gtalk has officially been rebranded as The Ordinary Effect. Guido explains the reasons behind the name change, emphasizing the show’s commitment to exploring everyday stories and moments that carry deeper meaning.

The bulk of this episode is a heartfelt tribute to Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), who recently passed away. Guido share...

🎙️ Podcast Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of The Ordinary Effect (formerly G-Talk), we dive into the now-viral Coldplay concert scandal, where two corporate executives were caught on the Jumbotron in an embrace that’s lit up social media. What seemed like a humorous moment has spiraled into a viral storm—fueling debates about morality, professional boundaries, and the unintended consequences of public exposure.

D...

In this episode of The Ordinary Effect (formerly G-Talk), we dive into the world of men's undergarments with a detailed review of the Manmade brand. From their debut on Shark Tank to their expanding product line, we explore the quality, comfort, and customer service of their boxer shorts, shirts, and more. Tune in to hear about the highs and lows of the product, including a personal experience with their sizing chart and custo...

In this powerful follow-up episode of The Ordinary Effect (formerly G-Talk), we pick up the story of one citizen’s tireless stand against York Region’s Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program and its controversial tribunal process. What began as a $120 penalty has become a broader fight for fairness, transparency, and accountability in municipal governance.

🔑 Key Highlights:

1. Broken Appeals Process: The York Region tribunal sys...

Are speed cameras really about keeping our streets safe — or just a convenient cash grab for local governments? In this episode of The Ordinary Effect (formerly G-Talk), we break down how speed enforcement systems work, why they often fail to prioritize community safety, and what you can do to challenge them. From hidden placements to questionable ticketing tactics, we uncover the truth behind the lens. Tune in for a clear-eyed loo...