Just jumping in here to add to all the people talking about how much I loved this week's episode! I think on a previous episode's thread, someone mentioned how much they'd loved the Off the Rails show style. The free flowing banter and discussion for this week's ep was just awesome. I was grinning and laughing while I listened (I almost exclusively listen in Apple Podcasts vs watch on YouTube.) I do think the addition of Jackie was an excellent choice, because her voice and demeanor (I have watched SOME of the YT shows she's been on!) are so perky, animated and upbeat.
I don't really think "the boss not being there" can fully explain why this week's show was so much better. I genuinely think one of the struggles of your first few episodes was due to the personality/demeanor of people on air with you. NO shade to John, Kevin, Corey or Craig, but all four of you guys have a much more chill vibe and even-keel demeanor. This translates to more monotone vocal delivery (for the listeners) and less obvious facial expressions and gestures for viewers to enjoy. Again - I'm not saying this as an insult. You guys all four are smart, talented people, and this is just your personality! "It takes all types" and all that.
Ryno is much further along the animated and upbeat delivery side (which I why I think DisPOP worked so well when Craig and Ryno did it together.) Erica can edge in that direction, but Jackie is DEFINITELY on that side of the scale (as was Deni - miss her!). Obviously having ONLY very animated personalities on a show would also be bad. It would be so chaotic that you couldn't follow the thread of conversation that well or it would be overwhelming to viewers/listeners.
Every ensemble cast needs a mix of personalities in order to find that perfect "recipe." When it was JUST Ryno as the only animated contributor with four of the more calm contributors, you guys sort of... chilled him out. But with Ryno and Jackie to balance out Craig and Erica, it was a fantastic blend.