Eric Winter plays Sergeant Tim Bradford on the ABC series “The Rookie.” The show has earned a very dedicated audience, especially with kids. How does he know for sure? He’s seen them dress up as his character for Halloween.

Dree Hemingway is an actor who portrays Daryl Hannah in the FX show “Love Story.” She’ll tell us about how she reached out to the real life Daryl Hannah after she got the part. Plus we’ll learn more about her other job… as a fashion model. 

Areas of Expertise:

Eric: The movie The Breakfast Club, tennis, and rum.

Dree: The movie The Fifth Element, the movie Romeo + Juliet, and musician Kate Bush.

What’s the Difference: Maine Squeeze

What’s the difference between a harbor and a marina?

What’s the difference between squeeze and squish?

With Guest Experts:

Ben Schaffer: Publisher of online magazine “The Rum Reader” and author of several books about cocktails.  

Robert Mark Kamen: Screenwriter (and winemaker!) whose many works include the screenplay for The Fifth Element.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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Seth Rudetsky is a musician, author, and Broadway savant who hosts afternoon radio on Sirius XM’s On Broadway channel. He’ll tell us about his Broadway cruise and why he believes in spreading “Jewish joy” through his weekly Broadway Shabbat.

Julie Klausner is an actor and writer who hosts the podcasts “How was Your Week?” and “Double Threat” with Tom Sharpling. Julie will tell us just how dedicated fans of those shows can be – plus about her professional (and personal) collaborations with Billy Eichner. 

Areas of Expertise:

Seth: Carly Simon songs, the TV show “The Brady Bunch Hour,” and natural disasters.

Julie: John Waters movies, Jewish celebrities, and cats. 

What’s the Difference: A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

What’s the difference between a mindset and a mentality?

What’s the difference between a person’s waist and their waistline?

With Guest Experts:

Sally Taylor: Singer-songwriter with a decades-long career– that includes working with her mother Carly Simon!

Ricki Lake: Emmy-winning TV host and actor who starred as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film Hairspray.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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Jackie Cox turned heads as the first drag queen of Iranian descent to compete on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She’ll tell us why the show is nothing like an actual drag pageant and why drag is always political. Plus – what it’s like to act in a movie alongside an Oscar-nominated performance!

Dorinda Medley was a cast member of “The Real Housewives of New York” for a little over a decade. Then, in 2023, she swapped her house for a castle to join “The Traitors”. Sadly, she was murdered first (#JusticeForDorinda!). Medley got another shot at redemption when she returned next season. She’ll tell us how these experiences led to her memoir, I Know a Thing or Two About a Thing or Two.

Areas of Expertise:

Jackie: The Star Trek universe, the movie Mary Poppins and The Gap.

Dorinda: The TV show “Law & Order: SVU,” 1980s music, and Friedrich Nietzsche.

What’s the Difference: Pot o’ Gold.

What’s the difference between cannabis and marijuana?

What’s the difference between a carat and a karat?

With Guest Experts:

Robert Picardo: Actor whose decades-long career includes several appearances in the Star Trek franchise as The Doctor.

Raúl Esparza: Broadway star and actor who starred in over 100 episodes of “Law & Order: SVU.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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Matt Walsh is best known for his role as Mike McClintock on “Veep,” for which he was nominated for an Emmy – twice! He’ll tell us how he developed that character and give us advice on how to improve our improv skills.

Kali Reis is a former boxer who earned an Emmy nom starring alongside Jodie Foster in “True Detective: Night Country.” She’ll tell us how she celebrated her indigenous heritage in boxing and what it’s been like to step out of the ring and onto TV.

Areas of Expertise:

Kali: The movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, the movie The Mask, and Mike Tyson.

Matt:The Chicago Bears football team, English literature, and Austria.

What’s the Difference: Prune Juice

What’s the difference between pruning a plant and trimming a plant?

What’s the difference between AC and DC?

With Guest Experts:

Mark Verheiden and Mike Werb: Authors and screenwriters, whose careers include working on the film The Mask.

Charles “Peanut” Tillman: Former record-setting NFL cornerback for the Chicago Bears.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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Chase Masterson’s fans know her as Leeta from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” She’s deeply inspired by the imagined universe of the series – and the fans who embody its values. To that end, Chase works tirelessly at her non-profit aimed at ending bullying: The Heroic Journey.

Jay Mohr had been working in comedy for years when he landed his first movie: Jerry Maguire. But he’s still known for his great work in comedy (“SNL,” “Action”) … and as an impressionist. He’ll tell us about the secret to a great impression and what it was like to work with the celebrity he became famous for impersonating.

Areas of Expertise:

Chase: The best commercial jingles of the 1970s and 1980s, 1980s slang, and Word of the Year winners.

Jay: The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers album, the TV show “Deadwood,” and 1990s Yankees World Series teams. 

What’s the Difference: Chase and Jay

What’s the difference between to chase and to pursue?

What’s the difference between a bluejay and jaybird?

With Guest Experts:

Linda November: Cleo award-winning singer whose career includes many pop hits and even more popular jingles. 

Jim Beaver: Actor, writer, and film historian whose career includes playing Whitney Ellsworth on “Deadwood.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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Politics, high fashion, and trivia– it must be Go Fact Yourself!

Ashly Burch is a YouTuber and voice actor, who was a recent guest on episode 177 of Go Fact Yourself. She joins us as guest co-host.

Al Madrigal is an actor and comedian. He’s known for sitcoms like “Lopez vs. Lopez” and his many appearances as Senior Latino Correspondent on “The Daily Show.” He’ll tell us about some of the scrutiny that title came with. Everything he does now is a big step up from one of his first jobs, where he was forced to fire people on a regular basis.

Mary Lynn Rajskub is a comedian and actor, previously seen in “24.” She’ll tell us about the triumphs – and difficulties – of the show. These days, she’s seen on the Netflix series “North of North” – an incredibly important showcase of Inuit culture; and her son says she’s perfect on the show as “the white lady.”

Areas of Expertise:

Al: U.S. Latino politicians, San Francisco’s Mexican restaurants, and Jack Reacher.

Mary Lynn: The city of Iqaluit, Canada, the movie The Florida Project, and Cybill Shepherd's wardrobe in “Moonlighting.”

What’s the Difference: Flying Saucer

What’s the difference between an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) and an Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon (UAP)?

What’s the difference between gravy and sauce?

With Guest Experts:

Blanca Pacheco: Former mayor, city councilwoman, and current member of the California State Assembly.

Glenn Gordon Caron: Award-winning writer, producer, and director who created the show “Moonlighting.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Ashly Burch

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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On January 24, we’re joined by Jackie Cox and Dorinda Medley at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia theater at Symphony Space.

On January 26th we’re joined by Julie Klausner and Seth Rudetsky at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. 

Plus, this weekend is our episode with Al Madrigal and Mary Lynn Rajskub – with guest co-host Ashly Burch! We’ll give you a special preview of what’s to come.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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Paul Feig is a director of comedies like Bridesmaides and thrillers like the newly released thriller The Housemaid. He’ll tell us why he gets a similar thrill from working in both genres. And we’ll learn more about where his acute sense of fashion comes from. 

Anjali Bhimani is an actor, especially known for her voice work in videogames. She’ll tell us why portraying the character Symmetra for the Overwatch games has been especially meaningful for both her and gamers. Plus: why puppies are the perfect addition to a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. 

Areas of Expertise:

Paul: The 2025 Dodgers starting lineup, the TV show “The Brady Bunch,” and martinis.

Anjali: Late 70s to early 90s musicals (especially Sondheim), the greater human skeletomuscular system, and lines from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

What’s the Difference: Whip it

What’s the difference between beating and whipping (when it comes to cooking)?

What’s the difference between a whip and a lash?

With Guest Experts:

Jon Weidman: Emmy-winning and Tony-nominated writer, whose decades of work include three collaborations with Stephen Sondheim.

Maureen McCormick: Actor, singer and best-selling author who played Marcia Brady on “The Brady Bunch.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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Loni Love is an Emmy-winning TV host, known for her over 1000 episodes of the talk show “The Real.” You can see her host The Rose Parade this New Year’s Day. She’s had an interesting career that included a poor-performing stint as an engineer.

Nick Cho has made a name for himself on social media as “Your Korean Dad,” where he gives parental advice and insight to viewers. He’ll tell us about how his kids encouraged him to get into content creation and why he’s something of a coffee bean snob.

Areas of Expertise:

Loni: Michael Jackson, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, and how to pack for a cruise.

Nick: 1980s arcade games, Asian-Americans in the media from the 1980s to 2000s, and Gen Alpha slang.

What’s the Difference: Advice Column

What’s the difference between getting advice and getting counsel?

What’s the difference between a column and a pillar?

With Guest Experts:

Siedah Garrett: Grammy-winning and two time Oscar-nominated singer and actor, whose career includes hit songs with Michael Jackson.

Gedde Watanabe: Actor, whose career includes roles on Sixteen Candles, Mulan, “ER,” and more.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.

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Christine Lakin is best known for her role as Alicia “Al” Lambert on the sitcom “Step By Step.” She’ll tell us about what it was like being the childhood crush of so many men and women. Plus, what it was like to “fall into” her work as an audiobook narrator.

Jon Lovett is the founder of Crooked Media and host of Lovett or Leave It. He’ll tell us how he manages to feel okay despite being so in tune with the world of politics. And we’ll learn more about how he wound up as a speech writer for the Obama administration… after winning a contest (sort of).

Areas of Expertise:

Christine: The TV show “Below Deck,” the TV show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” making the best mint cookies and cream ice cream in the world. 

Jon: Kazuo Ishiguro novels, the TV show “The Real Housewives of New York City,” and Taco Bell

What’s the Difference: Practically Speaking

What’s the difference between a practical solution and a pragmatic solution?

What’s the difference between your larynx and your pharynx?

With Guest Experts:

Courtland Cox: Longtime executive producer of “Below Deck.”

Captain Lee Rosbach: Captain for ten seasons on “Below Deck.”

Dorinda Medley and Alex McCord: Cast members of“The Real Housewives of New York.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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Plus, give the gift of GFY this holiday season! Check out our merch – including a holiday ornament – at MaxFunStore.com. 

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Ashly Burch is a YouTuber and comedian who was a recent guest on episode 177 of Go Fact Yourself. She joins us as co-host. 

Lilan Bowden is an actor, perhaps best known for her role in the Netflix series “Murderville.” She’s had an extensive career across film and TV. But she’s been especially affected by her Disney series “Andi Mack,” and how much the role endeared her to kids.

A Martinez is known by public radio listeners as the host of NPR’s Morning Edition. He’s been a part of public radio for years. But before that, he made his name (literally!) in the world of sports radio. That’s also where he learned some… unique interviewing skills. He’ll explain.

Areas of Expertise:

A: The TV show “Veep,” the movie New Jack City, and the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers

Lilan: The TV show “The Comeback,” the YouTube show “Ms. Rachel,” and The Jim Jones Cult aka “The People’s Temple”

What’s the Difference: Taylor Swift

What’s the difference between a tailor and a seamstress?

What’s the difference between fast and quick?

With Guest Experts:

Damian Young: Actor whose career includes playing Mark Berman on HBO’s “The Comeback”

Laura Silverman: Actor who played Jane Benson on HBO’s “The Comeback”

Matt Walsh: Actor and comedian who founded the Upright Citizens Brigade and received two Emmy nominations for his role as Mike McLintock in the series “Veep”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Ashly Burch

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

This episode was edited by Valerie Moffat

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In this episode:

Peter Sagal and Rebecca Makkai from ep. 45.

Helen Zaltzman and Lewis Black from ep. 79.

Antonio Villaraigosa from ep. 164.

Kitty Felde and Charlie Hankin from ep. 51.

Parker Molloy and Kevin Allison from ep. 99.

Matt Rogers and Mimi Rogers from ep. 178.

With Guest Experts:

Gov. Madeleine May Kunin, author, ambassador and three-term governor of Vermont.

Charlie Uhrig, former mayor of Solvang, California

Kermit Roosevelt III, professor at University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School.

Senator Barbara Boxer, representing California in the United States Senate from 1993 to 2017.

Rep. Laura Gillen: United States Congresswoman serving New York’s fourth district.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

(Do YOU want to be a guest on the show? Make sure to support us in the 2026 MaxFunDrive and stay tuned for our next Listener Tournament!)

Khalil Goodman is a photographer who works in public communications in Barbados. He also loves cosplay and will tell us about some of his favorite characters that he’s encountered – plus, what it would take to get people to cosplay as the hosts of this show.

Kristen Pilotte is a government contractor and aerospace engineer. She’ll tell us about how she’s joining us while she’s on call for very important space-related work. We’ll also learn more about how some of her upcoming projects involve humans in space. And of course, cats!

Areas of Expertise:

Khalil: The animated TV series “X-Men ‘97,” the band Garbage, and the work of Agatha Christie.

Kristen: The “Duck Tales” videogame, the US manned space program, and the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.”

What’s the Difference: Mind your Manners

What’s the difference between etiquette and manners?

What’s the difference between a cause of death and a manner of death?

With Guest Experts:

Isaac Robinson-Smith, Holly Chou and Alison Sealy-Smith: Voice actors whose work includes playing characters on the series “X-Men ‘97.”

Dr. Don Thomas: Author, engineer, educator, and astronaut.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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live-audience shows

 by YOU!

Appearing in this episode:

Gina Yashere from ep. 142

Evette Dionne from ep. 121

Seán Devlin from ep. 87

Sarah Jones from ep. 167

DJ Jazzy Jeff from ep. 100

Marc Evan Jackson from ep. 176

Open Mike Eagle from ep. 165

With Guest Experts:

Ahmad: Hip-Hop artist who earned a Gold Record for his track, “Back in the Day.”

Speech: Rapper and founding member of hip-hop group Arrested Development.

DJ Jazzy Jeff: Actor, producer and Grammy-winning hip-hop pioneer.

Big Daddy Kane: Grammy-winning rapper and producer, known for his groundbreaking rhymes.

DJ Spinderella: Grammy-winning DJ, rapper and producer, known for her work as a member of the group Salt-N-Pepa.

Candyman: Rapper and producer who co-wrote and performed the hit song “Knockin’ Boots.”

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels: Founding member of Run-DMC and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Stephen Tobolowsky is an actor, writer, and director. He’s perhaps best known for his role as Ned Ryerson from the classic film Groundhog Day. He’ll tell us about what it’s like being part of such an iconic movie – and how its fans keep him humble.

Aparna Nancherla is a comedian, who’s also a prolific voice actor. She’ll tell us why voicing the character Moon Tobin on “The Great North” represents a lifelong dream for her. Plus, she’ll workshop some titles for her upcoming stand-up special that will premiere on Dropout TV. 

Areas of Expertise:

Stephen: The work of Charles Dickens, the movie Children of Men, and the Jamaican Switch scam.

Aparna: The movie Home Alone, the movie Jurassic Park, and naked mole rats. 

What’s the Difference: Pay Up

What’s the difference between a deposit and a down-payment?

What’s the difference between extortion and blackmail?

Guest Experts:

Dr. Rochelle Buffenstein: Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, known for her groundbreaking work with naked mole rats. 

Shani Wallis: Legendary singer and actor who's appeared in dozens of film and stage productions – including the 1968 Oscar-winning Best Picture Oliver!

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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Cooper Barnes is an actor, best known as the superhero Captain Man in the Nickelodeon “Danger Force” franchise. He’ll tell us what it’s like to have kids as fans, and why portraying a superhero is harder than it looks. (Hint: It rhymes with blandex.)

Larissa FastHorse is an award-winning playwright – the first known female Native American to have a play produced on Broadway. She’ll tell us why it earned her a level of fame she didn’t expect. Plus, how she helped update some famous (and infamous) elements of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Areas of Expertise:

Cooper: Comic book artists of the 1990s comic boom, the 1986 Transformers movie, and monkeys.

Larissa: The original play and 1954 musical Peter Pan, the movie The Sound of Music, and Pierre, South Dakota.

What’s the Difference: That’s Fair

What’s the difference between a carnival and a fair?

What’s the difference between just and fair?

Guest Experts:

Dr. Anne Bryant: Composer and producer of numerous songs for television, film and advertising – including the hit theme to Transformers.

Cathy Rigby McCoy: Award-winning actor, producer, and gymnast, who played Peter Pan on stage in thousands of productions around the world.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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Mimi Rogers is an actor – best known these days for her role in the Amazon series “Bosch.” She’s acted in that family of shows for ten years, but she’ll tell us about how her part was never supposed to last that long. Plus, Mimi reveals some secrets about her time on the set of Austin Powers.  

Matt Rogers is one of the hosts of the podcast Las Culturistas. He’ll tell us about how he started the show with his co-host Bowen Yang, his Christmas themed album and tour that he manifested, and what it was like to actually meet the Queen of Christmas: Mariah Carey. You can stream “The Las Culturistas Culture Awards” on Peacock now.

Areas of Expertise:

Mimi: Types of flowers, Italian cooking, and the TV show “Sex and the City.”

Matt: Mariah Carey, the TV show “The Real Housewives of New York” (pre-reboot), and Long Island. 

What’s the Difference: Boring!

What’s the difference between drilling and boring?

What’s the difference between a hog and a boar?

Guest Experts:

Dr. Nicole Cavender: Director of the Botanical Gardens at The Huntington.

Rep. Laura Gillen: United States Congresswoman serving New York’s fourth district. 

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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Brendan Hunt is best known as Coach Beard on the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso.” He’ll tell us about how the show got started, why they decided to put out another season, and why fans always recognize him in airports.

Ashly Burch is a well-known part of gaming culture. She’s voiced characters of such critically-acclaimed games like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Life is Strange. She’ll demonstrate her voice work and tell us about her YouTube series “I’m Happy You’re Here.”

Areas of Expertise:

Ashly: The show “Parks and Recreation” seasons 3 and 4, 2006’s (aka 2005’s) Pride & Prejudice, and aerial silks.

Brendan: Elvis Costello’s under-appreciated album Spike, the Beatles song “Hey Jude,” and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871

What’s the Difference: Payback

What’s the difference between restitution and reparation?

What’s the difference between a spinal cord and a spinal column?

Guest Experts:

Jeri Heiden and John Heiden: Grammy-winning designers whose work included albums for Madonna, Pink, Elvis Costello, and more.

Mara Marini: Actor who’s appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation,” “Schitt’s Creek,” and “Blackish.”

Natalie Morales: Actor who’s appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation” and films like My Dead Friend Zoe.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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Jodie Sweetin has been in show business for most of her life. She’s famous for her role as Stephanie Tanner on "Full House." She’ll tell us what it was like being on a major TV show at such a young age and how she revisited that time in her podcast, "How Rude Tanneritos."

Marc Evan Jackson is best known for his stoic performances across a number of TV roles including for "The Good Place" and "Brooklyn 99." He’ll tell us why he loves the fans of the shows he’s a part of and explain why the art of improv is so important. 

Areas of Expertise:

Marc: The TV show “The Office,” vessels in the Maine windjamming fleet, and the lyrics to the song “Knockin’ Boots” by Candyman

Jodie: Jim Henson movies, the TV show “Arrested Development,” and American Girl Dolls. 

What’s the Difference: Treasure Island

What’s the difference between to treasure and to cherish?

What’s the difference between a traffic median and a traffic island?

Guest Experts:

Candyman: Rapper and producer who co-wrote and performed the hit song “Knockin’ Boots.”

Dave Goelz: Emmy-winning performer and producer who’s worked with the Muppets for more than 50 years – and in several movies with Jim Henson.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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Georgia Hardstark is best known for her incredibly popular podcast “My Favorite Murder.” It’s a show all about true crime, but she and her co-host still manage to find a lot of humor and heart in their subject matter. She’ll explain. 

Tim Bagley is an actor, comedian, and writer, who’s earned critical praise (and Emmy buzz) for his performance in the HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere.” He’ll tell us about some of the emotional moments from behind the scenes that turned into great moments for his character. 

Areas of Expertise:

Tim: Chaka Khan, Mitzi Gaynor, and communicating with the dead

Georgia: The TV show “Lost,” the band Sublime, and frozen food.

What’s the Difference: Ow!

What’s the difference between to burn and to scald?

What’s the difference between to be hurt and to be injured?

Guest Experts:

Paulette McWilliams and Kevin Murphy: Founding members of the Grammy Award-winning group Rufus. 

Jorge Garcia: Award-winning actor and comedian who played Hurley on the TV show “Lost.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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Steven Weber is an actor with a storied career that includes TV shows like “Wings” and “Chicago Med.” He’ll tell us why he actually has trouble watching some of his earlier work… mainly due to vanity. Plus, he shares about why feels he should have won “Celebrity Jeopardy!”

Kiran Deol is a comedian. In her new special, “Joysuck,” she talks about life’s difficulties and how to find joy in spite of them. And then we’ll learn more about what she considers the ideal nap. 

Areas of Expertise:

Kiran: The IN-N-Out burgers menu, the movie The Shawshank Redemption, and types of vodka.

Steven: The original “Star Trek” TV Series, Borscht Belt hotels, comedians and singers, and the book The Grapes of Wrath.

What’s the Difference: Pickle Ball

What’s the difference between pickling and fermenting?

What’s the difference between a gala and a ball?

Guest Experts:

Jeff Zarrinnam: One of the owners and operators of Hollywood Distillery.

Walter Koenig: actor and pop culture icon who originated the role of Pavel Chekov on “Star Trek.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

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Thomas Jane is an actor whose roles often required a lot of training. He’ll tell us how he got in shape for The Punisher, learned to play baseball for 61*, and more. Plus, we’ll learn about the unusual way he was paid for his very first film gig.

Grey Delisle is a singer and voice actor whose characters can be heard in everything from “The Simpsons” to “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” She’ll give us samples of some of her most well-known voices and tell us about her newest music album, The Grey Album.

Areas of Expertise:

Grey: The Carter Family, Robert Duvall, and Dr. Pepper.

Thomas: Pioneers of UFOlogy (specifically J. Allen Hynek), the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and absinthe. 

What’s the Difference: Frenemies

What’s the difference between genial and congenial?

What’s the difference between an enemy and a nemesis?

Guest Experts:

Carlene Carter: Grammy-nominated musician and third- generation member of the Carter family.

Cary Guffey: Former actor known for his childhood role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. 

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Tom Papa is a comedian known for his podcast, radio show, and TV specials. These days, he may be even better known for his other passion: baking bread. He’ll tell us how that started and how his family indulged his new hobby. 

Rosalind Chao is an actor who’s appeared in everything from “Star Trek: The Next Generation", The Joy Luck Club, and Netflix’s “The 3 Body Problem.” Before all that, she was on the most-watched episode of television ever – a little thing called the series finale of “M*A*S*H.””

Areas of Expertise:

Rosalind: Disneyland in the late 1980s, the TV show “The White Lotus” Season 3, and snacks from Trader Joe’s.

Tom: The band The Grateful Dead, Godzilla and the Jersey Shore.

What’s the Difference: Fabric Softener

What’s the difference between silk and satin?

What’s the difference between to cuddle and to snuggle?

Guest Experts:

Patravadi Mejudhon: Actor, playwright, and director, whose first Western role was in Season 3 of “The White Lotus.”

Tom Constanten: Composer, musician, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer as a member of The Grateful Dead.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Amy Hill is an actor with an extensive career, including roles in Lilo & Stitch and over 90 episodes of the rebooted “Magnum P.I.” She’ll tell us how she got that part and how it brought her closer to her daughter … literally.

Alec Mapa is a comedian and actor, who often plays stereotypically flamboyant characters. He’ll explain why he actually doesn’t mind that, plus what it’s like being a guest judge on “Rupaul’s Drag Race.”

Our guest host this week is Mallory O’Meara, who was a contestant on episode 168.

Areas of Expertise:

Amy: Traveling alone, biographical documentaries, and the TV show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”

Alec: Filipino superstitions, The TV Show Drag Race Philippines and the musical Gypsy

What’s the Difference: Lethal Weapon

What’s the difference between something lethal and fatal?

What’s the difference between a gun and a firearm?

Guest Experts:

Alex Baskin: Executive Producer of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and host of the podcast, “Bravo’s Hot Mic”

Lane Bradbury, Maureen Moore, Kate Reinders, and Leigh Ann Larkin: Actors whose careers include playing June in Broadway productions  of Gypsy from 1959-2008.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Mallory O’Meara

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Tim Russ is a director, musician, and actor, perhaps best known for his role as Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on “Star Trek: Voyager.” He’s also appeared in other roles across different editions of the franchise – but it wasn’t until he attended a convention that he understood how dedicated the fanbase is. Plus: he’ll tell us how he explores the stars in real life!

Amber Nelson is a comedian who also hosts a number of podcasts. One, “The Brighter Side,” is all about finding optimism in troubling times (something that Amber never expected to work). Another, “Some Place Under Neith” examines stories of missing women and children.

Areas of Expertise:

Tim: Astronomy, Alien invasion movies of the 1950s and 60s, and World War II.

Amber: The TV show “The Twilight Zone,” Korn songs, and World War I.

What’s the Difference: Eye Spy

What’s the difference between a telescope and a spyglass?

What’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

Guest Experts:

Marc Scott Zicree: Screenwriter, producer, and author of the book The Twilight Zone Companion. 

Jack Moran: U.S. Army Staff Sergeant in WWII.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Betsy Brandt is best known as Marie on “Breaking Bad,” a role she reprised in the final episode of the series’ successor “Better Call Saul.” She’ll tell us why she was so dedicated to keeping her return a secret. Plus, why she wasn’t optimistic about “Breaking Bad” being a success.

Cirroc Lofton played Jake Sisko on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” Even though he was a massive part of Star Trek, he never actually watched anything from the franchise for himself. He’ll tell us how his podcast, “The 7th Rule,” is finally fixing that.

Areas of expertise:

Betsy: The plays of Anton Chekhov, baking pies, and cheese

Cirroc: Tupac’s “Makaveli” album, The Kobe Bryant-era Lakers Championships, and “The Twilight Zone” original series

What’s the Difference: Opiate of the Masses

What’s the difference between opiates and opioids?

What’s the difference between a Catholic church service and a mass?

Guest Experts:

Carlos Carrasco: Actor who’s appeared in shows like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and the film Speed  – plus a recent production of Chekhov.

James Tupper: Actor who’s appeared in shows like “Revenge” and “Big Little Lies” – plus a recent production of Chekhov.

Metta World Peace: Former NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

J. Keith has some more details on the great things coming that YOU helped make happen!

If you’re a member and want to get more podcast pins along and support a great cause, go to maximumfun.org/pinsale.

Plus, enjoy a collection of some of our greatest moments from over the years that was recently part of a public radio pledge showcase.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Jim Newman

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

It’s only $1/month to BOOST your membership too – every little bit helps!

Bruce Vilanch was a guest on episode 124. Some guests struggle to give us three topics they love that they’re willing to be quizzed on. And then there’s Bruce. In this fun and wide-ranging conversation, Bruce tells us about the many other topics that we didn’t cover when he was a guest  – including the Titanic, commercial passenger planes, and the divine Bette Midler.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Jim Newman

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

And of course… maximumfun.org/join!!

It’s only $1/month to BOOST your membership too – every little bit helps!

Go Fact Yourself takes a lot of work to put together, including crafting the perfect quiz for our contestants. What would happen if we just took it easy and allowed AI to craft the questions, hints, and fun facts? 

We have J. Keith and Helen step into the contestant chairs to find out! 

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Jim Newman

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

And of course… maximumfun.org/join!!

That contribution goes directly into making this show possible. In this special mini episode, J. Keith speaks with show director and Go Fact Yourself co-creator Jim Newman.

Jim does a lot of work behind the scenes before the show has even started – booking guests for the show is an intensive process. He’ll shine a light on the bookings that fell through and guests that have really delivered for this trivia podcast. 

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

No matter what level you join, every MaxFun Member gets access to the most popular gift of all: The Bonus Content Library.

This is a bank of hundreds– maybe even thousands– of hours of bonus episodes from every show across the network. That includes Go Fact Yourself!

In this special preview, you’ll hear clips from just a few of the GFY BoCo collection– including full episodes with MaxFunsters Brea Grant, Clint McElroy and more; GFY success stories where we interview past contestants whose dreams came true because of this show; and the original Go Fact Yourself pilot (which was just released this year!)

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Happy #MaxFunDrive! It’s trivia so fine it’ll blow your mind on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! 

In this episode…

Guests:

Jerry O’Connell got his start as a child actor in the film Stand By Me. His acting career blossomed from there and continued for decades – but now he’s had a second career as an Emmy-nominated TV host. He’ll tell us how that came about after some advice from Kelly Ripa, plus why his dad thought his first film would be a flop. 

Mallory O’Meara is an author and podcaster. She hosts the shows "Reading Glasses" and "Reading Smut" on the MaxFun Network. She’ll tell us all about how both podcasts celebrate book culture in very different ways. Her latest book, Daughter of Daring: The Trick-Riding, Train-Leaping, Road-Racing Life of Helen Gibson, Hollywood’s First Stuntwoman is out now. 

Areas of Expertise

Jerry: 1980s music, 1980s movies, and 1990s Los Angeles news.

Mallory: Haunted house books, werewolf movies, Washington Capitals Hockey from 2019 to the present. 

What’s the Difference: Break the Bank

What’s the difference, in music, between a rest and a break?

What’s the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

With Guest Experts:

David Naughton: Actor and singer, who starred in the film An American Werewolf in London.

Toni Basil: Award-winning singer, dancer, and choreographer behind the hit song “Oh Mickey.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

J. Keith and Helen share a few updates on the MaxFun Drive, including how to get an autographed baseball card featuring the hosts! 

Plus, Ben Lindbergh from the "Effectively Wild" podcast joins J. Keith's search for a deep dive into very specific baseball trivia that came out of one of our GFY quizzes.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brenda Snell, Drea Clark, Alonso Duralde, Dan McCoy, Jordan Morris, Manolo Moreno, Ella Hubber, Caroline Roper, Ella McLeod, John-Luke Roberts, Justin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Mike Cabellon, Sierra Katow, Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, John Moe, Christian Dueñas, Christian Duguay.

Happy #MaxFunDrive! And we’ve got a couple of contestants who supported Go Fact Yourself in 2024!

In this episode…

Guests:

Sam Gladston is a professional wrestler who performs for Superkick’d in Toronto. He’ll tell us how he got his start and how body building helped save his life. 

Noelle Sciarini is an email marketing specialist. She’ll tell us the secret to crafting the perfect email that people actually want to click on. Plus, we’ll hear more about how this is the FIRST podcast she’s ever been on!

Both Sam and Noelle were two of the first 100 listeners to support Go Fact Yourself in the 2024 MaxFunDrive.

Areas of Expertise

Sam: The Krakoan era of X-Men, competitive bodybuilding from the late 90s and onwards, witches in media, the movie Labyrinth, and the TV show “Star Trek: Voyager.”

Noelle: 1990s film adaptations of classic books, the TV show “The Great British Bake-off,” the musical The Secret Garden, cross-country running, and word games.

What’s the difference: Rookie Mistake

What’s the difference between a rookie and a beginner?

What’s the difference between a mistake and an error?

With Guest Experts:

Lisa Klink: TV writer, known for her work in the “Star Trek” universe.

Marsha Falco: Game inventor whose games include SET, Karma, and Quiddler.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

Starting March 17th, go to Maximumfun.org/jointo become a MaxFun Member and support Go Fact Yourself. 

In this episode…

Guests:

Phil Rosenthal is an Emmy-winning writer and producer, who went from producing and writing “Everybody Loves Raymond” to hosting “Somebody Feed Phil” – the Netflix series where he samples cuisine from around the world. He’ll tell us about some of his most memorable dishes.

Sarah Jones is a Tony-winning actor and writer, whose celebrated solo shows involve playing multiple characters – some of whom show up in this recording! Sarah and her characters can be heard on her acclaimed podcast, “America, Who Hurt You?”

Areas of Expertise

Phil: Stanley Kubrick, Hollywood restaurants, and the TV show “The Odd Couple.”

Sarah: 1990s East Coast hip-hop, the origins of New York accents, and dating apps.

 

What’s the difference: Better Safe than Sorry

What’s the difference between a safe and a vault?

What’s the difference between to repent and to atone?

 

With Guest Experts:

Lowell Ganz: Oscar-nominated writer, who’s responsible for more episodes of “The Odd Couple” than anyone else. 

Adam Klugman: Collaborator and son of Jack Klugman, star of “The Odd Couple.”

Big Daddy Kane: Grammy-winning rapper and producer, known for his groundbreaking rhymes.

Spinderella: Grammy-winning DJ, rapper and producer, known for her work as a member of the group Salt-N-Pepa.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

***New Radio Stations Carrying GFY!***
You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio on NPR stations LAist 89.3 in Southern California, WUTC 88.1 in Chattanooga, WUWM 89.7 in Milwaukee, and KODK 90.7 in Kodiak. Check their respective websites for details on how and when to listen.

LAist Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

Ask YOUR local NPR station about picking up GFY in your area!

In this episode…

Guests:

Jennifer Tilly is an actor who’s dazzled in dozens of films, including her Oscar-nominated turn in Bullets Over Broadway. She’s also voiced characters in everything from the Chucky franchise to “Family Guy.” But the most difficult thing she’s ever done is appearing as herself on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” She’ll explain why, and tell us all about her championship poker skills.

Adam Savage is best known as one of the hosts of “Mythbusters.” Along with his co-host Jamie Hyneman, Adam tested hundreds of myths to determine their plausibility. He’ll tell us about some of his favorite experiments and why the show was such an intense production. Catch Adam now on Tested.com.

Areas of Expertise

Jennifer: The Royal Family (especially Harry and Meghan), jewelry designers, and The Beatles.

Adam: Raymond Chandler, juggling, and palindromes.

What’s the difference: Dish the Dirt

What’s the difference between a dish and a plate?

What’s the difference between filth and grime?

With Guest Experts:

Eddie Muller: Author and founder of the Film Noir Foundation

Tal Bachman: Award-winning musician who co-hosts “The Musical Mystery Tour” on The Beatles channel on Sirius XM.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

***Listen to GFY on the radio!***
You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio in the Los Angeles area on NPR station LAist 89.3 FM. You can also stream the show live around the world at LAist.com (Click the big “Listen” button at the top of the page.)

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

In this episode…

Guests:

Ryan Kalil and Yeardley Smith from episode 75.

Heidi Gardner from episode 80.

Meg Rowley and Moujan Zolfaghari from episode 99.

Keegan-Michael Key from episode 136.

Billy Gardell and Gina Yashere from episode 142.

Bobby Massie from episode 151.

Ann-Margret from episode 164.

With Guest Experts:

Glover Quin: Former Pro-Bowl defensive back for the Detroit Lions.

James Farrior: All-Pro linebacker, two-time Super Bowl champion, and member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor.

Jon Ryan: Super Bowl Champion punter for the Seattle Seahawks.

Greg Townsend: Two-time NFL Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Raiders.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Guest Co-host Moujan Zolfaghari

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

***Listen to GFY on the radio!***
You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio in the Los Angeles area on NPR station LAist 89.3 FM. You can also stream the show live around the world at LAist.com (Click the big “Listen” button at the top of the page.)

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

**Come see us in SF Sketchfest in San Francisco! Sunday 1/19 at 4pm! Tickets at bit.ly/GFYSketchfest

In this episode…

Guests:

Paula Poundstone is a comedian who’s the creative voice behind the podcast “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.” You can also find her on tour throughout the next few months. How does she have time to do so much? It turns out she has a lot of time on her hands thanks to some advice from a plumber. 

Open Mike Eagle is a rapper who’s known for some very clever rhyming and word play. Turns out that he's been working on that ever since he was a kid! You can hear Mike’s newest musical project, Previous Industries, and their debut album, Service Merchandise now.

Areas of Expertise

Paula: The TV show “Breaking Bad,”  Drakes Cakes, and the desegregation of department store lunch counters in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mike: The Attitude Era of professional wrestling, the Jonathan Hickman era of X-Men comics, and the anime “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.”

What’s the Difference: Respect your Elders

What’s the difference between to respect someone and to honor someone?

What’s the difference between older and elder?

With Guest Experts:

Louise Simonson: Award-winning writer and editor who’s worked in comic books for more than 50 years. 

Betsy Brandt: Actor whose career includes five seasons of playing Marie on “Breaking Bad.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

*Listen to Bonus Content from this episode*

We make a monthly GFY Extras episode with BoCo from all of our episodes – just for Maximum Fun members! Info at: maximumfun.org/howtoboco

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

***Listen to GFY on the radio!***
You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio in the Los Angeles area on NPR station LAist 89.3 FM. You can also stream the show live around the world at LAist.com (Click the big “Listen” button at the top of the page.)

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

*Listen to Bonus Content from this episode*

We make a monthly GFY Extras episode with BoCo from all of our episodes – just for Maximum Fun members! Info at: maximumfun.org/howtoboco

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

In this episode…

Guests:

Ann-Margret is a Hollywood legend. She’s appeared in everything from Bye Bye Birdie to Viva Las Vegas to Carnal Knowledge. Plus she’s won tons of awards, including an Emmy. But her proudest achievement is her marriage to her late husband, Roger Smith.

Antonio Villaraigosa is the former mayor of Los Angeles. He’s been out of politics for some time, but now he’s running for California governor. He’ll tell us why he’s campaigning and what his favorite part of being mayor was.  

Areas of Expertise

Ann-Margret: The TV show “Law & Order SVU,” the Raiders NFL team from the 1980s to the present, and musicals from the 1960s and 70s. 

Antonio: Mass transportation in Los Angeles, Los Angeles restaurants, and movies that take place in Los Angeles.

What’s the Difference: Today’s Forecast

What’s the difference between a prediction and a prophecy?

What’s the difference between a weather forecast of  “partly sunny” and “partly cloudy?”

With Guest Experts:

Susan Feniger: Award-winning chef, author, and restaurateur.

Greg Townsend: Two-time NFL pro-bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Raiders.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

***Listen to GFY on the radio!***
You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio in the Los Angeles area on NPR station LAist 89.3 FM. You can also stream the show live around the world at LAist.com (Click the big “Listen” button at the top of the page.)

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

—--

Trivia is the “T” Word on this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! 

In this episode…

Guests:

Cameron Esposito is a comedian who had a major revelation during the pandemic: She found out she has bipolar disorder. She’ll tell us how she learned to embrace her diagnosis and why doing stand-up is so much better than writing a book.

Chris Grace is perhaps best known for his role as Jerry in the show “Superstore.” The series always had a devoted following, but in recent years its audience has grown even larger. Chris will tell us about some of his favorite fan interactions and how he perfected the art of deadpan. 

Areas of Expertise

Cameron: The TV show “The L Word,” women-led action movies, and catholicism.

Chris: The podcast “Never Not Funny,” the film Everything Everywhere All At Once, and the poem “The Road Less Traveled.”

What’s the Difference: Heart’s Desire

What’s the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack?

What’s the difference between a desire and a craving?

With guest experts:

Jimmy Pardo: Comedian and creator of the podcast Never Not Funny. He was also a contestant on the very first episode of Go Fact Yourself.

Daniel Sea: Actor known for the role of Max on the Showtime series “The L Word.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

—--

We’re firing up some star-studded trivia on this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Marc Summers is the original host of Nickelodeon’s hit game show “Double Dare.” He’ll tell us what it was like hosting the messiest show on television… as he was getting diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. You can see Marc in the upcoming Hallmark movie Hannukah on the Rocks.

Michaela Watkins is an accomplished actor who’s expanded her talents into being an executive producer. What’s the biggest difference between the two crafts? The footwear! You can see Michaela in the upcoming film Suze.

Areas of Expertise

Marc: Johnny Carson, the TV show “Star Search,” and Comedy Magicians

Michaela: The film Bugsy Malone, the TV show “Sex and the City,” and pottery. 

What’s the difference: Corn Flakes

What’s the difference between an ear of corn and a cob of corn?

What’s the difference between crispy and crunchy?

With guest experts:

Pam Aliaga: Exhibitions Manager for the American Museum of Ceramic Art

Reniel Del Rosario: Artist in Residence at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. 

Sam Harris: Singer, theater actor, and original winner of “Star Search.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

—--

Let's nosh on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Barry Sonnenfeld is a legendary filmmaker, responsible for directing films like the Men in Black series. He’s also the author of the new book, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time. He’ll tell us a few stories from the book, including the iconic film that he passed up on and why sometimes success is all about having the right equipment.

Jackie Tohn is an actor, whose newest show, “Nobody Wants This,” is a huge hit on Netflix. Jackie is longtime friends with the show’s lead, Kristen Bell. She’ll tell us about the special banter they’ve developed over the years. 

Areas of Expertise

Barry: The film The Long Goodbye, Golden Oldies (or Olden Goldies), and  Swanson TV dinners of the 60s and 70s

Jackie: The film Little Shop of Horrors, “The Howard Stern Show,” and Jewish food. 

What’s the difference: Rookie Mistake

What’s the difference between a rookie and a beginner?

What’s the difference between a mistake and an error?

With guest experts:

Marc Canter: co-owner of the iconic LA restaurant Canter’s Deli.

Robert and Paul Cowsill: Members of musical group The Cowsills, who had eight singles in the top 100 during the 1960s.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

—--

Walk off with a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Josh McDermitt is an actor best known for his time playing Eugene on “The Walking Dead.” The role endeared him to a massive fanbase; but he’ll tell us about a humbling experience when he went to buy his character’s figurine. Josh was also an expert on episode 145 of “Go Fact Yourself.”

Sierra Katow is a comedian, who until recently was also a freelance coder because – surprise! – comedy isn’t always the most lucrative career. Sierra will tell us more about that, as well as her podcast on the MaxFun network, “TV Chef Fantasy League.”

Areas of Expertise

Josh: Country music from the 1990s, the 2010 Green Bay Packers who went on to win Super Bowl XLV, and Kirk Gibson’s game-winning home run from Game one of the 1988 World Series. 

Sierra: Season 3 of the animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the book The Grapes of Wrath, and famous English bulldogs.

What’s the difference: Agree to Disagree

What’s the difference between consent and assent?

What’s the difference between a disagreement and a dispute?

With guest experts:

Steve Sax: Former Major League Baseball player and 2x World Series champion.

Michaela Jill-Murphy: Voice actor known for voicing the character Toph in “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

Greg Baldwin: Voice actor known as the second voice of Uncle Iroh in “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

—--

Trivia is the sweetest thing on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Sherry Cola has appeared in shows like “Good Trouble” on Netflix and films like Joy Ride. But she actually got her start on the radio, thanks to Carson Daly. She’ll tell us why it was a bit of a humbling, but important, experience and explain why she’s not a competitive person. 

Greg Proops is an actor and comedian, perhaps best known for his years on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” His new comedy album, Purple Shasta Raccoon, is available now. He’ll also tell us how he came up with the title for his last comedy album, French Drug Deal, and why he decided to improvise his entire set. You can hear Greg on his podcast “The Smartest Man in the World.”

Areas of Expertise

Sherry: The film A Walk to Remember, the film The Sweetest Thing, and the San Gabriel Valley.

Greg: The San Francisco Giants of the 1980s, Keanu Reeves in the movie Point Break, and Alexander the Great as a tween. 

What’s the difference: Speak Freely

What’s the difference between to speak and to talk?

What’s the difference between something free and something on the house?

With guest experts:

Chili Davis: Three-time World Series Champion and member of the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame.

Roger Kumble: Screenwriter, playwright, and director of The Sweetest Thing

Thomas Jane: Actor, known for films like Boogie Nights, The Punisher and The Sweetest Thing.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

On Saturday, October 12th at 10 a.m. Pacific, you can tune in to LAist 89.3 FM if you’re in the Los Angeles area; and if you’re anywhere else in the world, just go to LAist.com and click on the button at the top that says “Listen.”

And while you’re listening, go to GoFactYourPod.com to chat along J. Keith, Helen, and other listeners to celebrate the big day. 

The episode will re-air Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific and Sunday at 8 p.m. Pacific.

Finally, be sure to keep an eye on 

GoFactYourPod.com/liveshows

 to find out more about our upcoming shows in Pasadena before the end of the year.

In this episode…

Guests:

Aida Rodriguez is a comedian who’s known that she wanted to perform ever since she was doing Richard Pryor impressions as a child. You can stream her comedy special “Fighting Words” on Max, which features not just her jokes, but also an intimate look at her family. You can also find Aida on tour. 

Cory Doctorow is an author who was extremely busy during the height of the pandemic – he wrote a total of nine books, including one that was the end of a saga that he hadn’t published yet. He’s also known for popularizing the term “Ensh*ttification” about how big tech has made the services they provide worse than ever. Cory’s latest book, The Bezzel, is out now.

Areas of Expertise

Aida: Norman Lear sitcoms, the Prince album Purple Rain, and Puerto Rican slang.

Cory: The Disney ride The Haunted Mansion, anti-war chants of the 1980s and ways to get robbed in Geneva, Switzerland. 

What’s the difference: Fixer-upper

What’s the difference between to renovate and to remodel?

What’s the difference between a summit and a peak?

With guest experts:

Susan Rogers: Record producer with several multi-platinum albums, including Purple Rain.

Kat Cressida: Voice artist who’s worked on video games, movies, and TV shows … and in Disney’s The Haunted Mansion ride. 

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Taran Killam was a six-year cast member of “Saturday Night Live” and has performed in more dramatic material like the film 12 Years a Slave. He also sang on Broadway as King George in Hamilton and won big as a contestant on “The Price is Right!”

Jen Kober is a comedian and actor who’s been expanding into some really colorful fields: She appears on the “The Mandalorian,” and now performs as part of “Mad Apple,” a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. She’ll tell us more about those projects and how her upbringing in the South colors everything in her life. Check out Jen’s new stand-up special, “No Flies on Me.”

Areas of Expertise

Taran: Frank Capra, Batavia’s Graveyard, and The 1990 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Jen: The TV show “Roseanne,” the Encyclopedia Brown book series, and political strategist Lee Atwater’s work from 1980 to 1991.

What’s the difference: Perfect pitch (or pitch perfect)

What’s the difference between perfect and flawless?

What’s the difference between pitch and tone?

With guest experts:

Bobby Herbeck: Film producer and screenwriter known for 1990s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle film.

Robby Rist: Actor, whose work includes voicing Michaelangelo in all three Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle films. 

Michael Fishman: Actor, producer, and director, best known for playing D.J. in “Roseanne.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Lisa Ann Walter endeared herself to an entire generation for her role in The Parent Trap. She was so grateful to embody such an iconic character and never expected to impact audiences like that again… but then she got her role on “Abbott Elementary.” She’ll tell us more about her varied career and how her mom helped her win “Celebrity Jeopardy!” 

Tre’vell Anderson is a writer and journalist who’s been busy: they published not one, but TWO books in the same year. One, We See Each Other, explores the seminal moments of black and trans people in film and television; the other, Historically Black Phrases, covers some famous lines from the culture like “Do you got McDonald's money?” You can also hear Tre’vell on the podcast “What a Day.”

Areas of Expertise

Tre’vell: The film Sister Act 2, the trans pioneer Lucy Hicks Anderson, and Madea – the character played by Tyler Perry, particularly in the plays. 

Lisa: Oscar-nominated films before 1975, Fleetwood Mac lyrics, and ballroom dancing.

What’s the difference: flexible flier

What’s the difference between flexible and pliable?

What’s the difference between a zeppelin and a blimp?

With guest experts:

Bill Duke: Actor and filmmaker, known for appearing in films like Commando and Predator and for directing films like Deep Cover and Sister Act 2.

Anna Trebunskaya: Dance champion and 11-time pro on “Dancing With The Stars.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

Starting September 14th, you can look forward to the show on the radio regionally and online globally --  Saturdays at 10 AM and 5 PM and Sundays at 8 PM (All Pacific Time)

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun’s Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Negin Farsad is a comedian and host of the comedy and news podcast, Fake the Nation. Her career has taken her on some pretty interesting journeys – including an actual psychedelic trip. She’ll tell us about that and why she thinks humanity is actually a lot of fun right now.

Shane O’Neill writes The Style Memo newsletter for The Washington Post (which you can sign up to read for free). He’ll provide some insights into the link between power and style, what it’s like to write for such a big audience and why he’s thrilled that fat pants are making a comeback. 

Areas of Expertise

Negin: The TV show “Modern Family,” what to do with a kid in New York City, and Paris.

Shane: The B-52s, Sandra Bernhard, and the history of New York nightlife from Studio 54 to the present. 

What’s the difference: petrified forest

What’s the difference between fossilized and petrified?

What’s the difference between a forest and the woods?

With guest experts:

Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: actor, best known for playing Lily on the show “Modern Family.”

Sandra Bernhard: performer, actor, singer, and author, now touring her one-woman show, Easy Listening.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience showsin LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Erin Foley from ep. 72

Heidi Gardner from ep. 78

Denise Crosby from ep. 108

Liz Miele from ep. 110

George Hahn from ep. 135

Ify Nwadiwe from ep. 145

Frank Turner from ep. 154

With guest experts:

Julie Heldman: Olympic Gold Medalist and one of women’s tennis’ Original Nine. Her book, Driven: A Daughter’s Odyssey, is available now.

Des Linden: two-time US Olympian, world-record holder in the 50k, and winner of the Boston Marathon.

Tara Lipinski: Olympic Gold Medalist and member of the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Kimberly Vandenberg: Olympic Medalist swimmer with Team USA.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Frank Turner is a musician with a decades-long career that includes setting a new world record for touring. He’ll tell us what that was like and why he’s glad to never try something like it again. Frank’s newest album, “Undefeated,” is out now. 

Rachel Feinstein is a comedian, whose new special “Big Guy” is available now on Netflix. The show’s title comes from the affectionate(?) nickname Rachel’s husband gave her. We’ll learn more about their relationship, including why Rachel decided to have a piñata at her wedding. 

Areas of Expertise:

Frank: The history of London, the 1989 fall of Communism, and the band Iron Maiden.

Rachel: Russian infomercials, therapy and therapists, and love scenes and couple fight scenes in old-timey movies.

What’s the difference: Mean Streets

What’s the difference between a word's meaning and its definition?

What’s the difference between asphalt and blacktop?

Experts:

Donald Rumbelow: London crime historian and author of the book The Complete Jack the Ripper.

Orna Guralnik: Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst, seen on TV’s “Couples Therapy” on Showtime.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Joyce Bulifant has a prolific television career that includes TV (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”), film (Airplane!), and game shows (“Match Game”). She’ll share some stories from her time in show business, including teaching Fred Astaire how to dance. Check out her book, My Four Hollywood Husbands.

Todd Newton is an Emmy-award winning game show host, known for shows like “Family Game Night.” He’s also known as the host of “The Price is Right Live!”, a stage show version of the long-running TV show. He says that the production is all about giving people all over the country a taste of Hollywood. He’ll tell us tons of hosting stories and even talk about his many awesome tattoos. 

Areas of Expertise

Joyce: The book The Four Agreements, The first lady of the American theater Helen Hayes, and the Palm Springs restaurant Lulu’s.

Todd: American travel destinations, Rocky movies, and hair bands from the 1980s.

What’s the difference: The Family Feud

What’s the difference between ancestry and heritage?

What’s the difference between anger and rage?

Experts:

Aaron Landman and Karla Ruiz: program director and program coordinator for Ruiz Family courses in The Four Agreements.

Fred Coury: award-winning composer who played drums with several bands, including Cinderella.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Blair Socci is a comedian who got involved in the trade in an unusual way: She started out wanting to be a novelist and got a burst of inspiration… in the shower. Along the way she wrote for magazines, was a volleyball player and even learned how to make a great salmon. Blair’s debut special ''Live from the Big Dog'' is available now. 

Alonso Durlade is a prominent podcaster, hosting shows like ''Deck The Hallmark'' about Hallmark Christmas movies and MaxFun’s movie podcast “Maximum Film!” He’ll tell us about why he’s always thinking about Christmas at least a little bit and some of the prizes he’s won on other game shows. Alonso’s newest book, Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film, is available now.

Areas of Expertise

Blair: Pizza, the healing ointment Aquaphor, and the actor Walton Goggins

Alonso: College radio music from 1984 to 1988, the TV show “The Electric Company,” and American Christmas after Coca-Cola’s invention of Santa Claus as we know him.

What’s the difference: Reinventing the Wheel

What’s the difference between inventing and innovating?

What’s the difference between a cog and a sprocket?

Experts:

Frank Pinello: Host of “The Pizza Show” on Vice and the proprietor of Best Pizza in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Paul Dooley: Writer and actor with a decades-long career, including playing dads in Breaking Away and Sixteen Candles – and one of the creators of ''The Electric Company.''

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Carmen Lynch is a comedian who recently released not one, but TWO comedy specials, one in spanish and one in english. She’ll tell us about how the two audiences react differently to comedy. Plus, she’ll explain why “less is more” sums up her advice when traveling.

Bobby Massie is a ten year veteran of the NFL. He’ll tell us about his time in the league, including why mental preparation is so important and how he has a 100% catch rate. Bobby is also the founder of Wanderland Outdoors, a company that aims to invite people from all backgrounds to hikes and outdoor adventures with a touch of luxury.

Areas of Expertise

Carmen: Season one of the TV show “Mayor of Kingstown,” the movie When Harry Met Sally, and tall people problems.

Bobby: Safari animals, the movie Friday Night Lights, and first edition Pokemon. 

What’s the difference: Concerted Effort

What’s the difference between a concert and a recital?

What’s the difference between an attempt and an endeavor?

Experts:

Tobi Bamtefa: Actor whose many roles include playing Bunny in “Mayor of Kingstown.”

Brad Leland: Actor who’s played roles in both the movie and TV show “Friday Night Lights.”

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guest Co-host:

Muffy Marracco is a renowned trivia expert, often seen on the Game Show Network. She also previously appeared on episode 120 of Go Fact Yourself.

Guests:

Buzzy Cohen is a “Jeopardy!” champion and “Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions” champion. To what does he owe his success on the show? He says it’s all about his specialized training regiment. It may be stressful, but you can’t argue with the results. Buzzy’s new book, Baby Got Facts: Totally 90s Trivia, is available now. 

Debra Wilson is an actor who starred for eight seasons on “Mad TV.” She also has a prominent career as a voice actor, including being the latest voice of Daisy Duck for Disney. She’ll tell us about what it’s like playing such an iconic character. Plus: find out how you can hear her work right now by just downloading an app!

Areas of Expertise

Buzzy: The movie The Princess Bride, lyrics to Bruce Springsteen’s song “Thunder Road,” and Afro-Brazilian syncretic religions (by which he means Candomblé and Umbanda)

Debra: 1970s TV cop shows, tattoo culture, and the giant salmon-pink bird-eater tarantula. 

What’s the difference: Monster Mash

What’s the difference between a monster and a creature?

What’s the difference between smash and mash?

Experts:

Joel Madden: Lead singer of the band Good Charlotte and host of the show “Ink Master”

Chris Sarandon: Actor and podcast host, whose many iconic roles include playing Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Muffy Marracco

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Adam Felber is a writer, co-host of the “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone” podcast, and frequent panelist on the NPR quiz show “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” In contrast with other people who appear on that program, he actually doesn’t care that much about winning. He’ll explain. Plus, Adam tells us why he often has to explain to people that his weight loss journey was absolutely intentional.

Jiaoying Summers is a stand-up comedian and host of the podcast “Tiger MILF,” which she uses to showcase the multifaceted personalities of Asian women. Jiaoying will explain why she was forced to join us remotely from Hawaii, and why it’s important to embrace sucking at comedy.

Areas of Expertise:

Jiaoying: The music of Janis Joplin, daily make-up in less than 10 minutes, and dealing with an Asian mom. 

Adam: The book Infinite Jest, The Prince album Sign o’ the Times and the movie Groundhog Day.

What’s the difference: Student Counsel

What’s the difference between a pupil and a student?

What’s the difference between counseling and therapy?

Experts:

Dave Getz: Artist and drummer for the band Big Brother and the Holding Company
Michael &Laura Joplin: The siblings of Janis Joplin, and contributors to the book Janis Joplin: Days & Summers.

Stephen Tobolowsky: Actor, writer, and storyteller, whose numerous roles include playing Ned in Groundhog Day.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Ivy Le is a comedian, actor, and the creator of the podcast FOGO- Fear of Going Outside. Ivy says she had to start from square one for the podcast: From Googling “How to find the outdoors” all the way to learning how to camp. She’ll also tell us about “Tongue In Cheek,” her queer-focused open mic in Austin, Texas.

A.J. Jacobs is an author and puzzle podcaster. Most of his books center on his putting himself through elaborate and lengthy lifestyle experiments, like reading the entirety of the Encyclopedia Britannica or living in accordance with the bible. His latest book is entitled The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning.

Areas of Expertise

Ivy: AAPI American history, ADHD, and edibles.

A.J.: Two-letter Scrabble words, the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and weird Victorian Jobs.

What’s the difference: Steeped in history

What’s the difference between steeping and brewing?

What’s the difference between ancient history and prehistory?

Experts:

Judge Reinhold: Actor, whose many iconic roles include playing Brad in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Amy Tan: Award-winning, best-selling author and illustrator, who wrote the novel and screenplay for The Joy Luck Club

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

In this episode…

Rose Abdoo is an actor you can see now in “Hacks” on Max! She was also on episode 118 of GFY, and tonight she returns as a guest co-host.

Guests:

Andy Richter is an actor and comedian. He’s most famous for being the sidekick to Conan O’Brien, a role that he learned to love when he realized that it could be anything that he wanted it to be. Andy can be heard on his podcast, “The Three Questions.”

Tonya Mosley is the co-host of the legendary radio interview show “Fresh Air” along with Terry Gross. She’s interviewed a lot of people over the years and is happy to share a few tips (and confirm some rumors about Terry Gross). Tonya is also behind the true crime podcast “She Has a Name,” which uses her investigative journalism skills to tell a story that’s very personal. 

Areas of Expertise

Andy: Pre-1980s soul and R&B music, professional wrestling in the 20th-century, and hot dogs. 

Tonya: 1990s pop culture, the musical The Wiz, and homesteading.

What’s the difference: The Incredible, Edible Egg

What’s the difference between edible and eatable?

What’s the difference between an oval and an ellipse?

Experts:

Anaïs and Jordanne Dervaes: co-founders Urban Homestead Institute in Pasadena.

George Clinton: Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, who fronts and founded Parliament-Funkadelic.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Rose Abdoo

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

Go Fact Yourself  host J. Keith van Straten sat down with the podcast Dead Pilots Society. He and fellow MaxFun hosts Jordan Morris and John Moe discuss unscripted pilots that went nowhere.

To hear the full episode, go listen to the latest episode of Dead Pilots Society.

Want to be a listener who gets to sit in – or be a guest on the show? Make sure to support us in this year’s MaxFunDrive! maximumfun.org/join

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Supporting GFY in the MaxFunDrive by YOU – Go to maximumfun.org/join

Want to be a listener who gets to sit in? Make sure to support us in this year’s MaxFunDrive! maximumfun.org/join

Appearing in this episode:

Listeners:

Steven Webster

Kristen Anderson

Giovanni Sanchez

Diana Hsu

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Supporting GFY in the MaxFunDrive by YOU – Go to maximumfun.org/join

In the full episode…

Guests:

Clint McElroy is a former radio broadcaster and the father of the McElroy podcast siblings Justin, Travis, and Griffin. Clint is one of the voices behind “The Adventure Zone” podcast where he plays Dungeons and Dragons along with his sons. Clint will tell us what it’s like turning podcasting into a family business and what it’s like to turn an audio show into a graphic novel. 

Ella McLeod is one of the hosts of “Comfort Creatures,” an animal enthusiast podcast. But that doesn’t mean that she’s in love with every animal. For instance, she’s not a fan of pigeons. Ella is the author of the upcoming book The Map that Led to You. 

Areas of Expertise:

Clint: The musical Guys and Dolls, the TV show “Star Trek: The Animated Series,” and fantasy football. 

Ella: Greek gods and goddesses, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Taylor Swift.

What’s the difference: Everyday Grind

What’s the difference between every day and everyday?

What’s the difference between a cup and a mug?

Experts:

Trey Fanjoy: Award-winning director, whose work includes several music videos for Taylor Swift. 

You can see a picture of Clint McElroy with Taylor Swift on our showpage at Maximumfun.org

Faith Prince: Actor, whose legendary performances include winning a Tony award for Guys and Dolls (And who loves Michael Jeter’s Tony Awards performance).

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Supporting GFY in the MaxFunDrive by YOU – Go to maximumfun.org/join

Plus, you have a chance to BE on the show!

Happy #MaxFunDrive! We’ve got more fun and surprises for you than ever before. Listen to the pledge breaks for details on all the exciting stuff. And thank you for your support!

In this episode…

Guests:

Rich Permenter is a team leader at a large financial firm in Missouri. He’ll tell us how being a finalist in the Listener Tournament is the culmination of a lifelong love of trivia … at least until he gets on “Jeopardy!”. Rich was so dedicated to joining the podcast that he actually delayed a procedure for his son!

Ashley Pagnotta is a professor of physics and astronomy at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Her research focuses on the science behind exploding stars – which she says aren’t a problem for us here on Earth. Ashley is currently on sabbatical working on a new project: Astronomer in Residence at the Grand Canyon!

Areas of Expertise

Ashley: The Killer B’s of the 1990s Houston Astros, Formula One racing from 2018 to the present, and the movie Clueless.

Rich: The TV show “Boy Meets World,” 1980s baseball cards, and the band The Aquabats.

What’s the difference: A glimmer of hope

What’s the difference between to glimmer and to shimmer?

What’s the difference between a hope and an aspiration?

Experts:

Christian Jacobs: lead singer and founder of The Aquabats.

James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi: icons of auto racing and hosts of the Off Track with Hinch and Rossi podcast.

Hosts: 

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Supporting 

GFY in the MaxFunDrive by YOU – Go to maximumfun.org/join

Plus, you have a chance to BE on the show!

Happy #MaxFunDrive! We’ve got more fun and surprises for you than ever before. Listen to the pledge breaks for details on all the exciting stuff. And thank you for your support!

In this episode…

Guests:

Ify Nwadiwe is a comedian, actor, and one of the hosts of Maximum Film!, which he and his co-hosts describe as “a movie podcast that isn’t just a bunch of straight white dudes.” On the show, Ify prides himself on getting to express his unique taste in film, like his opinion that Pacific Rim is a perfect movie. 

Laurie Kilmartin is a former writer for “Conan” and one half of the podcast The Jackie and Laurie Show. Every week they discuss the state of women in comedy with their peers. Even though the industry still has a long way to go, they’re happy to report that things HAVE gotten better! Laurie’s new comedy special, “Cis Woke Grief Slut,” is available now. 

Areas of Expertise:

Ify: MTV’s “The Challenge,” Black hockey players, and Godzilla.

Laurie: The TV show “The Walking Dead,” Living British royals, and the Irish Republican army. 

What’s the difference: Drilling for oil

What’s the difference between a drill sergeant and drill instructor?

What’s the difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?

Experts:

Jordan Wiseley: Actor, athlete, and four-time champion of MTV’s “The Challenge.”

Josh McDermitt: Actor, famous for portraying Eugene Porter on “The Walking Dead.”

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Supporting GFY in the MaxFunDrive by YOU – Go to maximumfun.org/join

We’re kicking off the most exciting time of the year for the MaxFun Network with a trivia game show featuring hosts from tons of great podcasts.

J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong from “Go Fact Yourself” are joined by:

Danielle Radford - “Tights and Fights” 

John-Luke Roberts -“Sound Heap with John-Luke Roberts” 

Brea Grant & Mallory O’Meara -“Reading Glasses”

If you’d like to hear more hosts competing for trivia supremacy, visit Maximumfun.org for the full version of this show.

As we approach the beginning of the #MaxFunDrive, listeners and GFY staff discuss some of their favorite moments through the years – everything from meeting iconic actors, to literally bowing before your heroes, to personal connections in times of trouble. 

Plus, we preview some of the special treats coming for you in this year’s drive – starting March 18!

In this episode…

Guests:

Listener Lyn on Bill Kurtis and John Ullinskey from episode 44.

Listener Bobby on Adam Ferrara, Ethan Russell, and Glyn Johns from episode 95

GFY sound engineer Dave McKeever on Ed Saxon from episode 120

GFY Editor and Associate Producer Julian Burrell on Jordan Morris and Yeardley Smith from episode 56

Helen Hong on Ryan Kalil, Yeardley Smith, and Anthony Daniels  from episode 75

J. Keith van Straaten on Xeni Jardin and Tommy Chong from episode 34

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Supporting us in the MaxFunDrive and seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

The superheroes of Marvel and DC comics are everywhere in pop culture, so it makes sense that a lot of our contestants over the years would choose them as their areas of expertise.

In this omnibus collection, you’ll hear from guests like John Hodgman and Jackie Kashian discussing characters like Spider-Man and the Legion of Super-Heroes.

In this episode…

Guests:

Jackie Kashian from episode 14

John Hodgman from episode 102

Dylan Brody from episode 38

Hal Lublin from episode 60

Myq Kaplan from episode 132

Experts:

Mark Waid: Comic book author who’s written stories for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Boom Studios.

Paul Levitz: Eisner and Inkpot Award-winning writer and editor, who was president of DC Comics and wrote The Legion of Super-Heroes for over a decade.

Chris Claremont: New York Times bestselling author and writer of the bestselling comic book issue of all time.

Matt Forbeck: New York Times bestselling author whose books include Captain America: The Ultimate Guide to the First Avenger.

Marv Wolfman: Legendary and award-winning comic book author and editor, whose career includes creating the character Black Cat for Spider-Man.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

In this episode…

Krystina Arielle is a host and actor, currently fronting “Star Wars: The High Republic,” a multimedia series about stories from the franchise. She appeared on episode 105 of GFY and joins us today as guest co-host.

Guests:

Sarah Wayne Callies is an actor, perhaps best known for her roles in “Prison Break” and “The Walking Dead.” She recently launched Caliber Studios, a company devoted to creating podcasts. One of her first projects is her “Prison Break” rewatch series. It’s a big step for Sarah, but not just because of the new business venture; it’s also one of the few times she’s watched her own work. 

Michael Yo is an emmy-nominated host, actor and comedian. His new special “I Never Thought” is streaming on YouTube. He’ll tell us about how his comedy has evolved over the years and the impact that his jokes have had on his parents. You can hear Michael Yo almost every day on Sirius XM.

Areas of Expertise:

Sarah: The sonnets of Edna St. Vincent Millay, lyrics from Paul Simon’s Graceland album, and the movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. 

Michael: The movie Friday, the movie Gladiator, the 2001 Miami Hurricanes championship football season.

What’s the Difference:

No Strings Attached

What’s the difference between twine and string?

What’s the difference between attach and affix?

Experts:

Angela Means: Chef and actor, best known for her role as Felisha in the film Friday.

Stephan Elliott: Award-winning writer and director, whose work includes The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. 

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Krystina Arielle

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

David Wilcox is an award-winning singer and songwriter, who happens to be one of J. Keith’s very favorites. His lyrics showcase his passion for intense and often very personal storytelling, so personal that some people have commissioned him to write songs about their lives – with surprising results. David’s album My Good Friends is available now.

Gretchen McCulloch is a bestselling author and award-winning linguist. How did she discover how much she loved linguistics? It all started with a stolen book… and ended with her writing her own book. Gretchen is the host of the podcast Lingthusiasm, where she’s posed important questions to listeners like “Is frowning something you do with your forehead or your mouth?”

Areas of Expertise:

David: Donald Fagen’s album The Nightfly, model year changes on air-cooled Volkswagens from 1949 to 1973, and plumbing.

Gretchen: The YouTube show “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries,” the musical SIX, and unexpected recipes that you can make with rhubarb.

What’s the Difference:

Birds of a Feather

What’s the difference between a nest and a roost?

What’s the difference between denizens and citizens?

Experts:

Will Lee: Grammy award-winning musician, whose thousands of album appearances include The Nightfly.

Ashley Clements: Award-winning actor, who starred in “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” and hosts the YouTube show, “The Look Back Diaries”

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Show engineer is Dave McKeever.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next 

live-audience show in Los Angeles

 by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Billy Gardell is one of the stars of the CBS sitcom “Bob Hearts Abishola.” He’s had an extensive career across film and television, but people are always surprised to learn that he’s also a comedian. He’ll explain. Plus, he’ll tell us all about his life-changing weight loss journey.

Gina Yashere is a comedian and writer who can also be seen on “Bob Hearts Abishola.” She was one of its creative voices behind the scenes. She’ll tell us about how she influenced the development of the show, including creating a role for herself. 

Areas of Expertise:

Billy: The Pittsburgh Steelers, the TV show “The Honeymooners,” and marriage

Gina: Pickleball, 1990s hip-hop, and elevators

What’s the Difference:

Snob Hearts Gorgonzola 

What is the difference between a “snob” and an “elite"?

What is the difference between “gorgonzola” and “blue cheese”?

Experts:

Ahmad: Hip-Hop artist who earned a Gold Record for the song “Back in the Day.”

James Farrior: All pro linebacker, two-time Super Bowl champion, and member of the Pittsburgh Steelers hall of honor

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Philip Bowen is a singer and songwriter. Many discovered him on the latest season of “America’s Got Talent,” where he played a System of a Down cover on… the violin. He’ll explain why his biggest competition on the show wasn’t from other musicians… but from dogs and children. Philip’s debut album “Old Kanawa” is out now.

Nafis M. White is an interdisciplinary artist. Her main medium? Hair! Check out her complex works that are held together only by bobby pins. She’ll tell us about how she considers the observer’s entire experience – including why the sounds, smells, and a place to sit. Nafis’s next exhibition will be in San Francisco at the Museum of the African Diaspora in March.

Areas of Expertise:

Philp: West Virginia University Mountaineers athletics, The Wheel of Time series, and coffee.

Nafis: Coach Prime Deion Sanders, Durand Bernarr’s Tiny Desk concert, and slime molds.

What’s the Difference:

Turf Tow

What is the difference between “turf” and “lawn"?

What is the difference between “tow” and “haul”?

Experts:

Jed Drenning and Owen Schmitt: Former West Virginia University athletes and hosts of the “In the Gun” podcast.

Durand Bernarr: Singer, songwriter, and producer.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Live Show Engineer is Jeremy Beavers

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Ron Funches is a comedian and actor. Ron says that growing up, a lot of people used to make fun of his voice. But now that he’s voiced characters in everything from the Trolls movies to “Harley Quinn” on HBO, he’s more than vindicated. He’ll tell us about how his work focuses on positive affirmations and why he’s so proud to be a dad.

Ever Carradine is an actor who has appeared in series like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Commander in Chief.” Acting is a family business for her; she’s following in the footsteps of John, David, and Keith Carradine. She’ll explain what it was like growing up on film sets and her new non-acting role at SAG-AFTRA.

Areas of Expertise:

Ron: 1990s professional wrestling, the TV show “I Love Lucy,” and marijuana strains.

Ever: 1990s supermodels, the film A Few Good Men, and the 2004 Boston Red Sox.

What’s the Difference:

Mary Lou

What is the difference between "happy" and "merry"?

What is the difference between a bathroom and a loo?

Experts:

Keith Thibodeaux: actor and musician who played “Little” Ricky Ricardo on “I Love Lucy”

Kevin Pollak: award-winning actor and comedian, whose many TV shows and films include A Few Good Men.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Live Show Engineer is Dave McKeever.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Yakov Smirnoff is an iconic comedian, who made a name for himself after making Johnny Carson laugh on “The Tonight Show.” He’ll explain how he had to fight for the chance to be on the show and how he learned to make art in the face of tragedy.

Salamishah Tillet is a scholar, activist, curator, and writer, who won a Pulitzer Prize for her work in The New York Times. She’ll tell us about what it was like to keep that honor a secret – even from her friends and family.

Areas of Expertise:

Salamishah: The Nadal/Federer tennis rivalry, the Donovan McNabb era of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Beyoncé/Rihanna.

Yakov: The Canary Islands, the science of love, and the movie Crazy, Stupid, Love.

What’s the Difference:

Make Some Noise

What is the difference between sound editing and sound mixing?

What is the difference between a yell and a shout?

Experts:

Kuk Harrell and Tricky Stewart: Songwriters, producers and executives, whose multiple Grammy awards include hit songs with Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Glenn Ficarra and John Requa: Writer, producers, and directors of many TV shows and films, including Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Guest Live Show Engineer is Jeremy Beavers.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angelesby YOU!

In this episode…

Guest Co-host Niccole Thurman has appeared in shows like HBO’s “Jellystone” and “The Operation with Jordan Klepper” and has very particular criteria for her hotel rooms.

Guests:

Anna Camp is an actor, best known for her role in the Pitch Perfect movie series. She’ll tell us about some of her upcoming projects and the time that she helped out Morgan Freeman during a difficult moment behind the scenes. 

Mike Schmidt is a comedian and host of the podcast “The 40-Year-Old Boy.” He’ll tell us about how the show has evolved since it started more than 14 years ago. Plus, we’ll learn why it took three chances before he finally got to appear on this show.

Areas of Expertise:

Mike: The movie Reservoir Dogs, The Road Warriors wrestling team, and the band Van Halen

Anna: Southern cuisine, the play and movie A Streetcar Named Desire, and the TV show “Vanderpump Rules.”
What’s the Difference:

Cops and Robbers

What is the difference between a sheriff and chief of police?

What is the difference between a criminal and a crook

Experts:

Greg Renoff: Author of the book Van Halen Rising: How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal

Emily Mann & Daphne Rubin-Vega: Director and star, respectively, of the 2012 Broadway revival of A Streetcar Named Desire.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Niccole Thurman

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Live Show Engineer is Dave McKeever.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Kathleen Madigan is a comedy icon. How did she get her start? By wanting to have a drink at a decent bar… that just happened to feature stand-up. She’ll tell us what it’s like to have such an extensive career and why throwing the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs baseball game is so complicated. You can find Kathleen on tour.

Ron Pope is a singer-songwriter whose song, “A Drop in the Ocean,” has been streamed over one billion times and gone platinum. He’ll tell us how he found success with his music on TV and how he learned to write music in the midst of personal tragedies. Ron’s new album Inside Voices is available now.

Areas of Expertise:

Kathleen: The Loch Ness Monster, the convenience store chain Buc-cees and “Ozark” the TV show vs. the real Ozarks. 

Ron: The band Counting Crows, the TV show “Yellowstone” and New York’s best slice of pizza. 

What’s the Difference:

Along Came a Spider and Sat Down Be-Cider

What is the difference between a spider and an arachnid?

What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Experts:

Adrian Shine: Naturalist who has studied life in Loch Ness for over 50 years.

Steve Bowman: Founding member and drummer for Counting Crows.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Live Show Engineer is Dave McKeever.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

We share a brief preview of what MaxFun members can hear right now in their Bonus Content feed!
Not a member? Go to maximumfun.org/join and select “Go Fact Yourself” as a podcast you support!

In this episode…

Guests:

Keegan-Michael Key is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning actor, writer, and prodcuer.

Elle Key is an award winning film, television, and commercial director and producer. 

The Keys are the authors of the new book The History of Sketch Comedy: A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor. Elle and Keegan will tell us about how the book was born from conversations they had as they geeked out about the “science” of comedy, and how they documented the world’s first recorded joke. Plus, Keegan tells us more about how his comic origin story came from seeing his dad laugh at Eddie Murphy. 

Areas of Expertise

Keegan: The Matthew Stafford era of the Detroit Lions football team, New York City phrases & slang, and Jewish cooking. 

Elle: Art, painting & colors, 1980s action movies, and Jewish cooking.

What’s the Difference

Affront and A-back

What is the difference between an affront and an offense?

What is the difference between spare ribs and baby back ribs?

Experts:

Glover Quin: Former Pro-Bowl defensive back for the Detroit Lions.

John Badham: Film director whose films include Saturday Night Fever and several 1980s action movies.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Live Show Engineer is Dave McKeever.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angele

In this episode…

Guests:

Jason Pargin is known by many for his presence on TikTok, and by many others as the author of the bestselling John Dies at the End book series. He tries to make sure that infrequent readers gain some joy through his books – whether that’s writing a funny title like Zoey Punches the Future in the D*** or not requiring people start at the beginning to enjoy the sequels. Why is he so sensitive to the needs of infrequent readers? Because he’s one too! Check out his latest Zoey Ashe book, available now!

Joyelle Nicole Johnson has been touring a solo show entitled “Not the Mama,” where she celebrates having a hysterectomy. (Woo-hoo!) It’s part of her conscious decision not to have children, a choice that she says goes all the way back to her failed attempt at being a middle school teacher. Joyelle will tell us all about that, plus how she made the decision not to attend Sunday school as a child – thanks in part to George Carlin.

Areas of Expertise

Jason: The Patrick Swayze film Roadhouse, the British panel show “Taskmaster,” and Twitter.

Joyelle: Stevie Wonder songs, how to live in luxury in Brooklyn, and drag queens &“Drag Race” & “Drag Race All Stars.”

What’s the Difference

Paper Plains

What’s the difference between paper and parchment?

What’s the difference between a plain and prairie?

Experts:

Alex Horne: Creator, producer, and co-host of “Taskmaster.”

Shea Couleé: “Drag Race” star who appeared on three seasons of the show, including winning Season 5 of “Drag Race All Stars”

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Ed Begley, Jr. is a second-generation actor. Why did he decide to get into Hollywood? Because he wanted to do exactly what his dad did. Over the years he’s been nominated for an Emmy seven times, guested on game shows, and even had dinner with the Beatles. Ed’s memoir “To The Temple of Tranquility… And Step On It!” is available for pre-order now.

GloZell is a comedian who has endeared herself to her YouTube audience with catchphrases, green lipstick… and an extreme take on the cinnamon challenge. She’ll tell us about how all of that led to her scoring an interview with President Barack Obama at the White House.

Areas of Expertise

Ed: Electric vehicles, U.S. geography, the movie Midnight Run.

GloZell: The TV show “The Love Boat,” the Alanis Morrisette album Jagged Little Pill, and looking for a cowboy.

What’s the Difference

Do you read me?

What’s the difference between a typeface and a font?

What’s the difference between something being legible and readable?

Experts:

George Gallo: Director, producer and screenwriter of several films, including writing Midnight Run.

Glen Ballard: Songwriter Hall of Famer, who won three Grammys for Jagged Little Pill.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

Plus, we have an ark full of experts that include scientists, veterinary specialists and AN ACTUAL ANIMAL! 

Don’t have a cow; listen now!

In this episode…

Guests:

Monique Powell from Episode 5.

Susan Orlean from Episode 15.

Jenny Jaffe from Episode 48.

Jonatha Brooke from Episode 86.

Alison Leiby from Episode 87.

Experts:

Dr. Rachel Malamed, Veterinary Behaviorist.

Dr. Linnea Newman, Director of Global Technical director of poultry for Merck Animal Health.

Crouton, the most popular resident of Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary, who has over 60,000 followers on Twitter.

Beth Hyman, co-founder of Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary who rescued Crouton and helps run his popular Twitter account.

Dr. David Kersey, professor of veterinary sciences and giant panda reproduction expert.

Dr. Nicole Duplaix, senior instructor at Oregon State University’s Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences and the founder of the International Union of Conservation for Nature’s “Otter Specialist Group.”

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next 

live-audience show in Los Angeles

 by YOU!

In this episode…

Sarah Rodenbaugh is a writer, actor and producer, whose new film, Hangman, is playing in festivals around the country. She steps in as guest co-host for this episode.

Guests:

Lisa Lampanelli is a retired comedian. Her 30-year career involved selling out Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall, numerous specials and so much more. She tells us about some of her biggest TV experiences, including “The Celebrity Apprentice” and the US version of “Taskmaster.” And she explains how adjusting from such a busy career to retirement required a lot of trial and error. 

Will Leitch is a writer. He balances a career in sportswriting with publishing popular novels. His most recent work, The Time Has Come, is set in his home town of Athens, Georgia – a town that he’s gotten a lot of comments about since the 2020 election. He’ll tell us about how his book got an unexpected boost from the greatest horror writer of all time.

Areas of Expertise:

Lisa: Punctuation, spelling, and 1980s new-wave music

Will: Roger Ebert’s movie reviews, the fighters in the game Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!, and songs from Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hell Album. 

What’s the Difference: 

Jury Box

What’s the difference between a summons and a subpoena?

What’s the difference between a box and a carton?

Experts:

Dev Shah: Winner of the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Ellen Foley: Actor and singer, known for being the featured female vocalist on Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.”

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Sarah Rodenbaugh

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Los Angeles by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Jill Twiss is an award-winning comedy writer and children’s book author. For years, she worked as an SAT tutor. She’ll explain how that directly led to her big break: writing for “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” AND the publication of her first children’s book about a former Vice President’s gay bunny. Plus, Jill tells us how she got the chance to contribute material to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Myq Kaplan is a comedian who was introduced to many audiences on two competition shows – “Last Comic Standing” and “America’s Got Talent.” On AGT, Myq sometimes had to compete against cute children and well-trained dogs. He’ll tell us about how his latest show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is based on advice he would give his younger self… and how he doubts he would have listened.

Areas of Expertise:

Jill: The TV show “The Good Place,” the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and the SAT.

Myq: Linguistics, psychedelics and Spider-Man.

What’s the Difference: 

Preaching to the Choir

What’s the difference between a preacher and a pastor?

What’s the difference between a choir and a chorus?

Experts:

Rebecca Feldman and Sarah Saltzberg: Writers and performers, who originated the roles that became Olive and Logan in the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Marv Wolfman: Legendary and award-winning comic book author and editor, whose career includes creating the character Black Cat for Spider-Man.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience show in Pasadena by YOU!

In this episode…

Guests:

Niccole Thurman is a comedian and voice actor. She appeared as a guest on episode 126 of Go Fact Yourself. She joins us today as guest co-host. 

George Hahn is a writer and media personality. He was dubbed an “urban raconteur” by The New York Times. He’ll tell us about how he earned the nickname by heavily criticizing New York City… only to fall back in love with it after he left. Plus, he’ll share some critical fashion tips and discuss how he was cast as “Great Looking Guy” on “Sex and the City.”

Alexandra Petri is a Washington Post columnist. She got her start at the publication as an intern, writing uncredited articles and having a very unprofessional outgoing voicemail. Alexandra’s newest book is Alexandra Petri's US History Important American Documents (I Made Up). It includes falsified versions of this country’s history – like how “Sesame Street” characters were involved on D-Day.

Areas of Expertise:

George: Mid-century modern design, various methods of making coffee, and the Bond films of Sean Connery and Daniel Craig. 

Alexandra: The musical Jesus Christ Superstar, NBC’s hit(?) 2013-2015 show “Hannibal,” and Alice Roosevelt Longworth.

What’s the Difference: 

Wedding Band

What’s the difference between a wedding band and a wedding ring?

What’s the difference between a cover band and a tribute band?

Experts:

Caterina Murino: Actor and model, whose career includes the role of Solange Dimitrios in the Bond film Casino Royale.

Ted Neeley: Actor and musician, best known for the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Niccole Thurman

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing 

our next live-audience show in Pasadena

 by YOU!

We’ve got more than one piece of trivia sure to fill you with glee on a new episode of Go Fact Yourself! 

In this episode…

Guests:

Danielle Koenig is a comedy writer and host of the podcast “How to Survive.” She was a previous contestant on episode 57 of “Go Fact Yourself” and rejoins us this week as co-host.

Joseph Solano is perhaps best known by the nickname he uses as an extremely reactive Twitch streamer and podcaster: Joez McFly. He frequently showcases his love of Yankees baseball, and he’ll reveal how his fandom has paid off in relationships as well as actual money. 

Catie Turner is a singer-songwriter who rose to prominence as a contestant on season sixteen of “American Idol.” Being selected for the show is actually a long process that has to be kept a secret until the show airs, and Catie will tell us why she struggled with that. Catie’s latest EP, Comedy & Tragedy Act I, was a chance to fulfill her childhood theater ambitions. You can find her new EP and when she’s going on tour near you on her website.

Areas of Expertise:

Joseph: The anime “One Piece,” the video game Final Fantasy VII, and steaks.

Catie: Disney World, The TV show “Glee,” and Bucks County Pennsylvania.

What’s the Difference: 

Coffee, Tea or Free…

What’s the difference between caffeine free and decaffeinated?

What’s the difference between non-dairy and dairy free?

Experts:

Luci Christian, Brina Palencia, and Eric Vale: Voice actors whose careers include the respective roles of Nami, Tony Tony Chopper and Sanji on “One Piece.”