Go Fact Yourself

This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution for as little as $5 a month. 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 ExpertiseSam: 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 MistakeWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

J. Keith and Helen provide some early details for the MaxFun Drive! Look forward to lots of new episodes in the podcast feed along with tons of contests and giveaways exclusively for those who support Go Fact Yourself.Starting March 17th, go to Maximumfun.org/jointo become a MaxFun Member and support Go Fact Yourself. Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

We’re halfway to an EGOT on this brand new 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 ExpertisePhil: 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 SorryWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Real celebrity trivia is CONFIRMED for Go Fact Yourself! 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 ExpertiseJennifer: The Royal Family (especially Harry and Meghan), jewelry designers, and The Beatles.Adam: Raymond Chandler, juggling, and palindromes.What’s the difference: Dish the DirtWhat’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 FoundationTal Bachman: Award-winning musician who co-hosts “The Musical Mystery Tour” on The Beatles channel on Sirius XM.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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) Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s a touchdown for trivia on Go Fact Yourself!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 StraatenHelen HongGuest Co-host Moujan ZolfaghariCredits: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) Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s an X-tra special brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! **Come see us in SF Sketchfest in San Francisco! Sunday 1/19 at 4pm! Tickets at bit.ly/GFYSketchfestIn 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 ExpertisePaula: 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 EldersWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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/howtobocoYou 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) Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

We’ve cooked up some great trivia on this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!*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/howtobocoYou can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourselfIn 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 ExpertiseAnn-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 ForecastWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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) Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

***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)—--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 ExpertiseCameron: 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 DesireWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

***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)—--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 ExpertiseMarc: Johnny Carson, the TV show “Star Search,” and Comedy MagiciansMichaela: The film Bugsy Malone, the TV show “Sex and the City,” and pottery. What’s the difference: Corn FlakesWhat’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 ArtReniel 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

***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)—--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 ExpertiseBarry: The film The Long Goodbye, Golden Oldies (or Olden Goldies), and Swanson TV dinners of the 60s and 70sJackie: The film Little Shop of Horrors, “The Howard Stern Show,” and Jewish food. What’s the difference: Rookie MistakeWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

***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)—--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 ExpertiseJosh: 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 DisagreeWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

***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)—--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 ExpertiseSherry: 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 FreelyWhat’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 ThingThomas Jane: Actor, known for films like Boogie Nights, The Punisher and The Sweetest Thing.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

At long last, the radio debut of Go Fact Yourself is upon us! 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. Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Welcome, foolish mortals, to a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseAida: 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-upperWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself that’s totally bossa nova!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 ExpertiseTaran: 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s a brand new joyful joyful episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseTre’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 flierWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

J. Keith shares an update on Go Fact Yourself's upcoming radio debut on NPR station LAist 89.3 -- plus a preview of our debut episode!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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s trivia for the whole family on this episode of Go Fact Yourself! 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 ExpertiseNegin: 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 forestWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Go for gold with this Best of the Olympics special of Go Fact Yourself! In this episode…Erin Foley from ep. 72Heidi Gardner from ep. 78Denise Crosby from ep. 108Liz Miele from ep. 110George Hahn from ep. 135Ify Nwadiwe from ep. 145Frank Turner from ep. 154With 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

We’ve got some killer trivia on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! 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 StreetsWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

We agree to rock! – Live from the inaugural Quiz Show Expo in Burbank, California, it’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseJoyce: 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 FeudWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Hey you guyyyyyyyys! It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseBlair: Pizza, the healing ointment Aquaphor, and the actor Walton GogginsAlonso: 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 WheelWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s Friday night and the lights are on bright for a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseCarmen: 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 EffortWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Twivia is what bwings us togewer on a bwand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseBuzzy: 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 MashWhat’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 StraatenMuffy MarraccoCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It's a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 CounselWhat’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 CompanyMichael &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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

You’re not hallucinating here – it’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseIvy: 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 historyWhat’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 ClubHosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

We’re tearing the roof off a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseAndy: 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 EggWhat’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 StraatenRose AbdooCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s a #MaxFunDrive crossover!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/joinCredits: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 Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Last year, we selected a few listeners to sit in on recordings of Go Fact Yourself! They got to see just how much work goes into a recording of the podcast and learned a lot along the way (but don’t tell anyone). And they seem to have enjoyed it!Want to be a listener who gets to sit in? Make sure to support us in this year’s MaxFunDrive! maximumfun.org/joinAppearing in this episode:Listeners:Steven WebsterKristen AndersonGiovanni SanchezDiana HsuHosts:J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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 Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Just say yes to a preview of the members-exclusive BoCo from Go Fact Yourself!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 GrindWhat’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.orgFaith 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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 Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

This episode is part of The #MaxFunDrive! If you love Go Fact Yourself, please go to Maximumfun.org/join to become a MaxFun Member, or to upgrade or boost your existing membership. For a monthly contribution as little as $5 a month, you have a direct hand in helping this show continue. 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 ExpertiseAshley: 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 hopeWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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 Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

This episode is part of The #MaxFunDrive! If you love Go Fact Yourself, please go to Maximumfun.org/join to become a MaxFun Member. For a monthly contribution as little as $5 a month, you have a direct hand in helping this show continue. 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 oilWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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 Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

This special network wide event is a celebration of the MaxFunDrive! If you’d like to support podcasts you love for just $5 a month and get bonus gifts in the process, 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. Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

In this special mini-episode, we look back on some of the first 144.74 episodes of Go Fact Yourself!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 95GFY sound engineer Dave McKeever on Ed Saxon from episode 120GFY Editor and Associate Producer Julian Burrell on Jordan Morris and Yeardley Smith from episode 56Helen Hong on Ryan Kalil, Yeardley Smith, and Anthony Daniels from episode 75J. Keith van Straaten on Xeni Jardin and Tommy Chong from episode 34Hosts:J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Face front, true believers! It’s the Best of Comic Books special from Go Fact Yourself!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 14John Hodgman from episode 102Dylan Brody from episode 38Hal Lublin from episode 60Myq Kaplan from episode 132Experts: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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Remember it, write it down, take a picture: it’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 AttachedWhat’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 StraatenKrystina ArielleCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Trivia and podcasting are a love story for the ages on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 FeatherWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Pod hearts a trivia show-la on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 marriageGina: Pickleball, 1990s hip-hop, and elevatorsWhat’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 honorHosts:J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s a hair-raising brand-new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 TowWhat 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Live Show Engineer is Jeremy BeaversMaximum 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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

You can’t handle this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 LouWhat 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

These fancy things will never come in between you and this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 NoiseWhat 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

You might as well jump into this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 HalenAnna: Southern cuisine, the play and movie A Streetcar Named Desire, and the TV show “Vanderpump Rules.”What’s the Difference:Cops and RobbersWhat is the difference between a sheriff and chief of police?What is the difference between a criminal and a crookExperts:Greg Renoff: Author of the book Van Halen Rising: How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy MetalEmily Mann & Daphne Rubin-Vega: Director and star, respectively, of the 2012 Broadway revival of A Streetcar Named Desire.Hosts:J. Keith van StraatenNiccole ThurmanCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Look closely in the water and you’ll see a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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-CiderWhat 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

As the regular version of the podcast is edited down, some moments naturally get left on the cutting room floor. The only way to hear them is to be at the live show… or to be a MaxFun member and hear some in your bonus feeds!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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Drop back and avoid the sack, it’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseKeegan: 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 DifferenceAffront and A-backWhat 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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 Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Your trivia begins… now! It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseJason: 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 DifferencePaper PlainsWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Is you okay out there?! It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!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 ExpertiseEd: 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 DifferenceDo 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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

After several “Best of” episodes focused on humans, we’re finally putting the spotlight where it belongs: on animals! This special episode is dedicated to those guests who chose cute critters as their area of expertise. That includes Monique Powell from the band Save Ferris, author Susan Orlean, comedy writer Jenny Jaffe and more!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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Your word is “trivia” on a brand new episode of Go F-A-C-T Yourself!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 musicWill: 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 BoxWhat’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 StraatenSarah RodenbaughCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Face front, true believers! It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! 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 ChoirWhat’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 StraatenHelen HongCredits: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! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact