How Did We Get Weird with Vanessa Bayer and Jonah Bayer

You may know JD Samson as the musician in critically acclaimed acts like Le Tigre and MEN, but did you know she also went to high school with Jonah and Vanessa? On this episode we discuss Jonah's brief stint working for JD's parents, what it was like being a teenaged outcast in Ohio in the nineties and how going to an outdoor expedition summer camp changed JD's life. We also get into our first jobs, why flavored-coffee is disgusting and lament the demise of our favorite regional theme park growing up, Geauga Lake. Don't worry, you don't have to be an Orange Lion to enjoy this action-packed episode of HOW DID WE GET WEIRD?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we could not be more psyched to be joined by comedian, writer and actor Solomon Georgio, who you may know from his work on Shrill and High Fidelity. On this action-packed episode, we discuss whether we keep in touch with people from our childhood and debate the need for adult-sized Lunchables. Plus, we get in-depth about the history of the beloved childhood juice, squeezits, and if we really want to see snack foods advertised as sentient beings. Finally, we revisit our change.dork segment where we imagine a world where "Weird Al" Yankovic performs at the Super Bowl and Jonah starts a public feud with Maroon 5 that is sure to be making headlines all over the Internet by the time you read this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are overjoyed to have director, writer, actor, comedian and producer Michael Showalter on the podcast this week—who is also a director and executive producer of Vanessa's upcoming Showtime series "I Love That For You" which debuts April 29th. Full disclosure: we told Showalter that we were going to talk to him about John Hughes movies, but we ended up inundating him with questions about his beloved comedy troupes The State and Stella as well as what we refer to as "the Wet Hot American summer franchise." In that spirit, we also find time to share our summer camp experiences when we aren't poking fun of our hometown or learning more about Showalter's creative process. This episode also includes a lightning round of change.dork that sees our guest describing his perfect coffee blend in a detailed manner that we encourage you to recreate at home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, Vanessa and Jonah do a deep dive analysis of the 1998 Farrelly brothers film, "There's Something About Mary." Despite its all-star cast, there is a lot of questionable aspects of the film that are rooted in the broader context of comedy movies in the nineties. We've heard about suspending disbelief but you've got to attain anti-gravity levels of suspension to accept Matt Dillion's spy technology, the film's convoluted stalker backstory and the way that the Farrelly Brothers are able to reduce characters to mere caricatures. Despite all this, there are some genuinely funny moments in this film by Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz that embody the awkwardness of adolescence, where the film really shines. Whether you've never seen "There's Something About Mary" (which we hadn't) or it's one of your favorite films (grow up?), you'll find something to take away from our expert analysis of this comedy classic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's guest Shalita Grant has not only been nominated for a Tony Award, she's also an actress who you know from Search Party, NCIS: New Orleans and You. We hear about her experiences as a drama student at the prestigious Juilliard School and the "Juilliard Curse," deep dive into the history of Funyuns and reminisce about our childhood pets. Jonah also reveals that he occasionally looks at his the lunch menu at his old high school and we explore the hidden relationship between the educational system and the pizza industry. Speaking of which, we also roast the inventor of Pizza Hut's Double Cheeseburger pizza and fondly recall the franchise's Accelerated Reader & Book It! programs in our wildly popular "Back To The Present" segment. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode we talk to our friend and one of the funniest people in the world, Mike O'Brien. We hear the stories behind Mike's epic tattoos, plus he and Vanessa discuss their early Chicago comedy days, and he and Jonah discuss the trials and tribulations of being hghly acclaimed brand ambassadors. We also hear about the time Mike's family got a free day trip to Boston by eating a year's worth of Cheerio's. Was it worth it? You'll have to listen to find out...but obviously it was not. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are thrilled to have good friend and talented musician Brian Fallon from Gaslight Anthem and also known for his wildly successful solo career. We talk about Jonah's missed opportunity of flipping his cash and still not buying a winter jacket, what musicians get a "punk pass", and what generation we technically fall under (we just know Phoebe Bridgers isn't making fun of us). We discuss the power ballads that gave us all the feels and determination of our lives. Another exciting game of change.dork gets us to ponder long and hard about these music centric petitions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The super talented and friend Kate Berlant graces us with her charming whit on the podcast. You may know Kate from her work on "Netflix: The Characters" and the film "555". We discuss her origins such as going to an all girls school, being the president of the Thespian Society (or Vice President?) and doing stand-up in the New York comedy scene. We take a trip down memory lane discussing AOL chat rooms allowing us to be "someone else" behind a screen and trolling people in chat rooms, especially when it comes to music taste. We play the segment "change.dork" and look at the petitions ranging from food centric to showing compassion towards sitcom actors. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, good friend and amazing musician Tony Thaxton stops by the podcast this week. Tony is the drummer for Motion City Soundtrack and a podcaster himself, what can this guy not do?! We talk about our deep fondness of Muppet Babies and how we do not care for the reboot, especially the theme song. Diving into celebrity voice-over actors on the show like Howie Mandel and Dave Coulier and learning that Skeeter was not an original muppet. Plus discussion of celebrity albums and talking about performing with Weird Al Yankovic being a dream come true. They play "Back To The Present" segment where Jonah discusses the Cleveland Mosh Line and how it was meant to resolve pit fights and keep it safe, Vanessa talks Swatch Watches and all the styles they provided for everyone and Tony would like to bring back non-singer celebrity songs to the radio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are so lucky to have comedian, actor and singer Cole Escola drop by the podcast this week. You may know Cole from their scene-stealing roles in "Search Party," "At Home With Amy Sedaris" and "Difficult People," but before all that they were learning about sophisticated, cosmopolitan female leads on nineties shows like "Fired Up" and "Mad About You." We also get into how the calcium industry hijacked TV commercials in the nineties to the point where Cole ate so many Kraft single slices it made them puke, explore what will now be dubbed "The Snackwell aesthetic" and hear about the time Vanessa misunderstood what seems like a pretty straightforward reference from "Troop Beverly Hills" so deeply that it's still difficult to comprehend. The CEOs get a short-lived break this week as we bring back our "Back To The Present" segment where Jonah makes a compelling case for CD long boxes, Vanessa makes a plea to bring back WOW! chips (despite Olestra's uncomfortable side effects) and Cole would like to bring back Sunday night family movie programming, the latter of which should not cause intestinal bloating. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We feel honored to have nostalgia expert, SNL cast member, and our good friend Kyle Mooney on the pod this week! Of course, we discuss eighties cartoons and how Kyle embodies that aesthetic so flawlessly on his hilarious new Netflix show, Saturday Morning All-Star Hits! We also get deep into the short-lived primetime series Saved By The Bell: The College Years. Was it weird that the Bayside Crew had an ex-football player as their dorm's RA? Absolutely. Along the way we also discuss Kyle's childhood toy collection, the TV phenomenon known as Rescue 9-1-1 and we wonder why picture-in-picture technology seems to have disappeared. Finally, Jonah brings back our popular CEO Takedown segment unknowingly burning the same CEO two weeks in a row as we debate if General Mills legacy will ultimately be Nerf balls, sugar-coated cereals or simply... flour. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bayers' longtime friend and iconic musician Jenny Lewis stops by the podcast this week to discuss the time that she and Vanessa took Jonah to get his first ever pedicure! If that story isn't exciting enough, we also discuss Jenny's childhood acting roles in everything from Troop Beverly Hills to The Wizard and her musical career and recent tour with Harry Styles. Plus, we talk about the perils of online dating, and dig deep on Jenny's love of Strawberry Shortcake and the rest of her badass crew, which also includes Lemon Meringue and Blueberry Muffin. And did Caboodles just do a tribute to Jenny? You'll have to listen to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, the phenomenal writer and actress Sudi Green stops by the pod! We talk about after school sports with subtopics ranging from but not limited to the harrowing journey of finding your track event, Vanessa's odd cross-country hack and the moments we each realized sports just weren't for us. We also reminisce about burning CDs and curating our music tastes to impress our older siblings while Jonah recounts winning the prestigious Carrier Pigeon paper plate award. As if that wasn’t enough, Vanessa takes a trip down memory lane reading through her Lilith Fair-approved CD wallet from the nineties. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, our incredibly talented friend Bridget Everett stops by the pod fresh off the premiere of her new HBO show “Somebody Somewhere” and a feature in The New Yorker. Together we question why anyone ever thought dodgeball was a good idea for kids and reminisce on the glory of being a tall kid playing tetherball. We also dig deeper than ever on a favorite topic, the rampant misuse of change.org, and discuss varied topics ranging from pyramid schemes to the origins of P.F. Chang himself. Finally, we answer that age old question: Are Amway products any good? You'll have to listen to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We could not be more thrilled to have our friend and comedy icon Amy Schumer on the podcast this week! We discuss the international adventures Amy had with Vanessa and Jonah on the Trainwreck European press tour, her musical connections ranging from Taking Back Sunday to Madonna, and what a dream it would have been to belong to The Baby-Sitters Club. We also get nostalgic about Skip-It and in the process discover that it may be the loneliest toy of the nineties. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In addition to playing drums for Superchunk, The Mountain Goats and Bob Mould today's guest Jon Wurster is one of the funniest people on the planet as evidenced by his work with former HDWGW guest Tom Scharpling on The Best Show. On this episode we discuss first instruments, why unearned confidence is such good comedy fodder and what it's like to punish your musical idols on the road. Finally, we discuss Jonah's history as a teenage scam artist. Did he ever get caught and did he single-handedly put both Waldenbooks and Borders out of business? You'll have to listen to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In addition to having a very cool first name, Jonah Ray Rodrigues is a hilarious writer, comedian, actor and the current host of Mystery Science Theatre 3000. Jonah and Vanessa caught up with Jonah Ray Rodrigues to discuss what it was like growing up in Hawaii, his adolescent insecurities and the psychic connection between Steven Seagal and punk rock. We also discuss our experiences renting videos during our formative years, how we discovered we're too old for mosh pits and what exactly is an NFT??? If you've ever been forced to workout to Buns Of Steel for an entire semester just to pass a high school gym class, you will find this podcast to be both entertaining and relatable. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, comedian, podcaster and all-around great guy Chris Gethard stops by to reminisce with Jonah and Vanessa about lunch room food fights, food dares and physically challenging candy like Warheads. Meanwhile, Vanessa wonders what the hell was up with her elementary and middle school administrators being so obsessed with the noise levels in the lunch room. They also discuss the time Jonah and Vanessa were in the same high school French class, Chris's harrowing visits to Action Park and the pure joy of getting to shop at school when the Scholastic Book Fair would come to town. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Jonah and Vanessa welcome writer, producer, and former MTV VJ Dave Holmes to the pod to talk about radio and how it's transformed over the years, teen magazines, and Jonah's childhood love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pies. We also discuss Dave's encounters with Pauly Shore as well as vintage perfume commercials and their incredible jingles. Spoiler alert- Vanessa nails her rendition of one of them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know Tom Scharpling as the host of The Best Show and author of the bestselling book, It Never Ends: A Memoir with Nice Memories!, but he's also a friend of both of the Bayers. On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the origins of The Original Todd, Vanessa's onstage roasting of Jonah's bands and our favorite personal experiences with Papa Roach. We also reminisce about Reggie bars, the family sitcom Dinosaurs and Tower Records. From the dark history of the Baby Ruth Bar to the best Aerosmith memoirs, you won't want to miss a thing when it comes to this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know Laura Jane Grace from Against Me! and her solo career, but we bet you don't know about her childhood obsession with action figures. This week Laura stopped by the podcast to discuss her decades-long relationship with G.I.Joes and the detailed storylines she would build around them. We also discuss getting cappuccinos at Lilith Fair, band reunions ranging from Genesis to the Black Crowes, and Vanessa and Laura's experiences hanging out with Cyndi Lauper and seeing her "true colors." (Spoiler alert: She's very nice.) Whether you're a fan of Aus Rotten or Sarah McLachlan, this episode truly has something for everyone. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode, Vanessa and Jonah discuss all things birthdays with their good friend the wildly talented Taran Killam. Why you ask? BECAUSE IT'S VANESSA'S BIRTHDAY! They talk about the best birthdays, slumber parties, Taran's uncanny ability to summarize Breaking Bad, and who's behind the incredibly cool theme music and sound effects on the podcast. Plus some crucial updates and show feedback from former classmates at Orange High School. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friend of the pod Bowen Yang stopped by this week to discuss his childhood obsession with Pokeman's less popular but more badass peer, Digimon. Along the way Jonah pitches Bowen on a potentially lucrative business deal, Vanessa sings some of your favorite commercial jingles and we debate the return of Oreo Cakesters. We also discuss the pros and cons of curated subscription services, discuss Bowen's brief tenure as a fashion designer and get nostalgic about our favorite scents from childhood. If you're looking for a podcast that's as entertaining as it is educational, this is the episode for you! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The one and only Fred Armisen (Portlandia, Saturday Night Live) stopped by the podcast this week to discuss his first concert experience: Seeing DEVO at Radio City Music Hall on October 31st, 1981, right down the street from where Fear were destroying the SNL set at 30 Rock. In this largely music-themed episode, we also discuss Fred's love of all things goth, playing drums alongside his heroes like The Clash and his personal connection with Halloween that goes back to childhood. Equal parts hilarious, educational and sentimental, this truly is an episode for the ages—and for those who want a quick and easy way to get rid of their garbage! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Jonah and Vanessa welcome the electrifying actor/comedian Matt Rogers (Las Culturistas, Haute Dog). They discuss the 1995 fantasy adventure film Jumanji and have their own fantasy adventure debating its logistics. Plus, they talk wacky family members, iced tea versus soda as a childhood status symbol, favorite pizza chains and dare to ask who can afford to buy an American Girl Doll in this day in age?! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Jonah and Vanessa welcome the hilarious and talented Langston Kerman, who you might know as an actor, writer, comedian and host of "My Momma Told Me." They discuss their nostalgic childhood journeys of getting to school: From watching incredible bus fights to Jonah peeling into the highschool parking lot blasting what Vanessa calls "the yelling guys." They also talk about Langton's love for AND1 mixtapes, 3D Doritos, Double Dare Live, and see if Langston can finally put his beef with Mark Summers to rest. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know Claudia O'Doherty from her roles on Love and Inside Amy Schumer, but did you also know she shares an unhealthy habit of late-night online shopping with Vanessa? On this episode of the HDWGW, Claudia looks back on her childhood in Australia and reminisces about a popular commercial for lamb where Naomi Watts turns down a date with Tom Cruise. Crazier yet, Claudia would star in a commercial with Naomi Watts years later, blurring her sense of fiction and reality. Along the way, Jonah laments the demise of Taco Bell's 7-Layer Burrito, Vanessa waxes nostalgic about the defunct prime rib chain Mountain Jack's, and Claudia tells us why she is not a fan of kettle chips. If you like controversial takes, this is the episode for you! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You may know Bobby Moynihan as Vanessa's former castmate on SNL or Uno Pizzeria's most famous bartender, but before all that he was a big fan of Saturday Morning Cartoons. On this incredibly educational episode of How Did We Get Weird?, we discuss the origins of He-Man, She-Ra and the Masters Of The Universe franchise. We also reminisce about Bobby's many creative projects, Jonah’s love of Sodalicious fruit snacks and how one Utah newspaper's snarky article took down a delicious Keebler cookie before it ever had a chance to shine. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this seminal episode, Jonah and Vanessa sit down with the incomparable Beck Bennett (Saturday Night Live) to discuss his love for Lean Pockets and other cultural touchstones from the past. They also delve into the infamous lore that Jonah and Vanessa's dad is, in fact, the first person to ever be named "Todd." Spoiler alert: Vanessa is a great wedding guest and she just might come to your party if you invite her. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Years ago, Jonah and Vanessa watched the 2001 Jack Black/Gwyneth Paltrow romantic comedy "Shallow Hal" together and Vanessa was so high that she reversed the plot of the film. For this special and incredibly important podcast episode, Jonah and Vanessa have rewatched the film in a more lucid state and they are ready to delve into it's complex plotlines. What did they think of the film the second time around? Spoiler alert: They didn't love it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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