Too Much Information

Your professors of pop culture embark on a three hour tour of trivia about this beloved monolith of mid-century sitcom kitsch. It's a ride as wild as the S.S. Minnow's doomed voyage as Jordan and Heigl somehow manage to link CIA mind control experiments, the JFK assassination, numerous tragic Hollywood deaths to talk of the seven castaways. You'll learn all about the hilarious feud among the cast, the ridiculously petty secret meaning behind the boat's name, all the ways Mary Anne was a real-life angel, and a story about the Skipper's final days that is guaranteed to make you sob. In addition to the stranger-than-fiction tales of naive good samaritans who tried to launch their own campaign to rescue Gilligan and Co., you'll also hear all about the truly insane made-for-TV reunions projects that somehow encompassed the Harlem Globetrotters, a nuclear apocalypse and murder. You're sure to get a smile from seven stranded castaways — and two crazy podcast hosts — here on Gilligan's Isle!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex close out APE-ril by traveling back in time -- or is it forward? -- to the original Planet of the Apes! No aspect of the original will be free of their dirty paws as they probe the original novel, written by the guy who wrote Bridge on the River Kwai and initially translated as "Monkey Planet!" No APE-spect of the film's torturous run-up to production will be missed, from the 30 drafts Rod Serling wrote to the revolutionary makeup that cost more than the actors! Oh, and there's a Sammy Davis, Jr story! Head into May-PE with Too Much Apes-formation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Chairmen of the Bored are back with a deep dive into the life and times of Ol’ Blue Eyes and the twisted origins of his signature tune — which went from an obscure French pop song to an immortal karaoke anthem. It was all thanks to former teen star Paul Anka, who wrote the stirring lyrics at his idol’s request on the eve of his retirement. You’ll learn how a Beatle (maybe) witnessed the recording, and you’ll hear an early version of the lyrics written by a pre-fame David Bowie. You’ll discover why Las Vegas became the home base for the Rat Pack, and hear all about Frank’s risky dealings — and crazy love triangle — with the Kennedys and the Mob (and why some believe he maybe-kinda-sorta inadvertently triggered JFK’s assassination…). Jordan and Alex also go deep on the Sex Pistols’ punk-rock cover of the classic, sung by the doomed bassist Sid Vicious, and examine the shocking number of murders that have occurred as a direct result of this song. Regrets, we’ve all had a few — but listening to this episode will not be one of them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan don their finest sweaters and Buddy Holly glasses to explore one of the touchstones of '90s alternative rock. Together they discuss the enigma known as Rivers Cuomo, touching on how his tumultuous upbringing inspired tracks like "Say It Ain't So" and "My Name is Jonas," why he was disappointed that Weezer weren't heralded as the next Nirvana, and the time he replaced all of his newly-fired guitarist's parts in a single session. The TMI guys also share the (slightly corny) original lyrics to "Buddy Holly," explain how Henry Winkler saved Spike Jonze's famous 'Happy Days'-themed video, and the adorable bond between the band and their producer, Cars legend Ric Ocasek — plus the many reasons why Jordan's beloved Beach Boys are the secret MVPs of this record. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex explore the beloved (yet terrifying) classic of children’s cinema. You’ll learn the many ways the kid who played Atreyu nearly died on the set, the true fate of the horse that sank in the quicksand, the insane lengths they went to build Falkor the Luck Dragon, and Steven Spielberg's secret role in helping finish the movie. They’ll also discuss how the Oracles left some viewers scandalized, why the “Childlike Empress” wore dentures, the ingenious effects that helped create The Nothing, and why the author of ‘The NeverEnding Story’ book hated the movie so much that he sued the studio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your list-living Lotharios are back with an episode that's just too good to be true. Get ready to dive deep into this crown jewel of the late '90s teen movie boom. You'll learn all about the alternate leads we nearly saw instead of Heath Ledger, the songs he nearly sang instead of Frankie Valli, what exactly was behind those tears when Julia Stiles recited the titular poem, and the on-set romance that will blow your minds. Jordan sounds off on why teen movies from this era are just so damn good, Alex opines on all the ways the band Letters to Cleo nearly died by performing on the roof, and together they speculate on the uncompleted sequel that's been tied up in legal hell for over a decade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex don their tightest PVC outfits to jack into this week's topic: 'The Matrix,' which turns 25 this month! They'll take this thing alllllll the way back to the Wachoswkis' roots writing Clive Barker comics for Marvel (really) and the early pitches that paved the way for their hit. They'll also get into the grueling training period that the film's leads had to go through, the insane process behind "bullet time," and the film's legacy as both trans allegory and eerie portent of the online hell in which he currently live! You'll also pick up facts about the classic sci-fi authors that inspired the film, the exact provenance of some of the sounds of the Matrix, and whether or not "the Matrix defense" is a real thing that works in court! Too Much Information: We're jacked in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoinks! The TMI twosome take a ride in the Mystery Machine as they explore 55 years of Scooby-Doo and his human pals. You'll learn how a misheard Frank Sinatra lyric inspired the name of the titular pooch, the '50s sitcom that helped shape the teen characters, and why Velma has been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community — plus discover the origins of the hated Scrappy Doo character, the behind-the-scenes studio battles that erupted as a result of the big screen version in 2002, and the show's bizarre connection to Charles Manson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your real estate novelists of real interesting facts take a trip down the Joel Hoel with a deep dive into the musical genius and dark underside of the idiosyncratic maestro — who's in the midst of an artistic comeback following three decades of self-imposed creative exile. Though spotlighting his breakthrough classic (which recently turned 50!) you'll also learn about his pre-fame heavy metal band, the recording snafu that nearly ruined his career before it began, the hidden heartbreak behind his greatest love songs, and all the reasons why his signature tune was an unlikely hit. Plus you'll hear all about his ongoing battle with critics, why he hasn't released a new album in 31 years, and why Jordan thinks he just might be the most fascinating Boomer Rock icon of all time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TMI guys are back with an episode you'll want to hear over and over and over again! They're diving deep into this beloved 1993 Bill Murray/Harold Ramis collaboration — a cinematic masterpiece disguised as a standard-fare early '90s rom com. Jordan and Heigl speak at length (and with an almost pathological intensity) about the startlingly deep themes of Groundhog Day, and argue why Danny Rubin's clever screenplay is a genius-level meditation on life, love and what it means to grow as a human being. You'll learn all about the EXTREMELY dark early version of the script that had the main character reliving the same day for 10,000 years, the philosophical and spiritual implications of the movie that touch seemingly every single religion, and the psychotic lengths that some fans have gone to calculate exactly how long Bill Murray spent stranded in Punxsutawney. You'll also hear how on-set drama sparked a heartbreaking feud that ended Ramis and Murray's unparalleled creative partnership (until a the deathbed reunion that rekindled their friendship), the even bloodier feud Murray had with an on-set groundhog, the bizarre origins of the titular holiday, and the perfect reason why that deathless Sonny & Cher song was featured so prominently. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On their previous episode, the TMI gang wondered about doing an episode on the windy '90s disaster drama. Then, when the first trailer for the new Twister sequel dropped days later, they knew it had to be a sign. In anticipation of TwisterS, Jordan and Heigl look back at the original. You'll learn all about the injury-filled set, the insane Dutch director who had physical altercations with his crew, the soundtrack that reunited Fleetwood Mac AND broke up Van Halen 2.0, the bizarre animal noises recorded to make that horrific wind sound, the time Bill Paxton nearly saw the assassination of JFK, and the time the SFX experts at Industrial Light and Magic had to use CGI to erase Philip Seymour Hoffman's testicles. Enjoy TMI's 'Twister' Edition — with more hot air than usual! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex head to Hollywood by way of Nashville for an in-depth examination of one of the greatest love songs of all time, the Dolly Parton-written and Whitney Houston-defined "I Will Always Love You!" They'll drill down into Parton's relationship with her early mentor Porter Wagoner, the guy she wrote the song about, take a quick look at the development of the movie that featured the song, "The Bodyguard," and pepper in some wonderful anecdotes from the recording process, like when Whitney's mom Cissy told producer David Foster she was witnessing greatness as Whitney tracked it. Along the way, there's some patented TMI digressions into the Linda Ronstadt's sneaky status as the Forrest Gump of 20th-century music, whether or not Kevin Costner is Cool, Actually, and of course, the story of Parton and Houston's mutual admiration and friendship. Oh, and a guest appearance from enemy of the pod Saddam Hussein. Too Much Information: *We* will always love you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex run with the devil through the sunny streets of Pasadena to tackle one of the all-time combinations of musical genius and lunkhead rawk: Van Halen's '1984'! For this transitional record -- when the band stormed the pop charts thanks to Eddie Van Halen's controversial use of synthesizers, and the last to feature iconic frontman "Diamond" David Lee Roth -- Alex will drag Jordan through discussions of everything from Eddie Van Halen's guitar tone to Roth's insane vocal antics to the models of cars connected to the record. They'll detour through the insane childhood crucible that forged Eddie's virtuosity, recount a panoply of incredible quotes from the band at their heyday, and get firsthand experiences from one of the kids in the "Hot for Teacher" music video. Did we mention Jordan doesn't like this band and Alex does? Thrill to the tension of hearing the Nice TMI Guy being driven slowly insane by Alex's use of a David Lee Roth Soundboard! Too Much Information: Might as well jump!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today your high maintenance hosts of hilarity turn their attention to When Harry Met Sally — the movie that gave false hope to a generation of love-lorn friend-zoned saps. (Like Jordan.) To debate and discuss one of the most famous "battle of the sexes" in pop culture history, the TMI gang welcomes podcasting royalty: Brooke Siffrinn & Aricia Skidmore-Williams! In addition to hosting Wondery’s Even the Rich, which just wrapped a hilarious season on Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg, the pair are also going strong with their spin-off series Even the Royals, which is a must for fans of The Crown...or messy drama of the obscenely wealthy. Together, the foursome discuss the chemistry (or lack thereof) between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, screenwriter Nora Ephron's surprising connection to the Watergate scandal, the strange saga of the infamous deli scene, and the long-lost original ending of this rom-com to end all rom-coms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex take you behind the velvet ropes and into the most decadent and debaucherous nightclub in history. You'll discover all the insane ways wannabes tried to get into the club (including a guy who got stuck in the air vent), the time a disgruntled reject tried to drive his car through the front door, and all the crazy stuff that celebrities got up to in the rubber-lined balcony or basement sex playground. In addition to a deep dive into the surprisingly radical history of disco, you'll learn about the club's maverick owners, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, who perpetrated one of the biggest tax frauds in history to throw one epic 33-month party. There's sex, drugs, fashion, horses, glitter, and too many tales for a normal-length episode. So take a bump and try to keep up. It's TMI — disco diva edition! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heigl and Jordan take a trip to Wellsville to explore the baffling-yet-beloved staple of early Nickelodeon. You'll learn about the off-kilter sitcom's surprising origins as a Nick at Nite promo, and its strong ties to the downtown New York avant-garde arts scene of the late '80s. You'll also discover how the hell they got an insane number of shocking guest stars and learn about the adorable friendship that blossomed between Danny Tamberelli and Iggy Pop on the set. The TMI gang also crack some of the more enduring mysteries of the show — why did their mom have a plate in her head, why did Little Pete have nautical tattoos, and why did the boys share a single name in the first place? Sadly, they were unable to get the name of the song Little Pete overheard the garage band play in that one episode, or decipher the unintelligible lyrics of the theme song "Hey Sandy," by Polaris — but you can't win 'em all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showing up fashionably late to the party, your punks of pedantry bring you a drunk tank-full of minutiae behind this timeless duet between reluctant lead-Pogue Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl. The boys of the TMI Choir rummage through the two year (!!!) gestational period for the song to be written and recorded, through the tumultuous lives of the two who gave it voice, the repeated controversies over the song's language, and much much more. We wish you a belated happy holidays and the most merciful of new years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the holiday season draws nearer, TMI's Misfits of Minutiae delve into the tale of Santa's favorite genetic mutant. In addition to learning all about the song and the production of the beloved 1964 Rankin/Bass TV special, they also explore Rudolph's truly tragic backstory, which is SO much sadder than all the other reindeer laughing and calling him names. You'll learn all about the controversy surrounding his red nose — and the gross reason why it would occur in real life — as well as the insane lengths producers went to get their puppets accurate, and the ridiculous amounts fans have paid for the surviving figurines. And, at long last, Jordan and Heigl will clear up the most enduring mystery involving The Island of Misfit Toys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The power of TMI compels you to listen to this epic deep dive into the beloved (?) horror classic, which turns 50 years old in December. You'll learn about the many deaths and other on-set misfortunes which gave rise to the legend that the production was cursed, and you'll also discover all the ways that director William Friedkin was an IRL monster. And speaking of IRL, you'll hear all about the (allegedly) possessed kid who inspired the source material, the future serial killer who played a bit part in the film, and the insane lengths that voice actress Mercedes McCambridge went to summon the nightmare-inducing voice of Pazuzu the Demon. It's a beautiful day for an exorcism — just in time for the holidays!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Heigl sort through their trick-or-treat haul to bring you everything you ever wanted to know about your favorite confections. You'll find out which candy Frank Sinatra was buried with, how Milky Way nearly destroyed a family, and why Skittles spent millions of dollars on an advertisement that only one (1.) person ever got to see. You'll also learn why Snickers might just be the most controversial candy bar of all time, why Japan is obsessed with Kit Kat bars, and why the origin of gummy bears is super dark. Plus, you'll discover the answer to that age-old question: "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex shake off the funk of 40,000 years to investigate Michael Jackson’s epochal hit “Thriller” and its equally iconic music video! While conceding it’s no “Monster Mash,” the pair delve deep into the track, from its original title “Starlight” to the tricks employed by the engineer who recorded it. They’ll also go long on the music video, from the former Playmate who starred in it — and got in some quality time with Jackson behind the scenes — to the Hollywood royalty who worked on it. They’ll also moonwalk their way through bits on Vincent Price’s monologue — and the time he showed Johnny Carson how to cook salmon in a dishwasher — and how Jackson’s album quite literally saved a flagging record industry. Too Much Information: No one’s gonna save you from the pod about to strike!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everybody relax, Jordan and Alex are here ... to talk about Alex's favorite movie of all time, John Carpenter's action-fantasy epic "Big Trouble in Little China." Listeners will trace the film's route from a Gold Rush-era cowboy fable to the film that convinced Carpenter to stop working with major studios after it flopped. But it's not all bad: Detours will be taken to the history of crime in San Francisco's Chinatown, the famous burlesque dancer from the city who cameos in the film, star Kurt Russell and Carpenter's heart-warming friendship and the controversy that greeted the film. Alex will recite approximately 40% of the film's lines and the phrase "hand-punched hairs" will be used referring to at least TWO separate costumes! Too Much Information: If we're not back in two hours after a digression on "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension..." call the president.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey! Ho! The TMI guys go downtown to NYC's Bowery to examine the birth of punk and one of the greatest debuts in rock history. You'll learn the often-traumatic backstory of these four non-brothers and explore the equally horrific urine-streaked venues in which they played. You'll also delve into the insanely low-resource recording sessions for their self-titled first album and revisit the Ramones' famous London gig that jump-started punk in the UK. Plus, Heigl makes a compelling argument that the '60s Laurel Canyon music scene was a CIA psy-op, and Jordan makes sure to highlight each of the Ramones MANY surprising Beatles connections. (There are a LOT.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TMI gang is back when their second installment exploring the work of everyone's favorite besuited eccentric. Today they're looking at Paul Reuben's gift to TV — the trippy Saturday morning show that made an entire generation yearn for a talking chair. You'll learn about the insane lengths that Reubens went to preserve the illusion that Pee Wee was a real person, the insane lengths he went to achieve his creative vision of the perfect Googie Playhouse, and the insane lengths he went to create an all-natural breakfast cereal for kids that looked like dog food. You'll also hear about the time Imelda Marcos signed his marriage license, and... *checks notes​* something about a porn theater.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Heigl kick off the first in their two-part tribute to Paul Reubens and his beloved besuited character by examining his early years on the LA comedy scene and 1985 big screen breakthrough. You'll learn about the strange blend of influences that went into this offbeat comic creation, his surprising debut on The Dating Game, Reubens' early brushes with children's TV greatness, his rivalry with SNL, his friendship (and falling out) with Phil Hartman, the absurd price someone once paid for one of those famous bikes, and how we almost got a Pollyanna remake starring Pee Wee. Along the way, the TMI guys also somehow touch on Greek mythology, the murderous past of boxing promoter Don King, the wit and wisdom of Tom Waits, Michael Caine's fear of blinking, The Goonies star-studded set, Batman and....*shudder* Large Marge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the record-breaking album turns 25 — and Ms. Hill announces an upcoming anniversary tour — Alex and Jordan educate you on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. You'll learn all about the intense relationship drama that went into its creation, the controversy surrounding the proper credit for the album's songs, and how the stress of making and then living up to the masterpiece ultimately led Hill to retreat from public life. Plus, they also do a lengthy sidebar on the surprising genesis of "Killing Me Softly With His Song," and a rundown of celebrities who (reportedly) don't let non-famous people look them in the eye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Jordan reveals his true colors as an ardent aughts pop stan, the TMI gang celebrates Ms. Britney Jean Spears. While revisiting her much-maligned feature film debut — written by Shonda Rhimes!? — they somehow manage to touch on the work of Frank Zappa, the origin of the word "yikes," the specifics of the Lunchables product line, and MTV's aborted plans for a musical version of Alice in Wonderland featuring a who's who of TRL-era pop stars. (Plus, they fantasy-cast other epic road movies with Britney and her '02-era associates.) You'll learn about the surprising origins of the Crossroads script, the admirably hands-on role Britney had while working on the plot; her adorably humble culinary demands during the shoot, and the surprising role that Robert De Niro had in rounding out the cast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex commemorate the recent loss of Robbie Robertson by taking a load off, Fanny, and revisiting The Band's iconic 1968 debut, 'Music from Big Pink.' They trace the group's path from Canadian bar-band hellraisers to woodsy Woodstock balladeers and the album that launched 1,000 Americana bands. Also featuring patented TMI detours that include Alex getting way too excited about Rick Danko's use of the fretless bass and a meditation on the very nature of what collaborative music making means in a capitalist society that demands having the least amount of people on the paperwork. And hey, why not let Alex get a little too angry at a recently deceased icon whose creative output he'd never be able to surpass if he worked ten lifetimes...as a treat? Also, Jordan brings up the Beach Boys at least twice! It's Too Much Information: Tears of Rage edition!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for an all-new iteration on the classic Too Much Information: Crystal TMI™! No, just kidding, it's a game we stole from Tim Heidecker called Stump the Buff, in which a series of increasingly byzantine trivia questions in the buff's chosen field threaten to, well, stump them. And your two hosts couldn't have a more cognitively-dissonant spread for you: Heigl's answering questions about god's chosen movie genre, horror; Jordan's going HAM on his beloved Beatles. Along the way there will be the patented digressions spurred by each question, and Alex will slightly infuriate Jordan with his off-the-cuff question selection. It's Too Much Information: Stump the Buff: BLOOD AND BEATLES!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your two bio-exorcists of big-ticket trivia dive into one of the most idiosyncratic movies of all time. This early Tim Burton joint gave Jordan nightmare as a kid, so they brought in a guest expert — the third member of the TMI triumvirate, beloved producer Mykal Alder June! You’ll learn all about the much darker original script, the perils of building a bridge in Vermont for the film, the gross look they landed on for the titular character and an update on its long-delayed sequel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Mexican Pizzas of minutiae make a run for the border this week, covering the history of the perennial late night fast food option, Taco Bell. From its origins in unabashed caucasian theft, the hilarious corporate pettiness that has kept the chain running for decades, the life and legacy of America's favorite ad campaign-affiliated Chihuahua, just where the hell Baja Blast came from (spoiler: not Baja, that's for damn sure), Alex and Jordan serve us a Deluxe Cravings Box of facts. Listen Más, my friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbie Fever has swept TMI thanks to Greta Gerwig's upcoming film, and Jordan forces Alex to discuss the making of one of the most polarizing hits of the '90s. You'll learn all about the doll's surprisingly scandalous backstory in the German red-light district, the band Aqua’s confounding fixation on Rick Astley, and the lengthy lawsuit that resulted from the hit song, and why it won't appear in the new movie. Alex's hatred of "Barbie Girl" leads to an expansive sidebar on the history of pop music as a method of torture, while Alex ponders his revenge on Jordan for making him talk about this song in the first place. It's a wild and shockingly dark journey through the world of Europop, feminism, toy manufacturing and the War on Terror — so let's go party! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a new Indiana Jones movie allegedly out, Alex and Jordan prepare to likewise desecrate a sacred artifact in the spirit of scholarship and/or greed: 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'! They'll leave no stone — or idol — unturned as they comb through the minutiae of the film's genesis in a sandcastle-building session between Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, marvel at the myriad ways in which Harrison Ford could have been killed while performing most of his own stunts, and reveal just how they exploded those Nazis' heads so good. They'll also uncover the species of animal Indy's whip is made from, investigate how many snakes is too many snakes, and laugh about the time Karen Allen punched Harrison Ford in the face. Too Much Information: It ain't the podcasts, honey, it's the mileage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex delve into the coming-of-age classic that dares to ask, "Do you guys wanna see a dead body?" You'll learn about the deeply autobiographical Stephen King short story that spawned the script, discover which of the four leads had sex for the first time on the set, and find out which star married a 'Stand By Me' superfan. You'll also hear how River Phoenix's experiences in a cult informed his performance, how the production team pulled off all the grossness with the leeches, corpses and pie eating contests, and all about the weird role Michael Jackson nearly played in the film's soundtrack. Alex shares his theory that Stand By Me was just a dry run for Stephen King's 'It,' and Jordan shares the one line in the movie he can't hear without sobbing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan take a wide-ranging look at the life and deeply troubled legacy of '90s television's answer to PT Barnum — and how he made the jump from Cincinnati Mayor to giving a platform to individuals who fetishize Spam and date livestock. (Hint: it involves at least one very public sex scandal.) You'll learn about his Forrest Gump-ish early days at the center of a truly bizarre number of historical events and discover how his first-hand encounters with the London Blitz, RFK's assassination and the 1968 Democratic National Convention riots helped plant the seeds for his trademark televisual mayhem. In addition to covering the rise and fall of his show — and all the controversies and even murders it caused — the TMI guys touch on ghost ships, a woman married to the Eiffel Tower, Oprah, Austin Powers and a 70-pound baby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex cruise through the making of a comedy classic that salutes the uniquely American phenomenon of taking a long, arduous road trip to a place that sucks. They'll explore the film's genesis as a John Hughes-penned short story in National Lampoon Magazine all the way up through the multi-million-dollar movie franchise it spawned — including some questionable sequels that mercifully went unproduced. You'll learn all about the epic cross-country shoot that nearly killed several members of the cast and learn how the Griswold's hideous car killed off the station wagon. Plus, you'll hear all sorts of tales of Chevy Chase behaving badly. So give a listen: you'll have so much f-cking fun, you'll need plastic surgery to remove your goddamn smiles!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan throw on their skinny jeans, vintage Ts and leather jackets to discuss one of the turn-of-the-century masterpieces of modern rock and roll — a dirtbag opus that taught us that rich kids could, with the right tunes and production, convincingly cosplay as legitimate scuzzbags. You'll learn about the band's privileged beginnings among the upper Manhattan elite (Sean Lennon introduced them at a Swiss prep school!) and then head downtown to the gritty recording sessions for "Last Nite" and "Someday" done in the basement of a methadone clinic. In addition to lots of drugs, sex and fist-fights — plus a surprisingly comprehensive overview of all the artists who've ripped off Tom Petty — you'll get a fascinating overview of the Meet Me in the Bathroom-era indie-rock scene of the early '00s — NYC's last gasp of punk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex take a trip to Bluffington to pay tribute to everyone's favorite sweater-vest clad diarist. You'll learn all about the real-life love story behind Doug Funnie and Patti Mayonnaise, the behind-the-scenes drama stemming from the show’s transition from Nick to the House of Mouse, and the controversies that continue to rage concerning Skeeter Valentine's blue skin tone. Plus you'll discover how the creation of Doug was fueled by endless margaritas and a passion for the Peanuts gang, and all the influences that went into the greatest rock band of our time — The Beets! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex put the podcast in the basket to talk about one of the all-time masterpieces of horror cinema. Join your well-scrubbed, hustling hosts as they debunk the oft-repeated theory that Anthony Hopkins doesn't blink during this film, celebrate the determination Jodie Foster brought to campaigning for her role, and marvel at all the creepy touches that make the film so great, from its sound design to the Guy Who Handled the Moths. They'll also explore its checkered legacy in the trans community and the mostly unfortunate series of cash-in sequels that followed. Even under threat of getting the hose again, Alex is unable to stop doing Hannibal Lecter lines in a Sean Connery voice after learning Connery was initially considered for the role! Too Much Information: You will tell us when the pods stop casting, won't you, Clarice?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex discuss one of the best-selling singles of all time. It's a song that boasts more top tier talent than perhaps any other. It's also a song that brings new meaning to the phrase: “Well, it’s the thought that counts..." They'll give you the backstory and behind the scenes drama of that one night in January 1985 when 40-something of the biggest stars in music crammed into a single studio, checked their egos at the door and worked through the night to record a sub-part tune by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie that raised some $80 million for African famine relief. You'll find out why a terrified Michael Jackson was reduced to curling up in the fetal position in the bathroom, why mega-talents like Prince and Madonna blew off the session, and why the proceedings were nearly torpedoed by Cyndi Lauper's earrings and a buffet. You'll also learn about Bob Dylan's intense stage fright, the surprising reason why Huey Lewis was given a solo when Smokey Robinson was NOT — plus all the reasons why Ray Charles and Bruce Springsteen were the MVPs of the session. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex explore the beloved early Aughts comedy that taught a generation important facial expressions like Blue Steel and Magnum, dared to ask the question “But why male models?”and showed us that sometimes all you need to sort through important issues is an orange mocha Frappuccino. You'll learn all about the VH1 sketch that birthed the character of Zoolander, how Ben Stiller got David Bowie to judge the "walk off," and the long-lost original ending to the film — which was kind of a downer! You'll also discover which '90s pop punk band nearly provided the soundtrack to the gasoline fight, which legendary American author sued the production for plagiarism, and which controversial actor who nearly played the villainous Mugatu. So take a listen — it's so hot right now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan salute the 25th anniversary of the biggest, dumbest, most ass-kickin'-est '90s action blockbuster. It's a film that taught us all that oil rig workers can (with the right montage) make successful astronauts, the leathery glam Muppets in Aerosmith still had hits in 'em, and there's no problem that Uncle Sam can't blow up real good. They'll get into all the messy reasons why Bruce Willis was forced to do this movie, why Ben Affleck was forced to get new teeth, and Michael Bay forced NASA to let the production sit in on a shuttle launch. You'll also learn about how Armageddon and less-good end-of-days asteroid movie Deep Impact caused an inter-studio feud, the film's soundtrack helped heal a rift between Liv Tyler and her Aerosmith front man father, the time Ben Affleck nearly died in a space suit, and all the ways that humanity would be screwed if a big rock was headed our way in real life. Hit play and enjoy! Trust us, you don't want to miss a thing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex move the pod to an an-up-and-coming Chicago neighborhood—ah, it's already been gentrified. Well, they'll self-soothe by immersing themselves in a beloved chronicle of a similarly bygone era, Liz Phair's "Exile in Guyville!" From a quick history of the Chicago indie scene that birthed the record, to the myriad of odd sonic tricks that make up its production, to the kinda-weird lengths Phair went to in order to tweak the Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street," not a single cobblestone of Guyville remains unturned. They'll also tackle the backlash Phair faced once her record broke big, the *other* backlash she faced a decade later later when she pivoted her sound, and make Jordan uncomfortable with some of Phair's patented sexually explicit lyrics! Too Much Information: A dive deeper than Chicago deep-dish!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex scale their own personal Cliffs of Insanity to take listeners deeper into the warm heart of "The Princess Bride" than ever before! They round up the (practically) inconceivable list of directors who tried and failed to adapt the beloved novel, take a quick sidebar into pirate code, and demystify some of the stories about Andre the Giant's youth ... and drinking habits. They'll also shed light on the marvelous sword fight between Westley and Inigo, and explore the deep personal motivation Mandy Patinkin brought to his role as Inigo. Too Much Information: Never try to match wits with a podcaster!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The warm smell of pod-itas rises up through the air as Jordan and Alex tackle one of the biggest songs of the 20th century from one of the biggest punching bags of all time: The Eagles' "Hotel California!" They're prisoners here of their own device as they delve into why, exactly, the Eagles are so hated (spoiler alert: it's mostly Don Henley), wax rhapsodic about Joe Walsh and dissect the operatic dissolution of the band. An already-weakened-by-a-cold Alex is taken to his limit by quotes from lead-Eagles Glenn Frey and Henley as no stone is left unturned parsing the song's lyrics, including their applications to foreign economic policy and their possible bearing on friend of the pod Satan! Also a brief rundown of most of the people Henley has sued, the IRL location of the Hotel California and naturally some great Joe Walsh debauchery stories. Too Much Information: Some pod to remember, some pod to forget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's take a journey to the Neighborhood of Too Much Information! Jordan and Alex go deep on the secular saint known as Fred Rogers, tracing his early years as a bullied rich kid to his ascent to the benevolent king of children's television. You'll learn about his oddly beautiful obsession with his weight, the time he danced around the set with a sex doll, the hidden message behind his trademark cardigans, and his under-appreciated musical brilliance. You'll also learn how he single-handedly saved PBS, paved the way for Netflix, and gave early breaks to Michael Keaton and 'Day of the Dead' horror icon George Romero. And, in a series first, you'll hear how Fred's unconditional love and kindness turns the TMI guys into weepy children. Get ready for 'Too Much Information — Oops, All Sobs!' edition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex hurtle their bodies off the top of a keyboard and microphone with no safety precautions to bring you an in-depth discussion of 1998's classic 'Rush Hour'! Podcast stunt coordinators were horrified at the lengths Alex goes to in his Jackie Chan fandom, unpacking Chan's legacy as one of the world's singular entertainers, the film's role in Hollywood's Nineties' dalliance with the Hong Kong martial-arts/action-film industry, and the difficulties Jackie had on his first English-language feature. Along the way, Jordan and Alex will recount the first meeting between Jackie and co-star Chris Tucker that led to one of the film's most famous lines, recount a brief litany of Chan's most horrific injuries, and marvel at the fact that he apparently once catered one of his own films — while also working as the gaffer and composing the theme song! It's Too Much Information: Rumble in the Pod!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex celebrate their 100th episode (and their friendship) by honoring the most famous best buds in entertainment — Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. They'll talk about their initial bond as kids in Boston, the complex personal histories that went into the movie's script, and their long road to the Oscars. They'll also explore the early version of the film that was intended to be a thriller, another draft where everyone died, still another with a long-lost sex scene between Will and Sean, and the early casting that featured the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. An in-depth psychological exploration of Ben Affleck's existential crisis is offset by tons of tales of Robin Williams at his hilarious best, and they'll probe the boys' passionate relationship with the Red Sox. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's the story of a man named Brady, a lovely lady, six adorable kids, and the wild, surprisingly raunchy way that they became The Brady Bunch. Jordan and Heigl dive into their craziest episode yet, outlining all the weird pseudo-incestural relationships between the kids in the cast (including Barry Williams' famous date with his TV mom), the real-life drama between two of the Brady sisters, and the all the reasons why Mike Brady was such a pain in the ass that the show’s creator planned to kill him off. They'll also get into all the ways the actors nearly died during the show, the scene that Barry Williams filmed while stoned (as well as a supposedly "banned" scene), the extremely dark (and extremely short-lived) Brady Bunch spinoff series in the '90s, the curse of Cousin Oliver, the time the Brady mom got an STD from a New York City Mayor, and the story behind those ridiculous perms. Get ready for sex, drugs and a little rock 'n' roll — Brady style. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex spend most of their lives living in a podcast paradise this week going deep on Stevie Wonder's magnum opus ‘Songs in the Key of Life’! They'll explore the chaos that was Stevie's work process at the time, including 3:30 a.m. call times for bassists and guitarists sleeping in the studio, scour the insane guest roster of the sessions for hidden gems (Alice Coltrane? Frank Zappa?) and run down the hallmarks of Stevie's keyboard sound. Along the way they'll marvel at the scope of Stevie's record-breaking contract with Motown, the still-unheard songs from the era he's got in the vault, and run down the expenditures for the premiere party for the album. (How much does a bespoke cowboy outfit cost, anyway?) Too Much Information: Pod's in Need of Pod Today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.