Too Much Information

Jordan and Alex welcome their first guest to the show — Vanity Fair editor Maggie Coughlan! Together they explore the agony and the ecstasy of grown men getting hit in the crotch by bulls, launched into orbit in Porta-Potties, snorting wasabi up their nose, and locking themselves in limos with bees. They’ll also discuss the collective medical bills of the 'Jackass' cast, the numerous childhood traumas that led them to pursue this peculiar profession, plus their many run-ins with both the law and with network censors. But it’s not all gross-out gags and hospital stays! You’ll hear about Johnny Knoxville’s touching friendship with Hunter S. Thompson and Jessica Simpson, and Brad Pitt’s adorable desire to be an honorary member of the Jackass crew. (Errr, listener discretion advised...) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this emergency episode of TMI, Jordan and Alex mourn the loss of this iconic frozen treat. In addition to providing a (brief) history of ice cream, Popsicles and the ice cream truck, they’ll explain how the Mexican food craze in the ‘80s lead to the creation of the Choco Taco, how it spread across the globe, and how it influenced ice cream products for years to come. They’ll also delve into an anonymous government employee’s crusade against the novelty dessert, why it’s being discontinued (Was it really the so-called Woke Mob?) and how Dippin’ Dots might point the way towards a Choco Taco rebirth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan set their sights on GNR’s chart-busting metal opus, which turns 35 years old this month. Get ready for tons of sex (occasionally in the studio), drugs (pretty much everywhere) and rock ’n’ roll on the gritty Sunset Strip of the ‘80s. They’ll discuss the band’s rough pre-fame days sleeping in parking lots and splitting cheeseburgers five ways, and explore the ludicrous decadence of their peak, during which they ripped the toilets out of the home of legendary director Cecil B. DeMille, smashed guitars through the window of rental vans and pushed their bodies to (and sometimes past) the brink of death. They’ll also delve into the (alleged) reason behind the classic lineup’s disintegration, the story behind Slash’s iconic top hat (and his early ties to Bowie), and why “Sweet Child of Mine” almost didn’t get recorded. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex discuss the film that USA Today described as “‘Independence Day’ for smart people.” They’ll get into the finer points of (alleged) real life aliens, as well as Will Smith’s truly horrific farts, why Tommy Lee Jones was grumpy for the whole shoot, and how the movie helped pave the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, they’ll touch on Vincent D’Onofrio’s insane makeup job, and the time he drank enough sugar water to seriously risk death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex dive into McLean's 1971 musical eulogy for both Buddy Holly and the '60s utopian dream. Learn about the secret choir of celebrities that sang on the chorus, the truly insane number of edits it took to stitch this 8-minute epic together, the non-Buddy Holly rock pioneer who inspired Don McLean to write it, plus the heartbreakingly tragic reason why Holly took that fatal flight in the first place. Then buckle up for their lengthy interpretation of the dense lyrical poetry — and discover how McLean's work helped launch Tupac, Gary Busey, Roberta Flack, and Greenpeace. (Though not in that order.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan discuss Lee's 1972 masterpiece. Find out why it made Chairman Mao cry, helped launch Jackie Chan's career, and influenced everyone from Quentin Tarantino to the Wu Tang Clan. They'll also delve into the mysterious death of the martial arts master, his fascinating connection to the Manson Family murders, his early years as a Hong Kong child star, and the hilarious reason he was rejected from the US Army board.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan revisit the groundbreaking, nightmare-inducing cinema classic that set the bar for blending animation with live action. They'll discuss the maddening production process that broke every rule in the cartoon handbook, and the performance challenges that drove star Bob Hoskins so crazy that he took a year off acting. They'll also delve into the hidden X-rated moments, the lost scene in which Popeye belts Goofy in cemetery and explain why this movie represents Bill Murray's greatest regret. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attention all Parrotheads! Jordan and Alex take a trip to Key West to explore one of the breeziest, booziest songs in existence — and uncover the secret darkness at its core. They’ll discuss the colorful cast of characters that helped inspire the track, the drug runners who saved Jimmy’s life, and how Elvis Presley nearly wound up recording the tune. They’ll also recount the time Jamaican police nearly killed Buffett and Bono, the unproduced Harrison Ford/Robert Redford buddy movie inspired by the lyrics, and how the song birthed a multi-billion-dollar empire that’s made Buffett one of the richest celebrities in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of the July 4th holiday, Jordan and Alex celebrate this flawless cinematic salute to America’s favorite pastime. They’ll discuss the grueling audition process and the rough and tumble shoot that resulted in some major injuries to the cast. They’ll also explore the romantic subplot left on the cutting room floor and the time Madonna pissed off an entire town. From live cow births to 53-second pee-streams, they’ll uncover all the behind-the-scenes details, as well as debunk the famous claim that there’s no crying in baseball. Most controversially, they’ll determine once and for all whether or not Dottie Hinson actually dropped that ball…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan celebrate the 25th anniversary of the diamond-selling country-crossover smash that spawned immortal hits like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," "You're Still The One," and "That Don't Impress Me Much." They'll explore Twain's harrowing backstory in the Canadian wilderness, where she overcame abuse, poverty and the death of her parents, and also her unlikely musical (and romantic) partnership with a heavy metal icon — which splintered amid one of the messiest love triangles this side of Fleetwood Mac. Of course, they'll also examine the many influences that went into the album, from '80s new-waver Robert Palmer to Brad Pitt's lawsuit against Playgirl and drag queens in Twain's hometown. And finally, they'll spotlight her triumphant comeback after Lyme disease nearly robbed Twain of her singing voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex dive into Nickelodeon's ultimate test of physical and mental fitness. They'll explain how the classic millennial gameshow was produced on a shoestring budget, why the prizes were so lame, and how Olmec was made from old disco balls from Radio Shack. They'll also explore the rigorous auditions, why many contestants still have PTSD from doing the Temple Run, and why everyone sucked at assembling the Shrine of the Silver Monkey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex revisit Jim Carrey's inaugural dramatic role, released on the eve of the reality TV explosion. They'll discuss the gritty, violent first draft set in a faux-NYC (in which Truman abducts a stranger's baby!), the time Jim Carrey nearly died while filming the movie's climax, and why producers filmed at Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz's childhood home. Plus, they'll delve into the practical reality of living in a sunless dome, the psychiatric disorders named in the film's honor, and the truly sadistic reality TV shows that followed in its wake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex discuss the crown jewel of the PBS lineup, which turns 25 years old this year. They’ll talk about the biggest paydays, worst soul crushing disappointments, plus scams, shenanigans and prison sentences that resulted from the surprisingly cut-throat world of antiquing. There’s also the time one of the appraisers drank urine, another one pulled a severed dog head out of a suitcase, and an unsuspecting guest learned they accidentally spent thousands on grocery store olive oil. Plus, they’ll also explain how the show was used to defend a murder suspect!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan delve into the infamous animated '90s flick that traumatized a generation of kids with its terrifying (yet oddly sexy) pollution monster, Hexxus. But it's not all nightmare fuel! They'll discuss the 14 hours of improvised dialogue that Robin Williams provided for filmmakers, Disney's ruthless attempts to crush the film before it made it to theaters, and how Elton John, Jimmy Buffett and Tone Loc all got roped into the soundtrack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given its recent rediscovery thanks its inclusion on ’Stranger Things,’ Alex and Jordan celebrate Kate Bush’s immortal “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God).” Join them as they explore the song’s genesis in a rural English barn, the pioneering piece of technology that lent the song its distinctive sound, and the emotional backstory behind the lyrics. They’ll also discuss Bush’s battle with sexism, her unexpected connections with Pink Floyd, James Bond, David Bowie, and why Prince called her his “favorite woman.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the conclusion of this two-part episode, Jordan and Alex explain how the Starman took flight, blasting Bowie into the upper echelon of the music world and setting a benchmark for rock ’n’ roll theatricality, physicality, and pure imagination — not to mention pure rock ’n’ roll excess. They’ll also take a look at Bowie’s complex relationship with both his band and the LGBTQ community, meditate on the likelihood that he was a sex addict, explore his fascination with Japan, and explain why he ultimately killed off his most famous creation at the peak of Ziggy’s popularity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Bowie’s boundary-shattering breakthrough turns 50, Jordan and Alex dive deep into his alien alter-ego with their first two-part episode. To kick things off, they dissect the many influences that went into Ziggy, from eccentric reclusive rockstars to David’s history with his tragic half-brother. They’ll also explain why the piano used on the sessions is one of the most important instruments in rock, explore the intriguing connection between “Starman” and ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ and describe the moment that Freddie Mercury stood front row for Ziggy’s grand unveiling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan take a Mach 5 look at Tom Cruise's beloved ‘80s fighter-plane flick, currently enjoying a new moment in the spotlight thanks to its long-in-the-making sequel. They dive into the tale of the maverick production team that took the story from the pages of a magazine to the big screen, explore Tom and Val Kilmer’s onset method-acting madness, and relive the time director Tony Scott had to pay $25,000 to turn a boat around. They’ll also explain how the movie was crucial in jumpstarting the home video market and describe how the famous baby oil-drenched volleyball scene came to be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan explore the genesis of Sir Mix’s salute to the glute, a wild saga that involves guns, nuns, and a 50-foot fiberglass butt. For the Seattle MC, it’s a surprisingly personal battle against racist beauty standards, as well as a fierce fight against censorship practices — and the vandals who keep popping his enormous inflatable ass during its promo tour of the country. As “Baby Got Back” turns 30, find out how Mix made the goofy-yet-serious ‘90s classic, and just how many butts he was forced to study to create the iconic music video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex look back on the creation of one of rock’s most storied albums — from one of rock’s most cursed enterprises. They’ll discuss the band’s cocaine fueled pursuit of perfection, including the time Lindsey Buckingham strangled one of the engineers, as well as the saga of “Silver Springs,” and the mystery of Mick Fleetwood’s (wooden) balls. They’ll also discuss why Buckingham restrung his guitar every twenty minutes to record "Never Going Back Again," why Stevie Nicks wrote “Dreams” in Sly Stone’s bed, and why the Rolling Stone cover shoot added to the intense interpersonal drama within the group. (The answer to all of these, directly or indirectly, is cocaine.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex talk about hilarious true story that inspired classic 2001 film, as well as Reese Witherspoon’s nature documentary-style trips to Southern California sororities, Bruiser the Dog’s connection with the Taco Bell dog, the drunken origin of the bend-and-snap (and its long lost musical number), exactly what became of all of Elle’s 60 outfits from the film, and how it’s indirectly responsible for saving someone’s life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan trace the creation of Aretha Franklin’s 1967 empowerment anthem, diving into the mystery surrounding who actually wrote the song (possibly NOT Otis Redding) and the origin of “TCB.” They also talk about how the song’s catchphrase may have gotten Ricard Nixon elected, why an in-studio brawl with a drunken trumpeter nearly killed the song before it was ever recorded, and how a surprising number of people associated with the song wound up getting murdered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex discuss the underdog of the ‘90s video game wars. They’ll explain why Bill Clinton inspired the speedy character, how Michael Jackson may (or may not) have composed the theme music, and how corporate chaos nearly sunk the beloved hedgehog before the game was ever released. They’ll also delve into the history of video game easter eggs, the strange subculture of video game high score champs, the Sonic balloon disaster at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the unfortunate “teeth incident” that occurred before Sonic made his big screen debut in 2020. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 'Top Gun' Fever in the air, Jordan and Alex take a look at a different kind of Tom Cruise classic. They talk about how Cuba Gooding Jr got naked during his audition, the true origin of the phrase "Show me the money," and why Cameron Crowe went through way more humiliation than anyone should endure in order to make this film. They'll also explore how adorable Ray grew up to become an MMA fighter and discuss whether the human head really does weigh eight pounds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex settle into their Thinking Chairs to delve into the beloved ‘90s children’s TV classic. They’ll discuss the time Steve crashed a toddler’s ‘Blue’s Clues’-themed birthday party accompanied by a swimsuit model, why the program got props from Malcolm Gladwell, and the show’s weird connection to both Ray Charles and the Flaming Lips. They’ll also explore how show inadvertently gave rise to a generation of smelly, Ralph Lauren-wearing children, and trace the origin of the 'Steve Is Dead' urban legend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan take on the classic rock monolith, sorting through all the Satanism myths and supernatural lore. They’ll delve into the battle to record the famous solo, how it got its premiere in the middle of a war zone, and the drama behind the ‘Wayne’s World’ joke. They’ll also explain why Jimmy Page’s stinginess resulted in “Stairway” being recorded in a dilapidated haunted mansion, how Robert Plant paid a radio station thousands of dollars to stop playing it, and determine whether Phil Collins was to blame for their disastrous performance at Live Aid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex are here to spice up your life by giving you all the behind-the-scenes details about the Spice Girls’ debut. You’ll find out how Mel B stole toilet paper from Nelson Mandela, Emma Bunton nearly died during the “Say You’ll Be There” video shoot, and Geri Halliwell made her iconic Union Jack dress from a dish towel. (Oh yeah, and the time she asked Prince Charles if he had a Prince Albert…) They’ll also dive into Margaret Thatcher’s surprising influence on “Girl Power,” the mystery of The Lost Spice Girl, and the true meaning of “zig-a-zig-ah.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex explore the surprisingly emotional backstory of the iconic ‘90s spy-spoof franchise and run down the extensive list of influences Mike Myers pulled from — ranging from Bond and the Beatles to astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. They’ll also describe how Dr. Evil caused a rift between Myers and his ‘Wayne’s World’ costar Dana Carvey, explain which beloved scenes were completely improvised, and outline how the series impacted the future of 007. The tragic story of Random Task actor Joe Son is (almost) offset by the touching fan letter Myers received from George Harrison — the last note the Beatle ever wrote before his death in 2001. Buckle up because these guys are going deep — it’s their favorite movie, baby! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan delve into the creation of Marvin Gaye’s magnum opus. Though recently crowned “The Greatest Album of All Time” by Rolling Stone, Motown chief Berry Gordy called it the worst thing he’d ever heard in his life and wanted to toss it on the scrap heap. They’ll explain how Stevie Wonder saved the day, why Gaye nearly abandoned his music career in favor of joining the NFL, and how the song’s iconic sax line came about as a total accident. They’ll also get into Gaye’s unorthodox pre-singing rituals — so take note, vocalists! (On second thought, maybe don’t…) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex discuss the Olympics of Trivia on this extra-special “Jeop-isode” of TMI! You’ll find out how Lucille Ball helped get Alex Trebek the hosting gig (and how hash brownies nearly put him out of commission), how the theme tune was written on a Hollywood icon’s piano, and how the writers come up with clues in the first place. The duo will also lift the lid on the show’s finely-honed production process, offer tips on the insane, PTSD-inducing preparation that prospective contestants go through, and reveal whether or not Trebek ever met his SNL Celebrity Jeopardy nemesis Sean Connery in real life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex invite you to be their guest as they revisit the crown jewel of the ‘90s Disney Renaissance. They’ll dive into the original non-musical incarnation before getting into the gut-wrenching backstory behind the legendary songs. They’ll also explain why the animators drew 20 different versions of Gaston’s chest-hair; the strange connection between the Beast, Luke Skywalker and Regis Philbin; and how Disney drew inspiration from The Wizard of Oz for the character of Belle. And, at long last, you’ll learn the truth about the Beast’s rainbow butt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan are taking on the gold standard of the '70s singer-songwriter era. You’ll find out how Neil's busted back impacted the sound of the record, which ‘70s icons had secret singing cameos, and how Neil crushed his father’s spirit by divulging the true meaning of the track “Old Man.” They'll also explain how some of the songs created a bit of tension with Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the London Symphony Orchestra. And, of course, they'll explore the true love story at the heart of this record: Neil Young and his barn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex dive into everyone’s favorite family of gifted misfits. They’ll talk about the time Anjelica Huston’s hair caught on fire, Mordecai the falcon was held for ransom by a random New Jersey resident, Gwyneth Paltrow’s bowling date with Paul McCartney, and also how Bill Murray had to protect Wes Anderson from being bullied by Gene Hackman. They’ll also take a close look at the fashion, music and typefaces of Anderson’s 2001 classic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have MUR-SAY! Jordan and Alex pay tribute to the late great Bob Saget with their deep dive into this classic of the TGIF television lineup — which turns 35 this year! Get ready to learn about John Stamos’ over-the-top Disney collection, the Olsen twins’ experience with baby dentures, and Uncle Joey’s famous flatulence. They’ll also talk about the time the cast filmed a scene pants-less and did '"whippets" on the set. Plus find out why the show’s creator owns one of the most notorious crime-scenes in Hollywood history. And rest assured, there’s lots of stuff about the Beach Boys, too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan are voulez-vousing their way through the hit that lit up countless dance floors and taught countless dudes the one line of French they'd take with them their entire lives. They'll delve into Patti LaBelle's iconic original, plus the assembly (and feuds) of the pop supergroup that recorded the Aughts version for Baz Luhrmann's epic, 'Moulin Rouge.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex go deep on Steven Soderbergh’s remake of the classic 1960 Rat Pack heist film. Listen and learn why Brad Pitt ate 40 shrimp, Don Cheadle refused to be credited, and why the original Rat Packers hated this movie. You’ll also learn how the most famous scene was improvised, The Royal Tenenbaums’s made casting a nightmare, and all the ways George Clooney pranked just about everybody. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In their ongoing effort to explain why the Swedes are so good at making pop, Alex and Jordan dive into the creation of “Dancing Queen.” (Spoiler: It might involve working their recording engineers to the brink of exhaustion.) They also touch on the lengthy writing process for the song, its long-lost verse, its debut before Scandinavian royalty, why it was banned in New York City, and how it inspired everyone from Blondie and Elvis Costello to Nirvana and MGMT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TMI trivia titans turn their sights towards the classic Nick Toon, explaining how the character of Chuckie Finster was inspired by a New Wave rock icon, how the voice of Tommy Pickles recorded an episode between contractions while giving birth, and how the show has ties to the biggest animated show in history: The Simpsons. They’ll also delve into messy legal squabbles that divided the show’s creators for decades — and what finally brought them back together. Get ready for everything you never knew about Rugrats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex serve up everything you didn’t know about Steven Spielberg’s beloved sequel to Peter Pan, diving deep into the saga of the on-set pirate wranglers, Dustin Hoffman’s disgusting daily breakfast, and a host of hidden celebrity cameos. They’ll also delve into all the ways that the kid who played Rufio was a real-life badass and all the ways that Robin Williams was (predictably) the best. You’ll find out why Julia Roberts had a miserable time, Michael Jackson placed a curse on the legendary director and Phil Collins got uptight. Most importantly, you’ll discover the true meaning of “bangarang.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.