Go Fact Yourself

MaximumFun.org

Twice a month, host J. Keith van Straaten and co-host Helen Hong quiz the smartest celebrities they know to find out why they love what they love! Recorded before a live audience in downtown Los Angeles, this game show features comedians, actors, and musicians answering arcane questions on topics they claim to be experts in. But don't worry; if they slip up, there are real experts on hand to give us the facts! read less
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Episodes

Ep. 160: Josh McDermitt & Sierra Katow
Nov 1 2024
Ep. 160: Josh McDermitt & Sierra Katow
***Listen to GFY on the radio!***You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio in the Los Angeles area on NPR station LAist 89.3 FM. You can also stream the show live around the world at LAist.com (Click the big “Listen” button at the top of the page.)Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)—--Walk off with a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Josh McDermitt is an actor best known for his time playing Eugene on “The Walking Dead.” The role endeared him to a massive fanbase; but he’ll tell us about a humbling experience when he went to buy his character’s figurine. Josh was also an expert on episode 145 of “Go Fact Yourself.”Sierra Katow is a comedian, who until recently was also a freelance coder because – surprise! – comedy isn’t always the most lucrative career. Sierra will tell us more about that, as well as her podcast on the MaxFun network, “TV Chef Fantasy League.”Areas of ExpertiseJosh: Country music from the 1990s, the 2010 Green Bay Packers who went on to win Super Bowl XLV, and Kirk Gibson’s game-winning home run from Game one of the 1988 World Series. Sierra: Season 3 of the animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the book The Grapes of Wrath, and famous English bulldogs.What’s the difference: Agree to DisagreeWhat’s the difference between consent and assent?What’s the difference between a disagreement and a dispute?With guest experts:Steve Sax: Former Major League Baseball player and 2x World Series champion.Michaela Jill-Murphy: Voice actor known for voicing the character Toph in “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”Greg Baldwin: Voice actor known as the second voice of Uncle Iroh in “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 159: Sherry Cola & Greg Proops
Oct 18 2024
Ep. 159: Sherry Cola & Greg Proops
***Listen to GFY on the radio!***You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio in the Los Angeles area on NPR station LAist 89.3 FM. You can also stream the show live around the world at LAist.com (Click the big “Listen” button at the top of the page.)Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)—--Trivia is the sweetest thing on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Sherry Cola has appeared in shows like “Good Trouble” on Netflix and films like Joy Ride. But she actually got her start on the radio, thanks to Carson Daly. She’ll tell us why it was a bit of a humbling, but important, experience and explain why she’s not a competitive person. Greg Proops is an actor and comedian, perhaps best known for his years on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” His new comedy album, French Drug Deal is available now. He’ll tell us how he came up with the title and why he decided to improvise his entire set. You can hear Greg on his podcast “The Smartest Man in the World.”Areas of ExpertiseSherry: The film A Walk to Remember, the film The Sweetest Thing, and the San Gabriel Valley.Greg: The San Francisco Giants of the 1980s, Keanu Reeves in the movie Point Break, and Alexander the Great as a tween. What’s the difference: Speak FreelyWhat’s the difference between to speak and to talk?What’s the difference between something free and something on the house?With guest experts:Chili Davis: Three-time World Series Champion and member of the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame.Roger Kumble: Screenwriter, playwright, and director of The Sweetest ThingThomas Jane: Actor, known for films like Boogie Nights, The Punisher and The Sweetest Thing.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 158: Aida Rodriguez & Cory Doctorow
Oct 4 2024
Ep. 158: Aida Rodriguez & Cory Doctorow
Welcome, foolish mortals, to a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Aida Rodriguez is a comedian who’s known that she wanted to perform ever since she was doing Richard Pryor impressions as a child. You can stream her comedy special “Fighting Words” on Max, which features not just her jokes, but also an intimate look at her family. You can also find Aida on tour. Cory Doctorow is an author who was extremely busy during the height of the pandemic – he wrote a total of nine books, including one that was the end of a saga that he hadn’t published yet. He’s also known for popularizing the term “Ensh*ttification” about how big tech has made the services they provide worse than ever. Cory’s latest book, The Bezzel, is out now.Areas of ExpertiseAida: Norman Lear sitcoms, the Prince album Purple Rain, and Puerto Rican slang.Cory: The Disney ride The Haunted Mansion, anti-war chants of the 1980s and ways to get robbed in Geneva, Switzerland. What’s the difference: Fixer-upperWhat’s the difference between to renovate and to remodel?What’s the difference between a summit and a peak?With guest experts:Susan Rogers: Record producer with several multi-platinum albums, including Purple Rain.Kat Cressida: Voice artist who’s worked on video games, movies, and TV shows … and in Disney’s The Haunted Mansion ride. Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 157: Taran Killam & Jen Kober
Sep 20 2024
Ep. 157: Taran Killam & Jen Kober
It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself that’s totally bossa nova!In this episode…Guests:Taran Killam was a six-year cast member of “Saturday Night Live” and has performed in more dramatic material like the film 12 Years a Slave. He also sang on Broadway as King George in Hamilton and won big as a contestant on “The Price is Right!”Jen Kober is a comedian and actor who’s been expanding into some really colorful fields: She appears on the “The Mandalorian,” and now performs as part of “Mad Apple,” a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. She’ll tell us more about those projects and how her upbringing in the South colors everything in her life. Check out Jen’s new stand-up special, “No Flies on Me.”Areas of ExpertiseTaran: Frank Capra, Batavia’s Graveyard, and The 1990 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.Jen: The TV show “Roseanne,” the Encyclopedia Brown book series, and political strategist Lee Atwater’s work from 1980 to 1991.What’s the difference: Perfect pitch (or pitch perfect)What’s the difference between perfect and flawless?What’s the difference between pitch and tone?With guest experts:Bobby Herbeck: Film producer and screenwriter known for 1990s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle film.Robby Rist: Actor, whose work includes voicing Michaelangelo in all three Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle films. Michael Fishman: Actor, producer, and director, best known for playing D.J. in “Roseanne.”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 156: Lisa Ann Walter & Tre’vell Anderson
Sep 13 2024
Ep. 156: Lisa Ann Walter & Tre’vell Anderson
It’s a brand new joyful joyful episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Lisa Ann Walter endeared herself to an entire generation for her role in The Parent Trap. She was so grateful to embody such an iconic character and never expected to impact audiences like that again… but then she got her role on “Abbott Elementary.” She’ll tell us more about her varied career and how her mom helped her win “Celebrity Jeopardy!” Tre’vell Anderson is a writer and journalist who’s been busy: they published not one, but TWO books in the same year. One, We See Each Other, explores the seminal moments of black and trans people in film and television; the other, Historically Black Phrases, covers some famous lines from the culture like “Do you got McDonald's money?” You can also hear Tre’vell on the podcast “What a Day.”Areas of ExpertiseTre’vell: The film Sister Act 2, the trans pioneer Lucy Hicks Anderson, and Madea – the character played by Tyler Perry, particularly in the plays. Lisa: Oscar-nominated films before 1975, Fleetwood Mac lyrics, and ballroom dancing.What’s the difference: flexible flierWhat’s the difference between flexible and pliable?What’s the difference between a zeppelin and a blimp?With guest experts:Bill Duke: Actor and filmmaker, known for appearing in films like Commando and Predator and for directing films like Deep Cover and Sister Act 2.Anna Trebunskaya: Dance champion and 11-time pro on “Dancing With The Stars.”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 155: Negin Farsad & Shane O’Neill
Aug 16 2024
Ep. 155: Negin Farsad & Shane O’Neill
It’s trivia for the whole family on this episode of Go Fact Yourself! In this episode…Guests:Negin Farsad is a comedian and host of the comedy and news podcast, Fake the Nation. Her career has taken her on some pretty interesting journeys – including an actual psychedelic trip. She’ll tell us about that and why she thinks humanity is actually a lot of fun right now.Shane O’Neill writes The Style Memo newsletter for The Washington Post (which you can sign up to read for free). He’ll provide some insights into the link between power and style, what it’s like to write for such a big audience and why he’s thrilled that fat pants are making a comeback. Areas of ExpertiseNegin: The TV show “Modern Family,” what to do with a kid in New York City, and Paris.Shane: The B-52s, Sandra Bernhard, and the history of New York nightlife from Studio 54 to the present. What’s the difference: petrified forestWhat’s the difference between fossilized and petrified?What’s the difference between a forest and the woods?With guest experts:Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: actor, best known for playing Lily on the show “Modern Family.”Sandra Bernhard: performer, actor, singer, and author, now touring her one-woman show, Easy Listening.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience showsin LA by YOU!
Ep. 153: Joyce Bulifant & Todd Newton
Jul 5 2024
Ep. 153: Joyce Bulifant & Todd Newton
We agree to rock! – Live from the inaugural Quiz Show Expo in Burbank, California, it’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Joyce Bulifant has a prolific television career that includes TV (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”), film (Airplane!), and game shows (“Match Game”). She’ll share some stories from her time in show business, including teaching Fred Astaire how to dance. Check out her book, My Four Hollywood Husbands.Todd Newton is an Emmy-award winning game show host, known for shows like “Family Game Night.” He’s also known as the host of “The Price is Right Live!”, a stage show version of the long-running TV show. He says that the production is all about giving people all over the country a taste of Hollywood. He’ll tell us tons of hosting stories and even talk about his many awesome tattoos. Areas of ExpertiseJoyce: The book The Four Agreements, The first lady of the American theater Helen Hayes, and the Palm Springs restaurant Lulu’s.Todd: American travel destinations, Rocky movies, and hair bands from the 1980s.What’s the difference: The Family FeudWhat’s the difference between ancestry and heritage?What’s the difference between anger and rage?Experts:Aaron Landman and Karla Ruiz: program director and program coordinator for Ruiz Family courses in The Four Agreements.Fred Coury: award-winning composer who played drums with several bands, including Cinderella.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 152: Blair Socci & Alonso Duralde
Jun 21 2024
Ep. 152: Blair Socci & Alonso Duralde
Hey you guyyyyyyyys! It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Blair Socci is a comedian who got involved in the trade in an unusual way: She started out wanting to be a novelist and got a burst of inspiration… in the shower. Along the way she wrote for magazines, was a volleyball player and even learned how to make a great salmon. Blair’s debut special ''Live from the Big Dog'' is available now. Alonso Durlade is a prominent podcaster, hosting shows like ''Deck The Hallmark'' about Hallmark Christmas movies and MaxFun’s movie podcast “Maximum Film!” He’ll tell us about why he’s always thinking about Christmas at least a little bit and some of the prizes he’s won on other game shows. Alonso’s newest book, Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film, is available now.Areas of ExpertiseBlair: Pizza, the healing ointment Aquaphor, and the actor Walton GogginsAlonso: College radio music from 1984 to 1988, the TV show “The Electric Company,” and American Christmas after Coca-Cola’s invention of Santa Claus as we know him.What’s the difference: Reinventing the WheelWhat’s the difference between inventing and innovating?What’s the difference between a cog and a sprocket?Experts:Frank Pinello: Host of “The Pizza Show” on Vice and the proprietor of Best Pizza in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.Paul Dooley: Writer and actor with a decades-long career, including playing dads in Breaking Away and Sixteen Candles – and one of the creators of ''The Electric Company.''Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 151: Carmen Lynch & Bobby Massie
Jun 7 2024
Ep. 151: Carmen Lynch & Bobby Massie
It’s Friday night and the lights are on bright for a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Carmen Lynch is a comedian who recently released not one, but TWO comedy specials, one in spanish and one in english. She’ll tell us about how the two audiences react differently to comedy. Plus, she’ll explain why “less is more” sums up her advice when traveling.Bobby Massie is a ten year veteran of the NFL. He’ll tell us about his time in the league, including why mental preparation is so important and how he has a 100% catch rate. Bobby is also the founder of Wanderland Outdoors, a company that aims to invite people from all backgrounds to hikes and outdoor adventures with a touch of luxury.Areas of ExpertiseCarmen: Season one of the TV show “Mayor of Kingstown,” the movie When Harry Met Sally, and tall people problems.Bobby: Safari animals, the movie Friday Night Lights, and first edition Pokemon. What’s the difference: Concerted EffortWhat’s the difference between a concert and a recital?What’s the difference between an attempt and an endeavor?Experts:Tobi Bamtefa: Actor whose many roles include playing Bunny in “Mayor of Kingstown.”Brad Leland: Actor who’s played roles in both the movie and TV show “Friday Night Lights.”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 150: Buzzy Cohen & Debra Wilson
May 17 2024
Ep. 150: Buzzy Cohen & Debra Wilson
Twivia is what bwings us togewer on a bwand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guest Co-host:Muffy Marracco is a renowned trivia expert, often seen on the Game Show Network. She also previously appeared on episode 120 of Go Fact Yourself.Guests:Buzzy Cohen is a “Jeopardy!” champion and “Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions” champion. To what does he owe his success on the show? He says it’s all about his specialized training regiment. It may be stressful, but you can’t argue with the results. Buzzy’s new book, Baby Got Facts: Totally 90s Trivia, is available now. Debra Wilson is an actor who starred for eight seasons on “Mad TV.” She also has a prominent career as a voice actor, including being the latest voice of Daisy Duck for Disney. She’ll tell us about what it’s like playing such an iconic character. Plus: find out how you can hear her work right now by just downloading an app!Areas of ExpertiseBuzzy: The movie The Princess Bride, lyrics to Bruce Springsteen’s song “Thunder Road,” and Afro-Brazilian syncretic religions (by which he means Candomblé and Umbanda)Debra: 1970s TV cop shows, tattoo culture, and the giant salmon-pink bird-eater tarantula.  What’s the difference: Monster MashWhat’s the difference between a monster and a creature?What’s the difference between smash and mash?Experts:Joel Madden: Lead singer of the band Good Charlotte and host of the show “Ink Master”Chris Sarandon: Actor and podcast host, whose many iconic roles include playing Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenMuffy MarraccoCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 149: Adam Felber & Jiaoying Summers
May 3 2024
Ep. 149: Adam Felber & Jiaoying Summers
It's a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Adam Felber is a writer, co-host of the “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone” podcast, and frequent panelist on the NPR quiz show “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” In contrast with other people who appear on that program, he actually doesn’t care that much about winning. He’ll explain. Plus, Adam tells us why he often has to explain to people that his weight loss journey was absolutely intentional.Jiaoying Summers is a stand-up comedian and host of the podcast “Tiger MILF,” which she uses to showcase the multifaceted personalities of Asian women. Jiaoying will explain why she was forced to join us remotely from Hawaii, and why it’s important to embrace sucking at comedy.Areas of Expertise:Jiaoying: The music of Janis Joplin, daily make-up in less than 10 minutes, and dealing with an Asian mom. Adam: The book Infinite Jest, The Prince album Sign o’ the Times and the movie Groundhog Day.What’s the difference: Student CounselWhat’s the difference between a pupil and a student?What’s the difference between counseling and therapy?Experts:Dave Getz: Artist and drummer for the band Big Brother and the Holding CompanyMichael &Laura Joplin: The siblings of Janis Joplin, and contributors to the book Janis Joplin: Days & Summers.Stephen Tobolowsky: Actor, writer, and storyteller, whose numerous roles include playing Ned in Groundhog Day.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 148: Ivy Le & A.J. Jacobs
Apr 19 2024
Ep. 148: Ivy Le & A.J. Jacobs
You’re not hallucinating here – it’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Ivy Le is a comedian, actor, and the creator of the podcast FOGO- Fear of Going Outside. Ivy says she had to start from square one for the podcast: From Googling “How to find the outdoors” all the way to learning how to camp. She’ll also tell us about “Tongue In Cheek,” her queer-focused open mic in Austin, Texas.A.J. Jacobs is an author and puzzle podcaster. Most of his books center on his putting himself through elaborate and lengthy lifestyle experiments, like reading the entirety of the Encyclopedia Britannica or living in accordance with the bible. His latest book is entitled The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning.Areas of ExpertiseIvy: AAPI American history, ADHD, and edibles.A.J.: Two-letter Scrabble words, the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and weird Victorian Jobs.What’s the difference: Steeped in historyWhat’s the difference between steeping and brewing?What’s the difference between ancient history and prehistory?Experts:Judge Reinhold: Actor, whose many iconic roles include playing Brad in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.Amy Tan: Award-winning, best-selling author and illustrator, who wrote the novel and screenplay for The Joy Luck ClubHosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 147: Andy Richter & Tonya Mosley
Apr 5 2024
Ep. 147: Andy Richter & Tonya Mosley
We’re tearing the roof off a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Rose Abdoo is an actor you can see now in “Hacks” on Max! She was also on episode 118 of GFY, and tonight she returns as a guest co-host.Guests:Andy Richter is an actor and comedian. He’s most famous for being the sidekick to Conan O’Brien, a role that he learned to love when he realized that it could be anything that he wanted it to be. Andy can be heard on his podcast, “The Three Questions.”Tonya Mosley is the co-host of the legendary radio interview show “Fresh Air” along with Terry Gross. She’s interviewed a lot of people over the years and is happy to share a few tips (and confirm some rumors about Terry Gross). Tonya is also behind the true crime podcast “She Has a Name,” which uses her investigative journalism skills to tell a story that’s very personal. Areas of ExpertiseAndy: Pre-1980s soul and R&B music, professional wrestling in the 20th-century, and hot dogs. Tonya: 1990s pop culture, the musical The Wiz, and homesteading.What’s the difference: The Incredible, Edible EggWhat’s the difference between edible and eatable?What’s the difference between an oval and an ellipse?Experts:Anaïs and Jordanne Dervaes: co-founders Urban Homestead Institute in Pasadena.George Clinton: Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, who fronts and founded Parliament-Funkadelic.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenRose AbdooCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Ep. 146.5 - Clint McElroy & Ella McLeod BoCo Preview! (#McsFunDrive)
Mar 27 2024
Ep. 146.5 - Clint McElroy & Ella McLeod BoCo Preview! (#McsFunDrive)
Just say yes to a preview of the members-exclusive BoCo from Go Fact Yourself!In the full episode…Guests:Clint McElroy is a former radio broadcaster and the father of the McElroy podcast siblings Justin, Travis, and Griffin. Clint is one of the voices behind “The Adventure Zone” podcast where he plays Dungeons and Dragons along with his sons. Clint will tell us what it’s like turning podcasting into a family business and what it’s like to turn an audio show into a graphic novel. Ella McLeod is one of the hosts of “Comfort Creatures,” an animal enthusiast podcast. But that doesn’t mean that she’s in love with every animal. For instance, she’s not a fan of pigeons. Ella is the author of the upcoming book The Map that Led to You. Areas of Expertise:Clint: The musical Guys and Dolls, the TV show “Star Trek: The Animated Series,” and fantasy football. Ella: Greek gods and goddesses, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Taylor Swift.What’s the difference: Everyday GrindWhat’s the difference between every day and everyday?What’s the difference between a cup and a mug?Experts:Trey Fanjoy: Award-winning director, whose work includes several music videos for Taylor Swift. You can see a picture of Clint McElroy with Taylor Swift on our showpage at Maximumfun.orgFaith Prince: Actor, whose legendary performances include winning a Tony award for Guys and Dolls (And who loves Michael Jeter’s Tony Awards performance).Hosts:J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Show engineer is Dave McKeever.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Supporting GFY in the MaxFunDrive by YOU – Go to maximumfun.org/join