Go Fact Yourself

It’s a trivia mix of film, TV and the internet this week on Go Fact Yourself with two of the creative forces behind Netlfix's “Mystery Science Theater 3000!” Elliot Kalan is a newly published children’s author of the book Horse Meets Dog. He’s also the host of fellow Maximum Fun podcast The Flop House. The show is all about discussing bad movies, but Elliott’s made sure that that never impacts his love of great films… even if he can only watch them on his iPad these days. Facing off against Elliott is actress Felicia Day. She’s most known for creating and starring in the online series The Guild. She’ll tell us all about some of her favorite topics and explain some of things she’s learned as she navigates motherhood. In this episode, about 90’s sitcoms, classic films and the everlasting star-power of dinosaurs. What’s the difference: Intention and Prevention What’s the difference between “purposely” and “purposefully”? What’s the difference between “cease” and “desist”? Areas of Expertise Elliott Kalan: Dinos

Happy National Trivia Day! Let’s celebrate with a collision of journalists who also host podcasts! Cara Santa Maria is the host of the podcast Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria. She’s also a science communicator and there’s a chance that her proficiency in STEM will lead her to victory in this trivia battle. Her opponent is Glen Weldon, panelist on NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast. He’s written the book on Batman and Superman (literally) but will that knowledge be enough to guide him to victory? In this episode, we’ll learn about fashion, drag queens and art with deceased creatures. What’s the difference: Top and Bottom What’s the difference between a shirt that is “button-up” and “button-down”? What’s the difference between “below” and “under”? Areas of Expertise Cara Santa Maria: Hold ‘em poker, the artist Christopher Marley and the Olive Garden menu. Glen Weldon: Wine tasting, Rupaul’s Drag Race and Catherine O’Hara. Appearing in this episode: J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Cara Santa Maria Glen Weldo

Nerdy media of the past and present collide on this edition of Go Fact Yourself! Lea Thompson is an actress, perhaps best known for her role in the classic Back to the Future series. But lately, she’s developed a reputation for losing reality TV competitions to such illustrious pop culture fixtures like Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong and Alfonso Ribiero. But she’s ready to end that trend on this show! Competing against Thompson is Sandeep Parikh, star of the series The Guild. Growing up, he worked really hard to learn about things that would help him fit in and make friends. Luckily, that helped him gain knowledge that could help him win today's game. In this episode, we’ll learn about classic Hollywood movies, baseball and the color green. What’s the difference: Green What’s the difference between “jealous” and “envious”? What’s the difference between a grove and an orchard? Areas of Expertise Sandeep Parikh: The Boston Red Sox, Hindu Mythology, and the film The Princess Bride. Lea Thompson: Roseville Pottery, de

It’s the very first couple-edition of Go Fact Yourself! Wil Wheaton is an actor, writer and geek-culture legend. He’s been in everything from Star Trek: The Next Generation where he starred as the character Wesley Crusher, to his YouTube series TableTop. He’s glad to come onto the show and answer trivia questions about his interests; but he also is eager to prove that he knows these subjects well enough to stump the hosts too. Competing against Wil is Anne Wheaton, author of the children’s book Piggy and Pug, which is as adorable as the title makes it sound. The book also reflects her background as an animal lover, which has shown in her professional life as well as her personal one. Anne also happens to be married to Wil. In this episode, we’ll learn about secrets from classic arcade games, musical theater and how Anne and Wil met and fell in love. What’s the difference: High or Low What’s the difference between “altitude” and “elevation”? What’s the difference between “less” and “fewer”? Areas of Expertise

Go Fact Yourself has returned to Los Angeles! Jordan Morris is a podcasting savant. For years he has endeared himself to listeners as one of the hosts of the Max Fun podcast Jordan, Jesse Go!. But these days, he’s getting more attention for the sci-fi/comedy show Bubble, which wrapped up its initial season (spoiler alert: he’s going to tease the future of the series in this episode). Completing our pair of podcasting guests is Alison Rosen, host of Alison Rosen is Your New Best Friend. She’s also the author of the book Tropical Attire Encouraged (and Other Phrases That Scare Me). She’s got a reputation of being very funny in her work, but also very warm in a way that encourages people to share personal insights with her. But that’s not what makes her successful. What is? Well… she’ll explain In this episode, we’ll learn about the Harlem Globetrotters, sweet treats and prehistoric poop. What’s the difference: Feast or Famine What’s the difference between “ice cream” and “gelato”? What’s the difference between

It's another episode Go Fact Yourself recorded in New York! Ophira Eisenberg is used to being on trivia shows as the host of NPR’s Ask Me Another. But here’s the thing: she doesn’t consider herself a trivia buff. Like, at all. That said, she’s chosen topics that she thoroughly understands… and most of them involve being a proud Canadian. Charles Busch is a Tony-nominated actor, playwright, and drag legend. He’s the creator of the film and play Die, Mommie, Die!, which will soon be produced as a radio show. Even though he’s spent most of his professional career performing in women’s clothing, he still finds some of the clothes a bit uncomfortable… but that’s one of the best parts of being an actor. In this episode, we’ll learn about street-building materials, fashion, and the undervalued cuisine of Canada. What’s the difference: The streets of New York What’s the difference between “cement” and “concrete”? What’s the difference between a “freeway” and a “highway”? Areas of Expertise: Ophira Eisenberg: Canadian

It's the first episode of Go Fact Yourself recorded in New York! Fashion stylist Stacy London is a New York Times Bestselling author. And for ten seasons, she was best known as the host of What Not to Wear on TLC. And while she still prides herself on being a fashionista, she insists her advice for others… but Helen still remembers when that wasn’t the case. Scott Rogowsky can be seen on the popular app-based trivia gameshow HQ. He’s also known for the theater talk show Running Late with Scott Rogowsky. It’s all helped him reach a level of fame that allowed him to fulfill a lifelong dream: play in the Celebrity softball game where he got to pitch against Shaquille O’Neil. In this episode, we’ll learn about the subtleties of cocktail ingredients, learn about how to have a proper “mid-life renaissance” and why sweet desserts are superior to savory ones. What’s the difference? What’s the difference between “Manhattan” and an “Old-fashioned” cocktail? What’s the difference between “Manhattan” and “New England” c

Maria Bamford is a comedian, and star of the Netflix series Lady Dynamite. She’s normally not one for small talk, but this podcast has just the right amount of organized conversation to make her feel comfortable. Grant Imahara is a former member of the B-Team on Mythbusters, and can currently be seen on Netflix’s White Rabbit Project. He’s a HUGE robotics fan. Why? Two words: Star Wars. In this episode, we’ll get an answer to what happens when a bull is actually let loose in a china shop and learn about the robots Grant has created--including a BB-8 that he has at his shop. What’s the difference? What’s the difference between “magma” and a “lava”? What’s the difference between “baking” and “roasting?” Areas of Expertise Maria Bamford: 12 step programs, self-help and pug aging. Grant Imahara: Star Trek, X-Men comics and “La Di Da Di” by Doug E. Fresh. Appearing in this episode: J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Grant Imahara Maria Bamford With guest experts: Dr. Christine Dresser, pug breeder and health liason

Matt Besser is a comedian, actor, writer, director and founding member of The Upright Citizens Brigade. He also hosts the weekly podcast improv4humans. He tells J. Keith about the two word prompts he’s banned at shows (hint: one’s a type of fruit and the other is a type of animal), and how it came about that he’s featured on his very own Topps baseball card. Lyric Lewis is an actress and Groundlings Theater performer who’s perhaps best known for her role as Stef on NBC’s A.P. Bio. You may also recognize Lyric from Comedy Central’s Drunk History, and she tells us about an upcoming episode she did about “Cleopatra’s punk ass little sister”. In this episode, we’ll learn about how Matt adapted the visual format of improv to an audio-only medium, how Lyric used astrology to sort out potential dating prospects, and why Matt claims his memory is spotty, even though Lyric has a hard time believing him. What’s the difference? What’s the difference between “damping” and a “dampening”? What’s the difference between “clu

Glynn Washington is the host and creator of the public radio show Snap Judgment. Fun fact: He actually got his radio show started by winning a radio contest. Snap Judgment is all about “storytelling with a beat,” and, with a little help from Helen Hong, Glynn will explain why. Alison Becker is an actress who’s perhaps best known for playing Shauna Malwae-Tweep on Parks and Recreation (people still recognize her for it to this day). She’s also the star of the Max Fun Podcast Bubble. In this episode, we’ll learn about Glynn’s attitude towards producing quality stories, why puppets are a perfect way to combat social justice issues and Alison’s amazing moment where she made out with Jon Bon Jovi, one of her musical heroes. What’s the difference? What’s the difference between a “lake” and a “pond”? What’s the difference between an “arrowsmith” and a “fletcher?” Areas of Expertise Glynn Washington: The original Star Trek, the New King James Bible, Michael Jackson. Alison Becker: Divorce ranches, Seinfeld episodes,

Jodi Miller is a stand-up comedian and actress. She’s also known for her appearance on America’s Got Talent where she explained how guys are like cats. Her comedy album No Child Left Behind is available now. Tom Bergeron has been a fixture on ABC for decades, hosting shows like Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos. In this episode, we’ll hear about Jodi’s experience on America’s Got Talent and why her relationship with her cat might be an abusive one. We’ll also learn about Tom’s career as a host and a particularly embarrassing moment that he had to deal with on television. What’s the difference? What’s the difference between a “handrail” and a “banister”? What’s the difference between a “coat” and a “jacket?” Areas of Expertise Jodi Miller: The Exorcist, serial killers, and Jack Daniels. Tom Bergeron: Silent-film comedians, The Andy Griffith Show, and the curious casting history of The Wizard of Oz. Appearing in this episode: J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Jodi Miller Tom Bergeron Wit

Louis Virtel is a comedian and a co-host of the podcast Keep It. He’s also the winner of Jeopardy, whose Double Jeopardy celebration went viral shortly after it aired on TV. Laraine Newman returns to Go Fact Yourself, this time as a contestant. Newman is best known as an original cast member of the Not Ready for Primetime Players on Saturday Night Live, and she was a founding member of the legendary Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles. If she sounds familiar to you, you may recognize her as the voice of Crab Lady on Sponge Bob Square Pants, Nana from Trollhunters: Tale of Arcadia and lots of other shows. In this episode, we’ll learn how Louis’s love of publicly answering trivia questions stems from a 3rd-grade spelling bee that he came up short in and why the winners of Jeopardy love keeping in touch with each other after their victories. Laraine will explain why she never tires of hearing people announce her name in the fashion of SNL’s Don Pardo, and how she decides what the voice of each of her characters s

Jonathan Ames created several TV shows, including Bored to Death and Blunt Talk. He’s also the author of many books, including You Were Never Really Here, which was recently adapted into a movie. Janet Varney stars in the TV show Stan Against Evil and hosts of the podcast The JV Corner. In this episode, we’ll learn about Jonathan’s experience with having his book transformed into a movie and why, for all his literary expertise, he still has trouble pronouncing certain words. We’ll also hear more about Janet’s involvement at the annual Sketchfest and why she enjoys talking to women about their awkward teen years. And both Janet and Jonathan wonder what Jodie Foster is up to while they are on stage. Is she watching TV with someone while getting a nice neck massage? We may never learn the answer to that question. But GFY listeners will learn other things by listening to this episode. What’s the difference? What’s the difference between a “Presidential Pardon” and “Presidential Commutation”? What’s the difference

Susan Orlean is a staff writer for the New Yorker and the author of books like The Orchid Thief. Paul F. Tompkins is a comedian whose voice you’ll recognize as the character Mr. Peanutbutter on Bojack Horseman. In this episode, we learn about why Paul can’t stop spoiling upcoming episodes of Bojack Horseman for his wife, and why he should be considered the king of coining new catchphrases. And we’ll also learn which animals in Susan’s life have been named after characters from Bojack(hint: not horses), and why it’s important to learn the title of an author’s book before interviewing her in a public forum. Plus, Susan explains more about her upcoming book and Paul discusses what makes him love podcasting so much. Do YOU Know the Difference? What’s the difference between a “Labyrinth” and a “Maze”? What’s the difference between “Distinguish” and “Discern”? Areas of Expertise Susan Orlean: Women’s fashion, 80’s music from the Congo and chicken husbandry Paul F Tompkins: SCTV, Neil Gaiman’s comic The Sandman and

In this episode, we learn about the time Jackie Kashian’s father hit on Maria Bamford. It was at Jackie’s wedding. To find out how Maria reacted, take a listen. Also, if anyone books a guest-starring role on NBC’s Speechless, John Ross Bowie will not only have your back, but he’ll show you where the craft service table is on set. Plus, if you ever wondered, “What’s it like growing up in the Theater District in New York?”, you’ll soon find out. Do YOU Know the Difference? Areas of Expertise John Ross Bowie: The West Wing, Stephen Sondheim and 1986 New York Mets Jackie Kashian: Marvel Comics since 2004, romance novels, and chicken. Appearing in this episode: J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong John Ross Bowie Jackie Kashian With guest experts: Former baseball player and current podcaster, Bobby Ojeda. Comic book writer, Mark Waid. Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show is recorded at the Angel City Brewery in downtown Los Ange

In this episode, J. Keith van Straaten is reunited on stage with fellow thespian Andrea Savage. You may recognize Savage from her starring role on TruTV’s I’m Sorry, and dozens of Angelenos will recognize her from a junior high production of a pirate musical, which also starred J. Keith himself. Alas, Fred Willard did not appear in that seminal musical. He was probably off filming This Is Spinal Tap or SCTV at that time. In any event, fate brought Andrea Savage and Fred Willard together to compete for trivia supremacy. Do YOU Know the Difference? What is the difference between a bagel and a bialy? What is the difference between theater that is off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway? Areas of Expertise Fred: WWII-era Baseball, '50s Rock & Roll, Silent film history Andrea: Little House on the Prairie, Playing Poker, Talking to your kids about beginning puberty Appearing in this episode: J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Andrea Savage Fred Willard With guest experts: Alison Arngrim, the New York Times bestselling

In this episode, actor and comedian Drew Droege faces off against Chelsey Crisp of “Fresh Off the Boat”. We learn lots of interesting facts about Drew and Chelsey in this episode. Chelsey, now a vegan, recalls what it was like eating leeches on Fear Factor. Before Drew began starring in the Charles Busch play Die, Mommie Die!, he was most recognized for his Chloe Sevigny videos. Ever wonder what it’s like to achieve a certain level of fame doing impressions of someone even more famous...and then run into that person at a party? Droege does. On Go Fact Yourself, it’s not uncommon for the guest experts to be as accomplished as our guests, and Chelsey and Drew were thrilled to meet their respective experts. In fact, one of our experts shares some news about a certain French Canadian chanteuse that’s never been revealed in public before. Do YOU Know the Difference? What is the difference between a AMIABLE and AMICABLE? What is the difference between REFUTE and REBUT? Areas of Expertise Chelsey’s Crisp: Celine Di

This week, actress Edi Patterson and comedian Wayne Federman will go head-to-head, answering such biting trivia as the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard, the politics of Beverly Hills and the finer points of childbirth. It’s a competition as funny as it is eclectic! But first, Edi will explain how her time at the Impro theatre primarily leads to the creation of full-length, fully improvised plays (yeah with an intermission and everything). And Wayne will explain what it’s like teaching stand-up comedy… as an actual class at a University. Edi’s areas of expertise include The Lost Boys, Midsouth Championship Wrestling from the 1980’s and Howard Stern’s Sirius XM radio show. Wayne’s area of expertise includes films that have won the Academy Award for Best Picture, drummers who sing while drumming and fast-food. As always, listen to find out if your trivia knowledge surpasses those of our guests. J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Edi Patterson Wayne Federman With guest experts: Podcaster and pro-wrestl

This week, radio host Stephanie Miller and Let’s Make a Deal’s Jonathan Mangum compete to determine who’s the facting champion of Go Fact Yourself! But before they show off their trivia prowess, they talk a little about who they are. Stephanie explains how she decided to channel her frustration with politics into a comedy tour and Jonathan discusses why he wants to continue producing Let’s Make a Deal forever, and the story behind why the show’s audience members and contestants wear crazy costumes. Stephanie’s areas of expertise include The Bionic Woman, Soul Cycle and cheap wines, beers and liqueurs from the 1970’s (her enthusiasm for one of these helped her outsmart J. Keith’s question format). Jonathan is knowledgeable about analogue keyboards, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Arc and World of Warcraft. Tune in to this episode to see if your knowledge of trivia surpasses those of our guests. Appearing in this episode: J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Stephanie Miller Jonathan Mangum With guest experts: M

This episode is SO MUCH FUN! Pete Holmes and Annabelle Gurwitch grace Go Fact Yourself with their wit, joy and, yes, abject frustration. And we learn fun facts about the performers. For example, Pete Holmes reveals that The New Yorker rejected his avocado cartoon, and calls into question the magazine’s editorial judgment. J. Keith reminds Annabelle Gurwitch that they both appeared in a pilot together that was so unmemorable...he had to tell her what it was. J. Keith Van Straaten and Helen Hong sink to new lows with questions like, “What’s the difference between a treaty and an accord?”, and “What’s the difference between arbitration and mediation?” It’s madness! In the end, we’ll find out which of our guests can be crowned the winner. Pete Holmes’ areas of expertise are Vegan Nutrition, Judd Apatow Movies, and Mad Men. Annabelle Gurwitch claims to know about Joni Mitchell's Blue, Commercials from the 1970s, and Secessionist Painters in Vienna. You know, painters like Gustav Klimt and Rudolf von Alt. Spoiler a