Season 5
Episode Guide
Full Episodes!
Episode 194″ through Episode 228″
Episode 228″ – Kenneth Guinup and Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz
Dave and Ethan welcome Kenneth Guinup and Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz from the recent episode of Collector’s Call on MeTV about Kenneth’s bodacious Weird Al collection. They share stories from that day, and let us in on some fun behind the scenes conversations and interactions. Plus, months after filming, does Kenneth regret his trade decision?
Original Air Date – May 1, 2024 | 1:12:52
Episode 227″ – Lisa Whelchel and Mike Schmiedeler
Dave and Ethan welcome the host of Collector’s Call on MeTV, Lisa Whelchel (The Facts of Life, Survivor: Philippines), and Mike Schmiedeler, the show’s co-creater and Executive Producer! Lisa and Mike talk about the upcoming April 21st episode of Collector’s Call that features the Weird Al collection of super fan Kenneth Guinup, and Weird Al expert Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz!
Original Air Date – April 10, 2024 | 1:06:27
Episode 226″ – Ethan’s Archives: Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz
Dave and Ethan unearth Ethan’s interview with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz from nearly 13 years ago – where Bermuda shares fun facts and stories from his then 31 years as Weird Al’s drummer!
Original Air Date – April 3, 2024 | 1:14:38
Episode 225″ – Director Janet Greek
Dave and Ethan interview Janet Greek, the director behind “Ricky,” Weird Al’s first-ever music video! Janet speaks about her time on set with Weird Al, as well as her time working on Babylon 5, Max Headroom, and the other aspects of her extensive career.
Original Air Date – March 27, 2024 | 1:03:33
Episode 224″ – Robert Smigel, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog
Dave and Ethan welcome comedy legend Robert Smigel to the podcast to discuss his brand new special, “Let’s Make a Poop,” featuring Weird Al, now on YouTube. In addition to decades portraying Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, his work on Saturday Night Live and the TV Funhouse cartoons, he recently wrote and directed the Adam Sandler film, Leo, on Netflix.
Check out Triumph’s new special featuring Weird Al here.
Original Air Date – March 20, 2024 | 1:02:07
Episode 223″ – WEIRD Costume Designer Wendy Benbrook
Dave and Ethan are joined by Wendy Benbrook – Costume Designer for WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story and long-time costume designer for the iconic rock band KISS. In addition to her work with Weird Al, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and on MADtv, Wendy is currently touring with the legendary Rod Stewart!
Original Air Date – March 6, 2024 | 1:24:30
Episode 222″ – WEIRD Makeup Department Head Kat Bardot
Dave and Ethan are joined by Makeup Department Head from WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, Kat Bardot! Kat talks about working with Daniel Radcliffe, the toughest effect in the film, and her amazing career working on such projects as Better Call Saul, Drunk History, and Reno 911!
Original Air Date – February 28, 2024 | 1:02:59
Episode 221″ – Musicians Julian Velard, Andrew Berg & Mike Huff
Dave and Ethan are joined by musician Julian Velard to speak about his newest album, In the Middle of Something, that features Weird Al on one of the tracks. Plus musicians Andrew Berg (The What Nows?!) and Mike Huff (BEES!) join from their upcoming Weird Al ska/punk tribute album, Rudy Reboots WEIRD: A ska/punk tribute to Al Yankovic. Tune in to hear all about these great new Weird Al-related music projects, including the WORLD PREMIERE of a song that features Weird Al!
Original Air Date – February 14, 2024 | 1:00:41
Dave and Ethan interview “The King of Otamatone Covers” – TheRealSullyG! Sully is a Youtuber, musician, content creator and Weird Al fan with literally over a billion online views. Are all of these words foreign to you? Just tune in, we will explain everything!
Original Air Date – February 7, 2024 | 1:04:08
Episode 219″ – Weird Al at SF Sketchfest 2024
Ethan tells Dave about everything Weird Al-related from the first weekend of San Francisco Sketchfest 2024! Hear all about Weird Al’s three different appearances at the fest, and all of the amazing people Ethan met with unique Weird Al connections all weekend long!
Original Air Date – January 31, 2024 | 1:16:55
Episode 218″ – Former Roku Channel Exec Colin Davis (Part 2)
Dave and Ethan conclude their interview with The Roku Channel exec who green-lit WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story – Colin Davis! Colin shares why WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story wasn’t released in theaters, why certain parts were cut from the film, and the TRUTH about Daniel Radcliffe’s behavior on set.
Original Air Date – January 17, 2024 | 41:06
Episode 217″ – Former Roku Channel Exec Colin Davis (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan welcome the podcast the Former Head of Scripted Originals at The Roku Channel, Colin Davis. Colin was the executive at Roku who essentially green-lit WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, and he share’s his unique point of view regarding the pitch, production and release of the film.
Original Air Date – January 10, 2024 | 49:14
Episode 216″ – WEIRD First Assistant Director Emily Neumann (Part 2)
Dave and Ethan conclude their interview with first assistant director of WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, Emily Neumann, where she talks about why Lin Manuel Miranda was cast as the doctor, her on-screen cameo in the film, and working on a Marvel movie.
Original Air Date – December 20, 2023 | 48:04
Episode 215″ – WEIRD First Assistant Director Emily Neumann (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan are joined by first assistant director of WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, Emily Neumann! She explains her role in the making of the film, including the daunting task of scheduling the infamous 18-day shoot in this first part of her interview.
Original Air Date – December 13, 2023 | 44:06
Episode 214″ – Eric Appel Returns (Part 3)
Dave and Ethan conclude their interview with Eric Appel, co-writer and director of WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, as he shares more insights about the film including how they almost were unable to use the song “Eat It.” Eric also tells Dave and Ethan the official answer for what they make at the factory!
Original Air Date – December 6, 2023 | 56:21
Episode 213″ – Eric Appel Returns (Part 2)
Dave and Ethan are joined by WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story director & co-writer Eric Appel for part 2 of his interview. The interview explores the origin of Hay Boy, the actors considered to portray Al and why Daniel Radcliffe was ultimately chosen, the evolution and casting of the Grotto scene and much more that you seriously can’t afford to not hear!
Original Air Date – November 29, 2023 | 1:10:04
Episode 212″ – Eric Appel Returns (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan are joined by Eric Appel – the director and co-writer of WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story! With the digital film released and gearing up for a physical release – Eric shares incredible insights on the film and his process working on the film. Eric even reveals a scene written for the film that went unused that he hasn’t previously revealed!
Original Air Date – November 22, 2023 | 59:57
Episode 211″ – Captain Jen E, Improv Ventriloquist
Dave and Ethan interview live-streamer, musician, and improv ventriloquist Captain Jen E! Joined by her puppets aka ‘people of fabric,’ she regularly streams on TikTok and Twitch under the name @CaptainJen_E, where she covers everything from rock to rap and hip hop to Weird Al’s versatile catalogue!
Original Air Date – November 8, 2023 | 43:31
Dave and Ethan interview author and music expert Ray Padgett about Weird Al’s inclusion in his books as well as his in-depth interview with Weird Al regarding his most notable cover songs.
Original Air Date – November 1, 2023 | 54:48
Episode 209″ – Top 5 Polka Party! Songs
Dave and Ethan work together to determine the definitive top five songs on Weird Al’s 4th studio album, Polka Party!
Original Air Date – October 25, 2023 | 1:00:11
Episode 208″ – Weird Al Q&A with Andy Borowitz at the 2023 New Yorker Festival Recap
Dave and Ethan share their experience of attending the Weird Al Q&A with Andy Borowitz at the 2023 New Yorker Festival at Webster Hall in New York City on October 7th. They talk about the event as well as the rest of their weekend together – including a surprising meeting with another one of their favorite celebrities.
Original Air Date – October 11, 2023 | 1:19:26
Episode 207″ – Production Designer Dan Butts (Part 5)
Dave and Ethan conclude their epic 5-part interview with Dan Butts, production designer for WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story. He talks scene by scene through the end of the film, talks about his cut cameo, and shares amusing Weird Al-related anecdotes.
Original Air Date – October 4, 2023 | 43:34
Episode 206″ – Production Designer Dan Butts (Part 4)
Dave and Ethan continue their interview with WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story Production Designer Dan Butts! Dan talks through the props and locations of the film from the iconic pool party through the epic diner fight. He unearths incredible trivia along the way that you do not want to miss!
Original Air Date – September 27, 2023 | 56:24
Episode 205″ – Production Designer Dan Butts (Part 3)
Dave and Ethan are joined by production designer Dan Butts for part 3 of his interview. He continues to dive deep and share secrets from the set of WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story – including a controversy surrounding ‘Hay Boy,’ why the melting face in the LSD trip almost didn’t happen, and uncovers tons of Easter eggs.
Original Air Date – September 13, 2023 | 1:20:29
Episode 204″ – Production Designer Dan Butts (Part 2)
Dave and Ethan’s interview continues with production designer Dan Butts. On this episode, Dan dives into his work on WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, including the secret Arrested Development prop that cameos, the actor he pitched to play Dr. Demento, and his process to recreate Weird Al’s childhood bedroom. Dan also talks about working with Pee-wee Herman, Flight of the Conchords, Mr. Show, and more!
Original Air Date – August 23, 2023 | 1:13:11
Episode 203″ – Production Designer Dan Butts (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan interview Dan Butts – the production designer for WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story and decades of other projects with Weird Al. On this episode, Dan shares how he ended up in Weird Al’s bedroom, discusses his work on Weird Al music videos, reveals his mistake that left Al furious, and the surprising fate of an iconic music video prop.
Original Air Date – August 16, 2023 | 1:09:12
Episode 202″ – WEIRD Editor Jamie Kennedy
Dave and Ethan interview Jamie Kennedy, the Emmy-nominated editor of WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story! She shares an inside look into the editing process, filmed scenes that were changed or cut, and even a deadly prediction among other exclusive trivia about the movie.
Original Air Date – August 9, 2023 | 1:17:09
Episode 201″ – Comedy Writer Rob Kutner
Dave and Ethan interview comedy writer Rob Kutner! Along with his impressive career writing for CONAN and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, he helped bring a Weird Al song into existence and just released the book Snot Goblins and Other Tasteless Tales which features a Weird Al joke on the back cover!
Original Air Date – July 26, 2023 | 1:01:38
Episode 200″ – Jim “Kimo” West: New Album and Tour Talk
For their historic 200th inch episode, Dave and Ethan welcome back their very first guest, Weird Al’s Grammy Award-winning guitarist, Jim “Kimo” West! Kimo talks about his brand new album, shares stories and insights from the recent Weird Al tour, and his thoughts on seeing a character based on him in WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story.
The guys also premiere some very special never-before-released audio!
Original Air Date – July 19, 2023 | 1:21:09
Episode 199″ – Laura Pursell (Tonya Harding in Headline News)
Dave and Ethan interview ‘Tonya Harding’ from Weird Al’s “Headline News” music video – singer, musician, and ice skater Laura Pursell! Laura shares how she got the role, her experiences on set, her famous father, and assaulting an A-list celebrity.
Original Air Date – June 28, 2023 | 1:04:05
Episode 198″ – WEIRD Composers Leo Birenberg & Zach Robinson
Dave and Ethan interview Leo Birenberg & Zach Robinson, the composers for WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story. Well known for their work on Cobra Kai, Leo and Zach break down their process for scoring WEIRD, and Zach reveals the obscure first project he worked on with Weird Al.
Original Air Date – June 14, 2023 | 49:17
Episode 197″ – WEIRD Animation Producer Josh Pilch (Part 2)
Dave and Ethan conclude their interview with WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story animation producer, Josh Pilch! Josh takes you behind the scenes and shares what didn’t make it in to the WEIRD Amish sketchbook scene, as well as how he added his own spin as director for Weird Al’s animated “Your Horoscope For Today” music video.
Original Air Date – June 7, 2023 | 1:02:48
Episode 196″ – WEIRD Animation Producer Josh Pilch (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan interview Josh Pilch, a Creative Director at Augenblick Studios. Josh produced the animated Amish sketchbook segment in WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story and directed Weird Al’s animated “Your Horoscope For Today” music video.
Original Air Date – May 24, 2023 | 53:13
Episode 195″ – Ludicris Lorri MacMillan Returns (Part 2)
Dave and Ethan are joined by Ludicris Lorri MacMillan to conclude her second interview! She discusses her personal decades-long friendship with Weird Al, and spills the tea on appearing in the music videos for “The Saga Begins” and “Headline News.”
Original Air Date – May 17, 2023 | 49:35
Episode 194″ – Ludicris Lorri MacMillan Returns (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan welcome Ludicris Lorri MacMillan back to the podcast and discuss her witnessing Weird Al write the “Another One Rides The Bus” lyrics. Lorri shares her experiences dating Weird Al in college, remaining friends through the decades, and meeting and introducing Weird Al to other celebrities.
Original Air Date – May 10, 2023 | 51:30