Season 2
Episode Guide
Full Episodes!
Episode 53″ through Episode 104″
Episode 104″ – Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz: MORE Rare Weird Al Clips (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan are once again joined by drummer, author and historian Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz as he shares rare & unheard clips and insights from Weird Al’s career!
Original Air Date – April 28, 2021 | 57:51
Episode 103″ – Chris Waffle of Megathruster
Dave and Ethan welcome comedy musician and Weird Al fan Chris Waffle to the podcast this week! Chris is the lead singer of the band Megathruster and is behind the anti-bullying anthem “Weird Al Rules.” Chris also performs under the name The Chris Waffle Explosion and formerly the band Hot Waffles. He’s a regular on The FuMP and The Dr. Demento Show, has appeared on multiple Weird Al tribute albums, and even world-premiered a Weird Al song back on his former college radio show.
Original Air Date – April 21, 2021 | 1:11:05
Episode 102″ – Joel Miller (Part 3)
For the conclusion of the Joel Miller interview, Weird Al’s best friend and confidant of 45-years returns with more shocking revelations and stories about Weird Al’s early and personal life.
Original Air Date – April 14, 2021 | 1:13:58
Joel shares whether or not he has heard Weird Al swear as well as discuss Weird Al’s early mating rituals, the infamous Missing Persons concert, and his experience as the best man at Weird Al’s wedding (and reveals who was the biggest jerk at the bachelor party!).
Episode 101″ – Joel Miller (Part 2)
Weird Al’s best friend and confidant, Joel Miller, returns to share more stories from his forty-five year long friendship with Weird Al.
Original Air Date – April 7, 2021 | 1:13:08
In part two of the interview, we will learn about unreleased Weird Al songs, how Weird Al was able to call Kurt Cobain at Saturday Night Live, Weird Al’s first time being filmed for TV, other actors considered for the UHF cast, why the little boy who found the marble in the oatmeal was named Joel Miller, and many more great stories and insights by Joel Miller about Al’s early career.
Episode 100″ – Joel Miller (Part 1)
In this very special episode, Dave and Ethan sit down with Weird Al’s best friend – and confidant – Joel Miller! Joel was literally there when Al became WEIRD AL, has been there for throughout Weird Al’s incredible career, and was even by his side as the best man at Al’s wedding.
Joel shares unrestrained and unbounded stories from attending college together, performing their first shows, and other amazing never-before-told stories stemming from their forty-five-year-long friendship.Plus, we celebrate reaching 100 episodes – and – our intern, Frank, speaks on the podcast for the very first time!
Original Air Date – March 31, 2021 | 1:29:06
Episode 99″ – Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron
Dave and Ethan interview legendary jazz trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, who appears on “NOW That’s What I Call Polka!” on Mandatory Fun, as well as “Polkamon” and “The Hamilton Polka”. Wayne performed live with Weird Al at the Hollywood Bowl in 2016 for the Mandatory World Tour, and graduated with Weird Al from Lynwood High School.
Original Air Date – March 24, 2021 | 1:18:04
Wayne has performed/recorded/toured with the likes of Maynard Ferguson, Ray Charles, Green Day, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble, and has worked on over 400 TV and motion picture soundtracks, including Star Wars, Star Trek, The Simpsons, South Park, Jeopardy! and America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Episode 98″ – Trevor Strong of The Arrogant Worms
Dave and Ethan interview Trevor Strong of the legendary comedy music trio, The Arrogant Worms! Trevor digs deep into the history of The Arrogant Worms, his new internet show, and talks about Weird Al & being featured on The Dr. Demento Show!
Original Air Date – March 17, 2021 | 1:27:20
Also this episode, Dave and Ethan welcome back a past guest to talk about their new song that features Weird Al, and they announce their exciting plans for the podcast’s two-year anniversary in May! (Hint: Trevor is performing a private concert for Patreon supporters!)
Episode 97″ – Dave “Foots” Footman
Dave and Ethan interview Dave “Foots” Footman, a Hollywood technician that played an integral part in the production of Weird Al’s film, UHF. Foots shares details about the film from behind the camera as well as crew and cast antics when not filming.
Original Air Date – March 10, 2021 | 57:41
Dave and Ethan interview Mike Nelson, the former host of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and co-founder of RiffTrax about his incredible career and riffing Jurassic Park with Weird Al!
Original Air Date – March 3, 2021 | 50:39
Episode 95″ – Photographer Robyn Von Swank
Dave and Ethan interview Robyn Von Swank, the prominent celebrity photographer behind Weird Al’s iconic Alpocalypse album cover art. Along with additional photo shoots and experiences with Weird Al, Robyn shares stories of working with Rhett & Link of Good Mythical Morning, Riki Lindhome of Garfunkel And Oates, Bryan Cranston, Thomas Lennon and more!
Original Air Date – February 24, 2021 | 1:23:03
Episode 94″ – Sound Historian Ryan Barna
Dave and Ethan interview Ryan Barna, a Grammy-nominated writer and sound historian who was the first to record Weird Al and his band on Edison phonograph wax cylinder. Ryan chronicles the events that led to that historical moment – and he shares a clip of the recording!
Original Air Date – February 17, 2021 | 1:04:32
Episode 93″ – Richard Bennett (Part 2)
Part 2 of Dave and Ethan’s interview with legendary guitarist and record producer Richard Bennett, who performed with Neil Diamond for seventeen years, has toured with Mark Knopfler since 1994, and recorded with Weird Al on his early recordings! (Oh yeah, he’s also the brother of Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz!)
In his career spanning over 50 years, Richard has worked with everyone from Billy Joel to Barbra Streisand, Ringo Starr to Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and much more! Fans of Weird Al will recognize him as Bopcat Bennett on the Placebo EP version of “Happy Birthday,” early demos, as well as first-album classics such as “I’ll Be Mellow When I’m Dead.”
Original Air Date – February 10, 2021 | 57:37
Episode 92″ – Richard Bennett (Part 1)
Part 1 of Dave and Ethan’s interview with legendary guitarist and record producer Richard Bennett, who performed with Neil Diamond for seventeen years, has toured with Mark Knopfler since 1994, and recorded with Weird Al on his early recordings! (Oh yeah, he’s also the brother of Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz!)
In his career spanning over 50 years, Richard has worked with everyone from Billy Joel to Barbra Streisand, Ringo Starr to Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and much more! Fans of Weird Al will recognize him as Bopcat Bennett on the Placebo EP version of “Happy Birthday,” early demos, as well as first-album classics such as “I’ll Be Mellow When I’m Dead.”
Original Air Date – February 3, 2021 | 58:49
Episode 91″ – Monique Donnelly
Dave and Ethan interview longtime singer and studio vocalist Monique Donnelly, who’s recorded with Weird Al, and toured as a back-up singer for his 2019 Strings Attached Tour. Monique shares stories about singing on the Straight Outta Lynwood, Alpocalypse, and Mandatory Fun albums, tales of touring with Weird Al for 3 months, lending her voice to over 100 major motion pictures, and working with artists such as Sir Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Michael Bublé, Robin Williams and more.
Original Air Date – January 27, 2021 | 1:28:23
Episode 90″ – Comedian Zach Sherwin
Dave and Ethan interview comedian Zach Sherwin, who is best known for writing for and performing in the Epic Rap Battles of History YouTube series, writing for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and creating The Crossword Show. A life-long fan of Weird Al, Zach wrote the viral “Sir Isaac Newton vs Bill Nye” battle in which Weird Al plays Sir Isaac Newton!
Original Air Date – January 20, 2021 | 1:10:21
Episode 89″ – Keyboardist Pat Regan
Dave and Ethan interview Pat Regan, a keyboardist, producer, engineer and mixer who toured with Weird Al and recorded on three of his early albums.
Original Air Date – January 13, 2021 | 1:24:30
Episode 88″ – Brynn Lee & Alicia Buonviri
Dave and Ethan are joined by two artists and fans inspired by Weird Al – content creator Alicia Buonviri and The Fun Zone podcast and radio host Brynn Lee!
Brynn Lee is a disability advocate who produced an audio description track for the movie UHF. Brynn is the host of the weekly comedy music radio and podcast show, The Fun Zone, which airs on The Beyond Radio Network, and Dementia Radio. (Please note: At the time of this episode’s recording, Brynn was presenting as Byron.)
Alicia Buonviri is the founder of the Yankochick News Network (YNN) YouTube channel. As a producer of Weird Al fan media, she was also behind the creation of the highly-lauded video presentation for the 2015 WOWAY Awards on the World Of Weird Al Yankovic Forum, a forum which she also moderated for many years.
Original Air Date – January 6, 2021 | 1:04:51
Episode 87″ – Author David Grant & Musician Zeb Lemke
Dave and Ethan are joined by two artists and fans inspired by Weird Al – author/storyteller David “Sheepdog” Grant and musician Zeb Lemke!
Zeb joins Dave and Ethan to talk about his Weird Al parodies, covers and songs about Weird Al, shares insights into his musical contributions to the podcast, and premieres a brand new song all about Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz!
David Grant is a storyteller who, under his pen name, Sebastian Shepherd, has not only contributed to the 2020 issue of the Midnight Star fanzine, but also made Weird Al a pivotal plot point in his novel, The Ruins of Our Past.
Original Air Date – December 30, 2020 | 1:10:55
Episode 86″ – Evan Gregory (The Gregory Brothers)
Dave and Ethan welcome Evan Gregory of The Gregory Brothers back to the podcast to discuss “We’re All Doomed!” / “Who’s It Gonna Be?” – their viral 2020 presidential debate collaboration with Weird Al!
Original Air Date – December 23, 2020 | 1:15:19
Dave and Ethan interview longtime singer and studio vocalist Scottie Haskell, who’s recorded with Weird Al, and toured as a back-up singer for his 2019 Strings Attached Tour. Scottie shares stories about singing on the Straight Outta Lynwood, Alpocalypse, and Mandatory Fun albums, tales of touring with Weird Al for 3 months, and lending her voice to an incredible number of songs, concerts, commercials, TV shows and film scores and more.
Original Air Date – December 16, 2020 | 1:18:24
Dave and Ethan interview Bill Mumy, one half of the renowned novelty rock recording duo, and Dr. Demento Show favorite, Barnes & Barnes! Bill shares the story behind the insanely popular “Fish Heads” song, collaborating with Weird Al, and his extensive acting and music projects from over the years.
Original Air Date – December 9, 2020 | 1:21:26
Episode 83″ – Rare Weird Al Clips with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz (Part 2)
The conclusion of Dave and Ethan’s interview with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz as he brings more rare Weird Al audio clips and radio promos from his archives. Plus – a special announcement!
Original Air Date – December 2, 2020 | 1:06:58
Episode 82″ – Rare Weird Al Clips with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan sit down with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz as he brings more rare Weird Al audio clips and radio promos from his archives! Plus a special demented guest stops by to talk about his new album!
Original Air Date – November 25, 2020 | 57:55
Episode 81″ – Jayson Thiessen (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic)
Dave and Ethan interview Jayson Thiessen, supervising director and executive producer of the wildly popular animated series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, and director of the film based on the series.
As the creator of the Cheese Sandwich character portrayed by “Weird Al“ Yankovic, Jayson talks about what it was like working with Weird Al, as well as being a lifelong fan of his music!
Original Air Date – November 18, 2020 | 1:07:01
Episode 80″ – The Cybertronic Spree (Hotrod & Arcee)
Dave and Ethan interview Transformers Hotrod & Arcee – members of the band The Cybertronic Spree – who recently released a music video for their cover of “Dare To Be Stupid” that features a cameo by Weird Al himself!
Original Air Date – November 11, 2020 | 54:28
Episode 79″ – Dan Curry (The Eric Andre Show)
Dave and Ethan interview Dan Curry, Head Writer of The Eric Andre Show, on the heels of Weird Al’s recent cameo appearance on the show. Dan pulls back the curtain and shares some of his favorite moments from the show, as well as his portrayal of Kraft Punk.
Original Air Date – November 4, 2020 | 1:14:23
Episode 78″ – Jeff McClelland (Midnight Star 2020)
Dave and Ethan are joined by fellow Weird Al super-fan and collector Jeff McClelland to discuss his newly-released 27th anniversary issue of the ’93-’98 Midnight Star Weird Al Fanzine.
Original Air Date – October 28, 2020 | 1:09:23
Episode 77″ – Top 5 Even Worse Songs (Part 2)
Dave and Ethan return to finalize the definitive top 5 songs from Weird Al’s Even Worse album with help from guest Angel Valenzuela.
Original Air Date – October 21, 2020 | 1:06:09
Episode 76″ – Portugal. The Man Returns! (John Gourley & Zach Carothers)
Dave and Ethan welcome back the founding members of Portugal. The Man – John Gourley & Zach Carothers – on the heels of their ground-breaking new song, “Who’s Gonna Stop Me,” featuring “Weird Al” Yankovic!
Original Air Date – October 14, 2020 | 1:15:50
Episode 75″ – Top 5 Even Worse Songs (Part 1)
Dave and Ethan react to The Gregory Brothers newest viral Songify 2020 music video, “WE’RE ALL DOOMED – Trump vs. Biden” featuring “Weird Al” Yankovic. They also kick off part 1 of their discussion to determine the definitive top 5 songs from Weird Al’s Even Worse album with help from special guest Angel Valenzuela.
Original Air Date – October 7, 2020 | 59:58
Episode 74″ – Chris “The Glove” Taylor
Dave and Ethan interview Chris “The Glove” Taylor, a legend in the world of hip-hop for his early and continued work with the likes of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Ice-T – as well as scratching on Weird Al’s original “This Is the Life.”
Original Air Date – September 30, 2020 | 1:09:39
Episode 73″ – Director Dror Soref
Dave and Ethan interview the award-winning director of Weird Al’s “I Love Rocky Road” music video, Dror Soref.
Original Air Date – September 23, 2020 | 1:14:09
Episode 72″ – Beefalo Bill Burk
Dave and Ethan celebrate the 40th anniversary of Weird Al’s “Another One Rides the Bus” with guest Beefalo Bill Burk, who was on hand – and added miscellaneous insanities – on the day that legendary song was performed live for the first time on The Dr. Demento Show on September 14, 1980.
Besides being a long-time Dr. Demento Show sidekick, Beefalo Bill and Al were Cal Poly classmates and both KCPR deejays. Bill is also an avid photographer, with one of his photographs appearing in Bermuda’s book, Black & White & Weird All Over – The Lost Photographs of “Weird Al” Yankovic ’83 – ’86.
Original Air Date – September 16, 2020 | 1:26:55
Episode 71″ – Documentary Filmmakers Justin A. Martell and Vince Clemente
Dave and Ethan interview filmmakers Justin A. Martell & Vince Clemente about working with Weird Al for their respective new documentaries, Tiny Tim – King For A Day and The Palindromists.
Not only has Justin A. Martell produced the Tiny Tim documentary Tiny Tim – King For A Day that features narration by Weird Al – he wrote the definitive Tiny Tim biography, Eternal Troubadour: The Improbable Life of Tiny Tim.
The Palindromists is produced and directed by the award-winning Vince Clemente. The documentary follows contestants as they prepare for the 2017 World Palindrome Championship, and features – you guessed it – Weird Al!
Original Air Date – September 9, 2020 | 1:16:04
Episode 70″ – Brian Hackney (News Anchor & Former KCPR Program Director)
Dave and Ethan interview the multiple-Emmy-Award-winning news anchor & meteorologist Brian Hackney, who was once Weird Al’s college radio Program Director at KCPR San Luis Obispo 91.3FM – Cal Poly Radio.
Original Air Date – September 2, 2020 | 1:17:11
Episode 69″ – Talking Weird Al’s Hollywood Star with Polly Esther and Jackson Scoggins
Dave and Ethan celebrate the two-year anniversary of Weird Al’s Hollywood Star Ceremony by chatting with Polly Esther and Jackson Scoggins – two attendees with incredible stories from that day. Dave and Ethan also share what they did leading up to that fateful day on August 27, 2018.
Original Air Date – August 26, 2020 | 1:20:46
Episode 68″ – Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz (Part 2)
The conclusion of Dave and Ethan’s interview with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz regarding his brand new upcoming book: Black & White & Weird All Over – The Lost Photographs of “Weird Al” Yankovic ‘83 – ‘86. Bermuda talks about Weird Al’s introduction to the book, is asked about next year’s tour, and so much more!
Original Air Date – August 19, 2020 | 1:04:05
Episode 67″ – Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz (Part 1)
Part 1 of Dave and Ethan’s interview with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz on the heels of the announcement of his brand new book: Black & White & Weird All Over – The Lost Photographs of “Weird Al” Yankovic ‘83 – ‘86. In Bermuda’s first interview since the announcement, he leaves no page unturned as he tells Dave and Ethan everything about the highly anticipated release.
Original Air Date – August 12, 2020 | 1:23:30
Dave and Ethan interview radio legend and voiceover master Phil Hendrie, of The Phil Hendrie Show, Rick and Morty, Drunk History, King of the Hill, and Futurama among others. Phil shares stories of working with Weird Al at Westwood One, recording the UHF trailer, his surprising Weird Al music video cameo, and so much more!
Original Air Date – August 5, 2020 | 35:25
Episode 65″ – UHF’s Conan the Librarian (Roger Callard)
Dave and Ethan interview Roger Callard, the actor who portrayed Conan the Librarian in Weird Al’s cult classic film, UHF.
In addition to diving in to his iconic role, Roger talks about his time as a bodybuilder (in which he won dozens of titles including IFBB’s Mr. USA and Mr. International), his friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, his prolific acting career, and setting his sights on a career in music.
Original Air Date – July 29, 2020 | 1:16:23
Episode 64″ – Wheel of Fish Contestant Phyllis Weaver (Lisa R. Stefanic)
Dave and Ethan interview Lisa R. Stefanic, the actress who portrayed “Wheel of Fish” contestant Phyllis Weaver in Weird Al’s cult classic film UHF. She talks about her time on set, spinning the wheel, and what happened to that iconic dress!
Original Air Date – July 22, 2020 | 50:55
Episode 63″ – UHF Stunt Coordinator (T. Alan Kelly) & Gandhi II Thug (Andy Billups)
Dave and Ethan interview UHF Stunt Coordinator T. Alan Kelly and the “Gandhi II” thug actor Andy Billups as they continue their celebration of Weird Al’s iconic cult classic film.
In addition to being a stunt coordinator, T. Alan Kelly portrayed both the thug Gandhi throws into the dumpster and the karate student tossed from the second story window, while Andy Billups portrayed the thug Gandhi punches through the chest!
Original Air Date – July 15, 2020 | 1:18:13
Episode 62″ – Spatula City Announcer (M.G. Kelly) & Spatula Wife (Sherry Engstrom)
Dave and Ethan celebrate the movie UHF by interviewing the announcer from the iconic “Spatula City” commercial featured in both the UHF film and on the official soundtrack – radio legend M.G. Kelly!
Also from the iconic UHF spoof ad, they are joined by Sherry Engstom, the actress known for playing the memorable “Spatula Wife” role.
The episode additionally features the world premiere of Dave and Ethan’s first official parody of a Weird Al track – You will flip when you hear this parody of “Spatula City” featuring authentic guest vocals!
Original Air Date – July 8, 2020 | 1:06:02
Dave and Ethan are joined in the studio by UHJeff, aka Jeff Nucera, to discuss favorite moments from each Weird Al convention – ALCON ’98 through Fest of Al 2020. They also celebrate Weasel Stomping Day and dig deep into the traditions and history.
Original Air Date – July 1, 2020 | 1:08:13
Episode 60″ – Pawn Stars Seller Nathaniel Beall
Dave and Ethan interview Nathaniel Beall, the Weird Al fan who sold his copy of The Authorized Al to The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop for a remarkable profit on a season 4 episode of the reality television show Pawn Stars.
Original Air Date – June 24, 2020 | 46:34
Episode 59″ – Tad Dowd, President of Rock ‘n Roll Records
Dave and Ethan interview Tad Dowd, head of the Scotti Brothers Records subsidiary Rock ‘n Roll Records. Not only a longtime supporter of Weird Al, he’s the man responsible for signing Al’s record deal.
Original Air Date – June 17, 2020 | 58:45
Dave and Ethan interview elite super fan and top-level Weird Al collector Kenneth Guinup, and together, we share tips on how to start your very own Weird Al collection.
Original Air Date – June 10, 2020 | 1:21:46
Dave and Ethan interview comedy musician Mike Phirman – known for being half of comedy music duo Hard ‘n Phirm with Chris Hardwick – and for being a lifelong Weird Al fan with many cool connections to Al!
Original Air Date – June 3, 2020 | 1:21:47
Episode 56″ – Comedian Myq Kaplan
Dave and Ethan interview comedian and Weird Al fan – Myq Kaplan – from America’s Got Talent, Comedy Central, Netflix and so much more! Myq compares his and Al’s writing process, shares his philosophy on Al, and tells us about his new comedy album, A.K.A.!
Original Air Date – May 27, 2020 | 1:15:59
Episode 55″ – Musician Jimmy ‘Z’ Zavala
Dave and Ethan interview legendary saxophone, harmonica, and flute player – Jimmy ‘Z’ Zavala. Jimmy Z appears on “Weird Al” Yankovic In 3-D, Dare To Be Stupid, and UHF: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack And Other Stuff. In addition to his work with Weird Al, he has performed/recorded/toured with the likes of Etta James, Eurythmics, Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Dr. Dre, Ziggy Marley and Bon Jovi.
Dave and Ethan also sound off about the recent “We’re All In This Together” video where comedians and celebrities take turns singing “Eat It.”
Original Air Date – May 20, 2020 | 1:27:25
Episode 54″ – Michael Hogan, Plots R US ‘Son in Cemetery’
Dave and Ethan interview Michael Hogan, star of the Plots R Us commercial in UHF. Dave and Ethan also discuss unique Weird Al memorabilia from their vast collections.
Original Air Date – May 13, 2020 | 48:57
Episode 53″ – Pam Ritchie of the Midnight Star Fanzine
Dave and Ethan kick off their second year with an interview with Midnight Star Weird Al fanzine co-creator Pam Ritchie! Now a must-have for Weird Al collectors, the Midnight Star was the #1 source of Weird Al news through most of the 90’s!
Original Air Date – May 6, 2020 | 39:54