Ear Bender

When you watch courtroom tv do you every ask yourself the following questions... "Why did someone actually come on when they KNEW they didn't have a case?"  "Why doesn't this look like the same process when I was in court for a speeding ticket?"  "How the heck does Judge Judy get to be so mean and WHY is the plaintiff and defendant making her angry by talking over her?  Are they just hot heads?"  Samantha Howard explains the inner workings of Courtroom Television.  Samantha was on the show, but she's not a hot head and she knew EXACTLY what she was doing.Also listen to Debra's story, having to deal with a devastating turn to her life this year and bunch of nuns, not unlike from the movie Sister Act, come and make her life a living heaven.  Make sure to get on my email list in the link below so you can tell me your once in a life time story:)Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Get ready for the Halloween edition!  We'll talk about hooking up at a Halloween party with people in masks or full makeup… do you call them the next day?  We'll also talk about the most famous magician ever Harry Houdini and how he was almost a scientist trying to debunk mediums and spiritualists even at his death!  I promise it coincides with Halloween as well:)  You think this Halloween episode is too early?  Well then you'll be haunted every day until you change your mind:)Make sure to get on my email list in the link below so you can tell me how met someone...kissed them...and never to see them again!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Are you allowed to take the last donut in the breakroom?  This is our Labor Day special!  Everything is about office etiquette, pettiness and company secrets that restaurants, hotels and grocery stores don't want you to know! Don't get deceived by old reused food and hotels that someone just died in.Make sure to get on my email list in the link below so you can tell me how your office co-workers have done you dirty!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

When should a couple think about getting married?  What are some great tips for how to propose?  Does your idea of holy matrimony align with Bob and I?  We tell our silly engagement story and try to answer those questions along the way:)  Also another thesbian account of the tried and true Second Date Update!Make sure to get on my email list in the link below so you can tell me how you got engaged or or or WANT to get proposed to!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

I want you to judge the POOP out of these party poopers!  3 stories of poor party etiquette.  This isn't forgetting to bring a bottle to wine to a baby shower.  These are controversial mishaps that only the keenest party goer can possibly solve!  Also necessary facts for how to survive against starvation and running naked from polar bears.Make sure to get on my email list in the link below so you can tell me what your story ending theory was!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Calling all relationship detectives!  Listen to these 3 stories and guess along with us to see how each story will resolve.  Bob has some hot takes, including someone that doesn't smell B.O., but can literally smell a disease! hahahahaha  Make sure to get on my email list in the link below so you can tell me what your story ending theory was!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Cats having 9 lives isn't even CLOSE to a joke.  I'm pretty sure...FOR REAL... that you can throw them out of a plane and they'd survive.  NO PARACHUTE!   Yes...yes...there's science to back this up!  Bob is going to show us people looking for international love because they can't find a soulmate in the US.  When are expectations out of whack ? Click below to support the show!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Do you remember Catch Me If You Can the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks?  It's written by a conman Frank Abagnale and it's a lie!  I mean... a con-man wrote it so... of course it is.  Steven Spielberg never fact checked it... Johnny Carson never fact checked it... and there is a good chance after you hear all the facts you are going to not want to believe it.  In Let's See What the Algorithm Brought Me I watched an Oscar Nominated movie that you will never see and pulled out a readers digest of the interesting so you don't have to waste 2 hours of your life:)Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind reality television? Join your hosts Alexi and Bob as they take you behind the scenes of  American Idol with personal experience as a six-time auditionee, Alexi reveals the truth about the audition process and what really happens off-camera. From the intense auditions before the real audition to the surprising decisions made by the judges, you'll discover that reality TV isn't always as real as it seems. Get ready for an eye-opening journey through the world of talent shows and find out why a 5-minute audition can change someone's life forever. Don't miss out on this thrilling podcast, filled with insider knowledge and entertaining stories. It's time to tune in and see what the algorithm brought you.Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

What does it really look like to follow your dreams?   When you do what makes you happy people can see it inside of you and can't help but support you.  Michael Block just recently got a chance to do the dream that he has had his entire life and it became contagious!  He had the support of the nation for one week because they saw themselves in him.  See what happens when you are free of stress and just trying to be the best version of YOU, where it gets you:)Also we finally get to hear Bob's acting chops and she does not disappoint!  We have a Second Date Update with Ryan and Leanne to find out whether or not they should be together...at least for a second date:)Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

A tall guy finds himself constantly intimidating children due to his height. However, when confronted by a particularly insufferable 6-year-old, he concocts a mischievous plan to teach the unruly child a lesson. The unsuspecting kid, is left  humbled in the funniest way possible!  And he escapes with the parent's blessing:)Also, what is your financial responsibility to your friends if you are significantly more well off then they are?  Have you already thought of that friend and that scenario? Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Bob and I talk about Ulysses Bucket List as a fun and compelling way to live your life.  You can start tomorrow and life trajectory will forever be more engaging for you and everyone around you!  Sounds too good to be true, but really isn't.  It's always the simple things:)  And we also talk about a celebrity that anonymously rents a residence and completely guts it without the owner knowing!Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

We embarked on a fast food journey to find and review Hunt Brothers Pizza, a franchise we had never heard of despite it being the 9th largest fast food chain in the world. After finding a location, we recorded their pizza review, which was lackluster, but the real story was about their interaction with the franchise's employee, Mamata. We discovered she was originally from India and had an arranged marriage to her husband, who owned the smoke shop next door to the pizza kiosk. This piqued our interest, and we visited the smoke shop to try to learn more about Mamata's husband. Unfortunately, the owner of the establishment never heard of her.  Did Mamata lie to us for 40 minutes? Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

When I travel to Switzerland there's inappropriate touching, almost setting people on flames, a fact finding mission at the top of a mountain and CHOCOLATE!  Plus an advanced Do's and Don't's when it comes to traveling abroad that you probably don't know!Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

A man reveals how he swapped his then-girlfriend's aggressive black cat with a well-behaved lookalike six years ago. He had joked about it before, but the idea eventually became a reality after the cat scratched him. He found an identical cat that was already litterbox trained and more friendly, adopted it, and settled it in his girlfriend's apartment while taking the original cat to a shelter. Fast forward six years to see if she finds out.Sometimes your pets aren't just pets, but symbols of your relationship.  In a previous relationship, I felt like my hamster was happy when their relationship was good and sick when their relationship was on the rocks.  The hamster funeral is shocking:)  Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Bob found a story about a lady that ran a half marathon by mistake.  The circumstances have to be SOOOOOO perfect, right?  If you're a runner, you can do this too:)  Also we found the easiest way to find ghosts. Your grandparents had to get out Ouija boards and light candles, but now you don't have to have your dad flicker the fuse box on and off, you can use a tesla and find as many ghosts as your heart desires.  Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Celebrate this Valentine's Day where Bob and I share our own disastrous dating stories, so you can rest easy knowing that even if your date goes wrong, it's not as bad as what happened to us. But that's not all, we also sprinkle in some fun Valentine's Day trivia to help you perfect your lovey-dovey bouquets and playlists. Tune in now to make your Valentine's Day even more special!Click below to support the show.  It helps so much!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

So you've crashed a party… or at least know someone who has.  Or maybe the gold standard…crashed a wedding! Dion Rich has crashed 8 academy awards (Oscars), 14 Olympics, 35 Super Bowls, the Kentucky Derby winners' circle, the Playboy Mansion, Frank Sinatra's memorial, and he re-counts in his 2 books 8,000 different crashes.Do you want to meet all your favorite celebrities?  Let's learn how to crash any party together!  It's easier than you think and apparently the downside is no more than a slap on the wrist:)You'll be surprised at the new way Bob found for looking at the classic Billy Joel song “The Piano Man.”  This will alter the way you listen to “Piano Man” for the rest of your life when Bob presents “Let's See What The Algorithm Brought Me!”   And email me your best relationship disaster story and I might read them at the Valentine's Day special Ear Bender next episode.  Click the link for email:)Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Bob is a hardworking babyface at her first "big girl" job, but underutilized.  To pass the time between sudoku puzzles she plays Truth or Dare with co-workers sans the "truth."   Peer pressure and her thespian roots goad her into eating the unexpected to win the disgusted credit of her peers Also we're playing a Name That Celebrity Game.  See if you can get the celebrity correct before Bob can!And what movies to watch in 2023!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Where is the best place to get hit on these days?  People are so busy and plucking your bushy Greek eyebrows to go to bars sounds like a lot of work AND expensive!  Here in Chicago a glass of wine can be $14 !  So what about a grocery store?  a library?  maybe...just maybe when you are super sweaty at a gym:)  Here are some things to watch out for when you are trying to fall in love at a gym.  This isn't your mom's LA Fitness experience!   Also the algorhythm brought us an HBO show "The Rehearsal" with Nathan Fielder.  (it's sooooo weird!)  And there's a Christmas story that is going to make your stressful family Christmas a walk in the park.  Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

We asked for Christmas stories from you and YOU DELIVERED!  Remember when you were told that the perfect gift for someone else is something you would like?  How do you know that's REALLY true?  We proved it:)  There are 3 Christmas stories that come from folks like you and and and the robot overlords are upon us and we are lovingly prepare you for what to expect as the new tech of 2023 and if Robots are going to rule us or just help us with our Christmas recipes:)  We have Artificial Intelligence write a Shakespearian poem about our podcast in 15 seconds for free!  Chat GPT gives us a sample!This holiday season please consider supporting Ear Bender with $3 dollars.  Not enough to even buy coffee, but it helps us plenty:)  Link right here

When do you stop believing in Santa?  Do you ever stop believing in Christmas?  No one has to tell you... you kind of just know... but then someone does tell you.  They're secretly telling you to grow up.  Is Christmas a lie or a rite of passage?  Is Lindsay Lohan synonymous with Christmas for you?  When you think of Jingle Bell Rock do you think of her...were you not thinking of her and now you are because you're reading this?  Send me your Christmas story for next week!  

Yes, we know you love pizza.  Yes, you tell all your friends that you know more about pizza then them and you tell them THE PLACE to get the proper Za for your region of the world!  And we're all grateful for you...but there is someone that knows a little bit more about pizza and is gonna teach us all a few things so we can have a better time eating a slice.  Scott Wiener has a few credentials that he can hang his hat on...  he's the founder of ScottsPizzaTours in New York City.  There's a documentary about him, he has online pizza classes, rasies funds and awareness for hunger relief all around the courtry called Slice Out Hunger.  He's a professional pizza EATER!...just won first place on the Hulu Pizza TV show "Best In Dough," is in the Guiness Book of World Records, but more importantly he's the most knowledgeable person in the field of pizza BY FAR!    aaaaaaaaand we're gonna tell you the perfect Christmas gift to give anyone on your list and that's no spud!

Everyone has jumped on the viral social media trend with the Corn Kid video.  There has been skits and songs made about Tariq and his love for corn.  Oliver Richman wrote a musical about his favorite corn....thing.  The Corn Popsicle Musical!  Oliver is the grandson of, Ron Miller, a producer of the Temptations and songwriter of "For Once In My Life" sung by Stevie Wonder.  He's been singing since he was a kid and has this incredible knack for short form musicals!  Bob and I talk to Oliver about his life and then try to understand what Halloween Raccoons are trying to say to us! Oliver's Corn Popsicle Musical!Alexi's Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

This is one of the strangest coincidences in American History.  This is not your snooze-fest history lesson!  I was worried to tell historical stories but then I thought about Bridgerton and The Crown and the musical Hamilton...  historical stories are all around us!  It's all about how it's told that transforms a freshman 101 history lesson to some Netflix-like drama:) Edwin Booth is the Leonardo DiCaprio of the mid 1800's and was the complete opposite of his brother, John Wilkes Booth.  But how does Leonardo DiCaprio help the country?And we have another installment of "Let's See What the Algorithm Brought Me."  Did you know Cows have best friends?Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

One man's rotten eggs is another's delicacy which is another's REVENGE!  Most of Thailand was filled with wonderful and welcoming human beings, but one smelly fruit won't spoil the bunch for us when Bob and I have a food adventure in Thailand.  We ate the strangest things, including grasshoppers!  The algorithm also brought us the reality tv show on the History Channel called "Alone!"  You're dropped off in a land untouched by man and you see how many days you can last.  The last segment of the show is NEW, tell us what you think by joining the email list in the link below. Email List, Music and Podcast extras here!

Can McDonald's prepare you for the CIA?  I don't know anyone who needs to trick someone to get a job at McDonald's, but Bob found a way.  It might have prepared her for the CIA... we'll never know... I mean... I'll never know because then it really wouldn't be a secret.  P.S.  Did you do your homework and watch "A League of Their Own?"  We can't wait to talk about it with you on "Let's See What the Algarhythm Brought Me!" Extras on this Podcast Click Here!

It's nice to be back!  Is this season 2 or just a break from consistent episodes?  I haven't decided yet, but what I have decided that it is time to return.  Just like anything that you want to keep consistently like an exercise regiment or a diet, a podcast has a chance to burn out!   Finding a guest, guiding them to their story, interviewing and then editing takes waaaaaaay more out of me than I ever thought!  So it is time for a new format:)I have a new format and a brand spankin new co-host!  I still want to have guests on the show, but it doesn't have to happen every episode.  I want stories and fun however I can find them and I think my co-host Bob will give the fun I'm looking for!  I want to talk about what to watch on TV, I want to find interesting stories and tell you about them, whether they're mine...Bob's or a stranger's!  I just want to have fun and knowing that you're having a good time with us is just so ding dang important:)  Find me on Instagram/TikTok/Patreon/Facebook.  Tell me what you're liking, what you're not, how your dog is, what you want next!  ALL OF IT!Have you met a celebrity?  Sure.  Have you met THE ONE?  Your idol?  Did you know what to say?  Did you shake?  Did you make a fool of yourself?  Did you want to be courteous, but star struck at the same time? Extras on this Podcast Click Here!

There's movies where you drop teenagers in the middle of no where and see if they can survive.  It's suspenseful and typically someone dies!  In the Netherlands they really do this for the classmates to "get to know each other."  It's the 80's, there's no cell phones, no real provisions, and a very loose safety protocol, but Dutch kids do this all the time.  Everyone kid in the Netherlands has a story when they were mildly inconvenienced by this school tradition, but what Eva's group goes through, they'll never forget.Eva on Smule   &   The Moon SistersAlexi's music and podcast extras 

Yes, we've all snuck out of the house.  Yes we've all had the Footloose situation with conservative parents that want you home at a curfew that's TOO early.  Your folks always say the worst outlandish things that can happen to you at night.   Stephanie always thought to herself "What's the worst that could happen."  Then she brushed with the worst.  How would you handle it?  I'll tell you how she did...Stephanie's Group CheesyHarmsStephanie's BusinessAlexi's music and podcast extras 

If it's alright with you, I'm going to stop by from time to time.  Talk about what's on my mind and tell you my own stories.  Maybe getting to know me a little better :)   This episode I talk about the Smule App snd how to engage in Smule for the most optimal experience.   Then a story for funzies :) Alexj music and podcast extras 

You know when you watch Grey's Anatomy, House MD,  MASH or the Good Doctor and something bizarre that you never heard of happens and miraculously it's solved and the doctor just goes back to her shift?  If you think that doesn't really happen you haven't listened to this episode where Dr. Arjun Iyer does stuff like this in the ER on a regular basis!  Arjun's PodcastArjun's SmuleAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here

Alex Falcone is a comedian out of LA.  He's been named Portland's Funniest Person, has been on the show Portlandia, teaches stand up and improve, has a podcast ‘read it and weep,' has an ice cream named after him, he's a bestselling author and just came out with his debut comedy album “Vanilla” that you can find on all streaming platforms.  Just recently Alex was on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.  Have you ever had someone honk at you about a wobbly wheel?  Just strangers that want to "help?"  Just strangers with scars on their face behind a sketchy K-Mart that want to "help?"  What do you do after you give them your keys?  What do you do when you find out they're infamous? Alex Falcone's TikTok                             Alex's WebsiteJoin Alexi's Patreon for the video of this podcast and extra stuff on all the podcasts!

Have you ever had one too many and graciously told anyone that would listen that if you need a place to stay you can stay at your parents house?  No?  Sylvia doesn't mind offering up her folks place because no one would ACTUALLY take her up on it, right? Sylvia's Smule: SylviaKnox777Podcast Extras

Things happen when you're a gigging band, you pop a guitar string or get lost on the way to the gig.  What happens if it all piles up on the same night?  What happens if everything that could go wrong does go wrong?  What happens when you unite the wedding party to somehow help fix it and save the band...saving the music...therefore saving a potentially disaster wedding?  If you saw this through Greg's eyes he'd say "it's hilarious!" GregBish.com Alexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here! 

Are you an aspiring musician that wants the code on how to get to perform in front of 20,000 people?  Are you a super fan that wants to meet your idol on stage and have them remember you for ever and ever?  I'm not taking an indie band or catching an up-and-coming act before they hit it big.  I'm talking getting to be on stage with one of the biggest bands in the world.  Courtney has the blueprints.  She has the secret recipe!Xs And Arrows Website      Courtney's InstagramAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here! 

We all hear how celebrities "make it."  How the top .001% work hard and catch breaks to be A-List and on top of the Billboard charts.  But where is the story of how you and I can get viral?  We all try over and over again with our passions and are still figuring out how to get through the noise.  Listen to Beshen fail over and over again to succeed.  Do you have what it takes? Beshen  Instagram         Beshen Tik TokAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here! 

Rockstar life is glamorized throughout history.  Giant Grammy winning music group, tours around the world, plays the big shows, has the suspect after party and trashes their hotel room.  Liz is a local rock star out of Michigan.  She's played wonderful indie venues, stayed at the Hampton Inn, and made it out with enough time to have a continental breakfast and checkout.  What happens when a giant platinum selling music group crosses Liz's path.  They both had great shows, they both wanted to party after and they're both at the SAME hotel with ADJOINING ROOMS!  How does Liz coax them to hang out with her and her band?  How does Liz impress them to keep them entertained? Lizzyboomstix Instagram         Lizzyboomstix SmuleAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here! 

Can a plumber be a Cat Savior? The answer is no!  , but Tony is a drainage engineer, in his words "I pushes poo for a living."    He explains that "Plumbers do mains water, we do man's water."  But strangers in London seem to extend the job description of Tony's occupation.  He gets calls that the fire brigade should get and now he's getting calls for opportunities to be on the big screen!  And he got one call that made him a local hero.Tony's TikTok          Tony's SmuleAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here! 

Rozette says at the beginning of every TikTok you see her in that she's a Pop Vocal Coach.  She sounds like Adele and Whitney Houston if they hit harder.  When it comes to voice she's loud, in-your-face, passionate and RIGHT.  I can't stress this enough that on top of being an incredible artist her digestible social media clips on how to be a better vocalist aren't just captivating and go down easy, they lead you down the essential path of understanding your body and your voice.Rozette TikTokAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here! 

TerryKaye talks fast and loves hard.  His personality oozes from his pores and he has no problem giving you a taste of his mind.  His singing isn't just phenomenal and dynamic, but it's unfair and almost freakish, no one person should be allowed to have his incredible vocal chops.  You can hear Terry Kaye on his insightful TikTok, where he speaks truths that have caught the attention of Grammy Award Winner Lizzo.  You can't not have a good time with Terry.TerryKaye TikTokAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here!

When her great love of the moment decides to cheat on her and tour with Paul Simon, you would expect her to crawl under a rock.  Lori did quite the opposite.  Pulled herself up, dusted herself off and went to Florida to model for a paper.  She didn't know where these pictures would go or what story would come of them, but when you're 20 somethin, you just say "YES" and live the best life possible.  Then she opens the newspaper...Sing with RedHeadHarmGirlArts Beats & Eats (a Michigan Festival)Alexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here!

What if you woke up and days or weeks went by.  You weren't in a coma and you're waiting for someone to tell you it's just a bad dream.  Ritchie has dissociative identity disorder and is in the process of learning about himself all over again.  It's a disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct  personality states.  He, bravely, wants people to understand him better as he gets to understand himself.  We definitely also have time to find out how much he loves Titanic as well:) Sing with Hobo_the_CavemanAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here!

It's like a scene out of a movie when an entire airport customers are cheering you on.  Marcella Price just wanted to have a trip to Australia with her fiancé and ends up having the very best and very worst moments she's ever had in an airport experience.  The only way that she gets her dream trip is with her 5K race training and a partner that knows her pants size.Sing with MarcellaAlexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here!

Dave is a heartbroken jazz pianist on a cruise ship. He's playing fast and loose on international waters both on stage and off. After breaking the rules he's down to his last strike when he finds the love of his life. But in order to stay aboard this love boat Dave finds a savior in one of the most unlikely people.Dave's Website: ProducahMan.com Alexi's Podcast and Smule Musical Extras Here!

Just one of part of Valli's amazing life would be someone else's life long dream.  From becoming Miss Tennessee to singing in legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry, Valli still finds time for family, moon pies and mermaid hair.  Even though she's moved on from her past accomplishments to become a life coach, so someone else can feel the rush of a life like hers, she forgets that there are so many people that she touched along the way.  Or...pissed off like Michael Bublé ...not really....but kinda really.Valli's Life Coaching - Change Your Life Here Alexi's Smule Musical and Podcast Extras Here

Gio Portillo and his partner think they are going on a typical fun-in-the-sun vacation, but their adventure to the 'Big Island' in Hawaii gets 'exposed' when Gio leads his partner blindly into murky waters for beach shenanigans and first time experiences go from silly to embarrassing BUT Gio becomes even more comfortable in who he is.Gio LinksSmuleInstagramAlexi LinksSmule Musical ExtrasPodcast ExtrasSocial Media