Go Fact Yourself

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Twice a month, host J. Keith van Straaten and co-host Helen Hong bring together the smartest celebrities they know and make them look dumb...and then smart again! Recorded before a live audience in downtown Los Angeles, this game show features comedians, actors and musicians answering arcane questio…

MaximumFun.org


    • May 1, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 2m AVG DURATION
    • 237 EPISODES

    4.8 from 728 ratings Listeners of Go Fact Yourself that love the show mention: helen hong, wwdtm, trivia show, quiz show, funny and clever, love the trivia, great trivia, keith, gameshow, trivia podcast, game shows, contestants, categories, yes please, well paced, van, love this show so much, fast paced, celebrities, lots of fun.


    Ivy Insights

    The Go Fact Yourself podcast is an incredibly enjoyable and entertaining quiz show featuring fun guests and a fast-paced format. The show consistently delivers well-paced episodes with engaging hosts, hilarious banter, and a wide range of interesting topics. Each episode features special guests who often leave the challenger guests starstruck, adding an extra level of excitement to the show. Whether you're a trivia buff or simply enjoy a good laugh, Go Fact Yourself is definitely worth checking out.

    One of the best aspects of Go Fact Yourself is the caliber of its special guests. They are always entertaining and bring their own unique knowledge and expertise to the show. It's fascinating to see these guests geek out over their favorite topics and connect with expert judges in their respective fields. This not only adds depth to each episode but also encourages listeners to explore new areas of interest and nerdy knowledge.

    The hosts of Go Fact Yourself are energetic, well-organized, and quite funny. Their chemistry is evident throughout each episode, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for both contestants and listeners alike. The mix of trivia questions, deep dives into various subjects, and humorous interactions keeps the show flowing smoothly while keeping audiences entertained.

    While there are many positive aspects to Go Fact Yourself, one potential drawback is that some listeners may not be familiar with all the special guests. However, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the show as the banter, comedy, and discussions are always interesting regardless of familiarity with certain celebrities or experts.

    In conclusion, The Go Fact Yourself podcast is a must-listen for those seeking an entertaining game show experience. With its well-paced format, fantastic guests, knowledgeable hosts, and a dose of humor in every episode, it's easy to get hooked on this podcast. Whether you're looking to learn something new or simply have fun while testing your knowledge against celebrity experts, Go Fact Yourself has something for everyone. Give it a listen—you won't be disappointed!



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    Latest episodes from Go Fact Yourself

    Ep. 192.75: Final Update on #MaxFunDrive + GFY Extras preview!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 33:07


    This show is powered by our beloved MaxFun Members! If you'd like to support this show – and earn great gifts in the process – go to Maximumfun.org/joingofact NOW until May 1st!  You can contribute as little as $5 a month and win a chance to appear on the show! The #MaxFunDrive is entering its final moments. If you're hearing this after May 1st, there's still time to participate! May 2nd & 3rd are our special amnesty weekend where you can still join, boost or upgrade your membership and help get Go Fact Yourself to its goals. And we need YOU! As a reminder of what's in store for you as a member, we've put together this sample platter of GFY Extras – the moments from the show that we leave on the cutting room floor before publication. But that floor holds a treasure trove of goodies! Normally the only way to hear all of this would be to attend every single live show; but when you go to maximumfun.org/joingofact, you can hear new Extras every single month. Hosts:  J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Credits: Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffat. Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

    Ep. 192.5: Update on #MaxFunDrive + BoCo preview!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 27:14


    This show is powered by our beloved MaxFun Members! If you'd like to support this show – and earn great gifts in the process – go to Maximumfun.org/joingofact NOW until May 1st!  You can contribute as little as $5 a month and win a chance to appear on the show!   The #MaxFunDrive is in full swing! One of the best things you get as member is access to the MaxFun BoCo library – it's full of thousands of hours of content from every show on the network. That includes Go Fact Yourself! In this special preview, you'll hear a sample of some of the episodes that await you as a member. We have special full quizzes with MaxFun hosts, fun games with our listeners and proof that this show has a positive impact on our guests' lives. Do YOU want to be a guest on our show? Make sure to support us in the MaxFunDrive to enter our 2026 Listener Tournament! Your journey begins at Maximumfun.org/joingofact Hosts:  J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Credits: Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffat. Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

    Ep. 192: Listener Tournament Finals: Claire Tobin & Kyle Ostendorf (#MaxFunDrive!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 83:13


    This show is powered by our beloved MaxFun Members! If you'd like to support this show– and earn great gifts in the process– go to Maximumfun.org/joingofact NOW until May 1st! You can contribute as little as $5 a month and have a chance to appear on this show.Plus: Listen during this episode's breaks for all the cool things we're offering just for GFY supporters! Happy MaxFunDrive! Let's celebrate our listeners who support our show with the finals of the GFYT 2025(ish) Listener Tournament! MaxFun members Claire Tobin and Kyle Ostendorf entered the tournament last year and now get the full celebrity guest experience. Listen to learn how YOU could be a guest! Guests: Claire Tobin is an oncology social worker based in Chicago. While that sounds like it could be a stressful line of work, she'll tell us why she finds it moving and meaningful.  Kyle Ostendorf is in the health care IT field in Raleigh, North Carolina. He'll tell us about his work and his upcoming travel plans for the year – including for his 9-year-old daughter. Both of our guests are also MaxFun Members who have shown their support for Go Fact Yourself. Do YOU want to be a guest on our show? Make sure to support us in the MaxFunDrive to enter our 2026 Listener Tournament! Your journey begins at Maximumfun.org/joingofact Areas of Expertise: Claire: The TV show “Felicity,” the musical Kimberly Akimbo, and Central Park. Kyle: The podcast Jordan, Jesse GO!, the TV show “Taskmaster,” and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team (post-2000). What's the Difference: MaxFunDrive What's the difference between the maximum and the most? What's the difference between financing and funding? With Guest Experts: Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire: Composer and  Playwright/Lyricist whose multiple Tony awards include honors for their work on the musical Kimberly Akimbo. Jordan Morris and Jesse Thorn: Hosts of the long-running MaxFun podcast Jordan, Jesse GO!. Hosts:  J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Credits: Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffat. Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

    Ep. 191.5: GFY's 2026 #MaxFunDrive Perks + Casters on Casters with J. Keith and Amber Nash

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 33:48


    Happy #MaxFunDrive! NOW is the time to go to maximumfun.org/joingofact to become a MaxFun Member – or to boost or upgrade your membership! We plan to make it worth your while… Our first 100 new members and first 100 boosting members get an exclusive perk – listen to find out… or just sign up now! In this mini episode, J. Keith breaks down all the amazing extra stuff Go Fact Yourself has planned for this fundraising drive and how YOU can get exclusive merch, content, and even a chance to be a guest on this show – all for as little as $5/month! This year, we're offering incentives that include… A live Zoom trivia game with our listeners A special mini-episode with our listeners as guests The 2026 Listener Tournament where YOU could be a guest on a full episode of GFY Autographed baseball cards Customized video shout-outs An ad for YOUR business, charity, or person …and much, much more. Listen to this entire mini-episode for details! Then, for the first time, we give you an exclusive look (well, listen) at the craft of podcasting: presenting Casters on Casters. In this episode, Amber Nash (RePhrasing: An “Archer” Rewatch Podcast) recounts what distinguishes a good podcast from a mediocre one, and J. Keith van Straaten explains how many hours go into making one episode of Go Fact Yourself. (If this glamorous, in-depth journey into what makes your favorite hosts tick inspires you, support them by joining as a member at maximumfun.org/join.) Casters on Casters is edited by Laura Swisher and produced by Hannah Muroz for Maximum Fun. Our mini-ep is edited and produced by Julian Burrell. Join, boost, or upgrade today at maximumfun.org/joingofact! Thank YOU, MaxFun members! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

    Ep. 191.25: The 2026 MaxFunDrive Preview!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2026 13:40


    We're so incredibly close to the 2026 MaxFunDrive on Go Fact Yourself! J. Keith gives you a quick rundown of what you can expect for the next two weeks.  The most important thing is that YOU get involved! Bookmark Maximumfun.org/joingofact so you'll be ready to become a MaxFun Member on April 20th for as little as $5 a month. If you're already a member, you can boost or upgrade your membership for as little as $1 more a month.  In this mini-episode, you'll get a sneak preview of what you get at any level of membership: our unique Bonus Content. This year, it's a “DVD commentary” of episode 178 (Matt Rogers vs Mimi Rogers) with J. Keith, Helen, producer/director Jim Newman, co-producer/editor Julian Burrell, and special surprise guests! We'll have insights and behind-the-scenes stories about that episode and the show, available only to our beloved members.  Plus, to celebrate you listeners who make this show possible, we're getting a number of special episodes and mini-episodes ready for your feed – including the Championship of the 2025(ish) Listener Tournament, dropping on April 24th. It all gets started when the Drive kicks off Monday, April 20th. Be a part of it! Go to maximumfun.org/joingofact and help us reach our goals. Hosts:  J. Keith van Straaten Credits: Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffat. Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU! Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

    Ep. 191: Eric Winter & Dree Hemingway

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 67:54


    It's a show worth drinking to on Go Fact Yourself! Eric Winter plays Sergeant Tim Bradford on the ABC series “The Rookie.” The show has earned a very dedicated audience, especially with kids. How does he know for sure? He's seen them dress up as his character for Halloween. Dree Hemingway is an actor who portrays Daryl Hannah in the FX show “Love Story.” She'll tell us about how she reached out to the real life Daryl Hannah after she got the part. Plus we'll learn more about her other job… as a fashion model.  Areas of Expertise: Eric: The movie The Breakfast Club, tennis, and rum. Dree: The movie The Fifth Element, the movie Romeo + Juliet, and musician Kate Bush. What's the Difference: Maine Squeeze What's the difference between a harbor and a marina? What's the difference between squeeze and squish? With Guest Experts: Ben Schaffer: Publisher of online magazine “The Rum Reader” and author of several books about cocktails.   Robert Mark Kamen: Screenwriter (and winemaker!) whose many works include the screenplay for The Fifth Element. Hosts:  J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Credits: Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffat. Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!  

    Ep. 190: Seth Rudetsky & Julie Klausner

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 60:53


    From New York City, it's Go Fact Yourself! Seth Rudetsky is a musician, author, and Broadway savant who hosts afternoon radio on Sirius XM's On Broadway channel. He'll tell us about his Broadway cruise and why he believes in spreading “Jewish joy” through his weekly Broadway Shabbat. Julie Klausner is an actor and writer who hosts the podcasts “How was Your Week?” and “Double Threat” with Tom Sharpling. Julie will tell us just how dedicated fans of those shows can be – plus about her professional (and personal) collaborations with Billy Eichner.  Areas of Expertise: Seth: Carly Simon songs, the TV show “The Brady Bunch Hour,” and natural disasters. Julie: John Waters movies, Jewish celebrities, and cats.  What's the Difference: A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste What's the difference between a mindset and a mentality? What's the difference between a person's waist and their waistline? With Guest Experts: Sally Taylor: Singer-songwriter with a decades-long career– that includes working with her mother Carly Simon! Ricki Lake: Emmy-winning TV host and actor who starred as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film Hairspray. Hosts:  J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Credits: Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffat. Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 189: Dorinda Medley & Jackie Cox

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 62:58


    This week, a massive reality TV crossover on Go Fact Yourself! Jackie Cox turned heads as the first drag queen of Iranian descent to compete on “RuPaul's Drag Race.” She'll tell us why the show is nothing like an actual drag pageant and why drag is always political. Plus – what it's like to act in a movie alongside an Oscar-nominated performance! Dorinda Medley was a cast member of “The Real Housewives of New York” for a little over a decade. Then, in 2023, she swapped her house for a castle to join “The Traitors”. Sadly, she was murdered first (#JusticeForDorinda!). Medley got another shot at redemption when she returned next season. She'll tell us how these experiences led to her memoir, I Know a Thing or Two About a Thing or Two. Areas of Expertise: Jackie: The Star Trek universe, the movie Mary Poppins and The Gap. Dorinda: The TV show “Law & Order: SVU,” 1980s music, and Friedrich Nietzsche. What's the Difference: Pot o' Gold. What's the difference between cannabis and marijuana? What's the difference between a carat and a karat? With Guest Experts: Robert Picardo: Actor whose decades-long career includes several appearances in the Star Trek franchise as The Doctor. Raúl Esparza: Broadway star and actor who starred in over 100 episodes of “Law & Order: SVU.” Hosts:  J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Credits: Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffat. Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 188: Matt Walsh & Kali Reis

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 64:02


    It's a knockout combination of trivia and HBO actors on Go Fact Yourself! Matt Walsh is best known for his role as Mike McClintock on “Veep,” for which he was nominated for an Emmy – twice! He'll tell us how he developed that character and give us advice on how to improve our improv skills. Kali Reis is a former boxer who earned an Emmy nom starring alongside Jodie Foster in “True Detective: Night Country.” She'll tell us how she celebrated her indigenous heritage in boxing and what it's been like to step out of the ring and onto TV. Areas of Expertise: Kali: The movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, the movie The Mask, and Mike Tyson. Matt:The Chicago Bears football team, English literature, and Austria. What's the Difference: Prune Juice What's the difference between pruning a plant and trimming a plant? What's the difference between AC and DC? With Guest Experts: Mark Verheiden and Mike Werb: Authors and screenwriters, whose careers include working on the film The Mask. Charles “Peanut” Tillman: Former record-setting NFL cornerback for the Chicago Bears. Hosts:  J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Credits: Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffat. Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 187: Jay Mohr & Chase Masterson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 68:30


    Triv, triv, triv, triv…! This episode of Go Fact Yourself will be stuck in your head for days!Chase Masterson's fans know her as Leeta from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” She's deeply inspired by the imagined universe of the series – and the fans who embody its values. To that end, Chase works tirelessly at her non-profit aimed at ending bullying: The Heroic Journey.Jay Mohr had been working in comedy for years when he landed his first movie: Jerry Maguire. But he's still known for his great work in comedy (“SNL,” “Action”) … and as an impressionist. He'll tell us about the secret to a great impression and what it was like to work with the celebrity he became famous for impersonating.Areas of Expertise:Chase: The best commercial jingles of the 1970s and 1980s, 1980s slang, and Word of the Year winners.Jay: The Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers album, the TV show “Deadwood,” and 1990s Yankees World Series teams. What's the Difference: Chase and JayWhat's the difference between to chase and to pursue?What's the difference between a bluejay and jaybird?With Guest Experts:Linda November: Cleo award-winning singer whose career includes many pop hits and even more popular jingles. Jim Beaver: Actor, writer, and film historian whose career includes playing Whitney Ellsworth on “Deadwood.”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.Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 186: Al Madrigal & Mary Lynn Rajskub

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 55:10


    ** Come see us record in New York! January 24 & 26! Tell everyone you know! **Politics, high fashion, and trivia– it must be Go Fact Yourself!Ashly Burch is a YouTuber and voice actor, who was a recent guest on episode 177 of Go Fact Yourself. She joins us as guest co-host.Al Madrigal is an actor and comedian. He's known for sitcoms like “Lopez vs. Lopez” and his many appearances as Senior Latino Correspondent on “The Daily Show.” He'll tell us about some of the scrutiny that title came with. Everything he does now is a big step up from one of his first jobs, where he was forced to fire people on a regular basis.Mary Lynn Rajskub is a comedian and actor, previously seen in “24.” She'll tell us about the triumphs – and difficulties – of the show. These days, she's seen on the Netflix series “North of North” – an incredibly important showcase of Inuit culture; and her son says she's perfect on the show as “the white lady.”Areas of Expertise:Al: U.S. Latino politicians, San Francisco's Mexican restaurants, and Jack Reacher.Mary Lynn: The city of Iqaluit, Canada, the movie The Florida Project, and Cybill Shepherd's wardrobe in “Moonlighting.”What's the Difference: Flying SaucerWhat's the difference between an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) and an Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon (UAP)?What's the difference between gravy and sauce?With Guest Experts:Blanca Pacheco: Former mayor, city councilwoman, and current member of the California State Assembly.Glenn Gordon Caron: Award-winning writer, producer, and director who created the show “Moonlighting.”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenAshly BurchCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 185.5: GFY in New York! And a special preview of our next episode…

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 2:44


    Go Fact Yourself is coming to New York!On January 24, we're joined by Jackie Cox and Dorinda Medley at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia theater at Symphony Space.On January 26th we're joined by Julie Klausner and Seth Rudetsky at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. Plus, this weekend is our episode with Al Madrigal and Mary Lynn Rajskub – with guest co-host Ashly Burch! We'll give you a special preview of what's to come.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.Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 185: Paul Feig & Anjali Bhimani

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 68:32


    Ring in the New Year with trivia on Go Fact Yourself!Paul Feig is a director of comedies like Bridesmaides and thrillers like the newly released thriller The Housemaid. He'll tell us why he gets a similar thrill from working in both genres. And we'll learn more about where his acute sense of fashion comes from. Anjali Bhimani is an actor, especially known for her voice work in videogames. She'll tell us why portraying the character Symmetra for the Overwatch games has been especially meaningful for both her and gamers. Plus: why puppies are the perfect addition to a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Areas of Expertise:Paul: The 2025 Dodgers starting lineup, the TV show “The Brady Bunch,” and martinis.Anjali: Late 70s to early 90s musicals (especially Sondheim), the greater human skeletomuscular system, and lines from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.What's the Difference: Whip itWhat's the difference between beating and whipping (when it comes to cooking)?What's the difference between a whip and a lash?With Guest Experts:Jon Weidman: Emmy-winning and Tony-nominated writer, whose decades of work include three collaborations with Stephen Sondheim.Maureen McCormick: Actor, singer and best-selling author who played Marcia Brady on “The Brady Bunch.”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.Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 184: Loni Love & Nick Cho

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 69:04


    This episode of Go Fact Yourself is a real thriller!Loni Love is an Emmy-winning TV host, known for her over 1000 episodes of the talk show “The Real.” You can see her host The Rose Parade this New Year's Day. She's had an interesting career that included a poor-performing stint as an engineer.Nick Cho has made a name for himself on social media as “Your Korean Dad,” where he gives parental advice and insight to viewers. He'll tell us about how his kids encouraged him to get into content creation and why he's something of a coffee bean snob.Areas of Expertise:Loni: Michael Jackson, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, and how to pack for a cruise.Nick: 1980s arcade games, Asian-Americans in the media from the 1980s to 2000s, and Gen Alpha slang.What's the Difference: Advice ColumnWhat's the difference between getting advice and getting counsel?What's the difference between a column and a pillar?With Guest Experts:Siedah Garrett: Grammy-winning and two time Oscar-nominated singer and actor, whose career includes hit songs with Michael Jackson.Gedde Watanabe: Actor, whose career includes roles on Sixteen Candles, Mulan, “ER,” and more.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.Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 183: Christine Lakin & Jon Lovett

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 61:37


    Set sail for Trivia on Go Fact Yourself! Christine Lakin is best known for her role as Alicia “Al” Lambert on the sitcom “Step By Step.” She'll tell us about what it was like being the childhood crush of so many men and women. Plus, what it was like to “fall into” her work as an audiobook narrator.Jon Lakin is the founder of Crooked Media and host of Lovett or Leave It. He'll tell us how he manages to feel okay despite being so in tune with the world of politics. And we'll learn more about how he wound up as a speech writer for the Obama administration… after winning a contest (sort of).Areas of Expertise:Christine: The TV show “Below Deck,” the TV show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” making the best mint cookies and cream ice cream in the world. Jon: Kazuo Ishiguro novels, the TV show “The Real Housewives of New York City,” and Taco BellWhat's the Difference: Practically SpeakingWhat's the difference between a practical solution and a pragmatic solution?What's the difference between your larynx and your pharynx?With Guest Experts:Courtland Cox: Longtime executive producer of “Below Deck.”Captain Lee Rosbach: Captain for ten seasons on “Below Deck.”Dorinda Medley and Alex McCord: Cast members of“The Real Housewives of New York.”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 by YOU!

    Ep. 182.1: A Quick Schedule Update from J. Keith

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 1:52


    Surprised that there's no new episode of Go Fact Yourself today? Worry not! We've got new episodes coming back to back for the next two weeks.Plus, give the gift of GFY this holiday season! Check out our merch – including a holiday ornament – at MaxFunStore.com. Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenCredits: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 by YOU!

    Ep. 182: Lilan Bowden & A Martinez

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 62:46


    It's a home box office of trivia with Go Fact Yourself!Ashly Burch is a YouTuber and comedian who was a recent guest on episode 177 of Go Fact Yourself. She joins us as co-host. Lilan Bowden is an actor, perhaps best known for her role in the Netflix series “Murderville.” She's had an extensive career across film and TV. But she's been especially affected by her Disney series “Andi Mack,” and how much the role endeared her to kids.A Martinez is known by public radio listeners as the host of NPR's Morning Edition. He's been a part of public radio for years. But before that, he made his name (literally!) in the world of sports radio. That's also where he learned some… unique interviewing skills. He'll explain.Areas of Expertise:A: The TV show “Veep,” the movie New Jack City, and the 1980s Los Angeles LakersLilan: The TV show “The Comeback,” the YouTube show “Ms. Rachel,” and The Jim Jones Cult aka “The People's Temple”What's the Difference: Taylor SwiftWhat's the difference between a tailor and a seamstress?What's the difference between fast and quick?With Guest Experts:Damian Young: Actor whose career includes playing Mark Berman on HBO's “The Comeback”Laura Silverman: Actor who played Jane Benson on HBO's “The Comeback”Matt Walsh: Actor and comedian who founded the Upright Citizens Brigade and received two Emmy nominations for his role as Mike McLintock in the series “Veep”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenAshly BurchCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.This episode was edited by Valerie MoffatSeeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

    Ep. 181.5: The Best of Politics Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 55:08


    It's time to go to the polls with Go Fact Yourself! It's a collection of some of our favorite trivia segments that feature politicians as experts.In this episode:Peter Sagal and Rebecca Makkai from ep. 45.Helen Zaltzman and Lewis Black from ep. 79.Antonio Villaraigosa from ep. 164.Kitty Felde and Charlie Hankin from ep. 51.Parker Molloy and Kevin Allison from ep. 99.Matt Rogers and Mimi Rogers from ep. 178.With Guest Experts:Gov. Madeleine May Kunin, author, ambassador and three-term governor of Vermont.Charlie Uhrig, former mayor of Solvang, CaliforniaKermit Roosevelt III, professor at University of Pennsylvania's Carey Law School.Senator Barbara Boxer, representing California in the United States Senate from 1993 to 2017.Rep. Laura Gillen: United States Congresswoman serving New York's fourth district.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 181: The 2024(ish) Listener Tournament Finals: Khalil Goodman & Kristen Pilotte

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 68:08


    After an extensive competition amongst our MaxFun Members, it all culminates in the 2024(ish) Listener Tournament Finals – a new episode of Go Fact Yourself! (Do YOU want to be a guest on the show? Make sure to support us in the 2026 MaxFunDrive and stay tuned for our next Listener Tournament!)Khalil Goodman is a photographer who works in public communications in Barbados. He also loves cosplay and will tell us about some of his favorite characters that he's encountered – plus, what it would take to get people to cosplay as the hosts of this show.Kristen Pilotte is a government contractor and aerospace engineer. She'll tell us about how she's joining us while she's on call for very important space-related work. We'll also learn more about how some of her upcoming projects involve humans in space. And of course, cats!Areas of Expertise:Khalil: The animated TV series “X-Men ‘97,” the band Garbage, and the work of Agatha Christie.Kristen: The “Duck Tales” videogame, the US manned space program, and the TV show “Grey's Anatomy.”What's the Difference: Mind your MannersWhat's the difference between etiquette and manners?What's the difference between a cause of death and a manner of death?With Guest Experts:Isaac Robinson-Smith, Holly Chou and Alison Sealy-Smith: Voice actors whose work includes playing characters on the series “X-Men ‘97.”Dr. Don Thomas: Author, engineer, educator, and astronaut.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 181.5: The Best of Hip-hop Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 62:21


    The beat is fresh and so is the trivia on the Best of Hip-hop special of Go Fact Yourself! It's a boxed set of our favorite rap trivia from over the years, including Hall of Fame MCs and DJs as experts.Appearing in this episode:Gina Yashere from ep. 142Evette Dionne from ep. 121Seán Devlin from ep. 87Sarah Jones from ep. 167DJ Jazzy Jeff from ep. 100Marc Evan Jackson from ep. 176Open Mike Eagle from ep. 165With Guest Experts:Ahmad: Hip-Hop artist who earned a Gold Record for his track, “Back in the Day.”Speech: Rapper and founding member of hip-hop group Arrested Development.DJ Jazzy Jeff: Actor, producer and Grammy-winning hip-hop pioneer.Big Daddy Kane: Grammy-winning rapper and producer, known for his groundbreaking rhymes.DJ Spinderella: Grammy-winning DJ, rapper and producer, known for her work as a member of the group Salt-N-Pepa.Candyman: Rapper and producer who co-wrote and performed the hit song “Knockin' Boots.”Darryl “DMC” McDaniels: Founding member of Run-DMC and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 180: Stephen Tobolowsky & Aparna Nancherla

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 63:41


    Consider yourself at home– with trivia on Go Fact Yourself!Stephen Tobolowsky is an actor, writer, and director. He's perhaps best known for his role as Ned Ryerson from the classic film Groundhog Day. He'll tell us about what it's like being part of such an iconic movie – and how its fans keep him humble.Aparna Nancherla is a comedian, who's also a prolific voice actor. She'll tell us why voicing the character Moon Tobin on “The Great North” represents a lifelong dream for her. Plus, she'll workshop some titles for her upcoming stand-up special that will premiere on Dropout TV. Areas of Expertise:Stephen: The work of Charles Dickens, the movie Children of Men, and the Jamaican Switch scam.Aparna: The movie Home Alone, the movie Jurassic Park, and naked mole rats. What's the Difference: Pay UpWhat's the difference between a deposit and a down-payment?What's the difference between extortion and blackmail?Guest Experts:Dr. Rochelle Buffenstein: Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, known for her groundbreaking work with naked mole rats. Shani Wallis: Legendary singer and actor who's appeared in dozens of film and stage productions – including the 1968 Oscar-winning Best Picture Oliver!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 by YOU!

    Ep. 179: Cooper Barnes & Larissa FastHorse

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 63:19


    It's a trivia dream come true on Go Fact Yourself!Cooper Barnes is an actor, best known as the superhero Captain Man in the Nickelodeon “Danger Force” franchise. He'll tell us what it's like to have kids as fans, and why portraying a superhero is harder than it looks. (Hint: It rhymes with blandex.)Larissa FastHorse is an award-winning playwright – the first known female Native American to have a play produced on Broadway. She'll tell us why it earned her a level of fame she didn't expect. Plus, how she helped update some famous (and infamous) elements of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.Areas of Expertise:Cooper: Comic book artists of the 1990s comic boom, the 1986 Transformers movie, and monkeys.Larissa: The original play and 1954 musical Peter Pan, the movie The Sound of Music, and Pierre, South Dakota.What's the Difference: That's FairWhat's the difference between a carnival and a fair?What's the difference between just and fair?Guest Experts:Dr. Anne Bryant: Composer and producer of numerous songs for television, film and advertising – including the hit theme to Transformers.Cathy Rigby McCoy: Award-winning actor, producer, and gymnast, who played Peter Pan on stage in thousands of productions around the world.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 178: Mimi Rogers & Matt Rogers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 65:11


    It's a bouquet of trivia on Go Fact Yourself!Mimi Rogers is an actor – best known these days for her role in the Amazon series “Bosch.” She's acted in that family of shows for ten years, but she'll tell us about how her part was never supposed to last that long. Plus, Mimi reveals some secrets about her time on the set of Austin Powers.  Matt Rogers is one of the hosts of the podcast Las Culturistas. He'll tell us about how he started the show with his co-host Bowen Yang, his Christmas themed album and tour that he manifested, and what it was like to actually meet the Queen of Christmas: Mariah Carey. You can stream “The Las Culturistas Culture Awards” on Peacock now.Areas of Expertise:Mimi: Types of flowers, Italian cooking, and the TV show “Sex and the City.”Matt: Mariah Carey, the TV show “The Real Housewives of New York” (pre-reboot), and Long Island. What's the Difference: Boring!What's the difference between drilling and boring?What's the difference between a hog and a boar?Guest Experts:Dr. Nicole Cavender: Director of the Botanical Gardens at The Huntington.Rep. Laura Gillen: United States Congresswoman serving New York's fourth district. 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 by YOU!

    Ep. 177: Brendan Hunt & Ashly Burch

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 66:26


    BELIEVE! In trivia!Brendan Hunt is best known as Coach Beard on the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso.” He'll tell us about how the show got started, why they decided to put out another season, and why fans always recognize him in airports.Ashly Burch is a well-known part of gaming culture. She's voiced characters of such critically-acclaimed games like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Life is Strange. She'll demonstrate her voice work and tell us about her YouTube series “I'm Happy You're Here.”Areas of Expertise:Ashly: The show “Parks and Recreation” seasons 3 and 4, 2006's (aka 2005's) Pride & Prejudice, and aerial silks.Brendan: Elvis Costello's under-appreciated album Spike, the Beatles song “Hey Jude,” and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871What's the Difference: PaybackWhat's the difference between restitution and reparation?What's the difference between a spinal cord and a spinal column?Guest Experts:Jeri Heiden and John Heiden: Grammy-winning designers whose work included albums for Madonna, Pink, Elvis Costello, and more.Mara Marini: Actor who's appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation,” “Schitt's Creek,” and “Blackish.”Natalie Morales: Actor who's appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation” and films like My Dead Friend Zoe.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 176: Jodie Sweetin & Marc Evan Jackson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 64:38


    We ask the questions, you give the reply on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!Jodie Sweetin has been in show business for most of her life. She's famous for her role as Stephanie Tanner on "Full House." She'll tell us what it was like being on a major TV show at such a young age and how she revisited that time in her podcast, "How Rude Tanneritos."Marc Evan Jackson is best known for his stoic performances across a number of TV roles including for "The Good Place" and "Brooklyn 99." He'll tell us why he loves the fans of the shows he's a part of and explain why the art of improv is so important. Areas of Expertise:Marc: The TV show “The Office,” vessels in the Maine windjamming fleet, and the lyrics to the song “Knockin' Boots” by CandymanJodie: Jim Henson movies, the TV show “Arrested Development,” and American Girl Dolls. What's the Difference: Treasure IslandWhat's the difference between to treasure and to cherish?What's the difference between a traffic median and a traffic island?Guest Experts:Candyman: Rapper and producer who co-wrote and performed the hit song “Knockin' Boots.”Dave Goelz: Emmy-winning performer and producer who's worked with the Muppets for more than 50 years – and in several movies with Jim Henson.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 175: Georgia Hardstark & Tim Bagley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 62:40


    Get lost in a world of trivia on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!Georgia Hardstark is best known for her incredibly popular podcast “My Favorite Murder.” It's a show all about true crime, but she and her co-host still manage to find a lot of humor and heart in their subject matter. She'll explain. Tim Bagley is an actor, comedian, and writer, who's earned critical praise (and Emmy buzz) for his performance in the HBO's “Somebody Somewhere.” He'll tell us about some of the emotional moments from behind the scenes that turned into great moments for his character. Areas of Expertise:Tim: Chaka Khan, Mitzi Gaynor, and communicating with the deadGeorgia: The TV show “Lost,” the band Sublime, and frozen food.What's the Difference: Ow!What's the difference between to burn and to scald?What's the difference between to be hurt and to be injured?Guest Experts:Paulette McWilliams and Kevin Murphy: Founding members of the Grammy Award-winning group Rufus. Jorge Garcia: Award-winning actor and comedian who played Hurley on the TV show “Lost.”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 by YOU!

    Ep. 174: Steven Weber & Kiran Deol

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 58:16


    Set a course for trivia! It's time to boldly go… Fact Yourself!Steven Weber is an actor with a storied career that includes TV shows like “Wings” and “Chicago Med.” He'll tell us why he actually has trouble watching some of his earlier work… mainly due to vanity. Plus, he shares about why feels he should have won “Celebrity Jeopardy!”Kiran Deol is a comedian. In her new special, “Joysuck,” she talks about life's difficulties and how to find joy in spite of them. And then we'll learn more about what she considers the ideal nap. Areas of Expertise:Kiran: The IN-N-Out burgers menu, the movie The Shawshank Redemption, and types of vodka.Steven: The original “Star Trek” TV Series, Borscht Belt hotels, comedians and singers, and the book The Grapes of Wrath.What's the Difference: Pickle BallWhat's the difference between pickling and fermenting?What's the difference between a gala and a ball?Guest Experts:Jeff Zarrinnam: One of the owners and operators of Hollywood Distillery.Walter Koenig: actor and pop culture icon who originated the role of Pavel Chekov on “Star Trek.”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 by YOU!

    Ep. 173: Thomas Jane & Grey DeLisle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 59:11


    Kick off your shoes and play some trivia on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!Thomas Jane is an actor whose roles often required a lot of training. He'll tell us how he got in shape for The Punisher, learned to play baseball for 61*, and more. Plus, we'll learn about the unusual way he was paid for his very first film gig.Grey Delisle is a singer and voice actor whose characters can be heard in everything from “The Simpsons” to “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” She'll give us samples of some of her most well-known voices and tell us about her newest music album, The Grey Album.Areas of Expertise:Grey: The Carter Family, Robert Duvall, and Dr. Pepper.Thomas: Pioneers of UFOlogy (specifically J. Allen Hynek), the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and absinthe. What's the Difference: FrenemiesWhat's the difference between genial and congenial?What's the difference between an enemy and a nemesis?Guest Experts:Carlene Carter: Grammy-nominated musician and third- generation member of the Carter family.Cary Guffey: Former actor known for his childhood role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. 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 by YOU!

    Ep. 172: Tom Papa & Rosalind Chao

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 58:29


    It's a silky-smooth brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! Tom Papa is a comedian known for his podcast, radio show, and TV specials. These days, he may be even better known for his other passion: baking bread. He'll tell us how that started and how his family indulged his new hobby. Rosalind Chao is an actor who's appeared in everything from “Star Trek: The Next Generation", The Joy Luck Club, and Netflix's “The 3 Body Problem.” Before all that, she was on the most-watched episode of television ever – a little thing called the series finale of “M*A*S*H.””Areas of Expertise:Rosalind: Disneyland in the late 1980s, the TV show “The White Lotus” Season 3, and snacks from Trader Joe's.Tom: The band The Grateful Dead, Godzilla and the Jersey Shore.What's the Difference: Fabric SoftenerWhat's the difference between silk and satin?What's the difference between to cuddle and to snuggle?Guest Experts:Patravadi Mejudhon: Actor, playwright, and director, whose first Western role was in Season 3 of “The White Lotus.”Tom Constanten: Composer, musician, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer as a member of The Grateful Dead.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 172: Tom Papa & Rosalind Chao

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 58:31


    It's a silky-smooth brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! Tom Papa is a comedian known for his podcast, radio show, and TV specials. These days, he may be even better known for his other passion: baking bread. He'll tell us how that started and how his family indulged his new hobby. Rosalind Chao is an actor who's appeared in everything from “Star Trek: The Next Generation", The Joy Luck Club, and Netflix's “The 3 Body Problem.” Before all that, she was on the most-watched episode of television ever – a little thing called the series finale of “M*A*S*H.””Areas of Expertise:Rosalind: Disneyland in the late 1980s, the TV show “The White Lotus” Season 3, and snacks from Trader Joe's.Tom: The band The Grateful Dead, Godzilla and the Jersey Shore.What's the Difference: Fabric SoftenerWhat's the difference between silk and satin?What's the difference between to cuddle and to snuggle?Guest Experts:Patravadi Mejudhon: Actor, playwright, and director, whose first Western role was in Season 3 of “The White Lotus.”Tom Constanten: Composer, musician, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer as a member of The Grateful Dead.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 171: Amy Hill & Alec Mapa

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 62:12


    From Broadway to Beverly Hills, it's a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!Amy Hill is an actor with an extensive career, including roles in Lilo & Stitch and over 90 episodes of the rebooted “Magnum P.I.” She'll tell us how she got that part and how it brought her closer to her daughter … literally.Alec Mapa is a comedian and actor, who often plays stereotypically flamboyant characters. He'll explain why he actually doesn't mind that, plus what it's like being a guest judge on “Rupaul's Drag Race.”Our guest host this week is Mallory O'Meara, who was a contestant on episode 168.Areas of Expertise:Amy: Traveling alone, biographical documentaries, and the TV show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”Alec: Filipino superstitions, The TV Show Drag Race Philippines and the musical GypsyWhat's the Difference: Lethal WeaponWhat's the difference between something lethal and fatal?What's the difference between a gun and a firearm?Guest Experts:Alex Baskin: Executive Producer of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and host of the podcast, “Bravo's Hot Mic”Lane Bradbury, Maureen Moore, Kate Reinders, and Leigh Ann Larkin: Actors whose careers include playing June in Broadway productions  of Gypsy from 1959-2008.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenMallory O'MearaCredits: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 by YOU!

    Ep. 170: Tim Russ & Amber Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 57:56


    It's a voyage of trivia on Go Fact Yourself!Tim Russ is a director, musician, and actor, perhaps best known for his role as Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on “Star Trek: Voyager.” He's also appeared in other roles across different editions of the franchise – but it wasn't until he attended a convention that he understood how dedicated the fanbase is. Plus: he'll tell us how he explores the stars in real life!Amber Nelson is a comedian who also hosts a number of podcasts. One, “The Brighter Side,” is all about finding optimism in troubling times (something that Amber never expected to work). Another, “Some Place Under Neith” examines stories of missing women and children.Areas of Expertise:Tim: Astronomy, Alien invasion movies of the 1950s and 60s, and World War II.Amber: The TV show “The Twilight Zone,” Korn songs, and World War I.What's the Difference: Eye SpyWhat's the difference between a telescope and a spyglass?What's the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?Guest Experts:Marc Scott Zicree: Screenwriter, producer, and author of the book The Twilight Zone Companion. Jack Moran: U.S. Army Staff Sergeant in WWII.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 by YOU!

    Ep. 169: Betsy Brandt & Cirroc Lofton

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 57:50


    It's a one-on-one trivia match between TV all stars!Betsy Brandt is best known as Marie on “Breaking Bad,” a role she reprised in the final episode of the series' successor “Better Call Saul.” She'll tell us why she was so dedicated to keeping her return a secret. Plus, why she wasn't optimistic about “Breaking Bad” being a success.Cirroc Lofton played Jake Sisko on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” Even though he was a massive part of Star Trek, he never actually watched anything from the franchise for himself. He'll tell us how his podcast, “The 7th Rule,” is finally fixing that.Areas of expertise:Betsy: The plays of Anton Chekhov, baking pies, and cheeseCirroc: Tupac's “Makaveli” album, The Kobe Bryant-era Lakers Championships, and “The Twilight Zone” original seriesWhat's the Difference: Opiate of the MassesWhat's the difference between opiates and opioids?What's the difference between a Catholic church service and a mass?Guest Experts:Carlos Carrasco: Actor who's appeared in shows like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and the film Speed  – plus a recent production of Chekhov.James Tupper: Actor who's appeared in shows like “Revenge” and “Big Little Lies” – plus a recent production of Chekhov.Metta World Peace: Former NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. 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 by YOU!

    Ep. 168.99 What is GFY? A Public Radio pledge special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 34:36


    Thanks so much for your help during the #MaxFunDrive!J. Keith has some more details on the great things coming that YOU helped make happen!If you're a member and want to get more podcast pins along and support a great cause, go to maximumfun.org/pinsale.Plus, enjoy a collection of some of our greatest moments from over the years that was recently part of a public radio pledge showcase.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongJim NewmanCredits: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 by YOU!

    Ep. 168.90 Bruce Vilanch and #MaxFunDrive Amnesty Weekend!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 35:04


    This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution (or an annual prepay) for as little as $5 a month. Help us make our goal to unlock even more gifts … for YOU!It's only $1/month to BOOST your membership too – every little bit helps!Bruce Villanch was a guest on episode 124. Some guests struggle to give us three topics they love that they're willing to be quizzed on. And then there's Bruce. In this fun and wide-ranging conversation, Bruce tells us about the many other topics that we didn't cover when he was a guest  – including the Titanic, commercial passenger planes, and the divine Bette Midler.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongJim NewmanCredits: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 by YOU!And of course… maximumfun.org/join!! MaxFunDrive ends on March 28, 2025! Support our show now and get access to bonus content by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.

    Ep. 168.80 Helen & J. Keith as Guests?! Plus: Help us make our #MaxFunDrive goal!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 26:21


    This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution (or an annual prepay) for as little as $5 a month. Help us make our goal to unlock even more gifts … for YOU!It's only $1/month to BOOST your membership too – every little bit helps!Go Fact Yourself takes a lot of work to put together, including crafting the perfect quiz for our contestants. What would happen if we just took it easy and allowed AI to craft the questions, hints, and fun facts? We have J. Keith and Helen step into the contestant chairs to find out! Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongJim NewmanCredits: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 by YOU!And of course… maximumfun.org/join!! MaxFunDrive ends on March 28, 2025! Support our show now and get access to bonus content by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.

    Ep. 168.75: A #MaxFunDrive Bonus! The Making of GFY

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 20:31


    This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution (or an annual prepay) for as little as $5 a month. That contribution goes directly into making this show possible. In this special mini episode, J. Keith speaks with show director and Go Fact Yourself co-creator Jim Newman.Jim does a lot of work behind the scenes before the show has even started – booking guests for the show is an intensive process. He'll shine a light on the bookings that fell through and guests that have really delivered for this trivia podcast. Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenCredits: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 by YOU! MaxFunDrive ends on March 28, 2025! Support our show now and get access to bonus content by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.

    Ep. 168.5: New #MaxFunDrive Rewards! + BoCo Preview! Brea Grant, Alison Becker, Clint McElroy and more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 35:20


    This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution (or an annual prepay) for as little as $5 a month. No matter what level you join, every MaxFun Member gets access to the most popular gift of all: The Bonus Content Library.This is a bank of hundreds– maybe even thousands– of hours of bonus episodes from every show across the network. That includes Go Fact Yourself!In this special preview, you'll hear clips from just a few of the GFY BoCo collection– including full episodes with MaxFunsters Brea Grant, Clint McElroy and more; GFY success stories where we interview past contestants whose dreams came true because of this show; and the original Go Fact Yourself pilot (which was just released this year!)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 by YOU! MaxFunDrive ends on March 28, 2025! Support our show now and get access to bonus content by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.

    Ep. 168: Jerry O'Connell & Mallory O'Meara

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 67:28


    This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution for as little as $5 a month. Happy #MaxFunDrive! It's trivia so fine it'll blow your mind on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! In this episode…Guests:Jerry O'Connell got his start as a child actor in the film Stand By Me. His acting career blossomed from there and continued for decades – but now he's had a second career as an Emmy-nominated TV host. He'll tell us how that came about after some advice from Kelly Ripa, plus why his dad thought his first film would be a flop. Mallory O'Meara is an author and podcaster. She hosts the shows "Reading Glasses" and "Reading Smut" on the MaxFun Network. She'll tell us all about how both podcasts celebrate book culture in very different ways. Her latest book, Daughter of Daring: The Trick-Riding, Train-Leaping, Road-Racing Life of Helen Gibson, Hollywood's First Stuntwoman is out now. Areas of ExpertiseJerry: 1980s music, 1980s movies, and 1990s Los Angeles news.Mallory: Haunted house books, werewolf movies, Washington Capitals Hockey from 2019 to the present. What's the Difference: Break the BankWhat's the difference, in music, between a rest and a break?What's the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?With Guest Experts:David Naughton: Actor and singer, who starred in the film An American Werewolf in London.Toni Basil: Award-winning singer, dancer, and choreographer behind the hit song “Oh Mickey.”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 by YOU! MaxFunDrive ends on March 28, 2025! Support our show now and get access to bonus content by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.

    167.75: #MaxFunDrive update -- GFY Baseball Cards & Baseball Trivia

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 16:54


    This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution for as little as $5 a month. J. Keith and Helen share a few updates on the MaxFun Drive, including how to get a baseball card featuring the hosts! Plus, a deep dive into a massive piece of baseball trivia.Plus Ben Lindbergh from the "Effectively Wild" podcast joins J. Keith's search for a deep dive into very specific baseball triviaHosts: 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 by YOU! MaxFunDrive ends on March 28, 2025! Support our show now and get access to bonus content by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.

    J. Keith quizzes hosts in MFD Spring Break

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 79:17


    It's not MaxFunDrive without a wild kickoff spectacular! Former real-life VJ and host of MTV's Spring Break 1999, Dave Holmes, takes your favorite MaxFun hosts through some wacky ‘90s- and Spring Break-themed mini games!!Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brenda Snell, Drea Clark, Alonso Duralde, Dan McCoy, Jordan Morris, Manolo Moreno, Ella Hubber, Caroline Roper, Ella McLeod, John-Luke Roberts, Justin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Mike Cabellon, Sierra Katow, Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, John Moe, Christian Dueñas, Christian Duguay. MaxFunDrive ends on March 28, 2025! Support our show now and get access to bonus content by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.

    Ep. 167.5: #MaxFunDrive special: GFY Listeners Sam Gladston vs Noelle Sciarini

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 58:04


    This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution for as little as $5 a month. Happy #MaxFunDrive! And we've got a couple of contestants who supported Go Fact Yourself in 2024!In this episode…Guests:Sam Gladston is a professional wrestler who performs for Superkick'd in Toronto. He'll tell us how he got his start and how body building helped save his life. Noelle Sciarini is an email marketing specialist. She'll tell us the secret to crafting the perfect email that people actually want to click on. Plus, we'll hear more about how this is the FIRST podcast she's ever been on!Both Sam and Noelle were two of the first 100 listeners to support Go Fact Yourself in the 2024 MaxFunDrive.Areas of ExpertiseSam: The Krakoan era of X-Men, competitive bodybuilding from the late 90s and onwards, witches in media, the movie Labyrinth, and the TV show “Star Trek: Voyager.”Noelle: 1990s film adaptations of classic books, the TV show “The Great British Bake-off,” the musical The Secret Garden, cross-country running, and word games.What's the difference: Rookie MistakeWhat's the difference between a rookie and a beginner?What's the difference between a mistake and an error?With Guest Experts:Lisa Klink: TV writer, known for her work in the “Star Trek” universe.Marsha Falco: Game inventor whose games include SET, Karma, and Quiddler.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 by YOU! MaxFunDrive ends on March 28, 2025! Support our show now and get access to bonus content by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.

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