Hungry for Laughs!

In episode 100, Chuck talks about finales! This episode is meta because it’s the finale of the podcast! Chuck starts out with some behind-the-scenes information. Then he talks about the finales of several TV series: M * A * S * H, Newhart, Seinfeld, and Breaking Bad. Chuck would like to thank all of the...

In episode 99, Chuck sits down with return guest Scott Glennon to talk about Chicago—again! Scott was the first guest on the podcast, and he is the last guest on the podcast. Chuck and Scott talk about what’s been happening in Chicago since the first episode of the podcast (posted over four years ago)—and there...

In episode 98, Chuck talks about Kolchak: The Night Stalker! This short-lived TV series from the 1970s is based on an unpublished novel The Kolchak Papers, and two TV movies The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler. Each episode has Chicago reporter Carl Kolchak, played by Darren McGavin, investigating crimes perpetrated by monsters, creatures, or...

In episode 97, Chuck sits down with Stephen Fieffer to talk about The Who! Stephen’s dad, David, was a huge Who fan; so, he and Chuck, and those close to David, had no choice but to be huge Who fans as well. Stephen and Chuck talk about the history of this iconic English rock band....

In episode 96, Chuck talks about Battle of the Planets! This animated TV series from the late 1970s is an adaptation of the Japanese animated (anime) series Gatchaman. Five young people, the members of G-Force, protect Earth from Zoltar and his evil forces from the planet Spectra! With one word—TRANSMUTE!—the members of G-Force gain cool...

In episode 95, Chuck sits down with return guest Pat Nevis to talk about It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia! This show follows the wonderfully inappropriate misadventures of five lovable (?) characters as they try to get ahead in life (?). If you hang around with people like Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Sweet Dee, and/or Frank—perhaps you...

In episode 94, Chuck talks about gyros! These pita sandwiches, or wraps, hold beef/lamb, pork, or chicken that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Then it’s topped with onions,  tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. (and fries?) Don’t get caught up in the pronunciation! Chuck mentions a few examples of gyros in TV shows, and he also...

In episode 93, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Alan Kurtzweg to talk about John Hughes! John Hughes is the writer and/or director and/or producer of some of the most well-known comedies of the 1980s and 1990s. Here are just some of his movies: National Lampoon’s Vacation, Sixteen Candles, Mr. Mom, The Breakfast Club, Pretty...

In episode 92, Chuck talks about Bruce Lee! Bruce Lee is considered by Chuck, and many others, to be the greatest martial artist of all time! Bruce died at the age of 32; and no, Muhammad Ali did not kill Bruce Lee—no matter what a past guest would have Chuck believe! Bruce Lee developed his...

In episode 91, Chuck sits down with return guest Scott Glennon to talk about Rome! Scott was a study-abroad student in Rome! Italy’s capital has been around a long time; and there’s lots of history, in and around Rome, to explore. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and is located wholly within...

In episode 90, Chuck talks about cryptids! Cryptids are creatures whose existence is based mostly on anecdotal evidence—not Science! Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Chupacabra are some well-known cryptids. Chuck thinks he may have uncovered a pattern or theme with regard to certain states in the U.S.A. being home to a variety of...

In episode 89, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Gabriella Van Leuven about Oaxaca! Oaxaca is a state in southwestern Mexico, and it’s the name of the state’s capital city. Gabriella and her family spent a month in Oaxaca in 2018! Indigenous cultures, the Zapotecs, the Mixtec, and others, have survived better than most others...

In episode 88, Chuck talks about replacement actors! It’s when an actor is replaced by another actor to play the same character. Only actors in television series are considered—and no animal actors are included! One of the most famous replacement actors is Dick Sargent who replaced Dick York as Darrin Stephens on Bewitched. Tell Chuck...

In episode 87, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Shawna Harris about indoor cycling! Shawna has been riding a bike to nowhere for years! Shawna talks about the structure and goals of an indoor cycling class; but Chuck has a friend, past guest Dave Ryan, who does indoor cycling at home. Different, well-known brands are...

In episode 86, Chuck talks about aikido! Aikido is a Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei). Chuck has been a fan of aikido ever since he saw the movie Above the Law starring Steven Seagal. This martial art emphasizes blending with and redirecting an attacker’s energy. Chuck talks about aikido training and techniques...

In episode 85, Chuck sits down with return guest Tom Kearney to talk about Guinness®! First things first: Guinness® is a registered trademark of Guinness & Co. Chuck and Tom both enjoy a pint of Guinness! Guinness might look like a pancake syrup, but it’s not as thick as it looks. Chuck and Tom talk...

In episode 84, Chuck talks about The Pink Panther! Most of the episode is about the British-American film franchise directed by Blake Edwards. The title comes from the name of the fictional diamond that has been stolen in the original film. There were seven sequels after the first film that were directed by Edwards. Many...

In episode 83, Chuck talks via Skype from Canada (That’s a first!) with Jacob Meza about folklore! Jacob is the host of the So It Is Told podcast. (Find it on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Google Play; Twitter and IG: @soitistoldcast; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soitistoldcast/) Chuck and Jacob discuss myths, legends, fables, and fairy tales. Why were these...

In episode 82, Chuck talks about omelettes! Chuck recalls eating and making omelettes ever since his oldest brother introduced them to him. The one basic rule to remember about making omelettes is that you have to break a few eggs; however, this dish is not without its controversies. The omelette may have originated in France,...

In episode 81, Chuck talks over-the-phone with his nephew Jonathan and Jonathan’s wife Natalie about The IT Crowd! This Britcom had four series (seasons) and concluded with a special episode. This show follows Jen, Roy, and Moss (and Richmond) who work in the IT department of Reynholm Industries. Watch as they get into hilarious trouble...

In episode 80, Chuck talks about Patton Oswalt! Chuck is a big fan of Patton’s stand-up comedy. Patton is also an actor who is well known for his role as Spence Olchin on The King of Queens and for being the voice of Remy in Ratatouille. Patton’s first wife was writing a true-crime book about...

In episode 79, Chuck talks via Skype (That’s a first!) with Alexander Black about comic book movies! Alex is the creator, writer, and star of 2000 DC—A Sitcom Podcast. (https://sitpod2000dc.podbean.com/; Twitter: @2000DCpod; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2000DCpod/) Comic book movies (They started as serials.) have been around since the 1940s. There are quite a few movies that Chuck...

In episode 78, Chuck talks about city living! Chuck has lived in the city since January of 2013. There are a number of advantages to city living. One advantage for Chuck is that he no longer needs a car. Chuck has taken advantage of the cultural and educational opportunities offered by living in the big...

In episode 77, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Tom Greene about zombies! After some zombie history, Chuck and Tom talk about zombie movies, which of course includes George A. Romero’s classic Night of the Living Dead. Tom offers recommendations for zombie movies and books, including The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks. Tell us...

In episode 76, Chuck talks about pickles! Pickles have been around for a very, very long time. Here’s a spoiler alert: Other things, besides cucumbers, can be pickled! And it turns out that pickled things have been mentioned in previous episodes! Chuck does not like rollmops! Do you? If not, tell Chuck about the pickles...

In episode 75, Chuck sits down with return guest Mary Catherine (Britty) Pastoret to talk about reading! And this time around, Chuck actually shuts his mouth long enough to let Britty talk! Britty remembers growing up with her dad reading to her. Chuck remembers Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) in elementary school. A few books and...

In episode 74, Chuck talks about Battlestar Galactica! Chuck watched the original Battlestar Galactica TV series when he was a kid. Chuck wanted to be a Viper pilot when he was a kid. Chuck didn’t get into the later TV series starring Edward James Olmos as Commander Adama. Tell Chuck which Battlestar Galactica series you...

In episode 73, Chuck sits down with return guest Maggie Connell to talk about Seattle! There’s more to Seattle than rain and salmon. This port city is also home to Pike Place Market, Amazon, and a certain coffee company. Maggie spent a few days in Seattle recently, and she visited the Space Needle and the...

In episode 72, Chuck talks about drop-in characters! These characters are usually best friends and/or neighbors who drop-in often on the main/title character(s). Chuck was a drop-in character when he was younger. Anyone else? Some of these drop-in characters have been mentioned in previous episodes: Ed Norton, Rhoda Morgenstern, and Phyllis Lindstrom. Chuck was originally...

In episode 71, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Alan Kurtzweg about Florida! Florida’s nickname is The Sunshine State, but there’s plenty of rain, lightning, and hurricanes, too. There’s more to enjoying Florida than visiting its theme parks. Chuck is worried about alligators and he’s heard about the sinkholes in Florida, so he’s wary of...

In episode 70, Chuck talks about John Mulaney! John Mulaney is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer who was born and raised in Chicago. He was a writer for and has hosted Saturday Night Live. He helped create Bill Hader’s recurring character Stefon! John Mulaney had an eponymous sitcom, but it was no Seinfeld....

In episode 69, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Gabriella Van Leuven about Phil Hartman! You might remember Phil Hartman’s wonderful characters on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. Before those shows, Phil Hartman performed with The Groundlings where he met Paul Reubens and helped develop Reubens’ Pee-wee Herman character. Chuck and Gabriella also talk...

In episode 68, Chuck talks about potato salad! Chuck loves this side dish, and would you believe the main ingredient is potatoes! This picnic favorite is originally from Germany and spread across Europe before making its way to the colonies. Beyond the German and American versions, there are Japanese, Mexican, and Peruvian versions, among others....

In episode 67, Chuck sits down with return guest Mary Catherine (Britty) Pastoret to talk about Absolutely Fabulous! Chuck and Britty love this Britcom based on a sketch from French and Saunders. Each episode of Ab Fab follows Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone as they go about their absolutely fabulous lives. Tell us about your...

In episode 66, Chuck talks about Ricky Gervais! Ricky Gervais is an English stand-up comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, and singer. He has created and starred in several successful Britcoms: The Office, Extras, and Derek. Ricky has hosted The Golden Globe Awards four times and has appeared and acted on several television shows in the...

In episode 65, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Laurie Fieffer about fast food! Fast food has been around a long time, and today we have a wide variety of fast food restaurants to choose from. Chuck and Laurie talk about their earliest fast food memories and some of their favorites. Regional fast food and...

In episode 64, Chuck talks about Jeopardy! The original version of this classic game show debuted on March 30, 1964. The host of the original Jeopardy! was Art Fleming, and the announcer was Don Pardo. The syndicated version of Jeopardy! premiered in 1984 and since then, the host has been Alex Trebek, and the announcer...

In episode 63, Chuck sits down with return guest John Swinford to talk about punk rock! Chuck and John discuss what punk rock is and its origins. The Ramones, The Clash, and the Sex Pistols are a few of the bands that were in the first wave of punk rock. John talks about some of...

In episode 62, Chuck talks about grits! This southern tradition is made from dried, ground corn. Chuck usually has his with cheese mixed in. Grits helped to make the sitcom Alice a hit! Grits helped save lives in My Cousin Vinny, and they were used as retribution in Madea’s Family Reunion. Let Chuck know how...

In episode 61, Chuck sits down with Bill McKeown to talk about Aviation! This episode takes off with a brief history of Aviation. Then several in-flight movies are enjoyed and compared to their real-world counterparts. Chuck and Bill bring the episode in for a landing with customer service and passenger failures. Let Chuck and Bill...

In episode 60, Chuck talks about St. Patrick’s Day! It’s that time of year, on and around March 17, when everyone’s Irish! St. Patrick was a real dude who lived in Ireland in the 5th century. To celebrate his life’s work, there are parades, festivals, and wearing of the green all over the world! There...

In episode 59, Chuck sits down with return guest Tom Kearney to talk about Ireland! At the time of recording this episode, Tom has been to Ireland no less than 6 times! Chuck and Tom discuss Ireland’s history, some of its food and drink offerings, and Irish pub culture. And Tom advises visitors to ask...

In episode 58, Chuck talks about The Honeymooners! The Honeymooners is a sitcom that ran for one season, from 1955 to 1956, also referred to as the “Classic 39.” But before that it was a recurring sketch on Cavalcade of Stars and The Jackie Gleason Show. The main characters are bus driver Ralph Kramden and...

In episode 57, Chuck talks over-the-phone with Shawna Harris about Traverse City! Shawna grew up in Traverse City. Traverse City, Michigan is in the pinky area of the “Mitten State.” It’s a small city most of the year, but in the summer the population explodes with visitors for the annual National Cherry Festival and Traverse...

In episode 56, Chuck talks about Po’ Boys! Philadelphia has its cheesesteaks, and Chicago has its Italian beef. New Orleans has the Po’ Boy! The origins of this sandwich go back to 1929 in New Orleans. Meat, seafood, or even French fries dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayo are the most traditional. There are...

In episode 55, Chuck talks over-the-phone with return guest Joel Albright about oysters! Chuck and Joel love eating oysters. Chuck and Joel discuss the different types and preparations of oysters. Restaurants in Chicago and New Orleans that serve oysters are discussed as well. Let Chuck and Joel know about your go-to place for oysters, which...

In episode 54, Chuck talks about Unseen Characters! These are the characters referred to by characters you do see, but they themselves are not seen. Unseen characters have been around since the beginning of live theater, but Chuck only talks about those from television. Which unseen character is your favorite? Let Chuck know which unseen...

In episode 53, Chuck talks over-the-phone with fellow podcaster Juliette Miranda about Whisk(e)y! Juliette (@MorningNeurosis) is the host of The Unwritable Rant podcast (http://www.theunwritablerant.com/), and she loves her whiskey—especially bourbon whiskey. Chuck and Juliette talk about the different spellings of this distilled grain alcohol and its different types. Juliette also shares some stories and recommendations....

In episode 52, Chuck talks about PodernFamily! PodernFamily (@podernfamily) is a hashtag and more! It’s a community of podcasts that uses #PodernFamily on Twitter (and Facebook). Chuck uses #PodernFamily when he posts a Tweet about Hungry for Laughs! (@hfl_podcast). Chuck talks about four podcasts that use #PodernFamily: The Boondoggle (@boondogglecast), Deezus Take The Reel (@DeezusTTReel),...

In episode 51, Chuck sits down with Adam Green to talk about Devo! Devo is the New Wave (or Punk, or Pop, or Whatever) band that started in the 1970s. Devo is probably best known for “Whip It,” but there are other songs of note. Adam and Chuck talk about various Devo songs, albums, and...

In episode 50, Chuck talks about the Big 5-0! Chuck turned 50 in August, but he’s not the only one to reach this milestone in 2017. Some things and people joining him in this achievement are a Chicago landmark, an iconic fast food item, a classic war game, and several past guests! Tell Chuck what...