MASH Matters

It's an episode we never wanted to do, but we knew we needed to do it.   This one is for our dear, sweet friend, Loretta Swit.   Memorial donations may be made to Actors & Others For Animals or the SwitHeart Animal Alliance    

Jeff and Ryan open another big ol' mailbag of listener questions in this episode of MASH Matters. We discuss phantom mess tent movies, square footage, showering at the 4077th, Igor's sister's wood, singing surgeons, and what happens when actors call in sick. Plus, we say Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen to another M*A*S*H actor, and we welcome our new co-host, Mark!   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.    

In this episode of MASH Matters, Jeff & Ryan welcome you into the VIP tent! You'll hear three bonus mini-episodes that we recorded exclusively for our Patreon VIPs. We share some never-before-told stories (and a few that we've probably told multiple times). Plus, Jeff gives us a peek at his massive residual check from Starsky & Hutch.   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. 

"I think that we shall never see / a podcast as lovely as episode 134." (Yes, we know it doesn't rhyme.)   In this episode of MASH Matters, Jeff & Ryan wax poetic about another round of listener questions. Topics include the magnificence of Larry Linville, M*A*S*H-inspired parties, dirty long johns, neti pots, love for "Letters," forgotten polls, bonding over Packo's, and more. Plus, we say Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen to not one, but TWO beloved M*A*S*H actors.   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.    

Jeff & (what's left of) Ryan open the phone lines and unload an abundance of listener voicemails. We listen to YOUR thoughts on topics like bingo, the Big 10, Igor's phone number, Margaret's cult, chopper auctions, finale animosity, Winchester's death fixation, and much more. If you'd like to leave a voicemail, call MASH Matters at 513-436-4077. (voicemails must be under 3 minutes in length)   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. 

Jeff & Ryan welcome the wonderful Karen Lieberman to MASH Matters! Karen was Executive Producer Burt Metcalfe's right-hand gal through the first nine years of M*A*S*H's run. She shares so many great stories about on-set pranks, guest star salaries, her baby's gender reveal by Harry Morgan, and the Christmas gift from Burt Metcalfe that she still uses to this day. Plus, Karen tells us what it was like standing next to McLean Stevenson during the shooting of *that* scene... and why you should never order tuna on Fridays in the Fox commissary.   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.

Jeff & Ryan take to the air with Captain Ray Poss on MASH Matters! Capt. Poss's career as a seasoned pilot included flying choppers on M*A*S*H - both the film and the series! We discuss his unorthodox start in show business, the story behind some of his most memorable episodes, his stint as the infamous Five O'Clock Charlie, and much more. Buckle up... this is a fun one! For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store      

We enlist the aid of our VIPs in this episode of MASH Matters. Jeff & Ryan blindly answer last-minute questions submitted by the fine folks supporting the podcast on Patreon. Topics include line dancing, Sister Theresa's orphans, our most common listener questions, Disney's 50th anniversary snub, favorite Private Igor scenes, and George the Bird's TV habits. Special thanks to our Patreon VIPs for coming through for us in our time of need. Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

Jeff & Ryan open the overstuffed mailbag to answer another round of listener questions. Topics include tug-o-war, Alan Alda's dream for Igor, BJ's surgical hat, the gateway to Zanesville, and a possible Garrett & Maxwell reunion. We also reveal the top picks in the M*A*S*H fan name survey and choose The Final Two. As always, this episode of MASH Matters was NOT brought to you by Skechers.  Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

Jeff & Ryan return from the way-too-long hiatus with a SUPERSIZED episode of MASH Matters! In this long-awaited Season Eight Recap, we discuss every episode of M*A*S*H's eighth season, read listener comments, share our thoughts, play lots of clips, and reveal our favorite Season Eight episodes. We're back and better(?) than ever!   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

When's the podcast coming back? Jeff & Ryan discuss the longer-than-expected hiatus and announce the return date for new MASH Matters episodes. 

Jeff & Ryan welcome Bill Taylor, the author of "Mike Connors: A Life of Integrity in Film & Television," to discuss Mike's career, Mannix, and his reputation for being one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. Jamie Farr also joins us to talk about his long friendship with Mr. Connors and their guest stint on The Love Boat.  We even find a few M*A*S*H connections, too. We hope you enjoy this bonus episode of MASH Matters. 

Jeff & Ryan share a quick announcement about the immediate future of the podcast.   (Don't worry. We're not quitting!)

In this episode of MASH Matters, Jeff and Ryan welcome "cousins" Vanessa and Ethan, hosts of M*A*S*H Mouth, a podcast that recaps our favorite TV series episode by episode. We discuss their fandom, friendship, and favorite M*A*S*H moments. Plus, where the heck did they get the name "M*A*S*H Mouth?" Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.

In this episode of MASH Matters, listeners tell Jeff all the ways he's screwed up recently. He and Ryan also eulogize Donald Sutherland, talk about tags, review Reverend Jim's MASH script, update the Salkowitz saga, and dissect Jeff's acting choices in his Emmy-worthy guest appearance on CHiPs. Plus, we narrow the field of potential names for M*A*S*H fans. If you want to learn more about these podcast topics, Larry Gelbart orders you to read more about it!     Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website  

Taylor has Swifties, Beyoncé has the BeyHive, and Buffett has Parrotheads. But what should we call our fellow M*A*S*H fanatics? That's just one of the many topics Jeff & Ryan discuss on this episode of MASH Matters. Other talking points include industrial films, Jamie Farr's earlobes, unsold pilots, 1951, the Salkowitz theory, Margaret's pillow, stray crew members, and more. PLUS, we introduce another never-before-seen treasure from Michael Hirsh!   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.

NOTE: THIS IS AUDIO FROM A VIDEO EPISODE. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/VcUh6TS4sq8 or click on the show notes for Episode 124 at MASHMattersPodcast.com   It's Show & Tell day! Jeff & Ryan take to YouTube to show off their personal M*A*SH collections. You'll see all kinds of memorabilia - from action figures, die cast cars, and promotional glasses to scripts, cast gifts, and a chess piece from the Swamp. Plus, Jeff breaks out his original Igor hat! We hope you enjoy this VIDEO episode of MASH Matters!   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

Grab a stale loaf of toast and settle in for another round of listener questions on this episode of MASH Matters! Jeff & Ryan discuss a smattering of subjects including Radar's letter-opening technique, handwritten notes, pink action figures, Igor's musical skills, assorted Sophies, and the going rate for M*A*S*H scripts. Plus, who baled all that hay?   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website  

How tall is Jeff? Why didn't the M*A*SH cast have crew cuts? How many gifts *did* Margaret's father give her mother on their wedding night? These are just a few of the burning questions Jeff & Ryan tackle on this episode of MASH Matters! Other topics include AfterMASH, chicken coops, Jackie Cooper, Army boots, how to say Cavalry, journaling, and that blasted big red bird with fuzzy pink feet. Plus, we finally get the definitive answer to the oft-asked question, "Can Alan Alda really knit?"   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.    

Remember the time capsule the M*A*S*H cast buried after the series ended? In this episode, we talk to the guy who dug the hole! Special effects technician Jay King joins Jeff & Ryan to discuss his time on the series. We talk about the infamous time capsule (What was in it? Who dug it up? Where is it now?) and other topics including a scary chopper ride, fighting fire on stage 9, squirting blood, blowing up tongue depressors, wrestling alligators, and how to make the O.R. smell like a hospital. Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

Voicemails! Lots and lots of voicemails! In this episode, we serve up a heaping helping of listener phone calls. Topics include mutton chops, knitting (again), liver, fish, power lines, trivia games, Larry Linville's mystery credit, The Fonz, Margaret & Charles' truncated love affair, M*A*S*H airing in South Korea, the single best performance of the series, and the first time a particular phrase was uttered on network television. Plus... Jeff was on the operating table?!?  

Another member of the M*A*S*H Royal Family pays a visit! Jeff & Ryan welcome Alan Alda's grandson, Jake Alda Coffey to MASH Matters. We discuss growing up with a famous grandfather and the moment he realized his grandpa was a big deal. Jake also talks about watching M*A*S*H for the first time, his favorite Alan Alda projects, future career goals, and the writing lesson he learned from his grandpa. Plus, Jeff learns about TikTok!     For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store  

In this unplanned, unprepared, and unpredictable episode, Jeff & Ryan answer on-the-spot listener questions from Facebook and Instagram. We discuss the worst part of starring on M*A*S*H, taking things from the set, celebrating birthdays, our favorite singers, and other other jocularity. Plus, we bid farewell to Gentleman Joe and reveal our most polarizing unpopular pop culture opinions.   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website  

In this feel-good episode, Jeff & Ryan open the (virtual) mailbag and (virtually) answer more listener questions. We tackle hard-hitting topics like tug-o-war, flying desks, tanks in the calvary, the real Larry Linville, actors watching actors act, fan art, Ryan guest-starring on M*A*S*H, hiking in to visit the actual set, and Charles Nelson Reilly's animated dogs. Over and out...  

We have a lot of catching up to do in this episode of MASH Matters! First, Jeff & Ryan share their reviews of the recent M*A*S*H documentary on Fox. We then dive into the mailbag to discuss a few things we got right in recent episodes, along with a whole lotta stuff we got wrong. Topics include an update on Jeff's driver, how to kill a TV show with sexual tension, a Swamp replica in Kansas, the "ghost" haunting Jeff's cookbook, M*A*S*H dialogue in everyday conversations, and a day in the life of our favorite private. Plus... Igor's German?!?   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website   Support the podcast on Patreon and buy merch at the MASH Matters store  

Jeff & Ryan welcome director John Scheinfeld and TV executive Dan Harrison to discuss the documentary, M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television, airing January 1, 2024 on Fox! We discuss the special's 10-year journey to the screen, the challenges of distilling eleven seasons down to 2 hours, greenlighting the special for broadcast TV, and why John & Dan believe this is the definitive M*A*S*H documentary. All this and Elvis, too!   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

It's finally here! The long-awaited, hotly-anticipated, and annoyingly-delayed Season Seven Recap! In this super-sized episode, Jeff & Ryan take a trip through the seventh season of M*A*S*H while reading listener comments, airing grievances, and sharing fun facts along the way. Plus, the guys pick their top three favorite episodes from the season. Enjoy... because who knows how long you'll have to wait for Season Eight!   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.

Jeff & Ryan throw the book at Linda Kelsey on this episode of MASH Matters! Linda played Lt. Mickey Baker in the season 5 episode "The Nurses." Linda's M*A*S*H memories include marveling at Loretta Swit's iconic speech, blowing her audition, smooching with Gregory Harrison, and sustaining an injury while filming a pivotal scene. We also discuss her five-time Emmy-nominated role on Lou Grant, the genius of Gene Reynolds, and her recent return to the stage. Plus, Jeff & Ryan close out the episode with a long-awaited announcement!   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website   Support the podcast on Patreon or buy merch at the MASH Matters store  

Let's bust another M*A*S*H myth! In this episode, Jeff & Ryan chat with author Marc Freeman and the one and only Mike Farrell to discuss the on-set disagreement that led to BJ & Hawkeye's riff in the episode "Preventative Medicine." Did it come to blows? How was the situation resolved? And, in a fight, would Mike lead with his left or his right? We also discuss other topics including BJ's surliness, Marc's experience on the set as a child, Mike's new ebook, the article that inspired MASH Matters, and, of course, the mustache.   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store  

What goes into reviving a long-out-of-print cookbook? Ask Arthur Healey! In this episode, Jeff & Ryan talk to the man responsible for bringing Jeff's cookbook, Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess: The Lost Recipes of Private Igor back from the paperback graveyard. We dive into the challenges of acquiring publishing rights, searching for photos from M*A*S*H scenes that don't exist, adding new recipes (and losing a few), and spending hundreds of hours restoring a beloved book. Mister Rogers even contributes to the story, too!   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

What was it like being Hawkeye's daughter? Let's find out! Jeff & Ryan are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Alda O'Heaney to MASH Matters! We, of course, talk about Elizabeth's famous father, Alan Alda. But we also discuss her equally awesome mother, growing up across the country from the 4077th, Elizabeth's own short-lived acting career, goofing off with Igor on the set of M*A*S*H, and much more.   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. 

Let's go to the phones... again! Jeff & Ryan listen to your (mostly) friendly voicemails and answer (mostly) your questions! Topics include quoting M*A*SH, scheduling around the weather, re-recording Igor's lines, Trapper John MD, and assigning blame for Henry's departure. Fill up the canvas bathtub, listen, and enjoy! Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.    

Finally! At long last, we are thrilled to announce that the new updated 50th Anniversary edition of Jeff's cookbook "Secrets of the M*A*S*H Mess" is now available for purchase!   BUY "SECRETS OF THE M*A*S*H MESS - 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION" HERE!     NOTE: Please buy only the 50th Anniversary Edition. All other copies come with poor-quality printing.

You grumbled, we listened! In this episode of MASH Matters, listeners share their LEAST favorite episodes of M*A*S*H. In addition to the usual suspects, (i.e. "Dreams" and "Hawkeye"), we learn that some episodes are not as beloved as we previously thought! Plus, for the first time, Jeff & Ryan reveal their own least favorite episodes. Buckle in... this is gonna get bumpy.   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

Jeff & Ryan open the ol' mailbag and answer questions about real life relatives on M*A*S*H, the series' impact on young viewers, typecasting, autographs, striking actors, Tom Mix, the first laugh track, loincloths, and a puppy named Tuttle! We also enlist the help of listeners to interpret the "Dreams" of Henry, Frank, and Radar.   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. 

In this very special episode, Jeff & Ryan chat with guest star Harvey Kalmenson. Before becoming one of the most respected and well-known voiceover directors in Hollywood, Harvey was Cpl. Kalmenson serving in Korea with the United States Army. Harvey shares a multitude of stories from his time in Korea, including what it was like being drafted into the service, unexpected family reunions, a visit to a M*A*S*H unit, his thoughts on patriotism, and more. Plus, we finally learn how U.S. Army food really tasted! We hope you enjoy this conversation with "Da Harv."   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. 

We salute our friend Eileen Saki in this episode of MASH Matters. Jeff & Ryan welcome special guest Megan Bridget to honor and remember our favorite Rosie. We also attempt to answer a variety of listener questions about AfterMASH DVDs, songs that don't exist, William Christopher's ivory-tickling abilities, Star Trek's holodeck, and Weird Al Yankovic. Plus, we check in with our pets and share a long-awaited COOKBOOK UPDATE!   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

Jeff & Ryan welcome Eric White - aka The M*A*S*H Historian - to this episode of MASH Matters! We discuss Eric's massive M*A*S*H collection, trading scripts for lanterns, Jackie Cooper's Emmy, crew gifts, going behind the scenes at the Smithsonian, and the mystery of the missing wristwatch.   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store  

Jeff & Ryan return to the ol' mailbag for another round of listener questions. Topics include searching for the finale, pushing gurneys, smooth table reads, Bogart's Battle Circus, shooting schedules, and the day Jeff met Steve Jobs. Plus - Radar's season eight whereabouts, the meaning behind 4077, and... is that Igor digging up kimchi pots?    For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store  

Attention All Personnel! Jeff & Ryan welcome Sal Viscuso to MASH Matters! Sal was one of the two actors whose voices were heard over the 4077th loudspeaker! We discuss Sal's showbiz career, his artwork, the announcement recording process, cooking for Mel Brooks & Carl Reiner, and his three on-screen appearances on M*A*S*H. Plus, we finally learn where the PA announcer was headquartered in camp!   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store  

Jeff & Ryan pause to catch their breath on this episode of MASH Matters. We're looking back at the last few episodes, watching Memories of MASH, hearing from new listeners, looking for season seven, sending love to Rosie, remembering Judy Farrell, and totally ripping off Alan Alda's "Let's act out a scene written by A.I." thing.   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.   Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store    

To celebrate the 100th episode, Jeff & Ryan bring you another MASH Matters Exclusive: a rare, unfiltered, never-before-heard interview with McLean Stevenson! In remastered audio provided by special guest Michael Hirsh, McLean shares his candid thoughts on a variety of topics. Who was the best actor on the show? What was his least favorite script? When did he know M*A*S*H was a hit? He also answers the big question: Why did he leave MASH? Plus, stick around for a bonus surprise to commemorate episode #100.   NOTICE: This interview includes adult themes and language. Listener discretion is advised.   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. Support the podcast and buy merch at the MASH Matters store    

Jeff & Ryan welcome actor/writer Will Friedle to MASH Matters!   Will is best known for portraying Eric Matthews on seven seasons of the hit television series Boy Meets World (1993-2000). He's also had a prolific career as a voice actor on a variety of popular animated series, including Batman Beyond and Kim Possible. But, most of all, Will is a massive M*A*S*H nerd, going toe-to-toe with Ryan with 4077th quotes and trivia.    We discuss his fandom, favorite episodes, geeking out over Loretta Swit & Jamie Farr, and how M*A*S*H made him want to be an actor. Plus, find out which M*A*S*H actor came within a whisker of playing Mr. Feeney on Boy Meets World! For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

Jeff & Ryan welcome Brian Rooney to MASH Matters. Brian is the volunteer project manager who oversees the original M*A*S*H outdoor filming site at Malibu Creek State Park. We discuss Brian's mission to rejuvenate the set, everything you need to know before you visit, and how to create a perfect replica of the iconic 4077th signpost. Plus, you'll learn how many people visit the site every week, the names of other well-known motion pictures shot at the park, and the story behind Robert Altman's decision to film in Malibu instead of Korea. Put on your hiking boots and join us for a trip to the former Fox Ranch!   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.  

Now just a minute! This is a podcast! The last thing we want to do is answer a lot of questions!   Jeff & Ryan refuse to answer listener questions in this episode. However, we DO discuss the never-ending Grape Nehi saga, mispronounced Canadian provinces, bored Charles, shrugging Igor, splattered cookbooks, M*A*S*H beer, Tony Packo's, wormholes, and much more.   But if you're looking for answers to a bunch of questions, this isn't the episode for you. For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.

In this special episode, we pay tribute to the man who gave us TV's M*A*S*H - hall of fame writer, director, and producer Larry Gelbart! Jeff & Ryan are joined by Larry's close friend, Dan Harrison, to celebrate Mr. Gelbart's life and legacy. We discuss the teenage fan letter that led to a lifelong friendship, Larry's generosity and gentle humor, his illustrious career, and Karen Valentine's coconut balls!   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.

Jeff & Ryan feign chemistry and answer a new slew of listener questions. Topics include fan clubs, signposts, dioramas, Catholic history podcasts, backward-flying helicopters, embarrassing moments, and the continuing saga of the not-so-grape Nehi. Warning: this episode contains excessive nudity.   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website   Support MASH Matters on Patreon

Too Many Cooks! Jeff & Ryan are proud to welcome acclaimed actor & activist Ed Begley, Jr. to the podcast! We discuss how his season 8 guest appearance on M*A*S*H nearly got him both fired AND killed! Other topics include St. Elsewhere, improvising with Christopher Guest, Ed's line of environmentally-safe cleaning products, and his "painful" acting technique.   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website. Support MASH Matters on Patreon.

In this episode, Jeff & Ryan tackle hard-hitting questions... like "Does Grape Nehi have real grape flavor?" Other hot topics include the comedy stylings of Harry Morgan, taking X-rays without electricity, M*A*S*H's cult fandom, the color wheel, Discord, Chief Surgeons, and defending the Smithsonian. For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website Support MASH Matters on Patreon 

Rizzo and Igor, together again! Jeff & Ryan welcome the one and only G.W. Bailey to MASH Matters. We discuss his early years in Port Arthur, Texas, high school with Bubba Smith, replacing another popular character on M*A*S*H, moving Rizzo from Brooklyn to the bayou, annoying David Ogden Stiers, a surprise phone call with Larry Gelbart, and the set piece that's hanging in his bathroom.   For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.

Live from the old Fox Ranch, it's MASH Matters! In this episode, Jeff & Ryan chat with listeners and fans during M*A*S*H's 50th anniversary celebration at the original outdoor shooting location in Malibu Creek State Park. For show notes, episodes, recipes, bios, and more visit our website.