Straight Riffin'

This is it, riffolonians. The FINAL episode in the epic saga that is and was Straight Riffin. Dwayne Perkins brought it hard, fast, loud and hilarious like only Dwayne could. We talked about success, the ridiculous chasm between platinum status between countries of the world, language barriers, Dwayne’s “CAKE” system (and Mitcz’s attempt to re-word some of the letters in the acronym), dating, touring, and so much more. We even play the absolute last game of Google Feud and you’ll never guess who wins! Stay subscribed so you can be updated as to what’s coming next.

Danielle Stewart started a riff within a few seconds of the intro and we rode that wave for almost 2 straight hours, before a record-breaking game of Google Feud. During the episode, we talked about the communicative gender divide, past loves, what makes a relationship work, how to talk to your partner, where people make mistakes in love, and so much more. This is a fantastic, nonstop escapade into interpersonal relationships and a riffin that’ll keep you on your toes.

Jackie Gold joins us for a solid riffin’ session in Ep106. We discuss her brief foray into the world of J-Date while explaining related sites, jewish culture, her jewish summer camp, and young Jackie’s diary entries. We also discuss strip clubs, young love, weed culture, pop-culture (and why it’s lost on Mitcz) and much more. Enjoy!

We had a nice one-hour, low-key Riffin this week with comedian Ian Edwards. After discussing his podcast “The Preposterous Sessions”, we got into a discussion on food, health, meat, vegetarianism, the difficulties of avoiding cancer and quite a bit more. Lots to learn this episode, so enjoy!

If you love pets (especially cats), you’re gonna LOVE this episode with returning guest Amy Witry. Closing out “All Women Everything”, we talk cats to an almost absurd degree. And we discuss dogs. And cuteness. Then weird pets. Then weird animals. Then the De-Extinction of animals. And Teddy’s desire to raise a Wolf Pack. And… just absurdity in general. Really, there’s no way to properly explain this episode but it’s a riot and you’re gonna love it. Also, we apologize for the crackling mics towards the end of the episode. We’re working on it, but it’s so rare it’s hard to lock down what it might be.

Reyna Amaya rolled in with her friend and YouTube cohort Lou Lou to riff along with us. A few minutes in, Mitcz invites Lou Lou to join in, and we have ourselves a raucous and fascinating 2-hour, 4-person riff session that will blow your mind and hurt your stomach from laughter. Enjoy, cause we sure as hell did.

Ohh it gets DEEP and FILTHY in the best way possible on this Riffin with Jade Catta-Preta. She holds nothing back, and everyone comes out of their shells a bit as we get into topics about dating, cheating, sex on the road, open relationships, the intricacies of oral sex, and SO much more. Much comedy discussion is thrown in as well, and nary a second goes by without some fast-paced Riffin’ madness.

In our first episode of our first month of women (“All Women Everything!”), Aarona Browning brings it hard, fast, loud and funny. We start out with a discussion of growing up, our respective childhoods, and some serious pop-culture (which is lost on Mitcz, of course). From there, we launch into a very detailed discussion of 90s R&B and various musical tastes of the respective panel members. We end on a brief discussion of Aarona’s recent marriage, and a discussion of the early contexts of relationships. This is a high-energy, nonstop riff – so enjoy!

We did it, baby! 100 g’damn episodes! The fantastic and hilarious Chris Williams riffed it out with us and brought the funk. Teddy’s old friend and Riffin #1 Superfan, Nicole, sat in and inspired us to have a lengthy convo about relationships, how to “court a lady” and more. From there, Chris regales us with tales about his trip to Thailand and enthralls Mitcz while horrifying Teddy. And… of course, some other crazy stuff happens.

The hilarious, bold Jeremy Scippio returns! And it’s quite a raucous event, kids. While discussing silly childhood games, Mitcz explains a knife fight he was in. Teddy defends John Travolta’s career. Jeremy and Teddy get into a series of verbal battles which are enlightening and enthralling. For some reason, there’s a lot of crackling mic noises about halfway through. We apologize, but It’s a helluva show other than that – enjoy!

The hilarious Guy Groves returns to riff along with us for Blackuary Blackriffin, and it’s an introspective and hilarious event. We discuss Guy’s unfortunate resemblance to a wanted man, being pulled over by the cops, explaining racial sensitivity to children, being a father, Muhammed Ali, DUI laws, driving while high, and so much more that it’s impossible to sum up this incredible episode in one paragraph. You’re gonna love it, so listen and enjoy.

It’s the kickoff to our 2013 season of Blackuary Blackriffin with the hilarious, energetic Quincy Jones. In his grand return to the Riffin, we start off with a bang and we don’t let up in this fast-paced ruckus through white people tropes, the “n word” debacle, struggle plates, and Quincy’s goal to do 1000 shows in a single year. After a brief technical issue, we tackle the news of a 23-year game of tag, musical condoms, a rude newscaster interruption and so much more. Enjoy!

This is a heated Riffin here, kids. Justin Rupple returns to regale us of his tales as an actor chef for a commercial, which somehow briefly touches on the Manti Te’o scandal, thereby leading us down a heated debate road of the media, the world, the psychology of the brain, and a number of uncomfortable moments. We round it out on happier subjects, including the discussion of the open-letter proposal for a McWorld.

Ohh this Riffin goes deep into Mitcz’s psyche, when Katie Page stops by and we organically discuss relationships, sex, breakups and drama. Lots of fun awkwardness and confessions here, and no news or links are discussed once the ball gets rolling. Prepare to look deep inside yourself and enjoy the fun!

Jumping out the gate with a raucous, in-depth discussion of the current state of Standup Comedy, Mitcz & Teddy sit with the hilarious Ben Gonzalez. We get deep into the game of the standup comedy mindset, common complaints, and the irresponsibility of hecklers and heckler apologists, and more. We also dive into a discussion of the NYT piece on the “End of Courtship” which we unanimously agree is full of B.S., and we end on a very disgusting invention for your stomach.

Josh “Peter Riffin” Waldron returns, as the Riffin also returns, in 2013. We start off fast and loose, with Josh flyin’ off the handle while Mitcz tries to work out the situation behind ignored text messages. We move on to racial discussions, and a sports discussion that becomes a celebrity-obsessed-culture discussion. In the news, we talk about the fate of the “ScarJo Hacker”, Kurzweil’s new position at Google, Jamie Kennedy’s embarrassing New Year’s Eve event and we end on a raucous round of Google Feud.

To welcome in 2013, Mitcz and Teddy did a brief 1-hour chat between just the two of ‘em, talking about New Year’s Eve frustrations, hopes for 2013, and a whole lotta whacky riffin’ on why Tom Waits should be the official vocalist of the auld lang syne song. Enjoy! We’re back again next week!

In this special bonus edition of Straight Riffin, Mitcz and Teddy are joined by Yassir Lester for a 90-minute discussion. In the first half, Yassir and Teddy try to explain various hip hop slang to Mitcz, while he argues about their correct usage. In the last half, we have a heated debate about the holidays, the meaning of christmas, and Mitcz’s plan for a “Restmas Holiday” for all.

Talk about goin’ out with a bang! Our last live riff of the year was a helluva show, folks. We cover everything from electric cars to conspiracy theories to opulence to modern-day comedy to sitcoms to the genius of Martin to rap music to, of course, Mitcz’s whiteness and ohh so much more. There’s literally so much going on in this episode it’s impossible to sum it up or describe it all. But, since we’re taking some time off for at least a week (or two) you’ll have plenty time to listen to it all and enjoy it to its fullest.

It’s a fabulous and hilarious Riffin this time around when Eric Hahn comes out to talk gay lifestyle, homophobia, oral sex, and more just in the first 10 minutes. Mitcz and Teddy discuss how gay they are as a percentage (and Teddy’s percentage grows over time). We discuss at some length the Kevin Clash (Elmo) sex scandals, growing up gay, and we bust into some news regarding vocabularies, explaining subjects to odd characters, the trend of a return to American manufacturing, and we all learn a thing or two about a thing or two.

Billy Bonnell does some massive riffin’ with us this time around. We start out discussing his Texan upbringings, his Navy career, his burgeoning comedy career and more. We compare NYC and LA comedy scenes, talk some smack about “the industry” and move on to news items like NYC’s crime rate, the declining birthrate, a Mike Tyson confession, the Top 10 Songs of the Year on Songify, and even… Google Feud!

Vinay Chand comes out to riff along with us when the discussions get fast and loose about Indian culture, racism, Obama, Twitter, Tumblr and a lot of social media madness. Mitcz spends the last chunk of the episode bitching about CBS, and Teddy and Vinay attempt to explain network TV to Mitcz.

Our old pal Dusty Rhoads FINALLY comes out to riff with us after many failed attempts and we get deep into a number of topics like 80s Videogames and Batman movies but also serious topics like Prostate Cancer and Kevin Clash’s (voice of Elmo) recent scandal (and about rape accusations both real and fabricated). This episode is gonna split your head open and play around with your brain pieces. Oh, and… Happy Thanksgiving.

Our old pal Adam Feuerbeg riffs along about videogames, D&D, online rudeness, parental responsibility, cuddling for hire, Star Wars, Howard the Duck and ohhh so much more! This is some of that classic riffin that’s gonna be just delicious.

Comedian Lizzy P riffs along in this jam-packed episode. We discuss breakfast cereals, cooking as a single person, the crazy world of online dating, and much ado about the next day’s U.S. elections. Get informed AND laugh. We’ve got it all up in here.

Our old pal John Bassett joins us in the new studio for a special (*cough* Mitcz’s b-da *cough) riffin episode. Teddy brings the heat in the first few minutes after a meme gets out of hand, we discuss the spread of political correctness in another meme, there’s some discussion of our childhoods, sports, old jobs, and more. A spontaneous game is created when Mitcz tries to name one president for every Star Wars character he can name, and he finally dominates a home-spun Riffin Game. Teddy still wins Google Feud, though.

Anthony & Melanie Clark (“The Amazing Clarks”) joined us for what is inarguably our most enlightening (and, surprise! loving!) episode ever. We delve into the chasm between traditional relationship structures and the Luxury Dating lifestyle Anthony & Melanie meet with couples and singles to cultivate. There’s a LOT more to it than that, and a LOT more riffin than we can fit into this description – but this episode might just change your life.

Dale Spollett brought some high-powered riffin’ to subjects we rarely discuss. Hair products, Spice Girls, getting drunk with alcoholic vervet monkeys in the Caribbean, pot-belly-pig sized dinosaurs, boxing, shoes, fast food and more riffs than you can count. It’ll make ya smooth.

We join our old friend Derrick Lemos for a semi-serious, but informative Riffin on all manner of madness. The mood in the room was one of discovery and amusement, and we riffed about robotic bees, manatees, income disparity, cancer foundations, and much more. This is a riff that’ll examine your soul, without leaving you empty.

Cyrah Hawkins came out to riff along about a vast number of Hollywood and TV misgivings and trends, along with some hilarious riffin on dares and the intricacies of Teledildonics. Remote sex! How do you not love that? Also, Teddy loses at Google Feud for a change.

Our old pal Alex Mandelberg riffed on through to the other side in this raucous Riffin’ time. We start out with a discussion of the recent RiotLA Comedy Festival, leading into a short list of things Mitcz hates (which Mandelberg unifies with a theory), talk about who hates America based on arbitrary items, and Alex displays disrespect for the Batman franchise much to the ire of Mitcz & Teddy. From there.. well, it goes about every which way it can. You’ll love it, though. Be sure to check the site for all the links we discuss in this episode.

Dwayne Perkins rolled up and riffed on with us during the hard-hitting ruckus. The early discussions touch on the tricky nature of black people at tractor pull events, a theoretical Mitcz at a B.I.G. show, and we have a lot of fun with vocal effects. In the news – we discuss rap, GZA’s new album plans, loud moviegoers, intergalactic space travel, all kinds of crazy science madness, and amongst other things we even manage to get in a solid round of Google Feud.

With Teddy out of town, our old pal Leo Sanders filled in on the co-host duties while we talked with Zara Mizrahi about her childhood acting with Disney, her musical career, her standup comedy, and some awesome tidbits about clown school. We also riff along about relationships, and play another game of Google Feud.

A man of much Riffin Lore, Richard Wendling, swings through to riff it out with us. We give him a chance to exonerate himself (which he fumbles through), he discusses his Vegas plans and we give him plenty of fun little tips, and it all gets whackier from there, with talking sea otters, more of Teddy’s paranoia regarding animals with thumbs, Richard attempts to explain The Dark Knight (and fails) and we play a rousing game of Google Feud.

Hot diggity dog. Henry Dittman tore through these 2 hours like it was nothin’. We started with a simple discussion of Hollywood construction projects, moved into discussions about Anime and Japanese Horror films, a discussion of Seppuku, some fascinating Japanese culture discussions, and check in with the weirdest news items of the week : sleeping beauty art exhibits, the “Face-Kini”, tinhatting love conspiracies, and ohh so much more. Good luck finding more than a half-second of silence in this episode. It’ll eat your face.

Abbey Londer brought the heat with this episode! We walk through her overwhelming task of creating and curating the upcoming Riot LA Comedy Festival, some of the comedians performing, what to expect, and a whole lot more. We move on to discussing the ins and outs of the comedy scene and LA. The show caps off with a discussion about crazy people, one night stands, and everyone psychoanalyzes Mitcz for some reason.

It’s all bacon and puppies on this episode with guest Eddie Pence. We get deep into the game of Hollywood, comic books, the upcoming Bill & Ted’s 3 being greenlit, Arsenio Hall announces a late night comeback, we play a game of “Steak House or Gay Bar?” and ohh so much more. Enjoy!

There was a scheduling mishap, and we were without a guest. But, we’d rather light a candle than curse the darkness. So, we FINALLY got around to our annual “Riff of the Union” and get deep into the game. Moreover, Mitcz discusses the upcoming Riffopolis network and Teddy’s new political show. It’s a shorter show, but plenty of riffs per minute to tide you over until next week.

Much ado about Phoenix in this episode, when Cody Kopp reveals he has a geographic similarity to Mitcz. We also discuss TMZ and celebrity culture, “the biz”, Hollywood, and much more. We also get into the culture of Arizona, and why Sheriff Joe Arpaio still sucks.

David Futernick, known mostly for his CollegeHumor.com pieces, riffs on through with us about his upbringing, what got him in with the CollegeHumor crew, Mitcz gives a brief history of viral sensations pre-youtube era, we talk about the future of internet content, and we bust into some news. Poor Fred Willard. This is some damn fine riffin’, kids.

A special mid-week riffin session here, just one hour but an amazing one hour at that. Cedric Yarbrough tells us about his work on Reno 911, his new show “Black Dynamite”, his visits to Comic Con, some Boondocks discussions, and a bit more. Fascinating stuff, kids. Get in and get some riff on ya.

Tom Young came on through for some serious hardcore riffin. This session is one for the ages, where Teddy gets paranoid (again!) about dolphins. We get deep in the game with a riff on polite angry muggers, Mitcz makes a case for Mike Patton’s vocal skills, Tom tells some fun stories about his dad, and Teddy definitively wins the war on “strenth vs. strength” against Mitcz.

John Wesley rolled through Riffin’ Headquarters with some old school swagger. We talk about his early years, and close relationship with James Avery (“Uncle Phil” from Fresh Prince), being the first black actor in the Oregon Shakespeare festival, and oh so much more. We get DEEP into the game, and deep inside our selves. This was a real treat, and you’re gonna love it.

Our first 4-person riff, this episode goes to AMAZING depths of Hollywood culture, with Erika Alexander (of The Cosby Show and Living Single) and her husband Tony Puryear (screenwriter for Eraser, artist for Concrete Park). From discussions of so-called “black hollywood”, to double standards, to the history of various cultural milestones, and all sorts of riffin’ in between. It’s eye-opening, entertaining, and funny as hell.

Erik MacArthur came in skeptical, and left as a fan, as we delved deep into old Nickelodeon and his role on Salute Your Shorts, his upbringing in Hawaii, young Hollywood, his recent directorial efforts, his lessons from the past, and we end with a lengthy discussion about the first human trip to Mars as a reality show. You don’t wanna miss this window into awesomeness.

When Quincy Jones (not THAT Quincy Jones) swings through riffin’ studios, he and Teddy accidentally team up to make Mitcz feel whiter than ever. It’s a fast-paced thrill-ride, kids. You’ll laugh your tits off at the worlds that be collidin’ on this one.

Joe Matarese didn’t just swing through and riff with us — he was in full-on “fixing people” mode. We got deep into some great psychology of each of our pasts, our families, and our minds. It doesn’t get weepy or too serious, it’s just a damn good time and a great listen. Thanks again, Joe! Awesome guy. Also, check out his podcast “Fixing Joe”.

There’s just too much awesome for your face when we kick out the motherf***in riffs with the one and only Wayne Kramer. This is a very unorthodox episode – not much riffin, mostly interview. The first half is mostly Teddy delving deep into Wayne’s history with the MC5, while the second half is Mitcz and Teddy delving into Wayne’s political contributions, and an in-depth discussion of prison reform. This episode is going on our top shelf like a trophy.

Our old pal Harry Moroz returned from his self-imposed exile in Detroit and FINALLY makes his debut on Straight Riffin. You’re in for an epic time (don’t miss the freestyle rap session at the end!) where we discuss arcades, skits on rap albums, documentaries, the Koch brothers & other rich people conspiracies, Teddy and Mitcz take turns trying to explain “Inception” to each other, and Harry KILLS it with some freestyle rappin’.

Mike “bobby helmet” Hume brings out the HUMEn race for this riff session. We discuss sex as a revenge tactic, tupac & biggie, how commercials are evidence of corporate malfeasance, fifty shades of grey and Mitcz’s disdain for written erotica, and we have a lengthy discussion about transgendered people which leads to a riveting discussion about female artists and the male ego.

Amy WItry swings through and brings forth a wealth of hot button topics – from the “attachment parenting” national discussion to an in-depth discussion of booty texts, we even touch on late-life virgins and Mitcz describes keeping “pure” as a 17 year old and that’s just scratching the surface of this awesome episode.