Go Fact Yourself

It's a collision of comedians on this episode of Go Fact Yourself!

Scott Thompson is known for being part of the famed comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall. How did he become a part of such a well-regarded group of funny people? Let's just say that it all started with a table full of donuts. He'll explain the rest.

Scott faces off against comedian Jenny Yang. Growing up, she thought that she was destined for a career in political activism. But through a long road that included lobbying and poetry readings, she became a comedian and TV personality on the E! Network show "Busy Tonight".

In this episode, we'll learn about timeless movie stars, city planning and the expansive network of UCLA alumni.

What’s the difference: On the Water and Under the Ground

What’s the difference between a cruise ship and an ocean liner?

What’s the difference between a casket and a coffin?

Areas of Expertise

Jenny Yang: LA city planning, social justice leaders and Taiwanese food.

Scott Thompson: James Dean, the show “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and condiments.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Jenny Yang Scott Thompson

With guest experts:

Dylan Sittig, community-focused urban and environmental planner for the city of Los Angeles .

Peter Winkler, author of the book The Real James Dean: Intimate Memories from Those Who Knew Him Best.

This episode is sponsored by Scott Langteau's new children's book Sofa Boy and the Maximum Fun Jumbotron program.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s a trivia mix of film, TV and the internet this week on Go Fact Yourself with two of the creative forces behind Netlfix's “Mystery Science Theater 3000!”

Elliot Kalan is a newly published children’s author of the book Horse Meets Dog. He’s also the host of fellow Maximum Fun podcast The Flop House. The show is all about discussing bad movies, but Elliott’s made sure that that never impacts his love of great films… even if he can only watch them on his iPad these days.

Facing off against Elliott is actress Felicia Day. She’s most known for creating and starring in the online series The Guild. She’ll tell us all about some of her favorite topics and explain some of things she’s learned as she navigates motherhood.

In this episode, about 90’s sitcoms, classic films and the everlasting star-power of dinosaurs.

What’s the difference: Intention and Prevention

What’s the difference between “purposely” and “purposefully”?

What’s the difference between “cease” and “desist”?

Areas of Expertise

Elliott Kalan: Dinosaurs, Alfred Hitchcock, and Abraham Lincoln.

Felicia Day: The TV show “Dharma and Greg”, the board game “Settlers of Catan,” and baking cookies.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Elliott Kalan Felicia Day

With guest experts:

Veronica Cartwright, actress who has had roles in films like Alien and The Birds.

Alan Rachins, actor who’s had roles in series such as “L.A. Law” and “Dharma and Greg.”

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Happy National Trivia Day! Let’s celebrate with a collision of journalists who also host podcasts!

Cara Santa Maria is the host of the podcast Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria. She’s also a science communicator and there’s a chance that her proficiency in STEM will lead her to victory in this trivia battle.

Her opponent is Glen Weldon, panelist on NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast. He’s written the book on Batman and Superman (literally) but will that knowledge be enough to guide him to victory?

In this episode, we’ll learn about fashion, drag queens and art with deceased creatures.

What’s the difference: Top and Bottom

What’s the difference between a shirt that is “button-up” and “button-down”?

What’s the difference between “below” and “under”?

Areas of Expertise

Cara Santa Maria: Hold ‘em poker, the artist Christopher Marley and the Olive Garden menu.

Glen Weldon: Wine tasting, Rupaul’s Drag Race and Catherine O’Hara.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Cara Santa Maria Glen Weldon

With guest experts:

Christopher Marley- international artist.

Brian Firkus- actor, singer and embodiment of drag-queen Trixie Mattel.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green. Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Nerdy media of the past and present collide on this edition of Go Fact Yourself!

Lea Thompson is an actress, perhaps best known for her role in the classic Back to the Future series. But lately, she’s developed a reputation for losing reality TV competitions to such illustrious pop culture fixtures like Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong and Alfonso Ribiero. But she’s ready to end that trend on this show!

Competing against Thompson is Sandeep Parikh, star of the series The Guild. Growing up, he worked really hard to learn about things that would help him fit in and make friends. Luckily, that helped him gain knowledge that could help him win today's game.

In this episode, we’ll learn about classic Hollywood movies, baseball and the color green.

What’s the difference: Green

What’s the difference between “jealous” and “envious”?

What’s the difference between a grove and an orchard?

Areas of Expertise

Sandeep Parikh: The Boston Red Sox, Hindu Mythology, and the film The Princess Bride.

Lea Thompson: Roseville Pottery, designing houses and the film Harold and Maude.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Sandeep Parikh Lea Thompson

With guest experts:

Dan Shaughnessy, sports columnist for the Boston Globe.

Ellen Greer, actress who’s appeared in more than 100 projects across movies, television and theater.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

It’s the very first couple-edition of Go Fact Yourself!

Wil Wheaton is an actor, writer and geek-culture legend. He’s been in everything from Star Trek: The Next Generation where he starred as the character Wesley Crusher, to his YouTube series TableTop. He’s glad to come onto the show and answer trivia questions about his interests; but he also is eager to prove that he knows these subjects well enough to stump the hosts too.

Competing against Wil is Anne Wheaton, author of the children’s book Piggy and Pug, which is as adorable as the title makes it sound. The book also reflects her background as an animal lover, which has shown in her professional life as well as her personal one. Anne also happens to be married to Wil.

In this episode, we’ll learn about secrets from classic arcade games, musical theater and how Anne and Wil met and fell in love.

What’s the difference: High or Low

What’s the difference between “altitude” and “elevation”?

What’s the difference between “less” and “fewer”?

Areas of Expertise

Anne Wheaton: 1980’s Arcade games, Atari 2600 video-games and puns.

Wil Wheaton: 1980’s Arcade games, Atari 2600 and baking sourdough bread.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Wil Wheaton Anne Wheaton

With guest experts:

Gene Lewin, owner of Vintage Arcade Superstore.

Owen Rubin, game designer who helped make classic arcade games for Atari.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

What are Paula and Adam thankful for? You, dear listeners. You. Which is why we spend some time reading your letters and playing your fantastic submissions to our Theme Song Contest. And then we treat you to a review of a heartwarming Thanksgiving classic so you can decide if it’s worth your time to rush through that second helping of turkey and go out to see “Creed 2.” Yes, we watched the very first “Rocky.” SPOILER ALERT: In the original, the turkey doesn’t make it.

House band
Craig Eastman, unusually low fiddle
Website: Craigeastman.com

Go Fact Yourself has returned to Los Angeles!

Jordan Morris is a podcasting savant. For years he has endeared himself to listeners as one of the hosts of the Max Fun podcast Jordan, Jesse Go!. But these days, he’s getting more attention for the sci-fi/comedy show Bubble, which wrapped up its initial season (spoiler alert: he’s going to tease the future of the series in this episode).

Completing our pair of podcasting guests is Alison Rosen, host of Alison Rosen is Your New Best Friend. She’s also the author of the book Tropical Attire Encouraged (and Other Phrases That Scare Me). She’s got a reputation of being very funny in her work, but also very warm in a way that encourages people to share personal insights with her. But that’s not what makes her successful. What is? Well… she’ll explain

In this episode, we’ll learn about the Harlem Globetrotters, sweet treats and prehistoric poop.

What’s the difference: Feast or Famine

What’s the difference between “ice cream” and “gelato”?

What’s the difference between “to deny” and “to deprive” when referring to food?

Areas of Expertise

Jordan Morris: The Simpsons, the La Brea Tar Pits, and the 90’s third-wave ska revival.

Alison Rosen: In vitro fertilization, The Facts of Life, and analogies.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Jordan Morris Alison Rosen

With guest experts:

Dr. Mairin Balisi, National Science Foundation postdoctoral research fellow.

Gloria Loring, singer and actress.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

We take a hard look at the numbers - and how to make them prettier. Los Angeles Times data journalist Jon Schleuss tells us how to analyze elections - and our listeners. Then - if Paula quits comedy... how would she fare as a welder? On our Kareer Korner, Jeff Agnew of the Universal Technical Institute gives Paula a peek at what might await her behind the mask. Also, we take our newfound knowledge of data journalism to new heights as we unveil our online map of places where lost survivalist Thomas Coyne ISN’T.

House band
Jonah “Knuckles” Glickman
Vibraphone

Guests
Jon Schleuss
Data journalist, Los Angeles Times
Twitter: @gaufre
Instagram: @schleuss
Website: Jon Schleuss

Jeff Agnew

Welding Instructor
Universal Technical Institute
Twitter: @UTITweet
Instagram: @uti.tech
Facebook: @UTI
YouTube: Universal Technical Institute
Website: UTI.edu

On our Election Special, we explore who’s running - both for office and on the streets. First, we talk to Coach C.J. Foster to determine if Paula has what it takes to run a marathon. And then we run to the polls with USC’s Professor of Public Policy, Dr. Nicolas Duquette, who helps clear up all the mysteries on our ballots. Plus, Paula reports on her fantastic performance on Jimmy Pardo’s “Never Not Funny” podcast, and why she will probably never be invited back.

House band:
Jory Herman, double bass

Guests
C.J. Foster
Marathon Coach for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training
Website: TeamInTraining.org

Dr. Nicolas Duquette
Professor, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California
Twitter: @NicDuquette
Website: NicolasDuquette.com/

Jory Herman
Double bass, Los Angeles Philharmonic

It's another episode Go Fact Yourself recorded in New York!

Ophira Eisenberg is used to being on trivia shows as the host of NPR’s Ask Me Another. But here’s the thing: she doesn’t consider herself a trivia buff. Like, at all. That said, she’s chosen topics that she thoroughly understands… and most of them involve being a proud Canadian.

Charles Busch is a Tony-nominated actor, playwright, and drag legend. He’s the creator of the film and play Die, Mommie, Die!, which will soon be produced as a radio show. Even though he’s spent most of his professional career performing in women’s clothing, he still finds some of the clothes a bit uncomfortable… but that’s one of the best parts of being an actor.

In this episode, we’ll learn about street-building materials, fashion, and the undervalued cuisine of Canada.

What’s the difference: The streets of New York

What’s the difference between “cement” and “concrete”?

What’s the difference between a “freeway” and a “highway”?

Areas of Expertise:

Ophira Eisenberg: Canadian Geography, Canadian food, and the film Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Charles Bush: Women’s fashion of 1930’s, The film Rosemary’s Baby, and Bette Davis

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Ophira Eisenberg Charles Busch

With guest experts:

Marcel Simoneau, owner of the Brooklyn-based Canadian restaurant Up North.

Eugenia Paulicelli, professor and author of the book Fashion under Fascism.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at Caveat in New York City.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact