The Big Bad Broadcast

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we kick things off with a lively introduction featuring some familiar voices, including Tommy Chong, Lance Burton, and Billy Gardell. As we dive into the show, John and I engage in some playful banter about our audio equipment, with John struggling to get his mic levels right. Can you hear me now? Mic checker 1, 2, 3, 4? John?

We then transition to a discussion of Halloween, where I share my disdain for the holiday and my preference to avoid trick-or-treaters altogether. John recounts a humorous story about his grandkids and their cookie-sharing antics, which leads us into a nostalgic conversation about sibling rivalries and childhood memories.

And Today in BBB Sports - A thrilling Game 7 of the World Series, From Non Fans.
We also reminisce about our experiences with parades and the New York Islanders, leading to a funny story about John leaving his sister behind to celebrate with the team.

Documentaries, Documentaries, Documentaries! Particularly, the Terracotta Warriors, Historical, Medical, Crime, Food, anything Doc U Mentry my dear Watson.

Then our heroes shift to the macabre...

OK! Stop. What is macabre? ... ma·ca·bre /məˈkäbrə,məˈkäb/ adjective

Ok, today's class we will be discussing the infamous Ed Gein and the bizarre aspects of his life, including his obsession with death and the creation of furniture from human remains. We also touch on the strange phenomenon of fan mail sent to serial killers, highlighting the complexities of human nature.

Throughout the episode, we maintain our signature humor and camaraderie, making for an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion that ranges from lighthearted anecdotes to darker historical tales. Join us for another wild ride on the Big Bad Broadcast!

This Halloween, The Big Bad Broadcast sets sail into the chilling depths of pirate legends and spectral encounters. Mike kicks things off with mischievous Halloween memories before welcoming Jackie Hoover from the Antilles Trading Company Pirate Museum. Jackie unveils eerie tales of haunted artifacts, wandering spirits, and a ghost that loves to mimic voices inside the museum’s dark halls. The crew dives into the haunted legacies of Blackbeard and Calico Jack, the curse of Billy One Hand, and the restless spirit of Anne Bonny haunting Rackham’s Key. Between the ghost stories and pirate lore, listeners get a reminder to stay safe out there—no drinking and driving, even on the most haunted night of the year. The show closes with a goosebump-raising reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” wrapping up a Halloween episode filled with laughter, legends, and plenty of paranormal chills.

In this milestone episode of The Big Bad Broadcast, the world of whales is sparked by a strange documentary about a lonely 51-hertz singer. Expect wild whale stories, a touch of ocean science, a dash of fishing humor, and a few moral debates about humanity’s relationship with the sea. We close on the road with classic tales from my days touring with Crosby, Stills & Nash. It’s a joyful mix of comedy, storytelling, and heartfelt reflection that reminds us why 200 episodes feel like just the beginning.

In this special 200th episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we welcome the legendary Richie Manovini, a prominent figure in Long Island comedy. We kick off the episode with some light banter about my motorcycle and the challenges of riding it at my age, leading to a discussion about my wife's short film project and my potential decision to sell the bike to support her.

Richie shares his journey in comedy, recounting how he got started at Richard M. Dixon's White House Inn and the early days of comedy on Long Island. We reminisce about the tight-knit community of comedians, including notable names like Eddie Murphy, Jackie Martling, and Bob Nelson, and the unique atmosphere of performing in a club owned by a comic.

Richie reflects on his influences, notably Sal Richards, and the impact of various comedians on his career. We dive into stories about the early days of comedy, the challenges of breaking into the city scene, and the camaraderie among comedians. The conversation flows into hilarious anecdotes about famous comedians, including Buddy Hackett and the legendary Jackie Mason.

Throughout the episode, we explore the evolution of comedy, the significance of our experiences, and the bonds formed in the industry. Richie's insights and stories provide a nostalgic look back at the comedy scene, making this episode a heartfelt celebration of our 200th show and the rich history of comedy on Long Island.

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, John and Mike discuss the upcoming bullet train from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, which we both agree could change the way we experience the city. Plus, how this convenience might lead to more frequent visits, while John reminisces about his past performances in Vegas and the unique gambling culture there.

We explore the psychology of gambling, sharing personal anecdotes about our experiences with slot machines and the allure of winning. John recounts stories about his father's incredible luck at the casinos, which leads us to discuss the strange and often humorous dynamics of gambling in Las Vegas.

As the conversation flows, we touch on the Renaissance Festival and medieval times, contrasting our differing views on these events. Mike expresses his love for the fantasy and immersive experiences, while John shares his disdain for the theatricality of it all.

Finally, we delve into John's recent show at a pirate museum, where he faced some unexpected supernatural occurrences during setup. We discuss the challenges of performing live and the importance of adapting to the audience's reactions. Overall, this episode is filled with laughter, personal stories, and a glimpse into the world of magic, gambling, and the quirks of live performance. #TheBBB

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we dive into a lively and humorous discussion with our guest, the talented Billy Gardell. As we welcome Billy, we touch on the dynamics of our friendship, with playful jabs about who’s the rude one among us. Billy shares his recent travels, including a memorable 22-day trip across Europe, during which he explored iconic locations such as London, Paris, and Scotland. He reflects on the beauty and history of these places, emphasizing the sense of community he experienced, especially in the smaller villages.

We delve into the fascinating history of the Globe Theater and the origins of various theatrical terms, which leads to a discussion about the rich storytelling culture in Scotland and Ireland. Billy shares a touching moment he had at Notre Dame, where he felt a spiritual connection while lighting candles and praying for the world.

The conversation flows effortlessly as we reminisce about our own travels, the quirks of European culture, and the humorous experiences we encountered, such as the lack of toilet seats in Paris. We also touch on the importance of feeding our creativity through new experiences, which Billy emphasizes as essential for any artist.

Throughout the episode, we maintain our signature humor, sharing anecdotes about our past experiences in comedy and the unique characters we've encountered along the way. Join us for a fun and insightful episode filled with laughter, friendship, and a love for travel!

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we dive into the fascinating world of pirates with our special guest, Jackie Hoover, who owns a pirate museum in Cocoa Village, Florida. We kick off the show with some light-hearted banter about our own experiences with online shopping, particularly on eBay and TikTok, and how it can lead to unexpected purchases.

Jackie shares her unique journey into the world of piracy, beginning with her background in law enforcement and her passion for collecting pirate artifacts. We discuss the allure of pirate life, the myths versus the realities, and the historical significance of pirates beyond the romanticized versions we see in movies. Jackie enlightens us on the various roles aboard a pirate ship, the infamous pirate code, and the surprising truth about women pirates, such as Anne Bonny and Mary Read. (real-life pirates in the Caribbean during the 18th century)

As we explore the darker side of piracy, we touch on the brutal realities of life at sea, including the medical practices of the time and the infamous punishments pirates would inflict. Jackie also reveals some of the haunted aspects of her museum, where artifacts seem to have a life of their own, leading to eerie occurrences captured on camera.

We wrap up the episode by discussing the modern portrayal of pirates in films like Pirates of the Caribbean, highlighting the discrepancies between Hollywood's version and the historical truths. Overall, this episode is a captivating blend of humor, history, and the supernatural, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in pirate lore.

Visit the Antilles Trading Company Pirate Museum at 641 Brevard Ave. Cocoa Village, FL 32952. Call: 321-313-5886 or visit online at https://antillestradingcompany.com/.

Had some Fun, Gotta Run.

The BBB

The Big Bad Broadcast is where sharp-witted comics John Ferrentino and Mike Grief set the airwaves ablaze with humor, nostalgia, and offbeat stories, drawing from decades of stand-up experience and their unique “Long Island Clown College” perspective. In this episode, the crew battles everyday frustrations, such as missing headphones and memory lapses, while playfully skewering the legitimacy of comedy awards and poking fun at marathon acceptance speeches and crackdowns on streaming services.

The conversation pivots smoothly from reviews of TV favorites like 'Lioness,' 'Landman,' and 'Only Murders in the Building,' to a personal take on nut allergies, the legends of Woodstock, pirates, historical medicine, pharmaceutical shenanigans, and over-the-top criminal antics, all with a comedic twist. 

Caution: this show contains nuts and nut by-products. We had some fun, but we gotta run.

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we kick things off with some banter about caffeine and our struggles with energy levels as we age, leading to a discussion about blood sugar levels and the absurdities of health monitoring.

We get a little nostalgic about the 70s, touching on everything from thrift store finds, like a vintage lunchbox, to the significance of music in films, highlighting classics like Easy Rider and Forrest Gump.

Then we open up a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records, and we share our disbelief over some of the more ridiculous records, such as a woman skipping on ice skates and a man spitting tennis balls from his mouth. The humor continues as we reminisce about Halloween traditions and the antics of our youth, including the infamous "sock filled with flour."

Towards the end of the episode, we share an exciting new project involving a pirate museum, where John will conduct a seance, complete with real pirate artifacts. We wrap up with some funny stories from our past, including a hilarious encounter with a cheap agent and the antics of fellow comedians on the road.

Join us for some fun - before we have to run... #HowBizarre #GuinnessBook #SockFilledwithFlour #Hashtag The Big Bad Broadcast

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we talkin' health, dieting, and the often misleading nature of food labels. Mike Grief shares his frustrations with the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly with deceptive products like fried veggie sticks and sugar-laden coffee creamers. We also touch on the absurdity of fitness trends and the mixed messages surrounding health and wellness.

Our guest, Rolando Santos, a former executive at CNN and a seasoned journalist, joins us to share his insights on the current state of news reporting. He discusses the importance of unbiased journalism and the challenges faced by reporters today, including the impact of social media and the 24-hour news cycle. Rolando emphasizes the need for critical thinking when consuming news and the significance of maintaining journalistic integrity.

We also explore the fascinating world of serial killers, with Rolando recounting his experiences covering high-profile cases. He shares chilling anecdotes about infamous criminals like Richard Ramirez and Joseph Paul Franklin, highlighting the psychological complexities behind their actions.

Boom! Now, let's discuss the paranormal, exploring the energy of historical places and personal experiences with the supernatural. Rolando shares a captivating story about a haunted house, leaving us pondering the mysteries that linger in our world.

"Had some fun, gotta run." This episode brought to you by the letter R and the number 9.

Support for the Big Bad Broadcast comes from the National Asparagus Council and this station.

Thank you, and good night.

Affectionally yours, 

The Big Bad Broadcast