Verbal Shenanigans

#554- Michelle Winters, Droopy 3's, and Sea Lion Selfies

Do not fiddle around, no need for violins, we won’t string you around, best bow-lieve we got another great guest. Michelle Winters is one of Atlanta's most versatile and unforgettable musicians playing rock, classic, or Celtic music on her violin. We chat about her musical journey, unique encounters playing at the airport, and being in the finale of Stranger Things. Check her out with "Celtic Woman" tribute band, Cailini this St Patrick’s week along with our interview. 
We dive into the USA hockey drama, Burlew thinks he’s god yet again, and Mike and his dead meet a sea lion. Check it out!

#553- Barry Black, Mr. Snake, and Protaganist or Atlantagonist

You need not worry about us bombing tonight, as we got an expert to stop that. Former FBI Master Bomb technician, Barry Black, comes back on the show to promote his book Hazardous Devices : Memoir Of An FBI Bomb Technician, Account and Sniper. We relive his career investigating Oklahoma City, Waco, Atlanta Olympic bombings, his trainings, and the technology in case work. Check Barry’s book out after listening to our interview.
 
We also talk about regrets, Mike debuts a new voice, Michael Jordan may be a creep, and we play a game called Protoganist or Atlantagonist.

#552- Giuseppe Rossi, Puppy Sandwiches, and Winter Skeletons

"Pepito" joins the cast! From Teaneck, NJ to the top of the world. Today’s guest is a world-class talent who redefined what it meant to be a modern striker. Whether he was finding the back of the net in the Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A, he did it with a style and intelligence that was purely his own. We sit down and discuss the journey to Parma at 12 years old, playing for Sir Alex Ferguson at  Manchester United, reaching a "flow state" at the top of his game, the resilience to battle through multiple surgeries, and now life as a dad,  the Head of Soccer for the Cosmos, and the transition from player to coach. Let’s get into it with the one and only, Giuseppe Rossi.
 
We also discuss the fake outrage over the halftime show, discuss a former guest linked to the Epstein Files, dive into a true Olympic controversy, and discuss holidays decorations left up for way too long.  A great week of the show.

#551- Rita Gigante, Anal Artillery, and The Beef Treatment

How do you find your own voice when you’re raised in a world built on silence? Rita Gigante is the daughter of one of the most powerful mob bosses in history, Vincent Gigante, but her life’s work is about exposure, healing, and light.  As a professional psychic medium and author, she helps people navigate the very things her upbringing tried to hide: the truth. We’re diving into the history of 'The Chin,' the reality of the Genovese legacy, and how she transformed a life of secrets into a mission of healing.  A must listen interview with Rita Gigante.
 
We chat it up about a man with an interesting item up his bum, we delve into the Epstein files, give some Superbowl predictions, and bring up a classic story of Hunkamania.  Have a listen!

#550- Eddie Schwartz, Raised Lobes, and MLK Timecop

Eddie Schwartz is the definition of a "songwriter's songwriter." While you might not recognize his face in a crowd, you have definitely screamed his lyrics at a karaoke bar, in your car, or at a stadium. As the man behind Pat Benatar’s "Hit Me with Your Best Shot," he didn't just write a song; he wrote an anthem for an entire generation.  We chat with Eddie about all things music and here some amazing stories from over 40 years in the music industry.  A great listen.
 
We also completely go off the rails as usual as Mike feuds with Sydney Sweeney and defends Kanye, Scott must play a game called MLK Timecop, and Mike fails to let to let the audience know what he was doing for an entire episode.  Have a listen!

#549-Jennifer Finch, Testing Mike's Attention Span, and The Good Feels Tournament

Don’t pretend that we’re dead, join us for another amazing interview on the podcast. We are joined by bassist Jennifer Finch, as L7 celebrates its 40th anniversary. We talk about her music with the band and her side band with Courtney Love, the punk and grunge scene in LA & Seattle, why she left the band, and her photography that documented the music scene in the 70’s through the 90’s. A great interview. 
Scott runs into an interesting mechanic, we chat about the upcoming enhanced games, Burlew can barely pay attention, and Scott puts Mike through the “Good Feels” tournament. Another fun week. Have a listen!

#548-Vitomir Maričić, The Compressed Air Gravity Theory, and the 2025 Verbie Awards

How long could you survive on a single breath? For most of us, the answer is measured in seconds. For Vitomir Maričić, it’s nearly half an hour. In June 2025, Vitomir shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest voluntary breath-hold, staying submerged for a staggering 29 minutes and 3 seconds. But breath-holding is just one facet of this extreme athlete’s life. From performing 240kg squats underwater to walking over 100 meters on the pool floor in a single breath, Vitomir joins us to discuss his insanely fascinating life from freediving, to teaching, to numerous amazing athletic feats.  A fantastic interview.
 
We also dive in the conspiracy of earth losing gravity on August 12th, Mike debates attending an event where a douchebag with dandruff may be punched, and we celebrate the past year by choosing some of our favorite interviews in this year's Verbie Awards  have a listen!

#547- Red Peters, Cinnamononymous, and Volleyball Farts

Red Peters is a world-renowned songwriter, comedian, and the go-to authority for original comedy music. Best known for his frequent appearances on The Howard Stern Show and The Dr. Demento Show, Red has spent decades blending high-end musical production with low-brow humor. As the host of the legendary Red Peters Comedy Music Hour on SiriusXM and the creator of two best-selling comedy albums, Red continues to be a leading voice in the world of adult-themed musical parody and folk-horror tradition.  Today, Red joins us to talk about his career, the state of comedy, and his latest release "The Fart That Ruined Christmas".  Have a listen!
 
We also talk about Mike disgusting Christmas gift, Scott's has a weird bathroom experience, Cinnamon Toast Crunch gets weird, Mike farts on a volleyball court, and find out what holiday Mike must create a special episode out of.  Another weird week of Verbal Shenanigans.

#546- Limahl, Stranger Things Recaps, and God Complex 2025

Some people say this show is a Never Ending Story.  But, today we bring back one of our favorite guests back to our story, and that is Limahl!  You may know Limahl as the frontman of Kajagoogoo, you may have listened to his "One Wish for Christmas" this holiday season, or you may remember him as the singer of "Never Ending Story", but we now know him as a great humble, funny guy who gives a great interview.  We dive into everything from Limahl's current music projects, his legacy of music, and even the shock of "Never Ending Story" exploding once again in Stranger Things.  A fantastic interview.  
 
We also dive into Mike's visit to the Creel House, we give our thoughts on the Stranger Things finale, and play our yearly game of "God Complex", where Scott must bring a celebrity who passed in 2025 back from the dead.  Listen and see who came out victorious.
 
Fresh of his release of "One Wish For Christmas" , we are joined by the former lead of singer of Kajagoogoo and singer of "The Never Ending Story", Limahl.  We discussed Limahl's early career, The Never Ending Story, his career's ups and downs, and his plans for the future.  

#545 - Mannheim Steamroller's Tom Sharpe, Heimlich Holidays, and the Yearly Gift Exchange

As the holidays keep rolling, we keep the Christmas spirit steam rolling with another Xmas guest. Composer and musician Tom Sharpe is an award winning musician performing for the Tom Sharpe Ensemble and Dennis DeYoung of Styx. During the holidays he is the percussionist for Mannheim Steamroller, the number one selling Christmas artist of all time. We chat with him about the tour, the band’s Christmas following, and also a chance encounter with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
 
We also take a look at Cam Skattebo's Christmas list, Burlew almost dies, and the guys exchange gifts!  Have a listen.

#544- The 2025 Christmas Spectacular with Al Ridenour

Well.  It is here!  The 2025 Christmas Spectacular has arrived and it is jam packed with Christmas cheer.  First, Scott, Mike, Harry, and Dom take a trip down memory lane and receive gifts from the 1984 Sear's Christmas catalog.  Then, a true Christmas miracle occurs.  The guys participate in a game entitled "The Santa Clause 4" where they must compete to see who is the next Santa.  You won't believe who joined the show to judge the answers.  The big man from the North Pole himself, the one and only, Santa Claus!  Listen as the guys compete and help raise money for charity. A must listen for the holiday season.
For more info on the best Santa around, make sure to visit www.SantaPeteNj.com 
Our Christmas episodes wouldn't be complete without a unique Christmas guest.  This year, we are joined by a man who has spent a lifetime excavating the bone-chilling folklore of the Alps and the arcane traditions of the past. He is the preeminent authority on the Krampus, the host of the hauntingly brilliant Bone and Sickle podcast, and the author of the definitive guide to the winter’s darkest spirits. Please welcome... Al Ridenour."
 For more info on Al and his work, make sure to visit https://www.alridenour.com/
 

#543- Jonathan Antoine Returns, Shirtless Pizza Parties, and the Inconvenience Draft

Christmas is near, so here is our first present to our listeners.  For the 4th time, our favorite tenor, Jonathan Antoine joins us on the show.  We hear all about his new album, what he has been up to his, his Christmas traditions, and more.  We also play a new game called "Tenor More, Tenor Less."  Jonathan remains one of our favorite people to chat with.  Check out this silly, laid back, and informative interview. Merry Christmas Fantoines!
 
Mike once again attempts to defend Diddy, Scott gets angry at a shirtless kid in a pizza parlor, and we play a game of "The Inconvenience Draft" where we ruin the Christmas season for one another.  Have a listen!

#542-Ricky Watters, Mikey Hygiene, and ItsAWnDrflLife

As we are in the middle of  both football and the holiday season, our guest runs in to talk about his amazing career and his great stocking stuffer book for your kids. Ricky Watters is a 49'ers, Seahawks, and Eagles' legend, has won a national championship, a Super Bowl, and is now the author of the children’s book,  ‘A Gift Called Shane’, which tells the story of the adoption of his youngest son, from the  perspective of his older sibling.  We chat sports, writing, and family in this week’s interview.
 
Mike rants about his very interesting day, he spreads hygiene to the less fortunate, and Scott has too much bourbon on Thanksgiving.  Have a listen!

#541-Scott Leonard, Fat Goalies, and Pouring Problems

Our true crime podcast is here to solve the biggest mystery of all time. D. B Cooper? Lindbergh baby? No, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego. A person who perused her for years is member of Rockapella Scott Leonard. We chat with Scott on his music career bringing him to Japan, the formation of the band, working on the game show, and continuing to make music with the band.
We also chat about fat goalies , reflect on the Thanksgiving episode, and participate in what we call the December reflection. Have a listen!

#540-The Inaugural Thanksgiving Special with Jennifer Palmer

A little appetizer before your Thanksgiving meal…a special holiday episode of Verbal Shenanigans. We bring in friends old and new to play Thanksliving. Scott, Harry, and Dom show off their knowledge and thankfulness as Pilgrim Mike puts them through a series of question, trivia, and …hand turkey drawings? Assisting us will be fan and friend of the show Kelley Warner to judge the boys in determining who is will be thankful they are the winner.
 
Along with the game we speak with artist and author Jennifer Palmer. Jennie has worked on designing floats, costumes, and balloons at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade for over a decade. We hear the behind the scenes work, the science, and aftermath stress to make magical visuals for this yearly tradition. Prep for the next holiday by getting her book Milo’s Christmas Parade.
 
Avoid talking politics and play this episode at the family dinner table with your loved ones

#539- Louis Ferrante, The Empty Oil can, and the Pressed Ham

Just when you think you are out, we pull you back in with another amazing guest. Louis Ferrante went from doing heist work for the Gambino family, to jail, to becoming a best selling author. We talk about his mob life, his reform, the mob’s role from then to now in the world, and real life versus Hollywood when it comes to the mob. Fascinating and entertaining interview to listen to.
 
We also figure out if Mike could survive prison, Scott tries to figure out actual mobster's names, and we find out what Mike's job would be in a crime family.  Have a listen!

#538-Cosmos CEO Erik Stover, 3rd Dog Sagas, and What is Horse Adjacent?

We shoot for the skies every week to entertain everyone, and this week we aim for the Cosmos. One of the most historical brands in US Soccer history is the New York Cosmos. From Pele to Beckenbauer, the brand is a fixture in US futbol culture, and next year the team returns. Leading the way is CEO Erik Stover who joins the show to talk about the work in bringing the team back, coming to Patterson, NJ, and the goals to team success.
 
We also chat about yet another Burlew dog encounter, Scott's discusses his day with the Cosmos staff, and Scott finds a new interest.  Have a listen!

#537- Fergal Lawler of the Cranberries, Giraffe Feedings, and Mortality Dilemmas

For the 2nd time, Fergal Lawler, the drummer of the Cranberries joins us on the show.  We dive into everything from the MTV Unplugged performance which was just released on November 7th, the history of the band, memories of Dolores, and more.  Fergal is a great guy and an even better conversation.
 
We also dive into voting, Mike feeding a giraffe, and dive into some death chat.  Have a listen!

#536- Todd Tucker, The Pumpkin Pancake, and the Heavy Heimlich

As the moon falls on an another Halloween, we have one more spooky guest to give…and it's not Burlew in another vampire outfit. Special effects makeup artist, Todd Tucker, tells his story of going from a hair metal band to being a makeup artist on a Steven Spielberg movie. We chat on him founding his makeup studio Illusion Industries, acting and creating looks on horror show and movies like Charmed, Hook, Dracula, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  We also talk about the full circle moment with his latest movie, Rockbottom, where Todd had to create an original soundtrack with rock legends from Quiet Riot and Dokken.  Have a listen!
 
We also learn about another interesting body encounter from Mike, and Scott has quite an interesting experience at a CPR class.  Check it out!

#535-The 2025 Halloween Extravaganza with Mark Steger

It's here folks! The 2025 Halloween Extravaganza has arrived.  And it is everything we love to do here at Verbal Shenanigans.  First, friends of the show, Dom and Harry, join us to compete in a grueling game entitled "Escape from Burlewsferatu".  The guys must navigate through 3 nights of Halloween themed questions to avoid being killed by his Lordship, a gross vampire with an aching back, Burlewsferatu!  Lot of fun.  Listeners be weary!
 
Next, we step into the shadows of Hollywood with this year's Halloween guest, Mark Steger, the actor, performance artist, and choreographer renowned for bringing some of modern horror and sci-fi's most iconic creatures to terrifying life. Steger pulls back the curtain on his unique career, discussing his process for embodying nonhuman characters like the Demogorgon in Netflix's Stranger Things ,the Pale Lady in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and what it's like working with Tool.  A great Halloween episode.