Verbal Shenanigans

#393-Anastasia Pagonis

As the Winter Paralympics come to the end, we chat with an amazing Summer Games . Swimmer, Anastasia Pagonis, comes on our show to discuss her life story. We learn about her dealing with loss of vision at a young age, her training in the pool, using her social media to teach people about her condition, and winning gold in Tokyo. Anastasia loves life, her family, and her buddy Radar.   It was a great interview. Listen to the whole thing (including a possible challenge in the future)
 
We also talk about baby fights, weirdos in the gym, and Mike reads podcast erotic fan fiction.  Have a listen!

#392-Stro Elliot, The Roots

Fresh off the set of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, we are joined one of The Roots' members, Stro Elliot.  Stro is a renowned musician, producer, and performer.  He has performed with the likes of artists such as DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Beastie Boys, and Run DMC.  You can  also catch Stro every night playing along side The Roots.  Make sure to check out Stro's latest album, Black and Loud, where he reimagines classic songs by James Brown.  Stro was great guest.  He is  an extremely cerebral, intelligent, and humble talent. 
 
We also talk about Ukraine,  a failed contest, hear a crazy story from comedian Joe Conte, and learn about the time Mike choked.  Have a listen!

#391-Deborah Driggs

We are back with former actress, model, and Playboy playmate, Deborah Driggs.  We chat with Deborah about her life as a model, her quick success, posing in Playboy, and the challenging of reinventing herself later in life.  Deborah was funny, laid back, and full of great stories.
 
 
We also discuss Mike's latest Disney escapades, building a droid, and relive a story about perfoming live at a male revue on Superbowl Sunday.

#390-Travis Rosbach

We are joined by the creator of Hydroflask, Travis Rosbach.  Travis has lived a really unique life where he has spent time as a boat captain, a commercial airline pilot, and an entrepeneur.   Prior to his sale of the company, Hydroflask  went on to become the number one water bottle in the world. Travis now advises, consults, and provides sourcing fo vairous industries and individuals with The Tumalo Group.  Travis was a great interview.  He provides lots of funny stories, business insight, and just an overall great conversation.  Check it out!
 
We also talk about how much we'd sell the podcast for, a man washing his ass after a comedy show, and we delve into some Verbal Shenanigans relationship advice.  Have a listen!

#389-Lawrence Gowan, Styx

As the years have gone by, we continue to talk to musicians that we never thought we'd get a chance to talk to.  Today is one of those days.  We are joined by leadsinger and keyboardist of Styx, Lawrence Gowan.  Gowan has been with the band for over 20 years and continues to entertain Styx's loyal fanbase on the regular.  We chat about everything from what is what like join such an established band, the band's legacy, maintaining the ability to be a front man, and even his role in a movie called Wolfcop.  Yes, Wolfcop.  Lawrence really was a great guest, with lot of insight into the music industry, a great sense of humor,and lots of great stories.  Go check out Styx on tour today!
 
We also talk about the Washington Comanders, the Brian Flores situation, and Mike reveals some new origin stories for some famous bad guys.  Have a listen!

#388-Kevin Whelan, The Wrens/ Aeon Station

Back today with another fantastic musician to chop it up with.  Today, we are joined by Kevin Whelan of the very popular New Jersey band, The Wrens, and now frontman of the newly formed Aeon Station.  Kevin has waited over over a decade to release these wrens recordings and now we finally have them, along with new releases, under the name Aeon Station.  Kevin was a really sweet, funny, and instrospective interview.  Make sure to check out his new album, Observatory, today!
 
We also review our year, and choose some of favorite interviews from 2021.  We hand out our annual "Verbies" as we reflect on some our best, worst, and unique interview of the year.  Have a listen!

#387-Keith Murray, We Are Scientists

We are back with another really fun episodeof the podcast.  First, we are joined by guitarist and vocalist of long time indie rock band, We Are Scientists.  It's been nearly 20 years since the band's formation. and they continue to push forward with brand new music on their great new album, "Huffy".  We chat with Keith about the longevity of the band, the new album, how time was spent during the pandemic, and even give him a quiz to test his science knowledge.  Keith is a funny, talented, and laid back guy.  Make sure to go check out their new album today!
We also talk about Scott's heating and plumbing nightmare, and then play a new game in which Mike must pick a "kink' that he could see himself getting into.  Another really fun week on the show, Have a listen!

#386-Mackenzie Grant

We have returned to entertain you and so has our guest. Musician MacKenzie Grant joins us as she just announced her return to music after a 15-year break with the upcoming release of her sophomore album Wonder World via BlackBird Record Label. The album was inspired by her time spent over the past decade working as a school counselor in a high-poverty and high-trauma preschool. MacKenzie tells us her original journey in music, her break and coming back, and music life with a family.
 
We also talk about us cursing celebrities, Spider Man, and hear all about Mike's previous life of being asked to swing, to marry someone for a green card, and possbile entry into the adult film industry.  Oh yes, have a listen.

#385-Nathan Gray

Happy New Year everybody.  Today, we start the year off with a great interview with Nathan Gray, lead singer of the post hardcore/ punk band, BoySetsFire.  Today, Nathan is off and running with his new solo project, with his band The Iron Roses and their new album, Rebel Songs.  We had a great discussion about Nathan's roots, coping with his childhood of sexual abuse, and his creative process.  A truly great start to the new year. 
 
We also talk about creating an awful search engine, the passing of Betty White and John Madden, and we play a great game where Scott must guess the value of celebrity's Cameo's.

#384-Kendra Erika

Back with our last episode of the year, and we are joined by Kendra Erika, and up and coming pop musician with lots of talent.  Kendra recently released "Gemini" and "Pure Love" on all streaming services and peaked in the Top Ten on the Billboard Dance charts.  Kendra continues to push herself creatively and put out new music.  Have a listen!
 
We also play our yearly tournament where Scott must choose one celebrity to bring back.  Who will win this year?  Norm?  Hank Aaron?  Dmx?  Find out this week on Verbal Shenanigans.

#383-The 2021 Christmas Spectacular

Merry Christmas everyone!  We are back with this year's Christmas episode and it's a good one.  We are joined by comedian Mike Sicoli.  Mike and Mike face off in a grueling, 7 round battle to see who can win the role as head elf in a game called "Elf Auditions".  The guys are tested on humor, Christmas history, and the hottest gifts of the holiday season.   Who will win?  Have a listen and find out!

#382-Steven Lewis, Gideon‘s Bakehouse

We know you miss us…sometimes that’s how the cookie crumbles. But we are here to entertain, so grab a glass of milk (or nog) and listen to our half-baked show. Tonight we are joined by Steve Lewis, the owner and (best title ever) The Sublime Prince of the Esoteric Order of Cookie for Gideon’s Bakehouse. We ask how a person in comics and graphic design, works on dream of building the best cookie for 15 years, gambles on himself, to become a phenomenon in Orlando. We go over the work to keep up the demand, the amazing goth bookstore designed stores, and becoming one of the hugest draws at Disney Springs. 
 
We also talk about our experience with hunting, Scott's vending machine and kitten salvaging, and chicken thighs and cakes.  Have a listen!

#381-Geoffrey Giuliano, Squid Game

We hope to satisfy you over the next 90 minutes. Tonight we speak with Geoffrey Giuliano from the huge international hit Squid Game playing VIP #4. We discuss working on the set, finding out he had a nude scene, the explosion of success, and his thoughts on returning for season 2. We also discuss his music biographies, being the second Ronald McDonald on our show, and being stuck with no money in India for six months. Geoffrey was very animated and was quite a conversation.
 
We also talk about Scott's sons explosive accident, putting feathers in your cap, and we play a round of "Overrated".

#380-Jonathan Antoine Part 2

Alright Fantoines, we are back with the man himself, Jonathan Antoine.  Jonathan is an amazing opera singer, but an even more amazing guy to talk to.  We sit down with Jon for the second time to clown around, have him answer some ridiculous questions, and talk about his upcoming Christmasland tour and Platinum edition album release.  Once again, we had an absolute blast with Jonathan, and already cant wait to have him on again.  Check it out!
 
We also get insight into how much Mike loves eggnog, look into Scott's neurotic notes, and play a game where we learn about what a liberal or conservative Thanksgiving dinner looks like.  Have a listen!

#379-Ben Liebsch

We are joined today by the very friendly, very talented, and very cerebral, Ben Liebsch of You, Me, and Everyone We Know.  We talk about so much of Ben's life, which is filled with tragedy and personal turmoil, yet also with many amazing experiences and adventures within the music industry.  Ben and his band have been making music for the better part of the last two decades and are happy to bring their new album, Heavy, to listeners everywhere.  Have a listen as we try to unpack Ben's life and hear all about what keeps him moving forward.  Great interview.  Check it out!
We also talk about Mike's love of a Buc-ee's, delve into more of Mike's god complex, and hear a whole new round of Bear News.  Have a listen!
 
 
 

#378-Bren Holmes

Today, we are joined by Bren Holmes, former bassist of notable Celtic Punk band, Young Dubliners for over thirty years. The Dublin native and long-time L.A. resident is releasing his first solo album, Everything You Never Wanted, arriving on September 17th.  Bren is funny, witty, and very open about his journey in music.  Make sure to check out Bren's album today!
 
We also talk about Mike's cat trying to kill himself, vet scams, and dive into some conspiracy theories.  Have a listen!
 
 

#377-Christos Kalogirou

Were back!  Today, we are joined by the author of a new book entitle Wild Dogs.  Christos was the ultimate prankster during his time at boarding school at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame.  Christos's story includes headaches for the faculty, entrepeneurial endeavors, booze sales, and more.  His book has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, USA today, and is an Amazon best seller.  All proceeds form the book are benefiting the Mandi Schwartz Foundation.  Make sure to check it out!
 
We also talk about where Scott's been the last few weeks, 

#376-Seth Porges, Class Action Park

Kids have stories of riding Dumbo, meeting their favorite cartoon characters and super hero’s, and enjoying their favorite rides at their favorite amusement park, but if you lived in NJ there are no better stories than the anarchy, insanity, and list of injuries from Action Park. Tonight, we chat with director and producer of the documentary “Class Action Park” Seth Porges. We dive into the mystique and love from such a dangerous park, balancing the funny moments with real tragedies, his other work, and his tiny house and pinballs. Check out Class Action Park on HBO Max and listen to this interview.
 
We also talk about Mike's 400th Disney trip, have a special guest, and the art of karaoke.

#375-The Sleeping Dogs

These Sleeping Dogs don’t lie….they thrash. Danny Walker and Bobby Amodeo from the band Sleeping Dogs joins the show to promote their upcoming EP “Somewhere Out in California” releasing on November 12th. The guys talk about starting a new project from their band Wank along with some horribly timed music projects, a vampire musical, and learning more about the band as we play “Who’s most likely to”.
 
We also talk about an itneresting last conversation Mike had with an old coworker, talk about bathing techniques, and more.  Have a listen!

#374-Eric Zala

Today's guest exemplifies living out your childhood dreams.  We are joined by Eric Zala.  In 1982, Eric and his two childhood friends, Chris and Jayson. decide to create an entire shot by shot recreation of Raiders of the Lost Ark.  14 years later, Steven Speilberg discovered the film.  After 25 years, the cast reunited to complete their film and create the one scene that was missing; the airplane scene.  You can view the film at www.theraiderskids.com  You can also check out the documentary, Raiders! Making the Greatest Fan Film of All TIme on Hulu today!
 
We also talked about the old days of the internet,  Scott's bbq evaluation, and more.  Have a listen!