Verbal Shenanigans

#347-Sam Calagione

7 years ago, we made a list of the top 4 guests we'd love to talk to on the show someday.  Today , we bring on one of those guests to the podcast.  We are joined by craft beer pioneer, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewing.  Sam is a laid back, intelligent, funny, and real.  We talk all thing Dogfish, staying creative, the craft beer world, and new happenings at the brewery, all while enjoying Dogfish's latest release, Hazy-O.  Look out for Dogfish's new craft canned cocktails, a new book from Sam about the Dogfish Inn, and of course, more delcious craft beer.  This interview was well worth the wait, and we are beyond thrilled to get a chance to chop it up with Sam.
 
We also talk about Scott's mysterious Uncle Bo, we look into some bear news, and Mike scares someone to death on the Murder Trail.  Have a listen!

#346-John Palumbo

Crack the Sky has been performing and recording music for nearly 50 years.  Today, we are joined by John Palumbo, singer, guitarist, and keyboardist of what is considered one of the first prog rock bands.  John was full of stories and anecdotes about his life in music, and was a great interview.  John and Crack the Sky just put out a new album called "Tribes".  Go check it out!
 
We also talk about Scott getting screwed by contractors, the band Trapt, and more.  Have a listen!
 

#345-Leland Sklar

Today, we talk to a man who has seen it all in the music industry.  Leland Sklar's epic beard and even more epic bass playing have landed him on over 2000 albums, including the likes of Jackson Browne, Carol King, James Taylor, and Phil Collins.  Leland was hilarious, entertaining, and full of great stories from over 50 years in the music industry.
 We also talk about a wild documentary, Mike's inevitable future in Disney, and play a game inspired by the gorilla glue lady.  Have a listen!

#344-Matthew O'Brien

A story from Vegas that should not stay in Vegas. This week of Verbal Shenanigans has us talking with journalist and author Matthew O’Brien who spent over ten years exploring the flood channels of Las Vegas interviewing the people live underground documented in his book Beneath the Neon Light. Matt shares his stories of what led him to explore there, the culture and etiquette in speaking with people who live in these communities, and the work done to help people get out of the environment with his program Shine a Light. His new sequel book called Dark Days, Bright Nights: Surviving the Las Vegas Storm Drains is out now. 
 
We also talk about the end of our lives, white noise, and hear another great story from 5th grade Burlew.  Have a listen!

#343-Chris Van Vliet

It's hard to narrow down all the things that Chris Van Vliet is involved in.  From film critic, to Youtuber, to podcaster, to winning multiple Emmy's, Chris has done it all.  We chat with Chris about his humble beginnings, his work with AEW, being named Cosmopolitan's Bachelor of the year, and even his love of bass fishing.  After listening to this awesome interview, make sure check out Chris's podcast Insight with Chris Van Vliet.
 
We also find more evidence that Mike's transforming into a Disney weirdo, we talk the Hall of Fame, and we revisit Scott's backyard wrestling career.  Have a listen!

#342-Common Roots Brewing Company

Beer is great, and so is today's episode.  We are joined by the father/son duo, Bert and Christian Weber, cofounders of the Common Roots Brewing Company, located in South Glens Falls, NY.  Common roots has consistently put out great IPA's, killer stouts, and many other top notch brews for years.  We discuss the early days of the brewery, what it's like to work with family,the future of Common Roots, and the recovery from a tragic fire.  Bert and Christian were great guys to chat with.  Go grab some Common Roots today!
We also discuss Mike's inevitable Disney life, the 9 weirdest craft beers, and a bizarre dream Mike had.  Have a listen! Cheers!

#341-Tami Lane

I hope you love this episode as much as we do.  We are joined by Tami Lane, a renowned prosthetic makeup artist, an Oscar winner, and an all around great person to talk to.  Tami has worked on some of the most recognized movies and shows including The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, The Orville, and the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.  Tami was a great time.  Have a listen!
 
We also talk about Bitcoin investments gone wrong, the censoring of the President, and have our annual tournament where Scott decides what celebrity he would choos to bring back.  

#340-Squire Fridell

We start 2021 with a bang.  Squire Fridell joins us to discuss his very unique life that involves starring in over 3000 television commercials, working as Ronald McDonald, and opening his own winery.  Squire had lots of great stories to share an was a great guest to start the new year with  Go check out Squire's delicious wines at GlenLyon Vineyards.
 
We also discuss this year's "Verbies", which are our awards we give to our favorite guests of the year.  2020 easily provided us with the most eclectic, interesting, and amazing guests on the show.  Have a listen!

#339-Howard Bloom and Soho Johnny

As we put a bow on an amazing year for the show, we are joined by two final guests on the show this week.
 
First, we are joined by Howard Bloom.  Howard is an extremely unique and interesting man, who is an accomplihsed author, music publicist, for the likes of Prince and Billy Joel, but has also wrote books on human evolution.  Howard is a great mixture of scientist, humorist, and an artist.  Check out his books on Amazon today!
Next, we are joined by John Pasquale, aka, Soho Johnny.  John helps to perform and produce some truly amazing classic rock events for charity.  John was an really nice, down to earth, appreciative guest who really has a passion for what he is doing in the world.
 
We also chat about a new holiday, learn about Mike's gross finger, and discuss the difficulty of getting old people on zoom calls.
 
 

#338-The 2020 Holiday Spectacular with Scott Schwartz

It’s that time of year again for the Verbal Shenanigans  2020 Holiday Spectacular!! And today we are joined by a Christmas icon. You may know him as Flick from a Christmas story, the one and only Scott Schwartz joins us on the show to talk about his long career, movies, child acting, adult movies, and what it is like to have your tongue stuck to a pole.
We also discussed some of the strangest Christmas movies, a stalker fan, and play a game of holiday themed let’s make a deal. Have a listen!

#337-Limahl and the Creators of Douglas

Getting in the holiday spirit?  If not, this episode might help.  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.  Check it out!
 
We also bring on two of our old pals, author, Joe Carney and artist, Natty Bumpercar to discuss their new children's book, "Douglas: A Christmas Tale".  Douglas is story about inclusion and the magic of Christmas.  It's a great read and also a great way to support local artists.  Go order "Douglas: A Christmas Tale" on Amazon today!

#336-Tony Daniels

We've had some really great voice actors on the show over the years, and today we add another one to the list.  We are joined by Tony Daniels.  Tony has a a resume that is extremely diverse and has endless stories to tell.  You might know Tony's voice as Gambit from Xmen, Sailor Moon, and even Tony the Tiger.  Tony is immensely talented and it comes through in this interview.  Check it out!
 
 We also talk about what drives us mad,  more about Burlew's old soccer team, and the interesting fate of Scott's old comedy stage.

#335-Stephen Perkins

Today's episode is a special one.  We are joined by Stephen Perkins, world renowned drummer of Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros, and much much more.  Stephen was a such a nice, interesting, and open guy, with tons of great stories and musical insights to share.  Stephen is still as involved in music as ever, and has so many great bands to check out.  Along with Jane's Addiction, make sure to check out Banyan, Hellride, and Think.  Oh, and this superb interview.  
We also have some great conversation today about a recent virtual comedy show, what we remeber about 2020, and a crazy story about a toaster strudel.  Another great week.

#334-Tony Franklin

Today, we are joined by a bass legend, a man who has played with the elites of music, and someone who just simply gets it, Tony Franklin.  Tony, aka The Fretless Monster, has played with the like of the Firm, Roy Harper, David Gilmour, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.  Tony was hilarious, unique, and full of some amazing insights on music.  What a great chat!
 
We also talk about Covid hitting close to Scott's home, George Clooney, and Mike working out in a very precarious way.  Have a listen!
 
 
 

#333-East of June

Today, we are joined by former Incubus bassist, Dirk Lance, and his new bandmates, Emily Rath and Kyle Mortensen, making up East of June.  East of June provided a fantastic interview, that was hilarious, interesting, and full of musical insight.  If your a fan of Dirk's work, you will love his new sound with these 2 talented musicians.  Go check out their latest music on Spotify today!
 
We also learn about Mike's recent trip to Disney, some of the horrible people there, and how Mike scammed the system.  Have a listen!

#332-Scott Page

Well, it's not every day you interview a member of band like Pink Floyd. But today, is that day.  Scott Page is known for his saxophone and rhythm guitar with Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto.  Scott was such a unique, energetic, and brilliant guest.  We discussed his early music career, his introduction to Pink Floyd, opportunities in the modern music business, being named in LA's 100 coolest people, and his amazing work as a technologist.  Make sure to check out Scott's music and his new unique project, Think: Exp.
We also talk about the birth of Scott's child, the 2020 election, and more.  Check it out!

#331-George Christie

It's just another week on Verbal Shenanigans.  So, today we simply interview former leader of the Hell's Angels, George Christie. F George discusses his entry into the club, how and why he left, carrying the Olympic torch, solitary confinement, writing books, and pretty much everything inbetween.  George was an extremely interesting and funny guest.  Make sure to look out for George's new shows, new books, and new work.  In the meantime, go watch  the Outlaw Chronicles!  Have a listen!
 
We also talk about forming our own biker gang, drinking dehumidifier water,and more.

#330-2020 Halloween Spectacular-Russ Mckamey

Happy Halloween!  We are back with this year's edition of the Halloween Spectacular.  This year, we interview Russ Kckamey, the owner and creator of what is considered by many, America's scariest and most extreme haunted house experiences, McKamey Manor.  These events involve a long selection process, hours of extreme horror, with what seems like no limits.  Mckamey Manor is known throughout the world. and proves to be one of the most intense, and controversial experiences around.  Think you have what it takes?  All it costs is a bag of dogfood.
 
We also talk about 2020 Halloween costumes, stories about people getting rid of their own body parts, and we rewrite some movie classics into horror movies.  Have a listen!

#329-Justin O. Schmidt

The inventor of the pain index finds out if he can tolerate 30 minutes with Scott and Mike. Nobel Prize winner Justin O Schmidt comes to our show this week as we discuss his entomology career and the thought process of creating the Schmidt Pain Index for insect stings. We discuss his research into insects, stories of going through the pain, the media on murder hornets, and his thoughts on people mimicking his work and getting stung on purpose. Check out his book The Sting of the Wild after you enjoy this interview
 
We also talk about Howard Stern's ridiculous possible contract,  Craig Carton, and play a game of Mt. Rushmore.

#328-Blake BedSaul

Today, we are joined by Blake Bedsaul, frontman of Iowa's atl metal group, Saul.  We discussed everything from the origins of the band, growing up in Iowa, playing in a band with his brother, losing a brother, and working with David Draiman..  Go check out Saul's great new song and video, "King of Misery" and make sure to grab their new album, "Rise As Equals" on October 23rd.
 
We also talk about the debate, how we tried to impress girls, and all sorts of other embarrassing details.  Have a listen!