Verbal Shenanigans

#500 -The 500th Episode Celebration with Richard Hatch

We are here.  It has been over 11 years, over 500 guests, over 45,000 minutes, over 750 hours, and over 31 days of audio, has brought us to episode 500.  Today, we celebrate this occasion with another great episode of the podcast.  Season 1 Survivor Winner, Richard Hatch, joins us for a in depth interview about all things Survivor, what led to his time in prison, breaking boundaries on television as a gay man, his unique mentality, and more. Richard is a passionate, funny, and intelligent man who pulls no punches.  A fantastic interview to celebrate with.
 
We also discuss the evolution of the cast, answer some AI interview questions, and play a game where we go down memory road called "Many Bur-loons Ago."  Thank you to every person who has taken the time to listen to even one episode over the years.  On to the next 500!
 

#499- Whit Watson, Stair Poop, and the Burlew-n -Knot

We know you are excited about episode 500, but we think you will enjoy episode FORE-99. Whit Watson rejoins the podcast this week to give some more insight into the PGA tour. We look at the new indoor golf league, the TGL and all of the technological advancements made for the game. We also dive into Tiger Woods's son, the sports scene in Florida, and fans who call in golf penalties. Check Whit’s podcast Making the Cut after our chat.
 
We also talk about Scott's son's mysterious poop, chocolate Karen's, Burlew's death aura, and play a new game called "Par-tners", where the guys must face off in a golf based game involving each other's spouses.  Have a listen!

#498- Alex Kopacz, Missing Peanuts, and Burlewsferatu

We are back and diving back into the world of the Olympics.  Today, we are joined by Alex Kopacz, and Canadian gold medalist in the 2 man bobsled.  We discuss everything from Alex's journey into the sport, the Olympic experience, life after competition, and Alex's unbelievable battle with long Covid.  Alex is a unique guy, with an amazing story.  Have a listen!
 
We also get into a trillion other topics including Elon Musk, Medieval Times, missing peanuts, and Burlew sees something shocking at the grocery story.  Check it out!

#497- Tracy Bonham, The Verbie Awards, and Undie Patches

Everything is fine!!!.  Because today, we bring on long time singer, songwriter, violinist, and all around musical super talent, Tracy Bonham.  You may remember Tracy's smash hit "Mother, Mother", or her work with The Blue Man Group, but Tracy has done it all in the music industry.  We sit down and chat all things music, the pressures of the industry, staying motivated, and surviving breast cancer.  Tracy was a great interview, and an even better person.  Check it out!
 
We also talk about Scott's testicle mishap, locker room service at your house, and celebrate 2 years of podcasting with our annual awards show, The Verbies.  Have a listen!
 
 

#496-Ducks, Darts, and Death with Anchor Brant

Duck, Duck, Duck, Podcast. Two weeks ago, a unique story occurred where a duck flew on the field during a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game which resulted in the fans declaring the bird their unofficial mascot. Anchor Brant is the event staffer who became a local hero by wrangling up the mallard from the field to the cheers of fans. We chat with Anchor on his new fame as well as compliment his amazing mustache while Burlew throws shade with the upcoming Commanders Buccaneers game. 
 
Scott must also navigate through the tournament of those who died in 24 and bring back only one celebrity in this year's "God Complex".  We also discuss darts, the meanness of the paint community, and Burlew updates with some sad news.  Have a listen!

#495-The 2024 Christmas Spectacular with David Rothstein

Merry Christmas! It is here folks!  The 2024 Christmas Spectacular has arrived, and boy is it full of Christmas cheer.  This year, Mike, and longtime listeners, Dom and Harry, must compete in the "Ornament Olympics" were they must both debate each other on Christmas topics, but also support each other in a grueling battle to win a custom ornament to adorn their tree. This game is certain to get you in the holiday spirit as we hit eveything from the Mount Rushmore of Christmas movies, hot takes on Christmas, to the sexiest Chrismas character.  Who will win?  You'll just have to listen to find out.
 
We are also joined by world renowned Snow Sculptor, and snow gigolo, David Rothstein.  David has created stunning scultures all over the world.  We get into the joy of winter, what it takes to make these vibrant pieces of art, and where snow sculpting has taken David.  Make sure to check out his fascinating work today!
 
Thank you to everyone who has listened over the last year.  Have a Merry Christmas!

#494-Oliver Hazard, Hot Air Balloon Anvils, and No Gifts for Burlew

Today, we are joined by Mike Belazis, of the indie/folk band, Oliver Hazard.  We discuss everything from the band's new EP, their origins, what the band has learned, and more.  Go check out Oliver Hazard and their new EP, Raindrop River today!
 
We also discuss Mike's inability to receive anything from Fedex, Mike cooks up a plan to rid New Jersey of drones, we look at the most expensive movie props, and Mike reveals the happenings of his shitty week.  Have a listen!

#493- Stacy Spikes, Mystery Stew, and Drone Invasions

Any movie, any time, any where….even on this podcast. This week we chat with co-founder and CEO of Moviepass Stacy Spikes about the recently released documentary MoviePass, MovieCrash. We dive into his business background and building the brand, to the bad decisions of investors which led to the downfall, and he chose to rebuild the company. An interesting conversation on the timeline of the viral business. After our interview check out the documentary and Stacy’s book Black Founder , The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider.
 
We also discuss Mike finding either potato stew or vomit in his yard, bodily fluids, and the invasion of drones flyng over New Jersey.  Have a listen!

#492- Ruining Thanksgiving, Lube Turkey, and Gas Station Tacos

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! The guys return this week, and attempt to ruin each other's Thanksgiving in another round of the "Inconvenience Draft".  It goes off the rails as always and involves Pilgrims, turkeys cooked in lube, and Mike's imaginary friends.  We also chat about Mike horrible restaurant experience,  Mike's amazing tv superpower, and the Best of Hulk Hogan in WCW.
 

#491-Scott Martin Brooks, Milking Utensils, and Jacked Janitors

If you're looking for great guests and hilarious conversation, turn to Verbal Shenanigans, we know Waasssup!!! Actor Scott Martin Brooks joins us this week who played Dookie in the iconic Budweiser Wassup commercials. We had an absolute blast speaking with him on the fame from the ads, the fan reaction, his acting projects including working with Bernie Mac, and the full turn around of the commercials. An absolutely fun chat.
 
We also talk about Scott's sweaty travel experience,  Mike has some unique language flubs, and Scott finds a writing about a jacked janitor from high school.  Have a listen!

#490- Sam Goodwin, Comedy Show Fights, and Tiny Thong Thursday

Next time you worry about first world problems, listen to our guest. World traveler Sam Goodwin has traveled to every country in the world. Unfortunately Sam had an incident that led to him being incarcerated in Syria for 9 weeks. Sam gives us details on what he went through, how he stayed positive, and how he continued to travel to the world after finally getting home. Listen to our podcast for the story and then read his book Saving Sam to get even more details of his story.
 
We also discuss alot, from the election, ,fights at Scott's comedy show, and what happened  with one of our worst interviews.  Oh yea, and Tiny Thong Thursdays.  Have a listen!

#489-The 2024 Halloween Extravanganza with The Church of Pain

We return yet again with maybe our best ever Halloween Special.  Today, we combine our love of great guests, embarrassing Mike, ridiculous games, and our fans all in one episode.
 
Joining us for an interview is Alan Belardinelli, a founding member of Smertekirken, or the Church of Pain in Norway.  We learn all about the very unique world of body suspension through a great conversation with Alan.  Alan really highlights this unique lifestyle, and gives us a peak into what the Church of Pain truly is.  Think you can handle it?  Have a listen!
 
So if that wasn't enough, this week kicks off with Mike paying his debts as he performs the National Anthem.  This segues into this years Halloween game, 2 I's on You.  Mike must fight his way through a demonic onslaught from loyal listeners, Dom and Harry.  Will Mike lose his hosting seat?  Or will he find  way to ward off the evil that lurks in an epic game of Halloween madness.  Happy Halloween!
 

#488-Zap Returns, Lube Bubbles, and Robot Help

For the second time, Raye Hollitt-Olsen, aka Zap from American Gladiators, joins us on the show.  We discuss everything from The Muscles and Mayhem documentary, life after Gladiators, and Raye's current endeavors.  Check it out!
 
We also talk about Mike losing our bet and his upcoming National Anthem,  an odd bubble car, and the entrance of artificial intelligence into our lives.  Have a listen!

#487- Bomb Technician Barry Black, SEC addiction, and Painted Pandas

For once, we're the ones bombing.  Forget what you see on screen in action films, our guest has lived it in real life. Former FBI agent Barry Black is a retired Master Bomb Technician. Join us as we hear about the life and training he went through, the investigations he did in Oklahoma City and Atlanta Olympics, and find out how accurate movies are to real life. Interesting and entertaining conversation.
 
We also chat about a bet on the Mets Phillies series, Scott gross addiction, and round it out with some Bear News.  Have a listen!

#486-Lyrics Born Returns, Lube Sales, and Hugemidity

He's a lyricist, an actor, a foodie, and a true artist.  Lyrics Born returns to the show to discuss his farewell album, Goodbye Sticky Rice.  After 16 albums, LB has decided to move on, but he isn't going anywhere soon.  His hit cooking show Dinner in Place continues to thrive, his acting continues to evolve, and he will always remain an important name in music.  Lyrics is a great guy with great insight.  Check out his funk heavy album on 10/18.
 
We also talk about the death of Dikembe Mutombo and Pete Rose, debate attending a Diddy party, lube chat, and Mike barely makes it out alive during a workout.  Have a listen!

#485- Dean Roland Returns, The Fall of Grohl, and Chimp parties

For the second time, Dean Roland ,of Collective Soul, joins the podcast.  Dean and the band have been rocking for over 3 decades.  We chat with Dean about the longevity of Collective Soul, the band's new music, what both Woodstocks were like, and their current tour with Hootie and the Blowfish.  Dean is a down to earth, interesting guy with plenty to share.  Check out the band's new album Here to Eternity today!
 
We also chat about the fall of Dave Grohl, RFK cutting up whale heads, and Mike being part of a Chimp conspiracy.  Have a listen!

#484- Jack Jokinen, Mike's Super Power, and Heaven's Brewery

Christmas comes early with the gift of Verbal Shenanigans. Jack Jokinen woke up one morning to find a stray dog named Suzy came into his house for warmth and shelter. The story went viral with the video and story. Now Jack has written a Christmas book based on Suzy called A Stray Dog For Christmas : How Suzy Was Adopted. Listen to his life before and the whirlwind of this loving animal, and go out buy the book on Amazon, Target, and all other book providers.
 
We also talk about Mike's devious superpower, fantasy football, NFL picks, and Mike finds wahat might be the most unique brewery around.  Have a listen!

#483- Rocket Dumps, Purple Fingers, and Liver Lips McGrowl

The guys are back together with an old school, no guest, hour of nonsensical banter.  Scott talks about his recent vacation, his son's special fecal talent, and what it's like planning dinner with 50 family members who have been doing the same thing for decades.  Mike doesn't believe his wife's injury, and also must tell us how beloved Disney characters will be canceled.  Another great week on the show.  Have a listen!

#482 - Influencer Ian McAlister and Burlew's issue with Lawns, Toilets, Spoilers, and Escape Rooms

#StayToxic and stay listening to our show with our guest influencer Ian McAlister. Since he first began creating content in 2020, Ian has seen significant success,gaining over 1.6 million followers on TikTok and 590k on Instagram. We sit down with him and chat about building his Stay Toxic brand with his humorous perspective on relationships and everyday life, the work done and science to continue gaining an audience, and his passion around supporting those with mental health challenges. Check out his social platforms and his new merchandise shop.Burlew has the controls all by himself again, so find out him dealing with lawn work not going right, fixing toilet seat handles, trying to avoid the Deadpool and Wolverine spoilers, and his first time trying to get out of an Escape room. A great week  Have a listen! 

#481- Erin Heard, Charlie Duke, and 1-800-Bad-Girl

We know you got your eye on your summer vacation so join us as we go down to the island paradise of...Antarctica. We chat with Erin Heard, the station manager for the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Station. Erin tells us about every day life during the winter season at the base. Listen on how easy it was to find a job in Antarctica, the projects that come through there, and the community at the station. Sit back, chill, and learn about life on the continent.
We also interview the youngest man to ever step foot on the moon, discuss a terrible guest from a few weeks ago,  Mike has the worst super power, and Scott's discusses whether or not 1-800-Bad-Girl is still active.  A great week  Have a listen!