Go Fact Yourself

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 55.5: Best of Baseball Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

The 2020 MLB season is in question, but we’re happy to celebrate baseball on Go Fact Yourself!

There have been a lot of contestants who have chosen baseball as their areas of expertise; we’ve quizzed folks like comedy legend Fred Willard, voice actor Phil Lamarr and Maximum Fun founder Jesse Thorn -- and more! We decided to put some of the best segments in one convenient episode.

Along the way, we’ve got a murderer’s row of outstanding experts including World Series play-by-play broadcasters, world-class historians and world champion players. Let’s play ball!

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Phil LaMarr from Episode 2

Fred Willard from Episode 13

John Ross Bowie from Episode 14

Sandeep Parikh from Episode 26

Jesse Thorn from Episode 50

With Guest Experts:

Jon Weisman, author of 100 Things Dodgers Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die.

Dr. Joe Price, Co-Director for The Institute for Baseball Studies at Whittier College.

Bobby Ojeda, former baseball player and current podcaster.

Dan Shaughnessy, sports columnist for the Boston Globe.

Jon Miller, award-winning TV and radio play-by-play commentator for the San Francisco Giants.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is engineered and edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself … whenever that is!

Get our Go Fact Yourself t-shaped shirt!

Visit us @gofactyourpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

And wash your hands!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 55: Jimmy Pardo Mar 27, 2020

Show notes

It’s a special, experimental Quarantine Edition of Go Fact Yourself recorded at our various homes and with no live audience!

Jimmy Pardo is a comedian and host of the long-running podcast "Never Not Funny." He also owns the distinction of being a guest on the very first episode of Go Fact Yourself.

When he was first on the show, he answered trivia questions about 1980’s music. But this time we’re revisiting BOTH of his other areas of expertise to determine if he is truly the Facting Champion!

Along the way, Jimmy will discuss how he’s podcasting from home, music from his hometown and favorite baseball hometeam.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Jimmy Pardo

With Guest Experts:

Jason Benetti, Sportscaster for the Chicago White Sox.

Bill Champlin, musician, singer and songwriter who’s performed with the band Chicago.

Oliver Pardo, son of Jimmy Pardo.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is engineered and edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself … whenever that is!

Get our Go Fact Yourself t-shaped shirt!

Let us know what you think of this experimental format. @gofactyourpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

And wash your hands!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 54.5: J. Keith & Helen on WGN TV and radio Mar 06, 2020

Show notes

Happy Max Fun Drive month! To celebrate, we’re changing up our episode schedule in March.

This week, we’ve got a pair of interviews that aired as part of Go Fact Yourself’s shows in Chicago. First, J. Keith and Helen will speak with Larry Potash from WGN TV’s morning show. Then they’ll speak with Bill Leff and Dane Neal from the recently ended "Bill & Wendy Show." Both interviews will feature special mini-versions of our usual trivia games!

Go Fact Yourself will be back with full episodes on March 20th and 27th -- just in time for the Max Fun Drive! Make sure to contribute at maximumfun.org/join

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself!

Get our Go Fact Yourself t-shaped shirt!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 54: Oscar Nunez & Molly Knight Feb 21, 2020

Show notes

Strike up the band! It’s a music-filled episode of Go Fact Yourself!

Oscar Nunez is best known for his role as Oscar Martinez in the classic NBC comedy "The Office." Between its original run on television and streaming distribution on Netflix, it’s earned fans of all ages. Oscar will tell us all about some of his most memorable moments in front of the camera, including sharing a kiss with Steve Carrell and performing a strip-tease for Betty White. You can see Oscar on the Netflix series "Mr. Iglesias."

Oscar will compete against Molly Knight, journalist for the sports publication The Athletic. She mainly covers the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. She’ll share her insights into the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal that she says robbed the Dodgers of the 2017 World Series. Plus she’ll recall simpler times in her journalistic career -- like when she was a reporter for "Shopping Centers Today" magazine. Molly’s book, The Best Team Money Can Buy, is available now.

The guests will discuss the most important music of their lives, doggies and the beauty in finally quitting your day job.

What’s the Difference: Look who’s talking

What’s the difference between an interpreter and a translator?

What’s the difference between a windbag and a blowhard?

If you’d like to submit a question for our What’s the Difference round, go to gofactyourpod.com and click on "Get Involved."

Areas of Expertise

Oscar Nunez: Travel, iconic fashion designers, and David Bowie.

Molly Knight: The first six solo albums of Tori Amos, the best-selling artists as per the Recording Industry Association of America, and countries of Africa.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Oscar Nunez

Molly Knight

With guest experts:

Arthur Spivak, producer and manager who's worked with Paul Reiser, Prince and Tori Amos

Ann Magnuson, actor whose latest credits include "The Man in the High Castle" and "Star Trek: Picard"

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at the Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself!

Get our Go Fact Yourself t-shaped shirt!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 53: Gareth Reynolds & Ali Spagnola Feb 07, 2020

Show notes

Slackers of the world unite! Fire up your flux capacitors! "Go Fact Yourself" has trivia that spans the timeline this week!

Gareth Reynolds is best known as one of the hosts of "The Dollop." It’s a podcast that shares stories from U.S. history in a fun and engaging way. That includes some less savory information -- like the details about George Washington’s teeth. Gareth will also tell us personal stories, including what it was like to be a writer for "Arrested Development" and how he first met his cat, Jose. Gareth’s new comedy record, "Riddled with Disease," is available now.

Ali Spagnola also works in comedy, but in a different medium. Her presence on social media has earned her millions of followers across many platforms. What’s even more impressive is that she’s done it all while being physically fit, musically talented and breaking multiple world records. She’s even found a way to turn the hate that comes with being a prominent online figure into something very positive and constructive.

The guests will discuss lessons from history, movies about the past and animated shows about the future!

What’s the Difference: Too fry fry, hush hush (eye to eye)

What’s the difference between pan frying and sauteing?

What’s the difference between a pan and a skillet?

If you’d like to submit a question for our What’s the Difference round, go to gofactyourpod.com and click on "Get Involved."

Areas of Expertise

Gareth Reynolds: The Green Bay Packers from the 1990s until now, the film Back to the Future and animals.

Ali Spagnola: The TV show "Futurama," the TV show "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," and CrossFit.

Appearing in this episode:

With guest experts:

James Tolkan, retired actor best known for his role in the Back to the Future film series.

Mike Rowe, writer/producer for "Futurama."

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at Center For Inquiry Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself!

Get our NEW Go Fact Yourself t-shaped shirt!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 52: Jamie Loftus & Craig Shoemaker Jan 17, 2020

Show notes

Click your heels three times and remember there’s no place like home: "Go Fact Yourself" is officially the greatest trivia show on ice!

Jamie Loftus is a comedian and a host of "The Bechdel Cast" podcast. Her show is all about analyzing film from a feminist perspective. One movie that holds up surprisingly well under such scrutiny? Alien! She’ll explain. Plus, she’ll discuss what gives her a special edge in this trivia contest: her certification as a Mensa Genius. Jamie’s upcoming appearances can be found on her website.

Jamie will compete against her fellow comedian and feminist Craig Shoemaker. He describes his work as “comedy for the soul.” That’s not just a pun on his name; He’ll tell us about how his work has actually helped people in real life. He also has a number of personal aspirations as well, including to sing Les Miserables on Broadway. You can hear Craig on his podcast "Can I Help You?"

The topics discussed include classic movies, ice rinks and the power of love.

What’s the Difference: Music history

What’s the difference between a Grammy award for "song of the year" and "record of the year"?

What’s the difference between "historic" and "historical"?

If you’d like to submit a question for our What’s the Difference round, go to gofactyourpod.com and click on "Get Involved."

Areas of Expertise

Jamie Loftus: Chuck E. Cheese, Zambonis and the collective works of Alfred Molina.

Craig Shoemaker : Fatherhood, the film The Wizard of Oz and fixing people.

Appearing in this episode:

With guest experts:

Joe Keeler, Francois Martindale, ice maintenance experts for the Los Angeles Kings NHL team.

Aljean Harmetz, author of the book The Making of the Wizard of Oz.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at Center For Inquiry Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself!

Get our NEW Go Fact Yourself t-shaped shirt!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 51: Charlie Hankin & Kitty Felde Jan 03, 2020

Show notes

Perfect your comic punchlines and read up on your history for this episode of Go Fact Yourself!

Charlie Hankin is perhaps best known for his comics in The New Yorker magazine. For you aspiring cartoonists, he shares the secret to getting your work in the famed publication. He also discusses how he’s already walked away a winner on another game show: "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Charlie can be seen on his YouTube show "Good Cop, Great Cop."

Also joining us is writer and podcaster Kitty Felde. Her show "Book Club for Kids" is all about showcasing kids’ perspectives on books and sharing them with the authors. As a veteran Capitol Hill reporter, she’s ready to share some amazing details about U.S. politics… like how Washington D.C. is home to the ugliest shoes in the country.

We’ll get into topics like U.S. presidents, classic science-fiction films and regal living spaces.

What’s the Difference: There’s no place like home

What’s the difference between a home appraisal and a home assessment?

What’s the difference between a palace and a castle?

If you’d like to submit a question for our What’s the Difference round, go to gofactyourpod.com and click on "Get Involved."

Areas of Expertise

Charlie Hankin: the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, the making of the atomic bomb and the Heaven’s Gate cult.

Kitty Felde: The Dodgers baseball team’s move to LA from Brooklyn, Theodore Roosevelt and his children and the TV show Bonanza.

Appearing in this episode:

With guest experts:

Kermit Roosevelt III, professor at University of Pennsylvania's Carey Law School.

Dan Richter, writer and actor who performed in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself!

Get our NEW Go Fact Yourself t-shaped shirt!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 50: Jesse Thorn & Kelly Hu Dec 20, 2019

Show notes

It’s the 50th episode of Go Fact Yourself! And we’ve got a t-shirt!

To help us celebrate, we’ve brought on Maximum Fun founder, Jesse Thorn. These days, MaxFun is known for dozens of quality podcasts. But in Jesse’s early days, he recorded the talk show that would become "Bullseye" in his apartment. The humble beginnings helped him learn a lot about interviewing great guests… and about the value of a good suit. In addition to “Bullseye,” you can hear Jesse on the podcasts "Jordan Jesse Go!" and "Judge John Hodgman."

Jesse’s opponent for this momentous episode is actor Kelly Hu. She’s best known for appearances in tons of hit movies, including her role as Lady Deathstrike in X2: X-Men United. But even though audiences love her work, she’ll explain why she can’t stand to watch herself in any film or show she’s ever been a part of. Plus: a look into her desire to be a pageant winner without having a talent to showcase.

Our guests will answer questions about baseball, cadavers and what can be mixed into chocolate.

What’s the Difference: Murder!

What’s the difference between a coroner and a medical examiner?

What’s the difference between a knife and dagger?

If you’d like to submit a question for our What’s the Difference round, go to gofactyourpod.com and click on "Get Involved."

Areas of Expertise

Jesse Thorn: The hip-hop group Dungeon Family, the city of San Francisco and the San Francisco Giants baseball team.

Kelly Hu: Dog training, Hawaiian food and chocolate-making.

Appearing in this episode:

With guest experts:

Jon Miller, award-winning TV and radio play-by-play commentator for the San Francisco Giants.

Patricia Tsai and Emily Walden, owner and manager of the Chocovivo chocolate-making shop in Los Angeles.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at the The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself!Get our NEW Go Fact Yourself t-shaped shirt!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 49: Atsuko Okatsuka & Joel Stein Dec 06, 2019

Show notes

FINALLY! An episode of Go Fact Yourself that celebrates trivia AND elitism!

In July, Atsuko Okatsuka had perhaps the most on-brand experience that a comedian can have in LA: she got on stage ready to perform right as an earthquake struck. She’ll tell us about why she was so poorly equipped to deal with the situation. Atsuko is also the host of "Let’s Go Atsuko!" a woke Japanese game show. What exactly makes a game show woke? Well… she’ll explain.

Joel Stein is a writer whose work has appeared in TIME magazine. It’s been an avenue of great success... but it’s also led to a lot of people wanting him fired. Joel is excited to discuss some of the trivia topics he knows about. But they all pale in comparison to his greatest passion: elitism. In celebration of his new book In Defense of Elitism: Why I’m Better Than You and You are Better Than Someone Who Didn’t Buy This Book, he’ll tell us why we need to embrace expertise over instinct.

This week’s discussion topics include cleanliness, classic sitcoms and fancy fountains.

What’s the Difference: What a dump

What’s the difference between a cobweb and a spiderweb?

What’s the difference between "unkempt" and "unkept"?

If you’d like to submit a question for our What’s the Difference round, go to gofactyourpod.com and click on "Get Involved."

Areas of Expertise

Atsuko Otatsuka: Kiehl’s products, the Netflix series "Queer Eye" (seasons 3 & 4) and The Americana at Brand shopping mall.

Joel Stein: Old world wine, the TV show, "Taxi" and the first 30 years of president Lyndon B. Johnson’s life.

Appearing in this episode:

With guest experts:

Jim Doyle, Oscar-winning effects designer and director of design technology at Water Entertainment Technology.

Randall Carver, actor from There Will be Blood and "Taxi".

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at the The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

The show is edited by Julian Burrell.

Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

Ep. 48: Jenny Jaffe & Jim Rash Nov 15, 2019

Show notes

Mysteries will be solved and species saved on this episode of Go Fact Yourself!

Jenny Jaffe is a comedy writer who grew up with an obsession for 90’s Nickelodeon animated shows. Her career has now come full circle: she’s landed a gig to writing for the upcoming version of "Rugrats!" She’ll tell us about that and some of her other obsessions that haven’t been a part of her work.. yet.

Jenny will take on actor/writer Jim Rash. Jim is a pretty accomplished guy. He’s known for his role as Dean Craig Pelton on NBC’s "Community." He’s also won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film The Descendants. But in spite of his success, he’s still not above searching for some quality advice on Instagram… even if he has trouble following it. You can hear Jim now as the voice of Gyro Gearloose on the new version "DuckTales."

This week’s trivia topics include moisturizing, basket weaving and cuddly critters.

This episode is sponsored by Fake Radio: America’s premier old-time-radio comedy troupe. To find out more about their show and how to attend their live performances, visitfakeradio.net/gofactyourself.

What’s the Difference: It puts the lotion in the basket

What’s the difference between lotion and ointment?

What’s the difference between rattan and wicker?

Areas of Expertise

Jenny Jaffe: 90’s Disney movies, anxiety disorders and phobias, and pandas

Jim Rash: Sid and Marty Krofft shows, The movie Clue, and giving advice to others that he doesn’t take.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong

Jenny Jaffe Jim Rash

With guest experts:

Dr. David Kersey, professor of veterinary sciences and giant panda reproduction expert.

Jonathan Lynn, director of the film Clue.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show was recorded at the The Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher. The show is edited by Julian Burrell. Go to gofactyourpod.com for information and tickets to the next recording of Go Fact Yourself!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joingofact

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