Go Fact Yourself

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 37: Margaret Cho & Jamie Kaler Jun 07, 2019

Show notes

Dolphins and music and sports, oh my! It’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

Margaret Cho is a comedian and actress, known for her role in "30 Rock" as Kim Jong-il, for which she received an Emmy nomination. Margaret is also heavily tattooed, but she’ll explain why she’s ready to slow down the body art now that she only has space on her bodies that would be painful. You can find her tour schedule on her website.

Margaret will face off against fellow comedian and actor Jamie Kaler! He rose to prominence for his role in the TBS series "My Boys." He’s also a former Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He’ll explain why the punctuality he developed as a Navy man was a poor preparation for a career in Hollywood. Jamie can be found in the YouTube series "Dads in Parks" and the "Father Time" podcast

Our guests will reminisce about their careers and answer trivia questions about marine life, basketball and celebrities from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

What’s the Difference: Something fishy

What’s the difference between a seal and a sea lion?

What’s the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?

Areas of Expertise

Margaret Cho: Korean revenge movies, YouTube beauty wars and The Beach Boys

Jamie Kaler: The Dirty Harry film series, the basketball player Larry Bird and potty training.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Margaret Cho

Jamie Kaler

With guest experts:

Gary Holland, longtime high school basketball coach, whose players included Larry Bird.

Gary Griffin, keyboardist, vocalist and music producer who’s played with The Beach Boys.

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.

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

Ep. 36: Allie Goertz & Jason Stuart May 17, 2019

Show notes

This episode of Go Fact Yourself is part of a balanced breakfast of trivia and comedy!

Allie Goertz is a writer who hosts the fellow Max Fun podcast "Everything’s Coming up Simpsons". As if that didn’t give her enough funny things to surround herself with, she’s also the first woman editor for MAD Magazine! She’ll explain why even the silliest MAD content requires a lot of hard work.

Allie faces off against Jason Stuart! He’s a comedian and actor. He’s appeared in a number of films like Birth of a Nation stars in the new TV series "Smothered." He’s always been openly gay in his showbiz career. But these days he says he’s, "only gay on the weekends." He’ll explain.

Our guests will discuss breakfast, math and seminal "Saturday Night Live" films.

What’s the Difference: Make it Count

What’s the difference between a number and a numeral?

What’s the difference between arithmetic and mathematics?

Areas of Expertise

Jason Stuart: LGBTQ History, Barbra Streisand, and breakfast cereal.

Allie Goertz: The Beatles movies, the film Wayne’s World and giving advice.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Allie Goertz Jason Stuart

With guest experts:

Penelope Spheeris, director of films such as The Decline of Western Civilization parts 1, 2 and 3 and Wayne’s World.

Mikal Vollmer, cereal box collector, lecturer and historian and creator of the online zine about breakfast cereal Free Inside.

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.

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

Ep. 35: Suzy Nakamura & Mark L. Walberg May 03, 2019

Show notes

It might be the most highbrow episode of Go Fact Yourself yet!

Suzy Nakamura is an actor who’s been seen in shows like "Dr. Ken" and "The Goldbergs". Her work has endeared her to a large number of fans, but she’ll explain what she’s had to correct them about an unfortunate number of times.

Suzy’s opponent is Mark L. Walberg! He’s the host of shows like "Antiques Roadshow" and "Temptation Island" (and is not to be confused with the actor who shares his name). Mark will tell the story of how his son inadvertently helped him win another trivia game show, "The Weakest Link."

Our guests will discuss minor league baseball, math, and traditional holiday ballet.

What’s the Difference: Mean

What’s the difference between "facetious" and "sarcastic"?

What’s the difference between a median and a mean in mathematics?

Areas of Expertise

Suzy Nakamura: The Gutenberg Bible, the city of Chicago and Instagram cats

Mark L. Walberg: The film Pitch Perfect, moonshine and ballet.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Suzy Nakamura Mark L. Walberg

With guest experts:

Stephen Tabor, rare book curator for the Huntington Library.

Bianca Bulle, principal ballerina for Los Angeles Ballet.

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.

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

Ep. 34: Dave Anthony & Xeni Jardin Apr 19, 2019

Show notes

This week’s episode of Go Fact Yourself features topics that are really scary and really funny!

Dave Anthony is a comedian, but he loves making people think just as much as he loves making them laugh. He hosts the podcast "The Dollop" where he tells people about the U.S. history that they probably didn’t learn in school. That includes some less-discussed details about George Washington’s teeth.

Dave’s opponent is Xeni Jardin! She’s the co-editor of one of the premier blogs on the internet: "Boing Boing". As someone who’s worked with websites for years, she’s got a lot of thoughts on what makes the internet such a great platform for conversation… and why it’s often not-so-great as well.

Our guests will take deep dives into trivia, advocate for important causes and even get to meet a personal hero.

What’s the Difference: Warship/Worship

What’s the difference between a battleship and a destroyer?

What’s the difference between a church and a cathedral?

Areas of Expertise

Dave Anthony: San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner, why Halloween is better than Christmas and climate change.

Xeni Jardin: Golden retrievers, the film Blade Runner and marijuana.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Dave Anthony Xeni Jardin

With guest experts:

Doctor Alex Hall, director for the UCLA center for climate science.

Tommy Chong, comedian, writer, actor and cannabis activist.

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.

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

Ep. 33: Sara Schaefer & Kurt Braunohler Apr 05, 2019

Show notes

Grab your favorite science-fiction novel and settle into your 1400's English outfit for this episode of Go Fact Yourself!

Sara Schaefer is an accomplished comedian and writer. She won an Emmy for her time as a blogger on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." And yes, you can win an Emmy for blogging! But that was not her first Emmy nomination, that came during her time as a writer for a show that might help her out today: "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" Sara's new comedy album "LIVE LAUGH LOVE" is available now.

Sara's opponent is Kurt Braunohler! He's the host of the Los Angeles comedy show "Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen". These days, he's got a pretty great professional life, but that wasn't always the case. He'll recount some of the roughest parts of his career, including when he performed an hour of stand-up to an audience of three people. You can see Kurt in the Showtime series "Black Monday"

As our guest's trivia prowess is pushed the limit, we'll learn more about the postal service, barnyard animals and the two Coreys.

What’s the difference: Mail/Male

What’s the difference between certified mail and registered mail?

What’s the difference between a bull and an ox?

Areas of Expertise

Sara Schaefer: Joni Mitchell, crafting and Tudor England

Kurt Braunohler: Science-Fiction literature, the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and movies that feature both Coreys Haim and Feldman.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Sara Schaefer Kurt Braunohler

With guest experts:

Dr. Muriel C. McClendon, UCLA professor whose area of research is Tudor England.

Larry Niven, author of numerous science-fiction books, including the Ringworld series.

This episode is sponsored by CA Trusts.

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.

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

Ep. 32: Guy Branum & Emily Heller Mar 22, 2019

Show notes

In honor of the #MaxFunDrive, Go Fact Yourself presents a special network crossover!

Guy Branum is a comedian and host of the podcast "Pop Rocket". He's also a pop culture savant, as detailed in his book My Life as a Goddess. If you want to know more about the pop culture he loves, you'll have to read the book… but he's happy to provide a glimpse through some of his answers today.

His opponent is a fellow comedian for whom he has a lot of respect (and fear): Emily Heller! You can hear her as the host of the podcast "Baby Geniuses". Her show is all about explaining things. Today she’ll key in on a very important topic: Martha Stewart's barnyard animals.

From personal heroes to classic television to the subtleties of regional coffee pot designs, this episode has it all.

This show is directly funded by our Maximum Fun Members. As part of our annual #MaxFunDrive, you can sign up for as little as $5 a month at maximumfun.org/donate to help support this and other Max Fun shows you listen to AND earn great gifts in the process!

What’s the difference: Coffee/Coughy

What’s the difference between a teapot and a coffee pot?

What’s the difference between phlegm and mucus?

Areas of Expertise

Emily Heller: The TV show "Frasier", the musical group Indigo Girls and how to have a good time at Disneyland.

Guy Branum: Academy Award nominees for best actress, the TV show "30 Rock" and grains.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Guy Branum Emily Heller

With guest experts:

Emily Saliers, Grammy Award winning musician and one-half of Indigo Girls.

Margaret Cho, comedian and actress.

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.

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

Bonus Ep. 31.5: opening for Judge John Hodgman Mar 15, 2019

Show notes

Our regularly scheduled episode has been moved to next week for the #MaxFunDrive. This mini-episode of Go Fact Yourself was recorded as part of a live open for Judge John Hodgman.

First, Bailiff Jesse Thorn gives a warm welcome to the audience.

Then J. Keith and Helen will share some laughs and get to know members of the crowd.

After that, the games begin: Two rounds of “What’s the Difference?” featuring the following topics:

What is the difference between a cruise ship and an ocean liner?

What is the difference between a casket and a coffin?

Finally, we’ll finish with a round of Fast Facts!

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong

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.

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

Ep. 31: Greg Fitzsimmons & Shawn Pelofsky Mar 01, 2019

Show notes

Fans of comedy, cars and Howard Stern rejoice: This episode of Go Fact Yourself is sure to delight!

Shawn Pelofsky is a comedian whose special "Stretch It Out" is available now. She’s ready to be quizzed about her favorite things; But she’s also excited to share a personal experience with one of her greatest loves: Bette Midler.

Shawn goes up against comedian Greg Fitzsimmons, who you can hear hosting two podcasts: "Ftizdog Radio" and "Childish." He tells us about why his brief time as an athletic swimmer helped his future career in the entertainment industry.

The show touches on everything from cool janitors to chemistry to presidential prank calls.

What’s the difference: Silent "E"

What’s the difference between silicon and silicone?

What’s the difference between whisky and whiskey?

Areas of Expertise

Greg Ftizsimmons: Classic Mustangs, President John F. Kennedy and antidepressants.

Shawn Pelofsky: Howard Stern, the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance" and gay culture.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Greg Fitzsimmons Shawn Pelofsky

With guest experts:

Leslie Kendall, chief historian of the Petersen Automotive Museum.

John Melendez comedian and author of the book "Easy For You To Say".

This episode is sponsored by CA Trusts.

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.

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

Ep. 30: Sasheer Zamata & Samm Levine Feb 15, 2019

Show notes

"The Simpsons," Quentin Tarantino and comedy come together on Go Fact Yourself!

Sasheer Zamata is best known for her roles on "Saturday Night Live" and as the host of the variety showcase Sasheer Zamata Party Time. She’ll tell us about why a very... confusing invasion of her privacy has her so protective of her personal possessions.

Sasheer will go up against actor Samm Levine, who you may know from the Quentin Tarentino film Inglorious Basterds. He’s also in the beloved, but short-lived, TV series "Freaks and Geeks." He’s heard from a lot of fans who say they wish that show hadn’t ended so abruptly. But good news: he’ll share his solution to keeping "Freaks and Geeks" going for just a little longer.

What’s the difference: Space

What’s the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

What’s the difference between a nook and a cranny?

Areas of Expertise

Sasheer Zamata: Beyonce, the films Kill Bill: Vol. I and Kill Bill: Vol. II and show choir.

Samm Levine: The first three Die Hard movies, poker and "The Simpsons" seasons 3-9.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Sasheer Zamata Samm Levine

With guest experts:

Cat Thomas, award-winning costume designer for film and television.

Jay Kogen writer for "The Simpsons"

This episode is sponsored by The Big Quiz Thing and the Maximum Fun Jumbotron program.

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.

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

Ep. 29: Scott Thompson & Jenny Yang Feb 01, 2019

Show notes

It's a collision of comedians on this episode of Go Fact Yourself!

Scott Thompson is known for being part of the famed comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall. How did he become a part of such a well-regarded group of funny people? Let's just say that it all started with a table full of donuts. He'll explain the rest.

Scott faces off against comedian Jenny Yang. Growing up, she thought that she was destined for a career in political activism. But through a long road that included lobbying and poetry readings, she became a comedian and TV personality on the E! Network show "Busy Tonight".

In this episode, we'll learn about timeless movie stars, city planning and the expansive network of UCLA alumni.

What’s the difference: On the Water and Under the Ground

What’s the difference between a cruise ship and an ocean liner?

What’s the difference between a casket and a coffin?

Areas of Expertise

Jenny Yang: LA city planning, social justice leaders and Taiwanese food.

Scott Thompson: James Dean, the show “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and condiments.

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten Helen Hong Jenny Yang Scott Thompson

With guest experts:

Dylan Sittig, community-focused urban and environmental planner for the city of Los Angeles .

Peter Winkler, author of the book The Real James Dean: Intimate Memories from Those Who Knew Him Best.

This episode is sponsored by Scott Langteau's new children's book Sofa Boy and the Maximum Fun Jumbotron program.

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.

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

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