Go Fact Yourself

Latest Episodes:

J. Keith quizzes hosts in MFD Spring Break Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

It’s not MaxFunDrive without a wild kickoff spectacular! Former real-life VJ and host of MTV's Spring Break 1999, Dave Holmes, takes your favorite MaxFun hosts through some wacky ‘90s- and Spring Break-themed mini games!!

Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brenda Snell, Drea Clark, Alonso Duralde, Dan McCoy, Jordan Morris, Manolo Moreno, Ella Hubber, Caroline Roper, Ella McLeod, John-Luke Roberts, Justin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Mike Cabellon, Sierra Katow, Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, John Moe, Christian Dueñas, Christian Duguay.

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

Ep. 167.5: #MaxFunDrive special: GFY Listeners Sam Gladston vs Noelle Sciarini Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

This show is supported by our beloved MaxFun Members! To become one yourself as part of the #MaxFunDrive, go to maximumfun.org/join and set up a recurring monthly contribution for as little as $5 a month.

Happy #MaxFunDrive! And we’ve got a couple of contestants who supported Go Fact Yourself in 2024!

In this episode…

Guests:

Sam Gladston is a professional wrestler who performs for Superkick’d in Toronto. He’ll tell us how he got his start and how body building helped save his life.

Noelle Sciarini is an email marketing specialist. She’ll tell us the secret to crafting the perfect email that people actually want to click on. Plus, we’ll hear more about how this is the FIRST podcast she’s ever been on!

Both Sam and Noelle were two of the first 100 listeners to support Go Fact Yourself in the 2024 MaxFunDrive.

Areas of Expertise

Sam: The Krakoan era of X-Men, competitive bodybuilding from the late 90s and onwards, witches in media, the movie Labyrinth, and the TV show “Star Trek: Voyager.”

Noelle: 1990s film adaptations of classic books, the TV show “The Great British Bake-off,” the musical The Secret Garden, cross-country running, and word games.

What’s the difference: Rookie Mistake

What’s the difference between a rookie and a beginner?

What’s the difference between a mistake and an error?

With Guest Experts:

Lisa Klink: TV writer, known for her work in the “Star Trek” universe.

Marsha Falco: Game inventor whose games include SET, Karma, and Quiddler.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

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

#MaxFunDrive announcements! Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

J. Keith and Helen provide some early details for the MaxFun Drive! Look forward to lots of new episodes in the podcast feed along with tons of contests and giveaways exclusively for those who support Go Fact Yourself.

Starting March 17th, go to Maximumfun.org/jointo become a MaxFun Member and support Go Fact Yourself.

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

Ep. 167: Phil Rosenthal & Sarah Jones Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

We’re halfway to an EGOT on this brand new Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Phil Rosenthal is an Emmy-winning writer and producer, who went from producing and writing “Everybody Loves Raymond” to hosting “Somebody Feed Phil” – the Netflix series where he samples cuisine from around the world. He’ll tell us about some of his most memorable dishes.

Sarah Jones is a Tony-winning actor and writer, whose celebrated solo shows involve playing multiple characters – some of whom show up in this recording! Sarah and her characters can be heard on her acclaimed podcast, “America, Who Hurt You?”

Areas of Expertise

Phil: Stanley Kubrick, Hollywood restaurants, and the TV show “The Odd Couple.”

Sarah: 1990s East Coast hip-hop, the origins of New York accents, and dating apps.

What’s the difference: Better Safe than Sorry

What’s the difference between a safe and a vault?

What’s the difference between to repent and to atone?

With Guest Experts:

Lowell Ganz: Oscar-nominated writer, who’s responsible for more episodes of “The Odd Couple” than anyone else.

Adam Klugman: Collaborator and son of Jack Klugman, star of “The Odd Couple.”

Big Daddy Kane: Grammy-winning rapper and producer, known for his groundbreaking rhymes.

Spinderella: Grammy-winning DJ, rapper and producer, known for her work as a member of the group Salt-N-Pepa.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

***New Radio Stations Carrying GFY!***
You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio on NPR stations LAist 89.3 in Southern California, WUTC 88.1 in Chattanooga, WUWM 89.7 in Milwaukee, and KODK 90.7 in Kodiak. Check their respective websites for details on how and when to listen.

LAist Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

Ask YOUR local NPR station about picking up GFY in your area!

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

Ep. 166: Jennifer Tilly & Adam Savage Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Real celebrity trivia is CONFIRMED for Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Jennifer Tilly is an actor who’s dazzled in dozens of films, including her Oscar-nominated turn in Bullets Over Broadway. She’s also voiced characters in everything from the Chucky franchise to “Family Guy.” But the most difficult thing she’s ever done is appearing as herself on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” She’ll explain why, and tell us all about her championship poker skills.

Adam Savage is best known as one of the hosts of “Mythbusters.” Along with his co-host Jamie Hyneman, Adam tested hundreds of myths to determine their plausibility. He’ll tell us about some of his favorite experiments and why the show was such an intense production. Catch Adam now on Tested.com.

Areas of Expertise

Jennifer: The Royal Family (especially Harry and Meghan), jewelry designers, and The Beatles.

Adam: Raymond Chandler, juggling, and palindromes.

What’s the difference: Dish the Dirt

What’s the difference between a dish and a plate?

What’s the difference between filth and grime?

With Guest Experts:

Eddie Muller: Author and founder of the Film Noir Foundation

Tal Bachman: Award-winning musician who co-hosts “The Musical Mystery Tour” on The Beatles channel on Sirius XM.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

***Listen to GFY on the radio!***
You can now hear the show LIVE on the radio in the Los Angeles area on NPR station LAist 89.3 FM. You can also stream the show live around the world at LAist.com (Click the big “Listen” button at the top of the page.)

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

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

Ep. 165.5: Best of Football Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

It’s a touchdown for trivia on Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Ryan Kalil and Yeardley Smith from episode 75.

Heidi Gardner from episode 80.

Meg Rowley and Moujan Zolfaghari from episode 99.

Keegan-Michael Key from episode 136.

Billy Gardell and Gina Yashere from episode 142.

Bobby Massie from episode 151.

Ann-Margret from episode 164.

With Guest Experts:

Glover Quin: Former Pro-Bowl defensive back for the Detroit Lions.

James Farrior: All-Pro linebacker, two-time Super Bowl champion, and member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor.

Jon Ryan: Super Bowl Champion punter for the Seattle Seahawks.

Greg Townsend: Two-time NFL Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Raiders.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Guest Co-host Moujan Zolfaghari

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

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

Ep. 165: Paula Poundstone & Open Mike Eagle Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

It’s an X-tra special brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

**Come see us in SF Sketchfest in San Francisco! Sunday 1/19 at 4pm! Tickets at bit.ly/GFYSketchfest

In this episode…

Guests:

Paula Poundstone is a comedian who’s the creative voice behind the podcast “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.” You can also find her on tour throughout the next few months. How does she have time to do so much? It turns out she has a lot of time on her hands thanks to some advice from a plumber.

Open Mike Eagle is a rapper who’s known for some very clever rhyming and word play. Turns out that he's been working on that ever since he was a kid! You can hear Mike’s newest musical project, Previous Industries, and their debut album, Service Merchandise now.

Areas of Expertise

Paula: The TV show “Breaking Bad,” Drakes Cakes, and the desegregation of department store lunch counters in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mike: The Attitude Era of professional wrestling, the Jonathan Hickman era of X-Men comics, and the anime “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.”

What’s the Difference: Respect your Elders

What’s the difference between to respect someone and to honor someone?

What’s the difference between older and elder?

With Guest Experts:

Louise Simonson: Award-winning writer and editor who’s worked in comic books for more than 50 years.

Betsy Brandt: Actor whose career includes five seasons of playing Marie on “Breaking Bad.”

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

*Listen to Bonus Content from this episode*

We make a monthly GFY Extras episode with BoCo from all of our episodes – just for Maximum Fun members! Info at: maximumfun.org/howtoboco

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

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

Ep. 164: Ann-Margret & Antonio Villaraigosa Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

We’ve cooked up some great trivia on this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

*Listen to Bonus Content from this episode*

We make a monthly GFY Extras episode with BoCo from all of our episodes – just for Maximum Fun members! Info at: maximumfun.org/howtoboco

You can also hear a different version of our episodes – and play a corresponding trivia quiz – at laist.com/gofactyourself

In this episode…

Guests:

Ann-Margret is a Hollywood legend. She’s appeared in everything from Bye Bye Birdie to Viva Las Vegas to Carnal Knowledge. Plus she’s won tons of awards, including an Emmy. But her proudest achievement is her marriage to her late husband, Roger Smith.

Antonio Villaraigosa is the former mayor of Los Angeles. He’s been out of politics for some time, but now he’s running for California governor. He’ll tell us why he’s campaigning and what his favorite part of being mayor was.

Areas of Expertise

Ann-Margret: The TV show “Law & Order SVU,” the Raiders NFL team from the 1980s to the present, and musicals from the 1960s and 70s.

Antonio: Mass transportation in Los Angeles, Los Angeles restaurants, and movies that take place in Los Angeles.

What’s the Difference: Today’s Forecast

What’s the difference between a prediction and a prophecy?

What’s the difference between a weather forecast of “partly sunny” and “partly cloudy?”

With Guest Experts:

Susan Feniger: Award-winning chef, author, and restaurateur.

Greg Townsend: Two-time NFL pro-bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Raiders.

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

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

Ep. 163: Cameron Esposito & Chris Grace Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

—--

Trivia is the “T” Word on this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Cameron Esposito is a comedian who had a major revelation during the pandemic: She found out she has bipolar disorder. She’ll tell us how she learned to embrace her diagnosis and why doing stand-up is so much better than writing a book.

Chris Grace is perhaps best known for his role as Jerry in the show “Superstore.” The series always had a devoted following, but in recent years its audience has grown even larger. Chris will tell us about some of his favorite fan interactions and how he perfected the art of deadpan.

Areas of Expertise

Cameron: The TV show “The L Word,” women-led action movies, and catholicism.

Chris: The podcast “Never Not Funny,” the film Everything Everywhere All At Once, and the poem “The Road Less Traveled.”

What’s the Difference: Heart’s Desire

What’s the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack?

What’s the difference between a desire and a craving?

With guest experts:

Jimmy Pardo: Comedian and creator of the podcast Never Not Funny. He was also a contestant on the very first episode of Go Fact Yourself.

Daniel Sea: Actor known for the role of Max on the Showtime series “The L Word.”

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten

Helen Hong

Credits:

Theme Song by Jonathan Green.

Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.

Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.

Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!

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

Ep. 162: Marc Summers & Michaela Watkins Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

Airtimes: Saturdays at 10am & 5pm. Sundays at 8pm. (All times Pacific)

—--

We’re firing up some star-studded trivia on this brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!

In this episode…

Guests:

Marc Summers is the original host of Nickelodeon’s hit game show “Double Dare.” He’ll tell us what it was like hosting the messiest show on television… as he was getting diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. You can see Marc in the upcoming Hallmark movie Hannukah on the Rocks.

Michaela Watkins is an accomplished actor who’s expanded her talents into being an executive producer. What’s the biggest difference between the two crafts? The footwear! You can see Michaela in the upcoming film Suze.

Areas of Expertise

Marc: Johnny Carson, the TV show “Star Search,” and Comedy Magicians

Michaela: The film Bugsy Malone, the TV show “Sex and the City,” and pottery.

What’s the difference: Corn Flakes

What’s the difference between an ear of corn and a cob of corn?

What’s the difference between crispy and crunchy?

With guest experts:

Pam Aliaga: Exhibitions Manager for the American Museum of Ceramic Art

Reniel Del Rosario: Artist in Residence at the American Museum of Ceramic Art.

Sam Harris: Singer, theater actor, and original winner of “Star Search.”

Hosts:

J. Keith van Straaten