Really? no, Really? with Jason Alexander & Peter Tilden

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Guess How Much Water It Takes To Ask ChatGPT A Question | Really? no, Really? Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

Some AI data centers known as "hyperscalers" need to consume as much water as the whole city of Philadelphia. On this this episode, Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden ask Eric Olson, the assistant professor of finance and the director of the Center of Energy Studies at the University of Tulsa, to not only reveal how much much water it takes for ChatGPT to answer one question but to also address why building an AI data center in some place like Phoenix, Arizona isn't a good option. They also address the concerns of rising energy costs from these AI data centers being passed on to the consumer and if recycled water, or greywater, could be a potential solution. Would it make sense to move the data centers to areas with colder climates like Alaska or Antartica to handle the evaporative cooling? Eric also clarifies what we've all heard about job creation during the developmental phase. The conversation also delves into why businesses like Netflix spend so much money on servers to keep up with the attention society and the demand society.

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Seinfeldia: It's A Book About A Show About Nothing Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

What makes Seinfeld feel more alive in 2026 than half the shows made today? In this episode, Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden sit down with Jennifer Keishin Armstrong (author of Seinfeldia) to unpack why the show’s jokes, catchphrases, and “no one learns anything” mandate still shape comedy—and culture.

They dig into the streaming afterlife, the wild ratings era (including the infamous 78 million finale), and how characters like George Costanza and Kramer became modern archetypes. Jennifer shares behind-the-scenes reporting from writers and guest stars, including how icons like the Soup Nazi became permanent fandom fixtures, plus the unusual way ideas were pitched—sometimes literally in hallways.

The conversation also gets real about the show’s controversies (Puerto Rican Day Parade, representation, jokes “of their time”) and why Seinfeld may have paved the road for TV’s anti-hero era. If you’ve ever quoted “no soup for you” or wondered why the show still hits without smartphones, this one’s for you.

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The Truth About Hollywood’s Favorite Anxiety Drug | Really? no, Really? Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Hollywood’s latest “anxiety hack” isn’t a new miracle drug — it’s an old medication with a new spotlight. Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden dig into the celebrity buzz around beta blockers with Dr. Nasser Ghaemi, an academic psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Tufts University. They break down what beta blockers (like propranolol) actually do, why actors and musicians use them for performance anxiety, and the big catch: they can reduce symptoms without addressing the root cause. Dr. Ghaemi explains when “situational” use can make sense — and when it can backfire with side effects like low blood pressure, cognitive dulling, or added risk for people with asthma or diabetes. Along the way, Jason and Peter riff on Hollywood nerves, guest-star pressure on Seinfeld, and a wild story about “anxiety drugs in rivers” making salmon bolder — because of course it does. The episode lands on a bigger debate: quick-fix culture, rising anxiety in young people, and why AI therapy can’t replace a human clinician (yet).

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Waymo’s Biggest Weakness Just Got Exposed Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Waymo’s self-driving cars look futuristic — but what’s really happening behind the scenes may surprise you.

On Really? No, Really., Missy Cummings — former U.S. Navy fighter pilot, MIT-trained engineer, and one of the world’s leading AI and robotics safety experts — explains why true self-driving cars don’t actually exist yet, how human “remote operators” may be quietly stepping in, and the hidden technical flaws that keep autonomous vehicles from being as safe as advertised.

The conversation dives into phantom braking, transparency problems, Tesla’s camera-only approach, and why the hype around autonomy is racing far ahead of reality.

If you’ve ever trusted a robot car, ridden in a Waymo, or wondered where this technology is really headed, this episode will make you rethink everything.

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The Myths vs Reality of Modern Art Heists Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

How do art heists actually work — and why do so many stolen masterpieces disappear forever? On Really? No, Really?, Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden talk with art-theft investigator Anthony Amore about the real mechanics of modern art crime.

Amore cuts through the Hollywood myths, explaining why museums are more vulnerable than people think, how routine and insider knowledge get exploited, and why stolen art is often hidden for decades instead of sold. The conversation ranges from legendary unsolved heists and forgery scandals to the underground realities of fencing stolen art — plus some unexpected laughs, including Jason’s own “missing” Tony Award moment.

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Mike Campbell: The Man Behind Tom Petty Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tom Petty died in 2017, but his music continues to live on thanks to hits like "Refugee", "Here Comes My Girl", and "Runnin' Down a Dream." But recently Jason and Peter were stunned to learn that Petty didn’t write those songs alone. Really, no Really!

Mike Campbell was an original member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and co-wrote many of the band's legendary hits and was considered by Petty to be the Heartbreakers’ co-captain.

Campbell himself, continues to have an impressive career, now fronting the band The Dirty Knobs and playing and writing music with legendary rockers like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, George Harrison and more. But that got the guys wondering, what it’s like being the “unrecognized talent” regularly standing just behind and co-writing with iconic names?

While much of Mike’s career was alongside Petty, he notably gave Don Henley the music for his 1984 hit "The Boys of Summer" and he worked closely with Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin and too many others to name.

Campbell just released his first book: Heartbreaker: A Memoir

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ON THIS EPISODE:

Where Heartbreaker guitar lines came from.
What gives guitarists their “sound”?
Mike stores his guitars in a dry-cleaning rack?
They say Bob Dylan is “enigmatic” – What does that mean?
Tiny clubs vs. stadiums – Which is better to play?
On-stage and having to pee. What do you do?
How has the music business changed during Mike’s career?
Jason has an insane pneumatic couch. ???
Googleheim: Dylan Fans… We gotchu!

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FOLLOW MIKE:

Website (tour dates & tickets) - www.thedirtyknobs.com

Book - Heartbreaker: A Memoir

Instagram: @mikecampbellofficial

YouTube - @mikecampbellofficial

X - @MikeCampbellHQ

Facebook – MikeCampbellOfficial

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FOLLOW ROBERT TILDEN:

Spotify: Boyo

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FOLLOW REALLY NO REALLY:

www.reallynoreally.com

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Paul Reiser’s Return to Stand-Up Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Who isn’t a Paul Reiser mega fan? The dramas like Stranger Things! The comedies like “Mad About You”! How about the action/adventures with The Boys! And who could forget him in Aliens! ALIENS! And now after a 32-year hiatus he’s back on the road doing stand-up comedy again. Really, no Really!

Comedian, actor, television writer, producer, author and musician Paul Reiser is one of Hollywood’s most prolific creatives.

Voted by Comedy Central as one of the Top 100 Comedians of All Time, Reiser – who came up alongside folks like, George Carlin, Robert Klein, and Jerry Seinfeld.

His most recent standup special – his first in 30 years – Life, Death, and Rice Pudding, was released late last year.

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IN THIS EPISODE:

Comedian or actor? Which is it?
Why can’t robots recognize crosswalks and bicycles?
Why the 30+ year break with stand-up?
How do comedians decide what to wear on stage?
Jason’s feet are smaller than you can possibly imagine.
Can couples switch which side of the bed?
How a comedian bagged a role in Jim Cameron’s Aliens.
When Paul realized Mad About You was a hit.
Jason pushed Helen Hunt into accepting Mad About You!
How Paul cowrote a book with Doobie Brother’s frontman, Michael McDonald.
Columbo’s Peter Faulk was… difficult.
How’d “The Problem with People” get written?
Is Paul Broadway bound?

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FOLLOW PAUL:

Comedy Special: Paul Reiser: Life, Death, & Rice Pudding

Stand-Up: Comedy & Magic Club/Hermosa Beach/April 17

Website: paulreiser.com

X: @PaulReiser

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FOLLOW REALLY NO REALLY:

www.reallynoreally.com

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From Stand-Up to Seinfeld: Carol Leifer on Comedy, Writing, & Embarrassing Speeches Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

She’s written several classic Seinfeld episodes including “Lip Reader” and “Rye Bread.” She’s also written more Oscar telecasts than any other woman… but neither of those facts are this week’s “Really”. No… she’s on to promote her new book with a really long title. Really, no Really!

Emmy-nominated six times for her writing on such classic television shows as Seinfeld, The Larry Sanders Show, Saturday Night Live, and The Oscars, Carol Leifer won her first Emmy Award in 2024 for Outstanding Comedy Series as a co-executive producer of the HBO Max show Hacks.

She’s also written for other shows such as Modern Family, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Ellen Show, and many more.

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ON THIS EPISODE:

Jason reveals his post-Seinfeld epiphany
Never before revealed alternate ending to Marine biologist!
The unique way writers pitched episodes to Jerry and Larry.
Writing jokes for the Oscars is hard.
On becoming a writer, not only a standup comedian.
When Jason hosted SNL and why he won’t be asked back.
Inside the Curb Your Enthusiasm writer’s room.
Carol’s mission to help regular folks make better speeches.
Jason shares his "favorite” 2 Seinfeld episodes.
Is Jason tired of being asked about Seinfeld?
Carol shares a never-before-heard story of she and Jason on the Seinfeld set.
Do not zoom in on the menu board at the back of the Diner!
The quizzical comments Frank Sinatra made about Carol.

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FOLLOW CAROL:

SEE: April 2nd, 2025 - BOOK SIGNING - BOOK SOUP WITH CO-AUTHOR RICK MITCHELL

Book: “How to Write a Funny Speech: for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn't Want to Go to in the First Place”

Website: carolleifer.com

Instagram: @carolleifer

X: @carolleifer

Facebook: @CarolLeifer

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FOLLOW REALLY NO REALLY:

www.reallynoreally.com

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Peter Greenberg’s Ultimate Travel Tips & Expat Roadmap Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever pondered leaving the country… permanently? Dreamed about a perpetual change of scenery? International job opportunities caught your eye? Moving abroad is not only possible but it’s actually easier than ever! Really, no really!

If you’ve ever found yourself musing about any of those possibilities, we’ve got you covered. This is how you do it.

Known in the travel industry as “The Travel Detective,” Peter Greenberg broadcasts breaking news and investigative reports from around the world each week as Travel Editor for CBS News.

Additionally, Peter hosts The Travel Detective with Peter Greenberg, The Royal Tour, and Eye on Travel.

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IN THIS EPISODE:

What’s a golden passport?
It’s easier than it used to be to move abroad.
What prevents people from moving overseas?
The most popular states Americans are relocating to.
Where to move? Follow the strength of the US dollar.
The top 4 considerations when thinking where to move to.
Secret flights the airline industry doesn’t want you to know!
Gangs, drugs, political instability… are these reasons to avoid countries?
Lost luggage? Not with these tips!
Drip pricing, change fees, and other avoidable costs!
Don’t be a loser! Don’t book flights online.
Reasons to avoid room service.
Reasons NEVER to stay in a hotel above the 7th floor.
How to spot the Air Marshall!
The best beds in the hotel business.
No vacancy. Really?
Is there a trick to beating jet lag? YES!
The best app for travelers is…?

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FOLLOW PETER GREENBERG:

Website: petergreenberg.com

Instagram: @petergreenberg

Facebook: @PeterGreenbergWorldwide

YouTube: @PeterGreenberg

X: @PeterSGreenberg

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FOLLOW REALLY NO REALLY:

www.reallynoreally.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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After Disasters: Making Homes Safe Again Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Earlier this year we collectively watched in horror as Los Angeles burned. In all, at least 29 people were killed, 200,000 were forced to evacuate, and more than 18,000 homes and structures were destroyed.

Many, like our own Peter Tilden were forced from their homes. While thankfully his house wasn’t destroyed, it remains covered in a toxic soot, consisting of noxious chemicals and other unknown particulates. Months later his home, like so many others is still uninhabitable. Really, no really.

As Peter and other Angelinos struggle with insurance companies, shady contactors, temporary housing, and more, we wondered: How are people, whether by fires or floods, hurricanes or tornadoes, able to go home again?

That’s why we invited James Mayfield CEO of Mayfield Environmental, to educate us on what we all need to know in the aftermath of catastrophe.

For two generations James and his family have served Southern California as General Contractors for environmental cleanups. From biohazard and homeless encampment removal to Crime scene and drug lab clean-ups, Mayfield Environmental has seen it all and has a litany of certifications - making sure that when the worst happens, they clean it up the right way without taking you to the bank.

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IN THIS EPISODE: