Well, I Laughed

Latest Episodes:

40: Plenty of Fish pt.1: Devil in the Details Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Grant tells Maia about the rarest fish in the world, found in the strangest of places. An episode about the Devil’s Hole Pupfish and Devils Hole, located in Death Valley National Park. We learn more about Ash Meadow, the legal rights of a tiny fish, and the many strange occurrences that have been documented at Devil’s Hole. A podcast episode that will leave you enchanted with the oddity of fish in the desert.

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Strap in as Grant and Maia shift gears from hot tub hijinks and nostalgic selfies to explore the enigmatic Devil’s Hole in Death Valley, a secluded cave harboring the endangered Devil’s Hole pupfish. With wild conservation showdowns, unexpected legal dramas, and a touch of irreverent humor, this episode is your invitation to uncover nature’s most astonishing secrets. Join us as we peel back the layers of a hidden ecosystem whose delicate balance has sparked multimillion-dollar court battles and fierce debates among local ranchers and environmentalists. Discover how these tiny survivors have defied extinction in a world where every detail counts, and hear jaw-dropping accounts of daring divers and unforeseen tragedies deep beneath the desert. From mind-blowing scientific insights to hilariously relatable campus capers, prepare for a journey that challenges what you thought you knew about nature, evolution, and the strange intersections of our modern world.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:28:03 Devil in the Details

00:45:05 Incident at Devil's Hole in 1965

00:56:45 Charles Manson's Connection to Devil's Hole

01:01:44 Protection and Incidents at Devil's Hole

01:06:18 Seismic Activity and Unknown Depths

01:16:36 Challenges and Protective Measures for the Fish

01:20:02 Attempts to Breed the Fish in Captivity

01:28:41 Efforts to Save the Fish and Legal Challenges

01:39:17 Exploration of the Cave System and Final Thoughts

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39: Law and Disorder pt.3: AITA Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Stories from the Reddit AITA page. Maia covers the story of a roommate who is a bit too casual with the cops. Later, a mother-in-law's famous Mac and Cheese that goes too far. Or maybe it was the daughter-in-law who could have handled things better. Two AITA stories about family drama and the cops, what else is new?

What happens when everyday legal oddities meet dorm room debacles? Dive into a whirlwind of laughter as Maia Warner and Grant Thomas pick apart the quirkiest legal scenarios and the most bewildering aspects of dorm living. From debates over the right way to handle an RA visit to dissecting the bizarre family recipes that show up during college potlucks, this episode is packed with sharp wit and spontaneous banter. Join the fun as we explore the lighter side of life's unexpected challenges, making sense of the absurdities with plenty of laughs along the way. It’s not just entertaining—it’s an education in the hilarity of the human condition.

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Listener stories, topic ideas, or anything else you think belongs on the show—drop it all at wellilaughed.com/contact. We’re all ears—and laughs!

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00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:28:01 Dorm Life Realities

00:32:15 Navigating Awkward Social Situations

00:48:20 The Quirks of Domestic Life

00:52:34 Understanding Legal Oddities

01:04:22 Cultural Differences in Food

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38: Law and Disorder pt.2: A Beautiful Country Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

In today's podcast episode, Grant covers some Civil War history. Specifically, the life and legend of John Brown. Abolitionist, hero, domestic terrorist? Depends on who you ask. Also covered is the conflict known as “Bleeding Kansas”, the raid on Harpers Ferry, and the work of important abolitionists like Fredrick Douglass and Gerrit Smith.

It’s a frosty catch-up session that leads us straight into 1800s American history—specifically the life (and wild times) of John Brown. First, Grant and Maia share comedic chaos about frigid weather, too many soups, and a mysterious “candy heist” at a recent speech tournament. Then we dive deep into abolitionist John Brown: his devout Calvinist upbringing, his many children with two wives, his infamous raids in “Bleeding Kansas,” and the final showdown at Harpers Ferry that locked in his legacy. Along the way, they explore Brown’s unwavering religious convictions, his willingness to embrace violence to end slavery, and how that turned him into both a historical legend and a polarizing figure.

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Listener stories, topic ideas, or anything else you think belongs on the show—drop it all at wellilaughed.com/contact. We’re all ears—and laughs!

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00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:25:02 A Beautiful Country

00:34:20 The Kansas-Nebraska Act and Bleeding Kansas

00:55:10 Harpers Ferry Raid

01:24:45 Legacy, Martyrdom & The March Toward Civil War

02:03:00 Final Thoughts

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37: Law and Disorder pt.1: Good Cop, Bad Cop Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

A podcast episode about the Pinkertons and the internet group Anonymous. Grant and Maia play a game of "good cop, bad cop" as we dive into the history of both groups. We travel to the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln and the death of a famous revenge porn website. Part history podcast, part storytelling experience. Join us as we discuss Jesse James and his gang and the vile Hunter Moore!

When does law enforcement become lawless? In this explosive first part of Law and Disorder, Maia and Grant pull back the curtain on the myth of the “good guys with badges.” From Jesse James’ Southern vendetta to the Pinkertons’ rise as the world's first private army, this episode dissects how corporate interests shaped American justice—and how the lines between law, order, and outright chaos were never as clear as we were told. If you thought the Wild West was wild, wait until you hear how Carnegie and Rockefeller turned labor strikes into war zones. With dark humor and deep historical insight, Maia and Grant tell the real story behind the Homestead Strike, the assassination of a U.S. governor, and why “bad cop” might’ve just been the original job description. Buckle up. You’re not in history class anymore.

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Listener stories, topic ideas, or anything else you think belongs on the show—drop it all at wellilaughed.com/contact. We’re all ears—and laughs!

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00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:14:36 Good Cop, Bad Cop

00:27:34 Real “Wanted” Posters

00:38:59 Governors Gone Wild

00:46:11 Abolition, Anarchy, and America

00:52:19 From Pinkertons to Police Unions

01:00:01 True Crime’s Moral Gray Zone

01:26:11 Sheriffs for Sale

01:41:03 The Western Federation of Miners’ Showdown

02:00:51 Backroom Deals and Exploding Trains

02:07:35 The Media as Weapon

02:13:58 Law or Loyalty?

02:32:18 Ghosts of the Pinkertons

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36: Welcome to New York pt.3: Here and There Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Pigeons in New York City? Absolutely groundbreaking. This week, we dive headfirst into the winged weirdness that takes over the Big Apple—whether they’re real or not, we’re still debating. Then, we explore why we once adored those feathered friends (hint: Charles Darwin is involved). Along the way, we swap stories about comedic altitude sickness and offbeat movie nights (hello, “Cocaine Bear”), because there’s never a dull moment around here. Next, we dissect the jaw-dropping “affluenza” defense in the Ethan Couch case, proving that real life is sometimes stranger than fiction. Finally, we land on an AITA debate from Reddit: should you just pack up and move to NYC on a whim? Our take might sound familiar, but it’s a can’t-miss conversation. Well, we laughed!

00:00:00 Victorian Child Syndrome

00:09:08 Cocaine Bear Cinema Night

00:18:30 Pigeons vs. Rats in the Big City

00:23:56 Story Starts: From Rat Kings to “Affluenza”

00:30:40 AITA Big Move Edition

00:45:00 Post-Holiday Reflections

01:05:00 Wrapping Up

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35: Welcome to New York pt.2: Victory Tour Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

Maia unveils a spy ring that was operating in the US! We laugh and gasp at the true story of Anna Chapman. A Russian spy who was either very good at her job, or was terrible at it. America loves a messy celerity story, so Welcome to New York! Part two, Victory Tour.

Dive deep into the scandalous, jaw-dropping saga of Anna Chapman—the mysterious Russian spy whose irresistible charm and model-like beauty fooled Manhattan's elite, leaving everyone stunned when her glamorous double life came crashing down. From extravagant parties and posh New York nightclubs to secretive meetings in cozy cafes, this seductive spy had it all under control until the FBI stepped in. Maia and Grant spill the tea on Anna's unbelievable journey from anonymous undercover agent to global celebrity, exposing wild secrets, juicy espionage drama, and how she brilliantly spun failure into fame and fortune. Trust us, you won't believe what happens next—grab your popcorn because this episode is one crazy, scandal-filled ride you do NOT want to miss!

Listener stories, topic ideas, or anything else you think belongs on the show—drop it all at wellilaughed.com/contact. We’re all ears—and laughs!

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00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:29:12 Victory Tour

00:35:29 Straw Hat Riot

00:50:42 Operation Ghost Stories

00:56:43 Wi-Fi and Espionage

01:00:07 Undercover Bust

01:10:05 Not my Spy Neighbors!

01:16:27 Instant Fame

01:22:34 Putin’s Favorite Spy

01:35:12 Spy Swap Drama

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34: Welcome to New York pt.1: The Elephant in the Room Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

Grant takes us back to the Gilded Age with the origin story of the word "JUMBO". A tale at times hilarious and heartbreaking. Our story starts in East Africa and winds its way through Europe before arriving in New York. Buckle up for this story, it can feel like a real circus.

Do you know how a massive elephant ended up being the talk of the town and even changing the English language? Buckle up because this episode takes you on a wild ride through the life and legend of Jumbo the Elephant. Picture this: a journey from the African plains to the heart of America's circus ring, loaded with drama, unexpected twists, and a touch of celebrity sparkle. Maia and Grant are here to unpack the quirky, tragic, and utterly captivating story that is sure to make you laugh, possibly tear up, and definitely leave you with some killer stories to share. So, ready to find out how Jumbo went from big to jumbo-sized in people's hearts? Hit play, and let’s get this show on the road!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:12:30 The Elephant In the Room

00:18:55 Marketing Genius of Barnum

00:24:40 Tragic Curtain Call

00:30:15 Memorialized in Memorabilia

00:41:25 The Ethical Elephant in the Room

00:59:10 Teaching with Trunks

01:18:45 Circus and Society

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33: Hometown Hijinx pt.3: A Very Merry WIL Holiday Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

LIVE from our friend's living room. It is the Well, I Laughed Christmas episode! Recorded in the most festive room either of us have ever seen. We discuss the holidays, vasectomies, and eventually share a couple AITA stories from Reddit. Grant and Maia unpack all the weird and hilarious holiday traditions and stories from each other.

A special thank you to Kelsi and Edgar for being such wonderful friends and hosts.

Tinsel, twinkle lights, and the faint sound of huskies scuttling in the background? You’ve landed in the Well, I Laughed “Very Merry Holiday” special! In Part 3 of our Hometown Hijinks series, Grant and Maia record from Kelsi and Edgar’s ultra-festive living room—a setting that feels suspiciously like a medieval Christmas fortress. Amid fur stockings, seven Christmas trees, and some spirited off-mic banter from friends, they talk holiday traditions, not-so-Norman-Rockwell families, and the dreaded emotional labor of remembering birthdays. Oh, and heads up: a top-secret Santa discussion lurks within. If little ones still believe wholeheartedly in St. Nick, you might want to hit “pause” or throw on headphones. Otherwise, join the gang for an off-the-rails, end-of-the-year wrap-up that’s equal parts snark, nostalgia, and comedic chaos!

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32: Hometown Hijinx pt.2: Lincoln It Together Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Grant transports us back to the Gilded Age in a completely unplanned turn of events, asking the big question: When is a murder just a murder, and when does it symbolize deeper social turmoil like racism or misogyny? In this second installment of “Hometown Hijinks,” a famous gambler in 1890s Lincoln, Nebraska, gets brained with a steel cane and possibly poisoned, pulling a suspicious barber, a not-so-grieving wife (hello, Molly Sheedy!), and powerful railroads into the biggest murder trial in local lore. Grant relives the story he first learned (and promptly forgot) in college, while Maya’s witty banter keeps the century-old gossip feeling surprisingly fresh. If you’re into old-fashioned mystery, corruption, and comedic chaos, you won’t want to miss this time-warp adventure!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:19:40 Lincoln It Together

00:49:57 Racial Tensions and Witness Testimony

01:02:01 Mary Sheedy's Complicated Love Life

01:25:31 Legal Maneuvering and Estate Inheritance

01:40:14 Trial Drama and Social Expectations

01:50:25 Verdict and Aftermath

01:55:04 Mary's Post-Trial Life

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31: Hometown Hijinx pt.1: Unsinkable Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

Maia transports us back to the Gilded Age and tells the story of means girls and high society. Who was who in early Denver society? What made them so interesting? And who ends up getting played by Kathy Bates? That, and so much more, covered in Hometown Hijinxs (Maia's version).

Grant and Maia discuss The Unsinkable Margaret (Molly) Brown as well as other characters like Louise Sneed Hill, JJ Brown, the RMS Titanic and more!

Dive into the juicy, scandal-packed feud between two legendary Denver divas—Molly Brown and Louise Sneed Hill—as they claw their way to the top of Mile High society! We're serving up all the details, from scandalous secret affairs and backstabbing betrayals to luxurious parties dripping with drama and intrigue. Find out how Molly Brown's unstoppable charisma and daring defiance—highlighted by her epic showdown with fate aboard the Titanic—shook the foundations of Colorado's elite circles. Pour yourself some tea (or champagne!) and settle in, because this episode is spilling every last drop of gossip about the glamorous rivalries, unforgettable personalities, and bold moves that turned Denver society upside down forever!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:25:20 Unsinkable

00:32:33 Denver’s Queen Bee

00:36:18 Dancing into Drama

00:38:03 Breaking the Mold

00:43:33 The Original Mean Girl

00:51:16 From Rags to Riches

01:10:04 Titanic Heroism

01:14:19 Legacy Unleashed

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