Go Fact Yourself

It’s a home box office of trivia with Go Fact Yourself!Ashly Burch is a YouTuber and comedian who was a recent guest on episode 177 of Go Fact Yourself. She joins us as co-host. Lilan Bowden is an actor, perhaps best known for her role in the Netflix series “Murderville.” She’s had an extensive career across film and TV. But she’s been especially affected by her Disney series “Andi Mack,” and how much the role endeared her to kids.A Martinez is known by public radio listeners as the host of NPR’s Morning Edition. He’s been a part of public radio for years. But before that, he made his name (literally!) in the world of sports radio. That’s also where he learned some… unique interviewing skills. He’ll explain.Areas of Expertise:A: The TV show “Veep,” the movie New Jack City, and the 1980s Los Angeles LakersLilan: The TV show “The Comeback,” the YouTube show “Ms. Rachel,” and The Jim Jones Cult aka “The People’s Temple”What’s the Difference: Taylor SwiftWhat’s the difference between a tailor and a seamstress?What’s the difference between fast and quick?With Guest Experts:Damian Young: Actor whose career includes playing Mark Berman on HBO’s “The Comeback”Laura Silverman: Actor who played Jane Benson on HBO’s “The Comeback”Matt Walsh: Actor and comedian who founded the Upright Citizens Brigade and received two Emmy nominations for his role as Mike McLintock in the series “Veep”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenAshly BurchCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.This episode was edited by Valerie MoffatSeeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

It’s time to go to the polls with Go Fact Yourself! It’s a collection of some of our favorite trivia segments that feature politicians as experts.In this episode:Peter Sagal and Rebecca Makkai from ep. 45.Helen Zaltzman and Lewis Black from ep. 79.Antonio Villaraigosa from ep. 164.Kitty Felde and Charlie Hankin from ep. 51.Parker Molloy and Kevin Allison from ep. 99.Matt Rogers and Mimi Rogers from ep. 178.With Guest Experts:Gov. Madeleine May Kunin, author, ambassador and three-term governor of Vermont.Charlie Uhrig, former mayor of Solvang, CaliforniaKermit Roosevelt III, professor at University of Pennsylvania’s Carey Law School.Senator Barbara Boxer, representing California in the United States Senate from 1993 to 2017.Rep. Laura Gillen: United States Congresswoman serving New York’s fourth district.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

After an extensive competition amongst our MaxFun Members, it all culminates in the 2024(ish) Listener Tournament Finals – a new episode of Go Fact Yourself! (Do YOU want to be a guest on the show? Make sure to support us in the 2026 MaxFunDrive and stay tuned for our next Listener Tournament!)Khalil Goodman is a photographer who works in public communications in Barbados. He also loves cosplay and will tell us about some of his favorite characters that he’s encountered – plus, what it would take to get people to cosplay as the hosts of this show.Kristen Pilotte is a government contractor and aerospace engineer. She’ll tell us about how she’s joining us while she’s on call for very important space-related work. We’ll also learn more about how some of her upcoming projects involve humans in space. And of course, cats!Areas of Expertise:Khalil: The animated TV series “X-Men ‘97,” the band Garbage, and the work of Agatha Christie.Kristen: The “Duck Tales” videogame, the US manned space program, and the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.”What’s the Difference: Mind your MannersWhat’s the difference between etiquette and manners?What’s the difference between a cause of death and a manner of death?With Guest Experts:Isaac Robinson-Smith, Holly Chou and Alison Sealy-Smith: Voice actors whose work includes playing characters on the series “X-Men ‘97.”Dr. Don Thomas: Author, engineer, educator, and astronaut.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

The beat is fresh and so is the trivia on the Best of Hip-hop special of Go Fact Yourself! It’s a boxed set of our favorite rap trivia from over the years, including Hall of Fame MCs and DJs as experts.Appearing in this episode:Gina Yashere from ep. 142Evette Dionne from ep. 121Seán Devlin from ep. 87Sarah Jones from ep. 167DJ Jazzy Jeff from ep. 100Marc Evan Jackson from ep. 176Open Mike Eagle from ep. 165With Guest Experts:Ahmad: Hip-Hop artist who earned a Gold Record for his track, “Back in the Day.”Speech: Rapper and founding member of hip-hop group Arrested Development.DJ Jazzy Jeff: Actor, producer and Grammy-winning hip-hop pioneer.Big Daddy Kane: Grammy-winning rapper and producer, known for his groundbreaking rhymes.DJ Spinderella: Grammy-winning DJ, rapper and producer, known for her work as a member of the group Salt-N-Pepa.Candyman: Rapper and producer who co-wrote and performed the hit song “Knockin’ Boots.”Darryl “DMC” McDaniels: Founding member of Run-DMC and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

Consider yourself at home– with trivia on Go Fact Yourself!Stephen Tobolowsky is an actor, writer, and director. He’s perhaps best known for his role as Ned Ryerson from the classic film Groundhog Day. He’ll tell us about what it’s like being part of such an iconic movie – and how its fans keep him humble.Aparna Nancherla is a comedian, who’s also a prolific voice actor. She’ll tell us why voicing the character Moon Tobin on “The Great North” represents a lifelong dream for her. Plus, she’ll workshop some titles for her upcoming stand-up special that will premiere on Dropout TV. Areas of Expertise:Stephen: The work of Charles Dickens, the movie Children of Men, and the Jamaican Switch scam.Aparna: The movie Home Alone, the movie Jurassic Park, and naked mole rats. What’s the Difference: Pay UpWhat’s the difference between a deposit and a down-payment?What’s the difference between extortion and blackmail?Guest Experts:Dr. Rochelle Buffenstein: Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, known for her groundbreaking work with naked mole rats. Shani Wallis: Legendary singer and actor who's appeared in dozens of film and stage productions – including the 1968 Oscar-winning Best Picture Oliver!Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

It’s a trivia dream come true on Go Fact Yourself!Cooper Barnes is an actor, best known as the superhero Captain Man in the Nickelodeon “Danger Force” franchise. He’ll tell us what it’s like to have kids as fans, and why portraying a superhero is harder than it looks. (Hint: It rhymes with blandex.)Larissa FastHorse is an award-winning playwright – the first known female Native American to have a play produced on Broadway. She’ll tell us why it earned her a level of fame she didn’t expect. Plus, how she helped update some famous (and infamous) elements of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.Areas of Expertise:Cooper: Comic book artists of the 1990s comic boom, the 1986 Transformers movie, and monkeys.Larissa: The original play and 1954 musical Peter Pan, the movie The Sound of Music, and Pierre, South Dakota.What’s the Difference: That’s FairWhat’s the difference between a carnival and a fair?What’s the difference between just and fair?Guest Experts:Dr. Anne Bryant: Composer and producer of numerous songs for television, film and advertising – including the hit theme to Transformers.Cathy Rigby McCoy: Award-winning actor, producer, and gymnast, who played Peter Pan on stage in thousands of productions around the world.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

It’s a bouquet of trivia on Go Fact Yourself!Mimi Rogers is an actor – best known these days for her role in the Amazon series “Bosch.” She’s acted in that family of shows for ten years, but she’ll tell us about how her part was never supposed to last that long. Plus, Mimi reveals some secrets about her time on the set of Austin Powers.  Matt Rogers is one of the hosts of the podcast Las Culturistas. He’ll tell us about how he started the show with his co-host Bowen Yang, his Christmas themed album and tour that he manifested, and what it was like to actually meet the Queen of Christmas: Mariah Carey. You can stream “The Las Culturistas Culture Awards” on Peacock now.Areas of Expertise:Mimi: Types of flowers, Italian cooking, and the TV show “Sex and the City.”Matt: Mariah Carey, the TV show “The Real Housewives of New York” (pre-reboot), and Long Island. What’s the Difference: Boring!What’s the difference between drilling and boring?What’s the difference between a hog and a boar?Guest Experts:Dr. Nicole Cavender: Director of the Botanical Gardens at The Huntington.Rep. Laura Gillen: United States Congresswoman serving New York’s fourth district. Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

BELIEVE! In trivia!Brendan Hunt is best known as Coach Beard on the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso.” He’ll tell us about how the show got started, why they decided to put out another season, and why fans always recognize him in airports.Ashly Burch is a well-known part of gaming culture. She’s voiced characters of such critically-acclaimed games like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Life is Strange. She’ll demonstrate her voice work and tell us about her YouTube series “I’m Happy You’re Here.”Areas of Expertise:Ashly: The show “Parks and Recreation” seasons 3 and 4, 2006’s (aka 2005’s) Pride & Prejudice, and aerial silks.Brendan: Elvis Costello’s under-appreciated album Spike, the Beatles song “Hey Jude,” and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871What’s the Difference: PaybackWhat’s the difference between restitution and reparation?What’s the difference between a spinal cord and a spinal column?Guest Experts:Jeri Heiden and John Heiden: Grammy-winning designers whose work included albums for Madonna, Pink, Elvis Costello, and more.Mara Marini: Actor who’s appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation,” “Schitt’s Creek,” and “Blackish.”Natalie Morales: Actor who’s appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation” and films like My Dead Friend Zoe.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

We ask the questions, you give the reply on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!Jodie Sweetin has been in show business for most of her life. She’s famous for her role as Stephanie Tanner on "Full House." She’ll tell us what it was like being on a major TV show at such a young age and how she revisited that time in her podcast, "How Rude Tanneritos."Marc Evan Jackson is best known for his stoic performances across a number of TV roles including for "The Good Place" and "Brooklyn 99." He’ll tell us why he loves the fans of the shows he’s a part of and explain why the art of improv is so important. Areas of Expertise:Marc: The TV show “The Office,” vessels in the Maine windjamming fleet, and the lyrics to the song “Knockin’ Boots” by CandymanJodie: Jim Henson movies, the TV show “Arrested Development,” and American Girl Dolls. What’s the Difference: Treasure IslandWhat’s the difference between to treasure and to cherish?What’s the difference between a traffic median and a traffic island?Guest Experts:Candyman: Rapper and producer who co-wrote and performed the hit song “Knockin’ Boots.”Dave Goelz: Emmy-winning performer and producer who’s worked with the Muppets for more than 50 years – and in several movies with Jim Henson.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

Get lost in a world of trivia on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!Georgia Hardstark is best known for her incredibly popular podcast “My Favorite Murder.” It’s a show all about true crime, but she and her co-host still manage to find a lot of humor and heart in their subject matter. She’ll explain. Tim Bagley is an actor, comedian, and writer, who’s earned critical praise (and Emmy buzz) for his performance in the HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere.” He’ll tell us about some of the emotional moments from behind the scenes that turned into great moments for his character. Areas of Expertise:Tim: Chaka Khan, Mitzi Gaynor, and communicating with the deadGeorgia: The TV show “Lost,” the band Sublime, and frozen food.What’s the Difference: Ow!What’s the difference between to burn and to scald?What’s the difference between to be hurt and to be injured?Guest Experts:Paulette McWilliams and Kevin Murphy: Founding members of the Grammy Award-winning group Rufus. Jorge Garcia: Award-winning actor and comedian who played Hurley on the TV show “Lost.”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

Set a course for trivia! It’s time to boldly go… Fact Yourself!Steven Weber is an actor with a storied career that includes TV shows like “Wings” and “Chicago Med.” He’ll tell us why he actually has trouble watching some of his earlier work… mainly due to vanity. Plus, he shares about why feels he should have won “Celebrity Jeopardy!”Kiran Deol is a comedian. In her new special, “Joysuck,” she talks about life’s difficulties and how to find joy in spite of them. And then we’ll learn more about what she considers the ideal nap. Areas of Expertise:Kiran: The IN-N-Out burgers menu, the movie The Shawshank Redemption, and types of vodka.Steven: The original “Star Trek” TV Series, Borscht Belt hotels, comedians and singers, and the book The Grapes of Wrath.What’s the Difference: Pickle BallWhat’s the difference between pickling and fermenting?What’s the difference between a gala and a ball?Guest Experts:Jeff Zarrinnam: One of the owners and operators of Hollywood Distillery.Walter Koenig: actor and pop culture icon who originated the role of Pavel Chekov on “Star Trek.”Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

Kick off your shoes and play some trivia on a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!Thomas Jane is an actor whose roles often required a lot of training. He’ll tell us how he got in shape for The Punisher, learned to play baseball for 61*, and more. Plus, we’ll learn about the unusual way he was paid for his very first film gig.Grey Delisle is a singer and voice actor whose characters can be heard in everything from “The Simpsons” to “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” She’ll give us samples of some of her most well-known voices and tell us about her newest music album, The Grey Album.Areas of Expertise:Grey: The Carter Family, Robert Duvall, and Dr. Pepper.Thomas: Pioneers of UFOlogy (specifically J. Allen Hynek), the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and absinthe. What’s the Difference: FrenemiesWhat’s the difference between genial and congenial?What’s the difference between an enemy and a nemesis?Guest Experts:Carlene Carter: Grammy-nominated musician and third- generation member of the Carter family.Cary Guffey: Former actor known for his childhood role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

It’s a silky-smooth brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself! Tom Papa is a comedian known for his podcast, radio show, and TV specials. These days, he may be even better known for his other passion: baking bread. He’ll tell us how that started and how his family indulged his new hobby. Rosalind Chao is an actor who’s appeared in everything from “Star Trek: The Next Generation", The Joy Luck Club, and Netflix’s “The 3 Body Problem.” Before all that, she was on the most-watched episode of television ever – a little thing called the series finale of “M*A*S*H.””Areas of Expertise:Rosalind: Disneyland in the late 1980s, the TV show “The White Lotus” Season 3, and snacks from Trader Joe’s.Tom: The band The Grateful Dead, Godzilla and the Jersey Shore.What’s the Difference: Fabric SoftenerWhat’s the difference between silk and satin?What’s the difference between to cuddle and to snuggle?Guest Experts:Patravadi Mejudhon: Actor, playwright, and director, whose first Western role was in Season 3 of “The White Lotus.”Tom Constanten: Composer, musician, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer as a member of The Grateful Dead.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

From Broadway to Beverly Hills, it’s a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!Amy Hill is an actor with an extensive career, including roles in Lilo & Stitch and over 90 episodes of the rebooted “Magnum P.I.” She’ll tell us how she got that part and how it brought her closer to her daughter … literally.Alec Mapa is a comedian and actor, who often plays stereotypically flamboyant characters. He’ll explain why he actually doesn’t mind that, plus what it’s like being a guest judge on “Rupaul’s Drag Race.”Our guest host this week is Mallory O’Meara, who was a contestant on episode 168.Areas of Expertise:Amy: Traveling alone, biographical documentaries, and the TV show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”Alec: Filipino superstitions, The TV Show Drag Race Philippines and the musical GypsyWhat’s the Difference: Lethal WeaponWhat’s the difference between something lethal and fatal?What’s the difference between a gun and a firearm?Guest Experts:Alex Baskin: Executive Producer of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and host of the podcast, “Bravo’s Hot Mic”Lane Bradbury, Maureen Moore, Kate Reinders, and Leigh Ann Larkin: Actors whose careers include playing June in Broadway productions  of Gypsy from 1959-2008.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenMallory O’MearaCredits: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!

It’s a voyage of trivia on Go Fact Yourself!Tim Russ is a director, musician, and actor, perhaps best known for his role as Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on “Star Trek: Voyager.” He’s also appeared in other roles across different editions of the franchise – but it wasn’t until he attended a convention that he understood how dedicated the fanbase is. Plus: he’ll tell us how he explores the stars in real life!Amber Nelson is a comedian who also hosts a number of podcasts. One, “The Brighter Side,” is all about finding optimism in troubling times (something that Amber never expected to work). Another, “Some Place Under Neith” examines stories of missing women and children.Areas of Expertise:Tim: Astronomy, Alien invasion movies of the 1950s and 60s, and World War II.Amber: The TV show “The Twilight Zone,” Korn songs, and World War I.What’s the Difference: Eye SpyWhat’s the difference between a telescope and a spyglass?What’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?Guest Experts:Marc Scott Zicree: Screenwriter, producer, and author of the book The Twilight Zone Companion. Jack Moran: U.S. Army Staff Sergeant in WWII.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

It’s a one-on-one trivia match between TV all stars!Betsy Brandt is best known as Marie on “Breaking Bad,” a role she reprised in the final episode of the series’ successor “Better Call Saul.” She’ll tell us why she was so dedicated to keeping her return a secret. Plus, why she wasn’t optimistic about “Breaking Bad” being a success.Cirroc Lofton played Jake Sisko on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” Even though he was a massive part of Star Trek, he never actually watched anything from the franchise for himself. He’ll tell us how his podcast, “The 7th Rule,” is finally fixing that.Areas of expertise:Betsy: The plays of Anton Chekhov, baking pies, and cheeseCirroc: Tupac’s “Makaveli” album, The Kobe Bryant-era Lakers Championships, and “The Twilight Zone” original seriesWhat’s the Difference: Opiate of the MassesWhat’s the difference between opiates and opioids?What’s the difference between a Catholic church service and a mass?Guest Experts:Carlos Carrasco: Actor who’s appeared in shows like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and the film Speed  – plus a recent production of Chekhov.James Tupper: Actor who’s appeared in shows like “Revenge” and “Big Little Lies” – plus a recent production of Chekhov.Metta World Peace: Former NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits: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!

Thanks so much for your help during the #MaxFunDrive!J. Keith has some more details on the great things coming that YOU helped make happen!If you’re a member and want to get more podcast pins along and support a great cause, go to maximumfun.org/pinsale.Plus, enjoy a collection of some of our greatest moments from over the years that was recently part of a public radio pledge showcase.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongJim NewmanCredits: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!

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 (or an annual prepay) for as little as $5 a month. Help us make our goal to unlock even more gifts … for YOU!It’s only $1/month to BOOST your membership too – every little bit helps!Bruce Vilanch was a guest on episode 124. Some guests struggle to give us three topics they love that they’re willing to be quizzed on. And then there’s Bruce. In this fun and wide-ranging conversation, Bruce tells us about the many other topics that we didn’t cover when he was a guest  – including the Titanic, commercial passenger planes, and the divine Bette Midler.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongJim NewmanCredits: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!And of course… maximumfun.org/join!!

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 (or an annual prepay) for as little as $5 a month. Help us make our goal to unlock even more gifts … for YOU!It’s only $1/month to BOOST your membership too – every little bit helps!Go Fact Yourself takes a lot of work to put together, including crafting the perfect quiz for our contestants. What would happen if we just took it easy and allowed AI to craft the questions, hints, and fun facts? We have J. Keith and Helen step into the contestant chairs to find out! Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongJim NewmanCredits: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!And of course… maximumfun.org/join!!

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 (or an annual prepay) for as little as $5 a month. That contribution goes directly into making this show possible. In this special mini episode, J. Keith speaks with show director and Go Fact Yourself co-creator Jim Newman.Jim does a lot of work behind the scenes before the show has even started – booking guests for the show is an intensive process. He’ll shine a light on the bookings that fell through and guests that have really delivered for this trivia podcast. Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenCredits: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!