Too Much Information

Your Chairmen of the Bored are back with a deep dive into the life and times of Ol’ Blue Eyes and the twisted origins of his signature tune — which went from an obscure French pop song to an immortal karaoke anthem. It was all thanks to former teen star Paul Anka, who wrote the stirring lyrics at his idol’s request on the eve of his retirement. You’ll learn how a Beatle (maybe) witnessed the recording, and you’ll hear an early version of the lyrics written by a pre-fame David Bowie. You’ll discover why Las Vegas became the home base for the Rat Pack, and hear all about Frank’s risky dealings — and crazy love triangle — with the Kennedys and the Mob (and why some believe he maybe-kinda-sorta inadvertently triggered JFK’s assassination…). Jordan and Alex also go deep on the Sex Pistols’ punk-rock cover of the classic, sung by the doomed bassist Sid Vicious, and examine the shocking number of murders that have occurred as a direct result of this song. Regrets, we’ve all had a few — but listening to this episode will not be one of them.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan don their finest sweaters and Buddy Holly glasses to explore one of the touchstones of '90s alternative rock. Together they discuss the enigma known as Rivers Cuomo, touching on how his tumultuous upbringing inspired tracks like "Say It Ain't So" and "My Name is Jonas," why he was disappointed that Weezer weren't heralded as the next Nirvana, and the time he replaced all of his newly-fired guitarist's parts in a single session. The TMI guys also share the (slightly corny) original lyrics to "Buddy Holly," explain how Henry Winkler saved Spike Jonze's famous 'Happy Days'-themed video, and the adorable bond between the band and their producer, Cars legend Ric Ocasek — plus the many reasons why Jordan's beloved Beach Boys are the secret MVPs of this record. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex explore the beloved (yet terrifying) classic of children’s cinema. You’ll learn the many ways the kid who played Atreyu nearly died on the set, the true fate of the horse that sank in the quicksand, the insane lengths they went to build Falkor the Luck Dragon, and Steven Spielberg's secret role in helping finish the movie. They’ll also discuss how the Oracles left some viewers scandalized, why the “Childlike Empress” wore dentures, the ingenious effects that helped create The Nothing, and why the author of ‘The NeverEnding Story’ book hated the movie so much that he sued the studio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your list-living Lotharios are back with an episode that's just too good to be true. Get ready to dive deep into this crown jewel of the late '90s teen movie boom. You'll learn all about the alternate leads we nearly saw instead of Heath Ledger, the songs he nearly sang instead of Frankie Valli, what exactly was behind those tears when Julia Stiles recited the titular poem, and the on-set romance that will blow your minds. Jordan sounds off on why teen movies from this era are just so damn good, Alex opines on all the ways the band Letters to Cleo nearly died by performing on the roof, and together they speculate on the uncompleted sequel that's been tied up in legal hell for over a decade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex don their tightest PVC outfits to jack into this week's topic: 'The Matrix,' which turns 25 this month! They'll take this thing alllllll the way back to the Wachoswkis' roots writing Clive Barker comics for Marvel (really) and the early pitches that paved the way for their hit. They'll also get into the grueling training period that the film's leads had to go through, the insane process behind "bullet time," and the film's legacy as both trans allegory and eerie portent of the online hell in which he currently live! You'll also pick up facts about the classic sci-fi authors that inspired the film, the exact provenance of some of the sounds of the Matrix, and whether or not "the Matrix defense" is a real thing that works in court! Too Much Information: We're jacked in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoinks! The TMI twosome take a ride in the Mystery Machine as they explore 55 years of Scooby-Doo and his human pals. You'll learn how a misheard Frank Sinatra lyric inspired the name of the titular pooch, the '50s sitcom that helped shape the teen characters, and why Velma has been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community — plus discover the origins of the hated Scrappy Doo character, the behind-the-scenes studio battles that erupted as a result of the big screen version in 2002, and the show's bizarre connection to Charles Manson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your real estate novelists of real interesting facts take a trip down the Joel Hoel with a deep dive into the musical genius and dark underside of the idiosyncratic maestro — who's in the midst of an artistic comeback following three decades of self-imposed creative exile. Though spotlighting his breakthrough classic (which recently turned 50!) you'll also learn about his pre-fame heavy metal band, the recording snafu that nearly ruined his career before it began, the hidden heartbreak behind his greatest love songs, and all the reasons why his signature tune was an unlikely hit. Plus you'll hear all about his ongoing battle with critics, why he hasn't released a new album in 31 years, and why Jordan thinks he just might be the most fascinating Boomer Rock icon of all time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TMI guys are back with an episode you'll want to hear over and over and over again! They're diving deep into this beloved 1993 Bill Murray/Harold Ramis collaboration — a cinematic masterpiece disguised as a standard-fare early '90s rom com. Jordan and Heigl speak at length (and with an almost pathological intensity) about the startlingly deep themes of Groundhog Day, and argue why Danny Rubin's clever screenplay is a genius-level meditation on life, love and what it means to grow as a human being. You'll learn all about the EXTREMELY dark early version of the script that had the main character reliving the same day for 10,000 years, the philosophical and spiritual implications of the movie that touch seemingly every single religion, and the psychotic lengths that some fans have gone to calculate exactly how long Bill Murray spent stranded in Punxsutawney. You'll also hear how on-set drama sparked a heartbreaking feud that ended Ramis and Murray's unparalleled creative partnership (until a the deathbed reunion that rekindled their friendship), the even bloodier feud Murray had with an on-set groundhog, the bizarre origins of the titular holiday, and the perfect reason why that deathless Sonny & Cher song was featured so prominently. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On their previous episode, the TMI gang wondered about doing an episode on the windy '90s disaster drama. Then, when the first trailer for the new Twister sequel dropped days later, they knew it had to be a sign. In anticipation of TwisterS, Jordan and Heigl look back at the original. You'll learn all about the injury-filled set, the insane Dutch director who had physical altercations with his crew, the soundtrack that reunited Fleetwood Mac AND broke up Van Halen 2.0, the bizarre animal noises recorded to make that horrific wind sound, the time Bill Paxton nearly saw the assassination of JFK, and the time the SFX experts at Industrial Light and Magic had to use CGI to erase Philip Seymour Hoffman's testicles. Enjoy TMI's 'Twister' Edition — with more hot air than usual! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex head to Hollywood by way of Nashville for an in-depth examination of one of the greatest love songs of all time, the Dolly Parton-written and Whitney Houston-defined "I Will Always Love You!" They'll drill down into Parton's relationship with her early mentor Porter Wagoner, the guy she wrote the song about, take a quick look at the development of the movie that featured the song, "The Bodyguard," and pepper in some wonderful anecdotes from the recording process, like when Whitney's mom Cissy told producer David Foster she was witnessing greatness as Whitney tracked it. Along the way, there's some patented TMI digressions into the Linda Ronstadt's sneaky status as the Forrest Gump of 20th-century music, whether or not Kevin Costner is Cool, Actually, and of course, the story of Parton and Houston's mutual admiration and friendship. Oh, and a guest appearance from enemy of the pod Saddam Hussein. Too Much Information: *We* will always love you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex run with the devil through the sunny streets of Pasadena to tackle one of the all-time combinations of musical genius and lunkhead rawk: Van Halen's '1984'! For this transitional record -- when the band stormed the pop charts thanks to Eddie Van Halen's controversial use of synthesizers, and the last to feature iconic frontman "Diamond" David Lee Roth -- Alex will drag Jordan through discussions of everything from Eddie Van Halen's guitar tone to Roth's insane vocal antics to the models of cars connected to the record. They'll detour through the insane childhood crucible that forged Eddie's virtuosity, recount a panoply of incredible quotes from the band at their heyday, and get firsthand experiences from one of the kids in the "Hot for Teacher" music video. Did we mention Jordan doesn't like this band and Alex does? Thrill to the tension of hearing the Nice TMI Guy being driven slowly insane by Alex's use of a David Lee Roth Soundboard! Too Much Information: Might as well jump!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today your high maintenance hosts of hilarity turn their attention to When Harry Met Sally — the movie that gave false hope to a generation of love-lorn friend-zoned saps. (Like Jordan.) To debate and discuss one of the most famous "battle of the sexes" in pop culture history, the TMI gang welcomes podcasting royalty: Brooke Siffrinn & Aricia Skidmore-Williams! In addition to hosting Wondery’s Even the Rich, which just wrapped a hilarious season on Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg, the pair are also going strong with their spin-off series Even the Royals, which is a must for fans of The Crown...or messy drama of the obscenely wealthy. Together, the foursome discuss the chemistry (or lack thereof) between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, screenwriter Nora Ephron's surprising connection to the Watergate scandal, the strange saga of the infamous deli scene, and the long-lost original ending of this rom-com to end all rom-coms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex take you behind the velvet ropes and into the most decadent and debaucherous nightclub in history. You'll discover all the insane ways wannabes tried to get into the club (including a guy who got stuck in the air vent), the time a disgruntled reject tried to drive his car through the front door, and all the crazy stuff that celebrities got up to in the rubber-lined balcony or basement sex playground. In addition to a deep dive into the surprisingly radical history of disco, you'll learn about the club's maverick owners, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, who perpetrated one of the biggest tax frauds in history to throw one epic 33-month party. There's sex, drugs, fashion, horses, glitter, and too many tales for a normal-length episode. So take a bump and try to keep up. It's TMI — disco diva edition! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heigl and Jordan take a trip to Wellsville to explore the baffling-yet-beloved staple of early Nickelodeon. You'll learn about the off-kilter sitcom's surprising origins as a Nick at Nite promo, and its strong ties to the downtown New York avant-garde arts scene of the late '80s. You'll also discover how the hell they got an insane number of shocking guest stars and learn about the adorable friendship that blossomed between Danny Tamberelli and Iggy Pop on the set. The TMI gang also crack some of the more enduring mysteries of the show — why did their mom have a plate in her head, why did Little Pete have nautical tattoos, and why did the boys share a single name in the first place? Sadly, they were unable to get the name of the song Little Pete overheard the garage band play in that one episode, or decipher the unintelligible lyrics of the theme song "Hey Sandy," by Polaris — but you can't win 'em all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showing up fashionably late to the party, your punks of pedantry bring you a drunk tank-full of minutiae behind this timeless duet between reluctant lead-Pogue Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl. The boys of the TMI Choir rummage through the two year (!!!) gestational period for the song to be written and recorded, through the tumultuous lives of the two who gave it voice, the repeated controversies over the song's language, and much much more. We wish you a belated happy holidays and the most merciful of new years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the holiday season draws nearer, TMI's Misfits of Minutiae delve into the tale of Santa's favorite genetic mutant. In addition to learning all about the song and the production of the beloved 1964 Rankin/Bass TV special, they also explore Rudolph's truly tragic backstory, which is SO much sadder than all the other reindeer laughing and calling him names. You'll learn all about the controversy surrounding his red nose — and the gross reason why it would occur in real life — as well as the insane lengths producers went to get their puppets accurate, and the ridiculous amounts fans have paid for the surviving figurines. And, at long last, Jordan and Heigl will clear up the most enduring mystery involving The Island of Misfit Toys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The power of TMI compels you to listen to this epic deep dive into the beloved (?) horror classic, which turns 50 years old in December. You'll learn about the many deaths and other on-set misfortunes which gave rise to the legend that the production was cursed, and you'll also discover all the ways that director William Friedkin was an IRL monster. And speaking of IRL, you'll hear all about the (allegedly) possessed kid who inspired the source material, the future serial killer who played a bit part in the film, and the insane lengths that voice actress Mercedes McCambridge went to summon the nightmare-inducing voice of Pazuzu the Demon. It's a beautiful day for an exorcism — just in time for the holidays!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TMI twosome show their gratitude to listeners with a heaping helping of true-life turkey day absurdity. Listen as Jordan forces Heigl to channel his inner looner (google it) and discuss the bizarre origin of this holiday tradition — which somehow involves the Titanic, burning the fingers of children, and elephant droppings. You'll hear all about the mayhem caused during early editions of the parade, when the gargantuan character balloons were released into the sky to collide with planes, buildings and high-tension wires. You'll also find out if you have what it takes to be a "balloon pilot" (spoiler: you probably don't) and learn all about the hilariously petty feud between rival TV networks battling over broadcasting rights. Along the way, the TMI team offer their trademark tangents on the Rockettes, mid-century minimalist composers, pumpkin pie, the JFK assassination, 'Miracle on 34th Street,' living statue performers, and the new and exciting things that can be done to your body after you die. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Heigl sort through their trick-or-treat haul to bring you everything you ever wanted to know about your favorite confections. You'll find out which candy Frank Sinatra was buried with, how Milky Way nearly destroyed a family, and why Skittles spent millions of dollars on an advertisement that only one (1.) person ever got to see. You'll also learn why Snickers might just be the most controversial candy bar of all time, why Japan is obsessed with Kit Kat bars, and why the origin of gummy bears is super dark. Plus, you'll discover the answer to that age-old question: "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex shake off the funk of 40,000 years to investigate Michael Jackson’s epochal hit “Thriller” and its equally iconic music video! While conceding it’s no “Monster Mash,” the pair delve deep into the track, from its original title “Starlight” to the tricks employed by the engineer who recorded it. They’ll also go long on the music video, from the former Playmate who starred in it — and got in some quality time with Jackson behind the scenes — to the Hollywood royalty who worked on it. They’ll also moonwalk their way through bits on Vincent Price’s monologue — and the time he showed Johnny Carson how to cook salmon in a dishwasher — and how Jackson’s album quite literally saved a flagging record industry. Too Much Information: No one’s gonna save you from the pod about to strike!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.