Too Much Information

Do you like movies about gladiators? The TMI guys hope so, because they’re going long on Ridley Scott’s classic that revitalized sword and sandal epics for the 21st century. (Until 'Gladiator II' ruined it…)  You’ll hear all about the acts of violence Russell Crowe brought to the set, the untimely (errr, maybe somewhat timely) death of legendary British hellraiser Oliver Reed mid-production, all the ways Joaquin Phoenix was traumatized during the shoot, and the ways everyone nearly died due to the live tiger-wrangling. You’ll also discover why Ridley Scott got screwed at the Oscars, ex-‘Incredible Hulk’ Lou Ferrigno got screwed out of a role, and the audience got screwed out of seeing Nick Cave’s truly batsh-t script for a 'Gladiator' sequel brought to the big screen. Those who are about to listen — we salute you!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.

Your disco divos of details are here once again with a truly epic tangent-rich episode that somehow manages to link this glorious bit of '70s sonic spray-cheese to CIA mind control experiments, 9/11 and the DC hardcore punk scene. In addition to diving into disco's origins as the music of the dispossessed in 1960s New York, you'll hear how the Village People originated from a Frenchman's festive outing in Greenwich Village and the hilarious way he assembled his supremely buff group of stereotypes. Get ready to discover the complex confluence of socio-political factors that lead the titular charitable organization to become a homosexual hot spot; hear the depressing fate of the IRL YMCA location that inspired the song; and learn about the surprising controversy concerning the song's meaning — which led to threats of legal action from its (straight) lyricist. And, of course, they'll get into the dark psychology of the goddamn dance. Sure, "YMCA" will probably be stuck in your head for the next few days, but the TMI guys promise: this ep is worth it.  Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TMI guys are back with their most epic episode yet, diving DEEP into the bewitching television classic and its hidden history as a groundbreaking queer/feminist text. You'll learn all about the behind-the-scenes drama that led to the legendary Darrin switch, the twisted on-set love triangle, and the distressingly high number of cast members who died during production. Dick York's Dickensian childhood represents the darkest moment in the podcast's history, rivaled possibly by the mysterious death that haunted Paul "Uncle Arthur" Lynde for the rest of his life. (Jordan's attempts to lighten the mood with his 'Hollywood Squares' one-liners only goes so far.) You'll also discover the show's surprising connection to the JFK assassination, OJ Simpson, atomic bomb testing, and the Lockerbie bombing — and hear all about that one Christmas episode written by a bunch of children that wound up with the cast wearing blackface. (Really.)  Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TMI Guys dive deep on the meta '90s horror classic that did for cordless phones with 'Psycho' did for showers. You'll learn all about the secret story Drew Barrymore told herself to summon real tears during the iconic opening scene (which was originally written as a one act play!), the surprising early choices for the part of Sidney Prescott, the controversial origins of the Ghostface mask, and all the ways director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson broke new ground with their cast of terrorizing teens.  Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Jordan continue their TMI Halloween Spooktacular celebration by delving into the creation of this deathless novelty number that pays tribute to the golden age of monster movies. You'll learn about the wildly prolific (and possibly legally insane) producer behind the track, its tentative ties to James Brown, the early '60s pop royalty who sang on it, and Bobby Pickett's dogged attempts to continually update his song with the times. They'll also talk about Elvis' burning hatred of "The Monster Mash," and a brief history of novelty dance crazes and the evolution of the horror genre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gore-dan and HELL-ex take a dive into the musty vaults of the early '90s to unearth the SLASHinating facts behind "Tales From the Crypt," arguably the scariest thing to come out of Joel Silver's career, except for all the things that haven't been unsealed! [incredibly irritating high-pitched laugh] But yes, that's right BOILs and GHOULS, they're looking into the HBO phenomenon that turned a desiccated corpse with a Borscht Belt sensibility into a household name -- and no, we're not talking about Don Rickles! Your pals of putrescence dive into the history of EC Comics, the trailblazing comics label that provided the source material, the weird German guy (not that one) who killed them off, and the wave of nostalgia that carried four of Hollywood's biggest power players in the '80s and '90s to create a well-funded, creatively free long-running project that everyone was excited to be a part of! They'll tackle the positively insane guest list cast, the weird spin-offs, how much Dennis Miller sucks, and other spooooooooky things like budgets and Nielsen ratings! It's Boo MuLCH InfoSLAYtion: Spooky month! Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your final answers of frivolity are here to tell you all about this titanic trivia franchise that burned fast and bright across the Y2K landscape. In addition to Jordan's personal anecdotes from his traumatic time on the show, you'll learn about all the ways the set and music was designed to psychologically break contestants and hear all about the victorious few who made good on the show's titular promise and walked away with the million dollars. In addition to trying your hand at some of the million dollar questions yourself, you also hear the ins and outs of one player's brazen attempts to (allegedly) defraud the show — which earned him jail time. From Regis Philbin's melt-down on live TV to the truly badass move made by the show's first winner, Jordan and Alex are the only lifelines you need for all the facts about 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'! Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your bushmen of balanity have returned to take you on a tour of the Australian outback with Paul Hogan's iconic creation — a one-man ambassador for the local charm and natural beauty found down under...or a one-man stereotype, depending on your point of view. You'll learn all about the truly insane real-life story that kinda-maybe-sorta inspired the plot, the tabloid love triangle that emerged from the production, the late Aussie rock star who helped bring the movie to the big screen, and all the ways it changed the face of tourism for an entire continent. Along the way you'll get the TMI guy's patented conversational diversions that touch on the finer points of autoerotic asphyxiation, Aussie outlaw Ned Kelly, bidets, opium, the meaning of the term "strewth," and so much more.  Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How’s the family?! Jordan and Alex brave the storm of their two-part series by exploring what happened when the 'Purple Rain' hit the silver screen. They’ll marvel over the Nietszchean force of will Prince manifested to force this thing off the ground, dive into the depressing original draft of the movie once titled 'Dreams,' spotlight the man at the front of the Time, Mr. Morris Day, and drill down into the precise manufacturing specs of Prince’s iconic guitar and motorcycle. Things get real when it comes to Prince’s checkered relationship with his dad and women, generally, but don’t worry — there’s also something called “The Blowtorch Team.” Too Much Information: Purify yourself in the cleansing waters of Lake Minnetonka! Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dig if you will the picture of two white nerds in their 30s trying to get to grips with the world power that was Prince in 1984 as the TMI boys cover 'Purple Rain' — in both mediums! Week 1 starts off with the album, as Prince's famously stringent rehearsals and recording practices are detailed. Go crazy with details about the protracted genesis of the titular song, from a demo for Stevie Nicks to the version we know and love featuring a teenaged Wendy Melvoin's iconic intro! Know what it feels like when doves cry as TMI details not only the landmark hit single, but the music video for which Prince made his band learn ballet ... and which may have inadvertently gotten several actual doves killed. Weep at the anguish of the Revolution hearing "Hit me 25 times" from Prince during a live show! Listen to "Darling Nikki" with new ears now knowing it contains actual backmasking, the scourge of uptight Eighties parents! 'Purple Rain' continues next week with the boys hitting the cinematic side of Prince's genius. Too Much Information: They only want to see you laughing in ... well, you get it. Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your leather-clad lizard kings of kinda cool stories are here to go deep on the Doors groundbreaking debut album — and, of course, the electric shaman himself: Mr. James Douglas Morrison. You'll hear all about Jim's tumultuous upbringing with a father who quite possibly started the Vietnam War and his estranged relationship with his family, as well as all of the literary (and pharmaceutical) influences that went into his lyrical poetry, and numerous run-ins with censorship and the law. You’ll also learn all about the chance meeting(s)that lead to the Doors creation, the corporate training film that would yield their first recordings, their historic first use of billboards and Moog synths — and the time Jim dropped acid during a session and destroyed the recording studio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex take a trip to True Crime country and it drive them to the brink of insanity as they unravel the tangled web of the most famous haunted house in America. You'll learn about the horrific real-life murder at the center of the story, which took place at 112 Ocean Avenue in 1974 and claimed the life of six members of the DeFeo family. Then you'll learn about the puzzling saga of the next family to move into the home, the Lutz's, who claimed they were tormented by evil spirits within the home for four weeks — leading them to flee in the dead of night, never to set foot in the house again. Were they telling the truth, or was it all part of an elaborate scam? (Alex has some thoughts!) In either case, the incident inspired a controversial best-selling book which yielded a Hollywood blockbuster that spawned dozens of imitators (over 40 to date!) and an untold number of lawsuits. This episode is NOT for the faint of heart, so strap in — Jodie the demonic pig is waiting for you...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Pop Art impresarios of pretty awesome facts are back to examine a groundbreaking album that lobbed a grimy East Coast grenade into the Summer of Love. In addition to droning on about drones and other avant-garde musicians of the period, Jordan and Alex offer the behind-the-scenes drama of band patron Andy Warhol’s Factory scene, a partial history of electro-shock therapy, and the Velvet’s hilarious blood feud with Frank Zappa. The boys debate the merits of Lou Reed’s lyrical talents by contrasting “Heroin” and “Venus in Furs” with his later-era track “Possum Day.” Get ready for a wild ride deep into the dark, druggy world of urban decay, BDSM and…bananas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your sensei’s of pop culture trivia celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of Heigl’s formative influences. You’ll learn how the Karate Kid led Clint Eastwood to ban all Coca-Cola products from his sight, the real life war heroes Mr. Miyagi's story sheds light on, Pat Norita’s surprising early career as a boundary-pushing Catskills comic, all the leads we nearly had before they landed on Ralph Macchio, and the array of real-life martial arts heavies involved in the film. Heigl, a real life Karate Kid, explains all the ways that the Crane Kick was a bogus (and illegal) move and doles out some self-defense advice you can use — before Jordan waxes poetic on Bananarama.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Jordan and Alex set the sights on one of the most unique albums of the ‘90s, which turns 30 years old this summer. The record is a tantalizing glimpse at one of the great unfulfilled musical promises of the decade. Jeff Buckley was a one-of-a-kind talent who was at the start of what seemed like a long, and fascinating career when he drowned in Memphis at age 30. You’ll learn about the deeply fraught family saga at the heart of his music, the reason why label execs hated the cover, and the cruel comparison the Michael Bolton that nearly killed the album before it was ever completed. Alex goes deep on Buckley’s technical virtuosity and shares a fact about belly button rings that will haunt you forever, while Jordan delivers a comprehensive history of the MANY “Hallelujah” covers and tries to figure out the “Sex Funk” musical genre. It's an episode littered with minor falls and major lifts, at times poignant and perverse — that's the TMI promise, baby!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your titans of trivia are back for the ultimate showdown of nerdery as they quiz one another on their pet obsessions. Alex tests Jordan on everything related to the Titanic disaster, while Jordan asks Alex about all things punk rock. It's a smorgasbord of scatalogical, sentimental and stimulating anecdotes, with a (un)healthy dose of conversational diversions thrown in for good measure.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan and Alex get Presidential with their look at the ‘90s aero-thriller. They’ll uncover how Harrison Ford sweet-talked Bill Clinton into giving him a tour of the real Air Force One, how the prop plane nearly caused a scary real-life military incident, and how the movie delayed the release of James Cameron’s ‘Titanic.’ They’ll also dive into Donald Trump’s ardent passion for this film, the rejected score from Randy Newman (yes, the ‘Toy Story’ guy), and Harrison Ford's numerous piloting mishaps — including the time he caused mayhem on the runway of a major airport. Finally, they’ll explain all the ways this terrifying scenario could never happen in real life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your gurus of gameshows are back to reveal the inner workings of America’s favorite word puzzle-related wheel — and those who serve it. You’ll learn about Pat Sajak’s surprisingly storied background in Vietnam — which helped serve as the inspiration for the Robin Williams’ film ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ — and his days working at the Pentagon. You’ll also hear Vanna White’s Cinderella -esque origin story that saw her go from sleeping on floors to wearing over 8000 gowns, holding one of the most hilarious Guinness records of all time, and earning a shout-out from Nelly. Jordan and Alex also go over some of the most hilarious fails in ‘Wheel’ history, examine all the ways the production is not unlike Taylor Swift’s Eras tour (at least in terms of total tonnage of equipment) and delve deep into psychological reasons why game show hosts tend to fall on the right side of the political spectrum. So get ready to spin your wheels for an hour or two — the guys promise to keep their "vowel movement" jokes to a minimum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strap on your DJ headphones and don your best bald cap, because TMI is tackling one of the best-selling (and most "sold-out") albums of the Nineties: Moby's 'Play.' The pair will track down the source of all those haunting vocal samples, discuss the practice of "folk song collecting" and how it shaped music in the second half of the 20th century, and muse over the thorny racial and ethical implications of sampling! Along the way, they'll detour into how every single one of "Play"'s 18 tracks were licensed out to film, TV, and commercials -- some of them multiple times -- and how Moby gradually ascended to the top of the fin de siecle electronica heap, finding himself a lonely, whiny -- and possibly stingy -- king. It's Too Much Information: Downtempo/Chill/Ambient/Electronic/Dance edition!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.