Friday Night Karaoke Podcast – Episode: "A Theme About Themes – TV, Movie, and Cartoon Theme Songs Karaoke Style"

Date: January 14, 2025
Hosts: Mike Whiston, Joe Rubin, and co-host (possibly Dana Lavelli)
Podcast Focus: Celebrating amateur karaoke performances centered around iconic TV, movie, and cartoon theme songs.

Episode Overview

This week’s episode dives deep into the nostalgic worlds of TV, movie, and commercial theme songs, all performed karaoke style by members of the thriving Friday Night Karaoke (FNK) community. The hosts revel in the collective memory sparked by these tunes, showcase outstanding amateur talent, and reflect with humor and heart on the power of music to connect and uplift.

Key Segments & Highlights

1. Episode Kickoff: Why Theme Songs?

[06:18] – [07:17]

• The episode’s theme celebrates TV and movie themes, plus commercials.
• Joe shares, “There are so many theme songs that really just get stuck in your head…they follow you forever.”
• Mike reflects on the magic of theme weeks and the sense of community in FNK’s 36,000-member-strong, negativity-free Facebook group.

2. Showcasing FNK Community Talent

a. Angel Lark – “Car Wash” (from the film Car Wash)

[00:10] – [03:33]

• Angel opens the episode with an energetic, soulful rendition of this disco classic.
• Joe: “She’s got such a unique sound to her… what a great voice.” ([03:40])
• The hosts riff on car washes as community hubs and joke about where people meet (truck stop bathroom vs. car wash). ([04:04])
• The fun, improvisational banter sets a light, playful tone.

b. Kimo Coleman – “Pokemon Theme”

[08:55] – [09:51]

• “I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was…” – Kimo delivers nostalgia with power and passion.
• Immediate post-performance reactions:
  • Host: “I tell you what, I’m catching some chemo fever because that was great.” ([09:51])
  • “You know he watched that every day…He’s like, ‘The Pokemon theme? 100, I’m in it.’” – Joe. ([09:59])
• Brief side discussion of other animated series themes ripe for karaoke treatment.

c. Eric Dabrowski – “Spider Man” (1967 Theme)

[13:59] – [14:53]

• Eric brings energy and range to this classic TV theme.
• Mike: “Eric puts his all into every single song he puts out…he challenges himself.”
• Joe highlights Eric’s journey from FNK participant to releasing original music: “He decided one day he’s just taking this to the next level and put out his own songs. How cool is that?” ([15:17])
• Lighthearted discussion of Eric’s “Dragon Ball”–level fitness as a singer.

d. Jennifer Adams – “Suicide Is Painless” (Theme from MAS*H)

[18:35] – [21:16]

• Jennifer’s performance brings out the haunting beauty and lyrical depth of the MAS*H theme.
• Hosts are struck by the dark lyrics:
  • “I never realized how dark that song is.”
  • Joe: “That’s one deep dude.” ([21:54] on the 14-year-old lyricist)
• Admiration for Jennifer’s vocal prowess – “Jennifer Adams just vocal awesome.” ([21:57])

e. Brian Kennedy – “Little Wonders” (from Meet the Robinsons)

[23:01] – [26:32]

• Emotional, resonant delivery; hosts reflect on the emotional power of Disney/Pixar endings.
• “I cry at every single Pixar movie.” – Joe. ([26:46])
• Celebration of family, connection, and community: “That’s what we call every single one of the members of the Friday night karaoke community—our little wonders.” – Co-host. ([26:32])

f. Joe Rubin & Dana Lavelli – “You’re the One That I Want” (from Grease)

[29:44] – [31:58]

• Upbeat, fun duet with playful self-referential banter.
• Co-host: “You gave John Travolta a run for his money on that one. You rocked.” ([32:12])
• Warm appreciation for collaborative joy in FNK performances.

g. Kara Rurup – “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” (Cheers Theme)

[36:24] – [39:10]

• Strong, Broadway-esque rendition invites nostalgic discussion.
• Co-host recalls the real-life joy of a local pub, likening it to the “Cheers” vibe.

h. Mike Whiston – “Super Mario Bros. Super Show” Theme

[42:24] – [43:43]

• Mike’s playful performance triggers a wave of nostalgic references to Saturday morning cartoons and classic Nintendo.
• Mike: “You can actually put the time frame by the microphone being used.” – reflecting on FNK’s technical evolution.

i. Paul Bright – “One Life to Live” (Soap Opera Theme)

[48:16] – [49:39]

• Surprisingly poignant choice; hosts muse on soap opera themes’ place in our collective memory.

j. Jeff “Maestro” Madasuki – “Dracula’s Lament” (from Forgetting Sarah Marshall)

[52:36] – [54:44]

• Quirky, theatrical, and fun – a crowd-pleasing finale.
• Joe: “That was really good. It was such a goofy song in the movie, but… it made the movie, I think.” ([54:44])

3. Community Culture & Humor

Timestamps sprinkled throughout

• Ongoing banter about truck stop bathrooms, karaoke duets, and childhood nostalgia (e.g., “You see where they do that, they… shave half of someone’s face… with a mirror in the middle…” – a running beard gag, [32:52])
• Mike’s skateboarding escapades and parenting stories ([43:53])
• Meta-commentary about running the FNK group, its growth, and how music ties everyone together.

4. FNK Announcements & Interactivity

• PodFest Scavenger Hunt:
  Secret password “5” discussed for live event attendees, with a full pirate theme and karaoke party at “O Shucks.” ([05:28] – [11:36])
• Group Promotion:
  Repeated encouragement to join the Facebook community: “Just answer three questions, and you’re in, baby…” ([41:17])
• Theme for Next Week:
  Decision: “British Invasion” week—karaoke from UK-based artists or bands.
  • “I think…let’s bring back British Invasion…Singing songs with artists or singers or groups…from the UK.” – Co-host ([56:13])

Notable Quotes

• On Community:
  “That’s what we call every single one of the members of the Friday Night Karaoke community—our little wonders.” – Co-host, [26:32]

• On Theme Songs:
  “There are so many theme songs that really just get stuck in your head…they follow you forever.” – Co-host, [06:31]

• On Performance & Nerves:
  “When I do the recordings…I’m usually like four takes in…You get one shot when you’re on stage. Right? That’s it.” – Joe, [28:46]

• On Karaoke Duets:
  “You gave John Travolta a run for his money on that one. You rocked.” – Co-host, [32:12]

• On Growing the Group:
  “There’s like hundreds of songs get posted every day. It’s fantastic. Just tons of talent…” – Joe, [41:24]

• On the Joy of FNK:
  “We have an amazing thing that we got going on here with just a fantastic community, and we’re very lucky to be doing this.” – Joe, [58:12]

Timestamp Highlights

| Segment | Performer(s) | Song/Theme | Timestamp (MM:SS) | |-----------------------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------| | Disco Opener | Angel Lark | Car Wash | [00:10] | | 90s Cartoon Nostalgia | Kimo Coleman | Pokemon Theme | [08:55] | | Comic Book Classic | Eric Dabrowski | Spider Man (1967) | [13:59] | | TV Drama Depth | Jennifer Adams | Suicide Is Painless (MAS*H) | [18:35] | | Disney Heartstrings | Brian Kennedy | Little Wonders (Meet the Robinsons) | [23:01] | | Broadway Bonding | Joe Rubin & Dana Lavelli | You’re the One That I Want (Grease) | [29:44] | | Pub Anthem | Kara Rurup | Cheers Theme | [36:24] | | Childhood Gaming | Mike Whiston | Super Mario Bros. Super Show | [42:24] | | Soap Opera Flashback | Paul Bright | One Life to Live | [48:16] | | Comedy Finale | Jeff “Maestro” Madasuki | Dracula’s Lament (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) | [52:36] |

Episode Tone & Community Feel

• Warmth and Camaraderie: Good-natured ribbing and genuine appreciation for each performer reinforce FNK’s positivity.
• Nostalgia & Humor: Jokes about truck stops, beard shaving, and cartoons contrast with the emotional weight of some performances (e.g., MAS*H).
• Encouragement & Growth: Stories of community members transitioning from karaoke to songwriting and releasing original music.

Closing Thoughts

• The FNK team celebrates another memorable theme week, invites everyone to join the thriving community, and looks forward to British Invasion week.
• Deep appreciation is expressed for both performers and listeners, as well as for the continued growth and positivity of the group:
  • “This is always a lot of fun…We have an amazing thing that we got going on here with just a fantastic community, and we’re very lucky to be doing this.” – Joe, [58:12]

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Next Week’s Theme:
The British Invasion—songs by UK artists!