Ep. 168: Jerry O’Connell & Mallory O’Meara

Summary

Go Fact Yourself – Episode 168: Jerry O’Connell & Mallory O’Meara
(March 21, 2025)

---

Overview
This special Max Fun Drive episode of Go Fact Yourself features actor and TV host Jerry O’Connell facing off against author and podcaster Mallory O’Meara in a lively, trivia-packed game show. Host J. Keith van Straaten and co-host Helen Hong guide the contestants through quippy banter, challenging rounds, expert guests, and deep dives into their favorite topics—1980s music and werewolf movies. The episode, recorded live at Los Angeles' Center for Inquiry, combines celebrity trivia, personal storytelling, memorable moments, and surprise visits from pop culture icons.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meet the Contestants ([05:05])

• Jerry O’Connell: Known for Sliders, Stand by Me, Pictionary, and The Talk. He shares his journey from acting into hosting—citing encouragement from Kelly Ripa and a pivotal moment filling in for Regis Philbin ([06:03]).
  • Quote (Jerry, 05:47): “The acting work dried up. I had to pivot… my cheese was on a game show.”
• Mallory O’Meara: Author of Lady from the Black Lagoon, Girly Drinks, and Daughter of Daring. Co-host of the podcasts Reading Glasses and Reading Smut.
  • Passionate about women’s film history, she discovered and wrote about Helen Gibson, Hollywood’s first stuntwoman ([07:12]):
  • Quote (Mallory, 07:12): “I realized I didn’t know who the first stuntwoman was… I saw her picture and fell in love.”

---

2. "What's the Difference?" Trivia Round ([08:46–12:41])

• Music Question: "Rest" vs "Break"
  • Rest: period of silence; Break: solo or minimal instrumentation.
  • Quote (Jerry, 08:54): “A rest is a breath if you’re playing a reed instrument, and a break is an actual measure of music.”
• Food Bank vs. Food Pantry
  • Food bank: distribution center; Pantry: community distribution point.
  • Mallory gets half a point for a partially correct answer.
  • Quote (Mallory, 12:27): “Very badly.”

---

3. In-Depth Interviews & Fun Anecdotes ([13:36–16:05])

• Jerry on “The Talk” and Stand By Me:
  • Recalls eating weird things and letting an albino boa on live TV (“It’s Britney!” – [13:42]) and his dad’s disbelief that Stand by Me would ever be released ([14:04]).
• Mallory on History & Her Books:
  • Shares her love for history, especially women's history, and what inspires her to write. She explains the definition of “smut” on Reading Smut (“…where the sort of thrust is an erotic story.” – [16:35]) and her investigative streak.

---

4. Mallory’s Chosen Topic: Werewolf Movies ([23:27–38:36])

Why Werewolves?
Sex appeal, symbolism of taboo, and stories with historical “microfiche montages.”

• Quote (Mallory, 24:07): “Werewolf stuff is always really exciting… it represents the taboo and hidden… and they’re cool.”

Werewolf Trivia Highlights ([26:09–30:22])

• Favorite: Lady werewolves.
• Rapid-fire correct answers: Teen Wolf stars Michael J. Fox ([26:20]), Universal Studios for classic movie monsters ([27:03]), and more.
  • Most proud admission: “I have a big wolfsbane tattoo.” ([30:29])

Expert Segment: David Naughton (star of An American Werewolf in London) ([32:04])

• Surprise guest David Naughton discusses the audition process, the iconic transformation scene, and working with John Landis.
  • Quote (David Naughton, 36:23): “It looks like I was really in pain. There’s no acting involved.”
• Mallory aces the expert round, answering all questions about American Werewolf in London, American Werewolf in Paris, and The Wolf Man ([31:43–38:05]).

---

5. Jerry’s Chosen Topic: 1980s Music ([42:19–59:01])

Why 1980s Music?

• Jerry reminisces on 80s pop, yacht rock, and personal connections ([42:33]): “Some of my earliest exciting memories are linked to 80s classic music.”

1980s Music Trivia Highlights ([44:43–48:48])

• Correct answers include:
  • Stand by Me and its 80s chart resurgence ([45:05])
  • Olivia Newton John’s “Physical” ([46:04])
  • Christopher Cross as a Best New Artist
  • "Tears Are Not Enough" by Northern Lights—all Canadian stars ([47:35])
  • Backing vocals on Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise” by David Crosby ([48:13])

Expert Segment: Toni Basil (singer of "Mickey") ([50:14–59:01])

• Surprise visit from Toni Basil, who reveals the real title (“Hey Mickey”), the power of cheerleader chants, and brings her original high school cheer sweater.
  • Quote (Toni Basil, 52:21): “Actually, it’s Hey Mickey. Now, originally, the song was called Kitty, and I added the chant… nobody wanted me to do it.”
• Jerry’s answers: “Mickey”, “O Sticky”, and “It’s Tricky” (gets 2/3 correct).
• Basil recalls her storied career, the staying power of “Mickey”, and her continued creative work, including a 2024 re-release.

---

6. The Final “Fast Facts” Lightning Round ([59:41–61:26])

• Apostrophes in names and pizza chains are humorously quizzed.
  • Quote (Mallory, 61:10): “In this economy, you can’t afford [an apostrophe].”

7. Winner Announcement & Closing Moments ([61:26–62:41])

• Final Scores:
  • Mallory O’Meara: 12.5 points
  • Jerry O’Connell: 11 points
  • Quote (Mallory, 61:46): “I am hungry. Me and my boyfriend are gonna go get dinner.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Werewolf movies]—cause they’re sexy!” (Mallory, 24:07)
• “My cheese was on a game show.” (Jerry, 05:47)
• “[About ‘Mickey’] Call it anything you want, just go buy it.” (Toni Basil, 52:15)
• “You made me want to be a make-up artist… never had someone want to be a werewolf.” (David Naughton, 36:52)
• “I’m on Yelp all the time. I leave reviews for things. That’s just my thing.” (Jerry, 62:13)
• “Watch out, other Mallory O’Mearas. I think I’ve killed all the other ones.” (Mallory, 62:03)

---

Important Timestamps

• 05:05 – Introduction of Jerry & Mallory
• 08:46 – What's the Difference? Game begins
• 13:36 – In-depth guest interviews
• 23:27 – Mallory’s topic: Werewolf movies & trivia
• 32:04 – Expert guest: David Naughton (An American Werewolf in London)
• 42:19 – Jerry’s topic: 1980s music & trivia
• 50:14 – Expert guest: Toni Basil ("Mickey")
• 59:41 – Fast Facts lightning round
• 61:26 – Final winner & closing shout-outs

---

Tone and Style
The episode maintains the hallmark Go Fact Yourself playful, geeky, and inclusive tone. Banter is brisk, trivia is deeply niche but accessible, and the surprise expert reveals are met with true fan glee. Both Jerry and Mallory are game for self-deprecating jokes and open-hearted stories. The hosts are warm, witty, and always ready with a pun.

---

Conclusion
Episode 168 is a celebration of pop culture passions, trivia prowess, and the unique fun of the Go Fact Yourself format. The encounters with David Naughton and Toni Basil add magical fan moments, while Jerry and Mallory’s good-natured rivalry and camaraderie keep energy high. The episode’s structure (banter, trivia, expert rounds, a wild finish) ensures an engaging listen for new and devoted fans alike.

Transcript

[A]

Hey there. It's Jake Heath.

[B]

And it's Helen.

[C]

And it's finally here, our first full episode in celebration of the Max Fun Drive.

[A]

Helen, I have a cold, but I.

[C]

Still have to give all the enthusiasm that I can because the Max Fun Drive is healing and exciting.

[B]

I could hear the enthusiasm through the nasal congestion.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

One of our favorite traditions with the drive is to welcome a fellow Max Fun host as a contestant. And this time it's Mallory o' Meara from the podcast Reading Glasses and Reading Smut. Plus actor and host Gerry o'. Connell. That's all coming up soon, but first.

[C]

We want to tell you about some of the very cool and very exclusive gifts that you can get when you support Go Fact Yourself in the Max.

[B]

Fund Drive, including a chance for you, yes, you, to be a guest on the show.

[C]

You know, the Max Fun Drive really is the most important time of the year for shows like us on the Maximum Fun Podcast Network. We come together as a community to to support the things we love. Even though we're now on a handful of public radio stations and hope to add more this year, rest assured, we will always take care of our loyal podcast listeners with content and perks that you can't get anywhere else.

[B]

The best way to support the go fact yourself that you love is to go to maximumfun.org join and become a Max Fun member for as little as $5 a month. We only make this ask one time each year, and this is it.

[C]

And if you're already a member, consider boosting that membership for just a dollar or more a month or upgrading to a higher tier so you can get even more gifts. I gotta say, our GFY pin this year, as the kids say, is fire. I don't know if the kids still say that. I think it's neat. Anyway, you can get your very own pin by joining or upgrading at the $10 a month level or higher.

[B]

Speaking of gifts, we'll have more details on some of the gifts we have for you when you contribute to Go Fact yourself later on.

[C]

But in the meantime, while you're already thinking about it, go to MAX right now and sign up right now. That way you'll be all set to hear about your rewards later in the episode. Remember, for as little as $5 a month, that's less than one latte, you can be a part of making GFY possible. Less than three bucks per fresh episode each month, plus all the perks. Come on, join today.

[B]

That's maximumfun.org join now. Take it away. Me from the recent past. Are you a real know it all? Do you annoy your family by shouting the answers while watching Jeopardy? Do you drive people crazy when you start a sentence with well, actually, well, guess what? You can go Fact yourself. Hi, everyone. Hi. Welcome to Go Fact yourself, the show where we quiz the smartest people we know and find out why they love what they love. I'm Helen Hong. And now from the Carl Sagan and Andrea theatre at the center for Inquiry in Los Angeles, here's our moderator, Jakeith Van Stratten.

[A]

Thank you so much. What a fantastic crowd. Hello, Helen, how are you?

[B]

I'm very well. J. Keith, how are you?

[A]

I'm doing well.

[B]

How is the wedding planning going?

[A]

Thank you for asking. I am getting married. I think we're down to about a six month countdown from now. Yeah, it's getting. I'm good. I'm in. I'm feeling great about everything. The one thing.

[B]

Too late to pull out now. It's too late to pull out now.

[A]

No, and I wouldn't want to. The one thing I am still a little nervous about, believe it or not, is my vows.

[B]

When I say, oh, that's right, you have to write them.

[A]

I've got to write them and I've got to say them apparently out loud. And the thing is, it's just that I don't want to be cliched and every time I think of something lovely to say about my fiance, Sarah, it sounds like a cliche. You know, you're the love of my life.

[B]

I'm so lucky to have loved, et cetera, et cetera.

[A]

Yeah, you know, I'm can't wait to be on your health insurance. And I'll be honest, she is not here tonight. She's usually here. And so I feel safe in saying listeners, if you have any ideas for what I can say during my vows, please go to gofactorpod.com and click on get involved. If I use one of the suggestions that you make, you will get a go factor self T shaped shirt.

[B]

Bribery. Bribery.

[A]

No, no, no. They still have to buy it, Helen. I'm just saying that they can then get it knowing that they helped expose express my love for my betrothed. Oh, this is gonna get me in trouble. Meanwhile, today on Go fact yourself, two guests will compete to answer questions about facts they know, facts they may not know, and frankly, facts they should know. Plus, we'll meet actual experts on two very different topics. And finally, we'll declare one of our guests the winner of today's show. Let's get started and meet today's guest. Helen. Who do we have playing tonight?

[B]

He is an actor and TV host known for his work in Sliders, Stand By Me, Pictionary and the Talk. And she is an author and podcast host known for reading glasses and the books lady from the Black Lagoon and Daughter of daring. It's Jerry O' Connell and Mallory O'. Meara.

[A]

Jerry O' Connell and MallORY O'. Meara. Hello, Mallory.

[D]

I didn't realize I would not be able to see anybody.

[E]

I know a lot of people are listening to this, but this is kind of like a Senate confirmation here.

[B]

Surprise.

[D]

We're part of the cabinet now.

[A]

Jerry or Mr. O'. Connell? No, no, no.

[E]

I declare Mama comedy.

[A]

Okay.

[D]

They're going to tell all our de Darkest secrets.

[A]

Yeah. No, unlike a congressional hearing, this will be fact based. Oh, yes. Congress slam. Huh? Oh, my goodness. Well, Jerry, people of course know you as an actor and now as a successful host of talk shows, game shows and more. How did you make that transition from acting to hosting?

[E]

The acting work dried up. I have to pivot. No, I read a book called who Moved My Cheese? Someone gave it to me. I wasn't working, and someone gave me a book called who Moved My Cheese? And it's about, like, finding the cheese where it's been moved.

[A]

And your cheese was on a hosting set.

[E]

My cheese was on a game show. Oh, you know what? Actually, I was. Wow, I'm gonna sound really fancy. I was doing a Broadway show. Whatever. Humble Brad, God rest his soul. Regis Philbin passed away. But Regis Philbin was sick one day and I filled in for him with Kelly.

[D]

That's a little suspicious, I'm gonna say.

[A]

No, I had nothing to do with it. I had nothing to do with it until then. It was strange.

[D]

But those staircases are so slippery.

[E]

No, no, but I hosted with Kelly Ripa, who hosts Kelly and Mark Now. And after I hosted with her one episode, Kelly Ripa said to me, hey, listen, I'm an actress. And I'm telling you, you should really keep doing this as much as possible.

[A]

Really? Very cool. And are there people who now know you as a host who are surprised to learn that you had this other career as an actor?

[E]

Yeah, I mean, my children are teenagers. I tried to show them Stand by Me, but they're gonna wait till it's on TikTok.

[A]

Understood with captions.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

Mallory, your new book, Daughter of Daring, has quite the. The trick. Riding train leaping, road racing, Life of Helen Gibson, Hollywood's first stuntwoman. How did you discover Helen Gibson. And what made you want to write about her?

[D]

I was working on my third book, Girls Make Movies, which is a book about filmmaking for young girls. And I was peppering it with women's film history because I'm a big nerd. I realized that I didn't know who the first stuntwoman was, and I was really stunned to realize that. It was in the 1910s. And I looked her up, I saw a picture of her, and I fell in love with her. And I emailed my agent, Amy immediately, and I said, I'm in love with this woman. I want to write a book.

[B]

Amazing. And did she really do, like, trick riding and racing?

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[D]

She drove motorcycles onto moving trains.

[B]

What, in the 1910s? Yep.

[D]

With little. Little slippery booties and a long, long dress.

[B]

Move over, Charlie Chaplin.

[D]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Well, we're gonna get to chat with you two more a little bit later, but we did ask each of you to provide us with a few topics outside your field of work that you know and love. Jerry, for you, you said that was 1980s music, 1980s movies, and. And a little bit of a left turn. 1990s Los Angeles News.

[D]

Gotta shake it up a little bit.

[A]

Whereas, Mallory, you said that you know and love haunted house books, werewolf movies, and another bit of a left turn. Washington Capital's hockey from 2019 to the present. Later on, we're gonna ask each of you some in depth trivia questions about one of those topics. But first, we're gonna get your thoughts on something you might know nothing about. It is time to split some hairs with our what's the difference? Round. We'll have one question for each of you, each worth up to two points. If either of you gives an incorrect or incomplete answer, the other person has a chance to steal your topic. Today, Break the Bank. First up in Break the Bank is Jerry. Jerry, in music, what is the difference between a rest and a break? A rest and a break.

[E]

In music, a rest is a breath if you're playing a reed instrument, and a break is an actual measure of music.

[A]

A measure of music. All right, we've got Jerry's answer. Don't know yet if he's entirely correct. Mallory, anything you'd like to add or change?

[D]

A rest is where you take a nap, and a break is where you have a snack.

[A]

Yeah, we were specifically looking for in the world of music, but I guess you can do those things.

[D]

They're very hungry.

[A]

They are very hungry in music. All right, well, it's time to put this segment to rest. Let's Go to Helen Hong at the judges table for the facts.

[B]

Here are the facts. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a rest in music is simply a period of silence of a specified length of time, either by all the instruments or singers or by just some of them. A break in music is a short solo or instrumental passage in a song or a part in a song in which the instrumentation is paired back to percussion or which otherwise has minimal instrumentation.

[D]

I was so close.

[A]

So close. Yes, I do often see a band take a nap during one of those breaks. That's right, Helen. A rest is also always indicated on sheet music by a cymbal, just like a musical note, while a break might be indicated by James Brown shouting, give the drummer's thumb. Break it down. Or, ugh. Helen, break it down. Now, how did our guests do?

[B]

Jerry, I'm gonna give you a point for saying that break is a measure of music. You said rest was a breath, which isn't exactly right. So I'm gonna give you one point.

[A]

For a break, one point for Jerry. Thank you.

[E]

I tried to sound confident, but I had no idea what I was doing.

[B]

Oh, you were winging it.

[A]

It was good. All right. Up next in Break the Bank is Mallory. Your question comes from a listener. Who is it, Helen?

[B]

It's from Kyle McGowan of Annandale, Virginia. Thank you, Kyle. Listeners, if you'd like to submit a suggestion for our what's the Difference? Round, go to gofactyourpod.com and click on Get Involved. Okay, play it.

[A]

Hi, guests J. Keith and Helen, or emergency backup. Helen. My name is Kyle McCowan from Falls.

[D]

Church, Virginia, and my question for what's the Difference? Is will both give a needed break.

[A]

For people who are in need? What's the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

[D]

I've listened since the first episode and love the show.

[A]

Bye. All right, Mallory, what's the difference between a food bank and a food pantry? It could involve snacks, so it might be in your wheelhouse.

[D]

Okay. A food bank is a place that serves meals. A food pantry is merely a place where you go and shop for things.

[C]

Where you shop for things you like.

[D]

Go pick up cans and boxes and stuff.

[A]

Ingredients.

[D]

Yes, yes. Thank you.

[A]

All right, well, we've got Mallory's answer. We don't know yet if she's entirely correct. Jerry, anything you'd like to add or change?

[E]

I'm going to completely agree with my opponent.

[B]

That's a shocker.

[D]

News flash. We're teaming up.

[A]

Oh, changing the paradigm. Well, this segment needs to be given away. Let's go to Helen Hong at the judges table for the facts.

[B]

Here are the facts. A food bank is a regional warehouse or distribution center where food is collected, inventoried, and distributed to food pantries, which are local centers that distribute food directly to people in need.

[A]

Yes, that's right.

[D]

You can tell that Jerry and I are not good people because we did not know this question.

[A]

Yes, I'm sorry. You cannot get your full course meal at either of them. I believe that's right. No, about the first thing. That's right. There are also many more food pantries than food banks. Feeding America, for instance, has a network that includes 200 food banks, but 60, 60,000 food pantries. And the size of a food bank can be enormous, sometimes even bigger than a Costco. But a food pantry, especially a mobile food pantry, can be as small as a car, which you can never find a space for at Costco. Helen, how did our guests do?

[D]

Very badly.

[B]

I kind of want to give you half a point, actually, for food pantry, because you did see kind of like where people shop for things and you get cans and stuff, which is.

[D]

Thank you.

[B]

Yeah, I'm being generous. I'm feeling generous. Thank you.

[A]

A generous half point for Mallory.

[D]

Thank you. Thank you.

[A]

All right, let's get to know our guests a little bit better. Jerry, of course people know you for acting on shows like Sliders, Star Trek, Lower Decks, and movies like Stand By Me and Jerry Maguire, and for hosting shows like pictionary and over 600 episodes of the Talk, for which you received multiple nominations for Emmy awards. Wow.

[B]

Wait, 600 episodes? For real?

[E]

I didn't even realize it was that many until you.

[A]

How many do you think you did?

[D]

This is actually a question. It's going to be for points.

[E]

I thought I only did it for, like a month.

[A]

My research says about four or five years, but I guess it was longer. It might have been.

[B]

I hope you got paid for all of them.

[E]

Yeah, I should have been giving more of that money to food banks. I guess that's on me.

[A]

There's still time. Well, Jerry, on the Talk, whenever they needed someone to eat something crazy or drink something crazy or wear something crazy or try something crazy. That seemed to land to you. What are some of those crazier moments that stand out to you?

[E]

I just figured it's like live television and, you know, just do the crazier things that you can.

[B]

What's the weirdest thing?

[E]

Letting a reptile touch my bare skin. Where it was like an albino, like, boa. And it was huge. And I remember I let it go on my shoulders, but I remember looking at the camera and saying, it's Britney.

[A]

Well, Jerry, Stand By Me was your first big break, your first film. And I understand that you were very excited about it. Your father. Not quite as much.

[E]

Yeah, my father, who's actually here in the audience.

[A]

Oh, how wonderful. Hi, Mr. O'. Connell. How are you?

[E]

No, it's so funny. We shot Stand By Me over a summer. My father had to work, so we came back home from Oregon. I lived in New York, and I was like, dad, it was so great. They had a crane and they let.

[A]

Me ride the movie crane.

[E]

And we filmed a scene and they glued leeches to us. And it was incredible. And my father, who's British, who's here, was like, I wouldn't tell everyone about this movie if I were you. It's an independent movie and it will never be released.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[E]

I was like, what? And my father had a co worker who went. Left his job to go make an independent movie that went nowhere and he gave up his position, his title. And I remember we went to Chinese restaurant down the street. We were sitting at a table, and I heard the table next to us saying, like, hey, have you seen Stand By Me? It's such a good movie.

[F]

No way.

[E]

And I was sitting there and I looked at my father and he was like, what? And I went, you're a liar. You lied to me. I could have been boasting for a year.

[D]

I could have been so cool.

[A]

Yeah. And Mallory, you of course, host the podcast Reading Glasses and a new sister podcast called Reading Smut, and author of the books Girly Drinks, Girls Make Movies, and the best selling lady from the Black Lagoon.

[D]

I love synonyms of the word girl.

[A]

It's fantastic. Lady from the Black Lagoon, which was nominated for a Hugo Award. Congratulations on all of that. Thank you. And in your new book, Daughter of Daring, in the introduction, you say, I'm someone who deeply, passionately, dorkily believes in the power of history. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?

[D]

I just think when you know that these things are possible and they've been done before, that it gives you a little more boost that you can do it, especially when it comes to, you know, women's history.

[A]

Very nice. Now, your book, of course, is about Helen Gibson. As we discussed Hollywood's first stuntwoman. How much of Helen's work can we still see today?

[D]

Quite a bit, actually. She was in Stagecoach, lots of Westerns. She was a background actor in Bride of Frankenstein, which is really cool. If you go on YouTube, you can see a lot of her serials, her shorts that are like. You could see her do these stunts. It's really cool.

[A]

One of those serials, I understand, is actually they called the Hazards of Helen.

[D]

Yes. Her name is not Helen. The reason why she was given the role. So they were like, all right, you're perfect. This is fantastic. But you have to be named Helen to take this role on. Her name is actually Rose, but she was like, sure, I'll be Helen.

[B]

That's how I got this job.

[A]

That is true as well. Yes. Thank you, Helen.

[D]

They were like, we don't talk about the first Helen.

[A]

Well, of course, you've been doing this wonderful podcast with Bria Grant, who's been on our show called Reading Glasses. And now you've got this spin off sister podcast called Reading Smut. How do you define smut?

[D]

We define smut as a story where the sort of thrust is an erotic story.

[A]

Got it. It's got some naughty bits in it.

[D]

Yeah, a lot of naughty bits.

[E]

Can I quickly tell the story of.

[D]

When I. Oh, I cannot wait to hear this.

[E]

Fifty Shades of Gray was like, the book of the moment. This is a few years ago.

[B]

You thought it was about color coding.

[D]

No, he was redoing it at the house. He wanted to see, like, I want some paint swatches.

[A]

That's right. You did check it out of the Sherwin Williams.

[E]

I. Well, I was walking through an airport, and it was all in the window there. And I was like, let me see what this is all about. I can't tell you the amount of people who tapped me and went, excuse me. And I said, yeah. And they went, what page you on? I just started, like, 20. And they were like, it's gonna get crazy.

[A]

And on reading glasses, you don't just talk about the books themselves. You talk about the process of. Of reading and different likes and dislikes. What's been one of sort of the niche topics that you've been surprised so many people have a strong opinion about?

[D]

We did a whole test one year. We found out that the best snack to eat while you're reading is gummy snacks.

[B]

Why? Why?

[D]

No finger residue.

[A]

No finger residue. Applause for the. From the Haribo crowd. Thank you.

[D]

Thank you. I am not paid by Big Gummy.

[A]

Don't worry, Mallory. You have another new podcast coming out. Tell us about that.

[D]

It's called I'm Sure It's All True with my friend Ross Blatcher.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Extraordinary acclaims, extraordinary history of extraordinary stuff.

[A]

Excellent.

[B]

So overwhelmed.

[A]

It sounds extraordinary. We, of course, are recording this for the Max Fund Drive, which is the. Yeah. Which of course, is the special time of year that podcast on the Maximum Fun Network, which we both are get to say thank you and also ask for money. So I want to ask, from your perspective, as someone who now has two podcasts on the Max Fund Network, what does MaxFun mean to you and why do you think people listening should support our show during the Max Fund Drive?

[D]

Well, I'm pretty sure Max Fun is the only podcast network that is a co op, so it really means a lot to me that every. All the work that we put into reading glasses, all the work we put into reading smut, and all the money that goes into MaxFun goes to Real people. And like, Max Fun does a lot of good in the community, and it just feels. Feels good. Maximum good, maybe.

[A]

Maximum good. Thank you so much. And, Jerry, you just recently learned that we're setting you up to give a plug for our pledge drive.

[E]

Anything you'd like to add? It's gonna get crazy.

[A]

It is gonna get crazy. Valerie o' Meara and Jerry o', Connell, everybody. Helen, what is our score heading into.

[B]

The break at the end of that first round? Jerry o' Connell has one point and Mallory o' Meara has half a point.

[A]

But those scores are bound to change as we move on to questions about topics our guests have chosen for themselves. That's all up ahead when we come back on GoFact.

[B]

Jay, Keith, let's tell everyone about why the Max Fund Drive is so important, because, full stop, this show could not exist or continue without our members.

[C]

That is 100% true. Your support has helped us do some amazing things, including partnering with LAIST and having our show put on public radio stations across the country, which is amazing, but also a lot more work. And still, our biggest area of support is by far is from those who have gone to maximumfund.org join and set up a recurring monthly contribution to GoFact.

[B]

Yourself, and from those who have boosted or upgraded their membership. In fact, Kyle, who you just heard ask our what's the difference Question has always been a great supporter of our show, regularly upgrading his membership to help us out.

[C]

Thank you, Kyle.

[A]

Hey, be like kyle.

[C]

Go to maximumfun.org join and earn yourself some gifts. Even at that entry level of a $5 monthly contribution, you get by far the most popular gift, access to the full library of bonus content or boko, from every single Max Fun show ever. That's hundreds if not thousands of hours of exclusive audio.

[B]

And that includes Go fact yourself. And it's not just one piece of bonus content, it's every month. That's right, every month this year we put out our special GFY Extras episodes in our Boko feed with in depth conversations and funny moments that you won't hear in our regular podcast feed or on the radio. It's just for you, our Max Fun.

[A]

Supporters and Helen, I have to say.

[C]

These GFY extras have some of my favorite moments in the history of the show. Stuff that maybe is a little too GFY after dark, or things that are just super funny but aren't related to anything. I remember we had Debra Wilson who actually took off her top during the show. That was a very exciting moment. You won't hear that anywhere else. But on the Boko we had some competitive aggression from Jennifer Tilly, Lisa Ann, Walter, and do you remember Xiaoying Summers?

[B]

Oh yeah. Yes, she let it fly.

[A]

She let it fly and cover your kids ears.

[C]

But you will want to listen to the unbleeped version.

[B]

That's all in the Boko feed that you get at every level of membership. Also in the Boko feed, some full length episodes of Go fact yourself with gaff like Jarrett Hill, Clinton McElroy and Brea Grant, who is Mallory Omira's co host.

[C]

Go to maximumfun.org join now. That's the best way to help make sure that our beloved little trivia show can continue. You know, we really are directly supported by you. That's the business model. You choose the shows to support and we are able to make the show without you. No show.

[B]

You might already be supporting some creators on platforms like Patreon and that's great, right? We've chosen to partner with Max Fun because being in community with them and other shows helps us share the work of fundraising. We can ask you for money less frequently and we can put more of our energy into making the show that you love.

[C]

Plus, Max Fund is now a worker owned co op. The only podcast network I've ever heard of doing that. By the way, I am an actual Max Fund member. I support shows like the Flop House and Jordan Jessie Go. And I'm going to upgrade my membership this year too. I know there are a lot of podcasts out there, but I think you'll see that the ones at Max Fun, they really have something special and I'm really glad to be a part of it.

[B]

Speaking of being a part, did we mention that once again we're doing a listener tournament for everyone who joins, upgrades, or boosts their membership this year? Well, we are. And that means you could have a chance to be a guest on GoFact yourself. More info on that in our next break.

[A]

Why wait?

[C]

Go to maximumfun.org join now and make sure you select gofact yourself as a show you listen to.

[B]

And now let's get back to the show. Welcome back to Go Fact Yourself with our guests Jerry o' Connell and Mallory o'. Meara. Once again, here is J. Pete Vanstraat.

[A]

Thank you, Helen. Thank you, everybody. All right, Mallory, of your many interests, you told us that you know and love haunted house books, werewolf movies, and Washington capitals hockey from 2019 to the present. And let's find out a little bit more about each of those. First, tell us what haunted house books mean to you.

[D]

I'm a historian. I write history, and I realize that I've always loved history because haunted house books always have a story behind it. There's a lot of horror that's just like, ooh, spooky thing is happening. But in, like, a haunted house book, there's always like, the haunting that's happening, but also, like, what happened to the.

[A]

There's a reason that it's haunted. Yes. They didn't build it pre haunted.

[D]

There is a microfiche montage. And that is what I'm here for.

[A]

That's what you're into. Okay.

[D]

And I love it.

[A]

And then next, tell us why you know and love werewolf movies.

[D]

Cause they're sexy. No, actually, werewolf stuff is always really exciting to me because it represents the taboo and, like, hidden. I mean, it's kind of like haunted house stuff. It's like the hidden stuff in our society. And they're cool and they're cool and they're cool.

[A]

And maybe sexy.

[D]

Very sexy.

[A]

All right. And then finally, tell us why you know and love the Washington Capitals hockey team from 2019 to the present.

[D]

I became a hockey fan in 2019. I got into the Washington Capitals, and I love them, and I love hockey because when you are a creative person, professionally, it's hard because a lot of the things that you love to do for fun are also connected to your work. But hockey I am not connected to professionally at all. I cannot skate. It just is a purely fun thing for me. And they punch each other. It's great.

[A]

Also fun. All right, Mallory, to summarize, you said you know and love haunted house books, werewolf movies, and the Washington Capitals hockey team from 2019 to the present. Today, we want to quiz you about werewolf movies.

[D]

I studied so hard for this.

[A]

Did you really?

[D]

Yes.

[A]

There are so many subtypes and different eras of werewolf movies. Which ones are your favorites?

[D]

Lady werewolves.

[A]

Lady werewolves.

[E]

Okay.

[B]

Oh, that also have hairy chests.

[D]

Yes, yes.

[A]

Okay, Whatever works. We will not yuck on anyone's yum. Well, just ahead, we're gonna enlist the help of a bonafide expert in your topic with an expert level question worth up to three points. But before that, to let you show your love, here are five trivia questions about your topic, each worth one point if you want it. You're allowed a hint for any two of these five questions. Now, Jerry, do listen closely, because if Mallory answers incorrectly, you could steal. By the way, Jerry, how much do you know about werewolf movies?

[D]

Yeah. Are you vampires or werewolves? Okay, yeah, I told you, we're teaming up. We're teaming up.

[E]

I do have to say, it's so funny. I didn't know this was gonna be your topic coming here. I did meet your boyfriend backstage, and he has quite a bit of, like, facial hair and hair and everything.

[A]

I think Mallory is blushing. It's adorable.

[E]

I'm so embarrassed. I was doing a fancy podcast. I shaved and everything for this. I messed up.

[D]

My boyfriend is extremely handsome.

[A]

All right, well, here's question number one. Seven weeks after his movie about a teenager who traveled through time was released, what star of Back to the Future was in a movie about a teenager who was a werewolf called Michael J. Fox, Teen Wolf.

[D]

Yeah, Michael J.

[A]

Fox. Helen.

[B]

That is correct.

[A]

That is correct. Yes. We're on our way. Fun fact, Teen Wolf had a sequel called Teen Wolf 2, which instead of Michael J. Fox, starred Jason Bateman. And according to a People magazine article from 2016, many people confused Jason Bateman with Jerry O'. Connell.

[E]

Yeah, it happens all the time. People come up to me and they're like, I love Arrested Development.

[A]

And I go, they're like, hey, I do too. It's a great show. Yeah, it's a good show.

[E]

Good stuff.

[A]

All right, here's question number two. Mallory. Jack Pierce was a legendary makeup artist famous for creating the flat topped Frankenstein monster, Boris Karloff's mummy, and werewolf transformations for several movies in the 1930s and 40s. For what movie studio?

[D]

Universal Studios.

[C]

Ellen.

[B]

That is correct.

[A]

That is correct for the points. Fun fact, Universal is still bringing werewolves to fans with its Curse of the Werewolf ride in its Orlando theme park. Curse of the Werewolf has guests quote, racing through a dark foreboding shed.

[D]

Nice.

[B]

It's a big shed.

[D]

What we all dream of doing.

[A]

What we all dream of Doing Whenever I'm in a dark foreboding shed, I do want to race through it. So I guess that is fair. You're two for two, Mallory. Here's question number three. There have been a lot of werewolf movies, but according to IMDb, which one of the following is not the title of an actual movie involving werewolves? Is it the Werewolf Wolf, Wolf Guy, Wolf dude, or Howling Sister is a Werewolf?

[D]

Because I know one of the Howling movies is Marsupials, which doesn't quite count.

[E]

Hold on a second. Hold on a second. So they turn into kangaroos or, like, what? That's crazy.

[D]

A wear pouch.

[E]

I gotta see that movie.

[D]

Yeah, Wolf dude, Helen.

[B]

That is correct.

[D]

Well, there's Wolf Cop.

[A]

So there is Wolf Cop. I was debating whether to put that one in.

[D]

That's the sequel where he's retired and he becomes wolf dude.

[A]

He retires and goes to Malibu and becomes a wolf dude. Yeah, yeah. No, Wolf. Wolf dude is the one that we made up. Fun fact. A movie called the Werewolf is thought to be the very first werewolf movie released in 1913. There have been eight films in the Howling franchise so far. Howling. Your Sister Is a Werewolf was also released under the title Howling Werewolf. Lot of bleeping in this episode. Yes.

[B]

I love that your Sister is a werewolf. They just. Right out the gate. It was number two. Like, they didn't even. It wasn't like, number seven.

[D]

Yeah, they were getting tired.

[B]

Yeah, I guess it would be like a number seven title, but they're like, no, Sister is a wolf.

[A]

All right, you're three for three. Here's question number four. In the cult classic the Monster Squad, a werewolf is kicked by a kid who, pleased by the results, says the classic line, wolfman's Got what?

[D]

Nards, Helen.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

That is correct. I couldn't tell if you were upset that we asked such an easy question or that you resented the fact that we made you say nards.

[D]

No, no, this is great. This is.

[A]

Okay, great. Fun fact. The slang term nards originates from spikenard, a fragrant plant from ancient times. And nards are still fragrant today. All right, you did not need the hint in that. But, Helen, what would that hint have been?

[B]

It rhymes with blards. You're welcome.

[A]

It certainly does. How are your parents enjoying the show? Jerry?

[D]

Oh, my God.

[E]

Dad, hearing aid on.

[A]

Can you hear all this? Might want to turn it down. All right, Mallory, you have a chance to go five for five. You can get this question correct. You do still have a hint available. Although the classic way to kill a werewolf in movies is with a silver bullet. You might also get them to sneeze to death, because part of many movies lore is that werewolves are allergic to something called wolfsbane, more formally known as Aconitum napellus. That same flower is also known by what other name? In the Gingersnaps movie franchise, where it's used to slow down the rate of werewolf transformations.

[D]

Monk's Hood.

[A]

Helen.

[B]

That is correct.

[A]

No hints needed. And Mallory O'Mire is five for five. Wow.

[B]

You were like, no problem.

[D]

I have a big wolfsbane tattoo. So.

[A]

Do you really?

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Wow. We'll get a shot of that afterwards.

[B]

But do you have a tattoo of narrative?

[A]

Not yet. Sorry. Yeah. Fun fact, when it comes to the Aconitum napellus and humans, according to the National Capital Poison center, swallowing any part of the plant could be deadly, While according to the School of Homeopathy, it is often indicated for individuals who experience intense fear, anxiety, and restlessness. So choose your source. Although, to be fair, death is a great way to stop feeling restless. All right, Mallory, you obviously did very well in that round, but now it is time for your expert level question that requires multiple answers. It is time for your cluster fact. We'll be bringing out an expert to discuss your response. In 1981, a werewolf movie unlike any other was released. Starring David Naughton and directed by John Landis. The film combined horror, comedy, romance, and was awarded the first Oscar ever for makeup effects. It also spawned a sequel and paid homage to other werewolf movies for up to three. What is this iconic werewolf movie? What was its sequel? And what 1941 Lon Chaney werewolf movie does the main character talk about in the film?

[D]

American Werewolf in London, American Werewolf in Paris, and the Wolfman.

[B]

Wow. I don't think we. I don't think we've ever had a guest just rattle off the cluster fact answers that fast.

[A]

Incredible. Mallory's got reservations for dinner right after, so I understand she's eager to get out of here. Well, Helen is taking note of those answers. We have an expert on hand who can tell us for sure. Helen, who do we have tonight?

[B]

Joining us tonight is an actor and singer whose many career accomplishments include starring in An American Werewolf in London. It's David Naughton.

[A]

David Naughton. Right behind you.

[B]

Mallory, you look overcome.

[A]

You're shaking. Yeah.

[E]

Oh, my God.

[D]

I'm just such a big fan.

[A]

Hi, Mallory.

[D]

Thank you for coming out. I'm so glad I got them already.

[G]

I love those answers.

[D]

I love werewolves.

[A]

Excellent. Well, David, we're gonna let Mallory Compose herself for a moment. But we welcome this wonderful response. David, in addition to An American Werewolf in London, which we'll talk about in a little while, you, of course, have performed on Broadway. You were a regular on TV shows My Sister Sam and Makin it, for which you sang the theme song, which became a top five hit. And you've appeared on everything from Melrose Place to Seinfeld to Grey's Anatomy and starred for several years in the I'm A pepper commercials for Dr. Pepper. David Naughton.

[G]

Guilty as charged.

[A]

Well, what a conviction. So tell us about how you got that campaign for Dr. Pepper.

[G]

Well, you know, this was before carbonation. So this goes back.

[A]

Yes. You had to get it from the swamp, I understand.

[G]

So, yeah, I went to an audition in New York with many guys, and we were supposed to, you know, wear jeans and sneakers so we could move, basically. And I knew. I said, there's no way. You know, in a New York dance audition, you got real dancers, you know. So before I knew it, I was on my way to Los Angeles. We shot for 22 days.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[E]

I mean, I think the statute has run out. But the song was I'm a Pepper, you're a Pepper.

[G]

Wouldn't you like to be a pepper, too? Be a pepper, drink Dr. Pepper.

[A]

Come on. That actually was you singing that song as well, and you weren't supposed to.

[G]

So, you know, they said, well, we already have a studio singer. I go, well, no, I'm theater trained. As Jerry knows, you gotta talk yourself into a lot of stuff.

[A]

Yeah, well, let's talk about An American Werewolf in London getting that role. You actually didn't audition for that?

[G]

No, I met with John Landis, who had written it. He had been coming off of the Blues Brothers in Animal House. He said, here, here's the script.

[A]

Read it. Call me tomorrow.

[G]

Writes down his office number. I was expecting, you know, is there going to be a screen test, a strip search? What's going to happen? And, yeah, so I read it, and he goes, so, do you want to be a werewolf? I go, no, but I'd like to be a pack.

[A]

But that's all there was to the story.

[B]

Wait, so there was just something about you that he liked. He was like. He met you, and he was like, that's the wolf dude.

[G]

He told me later if these guys. He was talking about the Boys, that's how we were referred to as the boys, when he was talking to Rick Baker, who wanted to find out who he had cast. If David can be likable in a 30 second commercial. He can probably be likable in my 96 minute movie. He wanted the audience to relate to us, you know, and make us, you know, root for us. But.

[A]

And the other boy, of course, was the actor Griffin Dunn.

[G]

Griffin Dunn, Yeah. He was cast in New York, I was cast in L. A. We all just sort of, you know, would do whatever it is that, you know, he asked for. He says, would you mind getting in a wolf cage naked?

[A]

Sure.

[G]

Come on, win, you know, win.

[A]

That's amazing. Well, let's talk about that makeup process. That, of course, was an Oscar winning feat for Rick Baker. Tell us about what that makeup process was like.

[G]

So he wanted me to get right over to Rick's shop.

[B]

So they made molds of your face.

[G]

They started with my arms. You can see there is a, you know, either on a DVD where they, you know, they like to feature special edition. You're like in a barber chair. They got you covered in plastic bags because this is quick drying cement. You know, if any of you have had a mold done of your teeth, this is it.

[A]

Oni.

[G]

It's going on in your head. You can't hear anymore, you can't see anymore. And they're doing, they're checking on you. Like, are you okay?

[B]

They're actually going, are you okay?

[G]

Yeah, yeah. They're saying, are you okay?

[A]

And you're in there going, yeah, I'm great. This is great. And how surprised were you when you saw the final results? Did you think it would look as good as.

[G]

Well, they made me buy a ticket. I think that's a little, you know, Come on.

[A]

I think you waited for it to come out on home video.

[G]

I'm going, you know, hey, I'm waiting for the DVD. Oh, yeah, there were no DVDs. So when people say, how is that DVD pool?

[B]

But that scene where you transform into a werewolf is really an amazing scene and you give a great performance because you're really in pain.

[G]

It looks like I was really in pain. There's no acting involved. It's like, John, this hurts like hell. He goes, just another take or two.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, use it. Yeah.

[G]

It was like 10 hours a day for five days for that transformation.

[A]

But worth it, you would agree. Worth it.

[G]

It's kind of worth it to them. Universal didn't complain.

[B]

Mallory, do you have anything you want to ask or say to David while we have him here? I know you're freaking out.

[D]

I'm so overwhelmed right now. I mean, I'm just such a huge fan. It's so iconic.

[G]

It's one of those things that I had never, you know, had any idea that we'd be talking about it. 42, three years. This is 1981. I'm talking, you know, and what I've found from fans is that they go, you know, this movie made me want to be a makeup artist. And many people, you know, I've never had someone come in and say, you've made me want to be a werewolf. They've never said, where's that wolf cage? I got to get back in that.

[A]

Well, Mallory will be talking with you backstage, so we'll see what questions he comes up with then. But, yeah, let's get to the reason we brought you here as far as our game is concerned and the questions that we asked of Mallory. First, we wanted to know, what is this iconic werewolf movie that we were talking about? Helen, what did Mallory say?

[B]

Mallory said, an American Werewolf in London.

[A]

And, David.

[G]

Correct.

[A]

That is correct for the point, of course. Very nice.

[D]

Am I dreaming?

[A]

You need a ding? No, it's real.

[G]

Do a ding, ding, ding, or.

[A]

Yeah. Next, we wanted to know, what was the name of the sequel of that film? Helen, what did Mallory say?

[B]

Mallory said, an American Werewolf in Paris.

[A]

And, David.

[G]

Correct.

[A]

Correct again. Another point from Mallory. And finally, we wanted to know what 1941 Lon Chaney werewolf movie does the main character played by someone named David Naughton, talk about in the film? Helen, what did Mallory say?

[B]

Mallory said the wolf man.

[A]

Correct.

[G]

Amundo.

[F]

Correct again.

[A]

A perfect game. A perfect round for Mallory o'. Malley.

[D]

I'm about to wake up, I swear.

[A]

Oh, my gosh, David, it's been so wonderful that you're joining us. If people want to find out more about you and what you're up to, where can they do that?

[G]

I've got some big shows. Texas frightmare in Dallas, May 23rd. We're expecting, you know, 40, 50,000 Indianapolis in June. I'll be around, so come find me, all right.

[A]

We're so happy you're around today, David Knight. Thank you very much. What a treat. All right, Helen, what is our score at the end of that round?

[B]

Ooh, at the end of that exciting round, Mallory o' Meara has eight and a half points, and Jerry o' Connell has one point with the round of questions for Jerry coming up.

[A]

That's right. We're gonna speak with Jerry about a topic he knows about. Plus, later, Mallory and Jerry go head to head in our fast facts round, all to find a winner on GoFact yourself.

[B]

Just a moment ago, you heard the joy and awe in Mallory's voice as she got to meet her werewolf expert for the first time. That is a feeling we aim to deliver in every episode of this show.

[C]

When you go to maximumfun.org join and sign up to contribute at the level that makes sense for your budget. You're helping GoFact yourself facilitate that kind of happiness.

[B]

And speaking of happiness, we've got a few Max Fund Drive perks that are exclusive to people who support Go Fact Yourself. Ones we think will make you very happy indeed. We'll be announcing these perks throughout the second week of the Max Fund Drive and here are two that we can announce now.

[C]

First, if you are able to prepay your Max Fund membership for the entire year, we'll send you a brand new limited edition full color baseball card of us. And we'll autograph it too. No matter what level you join or upgrade to, use prepay and you'll get this very exclusive gift next okay, this.

[B]

Is the big one. The Listener Tournament all new Upgrading or Boosting members are eligible to participate in the 2025 GFY Listener Tournament with two lucky listeners chosen to be guests on an actual full episode of Go Fact Yourself.

[A]

That's right, you'll choose your favorite topics.

[C]

And we will write a quiz book, a surprise expert, the whole deal. If you want to hear some pure joy, check out our previous Listener Tournament episodes. This is a one of a kind opportunity to be a guest on a show that you presumably enjoy. And Helen, I know these are some of your favorite episodes to record.

[B]

Oh my God. Yes. We get to interact with our fans from all over the world and let them show off how smart and interesting they are. Plus let them geek out on their favorite topics just like our celebrity guests do.

[C]

By the way, because of this crazy year we've just had, we are running a little behind on finishing up the 2024 Listener Tournament, which I am now calling the 2024ish Listener Tournament. But we will be moving that along as soon as the Drive is over. And remember, only two people per tournament are selected. So even if you already entered last year's tournament, make sure you join Boost or Upgrade in this year's Max Fund Drive because you can only improve your chances.

[B]

One thing you won't have to take your chances on the good feeling that goes with knowing that you are helping to bring a show like this to the world. You you are affecting change. As soon as you join Boost or [e-mail] Join Become a member at the.

[C]

Level that makes sense for you. Five bucks a month. Wonderful. Ten bucks.

[A]

Wonderful.

[C]

Also even more if you can. Absolutely. You can earn great gifts from the network the higher you go with your monthly contribution.

[A]

Hey, if it works for you, it works for us.

[B]

$10 per month and above lets you get a cool collectible pin representing our show. This year's pin answers the question I ask every episode. Are you a real know it all? Well, now tell everyone you are. You can see this cool pin design on our social media accounts, GoFactorPod. And when you go to MaximumFun.org to join or upgrade your membership.

[C]

Now, while you go to maximumfun.org join and select go Fact yourself as a podcast you listen to. We're gonna listen to more of that podcast. Let's get back to the show.

[B]

Welcome back to Go Fact yourself with our guests Jerry o' Connell and Mallory o'. Meara. Once again, here's Jakeith Van Stratten.

[A]

Thank you so much, everybody. All right, Jerry, of your many interests, you told us that you know and love 19 music, 1980s movies, and 1990s Los Angeles news. Let's find out a little bit more about each of those. First, tell us why you know and love 1980s music.

[E]

Well, I was a young man around those times, and some of my earliest exciting memories are linked to 80s classic music. Also, I took an edible before this show, and it didn't hit me until David walked out. And then it just was like a tsunami.

[D]

What do you think about Jerry? Yeah, it's just me and you here.

[A]

Yeah. Next, tell us why you know and love 1980s movies.

[E]

Again, grew up in that time.

[B]

And is it cause you're in one?

[A]

Yeah, I think so.

[E]

I mean, it's my life.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, and finally, tell us why you know and love 1990s Los Angeles news.

[E]

I love local news. And when I moved here to Los Angeles, I came here from New York City. I was obsessed with, like, learning more about the city. And, you know, I listened to you here in Los Angeles on a radio station called laist, which is, I mean, a very local news station here.

[A]

It's been around, I believe, since before the 90s. Yeah. Where do you stand on Kelly Lang versus Colleen Williams?

[E]

Okay, those are anchors. Those are local anchors. I love them all. I love them all.

[A]

You love them all. You're not gonna choose favorites.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

All right, so to summarize, Jerry, you said you know and love 1980s music, 1980s movies, and 1990s Los Angeles news. Today, we want to quiz you about 1980s music.

[E]

Okay, I can handle that. Can do that.

[A]

Who are some of your favorite artists of that era?

[E]

You know, I have to tell you, here in Los Angeles, the Hollywood bowl annually has like a yacht rock review. And it's like Kenny Loggins comes out and Michael McDonald and Christopher Cross. And hell yeah, I know I go with my wife. And my wife turned to me when Christopher Cross was playing sailing and my wife was like, this is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me. We felt, what's the wor Like? Love for each other.

[A]

Oh, wow. Well, just ahead, Jerry Rigno, enlist the help of a bonafide expert in your topic. A question worth up to three points. But to let you show your love even more, here are five trivia questions about your topic, each worth one point. And of course, your lot of hint for any two of these five questions. Now, Mallory, do listen closely because if Jerry answers incorrectly and that edible kicks in even more.

[E]

No jokes, jokes, jokes.

[A]

You could steal.

[D]

I got your back, Jerry.

[A]

You could steal. By the way, Mallory, how much do you know about 1980?

[D]

Actually quite a bit.

[A]

Okay.

[D]

Yeah, I am more of a metalhead, but I do know I really like 80s music.

[A]

Well, most of these will focus on pop music of that era, but we'll see what comes up. Here's question number one. What 1986 coming of age movie directed by Rob Reiner had a title song by Ben E. King that Was a top 10 hit 25 years after it was first a top 10 hit?

[E]

Guys, this is actually unfair.

[B]

I. I swear, Jerry, if you get this wrong.

[E]

Lean on me. That's a joke. Everyone. Stand by me. Stand by me.

[A]

Stand by me. That is correct. Stand by me. Also a 1980s movie. Yeah, yeah. All right.

[E]

Actually, fun fact, not the original title of that film.

[B]

Really?

[E]

Yeah, the original title was the Body, which was the title of the Stephen King, the short story that it was based on.

[B]

That is such a. Not a good title.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. Which is not as good of a song either. Fun Fact, the song Stand by me reached number four on the Billboard charts in 1961. That exact same recording reached number nine in 1986. The song was written by Lieber and Stoller, and Mike Stoller appeared on episode 124 of Go Fact Yourself. Wow. Yeah. All right, here's question number two. There were some monster hit songs in the 1980s, but what Olivia Newton John song spent 10 weeks at number one in the US more than any other single in the 1980s?

[E]

I mean, it's gotta Be physical.

[A]

Right, Helen? Does it gotta be?

[B]

It gotta be.

[A]

Yes, it does. It is physical. 10 weeks at number one. Fun fact. These songwriters originally envisioned Rod Stewart singing physical.

[E]

Interesting.

[A]

Yes. But decided he just didn't look as good in a white leotard layered over magenta leggings. No, he would've looked great. He just didn't want to do it. All right, Jerry, you're two for two. Here's question number three. There were some amazing singers, songwriters, who made their debut in the 1980s. And many of them won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. But which one of the following people did not win that award in the 1980s? Was it Tracy Chapman, Mark Cohn, Bruce Hornsby, Cyndi Lauper, or someone named Christopher Cross?

[E]

I'm gonna go with Mark Cohn, Ellen.

[B]

That is correct.

[A]

That is correct. Very nice. That is correct. Fun fact. Christopher Cross was the first Best New Artist to also win Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year, all in one night. Mark Cohn, whose music would be one of my three topics if I were on this show, won in 1992. And I just saw him in concert two nights ago.

[D]

Nice.

[A]

You're three for three. Here's question number four. The 1980s saw several songs released as social awareness and fundraising efforts for various causes and featuring a wide variety of artists. And while one of the best known ones was We Are the World by USA for Africa, another country star came together for the same cause with their song Tears Are Not Enough. From what country were all of those singers of that song?

[E]

Can I get the hint, please?

[A]

Whoa, you may. Yes. Helen, how about that first hint?

[B]

The song features singing from Bryan Adams, Gordon Lightfoot, Ann Murray, and Paul Schaeffer.

[E]

Gotta be Canada Our good friends and good neighbors.

[A]

Canada, Helen, is it Canada?

[B]

Yes, it is.

[A]

Yes, it is. Very nice. Fun fact. The group was called Northern Lights and had a chorus that featured SCTV stars including John Candy, Eugene Levy and Kathryn o', Hara, and, of course, Alan Thicke.

[E]

Awesome.

[A]

All right, you have a chance to go five for five. Jerry, if you can get this question correct, you do still have a hint available?

[E]

Okay.

[A]

The final number one song of the 1980s was Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins. But Collins isn't the only recognizable voice on the track. What singer, songwriter and guitarist who's been inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame twice provides backing vocals? Oh, boy. Let's get a hint, Helen. How about that second hint?

[B]

One of his inductions into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame was for his Work with the Byrds. The other was for his time with csn.

[E]

Okay, I'm gonna go with David Crosby, I guess.

[A]

Helen.

[B]

That is correct.

[A]

Jerry o' Connell is also five for five. We are crossing what a panel of guests. Fun fact. David Crosby also provided backing vocals for Mark Cohn, winner of the 1992 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, who I saw perform two nights ago.

[E]

Dude, you love Mark Cohn. It always comes back to that guy.

[A]

Yeah. All right, Jerry, you obviously also did very well in that round. But now here is your expert level question requiring multiple answers. That is time for your cluster fact.

[D]

Okay, I believe in you.

[A]

We'll be bringing on an expert to discuss your response. Jerry. In 1981, a song that combined elements of new wave and pop had a popular music video that combined the song with cheerleading. The song went to number one on the charts and was so influential that Weird Al Yankovic released a parody of it which was also on the charts. And Run DMC lifted the structure of the song for a hip hop track that also hit the charts in the 1980s for up to three points. What's the name of this 1981 song? What's the name of the Weird Al parody? And what's the name of the 1987 Run DMC track?

[E]

Okay, the name of the song is. Oh, Mickey. The Weird Al parody. I just don't know it. I'll say. Oh, sticky. I'm not quite familiar with the Weird Al, but the Run DMC song will be. It's tricky.

[A]

All right, well, Helen is taking note of those answers. We have an expert on hand who can tell us for sure. Helen, who do we have tonight?

[B]

Joining us tonight is a Grammy, an Emmy nominated singer, dancer, and choreographer who had a number one hit with that song. It's Tony Basil.

[A]

Tony Baszel. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[B]

It's really you.

[A]

Tony, welcome. You look absolutely fantastic. Thank you.

[F]

And I've been listening to this show. It is so much fun.

[A]

Thank you.

[F]

And everybody is so smart and funny. It's just really an enjoyable show.

[A]

Well, thank you. I appreciate it. I tried to tell you on the phone, but we love it. We love to hear that.

[B]

I'm a fan.

[A]

Tony Basil. My goodness. Just some of your credits. You made your screen debut at age 19, dancing with Frank Sinatra, then appeared with Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas, with Jack Nicholson in Five Easy Pieces. You've done choreography for movies like American Graffiti, Legally Blonde, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. You're a member of the Lockers, the groundbreaking street Dance team and have worked with music legends including Tina Turner, David Bowie, Bette Midler, and David Byrne. And you have seen your work included in the Rock and Roll hall of Fame, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Lincoln Center Library of Performing Arts. Tony Basil.

[D]

Thank you.

[B]

We're out of breath.

[A]

Yeah, we're out of breath. Just reading your credits and you are still at it. You actually have a new song coming out that is sort of also an old.

[F]

It's a new, old song that I recorded in 1966, and I just last year acquired ownership of the master.

[A]

Wow.

[F]

It's called Breakaway. Just put up on live streaming, and we're gonna start promoting it when you air your podcast.

[A]

This is it. The promotional tour begins tonight.

[F]

It's called Breakaway.

[A]

Break away.

[F]

And of course, hey Mickey is up on all.

[A]

My first question, actually is, what is the title of the song? Because I've heard people say, mickey. Oh, Mickey. Hey, Mickey. What is the name of this incredible song that you've done?

[F]

Call it anything you want, okay? Just go buy it.

[A]

As long as the check gets sent to you.

[F]

Actually, it's hey, Mickey.

[A]

It is hey, Mickey.

[F]

It's hey, Mickey. Now, originally, the song was called Kitty, and I added the chant. I added a cheerleader chant, despite the fact nobody wanted me to do it.

[B]

Really?

[F]

Nobody wanted me to do it. No way. But I knew the power. You know, I was head cheerleader. I knew the power of the stomps and the claps and the chants in the gymnasium, and I always thought that would be great for a song. Dorsey High cheerleaders are the cheerleaders that chant on the song. The Carson High cheerleaders are the cheerleaders in the video, which you can go to my YouTube channel and see.

[A]

Yes. Well, speaking of seeing your video, I understand you bought a little special treat for us tonight.

[F]

I did. I did. You can look, but you can't touch.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Oh, she's pulling something out of her bag.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

It's an amazing cheerleader sweater.

[A]

That is the actual sweater that you. You wore in the video and your actual cheerleading sweater from high school.

[F]

Yep, it's my head cheerleading sweater from Las Vegas High.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Incredible. It does say lvh and it has your name, little script on it. Oh, my God, that's so cool.

[A]

Yeah. Thank you so much for sharing that with some people. That's lovely.

[B]

I let the company know that that chant was gonna be, like, burned into everybody's brains.

[F]

There's a movie called Mickey 17 which is used. The song is used for the promo was used for the promo for Deadpool, Wolverine just recently. Everybody uses a piece of that puzzle.

[A]

It's incredible.

[F]

And it's always the chant.

[A]

Yep, yep. That's the part that people know.

[F]

Yeah, that's right.

[A]

I actually still have my 45 that I bought from 1981 of it.

[F]

You do? I meant to bring the 45 of that and for Breakaway, because that's, you.

[A]

Know, I think you did pretty well in the bringing things department, though. That's pretty special. Well, it's interesting, you know, our topic is 1980s music, and you were telling me before that you actually felt very isolated from 1980s music.

[F]

Yeah, I thought I said, oh, no, no, no, no. You can't ask me questions about music. Because I was doing seven songs, seven videos. Then I was in England doing two BBC specials of my own that two wonderful producers from Manchester saw these video promos in a record shop and saw that I had directed, choreographed them, edited. I mean, I did everything. I did everything to them. And so they called me up and said, would you like to have a half hour special? Which turned out to be two specials of your own. And I. I went, yeah, okay. You know, so I was in England doing that editing. Editing the BBC specials in my hotel room. What, the offline?

[A]

Yeah, very offline.

[F]

These big pieces of equipment were brought in and.

[B]

Yeah, you were like a TikTok star before TikTok.

[F]

Yeah, well, I have now TikTok, too.

[A]

Oh, yeah. She's not afraid of TikTok.

[F]

You know, I'm trying to keep, but. Oh, baby, is it tough.

[A]

We should be so lucky as to be able to keep up the way that you do. It's incredible. The video is something that people very closely associate with the golden era, the beginning of mtv. What was it like to have that be sort of your calling card during that time?

[F]

It was fine. Yeah, it was just fine.

[A]

It was good. A lot of people, it's not fun.

[F]

No, because I made these videos as promotional videos for Europe. So. So then I had the BBC specials then. It was only then when it became a big hit in the UK and in Australia that I even got an American deal. So then by then there was mtv. So when I came back from Europe, I already had the videos. I had everything ready. I was armed and ready.

[A]

You didn't know that you needed to be, but you had what you needed. That's incredible. You mentioned, of course, that Mickey is still in the popular culture. It's been part of movie campaigns as recently as this year. Why do you think it's had such staying power.

[F]

I think there was something about that simple chant. And, you know, the stomps and the claps are also cheerleader.

[A]

Right.

[F]

You know, and it's just. It's haunting.

[B]

But the rest of the song is so damn catchy.

[F]

The chorus is really catchy. Anybody can sing along to that chant. You know, it's so accessible.

[A]

Yeah. That's incredible. Well, we've only scratched the surface of your incredible, legendary career. Let's get to the reason we brought you here. As far as our game is concerned. You heard the question that we asked of Jerry. First, we wanted to know what was the name of that 1981 song that combined new wave pop and cheerleading? Helen, what did Jerry say?

[B]

Jerry said, oh, Mickey and Tony.

[F]

I think he was right.

[A]

All right. That's a point for Jerry. That's what matters. Next, we wanted to know, what was the name of the Weird Al Yankovic parody? Helen, what did Jerry say?

[B]

Jerry said, oh, Sticky and Tony.

[F]

No, it was hey, Ricky.

[E]

Hey, Ricky.

[A]

That's right. It was all about Ricky Ricardo, Ricky and Lucy.

[F]

They did a whole big.

[A]

Yeah, but I have to say, as a guest for not knowing that, oh, Sticky does sound like it would be a Weird Al song.

[B]

Dare I say, funnier than O'.

[A]

Er. Yes. I'm sorry. No point there. Jerry finally wanted to know, what's the name of the 1987 Run DMC song which lifted the structure of that 1981 song? Helen, what did Jerry say?

[B]

Jerry said, it's tricky.

[A]

And Tony.

[F]

Oh, that is correct.

[A]

That is correct. Not a quit for Jerry. Ms.

[E]

Basil, this is so crazy that you're here literally two days ago. Drew Carey. Are you familiar with Drew Carey?

[F]

Sure.

[E]

Your name came up with him, and he said, oh, have you seen the Beach Blanket Bingo movies with Tony Basil dancing? And I was like, no. And he's like, you can see her dancing right there on screen. And I went back, and literally days ago, I watched you, like, in the back of these films and these huge dance routines.

[F]

I was an assistant choreographer to the great dancer choreographer David Winters, who starred in the original west side Story. And I became his assistant in the 60s, and we started to choreograph all these beach films. And he always featured me. So I'm in a fabulous red bikini, dancing in the sand. So spectacular.

[A]

Well, speaking of spectacular, you are absolutely spectacular. It's been wonderful that you joined us.

[F]

Thank you, Toni.

[A]

People want to find out more about you or your work. Where can they do that?

[F]

I have a YouTube channel called Tony Basil's house. I also have an Instagram called Official Tony Basil, which is almost kind of weekly. Yeah, I thought social media would leave it behind, but it hasn't.

[A]

No, it isn't.

[F]

It really hasn't.

[A]

We're gonna have to catch up to you. What a joy to have you here. Tony Baszel, everybody. Tony Basel. All right, Helen, what is the score as we go into the final round?

[B]

Wow, that was exhilarating. And it is a really tight game, Jake. At the end of that round, Mallory o' Meara has eight and a half points, and Jerry o' Connell has eight points.

[D]

That half point, baby.

[A]

Good night. Who cares? I met Tony Baszel. Who care? I'm the real winner. Now it is time for our final round, we call Fast facts. I'll read 10 statements, and each contestant will answer with true or false. I'll start with Jerry and then alternate. Each correct answer is worth one point. Again, please answer each statement with true or false, and we will go fast. Here we begin. Jerry, you have an apostrophe in your name. True.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Mallory, you have an apostrophe in your name.

[D]

True.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everybody. Jerry, Domino's Pizza has an apostrophe in its name. True.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Mallory, Papa John's Pizza has an apostrophe.

[D]

True.

[B]

Incorrect.

[A]

No, they don't. Jerry, Godfather's Pizza has an apostrophe.

[E]

Godfather's Pizza? Nah, they don't do no apostrophes.

[A]

False.

[B]

Incorrect.

[A]

No, they really do. Mallory, Little Caesar's Pizza has an apostrophe.

[D]

False.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Yeah. Jerry, the word apostrophe comes from the Greek.

[E]

Yeah, it sounds Greek. Yeah.

[A]

True.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Mallory, the Greek word means born of.

[D]

True.

[B]

Incorrect.

[A]

Jerry, the Greek word means owner of. True.

[B]

Incorrect.

[A]

Mallory, the Greek word means bringing together of.

[D]

False.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

And finally, Jerry, the Greek word means mediocre pizza. False.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

All right, let's give Jerry o' Connell and Mallory o' Meara a nice hand as Helen tabulates the final score. By the way, Papa John's used to have an apostrophe.

[D]

In this economy, you can't afford.

[A]

Little Caesar's. Never had one. The Greek word apostrophe means the act of turning away, which is what I do when someone serves me Little Caesar's pizza. No, no. They're wonderful. You get two of them. How could that be bad? Helen, are you ready to announce the winner on today's show?

[F]

I am.

[B]

At the end of the game, Jerry O' Connell has 11 points and Mallory O' Meara has 12 and a half points.

[A]

Congratulations, Mallory O'. Meara. You are the facting champion on Go Factor. A standing ovation from Jerry o'. Connell.

[B]

Gentlemanly, Jerry.

[A]

Very gentlemanly. Mallory, what will you do with your championship?

[D]

I am hungry. Me and my boyfriend are gonna go get dinner.

[A]

Okay, well, that just leaves the opportunity for everyone here to mention or promote anything they might like. Mallory, where can people find you and what you're up to?

[D]

Malloryomera.com for all my stuff. Instagram, Malloryomera, all that. I'm the only Mallory Omara. I think. I think I've killed all the other ones, so.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Oh, I'm jealous.

[A]

Yes. Watch out, other Mallory o'. Mearas. And thanks for being here. The Mallory o'. Meara. Jerry o'. Connor. What a pleasure. Where can people find what you're up to?

[E]

You know what? I'm not kidding. I'm on Yelp all the time. I leave reviews for things.

[A]

That's just my thing. Follow me on Yelp. I really do. Well, we look forward to your five star review. Jerry o', Connell, everybody. Ladies and gentlemen, you are so lucky because my co host is Helen Harm. The people love you, Helen.

[B]

Where can we find you? You can follow me on the socials. Funnyhelenhong. Cause I haven't killed the other Helen Hongs yet.

[D]

I can give you some hot tips if you need them later.

[A]

Good thing conspiracy isn't a crime. Helen Hong, everybody. And me. You can find me on the [e-mail], all spelled out. I also am available to host your trivia event either live in person or online. Go to bigquizthing.com that just leaves me to thank Jerry O', Connell, Mallory O', Meara, Tony Basil, David Naughton, and thank you for listening and supporting our show, especially right [e-mail] I'm J. Keith Van Stratten. Good night. Like what you hear? Come see us live. Go to gofactorpod.com for our schedule and tickets. To hear an extended version of this episode, go to gofactorpod.com or look for gofactor self wherever you get podcasts.

[B]

Want to keep playing along with us? Think you're smarter than our guests? Put yourself to the test with even more trivia questions related to this episode that you get to answer, go to las that's laist.com gofactyourself meanwhile, please like.

[A]

And follow us on all the socials all at GoFactorPod. Update our [e-mail] and buy our T shaped shirt, mug shaped mug and dingle dangly dingle dangle and [e-mail] and give us a great review on your favorite podcast platform like mbsttg did on Apple Podcasts. He sheer they said I can consistently enjoy the lineups of guests and experts, and Arden Marine's interaction with Lee Wilkoff on episode 65 is one of my favorite segments in all of podcasting. Thanks mbsttg. Way to hear the interaction between Jerry o' Connell and Mallory o', Meara, though.

[B]

Helen Go Fact Yourself is a panel quiz program devised and produced by Jim Newman and Jakeith Van Straten and comes to you via transcription from the Carl Sagan and Andrea Theater at the center for Inquiry in Los Angeles. Questions were compiled by by the Trivia Industrial Complex. We are produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun and laist. Maximum Fun Senior Producer is Laura Swisher, co producer and editor, and our fine Mickey is Julian Burrell. Additional editing by Valerie Moffatt. Our theme song and incidental music were written and performed by Jonathan Green. Research assistance provided by Adam Nedeff Quiz assistance provided by Clint Tauscher and Bart Gold Promotional graphics by Erich Tran Video clips by Scout Mayberry Live show audio Engineering by Dave McKeever Live show photography by Christine Valada Live show support by Dave Bianchi Special thanks to Jennifer Milner of Panache Management, Julie McDonald at McDonald Selznick Associates, Travis Richie and Jim Underdown and Alice Pine at the center for Inquiry West. I've been Helen Hall.

[A]

Let's go listen to 1980s music and watch werewolf movies.

[C]

Oh I can. You're there.

[B]

Sexy and hairy.

[A]

What a great episode that was.

[C]

It is so cool to be part of Max Fun and get to do shows like this with folks like Mallory and then Jerry o' Connell too.

[B]

Absolutely. And we want to thank you listening for helping to make it happen, especially if you went to maximumfun.org join and became a Max Fun member.

[C]

I know we have a lot of fun in the show and that's great, but you know, the Max Fun Drive really is a beautiful time of the year. We get to lift you amazing listeners on our shoulders, metaphorically, and praise you for everything you do for us.

[B]

Finding a bit of cash in your budget to keep a show like this going is no small thing. We never would have made it to public radio without you and we can't keep this show going without you.

[C]

And hey, if you don't have the cash right now but still want to support the show. There are some great ways to do so that don't cost you a plug nickel.

[B]

Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Post or repost a message about the show on social media. Join our email list gofactyourpod.com tell a pal about this cool trivia show you like. Contact your local NPR station and ask them to check us out. All of that is free to do and really, really helps us out.

[C]

And hey, speaking of npr, just a reminder. What we get from public radio plus what we get from ads from our merch. It's very nice and we're very grateful. But it does not support us the way MaxFund membership does. Not even close. And we will always support you with exclusive footage and opportunities to get involved that you won't get anywhere else.

[B]

We work very hard on the show and we want to continue to, but we can't do it without your support. And when we do have your support, we can continue to make the show better.

[C]

So go to maximumfun.org join and when you sign up for a recurring monthly contribution as a Max Fund member or you prepay for the whole year, just imagine that we're right there telling you go fact yourself.

[B]

And also thank you Max Fun members.

[A]

Maximum Fun, a worker owned network of.

[B]

Artist owned shows supported directly by you.