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.