Go Fact Yourself – Episode 168.99: What is GFY? A Public Radio Pledge Special!

Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host: J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong
Produced by MaximumFun.org

Introduction to the Special Episode

In this special public radio pledge episode of Go Fact Yourself (GFY), hosts J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong celebrate the show's rich history by showcasing some of their favorite moments. Released on April 4, 2025, Episode 168.99 serves as a heartfelt thank you to the loyal listeners and supporters, especially in light of the ongoing recovery from the recent Max Fun Drive.

Acknowledgement of the Max Fun Drive and Future Announcements

The episode begins with Keith addressing the absence of a brand-new episode due to the aftermath of the Max Fun Drive. He shares exciting news about upcoming live shows in Los Angeles, featuring notable guests such as Amy Hill, Alec Moppa, Tom Papa, Rosalind Zhao, and Thomas Jane. He expresses gratitude to the over 500 members who supported the drive, promising exclusive rewards like limited edition baseball cards autographed by Helen and himself.

Quote:
Keith Van Straaten [00:06]: "We did it. Thank you so much to all of our new upgrading and boosting Max Fund members."

Show Highlights and Structure

Helen and Keith transition into a retrospective overview of GFY, emphasizing the show's unique blend of humor, trivia, and celebrity interactions. They reminisce about past episodes, underscoring the diversity of guests—from comedians and actors to musicians and authors.

Quote:
Helen Hong [02:48]: "I'm Helen Hong. And we're the hosts of Go Fact to Yourself, the trivia show where we quiz the smartest celebrities we know and find out why they love what they love."

Engaging Banter Between Hosts

A significant portion of the episode captures the spontaneous and witty exchanges between Helen and Keith. Their chemistry is evident as they discuss personal anecdotes, such as Helen’s frequent visits to Chicago and her love for the Riverboat Tour, contrasted with Keith’s humorous complaints about local changes.

Quote:
Helen Hong [04:14]: "I'm very well."
Keith Van Straaten [04:31]: "It's how we do it in the Midwest."

Notable Celebrity Guests and Memorable Interactions

The special episode highlights interactions with several high-profile guests, showcasing the show's ability to blend trivia with genuine conversations.

1. Pete Holmes [06:21]:
   Keith engages Pete in a playful discussion about his show "Crashing" and his unexpected career as a cartoonist for The New Yorker. Their dialogue underscores Pete's multifaceted talents and the show's knack for uncovering surprising facets of its guests.

   Quote:
   Pete Holmes: "I had confidence in my work. I was like, this is better than what you're printing."

2. Greg Maddux [15:23]:
   The legendary baseball pitcher participates in a lively trivia segment, demonstrating his extensive knowledge of sports history. His friendly demeanor adds a layer of authenticity and excitement to the competition.

   Quote:
   Greg Maddux [15:23]: "That was me. And she goes, you should get nominated for an Emmy for that or something."

3. Larry Thomas – The Soup Nazi [24:35]:
   Larry shares amusing stories about his journey to gaining an Emmy nomination, highlighting the humorous and unexpected paths celebrities take in their careers.

   Quote:
   Larry Thomas [25:56]: "I nominated yourself. You don't get if you don't ask."

4. George Clinton [19:17]:
   The "Prime Minister of Funk" joins the show, bringing his vibrant personality and musical expertise, which elicits enthusiastic reactions from both hosts and the audience.

   Quote:
   George Clinton: "What up? What up?"

Fun and Informative Trivia Segments

A cornerstone of GFY is its trivia challenges, where guests showcase their expertise or discover new facts. One memorable segment involves a question about the difference between ceramic and porcelain.

Quote:
Keith Van Straaten [09:02]: "What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain?"
Helen Hong [09:38]: "Ceramic is a term for an object made from any clay which has been fired at any temperature in a kiln. Porcelain is a specific type of ceramic that is made from specific white clays and is kiln fired at a very high temperature."

Surprise Experts: Elevating the Game

GFY is renowned for introducing surprise experts who provide authoritative insights during trivia challenges. This episode features several such experts, enhancing the educational and entertaining value of the show.

1. Amy Tan [18:38]:
   The acclaimed author offers nuanced perspectives that enrich the conversation, demonstrating the depth of knowledge present on the show.

   Quote:
   Keith Van Straaten [18:43]: "Shut up."
   (A playful interaction showcasing Amy Tan's presence)

2. Yardley Smith as Lisa Simpson [18:58]:
   The voice of Lisa Simpson adds a unique, animated flavor to the discussions, bridging the gap between reality and fiction.

   Quote:
   Keith Van Straaten [19:05]: "Hello."

3. Tommy Chong [20:43]:
   The comedy legend shares humorous anecdotes, further exemplifying the show's blend of comedy and trivia.

   Quote:
   Tommy Chong: (Friendly banter with hosts)

Lightning Round: Fast Facts

The episode features an exhilarating Lightning Round called "Fast Facts," where guests James Holzhauer and Victoria Gross engage in a rapid-fire true or false quiz. Hosted with energetic commentary, this segment underscores the show's ability to maintain high-paced entertainment while testing the guests' knowledge.

Quote:
Keith Van Straaten [27:38]: "Here's a round we recorded on the road in Las Vegas with two legends of Jeopardy."

Sample Interaction:
Helen Hong [28:13]: "James Liberace made his Las Vegas debut in 1994."
Keith Van Straaten [28:18]: "False."
Helen Hong [28:23]: "True. Correct."

Heartwarming and Unexpected Moments

Throughout the episode, heartfelt and surprising moments emerge, such as the inclusion of Crouton the horse, beloved by over 60,000 Twitter followers, and Beth Hyman, co-founder of Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary.

Quote:
Helen Hong [30:50]: "What? I'm just, like, beside myself with joy."

These interactions highlight the show's ability to blend humor, surprise, and genuine affection for its eclectic array of guests.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

As the episode nears its end, Helen and Keith reminisce about the joys of producing GFY and express excitement for future episodes. They encourage listeners to continue supporting Maximum Fun and tease the return of brand-new episodes slated for release starting April 11th.

Quote:
Keith Van Straaten [34:01]: "Thank you so much for listening to this special mini edition of Go Fact Yourself. We'll see you next week with a brand new episode and it is a barn burner. You're gonna enjoy it."

Conclusion

Episode 168.99 of Go Fact Yourself serves as a vibrant tapestry of the show's most engaging moments, celebrating its commitment to blending trivia, humor, and insightful conversations with a diverse lineup of celebrities. Through heartfelt thanks, entertaining segments, and showcases of memorable guest interactions, this special pledge episode encapsulates the essence of GFY, inviting both longtime fans and new listeners to join in the fun and knowledge-sharing that defines the show.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Keith Van Straaten [00:06]: "We did it. Thank you so much to all of our new upgrading and boosting Max Fund members."
• Helen Hong [04:14]: "I'm very well."
• Pete Holmes [06:27]: "I had confidence in my work. I was like, this is better than what you're printing."
• Larry Thomas [25:56]: "I nominated yourself. You don't get if you don't ask."
• Helen Hong [16:55]: "That is correct."
• Keith Van Straaten [34:09]: "Thank you so much for listening to this special mini edition of Go Fact Yourself."

For more information on live shows, membership, and exclusive content, visit gofactorpod.com.