Go Fact Yourself – Ep. 185: Paul Feig & Anjali Bhimani

Recorded live at The Crawford at LAist in Pasadena | Released: January 2, 2026
Host: J. Keith van Straaten | Co-host: Helen Hong

Episode Overview

The first episode of 2026 features a lively trivia battle between director/producer Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks, Bridesmaids, The Housemaid) and stage/screen/voice actress Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel, Overwatch, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7). The duo face questions in their chosen areas of passionate expertise and are surprised by real-deal special guests connected to their favorite topics. With trademark wit, heartwarming personal stories, and a few wild tangents (elephant dung gin, anyone?), this episode celebrates the power of fandom, the magic of musicals, and enduring TV nostalgia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Getting to Know the Contestants

Timestamps: 03:36–06:20

• Anjali Bhimani shares her unique upbringing as the daughter of two doctors who met acting in a college play, making theater a family affair. She discusses her crossover from theater to gaming voicework and substance of playing Symmetra in Overwatch—an empowering character for her and players seeking diverse representation.

  • “My father...he got a chance before he passed away to see his little girl be the superhero that we didn’t have when I was a kid… now knowing that there are all these people who feel ownership over the hero in themselves because of the heroes in a game, it feels like a beautiful mantle to wear.” (13:01)

• Paul Feig talks about his passion for engaging with crowds, whether in comedy or suspenseful thrillers. He enjoys witnessing audience reaction at screenings: “Thrillers and comedy are very close because you’re trying to get people to react….I was a stand-up comedian thousand years ago. So to me, this is my new stand-up.” (05:43)

2. "What's the Difference?" Game Round

Timestamps: 07:03–11:47

• Focused on the culinary difference between "beating" and "whipping" (it's about air volume and mixing speed), and in the next, between a “whip” (the whole tool) and a “lash” (just the flexible end or the blow itself).
• Judges award partial credit, setting up some friendly competitive banter.

3. Diving into the Contestants' Passions

Timestamps: 12:20–19:28

• Anjali's World: D&D, Gaming, & Charity
  • Talks about her Dungeons & Dragons roots and current projects like “The Twenty Sided Tavern” (audience-interactive live show) and “Tales from Wood Creek.”
  • Shares her charity initiative "The Puppy Roll," where celebrities play D&D as their dogs to benefit Petco Love: “Pure silliness. And it means so much that we can do it for good.” (15:38)
• Paul's Trajectory: Directing, Style, and Gin
  • Details how the success of Bridesmaids was an industry surprise that broke barriers for women-led comedies: “I walked around all day like, you know, I’d blown everything for, you know, for women, because the whole town was waiting. … And then suddenly they came in like we were going to be like 24 million. So we all got in the car and went to the ArcLight and walked into…The place was packed and rocking.” (18:18)
  • Shares how his sense of style comes from childhood role models and old Hollywood photos—directing always in a suit and tie.
  • Promotes his gin brand (Artingstall's) and love for martinis, referencing a childhood memory of watching adults in Las Vegas casinos. (19:06, 43:42)

4. Personal Quiz Rounds

Anjali: Late 70s to Early 90s Musicals, Especially Sondheim

Timestamps: 21:44–32:44

• Anjali aces questions on classic Broadway trivia, including A Chorus Line, Sunday in the Park with George, Marriott Marquis Theatre, and more.
• Notable moment: Recalls her dream of playing the Witch in Into the Woods—“Every morning when I make my green drink, I do the greens, greens, cabbages, the celery…” (25:01)

Expert Guest: John Weidman (Sondheim Collaborator, Sesame Street Writer)

Timestamps: 32:56–41:00

• Weidman appears as the surprise expert, discussing his longtime collaboration with Stephen Sondheim and his Emmy-winning years on Sesame Street.
• Memorable quote: “To go into the studio with Jim Henson and Frank Oz and the Muppets was like working with the best actors on Broadway.” (34:45)
• Anjali is starstruck and delighted, sharing a Sondheim anecdote he confirms: “I wrote Sunday in the Park with George for a soprano and a baritone, and that’s what I got because Mandy Patinkin is a soprano, and Bernadette Peters is a baritone.” (40:36)

Paul: The Brady Bunch (Original TV Series)

Timestamps: 42:25–51:12

• Paul displays deep Brady Bunch knowledge—correctly recalls Don Drysdale’s cameo, the show’s theme song lyrics, iconic plot twists, and obscure series trivia.
• Favorite episode cited: “The thing when Marcia got hit in the nose with the football, the way they edited that was so funny…” (44:31)

Expert Guest: Maureen McCormick (Marcia Brady Herself)

Timestamps: 52:06–62:13

• The surprise is palpable: “Oh, my God, it’s really you!” Paul and Maureen share memories of running lines at an audition years ago.
• Maureen discusses theater comeback (Pen Pals), her legendary career, Florence Henderson’s advice (“Find the joy”), and advocacy for Special Olympics, inspired by her brother: “What is so beautiful is I think everyone who volunteers gets so much more out of it.” (58:30)
• Her humility and warmth shine as she expresses amazement at the show's decades-spanning impact: “I think I’ve only seen every show once, and not for probably 50 years.” (55:58)
• Paul confesses his childhood crush and thanks her for being a TV role model: “Thank you for making my childhood so wonderful again. Because I was an only child, and I really kind of lived through that family…” (60:56)

5. Fast Facts Round & Winner Reveal

Timestamps: 62:26–64:19

• Lightning round on U.S. presidents’ pets, with playful banter and groan-worthy factoids (e.g., Lincoln’s dog being described in the newspaper as “assassinated”—and a turkey named Jack spared for Christmas).
• Final score: Anjali wins 10 to 8.
• Her celebratory plan: “I’m going to Broadway, baby!” (64:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jay Keith (on his honeymoon):
  “Next thing I know, the guy reaches down to the ground, picks up a big piece of elephant dung, lights it on fire and hands it to me.” (02:40)

• Anjali (on inclusive gaming):
  “It could have been very easy for me to feel othered, but I had this game where there was always a seat at the table for you. You could be the hero of the story.” (13:01)

• Paul (on audience reaction):
  “Thrillers and comedy are very close because you’re trying to get people to react.” (05:43)

• Paul (reuniting with Maureen McCormick):
  “I tried to play it so cool, and I was, like, losing my mind ... I just met Maureen McCormick, and I just had this whole breakdown.” (52:49)

• Maureen McCormick (on being stopped by fans):
  “There's just so much love. I mean, who doesn't love love, right?” (56:16)

• John Weidman (on Sondheim):
  “He sat down to play ‘Someone in a Tree’ and ... he was sort of undone. Then he pulled himself together and he played ... That was who he was.” (37:04)

• Maureen (on Florence Henderson):
  “She always would say to me, find the joy. Find the joy ... and it’s one of the truly one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given.” (57:31)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------|------------------| | Opening Banter | 00:00–03:30 | | Guest Introductions | 03:36–06:20 | | What's the Difference? | 07:03–11:47 | | Deep Dives & Life Stories| 12:20–19:28 | | Anjali's Quiz | 21:44–32:44 | | Expert: John Weidman | 32:56–41:00 | | Paul's Quiz | 42:25–51:12 | | Expert: Maureen McCormick| 52:06–62:13 | | Fast Facts & Winner | 62:26–64:19 |

Episode Vibe & Tone

The episode balances humor, nostalgia, and real warmth, with the participants’ genuine fandom and mutual admiration front and center. From discussions about inclusive storytelling and theater’s emotional impact to the unvarnished glee of meeting an idol, the show is both celebratory and full of “did you know?” moments. The live audience, playful hosts, surprise experts, and the guests’ graciousness create a joyful, communal atmosphere.

Closing Thoughts & Plugs

• Anjali: Promotes her charity The Puppy Roll and her book I am Fun Size and So Are You.
• Paul: Plugs his film The Housemaid, Artingstall’s gin, and his cocktail book The Ultimate Guide to Grown-Up Fun.
• Helen: Shares upcoming live stand-up dates; reminds to follow @funnyhelenhong.
• J. Keith: Available for trivia events; see bigquizthing.com

“Let’s all go to Broadway, baby!” — Anjali, final celebratory note

For more: gofactorpod.com
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