Shaun Weiss Meets World

Summary

Pod Meets World: Shaun Weiss Meets World – Episode Summary

Release Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of "Pod Meets World," hosted by Danielle Fishel, Ryder Strong, and Will Friedle from iHeartPodcasts, the trio delves deep into nostalgia by rewatching iconic episodes of "Boy Meets World." This episode features a special guest, Shaun Weiss, known for his roles in "The Mighty Ducks" and "Pee Wee's Playhouse." The hosts and Weiss share behind-the-scenes stories, personal experiences, and insightful discussions about their journeys in the entertainment industry.

---

Personal Updates from the Hosts

Ryder Strong, Danielle Fishel, and Will Friedle catch up on their recent activities:

• Danielle Fishel shares her excitement about directing a Disney Channel show titled How We Became the Biggest Band. She discusses the intense production schedule, including limited rehearsal times and the challenges of shooting a musical series (Timestamp: [08:02]–[11:45]).

  Danielle Fishel: "I literally cried watching it. I was so proud of them. Like, what they are doing is amazing."

• Ryder Strong mentions his ongoing house renovations, including a major walk-in closet remodel, and the anticipation of new projects once construction is complete (Timestamp: [03:28]–[04:05]).

  Ryder Strong: "We're currently taking multiple bids for some serious construction at our house, so we're getting ready for craziness."

• Will Friedle talks about attending 90s Con with the hosts, reconnecting with old friends like Brian Austin Green and Soleil Moonfrey, and experiencing unexpected camaraderie (Timestamp: [04:17]–[06:19]).

  Will Friedle: "I had to explain it to my fiance... it was a lot of fun. The crowd was huge."

---

Recap of 90s Con

The hosts recount their experiences at the recent 90s Convention, highlighting:

• Panel Discussions: Danielle, Ryder, Soleil, and Jaleel participated in a panel focused on "Boy Meets World," sharing anecdotes and engaging with fans. They appreciated the interactive format but noted they received only a few questions due to time constraints (Timestamp: [07:44]–[08:19]).

  Ryder Strong: "We spoke for 40 minutes, and then we had five minutes left for questions. We got two questions in and we went."

• Interactions with Fans: Shaun's father received numerous requests for photos, affectionately being called "the captain" by fans, showcasing the enduring love for the show's legacy (Timestamp: [05:36]–[05:57]).

  Ryder Strong: "People were coming up talking about the podcast, like, how much they loved it."

• Networking and Friendships: The convention provided an opportunity for the hosts to strengthen their bonds and meet fellow creatives, enhancing their collaborative spirit (Timestamp: [07:44]–[08:19]).

---

Interview with Shaun Weiss

Introduction to Shaun Weiss:

Danielle Fishel introduces Shaun Weiss, highlighting his iconic roles as Goldberg in "The Mighty Ducks" franchise and Louis in "Boy Meets World." Weiss shares his journey from child actor to his struggles with addiction and his path to sobriety, offering inspiration to listeners.

Early Career and "True Blue":

Shaun discusses his entry into acting, attributing his start to his mother's support and his early experiences on set.

Shaun Weiss: "I was a very precocious kid, and I had older stepbrothers and stepsisters who got me to do crazy things."

"Pee Wee's Playhouse" and Paul Reubens:

Weiss recounts auditioning for "Pee Wee's Playhouse," his memorable interactions with Paul Reubens, and the transformative experience of meeting a legend early in his career.

Shaun Weiss: "I gave Paul such a hard time because I was this kind of kid... He transformed himself into Pee Wee for my audition."

"Arc on Webster" and Working with Emmanuel Lewis:

He reflects on his role in "Arc on Webster" alongside Emmanuel Lewis, describing the dynamic of working with a larger-than-life character.

Shaun Weiss: "Emanuel was very cool... We didn't spend a lot of time together because of that, but he was very nice."

Experience on "The Cosby Show":

Weiss shares his surreal experience working on "The Cosby Show," including an unexpected friendship with Adam Sandler.

Shaun Weiss: "I ran into Adam Sandler, got to chat with him, and became friends without even knowing him initially."

"The Mighty Ducks" Journey:

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Weiss's role as Goldberg in "The Mighty Ducks," detailing the audition process, training camp, and filming experiences.

• Audition Challenges: He describes the rigorous audition process, attending over six months of auditions for a single line before landing the role.

  Shaun Weiss: "They weren't giving me any notes or anything, so I was just going in the room and doing the goalie every time."

• Training Camp and Bonding: Weiss emphasizes the genuine team connection developed during training camp, which translated into on-screen chemistry.

  Shaun Weiss: "Our bonding exercise was training camp... we also did recreational stuff like movies and Disneyland."

• On-Set Memories: Memorable stories include falling into a river during a scene, interactions with Emilio Estevez, and experiencing the magic of filmmaking alongside dedicated cast and crew.

  Shaun Weiss: "Emilio was always a movie star to me. He was so down-to-earth and awesome to work with."

Struggles with Addiction and Recovery:

Weiss opens up about his challenges with addiction, highlighting how public documentation of his struggles influenced his path to recovery. He credits fan support and a strong desire not to let others down as pivotal factors in his sobriety journey.

Shaun Weiss: "I started recovering for everybody that was watching... That really helped me in my recovery."

Current Projects and Life in Georgia:

Shaun discusses his recent move to Georgia, balancing stand-up comedy with new creative projects, including potential collaborations with fellow cast members from "The Mighty Ducks" and "The Sandlot."

Shaun Weiss: "I'm having the time of my life. I'm in the best place that I've been."

Shaun Weiss: "One of them is about the Mighty Ducks guys and the Sandlot guys trying to retrieve cash from a promoter's safe."

Memorable On-Set Stories:

Throughout the interview, Shaun shares various anecdotes showcasing his comedic talent and the camaraderie among cast members. Highlights include:

• Interaction with Phil Hartman: Recalling Phil Hartman's unique party tricks, Weiss describes the fun atmosphere on set.

  Shaun Weiss: "Phil Hartman used to show us his tongue... It was something I have never forgotten."

• Ben Stiller in "Heavyweights": Weiss details the intense yet creatively freeing environment working with Ben Stiller, where improvisation was encouraged, fostering genuine comedic moments.

  Shaun Weiss: "Ben was staying in character... It was very deliberate in not establishing friendly relationships with us."

Impact on Fans and Legacy:

Weiss reflects on how his work has positively impacted fans, especially those struggling with self-image, and how this support fueled his motivation to stay sober and continue entertaining.

Shaun Weiss: "I got so many letters from people telling me that after seeing 'Heavyweights,' they felt okay about being heavy."

---

Key Insights and Reflections

Authenticity and Support in Recovery:

Shaun emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community support in overcoming personal struggles. Sharing how fan interactions and the realization of his influence motivated his recovery showcases the profound connection between entertainers and their audiences.

Shaun Weiss: "When you have stories about you on the news... I had to decide to surrender early on, which ended up being a major benefit in the 12-step program."

Evolution of Roles and Creative Freedom:

Both hosts and Weiss discuss the evolution of their characters and the importance of creative freedom in acting. Weiss highlights how improvisation on sets like "Heavyweights" allowed for richer, more authentic performances.

Shaun Weiss: "Almost everything he said was his own off the cuff stuff... we were allowed to do that, and it was amazing."

Navigating Fame and Personal Identity:

The conversation delves into the complexities of child actors navigating fame, identity, and personal growth. Weiss candidly shares his insecurities despite professional success, offering a relatable perspective for listeners.

Will Friedle: "As far as the work itself, like, I was just like, this is not my jam... I was incredibly insecure."

---

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt goodbyes and reflections on the enduring bonds formed through their shared history in the entertainment industry. The hosts express admiration for Shaun Weiss's resilience and ongoing contributions to the industry, celebrating the collective journey of evolving from child actors to seasoned entertainers.

Danielle Fishel: "For our listeners, we know that firing up Old Boy Meets World episodes is a surefire formula for some happy nostalgia."

Will Friedle: "We made it."

Notable Quotes:

• Danielle Fishel [08:47]: "I literally cried watching it. I was so proud of them."
• Shaun Weiss [70:11]: "I really started recovering for everybody that was watching."
• Will Friedle [56:35]: "I was incredibly insecure. But we were always having fun on the set."

Final Thoughts

"Shaun Weiss Meets World" offers an intimate look into the lives of beloved actors from the '90s, revealing the challenges and triumphs behind the scenes. Through engaging conversations and personal stories, the episode not only rekindles fond memories but also provides inspiration and insight into the resilience required to thrive in and out of the spotlight.

---

Stay Connected

For more nostalgic discussions and behind-the-scenes stories from "Boy Meets World," follow "Pod Meets World" on Instagram @podmeetsworldshow or email them at [e-mail]. Don’t forget to check out their merchandise at podmeetsworldshow.com.

Transcript

[Danielle Fishel]

Did you know that the average person will spend over a year of their life just flipping between channels and looking for a movie or TV show to watch? And that's why I'm happy to tell you all about the solution. DirecTV. It's a better way to watch whatever you want to watch. It gives the viewer a seamless experience avoiding that frustration. We all know juggling live TV and apps, just trying to find something new and everything is right there on your home screen in one place with personal recommendations specific specifically set for you. Reality TV, hard hitting dramas, or your favorite 90s sitcom. It'll learn what you like and have it waiting. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for DirecTV [e-mail] it's Danielle.

[Ryder Strong]

Fishel, Ryder Strong and Will Friedle from Pod Meets World.

[Danielle Fishel]

Are you a small business owner launching a company or dreaming of starting one?

[Ryder Strong]

Then check out season three of Mind the Business Small Business Success Stories from Ruby Studios and Intuit QuickBooks.

[Will Friedle]

Join hosts Austin Hankwitz and Janice Torres as they talk to small business owners about how they've grown and maintained their businesses.

[Danielle Fishel]

You don't want to miss these inspiring stories of small business journeys.

[Will Friedle]

Listen to Mind the Small business Success stories on the Iheart app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

Bring spring to your door with Target Circle360 get all you need for Easter hosting spring get togethers and more with unlimited same day delivery Through Target Circle 360. From Easter basket goodies to fresh florals, getting everything the same day is easy. Open the Target app and bring the magic of the season to your door with unlimited same day Delivery through Target Circle360. Visit target.com circle or the Target app for more details. Subscription Required Same day delivery is subject to terms applies to orders over $35.

With the best all inclusive vacation deals to Mexico and the Caribbean. Booking your getaway with Cheap Caribbean Vacations means you have more freedom to do your deal with. Whether you want to enjoy snorkeling, endless margaritas and more, or simply soak up the sun and sand in a tropical paradise, Cheap Caribbean Vacations has your deal for that Plan and book the exact getaway you want at exactly the right price for you by using our exclusive Budget Beach Finder or find a featured family friendly all inclusive package to dreams, resorts and spas and do your [e-mail] the black effect Podcast Festival is back. We're partnering with Nissan, so pull up to their exclusive lounge to get a special look at the all new 2025 Nissan Kicks and Nissan RO the Nissan Rogue S is more affordable than CR V and RAV4 and features available 12.3 inch touchscreen display. While the all new Nissan Kicks holds it down with a totally redesigned interior cabin with features like available wireless Apple carplay and available panoramic moonroof. Relax and see how Nissan is leveling up the game. Come kick it April 26th at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. Get ready for culture, community, and good conversation.

[Ryder Strong]

I don't see you guys for a week now and there's a. There's a. A Danielle and Ryder size hole in my skull.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know, right? I've made. Missed you. How have you guys been? What did you. Did you cry every day without me?

[Will Friedle]

Every day.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. No, no, no. Okay. But what have you been up to? Sweet. Sweet.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, I've been podcasting.

[Will Friedle]

I will has walked his dog.

[Ryder Strong]

I walked my dog.

[Will Friedle]

He's had conversations with his wife where they ask questions.

[Ryder Strong]

I talk my wife a lot. No, we're. We're currently taking multiple bids for some serious construction at our house, so we're getting ready for craziness.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, how'd the closet reno go?

[Ryder Strong]

It's awesome. Yeah, so it's like, you know, we've got. It's a big, big, huge walk in kind of. Kind of situation.

[Danielle Fishel]

Now you get to go shopping.

[Ryder Strong]

For what?

[Will Friedle]

Clothes.

[Unknown]

Clothes?

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, God, no. It's just the clothes that I do have now aren't in a giant pile on the floor.

[Unknown]

That's awesome.

[Will Friedle]

The same clothes from Boy Beats World. Like, you have the same.

[Ryder Strong]

If clothes work for me, I stick with them. I got rid of them when they literally no longer hold the shape of clothing. That's when I get rid of them.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right. That's when it's too much. Ye writer, what have you been up to?

[Will Friedle]

Oh, my God. I don't know. We went to 90s con.

[Unknown]

That's right.

[Ryder Strong]

We did that.

[Will Friedle]

It was really good. It was really. It was actually like a different crew. There was like the Scream people and some 90210 folks. Yeah, I'd never met. I mean, I had met Brian Austin Green, but I never really talked to him. And he's like a great guy. And Soleil Moonfrey, who I hadn't seen for years. It was great. It was such a good time. Like, it was actually not. Not expected. I was like, oh, we're doing 90s con again. It's gonna. At this, at this point, it's gonna be winding down and not a big deal. And instead the crowd was Huge.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was great.

[Will Friedle]

It's like, wow, people really want time travel.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, we all love the 90s.

[Will Friedle]

It's so weird.

[Ryder Strong]

It was a lot of fun. It was. It was a lot of fun. Huge crowds. Like. Yeah. Ryder said the thing that was weird about this year was we were on the floor so much that I almost didn't see anybody else. Like, I was never in the green room with everybody where we'd normally hang out and kind of talk. So, yeah, my dad was there and. Oh, okay. First of all, what. Because of the podcast. So tons of people coming up talking about the podcast, like, how much they loved it. And my dad was there, and people were going, is that the captain? Can I take a picture with the captain? So my dad was taking pictures with people, but he was so happy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Ryder Strong]

Sitting there taking pictures and people were calling him the captain. He loved it.

[Danielle Fishel]

So cute.

[Will Friedle]

On my flight home, got. It was a complete disaster. Like, yeah, we got on one plane, had to get off and, you know, get on another plane, change, whatever. Like, we. I did all the things wrong, Will. Like, you. I know you always go, like, to work flight, and that's why you were flying out of box, right?

[Ryder Strong]

Okay.

[Will Friedle]

So I didn't get home till, like, 4 in the morning. It was a nightmare. Except it was me and the Lawrence brothers. Oh, we had the best time. It was so funny. Like, I haven't talked to Joe, like, forever, like, since we were teenagers, basically. And for whatever reason, the three of us just bonded and we're laughing and telling stories, and I was like, oh, I'm the fourth Lawrence brother.

[Danielle Fishel]

I felt so cool.

[Will Friedle]

It was like, it's. It's okay. We're, like, stuck in an airport. We're, like, having to trip and yet every. And what. The best part is, like, people would recognize one of us and not the others. So they'd be like. They'd come up to me and be like, hey, and hand the camera to Matt and be like, take a picture. Or they just recognize Joey and hand a camera to me. Like, can you take a picture?

[Ryder Strong]

That was. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

So, wait, Was this in 4C?

[Ryder Strong]

Was this in Bradley? Were you at the airport in Hartford?

[Will Friedle]

Is this where you changed plane? Then we got stuck in Dallas. So we were stuck in Dallas Fort Worth for, like, you know, three hours or whatever. But I'm telling you, like, I, you know, I've obviously seen Matt a bunch, but I haven't hung out with Andy and Joey. And, like, they're great guys, you know, and also, just, like, talking to Joey about being a dad. Like, it's a very different. Like, we just haven't caught up. And it was so fun. And, yeah, I just. I love those guys. And, like, yeah, they're genuinely friendly to everybody around them. Like, they don't stop. Like, they just are, like. And it's so fun to be part of that bubble as you're, like, going through airports and, like, running into people, because everybody loves them and they're so kind to everybody. It was really fun. It was really a good time.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, I'm glad you guys had a good time. I'm sad that I missed it. I was directing. I was doing the other thing that I love. I was directing a TV show for Disney Channel called How We Became the Biggest Band. It was so much fun. But I did miss you guys. I had a little bit of FOMO. You guys did a fun panel at 90s con, right? It was like a 90s.

[Ryder Strong]

To GIF panel.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was that.

[Ryder Strong]

It was. It was good. It was one of those things where it was, you know, I prefer personally panels where you just kind of. You talk for five minutes and you open it up to questions.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And we did the opposite. We spoke for 40 minutes, and then we had five minutes left for questions. We got two questions in and we went. But, you know, it's fun.

[Will Friedle]

You're.

[Ryder Strong]

We're on the panel and what. It's myself and Ryder and Soleil and Jaleel.

[Danielle Fishel]

Fun.

[Ryder Strong]

But it was just kind of fun to be with everybody and talk about different experiences. And it was. It was a really fun weekend. And it's a. You know, I get to go home to my family too, in Hartford, so it's a great place.

[Danielle Fishel]

So nice.

[Will Friedle]

Danielle, did you get to do, like. Are there musical sequences in the.

[Danielle Fishel]

I got to shoot a whole music video.

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

Cool.

[Will Friedle]

How was it?

[Danielle Fishel]

It was so much fun. It was truly so incredible. So the first week I was there, I was a little, like, gobsmacked by how fast it moves. Cause it moves real fast. As in so fast. You only have two hours of rehearsal on the first day. And you do a producer's run through on the first day with two hours.

[Ryder Strong]

Wow.

[Danielle Fishel]

Because they shoot for three days. So they shoot Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. So Monday morning, no audience. Monday morning you do a production meeting, a table read. Then the kids go to school. And then you start rehearsal at noon. And you do rehearsal until 2. And then you do a 2:30pm run through and.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, my God.

[Danielle Fishel]

And. And then on day two, you do a network run through and that day you only have three hours of rehearsal. So if the script doesn't change much between Monday and Tuesday, three hours on Tuesday, you're like, what are we going to do with all this time? Because does it change much or is.

[Will Friedle]

The script kind of locked in?

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, my first week it didn't. So I came in, like, rare. And my first day, I was like, everyone had warned me, like, the show moves really fast. And then on my first day, I was like, I was not prepared. So then the next day I came in, like, raring to go. And we ended up feeling like we had so much time because the script didn't change much. But then my second week, the script changed a lot. So much so that we didn't do a producer run through on Monday. So we did a combo producer network run through on Tuesday with a brand new script with only three hours of rehearsal. And then we're shooting the next day.

[Will Friedle]

No producers run through. Because the table read, they were like, we're just going to be working all day.

[Danielle Fishel]

We're just going to be working all day. And there's no point in putting something on its feet that. That we know is probably going to change. So we had, you know, so, so. And then you're shooting the next day. It's like, okay, you're shooting.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm getting agitated. You just expl. Happening. Like, I'm imagining all the changes. You get. You get the vibes, but, oh, geez.

[Will Friedle]

And so there are they new songs. Like, they have original songs and they've recorded them ahead of the week. And then you have to like, shoot them performing them or.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. And they also have to learn choreography. Like, that's how much time I have for rehearsal. And they're learning choreography in that time. Like, can we give the girls 20 minutes to go learn a full dance number? It's like, yes, I think we can do that. We have no. We have no other choice. These kids are working so hard.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, my God.

[Danielle Fishel]

They are working their butts off. But let me tell you, the only reason that schedule is at all able to work is because they are so gosh darn talented.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And they are on their lines and they are taking risks and having fun, and it's just beautiful. Like on my. On my third week, because then, you know, my third week, I'm like, I'm in it. I know exactly what we're doing. Everybody's in a nice groove. And one of the girls put on a performance for us. She had to play this totally different character, and she just came Out. And she had so much confidence and just nailed it. Nailed everything. It's a big set, lots of crazy blocking where she's really vamping it up as this totally out of the box character. And I literally cried.

[Unknown]

Oh, shit.

[Danielle Fishel]

I literally. I cried. I cried watching it. I was like, I'm so proud of them. I'm so proud of them. Like, what they are doing is amazing. And it was just three incredible weeks.

[Ryder Strong]

Are they. Is the show about, like, a girl group? Are they. Is it one of those things where it's almost like the monkeys, where it's like they do. It's a show, but then they also are a band that's together. Is that, like, the thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's a show called how we became the biggest Band. And it takes place in two time settings. Current day, which is the future, where they're already the biggest band and they're 18 years old, and they're telling you how we got. Got here. Most of the show then takes place in flashbacks showing how I met. How I met your mother with a. With a. With a band.

[Ryder Strong]

All the same cast, or they're. They're an adult version and a younger.

[Danielle Fishel]

Version, same cast, which is one of the reasons why it moves so fast. There is no B storyline. The B storyline with them in the.

[Ryder Strong]

Future talking about, oh, my God.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

So there's really cool.

[Danielle Fishel]

There's no. As of right now, there's no adults on the show there. It's just four core cast members that are all minors. And so you're dealing with school schedules and, you know, all of the. They also are playing instruments and, like, you know, one of them's, like, learning guitar. So she's in music class. Diane Warren is writing, like, half the songs. The music is incredible. It gets stuck in your head. We had to listen to it dozens of times. I wasn't sick of any of it, which is really saying something. It was just really great. It was really well, I hope it.

[Ryder Strong]

Works, because Disney does not. Is not really known for their musicals, especially that take place in, like, high school school.

[Danielle Fishel]

Usually they don't do well.

[Ryder Strong]

Big old flops with Disney and musical, those never work. I mean, come on.

[Danielle Fishel]

Welcome to Pod Meats World. I'm Danielle Fishel.

[Will Friedle]

I'm Ryder Strong.

[Ryder Strong]

And I'm W. I'm sorry. Too late to audition.

[Danielle Fishel]

Damn it. Yep, we're officially done. Damn it. For our listeners, we know that firing up Old Boy Meets World episodes is a surefire formula for some happy nostalgia.

[Ryder Strong]

Which we could all use these days.

[Will Friedle]

Whether it's my middle part haircut, my.

[Danielle Fishel]

Middle part haircut, or me standing near their middle part haircut.

[Will Friedle]

We all want to be reminded of a time when things were simpler, when.

[Danielle Fishel]

We had home phones and listening to a Sublime CD after school made you feel like a million bucks.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, we have a more personal way for our listeners to bring back some more of that happy nostalgia home movies.

[Danielle Fishel]

But in 2025, since none of us have a VCR, it feels like they're lost forever.

[Ryder Strong]

I still have a vcr. Well, with Legacy Box you finally can do something about it.

[Will Friedle]

You can digitize these trapped memories, whether VHS or camcorder tapes, film reels or photos. You just throw them in the Legacy box and send it in.

[Ryder Strong]

Then they professionally digitize it all by.

[Danielle Fishel]

Hand in the US and get it back to you. Easy to watch and share. Especially now that every Legacy box comes with 90 days free access to Legacy Box Cloud.

[Will Friedle]

They've been around now for 10 years and they've helped over 1 million families relive their wedding days, baby's first steps and middle part haircuts.

[Ryder Strong]

Just go to LegacyBox.com meetsworld to get an incredible 50% off and 90 days free access to Legacy Box Cloud, go.

[Danielle Fishel]

To LegacyBox.com meetsWorld that's LegacyBox.com meetsWorld.

[Will Friedle]

You'll thank us later.

[Unknown]

Bring Spring to your door with target circle 360. Get all you need for Easter hosting spring get togethers and more with unlimited same day Delivery through Target Circle360. From Easter Basket goodies to fresh florals, getting everything the same day is easy. Open the Target app and bring the magic of the season to your door with unlimited same day delivery Through Target Circle360. Visit target.com circle or the Target app for more details. Subscription required Same day delivery is subject to terms applies to orders over $35.

Spring has officially sprung and we're craving even more sunshine. The solution? A cheap Caribbean beach vacay. Cheap Caribbean is all about finding you the best beach deals for your budget. Check out their semi annual sale and take an extra $200 off site wide vacation packages of four plus night nights to your favorite tropical beach destinations. Don't wait. This awesome offer won't last forever. Go to CheapCaribbean.com to start your search for paradise and book before April 30th to save big here's to those who.

Have been touched by metastatic breast cancer or mbc, which is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Celebrating the patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, scientists and others who have been part of the HR positive HER2 negative MBC community with Ibrance Palbociclib, a Pfizer product prescription Ibrance 125mg tablets with an aromatase inhibitor is for adults with HR positive HER2 negative NBC as the first hormonal based therapy. Ibrance may cause low white blood cell counts that may lead to serious infections. Ibrands may cause severe inflammation of the lungs. Both of these can lead to death. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening chest pain, cough or trouble breathing before taking ibrans. Tell your doctor if you have fever, chills or other signs of infection, liver or kidney problems, are nursing pregnant or planned to be all medical conditions you have and about all the medicines you take. For more information about side effects, talk to your doctor. Talk to your healthcare team about Ibrance, visit ibrance.com or call 1-844-9-IBRANCE for more information.

[Ryder Strong]

Ryan Seacrest here. When you have a busy schedule, it's important to maximize your downtime. One of the best ways to do that is by going to chumbacasino.com Chumba Casino has all your favorite social casino games like spin slots, bingo and solitaire that you can play for free for a chance to redeem some serious prizes. So hop on to chumbacasino.com now and live the Chumba Life. Sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Unknown]

No purchase necessary.

[Will Friedle]

VGW Group Void where prohibited by law.

[Unknown]

21 + terms and conditions apply.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's been quite some time since the days of the Death Chair, the rotating season one child guest star who changed week to week, but mostly pulled from the movie the Sandlot. And though we became used to seeing a familiar young face thrown into the mix, whether it's Marty York as a best friend, Ariana Richards in a very special episode, or Andrew Keegan in Orlando, the show has since left the young stunt casting behind to focus on us, the core cast of the show. So when we did have a new guest star firmly set in our age bracket, especially one from a ton of hit movies and TV shows, it was a big deal. And this week's guest is a prime example. He rose to fame as the comedic goalie in the Mighty Ducks Greg Goldberg, an iconic role he'd revisit for an entire franchise, but it was another Disney movie he'd star in heavyweights that many of us hold nearest and dearest to our hearts. A bit of a child prodigy when it came to making people laugh, he began his career in one of the coolest places ever, pee wee's Playhouse. And he went on to appear on shows like Sabrina, Freaks and Geeks, the King of Queens, and Yes, Boy Meets World, where he played Louis, a new college friend that appeared in two season six episodes. And beyond the hilarious work he's done on screen, he has also become an inspiration for those dealing with addiction. Honest and open about his own struggles, still using humor to cope and connect with those online looking for motivation. So this week on Pod Meets World, let's get into the flying V for Shaun Weiss. Look at your beautiful background.

[Ryder Strong]

Wow.

[Unknown]

Is that gonna be okay for the thing? Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

You look great. Where are you?

[Unknown]

Thank you. I'm in Georgia. I got to Georgia, like, two months ago. I moved here. Wow. Wow. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

There are trees in Georgia. That looks nice.

[Unknown]

Honestly, breathing fresh air is like. I didn't even know I wasn't right.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

You don't know what started.

[Unknown]

Yeah, it's. You know, I was. I was really kind of emotional.

[Ryder Strong]

What's up, buddy?

[Unknown]

I was kind of emotional leaving la. You know, I. I just always pictured myself living there. And from the moment I got there, I was in love with that place. So it was a little hard to go, but I love it here. I really.

[Danielle Fishel]

I love that. Good for you. Thank you so much for doing this. It's so good to see you. Thank you so much for doing this. We want to start with where it all began for you. I know that you were an east coast kid. You were out of New Jersey. So how did you convince your parents to start driving you to the city for auditions?

[Unknown]

Honestly, it was my. It was my mom's idea. Okay. But it wasn't like my mom got me into it and forced me to do it. She got me into it. And then once I started, I mean, I was hooked with the whole process of going on auditions, and I got to skip school and stuff.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

I was a very precocious kid, and I had older stepbrothers and stepsisters. They were in, like, 10 years older. And they would get me to do crazy things, like walk up to adults and give them the middle finger or, you know, ask adults how their sex life is. When I was 5 or 6.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

Yeah. So I was walking around saying these things that adults had made me say, and I guess I looked like I was sharp.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Unknown]

And needed to be in show business. So it was. You know, my mom took me to see a manager at one of these cattle calls, and she just liked me. And very instantly I started doing commercials and stuff like that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow.

[Ryder Strong]

And I Remember that? I just remember that circuit because we were on the same circuit back in the day, and it was always seeing each other at auditions. And you're just. You're always with the same 25 kids everywhere you go.

[Unknown]

Yeah. You were one of the guys I used to see all the time. And then we did that show together. Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

True Blue.

[Unknown]

Called True Blue. I had to explain it to my fiance. I was like. It was kind of like er, but there was a truck involved. Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Let's talk about that. Because Will mentioned that you guys worked together. He actually said you were like, his very first. First actor friend.

[Ryder Strong]

My on set buddy. My first onset buddy. Yeah.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Well, you. I think that was my. One of my first, like, TV jobs.

[Ryder Strong]

Me, too. It was my first ever TV show.

[Unknown]

Dude, you were so nice. And here was the thing. We were. We shot this thing out on top of a cliff.

[Ryder Strong]

Yep.

[Unknown]

And it was very dangerous. Right. And I don't think.

[Ryder Strong]

Freezing. It was freezing cold. Yeah, it was ice cold.

[Unknown]

You couldn't feel your toes. And if we moved in the wrong direction, it was like, fall off the cliff. Exactly.

[Will Friedle]

So what a metaphor for child actors.

[Unknown]

Hey, kids, you're fine.

[Will Friedle]

Just walk up to the edge of this cliff and don't fall off.

[Ryder Strong]

Have fun.

[Will Friedle]

But we're gonna pay you to do it, so go.

[Unknown]

Well, I remember that day. Oddly enough, I remember that day better than I do stuff that happened two weeks ago.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And. But I remember you were, like, very protective of me and, like, really helping me not fall off that cliff. And so I found out kind of the. The guy you were very early and meeting up with you years later, you really never changed. And I appreciated that.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, you were my first on set friend. We had a blast. I remember it being freezing cold. And then one scene we have to cross a river, and I hear splash. And I look behind me, and you had fallen into the river.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, all, like, up to your neck. And they pulled it, pulled you out. And we're, like, trying. Everybody's warming you up, and they're putting in front of heaters. And then after that, like, all right, great, get on the edge of the cliff. And it was just. It was. And then they. Remember, we shot. They. They brought us to that stage and they built the cave. And it was all this smoke they were pumping in and all this pee. I was just. I would be blowing my nose for weeks with just all this black coming out. Like, it was bad. This is New York in the 80s, where they were like, just do it, kid. Just do what we're talking. They handed me at one point, with no prep whatsoever, they handed me a fully loaded AK47.

[Will Friedle]

What were you guys playing? Were you criminals?

[Ryder Strong]

Do you remember?

[Unknown]

Yeah. It was like the drug dealer that was after us because we found his stash.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

And the stash that we found was like an AK47.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God.

[Ryder Strong]

So that's the thing is we. We find that. We leave our school field trip at the Cloisters and we go down Robert Mitchum son Chris Mitchum plays the bad guy and we find this cave and I find an AK47 and I go, hey. And I spray the cave and there's a huge cave in which blocks him off.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God.

[Ryder Strong]

I then get beaten up and thrown off the cliff by the drug dealer. No, I'm like. I fall like 30ft down. My. They put makeup on me, my head's broken open, all this stuff. And so truck one, which is what the show used to be called, shows up and it's all these really good looking actors. It's like Grant show from Melrose Place before he's on Melrose Place. And Ali Walker and all these people, like, rappelling down to get me. And then they've got to go bury. Dig him out of the cave. It was like. It was intense, man. It was great. Yeah.

[Unknown]

And listen, no stunt doubles. There we go. Anywhere. I remember for the first time seeing a squid go off right next to my head and being like, whoa. I probably shouldn't get too close to that thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God. Both of you were both such talented young comedians. So despite whatever crazy circumstances, I bet this movie's incredible. I want to see it.

[Unknown]

You're making me want to go watch it now. I'm going to go find.

[Ryder Strong]

You should. It's on. It's on YouTube. It's an episode called Caves from True Blue Hell. Yeah.

[Unknown]

Okay. All right. Good note. That's my evening entertainment for tonight.

[Danielle Fishel]

Write that down. It would be difficult to beat you for best first job. You were a recurring character on Peewee's Playhouse. So, I mean, you shared the screen with the legendary Paul Reubens. You probably sat on cherry, right?

[Unknown]

Oh, 100 on the first day. That was like, my caveat.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I get to do that. Oh, my gosh.

[Unknown]

So what?

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, it must have been, like a dreamlike experience. What are some of the most unreal stories from set?

[Unknown]

It was. I mean, they really did a good job to create, like, a very fun kid, like, atmosphere for us when we were on set. And I remember talking to the genie.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, Phil Hartman. Phil Hartman. Oh, my God. Wasn't that Phil?

[Will Friedle]

Was it?

[Unknown]

Oh, my God, was that Phil?

[Ryder Strong]

I think that was Phil Hartman. Was the original genie on. On Peewee's Playhouse? I'm almost.

[Unknown]

Almost certain. I don't know if that was the guy. I mean, I. I have to check down now. I have to check because if that was Phil Hartman, then I've got some crazy Phil Hartman memories. What? I mean, I remember just seeing the movie Peewee's Big Adventure.

[Ryder Strong]

Great movie.

[Unknown]

At that age, I'm not John Paragon.

[Ryder Strong]

Who was it?

[Danielle Fishel]

John Paragon.

[Unknown]

John Paragon.

[Will Friedle]

Okay.

[Unknown]

So Phil did it, like, first, and then that guy came in and did, like.

[Ryder Strong]

That must have been it. Okay.

[Unknown]

Yeah. But anyway, I saw Pee Wee's Big Adventure and found out I had an audition for this show. And I'm not sure that I really understood the difference between, like, real life.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And movies.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Unknown]

So going on to Pee Wee's, going on to the set there. It was really mind blowing. But what I do remember is I fell in love with, like, the trick of movie making.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

When I found out there was a guy sitting inside Cherry, I was like, oh, this is so cool. And I really. I really got enamored with that whole thing of, like, you know, making a camera tricks. You know what I mean? One of the aspects that also, you know, made me fall in love with the whole movie making thing.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

So that was a crazy experience. I want another memory that stands out 100% is Lawrence Fishburne. Lawrence Fishburne used to show us his tongue. And he had some kind of crazy thing where his tongue looks like a lizard tongue. What? It's a big triangle with, like, wedges. And he would freak us out. He'd be like, check this out. And he'd go. And the thing would come out to here and wave around.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

That's definitely something that I have never forgot.

[Will Friedle]

Party trick was not on my bingo card for today. That is.

[Unknown]

Okay. Okay. Yeah. That stuck out for. For sure. If I ever meet him. If you see him again. I haven't seen him since, but if I ever see him again, ask him for it.

[Danielle Fishel]

You'll be like, I have a memory. I'm gonna need to make sure I'm correct on this.

[Will Friedle]

I didn't just dream this.

[Unknown]

That's the thing too. What if my mind's just playing tricks on me?

[Ryder Strong]

He has a totally normal tongue. I. I have a question. Was. Was there. Did. Did Paul Reubens break character on the set or was he always Pee Wee? He was always Pee Wee. Right?

[Unknown]

He was always Pee Wee. But a very quick story to kind of give you an idea of the kind of guy he was. So I got the audition and it's. It's tomorrow. And I stayed up all night memorizing my five lines. And I'm gonna do a scene with Pee Wee Herman. So the next day, my mom schleps me into New York, like a three hour trip, and there's all the waiting, and it's five hours before I'm in a room with the guy. And mind you, I'm only sticks. So I get into the room and Paul is there, but he's not in character. He's just Paul Reubens and he's got a beard and he has glasses. And I just. I didn't believe it was him. And so they kept telling me, that's Paul. And I'm like, listen, I know I'm only six, but no, I know Pee Wee.

[Will Friedle]

When I see Pee Wee, that ain't Pee Wee.

[Unknown]

And so I gave him such a hard time because I was this kind of kid, you know. And so Paul left the room for about half hour, however long, and transformed himself into Pee Wee. Hair, everything, costume, and came back into the room as Peewee so that I could.

[Danielle Fishel]

You could do the audition.

[Unknown]

And I told him, I said, pee Wee, I just got to let you know, before you got here, there was some guy and he's telling everybody that he was you.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, that's the cutest story.

[Unknown]

And Paul said. Yeah, that was Paul. He does that to everybody.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, he says that to people. Wow, that's.

[Unknown]

Oh, God, I love that. Paul was, you know, make me feel comfortable.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, I love that story.

[Unknown]

And a real sweetheart.

[Ryder Strong]

You just. Danielle, you don't even realize what you just did.

[Danielle Fishel]

What you just did.

[Ryder Strong]

The Pee Wee tagline. I love that story.

[Unknown]

Oh, I love that.

[Ryder Strong]

That's a straight up punk tagline. Yeah.

[Unknown]

So funny. I love that story.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

It's such a Pee Wee. Oh, God, that's great.

[Danielle Fishel]

So then, John, were you coming out to LA for pilot season? And then if you did come out to la, were you staying at the Oakwoods?

[Unknown]

I did do an Oak Woods. Yeah. Of course, Peely was. That was all in New York, but a couple years later, I came out and did the full LA pilot season at the Oakwoods.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And I think I might have come out maybe three. Maybe three different times. Three different occasions.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow.

[Unknown]

And all Oakwoods, baby. Were you guys Oakwoods Kids, too.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, yeah, of course.

[Danielle Fishel]

Will and Ryder were. Yeah, yeah.

[Unknown]

Yes, of course. Will and Heider. And you were just from California, Daniel.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, we. We. From here. So we. We had. We lived here. I've lived here my whole life.

[Unknown]

I got it. So Will and Ryder, 19.

[Will Friedle]

1991, 1992 and 1993. Because it was the first season of Boy. I was still at the Oaklands, living there for the first season of Boy meets world.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. 93, 94.

[Unknown]

So you got boy out of. While you were living in Oakwood?

[Will Friedle]

Yep, while I was rollerblading around the Oakwoods. Man, I was in the Z building my first year. Then the M building. Yeah. Yeah.

[Unknown]

I don't think it's the Oakwoods anymore. It's not.

[Ryder Strong]

It's something else. And there's no pilot season, so I want. Now it's just divorced men, so.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

I knew. I knew the tennis coach there at the Oakwoods. You know, people that don't know. It's like a little city within a city. Right. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And I knew the tennis coach, and his main hustle was he would give. Give free tennis lessons, and he was friends with all of the hot child actor moms.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

When Oakland dried up, I'm sure his, you know, personal life did, too.

[Danielle Fishel]

So after Pee Wee's Playhouse, you go into an arc on Webster, which is another slightly hallucinatory show. You played Herbert. What was your character?

[Unknown]

I think I was just, you know, Webster had, like, a group of friends.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Unknown]

And I was one of them. And the other one was Mayim Bialik. Oh, wow.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

It was me and Miami. And all of the episodes that we were on, we were on a handful. We were kind of recurring, and it was always me and her going on together.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow. Similarly to Peewee, Emmanuel Lewis as Webster is like a real larger than life character to young Gen Xers. What was it like to work with him?

[Unknown]

I was, like, obsessed with Emanuel because I was a Michael Jackson fan.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, yeah.

[Unknown]

And he used to go around with Michael all the time. Michael. He would either bring Emmanuel or the monkey. Bubbles.

[Danielle Fishel]

Bubbles.

[Unknown]

I don't know how he would pick between the two, but it was a little odd because he was like, an adult.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, right.

[Unknown]

You know, so when we got on the show, like, he wasn't the age he was playing. I guess he was playing 11 when he was probably 18 or 19.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right, right.

[Unknown]

Older. So he was very cool. But he didn't. We didn't really spend a lot of time together because of that. Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Because he was an adult. Right, right, right.

[Unknown]

But he was very nice, and we still keep in touch on Instagram.

[Will Friedle]

That's great.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, that's great.

[Unknown]

Thanks, God, for Instagram, you know, you can just drop anyone online.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. It's true.

[Unknown]

It's a little annoying as, like, from the celebrity standpoint, because, you know, used to be you had to write somebody a fan mail and you could ignore them. You can't do that anymore. You gotta answer.

[Will Friedle]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just. Just before what would end up being your big break, you did an episode of the Cosby show, completing a very surreal trilogy of first gigs. It is the biggest sitcom in the universe. At the time. That job couldn't have been easy. What was that like?

[Unknown]

It was like, you want to talk about an energy pulsating that's tangible going on that set? It was like being in a part of something that was, like, alive and ticking and such a beautiful energy there in New York. And the first day I went for my audition, I ran into Adam Sandler.

[Danielle Fishel]

Ouch.

[Unknown]

Because he was on the show too. And I guess he was at the production office for some reason, but I had a whole chat with Adam and got to be friends with him and didn't even know it was Adam Sandler. Yeah. So we, Adam and I go back to, you know, whatever year that was. Was that like, 1987?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

What? She's crazy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, so let's get into Mighty Ducks. So then Mighty Ducks comes along, and you would play the iconic Goldberg. What was that audition like? Did you have any hockey experience?

[Unknown]

I had no hockey experience, but the character, when I got the part, wasn't for a character named Goldberg, who was originally written to be a kid named A Toque, and he only had one line in the whole movie. I am a Toque, the goalie. So when we got to training camp, I think the producers and, you know, they. The writers, they got to know us a little better, and I suppose they figured with my big mouth, I'd be better suited, you know, making more remarks. Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

With some dialogue.

[Unknown]

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Goldberg.

[Unknown]

But when I get the part, it was just one line, and it took us over six months of auditioning, and I must have been back five or six times. And you guys know how it is. You go in the room, and they weren't giving me. Giving me any notes or anything. So I was just going in the room and doing the. I'ma took the goalie every time.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Ryder Strong]

Wait, they brought you back that many times for just that one line?

[Unknown]

For that one line. I, I, they're building the team.

[Will Friedle]

They were probably doing, like, tons of mix and match sessions, and they were like, which. Which group of kids looks the best on camera and has chemistry?

[Unknown]

Yeah. When I think back, that had. That had to do what it was. Oh, geez.

[Danielle Fishel]

So you're thrown into a hockey team, albeit it's a fictional one, but you're filming in Minnesota together. Did you guys have bonding exercises and all start to have that, like, real team connection?

[Unknown]

100%. And I would say our bonding exercise was training camp, because before the movie, they had to teach us liars who told them we knew how to play hockey. And we did a camp. A training camp. That was legit. Right. It was, you know, eight in the morning till three every day, and I think it was three months. So.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow.

[Unknown]

Where did you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Where were you staying?

[Unknown]

They put us up at, like, the fattest condominium situation you could ask for.

[Will Friedle]

Right.

[Unknown]

It was nice working. It was my first, like, film, and it was awesome to do it for a big company like Disney.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

I thought that's how they would all be, you know?

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. This is gonna be great.

[Unknown]

Yeah, exactly. So, yeah, we definitely. So not only did we have training camp, but we also did recreational stuff together. They would put us all in the duck bus and, like, take us to a movie or Disneyland. So we definitely. I don't know about. I can't speak for the other guys, but I definitely felt like I was really part of a team.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

That's so cool.

[Unknown]

And I think that really showed in the. In the film. I think that's, you know, people can relate to that. That feeling kind of probably comes off screen.

[Will Friedle]

Absolutely.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you love seeing people in Goldberg jerseys now, so many years later?

[Unknown]

It never gets old, Danielle. Yeah, no, it's awesome.

[Danielle Fishel]

Did Emilio Estevez feel like your coach?

[Unknown]

Emilio? I. That's a really good question. I don't know if he felt like a coach to me. He always just felt like a movie star.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Unknown]

Because Emilio was a movie star at that time, and, you know, he didn't. He was. It wasn't. You know, his personality wasn't affected in that way, but he definitely had movie star energy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. He had that presence.

[Unknown]

100. So when he was around, you know, I was always just kind of starstruck, I'll be honest with you. But he could not have been, like, any cooler or any, you know, more down to earth and just an awesome guy to work with. He would do a couple times, he would rent out a movie theater and just have us all Go watch the movie together.

[Ryder Strong]

That's really cool.

[Unknown]

He had one come out called Judgment Night, and he took us to see that one. I remember stuff like that as a teen.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's really cool. That's very cool. So after Mighty Ducks comes out, you become very recognizable. How does life change for you after that movie comes out? Out.

[Unknown]

Guess when you mention. I guess it did change a little bit. I mean, it was kind of a gradual thing because I was doing TV and I was getting recognized for stuff. But definitely getting recognized in public was something to get used to. I enjoyed it, though. I. I always. I. It never bothered me in the way I see, you know, I guess there are certain times where, you know, you're having dinner or something, and it's a little weird.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

But I always enjoyed just. I. I felt like it was a compliment of the work, and I never really took personal credit for how successful the Mighty Ducks was. I just figured that I was a part of something that was really successful, and I was very proud of it, I guess you'd say.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, so great.

[Will Friedle]

So healthy.

[Ryder Strong]

How long a shoot was that?

[Unknown]

I didn't get. I didn't. The problems with me didn't start till later. Was fantastic.

[Ryder Strong]

How long a shoot was Mighty ducks?

[Unknown]

Well, so two months of camp, and then maybe 90 days of a shoot.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, so like, full five months, and then you returned for D2. How long. How long after the first one came out, did you guys go back for D2?

[Unknown]

I want to say less than a year.

[Ryder Strong]

Disney likes to pump them out if they. If they know they have a hit. It's like, let's do the next one. Yep.

[Unknown]

I think they got the idea to have the hockey team, and they were like, all right, let's. Let's do. Let's go.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, yeah, because it's. I mean, is this the first time. Ryder, you're good with all this. This Hollywood stuff, but, I mean, is this the first time a fictional sporting team literally then became a professional sporting team?

[Will Friedle]

I think so. I think, yeah. Cause I remember the Mighty Ducks stadium and the team, and it was just like, this is crazy that Disney's going this big and making this a thing. Like, yeah, it was.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. It almost felt illegal. It's like, wait, what am they buying?

[Will Friedle]

Abc?

[Ryder Strong]

I started buying up the world. But I remember that they. Because I went to a Mighty Ducks game, and I wore my Whalers jersey, and literally the next day in my dressing room, there was a Mighty Ducks jersey with a note from somebody at Disney was like, so at the game, last night. If you go again, please wear this.

[Danielle Fishel]

I remember.

[Ryder Strong]

And it was like, oh, you work for a. It was like, okay, I guess.

[Unknown]

Sorry you guys were Disney. Did, did, did that happen after the show was on the air, that Disney and ABC became buddies?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, it was like 96, 97. So it was in the middle of our run.

[Unknown]

Yep. Interesting.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, yeah.

[Unknown]

Bring Spring to your door with target circle360 get all you need for Easter hosting spring get togethers and more with unlimited same day delivery Through Target Circle 360 from Easter Basket goodies to fresh florals, getting everything the same day is easy. Open the Target app and bring the magic of the season to your door with unlimited same day Delivery through Target Circle360. Visit target.com circle or the Target app for more details. Subscription required. Same day delivery is subject to terms applies to orders over $35 with the.

Best all inclusive vacation deals to Mexico and the Caribbean Booking your getaway with Cheap Caribbean Vacations means you have more freedom to do your deal. Whether you want to enjoy snorkeling, endless margaritas and more, or simply soak up the sun and sand in a tropical paradise, Cheap Caribbean Vacations has your deal for that. Plan and book the exact getaway you want at exactly the right price for you by using our exclusive budget Beach Finder. Or find a featured all inclusive package to reu hotels and resorts and do your [e-mail] here's to those who have.

Been touched by metastatic breast cancer or mbc, which is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Celebrating the patient Patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, scientists and others who have been part of the HR positive HER2 negative MBC community with Ibrance Palbocyclib, a Pfizer product prescription Ibrance 125 milligram tablets with an aromatase inhibitor is for adults with HR positive HER2 negative NBC as the first hormonal based therapy. Ibrance may cause low white blood cell counts that may lead to serious infections. IBRANCE may cause severe inflammation of the lungs. Both of these can lead to death. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening chest pain, cough or trouble breathing before taking ibrands. Tell your doctor if you have fever, chills or other signs of infection, liver or kidney problems, are nursing pregnant or planned to be all medical conditions you have and about all the medicines you take. For more information about side effects, talk to your doctor. Talk to your healthcare team about Ibrance, visit ibrance.com or call 18449 Ibrance for more information. How to have fun anytime, anywhere. Step 1 Go to chumbacasino.com chumbacasino.com Got it. Step 2 Collect your welcome bonus.

Come to papa.

[Ryder Strong]

Welcome bonus.

[Unknown]

Step 3 Play hundreds of casino style games for free.

[Ryder Strong]

That's a lot of games, all for free.

[Unknown]

Step four, Unleash your excitement.

[Danielle Fishel]

Chumba Casino has been delivering thrills for over a decade.

[Unknown]

So claim your free welcome bonus now and live the Chumba life. Visit Chumba.

[Will Friedle]

No purchase necessary VGW Group void where.

[Unknown]

Prohibited by law 21/ terms and conditions apply.

Hey, it's Amy Brown from the Bobby Bones Show. Join me in supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for a chance to win a trip to meet Megan Maroney at the 2025 I Heart Country Festival in Austin, Texas on May 3rd. Hosted by Bobby Bones. We're going to hook you up with tickets, flights, hotel, food credits and a meet and greet with Megan Maroney. Take action now to support St. Jude and help cure childhood cancer. And you're going to be entered for a chance to win. Visit iheartcountrytrip.com to learn more.

[Danielle Fishel]

So I want to talk heavyweights. It's one of the darker Disney comedies ever made. Written by Judd Apatow. Follows a group of kids, kids sent to a weight loss camp run by maybe one of the funniest and most psychotic performances ever with Unhinged Ben Stiller. Ben Stiller is Tony Perkus. How do you not break in every scene with him?

[Unknown]

Dude, that is a great question. It's the only time I've ever had an issue with that in my entire career. It's just not a thing for me.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Unknown]

But having a straight face when Ben was doing that thing like, like this close to you was difficult. And I gotta be honest, like, Ben wasn't trying to be funny, right. He was very intense and very like, scary. It was definitely a little scary, Right. I think he wanted to have that effect on us and I'm pretty sure it worked on everyone for me. Definitely.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

How much of it was improv versus is actually scripted?

[Unknown]

I want to say almost everything he said was his own off the cuff stuff. I mean, they might have like arranged it a little before the take, you know, but so much it was all, you know, and I think that was, it was like that for all of us in where we had the freedom if we wanted to, to go off book. And that was just amazing, you know, to have that, that setup. And I think that's kind of where Judd began to develop that style of his, you know, let's comedians sort of riff. So, yeah, definitely we were allowed to do that. And. And it was weird because on the Mighty Ducks, the directors we had were also very encouraging when it came to improvising. Not improvising, but ad libbing. Because we had a lot of scenes where it was like, you know, the ducks make their way to the limo or the ducks make their way to the bench. You know, there's shots of a lot of us moving somewhere and always. They were always open to us pitching lines. Yeah, that's great.

[Ryder Strong]

I love that. Yeah. Yeah.

[Unknown]

And I thought that's how it would be all the time. And, you know, not so much. You know, I started working on sitcoms and stuff, and you can't show up on Boy World and be like, I'd like to say this right now.

[Ryder Strong]

Right, Exactly.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Can we try it my way?

[Ryder Strong]

I don't think no.

[Danielle Fishel]

Was Ben able to turn it off between the scenes? Like, was he laughing, joking with you guys, or was he pretty much in character?

[Unknown]

Ben was staying in character. He really did. And I think, you know, the way he did that was by separation. And he wasn't lax about it. It was like, cut, I'll be over here. Right. He was very deliberate in not establishing friendly relationships with us.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right? Yeah. He's like, I am not gonna be your friend on this movie.

[Unknown]

Yeah, 100%. I don't know if that, you know, worked for him because he didn't like kids or fat kids or what, but he definitely made a choice to do that and I think it worked. But on the last day of production, you know, we were out there three months and I walked up to him and I said, ben, I went to shake his hand. I said, this has been just a magical experience, learning from you and observing for you. And I just want to thank you for an incredible shoot. And he shook my hand, he said, you're welcome. And what's your name again?

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Unknown]

Was he being serious? I don't know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, God.

[Will Friedle]

Wow. That movie is like a cult classic because it didn't really hit at the time, but I remember like 10 years later, like, I guess in the early aughts, having a friend be like, you haven't seen heavyweights. You have to watch this movie. It is so good and so dark in interesting ways. And I remember watching it and just, I want to see it again now that we're talking about it. But I remember being like, oh, yeah, this is kind of a missed masterpiece. It's it's like, really funny and interesting. And Ben Stiller, he has this tradition of films that are very, like, dark and edgy, you know, like the same with Cable Guy. And there were movies that they didn't reach, like, a popular audience, but we look back on them now and we're like, they were really kind of ahead of their time in terms of their comedy and. And what they were saying. Really interesting Guy.

[Danielle Fishel]

The Freaks and Geeks team was also involved in it. And you ended up being on Freaks and Geeks quite a bit. Sean.

[Unknown]

Yeah, I did. I played Sean. Okay, well, that works.

[Danielle Fishel]

And they obviously loved you.

[Unknown]

I loved that show and I wanted to be on and they just didn't. Like, I really wasn't a freak and I really wasn't a geek. So really what happened? I don't know how much into the weeds you want to get into, but what happened was at the time, and I was sort of doing a day player part on there, and my manager advised me to quit the show.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, okay.

[Unknown]

And one of the top shows of all time. People magazine.

Yeah.

And so being at that age and, you know, paying somebody to give me advice, I took his advice and I ended up quitting the show maybe after five episodes or six episodes probably, and.

[Will Friedle]

Then stuck it out. Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

What do you think the. Where do you think that advice came from? What do you think your manager was trying to do?

[Unknown]

Well, I mean, I know where it came from because I was making a lot of money doing, like, series regular, and I had just come off a series regular thing, and then I was doing a day player part, and I remember him saying, how do you expect me to ask people to pay you blank amount if you're gonna show up for nothing?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

So I took his advice and, you know, that's probably if I had any regrets career wise, that was probably not a good decision because I wanted to be on the show and I like those guys.

[Will Friedle]

Right.

[Unknown]

And it meant something. You know, I've made smaller projects myself and, you know, when people are with you and want to work with you, it means a lot. And when they say, I don't want to be part of this, this, you remember that, you know? Yeah, yeah, exactly. So I think it. It might have, you know, just affected my personal relationships with those guys. So what are you gonna.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Unknown]

Wow. Wow.

[Danielle Fishel]

As a kid, you had such an old soul aura about you and the characters that you played. Very old school wise, beyond your years, comedy chops. Where do you think that came from?

[Unknown]

I don't know. I mean, as I mentioned before I had older brothers and sisters, so I think I would, you know, mimic them a lot. But also people used to tell me that I reminded them of Jackie Gleason. I can see that he happened to be one of the guys that I started watching from a very young age. So I think most of my comedy, like the way in which it ended up manifesting was influenced mostly by watching I Love Lucy and by watching Honeymooners. Yeah, so that stuff sort of has, is, you know, has an older time capsule.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, it's like old timey comedy. Yeah, right. Yeah, exactly.

[Unknown]

Those rhythms, you know, that, that cadence and even some of the, the body movements. So maybe that's, that's where that came from. It's me trying to emulate like my heroes, basically.

[Will Friedle]

I can see that.

[Ryder Strong]

Cool.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then you end up on Boy Meets World with your first episode being season six. You're married, you're dead. And I know you had done one episode of Charles in Charge with Michael back in 1988, but did you have to audition for this Boy Meets World role or was it just offered to you?

[Unknown]

I don't think I did. I think what happened was I was looking for jobs here and there and somebody had remembered that I was friends with Michael somehow. And I think my manager pitched me to him, hey, do you have anything for him on the show? And I think he was nice enough to give me that part. I mean, I'm sure I had to come in and do something and they didn't just hand it to me, but I don't remember it being like a typical audition thing. Yeah, I mean, I probably just had to come in and read for that and you know, that, that sort of thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Had you ever seen Boy Meets World before?

[Unknown]

Are you kidding? Listen, and this is what's crazy because I rewatched the episode just yesterday and there's a lot of. There's. It's really the theme in the show that my character is talking about was really a very true to life thing for me because. Well, I just gotta say, you guys, you know, back then it was like cool was the thing. It was all about being cool. Right, right. And you guys as a group were the coolest kids on the face of the earth.

[Danielle Fishel]

We didn't feel like it.

[Unknown]

Looked like that's what it looked like. And also I remember, I remember being. Having that feeling too. When I got there, there I was like, wait a second, These kids aren't trying to be cool, they're being funny. Like, you guys were working hard on comedy and I remember thinking about that too. I'm like, well, Will, is that cool? He's not trying. He's trying to be a comedian, and being cool is just kind of a. A side. But you, Ryder, I mean. I mean, I had such a boy crush on Ryder. And then getting in there to work with you guys, it was just like. I remember how special and awesome it felt. I mean, you want to talk about getting in with the cool kids? I made it. I was in with the cool kids.

[Ryder Strong]

I did not feel cool at all or ever. It's so strange.

[Unknown]

No.

[Ryder Strong]

God, no.

[Unknown]

Wait a second. You mean to tell me you're on the COVID of Teen Beat and that doesn't help feel make you feel cool?

[Will Friedle]

No, it was the opposite for me. It made me feel so insecure. Like, you talk about getting recognized and feeling proud and happy that I was. Would run away, head down, like, just try. And I was so insecure and freaked out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Writer used to feel like a real actor. Sitcom acting wasn't the real work he wanted to be doing.

[Unknown]

Oh, yeah.

[Will Friedle]

No, I was. I felt trapped on a show that didn't make sense, and it just didn't feel like me. I mean, in retrospect, we were having fun. Like, we loved each other and we were having fun on the set, but as far as the work itself, like, I was just like, this is not my jam, because I just never watched tv. I didn't know what was going on on, and it just didn't feel like me. So I was incredibly insecure. But. But we were always having fun on the set. Yeah.

[Unknown]

Ryder, I gotta tell you, it's just the way you might have been insecure, but it just came off as, I'm a movie star and I'm shy. That's funny, man. That was so interesting to hear you say that. And what a trip. You know, things are so complicated, right?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, totally.

[Unknown]

And one of the things that. That was noteworthy for me last night was that, you know, rewatching the episode, like you and Ben were a comedy team, but it seemed like Ben, like, he wanted you to be the straight guy. Yep. Am I right about that?

Oh, yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, totally.

[Ryder Strong]

Definitely. Definitely.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

He's the star of the show, so he was the straight guy, right?

[Will Friedle]

Well, no, it's. You know, we've been watching the show because, like, for me, when we're doing this Rewatch podcast is me watching the show for the first time because I never watched it. And so going back. Yeah, it's interesting. Interesting. Like, in the. The first couple seasons, that dynamic like when, when they found that, that Ben and I could play off of each other, it really changed the show and it became sort of its own thing. But now watching these later seasons, they're giving me less and less to do and I am becoming much more just sort of the, the normal boring straight guy and Ben's becoming the like neurotic, you know, and it's, it's. The dynamic is shifting. I think the show worked better when we were more of a doer.

[Unknown]

Do you think that was something that he like, you know, talked to the writers about? I was just interested. I was like, I wonder if Ben said to them, like, I want to be more, you know.

[Will Friedle]

He just brought it. He was just such a funny guy in real life and I think that he had such a sense of humor that they, that he just kept ratcheting up this like sort of bizarre character, this different version of Corey. And then they ran with it because it really is funny and it, you know, it makes for, it becomes the engine of, of the later seasons is like that he is this neurotic mess and that he isn't getting along in the world like that. As opposed to where they started, which was that he was, you know, more like a character you would play, a sort of smart Alec, fast talking kid. That's how he started on the show. But they, they quickly made it much more where Ben wanted to go, which was like a freaked out, you know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Go around me, go around, go around me.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

So funny.

[Ryder Strong]

People, people forget that how funny Ben is to the point where when I look back I go, oh, that's right. He's literally one of the funniest people I've ever worked my life. I mean that Ben is hysterically funny.

[Will Friedle]

On and off camera.

[Ryder Strong]

It got a little muddled in the middle seasons there because I think they were trying to find what Corey was going to be. But now that they've, you know, for lack of a better word, unleashed him in the later seasons, he's just hysterically funny.

[Unknown]

Oh well, also there's a lot of mouths to feed on that cast. And you will you like, bro, you were such a good actor and so funny. Like the work you did in the, in this episode where you're doing the whole, you know, the Truman show character, like that was.

[Ryder Strong]

That's the one you watched. Okay.

[Will Friedle]

Cuz we were wondering which one you.

[Ryder Strong]

Watch cuz we, we did. The first one we did was your first episode. You're married, you're married, you're dead.

[Will Friedle]

Playing poker.

[Unknown]

Yeah, I didn't see that. I didn't see that.

[Ryder Strong]

It's probably better that you didn't. It's not our favorite episode. You were great with what they gave you. You were great. And the, the, you know, the. Nothing wrong with the acting. The story was muddled and weird. But the Truman show won. These guys don't remember that at all. Fully remember that. I fully remember that episode because I remember how involved I was. But when I told them we brought it up a couple episodes ago, I was like, oh, yeah, the Truman show episode. And they're like, what are you talking about?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, we don't remember that season. Is it. It's later this season, right? Yeah, it's later. Later in season six.

[Ryder Strong]

It's season six.

[Unknown]

They just really did an excellent job. And I remember watching you work on that and you know, there's a scene where there's like maybe 50 extras. Right. And I remember watching you work on the scene that week, just, you know, finding the comedy beats and really, you know, know, working with the writers to get it down. And then on the tape day, like 50 dudes show up. Yeah. And we have to act like they've been there all week, the whole time.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Unknown]

It's just very odd. It's just a strange, a strange flip to have happen.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, man, that's hysterical.

[Unknown]

Bring spring to your door with Target Circle360. Get all you need for Easter hosting spring get togethers and more with unlimited same day delivery Through Target Circle 360. From Easter basket goodies to fresh florals, getting everything the same day is easy. Open the Target app and bring the magic of the season to your door with unlimited same day delivery Through Target Circle360. Visit target.com circle or the Target app for more details. Subscription required. Same day delivery is subject to terms. Applies to orders over $35 with the.

Best all inclusive vacation deals to Mexico and the Caribbean. Booking your getaway with cheap Caribbean vacations means you have freedom to do your deal. Whether you want to enjoy snorkeling, endless margaritas and more, or simply soak up the sun and sand in a tropical paradise, Cheap Caribbean vacations has your deal for that. Plan and book the exact getaway you want at exactly the right price for you by using our exclusive budget beach finder or find a featured all inclusive package to re you hotels and resorts and do your [e-mail] getting diagnosed with.

Metastatic breast cancer or MBC, which is breast cancer that is spread to other parts of the body can feel scary. But you're not alone. Real women across the country with HR positive HER2 negative MBC are taking IBRANDS. Palbociclib, a Pfizer product. Prescription IBRANDS 125mg tablets with an aromatase inhibitor is for adults with HR positive HER2 Negative MBC. As the first hormonal based therapy. Ibrance may cause low white blood cell counts that may lead to serious infections. Ibrance may cause severe inflammation of the lungs. Both of these can lead to death. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening chest pain, cough or trouble breathing before taking ibrance. Tell your doctor if you have fever, chills or other signs of infection, liver or kidney problems, are nursing pregnant or plan to be all medical conditions you have and about all the medicines you take. For more information about side effects, talk to your doctor. Talk to your doctor about Ibrance, the number one prescribed FDA approved oral combination treatment for HR positive HER2 negative MBC. Visit ibrance.com or call 1-844-9-IBRANCHE hey, it's.

Amy Brown from the Bobbi Bones Show. Join me in supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for a chance to win a trip to meet Megan Maroney at the 2025 I Heart Country Festival in Austin, Texas on May 3rd. Hosted by Bobby Bones, we're going to hook you up with tickets, flights, hotel, food credits and a meet and greet with Megan Maroney. Take action now to support St. Jude and help cure childhood cancer. And you're gonna be entered for a chance to win. Visit iheartcountrytrip.com to learn more at Ameca.

Insurance, we know it's more than just a house.

[Ryder Strong]

It's your home.

[Will Friedle]

The place that's filled with memories.

[Ryder Strong]

The early days of figuring it out to the later years of still figuring.

[Unknown]

It out.

For the place you've put down roots.

Trust.

Amica. Home insurance. Amica Empathy is our best policy.

[Danielle Fishel]

So you didn't watch the first episode that you did, which is you're married, you're dead, and you play Louis, the lackey to Gambling Dan, an actor who appeared to be about 20 years older than you, late 50s. What do you remember about your first week on the show? What were your experiences like?

[Unknown]

I gotta be honest. And I remembered the feeling as soon as the episode came on. I was really. I don't know how to say it. Hormonal. Hormonal. And the chicks on that set, Danielle, I mean, I was. I wouldn't. You know, I was just. When you came into the room, my chemistry would change. I didn't know how to control myself. Danielle. And then the other girl, the red head, Maitland. I was just so basically the whole time anybody was around, I was just like trying to keep it together, try to keep it together. And I was just losing my mind. By all like, the hot.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're at Club Clavage.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

And then, and then in the. In that episode were there. I want to say there's somebody doing a lap dance, kind of the tushy dance.

[Ryder Strong]

The tushy dance. And then the girls are sitting on us as we're ordering stuff. Yeah.

[Unknown]

So basically I'm just bursting at the seams. Daniel. The whole time being like, I gotta go to my trailer for a minute. Oh, God. Yeah, man. It was just puberty. I remember that show reminded me of puberty. Watching it, I was just like, holy, man. I'm just like, madness. Madness. But I do remember you guys being very gracious and welcoming. It's kind of weird because you guys have like your little family there, there. And then, you know, strangers come in. And a lot of times, you know, I've been a regular on shows and strangers come in and they kind of act like they own the place. And it's just like. There's like weird dynamics that. That are involved. But you guys were very sweet and friendly and welcoming and. And it makes a big difference, you know, when you go on a show like that. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Well, I also remember that was the.

[Ryder Strong]

First time I'd seen you in 10 years. Because I remember walking onto the set and of course they don't tell us who's coming on. And I saw you and I was like, oh, my God, you. And I ran over g other. A big hug. I was like. Because I hadn't seen you since that set in New York.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Ryder Strong]

So, yeah, that was.

[Unknown]

And now here you are out. Here you are out in Los Angeles. You're famous on a TV show.

[Ryder Strong]

You too. You were. I mean, you were the Mighty Ducks. Everything, it was like, look at us.

[Danielle Fishel]

We made it.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, it was so cool to see.

[Will Friedle]

We got out of the cave.

[Unknown]

Off the cliff.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. Well, it's because we saved all that drug dealers money and flew out here at work.

[Unknown]

Work.

[Ryder Strong]

Like a charm.

[Unknown]

Yeah. It really felt very special. Like really, it was, you know, looking back on it, it was really a. A magical experience. I hate to put it like that, but very nice.

[Danielle Fishel]

And so now on the other side of sobriety for you, which we are all so proud of you for, by the way. Thank you.

[Ryder Strong]

It's awesome.

[Danielle Fishel]

How much did the allure of Hollywood and the situations we were all put in as kid actors dealing with fame play into your ability to find that scene.

[Unknown]

Well, I mean, really, when I look back on it, my issues really sunk in when all of that stuff went away. So I never really got into, like, drugs or anything while I was working, and it was when I stopped working and I basically walked away from things. Things thinking that I could just, you know, roll back in whenever.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep.

[Unknown]

And so when the life of being in movies and television, when that disappeared, I think boredom really became something that was very hard for me to deal with.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

You know, when you're a kid actor and. And you're working on stuff, there's always something. There's a press tour or. Or a screening or something, and just the. Just the excitement of showing up to work on a sitcom is very exciting. Right. When that stuff went away, it definitely created an enormous void that I had difficulty filling. So that's. So it definitely affected me and definitely was a big deal, but maybe not in, like, the traditional way that people might assume you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. It actually. It's not like Hollywood itself didn't lead you. There was the absence of that in your life.

[Unknown]

Because when I was getting into things, like, it was becoming hip to sort of like the clean lifestyle was taking over, like the cocaine party nights. So when I came to Hollywood, everyone was doing their best to try to be as healthy as possible. Yeah, that's true. I never really had adults really give me anything.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I know. A lot of your struggles were documented on the Internet, including your mugshot and aspects of life many people face, just not in public. Did it make that entire situation harder for you to overcome, knowing that everything was being documented, even if you didn't want it to be? Like, how did that play into your recovery?

[Unknown]

Honestly, I think in some ways it made it a little easier, Danielle, because first of all, it made me have to surrender earlier than I might have. Because when you have have, you know, stories about you on the news and the narrative really isn't correct, there was nothing I could do about it from a jail cell.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Unknown]

So I had to decide to surrender early on, which ended up being a major benefit in the 12 step program.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And then also I was the benefit of a tremendous amount of support from people, and that really made a difference to me. I didn't know that these movies I was in were meaningful to people. I got so many letters from people telling me that they didn't want to go to school because they were overweight and they felt A certain way. But after seeing Heavyweights, that movie alone just made them feel okay about being heavy and. Yeah. And so many kids benefited from that. And so when I, when I started getting this kind of support from people and I started doing better, it became a thing where I didn't want to let anybody down. Down.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Unknown]

And that, it really helped me in my recovery because like, early on I was, I had ravaged myself so badly that I didn't have a, a self to recover for. So I really started recovering for everybody that was watching, if that makes any sense.

[Ryder Strong]

That's amazing. Well, it's so strange because it's, it, but it makes perfect sense because as somebody who's born and grown to be an entertainer, you naturally look for an audience.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And so that's just, that's a very natural thing because as somebody who, who is a natural entertainer like you are, you want to please the audience watching you. And in this case, you're doing it to make yourself healthy. It's such an interesting dynamic of how that works as an entertainer. It's so, so strange.

[Unknown]

Yeah, that's really brilliant, Will, because I've never, nobody's ever put it to me like that, that, and, but that's just dead on. That makes total.

[Ryder Strong]

I think that's amazing because that's how I feel too. I mean, I, I, you, you always want to please that audience and using that as your key to getting healthy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Is just such an interesting way to, to. It's a great go at it. Great way to really take advantage of. That's really amazing. I'm so proud of you.

[Unknown]

It worked, you know, so it just worked. Luckily, you know, Thankful.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, we know you have been doing some standup. You're jumping back into some projects. Does it feel good to be able to return to the thing you grew up doing?

[Unknown]

So good, so good. I mean, Will just said it like that thing, you know, that you have inside to want to be an entertainer. It never dies or it hasn't hit me at any rate. So being able to go do my standup and at the same time deliver a message, it is just, it's the best. And you know, thankfully I'm having the time of my life. Even though I'm 45 and things have happened, I'm in the best place that I've been. So, you know, I'm.

[Ryder Strong]

That's amazing. Well, unfortunately, you've then right when all this is happening, you picked up and you moved to Georgia where nothing's being shot. The new Hollywood.

[Will Friedle]

Get more work out there for sure.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, man.

[Unknown]

But it's not even close going on out here. There's a lot of production, but I have a couple things that I have that I'd like to get off the ground. One of them, I'm going to give you the elevator pitch. One of them is about these signings that we do, these autograph conventions.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Unknown]

I have an idea where the Mighty Ducks guys and the Sandlot guys get, shall we say, by one of these promoters and decide that they're gonna go get the hundred thousand dollars cash that he has in the safe in his hotel room.

[Will Friedle]

So Ocean's eleven with the. With the sports team. Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

It's a great idea.

[Danielle Fishel]

Sean, where can people find you? I know you're on Cameo, right?

[Unknown]

I'm.

I do cameos, love. My cameo is directly tied to my door dash, so it's how I eat. Cameo. I love doing cameos. And just my Instagram is just my name at Instagram, and I'm always, you know, posting notices about my shows or whatever I have going on, so that's the best way to keep in touch with me.

[Danielle Fishel]

Instagram at. S H A U N W E I S S Sean, thank you so much for being here with us, sharing your memories and your energy and your optimism and. And you are an inspirational man, and we are lucky that you graced us with your time. So thank you.

[Unknown]

I cannot tell you what a pleasure it's been getting up with you three. And you guys all look amazing. You're as beautiful as ever. I'm here, too.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm here, too. You're the best, Shawn.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you. We'll see you soon.

[Unknown]

Bye, guys. Bye.

[Ryder Strong]

Bye.

[Danielle Fishel]

Man. Man, what a guy. What a story.

[Ryder Strong]

It's so strange to think about the journey just. Just all of life. I mean, the first time. Literally the first time I stepped on a set, that, other than that one commercial I did, was with Sean, and it was the two of us together.

[Will Friedle]

The leaning commercial.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

My lean acting. My lacting.

[Danielle Fishel]

Your lacting.

[Ryder Strong]

But it. Just to see just the journey we've taken. And he's 45. I'm almost 50.

[Will Friedle]

We're were.

[Unknown]

He.

[Ryder Strong]

Were. I mean, I think I was 12, so he was 9 when we did that thing.

[Will Friedle]

And it's just incredible comedic energy. And he still. Still has it, and he's just such a open God.

[Unknown]

He.

[Will Friedle]

He just. He just shines.

[Ryder Strong]

He's a born entertainer. He's a born entertainer. He was born to do this, and he just. He found it, and they found him, and it's just it's one of those things where you look at somebody, you go, oh yeah, that's why you're here. You're supposed to be entertaining people.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, no surprise that you. You've always had it. You still have it. It. Yep. Yeah. So great. Well, thank you all for joining us for this episode of Pod Meets World. As always, you can follow us on Instagram Pod Meets World show. You can send us your emails. Podmeetsworldshowmail.com and we've got merch.

[Ryder Strong]

It is freezing in this river. Merch. That's for you, Shani.

[Danielle Fishel]

Podmeetsworldshow.com We love you all. Pod Dismissed Pod Meets World is an iHeart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and writers Strawberry Strong executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman Executive in charge of production, Danielle Romo, producer and editor Tara Sudbaksh, producer Matty Moore, engineer and Boy Meets World super fan Easton Allen. Our theme song is by Kyle Morton of Typhoon. Follow us on Instagram odmeatsworld show or email us at podmeatsworldshowmail.com let's face it, with travel come curveballs. From flight delays to lost luggage, they put even the best laid plans at risk. Thank goodness for Avis. With them, you know your rental car will come through and your plans are protected at all costs. Because it turns out Avis is here for your plans and they'll do whatever it takes to ensure you keep them, which is a big deal. And speaking of deals, you can save 20% when you pay now. Go to avis.complanonus to learn more. Avoid Plan on Us behind every successful.

[Unknown]

Business is a vision. Bringing it to life takes more than effort. It takes the right financial foundation and support. That's where Chase for Business comes in.

[Danielle Fishel]

With convenient digital tools, helpful resources, and.

[Unknown]

Personalized guidance, we can help your business forge ahead confidently.

[Danielle Fishel]

Learn [e-mail] business chase for business make more of what's Yours the Chase Mobile app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply JP.

[Unknown]

Morgan Chase Bank NA Member FDIC Copyright 2020 JP Morgan Chase & Co. For some of us, personal finances aren't just personal. They include a lot more people than ourselves, loved ones, neighbors, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts. At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind. Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to make it mean so, so much more. Thrivent Where Money means more Connect with [e-mail] Spring has officially sprung and we're.

Craving even more sunshine. The solution? A cheap Caribbean beach vacay. Cheap Caribbean is all about finding you the best beach deals for your budget. Check out their semi annual sale and take an extra $200 off site wide vacation packages of four plus nights to your favorite tropical beach destination. The nations don't wait. This awesome offer won't last forever. Go to cheapcaribbean.com to start your search for paradise and book before April 30th.

To save [e-mail] we do whatever it.

[Will Friedle]

Takes to get you the in depth info on local schools you won't find anywhere else. Things like student teacher ratio, test scores and school programs. And sometimes. Sometimes that requires attending school recitals.

[Ryder Strong]

So many recitals.

[Unknown]

That's my son.

Isn't he terrific?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, a real prodigy.

[Ryder Strong]

Homes.com we've done your homework.