TGI – Episode 702 “For Love and Apartments”

Summary

Pod Meets World – Episode 702: “For Love and Apartments”

Original Air Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts: Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, Ryder Strong

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Episode Overview

The hosts revisit "For Love and Apartments," the second episode of Boy Meets World's final season (Season 7, aired originally October 1, 1999). The episode is a classic TGIF sitcom split: Corey and Shawn travel to Pittsburgh to meddle in Topanga's parents’ divorce, while the girls and boys lock horns in a wildly absurd wrestling match for apartment dominance—featuring a guest appearance by wrestling legend Mick Foley (as Mankind). The Pod Meets World trio breaks the episode down, sharing behind-the-scenes memories, wrestling shenanigans, and their sharply mixed feelings on this (in)famous entry.

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Key Topics and Discussion Points

1. Ryder’s Birthday Extravaganza and Parenting Talk

[02:29–07:23]

• Ryder opens with a humorous recap of his son's "Indy-palooza" birthday weekend, highlighting the chaos, the transition into preteen social lives, and how hands-off parenthood can feel at this age.

  • Quote: “I’m just along for the ride, and I just get to sit and listen to them talk to each other. They care so much more what each other think than what any adult thinks.” – Ryder Strong [06:09]

• The hosts reminisce about what middle school parties (and vices) were like in their youth.

  • Quote: “There probably isn’t a smoker in the bunch is there?” – Will Friedle [06:26]

2. Behind-the-Scenes: Party Planning and Benihana

[07:23–11:44]

• Will shares stories about being calendar-impaired compared to Ryder’s ultra-organized wife, Alex.
  • Quote: “Every day at noon it just says 'take pills,' so it just reminds me to take my vitamins. And [Alex] is laughing hysterically.” – Will Friedle [08:19]
• The group discusses the joys (and digestive risks) of Benihana feasts before bouncy houses and theme park rides.

3. Episode Reactions: Split Storylines and Mixed Execution

[15:10–20:35]

• Ryder’s Take: Surprised by how much he enjoyed the episode’s extremes—over-the-top sitcom mayhem meets melodramatic family drama, likening it to “season seven in a nutshell.”
  • Quote: “It’s a soap opera on one side, like a circus on the other, and then a circus on the other.” – Ryder Strong [17:05]
• Will’s Take: Deeply dislikes the episode, finding the plots illogical and characters unlikable.
  • Quote: “It was a terrible, terrible episode of television.” – Will Friedle [17:18]
• Danielle’s Take: Notes how Topanga is only “somber” when around Cory; praises Ben Savage’s performance but questions the writing.
  • Quote: “It’s very telling that I really love Topanga in every scene she's not in with Corey.” – Danielle Fishel [18:43]

4. Guest Star Talk: Marcia Cross, Mark Harelik, and Mick Foley

[21:33–26:59]

• Marcia Cross appears as Topanga’s mom, another in a revolving door of parental casting.
  • Quote: “She is making her Boy Meets World debut as Rhiannon Lawrence—yet another actor to play my mother!” – Danielle Fishel [21:41]
• Mark Harelik guest stars as the new (and final) Jedediah Lawrence.
• Mick Foley (Mankind) guest stars as himself—his wrestling persona, not explained at all within the show’s logic. The hosts marvel at Foley’s gentle personality and whimsical Santa obsession.

5. Recap and Scene-by-Scene Breakdown

[30:55–88:03]

• A-Plot: Cory Tries to Fix Topanga’s Parents
  • Cory’s obsessive meddling—traveling to Pittsburgh with Shawn, confronting both parents, and staging an emotional (but deeply illogical) reunion—comes off as both desperate and deeply misguided.
  • Memorable Beat: The hosts poke fun at the “blood spattered” set design in Mr. Lawrence’s bachelor pad, and at Cory’s assumption that love is simply a matter of arranging conversations.
    • Quote: “There’s literally blood splattered on the walls [...] They literally blood coated the walls.” – Will Friedle [42:41]
  • The group laments the episode’s muffled logic regarding the divorce, parental motivations, and the moral ambiguity of Cory’s involvement.
• B-Plot: Apartment Wrestling/Backstreet Boys
  • Eric and Jack find themselves exiled from their old apartment, shamed by the campus for being “pushed out by girls.” They challenge Topanga, Angela, and Rachel to a steel-cage match—presided over by guest star Mankind.
    • Behind the Scenes: Danielle broke her elbow that week, but powered through the slapstick wrestling scenes.
      • Quote: “This is the week we were doing wrestling...I will always remember.” – Danielle Fishel [70:54]
    • Will’s favorite moment: quoting John Belushi during the wrestling scene.
      • Quote: “That actually is not gibberish. The first thing I say is kuja bite. And that is a direct takeoff from Samurai Delicatessen, which John Belushi did in the '70s during Saturday Night Live.” – Will Friedle [64:34]
    • The hosts gleefully recount the chaos, but question why the show never attempted to explain Mankind’s appearance or the absurdity of the fight.
• The End: The episode closes with emotional fallout—Cory is forced to admit that love can die, and the parents’ split remains unresolved. Meanwhile, Eric, Jack, and Mankind enjoy one last slapstick tag in the apartment.

6. Meta-Commentary: Casting Woes and Tone Whiplash

[47:16–48:25], [79:20–85:39], [87:08–89:22]

• Frequent recasting of Topanga’s parents disrupts engagement and undermines the drama.
  • Quote: “It is jarring to constantly keep replacing an actor.” – Will Friedle [48:25]
• The group critiques the show’s season 7 penchant for “scotch-taping” together melodrama and cartoon comedy, sometimes to jarring effect. Will wishes for more sensible, character-driven plots. Danielle and Ryder praise the acting even if they dislike the writing.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It goes from Dawson’s Creek to Saved by the Bell and they glued the two pieces together.”
  – Will Friedle on the episode’s whiplash-inducing tonal shifts [20:35]

• On Corey’s savior complex:
  “He’s just pushy and shouldn’t have been there in the first place.” – Ryder Strong [83:27]

• On the legendary set dressing:
  “I had to pause and look again. There’s literally blood splattered on the walls…” – Will Friedle [42:41]

• On the arrival of Mankind:
  “Could they not have even made a joke about the fact that he just appeared out of nowhere?” – Danielle Fishel [76:09]

• Behind the scenes wrestling fun:
  “I distinctly remember having so much fun with you this week, just working the whole thing out.” – Will Friedle to Danielle, on choreographing the wrestling match [66:33]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:29] Ryder’s “Indy-palooza” and parenting changes
• [07:23] Will’s calendar blankness and party planning
• [15:10] Start of episode-specific discussion
• [21:33] Guest star breakdowns (Marcia Cross, Mark Harelik, Mick Foley)
• [30:55] Scene-by-scene recap begins
• [42:41] “Blood wall” and set mishaps
• [64:34] Will’s SNL/Belushi homage in wrestling scene
• [70:54] Danielle tells elbow-breaking story
• [76:09–78:35] Wrestler madness, Mankind/fight sequence
• [87:08] Final roundtable: did the recap change anybody’s mind?

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Episode Tone & Vibe

• Energetic, warmly critical, occasionally incredulous
• The hosts are unfiltered, playful, and affectionate, even when savaging the writing or storytelling choices.

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Final Thoughts

• All three hosts agree: the episode is a messy mix of strong performances, cheap melodrama, and unhinged sitcom antics, not always to its benefit.
  • Danielle: “Everyone’s so good, so it’s hard to hate it, because there’s nothing really bad to point to. It’s just kind of like...does any of this really make sense?” [87:45]
  • Will: “It’s just two absolute extremes taped together.” [88:03]
  • Ryder: “Isn’t that season seven in a nutshell?” [88:13]

The wrestling storyline is absurd, slapstick fun; the parental melodrama overwrought and unintentionally bizarre; but everyone on the podcast seems to agree—Ben Savage turns in a nuanced performance even as the plot ties itself in knots.

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Next Time

• Season 7, Episode 3: "Angela’s Men" (October 8, 1999)

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For more:

• Instagram: @podmeetsworldshow
• Email: [e-mail]
• Merch: podmeetsworldshow.com

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Summary prepared in the spirit of the “Pod Meets World” hosts: affectionate, irreverent, and a little bewildered by late-stage ‘Boy Meets World’.

Transcript

[Danielle Fishel]

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[Will Friedle]

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[Danielle Fishel]

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[Will Friedle]

A decade ago, I was on the trail of one of the country's most elusive serial killers. But it wasn't until 2023 when he was finally caught. The answers were there, hidden in plain sight. So why did it take so long to catch him? I'm Josh Zieman and this is Monster Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer, the investigation into the most notorious killer in New York since the Son of Sam. Available now.

[Ed Helms]

Listen for free on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ryder Strong]

I actually drive better when I'm high. It heightens my senses, calms me down. If anything, I'm more careful.

[Danielle Fishel]

Honestly, it just helps me focus.

[Ryder Strong]

That's probably what the driver who killed a four year old told himself. And now he's in prison.

[Ed Helms]

You see, no matter what you tell.

[Ryder Strong]

Yourself, if you feel different, you drive different.

[Ed Helms]

So if you're high, just don't drive.

[Ryder Strong]

Brought to you by NHTSA and the AD Council. So this weekend, I am. I am still recovering from. We did not just a birthday party. We did a birthday extravaganza.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Indy really gets screwed. You know, his birthday is December 28th. So it's like we always have birthday, you know, we either have to do them in January or early December or like last year, we just didn't have a birthday party for him. It's just like. Just doesn't happen, you know, it's like we ask him, do you want to do something? He just says no. Anyway, so he was very upset that last year we did nothing. So this year my wife took it upon herself to basically, yes and everything Indy wanted and cram it all into one weekend.

[Will Friedle]

Nice.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, my God. I was merely the assistant chauffeur along for the ride. I was still. I had my own birthday gathering on Friday. So I, like, woke up on Saturday morning. I was like, where am I going? What am I doing? But so here's how it started. 10am first movie screening of Five Nights at Freddy's. Saturday morning, Five Nights at Freddy's. Two a bunch of his friends meet us at the theater. Or some come to the house. We drive over there. Then right next to the movie theater is a Benihana.

[Will Friedle]

Hell yes.

[Ryder Strong]

Benihana Lunch with. Now more kids joined for that. Some kids whose parents didn't want them to see the scary movie. They met us for that. So we have two tables of Benihana insanity kids all over. Then we bring them back to our place. Oh, no, wait. Sorry, I'm forgetting. Right next to Benihana is a place called Funbox, which is giant bouncy castle room. Kids have 90 minutes of pure bouncy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Castle running a bouncy castle right after Benny.

[Will Friedle]

This is directly after a Benihana feast. How is that possible?

[Ryder Strong]

Let them work off the calories, man. They. So they ran, like, then came back to our place. And kids are. Some kids are leaving for some of these events and coming back for others. They come back to our place. It's getting dark. They play a zombie infection tag game that Indy has designed where he hands out head headlamps and they're running around our yard. And then it's a sleepover. Not everybody sleeps over. But then we have a sleepover of about six or seven boys all in the living room. Yeah, they finally go to bed at like 10, 10:30, of course, wake up at 4, 4:30, running through the halls. Then after we make them breakfast, then we go to a VR place and we Went and did sandbox VR and played squid games and strangers.

[Will Friedle]

Kind of strange Indie palooza, I know.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, exactly, man. And I was worried, like, when she had this plan, I was like, what are you doing? You know? But my wife is, like, the ultimate producer, organizer, event planner, and it went perfectly. Like, it was totally smooth. It was just. It was super fun. And like I said, I was just kind of the chauffeur and assistant. But it was so fun to be around because Indy's. He's turned. He's turned. Turned 11. And so he's at that age where, like, I'm, you know, I'm used to being the parent with a group of kids or, like, with one of his friends where it's like you're the one kind of in charge. You know, you're, like, leading the conversation, picking the music. And, like, that's gone. Like, now I'm just, like, along for the ride, and I just get to sit and listen to them talk to each other. And, like, they care so much more what each other think than what any adult thinks. You know, it's like it's already gone. Like, they're, you know, they're entering middle school next year, and so it's just like. It's just about their friendship. It's just about the.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

The.

[Ryder Strong]

The, like, the language they speak to each other. And, like, it was so fun. They're just a great group of kids, you know, it's just so cool to be along for the ride and not have any responsibility and to just be a fly on the wall and listen to them talking. And there probably.

[Will Friedle]

There probably isn't a smoker in the bunch, is there?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, no, no.

[Will Friedle]

That was all my friends. 10, 11 years old. It was. You'd sneak out in that, you know, at the middle of the night in a. In a sleepover, you'd be outside smoking cigarettes. I mean. Yeah, it's so great that that's not a thing anymore.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Will Friedle]

Wow.

[Ryder Strong]

No, it's definitely. It's definitely like pre. Middle school. Middle school. Do you know? I mean, like, they haven't. They're not talking about girls or guys or, you know, there's like, none of that yet.

[Will Friedle]

It's just, like, nothing romantic.

[Ryder Strong]

But you know what it is? It's that they now give each other. It's like they've reached the teasing, joking, and, like, jockeying for status position, you know, like, they're always. But in a fun, playful way. Like, they love each other, but there's a lot of, like, who got the front seat.

[Danielle Fishel]

Who did?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And, like, if somebody's three weeks younger, that they, like, lorded over each other, you know, it's like that kind of stuff that's just so funny to hear. And they care so much about it. It was. It was just a blast. I was just like, wow, we've entered a new like. And like I said, like, as long as I can be somewhat involved, I can just, you know, be a fly on the wall.

[Will Friedle]

Well, you talked about your wife's planning, and so this is what happened. So I don't know if you're even aware of this. We were there at your birthday party Friday night. Obviously, Danielle, unfortunately, couldn't go, but we were there repping Pod meets world and talking to Alex. And Alex is, you know, we're sitting there having, you know, just a conversation. I was like, oh, you know, my birthday party this year, I'm actually going to throw a birthday party where I'm going to do the, you know, the prom. And she goes, all right, well, let's. Let's pick a weekend. And I go, no, no, no.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's.

[Will Friedle]

This is in August. She goes, no, no, no. Let's pick a weekend. She pulls out her phone. Yep. And she shows me her calendar. And I'm like, how do you. How do you have stuff planned through August? She's like, all right, so this won't work. All right, this weekend. What we should do this weekend. She's like, I'll help you. And I'm like, okay. And she goes, well, let me look at your calendar. And I open it up, I go, this is all that's on my calendar. And every day at noon, it just says, take pills. So it just reminds me to take my vitamins. And she's laughing hysterically.

[Ryder Strong]

Take pills. Oh, I didn't have more Potbeats World.

[Danielle Fishel]

There's nothing on there.

[Will Friedle]

Nothing. Next year through. From tomorrow on, I have nothing planned. And she's got August of 2026 up. We've already picked the weekend because that's when you guys are gonna be in town.

[Ryder Strong]

Okay, so it's on my calendar then.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, I need to know. I don't know.

[Will Friedle]

It's like the weekend after my birthday. It's like the 15th, something like that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, let's see. I'm gonna go to August.

[Will Friedle]

So it was. I'm like, how do you have this plan? And then she's showing other people at the party. She's like, his whole calendar just says, take pills.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. My plans for the year stop at June of 2026. I have nothing currently for July or August.

[Will Friedle]

I don't. Other than taking pills, which I forgot yesterday. Even with the reminder, I don't know what I'm doing on Thursday, so it's crazy. And she said the same thing. She's like, I'd love to do this. I love to plan. I want to help with the party. I was like, oh, okay.

[Ryder Strong]

I see it in my calendar right now. Save the day at Will's birthday.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

Yep.

[Will Friedle]

Okay, sounds good.

[Ryder Strong]

I guess I'll be there.

[Will Friedle]

Calendar.

[Ryder Strong]

I'll probably be doing a lot of work. I'll be cleaning up and organizing. I'll just.

[Will Friedle]

The other thing you just blew through, which is the most important part of the day, is Benihana.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, so much fun.

[Will Friedle]

So a couple things. One, did you get a good man or woman with the. With the utensils? Because last time we went, we had a kid who just graduated from high school was like, hi, I'm Chet. I'll be helping today. He missed the tower. He threw the shrimp in my face instead of in my mouth. It was bad.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, yeah. No. Well, we had, you know, we had, like, the adults table and then, like, 10 to 12 kids at one table together, like, crammed in and that they love. We. Our guy was great. He actually had props. He had, like, a little dinosaur toy. Dinosaur. So when the volcano came out, he didn't add it. So he added little bells and whistles. But the kids, like, freaked out because at one point, the guy wrote 6, 7 on. On in.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, he knew his eyes, and they.

[Ryder Strong]

Were all just, like, six, seven. And we're like, oh, God. So he knew exactly what to do.

[Will Friedle]

I have a fun idea for us.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Will Friedle]

We got to go to Benihana for lunch and then immediately go to that bouncy house place and see what happens at our record an episode while we're doing the. You go right from combo meal number two to bouncy house.

[Danielle Fishel]

I went to Disneyland on Saturday, and I had a coffee right before going on the roller coaster. And just the coffee before the roller coaster, I was like, can't have that in my stomach. Like, no, no.

[Will Friedle]

Which. Which roller coaster?

[Danielle Fishel]

The Incredicoaster.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, that's the biggest coaster. Yeah, it does. I finally went on it a couple weeks ago when we were there for the. The. What was it? The coast gathering.

[Will Friedle]

It's a good coaster.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, it's so fun.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's so fun. Yeah, it's really fun. Yeah. Well, I can't do Benihan at lunch either. I don't want a Heavy lunch.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. Benihana is pretty heavy.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's heavy. So good. I get the shrimp. What do you guys get?

[Will Friedle]

Oh, the chicken and the steak combo.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, you get the steak. You always have to get the steak.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't. I get the shrimp. I just really like the fried rice. I could do without the protein, to be honest.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. Wow.

[Ryder Strong]

I like all the bells and whistles. I like. Yeah. I like the little.

[Danielle Fishel]

I like the vegetables, the salad, the soup.

[Katie Couric]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Keep your protein.

[Will Friedle]

Well, I have one of those Blackstone grills, and the second day I ever used it that get. I took the two spatulas and I put a fake hat on, and I had nothing on the grill, but I was still doing the whole thing.

[Ryder Strong]

Of course.

[Will Friedle]

I like the sound. It was.

[Ryder Strong]

We've talked about doing this forever. Doing a skit where you're just the worst Benny Hannah chef ever.

[Danielle Fishel]

Please, let's do it. And then also, will you make us fried rice?

[Will Friedle]

Of course I got it. Yeah, you got to cook it and let it sit for a day or two, but. Yes, but.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

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

[Ryder Strong]

I'm Ryder Strong.

[Will Friedle]

And I'm Will Friedel. Ever been at the pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank? That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the script from CVS Pharmacy and I Heart Media, hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman. And this podcast brings you real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most answering the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccine should you consider before a big trip? And even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you practical, trustworthy advice straight from the people behind the counter. No white coats, no lectures, Just real talk, real answers, and. And maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

With American Home Shield, you can now video chat with live repair experts for help with home fixes over the phone. American Home Shield. Don't worry. Be warranty. Visit ahs.com listen for 20% off any.

[Will Friedle]

Plan available as a benefit with select plans.

[Katie Couric]

As we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and, yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity. We thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Ha, Foreign Policy and the Changing World order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The president has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to next question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ed Helms]

Hey everyone, it's Ed Helms and I'm.

[Will Friedle]

Kal Penn and we are the hosts of Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Ed Helms]

This week on the podcast, I am talking to film and TV critic, radio and podcast host and Harry Potter super fan Rhianna Dillon to discuss Audible's full cast adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What moments in this audiobook capture the feeling of the magical world best for you or just stood out the most?

[Danielle Fishel]

I always loved reading about the Quidditch matches and I think the audio really gets it because it just plunges you right into the stands. You have the crowd sounds like all around you is surround sound, especially if you're listening in headphones.

[Ed Helms]

Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audio Book Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

So Here We Are, Season 7, Episode 2 For Love and Apartments. It originally aired October 1, 1999. The synopsis after Cory and Topanga and Shawn and Angela break up, the boys travel to Pittsburgh to save the Lawrence's marriage, while the girls challenge Eric and Jack to a wrestling match to decide who keeps the apartment.

[Katie Couric]

Ah.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was directed by David Kendall. It was written by Matthew Nelson. Before we jump into our guest stars, what were your overall thoughts?

[Ryder Strong]

Well, here's what's crazy. I really enjoyed this episode. Even though it went in two directions. I usually like both of these.

[Danielle Fishel]

I have to pack it up. I have to pack an episode of television. I'm getting out of here. It was great knowing you. This show has jumped the shark and Pod meets World has jumped the shark. When Ryder Strong starts off with like this, you know what? This was pretty.

[Ryder Strong]

You know what it is? It just went 100% in the in the two directions that I usually can't stand And I was like, okay, we have a B storyline that is literally makes no sense and is just about.

[Danielle Fishel]

It feels like a fever dream.

[Ryder Strong]

Fine. I had just. I was like, when that. When Mick Foley breaks down the door.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm like, with no explanation.

[Ryder Strong]

I can't. I can't judge this. I cannot come in. It's a. It's a romp.

[Danielle Fishel]

Go with it.

[Ryder Strong]

And then the A storyline, there's not a laugh in it, and it's literally.

[Will Friedle]

A likable character or, like, it's just.

[Ryder Strong]

Pure melodrama and discussion of weird backstory and exp. I was like, fine. And I didn't remember it at all. And I was like, oh, you know what? Ben is so good in this episode. I was like, as much as I don't like what Corey's doing, I don't understand any of it. I don't believe any of it. I was like, you know what? Ben Savage is so good. And we. I felt. I was just in. I was like, fine. You know what? It's. It's a soap opera on one side, like a. Like a circus on the other, and then a circus in the other. And I was like, I guess this is season seven in a nutshell. Like, I guess this is so fine.

[Will Friedle]

Okay?

[Ryder Strong]

And I was fine. I was just like, okay, I'm not going to put pressure on either one of these situations to be something.

[Will Friedle]

I wish I could have done that.

[Ryder Strong]

Its own thing, you know?

[Will Friedle]

It was a terrible, terrible episode of television.

[Ryder Strong]

Really? You couldn't enjoy even the wrestling just for, like.

[Will Friedle]

Okay, no, because, I mean, it was one of those things where I just. I didn't. I didn't understand anything that was going on. I hated Corey. I hated Topanga. I'm not a big fan of the parents. I didn't understand the B story at all. Now they want their apartment back, but they gave it up. So it was like. But. And now they had to move into the girls dorm. Like, that's going to be allowed somehow.

[Ryder Strong]

I.

[Will Friedle]

None of this made any sense to me whatsoever. Because, remember, they share about them. No.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, but why are all the girls stuff still in the room to make jokes about, like, you know, look at.

[Danielle Fishel]

How early this room is.

[Will Friedle]

A bad episode with a twist of gay panic. This is a terrible, terrible episode of television. I didn't understand it.

[Ryder Strong]

Again, just a smidgen of gay panic.

[Will Friedle]

One thing I really. This episode really pointed out to me is that as unlikable as Cory is for a lot of the show, which he really is, the thing that makes him tolerable sometimes is Topanga right. So when she's unlikable too, I'm like, I hope these people never speak again. They should not be in a relationship. I hate them both. It's like I did not like this episode at all. Nobody was their character. I just didn't get it. Matt Lawrence was the same. Everybody else was different.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. I mean, what I'll say about Topanga is that I think it's very telling and I know why they did it this way. I think it's very telling though that I really love Topanga in every scene. She's not in with Corey. When she's with the girls, she's not somber and sad. She's painting her toenails and she's angry and she's. Well, she's saying, do you have any idea how angry I am? But she's saying it with a smile on her face. And she's kind of having fun with the wrestling stuff. But then every time she's around Corey, she's like.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. The second you open the door and there's Topanga, she's like, hi.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then she's like, I'm not somber. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Which, by the way, you're allowed to be having a hard time, but it's just interesting that she isn't having a hard time all the time. She's having a hard time around Corey. Which again ties into the storyline of she's afraid that love is what's not real. And so friendships is fine because those haven't proven her wrong, I guess.

[Will Friedle]

But. Yeah, but it's also just the whole thing of if. If I'm an adult in a marriage that's going through rough times or breaking up or whatever, and my daughter's 19 year old boyfriend and best friend come and insert themselves into my relationship, I'd be so unbelievably pissed. It's like, how dare you, who I know are you. I know to come into my house right now.

[Ryder Strong]

Right you.

[Will Friedle]

And that's how I was sitting there watching this episode. I was like, I hated Corey in this episode. Ben, great.

[Ryder Strong]

He's.

[Will Friedle]

He can act. We've always said that Ben can act. And with what he's given, that's awesome.

[Danielle Fishel]

He.

[Will Friedle]

It's one ver. Another. Yet another version of an unlikable Corey to me. And I just. I really disliked this episode.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, the.

[Will Friedle]

The wrestling is. The wrestling. It's fun. It goes. It goes from Dawson's Creek to Saved by the Bell and they glued the two Pieces together.

[Ryder Strong]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And.

[Will Friedle]

And to me, that was. It wasn't fun. It was just really jarring.

[Ryder Strong]

But also strange. Dawson's Creek, right? Like, right. It's a continuation of the Romeo and Juliet episode, you know, where it's like, yeah, Corey is. Now, if you look at it as like the whole show is from Corey's point of view and trying to understand the world and the universe and trying to. He's, you know, but unlike that one, he does change, you know, he does learn a lesson at the end and say, I guess it's not going to happen.

[Will Friedle]

And of course we're. And the. I'm over. I know it's only two episodes in, but I am over. Everybody having a scene and then Sean and Angela being tacked on at the end going, Angela coming in going, like, I also agree we shouldn't be together. And then walking out.

[Danielle Fishel]

And it's like, she deserves really so much more.

[Will Friedle]

So much more. And at this point, Sean should be like, look, I'm. Let's just be friends. Like, I totally get that. And that would be keeping with Shawn's character too. Now Sean is the lovesick puppy all the time. I just, I didn't get this episode at all.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, well. Guest starring Marcia Cross. She is making her Boy Meets World debut as Rhiannon Lawrence, yet another actor to play my mother.

[Will Friedle]

Dying to know why. I'm dying to know why they've recast this. This couple three times.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm assuming Annette and Michael were working and couldn't.

[Will Friedle]

But why Peter Torkin was. Was Annette. No, it was the only mom. Right. So there's only two delivery dad moms.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Will Friedle]

Okay. Two moms and three dads. I wonder why Peter Torque. Maybe he just, when they took the character a completely different banker way than Peter Torque didn't work anymore.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, yeah. Cross is best known as Brie Van de Camp on the hit ABC series Desperate Housewives, for which she was both Golden Globe and Emmy nominated. And prior to that, she was Dr. Kimberly Shaw from 1992 to 1997 on Melrose Place. Yeah, I remember Melrose Place was another one of those shows that I desperately wanted to watch as a child. And by child, I mean a full blown teenager. And my mom was like, absolutely not. And so I.

[Will Friedle]

That's so good.

[Danielle Fishel]

Couldn't watch Melrose place along with 90210, but I was aware of it in the Zeitgeist. And so I was actually very excited to meet Marcia Cross and to have.

[Will Friedle]

Her playing my mom every Wednesday. Spencer and I would go to Taco Bell. We'd get a ridiculous amount of food, and we would watch Melrose Place every Wednesday. It was a ritual. Oh, it's such a soap opera. But you are screaming at the television.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's very campy, but you're invested.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. And Marcia Cross is damn good. I mean, both. Both these actors are just incredible.

[Ryder Strong]

But you didn't have a scene with them, right?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, I don't have a scene with them here, but I was. I was excited. There's other. There's another episode where there is.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, I think.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm pretty sure. Yeah. Because I remember. I remember that I do get to work with her. Mark Herlick is the newest Jedediah Lawrence. Third and final Mark is a movie and TV veteran who began his career with guest spots on shows like Cheers, Wings, and Seinfeld.

[Ryder Strong]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

He played Milos. Milos.

[Will Friedle]

Milos, Milos, Milos. Another point for Milos.

[Danielle Fishel]

He played milos in Season 8's The Comeback. He has had a nice career resurgence over the past decade with hefty roles on shows like Preacher, the Morning Show, Presumed Innocent, the Leftovers, and Big Bang Theory. He also appeared in movies like 42, Jurassic Park 3 and Election, where he gave one of the absolutely grossest line reads of all time.

[Ryder Strong]

His first line in the movie, too. Is it really how they introduce his character?

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, I don't know the line because I haven't seen the movie, so I didn't either.

[Will Friedle]

And then Jensen sent me a clip and it was like, amazing film.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, God, I don't. That's what everybody says about Election. I know. I. I feel like I have to see it.

[Will Friedle]

I haven't seen it either.

[Danielle Fishel]

And finally, we say hello to Mick Foley as Mankind. Foley is a professional wrestling leg first making his name on the hardcore death match circuit and eventually landing, most likely from the top of a steel cage into the wwe, where he became a household name during the Attitude era. He is a Hall of Famer who wrestled under numerous Personas. Mick Foley, dude love Cactus Jack and the character he plays on Boy Meets World and his most popular, Mankind. The lore behind Mankind is that he is a tortured soul shaped by abuse, isolation and institutionalization. He wears a leather mask to hide shame and emotional scars. And he is said to have been raised in boiler rooms and endures pain as a coping mechanism. Holy. Yeah, there you go. It's a little dark. He also has a finishing move where he pulls a dirty sweat sock. He calls Mr. Sako out of his sweatpants and then shoves it down his opponent's throat until he Passes out.

[Will Friedle]

I still have mine. He did a Mr. Sacco for me and then signed it. Yep, I still have it somewhere. Yeah, I just saw it not that long ago.

[Danielle Fishel]

He is best known for the 1998 Hell in a Cell match against the Undertaker, where he fell through the top of a steel cage, plummeting 15ft through the roof onto the canvas, followed by a chair that knocked his tooth into his nose.

[Will Friedle]

So, oh, my God.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know, pretty chill stuff. Hilariously, Mick is one of the kindest humans. He's the nicest person you'll ever meet in the world. And we can announce it now. He will be our guest this coming Monday. Do you guys know about Mick Foley's obsession with Santa?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. Yeah. Mick has, I believe, at this point, hundreds, but I could be wrong. I'll say dozens, because I believe that to be a fact. But we'll ask him of Santa shirts, like true Christmas Santa shirts, for a select few. I think it's also more than a select few. He writes beautiful handwritten Santa letters in the most gorgeous calligraphy. It's the calligraphy, you know, Santa to have. And, yeah, he. He is very obsessed with Christmas. He's so cool. It's very cool. So on the polar opposite of mankind, we have Mick Foley, Mr. Christmas.

[Will Friedle]

Ever been at the pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank? That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast brings you real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most answering the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccine should you consider before a big trip? And even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you practical, trustworthy advice straight from the people behind the counter. No white coats, no lectures. Just real talk, real answers, and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

As we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and, yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots, and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Haass on foreign policy and the changing world order Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The president has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to next question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ed Helms]

Hey everyone, it's Ed Helms and I'm.

[Will Friedle]

Kal Penn and we are the hosts of Hearsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Ed Helms]

This week on the podcast, I am talking to film and TV critic, radio and podcast host and Harry Potter superfan Rhianna Dillon to discuss Audible's full cast adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What moments in this audiobook capture the feeling of the magical world best for you or just stood out the most?

[Danielle Fishel]

I always loved reading about the Quidditch matches and I think the audio really gets it because it just plunges you right into the stands. You have the crowd sounds like all around you. It is surround sound, especially if you're listening in headphones.

[Ed Helms]

Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audio Book Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

The moments that shape us often begin with a simple question. What do I want my life to look like now? Dr. Hello, I'm Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford, and on Therapy for Black Girls we create space for honest conversations about identity, relationships, mental health and the choices that help us grow. As cybersecurity expert Camille Stewart Gloucester reminds.

[Danielle Fishel]

Us, we are in a divisive time where our comments are weaponized against us. And so what we find is a lot of Black women are standing up and speaking out because they feel the brunt of the pain.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

Each week we explore the tools and insights that help you move with purpose, whether you're navigating something new or returning to yourself. If you're ready for thoughtful guidance and grounded support, this is the place for you. Listen to therapy for Black Girls on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Danielle Fishel]

So let's jump into our recap. We are in Corey and Sean's dorm, picking up right where the season premiere left off. Corey is determined to get Topanga's parents back together, but Sean isn't sold. He wholeheartedly believes there's nothing the two of them can't do. And he doesn't want to go to Pittsburgh. It's cold and flu season and there's steel all over the place. Corey doesn't see the problem, so Sean reminds him they're adults now. They can't just say, hey, Debbie likes you. Then Topanga and Angela appear at the doorway. They've come to grab their stuff for the apartment. Then just go to the apartment. Why do you have to stop here.

[Will Friedle]

And say hi to everybody?

[Danielle Fishel]

Hi.

[Ed Helms]

Hi.

[Ryder Strong]

I gotta give Sean a reason to go.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

I'm telling you once again that we shouldn't be together.

[Danielle Fishel]

Corey asks his ex fiance why she's so somber. And she explains she's not somber. The only relationship she believed in more than theirs is dead.

[Will Friedle]

When this boy meets well.

[Danielle Fishel]

He demands that she turn that frown upside down.

[Ryder Strong]

I mean, his reading on this was so funny.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I was like, it's a lot of cake face. Which I love.

[Ryder Strong]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

But that's what I thought. Having not remembered this episode at all, I thought, oh, is this gonna be him trying to, like, cheer her up for the whole episode in funny ways. Right?

[Ryder Strong]

Like he's like a manically obsessed. Like, it's all gonna work out, isn't it? To pink a funny way to go?

[Will Friedle]

So excited for that. That didn't happen.

[Danielle Fishel]

Also, is that not a better way to go? Even from the standpoint of, wow, this is someone I want to spend the rest of my life with.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, think about from the standpoint of if the story impetus is Corey has this wackadoodle idea to go get the parents back together. Right? Like, I might believe that. That sounds like a sitcom plot. Then you could go make that a farce. We could have a whole Swinging Doors episode with us trying to have them meet cute and get back together, and it could have been hysterical and gone just exactly the same way. And that it doesn't work out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Corey shows lesson the new girlfriend.

[Ryder Strong]

Exactly. It's a complete disaster. But it's fun and it's funny. Instead, we get characters walking from one side of the room to the other in pairs.

[Danielle Fishel]

Leave me alone.

[Ryder Strong]

Yes. And then talking about Sean and his character and the way we've always perceived Shawn and the way Shawn was always felt that he was perceived by the parents that we've never met before, who now it suddenly matters that Shawn gives them a speech.

[Danielle Fishel]

What?

[Ryder Strong]

None of this is fun to watch. It's all just exposition of character.

[Will Friedle]

And if you didn't want to do that, imagine an episode where Corey recruits everybody to get Topanga happy again. Like, how each person would go about it. How would Eric try to make Topanga laugh?

[Danielle Fishel]

How would cheer her up?

[Will Friedle]

How would Rachel try to make. Like, each person takes a swipe at making her laug again. Could have been hysterical, too.

[Ryder Strong]

What if Corey just tried to have a vowel renewal celebration? Like, he gets a haul, invites everybody for the parents, and, like, tries to, like, just prove to. That could be funny.

[Will Friedle]

Ridiculous in the funny. This was really. This was the. The. The most two shows in one we've had so far where it's just drama and wacky comedy and just glue them together. So, yeah, it was jarring.

[Danielle Fishel]

So he gives her a cheesy smile to emulate. It's not working. So Shawn intervenes, but Cora gets defensive. He knows the four of them should be together, which is poorly written, but also maybe a Freudian slip. The four of us should be in a frouple.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, Basically a four pole.

[Will Friedle]

A four pole. A quad pole.

[Danielle Fishel]

Corey takes turn pointing to his friends and insisting, I'm gonna fix you. I'm gonna fix you, and I'm gonna fix you, and then I'm gonna take a bath.

[Will Friedle]

Again, funny reading.

[Danielle Fishel]

Funny. Topanga says goodbye, and Corey replies with, goodbye, mopey. Topanga calls him an insensitive jerk, and he giddily smiles, watching her leave. She's gonna be Mrs. Insensitive Jerk if they changed the music right now and just started making it. Creepy music. This could be a horror film. Yes.

[Will Friedle]

The whole Corey's just. Yeah. Hi, Mrs. Mopey.

[Danielle Fishel]

Hi, Mrs. Mopeye. You're gonna be sensitive jerk. Then Angela and Shawn finally acknowledge each other.

[Ryder Strong]

We get attacked on scene.

[Will Friedle]

Shawn.

[Danielle Fishel]

She says she's not ready to be in a relationship right now. And Shawn shrugs. That's absolutely fine, but this is you. And if you walk out that door, I'm gonna forget you ever existed. Which always works. Yeah, that is.

[Will Friedle]

They're also just. You're standing in a line. It's like, all right, your scene's done. Peel off now. Bring it on. All right, Sean, come on up. All right, now here you guys have your two lines.

[Ryder Strong]

All right?

[Will Friedle]

Peel off. It's just so. It's not good.

[Danielle Fishel]

With that, she leaves. Sean quickly turns to Corey. I'll do anything to get her back. And then they head to Pittsburgh. We are at Eric and Jack's new place. We see a massive Backstreet Boys poster hovering over a small girly bed that Eric and Jack are squatting on. Eric. Eric clearly lies, announcing, this face is perfect for Us. I like it. Jack nods and agrees in just as unconvincing of a tone. I'm glad we gave up our apartment. And Eric proudly calls it their bachelor pad. And Jack dubs it their masculine kingdom. Then Eric notices the presence of a boy band and admits, that is one big freaking picture of the Backstreet Boys.

[Will Friedle]

That was my actual. That was my personal poster.

[Danielle Fishel]

They asked was it? I was gonna ask.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, that's usually over my bed. My apartment at the time.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is one of those things, like Ryder, they stole from writer's life. They were like, this is their starting to. Yep. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Sure was.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Yep. That's how we do it.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is how we do it as.

[Will Friedle]

A Backstreet Boys song.

[Danielle Fishel]

Got it.

[Will Friedle]

I met Howie from the Backstreet Boys. It's like, that was the joke. Because there's a Howie, isn't there?

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm kidding.

[Will Friedle]

Writer's like, I have no idea what's happening.

[Danielle Fishel]

He's like, I don't know what's going on. Montel Jordan. What's happening? Who are we talking about?

[Ryder Strong]

90S stuff?

[Will Friedle]

Nostalgia.

[Ryder Strong]

Nostalgia. The 90s existed. We were there.

[Danielle Fishel]

We loved it. Jack defends the group. The BSB rocks. Eric gives him a concerned look. And Jack admits he's just trying to make the best out of their bad situation. Eric just wants his apartment back. This place is for girls. Jack finds some nail polish and he shows it to Eric in disgust. But Eric sticks out his fingers in excitement.

[Ryder Strong]

Ooh.

[Danielle Fishel]

Ooh.

[Katie Couric]

Do me.

[Danielle Fishel]

First me hands, then me feet. I loved that reading.

[Will Friedle]

It was fun.

[Danielle Fishel]

Jack tells him to calm down. And Eric snaps out of it. He just can't spend another minute in this place. Jack asks why? Even though we've already addressed why you. You've. It's been. It's very clear. And Eric whispers toward the poster because the cute one's looking at me. Jack's face scrunches. You think Howie's the cute one? I thought Nick was the cute one. Eric sighs. Oh, let's get the hell out of here. And the pals quickly slip out of the door. We also. Did they say we're in the girl's apartment? Is that what they said? Is it ever even really set up where they are? Do we just assume?

[Will Friedle]

I think we're supposed to just know we've there before. Right? But there was no Backstreet Boy is not the one where Eric jumps in the bed with. Yeah, Topanga.

[Danielle Fishel]

But there wasn't a giant Topanga's bed, by the way.

[Ryder Strong]

So it is so the idea is that they moved right into Topanga and Angela.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know what's really funny about that is that Lance and I broke up this summer.

[Will Friedle]

That's what I was asking.

[Ryder Strong]

I was going to ask you, like.

[Will Friedle]

What are the chances that it was supposed to be ending?

[Danielle Fishel]

They were like, it's going to be a Backstreet Boys poster. That is so funny because I'll bet.

[Will Friedle]

You it would have been NSYNC back.

[Danielle Fishel]

Then if we had been still together. I would have been like, oh, it has to be an NSync poster.

[Will Friedle]

100%.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, that's hilarious. Yeah, I'm gonna tell Lance I was throwing him shade. He doesn't know.

[Ryder Strong]

You didn't even know?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, I didn't know. I mean, I may have known at the time and just forgotten it until now, but who knows? Then we're in the student union. Eric and Jack are having coffee with Feeny, talking about their predicament. Eric reveals to the professor that they're dealing with big, vicious bullies. Feeny explains they have to stand up to them. Jack asks, even if they're girl. Eric interrupts, gorillas. Even if they're gorillas. Banana eaten gorillas. Feeny insists that the bullies will back down whether they're banana eaten gorillas or three cute little co eds who've made a mockery of their name. Jack can't believe it. His name's mockery. Eric asks Feeny how he knew and Feeny sighs. Dude, you're the laughingstock of the college.

[Will Friedle]

Feeny saying, dude might be one of my favorite things ever, though. Dude, dude, she's the laughingstock of the college.

[Danielle Fishel]

Then it's revealed that every student in the union is staring at them and laughing. This is. Would never happen.

[Will Friedle]

Also, why? Because they let.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's what I'm saying. 3.

[Will Friedle]

Three girls live in their apartment because.

[Danielle Fishel]

They left their apartment so that they.

[Will Friedle]

Topanga and Angela could move in. And that makes them now a laughingstock.

[Ryder Strong]

You let women tell you what to do.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, but they didn't. They said, we'll move out. They voluntarily moved out of the apartment.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, but we bullied you because we made you feel bad.

[Will Friedle]

Okay, got it.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's just.

[Ryder Strong]

And now it makes sense.

[Danielle Fishel]

And with your booty. And then made you chase your own tail with your. Like a dog.

[Will Friedle]

Okay, I got a great.

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, what can you do? There's nothing you can do about that.

[Will Friedle]

I have.

[Danielle Fishel]

You have been with an incredible. What are you.

[Will Friedle]

I mean, I literally, I have no. At all. Like, I'm amazed. My pants Stay up.

[Ryder Strong]

Your back just ends.

[Will Friedle]

It does, it does.

[Danielle Fishel]

Back in the hamstrings, Back to leg.

[Will Friedle]

It does. I got nothing. It's great. I'm an ironing board.

[Danielle Fishel]

You gotta start doing yourself.

[Ryder Strong]

I got washboard butt.

[Will Friedle]

I got a washboard butt. Exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Eric loves it. Jack, everyone's laughing at you. He can't even control his laughter. Eric is hysterical now, pointing out Jack's hair and his shirt, grabbing onto Feeny and eventually falling out of his chair. Which was not scripted, was it?

[Will Friedle]

No.

[Ryder Strong]

All that and then he laughs. All it said in the script.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. By the way, you saying in the shirt is just. It reminds me of how you used to tease Matt every Thursday night before we would go out and be like, all right, everybody ready? You wearing that? No, no, it's good, it's good.

[Will Friedle]

You look good.

[Danielle Fishel]

You look good. I just didn't know if you were wearing that. Is that. Is that your wardrobe?

[Will Friedle]

Okay. No, it's good, it's good. Or one of us would just walk up and be like, why didn't you get the tight one? Cuz he just always had like they.

[Danielle Fishel]

Were spray painted on again.

[Will Friedle]

If I had his body for a day, I would be wearing maybe underwear, but other than that, I'd just be. I'd be grocery store everything. Like, hey, how's everybody doing? Like, I'd show up and we'd all.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just have to adjust that. You'd just be naked.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, absolutely correct.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Well, we're now in Pittsburgh and we know this because it says so over a cityscape. We're then in a hallway that sure looks like a flipped around version of Eric and Jack's apartment building. Corey marches up to Topanga's parents door with determination, but Sean stops him. Before we actually start interfering with these people's lives, don't you think we should find out why they split up? This is a conversation that would have happened in the car.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, yeah. The three hour bus ride, or however long it was going to be.

[Danielle Fishel]

Corey explains it's insignificant and unimportant. He says he's known Mr. And Mrs. Lawrence their entire lives and they do not want to split up.

[Ryder Strong]

He's also set up. Set up for like, what? If you open the door and he's with a woman or he's throwing a party, he's absent. The best time. Anything would have been funnier than what actually is behind the door, which is a sad man, lonely one.

[Danielle Fishel]

The bed is right behind the door. And I was like, what is this? I was actually thinking he was Like I was thinking he was gonna be renting a living room. Like he was Airbnb somebody.

[Will Friedle]

Did you see the walls?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, No.

[Will Friedle]

I had to pause and look again. There's literally blood splattered on the walls.

[Ryder Strong]

No, go back and watch.

[Will Friedle]

She's standing in front of. It's the two shot where Corey's here and he's here and there's a white wall behind him and there's just red splatter all over it. It's like they literally blood coated. Oh my God, the walls.

[Ryder Strong]

So see, the idea is just that his life sucks.

[Will Friedle]

Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

That everything about not being in a partnership is the worst thing you could do.

[Danielle Fishel]

But he is guys to make it worse. And this is the only time I'm gonna harp on it because it was absolutely mind boggling to me. He says take out and wrinkled shirts. It's not about the partnership or the friendship. It's that a woman cooks for you, irons your shirts.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is this what you want? To be wrinkly and unfed? You could be fed and have no wrinkles. This is the life you choose.

[Ryder Strong]

Which again, could be played for comedy. What if we were playing that for comedy like the poor guys? Just like I like how Danielle was.

[Will Friedle]

Just playing it like the Godfather.

[Ryder Strong]

That's what it reminded me of the day of our bake sale. Like, what if it was just like, my life is over. And it's like, dude, you gotta fold your own shirts. It's not that big of a deal. Yeah, same with Jack and Eric. It's a poster. You can take it down.

[Danielle Fishel]

Take it down, take it down. Throw away the nail polish.

[Will Friedle]

This also doesn't make any sense. Sense though, because he left her for somebody that he's now in love with.

[Danielle Fishel]

What?

[Will Friedle]

So why is he miserable alone? He's.

[Katie Couric]

Because.

[Will Friedle]

Not because she.

[Danielle Fishel]

You don't. You don't. Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free? She's not gonna iron his shirts. They're not married. She needs a ring on her finger.

[Ryder Strong]

Then she could be a mom wife.

[Danielle Fishel]

Then she'll be the mom wife.

[Will Friedle]

So then this poor man. This poor man's life is. Is just getting laid with a new woman, eating takeout and sleeping as late as he wants. Awful.

[Danielle Fishel]

With wrinkles for getting.

[Will Friedle]

And he's got wrinkled shirts.

[Ryder Strong]

Yikes.

[Will Friedle]

I mean, it's like none of this made any sense to me. It really. None of it made any. And he's a. First of all, we've pointed this out before. He's a wonderful actor.

[Danielle Fishel]

Both he oh, yeah, they're great.

[Will Friedle]

Both the parents are really, really good with what they were given. But what they were given is weird gats.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Okay. I'm now going to just go through the rest of the episode. Without being woke?

[Ryder Strong]

I doubt it.

[Will Friedle]

Without being woke. I don't think that's.

[Danielle Fishel]

Sure it's a lie.

[Will Friedle]

Well, as long as you stop halfway through to Iron Jensen shirts, we'll be fine.

[Danielle Fishel]

So Corey says he once caught him grabbing her tushy and going, a sign of love.

[Will Friedle]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Major, major sign of love is a. With that, Corey aggressively knocks on the door. And Shawn still doesn't want to go in there. Corey doesn't get it. Do you want to be back with Top Angela or not? Shawn is confused. Top Angela. Corey admits he's just trying to save time now.

[Ryder Strong]

And this was like before Benifer. Like this was ahead of its time.

[Danielle Fishel]

I think. So.

[Ryder Strong]

Like making. Yeah. The name. The name combo thing was not really a thing until the.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh. We have a photo of the blood wall.

[Will Friedle]

Really?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Am I wrong?

[Danielle Fishel]

Can we share it?

[Will Friedle]

Look over there to the right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh. What's.

[Will Friedle]

Just that splattered blood? You think what that is where they. There's a closer shot where there's a closer shot with. With him in the foreground. And it just looks like blood splatter. It's.

[Danielle Fishel]

Would that be. I mean, who did he murder? Exactly. Maybe that's why we don't see the girlfriend. Maybe he has murdered her.

[Ryder Strong]

She chopped up in that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

It's actually her wrinkled skin he's wearing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God. Yeah, that's good. He's. You know what? He's. He's in with it. He's in on it with Feenie. He's bringing over bodies.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, my God.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's why he's sad. Sean reminds him that Topanga's dad has always hated him. He once threw a rock at his head. And then the door opens. It's Topanga's dad. But definitely it's a different man. Yeah, but it's not than the last two Topanga's dads we've seen.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

He is shocked to see the boys. Corey simply states, I'm here to save you.

[Ryder Strong]

Unfortunately. Really does reduce the tension.

[Will Friedle]

Of course.

[Ryder Strong]

Like if it was. If it was Michael McKee and the guy we had seen him facing all, you know, that we had, it would have some buildup and some sense of.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like we also didn't get at the start of the season last scene on where it could have heightened where we could have seen the. Where them having a fight and the tension super high. And the only reason they didn't do.

[Will Friedle]

That, it's because it's a different guy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is this. This.

[Katie Couric]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

And so the whole thing just feels like.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, yeah, you figure. I. I don't know anything about the casting process whatsoever, but I imagine they had to have known that the parents were going to come back in season seven.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Will Friedle]

So, I mean, wouldn't it be something along the lines of, we want to sign you for multiple episodes? Or. I mean, wouldn't you do that right off the bat?

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, yes. It's entirely possible, though, that their agents were like, we will not allow you to do that because it's going to be split up over a summer. Who knows what you're doing?

[Will Friedle]

Sure.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know, 1999 has in store for you. And so they say no. And then Michael and our writers have to make the decision, do we want them for even one episode, or do we want to just go right from the beginning and with the Annette o' Toole of it all?

[Will Friedle]

I guess so you just take what you can get.

[Danielle Fishel]

But because they wanted Juliet, they want that Was that.

[Will Friedle]

Well, no, Juliet was the other lady. Juliet was your aunt, right?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

That's Olivia Hussey.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're right. Olivia Hussey. They want. So that didn't. Yeah. So I guess they just really wanted the two.

[Will Friedle]

They just really wanted Michael McKinnon. Yeah, it's. But it's. Yeah, it is jarring. It is jarring to constantly keep replacing an actor.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Will Friedle]

Ever been at the pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank? That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast brings you real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most answering the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccine should you consider before a big trip? And even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you practical, trustworthy advice straight from the people behind the counter. No white coats, no lectures. Just real talk, real answers, and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

As we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and, yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Haass on foreign policy and the changing world order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The president has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ed Helms]

Hey everyone, it's Ed Helms and I'm.

[Will Friedle]

Kal Penn and we are the hosts of Earsafe, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Ed Helms]

This week on the podcast, I am talking to film and TV critic, radio and podcast host and Harry Potter super fan Rhianna Dillon to discuss Audible's full cast adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What moments in this audiobook capture the feeling of the magical world best for you or or just stood out the most?

[Danielle Fishel]

I always loved reading about the Quidditch matches and I think the audio really gets it because it just plunges you right into the stands. You have the crowd sounds like all around you. It is surround sound, especially if you're listening in headphones.

[Ed Helms]

Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audio Book Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

The moments that shape us often begin with a simple question. What do I want my life to look like now? I'm Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford and on Therapy for Black Girls, we create space for honest conversations about identity, relationships, mental health and the choices that help us grow. As cybersecurity expert Camille Stewart Gloucester reminds.

[Danielle Fishel]

Us, we are in a divisive time where our comments are weaponized against us. And so what we find is a lot of Black women are standing up and speaking out because they feel the brunt of the pain.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

Each week we explore the tools and insights that help you move with purpose, whether you're navigating something new or returning to yourself. If you're ready for thoughtful guidance and grounded support, this is the place for you. Listen to therapy for Black Girls on the iHeartRadio app, app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, before inviting the boys inside, Mr. Lawrence gives Sean a look of disapproval. Hunter. Mr. Lawrence's apartment is a mess. His bed is right next to the kitchen, and there are clothes everywhere. He calls it walls, a transitional place. Corey not so subtly, calls it a pity, and Shawn agrees loudly. It's a human tragedy, even. He whispers to Corey, asking if he took it too far, and Corey shakes his head no. Mr. Lawrence sees right through it and asks Corey why he's really there. Corey demands, I want you to leave this place and go back to your lovely home. Mr. Lawrence appreciates what he's trying to do, but promises that he and his wife are better off without each other. You'll be shocked to hear, but Corey will not stand for it. He insists, I know how much you love each other. He leans in. I saw you go a hooga. Mr. Lawrence's eyes widen. You didn't see honk honk, did you? Corey quickly tells him he did not. Mr. Lawrence assures the boys he'll be fine, and he thanks them for coming. Corey wonders, so dirty dishes and wrinkled shirts is fine? Corey goes on, you got ESPN and a six pack here. You got nothing. Mr. Lawrence is rightfully in disbelief. What gives you the right to talk to me like that?

[Will Friedle]

Thank you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Corey answers, love.

[Ryder Strong]

Love gives me the right that I.

[Danielle Fishel]

Believe in its power and its purpose and that you somehow have forgotten. So I guess that gives me the right to remind you. He admits Corey has a lot of confidence, but Corey says it's not just for him. He and Shawn also really miss Tapangela. Sean decides to shoot his shot, and he asks Mr. Lawrence why he never liked him. And so he reminds Sean, it's because of the time I went down to the basement and caught you making out with Topanga. Corey at first understands, but then it sinks in. He screams, what did you do? But Sean is unfazed. Topanga's dad was just kidding. It was always Corey in that basement. It's a cool joke. It's a fun joke, right?

[Ryder Strong]

I don't get it. I mean, like, why would you ever say that time I cut you when you never did?

[Will Friedle]

Why would you also take this as your opportunity when everything's going on to find out why this guy didn't like Shawn?

[Ryder Strong]

I just gotta be there, I guess.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

They end up giving me a couple great moments with him, and it's like.

[Danielle Fishel]

Why I actually think this is Matt Nelson or the other writers really trying to explain to help make Corey likable. The idea that they want to point out my. And that Corey's a, quote, unquote, the good guy. He was never. He was never the one trying to make the moves on Topanga in the basement. So Topanga's dad was always worried about the wrong guy. The guy he should have been, quote, unquote, worried about is the. The good guy. The guy who was down there in the basement. And I think it's supposed to make him, like, appealing. Like, that's a. That was a nice guy.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And also make the whole, like, I'm gonna get the girl based on something more. It's love. It's about pure love and innocence and, like, real connection.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. Yes. Corey nudges Sean, boasting he spent many happy years in that basement but didn't get nothing. Sean isn't satisfied. He wants to know why Mr. Lawrence never liked him. So Topanga's dad finally admits that he figured it would be Sean in the basem. So he was scared of him. He starts to laugh, realizing he should have been scared of Corey instead. Shawn laughs with him. What an absurd thought. Being scared of Corey. Corey glares at them in disgust. Mr. Lawrence admits he was wrong about Shawn. He's a good kid, and so maybe he's wrong about a lot of things. Corey reiterates he wants him to see his wife again, but he insists he can't. Corey continues to needle him until finally Mr. Lawrence shouts, she kicked me out. And then we quick cut to Rhiannon and Lawrence's house. Again, not the same mom we saw last season. And she breaks the news to Cory and Sean. Her and Jedediah are done, and you.

[Will Friedle]

Can tell she's a hippie because of the one long thing she's wearing.

[Ryder Strong]

All the production design. And she's watering a lot of flowers.

[Danielle Fishel]

Lots of flowers, lots of plants. And her hair is curly like Topanga's early hair.

[Will Friedle]

Correct. She's a dryad. So, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And yet Corey is still unable to accept it. She explains he's young and doesn't understand what happens.

[Ryder Strong]

So I kept thinking, maybe in the recap this would make more sense to me that he. So he doesn't, does he? He lies to her at the end of this scene. Yeah, but does he lie to the dad?

[Danielle Fishel]

We don't see it. But he did. We don't see it. But he says.

[Ryder Strong]

He says, she wants to see you.

[Will Friedle]

It's the old switcheroo.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, but not seeing it.

[Katie Couric]

It.

[Ryder Strong]

I know it would set up this scene if he's like, but she really wants to see you. And he says, really? And he goes, yep, I've already talked to her. Optical flip. She's like, I don't want to see him. Then it's a scene. Then it's like, oh, now Corey screwed it himself and now he's got to get her and he can't. But instead, what is the con? What is he. What is the plan here? And it didn't make any sense until they.

[Will Friedle]

But it still doesn't make any sense because she says, he kicked. She kicked me out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ryder Strong]

The next thing would be why he's.

[Will Friedle]

In love with another woman.

[Danielle Fishel]

So why would he want to stay.

[Will Friedle]

There, but he would leave. None of this makes any sense.

[Ryder Strong]

And why does he come? And what is he hoping exactly?

[Will Friedle]

What is he hoping to accomplish by being there? He's not saying, I cheated on you, I screwed up.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's it. Forgiveness. He actually says it. I just hope that you can forgive me. And she's like, oh, that's what you're looking for because it's convenient for you. And she's like, kick him out.

[Will Friedle]

He left because he fell in love with another woman. So he wants to be in love with another woman, but still living with his w. That's what happened.

[Danielle Fishel]

She caught him cheating and then she had to throw him out because he had been having an affair.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, God. None of this makes any sense. But he's in love with the other woman. None. I mean, it's. It's not like he had a one night stand at a bar and is like begging for forgiveness and wants to get back.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, he's in a relationship.

[Will Friedle]

He's in a relationship with somebody else that he's fallen in love with, so now he's just coming back.

[Ryder Strong]

Does he actually say he's in love with the other woman?

[Ed Helms]

She does.

[Will Friedle]

She says she's the woman that he's in love with now. And so it's like none of that makes any. None of it makes any sense to me. The writing is very weird in this episode. Episode.

[Danielle Fishel]

So she says he's young and doesn't understand what happens when people fall out of love. Corey insists they're just angry at each other like his parents get. But the difference is they remember how much they love each other and then everything's okay again. Rhiannon reminds him that they are different people in a different situation. Corey asks her, do you realize that your daughter doesn't believe in love anymore because she thinks you don't? She brings him closer. Corey, if you and Topanga really love each other, you'll be Fine, Fine. Corey insists. I want you to be fine. Okay? Will you see your husband, please? Rhiannon stands firm and rejects the offer. Corey pushes and asks her the same question two more times, completely ignoring her. No. Shawn lets her know if you think he's backing down. He's not backing down. Corey explains. He'll come over here and everything will be good again. Don't you want everything to be good again? Of course she does, but it's not as easy as that. Corey tells her it is because he knows how much they love each other. She asks why Corey's doing this, and he shrugs. I guess I'm paying you back for the 2000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches you made me. Ran. And smiles. He really wants to see me. You're not just saying that because you think it's right? Corey glances at Shawn, who now looks uneasy. Corey tells her, I would never do that.

[Will Friedle]

Okay. What I have to ask again. Just. I'm just trying to figure out the logistics. What is he hoping is going to happen? She doesn't want to see him because he cheated, and he doesn't want to see her because he's in love with somebody else, though.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, let's remove the cheating and let's remove the love because we. He does not know.

[Will Friedle]

Okay. No, I'm saying just for. Forget Corey, remove Corey from the situation. Just the parents. Why? Why would both of them want to see each other again?

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, I'll tell you. He wants things to not. He basically wants to feel forgiven.

[Will Friedle]

Right. She doesn't.

[Danielle Fishel]

She doesn't hate him.

[Will Friedle]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

And she. I think now that she's hearing he wants to see her and he's saying, please, I promise everything's going to be fine. I think she's maybe thinking he's not with Marie anymore. He's not with the woman. He's coming back to say, I'm so sorry. Will you take me back? And even though it doesn't seem like she really is open to that, I think he just. Even hearing that would be a nice feeling when you've been cheated on. So I think.

[Will Friedle]

But she doesn't say that to him. When he comes back, though, she doesn't say, are you still with her?

[Danielle Fishel]

No. Because he says, I'm asking for forgiveness. And she goes, oh, that's why you want to see me.

[Will Friedle]

Okay. It's very muddled.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, you just. Why don't you finish the previous scene? Because if you. And the reason you can't finish the previous scene is that, then you can't have this scene. Because the reality is, either Corey has to lie and say, oh, no, she wants you back. Let's go. And then he has to agree, okay, I want to go back to try. Which couldn't happen because he would. Well, no, I'm seeing this other woman. I don't actually want her back, Cory. I just wanted to forget. But we can't spell that out, so we have to cut that scene off.

[Danielle Fishel]

Off.

[Ryder Strong]

And pretend it never happened, even though that's supposedly what happened.

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, you could finish the other scene by saying, she wants to see you. And for him to say, last time I saw her, she told me she was screaming, told me to get out of here and never wanted to see my ugly face again.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

And. And then, well, she says she wants to see you. And he could think, like, maybe she's willing to forgive me now, but, like, again, you'd have to spell that out.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Will Friedle]

But then also, they're trying.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm not gonna get back together with her, Corey, because I've got this other woman. So I'll go talk to her if she wants to talk.

[Will Friedle]

But. But.

[Ryder Strong]

But we can't say any of that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Because then there's no secret.

[Will Friedle]

And even if he's with the other woman, he's still living the horrible, sad, awful bachelor life. Like, they had to set it up so differently. They had to make him a caricature of the sad man missing his wife. So then it's a surprise when you find out he's actually dating someone else, which then makes the first scene pointless.

[Ryder Strong]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes, correct.

[Will Friedle]

Okay, but we have a wrestler.

[Danielle Fishel]

But then we're in this girl's apartment. Eric and Jack's arms are crossed, and they look upset. Eric demands, we want our apartment back and we want it now. Jack adds, you're bullies, and I've never backed down from a bully. The camera flips to the girls who are on the couch, barely paying attention, giving themselves pedicures. Angela and Rachel sarcastically praise the strong men, and Topanga suggests that they settle things right here. Here, right now. The girls can just kick their squirrely butts Again, nothing based in. Nothing based in reality or anything that would happen.

[Will Friedle]

Especially at this point in my Life. I'm like, 210 here, taking the three.

[Danielle Fishel]

Of you out by the way you look. You are so handsome.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, that's very sweet.

[Danielle Fishel]

I really. Through this whole episode, I was like, I cannot believe Will is talking so badly about himself. You look fantastic in this episode.

[Will Friedle]

Very sweet. Thank you very much.

[Danielle Fishel]

Topanga asks them through gritted teeth, do you have any idea what's going on in my life right now? Do you have any idea how much anger I have inside of me? Jack guesses a lot. She suggests a steel cage match. Tag team. Whoever lives gets the apartment. Eric lets out an exaggerated laugh. Do these girly girls really want to mess with such manly men? Jack flexes his big biceps and Eric encourages him to do the thing. As the audience hoots and hollers at his muscles. Angela asks if Topanga is sure about this, and she yells and then crushes a soda can into her forehead. I remember this.

[Will Friedle]

I do, too. This is a funny beat and super fun scene to shoot. Like, this whole thing was super fun to shoot. I mean, you guys are getting your.

[Ryder Strong]

Head smashed into fake.

[Danielle Fishel]

By the way, it still hurts. So absurd that even that fake can.

[Will Friedle]

Oh. Oh, yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, the bottom's still metal.

[Will Friedle]

It hurts.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, it's still a can. Like, it's.

[Will Friedle]

Yep, it totally did.

[Danielle Fishel]

I. I remember being like, ow.

[Will Friedle]

Me too. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

In response, Eric grabs a soda can and shouts gibberish before slamming it into his forehead.

[Will Friedle]

That actually is not gibberish. The first thing I say is kuja bite. And that is a direct takeoff from Samurai Delicatessen, which John Belushi did in the 70s during Saturday night Live.

[Danielle Fishel]

What?

[Will Friedle]

So that was.

[Ryder Strong]

Are you quoting John Belushi?

[Will Friedle]

I'm straight up quoting John Belushi's samurai character from the 1970s on SNL. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

So funny. Instead of looking tough, Eric dramatically falls to the floor in pain. Jack points out it's supposed to be an empty can. Eric.

[Ryder Strong]

So I feel like this. Is this the beginning of the. Like, Topanga, Eric. Because this is really fun. And it was like, we do this for the rest of the season, don't we? Like the wedding and the sneak attack and all you guys, your characters have never been against each other, really. And this is a great dynamic. I mean, I guess the thing is, you put Eric against any straight person, you know, but, like, Topanga is a great foil for Eric. It's a nice sham.

[Will Friedle]

She's so much smarter that everything he tries, she's always three or four steps ahead, which is great. And it culminates in the war episode. Or not. The worst of the sneak attack episode, that whole thing. So this is where it starts. And this is when Eric says, she beat me up, Jack, late in the later episode. And then I think we cut to this of her, like, punching me in the stomach over and over again, which is the impetus for getting into all the costumes and everything. But I remember just Shooting this was a ton of fun.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Because you and I did. You remember, we like work out the beats where it's like, grab me by the hair. And you're like, okay, and then I'll grab this.

[Danielle Fishel]

And we. We are. We do a good job of it.

[Will Friedle]

Would you? Great.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. And it's like just the right amount of cartoony that, like, it's totally fine that everybody's beating each other up so absurdly. It's.

[Will Friedle]

It is ridiculous and absurd and it came out of nowhere. And I wish the whole episode was like this because this was at least fun. It just made no sense. Connected with everything else. But it. I just. I distinctly remember having so much fun with you this week.

[Danielle Fishel]

Same.

[Will Friedle]

Just working the whole thing out.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. I remember the same thing. But I had broken my elbow this week.

[Will Friedle]

That's right. Are you serious?

[Ryder Strong]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

I have a broken left elbow, but it wasn't the kind of broken that needed a cast. It was just like I had loose bone fragments floating around in there. How did you break your elbow? I had gotten Anna this summer. So this summer when I moved out of my pair, I had moved out. I was living on my own in Manhattan beach. And I had just adopted Anna, my little Maltese dog.

[Ryder Strong]

You had a bag dog?

[Danielle Fishel]

You.

[Will Friedle]

You can't.

[Danielle Fishel]

I carried her in a purse with.

[Ryder Strong]

Your coffee bean, what did you always get?

[Danielle Fishel]

Vanilla Ice.

[Ryder Strong]

Blending Vanilla Ice Blender did smoking A dog and.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, and a cigarette.

[Ryder Strong]

Season 7 Danielle, baby. I forgot.

[Danielle Fishel]

This version of Danielle. This is such a. This is such an era for Danielle.

[Katie Couric]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And so I. I had these great neighbors, Uncle Jack and Auntie Pam, I called them. And they. They were on the other side of this like. Like six or seven foot brick wall. And I was like, I got this cute little dog and I was like talking to them about Anna and I. In order to not have to be talking through the brick wall, I jumped up on the brick wall. And so the way it worked was there was a brick wall. And then on the. Up at the end of the brick wall, there was a little swing gate that you could go out to the. To the back, you know, like a park and whatever I else. So I stepped on that fence to get up onto the brick wall. Because of the direction I was heading, the gate was unlocked. And I did not realize it. So because of the way I was going up it. It closed the gate. Like, you know, you had to pull it towards you, but then coming down, putting my foot on it and getting off the wall, it swung out from under me, and I just fell onto my elbow. My roommate at the time was inside and, like, upstairs didn't. Didn't see anything happen. Uncle Jack and Auntie Pam saw me, like, fall and then went, are you okay? I had the wind completely knocked out of me, and I was in so much pain, I physically could not even speak. And then I'm, like, laying on the floor, and Uncle Jack and HPM go inside because they're like, oh, she must be fine. She's not even out here. So they go inside. I see Danielle, my roommate, walk down the stairs and go into the kitchen. And I'm trying to go, go, Danielle. Oh, my God, Danielle. And she's, like, microwaving something. I see her look out into the backyard, like, where'd Danielle go? Take something out of the microwave. Walks back upstairs. Anyway, after a few minutes, I obviously catch my breath, and I'm like, okay, I'm gonna get up. And I decide I'm fine. It's just gonna be sore. There's nothing wrong. It's gonna. It's gonna be totally fine. And I just go about my day, and I go and I meet up with my friend Sarah at a coffee at the coffee house. And we are talking, and I'm telling her, like, man, it really hurts. And at this point, I'm starting to not be able to move my fingers.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, gosh.

[Danielle Fishel]

And she goes, dang. And I also cannot even remotely straighten my arm. She's like, I'm not letting you just say, this is fine. I'm taking you right now to Cedar Sinai. Five and a half hours later, sitting in the emergency room waiting room, I get an X ray. They go, we don't know when the radiologist is going to look at it. You can just go ahead and go home. I go home. The next morning, I have to be in Burbank from Manhattan Beach. So I get up super early, go to Burbank, work all day doing this stuff, the wrestling, doing the wrestling stuff, go home. I get home, and there's a message on my machine. Hi, this is Cedar Sinai. Wanted to let you know, can you please call us back? The radiologist has read your report. Need you to call us back. Oh, I'm forgetting a very important detail. When I left the hospital, they said, we don't know when they're going to read it. In the meantime, here's a sling. Just put your arm in a sling and. And try not to move it much. And it was like, great. So I do that all day. I get home, they're like, please call us. The radiologist has read your report and we need to talk to you. I call them back and they're like, your elbow is broken. We need you to take it out of the sling and start moving it immediately. If you keep it in the sling, it's going to freeze in that position. At this point. At this point, I cannot move any of my fingers and my arm is locked in a 90 degree position and I'm like, it really, really hurts to move it. And they're like, great, we are going to call you a prescription for pain pills. Just take the pain pills and move it. And it was. And this is the week we were doing wrestling.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, God.

[Danielle Fishel]

So I will always remember.

[Will Friedle]

I wish I had known I would have targeted that elbow, that I would have won.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Will Friedle]

Ever been at the pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank? That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast brings you real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most answering the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccine should you consider before a big trip? And even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you practical, trustworthy advice straight from the people behind the counter. No white coats, no lectures. Just real talk, real answers, and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

As we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and, yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Haass on foreign policy and the changing world order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The President has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ed Helms]

Hey everyone, it's Ed helms and I'm.

[Will Friedle]

Kal Penn and we are the hosts of Earsafe, the Audible, and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Ed Helms]

This week on the podcast, I am talking to film and TV critic, radio and podcast host and Harry Potter super fan Rhianna Dillon to discuss Audible's full cast adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What moments in this audiobook capture the feeling of the magical world best for you or. Or just stood out the most?

[Danielle Fishel]

I always loved reading about the Quidditch matches and I think the audio really gets it because it just plunges you right into the stands. You have the crowd sounds like all around you is surround sound, especially if you're listening in headphones.

[Ed Helms]

Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audio Book Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

The moments that shape us often begin with a simple question. What do I want my life to look like now? I'm Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford, and on Therapy for Black Girls, we create space for honest conversations about identity, relationships, mental health and the choices that help us grow. As cybersecurity expert Camille Stewart Gloucester reminds.

[Danielle Fishel]

Us, we are in a divisive time where our comments are weaponized against us. And so what we find is a lot of black women are standing up and speaking out because they feel the brunt of the pain.

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

Each week we explore the tools and insights that help you move with purpose, whether you're navigating something new or returning to yourself. If you're ready for thoughtful guidance and grounded support, this is the place for you. Listen to Therapy for Black Girls on the iHeartRadio at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Danielle Fishel]

What do you guys remember about working with Mick Foley? We've now worked with two wrestling legends.

[Ryder Strong]

I actually didn't. I mean, I remember meeting him, but, you know, I didn't have any scenes with him, so I really only got to know Mick during conventions. Like recently, like in the last five, 10 years, like I've really gotten to know him him, but just the nicest guy.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, he's awesome. He's awesome and loved like sharing his knowledge and all right, we're throw you over this thing and we'll grab this and I'm going to throw you through the. It was, was great, Incredibly great.

[Danielle Fishel]

Then the bell dings and the match begins. Rachel steps onto Eric's back, making her way toward Jack. She throws a punch and he catches it. He can't fight her. She's too sweet. Rachel is touched, and mankind agrees. That is sweet. Rachel uses this distraction to jump onto Jack's back and continuously smash his face into a platter of. Of fresh sandwiches like you're supposed to have.

[Will Friedle]

You guys are doing your. Your nails. So beforehand you stopped and made. They were iron shirts, 14 sandwiches.

[Ryder Strong]

Iron shirts made sandwiches. And then we're doing their nails.

[Danielle Fishel]

Doing their nails. That's what women do with giant tub of popcorn.

[Will Friedle]

Not in front of you, but on the table next to your sandwich. Homemade sandwich platter.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. Yes. Also, could they not have even made a joke about the fact that he just appeared out of nowhere? Something no one even acknowledges is who and why? And nothing. Like, even just one. Like, should we be scared? Nothing. Just. Yeah. All right.

[Ryder Strong]

I also, like, why didn't they set this up in some capacity? Like, I don't know, someone makes a ref wrestling reference, like, earlier on.

[Will Friedle]

I. It's like.

[Ryder Strong]

It's so absurd.

[Danielle Fishel]

But, yeah, whatever.

[Will Friedle]

Okay. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

In the process, Rachel breaks a nail, so she tags in Angela with Mankind announcing a legal tag. Angela runs up to Jack and asks if he's okay. Jack insists he's fine, so she grabs him and slams his head into the table, directly into a bowl of popcorn. Angela then trades places with Topanga as Jack tries his hardest to tag in Eric, but he's refusing. A frustrated Mankind grabs both of the boys and brings them back into the cage. Get in there and wrestle. Show some dignity. The boys cower in fear as all three girls approach with vengeance. Eric admits he doesn't know where to grab because all he sees are girly pockets hearts. Mankind reminds him not to touch those. Jack points out there's three of them. This isn't fair. Mankind says, the only thing that's not fair is this. Then he gives Eric another knee to the gut and throws him through the wooden stair banister, breaking it into pieces.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Will, what was this like?

[Will Friedle]

It was awesome. I mean, this is like. This was always my favorite stuff. Hey, we're gonna throw you over this. We're gonna tuck you in this. We're gonna put you in this costume like this.

[Ryder Strong]

This was.

[Will Friedle]

I just lived in this. This section. This is my wheelhouse. So Mankind throwing me through the thing and then throwing me over the table. God love it. So funny.

[Ryder Strong]

I remember loving this kind of stuff, too. I didn't get to do it as much, but, like, now I would hate it.

[Katie Couric]

I'll be great.

[Will Friedle]

Stunts, man. Stunts are the best.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, but I'm just too old now.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, I know.

[Ryder Strong]

I am.

[Will Friedle]

I am, too. But it was at the time. Oh, God, it was. Yeah, it was fun.

[Danielle Fishel]

Jack is now feeling confident and tells the girls to bring it on. Eric screams from the stairs, this apartment is ours. Topanga runs over and repeatedly punches Eric in the stomach, then throws him over the kitchen island. Angela and Rachel attack Jack by grabbing his nose, and Topanga pulls Eric across the room by his hair. They trade off as Topanga spears Jack into the couch, and Rachel now slams Eric's head into the floor. Mankind rings the bell. The girls are victorious. They celebrate, and the inmates in the audience love what they have seen.

[Will Friedle]

Now this becomes so absurd that as Rachel Maitland jumps up to celebrate, the camera pulls back off the set. So you can see, like a light in the left and the. The. The painting on the floor and the right where the. The line ends. It's like at this point, they're like, ah, it's fine. Don't worry about it. So. So it's like, oh, and the door's back. The door he kicks off the hinges.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Will Friedle]

Is just right back perfectly up into the thing. Yeah, this was with blood splatter wall moving off the set again. This. This was a str. Strange episode. And no lobsters anywhere. Somebody said something or caught her and was like. Or she's like, I'm. Again. I'm. I'm Icarus over here. Yeah. So I can't. Unless she's hiding them way better. They're no longer on the set.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, the girls have won the apartment. We're back at Ranon's house. Corey and Sean watch on as Ran and opens the front door for Jedadiah. She smiles and says hello. He nervously responds to with what's up? Kori immediately judges him. Rhiannon invites him in and asks how she's been. She's been okay, she guesses, and Corey scoffs. Nobody in the world knows how to do anything right. Jedidiah says hi to Shawn and jokingly asks, who's in the basement. Shawn raises his arms. Not me. Not me. Jedidiah greets Corey next, and Corey just signals for him to talk to his wife instead. Rannon breaks the ice by explaining, Corey told me that you wanted to see me. Me? Jedidiah is confused. He did. He told me the same thing. Corey defends himself. Well, it's just important that you're here together. Right. Jedidiah sighs and admits, we should be able to be together no matter what went on between us. Rihanna, Rhiannon asks if that's so. Corey pulls Sean to get a better view. He's excited. They're talking. Jedidiah tells Rannon, I just want you to know that I would never trade the years we had. Corey whispers to Sean, that is so beautiful. That's right. From the soul. You didn't think we'd be able to pull this off, did you? Jedediah continues, and in time, I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Corey pumps his fists. Forgiveness. Forgiveness is everything. But Sean wonders, forgive him for what? Corey doesn't care. Shh. Rhiannon scoffs. Is that what you came here to say? That you want me to forgive you? He explains, I don't want you to hate me anymore. Her voice gets shaky. I don't hate you. I. She stops herself and then decides to say, because of our life together and the beautiful child that we've made. Corey whispers Topanga to Sean in case he was confused. We just make no mention of Topanga's sister. No. No.

[Will Friedle]

She's gone. Never happened.

[Danielle Fishel]

Rhiannon continues, I will try as hard as I can to forgive you. Sean and Corey are in utter shock. Corey thinks he actually did it. But then Rhiannon drops the bomb. And I hope you find happiness with Marie. Not Marie.

[Katie Couric]

What?

[Danielle Fishel]

The boys are devastated. Corey asks, who's Marie? Rhiannon reveals, that's the woman Jedediah loves now. Corey looks at him with disgust. How could you do that? How could He, Corey Judgy McJudgerson. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Maybe he was just skiing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, he hurt his foot.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Jedidiah apologizes. Jedidiah apologies to Corey. He's sorry. Corey wonders how he could love anyone other than this woman. What's wrong with this woman? Woman? Rhiannon opens the door and Jedediah leaves. Now alone, she urges Corey to stop. These things happen. She tries to walk away, but he demands answers. Love can't just die. She tells him. It can and it did. She's sorry he had to find out like this and begs him not to tell Topanga. She doesn't want her to hate her father. Cory's in shock. Shawn asks him, kory, what if we don't know anything? Corey is speechless at the thought. And then we are in Feeny's classroom. Corey and Shawn walk in, noticing Topanga and Angela already in their seats. Shawn says he'll just follow his best friend's lead and nervously asks what they're going to do. Cory makes a beeline to the girls, and Topanga asks how their Weekend went. Sean nervously answers, boring, Uneventful. We stayed in Philly.

[Will Friedle]

This is so cool.

[Danielle Fishel]

We stayed in town. So funny. Corey calmly admits, we went to Pittsburgh. Sean pipes up, oh yeah. Topanga asks why they'd go to Pittsburgh and Sean lives seal. We needed to find some girders. Girders, Girders. Cory continues, to be honest. We went to talk to your parents. Shawn nods his head. Oh yeah. Topanga can't believe they would do that without talking to her first. Shawn tries to tell her it wasn't a big deal, but Topanga knows better. She asks Corey, did you try to go down there to fix everything? Is that what you did? Superman? Shawn gets in the middle, telling her to knock it off. Corey traveled 100 miles on a Greyhound bus to find your parents and try to put them back together for you.

[Will Friedle]

He also has a car. Why are they on a bus?

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't know. He claims Corey was brilliant. And Topanga is curious.

[Ryder Strong]

Was he?

[Danielle Fishel]

He?

[Ryder Strong]

Was he brilliant?

[Danielle Fishel]

Was he?

[Will Friedle]

He was pushy and shouldn't have been there in the first place.

[Ryder Strong]

And also screw.

[Danielle Fishel]

Sean was right. Sean was right in the previous episode. These are adults. What if we ruined their lives?

[Dr. Joy Hardin Bradford]

Let's not do that.

[Ryder Strong]

This people.

[Danielle Fishel]

Sean says Corey made some really great moves and then quotes some of Cory's pleas. He tells your parents he forced him into a room.

[Ryder Strong]

Forced him into a room.

[Danielle Fishel]

Made them address relevant ahead of time.

[Ryder Strong]

He judged everybody for their life, everybody.

[Danielle Fishel]

For the way they talked. They were both upset at the end of it. And then we came back to you.

[Ryder Strong]

We have to keep a secret from you cuz you can't find out about your dad having an affair.

[Will Friedle]

Ladies and gentlemen, Cory.

[Danielle Fishel]

Matt.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Shawn says Cory made some really great moves. Then he quotes some of Cory's pleas. He tells Corey, you were good. Then he walks away. Topanga looks at Corey. Were you? He responds, I wanted to be. She asks what that means and he admits, I failed horribly. I don't think your parents are going to get back together. Topanga agrees and talks very quietly. I don't either. I just don't understand what could have happened between them. They were so in love. She asks Corey if he has any idea what could have happened to them. And he explains, no. Sometimes things just happen. But you were right. Everything I believed was wrong. Sometimes love just dies. Topanga's on the verge of tears and abruptly turns away from him. Just then, Feeny enters and everyone takes their seats. Sean asks Corey, now what? And Corey admits, now it's over. Feeny instructs the class to open their books to page 48. But Sean isn't done with Corey. Don't say that. You've never said that before. Corey sighs. Yeah, well, I never. I never believed it before either. Feeny turns their attention to the Cold War and we get a shot of Cory metaphor.

[Will Friedle]

It is from a high school textbook that they're learning in college for some reason.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep. Angela and Sean are also sitting directly beside each other. Also at a stalemate, much like the US And Russia during the Cold War. Oh, is that what you thought you could see?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

See, I thought everyone just wasn't warm, right?

[Ryder Strong]

Maybe you did.

[Will Friedle]

Hats and arms and we would have been fine. Oh, now it makes sense. Okay, great episode.

[Danielle Fishel]

The former.

[Ryder Strong]

Really insightful.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow.

[Will Friedle]

Just. I've changed my mind.

[Danielle Fishel]

The former couples glance at each other and the girls eventually look away, but the boys don't and we have our tag back in Eric and Jack's girly backstreet boys room. Eric's yelling at Jack, who's holding up a book of wallpaper samples. They can't have flowers in their new room. They need to pick something that says they're men. Jack suggests a new swatch Teddy bears. Eric perks up. Yeah, yeah, teddy bears. He turns around and asks, what do you think, Mankind? We reveal the wrestler is laying in the bed cuddled up with a hello Kitty plushie. I think the first thing you've got to do is take down that poster because the cute guy's staring at me. Eric and Jack are a little disturbed as Mankind creeps up to the poster. I hate being stared at. Eric immediately looks down at the floor to avoid his wrath, but Jack continues to look. Look. Oh no. I can't stop looking at him. After all, he's got leather straps on his face. Mankind reaches into his sweatpants and warns jack, I think it's time you met Mr. Sacco. The crowd cheers as he pulls out a long, white athletic sock from his waistband. Jack doesn't seem too scared at first, but Mankind then puts the sock over his arm and stuffs it in Jack's mouth, choking and pushing him down onto the bed. Eric pulls Mankind off of his friend and calls him a bully, and so is Mr. Socko. Eric is determined to stand up to him, just like Feeny told him to, and then they'll back down because they are bullies by definition. Mankind politely asks if Eric would like to fly through the air or go through the wall. Eric thinks about it for a moment and then decides, air, please. Mankind casually lifts him up over his head and we freeze. And that is our episode.

[Ryder Strong]

It's all.

[Danielle Fishel]

Did the recap change your opinion at all? Anyone?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, I guess a little bit.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ryder Strong]

I mean, it is.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

You know, I, I just, I was, I, I like the performances, you know, like.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I like, yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

I thought Ben doing drama. This was some of the best Corey drama I've seen in a while. Because he, he doesn't, he does, he doesn't do angry as much. You know, when he's, he's self righteous and he's do. But it's, it's not angry, Corey.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And it's sad and, and yeah, I thought, you know, the Sean Cory stuff was, was fine. So I just, I guess I, Yeah. Overlooked the lack of story.

[Danielle Fishel]

You are right. That the performances are all great because even though I don't love what they gave them, the parents are incredible. Like, everyone's so good, so it's hard to like hate it because there's nothing really bad to point to. It's just kind of like. Does any of this really make sense?

[Will Friedle]

No. It's just two absolute extremes taped together. It's absurd comedy put with absolute melodrama and then scotch taped together.

[Ryder Strong]

Isn't that season seven in a nutshell? Maybe.

[Will Friedle]

I don't know. But it worked in the last episode, I thought. Whereas this one again, I just, I also personally. And the performance was wonderful. I, I hated Corey in this episode. Absolutely.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Where it was like, mind your business. You are a child. What the hell are you doing in this married cut?

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, I just tells him that. No one ever says, like you, you are so out of line. Yeah, yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

It's A Feeny Cory moment would have been nice.

[Will Friedle]

Or an Allen Corey moment. A par moment where he goes, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And they're like, they're not in this episode, Right? No, none of the, I mean him.

[Will Friedle]

Saying, I'm going to Pittsburgh to save it and, And Allan going, no, you're not. How dare you. Like, that would have been a powerful thing. As opposed to me just watching this.

[Ryder Strong]

Or just making self righteous.

[Will Friedle]

Kid did. Yeah. Right.

[Ryder Strong]

If his, his plan is so ridiculous and over the top, you can't help but think it's kind of funny, you know, like it's going so far.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And Corey just, you know, messes everything up in a hysterical way because he's obsessed.

[Will Friedle]

Right.

[Ryder Strong]

That would have been funny.

[Will Friedle]

And it could have been. You know, it starts with a chart and it's him and it's like pointing at something. And Sean's like, where are we getting a helicopter. We'll figure it out. You know, like, like stuff like that.

[Ryder Strong]

Make it a big, big funny scheme.

[Will Friedle]

But okay, so one, one and one so far for me for season seven. So still hopeful? Still hopeful.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, our next episode is season seven, episode three, Angela's Men, which originally aired October 8, 1999. 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.

[Will Friedle]

You are my merchy merch.

[Danielle Fishel]

Pod meets WorldShow.com will send us out.

[Will Friedle]

We love you all. Pod dismissed. Pod Meets World is an iHeart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Ryder 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 superfan Easton Allen. Our theme song is by Kyle Morton of Typhoon and you can follow us on Instagram @podmeatsworld show or email us at podmeatsworldshowmail.com A decade ago, I was on the trail of one of the country's most elusive serial killers. But it wasn't until 2023 when he was finally caught. The answers were there, hidden in plain sight. So why did it take so long to catch him? I'm Josh Zieman and this is Monster Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer, the investigation into the most notorious killer in New York since the Son of Sam. Available now.

[Ed Helms]

Listen for free on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, everyone, it's Ed Helms.

[Will Friedle]

And I'm Kal Penn and we are the hosts of Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Ed Helms]

This week on the podcast, I am talking to film and TV critic, radio and podcast host and Harry Potter super fan Rhianna Dillon to discuss Audible's full cast adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What moments in this audiobook capture the feeling of the magical world best for you or just stood out the most?

[Danielle Fishel]

I always loved reading about the Quidditch matches and I think the audio really gets it because. Because it just plunges you right into the stands. You have the crowd sounds like all around you. It is surround sound, especially if you're listening in headphones.

[Ed Helms]

Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audio Book Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ryder Strong]

I actually drop better when I'm high.

[Danielle Fishel]

It heightens my senses, calms me down.

[Ryder Strong]

If anything, I'm more careful.

[Danielle Fishel]

Honestly, it just helps me focus.

[Ryder Strong]

That's probably what the driver who killed a four year old told himself. And now he's in prison.

[Ed Helms]

You see, no matter what you tell.

[Ryder Strong]

Yourself, if you feel different, you drive different.

[Ed Helms]

So if you're high, just don't drive.

[Ryder Strong]

Brought to you by NHTSA and the.

[Danielle Fishel]

Ad Council the show was ahead of its time to represent a black family in ways that television hadn't shown before. Exactly. It's Thelma Hopkins, also known as Aunt Rachel. And I'm Kellie Williams or Laura Winslow. On our podcast welcome to the Family with Thelma and Kelly. We're re watching every episode of Family Matters. We'll share behind the scenes stories about making the show.

[Katie Couric]

Yeah, we'll even bring in some special.

[Danielle Fishel]

Guests to spill some tea. Listen to welcome to the Family with Telma and and Kelly on the iHeartRadio.

[Katie Couric]

App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.