Podcast Summary: B&T Extra – Comedian/Actors Billy Gardell & Drew Powell

Release Date: June 25, 2025
Hosts: The BOB & TOM Show | Cumulus Podcast Network
Guests: Billy Gardell & Drew Powell

1. Introduction of Guests

In this episode of B&T Extra, hosts Bob and Tom welcome renowned comedian and actor Billy Gardell alongside fellow actor Drew Powell. The conversation promises a blend of humor, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and insightful discussions about the acting industry.

Notable Quote:
Tom (08:37): "Two great guests, the distinguished actor and comedian Billy Gardell, and an actor that's been a friend of the show for a while, played Hoss Cartwright."

2. Drew Powell's Experience on "The Ponderosa"

Drew Powell delves into his role in "The Ponderosa," a series adaptation of the classic American Western. He shares his audition experience, highlighting the unexpected atmosphere and the casting director's unique approach.

Notable Quote:
Drew Powell (02:12): "I walk into the audition room and it's no joke. It was like a bunch of chubby 12-year-olds and their moms in their little hats and vests. I'm like, oh, gee. This is some Sesame Street nonsense."

He further reminisces about working with David Dortort, the original creator, who provided invaluable historical insights and stories about television's evolution.

Notable Quote:
Drew Powell (02:46): "He was telling me stories about how he's like, well, I put up a million dollars and Ford put up a million dollars, and we decided to do the first color show on television. Real history dripping out of this dude's mouth. Total class act."

3. Filming Challenges in Australia

The discussion shifts to the logistics of filming "The Ponderosa" in Australia. Drew recounts the frequent interruptions caused by local wildlife, such as cockatoos and wallabies, which added unexpected twists to their scenes.

Notable Quote:
Drew Powell (03:28): "We shot, of course, the classic American Western. The number of times we had to stop for cockatoos through Wabe."

Billy Gardell humorously comments on the vastness of the set, likening it to covering most of Virginia.

4. The Didgeridoo Encounter

A memorable moment in the episode is the humorous exchange about the didgeridoo, an Australian wind instrument. Drew shares a funny story about meeting Brad Durif, the father of Fiona Durif, linking it to his personal life and divorce.

Notable Quote:
Drew Powell (04:46): "Hey, man. Hey, man. I said, you play the didgeridoo? Yeah, I learned it during my first divorce. It really helps me clear my mind."

Billy interjects with laughter, emphasizing the uniqueness of the instrument.

5. Residuals and Industry Realities

The conversation turns to the topic of residuals in the acting industry. Drew and Billy discuss the often confusing and minimal residual checks that actors receive, sharing amusing anecdotes about receiving negligible amounts like one cent.

Notable Quote:
Drew Powell (07:50): "I just got one the other day for one cent. Yeah, I've had a couple of those that you look at and you're like, it cost them more to mail."

Billy adds his perspective on residual negotiations, injecting humor into the challenges actors face.

6. Early Careers and Influence of Drama Teachers

Both guests reflect on their formative years, acknowledging the significant impact of dedicated drama teachers who recognized and nurtured their talents. This mentorship fueled their passion for acting and shaped their career trajectories.

Notable Quote:
Billy Gardell (11:16): "I had a great drama teacher in high school... He really changed my life."

Drew Powell (11:27): "Carol Bellis... she saw that I had the thing. She just encouraged me to pursue acting, and that changed everything."

7. Billy Gardell's Acting Journey

Billy Gardell shares insights into his journey from stand-up comedy to acting in sitcoms. He discusses his role as Colonel Tom Parker in the series "Sun Records," highlighting the challenges and rewards of portraying a complex character.

Notable Quote:
Billy Gardell (14:52): "It was great. It was directed by Roland Joffe and it was about the Million Dollar Quartet, Perkins and Cash and Elvis, remember?"

He also touches upon the creative process and character development, emphasizing the blend of likability and deviousness required for his role.

Notable Quote:
Billy Gardell (16:19): "When you play Colonel Parker... put a twinkle in your eyes. He was a con man, so you got to play him with a twinkle."

8. Discussions on Acting Process and Memorization

The guests delve into the intricacies of acting, particularly the memorization of lines. Billy explains his unique ability to retain lines by associating them with musical rhythms, while Drew emphasizes the importance of good writing for ease of memorization.

Notable Quote:
Billy Gardell (13:39): "I have a weird. It's musical to me. So once I hear it, it's in there."

Drew Powell (13:59): "Good writing is easy to memorize. Bad writing is impossible."

9. Anecdotes and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Throughout the episode, Billy and Drew share entertaining stories from their careers, including interactions with other actors, memorable auditions, and humorous on-set incidents. These anecdotes provide listeners with an authentic glimpse into the life of professional actors.

Notable Quote:
Billy Gardell (19:27): "They missed the boat on. We had Matt Jones. Matt Jones got that friend. He was on breaking the guy."

10. Closing Thoughts

As the episode winds down, the camaraderie between Billy and Drew shines through, highlighting the shared experiences and mutual respect among actors. They reflect on the joys and challenges of their profession, concluding with light-hearted banter and best wishes.

Notable Quote:
Christopher (18:37): "It's insane what we do. This is a dumb thing to do. It's insane. You're silly and dumb if you want to drive across the country to LA or New York and be a professional actor. But when you're doing it, it's the greatest thing in the world."

Conclusion:
This episode of B&T Extra offers a captivating exploration of the acting world through the eyes of Billy Gardell and Drew Powell. From audition tales and set antics to deep reflections on their craft, listeners are treated to a rich and engaging conversation that underscores the passion and perseverance required in the entertainment industry.