Podcast Summary: "Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson"
Episode: John Ratzenberger
Release Date: January 8, 2025

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," hosts Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson reconnect with their longtime friend and "Cheers" co-star, John Ratzenberger. Joined occasionally by fellow "Cheers" alumnus George Wendt, the trio delves deep into their shared past, personal anecdotes, and the enduring bonds formed during their time on the iconic sitcom. Skipping over the usual advertisements and promotional segments, this summary captures the essence of their engaging conversation.

1. Welcoming John Ratzenberger

[01:03] Ted Danson:
Ted kicks off the episode by introducing John Ratzenberger, highlighting his role as Cliff Clavin on "Cheers," his Emmy nomination, and his extensive work as a voice actor in 22 Pixar movies. Ted expresses genuine gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect after many years.

[01:44] Woody Harrelson:
Woody playfully confuses John with himself, showcasing the camaraderie and long-standing friendship between the hosts and their guest.

2. Woody’s 4,000-Mile Driving Trip and Activism

[02:49] Woody Harrelson:
Woody shares details of his recent 4,000-mile driving expedition across the United States, traversing states from Arizona to Oregon. He recounts his spontaneous decision to embrace the moment, emphasizing his lack of a set itinerary.

[04:28] Woody Harrelson:
Woody delves into his activism efforts, particularly his campaign to reinstate shop classes in schools. He passionately discusses the dwindling number of skilled tradespeople, likening it to the shortage of airline pilots and railroad maintenance workers.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [04:30]:
"We've literally running out of people that know how to use tools. Literally, the airlines, we're running out of pilots of all things. Railroads... the railroads falling off of, you know, the tracks."

3. Memories from "Cheers" and Audition Tales

[10:53] John Ratzenberger:
John reminisces about Woody's versatile acting roles in Europe before joining "Cheers," noting Woody's frequent portrayals of American soldiers in war films.

[11:02] Woody Harrelson:
Woody humorously explains how his consistent appearance made him a natural fit for uniformed roles, eventually leading to his iconic portrayal of Cliff Clavin.

[14:18] John Ratzenberger:
John challenges Woody's anecdote about the Bic pen's origin story, prompting Woody to confirm its authenticity and share his love for obscure facts.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [14:23]:
"I've always been a collector of arcane thoughts and facts, so I get a kick out of it."

4. Personal Life and Parenting Stories

[25:26] John Ratzenberger:
John asks Woody about his most significant influences growing up, leading Woody to reflect on his time in Europe and the resilience it instilled in him.

[43:11] John Ratzenberger:
John inquires about Woody’s parents, prompting Woody to share touching memories of his mother fostering his love for dismantling and rebuilding things from a young age.

[49:11] John Ratzenberger:
John highlights Woody’s playful and sometimes embarrassing parenting style, sharing stories of Woody's antics during school pickups that amuse the family.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [51:08]:
"I would look for ways to embarrass them in public. I would... they deserve this."

5. Adventures and Misadventures: Boating and Motorcycles

[27:31] Woody Harrelson:
Woody narrates a harrowing boating experience where accidental mushroom ingestion led to a tumultuous journey back amidst worsening weather. His storytelling captures the intensity and humor of the situation.

[35:23] Woody Harrelson:
Woody recounts a motorcycle crash incident during a fundraising event, detailing the chaos and near-tragic consequences. His tale underscores the unpredictability of adventures and the role of fate in survival.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [37:08]:
"God in his wisdom sent a wave on the other side of the boat that tipped the boat more my way. And I was able to grab the boat."

6. Environmental Advocacy and Entrepreneurship

[55:39] Woody Harrelson:
Woody discusses his venture, Sizzle Pack, an eco-friendly packaging company designed as a sustainable alternative to Styrofoam. He elaborates on the design and global impact of the product, reflecting his commitment to environmental causes.

[56:34] George Wendt:
George shifts the conversation to Woody's environmental concerns, specifically addressing the rampant clear-cutting of national forests. Woody explains the loopholes exploited by companies to legally ship milled wood overseas, emphasizing the detrimental effects on local ecosystems and employment.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [58:13]:
"The law was you can't ship a whole tree. It has to be milled. So what they would do is just cut a wide patch down the side of the tree... and they would ship it to Japanese building ships."

7. Pixar and Voice Acting

[53:11] Woody Harrelson:
Woody touches upon his relationship with Pixar, discussing his extensive work as a voice actor and his continued collaborations, even after moving away from Pixar directly.

[54:23] John Ratzenberger:
John shares his positive experiences with voiceover work, expressing a desire to engage more despite the challenges, and humorously notes his roles are typically non-arrestable characters.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [54:27]:
"I think because once you made them big, they just... who needs a lucky charm?"

8. Reflecting on "Cheers" and Legacy

[21:00] Woody Harrelson:
Woody reflects on "Cheers" as an ever-favorite experience, appreciating the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of the show's writing, which kept the cast engaged every week.

[22:18] Woody Harrelson:
He shares behind-the-scenes details, such as directing segments like the "squeaky shoes" episode, showcasing his creative contributions to the show.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [21:35]:
"Every time you turn the page, it was like a little Christmas present."

9. Closing Thoughts and Mutual Appreciation

As the conversation winds down, Ted, Woody, and John express their mutual appreciation and affection. They share laughs over past memories, discuss the challenges and joys of parenthood, and reminisce about their time on "Cheers." The episode concludes with heartfelt thank-yous and reflections on enduring friendships.

[61:18] John Ratzenberger:
"Cannot tell you how many times you've made me laugh since. I mean, just watching old episodes. You are one funny, funny man."

Conclusion

This episode of "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" serves as a nostalgic journey through the lives of three close friends bound by their shared history on "Cheers." From Woody's activism and adventurous spirit to John's illustrious voice acting career and Ted's steady presence, the conversation is rich with humor, insight, and heartfelt moments. Listeners are treated to an intimate look at the personal and professional lives of these beloved actors, underscored by their enduring camaraderie and mutual respect.