Podcast Summary: "Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)"
Episode: John Ratzenberger (Re-Release)
Release Date: April 23, 2025

Introduction: Celebrating a Legendary Cast Member

In this heartwarming episode of "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," hosts Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson reconnect with their longtime friend and Cheers co-star, John Ratzenberger. The episode serves as a tribute to Ratzenberger’s enduring legacy, both as Cliff Clavin on the iconic sitcom and as a prolific voice actor with over 22 Pixar films under his belt.

John Ratzenberger: From Audition to Iconic Mailman

Ted Danson kicks off the conversation by expressing his enthusiasm for revisiting Cheers-themed episodes, highlighting John Ratzenberger’s memorable role as Cliff Clavin. Ted introduces John warmly, emphasizing his impressive career and contributions to both television and animation.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [00:32]: “I remember thinking tomorrow's papers are going to say Cliff kills cast of Cheers.”
Woody humorously reflects on his initial skepticism about Cliff’s character becoming a beloved staple of the show.

John shares insightful anecdotes about how he pitched the over-the-top, know-it-all mail carrier personality to the Cheers writers. Without formal acting training, John’s natural knack for quirky, relatable characters shone through, earning him a permanent spot on the beloved sitcom.

Notable Quote:
John Ratzenberger [03:01]: “Perhaps his most famous role was on Cheers as the garrulous mail carrier, Cliff Clavin.”

Behind the Scenes: Friendship and Shared Memories

The camaraderie among the Cheers cast members is palpable as Woody Harrelson and George Wendt join John on the show. They reminisce about their days on set, the spontaneous laughs, and the deep bonds formed during the long hours of filming.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [04:14]: “We’re running out of people that know how to use tools. Literally. The airlines were running out of pilots of all things.”
Woody touches on his advocacy for reinstating shop classes, tying it back to their shared past and the practical skills that often go unnoticed.

Woody Harrelson’s Adventures: From Carpentry to Nearly Fatal Escapes

Woody delves into his diverse experiences outside the acting world, recounting a 4,000-mile driving trip across the United States. From trap and skeet shooting in Montana to rafting the Rogue River in Oregon, Woody’s tales are as adventurous as they are insightful.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [07:01]: “We were in big trouble when these idiots take over the country.”
Woody humorously reflects on a chaotic festival experience, showcasing his knack for storytelling.

He shares multiple near-death experiences, including a harrowing motorcycle crash and a terrifying incident on an oyster boat. These stories not only highlight his adventurous spirit but also his resilience and the role of fate in his life.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [35:36]: “And I knew enough that because of what I had on, I’d sink like a stone cold water, all that. But God in his wisdom sent a wave on the other side of the boat that tipped the boat more my way.”
Woody describes his miraculous survival during a perilous oyster boat storm, attributing his escape to divine intervention.

Creating Cliff Clavin: Inspiration and Execution

The discussion shifts to the creation of Cliff Clavin’s character. Without formal training, Woody recounts how he improvised during auditions, blending traits from his own life and observations of real-life know-it-alls.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [17:37]: “I just picked up on that kind of character. And I think I used a ballpoint pen from the desk in there and explained why the Bic pen was originally called a bitch pen and why they had to take the H off.”
Woody humorously details his inventive approach to developing Cliff’s backstory, adding a layer of authenticity to the character.

John praises Woody’s creativity, noting how Cliff’s character has remained a fan favorite over the years.

Life Beyond Cheers: Pixar and Personal Pursuits

The conversation naturally veers towards their post-Cheers endeavors. John proudly discusses his extensive work with Pixar, voicing characters in numerous beloved animated films.

Notable Quote:
John Ratzenberger [55:56]: “They go, that's great, man. You should be doing this a lot then. I never hear from them. It's kind of I kind of love it because it feels like I'm starting over in one area, but I cannot get arrested.”
John humorously touches on his consistent roles in Pixar projects, underlining his unique niche in the animation industry.

Woody shares his own ventures, including his foray into environmentally-friendly packaging with Sizzle Pack and collaborations with animation studios. Their mutual respect for each other’s work underscores the strength of their friendship.

Parenting and Personal Anecdotes: Laughs and Lessons

Both Woody and John share lighthearted stories about parenting, illustrating their playful and sometimes embarrassing antics designed to elicit laughter from their children.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [51:08]: “I would look for ways to embarrass them in public. I would go, honey, honey, I'm over here. I'm right here by the car. Come on, honey.”
Woody describes his intentional efforts to make his daughter laugh, highlighting his humorous approach to parenting.

These anecdotes not only provide comedic relief but also offer a glimpse into their nurturing sides, emphasizing the importance of joy and laughter in family life.

Advocacy and Environmental Concerns: Woody’s Passion Projects

Woody passionately discusses his environmental activism, particularly concerning the preservation of national forests. He details his efforts to combat clear-cutting practices and the impact of governmental policies on natural resources.

Notable Quote:
Woody Harrelson [57:02]: “We were creating no jobs, except for the...”
Woody expresses his frustration with environmental policies that seemingly benefit large corporations at the expense of sustainable practices.

Through these discussions, listeners gain insight into Woody’s commitment to environmental causes and the personal experiences that fuel his activism.

Closing: A Tribute to Friendship and Legacy

As the episode draws to a close, Ted Danson thanks John Ratzenberger for his time and contributions to the show. The trio shares heartfelt moments, celebrating their shared history and the lasting impact of their collaborative work on Cheers.

Notable Quote:
John Ratzenberger [62:52]: “Cannot tell you how many times you've made me laugh since my job. I mean, just watching old episodes. You are one funny, funny, funny man.”
John offers a touching commendation to Woody, encapsulating the warmth and camaraderie that defines their relationship.

Conclusion

This episode of "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" serves as both a nostalgic walk down memory lane and an insightful exploration of the lives and careers of three beloved actors. Through engaging storytelling, candid conversations, and shared laughter, Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, and John Ratzenberger honor their enduring friendship and the timeless legacy of Cheers.

Notable Quotes:

• Woody Harrelson [00:32]: “I remember thinking tomorrow's papers are going to say Cliff kills cast of Cheers.”
• John Ratzenberger [03:01]: “Perhaps his most famous role was on Cheers as the garrulous mail carrier, Cliff Clavin.”
• Woody Harrelson [17:37]: “I just picked up on that kind of character. And I think I used a ballpoint pen from the desk in there and explained why the Bic pen was originally called a bitch pen and why they had to take the H off.”
• Woody Harrelson [35:36]: “And God in his wisdom sent a wave on the other side of the boat that tipped the boat more my way.”
• John Ratzenberger [62:52]: “Cannot tell you how many times you've made me laugh since my job. You mean, just watching old episodes. You are one funny, funny, funny man.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a rich and engaging overview of the discussions, insights, and memorable moments shared by the hosts and their guest.