That Sounds Like A Lot with Matt Buechele

Matt Buechele revisits a lesson from his dad about showing up for other people, courtesy of a trip to see Billy Crystal’s one-man Broadway show, 860.

Then Matt sits down with Jeopardy! legend Amy Schneider, who rattled off 40 consecutive wins before taking home the 2022 Tournament of Champions title. Amy talks about her theater-kid beginnings, the years she spent trying to get on Jeopardy!, and the strange mental marathon of filming five games in a single day. They get into the surreal experience of becoming a household name, what it meant to be a trans woman on one of America's most beloved television shows, and the unexpected messages from families whose minds she helped change. Plus, Matt and Amy predict the future of unnecessary reboots, Elizabeth Holmes' chances at a presidential pardon, and whether AI might finally be the one contestant Jeopardy! can't beat.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Amy Schneider and her historic forty-game jeopardy streak

00:04:19 Childhood theater, Shakespeare, and performing in backyard plays

00:09:20 New York theater and looking back at acting aspirations

00:13:28 Late adult ADHD diagnosis, medication, and mental clarity

00:18:03 COVID delays, audition stories, and show preparation

00:22:41 Intense pressure of five daily tapings and high-stress gameplay

00:27:07 Trivia strategies, conservative daily double wagers, and math systems

00:33:04 Leaving a twenty-year career as a manager in Bay area tech

00:36:26 Trans community, national exposure, and meaningful fan stories

00:41:50 Cultural progress, social media habits, and advice for trans youth

00:45:40 Predictions about pop culture reboots and celebrity pardons

00:51:00 Future of jeopardy in the age of AI and promoting her book

Topics:

Amy Schneider's historic forty-game win streak on Jeopardy

10 years of auditions before making the game show stage

Late adult ADHD diagnosis and peak brain performance

Buzzer timing at home and mental strategies for taping days

California taxes on a $1.3M lump sum payout

Leaving a twenty-year tech career in corporate tech

Impact of trans representation on heritage television

Shakespeare and stand-up comedy built memory and storytelling skills

Community and peace of mind in WNBA women's basketball fandom

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Matt kicks things off with his take on Shane Gillis’s SNL monologue, the state of comedy, and his growing suspicion that America has developed a soft spot for mediocrity.

Then acclaimed novelist Catherine Lacey joins the show for a conversation about the strange power of fiction, adapting her novel Pew into an opera, and her adventures writing a comedy film. Catherine reflects on turning 40, her writing process and what keeps her coming back to the page. Plus, ghostly encounters in Mexico, her favorite books and why she hopes the Southern accent never disappears.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Shane Gillis monologue and modern comedy mediocrity

00:04:12 Catherine Lacey and reading the New Yorker fiction podcast

00:08:18 Book promotion, writing as a job, and stage anxiety

00:12:30 Airplane hijackings and writing a novel about real crime

00:16:30 Tupelo upbringing, religious kid, and early writing ideas

00:20:45 Shakespeare camp, boarding school, and granddad's savings

00:25:30 Religion in fiction and adapting Pew into an opera

00:30:45 Writing plays, a new novel, and pivoting to comedy

00:35:10 Grad school workshop memories with top journalists

00:39:45 Personal exposure in novels and bad TV interviews

00:44:15 Learning Spanish, crying in class, and the limits of foreign humor

00:48:15 The power of fiction and foreign author recommendations

00:53:10 Political splits, ghosts in Oaxaca, and southern accents

Topics:

Hermit crab writing process and novel drafting isolation

Book tour burnout versus working commercial kitchen shifts

Childhood evangelical upbringing in Tupelo Mississippi

Shakespeare camp experience with teacher Shaq Van Duzen

Hardware store savings funding boarding school education

Historical perspective on 1970s Mexican plane hijackings

Adapting the novel Pew into a French opera libretto

Co-writing a feature comedy screenplay in Mexico City

Unlearning New York stress and turning 40 in Mexico

Why life is not personal, philosophy in literary fiction

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Matt danced all night seeing the band Geese at Forest Hills Stadium and shares that getting out, dancing, and sweating alongside other people can be a great antidote to feeling down.

Then Matt sits with Scott Rogowsky to revisit the rise and fall of HQ Trivia, the viral moments, what derailed the company, and why Scott is betting his own money on a new live gaming app, Savvy. Plus, they debate whether Phish will ever play the Super Bowl halftime show, who will be the last late-night host standing, and whether the Mets will ever win another World Series.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Scott Rogowsky, custom suits, sports card relics, and comedy

00:04:42 Live late-night talk shows to viral internet video formats

00:09:12 Traditional stand-up comedy led to creative freedom

00:13:38 Perfectionism, workaholism, and high-pressure creative careers

00:18:02 Trading cards at Topps to a path in entertainment

00:22:20 Imposter syndrome and making sense of modern digital trends

00:26:48 Rise, cultural phenomenon, and scale of HQ Trivia

00:31:02 BTS chaos, missed career moves, and corporate dysfunction

00:35:30 Trying to save a sinking ship and the birth of the new Savvy app

00:39:58 Nostalgic broadcast history and building a live interactive network

00:41:35 Predictions on the Super Bowl, Phish, late-night television, and the Mets

00:45:00 Live musical interludes, and thoughts on inner peace

Topics:

The rise, viral peak, and chaotic collapse of HQ Trivia

Self-funding Savvy, a new live interactive game show app

Imposter syndrome and the internal conflict of viral success

Going on a seven-day phone-free digital detox at the Hoffman Process

Quitting stand-up comedy due to OCD and ADHD to pursue live hosting

Perfectionism, catastrophizing, and midlife epiphanies

Preserving energy, escaping political outrage, letting go

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Matt Buechele reflects on the state of American politics, the temptation to give in to doom and gloom, and why he still feels hopeful about the future.

Then Matt sits down with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, the youngest woman serving in Congress. She talks about her Iranian-American family, her work at the United Nations, and the war in Iran. They discuss sanctions and internet access for Iranians, the fight to regulate AI, and the growing backlash against data centers. Yassamin also explains why she thinks Americans need to get more involved in peaceful protest, what Democrats could do if they win the House in the midterms, and why election integrity matters. Plus, Matt and Yassamin make predictions about which pop star might run for Congress, the next big bachelor party destination, and whether Taylor Swift will win an Oscar before Tom Cruise.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Rep. Yassamin Ansari on youth in politics and serving in DC

00:04:48 Flight anxiety, Global Citizen Festival trauma, and congressional voting

00:09:02 Iranian heritage, parents fleeing revolution, and American democracy

00:13:31 War with Iran, foreign policy decisions, and military intelligence

00:18:02 Impact of sanctions, internet access, and target limitations

00:22:39 Epstein files, White House situation room, and government oversight

00:27:06 Congressional accountability, subpoena power, and holding leaders responsible

00:31:31 AI risks, data centers, and global technology regulation

00:36:08 Public activism, city council pushback, and fighting voter apathy

00:40:48 Midterm election strategy, election integrity, and youth voter turnout

00:45:04 Unwinding from DC politics, book recommendations, and daily schedule

00:49:49 Scottsdale nightlife, pop culture predictions, and Taylor Swift tour

Topics:

Serving as the youngest woman in Congress at age 34.

Political career as an Iranian-American Democrat.

Mother fleeing the 1979 Iranian revolution.

Fragility of civil rights and American democracy.

US foreign policy, sanctions, and military action in Iran.

White House transparency regarding intelligence and foreign conflicts.

Government accountability and the Epstein files cover-up.

Existential risks of unregulated artificial intelligence.

Local environmental impacts of AI data centers on water and power.

Youth political activation and grassroots protest movements.

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Matt Buechele spends a rainy weekend inside doing crossword puzzles, complaining about the news, and living like an 85-year-old.

Then Matt sits down with musician and comedian Kyle Gordon to talk about going from UCB improv and making dumb songs with friends to accidentally going viral with “Planet of the Bass” – and the backlash that followed from fans and even Rolling Stone. Kyle also gets into his new album Kyle Gordon Is Everywhere, getting jacked for a Christmas song, and traveling to Eswatini to shoot “Mr. Jambo.” Plus, they make predictions about bras being thrown onstage, Taylor Swift’s next album, and whether Paul McCartney or Mick Jagger will live longer.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Kyle Gordon on viral songs, tour prep, and losing his voice

00:04:48 Live show stage elements and touring new cities

00:09:02 Learning production, making beats, and early parody influences

00:13:31 Cutting his teeth doing live comedy and improv at UCB

00:18:02 Running marathons and taking time for mental clarity

00:22:39 Fitness culture, ultramarathons, and extreme haunted houses

00:27:06 Experiences in immersive theater and dating an actress

00:31:31 Parent reactions to viral success and writing genre parodies

00:36:08 Planet of the Bass virality, fan controversies, and music video rollouts

00:40:48 Getting in shape for the Steinman-inspired Christmas song video

00:45:04 Shooting the Mr. Jambo music video on location in Africa

00:49:49 Predictions on tour energy and Taylor Swift's next album release

Topics:

Kyle Gordon tour and vocal strain

Making hip-hop beats in Cubase

Flight of the Conchords impact

Improv background at UCB and Magnet

Distance running as a meditation

Planet of the Bass viral rollout

Filming Mr Jambo music video

Extreme haunted house experiences

Americana Heartland rock parody

New album release and tour plans

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Matt Buechele goes to a sweet sixteen and gets a front-row seat to the strange world of teenage birthday parties, complete with photo booths, the Cupid Shuffle, and an alarming number of boys with the same haircut.

Then Matt sits down with Emmy-nominated writer and comedian Nimesh Patel to talk about becoming a dad, turning down a $120k comedy gig in Saudi Arabia, and his complicated relationship with money. They discuss how Chris Rock saw Nimesh perform and, three months later he was writing for the Oscars, followed by a year at Saturday Night Live. Nimesh also talks about his new Netflix special Buy the Dip, political comedy, crowd work, family group chats, and finding ways to make people laugh about complicated subjects without talking down to them. Plus, Matt and Nimesh make predictions about AI comedy festivals, celebrity advertising, and if the Knicks players will visit the White House.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Nimesh Patel’s Netflix special Buy the Dip and economic anxiety

00:05:01 Comedy in Louisiana and examining political divides

00:10:02 Political views, family, and dealing with media chaos

00:15:01 Fatherhood, playing basketball, and mental resets

00:20:01 How Chris Rock discovered Nimesh Patel in a Brooklyn bar

00:25:01 Writing for Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update

00:30:01 Pitching sketches at SNL and learning industry lessons

00:35:01 Navigating political comedy during the Trump era

00:40:01 Nimesh's new Netflix special and handling the family group chat

00:45:01 Audience behavior during stand-up shows and comedy craft

00:50:01 AI comedy festivals, polymarket, and celebrity endorsement deals

00:52:57 Predicting the New York Knicks White House visit

Topics:

Chris Rock discovering Nimesh Patel

Writing for Saturday Night Live

First Indian writer in SNL history

Turning down $125k for a show in Saudi Arabia

Fatherhood and financial ethics

The strategy behind crowd work

Highlights from Buy the Dip special

Economic anxiety and supply chains

Media capture and political debates

Celebrity ads and sports betting

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Matt Buechele heads to the US Open, drinks a few Honey Deuces, and learns about Heineken Silver.

Then Matt sits down with comedian and writer Andrew Collin to talk about gambling addiction and going too hard in Atlantic City. They discuss Andrew’s work with Nikki Glaser, opening for her across Europe, going from Knoxville to Paris, and the differences between American and European comedy audiences. They also get into stand-up in the age of crowd-work clips, the pressure to constantly feed the algorithm, writing political comedy without becoming a political commentator, and why it can feel impossible to stop chasing the next thing. Plus, they make predictions about prediction markets, the Super Bowl halftime show, and pumpkin spice drinks.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Learning instruments and faking orchestra performances

00:04:08 Bonding with family over Meat Loaf and Tom Petty concerts

00:08:22 Finding comfort in boredom and sports vs. arts culture

00:11:03 Weddings at Mar-A-Lago and growing up in Florida

00:16:30 College blackjack addiction and getting shot at by a bird

00:20:07 Sports gambling apps and writing for the Golden Globes

00:23:02 European tour stories and testing French jokes on stage

00:27:00 Writing on the Tom Brady roast and changing stand-up culture

00:30:15 Navigating social media pressure and joke writing processes

00:35:33 Political comedy, Trump fatigue, and outrage in late night

00:40:02 Predicting the future of prediction markets and Super Bowl acts

00:44:48 Discussing open mic culture and starting over on podcasts

Topics:

Fake playing cello in school orchestra

Bonding over Meatloaf with his father

Growing up Jewish in rural Florida

Attending an all-Christian school

College gambling and blackjack addiction

Performing standup comedy in Paris

Clip culture and crowd work impact

Writing jokes for the Tom Brady roast

Navigating NYC real estate and rent

Polymarket and Super Bowl predictions

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Matt Buechele spots Zohran Mamdani riding his bicycle through the park with four guys in suits, kind of like The Sandlot, but with city government.

Then he sits down with filmmaker, writer, director, and producer Jonah Feingold to talk about his new movie Busboys, starring Theo Von and David Spade. They chat about Jonah’s childhood obsession with Hook, his internship with Hans Zimmer, his love of 1940s comedies, and why he decided to stop waiting for Hollywood to give him permission to make things. Plus, Matt and Jonah make predictions about the next You’ve Got Mail, the future of dating shows, and never working with AI actors.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Directing Busboys starring Theo Von and David Spade

00:03:22 Navigating dyslexia and reading classic books for writing

00:07:38 Finding inspiration in 1940s screwball comedies

00:13:00 Script writing process and leather notebook hierarchy

00:16:38 Childhood obsession with Captain Hook and character costumes

00:20:02 Analyzing Disney World Imagineering and fandom culture

00:24:21 Interning for Hans Zimmer and observing famous directors

00:29:01 Collaborating with film composers on custom character themes

00:30:33 Landing the job to direct Busboys for Hulu

00:36:37 Independent filmmaking hustle and securing brand sponsorships

00:41:02 Launching Romantic media brand and pitching new scripts

00:46:15 Movie predictions and modern rom com reboots

Topics:

Jonah Feingold on directing Busboys

Interning for composer Hans Zimmer

Writing scripts with dyslexia

Influence of 1940s screwball comedy

Pitching and financing indie films

Working with David Spade and Theo Von

Creating character themes with music

The reality of Hollywood spec deals

Building the romantic media brand

Disney World design and fandom culture

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Matt Buechele wonders whether American capitalism has finally become too absurd to parody.

Then Matt sits down with actor, writer, and comedian Liza Treyger to talk about expensive handbags, her obsession with Heated Rivalry, and how the show inspired her to brush up on her Russian. They discuss her newfound love of reading, and why books have changed the way she writes and sees the world. Liza and Matt also get into why podcast bros appeal to men, women’s increasing independence, and the strange power of celebrity culture. Plus, they make predictions about THC-infused food, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and whether America could one day elect a comedian president.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Buying a $3,000 YSL bag for a book

00:03:48 Obsessing over Heated Rivalry

00:07:22 Finding 1 of 8 designer bags in the country

00:11:03 Social media addiction and Soviet Ukraine roots

00:15:08 Hiring a Russian professor to book auditions

00:18:22 Olivia Wilde, Keke Palmer, and talking shit

00:21:48 Male entitlement and why men fear single women

00:25:47 Trump, political comedy, and the Reagan effect

00:29:16 Matt reveals his Law & Order SVU history

00:33:06 Reading books to cure creative depression

00:37:05 THC salami and Taylor Swift wedding gossip

00:41:00 Choosing Wanda Sykes for president

Topics:

Buying a luxury bag for a book

Obsessing over Heated Rivalry fandom

Learning Russian for acting roles

Soviet Ukraine roots and identity

Male entitlement and incel culture

Critiquing podcasters and politics

Host reveals Law & Order SVU history

How reading books cured depression

THC salami and celebrity gossip

Nominating Wanda Sykes for president

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Matt Buechele has been catcalled twice by the same mysterious man on a Citi Bike and wonders what, exactly, you’re supposed to do when someone yells “great ass” directly into your ear.

Then Matt sits down with comedian Caitlin Peluffo to talk about her experience on Netflix’s Funny AF with Kevin Hart, including the challenge of roasting Marshawn Lynch and making it to the finale. They discuss Caitlin’s unconventional path from performance art to stand-up, what it’s like watching her career take off, therapy, growing up Catholic, dating, and the dangers of spending too much time on your phone. Plus, Matt and Caitlin make predictions about subway dicks, meeting the Pope, and the next big dating-app gimmick.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Caitlin Peluffo, city life, and early success

00:04:37 Small comforts, travel routines, and touring North Carolina

00:07:26 Handling canceled shows, burnout, and starting therapy

00:11:38 Auditioning for Netflix's Funny AF and reality TV psych evals

00:16:05 Roasting Marshawn Lynch on television while he had the mic

00:20:38 Handling sudden public recognition and fan interactions

00:22:37 College soccer at UCSD and pursuing fine arts degrees

00:26:06 Experiential art projects and discovering stand-up comedy

00:32:21 Zodiac signs, tongue readings, and encounters with psychics

00:37:41 Catholic upbringing, family politics, and childhood road trips

00:45:31 Screen time habits, social media anxiety, and career pressure

00:49:16 Future predictions, public urinals, and post-show tour plans

Topics:

Auditioning and competing on Netflix's Funny AF

How therapy helped Caitlin relax before sets

Overcoming childhood anxiety about reading out loud

Roasting NFL legend Marshawn Lynch on live TV

Getting in trouble for slapping a dead pig at Pratt

Taking beta blockers to prevent stage anxiety

Performing on Fallon and her dad's funny reaction

Shifting from college soccer at UCSD to stand-up

Handling weird and creepy DMs from viral crowd work

Selling out the historic Gramercy Theater in NYC

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Matt Buechele attends a City Hall wedding and wonders whether love is real and lasting or simply about finding someone to ride the life roller coaster with when the world gets scary.

Then Matt sits down with comedian Chloe Radcliffe to talk about her journey from managing soda inventory at Target to stand-up, screenwriting, and her solo show Cheat. They discuss speech and debate, finding comedy after getting laid off, writing a movie for a major studio before knowing how to write a movie, and the terrifying experience of realizing nobody in the room knows what they’re doing. Chloe also opens up about cheating, monogamy, desire, emotional affairs, and why turning the worst parts of yourself into comedy can feel like a form of bloodletting.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Chloe Radcliffe, screenwriting, phone addiction, hometowns

00:05:25 Overcoming phone addiction and managing career anxiety

00:11:07 Channeling ambitious energy into stand-up comedy and writing

00:17:12 Transitioning from speech and debate to comedy stages

00:22:45 Navigating corporate life at Target HQ and supply chain work

00:28:10 Leaving corporate supply chain for full-time comedy

00:33:50 Selling movie pitches to Sony without experience

00:39:25 Invisible industry work and Hollywood screenwriting realities

00:44:50 Creating the solo show Cheat and sharing radical honesty

00:50:15 Exploring emotional cheating and the psychology of infidelity

00:55:40 Examining love versus desire in modern relationships

01:01:05 Baby talk and lack of dishonesty impact relationships

Topics:

Managing soda inventory at target hq

Speech and debate as comedy training

Pitching to Sony without experience

Learning studio screenwriting on the job

Managing screen time and phone habits

Compulsive radical honesty with bosses

Origin of the solo comedy show Cheat

Sleeping with the FedEx delivery guy

Navigating love vs. sexual desire

Defining the lines of emotional affairs

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Matt Buechele talks about influencer culture, a corgi who became internet-famous from inside a backpack, and the strange ways the internet shapes how we see ourselves and each other.

Then Matt sits down with comedian, writer, and podcast host Akilah Hughes to talk about her podcast, Rebel Spirit, which follows her return to her Kentucky high school to push for replacing its Confederate mascot with a biscuit. They discuss why people hold onto Confederate symbols, and the challenge of changing traditions. They also reminisce about their Saturday Night Live auditions and talk about internet outrage, parasocial relationships, and when to stop taking the internet’s bait.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Akilah Hughes, What a Day podcast, career pivots

00:04:14 Discussing Rebel Spirit and historical mascot debates

00:08:03 Examining public reactions to monument removal and social change

00:13:19 Navigating life in New York versus California

00:17:06 Reflecting on hosting news podcasts during turbulent times

00:22:50 Auditioning for Saturday Night Live during the pandemic

00:31:58 Facing the challenges of acting auditions and industry dynamics

00:36:24 Unpacking internet outrage and online commentary

00:41:29 Debating parasocial obsession and body image in social media

00:46:25 Playing small D energy with political tropes

00:51:41 Predicting the next viral internet animal

00:55:08 Guessing future video game characters and political figures

Topics:

Akilah Hughes: comedy and podcasting

The pandemic SNL audition process on Zoom

Changing the rebel high school mascot

Auditioning for Colin Jost & Michael Che

Hollywood’s struggle with podcasting

Impact of southern history & statues

Ariana grande, body image culture, media gaslighting

Work life in NYC vs. Los Angeles

Predicting the next viral character on Fortnite

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Matt Buechele has a message: go out. Say yes to the party, text back that Hinge match, find the afters, and stop letting your phone become your entire social life. It’s time to raise the Q3 numbers, bring back bacchanalia, and fight back against a year that’s been screwing us all.

Former New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander joins Matt to talk about the wild year that took him from being arrested at an ICE protest to becoming the Democratic nominee for Congress. He tells Matt what happened when he tried to help an immigrant leaving immigration court, why he chose to cross-endorse Zohran Mamdani in the NY mayoral race, and how he learned to put the team ahead of his own political ambitions. Plus, Brad and Matt talk about Eric Adams, the future of New York, housing, public schools, and Brad’s surprisingly strong opinions on fizzy iced coffee.

Topics:

NYC political career and campaign

ICE protests and civil disobedience

Immigration and economic drivers

Lessons from the NYC mayoral race

Ranked choice voting strategy

Housing costs and rent affordability

Public transit and infrastructure

Education and school integration

Foreign policy and Middle East stance

Predictions on politics and NYC trends

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Matt Buechele explores the strange cultural phenomenon of turning adorable animals into internet celebrities, why we become so invested in their lives, and what happens when our favorite feel-good stories start competing with an endless stream of bad news.

Then Matt is joined by writer, comedian, and actor Gil Ozeri, whose uniquely absurd comedy has made him a cult favorite through his legendary Snapchat videos, Big Mouth, Happy Endings, Comedy Bang! Bang!, and more. They talk about committing completely to a bit, creating comedy that's impossible to describe until you experience it, his unforgettable Bane impression, and the long, weird path to making a career out of making people laugh. They also discuss letting go of perfectionism, surviving a rapidly changing entertainment industry, and Gil makes predictions about the future of The Simpsons, Toy Story, and which fast-food chain is primed for a comeback.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Shooting new show 100% with Nick Kroll

00:02:37 Surreal Snapchat videos and early bits

00:08:06 Creating absurd brand sponsorships

00:13:54 Commitment to committing to the bit

00:19:15 Breaking into comedy writing in your 30s

00:24:32 Navigating TV writers rooms

00:30:10 Improv training and early stage career

00:35:48 Pitching TV shows in Hollywood

00:41:15 Writing for Big Mouth and animated TV

00:46:30 Evolution of internet comedy and social media

00:52:10 Iconic Comedy Bang Bang impressions

00:57:25 Fast food marketing and subway rebranding

Topics:

Shooting new show with Nick Kroll

Surreal Snapchat comedy bits

Creating absurd brand sponsorships

The art of committing to the bit

Breaking into TV writing in your 30s

Navigating Hollywood writers' rooms

Improv roots and early stage career

Pitching original TV shows

Writing for Big Mouth & animation

Iconic Comedy Bang Bang impressions

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Matt Buechele imagines what The Odyssey would look like if it were directed by some of Hollywood’s biggest filmmakers. From Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler and Wes Anderson, to Quentin Tarantino, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emerald Fennell, Martin Scorsese, and Guillermo del Toro, he reimagines Homer’s epic through each director’s unmistakable style.

Then Matt sits down with comedian and writer Tess Gattuso to talk about stepping away from social media and what brought her back. They discuss making comedy in the age of algorithms, building a creative career, caring for loved ones with dementia, the frustrations of the American healthcare system, political activism, wellness culture, neurodiversity, and why real-life community matters more than ever.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Tess Gattuso multi-talents must stay optimistic

00:05:14 Buffy the Vampire Slayer and 30 Rock influences

00:10:59 High school activism and finding your voice

00:15:54 Systemic failures in the American healthcare system

00:19:14 Why I quit social media at my career peak

00:24:53 Reclaiming your nervous system from the internet

00:30:44 Behind the scenes of launching Barbie’s TikTok

00:36:55 Navigating political polarization in comedy

00:42:08 The rise of McWellness and health grifters

00:46:35 Medical gaslighting and the 10-year diagnosis loop

00:53:51 Surviving Hollywood with delusional belief in your work

01:01:48 Navigating a career with an ADHD diagnosis

Topics:

Quitting social media at its peak

Managing digital burnout and health

Behind the scenes: Barbie TikTok

Activism and writing with Jane Fonda

The 10-year diagnosis loop for women

Systemic failures in US healthcare

Caregiving for paranoid schizophrenia

Delusional belief in creative work

Modern LA wellness culture and robots

ADHD diagnosis and neurodivergence

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Matt Buechele breaks down how Congress keeps getting older, but nobody seems to have a plan for what happens when elected officials freeze mid-speech, disappear for months, or quietly leave office without anyone noticing. He also gets into the growing trend of family members stepping in to keep political dynasties alive, and argues that if you’re asking the country to trust you with the government, the least you can do is let us know where you are.

Then, comedian, songwriter, and The Tonight Show writer Brooks Allison joins Matt for a conversation about comedy, music, and what happened after “Planet of the Bass” became a Billboard-charting hit. They talk about writing for late-night TV, chasing creative ideas, confess their favorite ways to procrastinate (including Grand Theft Auto), and explain why posting sincere music online can be scarier than telling jokes.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Brooks Allison, Comedy glow-ups and splurging on gear

00:05:07 Performing live comedy vs. late night writing

00:10:13 The viral success of Planet of the Bass

00:15:18 Behind the scenes at the the Tonight Show

00:20:20 The realities of late night tv production

00:25:26 Internet culture, outrage, and goldfish brains

00:30:32 Navigating work mistakes and corporate culture

00:35:34 Brooks Allison’s solo music and balancing creative work

00:40:36 High school music nostalgia and loving The Shins

00:45:39 Unwinding with video games and living with cats

00:50:41 Future career predictions

Topics:

Fan of late night to TV writer

Writer on strike in 2023

Splurging on a $3,000 Gibson guitar

The stress of walking cats in public

Writing for The Tonight Show

Making the viral Planet of the Bass

How the internet ruined our focus

Houston Cougars sports fans

Nostalgia for The Shins

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Matt Buechele takes aim at the political double standards that are driving the country apart, asking why some scandals end careers while others barely register. From Graham Platner’s failed Senate campaign to President Trump’s $5 million civil judgment, what does accountability even mean anymore?

Fred Armisen joins Matt in Los Angeles to talk about filming Wednesday in Ireland, the enduring magic of Hollywood, self-driving cars, and why no one notices the things you’re most self-conscious about. They also dive into Saturday Night Live, with Fred sharing stories about legendary castmates, sketches that bombed, the surprising origins of “The Californians,” and returning for the show’s 50th anniversary. Plus, they discuss music, Devo, the B-52s, and Fred’s 100 Sound Effects album before wrapping up with a round of predictions about Lorne Michaels, UFOs, and Broadway.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Fred Armisen, Wednesday S3, and Studio Magic

00:05:42 Waymo Logistics and Bullying Delivery Robots

00:11:30 Mastering the Perfect Fred Armisen Impression

00:17:15 Pitching "The Snob Test" Reality TV Idea

00:23:00 The Genius of the 2000s SNL Cast

00:28:45 Behind the Scenes of The Californians Sketch

00:34:30 Backstage at the SNL 50th Anniversary

00:40:15 Drumming for Devo and the B-52s Live

00:46:00 Pittsburgh Hype and the Stomp Clap Hey Era

00:51:45 Creating the 100 Sound Effects Album

00:57:30 Lorne Michaels and the Future of SNL

01:03:15 UFO Skepticism and Broadway Musical Dreams

Topics:

Filming Wednesday Season 3 in Ireland

Survival tips for New York subways

The danger of LA delivery robots

Pitching The Snob Test reality show

Inside the SNL genius all-star cast

How The Californians became a hit

Drumming for Devo and B-52s live

Why Lorne Michaels won't retire

The era of Stomp Clap Hey music

UFOs and why aliens are bored of us

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America just turned 250, and Matt Buechele argues that it doesn't need another culture war—it needs a constitutional rewrite. His proposed amendments tackle everything from celebrity gambling ads and AI data centers to Supreme Court term limits.

Then he sits down with writer, performer, and solo-show mastermind Gabe Mollica to talk about friendship, ambition, changing careers, and the strange challenge of figuring out what kind of creative life you actually want. They get into stand-up comedy, working in television for the first time, Sondheim musicals, horse lawyers, reality TV, and the surprisingly powerful feeling of finding the right creative collaborators.

Topics:

Working 12-hour days on a tv staff

Opening set for a future J-6 rioter

Booking standup sets at hostels

Moving from bar shows to solo specials

Using TV writing to fund my part

Millennials and the marriage dilemma

Being featured on This American Life

The hierarchy of 50 US states

Father’s career as a horse lawyer

A handwritten letter from sondheim

Working for Matthew Gray Gubler

Writing for the creator of Monk

SNL, Tina Fey, and Lorne Michaels predictions

Chapters:

00:00:00 Working for the creator of Monk on Einstein

00:05:38 Why comedy club pay is stuck in 1979

00:10:50 How politics and Trump killed creative optimism

00:15:48 The luxury of being pampered on a network TV set

00:20:58 Sitting at coffee shops and writing jokes

00:26:30 Designing roads to keep people out of New York

00:31:41 The raw energy of early reality television

00:36:44 Watching my father achieve a 30-year dream at 50

00:42:11 Why Whiplash is the ultimate movie for artists

00:47:32 Searching for pretty melodies in the woods

00:53:01 Pitching a high-concept jukebox musical in reverse

00:58:36 Predicting if Lorne Michaels will ever actually retire

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Matt Buechele breaks down Washington's mysterious reflecting pool saga, why America suddenly can't stop talking about the color of swamp water, and the surprising symbolism of a government struggling to fix a reflecting pool. He also reports back from Los Angeles, where self-driving cars, delivery robots, and eerily empty sidewalks make New York feel almost normal.

Then he sits down with creator and Brooklyn Coffee Shop star Pooja Tripathi to talk about leaving a career in fashion, discovering comedy later in life, weird temp jobs, improv classes, internet fame, and building one of the internet's most beloved comedy series from a tiny Brooklyn coffee shop. They also get into Japan, social media brain rot, comment-section warfare, and why embarrassment is usually a sign you're headed in the right direction.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Why creator Pooja Tripathi quit her dream job

00:06:22 When the self-serious fashion world got old

00:18:40 Turning a green screen sketch into a viral hit series

00:24:42 Why being embarrassing is a creative superpower

00:30:56 The extreme rise of male beauty standards

00:36:12 Industry gatekeepers and the "Too niche" Myth

00:42:10 My chill boss was working two secret jobs

00:49:10 Why the world of improv comedy is so nerdy

00:55:13 International vs global production costs

01:01:21 Comparing the noise of New York City to Japan cities

01:07:41 Predicting the first influencer brand trip to space

Topics:

Quitting a corporate fashion career at Bloomingdale's

The logistical absurdity of filming in Tokyo vs Kansas City

Why improv feels like a trap

Dealing with modern social media comments

The rise of leg lengthening surgery for men

Japan’s cleanliness and quiet vs NYC

Treating TikTok like high-end HBO productions

Predicting the first influencer brand trips to outer space

Being an only child prepares you for comedy

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Matt Buechele breaks down the World Cup coming to America, the shared confusion of getting to MetLife Stadium, and why international visitors keep looking at American food like it's a science experiment. He also takes on primary election season, campaign spam, and the annual transformation of abandoned storefronts into political headquarters nobody asked for.

Then he sits down with writer, actor, and internet icon Brenda Cullerton for a conversation about New York in the 1970s, accidentally building a creative life by following curiosity instead of a plan, and why making things with people you like is still one of life's greatest pleasures. Along the way, they get into writing copy for Star Wars toys, tarot cards, stand-up comedy, social media brain rot, the surprising upside of living rich and dying poor, and whether America is actually getting dumber or if we're just filming it more.

Topics :

Writing star wars copy in the seventies

Being the secret voice of darth vader

Living in a ninety-five dollar studio

Why remote work is a virtual prison

The value of peaking late in a career

Navigating nyc fashion and elitism

Handling creative rejection and hubris

The terror of bad tarot card readings

Chapters:

00:00:00 Brenda Cullerton paid $95 a month for a studio in Gramercy Park

00:03:48 Writing for Darth Vader and Office Habits

00:10:03 Politics and Common Sense

00:15:12 The Approachable Coastal Elite

00:20:49 Handling Creative Criticism

00:25:46 Rejection and Artistic Failure

00:30:31 Birthday Drama and Boundaries

00:35:24 Tarot Readings and Curses

00:40:30 NYC Mayor and Local Politics

00:43:45 The Strait of Vermouth and Geography

00:48:54 Modern Education and 80K Tuition

00:55:17 Summer Predictions and Closing

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