How Did We Get Weird with Vanessa Bayer and Jonah Bayer
Published by All Things Comedy
Comedy
Society & Culture
Comedy Interviews
Before sibling duo Vanessa Bayer and Jonah Bayer took the comedy, music and general world by storm, they were just some lil weirdo kids. Joined by exciting guests who also started out this way, they reminisce about everything from toys to trends on How Did We Get Weird? Unless you’re a monster, you’ll want to listen to this nostalgia-filled, hilarious and surprisingly sweet podcast where they discuss how those formative years that shaped them into who they are today
Remember Sneaking into Clubs? (with Kate Shellenbach)
1 hr 23 min
On today's new episode, the Bayer siblings are thrilled to welcome total delight and musician turned producer Kate Shellenbach! You may know that Kate as a member of the band Luscious Jackson, but did you know she's also an incredible schemer? From bus passes to club passes, Kate tells us all the ingenious ways she used to scheme and we all agree that at the end of the day, it all comes back to the bathroom (and to sitting down- which might have led to Kate being a drummer?) Plus Kate hates arbitrary rules, but we had to play a game of CHANGE DOT DORK where we get into reversing the band cut at Kate's Former Highschool, Bringing back SoBe drinks, and bringing back the iPod. Be sure to check out this fantastic episode with your naked ears! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember to Get Your Tickets for HDWGW Live in Cleveland!
2 min
We're coming to Cleveland on Friday, September 25th, for our very first LIVE PODCAST at the House of Blues! It's gonna be a blast! Get your tickets here . We'll see you there! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Going to Restaurants with your Family? (with Caren Beilin)
1 hr 5 min
This week on the podcast, we are joined by writer, author and professor Caren Beilin! We get into all types of topics on this one, especially our fascination with Caren's Internet detox which lead her to purchasing a TV that plays "Frasier" on loop and a landline that's connected to her phone via Bluetooth. (You can't get much more nostalgic than that.) We also talk to Caren about growing up in Philadelphia and recently moving to our magical homeland of Cleveland and her favorite spots in The Land. Then we get into our topic of going to restaurants with your family as a kid! From fancy seeming spots to the eternity of waiting for your entree and sitting in the dreaded smoking section, we cover all the excitement and disappointment of dining out back when every new eatery didn't look like a Blue Bottle Coffee outpost. Finally in a round of YESTAGLIA OR NO-STALGIA we discuss the return of McDonald's fried apple pie, the upcoming Blair Witch movie reboot and should Pringles really be bringing back Miller Lite-flavored chips and for whom? Be sure to check out Caren's latest novel "Sea, Poision" and maybe you will catch her at Jonah and Vanessa's live podcast at the Cleveland House of Blues on 9/25! ( Get your tickets here) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
RE-AIR: Remember I Love That For You (with Jenifer Lewis)
1 hr 26 min
On today's episode Jonah and Vanessa are thrilled to welcome the one and only Jenifer Lewis! They reminisce about the first time they met when Vanessa was trying to get Jenifer to be on "I Love That For You" and Jenifer subsequently announcing to the press that she would be on the show... without a single mention of Vanessa. Plus you may know that Jenifer is the Mother of Black Hollywood, but did you know she does a killer Vanessa impression? And Vanessa's Jenifer impression is pretty good as well? Plus the two talk about their instant connection and all the fun they had filming together, so much so, that Jenifer still refers to Vanessa (and Jonah!) as a glass of milk with eyes. We also get into Jenifer's terrifying accident in Africa and the resilience that got her where she is today. Plus, in a hilarious game of CHANGE.DORK, the trio discuss whether Jenifer should host Wheel of Fortune, If Spongebob should have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, (plus Jenifer's own Hall of Fame ceremony and some incredible celebrity stories) and if "I Love That For You" should be renewed for Season 2 (duh). So walk in your joy and listen to this incredible episode with the iconic MISS JENIFER LEWIS! Thanks to our sponsor: Talkiatry! Head to Talkiatry.com/weird to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Red Pistachios? (with Gil Ozeri)
1 hr 0 min
On today’s new episode the Bayer siblings are thrilled to be joined by the hilarious Gil Ozeri! First the trio get into the exceptional Gen Z lunch term “Corporate Slop” and where they’re all picking up their favorite C.S. Plus Gil tells us about growing up in New York City and how he went from bartending to comedy. (And speaking of comedy, Gil and Vanessa are both working on the new Netflix comedy series A Hundred Percent which is filming now!) Then they reminisce about Gil’s topic: red pistachios- why they existed and where they went (although you CAN still get them!) And in a rousing game of CHANGE DOT DORK, we’re reviewing petitions to make snacks at a middle school more affordable, to reboot the eighties sitcom “Alf” and to make June 13th a holiday for the Knicks! So be sure to check out this extremely funny episode and to check out Gil’s extremely funny new podcast GOOD SCIENCE wherever you get your podcasts! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Blowing on Nintendo Cartridges? (with Jim Ward of Sparta and At The Drive-In)
1 hr 0 min
This week, the Bayers are joined by post-hardcore loyalty in the form of Sparta and At The Drive-In guitarist and vocalist, Jim Ward! We discuss Jim's childhood growing up in El Paso, punishing bands at local venues and eventually becoming a musician himself. We also get Jim's seasoned take on tortillas and why you won't find Old El Paso brand tortillas in his pantry any time soon. From growing up as a small kid to performing on some of the biggest stages in the world, Jim has had quite a journey. We also debunk some facts about Jim, from owning restaurants to making his own backyard pizzas. However in what is possibly our biggest debunking ever, we explore the nostalgic phenomenon of blowing into Nintendo cartridges to make them work. Not to be forgotten, we also play a game of CHANGE DOT DORK where we discuss petitions advocating for the return of Takis Taco Shells, Pizzerias Chips and Sonic Drive-In's Java Chiller. Be sure to check out Sparta's brand new album "Cut A Silhouette" which is out now on Equal Vision Records and check out the band this summer when they come to your town! Thanks to our sponsor: Talkiatry! Head to Talkiatry.com/weird to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Playing with Yo-Yos? (with Tan France)
1 hr 2 min
On today's new episode the Bayer siblings are thrilled to welcome the delightful and iconic Tan France! Jonah tells us about his new Italian loafers and how they've turned him into a different person (a snob?) Plus, Tan gives us some tips on age appropriate-clothing and suggests some new ways that Jonah can style his old band tees. And, did you know that Tan is a Yo-Yo Master?? From Walk the Dog to Moonwalking Tan takes us through all the moves he can do and we find out many the other ways Tan is super coordinated (also a Hula Hoop Master!) And did you know that Tan and Vanessa are both British/American Baking Champions because they were the only ones who took it seriously?!! Finally, in a rousing game of YES/NO-STALGIA: FASHION EDITION Tan gives us his strong takes on the return of Low-Rise Bootcut Jeans, 80's Maximalism, and Dresses over Trousers! Be sure to check out this fantastic episode and to also check out Tan's hilarious new digital series HONORABLE GAYS on YouTube!! Thanks to our sponsor: Talkiatry! Head to Talkiatry.com/weird to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
The Bayers' longtime friend and iconic musician Jenny Lewis stops by the podcast this week to discuss the time that she and Vanessa took Jonah to get his first ever pedicure! If that story isn't exciting enough, we also discuss Jenny's childhood acting roles in everything from Troop Beverly Hills to The Wizard and her musical career and recent tour with Harry Styles. Plus, we talk about the perils of online dating, and dig deep on Jenny's love of Strawberry Shortcake and the rest of her badass crew, which also includes Lemon Meringue and Blueberry Muffin. And did Caboodles just do a tribute to Jenny? You'll have to listen to find out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Renting VHS Tapes? (Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service)
1 hr 5 min
Our pal Ben Gibbard from Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service is back on the podcast to dig a little deeper into his formative years. From waking up super early in the morning for swim practice to working during the summer as a lifeguard to now having his own signature running shoe, is this guy athletic or what? We also discuss his affinity for heavy music, the "shirt over another shirt" fashion trend of the nineties and what it was like to hang out in Seattle at the same cultural landmarks that were featured in the classic film, "Singles." We also get into the topic of renting movies from Hollywood Video, Ben's friend Matt's neverending search for a missing copy of "Hellraiser 3" and Mike Myers' unstoppable film steak in the nineties. Finally we play a round YESTALGIA OR NOSTALGIA where we discuss the return of the Nike Moon Shoe, the merits of Diet Coke Lime and does the world really need Dunkin Donuts' Cereal N' Milk latte? (Probably not.) Be sure to check out Death Cab For Cutie's latest album "I Built You A Tower," which is out now and catch them on tour this summer! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Your FIrst Car? (With Jessy Hodges)
1 hr 30 min
On today's new episode the Bayer siblings are thrilled to welcome their friend hilarious and extremely cool friend Jessy Hodges! You may know that Jessy starts in the new hit Apple show MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEED but did you know that she has tried chewing tobacco?? And now that we're getting into it, did you know that Vanessa has snorted Pixy Stix (sorry that's actually how they're spelled?) Plus we get into being a kid at the mall and the exclusive Detroit shopping destination that is Somerset Collection. And Jessy tells us about starting to swim competitively when she was only five years old and we all agree that Swim Team is just too much as is honestly any kind of swimming in the morning at school. Then we get into Jessy's topic which is our first cars! And Jonah and Jessy get into the major incidents with each of their cars including A MYSTERY WE MUST SOLVE! (Note: If you went to high school with Jessy you need to listen and start sleuthing immediately!!) And finally in a delightful game of CHANGE DOT DORK we're debating the merits of updating school dress code rules around hair color and piercings, limiting online shipping to save malls, and getting a square donut emoji on our phones. Be sure to watch Jessy in Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed and to listen to this episode to help us solve another mystery thriller that is the incident with Jessy's first car!! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember the Sony Sports Walkman? (with Mike Kinsella of American Football)
58 min
This week, the Bayers welcome Mike Kinsella of American Football to the podcast! We talk about Mike eating deep dish as a little kid growing up in the Chicago suburbs, playing shows with Cap'n Jazz as a teenager and owning the most controversial baseball card of the 80s. We also get some exclusive stories from friend of the podcast and fellow American Football member (and Mike's cousin), Nate Kinsella! For our topic we discuss the Sony Sports Walkman, something Mike would listen to during long road trips next to his older brother Tim, in the backseat of the car. From the autoreverse to the heavy-duty yellow casing, this machine truly had it all. We also discuss our first cassettes and debate if the Beach Boys song "Kokomo" benefited from studio trickery that has never been exposed until this episode. (Kokomogate?) Finally we play around of CHANGE DOT DORK where we debate the merits of an American Football-themed mural in Champaign-Urbana, the return of Hershey's Dunkers and should the residents of Mike's hometown of Buffalo Grove be allowed to own backyard hens? You'll have to listen to find out. In the meantime you can catch American Football on tour and pick up their new album, LP4, now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
MEMORIAL DAY RE-AIR: Remember DEVO? (with Fred Armisen)
54 min
MEMORIAL DAY RE-AIR: The one and only Fred Armisen (Portlandia, Saturday Night Live) stopped by the podcast this week to discuss his first concert experience: Seeing DEVO at Radio City Music Hall on October 31st, 1981, right down the street from where Fear were destroying the SNL set at 30 Rock. In this largely music-themed episode, we also discuss Fred's love of all things goth, playing drums alongside his heroes like The Clash and his personal connection with Halloween that goes back to childhood. Equal parts hilarious, educational and sentimental, this truly is an episode for the ages—and for those who want a quick and easy way to get rid of their garbage! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Hot Chips? (With Claudia O'Doherty)
1 hr 9 min
On today's new episode we welcome back our friend, the hilarious actress, writer and comedian Claudia O'Doherty! Vanessa talks about a star-studded brunch she just attended which leads to the Bayer siblings explaining to Claudia what Good 'N Plenty candy is and she's not interested! And we ask Claudia: what is Britbox and should we get it? Plus Vanessa and Claudia muse on how they didn't know each other during those crazy times when they were coming up in their respective comedy scenes. Then Claudia gets into her topic of Hot Chips and teaches the Bayer's the best way to coat hot chips (you may refer to them as fries) with ketchup! And in a delightful game of CHANGE DOT DORK we debate the merits of The Body Shop bringing back their original White Musk scent in addition to the new vegan version (and ask why isn't all perfume vegan?), bringing back Australian Toaster Biscuits, and making a Knitting Emoji happen (spoiler alert, it has happened!) So be sure to listen to this wonderful episode and if you're in New Zealand be sure to check out Claudia in "New Zealand Spy" and if you're in the US or even other places be sure to check out Claudia and Vanessa in John Early's new film Maddie's Secret! out next month! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Health Food Stores? (with Dean Spunt of No Age)
1 hr 1 min
On this week's episode, we are joined by our old friend Dean Spunt of the band No Age! We talk about how Jonah met Dean in Los Angeles when Dean was working at a vegan restaurant, how Dean gets enough protein as a vegan for nearly 30 years and what it was like returning clothes to stores as a wardrobe stylist. We also get the definitive story of how Dean got in a car accident with one of the Backstreet Boys and ended up using his settlement money to start the punk label, Post Present Medium. We also get into Dean's early experiences of health food stores, from hanging with GT to the magic of shopping the bulk section. We also learn about the DIY roots of Erewhon, Vanessa's experience eating non-vegan butter ice cream and the importance of supporting local co-ops. We also play a game of YESTOLGIA OR NOSTALGIA where we discuss our opinions on KFC's vegetarian nuggets, the Little House On The Prairie Reboot and the return of Fruity Pebbles' birthday cake-flavored cereal. Be sure to check out No Age and Dean's solo material via Drag City Records. You can learn more about Dean's label at postpresentmedium.bandcamp.com! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Infomercials? (with Michelle Collins)
1 hr 6 min
On today's new episode the Bayer siblings are thrilled to be joined by the hilarious comedian Michelle Collins! Jonah's got a new popcorn maker and the trio get into their favorite popcorn and the exotic places they'll go to get it! Plus Michelle tells us what it was like growing up in Miami and we do a deep dive on her career and a debunk of some false Wikipedia narratives about her! Plus we reminisce on an old favorite, Infomercials! And how kids today don't know the joy that is turning on the tv and being exposed to an extended advertisement! We get into our favorite infomercials, like a knitting machine that Vanessa is still thinking of getting, and our favorite informercial-adjacent products, including a lot of kitchenware that has unfortunately been retired in our homes. And in a rousing game of CHANGE DOT DORK, we discuss the pause of The Real Housewives of Miami, bringing back Dr. Pepper-flavored Lip Smackers, and a campaign to cover the entire top of Pop-Tarts with frosting. This delightful episode is a must-listen!! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Video Arcades (with Brian Diaz of Edna's Goldfish/The Reunion Show)
1 hr 14 min
This week on the podcast we have HUGE breaking news about our years-long quest to be inducted into our high school's prestigious Hall Of Fame—and we couldn't pick a better guest to share this important moment with than musician, photographer and bass tech, Brian Diaz! We talk about Brian's formative musical experiences from playing saxophone in the Long Island ska band Edna's Goldfish to being the bass tech to some of the biggest artists in rock such as Mark Hoppus and Pete Wentz. We also discuss the fact that Brian and Jonah's first concert experience was Guns N' Roses, a band Brian has not only worked for but actually performed with during soundcheck while working for bassist Duff McKagan! We also get into the topic of video arcades, from pumping quarters into Ms. Pac Man as a kid to hanging out at Barcades as an adult. We also explore the appeal of pinball, the logistics of having a full-sized arcade game in your apartment and basing your favorite restaurant on their video game selection. Finally in a round of CHANGE DOT DORK we debate the merits of petitions advocating for more left-handed guitars, bringing back classic Pizza Hut vibes and inducting Alice In Chains into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Say hi to Brian if you see him on the road and you can check out his amazing street and music photography at https://www.briandiazphoto.com! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Getting Beat Up? (with Craig Wedren of Shudder To Think)
59 min
You know Craig Wedren as the frontman for the post-hardcore band Shudder To Think and composer for the soundtrack of your favorite television shows and movies, but were you aware he grew up as a scrappy kid in the Cleveland suburbs just like us? From sharing the same hangouts as Jonah to participating in his high school's theatre program like Vanessa, we share a long list of similarities. However one thing we don't share is getting beat up, something that happened to Craig quite a few times due to his dedication to punk fashion and desire for attention from girls. However it's not all dark: We also talk about Craig's lifelong friendship with collaborator (and former band manager) David Wain, what it was like performing on Lollapalooza '94 and the origins of his seventh grade band, Immoral Majority. As if that wasn't enough, we play a game of YESTOLGIA OR NOSTALIGA where we debate the Robocop reboot, the return of Kentucky Fried Chicken's honey barbeque flavor and Mr. Pibb's second act. Be sure to pick up the deluxe edition of Craig's album, "Dream Dreaming" which is available now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember High School Hangouts?
48 min
This week on the podcast, the Bayer siblings lament the demise of the Dunkin' Donuts in Solon where Jonah spent his teenage years with other young punks, talking about NOFX and eating Bavarian cream doughnuts. We explore why you need to tear down an entire building to build a drive-through, the rise of "grab and go" food culture (the breakfast crowd is lovin' it) and the rise of the "third place." We also discuss our own third places growing up, from the roller rink to friends' houses and explain why a cafe inside of a bank will never be a fun place to hang out, no matter how much the marketers want to convince you otherwise! We also deter into our teenaged fashion choices and if we ever truly felt cool as kids in any environment. Finally we play a round of CHANGE DOT DORK where we debate the merits of rebranding Chuck E. Cheese as an escape room, building a multi-purpose ice and roller skating rink in Kentucky and preventing Dunkin' Donuts from building a dive through in one community who values city planning over crullers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Hypercolor? (with Ariana Jackson)
1 hr 10 min
On today's new episode the Bayer siblings are thrilled to welcome writer, producer and dear friend Ariana Jackson! You may know the show "Brilliant Minds" that Ariana currently writes on, but did you know that Ariana formerly wrote and performed and sang as a member of BLOOMERS? That's right, we get into Ariana and Vanessa's time in their collegiate all-female sketch comedy and musical parody troupe, plus Vanessa reveals another very cool Bloomer that she got to work with recently! And we reminisce about the times when Jonah and then Ariana visited Vanessa when she was working on a cruise ship, and how Jonah sadly missed some serious ship glow-ups. Plus we get into the iconic fashion trend that was HYPERCOLOR and how we loved our color-shifting outfits. And we get into the trend before the trend (Freezy Freakies, anyone?) and does color-changing clothing still exist today? (Spoiler alert: it does!) And finally, in a delightful game of CHANGE DOT DORK, we're discussing bringing back Philadelphia Cream Cheese Snack Bars, getting a female cereal mascot out there, and should Weird Al perform at the Superbowl Halftime Show? (Duh) So please enjoy this wonderful episode with our Bloom-Tastic friend!! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Remember Pass The Pigs? (with Ben Walsh and Brianna Collins of Tigers Jaw)
1 hr 4 min
On today's podcast we are joined by longtime bandmates and honorary siblings, Ben Walsh and Brianna Collins of the band Tigers Jaw! We start the episode with Jonah's adventures selling a used air fryer, what its been like for Ben and Brianna to be playing music together for 20 years and how the town of Scranton has handled the influence of "The Office" for better or worse. We also get into Ben's now defunct but still beloved doughnut shop, the Philly doughnut scene in general and how Tigers Jaw uses their tour rider as an excuse to try new cereal options. Finally we get into our topic, the board game Pass The Pigs, which started at Ben's grandmother's house (Brianna's grandmother had a Sega, no big deal) and is now gifted by Tigers Jaw to the bands that open for them... with the light gambling aspect being fully optional. Finally we play a round of YES-TALGIA OR NO-STALGIA where we discuss the return of McDonald's Shamrock Shake, another Charlie's Angels reboot and is Progresso's viral Soup Drops candy really something worth savoring? Don't forget to check out Tigers Jaw's brand new album "Lost On You" which is available now on Hopeless Records and make sure to catch them on tour when they come to your town! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
