It was fun to catch up with Marion Ross, as she called in to talk about the paperback edition of her memoir My Days: Happy and Otherwise. There’s really no better way to begin your day than having Mrs. Cunningham call you “my dear.”
Category Archives: Show Recaps
Garrett Morris
Garrett Morris called in to talk about his new movie Granddaddy Day Care and share stories about working in Chicago, his time on SNL and owning a comedy club.
James Rollins
James Rollins returned to the show to discuss his new book, Crucible, which explores humanity’s potential extinction at the hands of artificial intelligence. Despite James frightening the you-know-what out of me while describing his book, we managed to have a brief discussion of baseball and favorite local roast beef restaurants while also becoming best friends.
The Big Wakeup Call’s 2018 End-of-the-year Show!
It’s The Big Wakeup Call’s 2018 End-of-the-Year Show, celebrating yet another year of how we inexplicably continue to be allowed to do this show. Ryan invited many of his favorite guests to call in, and those who actually returned his call were Scott Aukerman, Ben Gleib, Dylan Brody, Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan, and Bill McCormick!
This episode is brought to you by Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride. Diphenhydramine, just as potent as ammonium sulfonate, only with a little more salicylic acid.
If you’d like to skip ahead to the interviews, you could try:
Scott Aukerman 5:22
Ben Gleib 12:55
Dylan Brody 19:10
Heather & Jessica 27:00
Bill McCormick 35:00
Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Puck called into the show for a fun chat about opening new restaurants, his new online Masterclass series, cooking with seasonal ingredients, and the first time he knew he could make it as a pro chef. I also shamelessly ask him about opening a new place in my neighborhood.
Bobby Berk
Bobby Berk, one of the nation’s top designers and one of the stars of the new “Queer Eye” on Netflix gave us a call live on location from the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design museum to celebrate National Design Week. Bobby gave me some tips on re-doing my place on a radio money budget, including how to keep an organized, functional home with two teenagers and a 3-year-old.
John Michael Higgins
John Michael Higgins returned to the show as promised to talk about season 2 of his hit show America Says, now airing weeknights at 9/8c on GSN. John talked about what makes a good contestant, the new twists, turns and special effects this season, and whether or not I could be the loud, overly enthusiastic announcer.
World News Center: Radio on the TV
Bill McCormick from the World News Center called in with exciting news about being part of an Amazon #1 bestseller. Also: Bill wistfully recalls his days as an IT pro, people who don’t believe in the Internet, and why the DC Universe is not doomed. Plus: Casey Kasem as Scooby and Robin, Titans v. Teen Titans, and Josie and the Pussycats new death metal LP.
Jake Borelli
Jake Borelli called into talk about the fall finale of Gray’s Anatomy, which we tried to do tactfully without revealing any spoilers if it’s still awaiting you on your DVR. We discussed Levi’s character development, how he portrays the perfect combination of strength and vulnerability, and his decision to come out publicly around the same time as Levi and Nico finally acted on their feelings.
John Flansburgh
It was a thrill to chat with John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants. The Big Wakeup Call has just become an affiliate of the They Might Be Giants Radio Network, and we’ll be featuring a new, exclusive Dial-A-Song tune every week. John and I had a fun conversation where unabashed flattery sits comfortably alongside genuine questions. A great visit with one of my all-time favorites.