Joel Radio #162: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review
Dec 18th
Joel Radio is the first(?) podcast to have a complete review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. In fact, it’s so complete it’s almost as long as the movie! Don’t worry – there are NO SPOILERS – for 20 minutes anyway, and then there’s a METRIC TON OF SPOILERS after that, so maybe listen to a little before and the rest after seeing the movie. Joel and Corey Hall compare the actual film to last show’s hopes about it, break down what works and what doesn’t, describe the nerdy scene at the theater, and generally whoop and holler about all things Star Wars in a post-George Lucas universe. Also, find out the characters that don’t work at all and why one character’s weight gain is especially hilarious – it’s not who you think! Whether you loved or hated the movie, there’s something for you on this show, and its eventual sequels.
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Joel can’t bear the sight of the nerds in the Star Wars line – and we’re pretty sure that’s just a bathrobe
Joel Radio #161: The Manifesto
Dec 10th
You can’t say you’re not a nerd when you write a page and a half written diatribe about the Star Wars saga – a review of the previous films and a preview of the new one coming out. That’s exactly what head nerd Joel did for this week’s podcast, sharing his thoughts with fellow geek Corey Hall, dissecting what they love, hate and everything else about Star Wars. From the excellence of the original trilogy’s design to the awful acting of the prequels, hear the good and the bad, like which two characters ruin the overarching plot of the series, why Darth Vader ceases to be a bad guy in Jedi and why everyone became a lizard after a certain point. The guys also make predictions about the Force Awakens including what review score they’d be happy with, the various characters that will or won’t appear, and the awesome plans they’ve made for a screening and podcast review. Also, Joel’s scary Charlie Sheen update, “experts” say Bernie Sanders will become president, see ya Scott Weiland, and a Big Bird documentary that will make you cry. Plus, Bill Murray’s holiday special falls flat. Find out how big stars, good musicians, and a ton of hype made for this year’s great entertainment disappointment – until, perhaps, The Force Awakens.
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Corey in his domain with a mini R2-D2 in one hand and Joel’s Star Wars manifesto in the other
Joel Radio #160: Composite Friends
Nov 18th
It took a an awful, tragic event to bring Corey Hall back to the show. We’re not talking about Paris either, instead an 89-year-old comedian went viral with a stand-up set that was too good to be true. Turns out it was, as most of his jokes were stolen from the internet to a shameless degree. Hear the old codger’s performance, the internet sources for said jokes and Joel and Corey’s analysis of him and the various mistakes that rookie comedians make and why a comedy class setting shouldn’t have allowed this to happen. Also, to the surprise of no one, Charlie Sheen is HIV+ and Joel may or may not have been in contact with him within weeks or months of his diagnosis. Can you get HIV from a microphone? And there was a terror attack this week, as Corey shares his memories of visits to France and Joel wonders if Eagles of Death Metal’s support of Israel played in to the attacks. Plus, Star Wars won’t screen for critics, Back to the Future gets really annoying, Tiny Tim’s debut album is genius (says Joel), Marlon Brando’s dark new documentary, and Aziz Ansari’s Master of None gets the guys thinking about who they’d be in each others’ semi-autobiographical single-camera sitcom.
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Joel Radio #159: I Love Carlos Mencia
Oct 30th
Comics accused of stealing is a big deal in the world of comedy, and this week Joel and his guest comedian Bill Bushart attempt to get to the bottom of the most recent controversy of Amy Schumer being accused of lifting material from the late Patrice O’Neal. Did Amy steal material that seems to been available in the public domain for years? Can you even steal a street joke? The guys look at this issue and Joel’s theory that comedy nerds and their accusations of theft are ruining comedy. Speaking of stealing, Joel spent a week watching the infamous “joke thief” Carlos Mencia working a comedy club, and had some surprising takeaways. Find out why Joel thinks Carlos was an excellent performer, a shrewd businessman, and why Joe Rogan’s smear videos on Carlos from a few years ago make Joe look like an asshole. Plus, how comedian and 9/11 liar Steve Rannazzisi fits into all this and why his involvement shows that Mencia really has gotten a raw deal. If that wasn’t enough, the guys talk the importance of comedy classes, why it’s great to work gigs in Florida, why opening for big acts kinda sucks, and the night Joel fired Jamie Kennedy. Also, The Walk and The Martian get reviewed and 3D formats get put to the test, Adam Ruins Everything is a show you should watch, and why your comedy “showcase” isn’t helping anybody and a real-world example of why that is.
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Amy, Patrice, Carlos, Joel, and Bill. The great comedy festival line-up that will never happen
Joel Radio #158: Rock, Roll, Murder and Clowns
Oct 14th
Steve Miller is the man that wrote the book about Detroit Rock ‘n Roll. He’s actually written about a lot of things – things that Joel likes, too which makes him an excellent guest for this installment of Joel Radio. Joel enjoyed Detroit Rock City: The Uncensored History of Five Decades of Rock ‘n Roll in America’s Loudest City and has million questions about The MC5, The Stooges, Ted Nugent and Bob Seger and more. Was Grand Funk Railroad really a big deal? Why does everyone hate Nugent? Was Bookie’s really the CBGB of Detroit? What really happened when Jack White started that fight? There’s a lot to cover, but Steve either lived it, or talked to those who did and it makes for a fun, fascinating discussion. If you lived or enjoyed the Detroit Rock scene from the 1960s through the 2000s, you’ll like this show. There’s even some Ramones, Johnny Thunders and Bruce Springsteen talk shoehorned in to the conversation. Also, Steve’s latest book tackles the bizarre Bob Bashara murder case, and the guys talk about how a rich a guy with a secret BDSM life had his wife killed for money and how the whole thing looks like a Coen Brothers movie. Plus, Steve has book coming next year about Insane Clown Posse and their Juggalo fans, hear Joel’s opinion on why most mainstream writers get their coverage wrong, why Mike E. Clark is a genius and his importance to ICP, and Joel’s message to the Juggalos and why his association with ICP has been nothing but a good thing. This is a great talk on so many levels, so listen to this, then bust your Raw Power vinyl and keep rocking.
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Author Steve Miller (inset) with two of his books discussed on this show
Joel Radio #157: Are You Funnier Than a 5th Grader?
Oct 2nd
Joel Radio is happy to cover every gimmick comedian to come on the scene. From grandmothers to stutterers to puppet acts, this show has highlighted some of the wackiest comics to emerge over the years. Which makes this week’s breakout comedy star, 10-year-old Saffron Herndon, fair game for this week’s podcast. Joel listens to her set and has the obvious questions: did she write these jokes? If not, who did? Don’t you have to have good timing to be a comedian? Joel is aided in his analysis by returning guest co-host Samantha Rager, a comedian herself who once performed on a show with Saffron. Sam is more positive than Joel is on the act, although she really didn’t get the Nirvana joke – more evidence that those thoughts are not of a 10-year-old when the smart, sophisticated mid-20s comic doesn’t get it. Also, find out the one new embarrassing prime-time TV show that has actually watched, why he wants it to work, and why it doesn’t. And late night TV gets an overhaul as Trevor Noah debuts, Stephen Colbert has the worst band ever, and Jimmy Fallon’s nostalgia act is completely phony and Joel has the proof. Plus, Sam’s humorous musings on love, the Steve Jobs documentary is a good one, and why the Everest 3D movie is the closest Joel ever wants to get to the real thing.
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Joel Radio #156: We Got The Blues
Sep 18th
It only took 10 years or so, but comedian Jim McLean made it back to the Joel Radio studios to guest co-host on this week’s show. And he didn’t come empty handed, as Jim brought his electric guitar and amp for some musical accompaniment. Joel and Jim end up collaborating on a bluesy jam which is probably every bit as great as you’re thinking it is (it’s not). Jim also shares stories of rock and roll gigs past, how a legendary rock guitarist befriended him as a young man, and some sure-fire ways to get backstage a concert from two guys with lots of experience at it. Plus, Joel’s concert history starting with a legendary lightweight act in the 70’s through an embarrassing 80s show with his mom, to leather jackets and mosh pits in the 90s. Plus, comedians’ head shots have changed, building decks for comedy gigs and how the show’s chip tune theme songs can’t be replicated on guitar. Turn it up, man! This is a fun 90+ minutes with Jim.
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Jim, his treasured Stratocaster and his now more treasured old headshot of Joel
Joel Radio #155: The Oddballs
Sep 2nd
It’s been a busy few weeks at Joel Radio, and it’s all re-capped on this fine episode. Your host headed off to New York City to see his old college stomping grounds, get drunk with hipsters, visit museums and hang with some comedy buddies. His main objective though was to see Penn & Teller On Broadway which he did, and while sitting next to a childhood hero, no less. Hear all about the P&T show, the best things to do in New York and why a front-row ticket isn’t always a front-row ticket. Joel also attended the annual Funny or Die: Oddball Comedy Festival starring Amy Schumer, Aziz Ansari and others. Find out who were the surprising stars of the show and what unknown comics that Joel knows who might be blowing up in to very big stars in the future. Joel is joined for the show by Detroit’s own comedy oddball, the delightful Samantha Rager. Sam had to break in to her house car to get to the show, but it was worth it as Sam talks about getting bumped at a comedy show by a big star, seeing year-old movies at the dollar show, and the most adorably clueless rundown of a fantasy football team ever. Also, a Gathering of the Juggalos comedy recap, and reviews of the movies Trainwreck, Ant-Man and the ridiculous The Gallows. Plus, RIP “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, as Joel tells a harrowing tale of hosting a show with one of the greatest pro-wrestling characters of all-time.
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Joel is fatter than Penn and shorter than Teller!
Beautiful Lower Manhattan from the Circle Line cruise. Joel actually took this picture!
Joel Radio #154: My Friend Heather
Jul 15th
Joel Radio is proud to finally showcase someone who’s been mentioned many times in the past, but has never been a guest – Joel’s ex-girlfriend, comedian and entertainer extraordinaire, Heather Kozlakowski. As she’s making a big move to California to better her career, Heather finally shares her tales of movie acting, radio hosting and comedy. She also talks about what it’s like to date Joel – why does he always look left? – and their unlikely friendship that happened after their break-up. You’ll also hear about her children’s book inspired by Joel, and her open mike arguments with other female comics that were also inspired by Joel! Also, find out Heather’s favorite summer movies, like how Minions is better than Inside Out, why Spy was so good and why she didn’t quite get Mad Max. Plus, Joel on the new season of Big Brother, Penn & Teller: Fool Us returns, the great James Randi documentary, Glen Campbell’s documentary brings the tears, and why Soaked in Bleach doesn’t convince him that Kurt Cobain was murdered. Good luck to Heather from Joel Radio, our loss is the world’s gain!
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Heather sitting pretty with her children’s book – she’s the cat and Joel’s the dog.
Joel Radio #153: Goodnight Dusty
Jun 17th
Losing a legendary figure who inspired and entertained America is always a tough thing. When it’s an overweight, slurring, ugly professional wrestler you wouldn’t think that would qualify for any kind of tribute, but you’d be wrong. Dusty Rhodes, died this week and Joel and Corey share their memories of one of the great talkers and unique personalities of all time. From his legendary “Hard Times” promo, to unveiling his gorilla, to his incredible TV commentary, Dusty was always entertaining and will certainly be missed. There’s tons of other stuff on this show, too, as Joel sees Craig Ferguson live, Jurassic World makes a couple of bucks more than Entourage, and Billy Crystal’s new show is about as funny as you’d expect. Plus, Corey on the Game of Thrones finale, the history of white people wanting to be black, and Netflix’s new show, Grace and Frankie, looks terrible but is still better than Orange Is the New Black.
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Going to the pay window in the sky………..
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