Posts tagged John Tenney
Joel Radio #175: Call Anybody Else – A Ghostbusters Review
Jul 15th
While many maligned the making of a new Ghostbusters movie with an all-female cast, Joel Radio was optimistic. The optimism ended today, but not with a roar, instead in a dead silent movie theater on the opening night of the film. Joel is joined in this review by real-life ghostbuster, John Tenney, who was intrigued by the “real-world” paranormal elements in the film more than 80s nostalgia. The guys break down why this film doesn’t work, why too many elements of the 1984 classic weigh it down, and the changes that could’ve made to make this a much better film. They also discuss the “ghost film” as a comedy trope that’s been done for years and how the Bill Murray/Harold Ramis team was really the 1980s version of Abbot and Costello. There’s some minor spoilers, too, including the insufferable cameos, the post-credits stinger, and the description of the ending’s ultimate monster. But trust us when we say that it won’t ruin the movie – it might just save you from seeing it. Plus, a look at the other summer movies from 1984 including the movie that opened the same day and is actually better than the original Ghostbusters.
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This image says it all
Joel Radio #133: So Long, Robin Williams
Aug 14th
There’s tragedy everywhere on this week’s Joel Radio. Robin Williams passed away this week and Joel and Corey have their memories of his amazing career, including Corey’s interview with him on a movie junket, and Joel being mocked by Robin on a podcast just a few years ago. The guys also recap his stand-up and movie work from the brilliant The World According to Garp and The Fisher King to later misfires like Flubber and Bicentennial Man. While lauding his wit and creativity, the guys also discuss Robin’s well-documented joke thievery – a fact, but still overshadowed by his tremendous success and personal largesse. The also discuss depression, Joel’s personal stories about the affliction and why it’s too simplistic to say that all comedians are depressed. Also, hear Joel’s awful story about a high-school screening of Dead Poet’s Society and why he’ll never see the movie the same way again. Plus, Joel and much of Metro Detroit are affected by recent floods, John Tenney calls in to promote that he’ll soon have something to promote, the internet changes stand-up comedy, and finally some respect for the ladies of The View – well, some of them anyway.
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Joel Radio #129: The Donkey Story
Jun 12th
Joel Radio welcomes John Tenney to the panel for the first time in a while. John was present at the recent live show disaster and reminisces with Corey and Joel about how bad the show was, the etiquette of heckling, and how the venue really failed the show. From there it’s a grab bag of stuff including, Joel’s story of his Italiain heritage (which includes a donkey), John doesn’t like the look of digital TV, Corey hates 3D, and a new Cheetos flavor gets rave reviews. Plus, Joel does a big show and gets booed for a great joke, a rundown of the E3 video game conference, and the economics of comedy – what it takes to hire a headliner and why John is looking to do so.
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John gets friendly with Upchuck tha Clown, but oh, those cuts…………….
Joel Radio presents Comedy Night Live: March 2014
Apr 1st
Joel returns to host O’Mara’s Comedy Night for March and the results are spectacular! Joel himself starts out the night with all new material, including riffing on the Gweynth Paltrow/Chris Martin divorce, the worst things on the internet, and why Kermit The Frog is not an asshole. It’s a night of strong premises from Joel, but a joke is not a premise alone, and the audience responds in kind. Writing jokes is hard! Still, the raucous crowd enjoys a great night of performances, including John Tenney recounting his bus driving days and reading out of the newspaper, Jeff Scheen returns from Chicago to do a wickedly funny set, Gary Sylvester tells us why it sucks getting old, and the always-funny Jeff Horste gets berated by the host for missing his opening spot for the most hilarious of reasons. Never number two, when you’re number one, OK? Also, Ray Topper is so funny you will want to have a stroke and “The Most Autistic Man in Showbiz” Andrew Ackner keeps the handicapped humor coming with a decidedly un-PC set that is a big hit with O’Mara’s crowd. Also, strong sets from Wesley Ward, Loyd Digg, Marty Smith, Carl Johnson, and Tanner Oliver make for an incredible night of comedy that is probably not safe for work, school, church or any place with a good sense of what is right and wrong.
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Joel exchanges weird looks with John Tenney……………..
And plots a money-making Special Olympics of Comedy with Andrew Ackner and Ray Topper
Joel Radio #118: The Middle School Dance
Dec 14th
They say “If you can remember the ’80s, you weren’t there”. Actually, they say that about the ’60s. No matter, as guest John Tenney remembers the ’80s and tried to bring back some of that feeling to a recently middle school dance where he was the DJ. As you’ll hear, John’s choice of ’80s dance-floor filler flopped with the kids – but the teachers loved it! Hear Joel, John and Corey’s memories of the dances of their youth and hear the songs to which the podcasting stars of the future would touch their first tits. Also, Bruce Springsteen tells dirty jokes for charity and he might have been drunk! Listen for yourself and decide. Plus, Corey hangs with Gilbert Gottfried and talks SNL (of the 80s!), Panda cookies are delicious, The Hobbit should go back in his hole, and much much more on this fun, nostalgic episode of Joel Radio.
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You can totally picture John Tenney in this scene, can’t you? No? Then go listen to Bruce tell jokes (below)
Joel Radio #104: The Best Ever
Apr 3rd
If you don’t take the title too literally, you’ll have a great time listening to this episode of Joel Radio. The title is a reference to co-host John Tenney’s evaluation of the show – mid-show! Firstly, regular co-host Corey checks in from his cross-country road trip, eating his way out to the West coast. Find out why he’s doing such a thing, why he’s taking forever to do it, and what old show favorite is along for the ride. Back in-studio, the guys’ guest is the fabulous Janet, a “relationship expert”, blogger, and all-around good time who shares her advice for singles as well as stories from her own dating life. Find out about Janet’s “thing for comedians”, how she almost banged Daniel Tosh, why hot tubs aren’t sexy and why guys shouldn’t sing karaoke. The karaoke theory though, is nearly instantaneously destroyed by John and Joel’s amazing rendition of a Prince classic, one that is sure melt the hearts and moisten the panties of anyone who hears it. Plus, Tenney’s pains are spreading, Joel murders a Woody Allen classic, Harry checks in from The Twilight Zone, and John’s parents are the best radio guests ever – just never have them back. Listen to this one late and drunk, ’cause that’s how it was made.
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Enjoy this collage of images in place of pictures of the beautiful Janet that Joel forgot to take (’cause he was too drunk)
Joel Radio #103: This Ain’t Detropia
Mar 22nd
Joel is well rested and joined by both Corey Hall and John Tenney on this week’s show. Joel goes after the documentary Detropia. He finds it a one-sided exploitative look at the city of Detroit, and it has a scene where friend of the show, comedian Steve Bills is humiliated, for no good reason. Corey piles on as he talks of interviewing the director and slamming it to her face. Also, comedian Bobcat Goldthwait talks about Joel, or, erm, Upchuck on a podcast. Hear Bobcat’s hilarious story about performing at The Gathering of the Juggalos, Joel’s corrections to his story, and while Joel never shared this true and funny story on the air before. Plus, Joel’s home video round-up, Detroit’s “best comedian” media scandal, Searching for Sugar Man is overrated, Joel and John love The Fall, Joel can sleep now and the announcement of John’s new podcast – Top Tennys.
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That pretty much says it all
Joel Radio #102: Night Terrors
Feb 28th
This week’s episode features some scary stories and a mystery – where’s Corey? – so it’s best that John Tenney sits in to help out any way he can. And Joel’s having troubles, too. Sleeping troubles anyway, as he recounts how his natural sleep aid made him act violently, why he preferred being on prescription meds for insomnia and why he’s not a fan of illicit drugs in this case. John shares his own battles with sleep disorders and how his girlfriends have used his semi-conscious state it to their advantage. Find out why Joel refuses to do a sleep study and get John’s recommendations for some good zzzzs, and not all of them seem like good ideas. Also, Joel reviews the History of The Eagles documentary and Dave Grohl’s new movie Sound City. Joel is a sucker for rock docs, and thinks even if the band sucks, the story can still be good. Plus, John watches the Oscars but not the nominated movies, show friend Harry goes crazy for chicken, and why no podcasters can get their shit together – except Joel.
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Joel Radio #96: Contractual Obligation
Nov 30th
Joel Radio welcomes the return of John Tenney to the show. John talks how crappy science won’t stop the hunt for Bigfoot, a entire Thanksgiving dinner of hors d’oeuvres, and the singles scene at local bars – handjobs in the stairwell! Also, Joel’s “mystery record” reveals on of rock-roll’s greats doing the worst dong ever, the discussion goes to the worst recording ever, with Bill Cosby, James Brown and especially Van Morrison getting nods. The guys roar with laughter as Van the Man improvises tunes about ring worm and Danish, deliberately hysterical for an oh-so serious soul singer. Plus, a fan sends a predictable Xmas present, how you can get Joel and Corey and John to Yellowknife, the Beatles’ sons and how they’re doing, and how to look like you’re not losing your hair.
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Van says “YOU’VE GOT RING WORM”!!!!!
Joel Radio #84: How Much Would You Pay
May 18th
It’s a always a fun show when John Tenney stops by. With his recent Bigfoot hunting and conspiracy-exploiting lectures behind him, John joins the guys to announce a new project. It’s a retro cartoon show and the first episode is embedded below. Find out John’s hopes and dreams for the new project and reminisce with Corey about his previous brush with underground fame (it’s actually pretty funny). Joel’s not left behind in the fame sweepstakes though as his small, uncredited, but crucial spot in the Judd Apatow-produced The Five Year Engagement hits screens. Joel has the full story of his involvement with the film, his “extra” pool discovery by the director and tells why he hadn’t promoted it earlier on the show. Also, the value of entertainment is evaluated as Joel thinks Blue Man Group is over-priced, Corey hasn’t jumped at the under-priced Beach Boys reunion, and Joel spends big bucks for Springsteen in Chicago. Plus, Corey says The Dictator should be overthrown, Dark Shadows is worth a look, and Joel’s night with George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars.
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John Tenney’s latest venture. Look for many more episodes soon (or maybe not!)
And finally….
Corey as Chris Merman! We couldn’t resist!
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