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On the surface, “Fat” is just Weird Al in a very large suit yelling about food. But beneath the accordion stabs and questionable eating habits lies one of the most important turning points in his career. In this episode of the Beer’d Al Podcast, we stuff ourselves into a deep dive on “Fat”—Michael Jackson’s Bad era, the shot-for-shot video parody, and why Al went back to the MJ well after Polka Party! didn’t exactly set the world on fire. We talk about MJ’s blessing, the iconic fat suit, and how turning “bad” into “fat” was less of a joke and more of a brilliant career reboot. Is “Fat” just a silly parody? Or is it Weird Al doubling down on confidence, commitment, and being gloriously, unapologetically himself? Grab a beer, loosen your belt, and join us as we break down the song that proved Weird Al wasn’t done yet—he was just getting started. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

It’s a holly-jolly Weird Al family Christmas once again 🎄 This episode originally dropped last year, but it’s back for a 2025 holiday encore — and it’s still a full house of Robinsons. Lauren’s here. Russ is here. Zakk is here. We’re diving into “Christmas at Ground Zero,” “The Night Santa Went Crazy,” and plenty of other offbeat holiday classics, with all the Weird Al cheer (and chaos) you’d expect. Settle in and enjoy this festive family conversation — it holds up just as well the second time around. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

We’re unwrapping a classic Beer’d Al gem for the Beer’d Al Anthology series! This festive favorite originally dropped a couple years ago, and we’re thrilled to bring it back just in time for the holidays. (Don’t fret—we’ll be back with brand-new episodes once we roll into the new year!) Andy “Brak and other things” Merrill returns to help us spread some serious holiday cheer. Expect laughs, songs, seasonal ramblings, and maybe even a little magic. Lauren’s here with Russ, and our buddy Stevie “Midnight Smoke” pops in for a moment that’s nothing short of legendary. If you love joy, you’ll love this episode. If you hate joy… well, you might be a monster. IT’S CHRIIIIIIIISTMAAAAAAAAAS!!! 🎄✨ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

We're rewinding back to one of my favorite conversations from December 2023 — and it’s absolutely worth a replay. This episode features my chat with Eric Appel: director, co-writer, and the wonderfully chaotic genius behind WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story. Eric is every bit as sharp, kind, and hilarious as you'd hope, and we get into all things WEIRD — plus a few stories about the very real, very nice guys who helped bring the film to life. I won’t spoil anything else… just hit play and enjoy the ride. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

Originally released in November 2021, this very special episode returns as part of our anthology series! Before they were husband and wife, Lauren and Russ teamed up for a deep-dive into "Weird Al" Yankovic’s legendary Squeeze Box vinyl collection. They unpack every detail—the design, the tracklist, the collector appeal—and share plenty of laughs (and beers) along the way. It’s a nostalgic, high-energy conversation between two people who clearly get each other—and Weird Al. Crack open a cold one and enjoy this throwback that started something special. Original episode notes here: https://www.beerdalpodcast.com/very-special-episode-squeeze-box-ft-russ-from-infectious-groove/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

We’re taking a trip back in time—way back to 2021—for a very special re-release! This isn’t just any episode of Beer’d Al. It’s the one where Russ and Lauren have their very first conversation. Like… ever. And what better album to bond over than "Weird Al" Yankovic’s delightfully wacky Poodle Hat? Expect laughter, awkward charm, a few "getting to know you" moments, and of course, plenty of Weird Al love. So crack open a beer, cue up Poodle Hat, and relive the magic of the moment it all began. 🍻🐩🎩 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

🎶 It’s time to flip that record over! 🎶 Lauren is once again joined by the wonderfully weird Insane Ian to dive into Side 2 of Weird Al’s “Polka Party!” The dynamic duo keeps the laughs rolling as they break down every track, share favorite moments, and debate where this oft-overlooked album fits in Al’s larger legacy. Expect deep cuts, bad puns, and plenty of banter—because that’s how we polka on the Beer’d Al Podcast! Crack open a cold one and join the party—Polka Party, that is! 🍺🎺 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

Deck the halls… with fallout? This week on the Beer’d Al Podcast, Lauren is joined by the always-entertaining Two-Eff Jeff from the Suggested Articles Podcast to unwrap Weird Al’s delightfully dark holiday classic, “Christmas at Ground Zero.” Grab your favorite seasonal brew and join us as we toast to catchy carols, Cold War satire, and the bizarre brilliance of celebrating yuletide cheer in the shadow of nuclear annihilation. It’s merry, it’s morbid, and it’s Weird Al at his finest. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

Lauren & Russ are joined by special guest Noah (you know, “Noah Guy”) to unpack Weird Al’s hilarious-style parody “Good Enough for Now.” We dig into what makes this song both romantic and brutally honest, how it flips the country love-ballad trope on its head, and which lines hit you in the feels (or in your ego). Plus: reflections on relationships, comedy songwriting, and whether settling ever really “works.” Don’t miss:Noah’s take on the difference between sugar-coated love and “above-average” backhanded complimentsWhich line in the song stings the most—and which one ends up being secretly the sweetestA few laughs, some uncomfortable truths, and all the Weird Al admiration you’d expectConnect with Noah & His Work:YouTube: The Jury HouseSpotify: The Jury HouseX / Twitter: @noahmussay Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

Lauren and Russ are back with a very special guest—our good friend Robert Yaniz Jr.! This week, we’re biting into Weird Al’s “Toothless People,” digging into Mick Jagger’s “Ruthless People,” AND chewing over the 1986 comedy Ruthless People. That’s right: one conversation, three ruthless (and toothless) angles. We cover the music, the movie, and of course, the ridiculous connections only Beer’d Al can make. If you’ve ever wondered how a Weird Al deep cut, a Mick Jagger soundtrack entry, and a Danny DeVito/Bette Midler classic all intersect—this is the episode for you. Now, all rise for the honorable Judge Reinhold.  Beer'd Al is a member of the OddPods Media Network... And so is Crooked Table Productions! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

This week, we lace up for a deep dive into one of Weird Al’s most criminally underappreciated originals: “Don’t Wear Those Shoes.” And joining us is none other than Zeb — yes, that Zeb. Everybody knows Zeb. We’re talking petty breakups, questionable footwear, and how this little synthpop gem might just be riff-cousins with The Kinks’ “Father Christmas.” (Seriously. The guitar hooks are suspiciously similar. We’ve got tabs. We’ve got takes.) Grab a beer, kick off those ugly shoes, and settle in for a conversation that’s equal parts music geekery, Weird Al love, and friendly chaos. Because life’s too short for bad footwear… and bad beer. Beer'd Al is still a member of the OddPods Media Network. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

The Polka Party rages on—and we’re flipping the record to Side 2! This week, we're diving into “Here’s Johnny,” Weird Al’s tribute to The Tonight Show’s iconic Ed McMahon... or is it just a catchy jam about late-night obsession? Either way, we’ve got a first-time guest (and first-time podcaster!) joining us: our friend Kevin! Tune in as we talk 80s TV, weird childhood memories, and whether this track deserves more love. There’s laughter, a few tangents, and maybe even a McMahon impression or two. It’s the perfect way to welcome Kevin to the podcasting world—with beer, Al, and a whole lotta fun. So say it with us: HEEEERE’S JOHNNY! Beer'd Al is a fantastic member of the OddPods Media Network. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

Lauren and Russ are back from Pine Knob and buzzing with excitement! In this episode of the Beer’d Al Podcast, we’re breaking down our unforgettable night seeing “Weird Al” Yankovic on the Bigger & Weirder Tour. From the VIP treatment (yes, we saw our hero up close!) to the high-energy setlist and Al’s unbeatable stage presence, we cover it all. Hear our favorite moments, unexpected surprises, and why this tour feels like a victory lap for longtime fans. Whether you were there too or you’re living vicariously through us, grab a beverage and let’s talk Al! Check out our recap on YouTube, too!  Beer'd Al is a delightful member of the OddPods media Network Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

Let’s get weird—Polka Party! weird. This week on the Beer’d Al Podcast, Lauren is joined by comedy musician, parody wizard, and all-around awesome human Insane Ian to dive into Side 1 of Weird Al Yankovic’s Polka Party! album. We’re talking about everything from hernias to spuds, and we’re loving every minute of it. Tracks on the menu include:The James Brown sendup “Living with a Hernia”The Talking Heads-flavored “Dog Eat Dog”The deep-fried brilliance of “Addicted to Spuds”The delightfully unhinged original “One of Those Days”And of course, the frantic accordion madness of the title track, “Polka Party!”Ian brings his deep-cut knowledge of comedy music, Lauren brings the beverages, and together they serve up a celebration of this oft-overlooked (but totally lovable) Al-bum. Crack open a cold one and join the polka party! Check out Ian's work: YouTube Bandcamp Beer'd Al is a polka-tastic member of the OddPods Media Network. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.

It’s a Polka Party—literally and figuratively! This week, Lauren and Russ take on the high-energy polka medley “Polka Party” from Weird Al’s Polka Party! album. And they’re not alone—Polka Bob is back to lend his accordion-fueled wisdom and enthusiasm! We break down the song-by-song madness, marvel at the medley magic, and ask the big questions: Where does this rank among Al’s polkas? What deep cuts make the biggest splash? And why does “Ear Booker Polka” get all the glory? Put on your party hat (and maybe some polka dots) and join us for a beer, a laugh, and a whole lot of squeezebox. Beer'd Al is a polka-riffic member of the OddPods Media Network. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.