Advertise on podcast: That Sounds Like A Lot with Matt Buechele

Matt danced all night seeing the band Geese at Forest Hills Stadium and shares that getting out, dancing, and sweating alongside other people can be a great antidote to feeling down. Then Matt sits with Scott Rogowsky to revisit the rise and fall of HQ Trivia, the viral moments, what derailed the company, and why Scott is betting his own money on a new live gaming app, Savvy. Plus, they debate whether Phish will ever play the Super Bowl halftime show, who will be the last late-night host standing, and whether the Mets will ever win another World Series. Chapters: 00:00:00 Scott Rogowsky, custom suits, sports card relics, and comedy 00:04:42 Live late-night talk shows to viral internet video formats 00:09:12 Traditional stand-up comedy led to creative freedom 00:13:38 Perfectionism, workaholism, and high-pressure creative careers 00:18:02 Trading cards at Topps to a path in entertainment 00:22:20 Imposter syndrome and making sense of modern digital trends 00:26:48 Rise, cultural phenomenon, and scale of HQ Trivia 00:31:02 BTS chaos, missed career moves, and corporate dysfunction 00:35:30 Trying to save a sinking ship and the birth of the new Savvy app 00:39:58 Nostalgic broadcast history and building a live interactive network 00:41:35 Predictions on the Super Bowl, Phish, late-night television, and the Mets 00:45:00 Live musical interludes, and thoughts on inner peace    Topics: The rise, viral peak, and chaotic collapse of HQ Trivia Self-funding Savvy, a new live interactive game show app Imposter syndrome and the internal conflict of viral success Going on a seven-day phone-free digital detox at the Hoffman Process Quitting stand-up comedy due to OCD and ADHD to pursue live hosting Perfectionism, catastrophizing, and midlife epiphanies Preserving energy, escaping political outrage, letting go FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE  ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele reflects on the state of American politics, the temptation to give in to doom and gloom, and why he still feels hopeful about the future. Then Matt sits down with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, the youngest woman serving in Congress. She talks about her Iranian-American family, her work at the United Nations, and the war in Iran. They discuss sanctions and internet access for Iranians, the fight to regulate AI, and the growing backlash against data centers. Yassamin also explains why she thinks Americans need to get more involved in peaceful protest, what Democrats could do if they win the House in the midterms, and why election integrity matters. Plus, Matt and Yassamin make predictions about which pop star might run for Congress, the next big bachelor party destination, and whether Taylor Swift will win an Oscar before Tom Cruise. Chapters: 00:00:00 Rep. Yassamin Ansari on youth in politics and serving in DC 00:04:48 Flight anxiety, Global Citizen Festival trauma, and congressional voting 00:09:02 Iranian heritage, parents fleeing revolution, and American democracy 00:13:31 War with Iran, foreign policy decisions, and military intelligence 00:18:02 Impact of sanctions, internet access, and target limitations 00:22:39 Epstein files, White House situation room, and government oversight 00:27:06 Congressional accountability, subpoena power, and holding leaders responsible 00:31:31 AI risks, data centers, and global technology regulation 00:36:08 Public activism, city council pushback, and fighting voter apathy 00:40:48 Midterm election strategy, election integrity, and youth voter turnout 00:45:04 Unwinding from DC politics, book recommendations, and daily schedule 00:49:49 Scottsdale nightlife, pop culture predictions, and Taylor Swift tour  Topics: Serving as the youngest woman in Congress at age 34. Political career as an Iranian-American Democrat. Mother fleeing the 1979 Iranian revolution. Fragility of civil rights and American democracy. US foreign policy, sanctions, and military action in Iran. White House transparency regarding intelligence and foreign conflicts. Government accountability and the Epstein files cover-up. Existential risks of unregulated artificial intelligence. Local environmental impacts of AI data centers on water and power. Youth political activation and grassroots protest movements. FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot.  FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele spends a rainy weekend inside doing crossword puzzles, complaining about the news, and living like an 85-year-old. Then Matt sits down with musician and comedian Kyle Gordon to talk about going from UCB improv and making dumb songs with friends to accidentally going viral with “Planet of the Bass” – and the backlash that followed from fans and even Rolling Stone. Kyle also gets into his new album Kyle Gordon Is Everywhere, getting jacked for a Christmas song, and traveling to Eswatini to shoot “Mr. Jambo.” Plus, they make predictions about bras being thrown onstage, Taylor Swift’s next album, and whether Paul McCartney or Mick Jagger will live longer. Chapters: 00:00:00 Kyle Gordon on viral songs, tour prep, and losing his voice 00:04:48 Live show stage elements and touring new cities 00:09:02 Learning production, making beats, and early parody influences 00:13:31 Cutting his teeth doing live comedy and improv at UCB 00:18:02 Running marathons and taking time for mental clarity 00:22:39 Fitness culture, ultramarathons, and extreme haunted houses 00:27:06 Experiences in immersive theater and dating an actress 00:31:31 Parent reactions to viral success and writing genre parodies 00:36:08 Planet of the Bass virality, fan controversies, and music video rollouts 00:40:48 Getting in shape for the Steinman-inspired Christmas song video 00:45:04 Shooting the Mr. Jambo music video on location in Africa 00:49:49 Predictions on tour energy and Taylor Swift's next album release Topics: Kyle Gordon tour and vocal strain Making hip-hop beats in Cubase Flight of the Conchords impact Improv background at UCB and Magnet Distance running as a meditation Planet of the Bass viral rollout Filming Mr Jambo music video Extreme haunted house experiences Americana Heartland rock parody New album release and tour plans FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/ ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele goes to a sweet sixteen and gets a front-row seat to the strange world of teenage birthday parties, complete with photo booths, the Cupid Shuffle, and an alarming number of boys with the same haircut. Then Matt sits down with Emmy-nominated writer and comedian Nimesh Patel to talk about becoming a dad, turning down a $120k comedy gig in Saudi Arabia, and his complicated relationship with money. They discuss how Chris Rock saw Nimesh perform and, three months later he was writing for the Oscars, followed by a year at Saturday Night Live. Nimesh also talks about his new Netflix special Buy the Dip, political comedy, crowd work, family group chats, and finding ways to make people laugh about complicated subjects without talking down to them. Plus, Matt and Nimesh make predictions about AI comedy festivals, celebrity advertising, and if the Knicks players will visit the White House. Chapters: 00:00:00 Nimesh Patel’s Netflix special Buy the Dip and economic anxiety 00:05:01 Comedy in Louisiana and examining political divides 00:10:02 Political views, family, and dealing with media chaos 00:15:01 Fatherhood, playing basketball, and mental resets 00:20:01 How Chris Rock discovered Nimesh Patel in a Brooklyn bar 00:25:01 Writing for Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update 00:30:01 Pitching sketches at SNL and learning industry lessons 00:35:01 Navigating political comedy during the Trump era  00:40:01 Nimesh's new Netflix special and handling the family group chat 00:45:01 Audience behavior during stand-up shows and comedy craft 00:50:01 AI comedy festivals, polymarket, and celebrity endorsement deals 00:52:57 Predicting the New York Knicks White House visit  Topics:  Chris Rock discovering Nimesh Patel Writing for Saturday Night Live First Indian writer in SNL history Turning down $125k for a show in Saudi Arabia Fatherhood and financial ethics The strategy behind crowd work Highlights from Buy the Dip special Economic anxiety and supply chains Media capture and political debates Celebrity ads and sports betting FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot  FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/  ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele heads to the US Open, drinks a few Honey Deuces, and learns about Heineken Silver. Then Matt sits down with comedian and writer Andrew Collin to talk about gambling addiction and going too hard in Atlantic City. They discuss Andrew’s work with Nikki Glaser, opening for her across Europe, going from Knoxville to Paris, and the differences between American and European comedy audiences. They also get into stand-up in the age of crowd-work clips, the pressure to constantly feed the algorithm, writing political comedy without becoming a political commentator, and why it can feel impossible to stop chasing the next thing. Plus, they make predictions about prediction markets, the Super Bowl halftime show, and pumpkin spice drinks. Chapters: 00:00:00 Learning instruments and faking orchestra performances 00:04:08 Bonding with family over Meat Loaf and Tom Petty concerts 00:08:22 Finding comfort in boredom and sports vs. arts culture 00:11:03 Weddings at Mar-A-Lago and growing up in Florida 00:16:30 College blackjack addiction and getting shot at by a bird 00:20:07 Sports gambling apps and writing for the Golden Globes 00:23:02 European tour stories and testing French jokes on stage 00:27:00 Writing on the Tom Brady roast and changing stand-up culture 00:30:15 Navigating social media pressure and joke writing processes 00:35:33 Political comedy, Trump fatigue, and outrage in late night 00:40:02 Predicting the future of prediction markets and Super Bowl acts 00:44:48 Discussing open mic culture and starting over on podcasts Topics:  Fake playing cello in school orchestra Bonding over Meatloaf with his father Growing up Jewish in rural Florida Attending an all-Christian school College gambling and blackjack addiction Performing standup comedy in Paris Clip culture and crowd work impact Writing jokes for the Tom Brady roast Navigating NYC real estate and rent Polymarket and Super Bowl predictions FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/ ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/ ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele spots Zohran Mamdani riding his bicycle through the park with four guys in suits, kind of like The Sandlot, but with city government. Then he sits down with filmmaker, writer, director, and producer Jonah Feingold to talk about his new movie Busboys, starring Theo Von and David Spade. They chat about Jonah’s childhood obsession with Hook, his internship with Hans Zimmer, his love of 1940s comedies, and why he decided to stop waiting for Hollywood to give him permission to make things. Plus, Matt and Jonah make predictions about the next You’ve Got Mail, the future of dating shows, and never working with AI actors. Chapters: 00:00:00 Directing Busboys starring Theo Von and David Spade 00:03:22 Navigating dyslexia and reading classic books for writing 00:07:38 Finding inspiration in 1940s screwball comedies 00:13:00 Script writing process and leather notebook hierarchy 00:16:38 Childhood obsession with Captain Hook and character costumes 00:20:02 Analyzing Disney World Imagineering and fandom culture 00:24:21 Interning for Hans Zimmer and observing famous directors 00:29:01 Collaborating with film composers on custom character themes 00:30:33 Landing the job to direct Busboys for Hulu 00:36:37 Independent filmmaking hustle and securing brand sponsorships 00:41:02 Launching Romantic media brand and pitching new scripts 00:46:15 Movie predictions and modern rom com reboots Topics:  Jonah Feingold on directing Busboys Interning for composer Hans Zimmer Writing scripts with dyslexia Influence of 1940s screwball comedy Pitching and financing indie films Working with David Spade and Theo Von Creating character themes with music The reality of Hollywood spec deals Building the romantic media brand Disney World design and fandom culture FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele wonders whether American capitalism has finally become too absurd to parody.  Then Matt sits down with actor, writer, and comedian Liza Treyger to talk about expensive handbags, her obsession with Heated Rivalry, and how the show inspired her to brush up on her Russian. They discuss her newfound love of reading, and why books have changed the way she writes and sees the world. Liza and Matt also get into why podcast bros appeal to men, women’s increasing independence, and the strange power of celebrity culture. Plus, they make predictions about THC-infused food, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and whether America could one day elect a comedian president. Chapters: 00:00:00 Buying a $3,000 YSL bag for a book 00:03:48 Obsessing over Heated Rivalry  00:07:22 Finding 1 of 8 designer bags in the country 00:11:03 Social media addiction and Soviet Ukraine roots 00:15:08 Hiring a Russian professor to book auditions 00:18:22 Olivia Wilde, Keke Palmer, and talking shit 00:21:48 Male entitlement and why men fear single women 00:25:47 Trump, political comedy, and the Reagan effect 00:29:16 Matt reveals his Law & Order SVU history 00:33:06 Reading books to cure creative depression 00:37:05 THC salami and Taylor Swift wedding gossip 00:41:00 Choosing Wanda Sykes for president  Topics: Buying a luxury bag for a book Obsessing over Heated Rivalry fandom Learning Russian for acting roles Soviet Ukraine roots and identity Male entitlement and incel culture Critiquing podcasters and politics Host reveals Law & Order SVU history How reading books cured depression THC salami and celebrity gossip Nominating Wanda Sykes for president FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele has been catcalled twice by the same mysterious man on a Citi Bike and wonders what, exactly, you’re supposed to do when someone yells “great ass” directly into your ear.  Then Matt sits down with comedian Caitlin Peluffo to talk about her experience on Netflix’s Funny AF with Kevin Hart, including the challenge of roasting Marshawn Lynch and making it to the finale. They discuss Caitlin’s unconventional path from performance art to stand-up, what it’s like watching her career take off, therapy, growing up Catholic, dating, and the dangers of spending too much time on your phone. Plus, Matt and Caitlin make predictions about subway dicks, meeting the Pope, and the next big dating-app gimmick. Chapters: 00:00:00 Caitlin Peluffo, city life, and early success 00:04:37 Small comforts, travel routines, and touring North Carolina 00:07:26 Handling canceled shows, burnout, and starting therapy 00:11:38 Auditioning for Netflix's Funny AF and reality TV psych evals 00:16:05 Roasting Marshawn Lynch on television while he had the mic 00:20:38 Handling sudden public recognition and fan interactions 00:22:37 College soccer at UCSD and pursuing fine arts degrees 00:26:06 Experiential art projects and discovering stand-up comedy 00:32:21 Zodiac signs, tongue readings, and encounters with psychics 00:37:41 Catholic upbringing, family politics, and childhood road trips 00:45:31 Screen time habits, social media anxiety, and career pressure 00:49:16 Future predictions, public urinals, and post-show tour plans Topics: Auditioning and competing on Netflix's Funny AF How therapy helped Caitlin relax before sets Overcoming childhood anxiety about reading out loud Roasting NFL legend Marshawn Lynch on live TV Getting in trouble for slapping a dead pig at Pratt Taking beta blockers to prevent stage anxiety Performing on Fallon and her dad's funny reaction Shifting from college soccer at UCSD to stand-up Handling weird and creepy DMs from viral crowd work Selling out the historic Gramercy Theater in NYC FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele attends a City Hall wedding and wonders whether love is real and lasting or simply about finding someone to ride the life roller coaster with when the world gets scary. Then Matt sits down with comedian Chloe Radcliffe to talk about her journey from managing soda inventory at Target to stand-up, screenwriting, and her solo show Cheat. They discuss speech and debate, finding comedy after getting laid off, writing a movie for a major studio before knowing how to write a movie, and the terrifying experience of realizing nobody in the room knows what they’re doing. Chloe also opens up about cheating, monogamy, desire, emotional affairs, and why turning the worst parts of yourself into comedy can feel like a form of bloodletting. Chapters: 00:00:00 Chloe Radcliffe, screenwriting, phone addiction, hometowns 00:05:25 Overcoming phone addiction and managing career anxiety  00:11:07 Channeling ambitious energy into stand-up comedy and writing  00:17:12 Transitioning from speech and debate to comedy stages  00:22:45 Navigating corporate life at Target HQ and supply chain work  00:28:10 Leaving corporate supply chain for full-time comedy  00:33:50 Selling movie pitches to Sony without experience 00:39:25 Invisible industry work and Hollywood screenwriting realities  00:44:50 Creating the solo show Cheat and sharing radical honesty  00:50:15 Exploring emotional cheating and the psychology of infidelity  00:55:40 Examining love versus desire in modern relationships  01:01:05 Baby talk and lack of dishonesty impact relationships Topics: Managing soda inventory at target hq Speech and debate as comedy training Pitching to Sony without experience Learning studio screenwriting on the job Managing screen time and phone habits Compulsive radical honesty with bosses Origin of the solo comedy show Cheat Sleeping with the FedEx delivery guy Navigating love vs. sexual desire Defining the lines of emotional affairs FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele talks about influencer culture, a corgi who became internet-famous from inside a backpack, and the strange ways the internet shapes how we see ourselves and each other. Then Matt sits down with comedian, writer, and podcast host Akilah Hughes to talk about her podcast, Rebel Spirit, which follows her return to her Kentucky high school to push for replacing its Confederate mascot with a biscuit. They discuss why people hold onto Confederate symbols, and the challenge of changing traditions. They also reminisce about their Saturday Night Live auditions and talk about internet outrage, parasocial relationships, and when to stop taking the internet’s bait. Chapters: 00:00:00 Akilah Hughes, What a Day podcast, career pivots 00:04:14 Discussing Rebel Spirit and historical mascot debates 00:08:03 Examining public reactions to monument removal and social change 00:13:19 Navigating life in New York versus California 00:17:06 Reflecting on hosting news podcasts during turbulent times 00:22:50 Auditioning for Saturday Night Live during the pandemic 00:31:58 Facing the challenges of acting auditions and industry dynamics 00:36:24 Unpacking internet outrage and online commentary 00:41:29 Debating parasocial obsession and body image in social media 00:46:25 Playing small D energy with political tropes 00:51:41 Predicting the next viral internet animal 00:55:08 Guessing future video game characters and political figures Topics: Akilah Hughes: comedy and podcasting The pandemic SNL audition process on Zoom Changing the rebel high school mascot Auditioning for Colin Jost & Michael Che Hollywood’s struggle with podcasting Impact of southern history & statues Ariana grande, body image culture, media gaslighting Work life in NYC vs. Los Angeles Predicting the next viral character on Fortnite FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele has a message: go out. Say yes to the party, text back that Hinge match, find the afters, and stop letting your phone become your entire social life. It’s time to raise the Q3 numbers, bring back bacchanalia, and fight back against a year that’s been screwing us all. Former New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander joins Matt to talk about the wild year that took him from being arrested at an ICE protest to becoming the Democratic nominee for Congress. He tells Matt what happened when he tried to help an immigrant leaving immigration court, why he chose to cross-endorse Zohran Mamdani in the NY mayoral race, and how he learned to put the team ahead of his own political ambitions. Plus, Brad and Matt talk about Eric Adams, the future of New York, housing, public schools, and Brad’s surprisingly strong opinions on fizzy iced coffee. Topics: NYC political career and campaign ICE protests and civil disobedience Immigration and economic drivers Lessons from the NYC mayoral race Ranked choice voting strategy Housing costs and rent affordability Public transit and infrastructure Education and school integration Foreign policy and Middle East stance Predictions on politics and NYC trends FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele explores the strange cultural phenomenon of turning adorable animals into internet celebrities, why we become so invested in their lives, and what happens when our favorite feel-good stories start competing with an endless stream of bad news. Then Matt is joined by writer, comedian, and actor Gil Ozeri, whose uniquely absurd comedy has made him a cult favorite through his legendary Snapchat videos, Big Mouth, Happy Endings, Comedy Bang! Bang!, and more. They talk about committing completely to a bit, creating comedy that's impossible to describe until you experience it, his unforgettable Bane impression, and the long, weird path to making a career out of making people laugh. They also discuss letting go of perfectionism, surviving a rapidly changing entertainment industry, and Gil makes predictions about the future of The Simpsons, Toy Story, and which fast-food chain is primed for a comeback. Chapters: 00:00:00 Shooting new show 100% with Nick Kroll 00:02:37 Surreal Snapchat videos and early bits 00:08:06 Creating absurd brand sponsorships 00:13:54 Commitment to committing to the bit 00:19:15 Breaking into comedy writing in your 30s 00:24:32 Navigating TV writers rooms 00:30:10 Improv training and early stage career 00:35:48 Pitching TV shows in Hollywood 00:41:15 Writing for Big Mouth and animated TV 00:46:30 Evolution of internet comedy and social media 00:52:10 Iconic Comedy Bang Bang impressions 00:57:25 Fast food marketing and subway rebranding Topics:  Shooting new show with Nick Kroll    Surreal Snapchat comedy bits    Creating absurd brand sponsorships    The art of committing to the bit    Breaking into TV writing in your 30s    Navigating Hollywood writers' rooms    Improv roots and early stage career    Pitching original TV shows    Writing for Big Mouth & animation    Iconic Comedy Bang Bang impressions    FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele imagines what The Odyssey would look like if it were directed by some of Hollywood’s biggest filmmakers. From Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler and Wes Anderson, to Quentin Tarantino, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emerald Fennell, Martin Scorsese, and Guillermo del Toro, he reimagines Homer’s epic through each director’s unmistakable style. Then Matt sits down with comedian and writer Tess Gattuso to talk about stepping away from social media and what brought her back. They discuss making comedy in the age of algorithms, building a creative career, caring for loved ones with dementia, the frustrations of the American healthcare system, political activism, wellness culture, neurodiversity, and why real-life community matters more than ever. Chapters: 00:00:00 Tess Gattuso multi-talents must stay optimistic 00:05:14 Buffy the Vampire Slayer and 30 Rock influences 00:10:59 High school activism and finding your voice 00:15:54 Systemic failures in the American healthcare system 00:19:14 Why I quit social media at my career peak 00:24:53 Reclaiming your nervous system from the internet 00:30:44 Behind the scenes of launching Barbie’s TikTok 00:36:55 Navigating political polarization in comedy 00:42:08 The rise of McWellness and health grifters 00:46:35 Medical gaslighting and the 10-year diagnosis loop 00:53:51 Surviving Hollywood with delusional belief in your work 01:01:48 Navigating a career with an ADHD diagnosis Topics: Quitting social media at its peak Managing digital burnout and health Behind the scenes: Barbie TikTok Activism and writing with Jane Fonda The 10-year diagnosis loop for women Systemic failures in US healthcare Caregiving for paranoid schizophrenia Delusional belief in creative work Modern LA wellness culture and robots ADHD diagnosis and neurodivergence FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele breaks down how Congress keeps getting older, but nobody seems to have a plan for what happens when elected officials freeze mid-speech, disappear for months, or quietly leave office without anyone noticing. He also gets into the growing trend of family members stepping in to keep political dynasties alive, and argues that if you’re asking the country to trust you with the government, the least you can do is let us know where you are. Then, comedian, songwriter, and The Tonight Show writer Brooks Allison joins Matt for a conversation about comedy, music, and what happened after “Planet of the Bass” became a Billboard-charting hit. They talk about writing for late-night TV, chasing creative ideas, confess their favorite ways to procrastinate (including Grand Theft Auto), and explain why posting sincere music online can be scarier than telling jokes. Chapters: 00:00:00 Brooks Allison, Comedy glow-ups and splurging on gear 00:05:07 Performing live comedy vs. late night writing 00:10:13 The viral success of Planet of the Bass 00:15:18 Behind the scenes at the the Tonight Show 00:20:20 The realities of late night tv production 00:25:26 Internet culture, outrage, and goldfish brains 00:30:32 Navigating work mistakes and corporate culture 00:35:34 Brooks Allison’s solo music and balancing creative work 00:40:36 High school music nostalgia and loving The Shins  00:45:39 Unwinding with video games and living with cats 00:50:41 Future career predictions Topics: Fan of late night to TV writer Writer on strike in 2023 Splurging on a $3,000 Gibson guitar The stress of walking cats in public Writing for The Tonight Show Making the viral Planet of the Bass How the internet ruined our focus Houston Cougars sports fans Nostalgia for The Shins  FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Buechele takes aim at the political double standards that are driving the country apart, asking why some scandals end careers while others barely register. From Graham Platner’s failed Senate campaign to President Trump’s $5 million civil judgment, what does accountability even mean anymore? Fred Armisen joins Matt in Los Angeles to talk about filming Wednesday in Ireland, the enduring magic of Hollywood, self-driving cars, and why no one notices the things you’re most self-conscious about. They also dive into Saturday Night Live, with Fred sharing stories about legendary castmates, sketches that bombed, the surprising origins of “The Californians,” and returning for the show’s 50th anniversary. Plus, they discuss music, Devo, the B-52s, and Fred’s 100 Sound Effects album before wrapping up with a round of predictions about Lorne Michaels, UFOs, and Broadway. Chapters: 00:00:00 Fred Armisen, Wednesday S3, and Studio Magic 00:05:42 Waymo Logistics and Bullying Delivery Robots 00:11:30 Mastering the Perfect Fred Armisen Impression 00:17:15 Pitching "The Snob Test" Reality TV Idea 00:23:00 The Genius of the 2000s SNL Cast 00:28:45 Behind the Scenes of The Californians Sketch 00:34:30 Backstage at the SNL 50th Anniversary 00:40:15 Drumming for Devo and the B-52s Live 00:46:00 Pittsburgh Hype and the Stomp Clap Hey Era 00:51:45 Creating the 100 Sound Effects Album 00:57:30 Lorne Michaels and the Future of SNL 01:03:15 UFO Skepticism and Broadway Musical Dreams Topics: Filming Wednesday Season 3 in Ireland Survival tips for New York subways The danger of LA delivery robots Pitching The Snob Test reality show Inside the SNL genius all-star cast How The Californians became a hit Drumming for Devo and B-52s live Why Lorne Michaels won't retire The era of Stomp Clap Hey music UFOs and why aliens are bored of us FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/ ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/ ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices