The Big Bad Broadcast

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we kick things off with a lively discussion about our beloved pets, sharing humorous anecdotes about our dogs and their quirky behaviors. We then welcome our special guest, Eddie Barbanell, an Actor with Down Syndrome. He has been acting since 2000, but mostly in plays. He has studied acting with Jay Lynch of the Opus Theater, Selma Glass at the Coconut Creek Recreation Center, and Allan Press of the Youth Theater in Boca Raton. His first leading movie role was in The Ringer (2005), next to Johnny Knoxville. 

Eddie shares his journey into acting, highlighting his training in Shakespeare and his experiences on stage and screen. He passionately discusses the importance of representation for individuals with disabilities in the entertainment industry, emphasizing that everyone has unique abilities and talents. We explore Eddie's experiences with discrimination and how he has overcome challenges to achieve success, inspiring us all with his positive outlook.

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we welcome special guest Lindsey Ferrentino, an accomplished writer and playwright. Lindsey shares exciting news about her upcoming Broadway musical, "The Queen of Versailles," which is set to begin rehearsals soon. She discusses the creative process behind the musical, which is based on the documentary of the same name, focusing on the extravagant lives of the Segal family, Florida billionaires who attempted to build a replica of the Palace of Versailles. Lindsey reveals her journey in securing the rights to the story and collaborating with renowned composer Stephen Schwartz and actress Kristin Chenoweth.

The discussion delves into Lindsey's background, her early interest in writing, and her family's influence in the arts. She reflects on her experiences in theater, including her previous works like "Ugly Lies the Bone" and "The Fear of Thirteen," and shares insights into her writing process, emphasizing the blend of comedy and tragedy in her storytelling.

As the episode progresses, Lindsey talks about her current projects, including an animated film adaptation of the "Lunar Chronicles" book series, showcasing her versatility as a writer. The hosts express their admiration for her accomplishments, including her Olivier Award nomination, highlighting the significance of her work in both American and British theater. The episode concludes with a sense of excitement for Lindsey's future endeavors and the upcoming opening of "The Queen of Versailles" on Broadway.

Hey, we had some fun but... Gotta Run! (We are going to need a new catch phrase.) 

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we dive into a variety of topics, starting with a light-hearted banter about my co-host John’s sleepy demeanor. We discuss some strange occurrences at John's house, including mysterious orbs captured on his security camera, leading to a conversation about the existence of spirits and the nature of energy, referencing Einstein's famous quote.

We then shift gears to a humorous reading from "The Onion's Book of Known Knowledge," where we explore absurd definitions and jokes, including a funny take on sunflowers and surfing. The conversation flows into our childhood memories, including collecting insects and the mischief we got into, like John's infamous bee bomb incident.

Next, we welcome our super fan, Pam Bornstein, from Florida, who shares her love for the show and her experiences living in the Sunshine State. We discuss the weather, the differences between Florida and New York, and the evolution of education and career paths in today's world, especially with the rise of AI.

As we continue, we touch on the recent passing of notable figures like Hulk Hogan and Malcolm Jamal Warner, reminiscing about their contributions to entertainment and the impact of wrestling culture. We also delve into the absurdities of current political events, particularly surrounding Trump, and the ongoing discussions about drug prices and healthcare.

Here we go, let's stop now and take time to smell the flowers. All the flowers, so many flowers sparked by my previous mention of songs about flowers. John, ever the contrarian, expresses his disdain for flowers, leading to a comedic back-and-forth where I list numerous songs that celebrate them. This leads to a deeper discussion about our experiences in high school, the awkwardness of dating, and the unrealistic expectations set by Hollywood movies like "The Karate Kid."

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, we dive into a lighthearted and humorous conversation with our guest, Cris Johnson, a versatile magician known for his work in paranormal magic, corporate shows, and kid-friendly performances. The episode kicks off with some banter about personal tragedies, including Mike's coffee maker's untimely demise.

We reminisce about our experiences in the magic community, touching on the camaraderie among magicians compared to the competitive nature of comedians. Chris shares his innovative murder mystery magic show, which cleverly misleads corporate audiences into thinking they're in for a clown performance before revealing a comedic twist.

As we explore various topics, including our experiences at conventions, the challenges of magic exposure, and the art of performance, we also delve into personal anecdotes, such as my daughter's success in the entertainment industry and our shared experiences at iconic locations like Niagara Falls and Stonehenge.

Throughout the episode, we maintain a playful and engaging atmosphere, filled with laughter and witty exchanges. Chris's unique perspective on magic, combined with our shared stories, makes for an entertaining and insightful episode that highlights the joys and challenges of being a performer in today's world.

In this episode of the Big Bad Broadcast, John and Mike dive into a variety of topics ranging from politics to personal anecdotes. We kick off the show with a light-hearted jab at each other, particularly focusing on John’s sometimes rude demeanor.

We express our gratitude to our friends in the entertainment industry, including Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling and Tommy Chong, and share some humorous insights about the current political landscape, particularly regarding Trump and his views on education. The conversation shifts to our own educational experiences, with Mike recounting his journey through community college and John sharing stories about his children’s college experiences, including the surprising rise of the University of Northern Florida.

As we reminisce about our youth, we reflect on the pressures of high school sports and the rigorous schedules that young athletes face. Mike shares a funny story about his son’s football experience, while John reflects on his own college days, filled with mischief and a lack of focus.

The episode takes a personal turn as I share my recent vacation to the Dominican Republic, where I encountered both the beauty of the resort and the chaos of a family-friendly atmosphere. We laugh about the absurdity of seeing 300-pound women in thongs and the challenges of enjoying a vacation amidst rowdy crowds.

We also discuss the importance of family connections, particularly through sports, and how our experiences with our fathers have shaped our relationships with our own children. The episode wraps up with a discussion about the ups and downs of dental visits and the quirks of life, all while maintaining our signature humor and camaraderie.