The Odd Podcast with Joe Parisi

Ever finish watching a movie or listening to an old song and want to go deeper — way deeper? That's what The Odd Podcast is for. Host Joe Parisi sits down with the actors, filmmakers, and insiders from your favorite cult classics, forgotten gems, and beloved movies and TV shows from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. These aren't just fan conversations — these are the people who were actually there. Past guests include cast members from Swingers, Ernest Goes to Camp, American Gladiators, Nothing But Trouble, and dozens more. If you love nostalgia, behind-the-scenes stories, and pop culture deep dives, this is your show.

141 | Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) 06/09/2026

141 | Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) What if the most memorable graduation speech of all time was never actually a graduation speech? On this episode of The Odd Podcast with Joe Parisi, we take a deep dive into "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)," the 1999 spoken-word hit that offered life advice to an entire generation. From its origins as a newspaper column falsely attributed to Kurt Vonnegut, to its transformation into an international chart-topping song by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, this unlikely cultural phenomenon has a fascinating story behind it. We'll explore how the viral hoax began in the early days of the internet, why the message resonated with millions, the song's surprising chart success around the world, and whether its famous advice still holds up more than 25 years later. It's a strange, nostalgic, and surprisingly meaningful journey into one of the most unique hits of the late 1990s. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/41592085

140 | McDonald's Memories 04/03/2026

140 | McDonald's Memories Step into a supersized dose of nostalgia on this episode of The Odd Podcast with Joe Parisi! Joe dives deep into the wild, colorful world of McDonald’s nostalgia, Ronald McDonald history, and some of the most sought-after McDonald’s collectibles ever made. First, Joe talks with Randy Kalin, a performer and magician who spent more than 30 years working as Ronald McDonald, sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories about what it was like to bring one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture to life. From live appearances to the magic of the Golden Arches, Randy offers a rare inside look at an unforgettable era of McDonald’s history. Then, Joe is joined by Dustin Mayfield (@dustydixie), a prolific pop culture toy and memorabilia collector who has bought, sold, and hunted down some of the coolest and rarest vintage McDonald’s collectibles, including retro advertising pieces, restaurant décor, promotional items, and other fast food treasures that collectors dream about. If you love retro McDonald’s, 80s and 90s nostalgia, Happy Meal memories, vintage advertising, restaurant memorabilia, and the strange corners of pop culture history, this episode is for you. 🍟 Topics include: What it was really like to be Ronald McDonald Rare and valuable McDonald’s memorabilia Vintage Happy Meal toys and collectibles Classic McDonald’s restaurant décor and advertising Why McDonald’s nostalgia still hits so hard Whether you grew up with the PlayPlace, birthday parties, collectible glasses, menu boards, or the golden age of Ronald McDonald, this episode is a nostalgic trip back to one of America’s most iconic brands. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/40719255

139 | MTV Rewind with FlexasaurusRex 02/17/2026

139 | MTV Rewind with FlexasaurusRex MTV Changed Pop Culture Forever...Let’s Rewind 📺 This episode of The Odd Podcast dives deep into the wild, colorful, and culture-shifting history of MTV. From the moment “Video Killed the Radio Star” launched the network in 1981, MTV didn’t just play music videos, it reshaped music, fashion, celebrity culture, and an entire generation. In this episode, I take you on a nostalgic journey through the rise, peak, and evolution of MTV. We talk about: • The early days and explosive rise of MTV • Iconic music videos that defined the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s • The shows that changed the network forever (and changed TV itself) • How reality TV slowly replaced music videos • The long, strange “end of the music video era” Plus, a very special guest interview. I’m joined by FlexasaurusRex, the anonymous creator behind the viral MTV Rewind website - a free streaming experience that brings back the magic of watching music videos all day long. We talk about why he built it, the reaction it’s getting online, and why people still miss the MTV era so much. If you grew up watching MTV, miss music television, or just love pop-culture nostalgia, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and take a trip back to when the TV was always on… and the music never stopped. Follow Joe Parisi @joeparisivo Follow FlexasaurusRex @rexflexasaurus wantmymtv.xyz /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/40133200

138 | Heather O'Rourke 12/27/2025

138 | Heather O'Rourke Heather O’Rourke is forever etched into horror history as Carol Anne Freeling, the wide-eyed little girl who delivered one of the most iconic lines in movie history: “They’re here.” Cast in Poltergeist (1982) at just five years old, Heather instantly became one of the most recognizable child actors of the 1980s and a defining face of supernatural cinema. Before and after Poltergeist, Heather appeared in national television commercials and guest-starred on popular shows like Happy Days and Webster. She went on to reprise her role as Carol Anne in Poltergeist II and Poltergeist III, solidifying her place in horror fandom while quickly gaining a reputation as a remarkably gifted young performer. Tragically, Heather O’Rourke passed away in 1988 at only 12 years old, leaving behind an enduring legacy and decades of unanswered questions, myths, and fascination among fans of the Poltergeist films. In this episode, I’m joined by friend of the show Brian Pocrass, who has spent years working with his team on an upcoming documentary about Heather’s life, career, and lasting impact. The film, She Was Here, is set for release in early 2026. Together, we discuss Heather’s rise to fame, her cultural impact, and why her story continues to resonate with Poltergeist fans and horror lovers alike. This episode was originally released on December 27, 2025, on what would have been Heather's 50th birthday. Follow Joe Parisi @joeparisivo /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/39528475

137 | 90s Chart Toppers 12/18/2025

137 | 90s Chart Toppers In this episode, Joe Parisi explores the #1 songs of the 1990s as ranked by the Billboard Hot 100. From chart‑toppers that shattered records to songs that launched major careers, and even a few that completely disappeared from the cultural conversation. This is a deep dive into what the charts were really telling us. The Billboard Hot 100 isn’t just about hits. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time. Each #1 song reflects a week, a season, or even a specific memory for millions of people. So put on your Starter jacket, pump up your shoes, and join Joe for a fun, nostalgic look back at the music that defined the ’90s. Follow Joe @joeparisivo /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/39449850

136 | Penny from Pee Wee's Playhouse 12/07/2025

136 | Penny from Pee Wee's Playhouse Get ready for an irresistibly nostalgic deep dive into one of the most delightfully quirky parts of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: the iconic claymation “Penny” segments! In this episode, we explore how these whimsical shorts were created, uncover who “Penny” really was, and connect the dots to a surprising web of pop-culture oddities that all tie back to her. I’m joined by two incredible guests: Prudence Fenton, the visionary animation director and producer behind Pee-wee’s Playhouse, and Timothy Young, the artist and model maker who literally built Penny during Season 1. Together, they share behind-the-scenes stories, creative secrets, and the unexpected legacy of a tiny girl made of clay who left a huge mark on children’s television. Tune in for nostalgia, creativity, and some seriously fun surprises! Follow Joe @joeparisivo Check out Joe's other podcast "America's Pop Culture Trivia Show". /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/39314500

135 | Johnny Carson with author Mark Malkoff 11/20/2025

135 | Johnny Carson with author Mark Malkoff Author and Podcaster Mark Malkoff joins Joe for an in-depth discussion about Johnny Carson's fascinating life and career. Mark recently released the book "Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey to Find the Genuis Behind the Legend". If you love hearing stories from Hollywood's Golden Age, and exclusive stories from behind the curtain of The Tonight Show, this episode is right up your alley. Enjoy our 135th episode...Here's Johnny! Follow Joe @joeparisivo More about Mark - markmalkoff.com /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/39104590

134 | 2Pac with author Jeff Pearlman 11/03/2025

134 | 2Pac with author Jeff Pearlman Diving in to the legend of 2Pac with 9x New York Times Best Selling Author Jeff Pearlman. In October 2025, Jeff released his latest book "Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur". Follow Joe @joeparisivo Follow Jeff @jeff_pearlman /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/38889080

133 | Elsa Lanchester-Monsters, Mysteries, and Myths featuring Scott Michaels 10/17/2025

133 | Elsa Lanchester-Monsters, Mysteries, and Myths featuring Scott Michaels In this spine-tingling episode, Joe Parisi explores the legacy of Elsa Lanchester, the unforgettable actress who brought The Bride of Frankenstein to life. But the story doesn’t end on screen. Recently, true-crime and Hollywood historian Scott Michaels (Dearly Departed Tours/Findadeath) uncovered the mysterious truth about the whereabouts of Lanchester’s remains. Hear how decades of rumor, misinformation, and Hollywood lore finally led to a surprising discovery. Joe also dives into the life and tragic death of Colin Clive, the brilliant but tormented actor who portrayed Dr. Frankenstein himself, revealing the haunting parallels between his real life and the Gothic horror he helped create. If you love classic monster movies, Hollywood history, and real-life mysteries, this episode is for you. Follow Joe Parisi @joeparisivo Follow Scott Michaels @iamscottmichaels /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/38614770

132 | Elvis Presley: Karate Expert 07/22/2025

132 | Elvis Presley: Karate Expert On this episode of The Odd Podcast with Joe Parisi, we explore a lesser-known chapter of Elvis Presley’s life, his deep passion for karate. Joe is joined by special guest Billy Stallings, also known as Spa Guy, who owns and operates the Tiger Man Dojo & Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, the very same dojo where Elvis trained from 1970 to 1974. Learn how Elvis got into martial arts during his Army days, and how it became a major part of his life during his peak fame and his later years. Discover the history of the dojo just down the street from Graceland, and how Billy lovingly restored it to look just like it did during Elvis’s training days. Whether you're a lifelong Elvis fan, martial arts enthusiast, or history buff, this episode is packed with rare stories, fascinating history, and insights into a side of The King you've never seen before. Topics include: The true story behind "Karate Elvis" Elvis’s personal martial arts journey The restoration of the original dojo Behind-the-scenes stories from the Tiger Man Dojo & Museum How fans can visit this hidden Elvis landmark Follow Joe @joeparisivo Visit #ElvisPresley #KarateElvis #TigerManDojo #ElvisPodcast #Graceland #MartialArts #SpaGuy #ElvisHistory #MemphisTourism #ElvisPresleyMuseum /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/37500205

131 | Back to the Future Part 2 06/27/2025

131 | Back to the Future Part 2 Join Joe Parisi and Brian Pocrass for a fun deep dive on Back to the Future Part 2. It's a trip back in time to 1989 when we all saw what things were possibly going to look like in 2015. We discuss everything from the lesser known cast members to filming locations and screen used props. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/37171485

130 | Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth with Money In My Hand 04/30/2025

130 | Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth with Money In My Hand Joe Parisi exlplores the incredible story behind the 1996 alt rock song "Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth with Money In My Hand" by Primitive Radio Gods. Follow Joe @joeparisivo /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/36380915

129 | Viva Las Vegas 04/15/2025

129 | Viva Las Vegas Join Joe as he discusses a recent trip to Las Vegas and all of the fun & quirky pop culture-related things he had on the itinerary, including a David Copperfield show at the MGM Grand, Maroon 5 at the Dolby Theatre, a desert road trip to see Area 51, the town of Rachel Nevada, the Little A'le'in, The Clown Motel, The Sphere, filming locations from Swingers and Back to the Future 2, the 2pac Memorial and more! Follow Joe @joeparisivo Find Joe's other show - America's Pop Culture Trivia Show /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/36146800

128 | Urkel Mania 02/07/2025

128 | Urkel Mania On this episode we take a DEEP DIVE on Steve Urkel Mania, which managed to sweep the nation in the 90s. We discuss Family Matters, TGIF, Urkel Merchandise, Crossover Episodes, Lost Media, and so much more. Hollywood insider Brian Pocrass joins Joe Parisi for a fun discussion that will pull you right back into the glorious 90s! /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/35185865

127 | Dazed and Confused 11/07/2024

127 | Dazed and Confused Joe Parisi and Brian Pocrass take a deep dive on the 1993 cinematic classic Dazed and Confused. They discuss the film in depth, along with many of the other coming-of-age highschool films they enjoy. Follow Joe on insta @joeparisivo /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/33823787

126 | Joe In Hollywood 05/09/2024

126 | Joe In Hollywood A recap of Joe's recent trip to Hollywood that was packed full of Hollywood history, filming location visits, iconic LA haunts, and more. PLUS, a full 30+ minutes on the special Odd Podcast field trip to Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary. This is the final resting place of Marilyn Monroe and hundreds of other Hollywood celebrities. Brian Pocrass joins the show live from LA with a wealth of information about this extremely unique, celebrity-filled cemetery. Brian gave Joe and his family a private tour of the cemetery during their visit and on this episode he shares all sorts of odd and interesting facts with the listeners. The show open through 49:40 features a recap of everything Joe and his family visited in and around Hollywood. 49:40 on is all about Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/31206112

125 | The Amazing Criswell 03/22/2024

125 | The Amazing Criswell Examining the bizarre and fascinating life and career of a fringe Old Hollywood celebrity known as The Amazing Criswell. Joining me is the author of the book " Fact, Fictions, and the Forbidden Predictions of the Amazing Criswell", Edwin Lee Canfield. Instagram: @joeparisivo /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/30501983

124 | Swingers 02/18/2024

124 | Swingers A deep dive into the 1996 film Swingers. Joe Parisi is joined by Deena Martin Delucia, who played Christy (The Vegas Waitress). /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/30002148

123 | Al Leong Hollywood's Henchman 01/26/2024

123 | Al Leong Hollywood's Henchman Al Leong has probably been in your favorite action movie. In fact, he's probably been in half of the action movies you saw in the 80's and 90's. Join Joe Parisi and Al Leong for a fun discussion about the martial arts film genre and Al's incredible life on screen. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/29669178

122 | BodySlam 12/18/2023

122 | BodySlam A deep dive on the 1986 pro-wrestling comedy "BodySlam". Join host Joe Parisi and cast member Michael Moynahan, who played "Pee Wee Hutchens" as we discuss this somewhat obscure 80s cult classic. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/29119043

121 | Step By Step 11/10/2023

121 | Step By Step If you spent time watching ABC's TGIF lineup in the 90's, this episode is for you! Join Joe Parisi and guest Brian Pocrass as they take a deep dive into one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 90s. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/28588268

120 | Napoleon Dynamite 06/02/2023

120 | Napoleon Dynamite A deep dive into the 2004 classic Napoleon Dynamite. Join Joe Parisi and Trevor Snarr (who played "Don" in the film) for a fun look back at this highly influential movie. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/27030291

119 | Bill Ripken 1989 Fleer Error Card 09/28/2022

119 | Bill Ripken 1989 Fleer Error Card F_ _ _ FACE! In 1989, Fleer released their annual set of baseball cards, having no idea what was about to happen and what had slipped past them. A few weeks after the cards started being sold, word started to spread that the Bill Ripken card in the set featured a very explicit phrase written on the handle of the bat he was holding in the picture. As the company scrambled to halt production, save face, and edit the card, a frenzy among collectors broke out and copies of the card became highly sought after. 30 years later, people still actively search for this card and many questions still remain unanswered. Over the years, many of the stories and explanations have been changed. Join Joe Parisi for a deep dive on this historic incident that changed the trading card industry forever. We're also visited by Jon Pederson who runs the website dedicated to this card, /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/24511389

118 | Weird Science 08/10/2022

118 | Weird Science Dissecting the 1985 John Hughes classic "Weird Science". Joining Joe Parisi is longtime Hollywood character actor Britt Leach who played the father of "Gary" (Anthony Michael Hall) in the film. Also, Rhonda Wong joins the show. Rhonda worked as a background performer in the iconic party scene at the end of the film and was in the blue kitchen! /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/24021255

117 | My Girl 03/05/2022

117 | My Girl Joe Parisi is joined by Brian Pocrass for a deep dive on 1991's odd coming of age hit "My Girl". /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/22347440

116 | Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead 12/30/2021

116 | Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead Join Joe Parisi and Brian Pocrass as they dissect the 1991 cult classic Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/21636836

115 | Clueless 09/21/2021

115 | Clueless Join Joe Parisi, Brian Pocrass and Jen Chaney (author of the book "As If: The Oral History of Clueless as told by Amy Heckerling, the Cast and Crew") as they take a trip back to 1995 and explore this influential teen film. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/20555663

114 | LFO's Summer Girls 07/07/2021

114 | LFO's Summer Girls The unlikely story of an unlikely hit: LFO's Summer Girls. Joining Joe to explore this 1999 hit is LFO member Brad Fischetti. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/19729688

113 | Punky Brewster 05/11/2021

113 | Punky Brewster Exploring the Punky Brewster show which originally ran from 1984-1988. Along for the ride is Hollywood insider and filmmaker Brian Pocrass and Hollywood dog trainer Robert Weatherwax (who worked with "Brandon" on multiple occasions ) /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/19057967

112 | Whoomp There It Is with DC The Brain Supreme 02/13/2021

112 | Whoomp There It Is with DC The Brain Supreme DC The Brain Supreme joins me to look back at the party anthem that took over the world in 1993, Tag Team's hit single "Whoomp (There it is). We also discuss the song's resurgence thanks to the Geico ad campaign featuring Tag Team. /episode/index/show/oddpodcast/id/17936963

The Odd Podcast with Joe Parisi

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