Weird Al – The King Of The Nerds (And The Accordion)

Alexander Kjerulf on April 19, 2023

Katie was doomed by her parents to nerdiness from an early age, when they subjected her to a steady diet of Weird Al Yankovic.

But there’s much to be enthusiastic about in his decades-long musical career, including:

  • How being parodied by Weird Al is bigger than winning an Emmy
  • How he took first dates to see his own movie
  • His complete and utter niceness

Also, THIS IS EPISODE NUMBER 50!!! That’s CRAZYCAKES!!!

Wednesday – What Exactly Makes This Show SO GOOD?

Alexander Kjerulf on January 12, 2023

Is it the costumes? The visuals? Jenna Ortega? That dance scene? Christina Ricci?

Alex has never seen a single Addams Family movie or TV show episode. He doesn’t particularly like Tim Burton and he’s not a fan of high school drama. So why did he love Wednesday, Netflix’s new hit show? Let’s see if we can figure it out.

BTWs include Parks&Rec, Brooklyn 99 and Fred Armisen.

Tim Minchin – The Nerdiest, Most Boring Megastar

Alexander Kjerulf on January 6, 2023

Tim Minchin wants to be “the Boring Keith Richards.” But while this red-headed Ozzie’s homelife may be boring his musical comedy is anything but.

In this episode Katie gets to show Alex some highlights of Minchin’s career and it is AWESOME!

BTWs include Hallelujah and assorted nerdiness.

Taylor Swift – From “Just A Pop Star” To Revolutionizing The Music Industry

Alexander Kjerulf on December 15, 2022

Taylor Swift is more than just a pop star – she has changed the music industry in some really interesting ways.

Katie is not a real Swiftie but she is very enthusiastic about the savvy way Taylor Swift has controlled her career and media image.

BTWs include copyright law and who has the worst fanbase.

Kate Bush – Happy Witchy Feminine Musical Genius And Badass

Alexander Kjerulf on December 9, 2022

Kate Bush’s song Running Up That Hill made it to #1 in the UK, 37 years after it was released when they used it in Stranger Things.

Alex has been a fan of Kate Bush since the 80s and when a listener suggested we do an episode on her, he got to research her and find out just how awesome she is.

BTWs include drag queens vs. evil Disney queens.

The Amen Break – Why Is This 6- Second Dirty Drum Solo Used In 6,000 Other Songs?

Alexander Kjerulf on November 3, 2022

You may not have heard OFF The Amen Break – but you’ve definitely heard it. But how did this 6-second drum solo become the world’s most used sample and show up in 6,000 other songs – from Slipknot the Futurama theme.

Alex shares the fascinating history behind The Amen Break, how it was discovered, what makes it so good and why copying other people’s stuff in your art is a good thing, actually.

In the moment of meta Katie talks about 2 new mottos that she believes are essential to enthusiasm:

  • It’s OK to make mistakes
  • Don’t blame others – or yourself

BTWs include:

  • Famous B-side songs that became more popular than the A-side
  • The Danish band that ALMOST became a hit in black dance clubs
  • Paying artists for their work

Links

Koyaanisqatsi – The EPIC 80s Movie With No Actors, No Plot And No Dialogue

Alexander Kjerulf on September 29, 2022

Imagine a movie with no plot, no characters, no actors, no dialogue, no narration, no stunts, no CGI, no special effects and no sound – only super minimalist music. HOW is this movie not a complete boring train wreck?

In this episode, Alex shares his love for a groundbreaking 1980s movie that is utterly beautiful and fascinating and which has inspired so many other works including Madonna music videos, Zach Snyder’s Watchmen and the Grand Theft Auto video game.

BTWs include:

  • Death of the author
  • German expressionist cinema
  • Citizen Kane
  • How NOT to eat marmite

In the Moment Of Meta, Alex and Katie follow up on Katie’s previous challenge to “say yes” to new adventure and share what happened when they did.

Links

RRR: The Epic Indian Action Movie That Goes ALL-IN on EVERYTHING

Alexander Kjerulf on August 17, 2022

RRR (Rise, Roar and Revolt) is a brand-new Indian movie that has Katie VERY enthusiastic because of the insane action, the crazy high energy and the men’s fashions. Just don’t talk to her about whatever it is the women are wearing!

It is a HUGE blockbuster in India and worldwide and you can see it on Netflix right now – but first listen to this episode to hear exactly how awesome it is.

BTWs include:

  • What is Tollywood and why is it different from Bollywood
  • Why you should watch RRR with British people

Moment Of Meta

In the Moment Of Meta we talk about an ad that enraged Alex and how to use hobbies as a source of enthusiasm.

Links

Ella Fitzgerald – From Street Child To First Lady Of Jazz

Alexander Kjerulf on May 19, 2022

What a voice. What an incredible musical talent. She came out of total poverty and a life as a Manhattan street child. Ella Ftizgerald – the greatest jazz singer ever?

Hear how she got her greatest hit that time she completely forgot the lyrics to Mack The Knife in Berlin.

BTWs include Chick Webb, racism, Marilyn Monroe and Alex’s new favorite expression for something really quiet.

In the moment of meta Alex talks about letting go of enthusiasms.

Lise Nørgaard – Writer, feminist and UTTER BADASS

Alexander Kjerulf on May 11, 2022

Lise Nørgaard is a Danish journalist and author who discovered her superpower (writing) and has used it tirelessly to promote women’s rights and social justice.

She also created Matador, the best Danish TV show EVER, and (maybe most importantly) had a pastry named after her.

BTWs include implanted memories and swing dancing.

In the moment of meta Alex Katie shares a story of how she used enthusiasm to defuse an online feud.