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'Too Much Information' is a new iHeartRadio podcast that gives you the secret history, behind-the-scenes details and little-known fascinating facts about your favorite movies, music, TV shows and more. The series is brought to you by two trivia titans with too much free time. Jordan Runtagh and Alex Heigl are big-time pop culture nerds and longtime listicle writers who've worked at Rolling Stone, People, Entertainment Weekly, VH1, and Page Six. Now they're let off the leash and ready to dive deep into a different beloved entertainment classic three times a week. Get ready for everything you never knew about 'Rugrats,' 'Hook,' "Dancing Queen," Sonic the Hedgehog, 'Jeopardy,' 'Top Gun,' 'Jagged Little Pill'...The list goes on, and so will these guys. But in a good way. Promise. 


Too Much Information

Do you like movies about gladiators? The TMI guys hope so, because they’re going long on Ridley Scott’s classic that revitalized sword and sandal epics for the 21st century. (Until 'Gladiator II' ruined it…) You’ll hear all about the acts of violence Russell Crowe brought to the set, the untimely (errr, maybe somewhat timely) death of legendary British hellraiser Oliver Reed mid-production, all the ways Joaquin Phoenix was traumatized during the shoot, and the ways everyone nearly died due to the live tiger-wrangling. You’ll also discover why Ridley Scott got screwed at the Oscars, ex-‘Incredible Hulk’ Lou Ferrigno got screwed out of a role, and the audience got screwed out of seeing Nick Cave’s truly batsh-t script for a 'Gladiator' sequel brought to the big screen. Those who are about to listen — we salute you!

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Gladiator: Everything You Didn't Know

Your rogue squirrels of seasonal sagas are taking a look at this staple of the irreverent modern Christmas classics canon. You’ll learn all about the physical injuries that Chevy Chase received on the set, the emotional injuries that the two tweens portraying the Griswold siblings also received on the set, the reason we were cheated out of a Christie Brinkley cameo, and the mysterious absence of Lindsey Buckingham’s beloved “Holiday Road.” You’ll also discover how Chevy’s poor behavior directly lead to the creation of a little movie called Home Alone, and how the Christmas Vacation has surprising connections with American Beauty, It’s a Wonderful Life, Lethal Weapon and Betty Boop. Jordan opens up about his crush on Martin Scorsese’s TikTok star daughter, and Heigl shares his fascination with Randy Quaid, who is currently on the run from a band of murderous “star whackers” — present whereabouts unknown.
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Everything You Didn't Know

The TMI guys ring in the holidays — and Jordan's birthday! – by going deep into 10 of their favorite (or, in some cases, least favorite) Christmas songs. You'll learn how that mind-melting David Bowie-Bing Crosby duet came to be (as well as the morbid events that followed) as well as the hilariously drunken shenanigans that unfolded on the set of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" video — plus the saga of George Michael's hair. Heigl shares his passion for jazz through the Vince Guaraldi 'Charlie Brown Christmas' soundtrack, in addition to the hilariously fast genesis of "Feliz Navidad" and the precocious brilliance of Brenda Lee and her deathless "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." And whatever you do, don't miss out on Jordan and Alex's battle over whether or not Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" actually sucks. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good fight! 

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CHRISTMAS SONG ROUNDUP: "Wonderful Christmastime," "Last Christmas" and More!

Jordan and Alex smear their best mascara across their tear-stained eyes for an episode on My Chemical Romance's "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge" and the brief moment when the innacurate catchall genre of "emo" dominated rock radio. They'll explore how 9/11 -- and the DIY music scene of New Brunswick, New Jersey -- spurred a young illustrator and Cartoon Network intern named Gerard Way into transforming himself into a messianic rock frontman; how the band's early trio of videos cemented them as MTV darlings, and how the band's early rise was nearly derailed by Way's heroic intake of alcohol. They'll also trace the roots of "emo" from the D.C. hardcore scene of the '80s as it sprouted and transformed in the Midwest and Northeast, pine for the days of major-label interest in niche bands, marvel at some of Way's more hilariously youthful soundbites, and learn how "I'm Not Okay" came together from an a cappella recording at the tail end of a demo tape. Too Much Information: They are also not okay, but in different, more adult ways!
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

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My Chemical Romance's 'Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge': Everything You Didn't Know

Follow the flying monkeys of facts down the Yellow Brick Road for an episode that’s Toto-ly packed with 'Wizard of Oz' trivia! In part one of the TMI’s guy’s epic two-fer on children’s cinematic classic, you’ll hear all about the origins of the original book and how author L. Frank Baum’s (who, it’s worth noting, was bullied by theater people) was inspired by office supplies, family tragedy and his childhood nightmares to develop the magical series. You'll also learn why MGM greenlit the budget-busting production to compete with the world beating success of Walt Disney's 'Snow White,' the biggest blockbuster in history at the time.
 
This episode focuses on the cast of 'Oz,' nearly all of whom were tortured physically and psychologically. Special shout-out to original Tin Man Buddy Ebsen, who nearly died due to his wildly unsafe makeup. There's also the truly disgusting costumes required for the Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion, and the trials and tribulations of being a Munchkin on the set. (Spoiler: there were no Munchkin orgies.) The TMI duo also explain why The Wicked Witch of the West was actually the loveliest person in the production, why Toto is buried under LA's 101 freeway, and why the Ruby Slippers led to a 13-year FBI manhunt. Plus, prepare to get really bummed out when you learn about Judy Garland's childhood and all the drugs she was (allegedly) being fed by her mom. Yes, the movie making experience was less than wonderful for the cast, but the episode's pretty great. 
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

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The Wizard of Oz (Part 1 - The Cast): Everything You Didn't Know

Your Tin Men of trivia are back for round two of their epic deep dive into the making of the most watched movie in history. On this episode, you’ll learn about the hellish production, which ended up injuring, maiming (or, at very least, psychologically harming) at nearly every member of the cast. The Scarecrow was nearly set on fire — but he was saved from his costume made of asbestos. The Wicked Witch actually WAS set on fire, and the frantic crew had to scrub down her freshly-burned skin with alcohol. A “heavily medicated” Judy Garland was emotionally abused by everyone from the studio execs on down — all for the name of MOVIE MAGIC! The wildly-expensive lightening caused brown-outs all over LA, the tornado sequence nearly choked the SFX team, and then there were the poor prop masters who made fake glass out of liquid mercury.
 
Between the accidentals, constantly revolving cast of writers and directors, and the outbreak of World War II, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ should have been a complete and utter disaster. How did it become a top tier classic, with special resonance within the LGBTQ community? Why does Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' sync up so well with the film? Did a distraught Munchkin actor really hang themselves in the middle of a scene? Take a listen, and all the answers will be revealed!
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

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The Wizard of Oz (Part 2 - The Production): Everything You Didn't Know

Jordan and Alex rev up their clank-boom-skronk engine and clatter their way into the junkyard for a trip to the heart of Tom Waits’ asthmatic doomer trip 'Bone Machine'! After a brief discussion of Waits’ career up to that point, including his early association with LA’s Troubadour-based Mellow Mafia, they’ll jaws-of-life their way into the album’s rusted center, from figuring out exactly which field recording of Pygmy drumming inspired the opening cut to the precise nature of the chicken-ranch storage room the album was tracked in. They’ll run down every Easter egg in the lyrics, from Tony Franciosa to Oldsmobiles, and identify minutiae from the flea-market piece of music gear Waits got repaired at a TV shop to the details of how Tom met Keef (Richards, that is.) It’s Too Much Information: *incomprehensible gargling bellows*!
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

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Tom Waits' 'Bone Machine': Everything You Didn't Know

A tuxedo-clad Jordan and Heigl take you to Da Movies with their epic tangent-rich, name drop-y history of Hollywood's biggest night! They’ll dive deep into iconic Oscars moments, like the infamous streaker (and his shocking murder), the fallout from Marlon Brando’s politically-charged boycott, and Charlie Chaplin’s touching homecoming after years in exile — plus lots more lesser-known moments of award show insanity.
 
You’ll learn all about Oscars gaffes that make “Envelope-Gate” look tame — including the time that an Oscar statuette was stolen right from the stage! — and the disasters that occasionally delayed the broadcast. There’s also the tragic tale of a veteran actor who was forced to sell his trophy to pay for his wife’d medical costs (or take a cruise…), the time Tom Hanks accidentally outed his teacher at the Oscars (or did he…?), and the Oscar nominee who was wanted by police for the theft of tens of thousands of library books! 
 
Egyptian curses, David Bowie’s preferred cologne, and the sad death of Disney child star Bobby Driscoll also get a mention for some reason, as does Jordan’s office break-room photoshoot with Taylor Swift and his unholy hatred of Richard Gere. He also (briefly!) quizzes his beloved co-host about assorted Oscars milestones and discusses his dream-fulfilling trip to the ceremony a few years back — which was nowhere near as interesting as the time the 'South Park' creators went after donning drag and dropping acid. The jury’s still out on how the Academy Award received its better-known nickname of “Oscar,” but that’s pretty much the only fact they WEREN’T able to track down. Strap in, because these two are going until the wrap-it-up music finally drowns them out. 
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Oscars: Everything You Didn't Know

Your favorite folk-rock duo of facts guide you through the troubled waters that lead to the creation of this beloved classic album and its iconic title track. They'll give you a rundown of Simon and Garfunkel's epic feud, which started in childhood and only intensified with stardom, and explain why this record marked the end of the road for the pair. (Basically, if the book 'Catch-22' had never been written, S&G might still be together today...) But it's not all doom and gloom! They'll discuss how "Cecilia" was quietly groundbreaking for its pioneering use of sampling, why its lyrics were a harbinger of social change, and also detail the bizarre connection it has to a Beatles classic. They'll get into Paul Simon's thorny relationship with cultural appropriation on "El Condor Pasa," his unexpected inspiration behind the title song, and how he got that god tier drum sound on "The Boxer." The guys try not to cry as they expose the hidden messages Paul included to his (increasingly estranged) old friend on "The Only Living Boy in New York" and "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright," and unconcover the poignant secret meaning of the final album tracks — but you're welcome to shed a tear, if you want. It's TMI...now with BONUS BOOMER NOSTALGIA! 
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

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"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel: Everything You Didn't Know

Heigl and Jordan channel the worst versions of their teenage selves as they dive deep into the awesomely irreverent animation juggernaut. In between swapping endless quotes from the show, they explore its surprising origins with comedy prodigy Seth MacFarlane, how he narrowly escaped a horrific fate on 9/11, and how his passion for rapid-fire gags about mid-century media inadvertently birthed the TikTok generation in the 21st Century. You'll learn all about the epic beef between the Family Guy creators and the team behind The Simpsons and South Park, not to mention their run-ins with celebrities and parental organizations — plus the eps that were so controversial that they never were broadcast. You'll also hear the inspiration behind some of these iconic cartoon voices, discover subtle pop culture references you probably missed, and the truth behind the show's premature cancelation and historic revival thanks to record-breaking DVD sales. Prepare to get nostalgic for the halcyon days of Adult Swim as the TMI Guys take a trip to Quahog!
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

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Family Guy: Everything You Didn't Know

Your two men on the internet telling you useless information supposed to fire your imagination are back with their 60th anniversary deep-dive into this deathless rock anthem. After a heated Beatles vs Stones debate, the TMI guys explain how the classic riff came to Keith Richards in a dream — and run down a list of other great art that came to people while they slept. They’ll explain the song’s unexpected connection to unexplained Scientology deaths, and the role it played in inadvertently breaking up the Beatles. You’ll also learn how the success of “Satisfaction” lead to a schism within the Stones themselves, which ultimately lead to the death of their founder and long-time leader, Brian Jones. Heigl delivers a stunning history of guitar distortion while Jordan explains how the Beatles delighted in trolling their friendly rivals. It’s a story of ego, electricity, obsession, and the song that turned the Rolling Stones into the most dangerous band in the world.
 
For those interested in learning more about The Rolling Stones, here’s the podcast Jordan worked on about the sessions for ‘Exile on Main Street’ and their groundbreaking American tour in the summer of 1972: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stones-touring-party/id1698938627
 
Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcast

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"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones: Everything You Didn't Know

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