My podcast, "That's Infotainment" of interest to DL people

Is it just called Infotainment?

"That's Infotainment with Morgan & John" it's called.

We hate you. Bye.

2 hours?!

Too big of a commitment for me, but good luck.

I'll give you a listen later this weekend but some guidelines all podcasters need to learn:

-- Cut the just-between-hosts chit chat. No one gives a shit. We have friends, too, and dont care where you ate dinber. -- Stay on topic. --Know your shit. If you're talking movies, dontvsay something stupid like, "I wonder who did the costumes because they were great." Look it the fuck up. --No. No two hour podcasts. 15 minutes. Tops. Listeners do not have time for you to waste. You have to produce something catchy, entertaining, informative, and fast.

You're welcome.

R5 I grew up on Howard Stern, so I'm into long form. It's a hang.

I get that it's not for everyone.

R3 why do you hate me when I don't believe I've had the pleasure?

I stopped at the 2:05 mark. Not because I'm jealous because you claim to be 28, but because I can't keep hitting the 15sec forwarding button and waiting for it to buffer to see if you're STILL talking about it. I'll fast forward a few minutes and try to listen later, but I don't have time to babysit the FFW right now.

I'm another would-be podcast listener who doesn't want to hear five-ten minutes of idle chatter for every one minute of substance. People listening to podcasts aren't usually sitting there doing nothing, they're driving or cleaning in another room or whatever, so they're a semi-captive audience once they press play and then go about their business. Its frustrating to start Stuff You Should Know about something you really do want to know about and have to hear ten minutes of nerd jokes/laughing at their own jokes and irrelevant anecdotes.

R8 here, I listened to about 25 more minutes after I got in my car to drive home and I really enjoyed it. I haven't seen any of the movies not do I know about anyone you're talking about besides Dick Cavett and Rosemary Clooney, but I liked your show and I look forward to more.

R9 thank you.

We both work in entertainment, so I think our nerd chatter is of some interest, maybe? Again, I'm a Howard Stern fan, and I think he proved that people's everyday lives can make for compelling listening. Again, I'm no Stern of course.

But I can't thank you enough for listening and for your nice comments. Very happy that you're enjoying it.

Alexa doesn't know That's Infotainment with Morgan and John.

She keeps saying "I think you're looking for Conversations with John and Lisa Buhveer" and lots more random shit.

There's another guy with a podcast simply called "infotainment", and his cast is decidedly less infotaining.

Hmmm... Have you ever supported me?

I'll donate $5 if you have a DLers call in segment!

R13 I like your idea.

Talk about Faye Dunaway and I will tune in.

Let me know.

Our first episode was all about Mommie Dearest. We discussed Dunaway's little heroin problem during filming.

It's a good hang, guys. Good if you're lonely. Two friends bullshitting for a couple hours.

Intelligent conversation. Take a listen.

And on the next episode, I will read comments from DL, if you guys have any.

I produced a LGBT themed podcast for about 10 years, with a host who had a loose affiliation with OutQ. I also worked with air talent as a radio PD. I liked the energy and topics, but 2 hours is definitely very long for a podcast. Listeners generally consume these on the fly, as time fillers, at the gym, and during commutes. Holding their attention for hours is what radio tries to do, and this isn't radio.

Be yourself, be spontaneous and not scripted if at all possible. Be real. Watch your audio levels...a processor for each mic (like the inexpensive DBX 286) makes this much easier. I use an Allen & Heath XB10 board which has processing built in.

Just those nits. Carry on!

Oh, and I'd suggest you get into Valerie Geller's books. She's the guru behind many of the SiriusXM talents, past and present.

“Temporarily not available” on iDevices... might try again but if you’re still doing left-right hosts a la “Not a couple” I’m going to pass...

Discussion from a year ago...

I listened today. Thought you guys did a good job. I don’t see a lot of movies but I thought you had a lot of interesting bits about the industry plus you backed up a DL legend about Carol Channing!

Thanks, R18.

Did you not think we were being real? I think it's TOO unscripted!

Thank you for the good advice.

R20 Huh? We never did what you're saying!

R21 I figured DL would love the Channing stuff!

I put this thread on my Watched list. Will try and give it a listen tomorrow.

OP you sound like a fun guy and a bundle of energy.

R26 Hahahahahaha! Are you being ironic?

No, I'm not. What's wrong with you?

Here is the SoundCloud link...

R28 Nothing! I'm glad if that's how I come off! But the reality isn't quite what you said. : - )

How come this thread's had 300 views but OP's YT clip has only had 43?

OP, tell us about your connection to DL and its place in your life.

[quote][R28] Nothing! I'm glad if that's how I come off! But the reality isn't quite what you said. : - )

Which one are you? The one with the deeper quieter voice?

I love thing he said about old commercials with famous people from long ago who he'd never heard of. Was that you or the other guy?

R34 that was me.

R33 yes.

R34 I was gonna talk about Rula Lenska for Alberto V05, but decided it had gone on long enough.

Is it available on Apple Podcasts?

R32 ok creepy stalker.

[quote][R34] that was me. [R33] yes.

Oh, I AM pleased. I much prefer him... but didn't want to say so.

I like other guy too - but he's a little bit INYERFACE.

R37 iTunes link

R39 I think we compliment each other well.

[quote][R34] I was gonna talk about Rula Lenska for Alberto V05, but decided it had gone on long enough.

You're kidding? You should have mentioned her. Everyone loves talking about her.

I'm listening...I agree with you totally about 80s movies.

You're a good duo. It works.

Thank you R42.

I mean it.

Trust me.

I can be a cunt.

[quote]"That's Infotainment!"

Why don't you call your channel that?

It's confusing.

You need to explain what it's all about on your main page.

Is it always you and the other guy?

"I don't want to be the Carol Channing Guy" - very funny.

R45 yes. Soundcloud is really just the host. There are descriptions of each episode.

R46 I don't. I wanna be the cool gay who isn't into stereotypical gay things. Buuuuut... you can't always get what you want!

But you don't sound gay so you can get away with it...you'd never sound stereotypical.

You need to work on your confidence a little. BUT you do sound confident on the radio.

This is very good and sounds totally professional.

Also, quality of sound is A++++

I'm not gushing. I'm being honest.

R48 thank you. I still think he has me a bit lower in the mix.

I damn well OUGHT to sound confident on the radio! I hosted Standing Room Only on WERS in Boston for 4 years!!

Hi, I just wanted to drop in and say that I haven't listened to any of it and don't plan to but I hate you too.

Zzzz wake me when you do a four hour podcast on Meghan Markle's farts.

You don't sound confident on this thread.

[quote][R48] thank you. I still think he has me a bit lower in the mix.

yes, he does need to turn you up. It's true. It's out of balance.

I love your Carol Channing impersonation. I really laughed.

Would like to do NPR?

R52 hell yeah I'd like to do NPR.

I fear at times we go into Delicious Dish territory with our "yeah" "yeah" "yeah" hahaha.

It's annoying because turns my mic down because I "peak" too much when its up as loud as his. ugh.

R50 It's alright

Is that you saying you've been writing a movie? Or has someone new turned up? The voice sounds different.

[quote][R32] ok creepy stalker.

Not at all; what an odd conclusion. I only wonder if you know DL or just wandered in to shill your endeavor after doing a search. For those of us who remember when it was frowned upon to promote one's own website/blog/book, I don't think it's inappropriate to ask.

R56 Sorry, I've been posting here for years and years.

[quote]For those of us who remember when it was frowned upon to promote one's own website/blog/book,

Why should it be frowned upon for fuck's sake? Stop being an aggressive DL cliché.

If people aren't interested the thread just disappears.

It's interesting hearing stuff DLers are doing.

Tell R56 to fuck off, OP.

R55 Morgan is a screenwriter/director/comedian.

He did a series for MTV, and I think this is the highlight.

He also hosted the Teen Wolf After Show on MTV and partied with Tyler Posey.

OK, thanks r57. I will check it out.

I'm still listening.

I think you need to say each other's names more often.

So, Morgan...

John...

I'm getting confused with the voices.

R62 Morgan is high pitched and whiny whereas my voice is like melted buttah.

His voice changes at around 42:00

I'm getting bored when Morgan starts talking about his own work...and the referencing of nobodies.

I didn't tune in to hear a fucking interview with some half-ass.

(I've been nothing but complimentary until now - but I'm being honest)

You sound bored as well.

Yup, this is when I change channel.

It doesn't go on that long, really, R65.

You've lost me.

Is "hang" the new slang now? This is the first time I've heard it used as it has been by the OP in this thread. I'm assuming you're from the west coast.

[quote]Hi guys. I do a podcast, take a listen. This week, we talk about the death of Carol Channing, Orson Welles' Chimes at Midnight and Gus Vant Sant's My Own Private Idaho.

Yeah and get to hear some nobody called Morgan ramble on about his "career".

R68 yeah I'm in Los Angeles. I heard Joe Rogan describe his podcast as a hang. And Opie and Anthony. And Howard Stern to some extent.

R69 I find the process screenwriters go though to be interesting. You can always fast forward.

I'm mildly happy that this thread has annoyed the Gap Playlists Troll.

I like OP's references to retro pop culture. More of that, please.

R73 there is a very beautiful Diana Ross song on that album. Just wonderful. When they did the TV version, Michael Jackson and Roberta Flack did it, but I didn't think it was as good.

Here is the track...

This is awful.

Thanks, OP/R75

I don't get this at all.

Maybe because I'm tired.

Free to Be also tackled gayness. Not overtly, of course...

R78 when the great Jan Maxwell (who I'd seen 10 times as Phyllis in Follies) died they declined to dim the lights for her.

There was a Twitter campaign called #dimforjan, and I cut that video to post to show her passion for theater.

Oh, I see. She's charming. never heard of her.

Cut your show right down and send it to NPR.

There's NO REASON why you shouldn't get on there.

It's not too big a dream.

You could always have two versions of the show - a 15 minute version that cuts out all the filler, and the "extended version" that has the full two hours. Or split the difference and whittle it down to 45 minutes.

R42 is right. 45 minutes is the perfect length.

R81 thank you so much for saying that.

A weekly, hour long show on NPR would be amazing!

Morgan is a comedian, and he really does seem to know how to get the best from me. We do well together.

R82 I was thinking of cutting it into segments. You have the whole two-hour thing if you want, but then there is also a 20 minute Carol Channing segment, a half hour My Own Private Idaho seg, a Chimes at Midnight segment, ect. You can listen to those and not have to wade through things you're not as interested in.

A lot of what R5 says is right and true. Two hours is a ramble.

he also said:

[quote] Cut the just-between-hosts chit chat. No one gives a shit. We have friends, too, and dont care where you ate dinber. -- Stay on topic.

He's right.. & you did go off topic and let Morgan ramble on about himself. Someone needs to be in charge when that happens.

R82 is right

R82 you think there was only 15 minutes of worthwhile talk? I think the show isn't for you!!

[quote]A weekly, hour long show on NPR would be amazing!

GO for it.

Tell them that's exactly what you want to do.

As Anna Wintaur says - People respond well to people who know what they want.

I also think you'd be good at phone-ins. You're great at responding to people - as this thread proves.

To be honest, I was iffy on the "Dick Cavett" segment. I HATE improv comedy. I'm no good at it, and it makes me uncomfortable.

I did like when I said "Gallagher" at the same time as "Dick." Saying an obvious punchline at the same time as the person telling the "joke" goes back to Jack Benny.

The podcast was fine, though I couldn't care less about the movies or the actors you were talking about. Morgan is hilarious and that episode was priceless. 1 hour episodes for podcasts is the norm for talk shows, what are you guys talking about?

Keep 'em coming. Good job.

[quote]A weekly, hour long show on NPR would be amazing!

So, present them with an hour long show.

Two hours is too long for a podcast.

I agree r83. I listen to a lot of podcasts, I think 45 minutes is a good length for an episode.

It's better than ANYTHING on NPR.

R87 no, I haven't listened to the podcast. I was suggesting it based on what other people had already suggested, and from my own experience with the few podcasts I listen to. And you're right, it probably isn't for me, as I'm not really a Hollywood queen.

R88 speaking of, we do a mailbag segment, so if anyone here wants to make a comment on any of the segments, or add any information to what we were speaking about, feel free. And give the name you want us to read on-air.

R91 we do this monthly. Maybe when we get together, we should do two hour-long episodes, and release them bi-weekly.

I'm curious to know what you all think of Morgan's short film.

R90 by the way, thank you for the nice compliment.

R9 R93 thank you!!

I found you with Pocket Casts. Damn, there were about 4 other shows with the same name, though.

What I don't get is what you want to specialise in OP? Movie talk. Retro culture. Which demographic are you trying to appeal to?

Can I ask how old you are.

[quote]I'm curious to know what you all think of Morgan's short film.

I thought it was VERY GOOD. Very clever. Both actors were great.

It's three years old - has Morgan given it a title yet?

R101 The title is The Untitled Web Series...

R100 I agree. Griffin is on some show now, I think. I think that short is the best thing Morgan's done.

R99 I'm as old as my big toe! No, I'm quite a bit older than Morgan. I don't look it though (CLASSIC DL LINE!)

The show is basically about what interests us. Movies, retro pop culture, ect. For me, he goes a bit far with the SJ stuff- he's very into it. I mostly hold my tongue. But one day I suspect we will discuss that.

A lot of people commute far to work so I would say at least an hour. 45 min is too short. It's a podcast, not YouTube.

[quote] I mostly hold my tongue.

Oh, dear.

[quote]But one day I suspect we will discuss that.

Oh, dear #2 - You're a "one day" person? Stick with the podcasts until you get over that.

Well, it makes me want to see The Chimes at Midnight so that part worked. I’ve never heard of this movie. I truly miss deeper conversations about films. I grew up with Siskel and Ebert...great times and sincere passions. They got you to see Gil a ang gernres you otherwise wouldn’t go to, and I read ET weekly cover to cover

[quote][R99] I'm as old as my big toe! No, I'm quite a bit older than Morgan. I don't look it though (CLASSIC DL LINE!)

I asked because I want to know which era for movies and pop culture you most like to talk about and know about.

DL likes the '70s (because they're the best for pop culture).

R104 I understand not one comment you've made.

R105 YES! I grew up with Siskel and Ebert too (a hint as to my age) They taught me what garbage slasher movies were, and to seek out great films like My Dinner with Andre.

Chimes at Midnight IS great. And, as we said, for most of its life, the audio was terrible. It's been cleaned up and is a joy to behold.

A Datalounge podcast would be GREAT.

You could pick any of the subjects/threads of that week that interest you.

Announce the times on here. People could call in!

I'd fucking listen.

Muriel, how about it? A DL podcast!

Each week, we can do a special feature, Cheryl's Corner.

And a Susan Richardson update.

[quote][R104] I understand not one comment you've made.

It's not so complicated.

R106 yes, the '70s is a great era. THE great era of film. Creativity was blooming, and the industry hadn't been moneyballed yet.

R110 You said "Oh dear"- I have no idea what you're talking about.

And you said I was a "one day" person. I have no idea what that means, or why you consider it to be a bad thing.

Frankly, you sound like something of a jackass. You're not allowed to listen to my podcast. Go away before someone drops a house on you.

[quote]Frankly, you sound like something of a jackass. You're not allowed to listen to my podcast. Go away before someone drops a house on you.

I've been extremely positive throughout this thread...complimenting you over & over & over, suggesting things like NPR etc...

You're obviously a very small-time guy - like Morgan who can't even work out a name for his MTV show. Podcasts that no one listens to is your future.

Who the fuck are you, R112?

Go take your meds and cry into your mac and cheese, jealous nasty-ass.

Excuse me? I was responding to this:-

[quote]Frankly, you sound like something of a jackass. You're not allowed to listen to my podcast. Go away before someone drops a house on you.

R112 Ohhh ok, you're mentally ill. I understand everything now.

It's late. Go take a nice, long rest, ok buddy?

And you've clarified who you are. A nobody going nowhere.

You clearly have some talent but you'll never shape it into anything worthwhile. You stand in your own way with your dilly-dallying and procrastination.

The show's a mess. Like you.

ANYWAY, thank you all for your constructive criticism, and your praise. We enjoying doing it, and I will for sure take some of your suggestions to heart.

You’re not 28 if you remember using Moviephone.

Morgan just turned 28

Does OP present hole in the podcast?

I just downloaded both episodes and will listen while I slog through spreadsheets at work today.

R121 great! Let me know what you think!

I’m enjoying it. Still some way to go as only had twenty minutes spare . I’m not much of a ( Hollywood ) film fan anymore because so much seems to be substandard, so it’s actually pretty nice to listen to two people who clearly still enjoy film. I like podcasts that have a rough agenda but that also allow the participants to follow wherever the conversation takes them. I find it relaxing. Two friends, easy rapport. Thanks for posting it. And I agree about Back to the Future ( and Ghostbusters ).

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I wouldn’t post on the thread if I wasn’t enjoying it. But, you know, it’s DL so you have to ignore a tsunami of pointless bile. But I guess we wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I understand it, you're from different generations so you should work this into your comedy and show. You have to talk about current pop culture and films if you want to broaden your audience, otherwise going vintage and focusing on retro talk will get you a niche audience.

Morgan is very cute, I'd fuck him. I don't know how you look like or how old you are but I'd fuck you too, cause I'm a whore.

Keep it up.

Thanks guys.

R124 Morgan is str8.

Thanks again for everyone who took the time to listen.

Your Stitcher feed isn’t up to date.

fd a heroin addict? never knew that but it explains a lot

R128 Yeah, I've heard rumors that while she was with Peter Wolf, they both indulged. And it was going on during Mommie Dearest.

I enjoyed them very much, I would definitely listen again and subscribed through Overcast. You have good chemistry together. Congrats!

I listened, and then shortly afterwards had explosive diarrhea.

R127 I have to make a new stitcher feed for season 2.

R131 did you enjoy the show?

I would love to do an entire show about Bonnie Frankin and One Day at a Time. Honestly! There's so much there. And I have a Glen Scarpelli anecdote! But Morgan doesn't know from ODAAT.

R124 drop me an email

jmd26@yahoo.com

; - )

Just a little bump (not the kind you do at a party, unfortunately)

Cavett, Channing, Welles, Reeves, Phoenix, Thomas, Landis, Morrow, Van Sant, Maltin, Brooks- just some of the luminaries who find themselves in our pop culture cross hairs on That's Infotainment!!

I've started a blog that has links to all the videos we talk about, and links we mention.

A companion, if you will.

Good stuff, OP

Why must all our lives be so wrapped around entertainment??? We feel we need to be entertained constantly or just flop down and die.

I agree r139. OP should be ashamed

R139 I dunno. If gardening were my hobby, I'd do a show about gardening

Now we have a gramps complaining that people like listening to podcasts. Why in his day people cleaned their house and commuted to work in silence, and they liked it!!!!

There was never anything on r139's Victrola

OP here.

Help That's Infotainment with Morgan & John! by donating to GoFundMe!

We've been doing the show for a year. We pay $20 per month for hosting, and $40 per month to promote it on Facebook and Twitter. We'd also like to get some boss new equipment, but that would be gravy.

If you like the show at all, help us out! ANY AMOUNT will get a sincere THANK YOU on air. A donation of $50 or more allows you to pick a movie for us to discuss! We'll talk about the movie of your choice for 30 minutes or more. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks, guys!!!

Are you related to the Dalton Gang?

Not that I'm aware of.

But Keir Dullea is a distant cousin.

Hey guys, just started a GoFundMe to pay for hosting/promotion for season two of That's Infotainment!

Any amount - ANY amount helps. Any amount will get you a nice shoutout/thank you on the show.

For $50 or more, you get to pick a movie that we will review. Any movie. For at least 25 minutes. Or any pop culture oriented topic you'd like us to address. We will read your opinion on the topic to kick it off, too.

Thanks guys!!

I will also email you special Hollywood insider gossip, in addition to letting you pick a topic for the show. You can't afford NOT to contribute!

As I said any amount helps with the monthly listing bill. $5 to $50. Whatever you can do.

[quote][R124] Morgan is str8.

Huh.

I can't find the first episodes of either season.

help

OP Here!

If you loved the podcast, or just liked it, or hated it and wanna help out-

We're trying to fund one year of our podcast. We have to pay the hosting service $20 per month, a certain amount per month to Facebook and Twitter to promote it, and a certain amount for new equipment (which would be gravy)

ANY amount gets you a shout-out and huge THANK YOU on the show.

$50 or more and you can pick a movie for us to discuss. You can even come on the air with us, and give your two cents.

ALSO, $50 or more and I will give you some Hollywood insider GOSSIP that I wouldn't dare post anywhere. Not even DL!

Thanks guys. Not having much luck so far. You help would be so wonderful and helpful!!!

R150 here ya go!

Help us out! Please!

We're looking to fund one year hosts ($20 per month) and promotion on FB and Twitter. Also, we'd love to get new equipment, but that would just be gravy.

ANY amount gets a sincere THANK YOU at the open of the next episode.

$50 or more and you can PICK THE MOVIE we talk about. You can also come on (via phone) and give YOUR opinion of the movie!

Obviously, it's been slow going. Any amount you can help us with at all is very appreciated!!

I just uploaded an episode we did back in May to the YouTubes. Check it out.

You can hear me get emotional over my Garry Shandling interview!

In June of 2011, I had the honor of interviewing Garry Shandling for The Archive of American Television. My interview was later used extensively in Judd Apatow's brilliant Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling documentary for HBO. In this podcast recorded in May of 2018, I discuss the experience of interviewing Garry, and Morgan and I review the Apatow documentary. We also discuss Morgan's mapping Hollywood project. A fun and insightful episode. Check it out.

New episode of That's Infotainment! with Morgan & John

We discuss QT's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Hal Ashby's brilliant Shampoo.

If you listen, lemme know what you think. I think there were a few DL'ers last time who enjoyed it.

Thanks!

Here's a version of it on YouTube.