Why? The Podcast - podcast cover

Why? The Podcast

Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Polingwww.whythepodcast.com
Naked skydivers. Jeopardy champions. Rodeo clowns. Suzi Quatro. Professional mascots. Competitive eaters. Astronauts. Cherry Vanilla. Renaissance fair kings. Benjamin Franklin. Olympic Curlers. Mandalorians. Gay erotica writers. Mermaids. Fruit cake tossers. Martha Wash. Dolphin Lovers. Hair collectors. Strippers. And satanists. We've talked to them all. On Why? every week we talk with another guest leading a fascinating life.
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Episodes

Why? Episode 217- Sha Na Na's Scott Simon

Sha Na Na have been everywhere- from the stage of Woodstock to the gym at Rydell High. We talked with Scott Simon, a long-time member of the group, who also wrote one of the most popular songs from the movie Grease , Sandy. For more information, you can follow Sha Na Na on Facebook , or you can get information, merch and so much more on their website .

Oct 10, 202231 minSeason 1Ep. 217

Why? Episode 216- Arctic Bath

Look, you've already been back in the swing of things for a whole month- you deserve some time off. And what better place to escape to than Sweden? We talked with Peter from the Arctic Bath, a hotel and spa located on the Lule river. Peter's walking tour answered all our questions and made us long to sit in a hot tub and watch the northern lights twinkle above us. For more information, you can check out their website . You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram . And if you want to see th...

Oct 03, 202237 minSeason 1Ep. 216

Why? Episode 215- Living Dead Tours with Lawrence DeVincentz

It's the time of year when thoughts turn to ghouls and goblins. And, of course, zombies. In western Pennsylvania, they're well acquainted with zombies, being the filming location for so many of George A Romero's horror masterpieces. We talked with Lawrence DeVincentz, who, as part of the annual Living Dead Weekend, offers tours of many of the filming locations. At the celebrations in Evans City, PA this October, you can meet many of the cast members of classic horror films and, thanks to Larry's...

Sep 26, 202230 minSeason 1Ep. 215

Why? Episode 214- Actress & Author Dinah Manoff

This week's guest was a blast to talk with. Dinah Manoff has been involved with three incredibly popular films & franchises. (That'd be Grease , the Chucky films and The Golden Girls .) Your move, Harrison Ford. Now Dinah has written her first novel, loosely based on some of her adventures in filmmaking. The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold is available wherever you get your books. For more information, or to order a copy, check out Dinah's website . You can also follow her for updat...

Sep 19, 202235 minSeason 1Ep. 214

Why? Episode 213- Flat Earth Dave

Flat Earth David didn't always think the earth was flat. But once he had his awakening, he wanted to spread the word. He has a podcast, an app, and a viewpoint that, regardless of whether you agree with him, is impassioned. We talked with Dave about all of this, plus maybe he finally got us a listener in Antarctica? For more information and to check out his podcast or app, check out his website . You can also follow him on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook ....

Sep 12, 202248 minSeason 1Ep. 213

Why? Episode 212- Songwriters Daw & Edmondson

You may not know the names of songwriters Charity Daw and Josh Edmonson, but you definitely know their music. Their music has over a billion streams and they've worked with artists like the Beach Boys' Mike Love, Ringo Starr and Dove Cameron. Wait... Dove Cameron? Yup, they wrote songs for the uber popular Disney movie The Descendants . Need we say anything else? Plus, Heidi's mom extends an invitation and we're all booking our flights on Southwest from now on.

Sep 05, 202230 minSeason 1Ep. 212

Why? Episode 211- Soap Making with Iron Lion Soap

For most of us, taking a shower and washing with soap is just another thing to do every day. However, Iron Lion Soap is trying to change that- with an array of soaps designed to make washing something to enjoy and savor. We talked with Avi Rubin from Iron Lion Soap about the company's humble beginnings to their unique approach to creating some truly wonderful soaps. For more information and to order your own soap (or even set up a soap subscription), check out Iron Lion's website , or you can fo...

Aug 29, 202237 minSeason 1Ep. 211

Why? Episode 210- David Bowie at 75 with Martin Popoff

This year would have been David Bowie's 75th birthday. Famed rock writer Martin Popoff has put together a wonderful present for us all- Bowie @ 75 is his new book, a look at the many phases of Bowie's multifaceted career. David Bowie @ 75 is available wherever you get your books on September 6th. For more information on Martin, to listen to his podcast, or to get copies of his many other books, check out his website .

Aug 22, 202242 minSeason 1Ep. 210

Why? Episode 209- Sword Swallower Cyrus Pynn

Cyrus Pynn learned how to swallow swords the hard way- he just did it. And that was just the beginning of our fascinating conversation. We learned all about the hard knocks of sword swallowing and why neither Luke or Heidi should ever be allowed to try this dangerous trick. You can see Cyrus in action across the country. For more information, you can check out his website , or follow him on Facebook and Instagram . And if that isn't enough, we talked for a while (some might say too long,) about ...

Aug 15, 202233 minSeason 1Ep. 209

Why? Episode 208- Human Cannonball David "The Bullet" Smith

David "The Bullet" Smith might've been born into the human cannonball game, but that doesn't mean it was an easy transition to getting inside the cannon. David holds 6 Guinness world records and appeared on America's Got Talent, showcasing his amazing skills. For more information, or to book David for an appearance, you can check out his website , or you can follow him on Facebook ....

Aug 08, 202237 minSeason 1Ep. 208

Why? Episode 207- Roadie Tana Douglas

Roadies are the lifeblood of any music tour; the folks who are charged with making sure the lights are hung, the instruments are tuned and the stage is set for our favorite artists to perform. Tana Douglas has spent a lifetime in music, cutting her teeth with her fellow Australians like AC/DC and INXS. Tana's memoir, Loud , is available wherever you get books. You can also get it on her website . For more information you can also follow her on Facebook . Plus, we pay tribute to a pirate legend o...

Aug 01, 202242 minSeason 1Ep. 207

Why? Episode 206- The Super Bowl of Naked Volleyball

Clearly, it's hot enough in most of the world right now, that taking off your clothes sounds like a brief respite from the oppressive heat. And, if you're naked, why not have some fun? The White Thorn Lodge, located near Pittsburgh has been hosting the Super Bowl of Naked Volleyball the week after Memorial Day. We get all the info on why volleyball, how you join in the fun and the joys of nudism. If you're intrigued, maybe this is the weekend to give it a shot. For more information, check out th...

Jul 25, 202225 minSeason 1Ep. 206

Why? Episode 205- Air Card Safety Design

We've all seen those cards in the seatback in front of us on the airplane- the one with the graphics showing us what to do in case of an emergency... well, someone has to design them. We talked with Brock Fisher from Air Safety Art International, who design those cards for a number of airlines as well as clients with private jets. For more information on Brock and his company, check out their website .

Jul 18, 202232 minSeason 1Ep. 205

Why? Episode 204- Music Great John Doe

This week we thought we'd share with you an episode from our other podcast. "Rock n Roll Grad School," (available wherever you get your podcasts) is the same sort of conversations we have on Why?, but with a focus on music. In this recent episode, we talked with music great John Doe. He has a new solo record out, AND he's touring this summer with his band X. (They're playing the with Psychedelic Furs.. now that's a double bill.) For more information on John, check out his website ....

Jul 11, 202231 minSeason 1Ep. 204

Why? Episode 203- Stern Pinball

What's more American than pinball? So, while we celebrate the 4th of July, you can also enjoy this interview with Zach Sharpe from Stern Pinball. Stern is famous for their themed and licensed games, including bands like Rush, AC/DC and, of course, Kiss. We talk about the history of the game, the history of the company and a few tips to increase your score. For more information, check out the Stern website , where they have a cool locator, so you can find the nearest arcade with Stern machines, y...

Jul 04, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 203

Why? Episode 202- The Rubber Chicken Museum

If you think you don't like museums, you just haven't been to the Rubber Chicken Museum. We talked with Shana, the founder and high priestess of the Rubber Chicken Museum, located inside the Archie McPhee store located in Seattle, Washington. For more information, you can c heck out the store's website , or follow their store mascot on Twitter , or see store updates on Facebook ....

Jun 27, 202230 minSeason 1Ep. 202

Why? Episode 201- Ballroom Dancer (and Luke's mom) Lynn Poling

As we cross the episode 200 threshold, we need to acknowledge those who have been so important to our success in making this show. So, this week, we're talking with Luke's mom, Lynn Poling and her hobby of ballroom dancing.

Jun 20, 202230 minSeason 1Ep. 201

Why? Episode 200- Opera Singer (and Heidi's mom) Marily Sampson

As we cross the episode 200 threshold, we need to acknowledge those who have been so important to our success in making this show. So, this week, we're talking with Heidi's mom, Marily Sampson and her career as a professional opera singer.

Jun 13, 202227 minSeason 1Ep. 200

Why? Episode 199- The Great Knaresborough Bed Race

Who wouldn't want to get dressed up and carry a bed, complete with occupant, through the town of Knaresborough, England? We talked with Kevin Lloyd, who has been involved with the race for decades. Will we be suiting up and taking on the great hill next year? For more information, you can check out their website, or you can follow them on Facebook or Twitter ....

Jun 06, 202240 minSeason 1Ep. 199

Why? Episode 198- George Michael Reborn with Robert Bartko

This week we talked with Robert Bartko, who impersonates George Michael in the stage show George Michael Reborn. We talked about invoking the spirit of the great singer, his interaction with former members of Wham and how many Choose Life t-shirts he owns. For more information and to find out where Robert is playing, check out his website . You can also follow him on Facebook ....

May 30, 202226 minSeason 1Ep. 198

Why? Episode 197- The Jumping Frog Jubilee of Calaveras County

If you though frog jumping contests were only the things of Mark Twain stories, think again. In Calaveras County, California, they've been seeing who's frog can jump the furthest since 1928. We talked with Jon Kitchell, a bridesmaid, never a bride, in the frog jumping world. Jon promised to name a frog after the show for this year's contest, so maybe he'll fare better? For more information, check out the Calaveras Count County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee website . You can also follow them on F...

May 23, 202226 minSeason 1Ep. 197

Why? Episode 196- The Red Hot Chili Pipers

This week we don't got Flea and Anthony... we got something much better- we're talking about the Red Hot Chili Pipers, the world's most popular rock music playing bagpipe group. Is there more than one? Good question. We talked with Douglas Gillespie, the manager of the group, about how there's just something about the sound of the pipes that brings people together. For more information and to see when the Pipers are playing near you, check out their website , or you can follow them on Facebook o...

May 16, 202234 minSeason 1Ep. 196

Why? Episode 195 Make Love Not Porn

They say if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And that's what Make Love Not Porn is doing... kinda. Fed up with unrealistic porn and the expectations it's putting on people, Make Love Not Porn is dedicated to showing sex in all it's funny, messy, awkward glory. Folks are encouraged to upload their own sex videos, showing the real sex they're having and what it's really like. We talked with Ariel from Make Love Not Porn about the site's mission and some of the perks of helping people make the best vi...

May 09, 202227 minSeason 1Ep. 195

Why? Episode 194- Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Sherri Steenson

Sherri Steenson was still in high school when she joined the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in 1971. And the group was nowhere near as famous as they would become. But in her season with the team, Sherri had a lifetime of experiences, from cheering at a Super Bowl to doing some advertising to meeting new friends she'd have never met otherwise. Sherri shared with us some of her memories of that season and the lifetime of friendships that she gained while working for the Cowboys and Heidi once again l...

May 02, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 194

Why? Episode 193- Virgil from the Mahoning Drive-In Theater

If you've ever been to a drive-in movie theater, you know the joy of seeing a movie outside, surrounded by people. And, what was once a vanishing part of Americana is seeing a bit of a renaissance. We talked with Virgil Cardamone, the film booker at the Mahoning Drive-In Movie Theater, located in Lehighton, PA. If hearing Virgil talk about film and the drive-in doesn't make you want to go see a movie right now, you don't like movies. For more information, check out the Mahoning's website , and y...

Apr 25, 202236 minSeason 1Ep. 193

Why? Episode 192- Knock Knock Give a Sock

Imagine how much good can be done when you help out your neighbor and learn more about them? That was the idea Adina Lichtman had when she started Knock Knock Give a Sock. What started as a way to give socks to those experiencing homelessness has turned into a bigger mission- one to connect neighbors and realize how connected we all really are. For more information, check out Knock Knock's website , or you can follow them on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram . Plus, we're making a movie! Check out...

Apr 18, 202237 minSeason 1Ep. 192

Why? Episode 191- Memoirs of a Roadie with Joel Miller

Is life on tour with a rock band all it's cracked up to be? This week's guest, Joel Miller knows. He spent time on the road with Stone Temple Pilots, Guns n Roses and the Cranberries and wrote about it all in his book, "Memoir of a Roadie: Axl said I made a great cup of tea... Scott Weiland liked the Carpenters and Ozzy drinks Rose." It's a fun look behind the curtain. It's available right now wherever you get your books. And Joel hosts a podcast "Party Like a Rock Star," where he talks with roa...

Apr 11, 202232 minSeason 1Ep. 191

Why? Episode 190- Porn Editor Matt

This week we're going behind the scenes and talking with someone incredibly important in the making of pornography, but woefully under appreciated. We talk with a porn editor. Matt has a popular twitter account where he talks about his career and the various ups and downs. For more information, you can follow Matt on Twitter .

Apr 04, 202243 minSeason 1Ep. 190

Why? Episode 189- Cubing with Lauren and Kit from the World Cube Association

Maybe you remember being stymied by the Rubik's cube at some point in the 80's. Well, the cube is as popular as ever, and to make you feel even worse about your solving skills, it's gotten competitive. This week we talked with Kit and Lauren Clement from the World Cube Association. They have their share of championships and medals, and give us a great look into the sport that is popular around the globe. (Plus, we have a bonus co-host who knows much more about this than either our normal co-host...

Mar 28, 202242 minSeason 1Ep. 189

Why? Episode 188- Bathing at the Buckstaff Bathhouse

When you think of bathhouses, you likely think of FDR, settling into a nice hot spring filled tub, easing his weary bones. Believe it or not, those bathhouses in Hot Springs, Arkansas still exist and you can visit them to soak away your troubles. We talked with Mandi from the Buckstaff Bathhouse to get all the details on what a visit entails and why they still have something called a 'needle shower.' For more information, you can check out their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram ....

Mar 21, 202232 minSeason 1Ep. 188
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