Movie Producer Nick Smith – Ep149

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Nick Smith is a movie producer in Hollywood! As VP of Production for Paperclip Limited, his latest project is a feature length nostalgic young adult comedy SNACK SHACK. Think Superbad meets Fast Times at Ridgemont High! Hear its origin story and how the distribution quickly came together.  Also, what got him into film? What’s it like being a movie producer? And what’s it like working with Yeardley Smith (the voice of Lisa Simpson)? All that and even some Theta Chi chat. Mildly awkward, but mostly entertaining!

In honor of Nick’s appearance, get some Cosmo’s Snack Shack pork meat sticks (for dogs) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cjw2Am

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Full Archive: awkwardwithevan.com

Podcast Subscribe links:
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/socially-awkward-with-evan-wecksell/id1144364159

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ex15pd8Pangr97xsDgsDF?si=cd3ecb71157e44e8

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS:
Full Episodes (select videos)
The Awkward Archives (old clips)

#sociallyawkward #Podcast #Comedy #Comedian #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #GooglePlay #iTunes #Facebook #Friends #trending #trendingreels #subscribe #rate #share  #tiktok #instagram #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastersofinstagram #podcastshow #podcastlove #podcastcommunity #podcastaddict #podcasthost #podcastjunkie #podcastlistening

FYI: Any Amazon links are affiliate links that support the podcast.

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Bon Jovi’s 40th Anniversary w/ Jessica Petraccione – Ep148

Evan returns from his unintentional hiatus to interview another fellow Facebook friend. This time it’s Jessica Petraccione and we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of Bon Jovi. Evan and Jessica discuss favorite Jovi memories and then go rapid fire through every Bon Jovi album. What were their favorite tracks on each album? Which tracks were underappreciated? All that and more with a great awkward Jovi-based conversation!

😎 Get Bon Jovi’s remastered first album on Amazon with previously unreleased demos and live tracks! https://amzn.to/3uhJpzM

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Podcast Subscribe links:
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/socially-awkward-with-evan-wecksell/id1144364159

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ex15pd8Pangr97xsDgsDF?si=cd3ecb71157e44e8

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS:
Full Episodes (select videos)
The Awkward Archives (old clips)

#sociallyawkward #Podcast #Comedy #Comedian #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #GooglePlay #iTunes #Facebook #Friends #trending #trendingreels #subscribe #rate #share  #tiktok #instagram #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastersofinstagram #podcastshow #podcastlove #podcastcommunity #podcastaddict #podcasthost #podcastjunkie #podcastlistening

FYI: Any Amazon links are affiliate links that support the podcast.

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Shannon Kroner – Ep147

Dr. Shannon Kroner has been working with special needs families since 2001. She is also the Executive Director of Freedom Of Religion – United Solutions (FOR-US), building an interfaith coalition of religious leaders who have united to protect the religious freedom of vaccine choice, helping thousands of Americans obtain religious vaccine exemptions for work and school. Most recently she is the author of the children’s book I’m Unvaccinated and That’s OK! published by Skyhorse Publishing and ICAN Press. In this interview hear her origin story, how Covid galvanized the vaccine choice movement and how celebrities have been blown away by her efforts. This conversation will be more candid than awkward.

In honor of Shannon’s appearance, order her new children’s book on Amazon or order autographed copies at drshannonkroner.com.

Note: Due to the open discourse of the interview, a full video can be found on Socially Awkward’s Rumble channel: https://rumble.com/c/c-1042581.

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Podcast Subscribe links:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ex15pd8Pangr97xsDgsDF?si=cd3ecb71157e44e8

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS:
Full Episodes (select videos)
The Awkward Archives (old clips)

#sociallyawkward #Podcast #Comedy #Comedian #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #GooglePlay #iTunes #Facebook #Friends #trending #trendingreels #subscribe #rate #share  #tiktok #instagram #vaccines #covid #vaccine #coronavirus #health #agenda #vaccination #wakeup #science #pandemic #trump #healthcare #truth #medicine #bigpharma #autism #vaxxed #virus #cdc #freedom #immunization #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastersofinstagram #podcastshow #podcastlove #podcastcommunity #podcastaddict #podcasthost #podcastjunkie #podcastlistening

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Sarah Nicole Nadler (Money Coach for Entrepreneurs) – Ep146

Sarah Nicole Nadler is a money coach for entrepreneurs as a licensed financial advisor, author and philanthropist. So as Socially Awkward’s first entrepreneur-based Facebook friend, Evan gets Sarah to break down how to approach money. Where does she put her extra money? How do millionaires still end up short on cash?

Later, Sarah talks about her fantasy writing as well as how to write an effective instructional, non-fiction book.

So it’s active income, passive income, lots of income and literary advice on the episode with lots of awkward.

In honor of Sarah’s appearance, order her book Space Patrol on Amazon

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s Socially Awkward apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. $5 off w/ promo code: AWKWARD.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Tiktok: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Podcast Subscribe links:
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/socially-awkward-with-evan-wecksell/id1144364159

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ex15pd8Pangr97xsDgsDF?si=cd3ecb71157e44e8

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS:
Full Episodes (select videos)
The Awkward Archives (old clips)

#sociallyawkward #Podcast #Comedy #Comedian #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #GooglePlay #iTunes #Facebook #Friends #trending #trendingreels #subscribe #rate #share #itunes #spotify 

#entrepreneur #business #motivation #success #entrepreneurship #love #inspiration #mindset #smallbusiness #goals #entrepreneurlife #lifestyle #marketing #money #motivationalquotes #life #businessowner #bhfyp #quotes #instagood #startup #instagram #believe #positivevibes #motivational #selflove #inspire #hustle #happiness #inspirationalquotes

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Nicola Cheung and the Paranormal – Ep145

Nicola Cheung met Evan initially when he performed at Landmark College in Vermont back in 2012. Since then Nicola went back to China through the pandemic, but recently returned to the United States living in Connecticut. What made her come back? How is she getting around without knowing how to drive?

Then later, Evan delves deep into Nicola’s unique ability to communicate with spirits as well as predict the future. When did she realize she had these powers? How has it affected her emotionally? Hear amazing anecdotes as we go all-in on the paranormal! With a side of awkward.

In honor of Nicola’s appearance, order a Grogu from The Mandalorian on Amazon

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s Socially Awkward apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. $5 off w/ promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Tiktok: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Podcast Subscribe links:
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/socially-awkward-with-evan-wecksell/id1144364159

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ex15pd8Pangr97xsDgsDF?si=cd3ecb71157e44e8

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

#sociallyawkward #Podcast #Comedy #Comedian #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #GooglePlay #iTunes #Facebook #Friends #trending #trendingreels #subscribe #rate #share #itunes #spotify #mandalorian #paranormal #grogu #esp #apparitions #ghosts #yoda #starwars

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WWE Wheel of Fortune Champion Grant Salzano – Ep 144

It’s been roughly a month since Wheel of Fortune’s WWE Week and Evan is talking to the champion contestant Grant Salzano. Grant won over $50,000 in cash and WWE-themed prizes over two shows in addition to the grand prize of tickets to Wrestlemania, Smackdown, the Hall of Fame and a Front-Row VIP experience for Monday Night Raw. Evan and Grant relive the key moments in his Wheel journey and how everything fell into place. Plus, he talks about being paired with Natalya Neidhart and how he designed a premium, customized title belt from the experience. All that and some pilot talk as Grant is making the most of his new license to fly. And as always, this episode has a license to be awkward.

Check out Grant Salzano on Twitter at twitter.com/salzano14.

In honor of Grant’s run on Wheel of Fortune, order a WWE Title belt on Amazon

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s Socially Awkward apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. $5 off w/ promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Tiktok: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Podcast Subscribe links:
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/socially-awkward-with-evan-wecksell/id1144364159

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ex15pd8Pangr97xsDgsDF?si=cd3ecb71157e44e8

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

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Wheelmania: Tracina Jones & Ben Clark – Ep143

It’s Wheel of Fortune’s WWE Week and Evan has Wheel contestants on to recap and preview their appearances. Tracina Jones from Tampa partnered with Drew McIntyre. What did they talk about? How has her week been since going viral due to her incorrect ball-centric guess. Tracina is joining by Ben Clark who is about to partner with Big E. How did they manage to hit it off so well? And what event will Tracina and Ben even up attending next year? All that plus Tracina and Ben offer their full Wrestlemania predictions, and how Evan ended up as an alternate for WWE week. #playingwithballs

Check out Ben Clark’s art at instagram.com/benclarkdoodles.

In honor of Tracina’s viral moment on Wheel of Fortune, order a variety of balls off Amazon (pump included). 

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

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Palmer Davis – Ep142

Palmer Davis dances hard, kicks high and can pull off a one-woman show. She also recently defeated breast cancer and was sharing her journey over social media. Hear how she emerged victorious and what she creatively has in store for the world.

For more on Palmer, learn about The Palmer Dance Experience at palmerdance.com.

In honor of Palmer’s appearance, get the DVD Suburban Commando on Amazon!

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s Socially Awkward apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

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Matt Duron – Ep141

In their first ever conversation, Evan interviews Matt Duron, someone he hoped would get him a gig at his college (Thiel) back in 2007. Unfortunately, 15 years later, Evan has still not played Thiel but he is still friends with Matt. Hear about Matt’s writing exploits, potential books in the works and his reaction to the pilot of the new Quantum Leap.

For more on Matt, follow him on Tiktok, IG, and Twitter under Way2ManyVoices.

In honor of Matt’s appearance, get some Duran Duran on Amazon!

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s Socially Awkward apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

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Chris Daniel – Ep140

Chris Daniel is running for Harris County District Clerk in Texas. Actually, re-running. Hear what his first stint was like, what a district clerk actually does and how people have been telling him how much they miss his district clerk-ness. And did you know more people have voted for Chris than for the governor of Utah? It’s more midterm magic with a touch of awkward, plus a shoutout to Reckless Tortuga.

For more info on Chris Daniel, go to chrisdaniel.org.

In honor of Chris’s appearance, order a copy of TNA Wrestling’s The Best of Christopher Daniels DVD on Amazon

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

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Kristina Irwin – Ep139

Kristina Irwin is running for State Senator in California’s District 24, a premiere zone that includes such communities at Santa Monica, Malibu, West Hollywood and many others. After setting an LA County record with over 6,200 write-in votes in the primary, this a mother of three, immigrant, small business owner and child advocate is out to upset incumbent Ben Allen in the general election. Can she do it? What’s her strategy? And what are the most important issues facing Californians in 2022? Kristina, a constitutional conservative, breaks it down… before revealing what show she can’t wait to return. Snuck in a little awkward!

Check out her campaign events at: kristinairwin.com/events/

In honor of Kristina’s appearance, order a copy of this random book Kristina, The Girl King: Sweden 1638 on Amazon

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: patreon.com/funnyevan

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Ernie Elwood – Ep138

Ernie Elwood (aka Elijah Beers) and Evan first met when Evan performed for Theta Chi Fraternity at Central Missouri State several years ago. But now it is Ernie who has taken the stage as an independent wrestler. What is his gimmick? Why the name Ernie Elwood? Where does he see himself ending up professionally? We hear about all that plus his big match against Harley Race’s son on October 1 in St Joseph, MO!

In honor of Ernie’s appearance, get this “Someone Loves Your From Missouri” Candle on Amazon

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

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Ryan Kugler – Ep137

Ryan Kugler is a jack-of-all-trades, and perhaps even the director of Creed and the new Space Jam. (Oh that’s Ryan Coogler.) But really, hear about how this Ryan became a pro in VHS distribution but then reinvented himself in the liquidation business. He also has a side hustle where he puts on a variety of races. Plus, his family was recently out of town, which gave him the opportunity to check items off his Los Angeles bucket list. What was on the list? Where did he enjoy posing as a tourist the most? Ryan gets into all that right before he asks Evan about Vince McMahon. Always room for awkward.

In honor of Ryan’s appearance, get this poster of Director/Producer Ryan Coogler on Amazon! Never mix them up again! 

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

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DOUBLE EPISODE: Actress Elisabeth Donaldson, National Libertarian Chair Angela McArdle – Ep136

Evan returns with a double episode! First, Actress Elisabeth Donaldson talks about being a full-time artist in Nashville, Tennessee and how it’s different from being an actress in LA. (3:50) Plus the story of how she got Evan and his wife into SAG at the same time, going Fi-Core, navigating the pandemic and whether she’s interacted with other Elisabeth Donaldsons. They also go into all of Elisabeth’s creative talents and then scan some obituaries of recently departed Elisabeth Donaldson.

Then it’s a returning (and pregnant) Angela McArdle who is now the National Chair of the Libertarian Party. How did she level up so fast and get over 2/3 of the votes to be the national spokesperson for a political party? We recap her campaigning, how she got Los Angeles to stand down with its v—ine mandate, her thoughts on the Libertarian presidential candidates in 2020 and what 2024 may hold. Evan also gets her party’s new stance on abortion, thoughts on Donald Trump, and how being in a third party still gets her opinions assigned to being left or right. 

In honor of Elisabeth’s appearance, buy this French book on Amazon written by Donaldson Elisabeth! 

In honor of Angela’s return, buy her Communist Cookbook on Amazon! Yum!

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

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Talking Bon Jovi with Lori Broslovsky – Ep135

Lori Broslovsky is a Jersey girl who stops by to talk about her favorite band: Bon Jovi. Lori and Evan do a deep dive into everything Bon Jovi! They recap the reaction to their latest tour, lament the continued absence of Richie Sambora, and give their favorite non-mainstream Bon Jovi songs. Plus, they share their experiences meeting the band and how every time that’s happened to Evan, he’s made an awkward idiot of himself. And has Lori seen her final Bon Jovi show? All that and more.

In honor of Lori’s appearance, buy the Bon Jovi coffee table song When We Were Beautiful on Amazon!

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Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

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Actor Jim Meskimen – Ep134

Jim Meskimen is a talented mix of acting, voiceovers, impressions and general artistry. He is also approaching 300 credits on IMDB thanks to appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Gas Lit, Apollo 13 and such commercials as Geico and KFC! Jim is now sharing his wealth of knowledge with a new online course called The Working Actor Method (jimworkingactor.com). Besides laying out the course, Jim and Evan talk about his past credits, his mother Marion Ross from Happy Days and his favorite impressions. Then Evan tries to extract an impression of wrestling commentator Jim Ross just to see if Jim (Ross) Meskimen can impersonate Jim Ross. While enlightening, also enjoy Evan’s awkward technical difficulties!

In honor of Jim’s appearance, rent Apollo 13 on Amazon!

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

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Tiffany Meldal-Johnsen – Ep133

Tiffany Meldal-Johnsen, recently relocated to Vashon Island in Washington State, joins Evan to discuss everything TV and movies from past to present. Tiffany and Evan rattle through The Gary Shandling Show, Golden Girls, Seinfeld, Friends, Ted Lasso, Curb Your Enthusiasm and so much more. Which shows were Tiffany’s favorites? Which were she never a fan of? Then they move on to their love of bad movies and the movie Evan watched for the first time while his wife was in labor. Finally, Evan launches Tiffany into a career full of voiceover work and authoring books about her love of TV. This is awkward done right!

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Tiffany’s appearance, get a copy of It’s Gary Shandling’s Book on Amazon!

Find out more about her brother’s band St Vincent.

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US Senate Candidate Mark Meuser – Ep 132

Mark Meuser is a constitutional law attorney and native Californian who is running for US Senate in 2022. How is the campaign trail? Why did he chose the US Senate race? What are his thoughts on election integrity? All this and even some fitness talk. And don’t worry, Evan was still awkward.

Jump to your preferred topic:
(times are approximate)
3:25 Mark’s take on the recall election.
9:30 Previewing Newsom’s 2022 election day
12:10 Why Mark is running for US Senate

17:00 The state of election integrity and what needs to be changed
22:20 Addressing the idea of voter suppression and the use of emergency powers
29:30 The state of CA’s bad bills and the progressive agenda
37:07 Thoughts on potentially running against Senator Alex Padilla in November
44:09 Mark’s message to people of color and the lgbt community
47:23 Mark’s Ironman experience
52:54 Mark’s workout suggestions and why he runs 5K daily

58:00 Does he have favorite sports teams?
1:01:40 Mark’s book recommendations

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Check out the Evan’s new Funny Forever Tees apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Mark’s appearance, get a copy of The Federalist Papers on Amazon!

Find out more about Mark at markmeuser.com and volunteersformarkmeuser.com.

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Eric James Madden – Ep131

Eric James Madden is a fellow Theta Chi who went to and advises the chapter at Ball State University… while also working full-time for a DIFFERENT fraternity! Is he a mole? A double-agent? One thing he definitely is is a graphic design and media wizard. Hear about those endeavors plus issues facing fraternities and sororities today. Plus, Evan recalls the time his show at Theta Chi’s Ball State chapter led to the downfall of their rival. It had some awkward moments.

Note: Since the interview, Eric no longer works for the other fraternity.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Check out Eric’s media company at www.maddenworks.com. Plus his profiles on Tiktok and Snapchat (@emadd2015).

And in honor of Eric’s appearance, get this Ball State hoodie from Amazon!

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Max Bonilla – Ep130

Max Bonilla is a 17-year-old activist from Sacramento. Max talks about how the pandemic made him more aware of California state laws and the legislature in general. Although not old enough to vote or run for office, Max shares his insight on questionable laws the state has passed or is planning to pass. Then he and Evan run through state lawmakers and Max decides whom he would like to clone and whom he would like to get rid of. And does he want to run for office someday? All that and so much more from Evan’s newest Facebook friend!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Follow Max on Instagram at @opentheschoolsnow!

And in honor of Max’s appearance, get this Sacramento Kings Warm-up t-shirt from Amazon.

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Judea Johnson – Ep129

Judea Johnson is a renaissance woman that advocates for medical freedom and loves to travel! Recently relocated from California to Florida, Judea explains her move, how natural childbirth led her to the world of v—ines, and is she an anti-vaxxer? Judea answers and weighs in on lockdowns, mandates and whether other members of the black community view these measures as segregation. It’s also Evan and Judea’s first ever conversation so awkward is guaranteed.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

VIDEO: Watch Judea’s interview on Rumble!

And in honor of Judea’s appearance, get this “Unvaccinated and Ready to Talk Politics At Christmas” t-shirt from Amazon.

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Brandon Hurley aka Phuc Map – Ep128

Brandon Hurley is an American Youtuber who to his Vietnamese audience is known as Phuc Map. Hear how Brandon went from America to Vietnam and grew to be a well-known TV personality. Also, hear all the things Brandon can teach, plus Vietnam’s dealings with the pandemic. Brandon is also a fellow Theta Chi brother who initially met Evan in 2006 when Evan crashed on his couch during a southeast tour. It’s bilingual awkward!

Check out Brandon Hurley’s vlog at:
www.youtube.com/c/phucmapvlog

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Brandon Hurley’s appearance, get this book about the history of Vietnam on Amazon.

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Iowa Representative Jeff Shipley – Ep127

Jeff Shipley is a state representative from Iowa, and somehow he’s Evan’s Facebook friend. Jeff discusses his nihilistic political origins, his experience as a stand-up comedian, selling solar panels and sauerkraut before holding office, and an update on Iowa in the era of Covid. Jeff then goes into how he beat out Phil Miller for office by a mere handful of votes, his learning curve as an elected official and what his rapport is with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Plus, how he was introduced to the medical freedom movement, dealing with internet trolls, and selling Americans on why Iowa is the place to be.

NOTE: Due to some “vaseline” content that might be censored, a complete video of this interview  is available on Socially Awkward’s new Rumble channel!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Jeff Shipley’s appearance, get this wood carving of the state of Iowa on Amazon.

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Kerri-Ann Wallace & Kerri-Ann Wallace – Ep126

The title is not a typo: 

In a Socially Awkward first (and probably last), Evan interviews two Facebook friends with the same name!! Welcome Kerri-Ann Wallace & Kerri-Ann Wallace!

What are each of their connections to Beverly Hills 90210? Which Kerri-Ann Wallace is from Riverdale? (And does she watch Riverdale?) Which Kerri-Ann is on sabbatical? Which Kerri-Ann works in ion implantation? Which Kerri-Ann has never been to a concert? Which Kerri-Ann named her cat after a Yankees pitcher? All these answers come to the surface, plus the Kerri-Anns share how people get their names wrong and how one Kerri-Ann struggled to get her name spelled right on her ID while at the DMV. It’s peak awkward and perhaps two people with the same name just became friends.

And to learn more about one of the Kerri-Ann Wallace’s embedding cremation, go to EspritDion.com.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Kerri-Ann Wallace and Kerri-Ann Wallace’s appearances, get The Hollies’ Greatest Hits (featuring “Carrie-Anne”)  on Amazon.

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Jessica Amal – Ep125

Jessica Amal is an actress, writer and producer who actually cast Evan in his first student film when he moved to LA! After reminiscing about the film, they then get into Jessica’s public battle with lung cancer and how she’s been able to stay strong. She also talks about how she met her husband and then she and Evan watch back the film during the interview (but this was cut because of an overwhelming amount of toilet FX.

To watch their film “Nincompoopy,” check it out on Youtube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW2cqppXlEY

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Jessica’s appearance, get this Filmmaking Crash Course book on Amazon.

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Kristi Slager Salerno – Ep124

Kristi Slager initially met Evan at Beverly Hills Playhouse and over a decade later she’s on Socially Awkward! Did you know at Notre Dame that Joe Montana was the backup to her dad!? Kristi takes us from driving cross-country to Los Angeles to navigating teaching during the pandemic. Plus, she and Evan discuss TV shows young and old. How would they each do on The Bachelor / The Bachelorette? Plus thoughts on The OA, Golden Girls and Cobra Kai. And how many other Kristi Slagers are out there? Plenty random and plenty awkward!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Kristi’s appearance, get this Notre Dame sweatshirt in honor of her dad on Amazon.

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Owen Alabado + Beckett Sage’s Wrestlemania 37 Predictions – Ep123

Owen Alabado is an actor, comedian, singer, dancer, martial artist – in other words, a Renaissance man. Hear how this Wisconsin native was drawn to theater, moved to Los Angeles and is currently kicking butt back in Wisconsin. He also talks about his comedy and he and Evan retrace their steps on how they met. (2:40) Then, returning to the podcast for the first time since Episode 1, Beckett Sage stops in to give his Wrestlemania 37 predictions, even though he does not regularly watch wrestling. Beckett also ponders at what age he will be able to beat up his dad and what his finishing move would be to take him down. (35:11) A double dose of awkward!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Owen’s appearance, check out his film Brash Boys Club on Amazon.

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Orrin Heatlie of RecallGavin2020 – Ep122

Orrin Heatlie is the lead proponent of RecallGavin2020 and, thanks to over 2,000,000 Californians, he is about to be part of only the second recall initiative to qualify in the history of California. How did this get done? Who is the primary driving force behind the recall? As Gavin Newsom claims, is this a “republican recall” (of ‘anti-vaxxers,’ ‘anti-maskers,’ and ‘Trump supporters’)? All those questions are answered plus the role of Covid-19, Randy Economy and thousands of volunteers. And what’s next for the coalition and do they have a replacement in mind? Also, count the number of media requests Orrin gets during the video when his bee wallpaper pops up.

**Audio Note: While Orrin had no audio issues, Evan’s mic was blown out so he brought down his levels to spare your ears.

For more info on the recall, visit recallgavin2020.com.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Orrin’s appearance, get Beekeeping for Beginners on Amazon.

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Taryn Kristal – Ep121

Taryn Kristal is the founder of The Resolvancy – a divorce strategy and coaching firm, but to Evan she is the girl into whose locker he slipped a Peanuts card in the sixth grade. Now 3o years later, Evan gets her and her boyfriend at the time’s reaction. Taryn also discusses the power of music, her favorite musical acts and vocalists, her Rie & Ryn clothing line, the other Taryn Kristal in her life, what she thought of Evan’s theatrical wife during high school and other Great Neck nostalgia and name-dropping. Then, Kelly Meyersfield makes an appearance to table read a classic Mike Francesa radio call with Taryn as included in Evan’s dumb book “Mike Francesa’s Greatest Hits.” With a dynamic similar to Screech interviewing Kelly Kapowski, this discussion is chock full of awkward. #GoRebels

For more info on Taryn’s firm, visit theresolvancy.com.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Taryn Kristal’s appearance, get Taryn Rose Women’s Nadine Pump on Amazon

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Cooper Shaw – Ep120

Cooper Shaw is an actress in SAG/AFTRA and Actors Equity who first met Evan when he edited her first demo reel in Brooklyn. Now about a decade later they have their first conversation as Cooper has too migrated to Los Angeles. How has she dealt with life in LA during Covid? She talks all about teaching people accents and impressions online, solo dance parties, her favorite musicals, Transfers on Netflix and her catchy name. 

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Cooper Shaw’s appearance, stream her movie Expect Delays on Amazon and buy a copper shawl pin

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Ruvane – Ep119

Ruvane aka Ruvane Kurland is a full-time musician who has traveled the majority of the country until Covid. In their first conversation, Ruvane and Evan discuss how they became Facebook friends, performing pre and post-Covid and the wonderful world of acoustic rock and audio looping. Ruvane also talks life in Ohio, favorite musicians and all the instruments he plays. Check out his backdrop in the video! And for more info on Ruvane, go to RuvaneMusic.com.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Ruvane’s appearance, get his album 19 on Amazon

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Andrew Mikkelson – Ep118

Andrew Mikkelson plans to leave Facebook at the end of the month so Evan interviews his fellow Theta Chi Fraternity brother before his departure. Andrew talks about life in college at NJIT, how he found his way to the Navy and then to being a field service electrician who one night was needed to turn on all of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He’s making Russelectric proud.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Andrew’s appearance, get a Siemens circuit breaker on Amazon

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Assemblyman Kevin Kiley – Ep117

Kevin Kiley was reelected to the State Assembly with the highest vote total for a Republican in California history. He is also the only 100 percent citizen-backed California Legislator, refusing all funding from the Special Interests that spent millions electing Gavin Newsom. After defeating the CA governor in court in October to stymie his one-man rule, Kiley is now releasing a book called “Recall Newsom” to rally support for the current recall attempt of the governor.

Evan and Kevin also cover the job-killing law AB 5, the successful Prop 22 that kept Uber & Lyft in California, how local communities are fighting back against strict lockdowns and how he perseveres in difficult legislative conditions.

Kiley also weighs in on the Federal Stimulus Bill, why he decided to run for office in the first place, and whether he would consider running for governor if the recall qualified. And finally, his favorite lawyer in a movie, what music he plays for guests, his interactions with Gavin Newsom and if he knows of other Kevin Kileys out there. It’s mostly political with a side of awkward.

For more info on Kevin Kiley and to pre-order Recall Newsom (out Jan 2021) visit electkevinkiley.com.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Kevin’s appearance, buy the book Uniforms of the American War of Independence 1775-1783 (by a different Kevin Kiley) on Amazon

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Erica Sandberg – Ep116

Erica Sandberg is a standout freelance writer in San Francisco who contributes to 12-15 publications at a time! Having met Evan when she interviewed him during his political run, Erica reconnects to discuss the state of California, the job-killing law AB 5 and an open letter she wrote to San Francisco restaurants to whom Mayor London Breed has turned a blind eye. Plus, the time Erica went undercover to see how many syringes she could score in San Francisco in one day. And towards the end, the question she asked Evan that set him into a rant. 

For more info on Erica visit ericasandberg.com.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Erica’s appearance, buy the book Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families (by a different Erica Sandberg) on Amazon

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Anthony Zenkus – Ep115

Anthony Zenkus is a tireless advocate for the welfare of children, families and communities. Working in the field of family violence, relationship violence, sexual assault and child poverty, he has trained thousands of professionals and community members across the country on how to better recognize, prevent and respond to abuse and neglect. Some of that expertise helped Anthony go viral last winter when the Trump campaign sent out a video of him speaking on Joe Biden. The ironic part? Professor Zenkus is not even a fan of Trump’s. Hear how that all played out as well as how he and Evan met due to Anthony’s other life as lead singer of the band Joe Lies. They reminisce on Munchaba Lounge, the Long Island music scene, WLIR and so much more!

For more info on Anthony visit anthonyzenkus.com.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Anthony’s appearance, check out Joe Lies on Amazon

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Michaele Walker – Ep114

Michaele Walker is the President of Lawful America, a group educates and empowers the Tribes and people via the Constitution and various human rights statutes. Her group advocates against child trafficking and other injustices! Her efforts have caused such a stir that she lives most of her life off the grid, has not seen her family in over a year and has had multiple attempts on her life. This definitely goes beyond awkward. Listen now!

For more info on Lawful America visit www.lawfulamerica.com or email walker@lawfulamerica.com.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Michaele’s appearance, get a US Constitution on Amazon.

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Mike Netter of RecallGavin2020.com – Ep113

Evan talks with Mike Netter, one of the lead organizers of RecallGavin2020.com and one of his newest Facebook friends. Who is the primary driving force behind this recall? What does Gavin Newsom have in common with Gray Davis, who was recalled in 2003 (and led to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger)? How does a recall work? Is the governor also socially awkward? Mike breaks it down and explains how easy it is for you to help!

Recall Gavin Newsom information:
Website – recallgavin2020.com
Petition link – recallgavin2020.com/petition
DONATE LINK – https://www.efundraisingconnections.com/c/RecallNewsom

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Mike’s appearance, get a Recall Gavin Newsom shirt on Amazon.

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Angie Brice – Ep112

Angie Brice and Evan overlapped at Tufts University for two years, never met, yet somehow they’re Facebook friends. In their first conversation ever, hear them try to solve that mystery and then discuss her post-Tufts travels, her Hairoine product line and how she ended up working at the United Nations in Switzerland! Also, Angie goes in-depth about her current battle with lung cancer and how she approaches life as she serves as an inspiration to her family and friends. Nothing awkward this time.

Help Angie reach her fundraising goal at:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/2770102743312381/10102126757472788/

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Angie’s appearance, support her podcast “Mommy Has a Little Cancer” at bit.ly/mhalc2 and watch her document her story at https://youtu.be/S3-JpWXTF_E. Plus, get a Tufts garden flag on Amazon.

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Joey Longo – Ep111

Following Evan’s last episode, which created over 360 comments on a Theta Chi Facebook group thread, another Theta Chi and Evan’s newest Facebook friend, Joey Longo, wanted to come on to react to that thread and so much more. Joey and Evan cover how they may or may not have met, current events, Covid, the election, Theta Chi and his chapter at Radford, the environment and Joey’s experience watching his Nationals win the World Series. 

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

And in honor of Joey’s appearance, get a Theta Chi flag on Amazon.

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Alex Jimenez – Ep110

Alex Jimenez is the Director of Design at Prager University, but he and Evan first met at UCLA when Alex hired Evan to perform at a Theta Chi philanthropy event. Now newly married and fully adulting, Alex breaks down the rise in censorship of conservative viewpoints on social media and his pursuit of evolving ‘conservation design.’ Also, what email lists does Alex subscribe to? You’ll be shocked! Plus some Theta Chi reminiscing and critiquing public health graphic design. 

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

To find out more about Prager University, go to prageru.com.

And in honor of Alex’s appearance, get a Theta Chi flag on Amazon.

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Radio J – Ep109

Radio J met Evan back on Long Island when they were both doing the local open mics. With a background in radio, Radio J is now in Florida networking with local acts and putting out his own podcast: Going Boom. Radio J and Evan talk about their Long Island days and throw in some wrestling talk and whether they would see live music in the era of Covid.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

To find out more about Radio J’s Coming Boom podcast, go to goingboompodcast.com.

And in honor of Radio J’s appearance, get an AEW t-shirt on Amazon. 

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Ethan Ullman – Ep108

Ethan Ullman is a comedian and comedy show producer. Speaking for the first time since they joined forces at a comedy show at RPI (Troy, NY), Ethan tells Evan about his new Weird Al Yankovic podcast, aptly titled Dave & Ethan’s 2000″ Weird Al Podcast. Evan also reveals playing a fundraiser to raise money for Weird Al’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and how Ethan attended the eventual ceremony! Then they discuss the viability of virtual comedy, outdoor comedy and comedy in general in a ‘woke era.’ Plus, how people butcher Ethan’s name so much and why he loves Eastern Washington University. Super awkward!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

To find out more about Dave & Ethan’s 2000″ Weird Al Podcast, go to weirdalpodcast.com.

And in honor of Ethan Ullman’s appearance, get a UHF-inspired “Spatula City” t-shirt on Amazon. 

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VP Candidate Spike Cohen (L) – Ep107

Spike Cohen is Evan’s newest Facebook friend, but just as important he is the Libertarian Party’s candidate for Vice President of the United States of America. How did the process work? Where does he stand on the critical issues facing America in this election year? Answering questions from the “Jo Jorgensen/Spike Cohen For President/VP 2020” Facebook group, and Evan’s family, Spike discusses his personal lockdown (2:57), the process of becoming the VP nominee (9:07), the status of the LP’s debate stage and ballot access (14:43), how Congress would handle a Libertarian president (22:03), health care (28:10), ending the war on drugs (33:20), defunding the police vs law & order (40:05), immigration vs illegal immigration (47:20), thoughts on conspiracy content (52:20), Spike’s favorite comedians (54:20), and possible Jorgeson/Cohen campaign theme songs (56:57). In this episode awkward is liberty!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

To find out more about the Jo Jorgeson / Spike Cohen ticket, go to joj2020.com.

And in honor of Spike Cohen’s appearance and recent birthday, donate to his campaign at 38forSpike.com. 

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Jill Noelle – Ep106

Jill Noelle and Evan have their first extended conversion as they try to pinpoint how they became Facebook friends. Once they do, they dig into life in California, working during the Coronavirus, best SNL skits, and Evan’s new ‘clothing line’ The Covid Collection, of which Jill is a frequent customer. Then Jill offers an adept assessment of the current scene. Regardless, there will be enough awkward in this one to hold you over.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Jill Noelle’s appearance, check out her favorite shirts from The Covid Collection on Teespring

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Mark Pedro – Ep105

Vote for (Mark) Pedro! He’s not running for office, but he has seen Napoleon Dynamite several times. Evan interviews one of his former interns who happens to be in Canada. How has Canada been during Covid-19? Mark fills you in, plus some other chit-chat.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Mark Pedro’s appearance, get a Vote for Pedro shirt on Amazon

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Princess Serrano – Ep104

Princess Serrano met Evan one time back in 2012 and that was good enough to be Facebook friends. In their first conversation ever, Princess and Evan break down her experiences at a predominantly white college in West Virginia, George Floyd, the protests, Black Lives Matter, Covid-19 and being black in America. A rare, in-depth discussion on race makes this episode a little less awkward than usual.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Princess’s appearance, get the complete series of The Boondocks on Amazon

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Alan Zeitlin – Ep103

Alan Zeitlin is a journalist and former school teacher based in New York City. He gives Evan an inside look at how NYC has been coping with Covid-19 and the road back for sports to resume. Alan also shares his battle with Complex Compartment Pain Syndrome and Cellulitis.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Alan’s appearance, get an NFL Neck Gaiter on Amazon for your favorite team. 

A recent article from Alan about Covid comedy:
Too Soon: Comics Are Testing Public’s Taste for Covid Jokes

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Karen Lavender – Ep102

In their first ever conversation, Evan checks in with Karen Lavender. Karen (pronounced ‘Kaar-in’) talks about growing up in South Africa, moving to Los Angeles and discovering her love of documentaries  and producing commercials. She also breaks down one of her favorite movies, District 9. Evan and Karen then delve into the current “Karen” phenomenon and play Evan’s new personalized game, “Is Karen a Karen?” You’ll want to tell the manager to listen to this episode!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Karen Lavender’s appearance, get some Karen Neuberger pajamas on Amazon

More about Karen:
KarenLavender.com
https://livetribe.tv
https://livetribe.tv/portfolio/ram-trucks-5/

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Nickolas Goad – Ep101

In their first ever conversation, despite being Facebook friends for the past 13 years, Evan welcomes fellow Theta Chi Fraternity brother and solar installation specialist Nick Goad. As both are in California, Evan and Nick break down California’s ‘response’ to Covid-19. Nick also recalls being a founding member of his chapter at Northern Arizona University and how he ended up in the solar installation field. Listen to long-lost brothers reunite for the first time.  

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Nick Goad’s appearance, get this NAU Throw Blanket on Amazon

Nick’s Contact Info for Solar:
Gold Coast Solar
619.241.3354
nick@goldcoastsolar.net

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How to Make Your Virtual Events More Secure

There I was, doing my first virtual event of a brand new program…

Covid-19 had erased all my spring comedy gigs so I had to pivot quickly. Rather than just promote my comedy virtually, I created a mental health talk about how to feel less overwhelming during Coronavirus and I was fortunate enough that a school had me to the talk.

I had a modest audience join my Zoom meeting from the start. About halfway through some stragglers joined and all of a sudden I lost control of screen and everyone was forced to see extremely inappropriate content. I tried to take the screen back, but then lost it. My screen was suddenly littered with racial slurs, graphic whiteboard writing and I was thrown for a loop and the staff member supervising was horrified. I am Zoom-fluent, but I was not Zoom-secure. I eventually kicked out the trolls, but the damage was done. Despite persisting and finishing the talk, and kudos to the students who stuck around till the end, there was no mistaking that after a quick internet search, I was Zoom-bombed.

When groups publicize their meeting links and passwords, technically anyone can join that meeting and because I did not take inventory of all my settings, assuming being a host was enough, I paid the price.

So I just wanted to share a quick rundown of things to check-off to make sure your event isn’t like a house on Halloween that is set to be egged.

The Security Button

This is a new feature in Zoom’s upgrade. Clicking on that button alone can give you the options to curb zoom-bombing then and there:

Allowing participants to screen share probably would have prevented my situation altogether. For me it was checked, but once you uncheck it is going to be your screen and your screen only.

Usually having your guests chat is beneficial especially when asking for feedback, but if there is a troll afoot then unchecking ‘chat’ can prevent verbal harassment from them towards your sane guests. Also, if the guests are strangers to you, you can prevent guests from renaming themselves in case they’re going to use a vulgar name.

Two other options are really helpful:

You can have a ‘waiting room’ before you open the doors to the event. So if they are arrive early it’s not like they are watching you set up. Also, you can make some in your group a co-host and you can message people in the waiting room. So if your event is for a school, you can ask each guest for their name and you can cross-check it with a school directory. There is also email authentication so each guest can set up an account rather than be a stray that wanders in.

Finally, “lock meeting” means no more people can enter after you start up. In my situation, the bombers showed up halfway, which was probably their intention. So preach punctuality to your attendees.

Email authentication is another option where you require users to sign up in Zoom. In addition, in the waiting room you could have a member of your group check people in to confirm they are allowed to attend.

There are many other tools as mentioned on this page, but addressing all the aforementioned features should put you well on your way to a distraction-free event.

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Kerri Kasem – Ep100

In this milestone episode 100, Evan welcomes tv/radio host and activist Kerri Kasem. Kerri gives her perspective on Covid-19, especially regarding the elderly. She also recounts not seeing her father, radio legend Casey Kasem, towards the end of his life, due to archaic family visitation laws. Hear how her Kasem Cares Foundation righted the wrong and how she persisted. And would she run for office? Kerri also previews her new “The Red Pill Podcast” inspired by current events, and how she is changing lives with her Breakthrough Naturally wellness company.  All that and what it was like going to Hebrew school even though she wasn’t Jewish. A little bit of awkward mixed in with a whole lot of awesome!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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In honor of Kerri Kasem’s appearance, get Casey Kasem’s “The Long Distance Dedications” CD on Amazon

Kerri Kasem Booking Inquiries: The Weiss Agency 310.230.1518

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Neil Kelly – Ep099

Neil Kelly was a student Mount Saint Joseph’s in Cincinnati when he hired Evan to play at the school’s spring concert. After 10 years they have reunited (while Neil is caught in a windy Covid-19 storm).

Evan gets Neil’s thoughts on the Democrat field, who was pushing for and how this will all play out as we live with the hysteria of Coronavirus. Then Evan recruits Neil to break down all the matches of Wrestlemania 36… without any knowledge of the current WWE product. Guaranteed awkwardness!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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In honor of Neil Kelly’s appearance and his support of Mayor Pete Buttigieg, get The Pete Buttigieg Coloring Book on Amazon

 

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Troy Slaten for Judge (+ Bailee Wenckus) – Ep098

As Super Tuesday nears, Evan brings on Troy Slaten, an attorney (and alum of Fox’s “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose”) who is running for Judge in Los Angeles County, Seat #145. Hear why he is willing to take a pay cut to better serve his community, why he is the superior choice and what qualities he values the most. And of course, Evan doesn’t let him off the hook until he gets Troy’s takes on his favorite TV judges, what he thought of Lance Ito’s job during the OJ trial and has he seen the movie “Troy?”

Then in order to ensure the episode has a Facebook friend, Evan enlists Bailee Wenckus of Susquehanna University along with her friend Anna for five good minutes. How do they know each other? How is Evan connected to her kidneys? The suspense is palpable!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Troy Slaten’s appearance, get Season 1 of Parker Lewis Can’t Lose on Amazon! And for Bailee, here’s a WWE Bayley action figure!

For more on Evan’s campaign, go to his campaign website and follow the accompanying @evan4senate social media.

 

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Advocate & Activist Lynette Marie Barron – Ep097

Lynette Marie Barron is an Advocate & Activist for Medical Health Freedom. Find out what that is and how it affected two of her children who have autism. Will she be saying the v-word? Hear how she has earned the title of Freedom Fighter and rallies many people to the ACIP meetings at the CDC. She also conquers with kindness and has some surprisingly nice things to say about some of the most notoriously hated people on the pro-side. Phew, made it through without even saying va((ine. Dammit!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Lynette’s appearance, go to her Etsy store and Facebook page!

For more on Evan’s campaign, go to his campaign website and follow the accompanying @evan4senate social media.

 

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Tim Chizmar – Ep096

Tim Chizmar is an author, screenwriter, producer, promoter and so much more. However, life was not always been rosy for him. Hear Tim’s honest account of how show business in Los Angeles drove him out of the state and led him to turn his life around in Idaho! Now Tim is in Las Vegas, but has he sought vengeance on Los Angeles? Find out all that and plus a little wrestling talk.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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In honor of Tim’s appearance, get his book “Soul Traitor” on Amazon!

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The Libertarian Stylings of Angela McArdle – Ep095

We hear a lot about Democrats and Republicans, but what about those smaller parties? Angela McArdle is a Libertarian Organizer, Activist and Chair of the LA County Libertarians. How did she find the Libertarian Party? What drew her to it? Angela breaks down some of its tenets as well as her experiences running for office. Also, who could be the 2020 Libertarian nominee for President and how is their convention different? All this plus Angela gives her reasons California Governor Gavin Newsom should be recalled and the stupidity behind #AB5, a law that will essentially kill California’s gig economy and freelance work. Liberty beats awkward!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘ for the holidays? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Angela’s appearance and Libertarian affiliation, get a political mug on Amazon.

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Amin Jai – Ep094

Amin Jai was hired by Evan back in New York about 15 years ago and now in their longest conversation ever Amin came to Evan’s house late one night to sit in his kitchen to catch up! Hear why Amin left New York for Los Angeles, what it was like being interviewed for a job by Evan and plus a whole lot of politics. Did we mention Amin is a proud black, pro-Trump Republican? Of course that means Amin has been shadow-banned on social media. Amin also gets into being judged as a black man. Pulling no punches on this one! (Sorry, Biden wrote that last line. Awkward.)

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Need some ‘Awkward Wear‘ for the holidays? Get some ‘Socially Awkward clothing on Teespring. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Amin’s appearance and his beloved Seattle Seahawks, get a Seahawks fleece blanket on Amazon.

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The DNC Goes WWE

Comparing the Democratic Presidential Candidates to WWE Personalities

As we are only one year away from the next presidential election, a lot still needs to be determined. Which candidate will get the rocket strapped to their back? Who is going to ‘get over’ organically in spite of what mainstream media want? Who will be buried? Will anyone get a mid-campaign repackaging?

If that terminology confuses you, that’s pro wrestling lingo. Sometimes to see what the future holds you need to compare a political campaign to an alarmingly similar, predetermined genre.

Back in 2016 I compared each Republican candidate to a WWE superstar. Well, we definitely have our main roster so it’s time to assign each Democratic candidate to its wrestling doppelganger, and perhaps future running mate.

Please note that I did consult with someone in the political know as well as allow a few words from my ‘Never-Trump’ Republican dad. Now let’s get a ref out here and meet your B+ players!


JOE BIDEN is ERIC BISCHOFF

My first image of Joe Biden is inappropriately rubbing a woman’s shoulders so, obviously, I could have compared him to the Attitude Era’s Val Venis, but the comparison would end there.

Like Biden, Bischoff has been around for a long time in very prominent roles. Biden was a Vice President and Bischoff actually had a higher ceiling of success when, as the head of WCW, he beat WWE in the ratings for over a year during the Monday Night Wars. The Democrats are hoping a return to Biden would create a spark much like when WWE made Bischoff an Executive Director of Smackdown earlier this year. Unfortunately, after a matter of months, WWE replaced Bischoff with another long-time wrestling expert Bruce Prichard. Will Biden meet the same fate in 2020?

My Dad Says: “I like him a lot.”

 

KAMALA HARRIS is NIA JAX

While Saturday Night Live may call Harris a ‘funt’ (fun aunt), in reality, she is a beast, much like Nia Jax. Both Kamala and Nia are ‘not like most girls.’ They can be savage and love to assault their competitors. When Nia Jax was coming up the ranks she would smile and then squash any competitor that got in her way. Kamala cuts to the chase and sometimes avoids debating her fellow Democrats, instead going straight to Trump and his Twitter account. Don’t expect a nice Nia when she returns from injury. Both these ladies mean business.

My Dad Says: “Would be a good attorney general.”

 

PETE BUTTIGIEG is DRAKE MAVERICK

Pete and Drake, who while both young-looking and diminutive, are actually quite versatile. The South Bend mayor is well-educated, a veteran and fluent in seven languages. Since leaving his TNA Rockstar Spud persona behind, so far at WWE, Drake has been the general manager of 205 Live, the manager of Authors of Pain and a multi-time 24/7 Champion (who also strives to consummate his marriage). Not much was expected from both these personalities, but they have made the most of their opportunity and shown their potential.

My Dad Says: “He’s alright; too young.”

 

CORY BOOKER is BOOKER T

Can you dig this, suckaaa!?

This pairing could not have been more copacetic, both in name and attitude. Both these Bookers are showmen. Cory can throw down a great political speech with the best of them, and Booker T can also command an audience whether it’s as a 5-time WCW champ or King Bookah!! Their streams also crossed during one of the early debates when Joe Biden was trying to make a point to which Cory Booker gave Biden a Booker T-esque look of “Tell me you did not just say that” and, lo and behold, Biden steps into a flavor of Kool-Aid he is not familiar with. Cory sometimes falls into the trap of trying to moderate his fellow candidates rather than push through so people know what it is he stands for. He should be primed to rise to the head of the field, but just like at Wrestlemania, the establishment of Triple H thwarted Booker T’s coming out party.

And, of course, let’s not forget the prominent women behind the men: Booker T has Queen Sharmell while Cory Booker is currently dating actress Rosario Dawson. All hail these Bookers!

My Dad Says: He’s a showman.

 

BERNIE SANDERS is BROCK LESNAR & PAUL HEYMAN

Both Sanders and Lesnar/Heyman are mainstays in their arenas and four years ago they were each an unstoppable movement, but each was derailed for different reasons. Sanders had the nomination swiped away from him so that Hillary Clinton could benefit. Lesnar lost his Universal Championship many times over so that Roman Reigns and later Seth Rollins could benefit. There are still fierce, but a slightly diluted version of their earlier selves, which might be inaccurate because Lesnar’s recent work has been fabulous.

Can they both climb the mountain again? Lesnar already has by squashing Kofi Kingston for the WWE title on Friday Night Smackdown. Can Bernie whittle his way through the field again? The comparison also includes Heyman because if you cross either one and irritate them with nonsense they will pull themselves up by their Jewish bootstraps and unleash a tirade that you will regret provoking, and that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler!

My Dad Says: “Can’t take him. [He’s] so far to the left he’s off a cliff.”

#AdEvan
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ELIZABETH WARREN is STEPHANIE MCMAHON

Warren appears to be is at the top of the Democratic totem pole (metaphor intended) when it comes to who will be the chosen one. McMahon is already a McMahon: she is the chosen one of professional wrestling (notwithstanding Drew McIntyre).

Both women are extremely progressive and look to continue to make radical changes to the status quo that will benefit many at the result of some philosophical inconsistencies. Warren’s mission is extremely left with a lot of everything ‘free.’ She wants free college, cancelled student debt, Medicare for All with no private insurance. A lot of the progressive things McMahon has done, or has at least taken credit for, is resurrecting women’s wrestling with the Women’s Revolution/Evolution that was borne out of the #GiveDivasAChance movement. There have also been all-women tournaments, pay-per-view events, and first-time-ever women’s matches in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. Both women have an extreme amount of momentum.

My Dad Says: “She oughta join Bernie (on the other side of the cliff). [She’s] a lot like Trump – a plan for this and that.”

 

JULIAN CASTRO is BARON CORBIN

Castro comes to the race as the former HUD Secretary. Corbin is ridiculed for coming to Raw and Smackdown looking like the former manager of an Applebee’s. Both men come off a little smug and out to prove others wrong. Castro wants to promote that he is the ‘antithesis of Donald Trump’ and Corbin masterfully comes off as the anti-thesis of anything likable. They have both settled into their roles, but Corbin is growing more prominent as King Corbin while Castro spites America’s king by escorting vulnerable asylum seekers from Mexico into Texas.

My Dad Says: No opinion.

 

AMY KLOBUCHAR is (Old) BAYLEY

While Bayley recently turned to the dark side, Klobuchar inquired about Brett Cavanaugh’s alcoholic darkside. Regardless, as they are mainly known, both women have that Midwest appeal. Klobuchar is a moderate and a fighter. Bayley is the only WWE women’s Grand Slam champion (Raw / Smackdown / NXT / Tag-Team) and a hugger. Klobuchar and the old Bayley are virtually clones, but then the new Bayley would simply strike both of them down. Perhaps if Klobuchar turned heel she could reach a new level that Bayley is currently enjoying as Smackdown Champion.

My Dad Says: “I like her. She’s like a female Biden.”

 

TULSI GABBARD is LACEY EVANS

Perhaps these are hidden, underappreciated crown jewels of their endeavors. Both women are veterans as Gabbard has served in the National Guard and continues to go on training missions during her campaign. Evans is a veteran of the Marine Corps. Both made their biggest impingement by going after their respective ‘big fish.’ Lacey Evans went straight to Becky Lynch when she debuted on Raw and Tulsi trended on Twitter while retorting back at Hillary Clinton for being accused of being a Russian asset. Both have the rare ability to straddle both sides of the aisle as Evans can use her military experience to instantly get the crowd on her side and Gabbard is not afraid to communicate with accused enemies by appearing on Tucker Carlson. One final reason for the comparison is that both women have made headlines for trips overseas. Gabbard is criticized for visiting the Syrian President, while for more monumental reasons, Evans just participated in the first ever WWE women’s match in Saudi Arabia.

My Dad Says: “An albatross. A problem with head of Syria. “

#AdEvan
Celebrate California’s Pharmaceutical Influence with a CaliPharma Shirt!

 

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON is BRAY WYATT

Williamson and Wyatt are rare breeds and both have extremely tailor-made viewpoints. Williamson, a self-help author, has challenged some fixed beliefs of Washington including the political zeitgeist, a blind faith to Big Pharma and mandatory vaccinations, but lacks Wyatt’s resolve as she has cowered a few times into backtracking.

When Wyatt first debuted as a Bayou-based cult leader, he would spout esoteric monologues that would initially sound like psychotic ramblings, but the more you listen to Williamson and Wyatt the more they can make sense. Williamson is struggling to break through and make the debate stage, but perhaps a repackaging similar to Wyatt’s Fiend character would benefit her, as Wyatt is now the Universal Champion and a well-layered personality. You can also assign a touch of Trish Stratus to Williamson as the WWE hall of famer has a similar spiritual and yoga background.

My Dad Says: “She’s off the wall.”

 

ANDREW YANG is “THE MILLION DOLLAR MAN” TED DIBIASE

The Million Dollar Man gimmick and the $1000/month proposal clearly highlight that, to Yang and Dibiase, it’s all about the money. Dibiase frequently claimed everybody has a price whether it was making someone dribble a basketball or rub the sweat off his body for $100. Yang just hopes his $1000/month trickle-up economics will buy him some votes. Dibiase’s signature is his laugh while for Yang it’s the fact he refers to his followers as the “Yang Gang.” Check please.

My Dad Says: “[He] doesn’t make much sense.”


CANDIDATE QUICK HITS  (We Barely Know Thee)

MICHAEL BENNET is SAMI ZAYN

This senator from Colorado is out to end the toxicity in partisan politics. When Sami Zayn returned from injury, rather than just being over-the-top annoying, he made it a point to turn the finger on the audience and point out all the toxicity on social media from the always-critical WWE Universe. Both men may realize it’s extremely hard to castigate people you regularly interact with when you’re trying to convince those same people you frequently interact with. Not sure how much longer Bennet can endure, but right now Zayn is playing mouthpiece for Shinske Nakamura.

My Dad Says: “A good guy, small following.”

 

JOHN DELANEY is DREW GULAK

At least we can always say Delaney is Mr. Mackey from South Park. But like Delaney, Gulak has workable ideas (via his Powerpoint presentations), which basically state that everyone else is wrong. And prior to his PPT slides, Gulak was a political persona on 205 Live.

My Dad Says: “Not very important. Not much of a following.”

 

STEVE BULLOCK is KEVIN OWENS

Bullock and Owens are impressive figures from Montana and Canada, respectively. The connection is a little light, but Owens could pass for someone from Montana. Bullock supports gun reform while Owens supports ‘stun’ reform (i.e. the Stone Cold Stunner). See what I did there? Unsure if Bullock can break through, but perhaps he can go straight to attacking Biden like Owens went straight to John Cena.

My Dad Says: [nothing]

#AdEvan
Buy Evan’s Book “Dumb Stuff” on Amazon


 

CANDIDATE QUICK HITS – We Barely Knew Thee

BETO O’ROURKE is TOM PHILLIPS

Beto’s surprise withdrawal will make most of this moot, but he and Philips both play the role of straightedge white men. But let’s go further: people have even accused Beto as being ‘White Obama’ i.e. an inspiring, slow talker. Philips also has that mild, milquetoast onscreen demeanor that allows him to contrast his frenetic fellow commentators such as Corey Graves and Byron Saxton. Beto had a plan to re-possess all guns everywhere, while Philips would just like to re-possess a commentary spot on WWE programming.

My Dad Says: “Not really. Too young & inexperienced.”

 

JAY INSLEE Is DANIEL BRYAN

Inslee’s sole issue was climate change. A limited platform led to a limited return, but at least he seamlessly corresponds to Daniel Bryan who was known as “The Planet’s Champion” as he lectures the audience about sustainability and even abandoned the traditional leather WWE title for one made of hemp.

My Dad Said: “He would be all right. Only one issue.”

 

BILL DE BLASIO is R-TRUTH

New York City Mayor de Blasio was running for workers’ rights, but according to many he was the village idiot, much like R-Truth. Unfortunately, de Blasio has to withdraw to return his title as “worst mayor ever” while Truth, whose ridiculous irrationality and one-liners, complement his achievements as a 20-time 24/7 Champion. But then again, like de Blasio, this title can be viewed as a joke title for lesser Superstars.

My Dad Said: “A horse’s ass. Had no business running.”


 

And What If…

HILLARY CLINTON is LINDA MCMAHON

What if all was going fine and then out of nowhere some “I’m With Her” theme music goes off and out comes a leviathan from past. Only Hillary Clinton could feel the itch and then change the game. Only a McMahon could eschew protocol and hit a reset on everything.

Both are not entirely invincible as Clinton came up short for the nomination in 2008 and the win in 2016, and McMahon has twice failed in a run for Congress. However, their name value and experiences can shake any predestined arrangement. Clinton is a former Secretary of State and has just wrapped a new book while McMahon recently served in Trump’s cabinet as the head of Small Business Administration. These are titans.

 

AND WAIT, that’s Michael Bloomberg’s music!

MICHAEL BLOOMBERG is VINCE MCMAHON

Who says billionaires can’t just swoop in and change their landscapes. Back in the 80s, McMahon said to heck with territories and decided to just buy up all the talent from the early territory days and do things his way. Bloomberg, who is registering for the Alabama primary, is saying enough to the Democratic field eating each other and is swooping in to say, “If you are going to eat each other, you cannot accompany this feast with an extra-large soft drink.” Vince was Trump four years ago and we learned you should never bet against a McMahon. Will Bloomberg follow suit?

Evan Wecksell is a guitar-playing comedian, writer and host of the podcast “Socially Awkward with Evan Wecksell.” He has appeared on Conan, The Goldbergs, Glee and WWE Network. Follow him @evanwecksell on Twitter and Instagram.

All photos courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

 

 

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Renae ‘Go Cougs’ Dahlquist – Ep093

Renae Dahlquist joins Evan to discuss how they met, life at Washington State, the real estate scene in the Pacific Northwest, Seahawks games and if Evan will ever be able to move due to his HOA. Awkward!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Renae’s appearance, get a Washington State University Garden Gnome on Amazon.

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Actress / Model / Influencer Tamela D’Amico – Ep092

Tamela D’Amico is an actress, model, singer, social media influencer and brand ambassador and for some reason she let Evan interview her in person! In their first ever conversation, Tamela gives Evan a full spiel about her life and the magic that is ‘Lois and Debra.’ Then Evan guesses random things about her and they discuss their Long Island roots. It will be fabulous (and awkward).

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Tamela’s appearance, get her album “Got a Little Story” on Amazon.

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Photographer Tim Sabatino – Ep091

Tim Sabatino has been a photographer, videographer and producer for 25 years. Hear about all his creative exploits and how he went to photograph the Dalai Lama! He also has a photo exhibit coming up this weekend:

The Way to Happiness Foundation Int’l
201 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91204
5-8 PM

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Tim’s appearance, get “The Book of Joy” on Amazon, written by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu!

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Michele Bloom & The Jon Bon Jovi Cruise Recap – Ep090

Michele Bloom is the hardest of hardcore Bon Jovi fans. She has met Jon Bon Jovi several times and has been to countless shows. She just got back from the Runaway to Paradise with Jon Bon Jovi cruise in the Bahamas and we’re breaking it ALL down. How was the experience? Was Jon on the ship for the whole cruise? Who else did she run into? Plus, some vintage band stories, a Richie Sambora story from Obie O’Brien and the time Michele danced on stage with JBJ during ‘Bed of Roses.’ Oh, and there was the time Jon held her “Lost Highway” son. Michele also gives back to the Bon Jovi fan community with her Face Value Facebook group. So much Jovi! 

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Want the chance at last minute face value or free Bon Jovi tickets – join the Face Value group on Facebook of which Michele is an admin.

And might as well go on Amazon and get the classic Bon Jovi album SLIPPERY WHEN WET“on vinyl!!

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Sean Snead – Ep089

Evan wraps up his I Love the 80s series with 1989’s Sean Snead. And all this time Evan thought his name was Sean Austin. Why is that? Plus, Evan and Sean talk video games, wrestling and give a rapid-fire preview of Wrestlemania 35!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Wrestlemania 35, get Wrestlemania 34 on Amazon! Or get Evan’s new paperback!

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Maxwell Chalkin – Ep088

Evan speaks to fellow Tufts Jumbo and Theta Chi alum Max Chalkin. Hear what life has been like since Max graduated and into which country he was denied re-entry. Also, will we be voting for him one day? All that and more with a dash of awkward!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
Instagram: @awkwardwithevan
Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Maxwell Chalkin’s Tufts University roots, get a Tufts University NCAA pennant on Amazon! Or Max Headroom: The Complete Series. #ILovethe80s

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Brittany Collins-Finch – Ep087

Evan met Brittany Collins-Finch at the moment she was proposed to by her husband. Get the full story about how it went down, plus her love of Dashboard Confessional, the time she met “Weird Al” Yankovic, and what’s it like to have rhinoplasty? It’s the perfect blend of awkward!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Facebook: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Brittany Collin-Finch’s love of “Weird Al,” get The Essential “Weird Al” Yankovic album on Amazon

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Marissa Figueroa of Highland Kites – Ep086

The “I Love the 80s” series has returned with 1986’s Marissa Figueroa of the band Highland Kites! Hear how she went from no experience to singing, playing keyboards, guitar and how she now has 4 albums and 5 singles with her band plus six national tours and a distribution deal! What are her musical influences? She takes us from Tracy Chapman to present day, then she and Evan reveal the titles of their respective new songs in the works.

Also, after the interview, listen to Evan’s touching tribute to Comedian Brody Stevens (31:00). The comedy world is mourning his passing and Evan shares his interactions with Brody. 

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $200) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Marissa Figueroa’s appearance, order the Highland Kites album “I’m Not Weak” on Amazon

Plus, check out Brody Steven’s appearances in the “Hangover” movies by ordering The Hangover Trilogy! #RIPBrodyStevens

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Fashion Stylist Franzy Staedter – Ep085

The “I Love the 80s” series continues with 1985’s Franzy Staedter! She is a standout fashion stylist who grew up in Germany. Franzy explains how she never goes to grocery stores, ordering “McDonald’s Style” from In N Out and what makes up the world of costume designing. Plus, how she catches up to American culture via Google and how she dreads the day that Friends leaves Netflix.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $250) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Franzy Staedter discussing Bob Hope, head over to Amazon for this Bob Hope DVD Collection

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Actor Tommy Savas – Ep084

For the second time, it’s Tommy Savas‘ first appearance on SOCIALLY AWKWARD. After accidentally not saving their first interview, Evan corners Tommy at his house to talk acting, video games and how they shared the same stage. Hear how Tommy booked a recurring part on The Sopranos, how he and his friends got their film Bad Roomies onto Netflix! Plus, to pique Evan’s Bon Jovi fan curiosity, did Tommy ever have a girlfriend named Gina? All that and how Reckless Tortuga dominated a 24-hour film festival. It won’t be Worse Than Vietnam.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $250) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Tommy Savas’ starring role on Katherine Heigl’s show State of Affairs, head over to Amazon to own the first season! 

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Anjuli Richeson – Ep083

Voice actor and supermom Anjuli Richeson stops by SOCIALLY AWKWARD in her first ever conversation with Evan. Hear how she transitioned from on-camera actor to voice actor and how she built her own home voice studio! Plus, a cameo from Kelly Meyersfield. Check her out at anjulicain.com!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $250) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Anjuli’s appearance on The Nanny, go on Amazon and get The Nanny: The Complete Series!

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Elias Fanous – Ep082

Evan continues his “I Love the 80s” series with 1982’s Elias Fanous! Elias talks Theta Chi Fraternity, lawyer life, vacation spots, the Flint water supply and if he is aware of WWE’s Elias. It’s a quick discussion with one of Michigan’s finest. Time to WALK WITH ELIAS!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $250) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Elias, go on Amazon and get a WWE ‘Walk With Elias‘ t-shirt!

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Pamela Anderson – Ep081

Evan is kicking off his “I Love the 80s” series (interviews featuring Facebook friends born in each year of the 1980s) with Pamela Anderson. No, not that Pamela Anderson, but Evan asks Pamela if having the same name as that Pamela Anderson has been a blessing or a curse. Plus, how she almost met Pamela Anderson on a TV show. And besides her name, Pamela and Evan discuss how they could have become Facebook friends, because they have no idea. And then Evan picks Pamela’s brain about selling on Amazon since Evan has been following the Amazing Selling Machine and Pamela used to work on Amazon before taking a $9 million/ year online toy business and growing it to $34 million/ year!! Cash in on this Pamela Anderson on SOCIALLY AWKWARD!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $250) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Pamela Anderson, go on Amazon and get a life-size cutout of Pamela Anderson.

For free training on how to sell on Amazon, visit www.tinyurl.com/evanandkellyasm.

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Heidi Popp – Ep080

Heidi Popp is a self-proclaimed truthseeker so don’t call her a conspiracy theorist. Heidi takes Evan behind the scenes of every famous controversy we’ve ever dealt with: Operation Mockingbird, the CIA, 9/11, the JFK assassination, cancer, vaccines, the food supply and so much more. Plus, her life in craft services and whether she considers Evan a good witch or a bad witch.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $250) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Heidi Popp, go on Amazon and get the album “Beyond Life” by German singer Heidi Popp. 

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Evan Botkin – Ep079

It’s Evan vs Evan on SOCIALLY AWKWARD as Evan interviews Evan Botkin. They have been Facebook friends since 2005 but never spoke until now. What is their origin story? Plus, Evan is bringing his band Firesauce back together for a reunion tour this month (which is really just one show in Columbus). All this and Evan’s home-based coaster business as well as rating bands that are currently touring.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $100) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Evan Botkin, go on Amazon and get a book of Ohio State trivia

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Kate Dudley – Ep078

Evan interviews Facebook friend KATE DUDLEY who initially met Evan at one of his shows in 2007 in Indianapolis, Indiana! She is now engaged in the Greater Buffalo area as they talk how she met her fiancee, and Evan offers how not to plan anniversaries. Plus, they cover music, cats, Harry Potter and nerd culture. Welcome to Dudleyville!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $100) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Kate Dudley, go on Amazon and get some Dudley’s Scalp & Skin Antiseptic Pre-Shampoo

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Erica Howard – Ep077

Evan interviews Actress/Costume Designer/Cool Chick Erica Howard. While they are actual friends as well as Facebook friends, they have never spoken for more than a minute. So listen as they peel back the layers. Erica talks about growing up in the Seattle area at the height of grunge, the role music has played in her life, plus speeding on Los Angeles freeways and working on sets as a stylist & costumer designer. Then, Erica tries to uncover why Evan is so mysterious. Or did she mean to say awkward?

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $500) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Did you know Erica Howard was in the Keanu Reeves movie “A Walk in the Clouds?”  Get it on Amazon

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Ari Glasgow – Ep076

Ari Glasgow messaged Evan on LinkedIn with questions about how to get into comedy. Evan replied by saying ‘Be my Facebook friend, come on my podcast, and I’ll answer your questions.’ So here we are: a fellow Tufts Jumbo like Evan, Ari is going into his senior year and starting to look at life after college and life in comedy. How does one get into comedy? How to promote yourself? Do you need a day job? Should you try to join SAG-AFTRA? All those questions and more will be answered, plus some Tufts University banter.

NOTE: Audio on Ari’s end is a little echoey, because Evan’s an idiot, but at least he does a majority of the talking on this one.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $1,000) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Ari Glasgow, get the book Comedy FAQs and Answers on Amazon to answer all your comedy questions! 

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Actress Dana Berger – Ep075

For his platinum episode Evan interviews his wife’s best friend Actress Dana Berger who happens to be recurring as Crystal Tawney on Season 6 of Orange Is The New Black!! Hear the story of how she got the part, plus the time she played Meryl Streep and the many times she has out-bowled Evan. And did we mention she helped her 89-year-old grandma go viral. Thanks President Trump! Would you expect anything less awkward?

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month (or as much as $1,000,000) by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Dana Berger, get Season 5 of Orange Is The New Black on Amazon!

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Slader Jordan – Ep074

Slader Jordan is from Alabama, attended University of Alabama-Birmingham and is now enrolled at Tufts Dental School! But there is so much more to this man who is a self-proclaimed polymath and phenomenal musician. Also, his name isn’t even Slader Jordan! Evan gets to the bottom of it with his guest who was also in Theta Chi.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

In honor of Slader Jordan, pick up a pair of these retro Air Jordan sneakers on Amazon!

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Jeff Miller is Running for Congress – Ep073

In a Socially Awkward first, Evan interviews his first Facebook friend who is actively running for Congress. Jeff Miller is running in District 4 of Las Vegas. Now in his second run for office, hear what he’s learned about the game of politics, the steps one takes to run for office and what makes for a successful campaign. Evan also offers Jeff some campaign advice, none of which he should take seriously. Head to polls in Nevada on June 12 to vote Miller 2018! Area 51 will thank you!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Jeff Miller doesn’t have anything on Amazon, but here’s a book on chairmaking written by a different Jeff Miller! Let’s get building!

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Joe Rittenhouse + Mike Francesa Pandemonium w/ Mike Colon – Ep072

It’s a #SociallyAwkward Doubleheader!! First, off the breaking news that Mike Francesa, only 4 months after ‘retiring’ from WFAN, is returning to the station, Evan brings on non-Facebook friend, but Francesa expert Mike Colon of Mic’d in New Haven (4:00). He breaks down how this all went down and then Mike speaks about the time he was on the air in-studio with the king of NY sports talk.

Second, in their first conversation ever, Evan interviews Actor Joe Rittenhouse (25:30). They initially met when they both performed at Washington College. Hear about Joe’s acting career, how he’s travelled to 31 countries and why his path changed from politics to the arts. Plus, they have a candid discussion about comedy and how to be successful in this current overly-sensitive society. And did you know Evan plans to run for office?

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Twitter: @awkwardwithevan
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Website: awkwardwithevan.com

Check out Joe Rittenhouse on The Last Witch Hunter w/ Vin Diesel. Available on Amazon!

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BON JOVI Hall of Fame Recap w/ Barb Mierzejewski – Ep071

Barb Mierzejewski is a life-long Bon Jovi fan from Chicago who flew to windy Cleveland on Saturday to watch Bon Jovi get inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. How was Howard Stern’s induction speech? How was it seeing Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora (and Alec John Such) on the same stage again? Barb was there and she breaks it down. And opening for their Bon Jovi talk: Daughtry talk. (Barb was first row the night before.)

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Check out all the Bon Jovi stuff on Amazon, including their album “This House Is Not For Sale” in vinyl!

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Darren Andersen – Ep070

It’s Theta Chi Fraternity’s Founders Day so Evan brings on Facebook friend and fellow Theta Chi brother Darren Andersen, alumnus of The University of Tampa! Hear what his college experiences were like and how he uses current Theta Chi undergrads to help with his StratCore consulting business. Plus, Evan and Darren offer some career motivation as well as Long Island, sports and Mike Francesa banter. Extend the helping hand by downloading!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Did you see the Theta Chi swag available on Amazon? Get a Theta Chi FLAG or HOODIE!

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Wrestlemania 34 Preview w/ Ian Andrew Jones – Ep069

It’s Wrestlemania week so Evan welcomes Facebook friend and fellow wrestling fan Ian Andrew Jones. First, Ian discusses PWG [Pro Wrestling Guerrilla] finding a new venue in LA and his early memories of the venue. Then it’s a trip down WWF memory lane before landing on this year’s Wrestlemania. It’s Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns, Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle vs Triple H & Stephanie McMahon. And will John Cena fight The Undertaker? And don’t forget the return of Daniel Bryan! Why listen to two-hour preview podcasts when Ian & Evan get it done in under 40 minutes?! YES! YES! YES!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Like WWE & playing UNO? Here are some WWE UNO Cards on Amazon! Or just get a Wrestlemania 34 shirt.

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Daniel Barbarisi – Ep068

Evan welcomes fellow Tufts Jumbo Daniel Barbarisi to SOCIALLY AWKWARD. Now a full-time author, Dan has a new book out about fantasy sports called Dueling with Kings. Hear how he saw the fantasy sports explosion before it happens. Plus, hear how he ended up as the beat reporter for the New York Yankees at the Wall Street Journal for five seasons. How did he get there? Did his role at The Tufts Daily play a part? And did Evan and Dan ever meet in college? All those questions will be answered and then Dan will ask one question of Evan. Awkward guaranteed!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get Dan’s book Dueling with Kings: High Stakes, Killer Sharks, and the Get-Rich Promise of Daily Fantasy Sports on Amazon! Now available in paperback.

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Vin A – Ep067

Evan interviews Vin A from the Vegas show The Bronx Wanderers. Vin is also in his own solo band and thanks to a lot of determination and a little help from his friends, he won a local radio contest and is now opening for BON JOVI on Saturday, March 17 at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. How did he finish at the top? What is he planning for Saturday? And what can we expect from Vin A after the Bon Jovi show? All those questions will be answered plus hear Evan’s wife Kelly Meyersfield make a cameo appearance so she can go into full Bronx Wanderers fangirl mode. May have been awkward.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Catch The Bronx Wanderers live nightly in Las Vegas at Bally’s and get their albums “Echoes of the Past” and “Not Afraid to Dream” on Amazon. 

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Acting Up Invasion w/ Skyler Caleb & Steve Moulton – Ep066

Evan welcomes actor, host and app developer Skyler Caleb to the podcast and he brings along Socially Awkward alum Steve Moulton! Hear how Evan met on Skyler and Steve’s Acting Up radio show (on which another SA alum Amy Vorpahl contributed). Skyler is from a series Impress Me that just landed on Amazon Prime video and Steve just wrapped Ice: The Movie. The rest of the interview covers every topic know to man: The Oscars, Murphy Brown, Get Out, The CW, social media and do they think Trump will be re-elected? It’s awkward time! 

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Also help the podcast by getting the Amazon Fire 8 HD Tablet.

And see Skyler Caleb on Impress Me and Steve Moulton on Sharknado.

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Christine Robert (& EG Smith) – Ep065

Evan spontaneously interviews one of his Facebook friends named EG Smith, however, who is on the other end of the line? Actress Christine Robert! How did this happen? Was Evan catfished? And who is EG Smith? And did we mention this interview took place while Christine was at a Starbucks? Let’s get to the bottom of all this awkward!!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Also help the podcast by getting the Amazon Fire 8 HD Tablet.

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Exenia Rocco – Ep064

Say her name, say her name! Evan invites on fabulous singer and competitive swing dancer Exenia Rocco and she has solved the internet! Hear how she’s hacked the internet to network in her career plus she breaks out some “Honey” by Kehlani. Awkward just got melodic! And see Exenia live in NYC on February 11 at the Luna Coffeeshop at 2pm! 

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Also help the podcast by getting the Amazon Fire 8 HD Tablet.

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Christopher Owens – Ep063

Evan interviews his newest Facebook friend Christopher Owens who has multiple tech start-ups. They became friends due to a common interest in Bitcoin. What does Christopher know about it? What is “mining?” What new coins are on the horizon? While not an expert, Christopher gives you the answers. Plus, we talk the Philadelphia Eagles, how TV shows use each other’s ideas and response to The Last Jedi.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get some of Christopher’s wife’s [easyazon_link identifier=”B01EKTPWEU” locale=”US” tag=”funn0aca-20″]Eucalyptus Jack All Natural Pain Relief Spray[/easyazon_link] on Amazon.

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Mark Baldwin / Mike Francesa Tribute – Ep062

In honor of Mike Francesa’s 30 year run at WFAN coming to a close, Evan interviews Facebook friend Mark Baldwin aka @markmongo aka ‘Mark from Jersey’ aka a ‘yooge’ Mike Francesa fan. How is Mark doing since Mike’s final show? Where does he see Mike ending up? How did he discover Mike & The Mad Dog? All that plus hear the time he was interviewed by Mike in studio on Fox Sports! Then, in a surprise swerve, Evan and Mark talk politics. Why did they both vote Libertarian in the last election? (It was for the same reason.) And does he think Trump will be re-elected? Also, before Mark came on, Evan welcomed back a returning wife Kelly Meyersfield to share her Mike Francesa thoughts (and impression).

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Might as well get Evan’s “Mike Francesa” song on Amazon!

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Shayna Amster – Ep061

It’s a podcast debut for Shayna Amster! She’s an aspiring comedienne and she just wrapped working at THIRTEEN different Starbucks. Hear her favorite Starbucks stories, how she found comedy, how she went to seven different high schools, how she is a good (or bad) friend and what it’s like going to Arizona State… online.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

In honor of Shayna, get a Starbucks Gift Card on Amazon!

 

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Jennifer Berookhim / High School Reunion Recap – Ep060

Evan’s high school reunion came and went, and to break it all down he is joined by fellow attendee and Great Neck South Rebel Jenny Berookhim aka Jenny B aka Jennifer Soumekh. How did the 20-year compare to the 10-year? Who did they enjoy seeing? Who did they wish were there? What were the most popular questions of the night? Evan and Jenny are dropping names, giving shoutouts and plugging some of their class’ businesses. And to Evan’s delight, Jenny reveals that she is a big WWE fan! Also, what’s next for Jenny, the time they ran into each other on 9/11 and special bonus stories about tormenting their 8th grade English teacher as well as the day their 9th grade Biology teacher flipped off the entire class.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

The holiday season is now! Did you know Jenny’s favorite wrestler is Dean Ambrose? Get the t-shirt and action figure on AMAZON!

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Beth Confino / High School Reunion Preview – Ep059

Evan brings in Beth Confino to preview their high school reunion while also looking back at being in the same kindergarten class. Beth is now an English teacher on Long Island as well as a stand-up comedian. How did she get into comedy? Who was her favorite teacher at Great Neck South? All that and classmate name-dropping!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

The Holiday Season is now! Thinking of recording? Get what Evan uses: the Blue Yeti Microphone on AMAZON!

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Navpreet Singh aka Nav The Poet – Ep058

Poetry and wrestling take centerstage for the first time since Lanny Poffo played “The Genius.” Evan chats with Navpreet Singh aka Nav The Poet aka The Third Singh Brother. Nav talks about how he got started in poetry, where his inspiration comes from and what’s next for him. He also discusses Jinder Mahal’s recent WWE Championship run and what it meant to India.

Evan and Nav then transition to preview WWE Survivor Series, a Thanksgiving tradition that this year is featuring two 5-on-5 elimination matches and such bouts as AJ Styles vs Brock Lesnar and The Shield vs The New Day. 

We’re strapping the rocket to Nav and pushing him to the moon. Have a listen so he can get over. (This is all wrestling jargon.)

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get the new 30 Years of Survivor Series DVD on AMAZON!

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Comedian/Songwriter Rhune Kincaid – Ep057

Comedy music takes centerstage as Evan interviews comedic songwriter Rhune Kincaid. He has a new album out everywhere called Squirrelmaggedon and we are running down the hilarious tracks including “Two Cats,” “The Special Chord” and@rhunekincaid.” Plus, Evan explores Rhune’s Colorado roots, where the name Rhune comes from and how best to outsource freelancers when you need to get stuff done. All that and a song about the BP oil spill.

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get Rhune’s album SQUIRRELMAGGEDON on AMAZON!

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Luis Aguilera, Cassidy Turner & Morgan Evans – Ep056

In a stroke of all-time randomness, Evan interviews Luis Aguilera, Cassidy Turner and Morgan Evans, students from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) whom he met them at a NACA (college programming) conference in Hartford. Now his Facebook friends, Evan sits down to chat with them about such topics at Luis’ college radio show, his septum piercing, tattoos, Cassidy’s time abroad, and Morgan’s love of Jon Bon Jovi (who performed at FDU’s graduation last year). We are Jersey Strong this week and we’re down with FPC (yeah, you know me)!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get the new Amazon Fire HD Tablet on Amazon!

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Palmer Davis – Ep055

Evan reunites with his former acting classmate Palmer Davis. She is a standout actress, dancer and choreographer who is touring with her one-woman show “Suburban Showgirl.” They delve into Palmer’s dance background as well as her favorite songs with “dance” in the title. Palmer and Evan then pivot to how parenting changes as your kids get older. Plus, Palmer has a message to the Facebook universe: #solutionsonly. 

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get the new Amazon Fire HD Tablet on Amazon!

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Actress Erin Carufel – Ep054

They don’t know how they became Facebook friends, but that doesn’t stop Evan from interviewing Actress Erin Carufel on her BIRTHDAY! Erin talks about being Miss Oregon, using tae kwon do to land a part (and damage an audition room) and working alongside Matthew McConaughey in The Lincoln Lawyer. She also reveals how she approaches auditions, what goes into her intensive role research, and where to go for free stuff on your birthday. Plus, her affinity for Africa, her upcoming honeymoon and some questions for Evan. It’s her birthday so show some love and listen to this fun (and awkward) interview!

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get the new Amazon Fire HD Tablet on Amazon!

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Jake Ramirez + WWE No Mercy Preview – Ep053

Actor Jake Ramirez joins Socially Awkward this week as he speaks to Evan for the first time since Evan performed at his college, Otterbein University, in 2011. Now in Los Angeles, Jake has appeared on such shows as New Girl2 Broke Girls and Superstore. Jake shares how he got into acting, why he moved to LA and also delves into his ability to find extremely cheap flights all over the world. $50 from Cincinnati to Las Vegas?! Less than $10 to jump countries in Europe?! Jake shares all his travel hacks.

Plus, Evan and Jake preview/predict WWE’s No Mercy PPV that features John Cena vs Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman. This episode is one giant white-meat babyface. #kayfabe

SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get the new Amazon Fire HD Tablet on Amazon!

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Cameron Hickey – Ep052

Fresh off his show at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Evan interviews his newest Facebook friend, Cameron Hickey, a student at SD Mines who also opened for Evan at the show! Live from the common area of Cameron’s dorm, hear how an ex-girlfriend drove Cameron to comedy, how far he has traveled to perform and how he balances comedy and being an engineering major. Plus, a ton of comedy talk.  #FunnyBone

SUBSCRIBE to and support SOCIALLY AWKWARD for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get Evan’s new single “Mike Francesa” on Amazon!

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Actor Kevin O’Grady – Ep051

Evan sits down with Actor Kevin O’Grady in a random sweltering bunker to talk all things acting. Hear how Kevin found acting, how he booked 50 commercials coming up the ranks, and what some of his acting highlights are. He can currently be seen in Hallmark Channel’s Garage Sale Mystery with Lori Loughlin (aka Aunt Becky from Full House). He also has some CW cred, but nothing compares to when Evan wrote for Kevin when he played The Grinch is a Christmas skit. We’re all over the place in this episode, which is what happens when you interview a Canadian.

SUBSCRIBE to and support SOCIALLY AWKWARD for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

Get the full series of Supernatural on Blu-Ray on Amazon

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Actress Robin Riker – Ep050

To celebrate 50 SOCIALLY AWKWARD interviews, Evan ventures to the celebrity wing of his Facebook friends to interview Actress Robin Riker! A third-generation actor and veteran of TV, film and theater, Robin has seen it all and done it all, which is why she has a book out called A Survivor’s Guide To Hollywood – How To Play The Game Without Losing Your Soul. Robin also recounts getting started in acting, auditioning for her parents, arriving in Hollywood and how auditions have changed for her over the years. She was also “Sharon Potter” on one of Evan’s favorite shows, Get A Life, and they discuss the show, Chris Elliot and how one episode made TV Guide’s top funny tv moments of all-time! 

Robin and Evan then shift gears to talk about the direction of SAG-AFTRA and Robin offers her dismayed reaction to the recently passed TV/Theatrical contracts. Why does she think it’s the worst contract ever? And why was she against the merger? Robin lays out the facts and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the actors’ union operates. And did I mention she is the same Riker that New York City’s Riker’s Island is named after? All this and even some Inside The Actor’s Studio questions. It’s more awesome than awkward for Episode 50!

Support (and subscribe to) SOCIALLY AWKWARD for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan.

 

For more info on Robin and to get an autographed copy of her book, visit www.RobinRiker.com.
Also available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2i0YDn8

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Adah Gorton – Ep049

Evan’s latest Facebook friend, and one of his former interns, Adah Gorton, wasn’t on Facebook at the time of their interview, but she’s back… for now. Hear how they met on Craigslist and why Evan was her favorite boss and what made her other bosses so terrible. Evan and Adah then trade dog stories, dig into Netflix, bed bugs, The Gong Show, podcast recommendations and how we can keep Adah on Facebook for good. It’s the Adah Bucket Challenge this week on SOCIALLY AWKWARD!  

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Sean von Buseck – Ep048

For the first time since 2007 when they filmed a Zappos commercial together, Evan talks with Actor Sean von Buseck. Hear how Sean made the move to South Carolina after successfully beating the LA housing market! Sean then goes into how acting and auditions work in the Southeast and how he got to work with Marlon Wayans. He also goes into auditioning as a leprechaun and being up against a little person for the part. Did he get it? And does Sean miss Los Angeles? This is what happens at 3 AM!  

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Evan and Sean’s Zappos Commercial

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Comedienne & Ventriloquist April Brucker – Ep047

For the first time in almost 15 years Evan talks to comedienne/ventriloquist/media personality April Brucker. Hear how they awkwardly met at an open mic in New York City’s West Village and what her connection is to Evan’s sister. Then April weighs in on other famous ventriloquists and shares some comedy stories including the time she signed up as comic #100 at an open mic. Also, April talks about her new book April Unwrapped: My Naked Dreams Revealed, which is pretty much self-explanatory. And before leaving, April goes full astrology on Evan, his family and herself. It’s that kind of episode and it’s that kind of awkward!

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Matteo Lentini – Ep046

Evan wraps up graduation season with Matteo Lentini. Evan performed at Matteo’s Kennett High School (Conway, NH) graduation party. After the party, Matteo added Evan on Facebook, and here he is on SOCIALLY AWKWARD! Hear Matteo rave about his high school principal, sports, Seinfeld, Shark Tank and how he ran cross-country as a shotputter, which led to some last place finishes. Matteo then shares that he is attending Husson University (Bangor, ME) in the fall to which Evan recalls his lackluster show at the campus. And finally, Matteo and Evan compare ‘touching the Stanley Cup’ stories. It’s high school awkward all over again!

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Vicky Roseman – Ep045

Evan invites on one of his former tutoring students, Vicky Roseman, who just graduated from Agoura High School and will be heading off to UC Santa Barbara in the fall. Hear how she found senior year at Agoura, how she came across UCSB and how she plans to spend some of her summer in South Africa! Vicky also chronicles her love of camp, volunteering at hospitals as well as her favorite things to watch on Netflix. And Evan tries to offer her some of his suggestions. Throw up your cap & gown because Vicky is on the podcast!

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Kevin Callahan – Ep044

Evan hits the mutual interests jackpot this episode as he interviews fellow Long Islander Kevin Callahan, aka fellow Theta Chi Fraternity brother Kevin Callahan, aka fellow wrestling fan Kevin Callahan! Hear how their paths crossed during one of Evan’s show at Wagner College. Plus, Kevin discusses his time at the Alabama Shakespeare Company, random acts of brotherhood on the LIRR and what he thinks of the renovated Nassau Coliseum. And of course, wrasslin’ chatter.

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Michelle La Sala – Ep043

For the first time in over a decade, Evan speaks with avid runner and experienced race producer Michelle La Sala, fresh off running 72 miles in one week. Hear how Evan met Michelle by interviewing her for job at New York Road Runners when he no longer worked there. Michelle then shares how she started running, what her training entailed and how she met her husband… who also produces running events.  We’re coming to you from Napa and there’s so much running talk that by the end of this you’ll be on a treadmill!

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Greg Raposo (of Dream Street) – Ep042

In another first-ever conversation, Evan welcomes singer/songwriter and former member of the boy band Dream Street GREG RAPOSO to Socially Awkward. Hear about his singing origins, winning Star Search, how Dream Street came to be, and the juxtaposition of being in a boy band while being bullied in high school. Greg then talks going solo and his love of the old Long Island venue The Downtown, in addition to the time he was catfished into writing a song for someone. “It Happens Every Time!”

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Andrea Legg – Ep041

In their first ever conversation, Evan interviews Certified Public Librarian Andrea Legg this week on SOCIALLY AWKWARD. Hear how Bon Jovi and AOL Instant Messenger brought Evan and Andrea together and why he refers to her as his “guardian angel.” Also, Andrea flexes her librarian muscles, especially in the art of genealogy. And Andrea has a message to parents everywhere! Take heed of her advice and keep it down – you might be in a library!

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Joy Villa – Ep040

At the 2017 Grammys, Singer/Songwriter Joy Villa grabbed headlines when she debuted her Trump-inspired “Make America Great Again” dress. The intense publicity immediately shot her “I Make The Static” album to the top of the iTunes & Amazon charts. It even debuted in the top 15 of the Billboard 200! Now Joy, also a Facebook friend of Evan, joins him on SOCIALLY AWKWARD!

Hear how her life is different since the Grammys (5:19), where is the dress now and whether Joy thinks 2015’s “The Dress” is black & blue or gold & white (8:30). Plus, Joy’s musical influences behind her albums (18:39) and what it was like walking in NYC for 10 hours wearing pro-Trump clothing in a social experiment that debuted on Fox News. (12:42) And in a Socially Awkward first, Joy and Evan discuss Scientology and how she knew it worked for her while keeping with her Christian beliefs. (22:00)

We’re changing narratives and shattering stereotypes on SOCIALLY AWKWARD!

#JoyTribe #JoyToTheWorld
#MakePodcastingGreatAgain

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JJ Barrows – Ep039

You ever get a random Facebook request from someone you don’t know? Evan did and he accepted it… and then contacted the person to be interviewed. So get ready for a first ever conversation between Evan and stranger turned Facebook friend JJ Barrows. She’s a talented artist from South Carolina who now lives in San Diego and is getting into standup comedy. Hear why she added Evan, what questions she has about comedy and how Flo Rida led to her having an awkward date moment!

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Tim Breckon – Ep038

Awkward touches down in Colorado as Evan speaks with fellow Theta Chi brother Tim Breckon. Now a professional trombonist with a master’s degree, Tim shares obscure song ideas, even more obscure band names and his favorite memes. The episode also gives Evan the opportunity to share his own ‘tromboner’ experience. It’s better than band camp!

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Molly Hott – Ep037

This week Evan welcomes Molly Hott, the first Facebook friend being interviewed from his graduating class at Great Neck South. 

Hear Evan and Molly reminisce about all things Great Neck, including the best hangouts in town and teachers at South. In addition, Molly is on the high school reunion committee and Evan is fishing for details on the upcoming 20 year reunion!

Molly has also worked in the summer camp industry by making summer camp available to underserved populations. Plus, with a name like hers, Evan breaks down the Molly Hott brand. It’s getting Hott in Herre! #nelly #rebels

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Wrestlemania 33 Preview w/ Chris Russo – Ep036

This week SOCIALLY AWKWARD is the ultimate thrill ride as Evan welcomes fellow Theta Chi Fraternity brother and former WWE NXT (and current Reality of Wrestling) Announcer Chris Russo. (3:54) Hear how Chris got his start working (and bumping) for WXW, a promotion operated by The Wild Samaon Afa, and how it led to his announcing for WWE’s developmental entity FCW/NXT. There he got to work alongside Dusty Rhodes, William Regal and Jim Ross and call the early matches of current WWE superstars Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas. 

Chris and Evan then go full Mega Powers as they break down the Wrestlemania 33 card (23:31), which features Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns vs The Undertaker and Bray Wyatt vs Randy Orton. 

Finally, after playing in the background the entire episode, four-year-old WWE theme expert Beckett Sage returns to SOCIALLY AWKWARD with his own Wrestlemania predictions and analysis. (49:30) That’s why!

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Songwriter/Comedian Phoebe Carter – Ep035

Evan welcomes fellow funny (and serious) songwriter Phoebe Carter to SOCIALLY AWKWARD. Hear how Evan and Phoebe initially met and how Evan was in one of Phoebe’s music videos. Phoebe also lets you in to the world of songwriting and the business side. Plus, find out her biggest influences, both comedic and musical! 

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Seth Crevison – Ep034

After seeing Paul Smith’s College at a programming conference, fate brings Evan a Facebook friend and Paul Smith’s College alum Seth Crevison. Chatting all the way from Florida at 2 am, Seth catches Evan up with what he’s been doing since Evan’s 2010 show at the college, how he stuns fish and what goes in to the sport/game of discolf. (Don’t say frisbee golf.) You want awkward? You got awkward!

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Jayme Lake – Ep033

Fresh off their Francesacon performance, Jayme Lake comes on SOCIALLY AWKWARD to explain what Francesacon is (4:30), how Jayme met her husband and Evan’s wife during the same show (10:07), and what made her get into theater. Jayme also talks touring nationally, Schoolhouse Rock Live 2 (20:30), and her disdain for math. Plus, her love of the Food Network, Schitt’s Creek and Harley Jay’s bowling prowess (34:50). And we close out with Evan’s blossoming rant against golf (37:14).

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An Unrelated Jimmy Wecksell – Ep032

Evan ventures all the way to Sweden to interview Jimmy Wecksell, a Wecksell to whom Evan is NOT related. Hear why Jimmy is the real Wecksell and Evan is the imposter. Evan and Jimmy also rundown all the Swedish Wecksells on Facebook and Jimmy then tells Evan how he learned English from American TV and video games. And Jimmy’s brother is actually a famous video game champion. And did we mention that Jimmy likes to go to sleep listening to murders? We’ll explain. Does it get more awkward than this?  

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A Bill Word (& Evan) Birthday – Ep031

It’s February 19, aka Evan’s birthday, so he brings on a Facebook friend who is another 2/19 birthday boy: Comedian BILL WORD! Bill and Evan recall the comedy contests Bill used to produce and Bill reminisces about the time he was introduced onstage… while still in the bathroom. They then talk other people with their birthday as well as what businesses offer you the best birthday giveaways. Plus, hear about Bill’s health scare and his amazing recovery that was assisted by all his comedian friends. Light the birthday candles and celebrate with this hilarious and honest episode!

Check out more about Bill Word at www.killerkomedy.com

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Carolyn Lederach – Ep030

Carolyn Lederach and Evan never met, but they’re talking Penn State, US and UK music, and the fact that Carolyn Lederach is from Lederach, Pennsylvania. Coincidence? Find out!

(Apologies for the audio issues.)

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Who The Hell Is Jake Johnson – Ep029

Jake Johnson, one of Evan’s newest Facebook friends, just won a contest to open for Bon Jovi on February 18 in Nashville, Tennessee!!

Hear how he found out, when he started playing guitar, who his musical influences are and, most importantly, what are his Bon Jovi songs. Jake also addresses doubters who think he got the gig because of his connection to the band.

Jake proves he is a hard worker who approaches his career with the right attitude… and he would like someone to buy his mom and stepdad’s house in Utah.

#whothehellisjakejohnson
#NotJackJohnson

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Announcer Chuck Lott & Royal Rumble Preview – Ep028

Chuck Lott is an announcer for Madison Square Garden, St. John’s Basketball, The New York Mets, and, thankfully, is a huge WWE fan.

Evan and Chuck (aka “LaVoz”), figure out how they became Facebook friends and then Chuck talks about announcing at live events, doing improv with WWE’s Dolph Ziggler and how he can usually swing a seat in business class, even when he doesn’t have a ticket!

‘E & C’ then break down this Sunday’s Royal Rumble, offering their match picks and who they want to win the Rumble and who they think will win. Wrestling nerds, unite! With #LaVoz, wrestling talk has never sounded smoother.

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Raffi Berberian – Ep027

Evan sets a podcast geography record by interviewing Facebook friend Raffi Berberian all the way from Armenia!! With a 12-hour time difference between them, hear how Evan and Raffi met at Bucknell University and then how Raffi moved to Armenia to do photography. He’ll also tell you where Armenia is on the map. It’s a fun conversation in any time zone!

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Chasing Amy Walker – Ep026

Evan’s “Chasing Amy” series concludes with actress and slogan wizard Amy Walker. They never spoke and never met (or so Evan thought) until now. Hear about her origins, her first (false) impression of Evan, her obsession with Alexander Skarsgard, her endless nicknames, her daughters’ social media shenanigans and her Netflix list. Her voice is like butter and she’s your headlining Amy! Plus, hear how Evan was in Facebook jail for 6 days! #firstworldproblems

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Chasing Amy Gillette – Ep025

Evan welcomes the theatrical Amy Gillette to Socially Awkward. A standout actress and singer, Amy has a knack for playing parts that were originally played by Julie Andrews. Also hear about the time Amy joined Evan on stage in acting class, but before that there was the time Evan’s wife and Amy were in the same show; Evan’s wife played a dog while Amy was the owner. #doggonemusical

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Chasing Amy Amerson – Ep024

Evan continues his “Chasing Amy” series with another Facebook friend named Amy. This time it is Amy Amerson, someone Evan had never spoken to… until now!

Hear how they came Facebook friends, the advantages of having the initials AA, and why Amy moved from LA to North Carolina.

Amy also wants to know more about Evan and how this podcast came to be, but the episode then builds to the climax of how best to unfriend someone on Facebook.

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Chasing Amy Vorpahl – Ep023

SOCIALLY AWKWARD is kicking off 2017 with the “Chasing Amy Series,” interviews with four of Evan’s Facebook friends that are named Amy.

We start with comedian/actress/singer Amy Vorpahl who actually hasn’t been on Facebook since 2015! Hear why she left and why she hasn’t looked back.

Evan also gets into Amy’s acting career including her time at Buzzfeed, working with Aaron Sorkin on Newsroom and what her first acting gig in Los Angeles was (that included Evan). She also has an upcoming album about Dungeons & Dragons! 

2017 is the Year of the Amy! And the Year of the Awkward!

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A Sean Aronson Christmas – Ep022

Sean Aronson ran with Evan on the Tufts University cross-country and track teams, but for the past eight years he has been living in Hawaii. He talks about life in Hawaii, walking on volcanoes and what Hawaiians think of the Disney movie Moana.

Sean also mentions whom he stays in touch with from Tufts, recalls some funny stories (from the mainland) and gives some of his current documentary picks on Netflix. Evan also finds out more about the documentary Sean made: White Shark Cafe. 

Come for the reminiscing, stay for the trademark Aronson laugh.

Check out White Shark Cafe at whitesharkcafefilm.com.

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Film Director Joe Castro – Ep021

Joe Castro is an acclaimed Film Director and SPFX Artist most known for his adult swim-esque horror/gore features.

Hear about his horror film binge when he was younger, how a pen pal convinced him to move to LA, and what his first job was at Universal Studios. Joe and Evan then talk about Joe’s Terror Toons film franchise and how Evan’s wife, Kelly Meyersfield, was involved. 

Plus, how does Joe’s filmmaking hold a Guinness World Record? And how is he tied to film director Robert Rodriguez? It’s one big story after another!

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Nicholas Lepham – Ep020

Nicholas Lepham grew up in Houston, went to high school in Saudi Arabia and attended Tufts University (just like Evan) where he joined Theta Chi Fraternity (just like Evan).

Evan and Nick each share their positive experiences being in a fraternity and then weigh in on the current turmoil surrounding Tufts University Greek Life.

Since graduating, Nick has been in Washington DC. Find out what it was like for him working for Hillary Clinton and then being part of a progressive think tank. Nick also uses his political perspective to discuss President-Elect Trump.

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A-List Celebrity Interviews via Jim Meskimen – Ep019

While at a swanky Hollywood party, Evan was able to interview some of Hollywood’s ‘A-est’ of A-List Celebrities. It’s Robert Downey Jr, Arnold Schwarzenegger, President George W Bush and Morgan Freeman all on an impromptu Socially Awkward!!

Thank you Jim Meskimen for playing interview matchmaker!

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Cherish Bliss – Ep018

Evan chats with Los Angeles burlesque dancer Cherish Bliss (aka Bliss Meadows). Hear how Erica and Evan met, her feminist role models and how she is coping with the results of the election. Socially Awkward turns socially conscious. 

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A Jason Burke Thanksgiving – Ep 017

Jason Burke has run 56 marathons in 21 cities across 4 continents. He was also Evan’s college teammate on Tufts University’s cross-country and track teams. After surveying Jason’s opinions of other people with the last name Burke (3:40), Evan and Jason talk running marathons and the viral story about a college runner who got hit by a deer during a race, which leads Burke to recount his first-hand hit-by-a-deer-while-running experience in 1997. (11:50) They then reminisce about the legend of 351 Boston Avenue, the off-campus house where Burke lived with four other teammates. This causes Evan to haphazardly cast the ‘351’ movie.

The conversation then turns miscellaneous as Burke weighs in on music, explains what he does for a living and updates us on little brother Tim.

It’s Thanksgiving so be thankful for this interview with Jason Burke! And get on a damn treadmill!

Support SOCIALLY AWKWARD for as little as $1/month by going to www.patreon.com/funnyevan.  

Check out photos from Burke’s 56 marathons at http://marathonanalytics.com/Jason_Marathons_with_photos.html.

And might as well also check out his brother’s standout photos at https://www.facebook.com/timburkephoto/.

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Valentina Gomez – Ep016

For the first time in 12 years, Evan talks to Valentina Gomez, a Facebook friend from college whom he didn’t meet until after college. Hear them reminisce about their separate experiences at Tufts University and how their Tufts reunions compare to her husband’s more spirited Princeton reunions. Evan then counters by comparing with his high school reunion to his wife’s (fyi – it’s the same high school). Valentina also describes life in Charlotte, North Carolina as a Jets fan among Panthers fans. Valentina then leaves us with her Netflix picks, which may just be Gilmore Girls, Gilmore Girls and Gilmore Girls.

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Bon Jovi Superfan LUCA – Ep015

Luca, aka Luca Jovi, is a Bon Jovi superfan from Turin, Italy who has seen the band play live over 180 times in roughly 30 countries!

Hear Luca discuss with Evan how he found Bon Jovi, what is his favorite song & album, how he has met the band on multiple tours and what is it like being the rarer male Bon Jovi fan. Also, discover how Bon Jovi helped Luca through some tough times and what hidden jewels Luca recommends from the Bon Jovi catalogue.

One thing is for certain: Italy is here!

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Chicago Cubs & Bon Jovi Fan Darcy Rojas – Ep014

The Cubs just won the World Series so Evan interviews his Facebook friend from Chicago, Darcy Rojas, to recap the magical night! Where was she? What were her emotions during Game 7? Where is Steve Bartman?

Darcy is also a huge Bon Jovi fan so she talks about her favorite Bon Jovi albums, songs and the time Jon Bon Jovi let her and her friends into their intimate radio concert. Evan then counters with the time he followed Jon into a hotel bathroom. 

The Cubs win & Bon Jovi rules this week on Socially Awkward!

#FlyTheW
#THINFS (This House Is Not For Sale)

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Bon Jovi Fans – Ep013

Evan gets in the Bon Jovi time machine with two of his favorite Bon Jovi fan friends! First Kelley Moyer-Schwille talks about the first time she saw the band in a bar in Harrisburg before they were famous! (5:01) Later, Evan and Kelley compare how long they have waited on line for tickets. (8:18) Sadly, they do touch on the Richie Sambora departure (14:45) and finally, Kelley reveals what a big fan she is of Evan’s ‘daughter,’ causing Beckett Sage to set the record straight about his gender. (19:40) 

Evan then brings on Stephanie Sabatelli who discusses what it was like seeing Bon Jovi at their apex at Madison Square Garden in 1987! (28:48) Evan and Kelley then comb through their favorite songs/albums in the Bon Jovi catalog (shoutout to These Days) and compare their hauntingly similar encounters with Jon Bon Jovi. 

Welcome to Jonny’s Church of Rock & Roll! Raise your hands!

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Josh Lopez of Wrestlezone – Ep012

In a bonus episode, Evan spontaneously reunites with professional broadcaster and Wrestlezone.com stenographer Josh Lopez. Evan talks with the native Chicagoan first about the World Series and the state of Chicago sports (6:05) before transitioning to WWE. They share their love of CM Punk (7:40), the time Evan performed with Colt Cabana (10:40) and the James Ellsworth phenomenon (12:00). They then preview the upcoming pay-per-view Hell In A Cell before comparing wrestling crowds around the world and marveling at the engagement of Paige and Alberto Del Rio. Drink it in, mmaaaannnn!

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Evan’s Dad – Ep011

With the help of Facebook friend/sister Wendy Wecksell, Evan interviews his dad. What does Donald Trump have to do to win his Republican dad’s vote? (4:30) Who’s on his Mount Rushmore of Republicans? (7:29) We also get his take of world affairs, Brexit, his disdain for GPSes and meeting Mike & The Mad Dog. (10:14)

Evan also asks Dad for his opinions on texting, Lady Gaga and Charlie Rose while uncovering his surprising gambling history! Evan also coaxes his dad to rank his kids in order, or at least as drivers. (23:03) And what is his dad’s concept of Uber? We then wrap up with why he is so fascinated with World War II, and what is his advice to millenials?

The awkward was definitely at a modest boil throughout. Enjoy!

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Chrissy Sampson – Ep010

Awkwardness reaches new heights when Evan invites his ex-girlfriend Chrissy Sampson onto the podcast, as they speak for the first time since she dumped him in 2003. Evan and Chrissy reminisce about Long Island nightlife, especially Levittown’s Munchaba Lounge (3:32). Chrissy then chronicles what it’s like to live year-round in the Hamptons (in her 30s) and unveils some details about a book she is looking to publish (15:00), which means she needs to have a snobby author bio (17:25). And before talking about her career as journalist (21:23), Evan asks Chrissy about how she has unintentionally had a knack for dating Jewish guys (18:36). Grab some popcorn, because things definitely get awkward.

Get Evan’s new political single “The Final Two” on Amazon (https://amzn.com/B01M5DACKZ).

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Author Garrett Robinson – Ep009

Garrett Robinson was a freelance director in Los Angeles until two years ago when he started writing his own fantasy series. Now based in Oregon, Garrett sits down with Evan to talk about his prolific “Underrealm” fantasy series (2:57), his love of “Lord of the Rings” (7:35) and his writing process (10:10). Garrett then reveals the advantages of living in Oregon over Los Angeles (12:55) and describes the artisan-friendly town McMinnville, Oregon (15:40). And what is in Garrett’s pretentious author bio? (23:05) Fantasy is king this week on Socially Awkward!

Get Garrett’s first book for FREE at www.underrealm.net.

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Comedian Ryan Niemiller – Ep008

After kicking off the episode with a political rant (2:13), this week Evan gets lost in conversation with “The Cripple Threat of Comedy” Ryan Niemiller. Despite missing bones and fingers in both hands, Ryan has turned this supposed liability into an asset in his life and career (17:20), i.e. he can type really fast and play video games on 20 different consoles (11:20)!

Hear how Ryan got started in comedy (24:14), how he has incorporated his disability into his act (25:55) and even how one of his sets went viral! He also opens up about how it has affected his dating life (29:15).

Besides video games, Ryan is a HUGE wrestling fan (thanks to Doink) (35:55). He and Evan also get into the current state of WWE, Roman Reigns (48:33), PWG, Lucha Underground and NXT. Finally, Ryan and Evan each fantasy book themselves into wrestling programming.

Even if you’re not a video game or wrestling fan, this conversation will leave you hooked. (Pun intended.)

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Actor Steve Moulton – Ep007

Actor STEVE MOULTON (Sharknado, Waking, Impress Me) joins Evan for a massive nerd-out session. First, they discuss Steve’s movie credits and then Steve tells Evan how Kevin Smith played a role in his playing a clerk in Sharknado (12:25). They later talk Marvel superheroes and compare their meeting John Cena stories (18:54). Steve is also an avid fan of Disneyland so he offers some insider tips if you are thinking of going (27:39) and you bet he has an opinion on the Disney/Star Wars partnership as well as the new Star Wars movies (36:21). Evan then finds out more about Steve’s movie-centric podcast “View the Right Thing” (42:42) and finally, they lament on how difficult it is to keep up with all their favorite TV shows. #nerdlife 

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Actor Henrik Rutgersson – Ep006

Henrik Rutgersson is a tall, dark, handsome and Swedish actor. Hear how John Hughes motivated him to move to America (7:11), his love of acting and how you may soon see Henrik’s new show “Swedish Dicks,” featuring Keanu Reeves, in the states (13:05). We also recap Henrik’s experiences on “American Horror Story” opposite Lady Gaga (17:45)! Henrik and Evan then talk hockey (23:24) and later Evan tries to convince Henrik to watch wrestling again (28:30). And what’s a podcast without Henrik’s take on the 2016 election and good ole political corruption (32:06). You’ll want to cast a write-in vote for Henrik after this one!

Help support SOCIALLY AWKWARD for as little as $1/month by visiting www.patreon.com/funnyevan.

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Poker Professional Shannon Burwell – Ep005

Decade-long Facebook friend/Actress/Poker Phenom SHANNON BURWELL comes to SOCIALLY AWKWARD this week. First we reveal Shannon’s connection to OJ Simpson Prosecutor Marcia Clark (6:44), her web series that was made using only a Flip camera (17:00) and her appearance on 7th Heaven (18:40). She also gets into her poker background (9:00) and gives insider tips on how to be a better poker player. Evan and Shannon also discuss California’s mandatory vaccine controversy right before she turns the tables on Evan and asks him her longstanding questions about him, which turns into a WWE primer (33:05) as well as an inside look into performing at colleges (while traveling with mom). So hunt down OJ, Jessica Biel and your poker buddies because Shannon Burwell is where it’s at!

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Maya Weinreb – Ep004

One of Evan’s newest Facebook friends, Maya Weinreb is one of the most well-traveled people you will ever meet. She was born in Israel, moved to Florida, moved to the UK, moved to LA, moved to Washington State and then moved back to LA! Hear about how gas masks were part of her childhood, which city has the better beaches (Clearwater or Los Angeles) and how to find the best food in LA. Maya has also mastered life in LA without needing a car, or really ever leaving the comfort of her home!! The word of the day is convenience (or Uber… or Yelp).

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The Evan Club – Ep003

It’s a sea of Evans on this week’s Socially Awkward as Evan brings on two random Evans whom he had never spoken to… until now! First Evan welcomes Evan Tyerman (4:35), a student from NJIT who is also in the same fraternity (Theta Chi) as Evan (the host). They then figure out how they became Facebook friends and swap Evan stories. Second, Evan welcomes Long Island comedian Evan Weiss (21:09). Both Evans talk about Facebook’s “Evan Club” and then Evan (the guest) shares some comedy stories including the time his NYC show audience went mobile with him. Finally, Evan (the host) reminisces about the extinct Long Island venues that helped shape his career (41:13). There are so many Evans this week you may want to draw a diagram!

For information on Evan Weiss’ comedy shows, visit https://squareup.com/store/evan-weiss-comedy-shows/

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The A-Train Cometh! (Adrian Wilairat) – Ep002

Evan brings on his good friend and fellow Tufts Jumbo Adrian Wilairat aka The A-Train. They discuss Adrian going to high school with Chelsea Clinton (6:07), not having a Facebook profile pic (9:30) as well as describing Francesacon (12:30), WFAN’s strong radio signal (17:40) and a complete state of the union for the New York baseball teams (19:00). They then reminisce about Tufts University (28:10), Bon Jovi (33:10) and, with Adrian being from Washington DC, of course, the upcoming election (38:32). Get an express ticket because you’re about to hop on the A-Train!

Help support SOCIALLY AWKWARD for as little as $1/month by visiting www.patreon.com/funnyevan.

#InMemoryOfRocky

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Kelly Meyersfield & Beckett Sage – Ep001

Comedian Evan Wecksell (www.FunnyEvan.com) kicks off his “Socially Awkward” podcast by interviewing family. First Evan welcomes in singer/actress/writer (and wife) Kelly Meyersfield (8:00). First playing coy as to how they know each other, Evan and Kelly then discuss how they met, where they would like to move, Bachelor vs WWE and their son’s poop. Evan then brings in his four-year-old son Beckett Sage (38:30) who has over 3 million Youtube views thanks to his knowledge of WWE entrance music. Hear Beckett figure out what his real last name is and then cover rock band Thousand Foot Krutch’s song “War of Change.” It won’t get more awkward (or cute) than this.

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[REPOST from SportSanityNYC.com] The GOP Goes WWE

The following appears on a new sports blog, www.sportsanitynyc.com. This is easily the greatest thing I have ever written. I have included URLs within the post for reference. I’m so proud I get to teach you wrestling lingo.

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The GOP Goes WWE: Which Republican Candidate Matches Which Wrestler?

The worlds of politics and professional wrestling are not as different as you might think. The same storylines always seem to circle back, there is always a good guy (babyface) and a bad guy (heel), and a lot of the outcomes are predetermined.

So as we now have about as many Republican candidates as we have hours of original weekly WWE programming (which includes the streaming wrasslin’ utopia that is the WWE Network), let’s try to differentiate the herd and see which aspiring POTUS resembles which sports entertainer.

Disclaimer: So I didn’t go in blind, I consulted a former political insider as well as my right-wing, Fox News-loving dad. I will keep both identities anonymous.

 

Jeb Bush is Roman Reigns

Jeb Bush - Roman ReignsGood ole’ Jeb was going to be the GOP’s next ‘main guy’ just like Roman Reigns was going to be the next John Cena. Jeb had name recognition and a strong political heritage much like Reigns had ‘the look’ and a rich Samoan wrestling bloodline. Here’s the problem: when the time came for both men to shine, their coronations came off like, as Jim Ross would say, “a fart in church.” At least Roman has better ethics and didn’t illegally fundraise before he was put in the Wrestlemania 31 main event. However, both campaigns had to do damage control early.

Roman was serenaded with fierce boos in Philadelphia after winning this year’s overly predictable Royal Rumble and his subsequent fairy tale promos towards the Big Show did not help either. Jeb needed about ten different interviews and speaking events to finally answer the obvious “Knowing what we know now, would you have still invaded Iraq?” question correctly. Both these men had the rocket ship strapped to them, but neither finished their NASA training. Despite all the backlash, Roman Reigns has recovered considerably well and it should be only a matter of months until he is wearing WWE gold. The question now is, ‘Will Jeb Bush recover in time for debate season?’

What my dad thinks: “I could vote for him.”

 

Ben Carson is R-Truth

Ben Carson - R-TruthDespite having some genuine humanity, Dr. Ben Carson has no business entering the Republican race just as R-Truth had no business being in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match at Wrestlemania. However, if Ben Carson can separate conjoined twins at the head, maybe he can separate Middle East conflict. Both these men seem to be better at things other than what they are doing. If he weren’t retired, Ben Carson would be better served staying in the operating room, much like R-Truth would be better served just gyrating in the street yelling, “What’s Up!” at everybody. (Note: I’ve heard Truth’s song for at least five years and still have no idea what he’s saying.)

Recently, Carson and Truth both experienced moments of cluelessness. A few weeks ago on Raw, Truth came out to cut a promo about his participation in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Only problem was that he was never put in that match. Thankfully, that was done intentionally for humor. Ben Carson thinks you go into prison straight and come out gay.  That was done unintentionally for humor.

What my dad thinks: “No experience in government.”

 

Chris Christie is Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman
(Honorable mention: Ryback)

Chris Christie - Brock LesnarGovernor Christie, freshest to the race, can be matched up with multiple wrestlers for different reasons could not be denied. First the easier comparison: Ryback’s catchphrase is “Feed Me More.” You do the math, even though there is no math involved. Ryback eats negativity like Christie eats fried dough on the Jersey Shore.

Christie’s comparison to the Beast Incarnate and his advocate work more beautifully because of the dynamic Lesnar and Heyman create together. They do what they want and don’t care what anyone thinks of them, and with Heyman from the Bronx and Christie from New Jersey they both have that trademark tri-state antagonism. When Brock Lesnar walked out of a Monday Night Raw taping weeks before Wrestlemania and as well as the expiration of his WWE contract, the die-hard WWE fans all worried that Brock Lesnar’s return to UFC was a certainty. However, Paul Heyman knew better as he explained the following week, “Brock Lesnar does what he wants when he wants.” If Brock wants to jam up WWE’s creative plans he can, because he’s Brock Lesnar. So if Governor Christie wants to jam up the George Washington Bridge in afternoon rush hour he can, because he’s Chris F’in Christie.

Furthermore, Brock Lesnar works a very part-time schedule for WWE, but sure does enjoy taking Vince McMahon’s full-time money. We are not sure how much the New Jersey Governor actually works, but we know one thing: he sure likes spending New Jersey taxpayer money on food and alcohol. On second thought, maybe he is more like Ryback. Or maybe we will see him at Wrestlemania 32, once again awkwardly hugging Jerry Jones in the Cowboys owner’s skybox.

What my dad thinks: “I’m neutral on him.”

 

Ted Cruz is Bray Wyatt

Ted Cruz - Bray WyattIf you don’t know who Bray Wyatt is think half-Charles Manson and half-Robert DeNiro’s character in Cape Fear. Now if you were sitting in a movie theater, who would scare you more if they were cackling in front of you: Cruz or Wyatt? (Hopefully this poll is in the sidebar.)

While Wyatt borders on cool (the imagery of fans holding up their iPhone flashlights during Wyatt’s entrances to simulate fireflies is breathtaking), both these personalities are meant to scare the hell out of you and they do it with similar methods. Bray opines in his rocking chair or backstage in dark settings, sometimes singing (with the audience) that “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Senator Cruz reads Green Eggs & Ham in front of Congress. Both creepy. And as Wyatt preaches about all the doom and destruction he will bring to each opponent, Cruz will literally make little girls cry because “the whole world’s on fire.” You tell me who is the ‘New Face of Fear.’ Why is this not Ted Cruz’s campaign slogan? I’m assuming Lindsey Graham is already trademarking it.

What my dad thinks: “Too far right. Persuasive, but I don’t like him as a person.”

 

Speaking of…

Lindsey Graham is Brother Love

Lindsey Graham - Brother LoveThere is something about Lindsey Graham that just screams (or blushes) televangelist, specifically WWF’s Brother Love from the late 80s/early 90s. Based solely on the South Carolina senator’s gentle, almost effeminate (his name is Lindsay) Southern drawl, it is almost as nauseating as Brother Love’s “I Love You” monologues that filled the preacher’s on-air segments. Brother Love and Senator Graham are both swarmy and effusive in order to cover up their true motives. Brother Love claimed to do everything in the name of love, but the irony was that he didn’t love us. Brother Love was more interested in supporting those who brought destruction to the WWF. In fact, Brother Love was the original manager of the Undertaker. Whenever you hear Senator Graham on the news, his message trickles down from his basic truth that the sky is falling and a second wave of plagues is approaching. If Senator Cruz thinks the whole world is on fire, then Lindsay Graham is bringing over the gasoline he just bought at his local Walmart.

What my dad thinks: “I like him. He’s my 1st choice.”

 

Carly Fiorina is Vicki Guerrero

Vicki Guerrero - Carly Fiorina#GiveDivasAChance. So it’s decided: that should be her campaign slogan. Basically, her platform is ‘I’m a woman and I used to run Hewlett Packard.’ Well, Vicki Guerrero is a woman and she used to run Raw and Smackdown. Unfortunately, both ladies had some rough days at the office. Fiorina is known as one of the worst tech CEOs ever, which is what happens when your company cuts 30,000 jobs and causes its own mini-Great Depression. Guerrero’s hard times were more drama-based. Her husband Edge cheated on her with Alicia Fox, The Rock sang her a derogatory parody of Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight,” and on her last night on the job, Stephanie McMahon threw her in a tub of poo. Hey, unlike Fiorina, at least she never crashed WWE’s stock.

What my dad thinks: “She’s just in it for the thrill.”

 

Mike Huckabee is Eric Bischoff

Mike Huckabee - Eric BischoffFundamentalist Mike Huckabee matches up most closely to Eric Bischoff, the former Executive Producer and President of now-defunct wrestling promotion WCW. Ask any wrestling fan about the Monday Night Wars, a boom period for the genre in the late 90s where Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling was giving Vince McMahon’s WWF a run for its money. WCW’s Monday Night Nitro beat WWF’s Monday Night Raw in the ratings for over 80 straight weeks. Eric Bischoff’s motivation was to put Vince McMahon out of business, much like Mike Huckabee’s job is to put views inconsistent with the Bible out of business. While Mike Huckabee’s popularity didn’t peak as high as WCW’s, he did have more credibility in 2008 during his ‘Hucka-heyday.’ Now it seems like he’s in the race just to say he is in the race. (At least he can raise his appearance fees after he drops out — an ulterior motive to run for any political office.)/

While Bischoff and Huckabee rode their own waves of success, eventually unpopular opinions and gross mismanagement plummeted their credibility. WCW put their championship belt on David Arquette (yes, the actor who was married to Courtney Cox). Mike Huckabee supported Josh Duggar of everyone’s favorite TLC show 19 Kids and Counting (where no learning took place). And even when the media gave Huckabee a chance to flip-flop, unlike Jeb Bush, he did not take the hint. Huckabee’s opinions never seem to appeal to the majority, much like how WCW’s storyline never benefited the majority of the roster. That’s what happens when Bischoff lets people like Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan have creative control over their own storylines. RIP Goldberg’s Streak.

Once WWF fully embraced their Attitude Era, WCW did not have a chance, which culminated in Vince McMahon purchasing the competition in 2001. After WCW’s demise, Eric Bischoff did show up occasionally on WWE programming much like Mike Huckabee showed up on Fox News. Unfortunately, especially with the recent Supreme Court same-sex marriage ruling, it appears that even Fox News is putting Huckabee out with the trash – a gesture Bischoff is all too familiar with. Huckabee didn’t need Attitude, just latitude.

What my dad thinks: “Too damn religious.”

 

Rand Paul is Chris Jericho and Ted Dibiase, Jr

Rand Paul - Chris JerichoBack in May, Senator Rand Paul took a stand when he engaged in a 10-hour filibuster in Congress to ensure the Patriot Act would not get renewed. Senator Paul ticked off all of his colleagues in the name of his beliefs. Back on WCW’s Nitro in 1998, Chris Jericho agitated an entire roster and audience when the “Man of 1004 Holds” stood in the middle of the ring and read off that entire list of holds. Sometimes it takes time to show how committed you are.

Paul’s more appropriate and harmonious comparison is to Ted Dibiase Jr, which rests on the fact that each has/had to live up to who their fathers are. Ron Paul was a long time Congressman who became somewhat of a folk hero in 2008 with his progressive/traditional Libertarian views. Rand is more conservative, but holds enough of his dad’s values to appeal to multiple GOP bases. Ted Jr, whose father is WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted Dibiase, although no longer actively wrestling, had a lot to live up to and having the exact same name as daddy did not help. When he wasn’t getting over on his own, WWE simply made him a rich, trust fund kid character going so far as bringing back his dad’s valet Virgil. Ted Jr couldn’t break away from who his father was. Can Senator Rand separate himself? (He should since his views include an isolationist foreign policy.)

What my dad thinks: “I can’t stand him.”

 

Rick Perry is John Laurinaitis

Rick Perry - John LaurinaitisJohn Laurinaitis used to be WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations. Although he currently flourishes with WWE as a Senior Producer, his 2011-2012 onscreen “People Power” persona was inspired by CM Punk calling him a “glad-handing, nonsensical douchebag yes man.” That description is not that far off from Governor Rick Perry. Even though the governor floundered in 2012, he has returned with a vengeance because this time… he is wearing glasses. However, much like the raspy Laurinaitis stumbled through promo over promo, Perry gets to stumble through interview after interview. Just cue the quote where he calls the Charleston shooting an “accident.” Both men showed us that it is not the context that makes you look stupid, it’s the stupid that makes you look stupid.

What my dad thinks: “He is overrated by Texas.”

 

Marco Rubio is The Miz

Marco Rubio - The MizWhenever the WWE needs a superstar to make a public appearance or go on a talk show, The Miz is the first to stand up. And whenever the GOP wants to put out their camera-friendly, smooth-talking representative on special occasions, like after the State of the Union, they give us Marco Rubio. Both men look youthful (Rubio probably still gets carded), possess strong mic skills and have worked their way up from the bottom. Rubio looks like the Republican ‘Boy Wonder’ to everyone else’s Batman, but could soon get the nomination and be the headliner that The Miz was at Wrestlemania 27. Lastly, both come off extremely metrosexual. The Miz always sports extravagant designer outerwear while junior Senator Rubio recently showed up in Iowa like he just used his J. Crew gift card.

What my dad thinks: “I call him babyface. Acceptable.”

 

Donald Trump is Vince McMahon

Donald Trump - Vince McMahonIs there a comparison that could be any more perfect? These billionaires, who have been friends since Trump Plaza hosted Wrestlemania IV and V, and both have the catchphrase “You’re Fired!” actually squared off, kinda, during Wrestlemania 23. Each mogul picked their own superstar to represent them in a hair vs hair match. When all was said and done, The Donald’s Bobby Lashley beat Vince’s Umaga, and Trump shaved McMahon’s head.

These men are almost carbon copies of each other: power-hungry, relentless, brash and opinionated. In his WWE universe, Vince McMahon has had unruly superstars arrested (i.e. Stone Cold Steve Austin), he has cheated on his wife with younger women, started his own religion and made people literally kiss his ass. Doesn’t it sound like Donald Trump could have already done all that in real life?

And what has McMahon done in real life? Vince bought up all his competition on multiple occasions, beat the federal government over steroids and started his own football league, the XFL, that even though it was short-lived, offered the NFL many innovative ideas to enhance its coverage. Trump also dabbled in football, being the initial owner of the USFL’s New Jersey Generals back in 1983. But like McMahon, he chose to jump ship because becoming a global lord takes priority.

If Trump picks Vince as his running mate, expect them to lead an administration that would travel the globe buying up third-world countries, ridding the world of women over 50, deporting anyone whose hair does not measure up to theirs, and encouraging racial stereotypes. Sorry Latino population, you had a good run. Get ready for their Elysium.

What my dad thinks: “He’s an egotistical clown.”

 

Candidate Rapid Fire:

Bobby Jindal is The Great Khali

At first, both looked like they could do a lot of damage, but when they got on the mic or in the ring, our expectations sank. If Beth Phoenix can kiss Khali out of the Royal Rumble, maybe some accidental Fiorina cleavage could ruin Jindal’s entire family and candidacy.

Scott Walker is The Ascension

They both came in with a lot of hype and loud music, but have so far proved milquetoast. Maybe if it was a different era they could flourish, but unfortunately the Wisconsin Governor and the NXT-bred tag team do not stand out as much as they should.

George Pataki is every enhancement wrestler (i.e. Barry Horwitz).

The former NY governor is just in the race to make every other candidate look better. Maybe he will get in an early punch, but in two minutes he will be tapping out to Rusev’s The Accolade.

Rick Santorum is the Spanish Announce Table
I thought he got destroyed back in 2012, but like a Spanish announce table it always shows up at that next big event. And at the next big event, it gets destroyed again. Like Santorum, the Spanish announce table does not have a strong foundation. Maybe if it used an adhesive made from Senator Rick’s urban dictionary definition, it would hold up better.

*All photos from Wikipedia.

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Evan Wecksell is touring comedian who has appeared on VH1, E! and Conan. Follow him @evanwecksell and like his WWE-sanctioned child Beckett Sage.

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My new site! How I did it!

As I introduce my new FunnyEvan.com, this was a three month project that actually started by happenstance. I had been pretty good about putting Reverbnation widgets on my site to hide the fact that I knew no code for writing a web site. I mean, I was using Microsoft Frontpage which was discontinued years ago.

I then got a fortunate email from Michael Duff at Duffweb. Thanks to the suggestion of his wife, amazing person/photographer Denice Duff, he mentioned how google would basically be bitchslapping any website that was not mobile friendly. I was on the chopping block and had to adjust.

Unfortunately I couldn’t pay for a pro to design my site, but I started making sketches of what I wanted, browsed website themes. I went back and forth between wordpress.com and wordpress.org. Figured how much fancy themes would be to buy. And then I discovered Tyler Moore. This Youtube computer guy can show you how to design a website from scratch for very little money. I designed a full site going step for step off his Tesseract theme, but it did not resonate with me. However, then I saw his Revolutionary video and I knew I hit it. Social media icons, a home page slideshow and easy ways to embed video. He even taught me how to design my own logo (a work in progress, but better). I basically turned a website meant for a company to be meant for a comedian.

I hired a personal IT guy to move some files around and do some other miscellaneous behind-the-scenes housekeeping, but basically every night in May I was working on one of my pages. More to come including some fun photos and an online store. Time to watch that video!

Dorkily yours,

Evan

 

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