Episode 15: Paul F. Tompkins and Susan Orlean

Episode notes

Susan Orlean is a staff writer for the New Yorker and the author of books like The Orchid Thief.

Paul F. Tompkins is a comedian whose voice you’ll recognize as the character Mr. Peanutbutter on Bojack Horseman.

In this episode, we learn about why Paul can’t stop spoiling upcoming episodes of Bojack Horseman for his wife, and why he should be considered the king of coining new catchphrases. And we’ll also learn which animals in Susan’s life have been named after characters from Bojack (hint: not horses), and why it’s important to learn the title of an author’s book before interviewing her in a public forum. Plus, Susan explains more about her upcoming book and Paul discusses what makes him love podcasting so much.

Do YOU Know the Difference?

What’s the difference between a “Labyrinth” and a “Maze”?

What’s the difference between “Distinguish” and “Discern”?

Areas of Expertise
Susan Orlean: Women’s fashion, 80’s music from the Congo and chicken husbandry
Paul F Tompkins: SCTV, Neil Gaiman’s comic The Sandman and the film Jaws

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten
Helen Hong
Paul F. Tompkins
Susan Orlean

With guest experts:
Dr. Linnea Newman, Director of Global Technical director of poultry for Merck Animal Health

Carl Gotlieb, Screenwriter of Jaws and author of The Jaws Log.

Go Fact Yourself is coming to New York for two live tapings on July 21st and 22nd at Caveat NYC! For information on guests and to buy tickets go to gofactyourpod.com.

Go Fact Yourself was devised by Jim Newman and J. Keith van Straaten, and produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun. The show is recorded at the Angel City Brewery in downtown Los Angeles.

Theme Song by Jonathan Green
David McKeever is the Live Sound Engineer.
Maximum Fun’s Senior Producer is Laura Swisher
The show is edited by Julian Burrell.