Episode 16: Jonathan Ames and Janet Varney

Episode notes

Jonathan Ames created several TV shows, including Bored to Death and Blunt Talk. He’s also the author of many books, including You Were Never Really Here, which was recently adapted into a movie.

Janet Varney stars in the TV show Stan Against Evil and hosts of the podcast The JV Corner.

In this episode, we’ll learn about Jonathan’s experience with having his book transformed into a movie and why, for all his literary expertise, he still has trouble pronouncing certain words. We’ll also hear more about Janet’s involvement at the annual Sketchfest and why she enjoys talking to women about their awkward teen years. And both Janet and Jonathan wonder what Jodie Foster is up to while they are on stage. Is she watching TV with someone while getting a nice neck massage? We may never learn the answer to that question. But GFY listeners will learn other things by listening to this episode.

What’s the difference?

What’s the difference between a “Presidential Pardon” and “Presidential Commutation”?

What’s the difference between “Avenge” and “Revenge”?

Areas of Expertise
Jonathan Ames: 1990’s New Knicks, Detective Novels/Noir Literature and the works of Pema Chodron.
Janet Varney: Jodie Foster movies from the 1970’s to the 1990’s, New York Times crossword puzzles, Alt. Rock 1990’s bands

Appearing in this episode:

J. Keith van Straaten
Helen Hong
Jonathan Ames
Janet Varney

With guest experts:
Tom Nolan, crime novel reviewer for the Wall Street Journal and author of several books.

Johnny Whitaker, actor who’s had roles in shows like Family Affair and General Hospital

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.