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Joel Podcast Interview

The awesome Chris Hardwick and Nerdist podcast crew interview Joel and Joel says a couple of little things about the show’s origins that I don’t think I ever heard before.

16 Replies to “Joel Podcast Interview”

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  1. mst3ktemple says:

    Really fun chat. Some good info, which is always cool, but also it really sounds like they are having a good time. That’s kinda nice to hear.

       2 likes

  2. The Bolem says:

    So before he worked in the Silent Running elements, Joel’s original idea for MST3K was basically Incognito Cinema Warriors XP?

    Woah. Circle of life. Unless, of course, this info had previously leaked before they started ICWXP, in which case…well, someone really needs to rip THEM off in turn.

    What am I saying? That’s probably happened dozens of times, I’m just not paying attention.

    Also seems odd that Joel didn’t remember how many seasons he did before leaving, but I guess that’s the kind of detail fans obsess over while creators just move on. Great interview!

       2 likes

  3. Neptune Man says:

    The Nerdist, huh? Because the only people who enjoy MST3K are nerds…I’m tired of this “nerd culture” garbage.

       7 likes

  4. Joey says:

    Listening now! so cool!!
    Here’s the album art he was talking about that was the inspiration for the silhouette format! (center top)
    http://www.minilps.net/images/stories/shop_image/product/elton-john-goodbye-yellow-brick-road-inside-scan.jpg

       4 likes

  5. Joey says:

    Do you guys really mind the PO box? :D

       1 likes

  6. This is great. Only 15 minutes in and already Joel has said things I never heard before. I’m familiar with Chris and Nerdist Industries already but was far behind on the podcast. Thanks for the head’s up, Sampo.

    It’s worth mentioning that there are some four-letter words used during the show, for those that care.

       2 likes

  7. noordledoordle says:

    @3 The Nerdist is fantastic, and this interview in particular was very relaxed and fun. Give them a listen before stomping on them.

    To everyone voting that up – the “nerd culture” is what helps keep things like MST3K and its spinoffs kicking dang near 25 years later. By hanging out on this site at all, you’re participating in the nerdage to some degree, even if you’re not exactly a nerd. I know affecting an air of superiority is fun and all, but… chill.

       14 likes

  8. Sam says:

    It’s cool to hear Joel talk more in dept about his thoughts on the Joel vs Mike stuff. It makes me glad that he enjoys the sci-fi era (and that he watched it on Netflix) and that he thought Mike
    was great.

    Also crazy to hear what’s his new project is! No spoilers from me!

       5 likes

  9. mst3ktemple says:

    I’ve always considered MST3K and Satellite News my own perfect Nerd-vana. I revel in it daily and never considered any associate with nerd culture an insult. It is a little trite now, but who cares.

       5 likes

  10. Watch-out-for-Snakes says:

    Lots of good stuff in here, good stories, great insight. I particularly loved the talk and mention of THE TV WHEEL, the underseen and underloved one-off special that Joel did, originally for HBO, then it aired on Comedy Central (after Laserblast premiere). I still got my VHS tape… I love it.

       1 likes

  11. Bill Haverchuck says:

    That was a really fun interview! Is this the first we’ve heard that Joel not only approves of the Mike era episodes, but “laughs his ass off” at them?

       14 likes

  12. Sampo says:

    Bill #11: Yes I believe so. A rather remarkable comment.

       9 likes

  13. Daniel says:

    Great interview! Sounds like I need to get a copy of TV Wheel, I’ve never seen it.

    Joel’s comment about the Mike episodes isn’t all that surprising. After all, the format of the show never really changed after he’d left. It was still his “baby”.

       1 likes

  14. Flying Saucers Over Oz says:

    I remember the ‘Agent Jay’ stuff! It’s been in my head, I’ve almost mentioned it a couple of times on MST3K sites, but I was never sure it was him.

    Also remember watching TV WHEEL when it first aired; I didn’t quite ‘get it’ at the time, but it was a bold attempt to do something new and crazy. Joel, if I remember right, is a huge fan of Ernie Kovacs, who pioneered visual comedy on television using the medium itself to shape the gags, and TV WHEEL, if I remember right, was along those lines. Instead of just pointing a camera at people saying jokes, they tried playing with the actual format of television. Which makes it sound way more highfalutin than it actually is, but still…

       2 likes

  15. Dan in WI says:

    So I guess we all now know what question NOT to ask Joel in the future…

       0 likes

  16. MegaWeapon! says:

    That was a tremendous listen. There wasn’t much “new” but the context was fascinating, and there were some juicy tidbits like the theme song coming from a focus group. The SNL stuff was fascinating, as was the TV Wheel, which was a really interesting experiment.

    I’m glad that he likes Mikes stuff, and since he came back to do Soultaker it’s not really a huge shock, but good to hear. I would love to hear more former Best Brains on this show, starting with Frank.

       0 likes

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