Episodios

  • Even Worse (Which is Good): HAIR METAL POLKA

    Even Worse (Which is Good): HAIR METAL POLKA
    Apr 10 2026
    What if Even Worse went even… louder?

    In this episode of the Beer’d Al Podcast, Russ brings a fully baked (and possibly unhinged) concept to the table: a Hair Metal Polka that could’ve lived on Weird Al’s Even Worse album. Think big hair, bigger guitars, and a rapid-fire polka mashup of the most iconic glam metal anthems of the era.

    The twist? I have no idea what’s coming.

    Russ has done all the research, built the setlist, and connected the dots—while I’m hearing it all for the very first time. Together, we break down what songs make the cut, how they’d flow in true polka fashion, and whether this alternate-universe track could actually work.

    It’s chaotic.
    It’s nostalgic.
    It’s probably a little ridiculous.

    And honestly? That’s exactly how we like it.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.
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    1 h
  • Even Worse (Which is Good): I Think I'm a Clone Now

    Even Worse (Which is Good): I Think I'm a Clone Now
    Mar 27 2026
    What do you get when a 1960s teen love song, an 80s mall pop anthem, and Weird Al Yankovic collide? An identity crisis… with a killer hook.

    In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff with Two Effs from the Suggested Articles Podcast (yes, we have more than one Jeff on this show… which feels very on-brand for a clone episode) as we trace the evolution of I Think We're Alone Now. From Tommy James & the Shondells’ slightly rebellious original, to Tiffany’s glossy, mall-tour domination, and finally to I Think I'm a Clone Now—where things get weird in the best possible way.

    We break down how one melody can tell three completely different stories, why Weird Al’s parody works so well, and how a simple pop song turns into a surprisingly funny take on identity, duplication, and way too many versions of yourself.

    Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the clones.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Even Worse (Which is Good): You Make Me

    Even Worse (Which is Good): You Make Me
    Mar 13 2026
    Get ready for a wild ride on this week’s Even Worse! We dive deep into the chaos, charm, and unexpected joy of “You Make Me,” and trust us — things got even worse (in the best way) when Polka Bob stepped into the building.

    From off‑the‑cuff polka wisdom to the kind of tangents that only this show can deliver, we break down what went down, why it mattered, and how one quirky guest turned the whole vibe upside down. Expect laughs, genuine moments, and a reminder that sometimes the best stories come from the weirdest guests.

    Whether you’re a longtime fan of Polka Bob or just here for the chaos, this is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in, turn up, and let Polka Bob make you (laugh, think, and maybe question your life choices).

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Even Worse (Which is Good): (This Song's Just) Six Words Long

    Even Worse (Which is Good): (This Song's Just) Six Words Long
    Feb 27 2026
    This week on Beer’d Al Podcast, Lauren and Russ dive into “(This Song’s Just) Six Words Long,” Weird Al Yankovic’s brilliantly minimalist parody of George Harrison — and yes, we manage to say far more than six words about it.

    Joining us is the effervescent (we stand by that word) UHJeff — aka Jeff Nucera — filmmaker, television producer, documentary director, and longtime member of Al’s extended creative orbit. Jeff’s film Tight & Nerdy is currently making the rounds on the festival circuit and has already taken home the Audience Selection Award at SF Indiefest (wowie!). When he’s not behind the camera, Jeff has spent decades working alongside Weird Al himself — from writing thousands of trivia questions for Al’s Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour to sorting fan mail, a role he’s proudly held since 2001.

    Together, we unpack the song’s origins, its place in parody history, and why a track built on repetition is still endlessly funny decades later. Along the way, we share plenty of laughs as we celebrate one of Al’s most deceptively simple comedic gems.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.
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    50 m
  • Even Worse (Which is Good): Stuck in a Closet with Vanna White

    Even Worse (Which is Good): Stuck in a Closet with Vanna White
    Feb 13 2026
    This week, we dive into one of the most surreal tracks on Even Worse — Weird Al Yankovic’s epic fever dream, “Stuck in a Closet with Vanna White.”

    What starts as a simple recurring nightmare spirals into floating in midair, Russian spies, bowling on the Starship Enterprise… and ultimately being trapped in a closet night after night with America’s favorite letter-turner. We unpack the song’s claustrophobic anxiety, its surreal dream logic, and the full-force pop culture power of 1980s Vanna-mania.

    We also explore the musical side: why — absurd subject matter aside — this track genuinely has the bones of a mainstream hit.

    It’s weird. It’s anxious. It’s ridiculously catchy. And yes… we’re buying a vowel.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.
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    48 m
  • Even Worse (Which is Good): Fat

    Even Worse (Which is Good): Fat
    Jan 30 2026
    On the surface, “Fat” is just Weird Al in a very large suit yelling about food. But beneath the accordion stabs and questionable eating habits lies one of the most important turning points in his career.

    In this episode of the Beer’d Al Podcast, we stuff ourselves into a deep dive on “Fat”—Michael Jackson’s Bad era, the shot-for-shot video parody, and why Al went back to the MJ well after Polka Party! didn’t exactly set the world on fire. We talk about MJ’s blessing, the iconic fat suit, and how turning “bad” into “fat” was less of a joke and more of a brilliant career reboot.

    Is “Fat” just a silly parody? Or is it Weird Al doubling down on confidence, commitment, and being gloriously, unapologetically himself?

    Grab a beer, loosen your belt, and join us as we break down the song that proved Weird Al wasn’t done yet—he was just getting started.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Beer'd Al Anthology: A Robinson Family Christmas

    Beer'd Al Anthology: A Robinson Family Christmas
    Dec 19 2025
    It’s a holly-jolly Weird Al family Christmas once again 🎄

    This episode originally dropped last year, but it’s back for a 2025 holiday encore — and it’s still a full house of Robinsons. Lauren’s here. Russ is here. Zakk is here.

    We’re diving into “Christmas at Ground Zero,” “The Night Santa Went Crazy,” and plenty of other offbeat holiday classics, with all the Weird Al cheer (and chaos) you’d expect.

    Settle in and enjoy this festive family conversation — it holds up just as well the second time around.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.
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    57 m
  • Beer'd Al Anthology: A Very Brak Christmas... Now Fully Re-Gifted!

    Beer'd Al Anthology: A Very Brak Christmas... Now Fully Re-Gifted!
    Dec 5 2025
    We’re unwrapping a classic Beer’d Al gem for the Beer’d Al Anthology series! This festive favorite originally dropped a couple years ago, and we’re thrilled to bring it back just in time for the holidays. (Don’t fret—we’ll be back with brand-new episodes once we roll into the new year!)

    Andy “Brak and other things” Merrill returns to help us spread some serious holiday cheer. Expect laughs, songs, seasonal ramblings, and maybe even a little magic. Lauren’s here with Russ, and our buddy Stevie “Midnight Smoke” pops in for a moment that’s nothing short of legendary.

    If you love joy, you’ll love this episode. If you hate joy… well, you might be a monster. IT’S CHRIIIIIIIISTMAAAAAAAAAS!!! 🎄✨

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-d-al-podcast--5439475/support.
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    58 m