JoelRadio.net - a podcast by comedian Joel Fragomeni

Joel Radio #34: Drugs, Alcohol, Death, Kitties

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:02:06 -0500

To the surprise of almost no one, another child star is dead at a young age. This time it's Corey Haim, who was one of 103 child stars named Corey in the 1980s. Joel examines the phenomenon of why child stars go bad, and how drug-related deaths of celebrities are treated by the media. Follow the long history of excuses and cover-ups to discover the only few "true" drug ODs in history. Its actually sad to hear the same excuses over and over, and not understand why these deaths are actually happening. Later, Joel reviews the 2009 Oscar ceremony. It was boring and, in hindsight, predictable. Joel thinks The Hurt Locker is overrated, and he's got his stats to prove it! Find out the history of War movies at the Oscars, and hear why the "Hurt Locker Ass Kiss Spectacular" will likely go down as a black mark in showbiz history. Plus, the Oscar prognosticators' results are in, and can Joel's cat sleep through an entire show?

Right click here to download - 53 minutes, 24 megs

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Joel Radio #33: Jaw Dropping

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:06:04 -0500

It's a huge week at JoelRadio, so let's bring back a (ahem) huge guest in Corey Hall. There's so much to talk about as the Winter Olympics wrap-up, Alice in Wonderland debuts, Jay Leno returns to late-night, and the Oscar race concludes. But the biggest news of the week was the appearance of legendary movie critic Roger Ebert on the Oprah Winfrey show this week. Surviving cancer has left Roger unable to eat, drink or speak, with no lower jaw, lower mouth or tongue. It's a sight more graphic than anything in The Crazies (reviewed this week!), yet sad and inspirational at the same time. In fact, some brainiacs figured out they build Roger a "voice" from his previous DVD commentaries and TV appearances. Thankfully, Corey and Joel's years of podcasting should have them covered in such a tragic event, so whatever genius listening to this (Nils!), get working on it! Also, The Marriage Ref debuts, does Seinfeld strike out? Plus, Shutter Island sucks, the history of Mountain Dew, and the funniest thing ever - the secret life of gay Siskel and Ebert (not true, but really funny).

Right click here to download - 93 minutes, 44 megs

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Ebert as he appeared on Oprah - some things you can't un-see...

Joel Radio #32: Right On Her Ass

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:06:39 -0500

It's Olympic Season again, you got the fever yet? Yeah, well go get that looked at - it won't clear up on its own. Seriously though, Joel has watched some of the coverage, and found nothing more entertaining than this. Except this - a ski run so completely inept, that Joel is moved enough to fly to Vancouver just to show a trained Olympian how to stay upright for more than six seconds. It's really incredibly sad, yet entertaining, to see such an epic failure on such a big stage. Thank you Marion Rolland, thank you France. Thank you, thank you. Also, Kevin Smith is too fat to fly, but not honest enough tell you the whole story - thankfully Joel is here for that. Plus, Amazing Race and Survivor return, and Steve Sabo picks UFC 110, and there's some tough fights to call. One fight will decide the overall lead!

Right click here to download - 54 minutes, 25 megs

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Joel Radio #31: The Guest From Hell

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:17:00 -0500

Secretly, Joel recently became a reluctant rap music producer, taking a shot at recording MC Sampler's new single, "Change That's Loose". Of course, MC Sampler (aka Harry) has since moved on from his services as producer, but you can hear the results of the collaboration on this show. Turns out Joel was no Disco D, but is the end result a hit or a miss on the comedy/rap chart? Listen and decide. Also, more great YouTube stuff, like The Shming, 60s cartoon themes and the "S From Hell"! Plus, MyDeathSpace, Oscar and UFC predictions and much more.

Right click here to download - 70 minutes, 32 megs

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This cover should make the single fly off the (virtual) shelves

Joel Radio #30: The Corey and Jay Radio Show

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:38:13 -0500

Jay Leno finally decided to do his first "sit down" interview about the late night debacle. And even though Oprah Winfrey was chosen as the host for said interview, Corey Hall found the event worthy enough to sit in on the playback. Listen as Jay weasels his way around various question concerning Conan's ratings, Jimmy Kimmel's insults, and how he loves the make-up guys. If you thought Jay was a douche before, just listen to this! Also, Joel and Corey have the full re-cap of Conan's last week, and why Jay's show may never be the same. Plus, Joel's memories of attending Conan's show, The iPad debuts to a collective shrug, and the biggest bombs in TV history dissected. It's a fun, fast, 90-minute must-listen show. Enjoy!

Right click here to download - 93 minutes, 42 megs

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Corey pays his tribute to the genius of Jay Leno

Joel Radio #29: Purple and Gold

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:47:23 -0500

A day late, but remember it's free! Joel previews the NFL Championship games and listens to the Prince-penned, Vikings "fight" song, Purple and Gold. Just when you though it impossible to make a crappier song, Joel improvs his own lyrics, making an an atrocity into a full-blown Haiti-esque disaster. Listen at your own peril! Plus, the latest with Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno, Jerry Mathers looks weird, Golden Globes thoughts, and the wildest movie screenings of all time - coming to a theater near you.

Right click here to download - 34 minutes, 16 megs

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Joel Radio #28: Don't Lick The Beaters

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:05:09 -0500

On this show, Joel welcomes in 2010 by telling you all about his recent illness, the embarrassing way in which he got it, and how you can avoid it. The upside of extreme weight loss was no match for the feverish shaking, frequent trips to the bathroom and disgusting remedies that the recovery called for. It's a cautionary tale of a fat man's indulgences that nearly killed him, and was one of the worst 10-day periods in Joel's life. But it still might be better than how NBC has treated Conan O'Brien of late. Seems Coco is getting the shaft by NBC, and despite his visual support of the funnyman, Joel believes NBC might be doing the right thing by re-hiring Jay Leno for 11:30. The full breakdown, including why David Letterman's penis might be to blame for Conan's sacking! Really! You must listen! Plus, Simon Cowell leaves American Idol, and the press misses the huge potential ramification for crappy music everywhere.

Right click here to download - 47 minutes, 22 megs

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The best advice you'll get all day. Trust me.

No show, but..............

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:17:25 -0500

Sadly, Joel is sick, so there won't be a new show this week. The good news is that what Joel got and how he got it is pretty funny and will make for a good story, so tune in next week for that.

Thanks and happy 2010.

Joel Radio #27: Making His List

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:18:12 -0500

In the spirit of the season, Joel Radio proudly welcomes back it's resident Grinch in the form of movie critic and comedian Corey Hall. Corey was inspired by Joel's list of "Biggest Assholes of 2009" from a few weeks back, and has come to announce his own list. It's quite a list, too, as Corey's got plenty of venom for crooked politicians, sleazy bankers, and humorless comics. And Corey's GF can be happy, as there's more than one philanderer on the list - family values are alive in 2009! Also, Joel and Corey's list of best and worst films of 2009, including discussions of Avatar, Up In The Air, the glut of animated fare, and much more. Plus, find out why Joel's list of a-holes almost got amended to include last year's YouTube phenomenon, and it's not Susan Boyle (or her mustache).

Right click here to download - 87 minutes, 40 megs

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Laugh-A-Palooza starring Joel this weekend!

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:27:23 -0500

It's a big weekend for comedy, as Joel hosts Laugh-A-Palooza at the Palace of Auburn Hills in suburban Detroit, Saturday December 19th at 7:30 PM. The show also features comedians Dan Grueter, Bill Squire, Dwayne Gill and Ben Konstantin. You can click here to download a discount coupon that will get you in for cheap, buy tickets directly here, and more info is available at the the Palacenet site right here.

Joel takes the stage at 7:30 PM sharp, so don't be late!

Joel Radio #26: Jugglers Suck

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:48:36 -0500

In advance of Laugh-A-Palooza at the Palace this weekend, Joel welcomes comedian Ben Konstantin to the show. With 10+ years in the comedy biz, Ben brings a wealth of funny stories from the road. Whether appearing at an all-teen comedy show in L.A., or opening for the Pink Floyd Laser Lightshow, Ben's always funny - whether the audience gets it or not. The guys discuss their hopes and fears about the big show, their unlikely comedy influences, and tell you what NOT to do as a comedian. There's tales of arrogant headliners, insecure club owners and horrible intros. Plus, Joel's comedy rocks Amish country, Kimbo Slice's beard sets a fashion trend, and Lewis Black is a genius. It's 77 minutes of inside comedy fun. Listen and enjoy.

Right click here to download - 77 minutes, 35 megs

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Joel Radio #25: The Year's Biggest

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:57:21 -0500

It's always fun to hear peoples' end of the year lists. So, not unlike Barbara Walters' "Most Fascinating People", JoelRadio.net proudly presents 2009's "Biggest Assholes of the Year". It's not an easy decision, considering the amount of assholery that's happened this year, but Joel picks out the best of the liars, fakes, wannabes, and pretentious jerks to compile a truly epic list. From sports stars to scientists and everybody in-between, Joel takes on all comers. Disagree? Then make your own list and let the debate begin! Plus, Jersey Shore's "guidos" upset Italian-Americans, UFC 107 broken down, and another push for Laugh-A-Palooza at the Palace.

Right click here to download - 57 minutes, 27 megs

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Joel Radio #24: Calling The K-Dog

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:34:12 -0500

Tiger Woods should have listened to this show. If he did, he might not have been caught with the various bimbos who have found their way to the press. He also might not have crashed his car into three different things, or end up paying his wife millions of dollars in a divorce. In this week's guide to cheating successfully, Joel is aided by comedian Harry Artin, whose current break-up involves Facebook pages, cell phone aliases, and the mysterious K-Dog. Hear Tiger's desperate voice mail for his booty call, and find out Joel's fool-proof plan of how not to get caught (not that he'd ever do such a thing). Also, White House gate-crashers make Joel sick, Harry meets Ron Jeremy but brings a puppet, and all the details on Joel's big comedy show. Plus, it's YouTube-mania with a flu-shot victim, a horrible air guitarist, a snake eating a chick, and Tha Jacker!

Right click here to download - 67 minutes, 31 megs

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Joel Radio #23: No Thanks

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:00:12 -0500

This week, Joel gives thanks for the big announcement that Oprah Winfrey is ending her talk show in 2011. While the popular spin is that she's making the move to cable, Joel believes there's more to the story than the "Queen of Daytime" is letting on. Go inside the numbers to uncover huge ratings drops, outrageous syndication fees and a backfiring political agenda - are any of these the real reason she's leaving? Either way, she still weighs more than Joel! Also, the V remake is really good, the best sitcom on TV, and Black Friday is finally explained. Plus, the guys' UFC picks undergo statistical analysis. Who's the genius now?

Right click here to download - 55 minutes, 25 megs

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Joel Radio #22: Now That's Quality

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:49:16 -0500

In a Joel Radio first, the show goes on the road to Northern Michigan. That's Gaylord, Michigan, to be more precise, and the Quality Inn to be even more exact. Joel and Steve Sabo are in Gaylord for a comedy show, so the guys took some time to discuss that night's show and a bunch of other fun stuff. The guys discuss the odd characters at the comedy show, Sabo grades Joel's performance (it's low!), and Sabo admits to his checkered past - as an impressionist. Plus, a rundown of UFC 105 and a preview of UFC 106, looking for porn in a hotel room, and Jay Leno meets Christian Slater and you are there. If you ever wondered what comics do on the road after a show, wonder no more.

Right click here to download - 95 minutes, 42 megs

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Not the actual Quality Inn in Gaylord, this one is much nicer, it has a Denny's

Joel Radio #21: The Freaks Come Out

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:42:56 -0500

There's a lot of weird stuff in the news lately. From Chaz Bono becoming a man, to Sammy Sosa becoming a white man, there's just a lot of weird stuff going on. And who better to discuss it, than the weirdest guy of all, Harry Artin. Harry loved Michael Jackson's movie, hates Carrie Prejan, and loves both a cleansing fast diet and eating multiple burgers in one night. Both Joel and Harry are repulsed by the chimp attack victim's new face, and how a guy died after filming Wipeout. Also, Harry goes to Hallowicked, his obnoxious celebrity encounter that took place there and why Upchuck needed security. Plus, Joel goes north for work, Harry's YouTube is funny, and Bratz Dolls vs Taylor Swift - who's hotter?

Right click here to download - 74 minutes, 34 megs

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Harry at Hallowicked, right before he banged Desiree (in his dreams!)

No show this week, but listen to this

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:51:28 -0500

Due to stand-up related travels, there won't be a new Joel Radio posted this week. However, there is something cool you can listen to, and that is John Tenney's podcast The Oddist. John's got an interview with myself and Harry Artin Berbarian on his most recent show. It's really funny too, with talk of conspiracies, UFOs, online dating and toothless squirrels. Here's a direct link, with Harry and I coming in at the 42:00 minute mark. John was always a great guest on Corey and Joel Radio, so give him the ol' reacharound and listen to The Oddist - you won't regret it.

Joel Radio #20: That Was It

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:58:55 -0500

Not to miss out on a pop culture moment, Joel made a special trip to check out one of the first screenings of Michael Jackson's new movie This Is It. Judging from Joel's past coverage of Michael's death and often ridiculous memorial service, you might think Joel went to goof on it - and you'd be right. Unfortunately, Joel's master plan was sabotaged by one thing - the movie is actually really good. And it might even make you cry. Listen as Joel explains why the movie worked, the technical challenges of a film like this, and how the press really got it wrong about Michael's condition. Want to hear Joel eat crow? This is the show for you. Plus, wherever the Wild Thigs are Joel doesn't want to be there, a death pool favorite finally dies, and UFC picks are impressive - with a catch.

Right click here to download - 41 minutes, 19 megs

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Joel Radio #19: Free Beer!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:20:42 -0500

Don't say listening to this show never gets you anything, because this week you'll learn how to get free drinks at the bar! This is courtesy of longtime show friend Bill Hildebrandt, who teaches Joel a sure-fire challenge that will stump any bartender or barfly who's sure to take a bet. Bill's also here to discuss his latest adventures on the high seas, why he hates the comedy business, why he hates Facebook, and why he hates Corey Hall (it's not why you think). Plus, a Geechy Guy update, Steve Sabo and Joel pick UFC 104, and find out if a show favorite has swine flu, or not - as Joel makes his diagnosis. He's not a doctor, but he plays one on this podcast....

Right click here to download - 67 minutes, 32 megs

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Who would've thought this guy could help you at the bar?

Joel Radio #18: Up, Up And Away

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:47:32 -0500

Joel Radio is now your source for LIVE news. Of course, that's only live when the show is being recorded - for all of you listening, it's way in the past! Still, it was a very good time following the story of a 6-year-old boy who magically took to the air in a home made helium balloon. Never mind that a human could not survive in a helium-rich environment, or that a craft of that size could not possibly have the lifting power required, but it was fun watching America's newscasters lose their shit over a silly story like this. For the record, they found the little bastard in the attic hiding after the show wrapped. Speaking of kid's adventures, Corey Hall phones in his review of Where The Wild Things Are, a magical, beautiful and potentially divisive film that opens this week. Short version: take your girlfriend or pretentiously artistic friends, but leave the kids at home. Plus, America shrugs as Pam and Jim get married, The Amazing Race is anything but, and new video games reviewed without ever being played!

Right click here to download - 52 minutes, 24 megs

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Our hopes of this being a great story are as deflated as the baloon in this shot (from Reuters)

Joel Radio #17: Extorted and Reported

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:15:17 -0500

Never mind the birth of a son back in 2004, this week confirmed to the world that yes, David Letterman actually has sex with women. And women from his show, no less, who for some strange reason, are attracted to the charming, multimillion dollar, showbiz legend, funnyman. So some jealous douchebag tries to extort Dave for $2 million and the press goes crazy. Joel explains why this is no big deal, how even assholes like Leno get laid off their fame, and why politicians and clergyman should be held to a higher standard than a TV comic. Also, Joel can recommend two films this week, the new comedy Zombieland and the months old District 9, both screened at a recent trip to the drive-in. Find out what makes District 9 a sci-fi classic, who should get Oscar consideration and which film has the greatest cameo of all time - a scene that Joel manages to keep spoiler-free. Plus, an Emma Stone jerkoff filmography, Detroit sports suck, Kitty sits in on the show, and an update on TV's best comedies.

Right click here to download - 51 minutes, 25 megs

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Joel Radio #16: Holy Roman

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:59:49 -0500

A long-time friend and collaborator, comedian Steve Brewer makes his Joel Radio debut. And it's a good week for it, too, as director Roman Polanski went and got himself arrested in Europe and may have to return to face the music in the US. Even though most of Hollywood wants to forgive him, Joel reiterates the facts of the case and how what Polaski did to a 13-year-old girl can only be described as a "rape, rape" - sorry Whoopi. Also, Steve announces his retirement from The Funhouse, why he won't work for Psychopathic Records anymore and the challenge in entertaining the Juggalos. Plus, the CBS sitcom debate heats up as a fan agrees with Joel on How I Met Your Mother, while Brewer beds with Corey on The Big Bang Theory. Who's right, and who's wrong? Listen and decide.

Right click here to download - 80 minutes, 36 megs

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Steve, in happier times, at Long John Silver's