The Good Podcast

[BoogieBurns]

There are several podcasts about The Good Place. I have only listened to the official podcast "The Good Place: The Podcast" hosted by Marc Evan Jackson (aka Shaun). But it recommends a fan podcast called "Forkin Bullshirt" so I assume there are many out there. 

Here we can talk about all the little nuggets we hear on the podcast. Behind the scenes details, stories from the writers room, cast interviews and more. The show DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS about seasons 1 and 2, so please be sure you are caught up before hopping into this podcast.

So far, we are on episode 4 of the podcast, which is taking on each episode of the show one by one. 

Episode 1: The Pilot aka "Everything is Fine," guest Mike Schur (creator)

Episode 2: "Flying," guests Allison Jones & Ben Harris (casting), Alan Yang (writer)

Episode 3: "Tahani Al Jamil," guests Jameela Jamil & Camille Bratkowski (set designer)

Episode 4: "Jason Mendoza," Manny Jacinto & Joe Mande (writer)

[Danny Franks]

This has been a fun podcast to listen to, although I find the talk with the production people to be a little dry. I can't say I really care how they find locations or design sets.  Although the talk about casting the show was interesting. That they had such specific requirements for Tahani and Jason, but for Janet they were basically told "find someone funny". And I liked the candour of Allison Jones, when she said that she never considers any actor to "have the part in the bag" no matter how good they are. It's a good mindset to have, because she isn't the one who makes that decision.

One point that was bugging me is that I'm sure Marc said that Jameela Jamil's boyfriend was "English singer, James Blunt". It confused me, because I remember he only got married a few years ago, and he seems like a good egg, so I was a bit bummed if his marriage failed. Turns out, Jameela's boyfriend is English singer, James Blake.

Edited June 22, 2018 by Danny Franks

[cpcathy]

I actually enjoy the behind the scenes stuff, you get so much more into Mike's thought process. The set lady mentioned they film a lot at Huntington Gardens, which is near LA. I knew that ahead of time, since I've been there a few times, it was instantly recognizable to me.

My favorite part of the Manny Jacinto episode was that when the four "babies" were called to the cafeteria to hear the truth of the twist, they all thought they were being fired, except for Manny, who thought Ted and Kristen were leaving the show and that they would be taking over.

Edited June 22, 2018 by cpcathy

[BoogieBurns]

40 minutes ago, Danny Franks said:

One point that was bugging me is that I'm sure Marc said that Jameela Jamil's boyfriend was "English singer, James Blunt". It confused me, because I remember he only got married a few years ago, and he seems like a good egg, so I was a bit bummed if his marriage failed. Turns out, Jameela's boyfriend is English singer, James Blake.

By far my biggest (only?) complaint is that this podcast is so darn quiet. I have to rewind a lot to hear everything clearly. Jameela's voice is the only one that was the perfect volume so far.

Manny is a lot like Jason and that made me happy. Jameela is NOTHING like Tahani and that made me happy. I like shows that have such beauty behind the cameras and in front of them. Schur is so good at putting together the best teams. 

Have you listened to any of the fan podcasts? I'm sure boredom will get me there soon enough!

[cpcathy]

I currently have two on my phone I'm subscribed to:

Everything is Fine- A Good Place podcast (kind of cute, I never listen to the whole thing)

The Good Play- (two sisters go episode by episode, it's just okay)

Forkin Bullshirt- (they talk about the philosophy more than the show)

These would be in order of the ones I enjoy the most.

[cpcathy]

I guess I should have said three, but Forkin Bullshirt is not putting out new episodes now.

[BoogieBurns]

55 minutes ago, cpcathy said:

I guess I should have said three, but Forkin Bullshirt is not putting out new episodes now.

Are you listening to the NBC one yet? Or waiting to save up some episodes?

[cpcathy]

Yes, I love it. I look forward to Fridays even more now!

[Amarsir]

I'm constantly forgetting that The Official Podcast is actually based on episode-by-episode, because they don't really talk about that. It's probably the inspiration for who Marc Evan Jackson schedules for guests, but conversation tends to go all over. Which is fine, it gives them a backdrop to talk about but doesn't hold them to it. Perhaps once guests start coming back for a second and third time they'll be more on-topic as the general stuff has been covered.

By contrast, Forkin Bullshirt goes through the episode very methodically, discussing anything of interest - especially relevant philosophy. And then does it again because the first time was done without revealing the end-of-season spoiler. I think that's a totally unnecessary concern, but I admire their commitment. 

[ajsnaves]

Listening to this weeks episode of The Good Place The Podcast, I think Mark Evan Jackson sums my feeling up nicely. “This is the strangest show on television. I love it so much.”

I can’t think of a better description or review. 

[Loandbehold]

And, Kristen Bell is one of the guests this week. Towards the end, she mentions a number of shirts made for the cast and crew. I want all of them. It's a shame NBC doesn't sell them.

[cpcathy]

There really is so much potential for merchandise. I would buy a Janet doll if they made one.

[April Bloodgate]

1 hour ago, cpcathy said:

There really is so much potential for merchandise. I would buy a Janet doll if they made one.

Now you've got me thinking about an anatomically correct Derek doll. hahahaha

[cpcathy]

With chimes!

[BoogieBurns]

6 hours ago, cpcathy said:

There really is so much potential for merchandise. I would buy a Janet doll if they made one.

It'd say "Not a Robot" and "Not a Woman" and anytime you tried to dance, the doll would play Digital Get Down. 

Guys, they have the best guests. We are just waiting on Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, and D'arcy Carden. But I of course hope we get Tiya Sircar (Vicki), Maya Rudolph, and Adam Scott (Trevor). But I would guess if they are coming at all, it will be for episodes they are in. 

I'm going to be sad when it catches up to the new episodes. But hopeful they will do 16 episodes in season 3 or 4. 

[Danny Franks]

Just listening to episode four of the podcast, and what I wouldn't give to see the table read reactions to hearing Manny do Jason's voice for the first time. I remember watching that moment for the first time on the show, and being so shocked. First, as Marc points out, it seems like he's going to be an antagonist for Eleanor, but then he just breaks out the Jacksonville idiot bro voice.

[biakbiak]

Ted Is on this weeks pod! I love him so much.

[cpcathy]

Today they were talking about Ted being so beloved. I got to see him in person at a Bored to Death (good show, if you have not seen it), and when they introduced the three cast members, Ted's ovation was the loudest. Even over Zach Galifianakis!

[BoogieBurns]

I love how no one within the cast or crew of The Good Place calls him Ted. They all (including Mike Schur) call him Ted Danson. It's really cute. Also, Ted Danson being a fan of Kristen Bell before the show makes everything so much "good"er!

[biakbiak]

It’s so interesting that Ted hatedca  scene that most of us watched and felt good!

Edited July 20, 2018 by biakbiak

[cpcathy]

The bar scene? He says he didn't get into the character of Sam Malone for a year, but I saw it from episode one. He's too hard on himself.

[Panopticon]

It was interesting to me that his mind still goes to him as himself as a young man not liking the bar scene rather than straight to San Malone.

[BoogieBurns]

On 7/20/2018 at 10:14 AM, cpcathy said:

The bar scene? He says he didn't get into the character of Sam Malone for a year, but I saw it from episode one. He's too hard on himself.

Absolutely he's such a natural. To be honest, I know him from 3 Men and a Baby. I never watched Cheers! Doesn't mean I can't appreciate the nostalgia for what it was, of course. He's a lovely man and also, so freaking handsome.

[BoogieBurns]

We got Tiya today!

Also, two episodes a forking week until the season 3 premiere? Wahoo!

[Loandbehold]

On 7/27/2018 at 1:07 PM, BoogieBurns said:

We got Tiya today!

Also, two episodes a forking week until the season 3 premiere? Wahoo!

I was just coming here to post this. So, episodes will drop on Mondays and Fridays.

[cpcathy]

Another Mike Schur episode today, discussing the season finale. He is so forking delightful.

[Loandbehold]

4 hours ago, cpcathy said:

Another Mike Schur episode today, discussing the season finale. He is so forking delightful.

I'm listening to it right now. Not a spoiler, but he said that Episode 3.8 is the key for the rest of the season. So, make sure to watch and then rewatch that one before every following episode. Or, you know, don't. It's really up to you. 

[cpcathy]

I'm really excited about season 3!

[Fukui San]

The existence of this podcast makes me wonder. What shows on now could support a podcast like this? It can’t just be a popular show but one which rewards kaleidoscopic discussion from cast to writers to crew. What shows in history would you have liked to have had a podcast like this in the same period in the shows development? 

[RainbowBrite]

On ‎8‎/‎10‎/‎2018 at 7:10 PM, Fukui San said:

The existence of this podcast makes me wonder. What shows on now could support a podcast like this? It can’t just be a popular show but one which rewards kaleidoscopic discussion from cast to writers to crew. What shows in history would you have liked to have had a podcast like this in the same period in the shows development? 

Maybe Lost?

[biakbiak]

1 hour ago, RainbowBrite said:

Maybe Lost?

There actually was an official Lost podcast for a couple of seasons. They had interviews with Lindeloff and Cuse as well as the cast. 

Edited August 13, 2018 by biakbiak

[Fukui San]

I was thinking Buffy. It would have launched a zillion podcasts if they were a thing back then. Actors, costume design, special effects, fight choreography, and folklore in place of moral philosophy as a background subject. 

[Loandbehold]

Battlestar Galactica and Eureka had episode podcasts, but I don't believe they lasted for the entire series. Leverage would have been good for podcasts.

[Mockingbird]

I sort of groaned when Marc Evan Jackson (who I’ve appreciated for years but now just flat out love thanks to this podcast) announced that they were trying out new things like ads. Well played. (And I’m guessing we’ll be getting Mantzoukis for one of Derek’s episodes.) This podcast is a delight. 

[cpcathy]

There is a new opening and closing with D'arcy and Ted as well, so clever.

[BoogieBurns]

On 8/10/2018 at 7:10 PM, Fukui San said:

What shows on now could support a podcast like this?

The Office. I spent hours and hours reading TWOP and OfficeTally when I started watching that show, and people were discussing so many small details. It changed the entire show for me. There were 6 pages on the Casino Night Episode merely discussing how Pam could move a coat hanger with an umbrella to make Dwight think Jim could actually move things with his mind.

Also, The West Wing and Gilmore Girls, but they now have podcasts. 

[RainbowBrite]

13 hours ago, Mockingbird said:

I sort of groaned when Marc Evan Jackson (who I’ve appreciated for years but now just flat out love thanks to this podcast) announced that they were trying out new things like ads. Well played. (And I’m guessing we’ll be getting Mantzoukis for one of Derek’s episodes.) This podcast is a delight. 

I skipped in initially, heard the tail end, and went back and listened. I love it!

[whiporee]

They're really quiet about clues, but Shawn appears to be back in Season 3, which makes it clear it won't be just about the four of them living on Earth.

I think. 

[Fukui San]

Jameelah’s (sp?) utter bafflement at the concept of clam chowder was pure joy, as was the concept of dessert clam chowder. 

[cpcathy]

I really like claim chowder, though Kristen's riff on how awful it's supposed to be is really funny.

[lefawn]

Today's podcast had William Jackson Harper and one of the philosophy advisers for the show.  I really liked getting some more talk about the philosophy in the show.

And the ad was for Khamil's album, Perfect, I believe it was called.  I loved that International Sophisticate Magazine gave it 5 and a half Gweneths.  Always gotta one up Tahani!

Jason's Molotov cocktail ad is still my favorite though. 

[BoogieBurns]

On 8/25/2018 at 4:41 AM, nosleepforme said:

I listen to the podcast at the gym and I started laughing really hard when Jameela pointed out that she's turning into Tahani, posting gifs of herself on Twitter and having an unbearable Instagram feed. For a woman this gorgeous and seemingly glamorous, she's so incredibly down to earth, modest, funny and charming.

She likes to say she is NOTHING like Tahani, and then minutes later she mentions she had never worn "trousers" before the season 2 premiere episode was being filmed. She's so much like Tahani. But just all the good stuff. 

[Danny Franks]

I appreciated Jamila's little dig about "my boyfriend, James Blunt?", after Marc got that wrong in one of the early podcasts. 

She seems like such a ray of sunshine, and definitely similar to Tahani in a lot of ways. Quite apart from the fashion sense and instagram stuff, you can just see her as a woman that dominates any room she's in, with the sheer force of her personality.

As for clam chowder, I don't get it either. Eleanor's description of it as “Basically a savoury latte with bugs in it" is perfect.

[EyewatchTV211]

I think my favorite ad is the magazines with storylines on baby plastic surgery mishaps. I listen to the intro and ending of the podcasts everytime even though they are the same (Michael/Janet and Michael/Bad Janet) because I still love them and love hearing the sounds of the show. But one little nitpick with the ending - would Bad Janet say "please subscribe?" The please seems too good. 

[Mockingbird]

The Swanson Safe Company ad was such a forking delight. 

I love how much everyone on this show loves this show. 

[cpcathy]

Ted Danson's first words to Jason Mantzoukas: "I hear you're explosively funny."

[Fukui San]

The Second Assistant Director talk was actually really interesting in a nuts and bolts way.  It’s like they rebranded Making the Sausage and recast it with Mark Evan Jackson. 

[Amarsir]

On 9/4/2018 at 6:26 PM, Fukui San said:

The Second Assistant Director talk was actually really interesting in a nuts and bolts way.  It’s like they rebranded Making the Sausage and recast it with Mark Evan Jackson. 

It was indeed. I love shop talk and his comments gave me some new insight. I also enjoyed Jason Mantzoukas as a guest more than I thought. I mean I listen to HDTGM so I'm no stranger to him on podcasts. But he's often forcing the high energy there and I didn't know how it would work against Marc.  This was him just a little more low-key, natural, and having fun, and I liked that.

[jmonique]

Today's episode is with Ted Danson and Eric Kissack, the show's editor. I'm halfway through.

I've been surprisingly entertained by every podcast until now, and every interviewee's role. But the editor is just way too obscure of a job to be interesting for a podcast, IMO. And Marc's working so hard to entertain Ted that it's almost uncomfortable.

[cpcathy]

See, and I was actually bored by the AD guy on Tuesday. YMMV.