The Back Room Show

We are joined by guest co-host Julie Swartz and guest Courtney Gift Cannon as we talk about the sometimes-hilarious struggles of middle-aged dating. They both tell stories of dates deciding to just “Whip out their noodles”. We find out about navigating the dating apps. We talk about the swipe right/swiped left hookup culture around today. Both ladies push back on the “Well, aren’t you the common d...

Gary is joined by guest co-host Michael Colby of the podcast, “Jack Billings Presents…”, and therapist Brian Gallagher as we discuss what it means to “be a man”. We talk about what being a man means today compared to our dads and grandfathers. We dissect the often-misguided connection between being an aggressive jerk and the perception of personal strength. And we essentially come to the conclusio...

In this episode we say “so long for now” to our best pal, the eternally awesome Maria. Old man Gary talks about his old man knee. Maria introduces us to Santa Flanders. We discuss a few ‘Holiday Annoyances’. We marvel at the miracle of online shopping. We pay tribute to the late great Norman Lear. We talk about how celebrities are always forced to use their catchphrase in commercials. And finally,...

The lovely Trish Ortlip returns to the show to tell us about her medical mission trip to Honduras. Gary tells us about his new middle-aged man hobby. Maria talks about her journey to the west coast. We take a strange turn talking about postpartum depression. And Gary loses his mind over racist idiots. A Back Room Network production

Enjoy this incredibly fun episode with the amazingly talented Kim of the Pennsylvania-based band, Vuja De. We talk about her life dedicated to music. We discuss how music brings people together, and particularly how it helped many get through the pandemic. Learn about what “woo girls” and bikers have in common. Hear gig stories. Kim graces us all with a couple of songs (be prepared to...

Do you like positive, upbeat, and enthusiastic people? Then you’re gonna love our guest for this episode, the indomitable Jane Stahl! Jane is a retired teacher from Gary’s hometown of Boyertown, Pennsylvania, and is now Director of Community Relations for Studio B Art Gallery. Her passion for what inspires people is at the core of who she is and is reflected in all her work in the comm...

In this episode we talk about the enduring power of friendship. We celebrate the memory of the great Jason Shellaway, affectionately known as “The Daddy”. Four of his best friends are here to tell us about their bond with him, and also talk about the Daddy Classic Memorial Golf Tournament held every year in his honor. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Back Room Show episode without...

Do you like hilariously intoxicated women failing miserably in a spelling contest with the unfounded confidence and swagger that only a bunch of booze can bring? Do you also like when guests sometimes forget they’re doing a live show? Well, do we have the episode for you! In the Season 3 premiere of The Back Room Show, we are joined by Kayt and Alicia, hosts of the new BRN podcast, “Pa...

Everybody’s favorite Hilarious Hebrew, Rose Azrael fills in as co-host for our Season 2 Finale. Our guest for this episode is Gary’s dear pal, the incomparable Julie Swartz. She shares with us her story of living with cancer in her uniquely funny and forthright way. Gary shows off his clearly extensive knowledge of gymnastics coaching. Julie humorously tells us about her concern with “...

On the show today we welcome Tracy Bernard, Gary’s old pal and owner of Such A Neat Freak, Inc., along with our returning pal, Alicia Brisbois who is here to talk about her upcoming Back Room Network show, ‘Participation Trophy Wives’. Tracy shares some tips and advice to help organize your house and your life. Gary becomes a victim of a three-pronged menopause attack. We discuss how society has r...

Our guests for this episode are married New York-based performers Danny Gardner and Emily Larger. We get into the things it takes to achieve your dreams. We talk about what goes into doing a cross-country theatrical tour. Emily and Danny tell us the totally cute and in no way creepy story about how their relationship began. We discuss what it took to survive the pandemic when live performances cam...

Joining us today to talk animal rescue are Michele Boehmer, a volunteer at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, and Jess Cieplinski of Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. Gary starts off the show sharing his thoughts on Pennsylvania Dutch fasnachts(hint-they stink). We talk about the things to consider in order to make sure the dog or cat you adopt is a good fit. Jess tells us about going from bein...

The lovely and funny Trish Ortlip is our guest today. Trish is an operating room nurse that will be taking a medical mission trip to Honduras. We talk about some of the nightmarishly gnarly things she has seen throughout her nursing career. What is the “Berks County Mating Call”? Learn why you don’t want to ask Trish for medical advice at a party. Hear us say “ocelot” way too many times for one po...

In this episode we are joined by Matt Deterior and Michael Colby, the surly but hilarious co-creators of the scripted comedy podcast, “Jack Billings Presents…” We discuss their nebulous origin story. You’ll hear some advice for writers and content creators. Learn what “docking” is- Hint, it does not involve a boat in any way. And find out why hot dogs are the sexy clowns of food. Get a drink and t...

On this episode, we discuss the topic of addiction and recovery in our unique Back Room style. Our guests are certified recovery specialist Nicole Loveless, who joins us via the live chat, and Larry Fecho of Fecho Productions, who shares his story of recovery. We discuss some common factors that often lead to addiction. Nicole shares some different approaches to seeking help. Larry dispels the myt...

Today we are joined by Back Room Show Platinum Pal Tony Mancuso from video production company, Three Hive Studios. Tony tells us about his first ever production job in Los Angeles. Hint- it involves whipped cream and breasts. We chat about those nifty Trump trading cards! Tony teaches us what “plow chops” are. We talk about movie plot holes. And Maria says the most wonderfully filthy response to a...

This episode we are joined by two of Gary’s childhood friends, realtor Kim Welch, and Chris Hurter, owner of our show sponsor Exeter Gutter Cleaning, LLC. We have a fun chat about some of the unique things they encounter in their respective lines of work. We talk about growing up on the mean streets of the 19512. We take a deep dive into Philly sports fandom. And we show you the most interesting h...

Today we are joined by cultural anthropologist Amelia Frank-Vitale to discuss the hot button topic of immigration in America. She takes us through some of the realities and myths of immigration. Learn how conservative political views have changed over the years. We cover the fallacy of “skipping the line” and “doing it the right way”, the legality of asylum, how immigration is good for the economy...

In this episode Gary talks about his interesting trip to the doctor. Maria creates an alternative meaning of The Like Button. Gary considers pulling “an R. Budd Dwyer”. We intro the ‘Back Room Deep Dive’. A viewer coins the phrase, Pan Wino. And we talk about how irresistible a conjoined twin podcast would be! Get a drink and take a seat. You’re in The Back Room!   A Back Room Network p...

Back Room Super Pal Rose Azrael joins us as we talk about everybody’s favorite comedy topic- Death. Gary tells us about his late father’s hilarious request for what to do in lieu of a funeral. We also muse about what a Donald Trump Presidential Library might look like. We invent “Holiday-themed golf”. And get a small peek into Gary and Maria’s origin story. Get a drink and take a seat. You’r...

In this episode we are joined by Back Room pal Rebecca Shoemaker, and Back Room Show co-founder Matt Faranda. We veer into “stoner talk” territory talking about outer space and images from the James Webb telescope. Rebecca tells us an incredibly bizarre lie. We get a visit from Maria’s snail character. Matt shares some misguided marital advice. The “Back Room Show Theater Players” improvises...

Our pal Alicia is back with us as we take a deep dive into the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Maria makes a hilarious analogy between wombs and high school A/V rooms. Alicia adorably works to control her rage. Gary invents a nasty new meaning of the phrase, “Gutter cleaning”. Find out about the new secret society, ‘The Uterati’. And meet a trio of turtles! Get a drink and take a seat. You...

Today we discuss Maria traveling to clean out her childhood home, and she shares some of the treasures found in this Italian American time capsule! We also talk about some extreme political ads. “Unnecessarily and disproportionately angry Gary” makes an appearance. How much Brillo is enough Brillo? Gary tells us about selling his parents’ liquor to his asshole friends. A special audio version of,...

We are joined this episode by Back Room Show Platinum Status Pal, Alicia Brisbois. We reminisce about the alluring BK Yumbo. Maria teaches us a new word. We dive into “Cult Recruiting Season”. We find our Book Jacket Poses. And we discuss if $10 million is worth being hunted by a snail. Get a drink and take a seat. You’re in The Back Room!   A Back Room Network production   Visit o...

In this episode we talk with Mike and Callan from “Monster Cookies”. They tell us about some of the fun-named half-pound cookies that they sell. We find out that Mike is a business plugging machine! We discuss the genius idea of selling their delicious treats at cannabis events! And we learn the sweet story behind two of Mike’s unusual tattoos. Get a drink and take a seat. You’re in The Back...