Bingel's Smorgasbord

Game show fans will find plenty to enjoy in this episode. Matt sits down with Emmy Award-Winning host Todd Newton to discuss his career in radio, television, and live stage hosting. Here's what they get into: His job performing physically demanding puppetry as "Mr. Frog" on Gator Tales. Learning the craft on St. Louis radio and the art of "hitting the post" over song intros. How an unannounced wal...

Today, we welcome ReactingDad, a TikTok reaction content creator with more than 100,000 followers! We discuss his rapid rise to fame through music reaction videos, specifically his focus on millennial rock mashups and the emotional connection he builds with his audience. Plus, we also discuss generational differences (he's a Millennial, Andi & Matt are early Gen Z), and the . Plus, we take a l...

On this episode, we welcome Marcelo Bottaro, a puppeteer, artist and teacher! Matt & Marcelo discuss his multifaceted talents as a cartoonist, voice actor and art teacher, highlighting his childhood passions for animation & cartoons! He also reflects on the huge influence of The Muppets & Jim Henson, sharing personal stories, including meeting Muppet Performer Bill Barretta (Dr. Teeth...

We enjoyed it so much, we're doing it again! It's The Crew & A Friend II! We reflect on past episodes, including with Bob Stutt & Jocelyn Stevenson, which range from daycare teachers to professional puppeteers. Of course we share personal anecdotes, including Alix Arrigo's recent trip to the Jim Henson Creature Shop in New York and our friend Corinn's friendship with Andi. This episode cap...

On this episode, we are very excited to welcome Jocelyn Stevenson, co-creator of Fraggle Rock! She's also the author of the book series, The Waterubas, a book series teaching children about environmental stewardship. Jocelyn explains her creative process, including how the elemental nature of these Waterubas mirrors the qualities of water, such as acceptance and persistence. Matt also opens up to...

On this episode, it's all about fire safety as we welcome Peter Schaeublin, Deputy Fire Chief of the Salem Fire Department! Peter provides insight about the requirements of being a firefighter, and the civil service testing process. Peter also debunks a myth about firefighters, as 90% of a firefighter's work involves medical aid and general community assistance. Most of it, however, is all about p...

On this episode, we welcome Canadian puppeteer Bob Stutt! You may know him from his work on the original "Fraggle Rock", but most of you may know him as the puppeteer of Iggy Iguana on Under The Umbrella Tree! Matt & Bob talk shop about puppetry, including the "triangle", an arrangement between the puppets eyes and nose to establish a clear point of focus. Also, Bob shares a story of how, duri...

On this episode, we welcome Aurora Desmond, an independent goth and dark wave trans musician! We explore her musical evolution from classical to The Beatles. We also explore a shared passion for Prince, discussing his albums and some of his best work, including "1999" & "Sign O' The Times". And we also discuss another shared passion, The Muppets! We share our favorite Muppet projects, includin...

On this episode, we welcome Debra Schwartzberg Levy, who was Rachel on Season 7 of the reality TV show "The Circle"! Join Matt Bingel and his co-hosts Andi Cohen & Matt Hammer, as talk about what went down that season! You'll also hear all about the behind-the-scenes of The Circle, including the psychological support, the physical isolation in the game and tactics used! And you'll hear about h...

On this episode, we welcome fellow podcaster and dear friend Jake Deffinbaugh! We celebrate Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show's 5th anniversary as we share our favorite guests and moments. A little fun fact: Matt was a co-host on Jake's show for 3 and a half years! Plus, a deep dive as to what goes into podcasting and we share our tips on how to become a great podcaster. These tips include being yoursel...

On this episode, we welcome up and coming puppeteer Skorpio Smith! Skorpio has only been puppeteering for 9 months, but his expertise would make you believe he's been doing this for years! We talk about the biggest misconceptions of puppetry and tips on being authentic on social media and public performance. Plus, we emphasize the value of the global puppetry community, especially from the UK and...

On this episode, we welcome Frankie Sartori! Frankie's a daycare teacher! We talk a lot about VHS tapes, Disney Sing Along Songs and meeting puppeteer Noel MacNeal! Plus, you'll also learn about Frankie's original job trajectory before he became a teacher, it may surprise you! And speaking of teaching, you'll also hear Frankie tell stories about helping children reach milestones that they never di...

You've seen the crew separately! Now see them together! To officially conclude our Meet the Crew series, we've invited everyone! We've brought back Andi Cohen, Matt Hammer & Gary Roof Jr., plus we welcome our dear friend, puppeteer, artist and content creator Alix Arrigo! This conversation goes all sorts of routes, including: favorite (semi-appropriate) quotes, a deep dive into pitcher Jacob M...

We conclude our Meet The Crew series on this episode as we welcome Gary Roof Jr.! Gary is our comic relief! On this episode, we discuss the Cubs winning it all in 2016, from Gary's perspective, and how Matt Hammer and Gary met in person! Plus, you'll also hear about Matt's twin brother and his fixations. Finally, you'll hear some of Gary's favorite things he's said out of the blue, including wanti...

Continuing with our Meet The Crew series, we welcome Matt Hammer, co-manager! On this episode, we discuss a smorgasbord (quite literally) of sports, TV history, and behind the scenes stories. Chicago Cubs Lore: We discuss how thrilling it was to finally see the Chicago Cubs win it all in 2016 after 108 years, plus a look back at the close call that was the 1984 season. The Mets' historical losing...

On this episode, we kick off our "Meet the Crew" series! We welcome Andi Cohen, who is a Production Manager for the podcast! You'll hear all about their vision for the podcast, and you'll also learn about Chiari malformation, Dissociative Identity Disorder, plus you'll hear the true story of how Andi and their friend got lost and accidentally found their group again! Finally, hear the wild questio...

Welcome to the Smorgasbord, come on in and grab a seat! On this premiere episode, our host, Matt Bingel, introduces himself and the vision for his podcast as a space for open conversation and storytelling where guests can discuss their professional path and career as well as whatever they want to talk about! Matt explains that the podcast will feature both entertainment industry pros and "regular...