Beardo And Weirdo

Craig

Welcome to The Beardo And The Weirdo Podcast! The show starring comedian Craig Gass and the slightly lesser-known musician Chris Kael, from Five Finger Death Punch. This podcast is all about sharing funny, interesting, and poignant behind-the-scenes stories about the music industry and stand-up comedy - stories so crazy you might not even believe they're real! Listen as Chris and Craig candidly talk about their lives, struggles, and triumphs in two of the craziest businesses to ever exist.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Ghost Inside’s Andrew Tkaczyk On Losing His Leg & Returning To The Stage

    In this powerful episode, Chris & Craig sit down with Andrew Tkaczyk, the legendary drummer for The Ghost Inside, to discuss his incredible journey of survival and determination following the band's tragic 2015 bus accident. Andrew opens up about the life-altering impact of the crash, which resulted in the loss of his right leg and ten days spent in a coma. He shares the raw details of his recovery process, including the mental and physical hurdles of relearning how to play the drums with a prosthetic limb. The conversation explores the technical innovations that allowed him to return to his craft, such as the specialized "Hammer" trigger system and a custom-designed drum throne that provides the stability he needs to perform at a professional level. Andrew also discusses the profound emotional experience of the band’s 2019 comeback show at The Shrine in Los Angeles, an event that proved to the world—and to himself—that he could still dominate the stage despite his injuries. Beyond the technical side of drumming, the group discusses the importance of a positive mindset and the support of the heavy metal community. Andrew explains his "no excuses" philosophy and how he handles the daily challenges of life as a musician with a disability. Chris Kael and Craig Gass also share their own perspectives on professional resilience and the drive required to maintain a career in the entertainment industry. To wrap things up, Andrew gives an update on his solo project, One Decade, and shares what is next for The Ghost Inside. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the lives of your favorite rock and metal icons!

    37 min
  2. 7 MAY

    SNL Legends Horatio Sanz & Chris Kattan Talk "More Cowbell", Lorne Michaels & Backstage Secrets

    In this hilarious episode, the guys are joined by Saturday Night Live legends Horatio Sanz and Chris Kattan. Horatio and Chris pull back the curtain on what it is really like to work at Saturday Night Live, starting with the anxiety-inducing audition process and the surreal moment of officially getting hired. They share incredible behind-the-scenes stories about pitching sketches to celebrity hosts while sitting on the floor of Lorne Michaels' office, the strict social hierarchy of the legendary SNL after-parties, and the unspoken rules of the show. Listeners get an inside look at the creation of bizarre characters like Mr. Peepers and how the cast would intentionally try to make each other break character on live television to boost the room's energy. The duo also discusses the famous "More Cowbell" sketch, revealing that Will Ferrell's shirt was slowly riding up his stomach because Chris kept pushing him so hard during the performance. The conversation also covers some of their wildest celebrity encounters backstage at Studio 8H. Chris and Horatio swap stories about Tracy Morgan's emotionally unpredictable behavior, accidentally walking in on Madonna putting on her bra in her dressing room, and hanging out with massive stars like David Bowie, Joey Ramone, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Horatio also shares a hilarious memory of rolling joints outside the SNL 40th Anniversary party while Prince and Paul McCartney performed a surprise concert inside. Finally, Chris Kael chimes in with his own rock and roll experiences, detailing his suspenseful audition for Five Finger Death Punch and admitting to accidentally snubbing Rick Springfield while hungover at a music festival. Be sure to grab your tickets to see Craig, Horatio, and Chris Kattan live, and do not forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel for more incredible comedy interviews!

    1hr 1min
  3. 30 APR

    James & Shelley from Love on the Spectrum Meet David Draiman

    In this heart-warming episode, the guys are joined by fan-favorite couple James B. Jones and Shelley Wolfe from the hit Netflix reality series, Love on the Spectrum. James and Shelley open up about their incredible journey navigating their relationship in the public eye, celebrating over two years of being together. They share their honest feelings about filming a reality television show, adjusting to the constant presence of cameras, and dealing with being recognized by fans in public places. The couple also takes the time to break down common misconceptions about autism, powerfully explaining that individuals on the spectrum are completely capable of living independent, successful lives and emphasizing that autism should be viewed as a different ability rather than a disability. Craig also shares a deep personal connection, relating their societal experiences to his own childhood growing up with a completely deaf family. The conversation then takes an exciting turn into the world of heavy metal and rock music, revealing the couple's shared passion for bands like Suffocation, Morbid Angel, Alice Cooper, and Amon Amarth. The absolute highlight of the episode occurs when David Draiman, the legendary lead singer of the rock band Disturbed, makes a surprise drop-in appearance to say hello to James and Shelley, sharing the story of how they originally became friends at a concert in Boston. Keeping the metal brotherhood alive, Chris Kael even extends a personal invitation for the couple to attend an upcoming Five Finger Death Punch tour date as his VIP guests. To wrap up the show, James and Shelley share details about their public speaking engagements at local schools to raise autism awareness, discuss their online merchandise store, and explain how fans can request personalized video messages from them on Cameo.

    42 min
  4. 23 APR

    Steve-O's Wild Road to Recovery: Jackass, Interventions & Mötley Crüe

    In this episode, Chris and Craig are joined by the legendary Jackass star Steve-O for an incredibly raw, hilarious, and honest conversation about his life, stand-up comedy, and long-term sobriety. Steve-O opens up about his intense journey into recovery, revealing how his Jackass co-star Johnny Knoxville actually staged the intervention that saved his life. He details his harrowing experience being placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold that turned into a two-week stay, and how a fellow patient finally convinced him to read the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. The group takes a deep dive into the realities of working the twelve steps, with Steve-O sharing his unique perspective on conquering the daunting fourth step, maintaining his sobriety, and making the difficult decision to actively pursue recovery from sex addiction as well. The conversation also features some unbelievable rock and roll stories, including how a thirteen-year-old Steve-O relentlessly called local hotels to track down Mötley Crüe and ended up scoring backstage passes. Steve-O also shares a behind-the-scenes story about witnessing Gene Simmons brutally deny an autograph to a devastated fan, discusses his current health and wellness obsession involving LED light masks, and talks about his incredible new animal sanctuary, Radical Ranch. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing stories, recovery insights, and unfiltered interviews!

    1hr 11min
  5. 16 APR

    Wild KISS Stories, Rockstar Addiction, & Surviving Skid Row with Phil Varone

    In this episode, the guys are joined by legendary rock drummer Phil Varone of Saigon Kick and Skid Row for an incredibly honest and hilarious conversation about the highs and lows of the rock and roll lifestyle. Phil holds nothing back as he shares some of the wildest stories from his early touring days, starting with a terrifying encounter in Houston where he had to hide on the floorboard of a car to escape an angry NFL running back. He also dives into unbelievable behind-the-scenes moments from touring with KISS. Listeners will hear the hilarious truth behind Paul Stanley's bizarre stage banter, the time Ace Frehley got lost in the crowd in his full leotard, and an epic rivalry where Phil outsmarted Gene Simmons with the help of a little person during a performance of I Love It Loud. The conversation then shifts to the darker side of fame as Phil opens up about his battle with extreme cocaine addiction and the reality of his infamous appearance on VH1's Sex Rehab. Phil and Chris share a deep bond over their respective journeys to sobriety, discussing the harsh truths of drug abuse, the regret of watching their past behaviors on film in Phil's documentary Waking Up Dead, and the life-changing power of humility and accountability. Today, Phil is fifty-eight years old, completely sober, and thriving in a different world as a successful senior video editor for television and film. He also discusses his new ventures, including doing stand-up comedy on the upcoming Monsters of Rock Cruise and the recent Atlantic licensing deal for Saigon Kick. Tune in for an inspiring and side-splitting episode about surviving the chaos of the music industry and finding true peace. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing rockstar interviews and exclusive stories!

    1hr 2min
  6. 2 APR

    Jerry Cantrell's 60th Birthday & Opening For Sebastian Bach (w/ Ric Diez)

    In this episode, the guys are joined by stand-up comedian and Kill Tony Golden Ticket winner Ric Diez for a hilarious conversation bridging the worlds of heavy metal and stand-up comedy. Craig and Chris kick things off by sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories from attending Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell's massive 60th birthday party in Los Angeles. They detail their run-ins with rock and roll royalty and pop culture icons, including Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin, King's X bassist Doug Pinnick, Gavin Rossdale of Bush, and a surprisingly jovial Kato Kaelin. The guys also discuss the infamous on-stage brawl between Jane's Addiction bandmates Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro. The stories get even wilder as Craig explains his unique survival tactic for opening for massive arena bands like Metallica and System of a Down: walking on stage and lying to the crowd by pretending to be the tour manager. Craig shares a side-splitting story about taking this prank to the next level while opening for Sebastian Bach in Detroit, making the audience scream absurd things, only to have Sebastian completely turn the tables on him as the show started. Guest Ric Diez then opens up about his comedy journey, reflecting on his overnight success getting the Golden Ticket on his very first Kill Tony pull and the aftermath of his controversial battle with Hans Kim. Ric also shares the terrifying details of his absolute worst gig ever: a charity show in Brussels where an innocent crowd-work joke about a married couple and their cats almost ended with him being chased out of the venue. Finally, Craig previews his upcoming all-star charity jam at the Moore Theater in Seattle featuring members of Heart, Shinedown, and the Presidents of the United States of America. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing stand-up comedy secrets and exclusive rockstar stories!

    1hr 4min
  7. 26 MAR

    Wes Scantlin & Robin Diaz of Puddle of Mudd

    In this incredible episode, the Beardo and the Weirdo are joined by Wes Scantlin and drummer Robin Diaz of the multi-platinum rock band Puddle of Mudd. Wes opens up about his unbelievable origin story in the music industry, recounting the time he was working as a roadie for a fire-breathing stripper and decided to sneak a demo tape to Fred Durst's security guard backstage at a Family Values tour in Kansas City. In one of the greatest moments in podcast history, Craig and Chris surprise Wes by bringing that exact security guard, Richie, onto a live video call to reminisce about the moment that ultimately launched Puddle of Mudd's massive career. The conversation also takes a deep and dark dive into the realities of rock and roll addiction, with Wes, Craig, and Chris all sharing their harrowing near-death experiences with drugs and alcohol. Wes talks candidly about smoking freebase cocaine alone in a closet on Christmas Day, nearly choking to death on his own vomit in a Burbank recording studio, and surviving a horrific e-bike hit-and-run accident that left him with a fractured skull and a five-month recovery. Things get absolutely wild as Wes shares his craziest Las Vegas stories, including a man collapsing at a Luxor craps table while an escort stole a hundred-dollar bill out of his pocket, hotel security having to remove a stalker ex-girlfriend from his room at the M Resort, and the unbelievable time the police tear-gassed his Hummer. Finally, the guys discuss Puddle of Mudd's new song, their latest album, and how bad relationships continue to inspire their biggest hits. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive rockstar interviews and crazy tour stories!

    54 min

About

Welcome to The Beardo And The Weirdo Podcast! The show starring comedian Craig Gass and the slightly lesser-known musician Chris Kael, from Five Finger Death Punch. This podcast is all about sharing funny, interesting, and poignant behind-the-scenes stories about the music industry and stand-up comedy - stories so crazy you might not even believe they're real! Listen as Chris and Craig candidly talk about their lives, struggles, and triumphs in two of the craziest businesses to ever exist.

You Might Also Like