Beardo And Weirdo

Craig
  • 4.7 (15)
  • COMEDY INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 4D AGO

    Dee Snider From Twisted Sister

    In this incredible episode, the guys are joined by heavy metal legend and Twisted Sister frontman, Dee Snider. Dee opens up about the frightening health reality check that ultimately forced his retirement from live performances. He details the hypertension, heart conditions, and worn-out joints that led his family to intervene and beg him to stop touring to save his own life. He also shares a hilarious story about how Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson almost convinced him to risk a comeback after bragging about thrusting and parrying on stage with his own new hips. The conversation dives deep into rock history, highlighting Dee's lifelong commitment to sobriety since the age of 13 and his beautiful, unlikely friendship with Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister. Dee reveals how Lemmy acted as a guardian angel by introducing Twisted Sister and saving them from a hostile UK festival crowd early in their career, and expresses what it meant to receive one of the rare bullets containing Lemmy's ashes after his passing. Dee also discusses his unwavering integrity over the years, from his iconic PMRC Senate hearing testimony against Al Gore to his relentless advocacy that helped secure a $750 million insurance payout for the victims of the Station Nightclub fire. Finally, he explains the deeply personal reason he decided to try ayahuasca and plant medicine for the very first time at 70 years old to help him transition from a lifelong "warrior" into a peaceful "wizard." This episode is an absolute masterclass in rock and roll history, storytelling, and personal integrity! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing interviews, and check out Craig and Chris on their respective comedy and music tours. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Intro: Dee Snider on Twisted Sister, Health & Lemmy 00:02:57 The Terrifying Medical Diagnosis That Forced Dee Snider to Retire 00:08:33 George Carlin's Best Advice on Aging and Mortality 00:11:35 Dominating Morning Radio vs. Howard Stern 00:13:38 The Dark Psychology Behind Celebrity Impressions 00:16:14 "Don't Tell Your Mother": Dee Snider's Intense Dad 00:17:40 Surviving the 80s: Why Dee Snider Stayed 100% Sober 00:20:32 Receiving Lemmy Kilmister's Ashes Inside a Bullet 00:22:12 Twisted Sister Fired Dee Snider for a Coffee Addiction? 00:25:53 Will Twisted Sister Continue With a New Lead Singer? 00:30:15 Who Will Replace Dee Snider in Twisted Sister? 00:32:08 Stopping the Show: Why Dee Snider Protected Female Fans 00:35:48 Inventing the Stage Dive (And When It Went Horribly Wrong) 00:37:45 The PMRC Senate Hearing: Destroying Al Gore's Censorship 00:42:12 The Dirty Reality of Washington Politics Exposed 00:44:29 The Station Nightclub Fire Tragedy & The Aftermath 00:47:51 Shaming the Music Industry: $750M Justice for Great White Fans 00:51:08 Escaping Peru During Peak COVID-19 Lockdowns 00:52:41 Why Dee Snider Took Shrooms for the First Time at 70 00:56:00 Ayahuasca, Plant Medicine, and Ending "Warrior Mode" 00:59:42 Losing Control: How the Rockstar Ego Almost Destroyed Him 01:02:14 Healing Generational Trauma & Forgiving His Father 01:05:31 The Brutal Reality Behind Writing "The Price" on a Toilet 01:08:35 From MTV Fame to Complete Bankruptcy in the 90s 01:10:47 Why Twisted Sister Hated Soundchecks with Dee Snider 01:11:53 Hiring a Bodyguard to Protect the Audience FROM Dee Snider 01:15:40 "I Didn't Speak Lemmy": Translating Motörhead 01:16:46 Was Lemmy Kilmister Literally an Earthly Angel? 01:21:39 How Motörhead Saved Twisted Sister from a Hostile UK Crowd 01:24:34 The Emotional Reality of Announcing His Retirement 01:26:28 Surviving the 80s Rockstar Ego & Staying Married 01:32:23 When Five Finger Death Punch Opened for Twisted Sister 01:35:22 George Carlin: Crossing the Finish Line Bruised & Beaten 01:36:31 Tricking Paul Stanley with a Fake Gene Simmons Impression

    1h 38m

  2. FEB 26

    Riki Rachtman: MTV, Metal, and Madness

    In this episode, Chris and Craig are joined by a true icon of the heavy metal scene, Riki Rachtman, the legendary former host of MTV's Headbangers Ball and the founder of the infamous Cathouse club in Hollywood. Riki brings an absolute masterclass of rock history to the show, sharing wild and previously untold stories from the 1980s sunset strip era. He opens up about his early days as a DJ selling cocaine hidden inside mixtape cassettes, and how he organically built the Cathouse into the ultimate hangout spot for bands like Mötley Crüe and Guns N' Roses. You will hear hilarious and shocking behind-the-scenes tales, including the time Axl Rose wanted to rent a private island to fight Vince Neil to the death with swords, what Slash was really like back in the day, and the truth about the diseases floating around the Cathouse. The conversation also takes a deeply personal turn as Riki gets vulnerable about his mental health journey. He candidly discusses dealing with ADHD, severe depression, and his early struggles with extreme substance abuse. Riki explains how hitting rock bottom led to his sobriety in 1988, and how a healthy fear of losing the life he has built keeps him away from drugs and alcohol today. The guys also dive into the toxic nature of social media algorithms, the trap of destination addiction, and the importance of focusing on positivity. Riki is currently sharing these incredible stories and more on his highly successful one-man spoken word tour, "One Foot In The Gutter." You can grab tickets to hear him live at: http://cathousehollywood.com. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Riki Rachtman on MTV, Cathouse & Rock History 00:04:52 Why Riki Loves His Spoken Word Tour 00:06:22 How Riki Handles Hecklers & Protects His True Stories 00:08:47 The Radio Station Fight That Cost Riki His Career 00:10:08 "Psycho Linda" & The Reality of Attracting Crazy 00:12:09 Hiding Cocaine Inside Mixtapes as a Hollywood DJ 00:15:55 Being the "Forrest Gump" of the Sunset Strip Rock Scene 00:19:36 When Axl Rose Wanted to Fight Vince Neil to the Death 00:21:06 The Truth About Slash & Early Guns N' Roses Gigs 00:24:32 Cathouse Secrets: Tetanus, STDs, & Famous Rockstars 00:28:18 Growing up in Hollywood & Unseen David Lee Roth Gigs 00:30:18 Memory Loss & David Bowie Hiding From Axl Rose 00:33:55 The Lost Art of Listening to Vinyl & MTV's Golden Era 00:35:42 The Decline of Western Civilization & Gabe Reed in Prison 00:40:04 "Does Danzig Tour With Wolves?" & Dumb Fan Questions 00:42:02 Why Riki Refused to Write a Book & Started Touring 00:46:53 Duff McKagan is the King of Terrible Dad Jokes 00:48:41 The Dark Reality of Addiction: Cocaine at 13 & Meth Abuse 00:52:38 Surviving the 80s: Why Fear Keeps Riki Rachtman Sober 00:56:18 Turning Severe ADHD Into a Hollywood Superpower 00:59:37 The Danger of "Destination Addiction" & Always Wanting More 01:02:03 The Brutal Reality of Touring: Playing to an Empty Room 01:06:18 Witnessing Sam Kinison Blow Up at The Comedy Store 01:09:03 Hitting the Road: The "One Foot in the Gutter" Tour 01:13:21 Exposing the Toxic Negativity of Social Media Algorithms 01:15:58 Chris Kael "Quits" the Podcast to Go Viral

    1h 20m

  3. FEB 19

    OZZY & ME with Stephen Rea

    In this episode of the Beardo and Weirdo podcast, Chris and Craig interview Stephen Rea, who discusses his four-decade-long relationship with Ozzy Osbourne. His unique journey began in 1984 when Stephen’s mother wrote a letter to the Ozzy Osbourne Fan Club inquiring about tickets for the first Rock in Rio festival. This simple act led to an unexpected invitation from Ozzy's team, resulting in a private breakfast where the then 15-year-old Stephen met Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne for the first time. The conversation explores Stephen’s transition from a superfan to a trusted "consultant" and employee within Ozzy's inner circle. He provides a candid look at life on the road during the 1980s, describing the grueling reality for road crews who faced 7 a.m. call times and relentless schedules. He also shares lighthearted memories of Ozzy's notorious pranks, such as his habit of bribing hotel porters for master keys to sneak into rooms and shave people's eyebrows while they slept. The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on Ozzy’s later years and his enduring humanity. Stephen recounts the emotional experience of watching Ozzy’s final rehearsals for the song "Mama, I'm Coming Home," where the physical toll of Parkinson’s was evident despite the singer's immense effort. Stephen describes their final private meeting just weeks before Ozzy's passing, where the legendary performer expressed his gratitude for their long friendship, emphasizing that despite his global fame, Ozzy remained a humble and often insecure "family guy" to the very end. This is one episode you won't want to miss. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Talking To Stephen Rea 00:02:31 Meeting Ozzy Osbourne 00:06:25 Ozzy Osbourne Was A Kind Person 00:08:02 Meeting Ozzy Was Surreal 00:10:20 Being A Ligger With Ozzy 00:12:40 Stephen Rea Writes Like A Fan 00:16:43 Ozzy Osbourne's Inner Circle 00:18:59 Stephen Wrote Everything Ozzy Said 00:20:11 Never Asked For Anything From Ozzy 00:22:14 Sharron Osbourne 00:24:29 Jack Osbourne's Forward for Ozzy And Me 00:28:36 Friends Of Ozzy Osbourne 00:30:02 Chris Kael Meeting Ozzy Osbourne 00:31:45 Black Sabbath Band Mates 00:35:48 The Real Job Working With Bands 00:38:28 Roadies Work Very Hard 00:42:53 Ozzy Osbourne's Recovery From Drugs 00:45:34 Drinking With Ozzy in Dublin 00:48:05 Aliases 00:49:43 Ozzy Becoming Frail 00:54:49 Ozzy's Funeral 00:56:37 Last Words With Ozzy 00:59:55 Finding Out Ozzy Died 01:01:56 Ozzy's Imposter Syndrome 01:04:06 Ozzy Hating His Own Music 01:05:22 Stephen's Favorite Question 01:07:07 Top 3 Ozzy Osbourne Songs 01:08:19 Stephen's Crazy Story 01:10:00 Getting the "Ozzy and Me" Book

    1h 11m

  4. FEB 12

    Heavy Trauma

    On this Beardo and Weirdo, Chris and Craig dive into some heavy trauma. Buckle up, because this episode is packed with wild stories from their recent trip to Green Bay! They had unforgettable experiences with Packer fans, and you won't want to miss the hilarious moments they share. From hotel shenanigans to a run-in with a not-so-helpful security guard, this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions. Plus, they chat about their upcoming tour dates and the excitement of performing live. Join the Beardo and the Weirdo for laughs, stories, and a little bit of chaos as they navigate the ups and downs of life on the road. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Recapping the Holidays 00:02:00 Bad Security Guard 00:05:14 Bad Advice about Getting Sober 00:10:08 Having Bad Christmas's 00:18:10 Struggling with Depression 00:19:36 Crazy Massage Story 00:23:31 Getting Back on Stage 00:26:09 Green Bay Events Center 00:28:32 Disappointing Fans 00:31:24 Craigs Comedy Tour 00:35:01 Being Alone On Christmas 00:36:37 Losing Your Mom 00:39:17 Skipping out on Rehab 00:41:45 Addiction and Relapse 00:44:27 Steel Panther 00:46:33 The Doors

    52 min

  5. FEB 5

    Roddy Bottum - Faith No More

    On this episode of Beardo and Weirdo, Chris & Craig dive deep into the life of Roddy Bottum from Faith No More. Roddy shares his incredible journey through the highs and lows of rock stardom, including his struggles with drug addiction and the emotional rollercoaster of writing his memoir, 'The Royal We.' This isn't just a story about music - it's a raw and honest look at the challenges he faced while navigating fame, friendship, and personal demons. Roddy opens up about the emotional weight of his past, the impact of his father's illness, and the surprising connections he made with fellow musicians like Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain. He reflects on the importance of vulnerability in creativity and how getting sober transformed his artistic expression. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be in the spotlight while battling addiction, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the complexities of life as a rock star and the power of storytelling in healing. Roddy's insights are not just for fans of Faith No More; they're for anyone who has ever faced their own struggles and sought a way to overcome them. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that might just change your perspective on life and creativity. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Introducing Roddy Bottum 00:03:14 Recoding "The Royal We" Was Emotional 00:05:46 Roddy Bottum Drug Addiction 00:08:18 Roddy Bottum Losing His Father 00:10:23 Relationship with Mothers 00:12:55 Comedic Moments in "The Royal We" 00:14:19 Meeting Courtney Love 00:17:10 Becoming A Rock Star 00:19:49 Faith No More and Metallica 00:21:56 Being A Gay Rockstar 00:24:41 Faith No More Name Change 00:26:16 Bringing People On Tour 00:28:04 Drugs Becoming An Issue 00:31:53 Deciding To Get Sober 00:33:38 Being Creative Off Drugs 00:35:31 Coming Out As Gay 00:42:35 Drug Recovery 00:45:54 The Royal We Book 00:47:18 Dave Lee Friendship 00:48:46 Expectation of Being A Rockstar 00:50:58 Talking About "Faith No More" 00:52:20 The Royal We Book Tour 00:53:26 Rehab with Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain

    1 hr

  6. JAN 29

    What Should We Ask The Seahawks & The Patriots?

    On this episode of Beardo and Weirdo, Chris and Craig are gearing up for an exciting interview with the players of the Seahawks and the Patriots, and we want to hear what you want to know! Plus, Craig shares a hilarious story about his time as the Seattle Seahawks' official team photographer's assistant during Super Bowl XLVIII. From meeting legends like Joe Namath to capturing unforgettable moments on the field, it was a wild ride! Also, Craig shares a hilarious story about Corey Taylor crossing a line when he makes fun of him, and Chris wants more credit for a joke that Craig thinks he didn't need that much credit for. It's all in good fun, but it shows how passionate the Beardo and the Weirdo are about their work and the sports they love. Join in as Chris and Craig dive into the emotional rollercoaster of being a fan and the unforgettable experiences that come with it. Don't forget to drop your questions for the Seahawks and Patriots in the comments below! CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 The Superbowl Episode 00:01:02 Seahawks At The Super Bowl 00:02:17 Biggest Sports Moment 00:02:58 Seattle Seahawks Gig 00:06:06 Meeting Joe Namath 00:08:03 Seahawks Winning the Super Bowl 00:11:05 Locker Room Celebrations 00:12:38 Meeting Derrick Coleman 00:14:17 Holding the Lombardi Trophy 00:15:03 Golden Knights Stanley Cup Experience 00:16:23 Being a Seahawks Fan 00:18:04 The Agony of Defeat 00:19:30 Sports Rivalries and Trash Talking 00:24:03 Going to The Super Bowl For 20 Years 00:26:23 Sports Controversies 00:27:06 Sports Rivalries: Kentucky Edition 00:28:46 Louder Than Life 00:30:19 Interacting with Russell Wilson 00:32:45 Fist Bumping Russell Wilson 00:33:31 Weight Loss Journey 00:36:59 Coldplay Song Challenge 00:38:54 Not Being Recognized 00:40:36 Are You From Duck Dynasty 00:44:30 Recognized at Rehab 00:47:06 Support from the Band 00:48:43 Gay Rehab 00:53:09 "Comedy" With Craig Gass 00:57:58 Going to Media Day 00:59:53 Upcoming Shows

    1h 3m

  7. JAN 22

    Cody Jinks & The 5FDP Tour

    Chris & Craig talk to Cody Jinks, the country artist, who's about to go on tour with Five Finger Death Punch. In this candid conversation, Cody opens up about his unexpected journey from thrash metal to country music, revealing how he started writing country songs after the breakup of his thrash band. He shares his experiences with sobriety, the challenges of being a solo artist, and the importance of community in both the metal and country scenes. Cody's story is not just about music; it's about resilience, recovery, and the power of friendship. He emphasizes the significance of treating his band and crew like family, a lesson he learned from his own experiences in the industry. As he prepares for an exciting summer tour, Cody invites fans to join him for a unique blend of country and metal, promising an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this incredible journey and the chance to see Cody live on stage with Five Finger Death Punch! CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Cody Jinks On Tour 00:03:19 Starting A Thrash Band 00:05:42 From Thrash To Solo Artist 00:06:57 Influences 00:09:07 Lead Singer Disease 00:11:51 What Pushed Cody To Country? 00:13:11 Opening For Big Bands 00:16:14 Corrosion Of Conformity 00:17:30 Stress Of Opening For Bands 00:19:33 Sobriety 00:23:30 Being Religious 00:24:59 Alcohol And Creativity 00:26:25 Talk Back Mic 00:29:19 Inspiring Sobriety 00:31:09 Touring With Five Finger Death Punch 00:32:37 The Worst Food To Eat 00:34:09 Nerd Clusters 00:37:14 The 5FDP Tour 00:38:18 Independent Touring 00:40:29 Motorcycles 00:41:16 Treating Your Fans Right 00:43:42 Wallmart First Class 00:45:58 When Chris Almost Screwed Up 00:46:50 Favorite Comedian 00:49:20 Mitch Hedberg Documentary 00:53:07 Making Changes In Your Life 00:57:14 Sam Darnold

    59 min

  8. JAN 15

    Wayne Lozinak, James Mattern, & Cancer

    In this episode, Chris and Craig dive into the shocking story of Wayne Lozinak from Hatebreed, who shares his experience of discovering a brain tumor while on tour. Imagine being in the middle of a tour, feeling jet-lagged, and suddenly realizing something is seriously wrong! Wayne recounts the moment he received the diagnosis and the whirlwind of emotions that followed. From the fear of the unknown to the support of his girlfriend and bandmates, this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions. Wayne's journey through surgery and recovery is not just a tale of survival but also a testament to resilience and the power of positivity. Tune in to hear how he turned a terrifying experience into a source of strength and inspiration. Then, to lighten the mood, Chris and Craig are joined by comedian James Mattern who talks about the trials and tribulations of being a stand-up comedian, an epic Prince concert, and Craig's self-cancer-diagnosis technique. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Comedian Buddies 00:01:36 Introducing Wayne Lozinak 00:04:50 Wayne Lozinak's Girlfriend Saved His Life 00:08:00 Brain Tumor Diagnosis 00:12:15 Canceling The Tour 00:14:08 Replacement Players For The Band 00:16:36 The Doctor Referral 00:19:27 Removing The Brain Tumor 00:21:22 Learning Motor Skills Again 00:22:59 Wayne Lozinak's Return To Aftershock 00:24:56 Brain Surgery Scar 00:27:38 Recovery & Rehab 00:30:55 Back At Aftershock 00:36:13 Wayne Lozinak's Girlfriend Is the Best 00:37:58 Chatting With James Mattern 00:38:44 Chasing The Zebra 00:39:27 Self Diagnosed With Colon Cancer 00:40:53 On Stage Energy 00:43:28 Comedians Best Story's Are Bombs 00:44:34 Howie Mandel's Comedy Club 00:45:33 James Mattern's Worst Audience 00:49:12 Building Character As A Comedian 00:52:41 Getting Kicked Out Of Jimmy Kimmel's 00:54:34 Most Chaotic Comedy Act 00:57:14 Best Concert James Mattern Has Ever Seen 01:04:07 Seeing PRINCE In Concert

    1h 7m
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4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Craig
  • Show Website
    Beardo And Weirdo

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