That Sounds Like A Lot with Matt Buechele

Vox Media Podcast Network
Vox Media Podcast Network
  • 4.4 (70)
  • Comedy Interviews
  • Weekly

Every Monday, viewers and listeners can tune in for Matt’s signature walk-and-talk monologue, unpacking the stories shaping culture, politics, and the increasingly strange rhythms of modern life. Each episode then expands into a funny, thoughtful conversation with a guest about what actually deserves attention, what’s wildly overhyped, and what we’re getting wrong. There might be music. There might be absurdity. There will always be laughs. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

  1. 19h ago

    Jeopardy!, 40-Game Winning Streak & Trans Visibility | Amy Schneider

    Matt Buechele revisits a lesson from his dad about showing up for other people, courtesy of a trip to see Billy Crystal’s one-man Broadway show, 860. Then Matt sits down with Jeopardy! legend Amy Schneider, who rattled off 40 consecutive wins before taking home the 2022 Tournament of Champions title. Amy talks about her theater-kid beginnings, the years she spent trying to get on Jeopardy!, and the strange mental marathon of filming five games in a single day. They get into the surreal experience of becoming a household name, what it meant to be a trans woman on one of America's most beloved television shows, and the unexpected messages from families whose minds she helped change. Plus, Matt and Amy predict the future of unnecessary reboots, Elizabeth Holmes' chances at a presidential pardon, and whether AI might finally be the one contestant Jeopardy! can't beat. Chapters: 00:00:00 Amy Schneider and her historic forty-game jeopardy streak 00:04:19 Childhood theater, Shakespeare, and performing in backyard plays 00:09:20 New York theater and looking back at acting aspirations 00:13:28 Late adult ADHD diagnosis, medication, and mental clarity 00:18:03 COVID delays, audition stories, and show preparation 00:22:41 Intense pressure of five daily tapings and high-stress gameplay 00:27:07 Trivia strategies, conservative daily double wagers, and math systems 00:33:04 Leaving a twenty-year career as a manager in Bay area tech 00:36:26 Trans community, national exposure, and meaningful fan stories 00:41:50 Cultural progress, social media habits, and advice for trans youth 00:45:40 Predictions about pop culture reboots and celebrity pardons 00:51:00 Future of jeopardy in the age of AI and promoting her book Topics: Amy Schneider's historic forty-game win streak on Jeopardy 10 years of auditions before making the game show stage Late adult ADHD diagnosis and peak brain performance Buzzer timing at home and mental strategies for taping days California taxes on a $1.3M lump sum payout Leaving a twenty-year tech career in corporate tech Impact of trans representation on heritage television Shakespeare and stand-up comedy built memory and storytelling skills Community and peace of mind in WNBA women's basketball fandom FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Jeopardy!, 40-Game Winning Streak & Trans Visibility | Amy Schneider

  2. Oct 26

    Fiction, Ghosts & the Future of America | Catherine Lacey

    Matt kicks things off with his take on Shane Gillis’s SNL monologue, the state of comedy, and his growing suspicion that America has developed a soft spot for mediocrity. Then acclaimed novelist Catherine Lacey joins the show for a conversation about the strange power of fiction, adapting her novel Pew into an opera, and her adventures writing a comedy film. Catherine reflects on turning 40, her writing process and what keeps her coming back to the page. Plus, ghostly encounters in Mexico, her favorite books and why she hopes the Southern accent never disappears. Chapters: 00:00:00 Shane Gillis monologue and modern comedy mediocrity 00:04:12 Catherine Lacey and reading the New Yorker fiction podcast 00:08:18 Book promotion, writing as a job, and stage anxiety 00:12:30 Airplane hijackings and writing a novel about real crime 00:16:30 Tupelo upbringing, religious kid, and early writing ideas 00:20:45 Shakespeare camp, boarding school, and granddad's savings 00:25:30 Religion in fiction and adapting Pew into an opera 00:30:45 Writing plays, a new novel, and pivoting to comedy 00:35:10 Grad school workshop memories with top journalists 00:39:45 Personal exposure in novels and bad TV interviews 00:44:15 Learning Spanish, crying in class, and the limits of foreign humor 00:48:15 The power of fiction and foreign author recommendations 00:53:10 Political splits, ghosts in Oaxaca, and southern accents  Topics: Hermit crab writing process and novel drafting isolation Book tour burnout versus working commercial kitchen shifts Childhood evangelical upbringing in Tupelo Mississippi Shakespeare camp experience with teacher Shaq Van Duzen Hardware store savings funding boarding school education Historical perspective on 1970s Mexican plane hijackings Adapting the novel Pew into a French opera libretto Co-writing a feature comedy screenplay in Mexico City Unlearning New York stress and turning 40 in Mexico Why life is not personal, philosophy in literary fiction FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/ ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Fiction, Ghosts & the Future of America | Catherine Lacey

  3. Oct 19

    Going Viral, Betting on Yourself & Starting Over | Scott Rogowsky

    Matt danced all night seeing the band Geese at Forest Hills Stadium and shares that getting out, dancing, and sweating alongside other people can be a great antidote to feeling down. Then Matt sits with Scott Rogowsky to revisit the rise and fall of HQ Trivia, the viral moments, what derailed the company, and why Scott is betting his own money on a new live gaming app, Savvy. Plus, they debate whether Phish will ever play the Super Bowl halftime show, who will be the last late-night host standing, and whether the Mets will ever win another World Series. Chapters: 00:00:00 Scott Rogowsky, custom suits, sports card relics, and comedy 00:04:42 Live late-night talk shows to viral internet video formats 00:09:12 Traditional stand-up comedy led to creative freedom 00:13:38 Perfectionism, workaholism, and high-pressure creative careers 00:18:02 Trading cards at Topps to a path in entertainment 00:22:20 Imposter syndrome and making sense of modern digital trends 00:26:48 Rise, cultural phenomenon, and scale of HQ Trivia 00:31:02 BTS chaos, missed career moves, and corporate dysfunction 00:35:30 Trying to save a sinking ship and the birth of the new Savvy app 00:39:58 Nostalgic broadcast history and building a live interactive network 00:41:35 Predictions on the Super Bowl, Phish, late-night television, and the Mets 00:45:00 Live musical interludes, and thoughts on inner peace    Topics: The rise, viral peak, and chaotic collapse of HQ Trivia Self-funding Savvy, a new live interactive game show app Imposter syndrome and the internal conflict of viral success Going on a seven-day phone-free digital detox at the Hoffman Process Quitting stand-up comedy due to OCD and ADHD to pursue live hosting Perfectionism, catastrophizing, and midlife epiphanies Preserving energy, escaping political outrage, letting go FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE  ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Going Viral, Betting on Yourself & Starting Over | Scott Rogowsky

  4. Oct 12

    Iran, AI & the Future of the Democratic Party | Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari

    Matt Buechele reflects on the state of American politics, the temptation to give in to doom and gloom, and why he still feels hopeful about the future. Then Matt sits down with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, the youngest woman serving in Congress. She talks about her Iranian-American family, her work at the United Nations, and the war in Iran. They discuss sanctions and internet access for Iranians, the fight to regulate AI, and the growing backlash against data centers. Yassamin also explains why she thinks Americans need to get more involved in peaceful protest, what Democrats could do if they win the House in the midterms, and why election integrity matters. Plus, Matt and Yassamin make predictions about which pop star might run for Congress, the next big bachelor party destination, and whether Taylor Swift will win an Oscar before Tom Cruise. Chapters: 00:00:00 Rep. Yassamin Ansari on youth in politics and serving in DC 00:04:48 Flight anxiety, Global Citizen Festival trauma, and congressional voting 00:09:02 Iranian heritage, parents fleeing revolution, and American democracy 00:13:31 War with Iran, foreign policy decisions, and military intelligence 00:18:02 Impact of sanctions, internet access, and target limitations 00:22:39 Epstein files, White House situation room, and government oversight 00:27:06 Congressional accountability, subpoena power, and holding leaders responsible 00:31:31 AI risks, data centers, and global technology regulation 00:36:08 Public activism, city council pushback, and fighting voter apathy 00:40:48 Midterm election strategy, election integrity, and youth voter turnout 00:45:04 Unwinding from DC politics, book recommendations, and daily schedule 00:49:49 Scottsdale nightlife, pop culture predictions, and Taylor Swift tour  Topics: Serving as the youngest woman in Congress at age 34. Political career as an Iranian-American Democrat. Mother fleeing the 1979 Iranian revolution. Fragility of civil rights and American democracy. US foreign policy, sanctions, and military action in Iran. White House transparency regarding intelligence and foreign conflicts. Government accountability and the Epstein files cover-up. Existential risks of unregulated artificial intelligence. Local environmental impacts of AI data centers on water and power. Youth political activation and grassroots protest movements. FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot.  FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iran, AI & the Future of the Democratic Party | Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari

  5. Oct 5

    Planet of the Bass, Parody Songs & Immersive Theatre | Kyle Gordon

    Matt Buechele spends a rainy weekend inside doing crossword puzzles, complaining about the news, and living like an 85-year-old. Then Matt sits down with musician and comedian Kyle Gordon to talk about going from UCB improv and making dumb songs with friends to accidentally going viral with “Planet of the Bass” – and the backlash that followed from fans and even Rolling Stone. Kyle also gets into his new album Kyle Gordon Is Everywhere, getting jacked for a Christmas song, and traveling to Eswatini to shoot “Mr. Jambo.” Plus, they make predictions about bras being thrown onstage, Taylor Swift’s next album, and whether Paul McCartney or Mick Jagger will live longer. Chapters: 00:00:00 Kyle Gordon on viral songs, tour prep, and losing his voice 00:04:48 Live show stage elements and touring new cities 00:09:02 Learning production, making beats, and early parody influences 00:13:31 Cutting his teeth doing live comedy and improv at UCB 00:18:02 Running marathons and taking time for mental clarity 00:22:39 Fitness culture, ultramarathons, and extreme haunted houses 00:27:06 Experiences in immersive theater and dating an actress 00:31:31 Parent reactions to viral success and writing genre parodies 00:36:08 Planet of the Bass virality, fan controversies, and music video rollouts 00:40:48 Getting in shape for the Steinman-inspired Christmas song video 00:45:04 Shooting the Mr. Jambo music video on location in Africa 00:49:49 Predictions on tour energy and Taylor Swift's next album release Topics: Kyle Gordon tour and vocal strain Making hip-hop beats in Cubase Flight of the Conchords impact Improv background at UCB and Magnet Distance running as a meditation Planet of the Bass viral rollout Filming Mr Jambo music video Extreme haunted house experiences Americana Heartland rock parody New album release and tour plans FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/ ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Planet of the Bass, Parody Songs & Immersive Theatre | Kyle Gordon

  6. Sep 28

    Chris Rock, SNL & Family Group Chats | Nimesh Patel

    Matt Buechele goes to a sweet sixteen and gets a front-row seat to the strange world of teenage birthday parties, complete with photo booths, the Cupid Shuffle, and an alarming number of boys with the same haircut. Then Matt sits down with Emmy-nominated writer and comedian Nimesh Patel to talk about becoming a dad, turning down a $120k comedy gig in Saudi Arabia, and his complicated relationship with money. They discuss how Chris Rock saw Nimesh perform and, three months later he was writing for the Oscars, followed by a year at Saturday Night Live. Nimesh also talks about his new Netflix special Buy the Dip, political comedy, crowd work, family group chats, and finding ways to make people laugh about complicated subjects without talking down to them. Plus, Matt and Nimesh make predictions about AI comedy festivals, celebrity advertising, and if the Knicks players will visit the White House. Chapters: 00:00:00 Nimesh Patel’s Netflix special Buy the Dip and economic anxiety 00:05:01 Comedy in Louisiana and examining political divides 00:10:02 Political views, family, and dealing with media chaos 00:15:01 Fatherhood, playing basketball, and mental resets 00:20:01 How Chris Rock discovered Nimesh Patel in a Brooklyn bar 00:25:01 Writing for Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update 00:30:01 Pitching sketches at SNL and learning industry lessons 00:35:01 Navigating political comedy during the Trump era  00:40:01 Nimesh's new Netflix special and handling the family group chat 00:45:01 Audience behavior during stand-up shows and comedy craft 00:50:01 AI comedy festivals, polymarket, and celebrity endorsement deals 00:52:57 Predicting the New York Knicks White House visit  Topics:  Chris Rock discovering Nimesh Patel Writing for Saturday Night Live First Indian writer in SNL history Turning down $125k for a show in Saudi Arabia Fatherhood and financial ethics The strategy behind crowd work Highlights from Buy the Dip special Economic anxiety and supply chains Media capture and political debates Celebrity ads and sports betting FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot  FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/  ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Chris Rock, SNL & Family Group Chats | Nimesh Patel

  7. Sep 21

    Blackjack, Bad Decisions, & the Comedy Algorithm | Andrew Collin

    Matt Buechele heads to the US Open, drinks a few Honey Deuces, and learns about Heineken Silver. Then Matt sits down with comedian and writer Andrew Collin to talk about gambling addiction and going too hard in Atlantic City. They discuss Andrew’s work with Nikki Glaser, opening for her across Europe, going from Knoxville to Paris, and the differences between American and European comedy audiences. They also get into stand-up in the age of crowd-work clips, the pressure to constantly feed the algorithm, writing political comedy without becoming a political commentator, and why it can feel impossible to stop chasing the next thing. Plus, they make predictions about prediction markets, the Super Bowl halftime show, and pumpkin spice drinks. Chapters: 00:00:00 Learning instruments and faking orchestra performances 00:04:08 Bonding with family over Meat Loaf and Tom Petty concerts 00:08:22 Finding comfort in boredom and sports vs. arts culture 00:11:03 Weddings at Mar-A-Lago and growing up in Florida 00:16:30 College blackjack addiction and getting shot at by a bird 00:20:07 Sports gambling apps and writing for the Golden Globes 00:23:02 European tour stories and testing French jokes on stage 00:27:00 Writing on the Tom Brady roast and changing stand-up culture 00:30:15 Navigating social media pressure and joke writing processes 00:35:33 Political comedy, Trump fatigue, and outrage in late night 00:40:02 Predicting the future of prediction markets and Super Bowl acts 00:44:48 Discussing open mic culture and starting over on podcasts Topics:  Fake playing cello in school orchestra Bonding over Meatloaf with his father Growing up Jewish in rural Florida Attending an all-Christian school College gambling and blackjack addiction Performing standup comedy in Paris Clip culture and crowd work impact Writing jokes for the Tom Brady roast Navigating NYC real estate and rent Polymarket and Super Bowl predictions FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/ ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/ ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Blackjack, Bad Decisions, & the Comedy Algorithm | Andrew Collin

  8. Sep 14

    Rom-Coms, Disney Adults, & the Hollywood Hustle | Jonah Feingold

    Matt Buechele spots Zohran Mamdani riding his bicycle through the park with four guys in suits, kind of like The Sandlot, but with city government. Then he sits down with filmmaker, writer, director, and producer Jonah Feingold to talk about his new movie Busboys, starring Theo Von and David Spade. They chat about Jonah’s childhood obsession with Hook, his internship with Hans Zimmer, his love of 1940s comedies, and why he decided to stop waiting for Hollywood to give him permission to make things. Plus, Matt and Jonah make predictions about the next You’ve Got Mail, the future of dating shows, and never working with AI actors. Chapters: 00:00:00 Directing Busboys starring Theo Von and David Spade 00:03:22 Navigating dyslexia and reading classic books for writing 00:07:38 Finding inspiration in 1940s screwball comedies 00:13:00 Script writing process and leather notebook hierarchy 00:16:38 Childhood obsession with Captain Hook and character costumes 00:20:02 Analyzing Disney World Imagineering and fandom culture 00:24:21 Interning for Hans Zimmer and observing famous directors 00:29:01 Collaborating with film composers on custom character themes 00:30:33 Landing the job to direct Busboys for Hulu 00:36:37 Independent filmmaking hustle and securing brand sponsorships 00:41:02 Launching Romantic media brand and pitching new scripts 00:46:15 Movie predictions and modern rom com reboots Topics:  Jonah Feingold on directing Busboys Interning for composer Hans Zimmer Writing scripts with dyslexia Influence of 1940s screwball comedy Pitching and financing indie films Working with David Spade and Theo Von Creating character themes with music The reality of Hollywood spec deals Building the romantic media brand Disney World design and fandom culture FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/   ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot   FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/   ►TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell   ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Rom-Coms, Disney Adults, & the Hollywood Hustle | Jonah Feingold
See All (28)

Trailer

4.4
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

Every Monday, viewers and listeners can tune in for Matt’s signature walk-and-talk monologue, unpacking the stories shaping culture, politics, and the increasingly strange rhythms of modern life. Each episode then expands into a funny, thoughtful conversation with a guest about what actually deserves attention, what’s wildly overhyped, and what we’re getting wrong. There might be music. There might be absurdity. There will always be laughs. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Information

  • Channel
    Vox Media Podcast Network
  • Creator
    Matt Buechele
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Provider
    Vox Media, LLC

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