Go Fact Yourself
MaximumFun.org
Ep. 195: Timothy Simons & Vic Michaelis
SummaryIn this episode of Go Fact Yourself, host J. Keith van Straaten and moderator Helen Hong welcome actors Vic Michaelis and Timothy Simons for a spirited trivia competition. Known for their work on Dropout TV’s Very Important People and the hit series Veep and Nobody Wants This, respectively, the two guests discuss their careers, the intricacies of improvisational comedy, and the surreal experience of character acting. Beyond their professional accomplishments, the guests dive into their chosen topics of expertise. Michaelis reveals her surprising passion for the 2011 Tony Awards, while Simons brings his knowledge of the acclaimed television drama The Wire, Chicago theater, and the career of Tiger Woods. The episode features the signature "What’s the Difference" round, where the guests attempt to define the nuances between humanistic terms and botanical varieties, leading to humorous debate. The conversation flows from deep dives into theatrical history to lighthearted banter about their personal lives and past projects. It is an engaging look at the intellectual curiosity of two talented performers as they test their knowledge across diverse and eclectic subjects.
Updated Jun 21, 2026
About This Episode
It’s trivia with some Very Important People on Go Fact Yourself!
For years Timothy Simons was known for playing the deeply unpleasant character Jonah Ryan on the HBO series “Veep.” He’ll tell us what it’s like to finally play a nice guy on the Netflix show “Nobody Wants This.” Tim can also be heard on Second in Command: A Veep Rewatch Podcast.
Vic Michaelis is an actor and improviser who’s a regular presence on Dropout TV. But one of their most proud roles is getting to star in Round and Round; it’s a Hallmark holiday movie… and that holiday is Hanukkah.
Areas of Expertise:
Tim: The TV show “The Wire,” Chicago theater in the early 2000s, and Tiger Woods.
Vic: The movie Twister, the 2011 Tony awards, and LEGOs.
What’s the Difference: Human Beans
What’s the difference between a humane act and a humanitarian act?
What’s the difference between soy beans and edamame?
With Guest Experts:
David Javerbaum: Tony-nominated and Grammy and Emmy-winning writer who co-wrote the opening number to the 2011 Tony awards.
Sonja Sohn: Award-winning actor and filmmaker who’s known for playing Detective Kima Greggs on “The Wire.”
Hosts:
Credits:
It’s always a good time to go to maximumfun.org/joingofact to support this show and get monthly bonus episodes.
Theme Song by Jonathan Green.
Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.
Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.
Additional editing by Valerie Moffat.
Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!
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Ep. 196: Hrishikesh Hirway & Meaghan Rath
SummaryIn this episode of Go Fact Yourself, hosts Helen Hong and J. Keith van Straaten welcome guests Hrishikesh Hirway and Meaghan Rath for a lively competition of trivia and conversation. Hrishikesh Hirway, an acclaimed podcaster and musician, discusses his latest album, In The Last Hour of Light. He shares how his experience hosting Song Exploder—where he deconstructs the creative process with world-class artists—actually influenced his own songwriting journey, helping him overcome writer's block through collaborative prompts. Meanwhile, actress Meaghan Rath provides insight into her role on the series The Audacity. She describes her character, a tech company’s chief ethics officer, as a nuanced "chameleon" and discusses the collaborative nature of the show’s writing, as well as her own experiences navigating marriage during the pandemic. Beyond their professional work, the guests put their knowledge to the test. During the "What’s the Difference" segment, they tackle tricky geological and legal definitions. Later, Hirway faces a deep-dive challenge on 1990s crime films adapted from Elmore Leonard novels, demonstrating an impressive command of cinematic trivia, from iconic casting choices to the intricacies of Academy Award nominations.
Ep. 194: Stacy Keanan & Drew Lynch
SummaryIn this episode of Go Fact Yourself, hosts J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong welcome actor and prosecutor Stacy Keanan and comedian Drew Lynch for a lively round of trivia and personal stories. Keanan, best known for her role in the sitcom Step by Step, discusses her transition from a child actor to her current professional life as a state prosecutor. She offers fascinating insights into how her background in performance has influenced her courtroom presence and debunks some myths about the legal profession. Meanwhile, Drew Lynch, a fan-favorite from America's Got Talent, reflects on his journey in stand-up comedy following a life-altering injury. He shares a deeply moving story about his connection with a fan who suffered a medical emergency during one of his shows, highlighting the empathy and human bond that often form within the comedy community. The conversation balances humor with genuine vulnerability. The guests also compete in a spirited round of trivia, testing their knowledge on topics ranging from space travel terminology to the unique world of reality show recap podcasts and extreme outdoorsy stories.
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