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MAD REWIND with Brandee Stilwell: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Brandee Stilwell and Kiff VandenHeuvel
Conversations about the magic that was MAD TV with the cast and crew. Hosted by MAD TV's associate producer of post production (and cruise director/funeral director) Brandee Stilwell (author "None of This is Going According to Plan...", creator of DC Comic's "SASQUATCH DETECTIVE") hosts an array of cast members, writers, crew and creators who brought this subversive, hilarious and formative TV show to the airwaves and reflects with them about what they loved, what they learned, and what they smelled while being a part of America's favorite sketch comedy foster child.
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- 1 weeks ago56 min
Daniele Gaither on Joining MADtv, Replacing Legends, & Taco Bell’s Loretta
In this episode of Mad Rewind, host Brandee Stilwell sits down with the incredibly talented actress and comedian Daniele Gaither. Daniele shares her comedy journey, from performing impressions of Jimmy Carter and Sweet Daddy Williams as a kid, to finding her comedic footing at Northwestern and The Groundlings. We dive deep into her experience officially joining the MADtv cast in Season 9, where she opens up about the weight of stepping into the shoes of Debra Wilson, the creation of beloved original characters like Loretta from Taco Bell, and a hilarious behind-the-scenes encounter where Flavor Flav stopped a live taping. Daniele also recounts her early "under-five" role on the show in Season 2 and reminisces about the lively backstage atmosphere with castmates like Ike Barinholtz. Whether you're a longtime MADtv fan or an aspiring comedian looking for solid industry advice, this episode is packed with truth, laughs, and invaluable insights.
- 2 weeks ago51 min
Ep 4: Emmy-Winning SFX Legend Jennifer Aspinall (MADtv Head of Makeup)
This week on Mad Rewind, host Brandee Stilwell sits down with a true crew legend and a national treasure: two-time Emmy winner Jennifer Aspinall! As the head of the MADtv makeup department from the very beginning in 1995 through all 14 original seasons, Jennifer was the mastermind behind the iconic prosthetics, transformations, and unforgettable character illusions that defined the show. In this episode, Jennifer shares her incredible 50-year journey in the industry —from starting out as an 11-year-old theater kid to becoming the undisputed "Splatter Queen" of cult horror classics like The Toxic Avenger and Street Trash. She reveals hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, including how her grandfather used his 1966 Mustang as a stunt car for a gruesome Toxic Avenger scene , what it was like replicating million-dollar Rick Baker illusions on a sketch-comedy budget , and which MADtv cast member simply couldn't sit still in her makeup chair. We also dive into her revolutionary product, Skin Saver Barrier Lotion—inspired by Jordan Peele’s skin sensitivities on set —and get a sneak peek into her current work on blockbuster series like Amazon’s Fallout. Whether you're a die-hard MADtv fan or an aspiring SFX artist looking for expert industry advice, this deep dive into the world of Hollywood makeup magic is an absolute must-listen!
- 3 weeks ago1h 19m
PART 2! Mad Rewind: The Badass Women of MAD TV (with Mo Collins, Stephnie Weir, and Debra Wilson)
Welcome back to Part 2 of my hilarious interview with the incredibly talented, funny, and badass women of MADtv: Mo Collins, Stephnie Weir, and Debra Wilson! We talked for so long that we had to give you a Part 2.In this episode, we unpack the origins of your favorite characters—from Dot and Whitney Houston to Mrs. Campbell, Doreen Larkin, and Lorraine. The ladies share untold stories from the set, including embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions, how they pulled off massive sketches on a shoestring budget, and the hilarious sketches that were completely scrapped. You'll also hear Deborah’s incredible story of manifesting a guest appearance from Mark Hamill, their honest advice for navigating the comedy scene as women, and their definitive answer on whether MADtv will ever get a reboot.Sponsored by:The Crow Comedy Club in Santa Monica! Catch a show, hit an open mic, or enroll in a comedy class at a super-inclusive theater that uses storytelling for good. Visit crowcomedy.com for more info.Thank you for spending your valuable time with us! Please help spread the word about the little podcast that could by liking, sharing, and subscribing.
- May 13, 20261h 3m
Mad Rewind: The Badass Women of MAD TV Part 1 (with Mo Collins, Stephnie Weir, and Debra Wilson)
Join host Brandee Stillwell for a nostalgic and hilarious reunion with three comedy legends from the iconic sketch show, MAD TV. In part one of this special episode, Mo Collins, Stephnie Weir, and Debra Wilson gather in the same room for the first time in years to reflect on their careers and the lasting impact of their work.Key highlights include:The Impact of MAD TV: The guests discuss the "weight" of being women in comedy and their reactions to a new generation on TikTok claiming the show "raised them."Origin Stories: Each guest shares their "first laugh" and the pivotal teachers or family moments that set them on the path to professional comedy.Character Deep Dives: Hear the stories behind fan-favorite characters like Lorraine, Dot Goddard, and Bonifa, plus live voice demonstrations of Trina and Dot.The Creative Process: The trio explains the art of improv, the importance of "possessed" commitment to a character, and the challenges of navigating the "meaner" comedy landscape of the early 2000s.The Vault: Debra Wilson stuns the room by reciting a complex, verbatim medical jargon speech from a sketch performed over two decades ago.Don’t miss this deep dive into the "grounded craziness" that made MAD TV a cultural phenomenon. Stay tuned for Part 2!
- May 6, 202653 min
Mad Rewind: Nicole Sullivan on The Vancome Lady, MADtv Auditions, and Finding Her Funny
Welcome to Season Two of Mad Rewind! In this exciting premiere, host Brandi welcomes her comedy crush and original MADtv cast member, the incredibly hilarious Nicole Sullivan. Nicole dives deep into her iconic six-season run on MADtv. She shares her early days of thinking she would perform regional Shakespeare to finding her comedic voice.Episode Highlights:The LA Hustle: Nicole recounts moving to Los Angeles with just $1,000. She shares her experience temping at Nestle during the day and working late-night shifts at Domino's Pizza. The MADtv Audition: She reveals how she navigated the audition using rudimentary characters and Post-it notes stuck to her legs. Character Origins: Learn the real-life inspirations behind fan favorites, such as a Lancome counter employee inspiring The Vancome Lady. She also explains how her cat Sissy inspired the voice of Antonia. Memorable Sketches: Nicole recounts her favorite moments on set, including playing Justin Timberlake in a squirrel wig while Will Sasso played Lance Bass. She also discusses the rare times Michael McDonald made her break character.
- Jan 14, 20251h 0m
Michael Hitchcock
On this episode of Mad Rewind, funny man, Michael Hitchcock stops by the Studio Venue to talk about his early start as a writer/actor at the Groundlings, how he got involved in some of Christopher Guest's films, discusses his favorite characters and sketches he wrote while on Mad TV, and why he prefers just acting now. #madrewind #madtv #michaelhitchcock #thegroundlings #sketchcomedy #comedypodcast #improvcomedy #comedywriter #bestinshow #improv #comedy #christopherguest
- Jan 7, 202544 min
Adam Small
On this episode of Mad Rewind, Mad TV's Co-Creator, Adam Small stops by the Studio Venue to talk about the beginning of time with Mad TV, working with Quincy Jones, assembling the original cast and writing staff, his past work on In Living Color, and when it was time to leave and hand over the reins. #madrewind #madtv #adamsmall #sketchcomedy #improvcomedy #inlivingcolor #comedy #comedypodcast #anotherstateofmind #socialdistortion #mgm #doreschary #madmagazine #dccomics #bigtickettelevision #comedycentral #dickblasucci #sctv #snl
- Dec 24, 20241h 19m
Paul Vogt
Multitalented comedic actor Paul Vogt stops by The Studio Venue to chat about his time on Mad TV, the incredibly long journey to get cast on the show, Gay Hulk, finding his voice as Edna Garrett, and his time working with the great Garry Marshall. Another must-listen. #paulvogt #madtv #madrewind #disney #mgm #waynebrady #secondcity #mocollins #gayhulk #phillamarr #stephnieweir #paulwilliams #carolburnett #cabanachat #willsasso #happydayslive #garrymarshall #thestudiovenue
About MAD REWIND with Brandee Stilwell
Conversations about the magic that was MAD TV with the cast and crew. Hosted by MAD TV's associate producer of post production (and cruise director/funeral director) Brandee Stilwell (author "None of This is Going According to Plan...", creator of DC Comic's "SASQUATCH DETECTIVE") hosts an array of cast members, writers, crew and creators who brought this subversive, hilarious and formative TV show to the airwaves and reflects with them about what they loved, what they learned, and what they smelled while being a part of America's favorite sketch comedy foster child.
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