Bingel's Smorgasbord

Bingel's Smorgasbord

by Matt Bingel
Arts
Season 1
Todd Newton (Game Show Host)
Game show fans will find plenty to enjoy in this episode. Matt sits down with Emmy Award-Winning host Todd Newton to discuss his career in radio, television, and live stage hosting. Here's what they get into: His job performing physically demanding puppetry as "Mr. Frog" on Gator Tales. Learning the craft on St. Louis radio and the art of "hitting the post" over song intros. How an unannounced walk into MTVs LA studios led to a 10-plus year run at E! Entertainment Television. Working alongside Joan Rivers and hosting "Wild On!" How he landed the hosting gig for Hollywood Showdown in 1999 Newton shares his thoughts on game show hosts, calling Bob Barker the "Statue of Liberty" of the industry – a singular, untouchable standard. Then, he shares his "Mount Rushmore" of game show hosts! He names his "Mount Rushmore" of game show hosts and recalls shooting the Whammy! pilot on the same day as original Press Your Luck host Peter Tomarken's pilot in 2002. Newton also talks about hosting Family Game Night on The Hub and winning an Emmy for it. He promotes his book, "Chug and Chow," which showcases 50 local eateries and dive bars across America, with all proceeds going to local food banks. All sales proceeds directly help local food banks provide meals to families in need. Find Todd Newton at: Instagram: @ToddNewtonOfficial The Price is Right Live Tour & Tickets: priceisrightlive.com Website: toddnewtononline.com Book: Chug and Chow (Available on Amazon, proceeds benefit food banks) Proceeds benefit food banks) Like, share, and subscribe to Bingel's Smorgasbord for more great conversations.
S1 · E17
Sep 19, 2026
1:14:54
ReactingDad (Content Creator) | 16
Today, we welcome ReactingDad, a TikTok reaction content creator with more than 100,000 followers! We discuss his rapid rise to fame through music reaction videos, specifically his focus on millennial rock mashups and the emotional connection he builds with his audience. Plus, we also discuss generational differences (he's a Millennial, Andi & Matt are early Gen Z), and the . Plus, we take a look at the labor-intensive nature of being a content creator, detailing his strict posting schedule and the challenge of balancing digital work with his responsibilities as a husband and a father, as well as overcoming social media algorithms. Finally, we discuss 90s media, mainly SpongeBob! If you're wanting to make it in content creation, this episode's for you! Follow him on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reactingdad_ Follow the podcast on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingelssmorgasbord/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bingelssmorgasbord
S1 · E16
Sep 12, 2026
52:51
Marcelo Bottaro (Puppeteer, Teacher & Artist) | 15
Explicit
On this episode, we welcome Marcelo Bottaro, a puppeteer, artist and teacher! Matt & Marcelo discuss his multifaceted talents as a cartoonist, voice actor and art teacher, highlighting his childhood passions for animation & cartoons! He also reflects on the huge influence of The Muppets & Jim Henson, sharing personal stories, including meeting Muppet Performer Bill Barretta (Dr. Teeth among others)! He also opens up about overcoming childhood adversity and his dedication to inspiring his students through art! Note: this episode may contain topics which may be a bit disturbing to some. Please be advised of this. CHECK OUT MARCELO'S PAGES! Puppet Instagram: http://instagram.com/figmentsinc Cartoon Instagram: http://instagram.com/bottarocartoons TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcelobottaro27 YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@MarceloRBottaro Marcelo's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/MarceloBottaro
S1 · E15
Sep 5, 2026
1:50:10
The Crew & A Friend II (Andi Cohen, Matt Hammer, Gary Roof Jr., Alix Arrigo & Corinn Kramer) || 14
Explicit
We enjoyed it so much, we're doing it again! It's The Crew & A Friend II! We reflect on past episodes, including with Bob Stutt & Jocelyn Stevenson, which range from daycare teachers to professional puppeteers. Of course we share personal anecdotes, including Alix Arrigo's recent trip to the Jim Henson Creature Shop in New York and our friend Corinn's friendship with Andi. This episode captures the dynamic between the crew as they joke with each other, discuss baseball, and address the logistical challenges of creating content. Finally, we also share some ideas about the end of the year, including some potential holiday themed episodes coming at the end of the year! Finally, we emphasize our commitment to exploring a wide variety of cultures and careers!
S1 · E14
Aug 29, 2026
1:13:08
Jocelyn Stevenson (Co-Creator; Fraggle Rock, Author: The Waterubas)
On this episode, we are very excited to welcome Jocelyn Stevenson, co-creator of Fraggle Rock! She's also the author of the book series, The Waterubas, a book series teaching children about environmental stewardship. Jocelyn explains her creative process, including how the elemental nature of these Waterubas mirrors the qualities of water, such as acceptance and persistence. Matt also opens up to Jocelyn about his brother, as there's a character in The Waterubas with cerebral palsy. Matt & Jocelyn discuss representation of disability in literature. Matt also shares his experiences taking care of a non-verbal brother. Matt & Jocelyn also reflect on the legacy of Fraggle Rock, and describe that the modern series, "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock", as an expansion of Jim Henson's vision, not merely a reboot. For more info about The Waterubas and where you can purchase a copy of Books 1 & 2, visit https://thewaterubas.com/
S1 · E13
Aug 22, 2026
58:49
Peter Schaeublin (Deputy Fire Chief; Salem Fire Department)
On this episode, it's all about fire safety as we welcome Peter Schaeublin, Deputy Fire Chief of the Salem Fire Department! Peter provides insight about the requirements of being a firefighter, and the civil service testing process. Peter also debunks a myth about firefighters, as 90% of a firefighter's work involves medical aid and general community assistance. Most of it, however, is all about public safety, especially the importance of functional smoke detectors and the life-saving benefits of sprinkler systems in residential buildings. Plus, being in Salem, we also talk about the tourism, especially in the Fall, and how the fire department manages all of those people touring the city during the busy Halloween season. Finally, we discuss Salem's 400th anniversary and the celebrations surrounding it. You'll learn all sorts of things about fire safety and the realities of fire services!
S1 · E12
Aug 15, 2026
39:28
Bob Stutt (Puppeteer; Fraggle Rock, Under the Umbrella Tree) | Episode 11
On this episode, we welcome Canadian puppeteer Bob Stutt! You may know him from his work on the original "Fraggle Rock", but most of you may know him as the puppeteer of Iggy Iguana on Under The Umbrella Tree! Matt & Bob talk shop about puppetry, including the "triangle", an arrangement between the puppets eyes and nose to establish a clear point of focus. Also, Bob shares a story of how, during filming of the 1982 special The Fantastic Miss Piggy Show, Bob got to hold Kermit while Jim Henson checked lighting, you better believe he knew how special of a moment it was. And we, of course, talk about Under the Umbrella Tree! Particularly the 1993 special "Baseball Fever', part of which was filmed at the Skydome! And you'll also hear about a different special that Iggy was in, "The Biggest Little Ticket", filmed in front of a live audience! Plus, Bob also shares some of his work on Fraggle Rock, including how heavy the Last of the Lilly Creatures was! And doing a Traveling Matt segment at the CN Tower and using a camera with a lens that is half a mile long! Plus, there may or not be a special treat too for you in this episode! Watch the whole thing to find out what it is!
S1 · E11
Aug 8, 2026
1:07:38
10: Aurora Desmond (Musician)
On this episode, we welcome Aurora Desmond, an independent goth and dark wave trans musician! We explore her musical evolution from classical to The Beatles. We also explore a shared passion for Prince, discussing his albums and some of his best work, including "1999" & "Sign O' The Times". And we also discuss another shared passion, The Muppets! We share our favorite Muppet projects, including the recent Muppet Show special, The Jim Henson Hour, The Storyteller & Fraggle Rock! Aurora also shares a story about her childhood Kermit doll. Finally, Aurora views her transgender journey through the lens of being on the autism spectrum and understanding her identity! Note: Her Instagram is @ofmermaids_ AURORA'S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ofmermaids_/ OUR INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bingelssmorgasbord/
S1 · E10
Aug 1, 2026
1:09:56
Debra Schwartzberg Levy (Rachel; The Circle Season 7)
On this episode, we welcome Debra Schwartzberg Levy, who was Rachel on Season 7 of the reality TV show "The Circle"! Join Matt Bingel and his co-hosts Andi Cohen & Matt Hammer, as talk about what went down that season! You'll also hear all about the behind-the-scenes of The Circle, including the psychological support, the physical isolation in the game and tactics used! And you'll hear about how one night while in "The Circle", there was a fire drill, how did they pull that off without being seen? Tune in and find out!
S1 · E9
Jul 25, 2026
1:06:23
8: Jake Deffinbaugh (Podcast Host; Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show)
On this episode, we welcome fellow podcaster and dear friend Jake Deffinbaugh! We celebrate Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show's 5th anniversary as we share our favorite guests and moments. A little fun fact: Matt was a co-host on Jake's show for 3 and a half years! Plus, a deep dive as to what goes into podcasting and we share our tips on how to become a great podcaster. These tips include being yourself, maintaining professionalism, not becoming a fanboy, and treating the guests with respect and authenticity. Plus, we also share some things we grew up with, like classic PC Games like Blue's Birthday Adventure, Blue's Treasure Hunt and Sesame Street's 1995 PC Game "Let's Make A Word". Finally, Jake shares a powerful quote from a Mister Rogers' interview with Charlie Rose back in 1997. How does the quote Jake uses tie in to the podcasting world? Tune in and find out!
S1 · E8
Jul 18, 2026
1:53:00
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