Why? The Podcast

Hosted by Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

Business Comedy Interviews LeisureInterviews guestsExplicit

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Episodes

430

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Naked skydivers. Jeopardy champions. Rodeo clowns. Suzi Quatro. Professional mascots. Competitive eaters. Astronauts. Cherry Vanilla. Renaissance fair kings. Benjamin Franklin. Olympic Curlers. Mandalorians. Gay erotica writers. Mermaids. Fruit cake tossers. Martha Wash. Dolphin Lovers. Hair collectors. Strippers. And satanists. We've talked to them all. On Why? every week we talk with another guest leading a fascinating life.

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60 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 42837 min

Why? Episode 428- Haunted House Designer Leonard Pickel

Leonard Pickel has spent his life scaring people. As a designer of haunted houses, he's worked around the world, creating spaces that will scare the pants off of mere mortals. (He's also a Trivial Pursuit question.) If you've been to Six Flags Great America or Universal Studios in Orlando or Madison Scare Garden in NY, you've survived Leonard's work. For more information, or to get some help building your own house of horrors, check out Leonard's website .

October 19, 2026Episode 42730 min

Why? Episode 427- Living Dead Tours with Lawrence DeVincentz

It's the time of year when thoughts turn to ghouls and goblins. And, of course, zombies. In western Pennsylvania, they're well acquainted with zombies, being the filming location for so many of George A Romero's horror masterpieces. We talked with Lawrence DeVincentz, who, as part of the annual Living Dead Weekend, offers tours of many of the filming locations. At the celebrations in Evans City, PA this October, you can meet many of the cast members of classic horror films and, thanks to Larry's crack research and dedication, see many of the filming locations for the classic Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead.

October 12, 2026Episode 42631 min

Why? Episode 426- Chris Rowan from Buffalo Bill's House

Ever watched Silence of the Lambs and thought, 'I wish I could stay at Buffalo Bill's house?' Well, it's your lucky day because now you can. This week we talked with Chris Rowan, who bought the house, restored it, and now is opening it up for guests. Eat in the dining room where Bill was confronted by Clarice. Get your tuck on in Buffalo Bill's workspace. Would we stay here? We would stay here so hard. For more information, check out their website, or give them a call, 1-833-BUFFBILL

October 5, 2026Episode 42552 min

Why? Episode 425- The Surfaris' Bob Berryhill

You may not recognize Bob Berryhill's voice, but you'll definitely recognize his guitar. Bob plays on the iconic "Wipeout" by the Surfaris. And Bob is still out there, playing music and catching waves. For more information on the Surfaris, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.

September 28, 2026Episode 42427 min

Why? Episode 424- Dan the Funeral Man

Dan Madden, better known as Dan the Funeral Man, is working to make sure funerals and celebrations of life are as personalized as possible. Working to change the conversation, Dan has started Fashurns and is offering a new approach to saying goodbye. For more information, check out his website , or you can find him on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube where he's @DantheFuneralMan.

September 21, 2026Episode 42333 min

Why? Episode 423- Rocky Horror's Barry Bostwick

How can you not love The Rocky Horror Picture Show ? And, even though he's not everyone's favorite, how can you not at least have a soft spot in your heart for Barry Bostwick's Brad Majors? This October, Barry, Patricia Quinn ("Magenta" in the movie) and Nell Campbell (the one and only "Little Nell") are taking the film on the road and celebrating the movie live and in person. For more information and dates, check out the show's website .

September 14, 2026Episode 42232 min

Why? Epsiode 422 The Wing Bowl Documentary

Wing Bowl was a Philadelphia staple- a food eating contest that would up being about so much more than just chicken wings. Thankfully there is a new documentary, No One Died: The Wing Bowl Story, to explain to the folks outside of the state just what a unique event it was. We sat down with Pat Taggart, the film's director for more the whole story. The film is now available to purchase or rent on Amazon, Youtube or AppleTV. For more information, check out the film's website .

September 7, 2026Episode 42131 min

Why? Episode 421- Showgirl Bootcamp

Fulfilling a life-long dream? Looking for a fun event in Vegas? Either way, the Showgirl Bootcamp will give you the experience of what is required to be a Vegas showgirl. Taught by professionals, you'll learn how to walk, dress and, most importantly, hold your head up while wearing a headdress. For more information, or to book your own session, check out their website .

August 31, 2026Episode 42024 min

Why? Epsiode 420 Imagineer Joe Lanzisero Pt 2

This week, more of our conversation with former Disney Imagineer Joe Lanzisero. We talk about Joe's role in a very important piece of Muppet history, hidden Mickeys and so much more. You can follow Joe on Instagram .

August 25, 2026Episode 41935 min

Why? Epsiode 419 Imagineer Joe Lanzisero Pt 1

We sat down with Disney Imagineer Joe Lanzisero to talk about his career designing worlds at Disney and the process they followed to create worlds and experiences that guests will never forget. You can follow Joe on Instagram .