Pod Meets World

As the gang creeps up to the Season 5 finale, things are moving fast. So fast, they forgot to tell Shawn.

Will shares his reaction to watching the devolution of Eric in real time, from adorably dumb to complete buffoon (or whatever other word of the day can describe his silly antics). And find out the exact moment that young Rider’s soul completely left his body.

Plus, we get into the nuts and bolts of rock operas and couples therapy, and say farewell to the Captain America underwear, on a new Pod Meets World.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Close your eyes, make a wish…

Will and Sabrina are watching “Stuck in the Suburbs” starring Danielle Panabaker, Brenda Song and Taran Killam. 

This film premiered in 2004 as a Disney Channel Original Movie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to iconic ‘90s TV roles, it’s difficult to top Winnie Cooper - and the actress who gave the character life, Danica McKellar, is just as impressive! 
 
Danica shares the story of how she landed the beloved gig on The Wonder Years at just 12 years old and why many of her co-stars were just pieces of tape.
 
And after a deep discussion comparing Winnie and Topanga, and their similar first IRL kisses, we learn how Danica found a new sense of purpose and identity after taking…a math class. All this and more on a holiday ready episode of - Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here’s the story, of a man named Peter Brady!

Will and Sabrina sit down with Christopher Knight inside the Brady House in Los Angeles for a very special interview.

GROOVY!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you visit an art museum, you might be moved, inspired or, apparently, reunited with the “perfect” guy. Buckle up, as the gang analyzes what might be ANOTHER “Trapanga” for Cory in the form of fine art, as they try to figure out why so many storylines started when they were children.
 
The hosts dive deeper into Corpanga, and wonder if the duo ever actually listened to each other. Are they the perfect TV couple we always thought they were? And it’s finally time for Trina to shine!

All that and the age old question: Would Will have liked Rider if he met him outside the world of Boy Meets World?? It’s a new Pod Meets World: a real masterpiece.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They’re a bunch of cool cats! 

Will and Sabrina are watching “Alley Cats Strike” starring Kyle Schmid, Robert Ri’chard and Kayley Cuoco. 

This film premiered in 2000 as a Disney Channel Original Movie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even after 2 years of weekly podcasts, somehow the gang is still learning about how their show was made! And this week is no different when they talk to Andy Guerdat, an emergency freelance writer hired when the room ran out of ideas. 

Andy shares the stories behind his two Season 5 scripts, “A Very Topanga Christmas” and “Fraternity Row,” and takes us into the writer’s room to explain his unorthodox addition.

We hear all about Andy’s contribution to another iconic sitcom and his continuing legacy on kids’ shows like Paw Patrol & Fancy Nancy. It’s time to dig into a writer whose time on BMW may have been short, but his impact has lasted forever.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a high school crossover event that’s only happened in falsetto dreams and the most unhinged fanfic… the gangs hanging out with Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale from Glee and the podcast, And That’s What You REALLY Missed.
 
With the help of a first date worthy card game, we find out who fangirls who, a shocking off-brand fact about Rider and why Danielle isn’t quite as cultured as you’d think!
 
So listen to this convo for the ages, then head on over to the And That’s What You REALLY Missed podcast feed to hear Part 2! 

SYNERGYYYYY!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Art thee prepared to ascend through an episode recap worthy of a sonnet? It's time to take Hollywood by storm and journey through the multiverse for the most meta Boy Meets World ever. Your favorite sitcom, “Kid Gets Acquainted with the Universe,” is on the air and ready for some big laughs, even if they're at the IRL actors' expense.    

A table of kids is full of Nepo babies and Will shares how he ended up with Jeff Goldblum and John Cleese while filming this episode!
 
So hop in the golf cart and enjoy some unforgettable performances from Ben Sandwich, Schneider and whatever Topanga's other name is, on an all-new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everything is not what it seems.

Will and Sabrina are watching “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” starring Selena Gomez, David Henrie and Jake T. Austin.

This film premiered in 2009 as a Disney Channel Original Movie.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to turn down the Sublime and check out this week’s interview with the only BMW guest star who knew Michael Jacobs AND Danielle before being cast. 

Vanessa Evigan played the Rhinoplasty healed Kimberly in "If You Can't Be with the One You Love...,” but it was her time as an 8-year-old background actor, and her role as Middle School “buddy,” that would connect her to the show forever. 

Vanessa delves deep into her time as a child actor and the growth she’s experienced since, and wonders if she’d let her kids have the same journey.

Plus, hear stories from her star studded resumé, including a weird habit she learned from co-star Ben Affleck, on an all-new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We once again turn to you, the listeners, to settle a debate even more heated than front yard vs. side yard: Is it a trap?

Did Topanga manipulate Cory in “Torn Between Two Lovers?” Or is was it just bad writing? Our hosts have passionate feelings about it - how ‘bout you?

The gang listens to voice memos sent in from listeners and hear all possible sides formulated from outside the bubble. Will anyone’s opinion change? Can everything really ride on just one word in the script?

Only listen if you’re 100% sure you want to. It’s a brand new, interactive, Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve reached yet another historic milestone in the gang’s Boy Meets World rewatch: the first episode “banned” by the Disney Channel! It’s a polarizing storyline that has even Rider feeling uncomfortable almost 30 years later.

It’s another rare Will-less BMW, so he’s ready to share his take as a viewer and dive deep into the expected tropes of a “very special episode.” And how exactly did a young Rider Strong know how to act “drunk” anyway???

Get ready for some heavy drama and an ambitious take on underage drinking, on this episode of Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fans have been waiting for this one... Will and Sabrina are watching "Smart House" strring Ryan Merriman, Kevin Kilner and Stacey Sagal.

This film premiered in 1999 as a Disney Channel Original Movie.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s another deep dive into “And Then There Was Shawn,” now inviting another Jeff back on the pod: the episode’s writer, Jeff Menell!

The life-long movie buff details how the episode materialized, his horror inspirations and for the first time ever, we hear about what was cut during rewrites (and Feeny got off easy!)
 
For our last visit with the classic episode, we’re venturing onto the original script’s floppy disk, right here on Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that the “And Then There Was Shawn” recap is in the rear view, it’s time to get a different perspective - from behind the camera.

The episode’s director, and reoccurring podcast guest, Jeff McCracken, reveals his unique approach for the spooky script, and how no audience and a single camera created some new challenges for the cast and crew.

Plus…the gang asks McCracken about the “Yell Heard ‘Round the World,” and we hear the real reason for why they found out how long his fuse actually was. It’s an all-new, deep dive, Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We finally made it. Widely regarded as the most memorable episode in the entire history of Boy Meets World, “And Then There Was Shawn,” now has an official recap. And yes, we dropped it on Halloween.

The gang shares their memories from making the scare fest, including how director Jeff McCracken was pushed to his breaking point and what Rider really thought of the twist ending.
 
We’re pulling off the mask on SO many behind the scenes secrets, but remember…no one gets out alive! Death is on the menu tonight, for a big pencil-stabbing episode of Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HALLOWEEN IS COOL! 
Will and Sabrina are watching a Disney Halloween classic “Halloweentown” starring Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown and Judith Hoag.

This film premiered in 1998 as a Disney Channel Original Movie.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our celebration of “And Then There Was Shawn” rolls on to Halloween, now with Professor Rider Strong holding Office Hours and riding solo to dive deep into why this episode has resonated, and stuck, with fans for so long.
 
Rider engages in an in-depth analysis with horror scholar Kristopher Woofter, who shares his expert opinion on the evolution of horror in the ‘90s and the history of the slasher.

Find out more about the “rules” of horror, the lure of a “mask,” and so much more in this scream-filled, and Strong, episode of Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As our “And Then There Was Shawn” recap approaches, and the gang preps for what many believe is the best Boy Meets World episode ever, we first had to find out what the fans think. 

After an open call for voice memos with your opinions, memories and hot takes, Danielle, Will and Jensen (producer/husband of the podcast) react to your reactions! Some found it legendary, some found it skippable and others were reported to their school for disturbing imagery 

Anyone could be the killer - even you - as we kick off a multi-episode celebration on Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The emotional roller coaster that is Cory and Topanga continues with a surprise visit from Lauren, which is creepy and weird - but also…they’re a good match? Who knows.

Danielle, Will and Rider dive deep into the relationship drama of this season, and tackle a popular fan question about this episode: is Topanga manipulative?

It’s a turning point in the BMW timeline, evolving from traditional sitcom to a more self-reflective drama… but also, why does Shawn have a scale in his apartment?? The answer may shock you.

Hide in a jacket and may the jelly beans land in your favor - it’s an all-new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A dog is a man’s best friend! Will and Sabrina are watching “Life Is Ruff” starring Kyle Massey, Kay Panabaker, Carter Jenkins and Mitchel Musso. 

This movie premiered in 2005 as a Disney Channel Original Movie.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The menus at Chubbie’s! A “New Principal is Weeny” headline! The infamous “red drink!” 

These are just some of many legendary props that made Boy Meets World so special, and we’re talking to the man who made it all appear!!

David Glazer was Prop Master for all 7 seasons of BMW and he’s ready to share how all these iconic artifacts came to life. Find out how he handled the tight turnarounds and what inspired some of his most memorable contributions…like the “candy clown.”
 
Plus, we get an unexpected update from the “Magnum PI” shirt guy - on a prop-er episode of Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve kidnapped Will, Danielle and Rider and won’t let them leave until they recap a new, and baffling, Valentines Day episode of Boy Meets World! 

Shawn’s ex-girlfriends, all returning guest stars, commit multiple felonies to “protect” Angela, and that might just be the least confusing part of the script! Find out what the gang thinks would’ve happened had Shawn’s friends never intervened and what new accessory Will is wearing IRL.
 
Trina is praised, Corpanga gets more esoteric and handcuff keys magically appear on this installment of - Pod Meets World…

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s keep spooky season going! Will and Sabrina are watching “Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire” starring Caroline Rhea and Matt O’Leary.

This movie premiered in 2000 as a Disney Channel Original Movie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Matthews is back - this time as a director! The gang is once again hanging out with William “Rusty” Russ to get the story behind his first time behind the camera for “Heartbreak Cory,” one of the most infamous Boy Meets World episodes ever.

Rusty shares his memories working with Linda Cardellini, an experience that forever helped him become an affective director, and recalls helming THAT moment. You know the one we’re talking about.

Plus, he holds nothing back when sharing the differences in working on Lizzie McGuire vs Boy Meeets World, and what directing an episode of Girl Meets World was like all those years later.
 
Dad’s home! So get ready for some fatherly wisdom on an all new Pod Meets World…

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE TIME HAS COME, PEOPLE. Cory, Shawn, Topanga and Angela are hitting the slopes, and Cory’s sprained ankle introduces one of the most controversial characters in BMW history: Lauren - played by the always outstanding Linda Cardellini.

But was it Cory’s fault? Did he do anything wrong? Do the rules change once you’re married? The gang dives deep into ethics and monogamy and their varied takes might just surprise you…

Plus, it’s William Russ’s first time directing, and boy, did they hand him a big one. Come recap every anger inducing detail, from one of the series’ most memorable storylines, on a highly anticipated Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Carson is officially one of the boys… Join Will and Sabrina as they watch “Motocrossed” starring Alana Austin, Trever O’Brien and Riley Smith. 

This movie premiered in 2001 as a Disney Channel Original Movie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re stepping outside the Boy’s “world” for an episode to explore the sitcom Will did AFTER BMW ended - UPN’s “The Random Years.”
 
While recapping the Pilot, Will takes us behind the scenes of his controversial casting, and into his approach for a more “adult” role.

Hear every detail of how the show was made (and allegedly sabotaged), which cast member Will dated, and why it should have been the heir apparent to “Friends.”

Some shows last a lifetime, while others get 4 episodes. Learn all about the difference on a new, and spin-off, Pod Meets World!

Check out the Pilot episode of The Random Years, and the second episode if you want, here:

https://youtu.be/rTlSSTavvRk?si=sw8cjSLQTK1cdFJ3

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Feeny assigns Shawn the task of getting Super Bowl tickets, but Danielle, Rider and Will have a much more realistic goal: to recap another Season 5 episode!

We hear the story behind the meme-tastic “soup or bowl” scene and just how Danielle was flung off Ben’s back and right onto the kitchen floor.

The gang reveals a bit too much about their sleeping attire and we try to figure out the history of a certain hand motion that goes with “taco” on BMW.

You don’t want to be the last one on a freezing cold billboard, so come in where it’s warm - on a brand new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine a personal journal turning into a best selling novel… Will and Sabrina are watching “Read It and Weep” starring Kay and Danielle Panabaker.

This film aired in 2006 as a Disney Channel Original Movie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you rather attend a film festival curated by Rider Strong OR Will Friedle?? The choice is yours when Will and Rider are forced to choose 5 movies to feature in their very own PMW film festival!

But the films aren’t the only factor to consider. The guys also have to pick snacks to go along with their selections, and the competition gets heated!

So grab a ticket, get a good seat and don’t forget to visit the snack bar, cause it’s time for the newest Pod Meets World!

Vote for your favorite now on our Instagram @PodMeetsWorldShow…

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re aggressively shoving our hosts right into another thrilling season 5 recap!

Alan Matthews is one of the all-time great TV dads, but even he makes mistakes! We analyze his parenting style and offer some hacks to prevent these type of dilemmas in real life.

We get to hear some crazy stories about filming the skydiving scene, and how one guest star felt weird about his classic Coen Bros. character. And which Matthews family member was an adrenaline junkie in real life?
 
So join us for some unforgettable lines, a bunch of new (or old) sets, and a lesson that will change your life, on an all-new, top 5 Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TWIN WITCHES! Will and Sabrina are watching “Twitches” starring Tia and Tamara Mowry. 
This film aired in 2005 as a Disney Channel Original Movie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gang is headed back into the writer’s room to hang out with Lara Olsen, a co-writer on some of the most iconic (and controversial) Season 5 Boy Meets World episodes!

We hear how she jumpstarted her writing career as a 2-for-1 special, what led her to BMW and how she crafted the episode where America’s favorite couple ran into a little problem named Lauren.

We also learn about why maybe one script was a little confusing and go behind the scenes of her work on Kim Possible. Also, we won’t let her leave until she updates us on her current gig of rebooting Baywatch! 

And do you want to buy something from Will’s unsuccessful clothing brand? Learn all about it on a brand new Pod Meets World…

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas comes early when the gang relives Topanga’s complicated (and annoying) holiday traditions, which leads to a discussion on guest etiquette in the BMW-verse.

The gang questions if “Christmas Eve Day” is even a thing and Rider noticed the Caroling moment may have been a bigger deal in his memory than it ended up being on the screen.
 
Plus, Danielle shares her revelatory experience in Las Vegas that has transformed her into a Dead Head, on a new yuletide edition of Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A girl who just wants to be prom queen is having a bad hair day and in possession of a stolen necklace?? Will and Sabrina are watching “Bad Hair Day” starring Laura Marano and Leigh-Allyn Baker!

This film aired in 2015 as a Disney Channel Original Movie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’ve got an amazing guest - of this I am sure.
Nunzio himself, actor Jonathan Del Arco, is hanging out with the gang and looking back on his scene-stealing turn as a dancing waiter in the Season 5 episode, “Last Tango in Philly.” 
There aren’t many actors in Hollywood who made the jump from The Wonder Years and Blossom to The Sopranos and Star Trek, but he somehow pulled it off, all while navigating the unwelcoming waters for gay actors in 1990s Hollywood.
In addition to his incredible on-screen career, Jonathan has become a philanthropic force, working with 5 Presidential campaigns and winning the 2013 Visibility Award from the Human Rights Campaign. But even with all these accomplishments, he still has some words for Rider about a long-standing grudge he has with the Strong boys. Learn all about it - on a brand new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’ve got some Hot Stuff to recap! 

It might be a meme-friendly and beloved BMW episode, but the gang still has some major questions! Is this Mexican restaurant just an alternate universe Chubbies? Is dancing with a man cheating on your boyfriend? And WTF is going on with the side/front/sidewalk yard?

Another guest star steals the show and Fenny’s salad plate is starting to look full.

Plus, Will and Rider take us behind the scenes of the iconic dance sequence to find out what the legendary Bill Daniels might have personally choreographed - on a brand new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stevens family is on holiday! Will and Sabrina are watching “The Even Stevens Movie” starring Shia LaBeouf and Christy Carlson Romano. 

This film aired in 2003 as a Disney Channel Original Movie.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His time has come, so Jack Hunter is popping by once again! Matthew Lawrence is back and ready to share some insight on Season 5 and what makes a perfectly choreographed wrestling match. 

We dive deep into “Jaric," and why we all want to see more of the Jack/Eric bromance, or at least the couple to vacation with the Lawrence brothers. All while we learn more about prop Easter Eggs in the background and obviously...lizards.

Plus, find out what the BMW boys REALLY thought about *NSYNC, on an all-new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cory and Shawn may have gotten jobs, but it’s our hosts getting to work and recapping another episode of Boy Meets World! 

Considering some questionable behavior from our main character, you might be surprised to hear where the gang places this one on the roller coaster that is season 5. 

And though it’s not unusual to see a stellar William Daniels performance, this time he does it without saying a SINGLE word! If you want a masterclass in acting, they’ll tell you which scene to watch.
 
Plus, take a totally extreme trip into one of Will’s lesser known voice acting roles and find out why “naked ladies are nice!”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buxley Hall is about to be invaded by girls! Will and Sabrina are watching “The Ghosts of Buxley Hall” starring Dick O’Neill and Louise Latham.

This film premiered in 1980 as a Wonderful World of Disney film. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a California Dream come true when Kelly Packard joins Pod Meets World! 

Kelly shares some memories from her unique resumé as a 3-peat star on BMW (though not a member of the Three Timers Club, she is a member of a totally different club of one!)

She takes us into the lobster suit for the REAL story of what happened during the dunk tank scene in “Model Family” and we hear how she casually ended up in Dubai with Yasmine Bleeth.

Plus, we learn how she became the most popular bassist on Saturday mornings - without playing a single note! All this and some Baywatch memories - on this week’s Pod Meets World! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time for an ICONIC season 5 episode and the gang is on a bit of a roll, so they’ve brought in Angela herself, Trina McGee, to sit in on a recap! 

In the name of bad “phacting,” Trina masters the art and shares a live demonstration, while they watch the start of an unforgettable relationship, with the two people who defined it.

Trina reveals a BTS argument from the episode, and we find out why she actually *enjoys* watching herself in projects - all on a brand new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans don’t like zombies… But that all changes when Addison meets Zed. 

Will, Sabrina and guest co-host Rider Strong are watching “Zombies” starring Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly. 

This film premiered in 2018 as a Disney Channel Original Movie. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s Get It On Tonite, because we’ve NEVER seen Danielle this excited for an interview! Her favorite '90s R&B superstar Montell Jordan joins the podcast - and then the group chat. 

His debut CD may have been Danielle's most prized 14th birthday present, but Montell is also a diehard BMW fan! Hear all about his inspiring story of building a music career, while avoiding the pitfalls of his surroundings with an unexpected detour to law school. 

Montell recalls the unbelievable story of his Grammy nomination and what happened when he shared the stage with the legendary Stevie Wonder. 

Get ready for a trip down memory lane! This is How We Do it on Pod Meets World!!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could it be…season 5 is looking up?? The gang is caught off guard when the Rolf starts to wear off and they might know the reason why.

Shawn falls in love with a purse – leaving breadcrumbs for what will become an iconic BMW romance, and the most complete introduction of a character yet. And any time you get a little Maggie Lawson, you know it’s gonna be good.
 
We might have an imaginary Feeny, but this episode is no hallucination. Things are getting better on an all-new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Boyle may be a genius, but there are some things even a genius can’t pull off… 

Will and Sabrina are watching “Genius” starring Trevor Morgan and Emmy Rossum. 

This film premiered in 1999 as a Disney Channel Original Movie.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before “Nancy Drew,” and before “Psych,” Maggie Lawson brought another iconic character to life: Shawn’s short lived, fitness obsessed love interest - Debbie, on Season 5 of Boy Meets World!

Now Maggie sits down with the gang to talk about her BMW memories and even gets into her first big Disney role: “Model Behavior” with Justin Timberlake! After Danielle steps in to defend *NSYNC’s legacy, we hear the story behind Maggie’s first on-screen kiss.
 
Rider shares what he remembers from hanging out with Maggie just before she left for “Psych,” and find out what happens when a script says “all tongue and hands” - on an all new Pod Meets World!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.