The JV Club with Janet Varney

Janet Varney shares an important announcement about the JV Club.Fret not, wonderfuls; there will still be a few more episodes of the JV Club published before the MaxFun Drive.

Recorded in a cozy hotel room at SF Sketchfest, Janet and Janeane Garofalo sit wedged between the wall and the bed, following whatever tangent might present itself. Does Janet get left in the dust in matters intellectual, political and otherwise? Sure. Is that okay? It’s going to have to be, because Janeane is smart, fast, and fantastic.

Longtime JV pal Tony Hale ("Veep”) relives the fond and not-so-fond memories of his youth... but for goodness’ sake DO NOT ASK HIM ABOUT ANYTHING pre-7th grade! Plus: Asthma, cigarettes, and unfortunately artfully dodging being the artful dodger.

Hear her on The JV Club before she rises to the top of the arm-wrestling world! It’s Edi Patterson (The Groundlings), who bonds with Janet over the appeal of the celluloid “horndog,” pygmy unicorns, and being the good girl.

Whether you’re camping for a music festival in Florida or hitting a warehouse party in New York, this week’s guest Star Stone has some valuable advice about what to eat, and what questions to ask before you do! 

Whether you’re in Birkenstocks or combat boots or some other fine shoe, traipse on into this conversation with author/illustrator MariNaomi (“I Thought You Loved Me”) for a pre-2025 chat about Marin County, edgy high school subway-related plays, and even a side helping of Tupac!

It’s delight and joy personified with Boy of Summer Jon Heder, whose dedication and generosity as an Eagle Scout extended all the way to trying to fix Janet’s broken computer a few weeks ago. Find out how he and his twin brother Dan spent their teen years in Oregon, Jon’s mission in Japan, and then find out which imaginary creature his M.A.S.H. future holds!

Janet accuses guest Leslie Bibb (Iron Man) of having a Harper Lee novel-worthy childhood in Episode 41, amidst a pow-wow covering the dangers of altruism, being fearless in your fashion statements, and standing on the balls of your feet.

You don’t need to take 3 buses to visit this chat with JV and the magnificent Dr. Jon Paul (BFF: Black, Fat, Femme pod), who brings their warmth, insight and humor to this week’s episode! From their candid exploration of being a JW to their love of Melissa McCarthy, this star is changing the world one new book — or peanut butter jar— at a time!

Get ready for an incredibly intimidating and bitter rivalry this week. But— t’s not between JV and the fantastic Kelly McCaughan (Catholic Guilt)— it’s a long-held feud between Kelly’s high school and another which shall not be named. So grab a fistful of triple creme brie and let’s GO!

It’s a mother and daughter reunion this week, at least when it comes to “The Legend of Korra!” JV is joined by her fabulous co-star Alex McKenna ("Red Dead Redemption 2") who voiced Senna, Korra’s mom! In THIS world, JV and Alex might resemble sisters a bit more, with lots of only child energy to go around. So grab a single, double, or heck— triple cheeseburger and settle in!

Do you like chickens? How about singing chickens? Regardless of your answer, you should still treat yourself to this episode with the delightful Maggie Robertson (Resident Evil: Village, Baldur’s Gate), who curls up on JV’s couch for cheesy goldfish and a float down Lazy River. Grab your raft and jump in!

Get ready for a San Francisco-style hair-buzzing with one of the shining stars of You’re the Worst, Aya Cash, as we dash from Buddhism to dental care jewelry (yep) to the startling discovery of youth that not every citizen is a Bay Area liberal

Step into our lovely world of comedy, horror, and goth gorgeousness with this week’s guest, Morgana Ignis (Helluva Boss)! From carefully planned bus routes to skateboards that chew off your boot heels, this episode is all about journeys… in all kinds of forms! So smash that burger, fold that slice, and let’s roll!

We’re off to Iowa with this week’s hilarious guest, Rebecca Hanson (Mystery Science Theatre 3000)! Is it our own tiny, fun version of the Iowa caucuses? Not really! Do JV and Rebecca get a bit state-of-the-union about it all? It’s the right week for it! So grab that weird-textured sushi and pull up a beanbag!

You’ve heard our Tegan & Sara and Juliet Landau episodes, now meet the woman who helped make them happen! It’s filmmaker Chen Drachman (But I’m a Shoe), who gave JV the chance to voice a sneaker! So grab a cone, pint, or quart and settle in for a chat about first loves of all sorts!

Grab your passport and get ready to dazzle French crowds with your voice, just as this week’s guest, Ethio-Jazz Singer-Songwriter Meklit Hadero did! This revelation leads to some very fun parallel-lives moments with JV and Meklit, who both went to France between their jr. and sr. years of H.S.— though Meklit’s experience was decidedly more cosmopolitan!

Janet Varney has a new podcast with John Hodgman! Every episode they'll showcase a new state and explore its iconography-- especially it's often complicated, pretentious and latin motto.Their first stop on their tour of every state, commonwealth and territory in the United States is Connecticut. Why Connecticut first? They’ll explain.Hear more about its legendary rich, sandy loam, the grape-filled seal, and its many attempts to create a state motto that sticks.Plus, Janet speaks with Amy Holden Jones, creator of the film Mystic Pizza. Amy will tell us about how her movie was directly inspired by Connecticut… and give her own suggestions for a new state motto.Produced by Julian Burrell.Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.Find E Pluribus Motto on Instagram and TikTok.And send us a voice memo, message or photo about an upcoming state to [email protected].

Are you there God? It’s our guest, Jen Kober! Take a saunter from the bayous of Louisiana and end up with Cirque du Soleil— yes, Cirque de Soleil!! — with this charismatic and hilarious comedian. (No wonder she won all those student council elections!) 

This week we’re very excited to take you to the island of Mauritius, where LAZOU (Nuances podcast) spent her teenage years! So fill a bowl with mouth-watering lychees, throw on a lab coat, and get ready for a thoughtful, fun, and yes, we’ll say it— nuanced conversation with LAZOU!

Hearken back to a time when you were expected to know your athlete bf’s bench press number with the fantastic Stephanie Kerbis (tons of stuff including the show she did with JV, Your Daily Horoscope), who’s ready for the best kind of street pizza— and knows there’s a musical out there for everyone!

Polish up on your Russian with the amazing Sarah Natochenny (Pokemon), who joins JV for an IN-PERSON chat (Y’all, it’s been awhile!) touching on the caché of being a freshman singing with the seniors, Broadway taking a backseat to voiceover and a whole career in editing, and much more! So grab some cheesy balls and let’s do this! 

Settle into this conversation with the ever-well-spoken and delightful Boy of Summer James Urbaniak (The Venture Brothers), who will emphatically set the record straight about his high school dating life! So grab that bag of potato chips and let’s dig in!

You don’t have to have your pilot’s license to fly high into this conversation with JV and Boy of Summer Rob Huebel (Childrens Hospital), who talks NYC improv, poltergeists, and the awkwardness of puppet bath time. So slick that hair back and throw those Wayfarers on!

It’s the legendary Jenette Goldstein (Aliens, Titanic, T2) who graces us with her presence on this week’s ep! From doing theatre at the storied Beverly Hills High, to a move to England that changed everything, to her current amazing and delightful creations (where the alphabet starts at “D!”), Jenette might just be the humblest icon around!

Boys of Summer 2016 hums along with considerably more relaxed ease than you’d feel if you had to drive a double-decker, British-steering-wheel-on-the-right-side bus through Savannah with Clint Eastwood counting on you. Luckily if you’re Gary Anthony Williams (The Boondocks, Rick & Morty), you navigate everything with grace, humor, and killer improv chops.

Tune up your singing voice— or at least your talk-singing voice for this delightful conversation with Boy of Summer Jim O’Heir (Parks and Rec), who has surprised his teen-era friends by becoming an actor, so don’t expect any 16-year-old Jims playing Harold Hill. But there’s still time! For now, grab some Spanish croquettes and listen in!

It’s our great honor to welcome one of the most unique Wicked Witches in the history of Oz! It’s the great Michael Hitchcock (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), who defiantly takes us from Ohio and springs us into Illinois (these puns will make more sense after you listen, but they probably won’t be any funnier). This episode is an instant Boys of Summer Classic!

Saddle up for an early ride on the internet — OG Pokemon fans, anyone? — with our delightful Boy of Summer Ryan Copple (Go listen "Voyage To The Stars!", who also takes us on a catfishing journey with a moral at the end, and so much more. So dive into that ramen, and let’s umami!

Get ready to see and be seen at a cool kids PL near you (c’mon- surely you know “PL” stands for “parking lot!”) with this week’s Boy of Summer, Adam Macias (Go listen to the "That Was Wild" podcast!), who takes us to the suburbs of Sacramento for teen bands, local acronyms, and dollar scoops!

Move over, Gilbert and Sullivan: it’s Malina and Varney! This week JV sits down with the great Joshua Malina (Scandal, The West Wing) to yak about theatre, summer camp, and pranks, pranks, pranks! So do NOT get on that rocket ship thinking you’re about to receive an award!

It’s an episode long overdue… with Boy of Summer and producer/host/Max Fun co-owner Julian Burrell! So put on your feathered hat, grab your leather pouch, and head the Ren Faire in the hot Corona sun! Those turkey legs aren’t going to eat themselves...

His name is Greg Levine, he’s a Boy of Summer, he’s got a fantastic podcast of his own (Parks and Recollection) recalling episodes and hijnx working as a writer on "Parks and Rec," and he’s (as evidenced in his teen pic) super! So grab a sleeve of Double Stufs and get in here!

Prepare to be dazzled by this fabulous *QUEEN* of Summer! JV welcomes the truly wonderful Robin Fierce ("RuPaul’s Drag Race") for this inspiring conversation covering family, fashion, compassion, and passion, to name but a few! So comb that fabulous mane and let’s GO, ThunderCats!

It’s your Boy of Summer, comedian and pal Josh Gondelman! From high school halls in Massachusetts to comedy clubs in Boston at a fresh-faced nineteen, we defy you not to fall in love (or a little bit more in love) with this delightful human being! So grab your summery iced coffee and a great croissant, and dig in!

There are so many reasons to listen to the delightful Ruth Gamble (Listen to her new podcast serial "Hobo Code"!), including stories of singing for non-singers, tackling people-pleasing, and the sublime person that is Bill Pullman (who happens to be featured in Ruth’s new project!). So lean into the perfect smell of rain and dig into that lasagna!

Hey! Stop copying your friend's math homework and grab a slice for this chat with comedian Rachel Feinstein (Catch her special "Big Guy" on Netflix now!), who takes you from the suburbs of Maryland to the streets of NYC, possibly in a poodle skirt. Now if we can just find all of those special guests we promised Rachel...

Head down from Queens to catch a Broadway show with teen-era Gillian Pensavalle (The Hamilcast, TCO), where the Rockette *might* even wink at you! But save a little time for some foggy witchy forest elf-time and a nibble or two of devil’s food chocolate crumb doughnuts (OG spelling, y’all)!

Unwrap that See’s Candy and get ready to savor the deliciousness of this conversation with Juliet Landau (The film A Place Among The Dead; Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe including Audibles: "Slayers: a Buffyverse Story") as she and JV talk ballet, M.A.S.H. time travel, and making art that helps people not only feel seen, but inspired to take action! 

Please bid a warm welcome to the fantastic Rebecca Delgado Smith (From the podcast "The Alarmist"), for this chat that takes you to Puerto Rico, Florida, Donner Pass, and even aboard the luxurious but ill-fated ocean liner of legend, all with a healthy dose of school (theatrical) spirit!

Come listen to this hug of a conversation with the darling and wildly talented Daphne Overbeck, who talks family, self-discovery, compassion and art… all the while being simply hilarious and inclusive! So go ahead, sink into that tiramisu! 

Do not hesitate to jump into this listen with human delight and comedian Ellie Hino (Her special "Soft Bones" is available now!), who helps JV fully comprehend the world of water parks in the Wisconsin Dells, plus lots of teen-times overlap between these new fast friends. Oh, and Ellie is just the right amount of flamboyant (see episode for details)!!

Attention all Punk Rock Girls and Dead Milkmen (youngsters— it’s a band)! Settle in with the fantastic author and podcaster Mur Lafferty (Chaos Terminal, I Should Be Writing) for a chat with JV covering sci-fi storytelling, zero dating, and the icing-est part of a cake!

Grab your best bean pie and your Giggle Gloss for this chat with the supremely delightful Dulcé Sloan (Author of the book Hello Friends! Stories of Dating, Destiny and Day Jobs), who talks teen times in the Atlanta area and gives some tantalizing tidbits around her brand new book, plus some SUPERB M.A.S.H. action! 

Author, teacher, and longtime listener Katherine Finstuen (author of the book Dearly Befuddled) hops on podcast this week to talk “useless” degrees (no such thing!), peddling ice cream, and reading, reading, reading! Plus: a delightful hippo blast from the past!

Grab your favorite potion and pull up a broomstick with soul sisters Lane Moore (author of the book You Will Find Your People) & JV as they get Practical with their Magic! Forests? Check. Trust issues due to childhood crap? Check. A love of altos? Check. And so much more!

This romp of an episode brings you the out-and-out awesome Biz Ellis, from the beloved Max Fun One Bad Mother pod! So get ready for a high school the size of a small metropolis, an utter lack of dating, and our second week of the crucial and delightful Max Fun Drive!

It's part two of JV's chat with Katie, including perspective on family tragedy and the much anticipated MASH future.

This podcast is part of the #MaxFunDrive! If you love this show and want it to continue, consider becoming a MaxFun Member. For as little as $5 a month, you can help this show continue and get great gifts in the process. And if you are already a member, consider upgrading your membership to a higher level or even boosting for as little as an extra dollar a month.  Find out more at maximumfun.org/join.In honor of the #MaxFunDrive, JV is proud to welcome fellow MaxFunster Katie Goldin to the show. Katie is the host of Secretly Incredibly Fascinating and has so much to say about birds, high school, hermit crab adoption and how she came to understand her mental health.

As part of the #MaxFunDrive, this is a special preview of several episodes of the JV Club -- the full versions of which are available EXCLUSIVELY for MaxFun Members!Conversations with Tatiana Maslany, Evanna Lynch, D'Arcy Cardon, and a very special exchange of journal passages with Carrie Poppy.  Only the best for our members!When you go to maximumfun.org/join, you get access to these and hundreds of hours of podcasts across the entire MaxFun Network. It costs as little as $5 a month to set up your recurring monthly contribution. If you're already a member, you can upgrade to higher levels of membership to earn even more gifts or boost your contribution by as little as one dollar more a moth.