#599 - Joel McHale on the Community Movie, His Funniest Celebrity Friend and Bobby & Eddie Rank TV Stars
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In this episode of The BobbyCast, host Bobby Bones welcomes actor and comedian Joel McHale for a candid conversation covering his career highlights, personal journey, and behind-the-scenes stories from shows like The Soup, Community, Animal Control, and The 1% Club. McHale shares his early struggles in Los Angeles, including working in commercials and being dropped by agents, while reflecting on the slow burn success of The Soup and Community. He reveals that a Community movie is in development with full cast buy-in, though scheduling remains a hurdle. McHale also recounts a hilarious and costly FCC fine he received after accidentally triggering a nationwide emergency alert during a radio bit. The conversation touches on the authenticity of reality TV personas, the strict rules of game shows, and his admiration for fellow comedians like Donald Glover. The episode concludes with McHale’s playful advice on Nashville dining, recommending his own Italian restaurant, Luogo, while humorously acknowledging his ownership.
A Community movie is confirmed to happen if schedules align, with all original cast members on board.
Joel McHale was fined $1 million by the FCC for accidentally triggering a nationwide emergency alert during a comedy bit.
McHale’s early Hollywood days involved doing commercials and being dropped by agents, proving success often comes after years of persistence.
He believes most reality TV 'villains' are actually nice people, as the show's format amplifies personalities rather than creating them.
McHale emphasizes that talent alone isn’t enough—luck and timing are crucial in entertainment careers.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor Segments & Celebrity Likability Game
The episode opens with multiple iHeartRadio sponsor reads for The Clifford Show, The Girlfriends, Thanks Dad, and Sports Slice. Bobby Bones and guest Eddie engage in a lighthearted game ranking their favorite 'nicest' celebrities based on screen presence and interviews, featuring picks like Paul Rudd, Ryan Gosling, Kristen Bell, and Jim Nance.
Joel McHale’s Career Journey & Early Struggles
Bobby introduces Joel McHale, highlighting his roles in The Soup, Animal Control, House of Villains, and The 1% Club. McHale shares his early days in LA, including working in commercials, being dropped by agents, and the slow grind of building a career without a safety net.
The $1 Million FCC Fine & Emergency Alert Incident
“I didn't even know that that is – I don't even think – good Lord. Were you ever told about that early in broadcasting? No! By the way, this certain clone is going to unlock the Jason Bourne – deploy the asset into the field if they just hear a weird noise.”
The Truth Behind Reality TV & Game Show Ethics
“You can't lead anybody. You can't tell them what to do and stuff like that. So it's, yeah. So the, all the games are pre-tested.”
Community Movie, Future Projects & Nashville Life
“We have all agreed and we all... It is going to happen if all the schedules line up. I swear to you, community fans. Everyone wants to do it.”
“We have all agreed and we all... It is going to happen if all the schedules line up. I swear to you, community fans.”
“I didn't even know that that is – I don't even think – good Lord. Were you ever told about that early in broadcasting? No!”
“If you ever reach a point where you're banging your head against the wall and it doesn't feel fun anymore, it's okay to quit.”
Host
Guest
Joel McHale
person
Bobby Bones
person
Community
media
The Soup
media
Animal Control
media
The 1% Club
media
Nashville
place
House of Villains
media
FCC
organization
Jim Nance
person
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