Socially Awkward with Evan Wecksell

This episode Evan welcomes Star Wars fanatic, pop culture maven and fellow Great Neck, Long Island native Spencer Jawitz. After the initial Great Neck nostalgia, Spencer and Evan break down how each of them raved about the new Running Man movie starring Glen Powell. From the Easter eggs to the messaging, Spencer shares why this movie hit the mark and how he has a connection to cast member Katy O’Brian! Then they dived into everything Star Wars as Spencer is the co-founder of Virtual Cantina Network (VCN), an online community of Star Wars fans over 100,000 strong! Spencer then gives a...

Last week tickets for Bon Jovi’s Forever tour went on sale. And they were selling so much that shows had to keep being added. However, with Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing and long queues, success was mixed for fans. Hardcore Jovi fans Michele Bloom, Chantel Griffin and Jerry Braden all join Evan to debrief on their ticket buying experience and the overall fan reaction, sharing a mix of anticipation, excitement, but some dismay. Also, with Bon Jovi as popular as ever, but no current fan club, the fans wonder how the fanbase can regain that sense of community that initially brou...

Keya Mason is a 3-time Emmy-nominated TV producer and casting director. She has produced for such shows as Dr Phil, Divorce Court, Judge Hatchett and Judge Maria Lopez while casting such reality hits as Love Island USA, The Bachelor, The Bachelor, Queer Eye and Catfish: The TV Show. And she has stories! Hear the behind the scenes of how shows are put together, how she knows whom to cast, and how she was about to convince the Catfisher to come on Catfish!! Keya was also one of only a handful of people in the world to be in the room...

Bon Jovi played its first show in three years at a special Runaway Tours event in Nashville. Michele Bloom and Traci Lynn were there with all the details. Most importantly, how was Jon’s voice? And where did this trip rank among the others? Michele and Traci reveal what this weekend meant to them and what the show meant to Jon! Plus, a rundown of all the weekend’s events - the welcome party, the tribute band Bad Medicine, and the reconnecting with fellow fans. And will we see Bon Jovi back on the road? Only way to find out is t...

Andrea Abbate (@andrearabbate) is a tv writer and comedienne and this month her one-woman show is featured at the Los Angeles Fringe festival. Sharing her battles with drugs and eating disorders, she will take you on a roller coaster ride and surprise you where she goes. Andrea also talks about her career selling over 20 tv shows, appearing on Full House and The Office (not that office). Plus, Andrea and Evan talk sleep schedules, comedic influences and the time Andrea saw 18 Michael Jackson impersonators mourning their simultaneous unemployment in Las Vegas. And their mutual fandom of Bon Jovi. 🏡📺 Andrea was on Full H...

Josh Goldstein (@jgold12) is a hardcore wrestling fan and podcaster - just like Evan. Josh is also from Great Neck, Long Island - just like Evan. Josh was actually live at Wrestlemania 1, 2, 20 and 29! Then hear them break down the full Wrestlemania 41 card. Hopefully they get along. 😎 Get in Wrestlemania mood with this WWE neon sign on Amazon! https://amzn.to/4cvQZss Check out Josh's podcasts: Indie Wrestling Guide Podcast (Mondays) NXT Night Shift on YouTube (Main Event Wrestling Network) 👕👍 Socially Awkward Swag: https://awkwardwithevan.creator-spring.com $5 OFF w/ promo code AWKWARD or visit FunnyForeverTees.com for more promotions! More on Evan: htt...

Kevin O'Neill and Evan never met. But that didn't keep them from becoming Facebook friends. Hear how they're connected, the depths of Kevin's nerd culture and what are the best phone games out there? Plus, how many ways can Kevin operate on a bunny? (He's a veterinarian.) So Evan also gets Kevin's advice on his cats' occasional vomiting. In addition, Kevin shares his ‘spam whispering’ attempts with Evan and Kevin reveals some data he uncovered about those people on the other end of those spam texts! Too much awkward to go around! 😎 Just in time for Halloween: Get this children's veterin...

Kelly O’Brien is a standout artist, photographer, painter and graphic designer who also happens to be deaf. In a Socially Awkward first, hear how she navigates her life with this difference, what her purpose is as an artist, and who her favorite band is! Plus, how good of a lip-reader is she and what questions does she have for Evan. No ASL, but plenty of awkward! For more on Kelly, visit kellytheartist.com or follow @kellythedeafartist on Instagram! Watch the full interview! —— 😎 Get a Daily Adventure Map on Amazon (by a different Kelly O’Brien)! https://amzn.to/4fqR1D2 👕👍 Socia...

Amanda Reed got the acting bug at age 14 when her mom enrolled her in community theater. She never looked back. By 23, Amanda had performed in over 450 live performances. She has already worked with such names as Neil Patrick Harris, Greg Kinnear, Sam Raimi, Emmy Rossum, Simon Baker and Dermut Mulroney. Hear her standout audition and on-set experiences as well as how she also teaches acting at The Acting Center in Los Angeles. Follow Amanda at @amandareedofficial. Support another Amanda Reed by getting the book Living Out Loud'son Amazon! Or get Evan's new book where he talks to spammers: THE SPAM...

When Craig Brockie was in his twenties he had crippling anxiety, a depleted immune system and chronic neck and back pain. On a fact-finding mission, Craig sought out health solutions for himself and found a huge reservoir of answers that has manifested in his new book "Ultimate Health: Break Free from Your Health Issues and Live Your Best Life. Craig reveals how to effortlessly lose weight, look younger and lessen stress. What are some remedies? He goes into oxygen, peptides, hormones and so much more! Meanwhile, Evan delves into how masculine a name like "Craig Brockie" is, plus he poaches...

Bon Jovi's new documentary "Thank You, Goodnight" just debuted on Hulu in the #1 spot and fellow Bon Jovi fan Jennifer Farrell is joining Evan to break it all down. Of course, they also reminisced about their fan club memories and the time they crossed paths with Jon Bon Jovi. Hear about the time Evan ran on a treadmill next to Jon and then the time Jennifer kissed him during a show! Plenty of awkward to go around and a surprise guest at the end! Celebrate Bon Jovi's 40th anniversary with their coffee table book "When We Were Beautiful" on Amazon...

Katy Grimes is the editor-in-chief of the California Globe and she always has a lot to write about. Focused on politics, Katy and Evan break down the woes of California while talking through prop 47 (addressing retail theft), homelessness, abortion, and more. Plus, what does the future hold for Governor Gavin Newsom? And what about Adam Schiff vs Steve Garvey this November? They even discuss the campaign of Robert F Kennedy, Jr. Katy also gets into the mechanics of journalism and how she acquires (and loses) sources. Finally, Katy and Evan watch along to Evan’s new song, “Radical Left Republican Dad...

Derrick T Lewis does it all: actor, host, ring announcer, media personality, singer and big wrestling fan! Hear about all his successes from how he started ring announcing to his current deal with The Bleav Network. Also, last year Derrick was part of Wheel of Fortune’s WWE Week. He has also been to a ton of WWE shows including landing last minute seats to Wrestlemania 20. Then he and Evan break down Wrestlemania 40 which features Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns & The Rock on night 1 followed by Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns on night 2. It’s the 150th episode of S...

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Nick Smith is a movie producer in Hollywood! As VP of Production for Paperclip Limited, his latest project is a feature length nostalgic young adult comedy SNACK SHACK. Think Superbad meets Fast Times at Ridgemont High! Hear its origin story and how the distribution quickly came together.  Also, what got him into film? What’s it like being a movie producer? And what’s it like working with Yeardley Smith (the voice of Lisa Simpson)? All that and even some Theta Chi chat. Mildly awkward, but mostly entertaining! In honor of Nick’s appearance, get some Cosm...

Evan returns from his unintentional hiatus to interview another fellow Facebook friend. This time it’s Jessica Petraccione and we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of Bon Jovi. Evan and Jessica discuss favorite Jovi memories and then go rapid fire through every Bon Jovi album. What were their favorite tracks on each album? Which tracks were underappreciated? All that and more with a great awkward Jovi-based conversation! 😎 Get Bon Jovi’s remastered first album on Amazon with previously unreleased demos and live tracks! https://amzn.to/3uhJpzM =========== Need some 'Awkward Wear'? Check out the Evan's Socially Awkward apparel including some Socially...

Dr. Shannon Kroner has been working with special needs families since 2001. She is also the Executive Director of Freedom Of Religion - United Solutions (FOR-US), building an interfaith coalition of religious leaders who have united to protect the religious freedom of vaccine choice, helping thousands of Americans obtain religious vaccine exemptions for work and school. Most recently she is the author of the children's book I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK! published by Skyhorse Publishing and ICAN Press. In this interview hear her origin story, how Covid galvanized the vaccine choice movement and how celebrities have been blown away by her ef...

Sarah Nicole Nadler is a money coach for entrepreneurs as a licensed financial advisor, author and philanthropist. So as Socially Awkward's first entrepreneur-based Facebook friend, Evan gets Sarah to break down how to approach money. Where does she put her extra money? How do millionaires still end up short on cash? Later, Sarah talks about her fantasy writing as well as how to write an effective instructional, non-fiction book. So it's active income, passive income, lots of income and literary advice on the episode with lots of awkward. In honor of Sarah's appearance, order her book Space Patrol on Amazon.  =========== Ne...

Nicola Cheung met Evan initially when he performed at Landmark College in Vermont back in 2012. Since then Nicola went back to China through the pandemic, but recently returned to the United States living in Connecticut. What made her come back? How is she getting around without knowing how to drive? Then later, Evan delves deep into Nicola's unique ability to communicate with spirits as well as predict the future. When did she realize she had these powers? How has it affected her emotionally? Hear amazing anecdotes as we go all-in on the paranormal! With a side of awkward. In honor...

It's been roughly a month since Wheel of Fortune's WWE Week and Evan is talking to the champion contestant Grant Salzano. Grant won over $50,000 in cash and WWE-themed prizes over two shows in addition to the grand prize of tickets to Wrestlemania, Smackdown, the Hall of Fame and a Front-Row VIP experience for Monday Night Raw. Evan and Grant relive the key moments in his Wheel journey and how everything fell into place. Plus, he talks about being paired with Natalya Neidhart and how he designed a premium, customized title belt from the experience. All that and some pilot talk...

It's Wheel of Fortune's WWE Week and Evan has Wheel contestants on to recap and preview their appearances. Tracina Jones from Tampa partnered with Drew McIntyre. What did they talk about? How has her week been since going viral due to her incorrect ball-centric guess. Tracina is joining by Ben Clark who is about to partner with Big E. How did they manage to hit it off so well? And what event will Tracina and Ben even up attending next year? All that plus Tracina and Ben offer their full Wrestlemania predictions, and how Evan ended up as an alternate...

Palmer Davis dances hard, kicks high and can pull off a one-woman show. She also recently defeated breast cancer and was sharing her journey over social media. Hear how she emerged victorious and what she creatively has in store for the world. For more on Palmer, learn about The Palmer Dance Experience at palmerdance.com. In honor of Palmer's appearance, get the DVD Suburban Commando on Amazon! =========== Need some 'Awkward Wear'? Check out the Evan's Socially Awkward apparel including some Socially Awkward selections. Free Shipping with the promo code: AWKWARD. Facebook: @awkwardwithevan Twitter: @awkwardwithevan Instagram: @awkwardwithevan Website: awkwardwithevan.com Support t...

In their first ever conversation, Evan interviews Matt Duron, someone he hoped would get him a gig at his college (Thiel) back in 2007. Unfortunately, 15 years later, Evan has still not played Thiel but he is still friends with Matt. Hear about Matt's writing exploits, potential books in the works and his reaction to the pilot of the new Quantum Leap. For more on Matt, follow him on Tiktok, IG, and Twitter under Way2ManyVoices. In honor of Matt's appearance, get some Duran Duran on Amazon! =========== Need some 'Awkward Wear'? Check out the Evan's Socially Awkward apparel including some Socially Awkward...

Chris Daniel is running for Harris County District Clerk in Texas. Actually, re-running. Hear what his first stint was like, what a district clerk actually does and how people have been telling him how much they miss his district clerk-ness. And did you know more people have voted for Chris than for the governor of Utah? It's more midterm magic with a touch of awkward, plus a shoutout to Reckless Tortuga. For more info on Chris Daniel, go to chrisdaniel.org. In honor of Chris's appearance, order a copy of TNA Wrestling's The Best of Christopher Daniels DVD on Amazon!  =========== N...

Kristina Irwin is running for State Senator in California's District 24, a premiere zone that includes such communities at Santa Monica, Malibu, West Hollywood and many others. After setting an LA County record with over 6,200 write-in votes in the primary, this a mother of three, immigrant, small business owner and child advocate is out to upset incumbent Ben Allen in the general election. Can she do it? What's her strategy? And what are the most important issues facing Californians in 2022? Kristina, a constitutional conservative, breaks it down... before revealing what show she can't wait to return. Snuck in a little awkward! ...

Ernie Elwood (aka Elijah Beers) and Evan first met when Evan performed for Theta Chi Fraternity at Central Missouri State several years ago. But now it is Ernie who has taken the stage as an independent wrestler. What is his gimmick? Why the name Ernie Elwood? Where does he see himself ending up professionally? We hear about all that plus his big match against Harley Race's son on October 1 in St Joseph, MO! In honor of Ernie's appearance, get this "Someone Loves Your From Missouri" Candle on Amazon!  =========== Need some 'Awkward Wear'? Check out the Evan's new Funny Forever Tees ap...

Ryan Kugler is a jack-of-all-trades, and perhaps even the director of Creed and the new Space Jam. (Oh that's Ryan Coogler.) But really, hear about how this Ryan became a pro in VHS distribution but then reinvented himself in the liquidation business. He also has a side hustle where he puts on a variety of races. Plus, his family was recently out of town, which gave him the opportunity to check items off his Los Angeles bucket list. What was on the list? Where did he enjoy posing as a tourist the most? Ryan gets into all that right before...

Evan returns with a double episode! First, Actress Elisabeth Donaldson talks about being a full-time artist in Nashville, Tennessee and how it's different from being an actress in LA. (3:50) Plus the story of how she got Evan and his wife into SAG at the same time, going Fi-Core, navigating the pandemic and whether she's interacted with other Elisabeth Donaldsons. They also go into all of Elisabeth's creative talents and then scan some obituaries of recently departed Elisabeth Donaldson. Then it's a returning (and pregnant) Angela McArdle who is now the National Chair of the Libertarian Party. How did she level...

Lori Broslovsky is a Jersey girl who stops by to talk about her favorite band: Bon Jovi. Lori and Evan do a deep dive into everything Bon Jovi! They recap the reaction to their latest tour, lament the continued absence of Richie Sambora, and give their favorite non-mainstream Bon Jovi songs. Plus, they share their experiences meeting the band and how every time that's happened to Evan, he's made an awkward idiot of himself. And has Lori seen her final Bon Jovi show? All that and more. In honor of Lori's appearance, buy the Bon Jovi coffee table song When...

Jim Meskimen is a talented mix of acting, voiceovers, impressions and general artistry. He is also approaching 300 credits on IMDB thanks to appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Gas Lit, Apollo 13 and such commercials as Geico and KFC! Jim is now sharing his wealth of knowledge with a new online course called The Working Actor Method (jimworkingactor.com). Besides laying out the course, Jim and Evan talk about his past credits, his mother Marion Ross from Happy Days and his favorite impressions. Then Evan tries to extract an impression of wrestling commentator Jim Ross just to see...

Tiffany Meldal-Johnsen, recently relocated to Vashon Island in Washington State, joins Evan to discuss everything TV and movies from past to present. Tiffany and Evan rattle through The Gary Shandling Show, Golden Girls, Seinfeld, Friends, Ted Lasso, Curb Your Enthusiasm and so much more. Which shows were Tiffany's favorites? Which were she never a fan of? Then they move on to their love of bad movies and the movie Evan watched for the first time while his wife was in labor. Finally, Evan launches Tiffany into a career full of voiceover work and authoring books about her love of TV...

Mark Meuser is a constitutional law attorney and native Californian who is running for US Senate in 2022. How is the campaign trail? Why did he chose the US Senate race? What are his thoughts on election integrity? All this and even some fitness talk. And don’t worry, Evan was still awkward. Jump to your preferred topic: (times are approximate) 3:25 Mark’s take on the recall election. 9:30 Previewing Newsom’s 2022 election day 12:10 Why Mark is running for US Senate 17:00 The state of election integrity and what needs to be changed 22:20 Addressing the idea of voter suppression and the use of emerge...

Eric James Madden is a fellow Theta Chi who went to and advises the chapter at Ball State University... while also working full-time for a DIFFERENT fraternity! Is he a mole? A double-agent? One thing he definitely is is a graphic design and media wizard. Hear about those endeavors plus issues facing fraternities and sororities today. Plus, Evan recalls the time his show at Theta Chi's Ball State chapter led to the downfall of their rival. It had some awkward moments. Note: Since the interview, Eric no longer works for the other fraternity. SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the p...

Max Bonilla is a 17-year-old activist from Sacramento. Max talks about how the pandemic made him more aware of California state laws and the legislature in general. Although not old enough to vote or run for office, Max shares his insight on questionable laws the state has passed or is planning to pass. Then he and Evan run through state lawmakers and Max decides whom he would like to clone and whom he would like to get rid of. And does he want to run for office someday? All that and so much more from Evan's newest Facebook friend! SUBSCRIBE t...

Judea Johnson is a renaissance woman that advocates for medical freedom and loves to travel! Recently relocated from California to Florida, Judea explains her move, how natural childbirth led her to the world of v---ines, and is she an anti-vaxxer? Judea answers and weighs in on lockdowns, mandates and whether other members of the black community view these measures as segregation. It's also Evan and Judea's first ever conversation so awkward is guaranteed. SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.com/funnyevan. Need some 'Awkward Wear'? Get some 'Socially Awkward c...

Brandon Hurley is an American Youtuber who to his Vietnamese audience is known as Phuc Map. Hear how Brandon went from America to Vietnam and grew to be a well-known TV personality. Also, hear all the things Brandon can teach, plus Vietnam's dealings with the pandemic. Brandon is also a fellow Theta Chi brother who initially met Evan in 2006 when Evan crashed on his couch during a southeast tour. It's bilingual awkward! Check out Brandon Hurley's vlog at: www.youtube.com/c/phucmapvlog SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast for as little as $1/month by going to patreon.c...

Jeff Shipley is a state representative from Iowa, and somehow he’s Evan’s Facebook friend. Jeff discusses his nihilistic political origins, his experience as a stand-up comedian, selling solar panels and sauerkraut before holding office, and an update on Iowa in the era of Covid. Jeff then goes into how he beat out Phil Miller for office by a mere handful of votes, his learning curve as an elected official and what his rapport is with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Plus, how he was introduced to the medical freedom movement, dealing with internet trolls, and selling Americans on why Iowa...

The title is not a typo:  In a Socially Awkward first (and probably last), Evan interviews two Facebook friends with the same name!! Welcome Kerri-Ann Wallace & Kerri-Ann Wallace! What are each of their connections to Beverly Hills 90210? Which Kerri-Ann Wallace is from Riverdale? (And does she watch Riverdale?) Which Kerri-Ann is on sabbatical? Which Kerri-Ann works in ion implantation? Which Kerri-Ann has never been to a concert? Which Kerri-Ann named her cat after a Yankees pitcher? All these answers come to the surface, plus the Kerri-Anns share how people get their names wrong and how one Kerri-Ann struggled to get h...

Jessica Amal is an actress, writer and producer who actually cast Evan in his first student film when he moved to LA! After reminiscing about the film, they then get into Jessica's public battle with lung cancer and how she's been able to stay strong. She also talks about how she met her husband and then she and Evan watch back the film during the interview (but this was cut because of an overwhelming amount of toilet FX. To watch their film "Nincompoopy," check it out on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW2cqppXlEY SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY A...

Kristi Slager initially met Evan at Beverly Hills Playhouse and over a decade later she's on Socially Awkward! Did you know at Notre Dame that Joe Montana was the backup to her dad!? Kristi takes us from driving cross-country to Los Angeles to navigating teaching during the pandemic. Plus, she and Evan discuss TV shows young and old. How would they each do on The Bachelor / The Bachelorette? Plus thoughts on The OA, Golden Girls and Cobra Kai. And how many other Kristi Slagers are out there? Plenty random and plenty awkward! SUBSCRIBE to SOCIALLY AWKWARD, and support the podcast f...

Owen Alabado is an actor, comedian, singer, dancer, martial artist - in other words, a Renaissance man. Hear how this Wisconsin native was drawn to theater, moved to Los Angeles and is currently kicking butt back in Wisconsin. He also talks about his comedy and he and Evan retrace their steps on how they met. (2:40) Then, returning to the podcast for the first time since Episode 1, Beckett Sage stops in to give his Wrestlemania 37 predictions, even though he does not regularly watch wrestling. Beckett also ponders at what age he will be able to beat up his dad and what...