Chicken Fried Radio

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Chicken Fried Radio (CFR) is a weekly podcast by Tobie Hiddel (also known as T.E.), Christian Huey, and Abbie Wyndham. Ryan Hill co-hosted the program from August 28, 2005 to May 11, 2006. The hosts are friends who live and work in Austin, Texas, USA. The shows are comedic in theme and fairly fluid in format, though always featuring humorous takes on various strange or unusual news stories. Their podcast is unique both in its freewheeling, "no topic off limits" concept and in its exceptionally close ties to its fan base.

Contents

[edit] Origin and Development

Chicken Fried Radio began in August 2005 as an experiment, spearheaded by T.E. Hiddel, to find out what kind and size of an audience was available to podcasts with little-to-no financial backing. The first two episodes featured only Hiddel and Hill, in a more conventional (albeit thematically dadaist) fashion, as a conversation between two friends about various topics of interest. Huey joined starting with the third episode, and Wyndham rounded out the cast during the fourth.

Initially, CFR was promoted only through word of mouth, to the friends and family of the four hosts. After half a dozen episodes, it was featured on iTunes, where it continues to be available. As of January 24, 2007, a total of 59 episodes had been produced. At present, recordings typically occur on Monday nights, and finished episodes are usually released on Wednesdays. The episodes (beginning with Episode 8) are available on the official CFR website [1]. Episode 4 was replayed as Episode 25, and Episodes 5 and 6 were reposted during a hiatus in August 2006. (Episodes 1, 2, and 7 are only available on the old CFR website. [2])

[edit] Cast and Crew

The hosts are all amateur actors who specialize to varying degrees in voice acting, including performing with the Austin vintage radio drama troupe, Violet Crown Radio Players (VCRP), which was founded by Hiddel. However, all four work "day jobs," and pursue their dramatic endeavors (including CFR) in their spare time.

In the course of recording CFR, the hosts have been given or have taken on several nicknames. The first and most common is the self-bestowed "Bushleague Jackasses with Microphones," often shortened to simply "Jackasses", in reference to their initial (and ongoing) lack of professionalism.

Other monikers, such as "The Fried Four" and "The Four Bringers of Chaos," were given by their listeners. In the latter case, the name was bestowed derogatorily by Vox Monitor hosts Eric and Cohry. Fans made the name their own, equating the name with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, with Hiddel as Death, Hill as War, Wyndham as Famine, and Huey as Pestilence.

Following Ryan Hill's voluntary departure from the show on May 11, 2006, the three remaining Jackasses decided not to replace Hill, but to continue the show as a trio. Every now and then, however, the Jackasses welcome aboard a guest host, particularly when said host has some expertise on the week's topic. Past guest hosts have included: Violet Crown Radio Players' creative director and Robert E. Howard biographer, Mark Finn; Violet Crown Radio Player and voice actor Craig York; and longtime creative collaborator with Christian Huey, Reuben Barr.

[edit] Regular Hosts

[edit] Tobie T.E." Hiddel

Along with hosting, T.E. handles sound mixing and post production duties on the show. As the originator, he traditionally begins and ends the show, and serves to keep it more or less on track. His temper is legendary, however, and he occasionally sidetracks into humorous, albeit off-topic, rants.

When not working on the show, Hiddel serves as a "public safety professional."

[edit] Ryan Hill

(cast member from August 28, 2005 - May 11, 2006)

The oldest member of the cast (birthdate: August 15, 1968), Ryan was also the most-often ridiculed, especially by TE. Hill's "hyena-like" (a listener's description, oft repeated by Hiddel) cackle had, from the beginning, been a source of complaints from listeners, sound-level balancing difficulties for show editors (primarily Hiddel), and countless in-jokes. His laugh was such a prominent and distinctive part of the show, that its absence was blatantly apparent to regular listeners during the episodes of which he was not a part, and since his departure from the show.

His on-air persona was that of a loser who constantly complained about his lack of a love-life, expressed his bizarre sexual desires, and made references to his nerdy, esoteric pastimes.

Hill is of Irish-American descent. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and attended Catholic parochial middle-school in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He moved to Spring, Texas (not Conroe) in 1982, where he graduated from high school in 1986. He then attended The University of Texas at Austin and received Bachelors in English and Journalism in 1992. Hill now works for the University as a web writer.

He has had a variety of small voice acting parts including many with the Violet Crown Radio Players.

A self-admitted geek, Ryan is an avid player of the World of Warcraft MMORPG. He also owns a textbook of J.R.R. Tolkien's invented Sindarin elf language. Hill is a self-described "namby-pamby liberal," and frequently expresses sympathy for those skewered by the show.

Hill also freely admits that he is recovering from alcoholism, attends Alcoholics Anonymous and group therapy. He has been sober since late 2001.

Hill and Hiddel met and became friends while attending the 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin. Hill is divorced, and has a 15-year-old son.

Unhappy with many of CFR's themes and material, Ryan Hill left the show on amicable terms on May 11, 2006. His departure was announced on the official message boards. He remains an active presence on the boards under the pseudonym Pete Best, an apparent nod to the infamous fifth Beatle who was replaced by Ringo Starr in 1962.

Hill made a magnanimous return for the first anniversary episodes 50 and 51 (recorded concurrently as a two-part episode) on September 17, 2006.

The original hosts of Chicken Fried Radio, from left to right, Ryan Hill, Abbie Wyndham, T.E. Hiddel, Christian Huey
The original hosts of Chicken Fried Radio, from left to right, Ryan Hill, Abbie Wyndham, T.E. Hiddel, Christian Huey

[edit] Christian Huey

Huey provides the bulk of the pre-recorded segments and is creator of many of CFR's recurring characters. Since mid-summer 2006, he has also served as the show's chief editor, freeing up T.E. to handle more of the business-oriented functions of CFR. Huey and Abbie Wyndham also write and perform original songs for CFR. Christian Huey is the second-youngest member (birthdate: June 9, 1979) after Abbie Wyndham. His on-air persona is often that of the resident lazy slacker, with a working memory similar to that of a "goldfish" (T.E.'s description), and with a compunction for mooching food and booze. As well as being a member of the T.E. Hiddel-founded Violet Crown Radio Players in Austin, TX (a distinction which all four members share, including sometimes guest hosts Mark Finn and Craig York), most of Huey's acting experience comes from live improvisational and sketch comedy. Huey has worked with Austin troupes Monks' Night Out (in 1999), the Austin chapter of ComedySportz (in 1994-1995), the Heroes of Comedy (in 2004) and the Rough Cutz in San Diego, CA (in 1999-2000).

Huey earned a bachelor's degree in Radio-TV-Film production from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998, and did some post-graduate work in that field at San Diego State University in 1999-2000. Huey is also a certified bilingual (Spanish) and special education elementary teacher. He makes frequent references to his various teaching jobs as an educator for diverse populations at both public and private schools in the Austin area.

Huey is also a freelance music and games reviewer who has published reviews for All Music Guide and its sister site All Game Guide. Huey and Wyndham have an oft-explored romantic relationship which was made public on CFR in Episode 4.

Christian Huey considers himself a "closet geek" whose passions include videogames (especially RPGs and platformers), the mythology of David Bowie, the art of Sam Hurt, and drawing his comic strip "Things Are Happening." Huey is an enthusiastic student of Hispanic culture, and spends many summers in the deserts of Central Mexico.

Huey and Wyndham are currently engaged to be married.

[edit] Arbie Wyndham

(birthdate: May 21, 1981) Biography to be added.

[edit] Guest Hosts

[edit] Mark Finn

Appeared in Episode 23. Biography to be added.

[edit] Craig York

Appeared in Episodes 36, 46, 47. Dubbed "Ringo" by T.E. to commemorate his replacement of Ryan Hill. Further biography to be added.

[edit] Reuben Barr

Appeared in episode 53. Barr, a childhood buddy of Christian Huey, was a co-host and co-creator (with Huey) of the short-lived cable access TV show "The Freak Show," in the late 1990s. Huey and Barr had previously collaborated on several comedy and musical projects during their college years in Austin, TX. Many of the characters portrayed on CFR have their roots in past collaborative efforts between the two friends. Further biography to be added.

[edit] Behind the Scenes Crew

[edit] Stephen Bohls

Known as "Kino-Eye", Stephen is a real-life friend of the Jackasses who assisted in recording Episode 16.

[edit] Jason Lloyd

Known as "The Kentucky Fried Pecker." Currently serves as Producer/Call Screener since CFR's inception as a live webcast beginning with Episode 37. Also works with Shawn Patrick Cooke in handling CFR's promotions and other business affairs.

[edit] Shawn Patrick Cooke

Known as "Mad Captain Ian." Currently serves as CFR's business manager, and shares some business-related duties with Jason Lloyd.

[edit] Nick Khani

Known as "Swish Nick." Handles graphic design duties and maintains the CFR website. Currently working with Christian Huey to develop the first run of Chicken Fried Radio CDs. Swish Nick also stands in as the show's producer from time to time.

[edit] Show Structure

One defining aspect of Chicken Fried Radio, which has been identified as an object of both praise and criticism, is its "nothing sacred" philosophy of humor. Fodder for comedy may include: religious beliefs of all stripes, cannibalism, genocide, homosexuality, substance abuse, obesity, and babies dead from neglectful videogame-addicted parents, only to name a few topics. It is, however, not unusual to hear the "Jackasses" reveal their own political leanings, as some seemingly inane topics may veer (briefly) into serious debate. Ryan, Christian, and Abbie don't hedge about their liberal-leaning views. T.E. is a self-described libertarian.

Most external reviews of CFR have praised the hosts' mix of highbrow and lowbrow treatments of the subject matter they tackle. All four hosts of CFR are college-educated professionals, with strong backgrounds in theatre and broadcasting. Thus, along with off-the-cuff jokes and non-sequiturs, the "Jackasses" have a tendency to discuss many topics (no matter how seemingly absurd) as fodder for academic debate.

Shows are themed and usually begin with responses to listener voice-mails and e-mails--often by abusing the listener. Next, a pre-recorded sketch (usually written and recorded by either Christian Huey or Abbie Wyndham, or both. As of November 2006, T.E. has also introduced several stock characters and sketches.) is played that segues directly into the show's weekly topic. During the "body" of the show, the hosts present strange stories or personal experiences and make jokes about them, usually (but not always) centered around the week's theme. There are frequent references to a host's links (as in hyperlinks), as most of the outside material presented on the show is culled from sources on the internet. Aside from the show's original sketches (most pre-recorded, but some performed live), the show is completely improvised.

Each episode concludes with a song, typically one that has at least some bearing on the week's theme. The length of each episode varies. The first several episodes average around 50 minutes. Later ones (about episodes 17 to the present) range from 70 to 80 minutes, including the closing song. After the featured song, there is often a short soundbite lifted from the episode.

[edit] Criticism

A criticism (made notable by a scathingly negative review on Vox Monitor), has been made that CFR often resembles, through its format and cult-of-personality approach, American "drive time radio" programs. Such shows, usually stressing style over substance, have a reputation with many American radio listeners as inane and gimmicky. According to these critics, the only real distinguishing feature between Chicken Fried Radio and these programs is CFR's liberal use of profanity. According to FCC regulations, broadcast radio must be free of obscenities. (The FCC has no such censorship laws regarding podcasts.) Another criticsm has been levelled regarding the sense of relative chaos brought about by four hosts struggling to obtain equal airtime, and with no real script to guide them (see review at "elasticradio.com"). The hosts may talk over each other or become exasperated with each other from time to time. Fans of the show claim that this aspect of CFR lends an enjoyable dramatic tension to the flow of each episode.

[edit] Segments

Irrespective of theme, there are certain recurring segments.

  • Listener Feedback - The hosts read emails and play voice mails from their listeners. Initially they attempted to respond to all the feedback they received, but as the show progressed and fan interest increased, they began to select the four best.
  • The Weekly Monkey Story - Not restricted exclusively to monkeys, nor is it weekly, the Weekly Monkey Story (introduced by a soundclip of James Earl Jones saying, "This is CNN.") is a humorous news article involving any non-human primate. This segment has its origins in the "Monkey Bites Off Man's Testicles" story in Episode 1. Hill continued the bit and in Episode 3 it was actually named. The Weekly Monkey Story was discontinued as a regular segment with the departure of Ryan Hill. Hill reprised the bit when he returned for the 50th episode reunion show.
Lightning Reaction, the game device used to select who tells the People in Your Neighborhood story.
Lightning Reaction, the game device used to select who tells the People in Your Neighborhood story.
  • People in Your Neighborhood - In this segment, one or more of the hosts tells an anecdote about a person they've encountered in their lives. The story is typically unrelated to the episode's theme. Initially all four hosts told a story, but as the segment tended to run too long, a method was developed to single out one of the hosts--playing a party game called Lightning Reaction. The loser told the story that week, but was excused from playing again until all four had told their story.
  • eBay Items - Typically found and read by Wyndham, this segment showcases strange or unusual eBay auctions, most often related to the weekly topic.
  • Lester Sniffit's Fireside Theater - Wyndham, voicing the title character, does a dramatic reading of fan fiction or other stories found on the Internet. Huey typically provides other voices. This segment is pre-taped and then played on air.
  • Ask T.E. - T.E. provides Dear Abby-style "advice" for listeners--in the form of brutal truth or unusual takes on the problem. (For example, when one listener's girlfriend cheated on him, Hiddel asked for her telephone number for "counseling" purposes.)
  • Inscrutable Audio - Unusual audio clips from around the Internet. These usually feature a celebrity or other recognizable voice doing something out of the ordinary, such as Siskeland Ebert insulting each other, or Vincent Price giving a curry recipe made from little boys.
  • Ryantron 2300 - Following Ryan Hill's departure, T.E. engineered a "virtual Ryan," stocked with Ryan catchphrases and soundbites. The Ryantron 2300 is sometimes used to fill a void where a typical Ryan response would be expected.
  • The Rundown - Since the inception of CFR's live Skypecasts, a break is taken in the middle of the program to hear live listener feedback. T.E. welcomes each listener chosen to speak with the prompt: "It's Chicken Fried Radio! What have you got for us, (name here)?" The person on the other end is rarely given more than five seconds to speak, and is typically cut off by the sound of an air horn.
  • The Weekly Qu'ran Quote - Abbie's weekly exploration of archane passages from the holy book.
  • Ask a Magical Negro - a segment by T.E., starring Jefferson Roosevelt Washington III, a self-proclaimed Magical Negro. The Magical Negro is a common literary figure explored in episodes 46 and 47. Washington gives advice to (mostly white) callers, ultimately obsequiating to said caucasians for having a heart "as pure as the driven snow." The segment was ended due to complaints and pressure from certain listeners, who did not realize that the character was intended as satire, not as racism.
  • The CFR Mashup - Fan-created "songs" involving select clips from shows and backed by techno beats and other musical arrangements. Listener Peeinyourbutt started the tradition. Kaiser, another listener, has also made mashup contributions.

[edit] Running Gags

Certain catch phrases have developed over the run of the show.

  • "Monkey juice!" - Based on a Weekly Monkey Story, based on a scientific study which revealed that male chimpanzees will pay with their juice rations to see photographs of the hindquarters of female chimpanzees. First used by Hiddel, the phrase has since broadened in use to indicate deviant sexual desire.
  • "I'm a... Public Safety Professional." - A phrase oft-repeated by Hiddel. This sentence almost always heralds the beginning of an anecdote about something encountered at work.
  • "It's all recursive!" - First popularized by Huey, and typically used to indicate that certain subjects tend to recur on the show.
  • "Paint roller, Tabasco sauce, and Simpsons Trivia" - Three items that sat beside Huey and Wyndham's bed for some time after having moved. Rumored to be very inventive sex toys.
  • "You, me, Betsy, it'll be great!" - Based on the infamous Pat O'Brien sexual harassment tapes. The Applebee's restaurant is often associated with this catch phrase. Other Substitutions are often made in this catch phrase to indicate unusual sexual proclivities--e.g. "You, me, the toilet costume... it'll be great!".
  • "Irritating" - A sound clip from a review on the Vox Monitor podcast, and very irritating in its own right. Usually used several dozen times in rapid succession.
  • "We're talking about the show... on the show!" - Initial criticism focused on how the hosts tended to discuss business of the show while on the air. This is still somewhat characteristic, but when the hosts realize their error, they typically repeat this in unison.
  • "Rotterdam flapjacks" - A phrase spoken by Abbie Widham, dubbed over profanity in one of Simon Mind's voicemails. The voicemail was edited in a supposed attempt to cut the show for the actual radio. It is unknown what expression the above was substituted for, but it has since become a stand-in for profanity, used for humorous effect.
  • "The wonder that is Papa Smurf" - Based around an event when Huey was intoxicated and began to talk about Papa Smurf. Wyndham made the above comment, which caused Huey to laugh uproariously for upwards of five minutes.
  • "You fat fuck!" - Originated in Episode 26 in response to the travesties committed by the obese. After a spontaneous (and out-of-context) use by Huey, the quote soon broadened into a general term of disparagement.
  • "Flooit!" or "Floop!" - An expletive; also a nondescript, yet salacious activity. (see "Meghan and Gaby" in the "Listeners" section)
  • "When I was standing atop K2..." - A phrase used to ridicule someone when he boasts pretentiously about his international travels. First uttered by Hiddel.
  • "Bye, Utah!" - Delivered in a mentally retarded voice, meant to convey a concern of potential loss of listenership. This quote was first delivered by Huey, and now usually follows a particularly offensive comment by one of the hosts. The place name may change depending on the group being insulted.
  • "I'm receiving my due benevolence!" - First uttered by Wyndham. Used to indicate a deviant sexual desire or activity, especially within a religious context.
  • "Butterflies shooting out of my ass." - Hill's euphemism for happiness. In polite company, "ass" may be replaced with "nose." Presumably, to shove butterflies up one's ass would create happiness.
  • "He's not like Q*bert weird?" - A quote from Huey in Episode 32. The insinuation is that Q*bert the 1980s videogame character is the paragon of all that is weird and/or bizarre.
  • "Shiny train wreck" - A recorded piece of entertainment (for example, a podcast episode) cluttered and chaotic; rendered listenable only through extensive post-production. This is based on a quote from Huey, meant to describe Episode 33 after his proposed edits.
  • "Roll over and pee on yourself!" - Coined by T.E. Used as an admonition against someone to take on a submissive pose following another person's aggression.
  • "Professor Arglebargle" - an imaginary, overeducated and pretentious professor. Used by the Jackasses as a sobriquet against someone as he/she expounds upon a (typically esoteric) topic at length.
  • "Brock Throckmorton" - Used to represent the quintessential news anchor.
  • "Dovetail" - The word always used when one news article or story leads directly into another.
  • "Limpin' like an egg noodle" - A phrase of uncertain origin which has come to represent the minute detail with which listeners examine the show.
  • Coke Blek - The hosts' name for Coca-Cola Blāk, the favorite beverage of Mad Captain Ian. The name derives from the spelling "Blāk," which in phonetics would be pronounced with a long a sound (rhyming with "cake."
  • "I quit dis bitch!" - A phrase taken from Inetta the Moodsetter, a former Mobile, Alabama radio DJ. Used to express disgust or resignation.
  • "Good luck ... not that yo' gonna need it, bein' white n' all." - Sign-off message of Washington Roosevelt Jefferson III. A reference to the Uncle Tom-like nature of this character.

[edit] Recurring Characters

Thanks in part to the fan base and in part to the hosts' proficiency with voice acting, CFR has accumulated a wide variety of real and invented characters.

[edit] Listeners

  • Hollywood Nick - The first fan to become a regular caller. The name "Hollywood Nick" was given to him by the hosts after, in the first call, Nick triumphantly announced that he was from Hollywood. The hosts then established a running joke; namely, that Nick was employed as a fluffer. The fact that Nick played along with the joke established him as an early fan favorite. He has a long-running feud with Simon Mind.
  • Simon Mind - Simon first called the show asking to be the crazy next door neighbor. Often described as the show's "psycho fan," he and Hollywood Nick have developed a continuing grudge. This rivalry took place on the message boards in a memorable flame war, and on the show through voice mails. The rivalry culminated on the show with an impromptu sing-off between the two.
  • Scooter - A caller with a strong Southern accent from "East Tenn." Scooter's calls typically involve a personal anecdote about his activities during the previous week, and commentary on the last episode. He always ends his calls with the distinctive "this is Scooter... Out!" (He first used this closing ironically to ridicule another caller from California, but it quickly became characteristic of him.)
  • Swish Nick - A resident of Britain, Swish Nick was the first caller to successfully use Skype to leave a voice-mail. His on-air persona includes a strange sexual obsession with food, specifically peanut butter, jelly and Yorkshire pudding, as well as a (presumably feigned) attraction for Christian Huey. Swish Nick is currently CFR's webmaster and serves as CFR's art director.
  • The Heckler - A recent addition to the frequent callers, the Heckler delivers the "Joke of the Week," often involving a midget with a harelip. The nickname was given to him in Episode 29 by the hosts, who have also equated him with the aforementioned midget.
  • Mad Captain Ian - A promiment presence on the CFR boards (as of March 2006), Mad Captain Ian delivered an infamous "Friars Club"-style roast of all four "Jackasses" in Episode 30. He is currently labeled as the "Superfan". Ends his voicemails with a pirate-like "Yarrrr!"
  • Meghan and Gaby - two young females—self-described minors—who call in to giggle and taunt the "Jackasses." It is believed that Gaby uttered the now-famous incomprehensible expletive, repeated by the "Jackasses" as "flooit!" The term has entered the CFR vernacular as as a nondescript, but possibly salacious activity. (eg. "Last night me and the girls went to a club to "flooit!" with some boys.")
  • Mark Finn - a shared friend of all four hosts, and the first person to serve as guest host (see Episode 23: "I Luv U, Snookums!"). Finn's calls are often in an exasperated tone as he criticizes a previous episode. Sometimes known as "the fifth Jackass," à la The Beatles, Finn is the second founding member of the Violet Crown Radio Players, another shared project of the members of Chicken Fried Radio.
  • Giuseppe - an Italian shoemaker living in Austin as an expatriate. He bemoans leaving his home country behind and longs for the days in Italy when he and Chicken Fried Radio shared a friendship. Giuseppe is actually a character voiced by Gannon Patton, another member of the Violet Crown Radio Players.
  • Kentucky Fried Pecker - Like Mad Captain Ian, KFP berates the Jackasses themselves during his call-in messages. KFP earned notoriety among the fanbase by dropping the "N-word" on the community message board. The Jackasses, in turn, have labelled him (half in jest) as CFR's resident bigot.
  • Berea Steph - Self-proclaimed ex-girlfriend of Kentucky Fried Pecker. Steph often teams up with KFP to deliver sexually-charged "bitch sessions" against each other during their on-air messages. Berea Steph is credited with bringing in listeners during the show's earlier period, including KFP, and serving as an ambassador of the show. As a personal favor and to repay her efforts, Ryan agreed on the show to not play a particularly goofy voicemail she left.
  • Peeinyourbutt - creator of the musical CFR "mashups." The "mashups" are composed of selected clips from the show set to heavy techno beats and other musical arrangements.

[edit] Invented Characters

  • Crackhead Cosby - This character is Huey's impression of Bill Cosby on crack, which originated during a story on crack-addicted squirrels. The impression proved to be a favorite among fans on the CFR message boards. In recent episodes, Crackhead Cosby is treated as a person rather than an impression, and has left "voice mails" for the hosts.
  • Bruce the Hairdresser - A flamboyantly homosexual hairdresser, as voiced by Hill. This character leaves "voice mails" and makes sexually suggestive references about the hosts. Appears on episodes 27?, 34.
  • Der Heidler - A distinctly Hitlerian character, voiced by Hiddel, who angrily exhorts calls to action from CFR listeners. Appears on episodes 26?, 34.
  • Coach Miller - A stereotypical high school football coach, voiced by Huey, and based on his real-life high school gym coach. His voice mails are usually full of innuendo of which he is blissfully unaware. Appears on episodes 23, 27, 39, 45, 50.
  • Antonin and Micha - Uber-prententious graduate students from CalArts University, who review reviews of podcast reviews. Voiced by Huey and Wyndham, respectively. They constantly try to one-up each other by reading levels of philosophical innuendo into each other's statements (for example, "How very post-post feminist of you"). The characters are a parody of Eric and Cohry of the Vox Monitor "podcast review podcast" who featured a famously negative review of Chicken Fried Radio in a November 2005 episode of their podcast. Appear on episodes 12, 22, 32, 42, 50.
  • Lester Sniffit - The lisping host of "Lester Sniffit's Fireside Theater," voiced by Wyndham. Ends his segments with a cheery "Hidey ho!" Appears on episodes 20, 21, 23, 44, 50, 56.
  • Randy Tutone - Boston-based porno maven, voiced by Huey, who specializes in erotica celebrating plus-sized females. Fictional models include "Appalachia" and "Jupiterine." Appears on episode 26, 50.
  • Barry and (as of yet unnamed) narrator - a clueless and profane old man interviewed by an equally clueless, yet fawning younger man. The segments featuring the two characters, "Wednesdays with Barry," is a direct parody of the bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie, which was made famous by its feature in Oprah's Book Club. Both characters are voiced by Huey. Appears on episodes 29, 36, 50.
  • Stephen Hawking - a computer-synthesized "impression" of Dr. Stephen Hawking, usually featured during clip episodes as an M.C. Appears on episodes 15, 25, 50, 51.
  • Markie Byoogre - Cultural attaché from the Freak Nation. Voiced by Christian Huey (since 1989), this character with a high-pitched voice fancies himself a ladies' man - at least while he's on Earth. Appears on episode 33, 50.
  • Floofy - The Grand High Asswhooper of the Freak Nation. This character, voiced by Huey and described by Mad Captain Ian as the lovechild of the Kids in the Hall's Chicken Lady and a ninja, was resurrected from a short film called "The Freak Show - Boardroom of Doom" made by Huey and Reuben Barr in 1999. Coined the phrase, "Catch ya later, flatulator!" Appears on episodes 27, 35, 50, 53. Mad Captain Ian recorded "Floofy," a parody of "Jessie" by Joshua Kadison, which aired on Episode 56.
  • Dr. Virginia Frigidire - A psychologist, voiced by Wyndham, whose task it is to psychoanalyze the hosts. Appears on episode 34.
  • Maria Consuela Lupita Chorizo Jimena de la O - Recipient of a one-night stand by T.E. during an excursion to Chihuaha, Mexico. She is the mother of T.E.'s illegitimate half-Mexican son, and still carries a chip on her shoulder. Voiced by Abbie Wyndham. Appears on episode 35.
  • Robert Wayne Mason - Host of the Lotion Basket series of informative videos for serial killers-in training. Otherwise known as "the Garden Hose Killer." Voiced by Christian Huey. Appears on episodes 41, 52.
  • Jefferson Roosevelt Washington III - Host of T.E.'s "Ask a Magical Negro." Based on numerous "magical negroes" in literature and films, eg. The Green Mile, The Shawshank Redemption, The Legend of Bagger Vance, etc. Appears on episodes 47, 50, 52, 53.
  • Mr. Man - CEO of Corporations, Inc., the intergalactic company of number-crunching, soulless men in business suits. Currently at war against the Freak Nation, led by Floofy. Voiced by Reuben Barr. Appears on episodes 53, 56.
  • Stan - Floofy's significant other, a huge amorphic mass with a voracious appetite. Co-host of the underground propaganda show "The Freak Show." Voiced by Reuben Barr. Appears on episode 53.

[edit] Current Audience

Chicken Fried Radio has relied almost solely on word-of-mouth for exposure. Fans of CFR are called (by the hosts and fellow fans) "Peckerheads," or simply "Peckers." The four hosts of CFR are closely tied to their "Peckers" via their website's message board. This unusually strong online community has led CFR to reach the tops of many online podcast directory sites. CFR has commanded a large portion of its following from American university students. However, interestingly, CFR seems to have particularly large followings in the UK, Australia, and also (most unexpectedly) in American gay communities. CFR's popularity with the latter group was evidenced most notably at Podcast Soup, a podcast review site dedicated to gay and transgender-themed programs. Chicken Fried Radio was featured in February 2006 as a recommended "heterocast."

The show was mentioned in the LA Daily News, reviewed on the "podcast review podcast" Vox Monitor, reviewed on the British comedy and music podcast Punky! and has been regularly featured on iTunes. More recently, Chicken Fried Radio was lauded in a review at Elastic Radio

Popularity of the show has been steadily increasing with each episode. It is consistently in the top 150 at Podcast Alley, out of upwards of 18,000 podcasts listed. Subscriptions average approximately 2000 per week, and actual circulation is estimated at over 3,500 per episode. In March 2006, CFR reached a ranking of 45 overall, and number 7 in the "comedy" subcategory on Podcast Alley. According to Libsyn, the podcast's web host, Chicken Fried Radio surpassed 80,000 downloads near the end of September 2006.

On Sunday, May 21, 2006, Chicken Fried Radio launched its first Skypecast. The show is now aired via Skype, which means potential listeners must have Skype installed on their computers and be logged in. Via a remote human "switchboard," live listeners may also speak on air via Skype. Simultaneously, listeners have the freedom to comment on the show as it airs through Skypechat.

A major publicity campaign was started in September 2006 to attract sponsors for the show, and to develop merchandise such as CDs, T-shirts, etc.

A 50th episode-cum-first anniversary program was recorded (in two parts, the second being episode 51) in the new CFR studio on September 17. Ryan Hill rejoined the cast for the special.

"The Milk-o-Meter Challenge:" In September 2006, the Jackasses began a publicity campaign whereby if 500 dollars in donations were collected by October 15, T.E. would drink a gallon of whole milk within one hour. According to several sources, this is a task that cannot be performed without vomiting. A substantial total of cash was raised; more than 600 dollars. T.E. held up his end of the bargain. On October 16, two digital video cameras captured T.E., during the recording of episode 53, vomiting milk into a five-gallon bucket. A Youtube release is planned for the near future, capturing the deed.

[edit] Episode Guide

See List of Chicken Fried Radio episodes.

[edit] External links


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