Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's
This is a podcast about whatever happened to pizza at McDonald's.
Mon, March 31, 2025
367 - Group Chat
I solicit help from above in my quest to be accidentally added to a group chat discussing top secret McDonald's secrets.
Tue, March 25, 2025
366 - Adult Babies
I show support for McDonald's adult-oriented menu items (like pizza) by donning a costume to purchase the new Minecraft adult Happy Meal.
Wed, March 19, 2025
365 - Facial Recognition
I attempt to trick McDonald's new artificial intelligence facial recognition technology by wearing a rubber fright mask of comedian/talent judge Howard Mandel's face.
Fri, February 28, 2025
364 - Priest Chat
In my pursuit to join the College of Cardinals so that I might cast a vote for a pizza-friendly pope, I chat online with a friendly priest from PriestChat.com.
Wed, February 26, 2025
363 - Pope Pizzaballa I
With the current pope in ill health, I pursue the possibility of joining the College of Cardinals so that I might cast a vote for the next pope: Pope Pizzaballa I.
Thu, February 20, 2025
362 - DOGE
In an attempt to gain better access to government records regard McDonald's Pizza matters (whatever happened to it, etc.), I seek to join the Department of Government Efficiency.
Fri, February 14, 2025
361 - Plastic Poisoning
Research on Reddit.com leads me to question whether McDonald's stopped serving pizza because too many people were eating the plastic tray on which is was served.
Fri, January 31, 2025
360 - Altoona-Style Pizza, Part 3
On the conclusion of an epic 3-part saga concerning the horrific Altoona-style pizza, I share the results of my accidental plastic consumption with the Kraft corporation and am rewarded handsomely for the effort.
Wed, January 29, 2025
359 - Altoona-Style Pizza, Part 2
On the advice of the Kraft corporation, I contact the reference desk at my local public library to determine whether I am in bodily danger from having consumed a Kraft Single with the plastic wrapper still on.
Sat, January 25, 2025
358 - Altoona-Style Pizza, Part 1
I detail the shocking horror of Altoona-style pizza and suffer my own intestinal mishap in the process.
Tue, December 31, 2024
357 - New Year Predictions
I contact a professional psychic to answer some questions regarding what to expect in the new year vis-à-vis the potential return of certain fast food items, etc.
Wed, December 25, 2024
356 - Christmas 2024
I lament the largely negative impact on my life of sharing a name with a health insurance CEO who was forced to pass away in an act of vigilante justice. Plus, I replay the results of my investigation into the story of the birth of Jesus "Christ" Christmas Ben-David.
Tue, December 10, 2024
355 - Coincidences
I explore the many disturbing coincidences between my investigative journalism program (or IJP) and the assassination of a lesser-known and, frankly, lesser-beloved Brian Thompson.
Thu, December 05, 2024
354 - Emergency Live Broadcast
In light of the assassination of another Brian Thompson very near my home, I go into hiding in one of New York City's most central parks and update my listeners via a live "proof of life" broadcast.
Thu, November 28, 2024
353 - Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
To celebrate American Thanksgiving, I plan to generously give away turkeys with cavities full of educational literature.
Tue, November 26, 2024
352 - The Deep State
In an effort to broaden my outreach, I appear as a special guest on a popular conservative radio show to discuss my concerns about the deep state's conduct re: the McDonald's Pizza matter.
Wed, November 20, 2024
351 - Brain Enhancer
After a political realignment, I explore the possibility of accepting advertising dollars from a nootropics company. But a brain enhancement pill accident involving my dog has me concerned about a "Flowers for Algernon" type situation.
Fri, November 01, 2024
350 - Election Concern
In part two of a special two-part event (and my record-breaking 350th episode), I am once again experiencing election anxiety, exactly as I did eight years ago, when I first became a devout Christian by calling a prayer hotline.
Wed, October 30, 2024
349 - Devil Dog
On part one of a special two-part event, I have named my new dog. But concern about his love of a devilish Halloween pet costume causes me to seek spiritual guidance.
Fri, October 25, 2024
348 - E. Coli
I adopt a dog to aid me in my investigations. Plus, I look into a recent outbreak of E. Coli at McDonald's by mailing a laboratory a hamburger.
Tue, October 01, 2024
347 - Assembling a Uniform
In preparation for my upcoming role as United States Pizza Czar, I assemble a uniform with the help of Brooks Brothers and the fine folks at Gorilla Glue.
Fri, September 27, 2024
346 - Moles
While investigating the ongoing case of whether Kamala Harris really worked at McDonald's, I unfortunately break a cardinal rule of journalism by sending a source my nudes.
Tue, September 17, 2024
345 - An End to Violence
I give God Ben-David one more chance to answer my prayers by pleading with Him to remove violence from the hearts of humanity before I become a major political figure.
Sat, August 31, 2024
344 - Resume Help
I investigate reports that Kamala Harris did not, in fact, work at McDonald's. In the process, I update my resume.
Tue, August 27, 2024
343 - Journalist No More?
In light of recent McDonald's-related developments in presidential politics, I consider giving up my status as a journalist to become a government lackey.
Mon, August 19, 2024
342 - Vice Presidential Service
While investigating reports that Vice President Kamala Harris may have worked at McDonald's, I seek valuable intelligence from another fast food chain owned and operated by nearly six guys.
Wed, July 31, 2024
341 - Mea Culpa
While visiting the White House to lobby "lame duck" President Biden on passing executive action related to the McDonald's Pizza matter, I suffer an embarrassing accident for which I must extend a sincere mea culpa.
Thu, July 25, 2024
340 - Neck Noodle
After a Hawaiian Breeze-scented oil explosion forces me to take several baths, my fingers become so pruny that my home security is put at risk.
Fri, July 12, 2024
339 - Medical Update
After last week's electrocution incident, I update the Glade Plugins medical department on my recent doctor's visit and receive some startling disinformation vis-à-vis which of their products is safe to heat up on the stove.
Mon, July 01, 2024
338 - Cease and Desist
My award-pending investigative series Sériàlle comes to an abrupt end, when I am threatened with legal action by a major local New York newspaper.
Mon, June 24, 2024
337 - Sériàlle, Episode 5
My investigation into mysterious McDonald's Pizza matters in Canada leads me to a floating McDonald's in Vancouver which once played host to a team of Dracula chasers.
Mon, June 10, 2024
336 - Sériàlle, Episode 4
I employ the expertise of film critic Jordan Hoffman to analyse the quality of "Gone in a Heartbeat", the television movie adaptation of the Whitehorse McDonald's kidnapping.
Fri, May 31, 2024
335 - Sériàlle, Episode 3
Notable Canadian Mr. Steven Page joins the program to enlighten listeners about the nature of those dark and troubled souls who choose to live in Whitehorse, home of the McDonald's Pizza Kidnapping.
Fri, May 24, 2024
334 - Sériàlle, Episode 2
Professional treasure hunter Christian B. Roper shares startling and disturbing information about a brutal k-wording (kidnapping) that may have been committed as retaliation for serving pizza at the Whitehorse McDonald's.
Mon, May 20, 2024
333 - Sériàlle, Episode 1
On episode 1 of Sériàlle, our new serialized series about Canadian McDonald's Pizza matters, a remote town in the territory of Yukon Territory begins to reveal its startling secrets.
Sat, April 27, 2024
332 - Tim Horton's Pizza, Part 2
At great risk to my own personal safety, I uncover exactly who manufactures the pizza ovens currently being used by Tim Horton's. And this information is sure to throw McDonald's into an uncontrollable rage.
Wed, April 24, 2024
331 - Tim Horton's Pizza
In the first of a mult-part series on recent pizza developments in Canada, I investigate the addition of pizza to the Tim Horton's menu.
Fri, April 12, 2024
330 - Total Eclipse of the McDonald's Parking Lot
Special deputy journalist Karl (Up There in Canada) files a report from a Toronto-area McDonald's that happens to be in the 2024 total solar eclipse's path of totality.
Sun, March 31, 2024
329 - Easter Egg Hunt
On a special Easter edition of the program, my plan to spread the Good News about McDonald's Pizza via Easter egg hunt is thwarted by an agent of the cloth.
Sun, March 24, 2024
328 - Chicken Pizza Blessing
Upon learning that Chick-fil-A is now serving pizza, I seek to discover whether it is prepared in the same way as the restaurant's standard menu items (blessed by Jesus Ben-David, a.k.a. The Christ).
Fri, March 15, 2024
327 - Dumpster Diving
To make sure McDonald's Pizza does not fall victim to rising fast food costs, I test a plan to secure a cheap pizza crust supply chain by fishing them out of dumpsters.
Sat, March 09, 2024
326 - Declining to Run
After careful consideration, I have decided not to run for president of the United States, and I contact my journalist colleagues to let them know why.
Fri, March 01, 2024
325 - Mea Culpa (My Bad)
Upon further review and contact from the KFC corporation's legal team, I issue some retractions and clarifications about statements I made concerning the KFC Chizza.
Fri, February 23, 2024
324 - Chizza
As KFC is poised to introduce a monstrous chicken/pizza hybrid product called the Chizza, I arrange to care for the poor victims who may be affected.
Fri, February 16, 2024
323 - The Panzerotti
I go undercover to investigate the mysterious success of McDonald's Italy's pizza-like novelty called the panzerotti.
Fri, February 09, 2024
322 - The View
I tell the tale of my visit to The View and the unfortunate encounter I had with Ms. Whoopi Goldberg.
Wed, January 31, 2024
321 - Passing a Scottie
On the anniversary of the publication of the second edition of my board game, I suffer a medical emergency while comparing my game to a popular competitor called Monopoly.
Sat, January 27, 2024
320 - Pizza Polling
I incorporate a new company, Panoply Polling (a wholly owned subsidiary of Pizzaply Polling), to call people on the telephone and ask their opinions of McDonald's Pizza.
Sat, January 20, 2024
319 - Medical Mystifier
At the risk of exposing personal details about the health of my bodily person, I reveal the reason why this episode of the program was delayed.
Sun, December 31, 2023
318 - Crust to Crust AM: CosMc's
On my paranormal-themed sub-podcast Crust to Crust AM, I investigate the connection between McDonald's experimental new beverage restaurant CosMc's and extraterrestrials from outer space.
Sat, December 23, 2023
317 - Christmastime in the City
On this special Christmas edition of the program, I debut a new poem about celebrating the birthday of Christ Ben-David while living in New York City.
Sat, December 16, 2023
316 - The Internship, Part 3: The Interviews
I interview one highly qualified candidate and one slightly less qualified candidate to be my new unpaid intern in charge of the McDonald's Pizza misinformation "beat".
Thu, November 30, 2023
315 - The Internship, Part 2
After being treated rudely by my colleagues in legacy media, I seek revenge by lodging an official complaint.
Wed, November 29, 2023
314 - The Internship, Part 1
In this first of a special two-part episode(s), my search for an unpaid intern to help me cover the McDonald's Pizza misinformation "beat" ends in utter rudeness from my respected colleagues.
Tue, November 21, 2023
313 - A Postmates Thanksgiving
On this day of Thanksgiving, I have trouble giving thanks to Postmates, who delivered my turkey in sub-optimal condition.
Tue, November 14, 2023
312 - World Peace
I offer the United Nations my plan to end all wars if they agree to my terms re: McDonald's Pizza.
Tue, October 31, 2023
311 - Selling Sawdust
In an effort to gain leverage over the McDonald's Corporation, I endeavor to supply them with cheap sawdust for use in their hamburger patties.
Sat, October 28, 2023
310 - A Ouija Halloween
On a special Halloween edition of the program, I seek spiritual/technical support for my malfunctioning Ouija board.
Sat, October 21, 2023
309 - Taylor Swift's Ronald Costume
I am forced to travel far from home to investigate whether Taylor Swift dresses as Ronald McDonald's in her new motion picture. In the process, I befriend a fellow "journo" there to experience the experience himself.
Sat, October 14, 2023
308 - The Art of the Golden Arches
While visiting a famous painting of a woman in gold, I was surprised to discover the galerie offered no information about this painting's relation to the McDonald's Golden Arches.
Sat, September 30, 2023
307 - Thwarting Artificial Intelligence
Upon learning a certain social media mogul might want to use my book to train his artificial intelligence, I endeavor to ban him from purchasing said book at his local bookseller.
Sat, September 23, 2023
306 - Attack of the Clones
Concerned about who will inherit my investigative journalism empire, I pursue the possibility of cloning my own heir.
Sun, September 17, 2023
305 - Jerking Soda
With McDonald's removing self-serve soda machines from their dining rooms, I call upon an expert in the art of jerking soda to explore the idea of the old-fashioned soda jerk making a return to the pubic sphere.
Fri, September 01, 2023
304 - Hacking McFlurry Machines
I am joined by my colleague, journalist Jason Koebler of 404 Media, who shares with me his reporting on the potential of hacking McDonald's McFlurry machines and other McDonald's equipment such as mainframe computers storing pizza secrets, etc.
Fri, August 11, 2023
303 - Loki Sauce
Waning interest in superheroes means McDonald's is about to dump massive amounts of unsold Loki Season 2 branded sweet n' sour sauce into our fragile environment. I inform the authorities.
Tue, August 01, 2023
302 - Moving to New York City
I officially announce my relocation to New York City, a.k.a. Pizza Town, USA, and set up a briefing with one of the area's top officials: the honorable Mayor Eric Adams.
Sat, July 29, 2023
301 - Returning to Panoply
With the podcasting industry in financial ruins, I reclaim the abandoned trademark for the Panoply Network and reinstate my program as one of its flagship titles.
Sat, July 22, 2023
300 - The Mystery of the McCafe Bakery, Part 2
Continuing my investigation into the disappearing items on the McCafe bakery menu, I travel to my local McDonald's to find some answers. And perhaps, to make a new friend.
Thu, July 20, 2023
299 - The Mystery of the McCafe Bakery, Part 1
McDonald's has pulled McCafe Bakery items from their menu. Is this history repeating itself? No, but I go undercover as a long haul truck driver to get to the bottom of it anyway.
Fri, June 30, 2023
298 - Addressing the Grimace Milkshake TikTok Trend
Disturbed by the recent Grimace's birthday milkshake TikTok trend's disrespect toward those who have actually passed away due to the consumption of McDonald's food, I seek to memorialize these fallen heroes in a manner befitting their station.
Tue, June 27, 2023
297 - Understanding Fan Fiction
I attempt to understand a piece of McDonald's Pizza fan fiction involving characters from a popular "Japanimation" program.
Thu, June 22, 2023
296 - Green Gut Powder
In the wake of the total collapse of the podcast advertising market, I seek a sponsorship from a popular purveyor of green gut powder. But when I try a sample mixed with a limited edition Grimace's birthday McDonald's milkshake, the results are less than ideal.
Wed, June 14, 2023
295 - What is a Soul?
A Silicon Valley startup using robot labor to make pizzas has shut down. Before I purchase the automotons for my own uses (bringing back McDonald's Pizza), I consult with a spiritual advisor to answer the question of whether these automoton workers possess human souls.
Thu, June 01, 2023
294 - Peering Into the Future
Because I have to prerecord this week's episode due to my recovery from major oral surgery, I employ the awesome powers of a psychic practitioner to help me make sure I do not miss any upcoming events.
Thu, May 25, 2023
293 - Securing the Legacy of Willow 2
As I prepare to undergo potentially fatal oral surgery, I arrange for my Willow 2: Through the Portal of Time documents to be displayed in one of the most sacred shrines to Hollywood royalty.
Fri, May 19, 2023
292 - Coping with New York Times Audio
The local New York-area newspaper called The New York Times has released a new audio application that has dire consequences for one of my elderly sub-contractors.
Thu, May 11, 2023
291 - Ending Child Labor at McDonald's
I reveal my plan to deincentivize child labor violations at McDonald's by teaching children the Good News about McDonald's Pizza while they are still living inside a human womb.
Mon, May 01, 2023
290 - Season 2 of Pizzaply Media's "Evidence File" Premieres
In this special presentation of the season 2 premiere of Pizzaply Media's hit true crime podcast "Evidence File", the new anonymous Australian host explores the murder of the former anonymous Australian host.
Tue, April 25, 2023
289 - Miniature Witness Protection Program
After a round of high-level corporate layoffs, I enroll all "whistle-blowing" former executives in my miniature witness protection program.
Thu, April 06, 2023
Episode 288 - Live from Boston College
A special presentation of my educational lecture delivered live at Boston College (one of the Boston colleges).
Tue, March 28, 2023
Episode 287
Broadcasting live from the restroom of a public bus on my way to lecture in Boston, Massachusetts, I answer listener questions about McDonald’s Pizza and other matters.
Sat, March 25, 2023
Episode 286
I open the proverbial "vault" and unleash a long lost episode of the program from days of yore.
Wed, March 15, 2023
Episode 285
A congressman gives me an idea for how to purchase my own McDonald's franchise using farmed hogs.
Mon, March 13, 2023
Announcing My Lecture at Boston College on 3/29
An announcement of my rare, in-person live lecture at Boston College on 3/29.
Tue, February 28, 2023
Episode 284
My colleagues at NPR allow me to rebroadcast a segment from their series StoryCorps about a poor moonshiner whose life was changed forever by the taste of original recipe McDonald's Pizza.
Fri, February 24, 2023
Episode 283
On this emergency "breaking news" edition of the program, I investigate a bizarre request from former president Donald Trump, who visited an Ohio McDonald's. In the process, I use artificially intelligent voice cloning technology to go undercover as the former president himself.
Fri, February 17, 2023
Episode 282
I "catch up" on developments I missed re: artificial intelligence. In the process, I use an AI chatbot to help me write a touching tale about McDonald's Pizza.
Mon, February 13, 2023
Episode 281
An investigation into a new McDonald's product called the New Tuna Cheesy Pizza Bread necessitates the answering of an oft-posed question: What is a pizza? For answers, I turn to the definition experts by telephoning the dictionary.
Wed, February 01, 2023
Episode 280
I attempt to forensically analyze an original Canadian McDonald's Pizza box I received as a gift from the editors of Funicular Magazine.
Fri, January 27, 2023
Episode 279
In an attempt to circumvent some Bic's Wite-Out based redactions on a sensitive McDonald's Pizza document I obtained from the National Security Agency, I suffer a minor incendiary accident.
Fri, January 20, 2023
Episode 278
I investigate the security implications of the McDonald's corporation sharing sensitive pizza secrets on the Tick Tock video platform.
Thu, January 12, 2023
Episode 277
On the season three premiere of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?, I am finally awarded a well-deserved award and arrange for the proper home security with which to protect it.
Sun, December 25, 2022
Episode 276 - The 2022 Christmas Special: Part 2
In this touching conclusion to my 2022 Christmas Special, an old friend gives me a glimpse of a dark future where McDonald's Pizza is all but forgotten.
Sat, December 24, 2022
Episode 275 - The 2022 Christmas Special: Part 1
In this first part of my 2022 Christmas special, I am stopped from following through on a dangerous aquatic activity by a mysterious figure from my past.
Tue, December 20, 2022
Episode 274
In light of recent nuclear fusion discoveries, I protect myself against a potential explosive disaster by planning to construct a convenient underground bunker.
Sat, December 10, 2022
Episode 273
I expose some disturbing information about the host of a Hulu reality competition webseries about pizza making.
Thu, December 01, 2022
Episode 272
I investigate some intriguing information (or, potentially, disinformation) about McDonald's Pizza recounted by a fellow journalist during the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Thu, November 24, 2022
Episode 271
On this special Thanksgiving edition of the program, I offer a sample prayer to use with your family, provide some food safety tips when stuffing your turkey, and offer some further details on my plan to drown myself if I do not receive enough Patreon patrons in my pledge drive.
Fri, November 11, 2022
Episode 270
I investigate replacing the troubled Twitter.com service with the CB radio community. Plus, I announce a new Pizzaply Media program and launch my first Patreon pledge drive by declaring if I do not gain 50 new patrons by the end of the month, I will drown myself in the Los Angeles River.
Mon, October 31, 2022
Episode 269
On this special Halloween edition of the program, I recount the story of a haunted McDonald's and make plans for how to distribute chicken McNuggets to trick or treaters while I am away from home.
Fri, October 28, 2022
Episode 268
I am refused spiritual guidance regarding the aftermath of my consumption of a marijuana cigarette.
Thu, October 20, 2022
Episode 267
I investigate the new so-called "adult Happy Meals" by altering my consciousness with legal drugs.
Fri, October 07, 2022
Episode 266
A listener does some deputy journalism in Brooklyn, and my investigation into a mysterious Facebook page leads me to the darkest wilderness of South Dakota.
Fri, September 30, 2022
Episode 265
Continuing my investigation into the deranged McDonald's fans of Facebook, I explore a bizarre page devoted to the Mediterranean Sea and expose myself to the dark secrets within.
Fri, September 23, 2022
Episode 264
Further investigation into the deranged minds behind strange comments on the official McDonald's Facebook page leads me down a darker and darker path.
Thu, September 15, 2022
Episode 263
I attempt to recreate a pizza-adjacent menu item from McDonald's Singapore by smashing a bag of snack mix with a hammer.
Thu, September 08, 2022
Episode 262
I investigate shockingly similar and somewhat deranged comments beneath an historic post on the official McDonald's Facebook page.
Wed, August 31, 2022
Episode 261
I investigate the introduction of pizza to the Tim Horton's menu.
Fri, August 19, 2022
Episode 260
In my continuing quest to become a hacker so that I might be able to hack into McDonald's most secret computers, I prepare to enroll in Hacker High School, a hacking school open only to teenage students.
Fri, August 12, 2022
Episode 259
I further my investigatory skills by seeking to become a hacker.
Sun, August 07, 2022
Episode 258
Live from the parking lot of a McDonald’s.
Thu, August 04, 2022
Stealth Camping Expedition Announcement
An announcement concerning my overnight stealth camping expedition in a McDonald's parking lot.
Thu, July 28, 2022
Episode 257
I announce the success of my McDonald's stealth camping fundraiser. Plus, I address breaking news about the discontinuation of the Choco Taco and go undercover to investigate its disappearance.
Fri, July 22, 2022
Episode 256
I embark on my mission to crowd fund a campaign to camp overnight in the parking lot of a McDonald's.
Thu, July 14, 2022
Episode 255
To "get in the mind" of accomplished radio broadcaster Art Bell, I speak with another accomplished radio broadcaster, Tom Scharpling of "The Best Show", who offers some sound advice on how best to deal with the issue of the typographical error on Art Bell's tombstone.
Sat, July 09, 2022
Episode 254
I consult a spiritual guide to seek God's blessing over my impending marriage and to answer some questions I have about whether God is a ghost made of ectoplasm.
Sat, July 02, 2022
Episode 253
In my ongoing effort to correct the typographical error on Art Bell's headstone, I seek to become a member of his family through the art of seduction.
Thu, June 23, 2022
Episode 252
I attempt to honor my mentor, the great broadcaster Mr. Art Bell, by correcting a typographical error on his headstone.
Thu, June 09, 2022
Episode 251
I attempt to help a McDonald's franchise owner start a charity that offers the people of Pomeroy, Ohio, free nutria feces poisoning tests. As a bonus, I also premiere the first episode of Evidence File, the new true crime program from Pizzaply Media.
Mon, May 30, 2022
Episode 250
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Mon, May 23, 2022
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Fri, May 13, 2022
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Sat, April 30, 2022
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Sat, April 16, 2022
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Fri, April 08, 2022
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Thu, March 31, 2022
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Sat, March 26, 2022
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Wed, March 16, 2022
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Mon, March 07, 2022
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Sat, February 26, 2022
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Wed, February 16, 2022
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Fri, February 04, 2022
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Fri, January 28, 2022
LIVE COVID-19 Coronavirus Anti-Misinformation Show
Fri, January 21, 2022
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Fri, January 14, 2022
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Fri, December 31, 2021
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Fri, December 24, 2021
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Sat, December 18, 2021
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Fri, December 10, 2021
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Fri, December 03, 2021
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Fri, November 26, 2021
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Fri, November 12, 2021
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Fri, November 05, 2021
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Fri, October 29, 2021
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Fri, October 22, 2021
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Fri, October 15, 2021
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Fri, October 08, 2021
A Classic Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?
A classic episode of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, October 01, 2021
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Fri, September 24, 2021
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Fri, September 17, 2021
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Fri, September 10, 2021
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Fri, September 03, 2021
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Sat, August 28, 2021
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Sat, August 21, 2021
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Fri, August 13, 2021
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Fri, August 06, 2021
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Sat, July 31, 2021
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Thu, July 22, 2021
VACATION BONUS: Investigative Journalism After Dark
While I am on vacation, I present an episode of my Patreon-exclusive program Investigative Journalism After Dark.
Fri, July 16, 2021
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Sat, July 10, 2021
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Fri, July 02, 2021
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Fri, June 25, 2021
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Fri, June 18, 2021
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Fri, June 11, 2021
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Fri, June 04, 2021
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Fri, May 28, 2021
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Fri, May 21, 2021
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Sun, May 16, 2021
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Sat, May 08, 2021
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Sat, May 01, 2021
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Fri, April 23, 2021
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Sun, April 18, 2021
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Sat, April 10, 2021
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Thu, April 01, 2021
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Fri, March 26, 2021
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Fri, March 19, 2021
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Fri, March 12, 2021
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Thu, March 04, 2021
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Thu, February 25, 2021
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Sat, February 20, 2021
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Sat, February 13, 2021
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Sat, February 06, 2021
Episode 192
Episode 192 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, January 30, 2021
Episode 191
Episode 191 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, January 23, 2021
Episode 190
Episode 190 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, January 16, 2021
Episode 189
Episode 189 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, January 09, 2021
Episode 188
Episode 188 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, December 25, 2020
Episode 187
Episode 187 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, December 19, 2020
Episode 186
Episode 186 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, December 12, 2020
Episode 185
Episode 185 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, December 05, 2020
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Episode 184 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, November 28, 2020
Episode 183
Episode 183 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, November 20, 2020
Episode 182
Episode 182 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, November 14, 2020
Episode 181
Episode 181 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sun, November 08, 2020
Episode 180
Episode 180 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, October 30, 2020
Episode 179
Episode 179 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, October 17, 2020
Episode 178
Episode 178 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, October 08, 2020
Episode 177
Episode 177 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Wed, September 30, 2020
Episode 176
Episode 176 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Wed, September 16, 2020
Live Book Reading and Q&A
A live reading of "How to Be an Investigative Journalist" followed by a Q&A.
Sat, September 12, 2020
Episode 175
Episode 175 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, September 04, 2020
Episode 174
Episode 174 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, August 21, 2020
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Episode 173 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, August 14, 2020
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Episode 172 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, August 07, 2020
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Episode 171 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, July 24, 2020
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Episode 170 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, July 17, 2020
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Episode 169 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, July 10, 2020
Episode 168
Episode 168 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, July 02, 2020
Episode 167
Episode 167 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, June 26, 2020
Talk Cars
A new, NPR-mandated “reformat” of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald’s?.
Wed, June 17, 2020
Episode 165
Episode 165 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, June 11, 2020
Episode 164
Episode 164 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Wed, June 03, 2020
Episode 163
Episode 163 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, May 29, 2020
Episode 162
Episode 162 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, May 21, 2020
Choose Your Own Investigation: The Mysterious Pizza
A special interactive episode of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's? entitled Choose Your Own Investigation: The Mysterious Pizza - A DECISION POINTS Adventure.
Fri, May 15, 2020
Episode 160
Episode 160 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, May 08, 2020
Episode 159
Episode 159 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, April 30, 2020
Episode 158
Episode 158 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, April 24, 2020
Episode 157
Episode 157 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, April 17, 2020
Episode 156
Episode 156 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Tue, April 07, 2020
This American Slice
This American Slice: A sub-podcast of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?, which is not a podcast.
Thu, April 02, 2020
Episode 154
Episode 154 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, March 27, 2020
Episode 153
Episode 153 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, March 20, 2020
Episode 152
Episode 152 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Mon, March 16, 2020
Episode 151
Episode 151 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, February 29, 2020
Episode 150
Episode 150 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, February 22, 2020
Episode 149
Episode 149 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Tue, February 04, 2020
Episode 148
Episode 148 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, January 30, 2020
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Episode 147 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, January 23, 2020
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Episode 146 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, January 17, 2020
Episode 145
Episode 145 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, December 28, 2019
Episode 144
Episode 144 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, December 20, 2019
Episode 143
Episode 143 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, December 14, 2019
Episode 142
Episode 142 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, November 28, 2019
Expedition to Alaska
A special edition of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?. Our expedition to Alaska.
Wed, November 13, 2019
Episode 140
Episode 140 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, November 08, 2019
Episode 139
Episode 139 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, November 01, 2019
Episode 138
Episode 138 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Mon, October 28, 2019
Live Expedition to Alaska Telethon #2
The second live telethon in support of our Expedition to Alaska fundraiser.
Fri, October 25, 2019
Expedition to Alaska Live Fundraising Telethon
A live telethon fundraising for our Expedition to Alaska.
Tue, October 22, 2019
Live Telethon Announcement
An announcement regarding our live telethon.
Wed, October 16, 2019
Episode 137
Episode 137 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, October 10, 2019
Episode 136
Episode 136 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Wed, October 02, 2019
Episode 135
Welcome to season three! Your boy Brian is back from the dead and back to basics. Let's have some fun and get to the bottom of why McDonald's stopped serving pizza, HUH??
Tue, October 01, 2019
///AUTOMATIC DEAD MAN'S SWITCH POSTING/// Episode 134
///AUTOMATIC DEAD MAN'S SWITCH POSTING/// Episode 134 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, September 26, 2019
Announcement
An announcement related to Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald’s?.
Wed, September 25, 2019
Episode 133
Episode 133 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, September 20, 2019
Episode 132
Episode 132 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, September 13, 2019
Episode 131
Episode 131 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Wed, September 04, 2019
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Episode 130 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, August 30, 2019
Episode 129
Episode 129 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, August 15, 2019
Episode 128/L001
Episode 128/L001 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, August 08, 2019
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Episode 127 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, August 02, 2019
Episode 126
Episode 126 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, July 26, 2019
Episode 125
Episode 125 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, July 18, 2019
Episode 124
Episode 124 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, July 12, 2019
Episode 123
Episode 123 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, July 05, 2019
Live Broadcast Response to Latest Developments Re: McDonald’s Pizza
A special live broadcast response to latest developments re: McDonald’s Pizza.
Tue, June 25, 2019
Episode 122
Episode 122 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, June 22, 2019
Episode 121
Episode 121 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, June 13, 2019
Episode 120
Episode 120 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, June 07, 2019
Episode 119
Episode 119 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Mon, June 03, 2019
Announcing Crust to Crust AM
An announcement of Crust to Crust AM.
Thu, May 30, 2019
Episode 118
Episode 118 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, May 17, 2019
Episode 117
Episode 117 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, May 10, 2019
Episode 116
Episode 116 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, May 02, 2019
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Episode 115 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, April 25, 2019
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Episode 114 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, April 12, 2019
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Episode 113 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, April 05, 2019
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Episode 112 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Thu, March 28, 2019
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Fri, March 22, 2019
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Episode 110 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, March 15, 2019
Episode 109
Episode 109 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, March 09, 2019
Episode 108
Episode 108 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Fri, March 01, 2019
Episode 107
Episode 107 of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?.
Sat, February 16, 2019
Episode 106
Brian Thompson is accused by a “grifter” of being sponsored by an employment app. With an email from Mr. M, Thompson is told about Woodrow Derenberger, a sewing machine salesman, who witnessed the UFO sighting of (self-named) Ingrid Cold. Thompson called the math homework hotline, hoping to get some help on calculating probability/average of UFO sightings. To calculate this, the math support hotline asked Thompson to get more data. Calling a 44 year old UFO report hotline that can hardly hear Brian, the only thing that is reported is that the data is reported online and it is reported there, on the website, that 128,000 UFO cases have been reported
Fri, February 08, 2019
Episode 105
Says podcast no longer and never was sponsored by Ziprecruiter and title is back to previous form. Brian shares an electronic correspondence with someone from Ziprecruiter. Company became aware of the podcast’s Twitter page; Brian implies sponsorship with the Twitter username of the pod; improper use of ziprecruiter remarks in podcast logo; no affiliation exists between ziprecruiter; Brian says he left out some remarks so not as to bore the listener and for them to fall asleep at the wheel while driving. Brian reads his response; claims he discovered a pamphlet that was left on his car with Ziprecruiter offering sponsorship of his show with quarterly payments starting in 2020. Brian says he realizes this was negotiated by a bad actor and that they did not represent Ziprecruiter and Brian hopes the perpetrator will be brought to justice. Brian says another pamphlet was left claiming that they “buy cards.” Brian says he is willing to submit the pamphlet to the authorities, but that he threw away the Ziprecruiter pamphlet after a ketchup incident. Brian claims he would like to be sponsored by Ziprecruiter in the future. When Brian announced that Ziprecruiter was no longer a sponsor, he thought it maybe could have been in relation to the Panoply sponsor debacle. Brian thinks more similarities will arise as well and Panoply was driven out of business, and Ziprecruiter may meet the same fate. Brian also mentions the differences: a pamphlet was left on his car/house; says perpetrator is a copycat criminal; Brian claims many of his listeners may be bad actors that are pulling jokes on him and taking advantage of him; he thinks that through DNA he could find the suspect’s fingerprints on the pamphlet. Brian thinks his life may be in danger if he keeps pursuing his investigation. Brian says he does not have plans to end his investigation. Brian was planning on using Ziprecruiter to find his apprentice and instead put a help wanted ad in his local penny saver. Brian claims he will continue providing pro bono advertisements for other companies, but cannot do these reads himself. He understands he needs to do ad reads with his own personal spin, but asks his colleagues to join him in not personally vouching for products that may in fact be dangerous, such as a loot crate being filled with Anthrax
Fri, February 01, 2019
Episode 104
Brian says he would like to apologize to M. Morganstein; recovered an article about pasta and pizza making a revival and M left a comment on the account warning that Mr. Lazarus died of mysterious circumstances; Brian said that he overlooked this and is therefore apologetic. Brian has discovered that a spokesperson for the US Postal Service won his award for “Most Outstanding Candor;” Brian apologizes to Mr. M. Brian considers Chick Fil A pickle case closed; Brian says female agent from last episode could be in front running for second “most outstanding candor” award; Brian goes on the hunt for horsemeat being found in McDonald's food. Brian found a story where some patties from Tesco and other supermarket chains contained traces of horse and pig. Brian refuses to buy anything from supermarkets since he bought a banana with a sticker on it. Rumor of McDonald's horse meat was just like a bag he found in a dump near Krispy Kreme...full of holes. Brian talks of taking on a character that may have been affected by the horse meat scare in the UK. He takes on the voice of Nigel British and calls McDonalds claiming that they have put horsemeat in their burgers. Worker says that is not true and that there are no traces of horse meat in their burgers.
Thu, January 24, 2019
Episode 103
Sponsored by Ziprecruiter; Recaps about George Lazarus who talked about McDonalds maybe bringing back pizza at the turn of the 21st century. First thread any harm has befallen a “fellow journalist.” Talks about the insurance industry and not being able to use this money if he were to pass, so he begins the process of trying to find someone to be his apprentice to take over Brian’s search. Brian calls a company inquiring about their life insurance policies, who mistakenly calls him Ryan and not Brian. Brian explains how Lazarus died and in case it happens to him, he wants to know if his life insurance policy can be handed down to the next investigator in this line of questioning. Asks if the company insures undercover journalists. Brian says he is looking for a small amount of 2 or 3 million dollars. Wants to make sure they do not insure any major fast food companies. The women says they only insure Chick Fil A. Brian asks if they have ever served pizza. The woman recommends Brian try it. Woman says there are rumours that Chick Fil A puts pickle juice in their flour. Brian's pen falls. The woman asks if Brian is from North Carolina, to which Brian says he is in California and wants to get life insurance as far away as possible. Woman says has heard rumors about McDonalds including that they use horse meat. Brings up that a movie was released and says a guy left his McDonalds cheeseburger up on the dashboard and it never got old. Brian says he does not have a refrigerator. Woman says he is so interesting. She asks if she will be releasing some information. Brian tells her candidly about Lazarus dying in his search for McDonalds pizza. She says she will look into some things and give him a call back. Brian then calls Chick Fil A and asks if they use pickle juice in the flour. Kitchen staff member says they do not. Brian claims that is one mystery solved.
Thu, January 17, 2019
Episode 102
Ziprecruiter presents: Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald’s. Brian is suffering from laryngitis, shouted at a gas station which caused it. Continued selling of pizza in Walmart was met with success, but tried to bring back to individual stores. Nation Pizza and Foods may be supplying pizzas to clients that may be the same as the McDonald’s pizza. It is against their policy to say anything about their clients. Policy was enacted 20 years ago around the end of the McDonald’s pizza program. Brian contacts the writer of the article, George Lazarus of The Chicago Tribune. Mr. Lazarus turns out to be deceased. George Lazarus passed away around the same time of the end of McDonald’s pizza went away, about a year after his article was posted. His body was found on a commuter train and his cause of death was unknown. Two of the entities involved in the McDonald’s pizza supplying have now ended up dead. Brian takes comfort in the Bible and relates how Lazarus in the Bible was resurrected, but Brian will not be able to do so with George Lazarus and instead uses the story as a metaphor for his search for McDonald’s pizza.
Thu, January 10, 2019
Episode 101
Ziprecruiter presents: Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald’s, the IJP. Brian tells listeners that he hopes his sponsorship with Ziprecruiter will allow him to stop living in his car. He then refers to his lack of trust in his local public library because of their failure to provide him with Willow. He has been sleeping in his car outside other libraries, one of which has a microfilm archive of the Chicago Tribune paper, which contains information on the national pizza museum- a potential lead. Brian finds an article from April 1999 revealing that McDonalds pizza was supplied by the Chicago-based company Nation Pizza Products, which is still in business. He calls their HR department in an attempt to find an employee who has been with them since ‘99. He asks about their business with McDonald’s, but unfortunately, since the 90’s their policy has been not to disclose their customers, which Brian finds suspicious.
Fri, December 21, 2018
Episode 100
Brian tapes the 100th episode of his IJP live outside the Burbank Public Library. Brian continually pauses recording in order to check in with the crowd outside to see if they are there for the taping. Brian talks to Keoni, a food scientist about McDonald’s pizza. Brian differentiates between McDonald’s pizza and McPizza, while conversing with a listener about Dunkin’ Donuts. Brian answers questions about McDonald’s hamburgers, pizza, Willow, and what listeners should do, assuming something happens to Brian. Brian walks to a nearby church to have a priest bless his copy of Willow, but there is a funeral at the church. Brian returns to the museum with his audience and the library is still closed, so he holds on to his copy of Willow. Brian concludes by recruiting a new fan outside the library. Sabrina Leon encourages Brian to build a brand, including a television program.
Thu, December 13, 2018
Episode 99
Brian recaps his loss of funding from benefactor Captain D, after failing to ensure that the Louvre would be open during his visit. Brian, then, turns to growing daffodils for pleasure and profit. The daffodils drew garden slugs, causing Brian to crash his car into his neighbor’s mailbox. Said neighbor (Ellen DeGeneres) is now using Lebron James’ injury attorney (Jacob Emrani) to sue Brian for “everything he is worth.” Brian settles, giving his house to his neighbor and moves into his car. Brian calls a local McDonald’s to ask how long he can stay in the store or parking lot.
Fri, December 07, 2018
Episode 98
Brian reports that he will record the IJP’s 100th episode from his library parking lot, culminating in a donation of Willow to the library. Brian describes his financial troubles resulting from a neighborhood invasion of garden slugs attracted by his daffodils. An audience recruiter outside Warner Brothers invites Brian to a taping of The Connors, free of charge, reigniting Brian’s hope to infiltrate the Young Sheldon prop room. Brian skids on slug slime, hits his neighbor’s mailbox, and becomes his own worst fear: a mail bender. Brian leaves his shoe at Warner Brothers and calls the lost and found.
Thu, November 29, 2018
Episode 97
Brian discusses McDonald’s Germany and the Pizza Mac, a burger served with pizza buns. Mr. Johnson describes the limited edition Pizza Mac as a burger with swiss cheese, tomato sauce, and pizza crust-like buns. Mr. Johnson says that the Pizza Mac was okay but made him crave McDonald’s pizza even more now that he knew they had the resources necessary to do so. Mr. Johnson refutes claims about wait time given the curly fries took ten minutes to cook.
Wed, November 21, 2018
Episode 96
Brian recaps McDonald’s Pizza, ties it to the family dinner market, and Thanksgiving. Brian provides a Thanksgiving message for listeners and their families. He asks that families sign a piece of paper requesting that McDonald’s bring back pizza and deliver them to local McDonald’s. Brian asks listeners to post these papers to social media as well so that he can forward them to McDonald’s.
Thu, November 15, 2018
Episode 95
Brian attempts to call producer Chuck Lorre to further investigate the pizza in Young Sheldon, and realizes his yellow pages are missing. Brian calls Warner Brothers to Inquire about studio tours.
Thu, November 08, 2018
Episode 94
Brian’s colleague Blair Hodges, @lifeonaplate on Twitter, asks Andy Bowers (former Panoply Chief Information Officer) for comment on Pizzaply’s success. Bowers wishes Pizzaply all the best. Brian describes a device he has in his house which sets off an alarm every time pizza is mentioned on his television. Brian’s listeners bring his attention to an episode of Young Sheldon (2,3) in which a pizza box resembling those from McDonald’s appears. Brian visits the show’s studio but is not allowed to enter.
Thu, October 25, 2018
Episode 93
Brian describes a screening of Willow in which director Ron Howard will be in attendance. Brian practices his hand raising in order to get Ron Howard’s attention and share his treatment for Willow 2: Through the Portal of Time. Howard responds that Willow 2 is already in the works. https://willow2.com
Fri, October 19, 2018
Episode 92
Brian explores the differences between pizza and calzones by calling a pizza place and requesting an “open calzone.” Brian recaps his own mistakes and advocates for accountability and humility in his own listeners.
Thu, October 11, 2018
Episode 91
Brian receives a photo of the McDonald’s Pizza exhibit from the Pizza Museum’s Twitter account. This intel is corroborated by a listener who visited the museum. Brian learns that international McDonalds’ locations serve Pizza McPuffs (India) and Pizza Rotto (Italy). Brian argues that Pizza Rotto disproves McDonalds’ claim that pizza took too long to make.
Thu, October 04, 2018
Episode 90
Brian talks about The Trump Prophecy and Trump’s love for McDonald’s, hypothesizing that Trump could issue an executive order requiring McDonald’s to bring pizza back to their menus. Brian calls into Grace Hour radio and asks about differentiating between dreams and messages from God.
Thu, September 27, 2018
Episode 89
Brian announces a new network, Pizzaply, designed to fill the gap created by Panoply’s collapse. Willow Talk, Intriguing Conversations, and Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald’s? will all be shifting over to the Pizzaply Network, joined by new show Coast to Coast Pizza at McDonald’s. Coast to Coast PM will be a talk show designed for Brian to interact with listeners. Brian receives Twitter correspondence from the Pizza Museum that the museum does mention McDonald’s pizza in some capacity. Brian calls a cryogenic freezing company to ask if any clients have asked to be revived when McDonald’s starts serving pizza again.
Thu, September 13, 2018
Episode 88
Brian shares that the Panoply Network has stopped producing original podcast content. His IJP, however, has now progressed beyond the podcasting world. Brian reports live from outside a Ben and Jerry’s to honor the Panoply Network.
Thu, September 06, 2018
Episode 87
Brian discusses the opening of the U.S. Pizza Museum in Chicago. Brian calls a Victoria’s Secret, Lenscrafters, and shopping mall near the museum to gather intel from locals.
Thu, August 30, 2018
Episode 86
Brian becomes frazzled as a result of strict laws requiring permits for archeological projects in Egypt and his lack of cell phone minutes. Brian continues to make connections between Mac and Me, aliens, and pizza. Brian visits Paris and finds a stone Sphinx brought back by Napoleon following a trip to Egypt. Brian notes the suspicious use of pyramids outside the Louvre and attempts to go inside before realizing the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Brian concludes the episode by praying outside the Notre-Dame.
Fri, August 17, 2018
Episode 85
Brian continues reading Haze’s book. He notes that Mac and Me was released when McDonald’s was selling pizza, human interactions with extraterrestrial life date back to Ancient Egyptians and the god Ptah, and Ptah sounds like pizza–suspicious. Brian, shocked at this revelation, drops his slice of pizza on a picture of the Earth with the crust pointing towards The Great Sphinx. Brian calls United Airlines, hoping to book a trip to Egypt to unearth the Chamber of Secrets and inquiring about bringing a backhoe on the plane.
Fri, August 10, 2018
Episode 84
Brian researches author Xaviant Haze, who he deems credible because he does not seem to have any connections to the McDonald’s corporation. He sets up a Lite Brite with a message to his benefactor, Captain D, asking for help acquiring Haze’s book. Brian receives the book and calls the Pentagon to fact check Haze’s claim that all movie scripts involving extra terrestrial life go through the Pentagon for approval.
Thu, August 02, 2018
Episode 83
Brian searches for the English translation of Ancient Egyptian texts about interactions with aliens. Brian notes that he cannot visit his local library for translations as he is banned for protesting its refusal to investigate the theft of Willow. Brian calls the Library of Congress to ask for texts about Ancient Egypt, extraterrestrial life, and McDonald’s Pizza.
Fri, July 27, 2018
Episode 82
Brian calls experts at the Carl Jung Center to ask about the collective unconscious. Brian wonders if E.T. and Mac and Me are similar because the plot is based on an archetype existing in the collective unconscious.
Thu, July 12, 2018
Episode 81
Brian explains the 1988 science fiction film Mac and Me. Brian researches popular music being played in McDonald’s in order to build his own case and comes across Mac and Me: a movie that contains a dance scene in McDonald’s and was partially funded by the corporation. Brian discusses the film, Hollywood, science fiction, extraterrestrial life, and immigration with comedian Eric Warnock.
Fri, July 06, 2018
Episode 80
Brian briefs listeners on his diverse skill set, including his musical ability ( www.soundcloud.com/pizzaatmcdonalds ). Brian plays his first single Bad Riddance (The Last Slice). Brian hopes his music will educate and inform the public about McDonald’s pizza. Brian calls multiple McDonalds’ locations, asking them to play his album in their stores.
Thu, June 28, 2018
Episode 79
Brian covers the recent Supreme Court opening and considers his eligibility for a Justice position. Brian calls the prayer line for support.
Thu, June 21, 2018
Episode 78a
Brian says that the interview subject from Ep. 78 expressed concerns about revealing secrets of the skywriting industry, prompting Brian to take the episode down. Brian calls Grandy’s to let them know and discovers that they have no knowledge of the sponsorship deal. Brian suspects Monroe Boswell but ultimately rules out Boswell and thanks his mysterious benefactor (Captain D’s).
Fri, June 15, 2018
Episode 77
Brian calls movie theaters, asking if he can give an educational presentation to audiences before showings of Incredibles 2. The local manager directs Brian to the Cinemark corporate office for his inquiries.
Thu, June 07, 2018
Episode 76
Brian returns to his quest to educate children on McDonald’s pizza. He calls local schools, forgetting that it is summer break. Next, Brian calls a YMCA asking if he can give a presentation.
Tue, May 22, 2018
Episode 75
Brian reports from an undisclosed location to grant an award for outstanding candor. Brian announces the three nominees: a Pomeroy McDonald’s employee, the woman who tried pizza at a KFC location in Kabul, and the postal regulator who informed Brian about the McDonald’s museum. The woman from the Postal Regulatory Commission is crowned winner, and Brian attempts to mail her a pizza from the Orlando location.
Wed, May 16, 2018
Episode 74
Brian investigates the pasta and chicken platters shown on his antique McDonald’s menu. The meals were experimental and well received by customers but were discontinued due to equipment and sourcing issues.
Tue, May 08, 2018
Episode 73
Brian visits the oldest surviving McDonald’s in the world and its museum. Brian interviews the manager about the lack of a pizza exhibit. The store’s owner is suspiciously named “Piazza.”
Thu, May 03, 2018
Episode 72
Brian orders a McDonald’s artifact on Ebay and calls the Postal Regulatory Commission to complain that the envelope was bent to fit into his mailbox. The Postal Service employee tells Brian that she grew up near one of the first McDonald’s locations which contains a museum. Brian considers himself the “foremost expert in McDonald’s Pizza.”
Wed, April 25, 2018
Episode 71
Brian researches how to contact spirits in order to interview Jesse Pomeroy. He does so via a Ghost Séance app but fails to contact Jesse Pomeroy.
Tue, April 17, 2018
Episode 70
Brian introduces listeners to Jesse Harding Pomeroy, the youngest person to be convicted of first degree murder in Massachusetts at age 14 (1874). Brian searches for connections between the Pomeroys and criminal activity in the family’s genes. Brian argues that Paul Pomroy removed the “e” from his name to detach himself from the Pomeroy family and is a hero.
Thu, April 12, 2018
Episode 69
Brian calls a library in Pomeroy, Ohio to learn about the town’s founder Samuel Pomroy, his genealogy, and connection to Paul Pomeroy. Brian doubts the librarian and calls a Mormon genealogy expert. Brian reads an email from the Pomeroy librarian who discovers that while Samuel Pomeroy’s family is from England, Paul Pomroy spells his last name differently.
Thu, April 05, 2018
Episode 68
Brian shares his new financial partnership with Grandy’s, allowing him to continue the IJP. Brian addresses McDonald’s sustainable initiatives, including a plan to phase out plastic straws in the U.K., led by regional CEO Paul Pomroy. Brian investigates the connection between Paul Pomroy and Pomeroy, Ohio.
Tue, March 27, 2018
Episode 67
Brian’s office building burned down as a result of him using newspaper in place of insulation. Brian worries about his missing intern and how to pay his landlord for the incinerated building. Brian discovers that his intern and marketing director have been engaging in a secret office romance. Brian calls the prayer line.
Thu, March 15, 2018
Episode 66
Brian discusses the IJP’s financial hardships: primarily the network’s offices. Brian continues his self care initiative by attending a taping of America’s Got Talent. Brian tried to interview Howie Mandel between acts as he was a former spokesperson for McDonald’s pizza. Brian was tackled by security. Brian calls the theater to complain and asks for access to the theater’s security tapes.
Mon, March 05, 2018
Episode 65
Brian considers the possibility that McDonald’s has wiped any memories of pizza from the minds of their customers and employees. Brian attempts to use “reverse speech” to uncover erased memories. Brian calls into Coast to Coast. Host George Noory does not remember McDonald’s pizza and accuses Brian of being with McDonald’s.
Wed, February 28, 2018
Episode 64
Brian plays a clip from a McDonald’s podcast about the return of Szechuan Sauce to McDonald’s as a result of the show Rick and Morty. Brian considers the podcast offensive and calls corporate to investigate undercover.
Tue, February 20, 2018
Episode 63
Brian shares correspondence from a financial institution in Abu Dhabi seeking to invest in the IJP. Brian seeks a business loan of $100 billion in order to purchase McDonald’s and bring pizza back to the menu.
Tue, February 13, 2018
Episode 62
Brian launches the Pizza at McDonald’s Network, with Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald’s being the network’s flagship show. Brian plays the first episode of Intriguing Conversations. Brian tells listeners that he records all of his phone calls. The first episode is a phone call between Brian and the secret service, reporting a man who said “it would be funny if Donald Trump died.”
Wed, January 31, 2018
Episode 61
Brian shares audio recordings from listener Blair Hodges who interviewed a friend, Lizbeth F., about her experience with McDonald’s pizza. Lizbeth remembers the experience being intertwined with her sister’s birth, but calls the pizza “junky.” Brian searches Facebook comments and finds multiple similar accounts. Brian suggests that these negative opinions cannot be trusted due to the fragility of eyewitness testimony.
Wed, January 24, 2018
Episode 60
Brian investigates YouTuber FaZe Kay who has discovered a secret menu at a McDonald’s in Hollywood. Brian considers that the video might be staged, given the suspicious conversation between Kay and his UberEats driver. He loses all confidence after seeing the pizza, which does not look anything like the pizza from Pomeroy. Brian calls the McDonald’s location, asks if the secret menu contains pizza, and places his own order with UberEats. Brian’s driver and the McDonald’s employee are both confused by his questions about pizza. Brian reports FaZe Kay to the Computer Crimes Unit of the LAPD.
Tue, January 16, 2018
Episode 59
Brian shares his vision for Willow 2 and asks that listeners with any connections in the film industry reach out. The movie premise includes the main characters’ use of time travel to visit McDonald’s in 1991, when the chain still served pizza nationwide. Dar and Willow decide to stay in Los Angeles and work at McDonald’s for the employee discount.
Fri, January 05, 2018
Episode 58
Brian returns to his investigation of Willow. Brian reads correspondence from director Ron Howard and asks if he would like to collaborate on Willow 2. Brian calls Lucasfilm and is told that his email is a scam. Brian then calls Ron Howard’s production company and is told he cannot have a meeting. Brian concludes that he has been scammed yet again by Monroe Boswell.
Fri, December 22, 2017
Episode 57
Brian reflects on his spiritual journey and educates listeners on the true meaning of Christmas. Brian wraps up the episode with a parody of “Little Drummer Boy,” with the lyrics “McDonald’s Pizza is Gone.”
Fri, December 08, 2017
Episode 56
Brian emails Squarespace, asking them for help creating a website in exchange for his past pro bono advertisements. Brian calls LegalZoom for advice on his relationship with Squarespace after a week without response to his request. When the employee shares LegalZoom rates with Brian, he asks if he can exchange pro bono ads for a subscription. Brian continues to call companies that he has done advertisements for, starting with Casper Mattresses.
Thu, November 30, 2017
Episode 55
Brian reflects on conversations with listeners about the largest McDonald’s in Orlando, Florida, which has both a pasta bar and pizza. Brian previously ignored the pizza, as it is not made using the original recipe, but has reconsidered now that Pomeroy has removed pizza from the menu. Brian calls Orlando to ask about the recipe and warn them about pressure from McDonald’s corporate.
Tue, November 21, 2017
Episode 54
Brian files a FOIA request for information about the discontinuation of the McDonald’s Pizza Program. The FBI discloses that they do not have files on this subject. Brian wonders if the FBI is hiding information or failed to investigate altogether. Brian calls into Mike Rivero’s radio show What Really Happened, and is told the FBI is untrustworthy. Rivero brings up supply chain issues and suggests that Brian talks to a lawyer.
Thu, November 09, 2017
Episode 53
Brian recaps the triumphs and frustrations associated with running his IJP, the primary frustration being the lack of education about McDonald’s Pizza. This prompts Brian to contact a marionette theater with the goal of creating and staging an educational puppet show. The employee encourages Brian to send an email with his questions.
Thu, November 02, 2017
Episode 52
Brian reports that he is now cancer free, as he records from his hospital room. Brian considers how previously classified documents about JFK’s assassination might relate to his investigation. Brian contacts the office of his Representative Adam Schiff to request a meeting with Trump. Brian calls the White House to ask if Trump plans to release any classified information relating to the McDonald’s Pizza Program. The employee remembers having McDonald’s pizza but is hesitant to elaborate.
Thu, October 26, 2017
Episode 51
Brian expresses his desire to speak to Greg Mills. Twitter user Parker Bent tweets at Brian, saying that his alias put the IJP at risk. As Brian is reconsidering what he said while in character, he hears an advertisement for Diesel Driving Academy and decides to call them. Brian asks if driving a truck through a drive thru is possible, and the instructor is not sure. Brian calls the Pomeroy location and is told that their drive thru has a sign saying that trucks cannot fit. Lastly, Brian attempts to call a truck driver and discovers that it is not safe but definitely possible to drive a truck through a drive thru.
Thu, October 19, 2017
Episode 50
Brian shares audio recordings from fans who visited the Pomeroy McDonald’s during its final days selling pizza. Brian uses the alias, Larry Truck, to call McDonald’s corporate and ask why Pomeroy was forced to stop selling pizza. He calls Pomeroy owner Greg Mills for more answers and is told to call back on Monday.
Tue, October 10, 2017
Episode 49
Brian announces that all McDonald’s locations must stop serving pizza, including the Pomeroy store. Brian discusses his Lymphoma and various illnesses, resulting in a hiatus from the IJP, which he suspects might have something to do with his investigation. Brian discusses a “testy” call with the Pomeroy location asking why McDonald’s is requiring them to stop selling pizza and wonders if he is responsible.
Mon, August 21, 2017
Episode 48
Brian describes a listener who sent photographic evidence of what he believes to be cornmeal on the Pomeroy crust. Brian calls the Pomeroy location under an alias to inquire. The employee says that the dusting on the crust is parmesan and is not the same as the original recipe.
Fri, August 18, 2017
Episode 47
Brian continues discussing his personalized healing program with his angel guide. Brian expresses that people he encounters in his investigation are getting in his way. The angel guide suggests that Brian might be holding onto frustration due to being abandoned by his birth parents. She goes on to describe the various practices and activities that Brian will experience throughout his retreat. After nearly committing to the retreat, Brian learns that it will cost $2,394, hangs up the phone, and ends his quest to destress.
Mon, August 07, 2017
Episode 46
Brian is contacted by an angel guide and discusses his IJP. Brian tells the practitioner that he is in a relationship with his work before delving into his childhood, beliefs, living habits, and goals for the retreat.
Mon, July 31, 2017
Episode 45
Brian seeks to go on a spiritual retreat in order to combat stress from his IJP. The employee suggests that Brian spend time talking one-on-one with an angel guide so that the program can create an experience tailored to his needs.
Tue, July 25, 2017
Episode 44
Brian considers that the Pomeroy pizza might be part of a series of deceptive acts due to its crusts’ lack of cornmeal. Brian calls various cornmeal suppliers to inquire if they sold cornmeal to McDonald’s when the franchise sold pizza.
Mon, July 17, 2017
Episode 43
Brian suggests that McDonald’s might not be wholly responsible for the removal of pizza from the menu. Brian considers the possibility that McDonald’s has nothing to benefit from ceasing to serve pizza and investigates a possible third party actor.
Wed, June 21, 2017
Live Call-In Episode 1
Pomeroy, Ohio and saw a sign on the door asking that customers refrain from taking photos or videos out of respect for the employees. The sign was not there during Brian’s visit, and Josh worries that the McDonald’s corporation is looking at the location more closely after Brian’s trip. Next, Brian plays a voicemail from Allen who apologizes for bullying customers who ordered pizza as a high schooler and wonders if McDonald’s was bullied into taking pizza off the menu. The next caller, Steven, tells Brian that he has not tried the pizza and is sorry to disappoint Brian but would be willing to sign an affidavit saying he would try McDonald’s pizza if it was brought back to the menu. Brian begins calling McDonald’s locations as part of a $9 giveaway. Another caller remembers trying deep dish pizza from the kid’s menu at a McDonald’s in Wisconsin. Brian refrains from further traumatizing the guest on air but later calls deep dish pizza soup. The next voicemail comes from Robert hypothesizing that McDonald’s might have a food lab with frozen samples of McDonald’s pizza kept for historical value. The following voicemail claims to be a person from the IRS offering to pull some strings to cast Brian in a movie about whatever happened to pizza at McDonald’s. Next, Niji recalls trying pizza in a Costco McDonald’s but did not love the taste. Niji agrees to sign a statement saying she will not disparage McDonald’s pizza in order to preserve the integrity of the IJP. Brian goes on to play a voicemail from a caller in Montreal who regularly got pizza throughout the nineties. Brian continues the contest but is repeatedly hung up on. He finally finds an employee willing to answer his trivia question about the existence of McDonald’s pizza, but the employee answers incorrectly.
Sat, June 17, 2017
Announcements
Brian announces a live call-in episode for listeners to share their experiences with McDonald’s pizza. Brian also says listeners can call (323) 319-JERK if they are unavailable to call in live. Brian also announces that the IJP has moved to a new hosting service: Spreaker.
Mon, June 12, 2017
Donors-Only Q&A Bonus Episode Preview 2
A preview of our second donors-only Q&A bonus episode.
Thu, June 08, 2017
Episode 42
Brian addresses the Twitter controversy over calling his project a podcast and decides to refer to it as an investigative journalism program (IJP). Brian hypothesizes that people are either suppressing their memories of McDonald’s pizza as a coping mechanism or have never lived in a time where the pizza existed. Brian calls AARP, attempting to target an age group who might remember McDonald’s pizza. The AARP employee agrees to submit her written interest in reading an article about whatever happened to pizza at McDonalds.
Tue, May 23, 2017
Episode 41
Brian uses his investigative expertise to look into Trump’s decision to fire FBI director James Comey. He starts by traveling to Washington D.C. to visit the White House and get a comment from Trump himself. Brian approaches a secret service agent and is told he needs an appointment to enter the White House. Brian learns that Trump is abroad on a diplomatic trip which he calls suspicious given the timing of his own trip. Brian turns to nearby pamphleteers for eye witness accounts, one of whom loves Russia. The man encourages Brian to investigate scripture instead.
Fri, May 12, 2017
Episode 40
Brian discusses paranormal expert Dr. Hines’ accomplishments before learning about remote viewing and accessing the subconscious mind by creating ideograms. Brian walks around LA to clear his head and asks people on the street what his drawing resembles. Canvassers Tommy and Chris say that they see a drawing of pepperoni pizza and the McDonald’s symbol. Brian puts the Willow investigation on hold to look into Trump’s firing of FBI director James Comey and his involvement with the Russian government.
Sat, May 06, 2017
Episode 39
Brian finds a free training video for remote viewing on YouTube but first researches the dangers of psychic abilities. Brian calls the prayer hotline worrying that psychic powers will put him in spiritual danger. The prayer hotline employee lets Brian know that he is safe from demonic forces.
Fri, April 28, 2017
Episode 38
Brian pauses his pizza investigation to look into the missing copy of Willow. Brian learns about “remote viewing:” a technique used to obtain information from afar using the mind. Brian calls a remote viewing expert for a training session. The employee encourages Brian to sign up for his course but Brian expresses concerns about the cost. Brian advertises the podcast’s new website pizzaatmcds.blogspot.com.
Fri, April 21, 2017
Episode 37
Brian went to his library to look up McDonald’s Pizza in the encyclopedia but found no results. Discouraged, he decided to take time for self-care. Brian chose to watch Willow to take his mind off the investigation but ends up with Warriors of Virtue when he cannot find the copy of Willow. Brian follows up with the library to find out if they filed a police report.
Sun, April 16, 2017
Donors-Only Q&A Bonus Episode Preview
A preview of our donors-only Q&A bonus episode.
Mon, April 10, 2017
Episode 36
Brian continues the investigation into Bowe Bergdahl and suggests that he might have to disguise himself and travel to Pakistan to investigate first hand. Brian calls Lucy’s to acquire a disguise costume to look like an Afghan local. Brian worries about cultural appropriation and the employee reassures him that she will find something appropriate but recommends that he comes into the store. Brian asks the employee if she remembers pizza at McDonald’s, but she is from Venezuela and does not remember seeing McDonald’s in the region until the nineties.
Tue, March 28, 2017
Episode 35
Brian discusses the pros and cons of being an independent journalist before deciding to call the New York Times to ask for a job. He is directed to the careers website. Brian asks if anyone is currently covering the fast food beat. Brian’s call is transferred multiple times, and he ultimately leaves a message with the editor of the dining section. Brian then calls the dining department of the LA Times, suggests that he has interest from the NY Times, and is told the paper is not looking for freelance writers.
Tue, March 21, 2017
Episode 34
Brian turns to the Internet to verify the information he was given by the McDonald’s customer service representative, when he discovers a KFC (Kabul Fried Chicken) location in Kabul that sells pizza. This leads Brian to doubt McDonald’s claim that pizza was not a feasible menu item for fast food chains. Brian contacts a person who has eaten the pizza at Kabul Fried Chicken. The anonymous woman suggests that KFC is not like U.S. fast food chains because the pizza takes 20-30 minutes to make. Brian concludes the episode asking listeners to support him on Patreon, saying that once the podcast reaches 250 patrons he will begin releasing episodes twice weekly.
Wed, March 08, 2017
Episode 33
Brian searches for McDonald’s locations in Afghanistan, specifically those with pizza, in order to investigate his theory that soldier Bowe Bergdahl abandoned his post in search of McDonald’s pizza. The employee finds locations in Pakistan, none of which appear to serve pizza. Brian asks the employee to pass on his compliments to the management at the Pomeroy location.
Thu, March 02, 2017
Episode 32
Brian announces that he planned to end the podcast after traveling to Pomeroy, Ohio, before receiving a piece of electronic correspondence from a screenwriter. The screenwriter describes the experience of a soldier (Bowe Bergdahl) who was famously captured by the Taliban after leaving his post in Afghanistan. The letter says that Bergdahl had tasted exotic McDonald’s menu items around the world, including pizza. Brian decides to continue the investigation and podcast, announcing that this episode is the start of Season 2.
Wed, March 01, 2017
Episode 31
Brian introduces his producer Agnes at the airport on the way to Ohio and asks the airport McDonald’s if they sell pizza. Brian recaps the history of McDonald’s pizza, the podcast, and Pomeroy, Ohio. Brian and Agnes comment on the state of Pomeroy, Ohio. Brian orders a family sized pepperoni pizza, a personal cheese pizza, and a personal deluxe pizza. Brian describes the pizza as transcendent, but Agnes says it’s the worst pizza she has ever had. Brian speaks to manager Lori who says that pizza is the biggest part of the branch’s profits. Brian speaks to McDonald’s customers about their memories of McDonald’s pizza. Lori tells Brian that the owner has another franchise in West Virginia that sells pizza. Before leaving Pomeroy, Brian and Agnes visit Pomeroy’s motel to explore the murder site, but the motel is closed. Brian questions if Pomeroy’s pizza uses the same recipe as the original pizza.
Thu, February 23, 2017
Episode 30
Brian calls McDonald’s Canada to ask why they stopped selling pizza and if it would be possible for the menu item to be brought back. Brian gets the corporate phone number to reach an official spokesperson. He calls and is referred to the media hotline where he leaves a message.
Fri, February 17, 2017
Episode 29
Brian thanks listeners and opens fan correspondence. Rachel M. writes about trying pizza at McDonald’s in Orlando as a kid but does not remember the taste because she was upset that the pizza Happy Meal did not come with fries. Sioban D. writes about working at McDonald’s in Canada and describes the taste of McPizza. Twitter users ask what prompted Brian to begin this investigation and what the primary goal of the investigation is.
Thu, February 09, 2017
Episode 28
Brian introduces subpodcast Crust to Crust AM. Brian discusses the Mandela Effect and wonders if McDonald’s pizza ever existed due to its mysterious disappearance. Brian calls physicist Roger Nash to ask about parallel realities and the possibility of moving between them. Brian asks Nash about Fictionkin, people who believe they were another person in an alternate reality, and asks if it is possible that a person from an alternate reality is sending messages about McDonalds pizza.
Thu, February 02, 2017
Episode 27
Brian calls a Catholic prayer hotline and asks for a clergyperson. The woman tells Brian that he does not have to pray through a priest and that God has no gender. Brian reads a second list of donors during the prayer. Brian asks the hotline employee if she remembers pizza at McDonalds.
Wed, February 01, 2017
Episode 26
Brian announces that he has booked his trip to Pomeroy, Ohio. Brian calls the prayer hotline back to request thank you prayers. The hotline employee is confused by Brian’s request and questions Brian about his relationship with God. Brian prays, gives thanks, and names his donors. Brian asks if Satan is similar to Robocop, loudly eats Ritz crackers, and goes to lay down during the phone call. Brian becomes a Christian and asks if God will leave like his earthly father.
Tue, January 24, 2017
Episode 25
Brian calls the White House Comment Line and is directed to the website by an answering service. Instead, Brian calls Mar-a-Lago, the “Winter White House.” He proceeds to call the restaurant, the Trump Organization, and the Federal Government Information Line. Information specialist Charlotte encourages Brian to reach out to his representatives about the comment line and his joining the White House Press Corps.
Wed, January 18, 2017
Episode 24
Twitter user @wayofthepornstache reaches out to McDonald’s Canada on Twitter asking them to bring pizza back to the menu. The Twitter account directed followers to their FAQ page and replied that the 11 minute preparation time was too long compared to the rest of the menu. McDonald’s Canada let users know that pizza would not be making a comeback anytime soon. Brian concludes that the prep time argument does not add up for a variety of reasons and calls Little Caesars to investigate. The Little Caesars’ manager tells Brian that their pizzas take about 8 minutes to make from start to finish but that most are ready immediately on the spot. Brian asks if this standard is reasonable for other fast food restaurants such as McDonalds and the manager says it is.
Wed, January 11, 2017
Episode 23
Brian tells listeners that the Kickstarter has been successful and discusses various safety concerns. Brian proceeds to call multiple McDonald’s locations asking for the phone number for franchise owners. The first employee tells Brian he can only have the phone number by coming in and reading the number on the door. The second location gives Brian the owner’s contact information. The franchise owner is away, but the woman who answers the phone takes Brian’s information so that the owner can call him back.
Thu, December 29, 2016
Episode 22
Brian reflects on his call with reporter Sarah Hawley and wonders about the clicking noise during their phone call. Brian calls a private investigator to find out if McDonald’s is tapping his phone. The investigator tells Brian that with current technology, he would not hear a recording device. He believes it is unlikely that McDonald’s would have had extended access to his phone in order to install a recording device in the first place. The investigator advises Brian that it would be a waste of money to hire a private investigator for his case.
Tue, December 27, 2016
Episode 21
Brian contacts Sarah Hawley at the Pomeroy, Ohio Daily Sentinel to inquire about the Meigs Motel murder and McDonald’s pizza. Brian describes multiple strange occurrences during his investigation and asks if Hawley is aware of any connections between crime and the pizza. Brian asks if Hawley can recommend another place to stay. Brian calls the Holly Hill Inn at Hawley’s recommendation. The inn’s owner tells Brian that he remembers McDonald’s pizza tasting like cardboard and agrees that restaurants should stick to what they know. Brian asks the owner about security at his bed and breakfast and the murder at the Meigs Motel. The owner offers to pick up a secure lockbox for Brian’s pizza.
Sat, December 24, 2016
Episode 20
Brian announces updates on his fundraising goal for a trip to Pomeroy, Ohio and announces his side investigation into the 2013 murder of a pedophile in the Pomeroy motel. Brian hopes to identify any potential connections between the murder and pizza at the nearby McDonald’s. Brian encourages listeners to join the podcast’s official Facebook group and to learn more about him by listening to his guest appearance on “Search for a Co-Host” (Episode 107).
Fri, December 16, 2016
Episode 19
Brian calls a motel in Pomeroy, Ohio to inquire if the rooms have a safe, fridges that can fit a pizza box, and if he can reserve a room under an alias. The employee lets Brian know that the reservation requires a government ID but assures him that they have a strict privacy policy, cameras, and 24 hour staff. Brian asks the employee if she has tried the pizza at the Pomeroy location. She told him she has and that it tastes like frozen pizza from the grocery store. Brian questions the manager about a murder that occured in the motel in 2013, but she assures him that they have since updated their policies.
Wed, December 07, 2016
Episode 18
Brian talks to Andrew, a former McDonald’s employee who worked in 1992 at a Canadian branch that sold pizza as a teenager. Andrew describes the crust as light and airy because the pizza was cooked quickly in the same oven as the pies. Andrew says the pizza took about 5.5 minutes to cook which was longer than most menu items. Andrew remembers a manager being frustrated that cooking pizza would slow down employees. Additionally, store supervisors would be frustrated if there were excess pizzas at the end of the day due to low profit margins. Despite loving the taste, Andrew did not see the pizza as a financially viable menu item. Andrew himself wonders whatever happened to the pizza at McDonald’s.
Sat, December 03, 2016
Episode 17
Brian comments on the trailer for The Founder, a story about Ray Kroc and his purchase of McDonald’s. Brian questions the lack of pizza in the trailer. Brian runs into an Internet problem and asks listeners to pause and wait for his WiFi to reconnect. Brian ultimately gives up on his internet and expresses hope that the film will address the question of what happened to pizza at McDonald’s. The episode transitions to discussion about the kickstarter to raise funds for a trip to Pomeroy, Ohio to try McDonald’s pizza.
Tue, November 29, 2016
Episode 16
Brian calls a McDonald’s location in Australia to ask if Australian locations ever served pizza. The employee directs Brian to the Australian website for answers. Brian calls a McDonald’s in France, asks the employee in French if they have pizza, and is hung up on. Brian calls a location in the U.K. and discovers that they sold pizza 15-20 years ago and is advised to call corporate for more information. Brian calls another location using an accent to inquire about pizza, but the employee cannot understand him.Brian gives the Panoply Network a final deadline to pick up the podcast, after which he will begin negotiations with Gimlet Media. Gimlet Media was selected via a poll on the podcast’s Twitter account.
Sun, November 20, 2016
Episode 15
Brian discusses Reddit threads on which people wonder what happened to pizza at McDonald’s. Brian describes a post containing a picture of pizza purchased at the McDonald’s location in Pomeroy, Ohio. The title contains misinformation about the Pomeroy location being the only remaining location to serve pizza, but Brian is willing to overlook the mistake in search of comments that can explain why the pizza was discontinued. Other Reddit users describe their experience working at McDonald’s and recall the specifics of the pizza making process. Brian admits that he cannot verify the information on the thread but trusts the claim that McDonald’s pizza was made in the following order: crust, sauce, toppings, and then cheese. One user, Redditron-2000-4, describes ingredient overlap with onion, peppers, and cheese. Brian searches for Redditron-2000-4’s post history to uncover more details about McDonald’s pizza to no avail.
Wed, November 16, 2016
Episode 14
Brian calls Crossroads 24 Hour Prayer Line to put in a prayer request about a crisis in his work life. Brian expresses concern that most support lines are busy due to the recent election results. The support line’s representative, Herald, tells Brian that people are calling on behalf of “God’s candidate,” who he believes to be Donald Trump. Herald refers Brian to John Paul Jackson and Dr. Wallnau’s “prophecy” on YouTube. Brian asks what the YouTubers say about Donald Trump, but Herald prefers to keep the call about Brian’s prayer request. Herald asks Brian if he has or wants a relationship with Jesus Christ. Brian agrees if it will help him in his professional life. Herald directs Brian to YouTube videos about Jesus’ resurrection. Brian asks Herald if he remembers McDonald’s Pizza and continues to question Herald about his support for Donald Trump. Herald prays for Brian.
Thu, November 10, 2016
Episode 13
Brian calls a McDonald’s location and discovers that they sell pizza before getting disconnected and deciding the employee was giving him a “facetious” answer. The second location says they do not sell pizza, prompting Brian to ask if the employee voted for Trump. The employee hangs up. The third call is nearly identical to the second. Brian’s next call reaches a frustrated employee who informs him that a prank call can result in a fine up to $130. Brian asks if the employee voted for Trump, and the employee refuses to disclose political information while at McDonald’s. Brian continues calling McDonald’s locations asking about pizza and employees’ voting choices. One employee responds that she did not vote for Trump.
Sat, October 29, 2016
Episode 12
Brian introduces the subpodcast, “Do You Remember That?” by delving into the history of McDonald’s Pizza. Brian discusses dramatic increases in profits and menu additions over the years, including salads and breakfast items. Brian discusses the rise in popularity of pizza chains in the 1980s, specifically Pizza Hut. In the mid-80s, McDonald’s added pizza to their menus by the name of “McDonald’s Pizza,” not McPizza, according to Brian. McPizza was briefly tested but more closely resembled a Hot Pocket than pizza. McDonald’s Pizza reached the market in 1988 after extensive research and funding with the goal of discovering the fastest way to cook pizza. Pizza Today publisher Gerry Durnell (allegedly voiced by Edward Herrmann) doubted McDonald’s, saying that McDonald’s is not a fast food. McDonald’s settled on a process that made pizzas available to customers in five minutes: slower than most McDonald’s menu items yet faster than many pizza chains. Brian describes Pizza Hut’s attack ads against McDonald’s, calling their pizzas “McFrozen.” Brian articulates that this is a lie, as the pizza is not frozen but cooked in a specific oven. Brian states that McDonald’s incurred high renovation costs in order to put the pizza ovens in view of customers and to expand drive thru windows. That said, the corporation decided to proceed with the menu addition. Two years later, McDonald’s removed pizza from the menu. Brian’s investigative journalism quest is to discover why.
Tue, October 25, 2016
Episode 11
Brian calls for legal advice and requests an attorney that has no previous cases for or against McDonald’s. Brian is disconnected, calls back, and requests that the representative does not hang up on him. Jessica lets Brian know that there are no attorneys who can take on his case but gives him the phone number for the Los Angeles Bar Association. Brian calls the LA Bar Association, but the office is closed.
Tue, October 18, 2016
Episode 10
Brian offers legal protection to whistleblowers, saying he is not required to reveal their identities. Brian admits that he cannot confirm Lamont’s identity and recalls being scammed by Monroe Boswell. Brian expresses his frustration that the majority of McDonald’s employees claim to have no knowledge of McDonald’s pizza. A franchise owner that serves pizza at his McDonalds’ locations has ignored Brian’s calls and has a full voicemail box. Private investigators are demanding high prices, and the corporate media team has yet to respond to Brian’s email. Brian says that the investigative journalism project has cost him everything from his job to his wife, yet he intends to continue the project. Brian expresses his belief that Lamont was a sophisticated audio playback device using recordings from a Coast to Coast AM radio segment about Area 51. Host Art Bell was driven off the air following the segment. Brian apologizes to listeners about Lamont and admits that he is unsure if Monroe Boswell is behind the call. Brian has a minor freakout in frustration at the end of the episode.
Sat, October 15, 2016
Episode 9
Brian starts by advising listeners that the following episode may be disturbing. Brian receives an email from Lamont claiming to have information on why McDonald’s stopped selling pizza. Lamont claims to be a former employee let go on a medical discharge, running across the country. Lamont claims that the people who shut down McDonald’s pizza are not who they claim to be and have ties to the military, specifically Area 51. Lamont tells Brian that there is danger to come before the call is cut off.
Wed, October 12, 2016
Episode 8
Brian calls McDonald’s customer service to ask why they stopped selling pizza, and the representative gives Brian the number for the general service line. Brian calls, asks about McDonald’s pizza, and the representative says she will pass along his request to bring back McDonald’s pizza. Brian responds that he never actually got to try the pizza, but is interested in trying it. Brian explains that he is investigating why McDonald’s stopped serving pizza in the first place. The employee explains that it was a test product and did not work out most likely due to its sales and cooking time. She tells Brian there is not a person who can answer the question “whatever happened to pizza at Mcdonald’s?” The representative gives Brian an email to discuss his investigative journalism project with the media team.
Sat, October 08, 2016
Episode 7
Brian calls an investigation firm to ask if they can investigate why McDonald’s stopped selling pizza and is hung up on. He calls a second private investigator, George, who says he will call McDonald’s and look for historical records for $100 per hour. Brian asks him to do it for $20 and George says no. Brian starts searching for historical records and finds an article on McPizza. The article claims that most McDonald’s locations stopped selling McPizza because it took 11 minutes to cook, and customers associate McDonald’s with fast food. Only three McDonald’s locations still serve McPizza today: Pomeroy, Ohio, Orlando, Florida, and Spencer, West Virginia. Brian questions the credibility of the source due to the lack of citations.
Wed, October 05, 2016
Episode 6
Brian encourages listeners to sign his Change.org petition for Panoply to host “Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald’s?” in an official capacity. Brian goes back to calling McDonald’s. The first employee thinks McDonald’s pizza is a great idea and tells Brian he has not experienced any pressure from corporate to not sell pizza. The second McDonald’s answers and says they sell pizza and pasta from 6am to 1am. The employee says they sell pizza because they are owned by a different company but cannot connect Brian with headquarters. Brian’s third call reaches an employee who asks Brian if he has ever seen McDonald’s pizza. Brian says no; the employee says Brian answered his own question; Brian asks the employee why he is speaking in riddles and if someone told him not to talk about McDonald’s pizza.
Tue, September 27, 2016
Episode 5
Brian Thompson addresses the email he received from Ava Lubell, General Counsel at the Slate Group (Panoply’s parent company). Ava Lubell asks Thompson to confirm his formal affiliation with the Panoply Network or remove the logo and stop claiming to be part of the network. Brian explains the misunderstanding in his response to Lubell, claiming that he received correspondence from Mark Panoply months earlier about joining the network. Brian accepted the offer after confirming that the Panoply Network had no ties to McDonalds. Brian explains that he had wired money to Mark Panoply for advertisements that never aired. After not being invited to the company Halloween party, Brian begins to suspect that he is not a part of the Panoply network, but is being scammed by Monroe Boswell. Brian lets Ava know that he has filed a police report and removed the Panoply logo from the podcast’s social media. Brian apologizes, lists all of the podcasts that are part of the Panoply network, says he would be happy to officially join the Panoply network in the future, and concludes his email asking if Ava remembers pizza at McDonald’s.Brian lets listeners know that he believes his invitation to the Now Hear This podcasting event was part of Monroe Boswell’s confidence scheme and encourages them to reach out to the festival for refunds.
Thu, September 22, 2016
Episode 4
Brian recaps the previous episode and gets in touch with the office of Greg Mills. The employee tells Brian about the location’s annual fight with corporate to keep pizza on the menu. Brian lets her know that he is an investigative journalist looking for answers about McDonald’s pizza. The employee discusses not being able to disclose certain information about McDonald’s, but affirms that no one has specifically told her not to discuss pizza. Brian asks if McDonald’s pizza is as good as or better than other pizza franchises to which the employee of 30 years responds that she is a McDonald’s fanatic. Brian thanks her for her candor, and she encourages him to call Greg when he returns.
Sat, September 17, 2016
Episode 3
Brian calls Brad who reached out on Twitter with information about McDonald’s pizza but reaches his voicemail and decides to call more McDonalds’ locations. The first location repeatedly mishears Brian. When the employee finally hears Brian, he does not recall a time when McDonald’s sold pizza and hangs up. The second location serves pizza but cannot tell Brian why other locations do not and encourages him to contact branch owner Greg Mills. The employee gives Brian the number to contact and his call goes to a voicemail box which is full.Brian thanks the Panoply network for hosting his show.
Tue, September 13, 2016
Episode 2
Brian calls a McDonald’s location and is hung up on. When he calls back to ask if someone told the employee not to disclose information about McDonald’s pizza, the employee responds that she does not “have time for this.” Brian calls a second location, and Ashley encourages Brian to search McDonald’s pizza online. Brian goes to McDonalds.com and finds no results.Brian introduces the podcast’s Twitter and encourages listeners to follow for “breaking news” and to get in touch with information about McDonald’s Pizza.Brian announces that the podcast will be airing live at the Now Hear This podcast festival.
Fri, September 09, 2016
Episode 1
Brian Thompson calls McDonald’s to ask if they remember when they had pizza. The first McDonald's location hangs up on him. The manager at the second location does not remember a time when McDonalds sold pizza. Brian says his podcast is part of the Panoply network.
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