Iyaz Akhtar from Queens, New York

Jarod Joseph from Calgary, Alberta

We’re going back to Canada to talk with actor Jarod Joseph (Once Upon A Time, The 100, The Christmas Checklist), as we dive into his upbringing in Calgary, Alberta. Jarod discusses why Calgary is the “Texas of Canada,” explains his problems in high school and how they sent him on a path to acting, and geeks out about good memories at the Calgary Stampede. Don’t worry, Oncers, we discuss his role of Billy the Mechanic/Gus Gus the Mouse on ABC’s Once Upon A Time too. PLUS: Jarod’s thoughts on Michael Keaton’s return to the role of Batman.   SPONSORED BY SUBSCRIBE Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-im-from/id1641156954] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5U2hbggLWXDoiiscR2Iu0y] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6915b141-7c50-4d41-b0ee-a4fe5e2a4ebb/where-i'm-from] RSS [https://feeds.transistor.fm/where-im-from] YouTube (Live Streams) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClcoVeYnkhFj1vNOkPsGjXw] YouTube (Episodes) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37E864pk41lKlSU3-s9bsw]   LINKS Full Uncut Interview (Livestream) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl4uthc-yJs] Where I'm From YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@whereimfrompodcast] Jarod Joseph on IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3523076/] Jarod Joseph on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jarodjoseph/]

Iyaz Akhtar from Queens, New York

Geek out with Iyaz Akhtar, host of This Old Nerd/former host on TWiT.tv and CNET, as we dive into his upbringing in Queens. Discover how he developed his critical thinking skills at a Catholic school and how he became a tech enthusiast, including his love for the early days of the internet with CompuServe, America Online, and a healthy appriciation for Teri Hatcher's place in history. And let's not forget about his swerve into the tech world after studying to be a lawyer in Boston! This episode is packed with fascinating insights and Iyaz's infectious enthusiasm for all things tech.   SPONSORED BY SUBSCRIBE Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-im-from/id1641156954] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5U2hbggLWXDoiiscR2Iu0y] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6915b141-7c50-4d41-b0ee-a4fe5e2a4ebb/where-i'm-from] RSS [https://feeds.transistor.fm/where-im-from] YouTube (Live Streams) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClcoVeYnkhFj1vNOkPsGjXw] YouTube (Episodes) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37E864pk41lKlSU3-s9bsw]   LINKS Full Uncut Interview (Livestream) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGMpllmHvCE&t=0s] Where I'm From YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@whereimfrompodcast] This Old Nerd [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL93686C720C023BAE] Finite Comedy [https://finitecomedy.com/v4/] Iyaz on Twitter [https://twitter.com/iyaz]

September McCrady from Lockport, New York

Meet September McCrady, aka NineOf12, my former partner on the America’s Next Top Podcaster reality competition and co-creator of the original Where I’m From Pilot. We'll dive into September's unique upbringing in upstate New York. From art class with Mr. Raymond and exploring the woods, to memories of Lockport Mall, September shares what she loves about Lockport, Buffalo, and where she is now. Don't miss an in-depth interview with Where I’m From’s “mommy.” PLUS: Biking with The Talking Head’s David Byrne. SPONSORED BY SUBSCRIBE Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-im-from/id1641156954] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5U2hbggLWXDoiiscR2Iu0y] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6915b141-7c50-4d41-b0ee-a4fe5e2a4ebb/where-i'm-from] RSS [https://feeds.transistor.fm/where-im-from] YouTube (Live Streams) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClcoVeYnkhFj1vNOkPsGjXw] YouTube (Episodes) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37E864pk41lKlSU3-s9bsw]   LINKS Full Uncut Interview (Livestream) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmC6vj7u7VA] Where I'm From YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@whereimfrompodcast] September/Nineof12's Personal Site [https://nineof12.com/] America's Next Top Podcaster [https://www.americasnexttoppodcaster.com] Where I'm From Pilot [https://billmeeks.com/where-im-from-interview-podcast/] Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens [https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/nature-garden/botanical-gardens-2/] Lewiston-Queenston Bridge [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewiston%E2%80%93Queenston_Bridge] Lockport Mall [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockport_Mall] Runnings Sporting Goods [https://www.runnings.com/] Lockport Cave Tours [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g48074-d267602-Reviews-Lockport_Cave_and_Underground_Boat_Ride-Lockport_New_York.html] La Nova, The Best Wings In Buffalo [https://lanova-pizza.com/] TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:16 The Where I'm From Pilot episode with Ali Spagnola 00:02:01 Lockport's Vibe 00:02:42 - Hanging Out In The Woods 00:05:40 - The KISS Army 00:06:14 - Playing Dungeons and Dragons 00:06:33 Growing Up Near Niagra Falls 00:07:03 - Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens 00:07:25 - Burger King Pokemon Key Chains 00:07:33 - Love At The Candian Border 00:08:30 - Lewiston-Queenston Bridge 00:09:13 - Immigrating From Canada 00:10:29 - Clifton Hill 00:10:44 - Maid of The Mist 00:12:14 Mr. Raymond's Art Lessons at St. Mary's 00:13:36 - Man of La Mancha 00:14:26 - Getting Involved In Politics 00:16:04 - Working On A Political Campaign With David Byrne 00:19:05 Wheel of Anecdotes 00:22:18 Streann Studio Ad Read 00:24:01 Lockport Mall 00:25:10 - Runnings Sporting Goods 00:25:24 A Hunting Trip, Denied 00:31:40 Lockport Cave Tours 00:34:10 The Politics of New York State 00:35:48 Growing Up In The Snow 00:37:51 - September Can't Eat SpaghettiOs 00:38:34 From Lockport to Buffalo 00:39:57 - Studying Theater 00:41:06 - Ani Defranco At The Poetry Slam 00:42:45 A Shared Love of Karaoke 00:44:28 Looking Back At Lockport 00:46:28 The Best Wings In Buffalo 00:46:43 - La Nova 00:47:50 Outro

More Bert Is Evil!

After my interview with Dino Ignacio [https://billmeeks.com/where-im-from-2x03-dino-ignacio-from-the-old-wide-web/] blew up last week and became the most popular episode of Where I'm From by far, I thought new listeners would be interested in the other versions of the Bert Is Evil story I’ve told over the years. Dial up for even more internet nostalgia, coming up... SPONSORED BY SUBSCRIBE Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-im-from/id1641156954] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5U2hbggLWXDoiiscR2Iu0y] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6915b141-7c50-4d41-b0ee-a4fe5e2a4ebb/where-i'm-from] RSS [https://feeds.transistor.fm/where-im-from] YouTube (Live Streams) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClcoVeYnkhFj1vNOkPsGjXw] YouTube (Episodes) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37E864pk41lKlSU3-s9bsw]   LINKS Full Uncut Interview (Livestream) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8jtyxn5mxo] Where I'm From YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@whereimfrompodcast] Dino Ignacio [http://dinoignacio.com/] The Original Bert Is Evil Website [https://web.archive.org/web/20000615163401/http://fractalcow.com/bert/bert.htm] Bert Is Evil: The True Story Behind the Web's First Viral Hit by Bill Meeks [https://www.amazon.com/Bert-Evil-Story-Behind-First-ebook/dp/B00WIRT0M2] Old Wide Web Episode 1 -- The Muppets Take Bangladesh [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PotZN8f0hk0] (Podcast [https://share.transistor.fm/s/73fb912e]) TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:23 Old Wide Web - The Muppets Take Bangladesh 00:17:18 Streann Studio Ad Read 00:19:20 Bert Is Evil: The True Story Behind the Web's First Viral Hit 00:42:54 Outro

Dino Ignacio from the Old Wide Web

Meet Dino Ignacio [https://dinoignacio.com/], the creator of the infamous 90s website Bert Is Evil [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bert_is_Evil]. We'll dive into Dino's unique upbringing on the internet and recall the exciting early days of the World Wide Web. From connecting to CompuServe and exploring the BBS scene, to creating the first internet meme and winning a Webby Award, Dino takes us on a journey through the democratization of content. Don't miss this episode as we delve into the historical significance of the first meme with internet pioneer Dino Ignacio. PLUS: How Bert Is Evil influenced a conflict half a world away.   SPONSORED BY SUBSCRIBE Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-im-from/id1641156954] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5U2hbggLWXDoiiscR2Iu0y] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6915b141-7c50-4d41-b0ee-a4fe5e2a4ebb/where-i'm-from] RSS [https://feeds.transistor.fm/where-im-from] YouTube (Live Streams) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClcoVeYnkhFj1vNOkPsGjXw] YouTube (Episodes) [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37E864pk41lKlSU3-s9bsw]   LINKS Full Uncut Interview (Livestream) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnU8lvayMgA] Where I'm From YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@whereimfrompodcast] Dino Ignacio [http://dinoignacio.com/] The Original Bert Is Evil Website [https://web.archive.org/web/20000615163401/http://fractalcow.com/bert/bert.htm] Bert Is Evil: The True Story Behind the Web's First Viral Hit by Bill Meeks [https://www.amazon.com/Bert-Evil-Story-Behind-First-ebook/dp/B00WIRT0M2] Old Wide Web Episode 1 -- The Muppets Take Bangladesh [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PotZN8f0hk0] (Podcast [https://share.transistor.fm/s/73fb912e]) CompuServe [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CompuServe] The CompuServe Comics and Animation Forum Awards [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Thompson_Awards] Geocities [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo!_GeoCities] Fark.com [https://www.fark.com/] FractalCow mirror [https://web.archive.org/web/19990208013238/http://www.fractalcow.com/] Mr. T Ate My Balls on The Old Wide Web [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meJSrIhLpa8] Braindom: We Can Defeat Brain Together [https://braindom.tripod.com/] Internet Underground Magazine Archive [https://archive.org/search?query=subject%3A%22Internet+Underground%22] Webby Awards [https://webbyawards.com] Bert Is Evil on the Webby Awards site [https://winners.webbyawards.com/1998/websites-and-mobile-sites/general-websites-and-mobile-sites/weird/142387/bert-is-evil] Dino's Last Message on Bert Is Evil [https://web.archive.org/web/20040701084631/http://www.fractalcow.com/bert/bert.htm] TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:14 Even Nerds Have Tech Problems 00:03:09 Clip from Internet Superstar with Martin Sargent 00:03:32 Dino on The Old Wide Web 00:05:07 Getting Online In Manila 00:05:59 - Growing Up Under Marshall Law 00:06:21 - Enter The World Wide Web 00:07:07- Connecting To CompuServe 00:09:44- The BBS Scene and Legends of the Red Dragon 00:10:15- The Compuserve Comics and Animation Forums 00:11:05 Why The Early Internet Was So Exciting 00:11:34 - Geocities 00:11:38 - Fark.com 00:11:44 - Rotten.com 00:12:09 FractalCow.com 00:12:48 - Zines and Poetry 00:13:25 - The Early Days Of Viral Content 00:15:44 - Mr. T Ate My Balls 00:16:08 Bert Is Evil 00:18:07 - Braindom: We Can Defeat Brain Together Tripod Site 00:19:40 - Bert Is Evil Goes Viral 00:20:09 - Internet Underground Magazine 00:20:18 - Winning A Webby Award 00:20:48 - The Muppets Take Bangladesh 00:23:55 - The 1998 Webby Awards 00:26:58 Streann Studio Ad Read 00:28:34 Bert Is Evil Part 2 00:28:40 - Sesame Street Reacts and The End of Bert Is Evil 00:30:19 - The Historical Significance of The First Internet Meme 00:31:28 - The Art of Bert Is Evil 00:32:54 Stable Diffusion and AI Art 00:39:29 Wheel of Anecdotes 00:45:37 The Democratization of Content 00:49:34 Outro