My name is Travis McElroy! IamA Podcast Host, Theatre Technician and Middlest Brother AMA!

Are you Ira Ray?

Who wants to know?

I'm here to thank Travis for Travis.

What is your goal in the theater? Broadway? A TV show?

Really, I just wanna entertain people. I'd love to do more funny internet stuff and maybe a comedy tour. But a TV show would be pretty great.

Garfield-Head-Pam-Body, or Pam-Head-Garfield-Body?

Pam head, garfield torso, Pam legs. Garfield butt.

What was a bit on MBMBaM that you thought was way too ridiculous but ended up being a hit with the listeners?

All of them.

Hello Travis!

Every so often, I re-listen to the "Orb is Horse" goof, because it's one of my favourite bits of comedy ever. Just makes me laugh like nothing else.

What's the weirdest Jumbotron message you can remember? And what's your beverage of choice?

There's was the one about the guy with cancer and his friend's wanted us to make jokes about it. Bev of choice is water. I drink that shit all the time. I also love coffee and beer.

Could Travis make a crazy ass bagel sandwich so big that not even Travis could eat it?

Not so far!

Hi Travis! I just wanted to say thank you-you bring a brand of humor to the podcast that makes it something special. You've been responsible for so many laughs shared by my girlfriend and I. As for questions: what's your favorite video game, favorite TV show, and favorite play, and why?

VG: Bioshock, TV Show: Spaced, Play: Terra Nova. Why? because they are all awesome.

Do you think that humanity will evolve to the point where we can feel the emotions that currently only horses can?

Never

Love the show! And I'll fucking bite.

How is it being the middle child? I too am a middle child (two sisters) and I'd say I fit into the stereotype of being "the bad one/trouble maker" in my youth.

I would say that I fell into "constantly requires attention" category of middle child. I was very dramatic and "ran away" several times.

How much do I have to pay you to do a show in London?

We've talked about it a bajillion times. We'd probably need to crowd fund it, but the biggest issue is our schedules. We definitely want to do one though!

Hello Travis! Firstly, I just love you. You are so funny and sweet! Did you really cry listening to 'Fireworks' or was that a joke? Because the idea of it has brought me joy for years. How often would you say movies/music/art make you cry? I cry watching those emotional YouTube fanvids for shows I've never seen.

I DID really cry. I was at the end of a LONG work week in which I was only sleeping 3 hours a night and felt like everything I was doing was wrong. Then the song came on. I have a tendency to sing along with stuff and when I sing along to songs with climaxes, I tend to cry. Most of the time, it's to musicals and I'm crying as if I was the actor, not because of personal emotion. But yes, I cry a lot.

Hi Travis! I'm coming out of lurking just for this AMA.

Why are you moving to LA??

I want to work on projects that people are doing out there. Plus, I love LA and have a lot of friends there.

Hey Travis. Do you struggle to come up with material or jokes at times on the podcast? The format of the show (being based on questions and emails) is clever, because there will always be ready-made topics, but is it a struggle to riff on them? I imagine your co-hosts being your brothers makes it easier to keep conversation flowing.

Also, just want to thank you and your brothers for your work on MBMBAM. I know them through Polygon and Besties, and am glad to get to know you (in a small way) through the podcast.

I've been having a tough time going through a breakup of a 4+ year relationship, and have been taking walks while listening to you guys by going backwards through the MBMBAM library to clear my head and be distracted. The three of you never fail to make me grin to myself like a crazy person (which I'm sure looks especially good when listening while commuting to NYC), or at the very least distract me from less happy thoughts, so--thanks, and keep being the middlest (I'm one too)!

if I were doing the show by myself it would be a struggle. The nice thing about having two co-hosts with whom I have great chemistry and comic flow is that I only have to think of thing to say 1/3 of the time. Also, glad you like the show and glad we can help!

Can you please please make a sad lib for this AMA? We can respond with words to this comment.

Thank Travis for Travis!

And my word would be boombox.

edit: The Trav has spoken! Please comment with your sad lib words.

Ok, you all win. I will write one later. Sometime this weekend. what would you like it to be about?

If I get 30 DIFFERENT people reply to this with one word each, I'll write one.

Hi Travis,

I've been listening since before the move to MaxFun, and I just wanted to thank you guys for the joy you bring into the world each week. WARNING: SUDDEN SHARP VEER INTO SAD TERRITORY FOLLOWS

My fiancee passed away very suddenly in May. Your show was the only podcast I was ever able to get her into. One of our favorite things to do was drive around, sharing a pair of earbuds, listening to you guys. When I listen to the show now, it helps me hold on to those happy moments, holding her hand and laughing. You made the most important person in my world laugh really, really hard, and I can't thank you and your brothers enough for it.

The reddit thing says I have to have a question, too, so... Favorite board game? Apologies for this post being all over the place, emotionally.

I'm glad that we could be apart of such wonderful memories. My favorite board game would have to be Settlers of Catan. Or Firefly. Or Game of Thrones

It seems like you guys have a great relationship now. When I was growing up with my brother, it was often a little strained, sometimes combative. (Though we're great now). Did you guys fight a lot?

Justin and I fought like wild animals. From like age 8-15 (my ages not his). I think it was all natural scrapping and rough housing though. We never went for the face.

Will 'In Case of Emergency' be making a comeback anytime? I still listen to old episodes regularly and I miss the chemistry you guys had!

Possibly, but if it does it'll most likely be a much different show. Especially since I'm moving to LA and Miranda and Jeremy are not.

Travis they say that the biggest critic towards a Carpenter is another Carpenter. Do you think this is the same in the Entertainment Business?

As far as Theatre Carpentry goes? Oh yes, most def. If you are asking about the entertainment industry in general, also yes.

Which brother do you get mistaken for the most often? Or vice-versa?

EVERYONE thinks that I sound like Justin. Occasionally I hear it as well.

Hi Travis! Love the show!!

I'd like to know about the live shows. Did you guys get as burned out as you'd anticipated? How do you like them?

I think we actually grow to love them every time we do another one. We're hoping to do a lot more in 2015.

What's your favorite song ? :D

99 Problems by Jay-Z

Favorite MBMBaM goof? What type of toothpaste do you use? Favorite historical president? What was your first car? Am I asking too many questions?

Tim Curry Ice Cream Truck, Anything with baking soda and no flecks in it, Teddy Roosevelt, 2003 Hyundai Elantra, No

Hey Travis - Long time listener, first time caller. I wanted to ask you a little bit about your dad's influence on the podcast. Whenever he is a special guest, it's very clear that he has the same wit, sense of humor, and comedic timing that you all do. Those are always my favorite episodes (I still laugh whenever I heard the bit about what music he plays when gettin' busy). Was he supportive from the start with your ventures? Did you ever go to him for advice on broadcasting? I'll take my answer off the air.

We wouldn't be where we are with out dad's influence. He was so supportive and still is.

How is it being one of the top 5 Travises of all time?

Pretty great!

Where do you get these wonderful toys?

Same place Batman does, Amazon.com.

What's your favorite beer? When will you visit Austin again? Do you share Justin and Griffin's love of video games and technology, and do they also have an interest in theater?

Beer: Rivertown Helles. I'll hopefully visit again soon. My brother lives there! I do share their love of Video Games but not to the same degree. And yeah, they like theatre too!

How often do you and Griffin get anything sent the PO Box?

Not often! But I'm going to WV tomorrow so maybe Justin will give me something!

I was the one that had a baby boy on valentines day and named him Griffin! Question: were u upset I didn't name him Travis?

Nope! Griffin is a great name! Plus, I'm happy not to have the Travis-ly competition!

Do you still cry when Griffin says "Amelie"?

Amelie? A-may-lee?

Nope! That was Justin's bit and it DESTROYED Griffin. I laughed super hard as well, but I think that's Griff's favorite bit.

Are you surprised that you get REAL advice questions? You and the brothers two answered my question (Hormonally held hostage in CA), and the advice was thoughtful and useful.

Not surprised really, but I do enjoy getting them! It's nice to know that people really do trust us with their problems.

What is the most "atrocious" (read "delicious") thing you've eaten in 2014?

Also does Griffin play favorites with yahoo submitters? I gave him 5 solid questions last week and none of them beat Drew Davenport's stuff :(

I've been eating really good lately! I had soft shell crab for the first time, does that count? I don't think he plays favorites, he can just only do 3-4 an episode. And Drew's are pretty go to awesome.

Is there anything you won't eat?

We joke about it on the show, but I actually have excellent eating habits these days. Back in college however, if it was food I would eat it because I was almost always broke.

If you could rock any decade's style (totally 80s, 1880s, grunge ass 90s, etc.) which would suit you and why? Also thanks so much for the work y'all do, you Griff and J-Man got me through a very long summer office job last year, I might've gone insane without MBMBAM

1940's or 50's, probably. They designed clothes for dudes built like me and I love the coats.

Travis!! My boyfriend and I are long time fans of MBMBaM and I'm a long time fan of theatre (he's a recent convert). We have seen Hamlet, R & G are dead, and Two Noble Kinsmen at cinci shakes and we loved them all! The first two times we almost asked the cute New Zealand girl if we could meet you but we chickened out. Is that proper protocol? If I brought delicious baked goods could I give them to you? Do I need to sing Travis' Hymn to Travis first?

Of course you can meet me/bring me stuff! But you'll need to hurry, I'm moving in the fall. If we meet, I've got a hug saved for you! Also, Miranda is Australian not NZ, but I won't tell her :)

All That or Roundhouse?

I remember liking Roundhouse more. Need to watch again.

Hey Travis! MBMBaM is always a highlight of my week, and you're a huge part of why.

Do you have a favorite early episode? Like is there one you would classify as a "turning point" where you guys really hit your stride? Or was it more organic?

Thank you for being you, and good luck with the move to LA!

I don't remember a specific turning point. I would say that we try to grow a little bit every episode. So i guess organic is the word I'm looking for.

Who is Kim Trails?

That is the question!

I don't have anything to ask. I just wanted to say that I love MBMBAM and I've finally caught up to the most recent episodes! You guys help a lonely American girl in the UK laugh on the daily.

Wait, can you say hi to my friend Barbara? You're her favorite brother and she introduced me to the podcast!

Hi Barbara! Thank you so much for telling your friends about us! Thank to awesome listeners like you, we have continued to grow and reach new listeners. I really appreciate it and I think you're awesome!

Favourite other Maximum Fun Podcast?

Favourite other non-MaxFun Podcast?

Least favourite?

Favorite Other MF: Well, right now I'm listening pretty exclusively to Oh No Ross and Carrie. But I love SawBones, JJGo, JJHo, Throwing Shade, The Goosedown, and Wham Bam Pow. I;m a fan of all of them.

Non MF: Welcome to Nightvale, Thrilling Adventure Hour, How Did This Get Made and Uh Yeah Dude

Least Favorite: This podcast a reporter made/made me listen to while interviewing me

Hello from a Kentuckian, my mountain man friend! My wife got me into MBMBAM when we were dating and we now race to listen to the show every week.

A few questions for you, good sir:

1. Who is you favorite Doctor?

2. Favorite Ninja Turtle?

3. What're some cool, off-the-beaten-path attractions to check out for a young couple visiting Cincinnati for a weekend afternoon?

4. What would you say are the best attributes of Justin and Griffin?

Thank you and best of luck in LA.

1: David Tennant 2. Donatello 3. Krohn Conservatory, OTR (Washington Park), Eden Park 4. Justin is the most thoughtful person I know and there's no one I'd rather have on my side if I was in trouble and Griffin is incredibly smart and he's super fun to be around

Very important issue: why does Justin pronounce the word modern so that it sounds like "modren"?

Because of Styx I think? "I am the modren man" I THINK? Who knows why that fool does what he does?

Do you have any more dad stories to share?

Yep, but I'm gonna save them for my tell all book!

What is one roll, acting wise, you've always wanted to play but have yet to?

John Proctor in the Crucible, dream roll hands down.

Hey! I saw you at the Los Angeles live show (which was great fun, thanks!). Are you involved in any fitness activities, and if so, what? You were surprisingly buff (for lack of a better word, please insert a volley of insults here to offset gross word).

I don't really do anything. I walk the dog and I build stuff. That's it. I wish I worked out more. I always want to, but I've got no will power!

[deleted]

I'm a nice/funny guy that people seem to enjoy being around. And whatever the current market rate is sounds fair.

Hello Travis! Would it increase the chances of a Massachusetts live show if I said we just had a Magiquest built here?

Which part of Mass.?

I realize you're not into video games as much as your brothers, but what's your favourite video game related memory with them?

Do you listen to any non-maximumfun comedy podcasts? I seem to recall you guys advertised comedy bang bang before, but I don't know if you guys watch/listen to it, or know what it is. Would you advertise for them or any other non maximumfun comedy podcast again if asked/paid to?

I have a thousand wonderful Video Game memories with my brothers. Mario Kart/Goldeneye tournaments, Ocarina of Time play throughs, and Final Fantasy debates are some of my favorites. I listen to all kinds of other podcasts. Thrilling Adventure Hour and Welcome to Nightvale are some of my favorite non-maxfun casts.

Ahhh! I'm excited! Hi Travis. I love MBMBAM(please note username ;), and you and your brothers have brought me many hours of entertainment and cheered up what would have otherwise been lonely days.

What is your favorite sandwich? What kind of dogs did you train? What is your favorite part of being an Awesome Podcast Guy?

I like a roast turkey on white hoagie with colby cheese, yellow mustard, tomatoes, lettuce and banana peppers. I trained all kinds of dogs! I was an obedience trainer at Petsmart. I like hearing about how much people enjoy our show. I really like making people laugh.

Is Jeff Gerstmann's face as beautiful in real life as it is on video?

I don't actually know who that is?

If there was ever a MBMBAM movie what would it be titled and what would it be about?

It would be called "Bro Your Own Way" and it would probably be about us forming MBMBaM then getting in a huge fight and falling apart. Then, a triumphant reunion!

Travis! I met you guys at the late NYC show (and asked you guys about Red Bull smoothies).

I just started a podcast. What advice can you give to someone who is just starting out in the world of podcasting?

PS: You are my favorite McElroy. Don't tell Justin or Griffin.

Never TRY to be funny/entertaining. Just try to be be sincere and try to create a quality product.

Would you enjoy more pastries made with "Thank Travis 4 Travis" on them? ;) (That cookie has made me the most popular sibling in my family...for once.)

Yes please! And then please send them to our PO Box so I can eat them!

I just got a reddit username just to ask you anything! Firstly, thanks for freeing us from those gypsy English overlords in 1776. Happy Independence Travis. You and your broz bring me much joy on a weekly basis. What's the most embarrassing brotherly story you are willing to share on this AMA? Have you guys ever discussed anything on the show that accidentally embarrassed someone and then they confronted you about it?

To answer the last part first: not that I know of. As far as embarrassing stories go, not that I can think of. I'm sure there are a ton, but I don't tend to remember funny stories unless they happen to me.

What advice to you have for someone who wants to start a podcast with a limited budget, equipment-wise? What can get us by for a while without dropping a lot of cash?

When we started we used headsets with mics that we bought at walmart for 15 bucks. It sounded like shit, but it was cheap!

What has been your favorite podcast to record? Or the one that is most memorable

Episode wise? Hmmm Well, I really enjoy the live shows. The 1st NYC show has probably been made my favorite so far. I also really loved the LA Show (yet to be released)

Do you find it easier/better to record an episode with your brothers in the same room (a la Spaghettigeddon), or do you think that you get the best goofs when doing it remotely?

I love doing episodes in the same room and I definitely notice a difference in the chemistry. That said, the nice thing about knowing each other as well as we do is that even when we're not in the same room, we can still picture each others faces and reactions.

Have you ever had a sponsor complain about your... 'unique' brand of advertising spots? To be honest, you guys are one of the few pods where I listen to the ads, because I consider it part of the show. Just wondering if some advertisers don't exactly see it that way.

Nope! Our sponsors love us and we love them!

What is it like being a technical director? Any advice for someone wanting to get into it as a career?

It's great! Here's my advice: act like a professional. Even if you're a fun person who doesn't take themseleves too seriously and likes having a good time, you are still a professional. Too often "theatre people" forget that and wear the same clothes for days on end, they show up late and sleep on couches in the green room. Just remember to act professionally and people will respond to that.

What was the reason for the demise of ICOE? Did you ever try to get it added to maxfun? When it left us you had mentioned you were working on another podcast, is that still happening? If so, any hints?

It died out because our schedules were just too intense. Also, while we had a devoted fan base, it wasn't really growing. Since then, I have had several different ideas for podcasts and I'm still working to find another project I like.