The History of Game Shows

Adam Nedeff (Pronounced Knee-Deaf) has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of game shows. As am matter of fact, he has written a 4 volume set entitled “This Day in Game Show History” Volumes 1-4. He also wrote the book “Quizmaster” which is about Superstar Game Show Host Bill Cullen. He has appeared as a contestant on several game shows, Trivial Pursuit: America Plays, Catch-21, and Who’s Still Standing, as well as worked on The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. We talk about the guy who cracked the random code on Press Your Luck, the silliness of the phrase “Making Whoopie”, and the Mythological Hero A Chi Less.

Monty Hall: The Ultimate Dealmaker

Even if you have never watched a classic game show, my guess is that you have heard of Monty Hall.  He is best known for his multi-decades work on “Let’s Make a Deal”, but was also a game show creator, actor, author, and record setting philanthropist.  This week I induct Adam Nedeff into the “Two Timers” club as we discuss his latest book on Monty Hall.  We get into the clever way Monty captured the essence of FOMO, his strange relationship with the audience, the fundamentals of game show psychology, why everyone dressed in Halloween costumes, and the time he turned down two free yachts.  Oh and and we explain why Betty White has more game show Emmys than Monty.

The Future of Game Shows

In this bonus episode, Adam sticks around to discuss the overlap between pro wrestling and game show fans, my new love of Survivor, and he explains the enigma that is The Monty Hall Problem.