The Cheese Stands Alone, How do you get someone into The Best Show?

[GuyPersonton]

I'm relatively new to the forums (lurked from time to time, but never posted.) Part of the reason I finally joined is because I've gotten so tired of trying (unsuccessfully) to get friends, or frankly, anyone I know into the Best Show. It's one of my favorite things in the world, and yet I never get to share it with anyone.

My "in" was recommendations from other things I was a fan of, and the first few episodes I listened to were ones with comedians I liked guesting. And, admittedly, there was a curve to me really loving the show the way I do now, but I was hooked after just a couple episodes. I've tried playing specific segments that don't need a lot of context for people, sent them Best Show Gems...nothing.

So, have you ever successfully "won a soul" for the Best Show? What worked for you? Or is everyone I know just a giant bummer ?

[hshefman]

I've had the most luck with getting people into The Best Show by making them listening to the Gathering of The Juggalos bit.

But yeah in general I've found it hard because how daunting it seems, especially if the person you're trying to get into it knows it's your favorite thing.

[RReynolds]

'Chippert Report/Toilet Rock' has been my go-to lately. Or if I know that person dislikes something that Tom has verbally burnt to the ground, I'll isolate that clip for them. Converted 3 new fans since the hiatus started using audio relating to Chris Christie/The Hatepit. 

[agent_jimmy]

i've given up trying. im resolved that i'm the only one of my friends who will ever like the show the way i do.

[mnordine]

The Best Show was unbeknowst to me, until one of my friends played me Tom vs. the Mr. T sound box clip. Thats all it took.

[jimakaclark]

try playing them rock rot and rule.

[Ojingeo]

Find the FOTs in your city/region, and subject your friends to peer pressure.

[Will K.]

try playing them rock rot and rule.

I've had success with this method.  I would also try (though I haven't yet) the Dick Halligan, Jr. interview on 12/26/2000.

[immattryan]

I think any Philly boy Roy call or the debate from 2012. It gives you all of the great characters and such a look at the heart of the show, it's also absurdly hilarious.

[TrapNeuterReturn]

Get them stoned first. It works.

[jxmitchell]

Tom's 42 impressions. It's a total comedic tour de force, a total microcosm of TBSOWFMU. No call works entirely by itself, but it builds and builds, falls into a lull, seemingly by design just to show Tom's ability as a host, before he brings it back to the boil and goes out on top.

And every impression is perfect. Number 17 especially.

[Kevin from Pittsburgh]

3.13.2001

Tom introduces Listener Appreciation Week

Crazy callers, WFMU DJs chiming in, frustration building throughout

One of my favorite episodes that never gets mentioned with the best

[bigginsjp]

i've given up trying. im resolved that i'm the only one of my friends who will ever like the show the way i do.

I have to belatedly agree with this sentiment.

This is actually an interesting question and I'm glad someone posted it.

I have a whole gaggle of smart-funny friends who I constantly (and I do mean constantly) bombard with Best Show-related emails, Google+ posts, txts and the like - and yet all I have to show for my efforts are a few grumblings from some of the more brash of the lot. I think this has made me realize a couple of things. The wiser, more calculating (?) of my friends simply don't respond to my messages because they know that The Best Show is a hugely important comedic institution and must be revered whether they listen or not. Also, I have come to understand that everyone has to 'discover' The Best Show on their own terms (as it were). Everybody needs to (and will) discover it differently. I started listening to the TBS in podcast form around 2009 and didn't know what I had gotten myself into. But soon the light went on and I knew I stumbled into something unbelievably unique and special.

So to answer your question play your friends Philly Boy Roy's version of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.

[fonpr]

Ted Leo song writing show.

[erg79]

Tom's 42 impressions. It's a total comedic tour de force, a total microcosm of TBSOWFMU. No call works entirely by itself, but it builds and builds, falls into a lull, seemingly by design just to show Tom's ability as a host, before he brings it back to the boil and goes out on top.

And every impression is perfect. Number 17 especially.

Yes, 17 is my favorite.