"Tara and Johnny" lifestyle podcast for NBC

[Sylvia]

NBC has a "lifestyle podcast hosted by Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, Tara and Johnny, which will debut on July 27, ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics. The podcast will touch on hot topics in sports, pop culture, and fashion. Weir and Lipinski will serve as NBC Olympic Correspondents during the Rio Games."

ETA link to Podcast #1: https://audioboom.com/boos/4866325-part-1-how-tara-and-johnny-came-to-be-getting-ready-for-rio

I wasn't sure where this thread should be (GSD, Trash Can, 2016 Summer Olympics forum?) so thanks for moving it.

 

[overedge]

"Figure skating royalty"?

 

[aftershocks]

at Tara and Johnny's love affair, and describing how it all started.

Tara admits missing Johnny so much when they are apart (she's on West coast and Johnny resides in NJ), that her fiance (sports tv producer and Ohioan) Todd Kapostasy, gives her a funny look... In any case, the triumvirate appear to be embracing their weird dynamic.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFvbf1Rt6Nu/?taken-by=taraandjohnny&hl=en

Tara and Johnny said that during their rendezvous in Sochi (during which they 'blew up' on social media), they woke up every day wondering when they might be fired.

I haven't been able to locate the "skating mommy" parody videos that T&J refer to during the podcast.

Johnny: "I think we are cultural attaches to events ..."

 

[Sylvia]

Podcast #2: https://audioboom.com/boos/4868640-part-2-rio-s-culture-stephan-rabimov-on-opening-ceremony-fashion

Excited state of Tara: Lipinski psyched for Rio gig
Olympic gold medalist to reunite with sidekick Weir for Summer Games
Posted 7/28/16 by Lois Elfman, special to icenetwork
http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2016/07/28/191599680

 

[Sylvia]

Podcast #3: https://audioboom.com/boos/4898217-ep-3-experiencing-rio-and-olympic-magic

Their joint Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/taraandjohnny/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIszgXbgf1z/?taken-by=taraandjohnny
Here's the aforementioned video (not sure if it plays outside U.S. or without cable TV authentication): http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/tara-lipinski-johnny-weir-rio-opening-ceremony

 

[Justathoughtabl]

They also have a snapchat, which is taraandjohnny. I only got snapchat for them, to see how it worked, and I really don't like snapchat. It's not even all that easy to use.

Their podcast is very entertaining-- just the two of them chatting about their friendship and Rio, and telling stories about their parents, why their flights were delayed, attending an NBC event the night before, etc. Kind of Kelly Ripa and cohost or something. It doesn't sound at all scripted, but they don't have trouble coming up with things to talk about.

 

[aftershocks]

No mention of being cautious or satisfied about safety precautions re the Zika virus. (In Ep. 2 of their podcast, Tara does mention bringing lots of bug repellent). Some athletes are not going to Rio due to their concerns over the outbreak in Brazil. I haven't been keeping up with news about the virus and precautions that are being taken.

Oh well, hope everyone who goes manages to stay safe (and that the virus can be controlled/ eventually eradicated), and those who have been affected will be helped.

I'm happy for JohnnyTara's success across Olympic platforms and social/pop-cultural platforms.

The Games have begun! Wish I could watch online.

ETA:
OMG, in Episode 2 of their podcast, I love Johnny describing his Dad and their loving, bantering relationship. Also, later in the podcast, Johnny discusses his going-to-bed and waking-up-in-the-morning regimens, especially while traveling (to keep himself grounded).

Episode 2 fashion commentary guest, Stephan Rabimov, gives a shout out to the fashion flair of the British team. Johnny loves the French Equestrian team's outfits. Oh and toward the end of Ep. 2 podcast, Johnny does discuss Zika-repellent embedded in some garments. And they both reference Zika when they talk in a humorous way about Tara having been bitten by an insect and her ensuing consternation -- but that thankfully she did not test positive for contracting the virus.

 

[Skittl1321]

No mention of being cautious or satisfied about safety precautions re the Zika virus. Some athletes are not going to Rio due to their concerns over the outbreak in Brazil.

I haven't been keeping up with news about the virus and precautions that are being taken.

Oh well, hope everyone who goes manages to stay safe (and that the virus can be controlled/ eventually eradicated), and those who have been affected will be helped.

I'm happy for JohnnyTara's success across Olympic platforms and social/pop-cultural platforms.

The Games have begun! Wish I could watch online.

It is winter in Brazil so there is not huge cause for concern of mosquito transition right now. Most places seem to say they expect almost no athletes and very few spectators to contract it.

Insect repellent, treated clothing and condoms seem to be the reccomendations.

Unless you are pregnant or about to start trying (why some athletes stayed home)it's almost a non issue.

 

[chantilly]

Meh.
I think their speaking voices are not remotely ideal to do a podcast IMO.
I can barely handle their commentary to be honest.
Even though I find them pretty informed.

 

[aftershocks]

Meh.
I think their speaking voices are not remotely ideal to do a podcast IMO.
I can barely handle their commentary to be honest.
Even though I find them pretty informed.

^^ What a dilemma!

Ha ha Yay to Tara & Johnny! Have a blast in Rio, you guys! And stay safe!!!

 

[Susan M]

I haven't been able to locate the "skating mommy" parody videos that T&J refer to during the podcast.

The only one I can think of was the SOI ensemble number from the 97-98 tour that included Rosalynn Sumners playing a skatemom character named Ivana Medal. I can see from the timing how Tara could think this was about her mom, but they were really spoofing a whole lot of skating stereotypes and characters in this number. Hers surely was not the first skatemom anyone noticed.

I found a description of it at the Kurtfiles site:
http://kurtfiles.com/soi20years/soi1998.php

I seem to recall Katerina Witt''s performance as a judge getting some great reviews from folks who saw it.

 

[Justathoughtabl]

Here's one of the skating mommy videos that Johnny and Tara made. Basically, one of them (usually Johnny) is the overbearing skater mommy and the other one is the long-suffering skater.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIs9tlNgw7C/?taken-by=taraandjohnny

Personally, the mommy videos aren't my favorite. I prefer videos like this, which had me cracking up:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIvNrSygfFa/?taken-by=taraandjohnny

 

[aftershocks]

^^ https://www.instagram.com/p/BIvNrSygfFa/

 

[LilJen]

^^ https://www.instagram.com/p/BIvNrSygfFa/

Johnny's commentary is SO on the nose. "The hopes of the world resting on her small shoulders" and the like.

 

[aftershocks]

More vids from Rio:

1st Look Rio with Tara & Johnny https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzO4ry-sm1Y

Facebook Live Booth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5UGRg0r8u4

 

[Justathoughtabl]

And more from their taraandjohnny IG:

Swimming watch party
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI1FGX-g9mS/

Gymnastics watch party
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI0_7-zgWba/

 

[chantilly]

^^ What a dilemma!

Ha ha Yay to Tara & Johnny! Have a blast in Rio, you guys! And stay safe!!!

Not really a dilemma.
They are informed in between their annoying comments and voices.
Their "informed" opinions don't make up for that lack unfortunately.
If rather listen to Scott or Dick Button and even Sandra Besick sadly.
I much prefer the cbc or Eurosport guys.

 

[Justathoughtabl]

It must be annoying to listen to them if you don't like their voices. I find Meryl Davis's voice incredibly irritating (I don't even know if she has commentated, but I have trouble listening to interviews). Also, Tim Daggett (gymnastics) has a very annoying voice. And the swimming commentator yesterday was getting on my nerves. You can't please everyone. Personally, I like J&T's voices. I think they're a lot of fun to listen to, as well.

 

[chantilly]

Yeah.
Unfortunately I agree with you about Meryl.
Voice is so important to me in terms of commentating.
Maybe because I have an acting background and "voice" was drilled into you all the time.
Tanith's is ok but she needs to work on it.
Johnny's is bearable but I find him sometimes so bitchy and catty.
And Tara too much of a cheerleader.

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

I like the podcast a lot, but I also like the energy of J/T. Sometimes it can be hard to follow a story because of all their digressions, but that's also what makes it such a fun ride.

 

[aftershocks]

^^ Yes, I think J&T have great energy and upbeat chemistry. As far as their digressions, I find them easier to follow than I sometimes do Jenny & Dave. I don't always like J&T's skating commentary on NBC, but I think it's a difficult format doing network broadcasts which are so limiting, hype-driven and sound-bite prone.

I miss Dick Button in the figure skating commentary booth.

Tara did a Rio feature one night with Ryan Seacrest. I wondered where was Johnny? Are they showing Tara and Johnny features during the day? I don't recall seeing either of them in prime time coverage (not that I've seen a lot of day time or prime time Olympics coverage).

 

[Justathoughtabl]

Tara did a Rio feature one night with Ryan Seacrest. I wondered where was Johnny? Are they showing Tara and Johnny features during the day? I don't recall seeing either of them in prime time coverage (not that I've seen a lot of day time or prime time Olympics coverage).

I'm guessing that Johnny opted out of the Seacrest thing because it ended so late at night (I think Tara said it ended at 3:30am?). Johnny and Tara had referenced Johnny being sick and needing a B12 shot before,so maybe he just needed rest.

NBC hasn't put them on the air-- only FB live. It's given them time to do those instagram videos, but it makes me wonder why NBC even flew them down. But IG references them taping segments for airing:

I missed this:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI5C8FgAJQ3/

Looks like they taped this for airing:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI2_UNTApT2/?taken-by=taraandjohnny

And this:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI6G5RMjG8B/?taken-by=johnnygweir&hl=en

And this:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI48875gMGf/?taken-by=jillmartin&hl=en

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

Tara did a Rio feature one night with Ryan Seacrest. I wondered where was Johnny? Are they showing Tara and Johnny features during the day? I don't recall seeing either of them in prime time coverage (not that I've seen a lot of day time or prime time Olympics coverage).

According to the podcast, their schedules are up in the air until the call sheet comes out for the day, which is totally understandable.

It's still kind of early in the Games, and they could be shooting features or in the research phase. They don't have a dedicated slot a la Tanith and the Gold Zone (which my friend produces), but I get the sense that NBC's strategy with them is to provide additional segments that can be tacked onto evening broadcasts where time permits (in addition to other places). Might not seem like high priority, but still an important part of broadcast coverage. The narrative arcs of the Games are now starting to firm up, so we'll probably start seeing more of their things soon.

 

[antmanb]

Personally, the mommy videos aren't my favorite. I prefer videos like this, which had me cracking up:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIvNrSygfFa/?taken-by=taraandjohnny

That was hilarious!

 

[sabinfire]

The podcasts have been alright so far. The shows are usually short and infrequent -- seems T&J need to use studio space in order to record the podcasts, and studio space is in short commodity in Rio.

Wasn't sure where to put this, but Tara & Johnny joined Terry Gannon in the broadcast booth for golf the other day. The gang was back together again for the first time since US Nats!

I uploaded a 10-minute clip here:

https://vimeo.com/179580858 (unfortunately YouTube blocks Olympic footage)

And another link if Vimeo doesn't work:

http://www67.zippyshare.com/v/1Gly1wJO/file.html

 

[aftershocks]

I'm guessing that Johnny opted out of the Seacrest thing because it ended so late at night (I think Tara said it ended at 3:30am?). Johnny and Tara had referenced Johnny being sick and needing a B12 shot before,so maybe he just needed rest.

NBC hasn't put them on the air-- only FB live. ...

Tara and Johnny did make it together to riff during an evening spot with Ryan Seacrest this past week (can't remember what day it was).

 

[Sylvia]

Bumping up for those interested in listening... Tara and Johnny are up to episode 17: https://audioboom.com/channel/tara-and-johnny

Outfits worn for their Skate Canada broadcast taping in the NBC studio:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BML5N1sgZO0/?taken-by=johnnygweir
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMMCC_NDJGU/?taken-by=taraandjohnny

 

[Karpenko]

OMG they "went there" about Michelle Kwan and it was glorious. Suddenly, the really sad little boy(girl) in me from 1998 wasn't devastated over the silver medal anymore.

I can't believe people complain about that on their own personal social media accounts under comments on photos/etc (and not a message board instead, show some class ).

Johnny's snark is just razor sharp and isn't to be messed with, they're both actually really scary but fun(and so on point). Wow, total respect over the last podcast (But I fast forwarded through all of the non-skating stuff)

 

[VGThuy]

Can you tell me when they talk about Michelle Kwan?

 

[Karpenko]

It's towards the beginning (first 15 mins), I kept using the FF 15 seconds option. They pretty much talk about how awesome they are the entire podcast (and they are), but as soon as I heard Kwan's name I came to a sudden halt.

Tara thinks that she should do a new separate show with Michelle to calm the waters/show they're friends and talk to each other, and I agree with her.