Wild Card with Rachel Martin 'Weird Al' Yankovic (Encore)
Feb 26, 2026
Weird Al Yankovic, parody musician and comedian with a decades-long career, chats about staying weird as he ages and balancing family life. He recounts his early breakthrough with “My Bologna.” He talks about why live shows matter and shares stories of devoted fans. The conversation ends with tour plans and reflections on identity and longevity.
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Parents Hid Childhood Dog's Death
- Weird Al describes coming home from college to learn his childhood dog China had died months earlier and was buried in the backyard without being told.
- His parents hid the death to avoid upsetting him, which devastated him and revealed their tendency to shield him from bad news.
My Bologna Was Recorded In A Bathroom
- Weird Al recalls performing in a college coffeehouse with an accordion and bongos and waking up the audience used to mellow guitar acts.
- He recorded “My Bologna” in a tiled bathroom for its reverb and later found a plaque there marking the spot.
Persona Became Representation For Fans
- Weird Al feels responsibility toward devoted fans who say his music helped them, including stopping suicides and getting tattoos of his face.
- Embracing the persona 'Weird Al' empowered outsiders and gave kids permission to be themselves.