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"A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap" with Rob Reiner and Michael McKean

Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club

iHeartPodcasts

November 20, 2025

Show Notes

This week on Earsay, we're turning it up to 11 with national treasures Rob Reiner and Michael McKean for a deep dive into A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap. They explore the making of the landmark 1984 mockumentary This is Spinal Tap and its long-awaited sequel, Spinal Tap Two: The End Continues.

Together, they unpack the art of “schnadling” (their term for improvisational riffing), and Ed compares notes from another influential mockumentary — The Office. Rob and Michael reflect on why maintaining affection for these magnificently oblivious characters has made all the difference in the process of building a 40-year mythology around a completely fictional band. 

This episode is dedicated to Rob and Michelle Reiner.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap" with Rob Reiner and Michael McKean — Podcst