Peter Tilden is a name synonymous with Los Angeles radio. Since the late 1980s, he has been a consistent voice on the airwaves, starting at KLSX during its classic rock era. His journey through LA radio includes notable tenures at KABC multiple times, a period at 710 Talk (KMPC), and even a morning show at KZLA, blending comedy with country music.
However, Peter Tilden’s most significant impact was arguably at KABC. He spent a considerable portion of his career there, adapting to the evolving radio landscape. He cultivated a style reminiscent of talk radio’s golden age, prioritizing engaging guests over political agendas. His approach focused on delivering content that was genuinely interesting to his audience, a hallmark of his broadcasting philosophy.
Beyond his established radio career, Peter Tilden has embraced the podcasting world with his show, “Really? No, Really?”. This venture pairs him with Jason Alexander, best known for his role as George Costanza in “Seinfeld,” but also a celebrated stage actor and Tony Award winner. Together, Tilden and Alexander explore a wide array of topics, from the mundane to the bizarre, prompting listeners to question and reconsider everyday assumptions.
The podcast, “Really? No, Really?”, originated from a simple suggestion. “[My] kids kept telling me to do a podcast! Do a podcast!” Tilden recalls. He developed a concept centered around conversations with fascinating individuals about intriguing subjects and pitched it to Alexander, who enthusiastically joined. iHeartMedia embraced their vision in 2023, greenlighting the podcast before a single episode was even recorded.
Launched on January 30th, 2023, with an introductory episode, “Really? No, Really?” quickly found its stride. The first official episode, released the following week on February 6th, delved into “Bathrooms, Privacy and Seinfeld,” setting the tone for the podcast’s eclectic content. Listeners can expect episodes covering everything from talking dogs and competitive eating to space junk, AI, and the mysteries of the placebo effect. In one memorable episode, Peter Tilden and Alexander discussed the placebo effect with an expert, exploring the brain’s remarkable ability to influence health outcomes even with inactive substances. Tilden highlighted examples such as college students experiencing intoxication from non-alcoholic beer and individuals exhibiting adverse reactions to placebos, only to recover upon learning the truth.
Peter Tilden emphasizes the podcast’s non-political and light-hearted nature. “It’s not political … it’s not divisive,” Tilden states. “It’s just fun.” The core appeal of “Really? No, Really?” lies in its exploration of captivating subjects and the engaging dynamic between Peter Tilden and Jason Alexander. As Tilden notes, echoing Alexander’s sentiment, they have the privilege of interviewing “the most interesting people in the world,” experts who make you genuinely question, “Really? That’s true? No, really?”
Adding to the podcast’s charm is the evident camaraderie between the hosts. Peter Tilden describes Alexander as his “best friend in the world,” recounting their meeting during the second year of “Seinfeld.” Their instant connection has deepened over the years, strengthening their on-air chemistry.
Despite the podcast’s light tone, Peter Tilden reveals a demanding recording schedule. “Due to Jason’s schedule, we usually record four or five episodes at a time,” he explains. The video component of “Really? No, Really?” also adds a layer of preparation, requiring Tilden to “shave, get a haircut … wear pants,” a humorous acknowledgment of the visual medium.
“Really? No, Really?” is readily available on all major podcast platforms and can be found in video format on Facebook at facebook.com/reallynoreallypodcast. With new episodes released every Tuesday, Peter Tilden continues to entertain and inform audiences, now in the podcasting realm, extending his legacy as a compelling voice in media.
