The Loaded Goat: Recent Episodes
Aaron Tallent and Christopher Cordingley
Aaron Tallent and Chris Cordingley break down each episode of "The Andy Griffith Show", providing tidbits on the show and cast, and creating and debunking conspiracy theories.
We close out season five with an episode where Jerry Van Dyke auditions to replace Don Knotts.
We enter the post-Don Knotts era with a clever episode that makes us ponder what would happen if Barney were here.
We say goodbye to Don Knotts as a TAGS regular as Aaron and Chris try to make sense of how television icons left shows in 1965.
Don Rickles guest stars as a memorable character who has bad luck and Aaron and Chris discuss the fly scene and what would happen if The Andy Griffith Show ever had a "very special episode".
Clara starts meddling and Aunt Bee tells a little white lie in an episode that is well-done, but cringe-worthy.
Opie and Howie start a newspaper and then try a new approach to sell copies that has Andy, Barney, and Aunt Bee scrambling all over town.
Barney decides to pursue an assault charge from the 1940s that nearly divides the town and Aaron gives a recap that sounds like a tongue-twister.
While Barney is away, Andy's cousin by marriage comes to visit and things get a bit awkward with Helen.
A television writer comes to Mayberry saying he wants to do a show on Andy, but things are not right. Aaron and Chris discuss if there ever was an old redeye flight from LAX to Raleigh and if $10 bill are the main cash currency at the Mayberry Bank.
Barney comes across a bag full of stolen money and begins throwing money around town to draw out a criminal, while Aaron and Chris discuss whether or not high rollers take the bus and play Deuces Wild.
Andy and Barney find themselves running for sheriff against each other and Aaron and Chris ponder how Barney would fare infiltrating organized crime.
Andy and Barney try to set Goober up with Lydia Crosswaithe while Aaron and Chris discuss kiss cams and eating too much sugar.
Barney gets a chain letter and can’t keep from letting it control his life, while Chris lists the shows of today Mayberry fans should watch to get their fix. You may be surprised by what he says.
Barney decides to help Otis quit drinking, but it doesn't work out so well, as Aaron and Chris decide why a mediocre isn't a bad thing.
Goober agrees to watch the jail while Andy goes out of town, but still needs to fix a car so he just moves it into the jail.
Comedian and Barney Fife tribute artist Rik Roberts joins us to discuss his career, his work on the movie "Mayberry Man", and Barney's attempt at real estate.
Otis has a fall in the Mayberry jail and is convinced that suing Andy and Barney will only make things better for them.
Chris Hollinghead returns to discuss his favorite episode, which has a clever storyline and everyone performing at the top of their game.
Chris Hollinghead returns this week to help us break down and episode where Barney tries to give Andy and Helen a day to themselves and fails miserably.
The Darlings bring Charlene's infant daughter to town to arrange a marriage for her and Andy is not having it when they set their sights on Opie.
Aunt Bee wants to perform in the Mayberry Centennial Pageant and is just not good at all, and Aaron and Chris break down while John Masters is bad director overseeing a show that has aged very, very badly.
Andy contemplates taking another job and we see how things go crazy in Mayberry when Barney is in charge.
Opie finds $50 and has to wait a week and see if he can keep it while Aaron and Chris discuss their big purchases when they were kids.
A man threatens to beat up Barney when he’s not wearing his uniform so Andy finds a martial arts expert to wear Salt and Pepper.
Barney talks too much and causes a rift with Thelma Lou and Andy and then Thelma Lou and Helen and then Andy and Helen while Aaron and Chris come up with plots for "The Monster From Out of Town".
An escaped convict is on the loose and Barney tries to enlist the aid of a hound dog that's pretty uncooperative. Come on Blue!
An old beau of Aunt Bee’s comes to visit and makes us wonder what she ever saw in him and Aaron discusses how to keep in good standing at a job.
Ernest T. Bass has to go back to school and Aaron and Chris break down everything from it's parallels to "Billy Madison" and Ray Stevens.
Aunt Nora and Uncle Ollie visit the Taylors and Aaron and Chris discuss why they may be the most annoying TAGS characters of all time.
Barney is faced with new size requirements for deputies and literally has to grow into the role and Aaron and Chris discuss ways to get rid of hiccups.
We kick off season five with an episode where Aaron and Chris ponder how Opie has gotten this far without knowing that Andy and Helen are dating.
As we take a break between season four and season five, we revisit the movie that launched Don Knotts' film career.
Gomer Pyle joins the marines as we close season 4 and kick off the series "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." Aaron and Chris also ranked the greatest television spinoffs of all time.
Andy, Barney, and Gomer take boys camping, but Andy has to spend the majority of his time taking care of Barney and Gomer.
Barney tells Gomer he has Thelma Lou in his hip pocket and that does not go over well. Meanwhile, Chris shows off his singing voice.
Barney sees Helen and Andy kiss in the jewelry store, while Aaron and Chris discuss real-life Johnny Pauls.
Malcolm Merriweather returns and Andy sees an opportunity to give Aunt Bee a well-deserved break, but she doesn't want one. Meanwhile, Chris decides to give Aaron a break in leading the podcast with similar results.
The Fun Girls, Daphne and Skippy, make a return to Mayberry and Chris reveals how much he hates them.
Barney and Gomer try their hand at being con artists and the joke ends up being on them, while Aaron reads hate mail about "Bargain Day".
Charlene uses a bit of mountain folklore to divorce Dud and marry Andy as Aaron and Chris break down one of the few TAGS episodes where Barney is truly the hero.
Aunt Bee buys a side of beef, but the freezer is not up to the task in what is Aaron's least favorite episode of the black and white era.
With Barney away, Gomer tries to pay Andy back for "saving his life", while Aaron and Chris break down Andy's high-stakes plan for trying to stop him. And Floyd's back!
Andy tries to take a vacation, but Barney and Gomer make it impossible. Aaron and Chris then explain why all of this is Andy's fault.
Someone is robbing Weaver's Department Store and Barney goes undercover as a mannequin to catch the thief.
Aaron and Chris break down the episode where TAGS fans first learned that Jim Nabors, aka Gomer Pyle, had an amazing singing voice.
Otis gets his own sets of wheels and Barney goes to great lengths to save Mayberry from what may be its first drunk driver.
Andy and Barney have to house a prisoner overnight in what is a unique departure from the series.
Andy and Barney attempt to turn Ernest T. Bass into a sophisticated gentleman in a takeoff on "My Fair Lady".
"Andy and Don" author Daniel de Visé joins us to break down the most visually funny TAGS episode of all time.
Aunt Bee gets the ladies in town to rally around Mr. Frisbee, who Andy doesn't like... for good reason.
Opie and his new friend get into a fight over Andy's attention and Aaron and Chris discuss their one tiff.
Filmmaker Chris Hudson joins us again to break down an episode where Andy and Helen get trapped in a cave, get out, and get back in to save Barney's morale.
Filmmaker Chris Hudson joins us to discuss his movie "The Mayberry Effect", which explores how The Andy Griffith Show has influenced individuals and audiences over many generations.
Opie and his buddies find themselves playing Robin Hood for someone who is all too eager to let them rob from the rich for him and Aaron and Chris break down the greatest Robin Hoods of all time.
Barney gives Gomer a ticket for making a U-turn and Gomer returns the favor as Aaron and Chris break down one of the funniest TAGS episodes of all time.
Randy Turner and Spirit Walker return to help Aaron and Chris break down what is perhaps the sweetest and most uplifting TAGS episode of all time.
Aaron and Chris finally get to see where Barney lives until his landlord gives him the boot for having a hotplate.
Opie gets straight As until Ms. Crump tells him she made a mistake and Aaron and Chris ponder if she did the right thing.
An armored car is headed to Mayberry as Aaron and Chris discuss reason #465 that Barney Fife would likely be fired from any other law enforcement agency.
Gomer gets fired from the filling station and has to bunk with the Taylors while Aaron and Chris break down the worst roommates in pop culture history.
Briscoe declares his love for Aunt Bee and won't take no for answer and Aaron and Chris break down a TAGS episode that hasn't aged the best.
The Mayberry gang has got relaxing on a Sunday afternoon down to a science, but they hear a sermon about slowing down and do the opposite.
Ernest T. Bass tries to join the army for reasons other than serving his country and Aaron and Chris break down the most memorable soldiers in pop culture history.
Andy, Barney, and Gomer have to retrieve Opie's baseball from the old Rimshaw House and Aaron and Chris break down the greatest haunted houses in pop culture history.
We kick off season 4 with one of the most endearing episodes in TAGS history and Aaron and Chris break down the most famous birds in pop culture history.
Spiritwalker, author of The Mayberry Rerun Watchers Guide - Season 1, and Randy Turner join us to discuss the book and fun facts about TAGS.
We've revisited Andy Griffith's work before TAGS. This week, we take a look at Don Knotts' work with Steve Allen and Dean Martin.
In between seasons 3 and 4, we revisit an album released in 1961 of music from TAGS and break down some of the most memorably celebrity music projects of all time.
We wind down season three with an episode that features a future Academy Award winner and break down the most famous prisons in pop culture history.
Ernest T. Bass makes his debut and we break down the biggest troublemakers in pop culture history.
Mayberry is overrun by a pack of dogs and Aaron and Chris break down the most famous canines in pop culture history.
Actor, comedian, and podcast host Michael Stein joins us to help break down the first episode where Andy and Helen get together.
Opie goes from having a crush on Karen to Thelma Lou and back to Karen, while Barney handles it like a champ. Meanwhile, Aaron and Chris break down the greatest school crushes in pop culture history.
We celebrate our 100th episode as "Andy and Don" author Daniel de Visé returns to help us break down a TAGS class and Aaron and Chris go over the biggest lemons in pop culture history.
Malcom Merriweather makes his first appearance and Aaron and Chris break down the most famous butlers in pop culture history.
Dr. Kevin Burke, who launched the first-ever TAGS podcast, "Burke on Mayberry", joins us to break down the first appearance of the Darlings.
Aunt Bee gets taken by a man peddling elixir and Aaron and Chris break down the biggest medicine men in pop culture history.
Helen Crump makes her debut and Aaron and Chris break down the meanest teachers in pop culture history (P.S. Helen is not on that list).
Ahead of her upcoming appearance, actress Ruta Lee joins us to discuss her work on "The Andy Griffith Show", "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.", and "Mayberry R.F.D.", as well as experiences working with Billy Wilder and the Rat Pack.
Barney's use of surveillance produces great laughs but no arrest in this episode. Meanwhile, Aaron and Chris give a belated goodbye to Mayor Stoner and break down the worst mayors in pop culture history.
Aaron and Chris determine that Arnold Winkler may be the most obnoxious child in TV history. They also revisit pop culture's biggest spoiled brats.
Aaron's mom, a music teacher and choir director, joins us as we break down Andy helping Mayberry find a great new voice despite Mayor Stoner's best efforts.
Aaron and Chris revisit the Mayberry High School Class of '45's 18-year reunion and reminisce over some of the most memorable class reunions in pop culture history.
Happy Fourth of July! Aaron and Chris break down the namesake for this podcast and ponder other good names for retro television show podcasts.
Daniel de Visé, author of "Andy and Don," joins us to discuss the book and his memories of Don Knotts.
Actor and voice-over specialist, Josey Montana McCoy, joins us as we break down an episode that was actually inspired by "High Noon."
Randy Turner, Allan Newsome, and Ken Beck join us to help us revisit the quintessential TAGS episode.
Deadair Dennis Maler joins us as we talk about littering and try to figure out the type of booze Otis actually poured into the water cooler.
On this episode, we take a moment to remember Maggie Peterson (Charlene Darling) and revisit the debuts of Gomer Pyle, Asa Breeney, and Leon.
Aaron and Chris break down an episode about Aunt Bee's birthday, fishing, and quid pro quo. To date, this is Chris' favorite Aunt Bee-centric episode.
Chris Hollinghead returns to help us break down one of the most unique episodes in TAGS history.
Jack Dodson was an amazing actor best remembered for playing Howard Sprague on The Andy Griffith Show. His daughters, Amy and Cristina, join us to discuss his life, career, and great memories of him.
Sportswriter Elton Hayes returns as we break down an episode where Opie's shenanigans cause Andy to smoke not one, but two cigarettes.
Allan Newsome, host and creator of the GOAT of Andy Griffith podcasts, "Two Chairs No Waiting," and Floyd at Mayberry Days, joins us to break down a great Floyd the Barber episode.
"Gunsmoke" historians SuzAnne and Gabor Barabas join us to discuss Parley Baer's and Howard McNear's iconic correction with the radio series and Aaron and Chris break down the worst marching band in television history.
Allan Melvin's nephew, Todd Sostero, joins us to reminisce about his uncle and we break down a great episode where Barney rises to the occasion.
Barney meddles in Andy's business with disastrous results as we meet television's first version of the "Woo Girls."
Cattle are disappearing in Mayberry and the state investigator is brought in to help. Also, Scott Williamson, Executive Director of Law Enforcement, Brand and Inspection Services for Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joins us to discuss how cattle rustling is still prevalent today.
Chris reveals his true feelings about Aunt Bee in an episode where she leaves town and Andy finds himself seeking advice from Floyd.
Mayberry gets a new mayor who learns the hard way about meddling in Andy's affairs. Aaron and Chris also ask: Just what kind of politician was Mayor Stoner?
Andy gets a new girlfriend in an episode that teaches us that elitism and snobbery can come in all forms.
We kick off season 3 with a great episode, as Opie has a friend who seems too unreal to be true and Andy has a crisis in parenting.
Mayberry historian Randy Turner returns to discuss "The Andy Griffith Show's" connection to other famous movies and television shows on the backlot owned by RKO Pictures and later Desilu Productions.
Aaron and Chris revisit Andy Griffith's film debut where he gives the tour de force performance of his career. Don't forget to hit the mute button.
Aaron and Chris revisit the monologue that put Andy Griffith on the map. Try not to spill your orange drank!
Sportswriter Elton Hayes returns to help us break down one of the more introspective episodes of the series.
Barney's cousin comes to visit and he is a bigger disaster than the elder Fife. Check out our breakdown of TAGS episode that some fans think is linked to Star Trek.
Prison consultant Justin Paperny joins us to discuss the similarities between a minimum security prison and the Mayberry jail and you'll be surprised about what he has to say. We also break down an episode where Barney blowing smoke nearly leads to a change in leadership in Mayberry.
Floyd gets an offer that's too good to be true, Barney dresses up like a woman for the first time, and Aaron and Chris answer a listener letter.
Barney breaks the bro code, Andy gets his first onscreen kiss of the series, and we revisit a time when pizza was served after dinner with coffee.
Aaron and Chris break down the latest issue of Closer, featuring a "tell-all" from Ron Howard, and an episode where Clara first proves to be the worst giver of advice in town.
Aaron and Chris revisit an episode that reminds us of a time where you dressed up to travel and if you were really nice, you got a sack of sandwiches to take with you.
Randy Turner joins us to break down an episode ripped from today's headlines. Rafe Hollister refuses to get his tetanus shot and Andy and Barney have to intervene.
In the 60s, there were two prisons known as The Rock, Alcatraz Island and the Taylor household with Aunt Bee serving as the warden.
Randy Turner joins us to discuss his latest book, "The Mayberry Travel Guide." It's good for Christopher because apparently, Aaron can't keep up with his co-host's knowledge of TAGS.
Andy and Barney instigate a good old-fashioned sales war as we say goodbye to Will Wright, who plays Ben Weaver.
Aaron and Chris revisit the episode and one scene where Don Knotts could not stop laughing during each take, while a "guest of honor" nearly rips off all of Mayberry.
Aaron and Chris find out they sing as bad as Barney, whose singing voice is replaced with the voice of God. Literally.
Randy Turner joins us to remember Betty Lynn and we dive into an episode where Opie learns about sportsmanship.
Aaron and Chris ponder how Barney would fare against famous movie villains as we review "Jailbreak."
Randy Turner makes a cameo to set the record straight on a Ford Thunderbird that keeps appearing in episodes and Aaron and Chris discuss what they would like to see in a TAGS prequel. They also break down an episode where people blame poor Henry Bennett for their troubles.
This week, we say goodbye to Mayor Pike and review and episode with a pre-"I Dream of Jeannie" Barbara Eden.
Aaron and Chris discuss their current favorite shows and break down an episode where Andy teaches about being accountable for one's actions.
Opie and his club pick the worst place to meet and Christopher shares his ranking of state flags.
Alan Hale, Jr., best remembered for playing the Skipper on "Gilligan's Island", plays the farmer so Aaron and Chris take a trip to Gilligan's Island with the president of the fan club.
Andy saves the city of Greendale from making a terrible hiring decision and Barney learns the difference from being a sheriff and a deputy.
Aaron and Chris can't agree on which is better: dill pickles or bread and butter pickles. However, they do agree that "The Pickle Story" is one of the best TAGS episodes ever.
Mayberry author and historian Randy Turner helps us break down "The Clubmen," as Andy refuses to join any club that won't have Barney as a member.
Randy Turner, author of "60 Years of Mayberry" and "Mayberry Firsts" joins us and offers great insights on the history of the show.
Aunt Bee, you forget yourself. Aunt Bee takes a shine to an itinerant handyman who has a way with the ladies.
Ken Beck, co-author of "Aunt Bee's Mayberry Cookbook," joins us and shares stories about interviewing cast members and spending time on the set of "Return to Mayberry." We also break down an episode where Andy loses a battle of the sexes.
Andy spoils one of the most poorly-planned bank robberies in television history and Barney gives the three reasons why Mayberry has a low crime rate.
Aaron and Chris break down a classic episode where Buddy Ebsen guest stars and explain the difference between hobos and bums.
Barney tells one of the worst jokes in television history and nearly loses his life savings. The only thing that saves him is being a squirt.
The town council votes to get rid of the local eyesore until the owner produces a savings bond that dates all the way back to the Civil War! Pierre Fricke, one of the country's leading collectors, dealers, and experts in Civil War currency, joins us to provide a little context.
Aaron and Chris review an episode that is very similar to the "Danny Thomas Show" pilot and Chris recounts a time where he thought he bribed a police officer, but actually didn't.
The Mayberry Sheriff's Department gets an intern who is a highly efficient version of Barney Fife... and guess who feels marginalized?
Without the U.S. Steel Hour production of "No Time for Sergeants", there would be no "Andy Griffith Show". Aaron and Chris review the television production that launched Andy Griffith on a path to stardom.
Taking breaks between seasons one and two, Aaron and Chris revisit The Danny Thomas Show episode that launched The Andy Griffith Show.
Season one comes to a close and Aunt Bee takes a heavier hand in raising Opie... with mixed results.
A Mayberry celebrity returns and the show says goodbye to one of its most memorable characters as Aaron and Chris ponder what happened to Ellie Walker.
Surprise parties prove to be a bad omen for Barney, who falls backwards into heroism... twice.
The podcast has its first guest, the best writing duo pens their first episode, and Barney battles demons over his service as a librarian.
Mayberry shows the size of its heart, Barney and his mother feel the same about people touching their hats, and the show's most famous offscreen character makes her first appearance. Juaaanita! Juaniiiita!
Television gets its first makeover... ever, and Aaron and Chris break down an episode with message that may seem a little off 60 years later.
Otis has one of the saddest birthday parties of all time, an inspector causes chaos with the sheriff's department, and Andy shows his understanding of Mayberry.
Mayberry gets a participation award, Barney tries his hand at genealogy, and Chris has an existential crisis. "Give me plaque!"
Aaron educates Chris on "Matlock", Barney has low blood pressure, and Andy gets jealous when a new doctor moves to Mayberry.
Andy and Opie show Aunt Bee how much they love her by trashing the house, cleaning it up, and then trashing it again, and Mayberry's biggest busybody makes her first appearance.
Aaron rates his first "10 whistle" episode and Thelma Lou makes her first appearance as Aaron and Chris break down Andy's matchmaking hijinks.
A famous crook has to spend a night in the Mayberry jail and Aunt Bee and Barney go crazy. Aaron and Chris break down Andy's disdain for all of it and why doing a podcast on TAGS is relevant today.
Andy leaves Barney in charge for the day and the jail gets packed. Aaron and Chris break down the episode, Barney's hair, and when having fun turns into making fun.
Aaron and Chris break down maybe the only episode in history where a guy comes to town, gets people to invest in his business, and turns out to be honest.
Aaron and Chris discuss one of the Andy Griffith episodes that doesn't age well, along with martial arts and being at the jail at all hours of the day.
The biggest gangsters in Mayberry turn out to be a couple of prim and proper sisters and Aaron and Chris talk about moonshine, aftershave, and whether the Morrison sisters knew what they were doing all along.
Mayberry goes crazy over a beauty contest and Aaron and Chris discuss outer and inner beauty and whether Andy and Ellie are dating.
Aunt Bee and Emma pull a fast one on Andy and Barney and Aaron and Chris discuss gossip, peroxide, and young adult fiction.
Aaron and Chris break down the only Andy Griffith Show episode to take place during Christmas and the challenges of holiday episodes in general.
Aaron and Chris break down the trailblazing of Ellie Walker, sweet talking Barney Fife, and positive changes to television in the past 60 years.
Aaron and Chris revisit The Andy Griffith Show's first misfire, discuss the Hatfields and McCoys, and introduce a new episode rating system.
Aaron and Chris break down the first episode without Don Knotts, discuss starting a charity, worrying about what people think and similarities to Seinfeld.
Aaron and Chris break down Andy's matchmaking skills, costume design, and justices of the peace.
Aaron and Chris discuss how Opie walks like John Wayne, justices of the peace, and ratting on your friends.
Aaron and Chris discuss Andy being the fool for the first time in the series, changes to the credits, and Opie's game.
Aaron and Chris discuss the arrival of Ellie Walker, addictions to sugar pills, and continuity errors versus conspiracy theories.
Aaron and Chris go over "The Guitar Player," acid rain, inspirations for the movie "Footloose," and Barney's guitar playing.
Aaron and Chris discuss "The Manhunt", condescending state police, a potential connection to "Cool Hand Luke", and 10-4ing people.
In this first episode, Aaron and Chris break down the series pilot, "The New Housekeeper", naughty deputies, running away from home, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and whether or not Aunt Bee's dress is made of snakeskin.