It's Melvin Mania.

And.

Today's guests.

Welcome to Melvin mania.

I'm your host, Melvin.

I want to start off my monologue by saying, hold up.

I'm getting a phone call.

Stephen, what do you think?

Do you think I should take this?

I don't know.

Were you expecting an important call today?

Actually, I am.

I would say go ahead and take it Okay.

I'm a little nervous, but I think it's going to be good news.

Hello?

Yes.

Okay, good.

Fantastic.

Really?

How much?

That much.

I think I can do that.

Wait.

Never mind.

Double it actually.

No, wait.

Triplets.

You have an updated estimate.

Okay.

lay it on me.

Do you have any idea what this is about?

but it sounds 75.

I'm thinking 100.

Yeah, I know it's 25 more.

Okay, well, that might be tough.

I just have to run by the bank.

Yes, I know how the ATM works.

It's crazy.

Else?

Whoa!

Are you serious?

No.

It's fine.

I'm fine.

I'm good.

Don't call me grumpy.

I got a full 15 hours of sleep last night.

I am very, very awake.

Okay.

All right.

I got to go.

I have to record my show.

Okay.

All right.

Dave.

You too.

Okay.

Bye.

So what was the call about?

Steve, I really don't want to get into it, but I think it's important for everyone to know I'm getting a new gutters on my house.

That's it.

That's it.

What's so frustrating about that?

Well, originally my dad's brother Dennis, was going to install them, but he's not available.

So now it's going to be my mom's cousin's husband's brother's roommate's girlfriend's brother and stepdad sister's son.

Well, at least you're still getting them.

True.

But did you hear how many people I listed?

Steve-O.

Well, it sounded like a lot.

It was 11, Steve-O.

11 phone calls.

What am I going to have time to do that?

Maybe after the show.

No, I have karate practice after the show.

What about tomorrow?

Yeah I think I can make tomorrow work.

Okay.

It's official.

I will make the calls tomorrow.

Okay, that sounds good.

Ready?

Head to your desk.

You know I am stellar.

Hit me with that.

Sweet.

Welcome to my desk.

Music.

the perfect song, Melvin.

Well, Steve, I think we accomplished a lot during that monologue.

I think so too.

We're just getting more efficient every oh oh.

Are you okay?

Yeah, something just bit my toe.

I think there might be something under my desk.

Can someone please give me a flashlight?

Thank you.

All right, Steve, I'll be right back.

Hey.

What's up?

What is it?

Steve-O, you're not going to believe me, but, Yeah, there's a mouse under here.

What?

Buddy, you're going to have to speak up.

Oh, Steve-O, he's a rat.

Also, if you're curious, his name is Kevin.

Does he need something?

That's a good question.

Let me ask him.

Hey, Kevin, it's Melvin again.

I'm just wondering if there's something that you need.

you sell cheese.

And here.

I don't think he needs anything important.

Steve-O.

Oh, I'm going to go chat with them for a second, though.

How did you hear about the cheese?

mom's cousin's husband's brother's roommate's girlfriend.

Brother in law's stepdad.

Sister's son told me.

Of course I knew it.

Listen, you got to keep this between us.

Stevie doesn't know about the cheese, and he's been asking me why my desk has been smelling lately, so I think he's figuring it out.

say name.

Okay, good.

What kind of cheese do you want?

My favorite cheese.

Oh, so many cheeses.

Provolone.

Pepper Jack o Colby.

Jack choice.

What do I owe ya?

required.

You just have to go through the maze to get the cheese.

okay.

All right, I'm going to add back up.

I've already been gone for way too long.

Enjoy the cheese.

Everything good.

Yeah.

We're good.

kind of cheese did he buy?

Wait.

Hold up.

Steve-O, how do you know about the cheese?

You told me about it last week, Melvin.

Steve, I just had this idea.

What if I started selling cheese under my desk?

That sounds like a lot of work, but I would say just go for it, Well, I'm glad we're at least on the same page.

Do you want any cheese?

Steve-O?

Yeah, sure.

I'll take a slice of pepper.

Jack.

Sounds good to me.

I'll grab you some after our first segment of the show.

Local town on the ground.

Low cold down on the ground.

For today's local town, the ground, we're visiting the town of maize, Kansas.

Maize was established in 1896.

And unlike the maize under my desk, it actually has an I after the A when you spell it.

Steve.

Oh, do you know what maize Im a I z e means?

I don't.

What does it mean?

It's a word Native Americans would use for corn.

And because they mean the same thing, I'm thinking about swapping them when I talk.

That might be a little confusing, Melvin.

Maybe, but I think a lot of people would get used to it.

Plus, it just sounds so much better.

Especially when you say maize on the cob top.

Maize, maize, bread, maize flakes, candy, maize, maize tortillas, maize starch.

I mean I just down so cool saying all of these.

I wasn't expecting this, but I kind of agree.

We should swap them.

I knew you would come around anyway.

Let's not waste any more time and head out to corn, aka maize.

Kansas.

Welcome to amaze Kansas.

Or as I like to call it, corn Kansas.

Let's head into town and chat with some people Here I am with Michael Boykins, the principal of Mayes South High School.

No I just want to go out and address the elephant in the room.

Are you okay with that?

Let's address it.

Okay, so you've only been principal at South for two years, right?

Correct.

Yeah.

And I heard a little rumor going hold my microphone that you were this.

If you could show the camera.

Oh, you'd.

There would be principal on base out.

Is that right?

Melvin, where did you find this?

And found it on your Facebook.

because I'm pretty sure the R stood for a really good principal.

Right?

Yes.

Thank you.

I think so, too.

So what did they think when you showed up in that outfit?

They laughed, but then they said, you got you got the job, man.

You got it.

Yes.

They got to catch them all.

What is your favorite thing to do in maize?

Kansas.

I like to go to Moxy and order the fourth drink.

I don't want to order the first, the second or the third.

I want to order the fourth.

Would you like a 12 or 16 ounce?

I want the biggest cup you got.

Okay, then.

Thank you very much.

Thanks for coming to moxie.

So, Michael, I am curious about your stamp you got right here.

It says.

Hello?

Hello, Mr. Boykins.

How did you decide on hello?

Hello.

And not like.

What's up?

What's up?

I have to repeat myself a lot with high school kids.

And hello is just quicker.

Hello?

Hello, Mr. Boykins, I. I agree with you.

Can I give a suggestion though?

I'll take any advice.

Melvin.

Listen, Michael, you're working with high schoolers.

These kids are cool.

Yeah.

Very cool.

So if I was going to be talking to them, they're probably going to want to get hit with a what's up?

That's very end.

Right?

No What is your favorite thing to do in maize?

Kansas.

My favorite thing to do is go to maize Mid-South football games with my friends and just hang out.

Yeah, I came to those football games with you, would you let me sit with you?

Or would you, be embarrassed of me?

Okay, so I can come to you.

I come in the student section with us.

Let.

Me and Dom said I could stay with him and his friends in the student section.

I will climb the fence, but it says not to.

so what are the first things I saw in your office, Michael?

Mini fridge.

Let's see what we're working with.

Open this sucker up Salmon stackers.

Yeah, me.

Love those.

I have a white peach, red bull.

I made good energy and the best drink ever.

Pepsi.

That's it.

You're not going to believe this.

This is exactly what I had for lunch yesterday.

We have the same diet.

Mrs. Kemp, I got a very important question for you.

Right.

What is your favorite thing to do in base, Kansas?

Well, it means I love to play pickleball at the Mays Rec Center.

Well, I think we have everything we need for pickle ball.

Except for, obviously pickles.

Okay, Michael, I'm wondering because there are a lot of kids here and they're all walking around the hallways.

Is there a way that you get around the hallways quicker?

There is.

Okay.

Oh, wow.

Cape.

You wear this every day.

Only on Wednesdays and Fridays.

And sometimes on Mondays and maybe a Thursday or Tuesday.

That's a complicated schedule, but I trust the process.

What is your favorite thing to do in maize?

Kansas.

Well, my two daughters love to go to the park as often as they can go.

Their favorite things to do or to go down the slide and play in the dirt.

The park is great and all, but look at this dirt.

So, Mike, I don't know if you know this or not, but there's a picture of you right here in a very cool wrestling costume.

Yeah.

I'm curious.

Do you want to try any wrestling moves on me?

I have an idea.

say uncle, say uncle.

Never.

I'm too strong.

Uncle!

No.

Okay, Michael, I'm wondering because I've been asking a lot of the students here.

What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas?

Melvin, I love to go to the Ampitheater with my family.

We see a bunch of performances, some community activities.

It's really cool place to go.

Echo.

Echo.

Yep.

Definitely an amphitheater.

Mr. Boykins, this is a little awkward.

Have you, So you end up sitting behind you?

Yeah.

Are you a wanted criminal?

I'm not allowed to be interviewing criminals.

I'm not a criminal, Melvin.

Okay.

I was just wanted for a lot of school spirit, and I wanted the kids to have school spirit, too.

So we're looking for school spirit.

Mavs up.

Mavs up.

Mavs.

Up.

Mavs.

Up.

Mavs.

Up.

Mavs.

Up.

Mavs.

Up.

Mavs.

Up.

There.

We go.

My favorite thing to do in May's, Kansas is, to go to the splash pad.

I live right by there, so I walk there a lot and play with my brothers and it's really fun.

I'd love to play in the splash pad, but I've already decided I'm not getting wet in this episode.

You got to be kidding me.

Now, Michael, I always love someone that's a family man.

And I really love that you got a picture.

Good, dad.

Right here.

Uncle Sam, that's not my dad, Melvin.

Oh, it's your uncle.

Okay.

Well, that's very cool.

No, no, no, I like when someone is close to their extended family.

I love my family.

But this is Uncle Sam.

He already talked about that.

That's your uncle.

He represents America.

I know that your uncle is patriotic.

You know the Uncle Sam represents America.

A long time ago, Melvin.

I used to be a history teacher, and we talked about Uncle Sam.

so your uncle was important to history.

That's so cool.

You got a famous uncle?

Yes, uncle Sam Boykins.

What is your favorite thing to do in maize?

Kansas?

My favorite thing to do is I like to explore, like the countryside and go on drives with my friends and just goof off out there, you know?

Oh, yeah.

I love goofing off.

Nothing like being in the country and goofing off by looking at this picture of Michael.

And that's really why I prefer carpet over hardwood.

I mean, they both have their pros and cons.

Hold that thought one second.

interesting.

Yes.

Okay.

All right.

I'm on my way.

What's going on, Michael?

We have a wobbly table in the cafeteria, and our wobbly table tech isn't here today.

Oh, no.

Well, hey, you're actually in.

Good.

hands.

Because I used to do that on the side.

Please.

Let's go.

I need your help.

What?

Should you grab your cape before we go?

Yes.

Do you have anything for me to wear?

Yes.

I.

You.

are you serious?

Michael?

You.

It's.

Man, what a fun time.

And corn, aka maize.

Kansas.

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to chat with us.

What did you think, Steve-O?

It looked like a blast.

But I will say every time you say corn, Kansas, it makes me hungry for maize.

hold up.

What you just said is super confusing.

Give me a second to translate.

Stella, this might take a second, so maybe you can give me some thinking.

Music.

Absolutely, Melvin.

Thinking music is coming up now.

Corn.

Corn.

I don't really know what this Melvin is here.

I just found myself in your brain.

I'm just also here, I guess.

Do we want to get nachos after the show?

Cut the music.

You okay?

Melvin.

yeah, I just feel like I used every single ounce of my brain power.

Were you able to translate what I said, though?

No.

Definitely not.

I ended up just drawing a picture of this.

Whoa!

That's incredible.

Melvin.

I've done better.

Anyway, I think it's time to give my brain a break and introduce our guest.

What do you think, Steve-O?

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Today's guest is Brandon Etheridge.

Brandon is a pianist, conductor, composer, Broadway musician, and the creator of musical memes.

Please help me in welcoming Brandon Etheridge.

Interesting.

I didn't realize the TV was going back to school.

That's cool, I guess.

Right on.

Does the school bus go on through the studio?

Welcome to the show, Brandon.

I'm really excited to be on your show.

Thanks for being here, Brandon.

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but you're currently on tour with your band, right?

my band is currently in Europe, and right now we're playing concerts in Hold up.

You're in Germany right now.

We just started the tour, and over the next two months we'll be touring all over Europe, playing Wow.

I can't believe we're actually interviewing someone who's in a completely different continent.

Where on Europe are you going to perform?

Or will perform all over the place.

And England and Germany and Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

a blast.

I might have to sneak over to Europe to see your show anyway, other than your band.

Brandon, you also produce videos online called Musical Memes.

Now I know what music is and I know what memes are, but you combine the two.

So what exactly is a musical meme?

names are popular videos that I take from the internet.

Then I add piano to it.

Then it sounds like the people in the videos are singing.

Oh, that sounds so interesting.

Do you think I could be a musical meme already are a musical.

Me, Melvin.

No, I'm not a musical You mean you didn't know yet?

No.

What?

conversation on the phone about your gutters went viral and now you're a musical meme.

How is that even possible?

That happened like ten minutes ago.

the internet moves really fast and I move even faster.

well, I'll be honest.

I feel completely out of the loop.

But I got to see this musical meme, so let's go ahead and watch it.

I'm a little nervous, but I think it's going to be good news.

Hello?

Yes.

Okay.

Good.

Fantastic.

Really?

How much?

That much.

I think I can do that.

Wait.

Never mind.

Double it.

Actually.

No luck.

Triplets.

You have an updated estimate.

Okay.

Lay it on me.

Do you have any idea what this is about?

No, but it sounds important.

75.

I'm thinking 100.

Yeah, I know it's 25 more.

Okay, well, that might be tough.

I just have to run by the bank.

Yes, I know how the ATM works.

Through the house.

Whoa!

Are you serious?

Oh, no.

It's fine.

I'm fine.

I'm good.

Don't call me grumpy.

I got a full 15 hours of sleep last night.

I am very, very awake.

Okay.

All right.

I gotta go.

I have to record my show.

Okay.

All right.

Love you too.

Okay.

Bye.

Whoa!

I never realized how musical.

Just the way I talk could be.

Isn't that cool?

Even in our everyday conversations, we can find music.

What do you mean by find music?

Well, when we speak, we speak in musical notes.

I find those musical notes.

I play them on the piano.

And then it sounds like you're singing.

how complicated music could be.

It's almost like science.

is absolutely.

For most people, the most important part about music is the way it makes them feel.

But for us musicians, we love all the moving parts and the science behind it and how things fit together.

I just find it so interesting that music has the ability to be both fun and very technical at the same time, which I think is exactly what your musical memes do.

Melvin.

Sometimes music can seem a little bit intimidating, but because I'm putting music to these videos that people already know, they already feel this connection so they can more quickly feel connected to the music.

That's very true.

It's just so cool to think that something as simple as a meme could inspire someone to pursue music.

And speaking of pursuing music, I do have one more question before I let you go, Brandon.

If you met an inspiring musician that also wanted to pursue music professionally like yourself, what advice would you give them?

lots and lots of people want to be musicians, so you're going to have to work really, really hard.

And like with any other job, show up on time.

Be nice.

Be responsible.

Do your job well.

And most of all, do it with passion.

That's such a great answer.

Well, Brandon, thank you so much for taking the time to chat.

I hope you have continued success with your tour in Europe and your musical memes.

Hopefully we can jam out when I come back to the States.

Oh, we'll definitely have a jam sesh.

and Melvin Brandon is just so creative.

Who would have thought that a conversation about gutters could be so musical?

Honestly, I thought it was the most boring conversation we've ever had.

But speaking of creativity, this reminds me that Lin recently asked me to come host the PBS Kansas Kushner Garvey Children's Education Discovery Center, our contest.

So I'm going to head over to the Ed Center to check out some of the creative drawings that were submitted, and maybe we'll add some to the creative box.

Let's go.

Who?

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the PBS Kansas Spreading Smiles art contest.

I'm your host, Melvin.

Let's meet our judges.

Our first judge is the host of PBS Kansas.

His very own show.

See?

Taste.

Do.

Phil Richardson, Judge number two is the queen of the art center and the person I go to whenever I need help solving any of my problems.

Len Wolfe.

And finally, judge number three needs no introduction.

He's an absolute icon and one of the greatest judges to ever live.

It's Nigel Sinclair.

Over the course of this contest, we have received over 100 drawings and now we are down to the final three.

Join me as I add these finalists to our creative box so we can truly see who spreads smiles.

The best.

I'm super seahorse.

And Felicity, the fantastic Fairy.

I'm smiley.

Boom.

And I.

And I.

And I.

Want to win the PBS's Kansas spreading smiles.

All right.

Contest.

The way I spread smiles.

That's an easy question.

Magic.

As a superhero, I'm always saving people.

And whenever I save them, they smile.

People smile just by seeing me with the name.

Like Smiley Bloom.

It's hard not to make people smile.

I can't take all the credit though.

I wouldn't be able to make people smile without the help from my wand.

Wanda.

am ready to make people smile.

Wanda and I make such a good team.

There was one time I had this.

Went all the way down to the bottom of the ocean.

Just to make a blobfish smile.

And if you know anything about blobfish, they're not easy to make.

Smile.

Sometimes I'll just do normal stuff, and it makes people smile.

Like mowing my yard.

Do you want to tell them?

tell No.

You tell them.

Fine.

Wanda.

We made the sun smile.

It's sometimes hard to make people smile, especially when I get distracted.

I want to be super all the time, but I can't.

There was this one time when my wing got injured and I didn't feel like smiling anymore.

And that made it really hard to make other people smile.

It's not always easy to smile.

Why are you smiling and making someone else smile?

And that's okay.

Sometimes it takes time to find your smile.

And the best smiles are found.

When you're being yourself.

We have heard from all of our contestants.

So now let's see what our judges have to say.

Phil, we'll start with you.

You all did a fantastic job.

But I love magic.

And her name is similar to mine.

So I'm going with Felicity, the fantastic fairy.

Len, what is your choice?

This is really difficult, but I have to go with a hero of the group.

So I'm going with Super Seahorse.

And finally Nigel.

Each one of you should be very proud of how far you made it in the competition, but there can only be one winner.

And that's why I'm casting my final vote for Smiley Bloom.

And just like that, we have a three way tie.

What do we do in the event of a three way tie?

Oh, well, I guess I will be making the final vote, then.

That's a lot of pressure.

Well, can you guys just excuse me for a moment?

One sack.

Okay, I think I'm ready.

The winner of the PBS Kansas Art contest is Smiley Bloom.

What a competition.

Thank you to our judges.

Thank you to everyone that sent and drawings.

And thank you for watching.

Back to Melvin in the studio.

Well, look who it is.

It's ten.

The timekeeper.

went viral today.

It's true.

Did you watch the musical meme of it?

video.

Well, I guess while Tim watches the video I should check if I have any customers.

Anyone under there?

like 50 rats down here.

Hey, Melvin.

I'm back.

That musical meme was so Oh, hey, Tim, I got like, 50 rats under my desk.

And I have karate practice later today, so we probably should wrap up the show.

have a lot of questions, but I'll just ask you later.

Let's wrap up the show.

It's time to end the show.

We want to see you go.

We really have to say we have the perfect day.

All right, send the chorus now.

You're right.

Melvin mania.

Melvin mania.

Inside time.

It's time to go.

You're at Melvin Mania now.

In mania.

It's time.

It's time to go.

It's time to say goodbye.

I think I might just cry.

For Melvin and the crew.

It's time to say I do.

That means goodbye.

You're at Melvin mania.

Melvin mania.

It's time to say goodbye.

You're at Melvin mania.

Melvin radio.

It's time to say goodbye.

All right, well, I'll see you in the next episode.

Bye bye.