Room Escape Artist

“ It’s important for us to all know and celebrate Sir James Arthur Fool, who created the holiday in 1872.”

Joke’s on you, April Fools’ Day… I can be fooled any day of the year. Actor, comedian, and podcaster Brent Pope joins us to explore the mysterious origins of April Fool’s Day. We talk about some favorite pranks, and David almost pulls a fast one on me. We also talk about the difficulties of breaking into Hollywood, and how Asian representation in the media has changed over the last couple of decades.

Our game today is called Undercover Word Lover, where every answer is a word composed entirely of two different words.

• Brent Pope’s Website
• Brentfast Podcast

Time Stamps

• 02:30 Game: Undercover Word Lover
• 14:20 About the Guest: Working as an Actor
• 16:14 Discussion: Asian Representation in the Media
• 18:07 Discussion: The Origins of April Fool’s Day
• 27:24 Credits

Guest: Brent Pope

Brent Pope is a Filipino-American actor/ writer/ comedian/ host/ singer known for his numerous roles on TV comedies like Silicon Valley, Better Things, Roseanne, Speechless, and Casual. He has also appeared on TV dramas such as Station 19, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Rosewood.

He currently hosts the popular podcast, Brentfast with Brent Pope. Brent and a gaggle of guests from all areas of entertainment discuss Hollywood, breakfast, and everything in between. 

Brent co-wrote and starred in two comedic web-series, Table for Two and Common Beauties. He has also lent his talents to prestigious festivals across the country, such as the San Francisco Sketchfest and the New York Television Festival. Brent trained at both The Groundlings and Upright Citizen’s Brigade theaters.

Brent was born in the Philippines, but raised in the Midwest (Nebraska & Missouri). He has a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While at Nebraska, he worked as a columnist at the Daily Nebraskan, a deejay at KRNU radio, and an intern at KOLN TV station. 

He also has a master’s degree in special education from National University, and has worked with students with special needs for over 20 years.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brent performed in the Navy Bluejacket Choir and did two Mediterranean cruises on the U.S.S. Ponce.

Brent lives in Los Angeles with his wife and a menagerie of rescue cats and dogs.

FUN FACT: Brent was at one time the #2 Liar’s Dice player in the world on Xbox, playing under his gamertag of Hulagin Felix.

More Podcasts from Peih-Gee & David

If you enjoy PG’s Playhouse, check out Reality Escape Pod (REPOD), where your hosts David Spira & Peih-Gee Law explore immersive gaming from all angles, alongside guests with incredible experience in this realm.

And by supporting Room Escape Artist on Patreon, you’ll get access to the REPOD Bonus After Show ($5 per month and up) and the Spoilers Club ($15 per month and up) where we chat in depth with creators about iconic escape rooms… spoilers and all!

Production Credits

• Hosted by Peih-Gee Law & David Spira
• Puzzles by Peih-Gee Law
• Produced by Theresa Piazza
• Supported by Lisa Spira
• Edited by Peih-Gee Law
• Music by Matt Farthing
• Logo by Theresa Wagner