Explore every episode of the podcast Step by Stepisode

Step By Stepisode is back with clowns, courthouse chaos, and Carol in crisis. In this episode, Eric and Lainee Hersey break down Step by Step’s seventh episode, "Yo-Yo’s Wedding", where Brendan’s long-awaited birthday party takes a turn when the clown cancels and the Lamberts discover their Jamaican wedding wasn’t legally binding.

Carol wants a meaningful ceremony, Frank wants to eat his burrito, and somehow both a birthday party and wedding get squeezed into one wild Saturday. And when Yo-Yo the clown is a no-show, Frank throws on some flippers, grabs a sock puppet named Mr. Wimpy, and saves the day in full clown attire.

• Who Is Yo-Yo the Clown? – Lainee and Eric investigate the real-life Yo-Yo and her alleged armpit-fart fame
• Courthouse Wedding Woes – Carol just wants something special, but Frank shows up with drywall dust and a ham sandwich
• Famous Courthouse Ceremonies – Eric runs through celebrity couples who said "I do" without the fanfare
• Frank’s Full Clown Commitment – Trash can lids, sock puppets, and clown flippers—Frank goes all in to save Brendan’s birthday
• Makeup-Free Marriage – That wedding kiss should’ve left clown paint all over Carol. Why didn’t it?
• Where’s Mark? – The Herseys notice one suspicious absence and question whether this was an Old Mark or New Mark episode

Because only in Step by Step can a canceled clown and a surprise vow renewal come together in one chaotic afternoon. Eric and Lainee unpack every detail—from the most ridiculous wedding entrance to why Ronald McDonald never showed up at McDonald’s.

Follow Eric on Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Lainee on Instagram @LaineeHersey

Subscribe now and relive the second time around. Find us on your favorite podcast platform and let us know—was Frank a better Yo-Yo than Yo-Yo?

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It’s time for a family showdown! In this episode of Step By Stepisode, Eric and Lainee Hersey welcome Abby Hersey to break down Step by Step’s sixth episode, "Pulling Together." The annual Port Washington Family Games are here, and the Lamberts are determined to defend their three-year winning streak. But when Carol insists on making it a blended family affair, the Fosters join the team—and let’s just say they’re not exactly MVP material.

Meanwhile, Cody is tragically absent (RIP Mister Donut), a terrifying group of Viking-wannabe competitors enters the mix, and Mark’s attempt at bobbing for apples nearly takes him out. Can this newly mixed family pull together for the ultimate tug-of-war? Or will they be forever defeated by the mighty Larsens?

• Banned from Step by Step?! – Special guest Abby reveals why she wasn’t allowed to watch this wholesome TGIF classic.
• Mister Donut is Real?! – Cody’s demolition job turns out to be based on real-life donut shop history.
• Bob for Apples or Bob for Your Life? – The gang debates whether anyone has actually participated in this bizarre party game.
• The Larsen Family: Scandinavian Supervillains – The Lamberts face off against Wisconsin’s most intimidating family, complete with Viking helmets and questionable accents.
• Pie-Eating Sabotage – Karen takes an unexpected lead in the pie-eating contest, proving that sometimes flirting is the best strategy.
• Cody to the Rescue! – Just when all hope is lost, Cody rolls in (literally) to bend the rules and help the Lamberts to victory.

If you’ve ever participated in a chaotic family game night, debated 90s fashion choices (hello, neon Lambert & Sons t-shirts), or just want to hear how absurd the Step by Step family dynamics were, this episode is for you. Eric, Lainee, and Abby dive deep into the nostalgia, the questionable game rules, and the absolute nonsense of 90s sitcom competitions.

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@EricHersey @LaineeHersey

Special thanks to our guest Abby Hersey! Check out her work at AbbyHersey.com.

Subscribe now and relive the second time around! Find us on your favorite podcast platform and let’s talk all things Step by Step.

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Episode Description:

It’s a family affair this week as Step By Stepisode welcomes a new guest—Eric's very own son Hunter Hersey—to break down Step by Step’s fifth episode, "Frank and Son."

Frank has big dreams of making JT his future business partner, but there’s just one problem—JT is terrible at construction. After a series of disasters at the job site, JT finds an unexpected calling at Carol’s beauty salon (hello, Shampoo Boy!). Meanwhile, Dana and Al strike a questionable deal over a birdhouse, leading to one of the most awkward moral dilemmas in TGIF history.

• JT: Future Construction King? – Frank hands JT his very own Lambert & Sons hard hat (and a tool belt that nearly knocks him over). But can he survive a day on the job?
• Hammer Time Gone Wrong – JT single-handedly destroys power tools, cuts live wires, and literally knocks down a wall.
• The Salon Life Chooses Him – Turns out, JT has magic fingers—just not for using a saw. Carol offers him a job at the salon, leading to some serious shampoo drama with Frank.
• The Great Birdhouse Betrayal – Dana and Al (illegally?) trade homework assignments, but when little Brendan calls them out, it’s time for some soul-searching.
• Penny and Ivy Alert! – Shockingly, Ivy doesn’t insult Penny this episode. Progress?
• Lambert & Sons... Or Just Frank? – The sentimental music kicks in early this week as Frank realizes that maybe he shouldn’t force JT into the family business. But who does want to pick up the hammer?

This episode has everything—disastrous DIY projects, hair salon hijinks, birdhouse blackmail, and Hunter’s firsthand take on why he would be just as bad at construction as JT. If you love Step by Step, TGIF nostalgia, or just want to hear a deep dive into 90s sitcom life lessons, this episode is for you.

Subscribe now and relive the second time around! Find us on your favorite podcast platform, follow @EricHersey and @LaineeHersey and let’s talk all things Step by Step.

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It finally happened—Cody is here! Step By Stepisode welcomes the legendary van-dwelling cousin, and Eric, Lainee, and special guest Luke Hladek break down every ridiculous, glorious moment of his debut in Step by Step's fourth episode, "First Anniversary."

Frank and Carol celebrate their one-month anniversary (is that even a real thing?), Penny goes rogue at the salon, and JT makes a bet that Cody can’t land a date with Dana. Meanwhile, Cody drops iconic one-liners, marvels at fruit, and proves that he might just be the secret ingredient this show was missing.

• Cody Arrives in Style – Our favorite demolition expert rolls up in his van, raids the fridge, and immediately blows circuits—literally.
• Dana's Worst Nightmare – JT bets Cody $20 that he can’t land a date with Dana. Will she outsmart them both?
• Frank's Anniversary Fail – Carol says "no gifts necessary," but Frank learns a hard lesson in sitcom marriage survival.
• Jamaican Getaway (In the Backyard) – Frank pulls out all the stops to make up for his blunder, complete with tiki torches and mystery drinks.
• 90s References Galore – Garfield in the Funnies, Gulf War shoutouts, and a deep dive into whether "Tile King" is a real place.
• Dana Dana Dana... You're Driving Me Insana – Cody's heartfelt ballad earns its place in TV history.

This episode is pure TGIF magic. If you’ve been waiting for the real fun of Step by Step to begin, Cody’s arrival kicks things into high gear. Eric, Lainee, and Luke break down every hilarious, nostalgic, and absolutely unhinged moment.

Subscribe now and relive the second time around! Find us on your favorite podcast platform, follow Eric @EricHersey, and let’s talk all things Step by Step.

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TGIF! Step By Stepisode is back, and this week, it’s all about rules, rebellion, and ridiculous household policies. In Step by Step's third episode, "Rules of the House," Carol attempts to bring order to the newly blended Foster-Lambert family with a very detailed set of house rules. But when bathroom timers, TV ticket systems, and chore charts push everyone to the brink, Al decides she’s had enough—leading to an attempted escape to an old folks’ trailer park in Milwaukee.

Meanwhile, Frank just wants to watch the World Series, but Carol’s rulebook might just cause him to miss the play of the century. And in between all the chaos? A Green Bay Packers sighting, a pig named Bullet, and the discovery that JT may have pioneered the viral "chocolate milk hack" before TikTok ever existed.

• Carol’s Dictatorship Begins: Why color-coded charts, bathroom time limits, and a TV ticket system immediately go off the rails.
• Al's Great Escape: The moment Al completely snaps and decides she'd rather live in a retirement community than under Carol’s reign.
• Sports Controversy Alert!: Eric fact-checks Step by Step's World Series references and questions Frank’s questionable Packers fandom.
• Chocolate Milk Chaos: Did JT really start the whole "chocolate syrup in your mouth, then milk" trend? Lainee and Eric investigate.
• Wicker Watch 1991: The over-the-top wicker furniture that stole the show (and made Eric lose focus).
• Sentimental Music Moment: Al and Carol share a heart-to-heart—but will Carol actually ease up on the rules?

If you’ve ever lived under a household rule that made no sense (cough 10 p.m. bedtimes cough), this episode is for you. Eric and Lainee break down every hilarious, bizarre, and nostalgic moment of Step by Step’s take on household discipline—while debating whether Carol’s rules were really that bad.

Subscribe now and relive the second time around! Find us on your favorite podcast platform, follow Eric @EricHersey, and let’s talk all things Step by Step.

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TGIF! Step By Stepisode is back, and this time, things are getting Urkelized! Eric and Lainee Hersey (with special guest Lauren Hersey) break down Step by Step’s second episode, “The Dance,” featuring the ultimate '90s sitcom crossover—Steve Urkel, a jetpack, and a whole lot of snorting.

Urkel crashes into Port Washington (literally) for a science fair, Al deals with some unexpected rejection, and Dana just wants to see Cats but ends up at a cat show instead. Plus, Frank and Carol continue their streak of cringeworthy PDA.

• Urkel Mania Hits TGIF: Why Steve Urkel showed up in Step by Step so early in the season—and how it made zero sense.
• Jetpacks Are Real?: Lainee learns jetpacks actually exist, and Eric fact-checks Urkel’s impossible Chicago-to-Wisconsin flight.
• Al’s Big Moment: Al asks Roger to the dance, gets rejected, and still comes out on top (thanks to one iconic nerd).
• The Urkel Dance Revolution: Yes, we discuss the Urkel Dance in all its pelvis-thrusting, snort-laughing glory.
• Dana’s Cats Catastrophe: Did Dana actually end up at the Wisconsin Cat Show? The world may never know.
• 90s Fashion Watch: Hideous dresses, suspenders, and the unexplained cookie plate that keeps moving in Carol’s kitchen.

Because if Urkel can fly a jetpack two hours across the Midwest, you can take 40 minutes to relive this absurd, wonderful moment in '90s sitcom history. Whether you love TGIF nostalgia or just want to hear Eric, Lainee, and Lauren overanalyze childhood classics, this episode is for you.

Subscribe now, relive the second time around, and find us on your favorite podcast platform!

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In this first episode, Eric and Lainee Hersey jump headfirst into the Step by Step pilot—a wild mix of whirlwind romance, ketchup fights, and classic '90s sitcom charm. From Frank and Carol’s impulsive Jamaican “I dos” to the hilarious chaos of blending their two families, this episode is the perfect reintroduction to your favorite TGIF show. Whether you’re here for nostalgia or just to relive the Lambert-Foster drama, we’ve got you covered.

• What’s in a Pilot?: Ever wonder why they’re called pilots? We break it down while questioning Frank’s decision-making skills.
• 1991 TV Throwback: Did Step by Step truly outshine Home Improvement and Ren & Stimpy? Let the debate begin.
• On-Set Secrets: Midwest charm meets California reality—find out where Frank and Carol’s homes really are.
• Character Deep Dive: Get to know Dana the snark queen, JT the prankster, and, well, Brendan… who’s just kind of there.
• Food Fights and Ketchup Chaos: Nothing says family bonding like squirting ketchup during a backyard picnic.

If you love Step by Step, TGIF nostalgia, or just hearing two people passionately overanalyze sitcoms, this podcast is your new jam. Eric and Lainee mix humor, trivia, and a bit of sass to make this rewatch as fun as the first time around.

Subscribe now, relive the second time around, and find us on your favorite podcast platform. Follow @EricHersey for updates and let’s talk all things Step by Step.

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Step By Stepisode is back! In this episode, hosts Eric Hersey and Lainee Hersey dive headfirst into the iconic opening credits of the beloved '90s sitcom Step by Step. From the catchy theme song to the roller coaster ride that started it all, this episode unpacks everything that made the intro unforgettable. If you’re a fan of TGIF classics, this nostalgic journey is for you.

Highlights in This Episode:

• Jesse Frederick’s Theme Song Magic: Explore the feel-good vibes of Second Time Around and learn about the music legend behind the TGIF hits you know and love.
• The Real Story of Impostor Mark: Discover how a casting change led to one of the most curious moments in the opening sequence.
• Magic Mountain Mysteries: Uncover the behind-the-scenes story of the theme park used in the intro and why it makes no sense for a family from Wisconsin.
• Quirks, Errors, and Nostalgia: Eric and Lainee break down the CGI waves, questionable carpool logistics, and hilarious continuity blunders that make this intro a true time capsule.
• Frame-by-Frame Fun: From Dana’s mischievous water gun antics to the “urine-scented” ball pit, we’re covering every unforgettable moment in the credits sequence.

And that’s not all—Eric and Lainee give a shoutout to Craig Bostitch, the talent behind their own podcast theme song, and tease what’s next in their journey through Step by Step!

Why Listen?

Whether you’re reliving your TGIF glory days or discovering the series for the first time, Step By Stepisode is the ultimate companion podcast for sitcom fans. Eric and Lainee’s humor, insights, and deep dive into the quirks of the Step by Step intro will have you laughing, reminiscing, and ready to hit play on the next episode.

Subscribe now and join the ride! Find us on your favorite podcast platform, follow Eric on social media @EricHersey, and let’s relive the second time around together!

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Step By Stepisode is here! In this inaugural episode, hosts Eric Hersey and Lainee Hersey kick off their journey through every episode of the iconic '90s sitcom Step by Step. If you're a fan of TGIF classics, this podcast will feel like coming home.

Highlights in This Episode:

• Origins of the Podcast: How a love for nostalgic TV led Eric and Lainee to binge-watch Step by Step and create this fan-driven exploration.
• The Birth of a Sitcom: Discover how the series came to life, including insights about the powerhouse production teams behind it (Miller-Boyett Productions and Lorimar Television).
• Meet the Cast: From Patrick Duffy’s shift from Dallas to sitcom dad Frank Lambert, to Suzanne Somers’ post-Three’s Company role as Carol Foster, learn about the stars who brought the Lamberts and Fosters to life.
• Behind-the-Scenes Fun: Lainee’s takes on the cast dynamics, from Dana’s snark to Mark’s nerdy charm, and a hilarious debate on who really stole the show.
• Spoiler-Free Fandom: Eric and Lainee set the stage for the podcast’s episode-by-episode rewatch, sharing their unique perspectives as first-time Step by Step fans.

And that’s not all—Eric and Lainee tease next week’s dive into the Step by Step intro sequence, filmed at Magic Mountain. What’s the story behind the mysterious "imposter Mark"? Tune in to find out!

Why Listen?

Whether you’re revisiting your childhood favorites or discovering the show for the first time, Step By Stepisode is the ultimate companion podcast for sitcom lovers. Eric and Lainee’s mix of humor, trivia, and personal insights make this a nostalgic treat you won’t want to miss.

Subscribe now and join the journey. Find us on your favorite podcast platform, follow Eric on social media @EricHersey, and let’s relive the second time around together!

Produced by Strong Minded Agency