Helena Hardbody's Hot Bod Hot Rod Workout Deluxe

Columbia, Missouri | Radio & Podcasts

Comedy, LGBTQ

Helena Hardbody

1 Campaigns | Missouri, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $5,800 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

24 supporters | followers

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Helena Hardbody’s Hot Bod Hot Rod Workout Deluxe is a bi-weekly fictional comedy podcast with a functional workout built into the narrative of each episode. It’s a workout show for people who find traditional fitness content a little too much (or in some ways, not enough).

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

Most workout content is either terrifyingly intense, painfully boring, or predictably inaccessible. This podcast is for anyone looking to become more comfortable with movement without being barked at by a shirtless man named Chad. (Unless that’s your thing. In which case: bark away, baby).

The Story


WHAT IS HELENA HARDBODY?


Helena Hardbody’s Hot Bod Hot Rod Workout Deluxe is not just a comedy podcast. It’s a tool to help you build a personal movement routine. Your new trainer, Helena Hardbody, has done everything: former MMA fighter, ASPCA volunteer, president of ASCAP… and now she’s teamed up with the mysterious Sweat Factory Gym to deliver accessible movement to the masses.


Season one of Helena Hardbody’s Hot Bod Hot Rod Workout Deluxe consists of

10 full-length episodes and two shorter “Rest Day” bonus episodes.


The first third of the season introduces our main characters: Helena Hardbody, Terry Grossé, and Nate Blaze. Nate owns the brand new Sweat Factory Gym. He’s hired Helena and her producer, Terry, to create a fitness podcast that will promote not only the gym, but the gym’s totally normal and completely regular protein powder, S.W.E.A.T. The powder promises result(s), and boy oh boy, does Terry have some result(s).


Without giving away too much: Midseason focuses on Helena processing the changes to Terry and pursuing the mystery of S.W.E.A.T. powder, Nate Blaze, and the Sweat Factory Gym. The “results” take a turn for the worse as Helena and Terry get closer to figuring out what’s up with Mr. Blaze. They try to keep a sense of normalcy by continuing the podcast as they test theories about the origins of the powder, but the investigation becomes more dangerous and an accident means Terry must take over for Helena… giving her the space she needs to finally solve this mystery.


As the season wraps up, Terry copes with even more sudden life changes caused by the powder. Nate has his “dark night of the soul” as the team puts together an action plan to save their community, and perhaps the world.



WHY MAKE HELENA HARDBODY?


"The people rising in the streets

The war, the drought

The more I look, the more I see nothing to joke about

Is comedy over?

Should I leave you alone?

'Cause, really, who's gonna go for joking at a time like this?

Should I be joking at a time like this?"

Robert "Bo" Pickering Burnham


You don't need us to tell you that the world feels pretty bleak at the moment. To be honest with you, we have had moments where we questioned if it's even appropriate to launch a comedy podcast now - let alone ask for money. But it's crucial that we find moments to take care of ourselves and uplift our community.


This very silly podcast is the result of a diverse group of midwestern creators dedicating their time, talent, and hard work for free, for over a year. We're excited to share the result(s) with you, and believe there is no better time to provide a tool that helps people laugh and, if they choose, move their bodies.


Helena Hardbody's Hot Bod Hot Rod Workout Deluxe is poised to carve out a unique niche in both the fitness and comedy podcast spaces. By blending humor, engaging narratives, and accessible workouts, we create an experience that is fun, sustainable, and habit-forming.



WHAT WILL DONATIONS FUND?


We’re raising $5,785 to do the boring-but-crucial stuff that makes the podcast possible — because even Helena needs a little paperwork under her spandex. We believe in this idea, so it's important that we work with entertainment lawyers to properly set up the business for scalability. This ensures that the IP is protected and that all members of our team are treated fairly. If we raise beyond the $5,785, the funds will be used to start paying our team!



STRETCH GOALS


The minimum goal for this campaign, $5,785, covers legal costs. Anything above that begins actually funding the podcast itself and paying Team Hardbody.


$10,000 - Pilot’s license: We can pay our team for the pilot!

$20,000 - First trimester: We can pay our team for episodes 1-3.5

$55,000 - Completion: We can pay for the entire first season!


Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Legal - Starting the Business

Costs $5,000

This fund will be used to contract our entertainment lawyer, start the LLC, and establish the proper framework for a business that can grow.

Legal - Lock down IP

Costs $785

This helps us pay for copyright and trademark fees as we establish our business.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Writers:


LeeAnne Lowry (IG: @insta_grampzz): LeeAnne Lowry (any/all) is a journalist by day and screenwriter by night. They enjoy playing guitar (despite their lack of tempo), pumping iron (despite their anemic childhood), and parentheticals (because each one is like a juicy little secret). LeeAnne holds two degrees from Stephens College — an MFA in Writing for Film and TV and a BFA in Digital Filmmaking. 


Hannah Bilau (IG: @ualibhannah): Much like Helena, HB (they/she) has done everything - bartending, babysitting, selling lasers to veterinarians, hiring trucks to drive 45,000 lbs worth of energy drinks across Canada. They're originally from southern Illinois and currently reside in Columbia, MO.


Hadley Houck (IG: @hadleyhouck): Hadley Houck (she/her) is originally from upstate NY and moved to Columbia, MO to attend the Stephens MFA in TV and Screenwriting program. She is an island caretaker turned comedy writer with a background in Linguistics. Hadley is currently in Los Angeles and can be found working on film sets or playing Game Master for Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. 


Josh Boyer (IG: @joshbboyer): Josh Boyer (he/him) was born and raised in Columbia, MO. A self-taught indie/DIY filmmaker, he’s written, produced, and directed numerous short films both in Columbia, MO as well as Kansas City, MO.


Cast:


Enola-Riann White (she/her) has an MPA from the University of Missouri with a specialization in nonprofit administration. She is a musical theater actor/vocalist and woodwind specialist (saxophones, flute/piccolo, clarinet). Enola has worked in higher education and the nonprofit sector for the majority of her professional career. She is currently the Upward Mobility Program Manager in the Boone County Community Services Department.  


Matt Neff (YT: @mattneff): Matt Neff (he/him) is a Missouri-based comedian/filmmaker. He has previously opened for comedic legends, including Rob Schnieder, Jon Lovitz, and Chris Kattan. Over the past two years, Matt has become an avid YouTuber, with his web series FU DW garnering over 9 million views on his channel. Matt is thrilled to be back in his home and is excited for everyone to experience the hilarious insanity that is Helena Hardbody.


Parker Ross (he/him) is an artist and actor based in the Midwest. He has illustrated two children's books for Ed Hansen, and has been in the Columbia, MO, theater scene since 2017, and has done everything from musicals, to Shakespeare, to modern comedies. He recently moved to Illinois, but is happy to be back for Helena Hardbody.

Current Team

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