Bill Burr’s recent podcast guest spot took a surprising turn with a potential family twist.

During his appearance on the “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” podcast, Burr, who is 56, was greeted by the unexpected presence of Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Billy Corgan, 57. Corgan had previously speculated that he and Burr might share a familial bond.

About ten years ago, Corgan shared in a November episode of the podcast that his stepmother suggested Burr could be “one of the children your father had during his time as a traveling musician.” He recounted how his father once mentioned having a half-brother named Bill, born around the same time as him. Corgan insisted he wasn’t joking but later said he no longer believes they are related.

When Mandel revealed Corgan as a surprise guest during their Tuesday discussion, Burr lightheartedly cursed at Mandel, expressing playful annoyance at the situation.

“Did you ever consider that perhaps I shouldn’t have told that story, and now it’s out there?” Burr teased Corgan, who seemed taken aback that Burr didn’t know he would be joining them.

Laughing, Burr probed Corgan about why he raised the possibility of their connection, then ribbed him about being a Chicago Cubs fan. Burr made it clear he wasn’t upset with Corgan but criticized Mandel for setting up this unexpected meeting for “ratings,” calling it “disrespectful” and suggesting a podcast wasn’t the right setting for such a first encounter.

“What were we supposed to do? Play catch?” Burr joked. “We’re both in our 50s.” He later remarked, “We will hang out eventually, just not on a podcast.”

With Mandel stepping out for a private chat, emotional piano music played in the background. Burr took the opportunity to ask Corgan about his relationship with their father, which Corgan described as “complicated.”

Burr humorously noted how amusing it became that their dad had multiple families, adding, “My dad told us he was a dentist” and wasn’t involved with being a musician.

Despite the playful banter, Burr seemed to warm to the idea of them being related by the end of the chat, confidently stating, “We have the same father.”

However, Corgan teased that Burr’s admission he couldn’t sing might cast some doubt on their relation.

Burr and Corgan aren’t the only celebrities pondering potential family ties. In 2023, Matthew McConaughey disclosed on Kelly Ripa’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast that he and Woody Harrelson might share a father. He mentioned that during his parents’ second divorce, Harrelson’s dad was on furlough, raising the possibility. Yet, McConaughey hesitated to take a DNA test due to concerns about what discovering the truth might mean after 53 years of believing otherwise.

Burr’s upcoming comedy special, “Drop Dead Years,” is slated for release on Hulu on March 14. He is also collaborating with comedian Shane Gillis for “A Night of Comedy to Benefit Those Affected by the LA Fires” on Monday in Los Angeles, with all proceeds going towards the Wildfire Relief Fund.

Contributing: Charles Trepan