The convenience store at the beginning of the episode is called "Berens' Kwik Trip". Jerry Wanek is a producer and production designer who's a native of Manitowoc, WI. Berens is a shout out to the Comedian Charlie Berens also known as the "Manitowoc Minute" Guy. Kwik trip is a reference to the beloved chain of stores headquartered in La Crosse
Garth says to Sam and Dean that if they're the heroes, that must make him a "special guest star." DJ Qualls, who plays Garth, is billed as a special guest star in this episode.
The title refers to the convention of certain myths that start with an ordinary individual who is confronted by unexpected or extraordinary circumstances and is transformed in the process in his attempt to resolve the issue.
This is the first episode to feature the Grenade Launcher since Season 12.
When Sam tells Dean, "We're just having a bad day," and Dean replies, "This is more than just a no good very bad day," he's likely referencing the very popular children's book by Judith Viorst, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."