We are fresh off the longest government shutdown in American history (with another around the corner, maybe!). We are also riding almost a decade of of sustained stock market growth, almost a decade of sustained job growth, and all kinds of other business-y news you heard about. And when those stories crossed your cable TV screen or Twitter feed, did you have any idea what they meant? And if so…c’mon, are you sure you’ve got all the context?

On this week’s episode of The Cracked Podcast, Alex Schmidt sits down with Kai Ryssdal, the host of ‘Marketplace’ and the world heavyweight champion of that exact economic context you need. They’ll dig into how just one missed federal worker paycheck (let alone two!) ripples through the global economy for a long time. They’ll examine ways you can better understand what a stock market swing or jobs number actually means. Also stick around for valuable heads-ups on which chairpersons, directors, and CEOs tend to be extremely important indicators of our economic future, even though most people pay them no attention.

Footnotes: http://www.cracked.com/podcast/how-to-be-less-confused-about-economy-with-kai-ryssdal

[TIMELY UPDATE: on Friday afternoon the U.S. government re-opened temporarily. Details here: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/25/us/politics/trump-shutdown-deal.html [nytimes.com] We will describe the shutdown as a present-tense thing in this episode because, as we’ll say early on, we taped this episode right before the government re-opened. Also we taped with that possibility in mind, so all our facts about the shutdown are accurate and are long-term focused.]

Gilbert and Frank (joined by guest co-host Michael Giacchino) chat with Oscar-winning special effects artist (and GGACP fan) Dennis Muren, who praises the artistry of stop-motion animation, looks back on the early days of Industrial Light & Magic and shares behind-the-scenes stories from the making of modern classics “E.T.,”  “Jurassic Park” and “The Empire Strikes Back.” Also, Marlon Brando ages gracefully, Irwin Allen breaks up the Marx Brothers, Michael gets nostalgic for the “Temple of Doom” mine car sequence and Dennis remembers longtime friends Forrest Ackerman and Ray Harryhausen. PLUS: “Flesh Gordon”! The magic of Willis O’Brien! “Casablanca” in 3-D! Bob Burns recreates “The Exorcist”! And Dennis breaks down the transformation scene from “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”!

We learn about the half organic, half robotic Modron, Weewoo, visiting from another, more orderly plane of existence. Also, there’s magic and stuff.

Credits:

Arnie: Arnie Niekamp
Chunt: Adal Rifai
Usidore: Matt Young
Weewoo the Modron: Chris Perkins
Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen

Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Ryan DiGiorgi, Evan Jacover
Editor: Garrett Schultz
Theme Music: Andy Poland
Magic Tavern Logo: Allard Laban
Audio Assistance: Jason Knox
Production Assistance: Garrett Schultz

Special Thanks: Greg Tito, and Ryan Marth from Siren Sound 

This episode is brought to you by Shudder.

Humorist John Hodgman (Judge John Hodgman, Vacationland) joins Scott to talk about secret families, what he did to prepare for officiating a wedding, and his career as the character “Monica Geller” on Friends. Then, Alimony Tony stops by to sing some of his parody songs. Later, odds and ends man Rupert Sharp drops by to promote his home services.

This episode is brought to you by eero (www.eero.com/BANGBANG) and Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: BANGBANG).

Writer Dan Savage sits down with Cameron to discuss facing criticism from the right and left, the queer family, and adoption.

This episode is sponsored by True & Co. (www.trueandco.com/QUEERY) and Homesick Candles (www.homesick.comcode: QUEERY).

Comedian and actor Dana Carvey feels masculine about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Dana sits down with Conan this week to talk about the key to a nailing perfect impression, how The Church Lady got her euphemisms, and memories of George H. W. Bush. Plus, Dana shares a few of his latest favorite characters, and Conan gets taken to task for losing his belongings by his assistant Sona on a reverse “True or False.”

Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (323) 451-2821.

For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com.

This episode is sponsored by Campaign Monitor (www.campaignmonitor.com/CONAN), tasc Performance (www.tascperformance.com code: CONAN), State Farm (1-800-STATE-FARM), Fracture (www.fractureme.com/CONAN), HelloFresh (www.hellofresh.com/CONAN80 code: CONAN80), Kendra Scott (www.kendrascott.com code: CONAN), and MeUndies (www.meundies.com/CONAN).

A.G. is a veteran, PhD, and federal government executive who joins Jonathan to discuss all things relating to The Mueller Investigation; examples of Russian collusion, concerning ties between Russian oligarchs and the Trump administration, what Mueller’s team is focusing on, what it means for the Trump Admin, and more.

Find A.G.’s work on Muller, She Wrote podcast here https://www.muellershewrote.com/

For more music from Quiñ head to TheQuinCat.com.

Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Also Twitter and Facebook.

Catch Jonathan on Queer Eye streaming now on Netflix.

The beautiful Billie Lee (Vanderpump Rules) joins Dave and Matt this week to talk all things Vanderpump, Never Been Kissed, an intense stalker situation, and speaking your truth. Plus wanting to settle down, the witches of Weho, and of course Regenix.

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: HOMO), Homesick Candles (www.homesick.com code: HOMO), Blinkist (www.blinkist.com/HOMO), and EveryPlate (www.everyplate.com code: HOMO6).

Is Cellular part of the Final Destination extended universe? The answer to this and more on this week’s minisode! Paul opens up the Explanation Hope Line, goes through Corrections and Omissions for Cellular, and share’s his Pick of the Week. Plus, find out next week’s movie!

This episode is brought to you by LinkedIn (www.linked.com/BONKERS).

Subscribe to Unspooled with Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson here: http://www.earwolf.com/show/unspooled/

Check out our new website over at www.hdtgminfo.com!

Check out new HDTGM merch over at https://www.teepubli…wdidthisgetmade

Where to Find Jason, June & Paul:

@PaulScheer on Instagram & Twitter

@Junediane on IG and @MsJuneDiane on Twitter

Jason is still not on Twitter

Michael contemplates throwing the book into the fire in frustration while Jude and Sue go round and round.

This week, Earwolf’s “Yo, Is This Racist” hosts Andrew Ti and Tawny Newsome take over for Negin. They’re joined by Joel Kim Booster (Big Mouth) to find some unexpected sympathy for TSA workers affected by Trump’s shutdown, rage about the trans military ban and discuss the melange of scandals surrounding the Oscar nominees.

This episode is sponsored by VistaPrint (www.vistaprint.com code: FAKE).

Paul & Amy drive down to 1950’s Hollywood house of horrors Sunset Boulevard! They ask if Joe Gillis is a reliable narrator, praise Gloria Swanson’s transformative performance, and wonder if Hollywood really hasn’t changed in 70 years. Plus: Alicia Malone (TCM host and author of “The Female Gaze”) joins us to help place Sunset Boulevard in it’s historical context.

What’s your favorite evil doctor (or other medical professional) in pop culture history? Before we discuss One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts.

Photo by Kim Troxall.

This episode is brought to you by Black Tux (www.blacktux.com code: UNSPOOLED).

Erin shares early Martha Stewart recipes for your next 175-person sit-down country luncheon on this week’s Throwing Shade! We’ll hear about the expanding field of Democratic presidential candidates and what new ideas are being brought into the conversation. Then we’ll meet Imke Wübbenhorst, the first female coach of a men’s soccer team in Germany, as Erin details the sexism Imke has had to battle since taking her position in the league. Later, Bryan reviews the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the transgender military ban before shining a light on the nightmarish plight of gay and queer people in Chechnya.

And make sure to check out Deeper Shade of Shade on Stitcher Premium, where Bryan and Erin interview their favorite friends of the show. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/shade and use promo code ‘SHADE’.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com/SHADE code: SHADE), Quip (www.getquip.com/SHADE), and Miss Grass (www.missgrass.com code: SHADE).

Rhea talks ancestry, Boise and sad guns. Sets from John Hastings, Mary Mack, J.B. Ball and Debra DiGiovanni.

This episode is brought to you by The Roast Battle Podcast on Comedy Central, Poshmark, and Myro (www.myro.com/PYHT).

Scott, Paul and Lauren discuss high school reunions and play Switch it and Pitch It.

This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/THREEDOM code: THREEDOM) and Molekule (www.molekule.com code: THREEDOM).

Mary Holland, Eugene Cordero, Paul Rust, and Neil Campbell join Matt Besser for a special LIVE improv4humans recorded at SF Sketchfest 2019! They take audience suggestions that inspire scenes about a theatrical basketball team, a substitute wrestling announcer, and overconfident horseback riders. Plus, students pitch helpful school pranks, a political party expands their zipper-based philosophy, and a group of tense doctors make it their mission to steal an important document.

Marching onward with Tom Arnold.

This episode is brought to you by Quip (www.getquip.com/PARDO), hims (www.forhims.com/NNF), and Untuckit (www.untuckit.com code: HAPPY).

Writer, comedian, and fellow Earwolf podcaster Dave Holmes (Homophilia) joins Andrew and Tawny to discuss a caller’s question about a Facebook friend’s racist Pokemon meme, Tiki decor, and much more. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

This episode is brought to you by Flatiron School (www.flatironschool.com/YO).

Jason Mantzoukas (How Did This Get Made, The League) is Jon & Lauren’s special guest this week! He shares childhood memories of watching Zoom, Magnum PI, and bizarre muffled commercials for a local toy store. Then in the second half, he goes deep on his love of Sex And the City, having frank discussions with guy friends, and why he doesn’t use social media.

This episode is brought to you by Zola (www.zola.com/RAISEDBYTV).

Comedian Brandon Wardell (Yeah, But Still) joins Ali and Erin to talk about Juuling, PornHubAria/PornHub apparel, “Warm” by Jeff Tweedy, JustPressRecord, how they were late on RunPee App, and many more things you should know about.

Comedian, writer and actor John Hodgman (Judge John Hodgman, Vacationland) joins Howard and guest co-host Natasha Leggero to rebound from the Super Blood Wolf Moon! They’ll debate incense safety and which Fyre Fest doc is best while counting down YouTube’s Top Trending Songs. Then, the Movie Chart inspires the gang to ask: what is Nicole Kidman really running from? Plus, we’ll find out who everyone thinks the hottest Monkee is as John ventures down new musical avenues during the Hot Picks.

This episode is sponsored by Joybird (www.joybird.com/CHARTED code: CHARTED) and Squarespace (www.squarespace.com/CHARTED code: CHARTED).

Victoria Tsai is the founder & CEO of skin care company Tatcha. She joins Jonathan to talk all things skin; starting a skincare company, how we can take care of our own skin, why it’s important too, what skin is for, and more!

Find VIctoria’s company Tatcha at https://www.tatcha.com. She’s on Instagram @vickytsai.

Find out what today’s guest and former guests are up to by following us on Instagram and Twitter @CuriousWithJVN.

Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com.

Check out Getting Curious merch at PodSwag.com.

Listen to more music from Quiñ by heading over to TheQuinCat.com.

Jonathan is on Instagram and Twitter @JVN and @Jonathan.Vanness on Facebook.

The don’t want to grow up, they got plans to blow up! Danielle and Casey are back together and they don’t care, so what….Actually they do care, but mostly about Lala and Sheana Shay’s orgasm acting class. They talk Stassi’s mom, Marlo’s luggage, Porsha’s pickles and all the fabulous housewives trips past, present and future. Happy OOTD day everyone!!!!

This episode is brought to you by Black Monday on Showtime, Leesa (www.leesa.com/HOUSEWIVES), Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/HOUSEWIVES), Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com/housewives80), and Article (www.article.com/HOUSEWIVES).

Mark McConville of Superego and Pistol Shrimps fame joins Zach and Jess for the first in-studio episode of 2019 and an all new Portuguese vacation musical packed with Candy Crush, pickpockets, cops and more! With songs like “A Little Less Screen Time”, “It’s A Famous Place That We Have”, and “It’s Hard To Pick A Pocket”, you’ll be drinking coke, grenadine, lime, orange and vodka to celebrate after listening to this ep! 

This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/offbook), The Real Real (www.therealreal.com code: REAL), and Care/Of (www.takecareof.com code: OFFBOOK50).

Star of the thrilling crime podcast “The Angel of Vine”, Joe Manganiello shares tales from his early days in Pittsburgh, as well as the making of this new audio hit.

Too many edibles. A missing sister. Paranoia. Depersonalization & derealization. This week’s caller had a tough 2018, but with therapy and treatment, she’s conquering one thing at a time.

This episode is brought to you by Joybird (www.joybird.com/BEAUTIFUL), Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/BEAUTIFUL), and Calm (www.calm.com/BEAUTIFUL).

SHAUN DISTON is loving it when The Boys have some fun with the masked engineer.

This episode is sponsored by Harry’s (www.harrys.com/HANDBOOK) and Robinhood (www.HANDBOOK.robinhood.com).

Hey Wompsters! Did you know we’ve had some pretty amazing guests this past year?  This week we’re bringing you a Best Of episode with some of our favorite guests, including Jon Gabrus (High and Mighty, CBB), Natasha Rothwell (HBO’s Insecure), D’Arcy Carden (The Good Place), John Ross Bowie (Speechless), Nicole Byer (Nailed It) and Chris Gethard (Beautiful Anonymous).  Sit back and enjoy the dulcet tones of these hilarious guests.

This episode is sponsored by Calm (www.calm.com/WOMP).

Paul F. Tompkins says hello and goodbye on this edition of Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s very special guest is Spontaneanation’s first and final guest, Busy Philipps of Busy Tonight! They chat about what Busy’s themed restaurant would be and why. Then, they are joined by improvisers Maria Blasucci, Craig Cackowski, Eugene Cordero, Shaun Diston, Amanda Lund, Tawny Newsome, Colleen Smith, Carl Tart, Little Janet Varney, and Jean Villepique, to improvise a story set in Charleston, South Carolina. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/PFT).

Welcome to The Wokest hosted by the wokest person ever Edgar Momplaisir. The Wokest is a satirical space for everyone to share their voice, offer their opinion, and to be seen. Edgar invites guests to talk about topics that he has pre-selected that highlights issues that he cares about in hopes that this podcast will speak to everyone. This time around, Edgar is joined by Latinx actor/comedian Raiza Licea (Spanish Aqui Presents) to discuss the Top 10 Wokest People on Earth during “Wokeness Power Rankings,” highlight a group of people you didn’t know you were erasing during “Les Inviserables,” and talk about how Raiza is bringing Latinx people into an often white space with her comedy variety show “Spanish Aqui Presents.”

Edgar Momplaisir Socials:

https://twitter.com/edgarmomplaisir

https://www.instagram.com/awfulgram

Raiza Licea Socials:

https://twitter.com/raizalicea

https://www.instagram.com/rzastar