Adele and Kermit The Frog have a lot in common. Sure, they’re from different countries and they’re different species and one of them is a puppet. But in terms of taking your brain over by manipulating it with song, they’re the world’s foremost masters of a little trick called the appoggiatura. What is that magic Italian-derived word? How does it work? And how many other ways does the world prank your brain with music every day?

On this week’s episode of The Cracked Podcast, Alex Schmidt is joined by Jamie Brew (Botnik, Clickhole) for tales of tuneful brain trickery. They’ll dig through the latest brain science, the biggest pop songs of today, and the history of opera for ways your noggin hears music and messes with you as a result. Also, this one has some fun musical examples! So how about that!

Footnotes: http://www.cracked.com/podcast/the-weirdest-ways-music-pranks-human-brain/

We’re back in the Vermillion Minotaur and excited to catch up with Chest Trünkborn, the mimic.

Credits:

Arnie: Arnie Niekamp
Chunt: Adal Rifai
Usidore: Matt Young
Chest Trünkborn: Travis McElroy
Dory the Dragon: Erika Ishii
Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi

Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Ryan DiGiorgi, Evan Jacover
Editor: Tim Joyce
Theme Music: Andy Poland
Magic Tavern Logo: Allard Laban
Audio Assistance: Jason Knox
Production Assistance: Garrett Schultz
Photography by: Kyle Telechan [cityeyesphoto.com]

Special Thanks: Troy Babbs, and to the Schrott Center including Brian, Bram, Kelsey, Sheila and many more.

Get your copy of the next Book Club read, Pride and Prejudice here [hellofromthemagictavern.com]!

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com/TAVERN code: TAVERN) and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/MAGIC).

The Trevor Project CEO Amit Paley sits down with Cameron to discuss the impact of messaging, services The Trevor Project offers (1-866-4U-TREVOR), and its volunteer opportunities.

This episode is sponsored by TomboyX (www.tomboyx.com/QUEERY code: QUEERY), Kopari (www.koparibeauty.com/QUEERY), and Audible (www.audible.com/QUEERY or text QUEERY to 500500).

The hilarious and iconic John Early (Search Party) joins Matt and Dave this week to chat all about late 90’s Lisa Kudrow movies, Britney Spears, tiny gymnasts and more. Plus pining for someone, enjoying the only relationship that has made sense, and being “that guy” in Ladybird.

This episode is sponsored by Calm (www.calm.com/HOMOPHILIA) and Shameless.

Live from New York! It’s Paul, June, and Jason discussing the 2011 romantic fantasy drama Beastly. They dive deep into June’s sincere love for the movie, the main crux of the movie being kidnapping, the Beast stalking Vanessa Hudgens, the alternate ending, and Jason’s idea for what a real Beast would look like.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com/bonkers), Heineken, and Simplisafe (www.simplisafe.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

Comedian Jen Kirkman offers Jude advice on getting through a tough divorce. Meanwhile Jude’s heartbreak over the split worsens when he make a discovery in a local shop.

Comedians Leah Bonnema (Comedy Drop) and Dan Wilbur (Never Flirt with Puppy Killers) join Negin to chat about Serena Williams and if there’s a double standard in tennis. The panel also asks: why do we love to hate how other people spend their money? Plus, they discuss if fake news is better than too much news.

This episode is sponsored by Vistaprint (www.vistaprint.com code: FAKE), ModCloth (www.modcloth.com code: FTN), and ChefSteps (www.chefsteps.com/joule code: FAKE).

Bitchsesh is back and, much like Leanne’s beer burps, sometimes Casey and Danielle are gonna utter things that are difficult to hear, like Steve Lodge brought some sex appeal this week. Also Casey defends her controversial spinning statement, while Deanna Cheng chimes in in defense of Carole, and OC’s Emily defends her dork. 

This episode is brought to you by Imperfect Courage by Jessica Honegger, Prepd (www.getprepd.com code: PREPDHOUSEWIVES), and Stitch Fix (www.stitchfix.com/HOUSEWIVES).

Singer-songwriters Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan aka The Milk Carton Kids return along with improvisers Mary Holland, Seth Morris, and Horatio Sanz for a special musical improv4humans! The Milk Carton Kids bring the whole band to play songs from their newest album “All the Things That I Did and All the Things That I Didn’t Do,” inspiring scenes about learning to love in a weird way, a man who is depressed because he’s been masturbating wrong his whole life, and a teen that desperately wants to have an adult epiphany. Plus, they test out creepy pickup lines and a father deals with his addiction to mustache rides.

Grant Rutter, podcast producer at NBC Entertainment, joins Lex on the Wolf Den. The two discuss Grant’s journey through the ranks at NBC and how it led him to be their fist full-time podcast producer. Grant also details the production of The Good Place Podcast and its inspirations, as well as the the challenge of making an entertaining podcast that’s more than just an advertisement.

Rhea talks flagging, DreamWorks and Geoffrey Owens. Sets from Jared Logan, Irene Tu, Carly Ballerini and Teresa Lee.

Joe Bongo, Marina Del Rey’s very own Sex Ed Teacher and drug survivor, is joined by his friend and replacement Drivers Ed Instructor Margot Chunk to answer your questions on Sex and Driving. They are joined by Marissa Wompler and her mentor Charlotte “Char-dog” Listler who help Joe and Margot explore more questions about the mysteries of reproduction. Finally, Joe wraps up this pilot with a few songs from his prod-rock band, Rosebush Red. 

Special guests: Betsy Sodaro, Lennon Parham, Jessica St. Clair, Mark McConville, Daniel Michicoff, and James Bladon. 

This episode is brought to you by Heineken and Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/andydaly).

Paul & Amy beam up to Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming alien feature, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial! They learn E.T.’s real name, marvel at Spielberg’s uncanny ease directing children, and wonder how well the film holds up with kids today. Plus: Seth Shostak, an astronomer from the SETI Institute, tells us how likely we are to find actual E.T.s on Earth. 

Next week: the western showdown classic, High Noon. If you’ve never seen it, or can’t quite remember it, give us your guess about the plot, and bonus points will be awarded for your best cowboy impression. Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 and tell us what you think! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by Stitch Fix (www.stitchfix.com/UNSPOOLED).

This week, Erin dips into the decision by the World Surf League to award equal prize money to male and female athletes and why other sports leagues should take note. Then, Bryan discusses a motion by a group of 16 states asking the Supreme Court to limit protections against LGBTQ workplace discrimination. Guest Trixie Mattel returns to chat about singing brides, being fired for absurd reasons, and Ted Cruz’s anti-tofu, anti-California rhetoric.

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), Burrow (www.burrow.com/SHADE), and Policy Genius (www.policygenius.com).

Weighing the evidence with Jameela Jamil.

This episode is brought to you by You Up w/ Nikki Glaser Podcast, Away (www.awaytravel.com/pardo), Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/PARDO code: PARDO), and Quip Toothbrush (www.getquip.com/PARDO).

Nicole Byer is a comedian, writer, and host of Netflix’s Nailed It as well as the Why Won’t You Date Me? podcast. Erin Gibson is a comedian, director/writer, creator of Gay of Thrones and the host of Throwing Shade. They join Jonathan live in Montreal at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival to talk Erin giving Jonathan his big break, being women in comedy & empowered content creators, Roseanne’s meltdown, and more.

Find Nicole’s work at https://www.nicolebyerwastaken.com. She’s on Twitter and Instagram @nicolebyer.

Find Erin’s work http://www.eringibson.com She’s on Twitter and Instagram @gibblertron.

Purchase Erin’s Book Feminasty at https://www.feminasty.com.

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.

This week RBTV welcomes Allison Raskin (Just Between Us, Gossip) to the show! Allison remembers being scared to watch R-rated movies as a kid, Jon explains why Gatorade is meant to be watered down, and Lauren might be convinced to start watching Vanderpump Rules from the beginning. Plus: a Reptar themed snack break, and a new improvised sitcom, “My Seven Stepdads”!

This episode is brought to you by Vistaprint (www.vistaprint.com code: RAISED) and Calm (www.calm.com/raisedbytv).

Comedians Chris Duffy (You’re The Expert podcast, Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas) & Sam Reece (OSFUG, Girls With Brown Hair) join Jo & Manolo to play listener-created games with callers, including a special call from Gareth Reynolds (The Dollop, Point vs Point)! 

Games played: Dr. Ghost Hunter, Guess The Computer’s Punchline, and Green Glass Room

This episode is brought to you by Green Chef (www.greenchef.us/GAMESHOW) and RXBAR (www.RXBAR.com/gameshow).

Comedian Max Silvestri joins Andrew and Tawny to discuss a caller’s question about asking for “off the menu” options at a Chinese food restaurant, a caller wanting answers for why Boston is known for being the most racist city, and more. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Matt goes out in the field to Amity Island itself, the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard, to talk to the locals about the 1975 blockbuster, Jaws. Join Matt as he visits the Jaws bridge location, an actor from the film, Chief Brody’s house, The Chappy Ferry, and more. There is even talk of a recent shark attack to add to the experience. Enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com/iwtt).

Comedian and Prince of Periscope Steven Brody Stevens gets his singing style back on this week’s Who Charted?! Brody shares details of life on the road with David Spade while helping Howard and the Whooch crew count down the Top 5 Rock Videos on YouTube. Later, we find out what spurs a man to front kick someone before they dive into the Movie Chart, and the gang offers fresh tips on staying alive during the Hot Picks.

This episode is sponsored by MyBookie (http://bit.ly/WhoCharted).

THE Thomas Lennon returns to the Chat Show, and this time, it’s personal… and, of course, damn hell funny.

This episode is brought to you by MyBookie (http://bit.ly/KevinPollakMB).

Jensen and Matty are back to talk about Jensen’s Bachelor Party, Babeo Baggins, StretchLab, Amazing Interiors, how we were late on Sebastian Maniscalco, and many more things you should know about.

A hard-working mom balancing multiple jobs and school has an inspiring approach to life. Geth tries to find out what it’s like when her Cuban side comes out: when she gets mad, she transforms, like The Incredible Hulk, and her soft spoken demeanor gives way to loud and boisterous anger.

This episode is brought to you by Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com/stories), Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/BEAUTIFUL), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/BEAUTIFUL).

Sean Clements and Hayes Davenport aka “The Boys” of Hollywood Handbook join Zach and Jess for a very van der Beek-y musical filled with Joshua Jackson, peak TV, and Eartha Kitt(?!). With songs like “That’s What You Know Us From”, “Banana King”, and “Isn’t Life Sweet with James Van Der Beek”, you won’t be a crying Dawson after listening to this ep. 

The Boys help STEFANI ROBINSON fix her TV show.

Fresh from the first week of school, Marissa and Listler welcome freshman Shirley Baskets and her Aunt Lotti (Rebekka Johnson & Kimmy Gatewood) all the way from rural Maryland for another WOMP It Up! Shirley and Aunt Lotti reflect on pursuing their dreams and dead body sightings while Listler rants about ants during What’s Cheesing You. Plus, the squad addresses listener questions about familial love and anniversary gifts on Listler’s Love Lockdown before Aunt Lotti offers up a message from the heart for her former husband during Spotlight On.

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

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the wonderful crowd of Philadelphia to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse owner Ariell Johnson! Ariell chats about what her first pet’s name was, all of her fish she had growing up, and why she’d prefer a cat over a dog if she were to get another pet. Then, they are joined by improvisers Eugene Cordero, Tawny Newsome, and Little Janet Varney, to improvise a story set at San Diego Comic-Con. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

This episode is brought to you by Stitch Fix (www.stitchfix.com/PFT).

Movies have a weird double standard when it comes to character deaths. Some characters get swelling music and emotional final speeches; others get blown to bits in some background CGI effect intended to slightly increase the stakes of the second act. Strangely, this is even true in movies specifically about the sanctity of life, like <i>The Shape of Water</i>. Why is this? And is it getting worse?

Today Alex is joined by Cracked contributor Dan Hopper and writer/performer Kandice Martellaro to dissect a bunch of famous movies (even some good ones!) that are weirdly callous about people dying horrible, gruesome deaths.

Footnotes link: http://www.cracked.com/podcast/14-movies-that-are-weirdly-casual-about-character-deaths/

Legendary concert promoter Ron Delsener regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about growing up in the era of Automats and bowling pin boys, his early days as a promoter of live events, inventing the free concert in Central Park and working with Woody Allen, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Lenny Bruce and The Beatles. Also, Arthur Godfrey lusts after Haleloke, Bruce Springsteen “opens” for Anne Murray, Ol’ Blue Eyes boots Jimmy Roselli out of Vegas and Ron presents Groucho at Carnegie Hall. PLUS: Murray the K! The genius of David Bowie! The return of Swain’s Rats & Cats! “Jimi Hendrix’ Eclectic Thanksgiving”! And Ron sees Dean & Jerry’s final show at the Copa!

This episode is brought to you by PillPack (go.pillpack.com/gilbert) and MyBookie (http://bit.ly/ColosalMB [bit.ly]).