Negin takes a breather from political bedlam with an episode that’ll get you in the gut! A cast of all-stars assemble to chat about grief in the digital age, how to be good at being jealous, and the pitfalls of porn. Negin is joined by W. Kamau Bell (United Shades of America), Leah Bonnema (Comedy Drop), Kendra Cunningham (Last Comic Standing), Ophira Eisenberg (Ask Me Another), Akilah Hughes (Crooked Media), and Baratunde Thurston (How To Be Black).

This episode is sponsored by ModCloth (www.modcloth.com code: FAKE).

Bitchsesh is back with special co-host/royal watcher/Scheana Shay apologist Leslie Grossman who chides Danielle for being late to Vanderpump though she has her own (Valetta) skeletons in the closet. Then Hotwives co-creator Dannah Phirman stops by to talk bad lighting and snow globe abundance. 

They delve into the boring “BeSerkshires”, Robyn’s umbrella work, Shep’s bloated good looks and whether two different kinds of sperm are actually allergic to one other. 

Bryan and Erin celebrate the prerelease of Erin’s new book Feminasty: The Complicated Woman’s Guide to Surviving the Patriarchy without Drinking Herself to Death as they get into their top stories of the week. First, we’ll hear about ticket reseller TickPick’s wide ranging survey to determine the political leanings of music fans. Then, Erin reads a letter to the editor of the IndyStar from a sexist law professor, and the incredible Nina Parker (Love & Hip Hop) joins to discuss all things royal wedding, Luann de Lesseps’ racist moment, and the importance of checking a friend’s privilege for them.

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 Dollar Shave Club (www.dollarshaveclub.com/SHADE) and TomboyX (www.tomboyx.com/SHADENEUTRAL code: SHADENEUTRAL).

Musician and author Ryan Walsh of Hallelujah the Hills joins improvisers Andy Daly, Danielle Schneider, and Matt Besser for this week’s improv4humans! Ryan talks about his book Astral Weeks: A Secret History of 1968, inspiring scenes about a homeschooled music class that goes off the rails, a musical jug salesman, and a U2 imposter band. Later, we’ll hear calls to an LSD support hotline before meeting a couple of disinterested local heroes.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com/IMPROV code: IMPROV).

Jason Snell from the Incomparable podcast network joins Lex on The Wolf Den. The two discuss Jason’s path to podcasting full time, the practical advantages of streaming episodes live, as well as the pros and cons of more companies making podcasts. 

This episode is brought to you by Pretty Litter (www.prettylitter.com code: wolfden).

Strap on your death sandals, as Paul & Amy jump into 1959’s Roman epic Ben Hur! They discuss the incredible scope of the film, how Star Wars ripped off the famous chariot race, and how many characters say the word “leper.” Plus: Paul & Amy talk to stunt professional Christopher Leps about his career, and where Ben Hur ranks among the great stunt films.

For next week’s episode, call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 and tell us how you would cast a modern Wizard Of Oz! Don’t forget to subscribe to us on your podcast app, and follow us on Twitter @Unspooled.

This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com/unspooled30 code: UNSPOOLED30).

Cam and Rhea talk “The Leftovers,” “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” and “David the Gnome.” Sets from Hampton Yount, Aby James and Kat Radley, and a chat with Zach Sherwin.

Waiting by the door with Andy Daly.

This episode is brought to you by Away (www.awaytravel.com/pardo code: PARDO), SeatGeek, and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/PARDO).

The Pistol Shrimps take on Lucille Ballers at Pan Specific South. Mark and Matt call the drifts and mostly just open gifts.

The Shrimps on Twitter: @pistolshrimpsbb

The Shrimps on Instagram: @thepistolshrimps

Pistol Shrimps Radio on Twitter: @shrimpsradio

Pistol Shrimps Radio on Instagram: @pistolshrimpsradio

Actress Yeardley Smith joins Matt to discuss her role as Nancy in the 1991 film City Slickers as well as being the voice of Lisa Simpson in The Simpsons. Yeardley talks about acting in Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing in her early years, working with Stephen King, and the draw of the live stage. Plus, we’ll hear the story behind Homer’s voice change, tales from Mom’s on Strike, and the origin of Yeardley’s podcast Small Town Dicks.

This episode is sponsored by Netflix’s Arrested Development.

Adam Scott Aukerman continue on this week to discuss R.E.M.’s tenth studio album New Adventures in Hi-Fi. We’ll hear from a listener during an episode of “How’s Your Baby” and Adam tries to figure out which Parks & Rec character he would be. Then they cover how an onstage aneurysm in Switzerland led R.E.M. to produce the looser 1996 album before listening through song by song.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com/REM code: REM).

Humorist Jonny Sun (Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too: A Book) joins Andrew and Tawny to discuss if you should use the n-word if your black friend “gives you the pass,” the Thug Kitchen cookbook, 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 Joe Pera Talks With You on Adult Swim.

Dan Black (Comedians Of Wrestling) and Matt McCarthy (We Watch Wrestling) are here to teach Jon and Lauren (especially Lauren) all about professional wrestling! They explain why wrestling appeals to your inner sense of justice, and watch classic moments from Rick Rude hitting on Jake “The Snake” Roberts’ wife to The Miz blowing up at Daniel Bryan. Plus: a Very Special Episode of Full House!

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: TV), Leesa (www.leesa.com/RAISEDBY), Quip Toothbrush (www.getquip.com/TV), and Tripping.com (www.tripping.com/TV).

Comedians Chelsea Davison (The Opposition with Jordan Klepper, MadTV) & Brandon Scott Jones (Gentrify, Grandma’s Ashes) join Jo & Manolo to play listener-created games with callers. 

Games played: Is It Potter? Or Is It Potter?, Good Day, and Goblins & Gilmores.

This episode is brought to you by Joe Pera Talks With You on Adult Swim.

Nineteen years ago, Amy Throckmorton donated an egg. Eighteen years later, she was contacted out of the blue by Gaba, whose life she helped create.

Amy and Gaba met, and discovered that Gaba is currently a singer in the SoCal Vocals, the acapella group that Amy was a member of at college. Jonathan had to talk to them and serve some Pitch Perfect realness.

Amy Throckmorton is on Twitter @Hereinamyland. Gaba is @elizabethgaba.

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 incredible Nicole Byer (Nailed It!) and John Gemberling (Broad City) join Jess and Zach live at the Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles for an all new weather, sex-ed, and Lean Cuisine-filled rock musical improvised on the spot! With songs like “Through To Them”, “What The Weather Do”, and “Beep Beep Goes the Lean Cuisine”, you’ll finally graduate “Punk Rock Academy” hearing these new jams.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: OFFBOOK) and Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK).

Brand new Spanish teacher at Marina Del Rey High School Señor Guillermo Guillermo Rodriguez (Tony Rodriguez) joins Marissa and Listler to WOMP it all the way up top! Señor Rodriguez talks about founding the Latinx club and the perks of living near the beach before explaining how he became the new Spanish teacher. Later, Listler recounts her run-in with a jogger before Señor Rodriguez shares why he left his family behind during Spotlight On.

Once again the two boys Sean and Hayes are joined by DAVE HOLMES but this time to learn how to do a book like he did.

This episode is sponsored by Harry’s (www.harrys.com/HANDBOOK) and Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/savings).

Matt (Gourley, that is) takes Matt (Mira, that is) on an audio slideshow of his trip to Piz Gloria atop the Swiss Alps. Interviews and on-the-spot audio reactions to the Bond World exhibit abound, complete with insights from travel co-host, Amanda Lund!

This week’s caller tells Chris about the very close relationship she had with her recently passed grandmother. Gethard cheers her up with funny stories and by doing his best Freddie Mercury impression.

This episode is brought to you by Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Thomas’ English Muffins, Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: BEAUTIFUL), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/BEAUTIFUL).

Rap duo Charge It To The Game (Fat Tony and Kyle Mabson) join Jensen and Matty to talk about wrestling, Marlon Craft, Prince’s “The Truth,” how we were late on Barry, and many more things you should know about.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: KARP).

Mark O’Brien recalls a successful career on Canadian TV, the dream of making it in America, and being cast in “Halt and Catch Fire” ten days after landing in LA.

Screenwriter Larry Karaszewski joins Amy to discuss the 1949 film adaptation of Ayn Rand’s book, “The Fountainhead.” They consider Ayn Rand’s creative control and her anti-communist history, the casting of Gary Cooper as Howard Roark, and the coalescing of character archetypes with Rand’s ambitious ideas before making their final cases. Should “The Fountainhead” make its way into The Canon? Cast your vote on the Earwolf forum now!

This episode is brought to you by Rick & Morty, Joe Pera Talks With You on Adult Swim, and Black Tux (www.blacktux.com/BANGBANG).

Gilbert and Frank welcome one of their favorite performers, Academy Award winner Keith Carradine, for a fond look back at his frequent collaborations with mentor Robert Altman, his friendships with co-stars Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine and Robert Mitchum, and the life and career of his dad, horror legend John Carradine. Also, Harvey Keitel loosens up, Jerry Lewis shoots hoops, Rod Steiger pays a surprise visit and Jessica Tandy lights up the stage. PLUS: “Love American Style”! Sam Fuller eats a stogie! Kwai Chang Caine hosts SNL! Deconstructing “The Aristocrats”! And Keith wins an Oscar for Best Original Song!

After being kicked out of the tavern, Arnie runs into the fancy little faun Mister Chauncey.

Credits:

Arnie: Arnie Niekamp

Chunt: Adal Rifai

Usidore: Matt Young

Mister Chauncey: Paul F. Tompkins

Josh: Josh Richmond

Activia Barleyfoot: Tawny Newsome

Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen

Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi

Tricia: Kate James

Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Evan Jacover, Ryan DiGiorgi

Editor: Garrett Schultz

Theme Music: Andy Poland

Magic Tavern Logo: Allard Laban

Audio Assistance: Jason Knox

Production Assistance: Garrett Schultz

Listen to season 2 of Hello from the Magic Tavern Presents: Offices and Bosses only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/magic and use promo code ‘MAGIC’.

Paul F. Tompkins is reunited with his listeners on Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is comedian/improviser Nicole Byer of Nailed It! and Loosely Exactly Nicole! Nicole chats about who she would kill first if The Purge were real, why she would want to live in the world of the movie Ghost, and everyone always trying to get her into Star Wars. Then, they are joined by improvisers and A.P. Bio cast mates Mary Sohn, Jean Villepique, and Lyric Lewis, to improvise a story set at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Times Square, New York City. 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).