Paul F. Tompkins uses the sound of his voice to welcome listeners back to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special return guest is Matt Besser of improv4humans! Matt chats about what his favorite ancient civilization is and why, the thrill of looking for shards in Santa Fe as a child, and the abandoned theme park Dogpatch USA. Then, they are joined by improvisers Craig Cackowski, Little Janet Varney, and Maya Deshmukh, to improvise a story set in a Family Owned Bike Shop. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

San Francisco: Spontaneanation will be LIVE at the Marines Memorial Theatre on Friday, January 12th at 10pm as part of San Francisco SketchFest! For tickets go to www.paulftompkins.com/live

Paul Scheer returns this week to discuss the best worst movie of all time, “The Room.” He and Amy talk about the inscrutable details throughout the film, what it reveals about the gap between intention and fulfillment, and whether the characters represent facets of Tommy Wiseau’s unknowable brain. Plus, they discuss the true meaning behind the title and Paul shares his awe at working on a recreation of the set in “The Disaster Artist” before they dive into the questions “The Room” prompts about the nature of art. Should “The Room” enter The Canon? Cast your vote on the Earwolf forums now!

This episode is sponsored by MUBI.

T.G.I.G.O.T.G.OST (Thank God It’s the Guardians of the Galaxy Original Soundtrack) with Sean Clements and Hayes Davenport has returned! On a very special episode, the entire cast of Guardians of the Galaxy (except Vin Diesel) joins them to talk about their favorite tracks and answer the show’s core question, “Why did this music make us bop and dance in our seats?”. Later, Traci Reardon arrives to share which are her Twitter followers favorite songs from the soundtrack in another edition of “Help Me, Rhonda.”

This episode is brought to you by Modcloth (www.modcloth.com code: LAPKUS30).

Chris Gethard (Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People and The Chris Gethard Show) joins Paul, June, and Jason to discuss the 1980 remake of The Jazz Singer starring Neil Diamond. Recorded live from the Now Hear This Festival in New York City, they talk about Laurence Olivier’s questionable acting choices, Neil Diamond in blackface and a wig, the my body or pizza scene, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BONKERS), SKYN condoms, Crunchyroll (www.vrv.com/gopremium), and Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com/bonkers).

Check out new HDTGM merch over at https://www.teepublic.com/user/howdidthisgetmade

Where to Find Jason, June & Paul:

Paul’s new comedy Drive Share is available on Go90. Paul can be seen on Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, Opening Night, and Veep. You can see June and Paul on NTSF:SD:SUV:: on HULU. June stars in Grace and Frankie on Netflix, as well as Lady Dynamite alongside with Jason.

Jason can be seen in The Good Place, The House, The Lego Batman Movie, How to Be Single, Sleeping with Other People, and is still indeed in The Dictator.

People’s Choice Award winner, podcast host and author, Matt Bellassai (Everything Is Awful) joins Matt and Dave this week to gush about Harry Styles, Will & Grace and aging boy bands. Plus, a deep dive on friend break-ups, vanilla cornfed boys, and a story about hiding in a literal closet.

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon (code: HOMO), Joule: Sous Vide by ChefSteps (code: HOMOPHILIA), and Sock Fancy (code: HOMO).

John Hughes month continues on Cracked Movie Club! There’s no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by watching John Hughes’ 1987 film Planes, Train and Automobiles, his first adult-centered feature after a string of teen angst hits. Although not a big hit when it was released, the movie has gone on to be arguably Hughes’ best liked film, as well as one of the best liked films of its two stars, Steve Martin and John Candy (Candy’s terrible mustache notwithstanding).

On this week’s episode, Tom is joined by Cracked’s Michael Swaim and comedian Matt Braunger as they discuss how John Hughes’ classic road trip movie became an unspoken classic, how the film’s stars managed to perform a near 200 page screenplay without committing any major felonies, and whether or not John Candy’s character is actually a vampire.

Chris Giliberti, Head of Multiplatform at Gimlet Media joins Lex Friedman and Chris Bannon on The Wolf Den. The three discuss Giliberti’s early days at Gimlet, and transition to his current position from his original role as Chief of Staff. Chris also explains his method for divining which podcast properties can be best adapted for screen as well as new emerging formats.

This episode is brought to you by Findaway Voices (www.findawayvoices.com/wolfden).

This Thanksgiving, Negin pushes politics to the side of her plate and welcomes a medley of guests to debate big questions about love and relationships. Should you stay friends with your ex? Why are there so many unmarried Americans? How do you know if you’re in love? Plus, some musings on whether or not to post about your relationship on social media.

This episode is brought to you by Be Frugal (www.befrugal.com/FAKE), Modcloth (www.modcloth.com/FAKE30), Ellevest (www.ellevest.com/FAKE), and Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com code: FAKE30).

Ruth Reichl, the esteemed chef, food editor, and beautiful writer of words for Gourmet Magazine and LA Times joins Sarah and Susan to talk about the 2016 Olympic Moms ad by Procter and Gamble, the poem The Gaffe by CK Williams, the short story The Stone Boy by Gina Berriault, and Frank Sinatra’s “One For My Baby.”

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

Sitting on the stairs with Paul Reiser.

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

This week Bryan talks about Ohio congressman Wes Goodman’s campaign against gay rights and subsequent resignation after getting caught having gay sex in his office. Erin brings up Blake Shelton’s questionable distinction as People’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” especially given his history of hateful views, and guest Trixie Mattel returns to talk about The Trixie & Katya Show, the pleasures of the ballcuzzi, and importance of underselling on Grindr.

This episode is sponsored by EverlyWell (code: SHADE) and JustFab.

Mike Mitchell, Alex Fernie, Chad Carter, Hillary Matthews and special guest Jesse David Fox join Matt Besser for scenes about a freegan IT worker, an extremely competitive grandfather, and a prank show that pranks pranksters. Plus, they take a peek into the comedy of the future, and the failure to analyze a stand-up set properly leads to disaster.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (code: IMPROV).

Comedian Hari Kondabolu joins Andrew to discuss his new documentary “The Problem with Apu,” something people can do to annoy their racist parents this Thanksgiving, 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 MyBookie (www.mybookie.AG code: RACIST).

Lauren presents the first episode of her new podcast with Jon Gabrus, “Raised By TV.” Check it out, then subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Former president Barack Obama (Colton Dunn) returns to Hard Nation for a special Thanksgiving episode! He reveals his true feelings about Hamilton, talks up the pranks he played at the White House, and tells a very disturbing story about Cory Booker. Plus: Mark played King Lear when he was 15 (?)

Check out Colton’s new movie Lazer Team 2 on YouTube Red and in select theaters!

Jon & Lauren are especially animated on today’s episode because it’s all about cartoons! Lauren explains which Animaniac is hottest, Jon was Lil in his Rugrats fan club, and both of them wonder if they have more cartoon memories of childhood than real memories. Plus: Tiny Toons, Inspector Gadget, Little Bits, Ninja Turtles, Arthur, Alvin & The Chipmunks, and a Very Special Episode with Scott Aukerman & Betsy Sodaro!

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: TV) and Modcloth (www.modcloth.com code: TV).

On this special Thanksgiving episode comedian Patti Harrison and musician Will Butler of Arcade Fire (along with Will’s 5-year-old son Alvin) join Jo and Manolo to play listener-submitted games with callers. 

Games played: What’s Your Primary Utensil, Rad Dads, and Sauce Boss.

Background actor Brandon Adams joins Matt this week to discuss his role as a guy on the shuttle – aka Jim Shuttle – in the 2009 Star Trek reboot. Brandon talks about having his face featured right alongside the film’s stars in the trailer, the joke he made to J.J. Abrams that he thought would get him fired, and the lengths he had to go to in order to fulfill his NDA. Plus, Brandon shares the story of how he became best friends with Chris Pine while working on set.

This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh (code: IWTT30) and Casper Mattresses (code: IWTT).

Actor, writer, and director Derek Waters (Drunk History) returns to Who Charted to spread Thanksgiving cheer! Derek discusses the perks of sharing astrologers and deals with not being invited to holiday parties while counting down Billboard’s Top 5 Hip Hop Songs. Then, he helps the gang count down iTunes’ Top 5 Selling Comedy Seasons, and Howard shares long-lost videos of his stand-up past while Kevin’s Hot Picks bring the heat during Two Charted.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (code: CHARTED) and MyBookie (code: CHARTED).

Three-timer’s Club guest Paul F. Tompkins joins the Matts on a fun-filled journey to the east as they discuss Connery’s fifth outing as 007.

Join Kevin as he sits down with actor Chris Kattan (Saturday Night Live, The Middle). Chris chats about growing up around The Groundlings Theater, his SNL character auditions, and working on his soon-to-be-published book.

Gather around the table as Colton Dunn (LAZER TEAM 2, Superstore) joins Jess and Zach for the first ever (?) Thanksgiving musical! With songs like “Take A Mallow, Make It Micro”, “Green Beans”, and “Chillsgiving”, you’ll be stuffed with so many favorite songs. Plus, stay tuned ’til the end for some tiny hot dog rhymes.

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

A first year medical student tells Gethard how dissecting dead bodies changed her feelings on death. She opens up about how her mother inspired her to study medicine and some of the worst smells she’s encountered, like when she had to dissect a human rectum. Recorded live in Gainesville, Florida.

This episode is brought to you by CanvasPop (www.canvaspop.com code: BA50), Sonos (www.sonos.com), and Talkspace (www.talkspace.com/beautiful).

Director/actor/screenwriter Patrick Brice (The Overnight, Creep) joins Jensen and Matty to talk about his latest film Creep 2, Jaden Smith’s album “Syre,” The Sisters Brothers, how we were late on Brigsby Bear, and many more things you should know about.

This episode is brought to you by MVMT Watches (www.mvmtwatches.com/GETUP).

YouTuber, podcaster, and actor Cody Ko joins Emily and Deanna this week to talk about his past as a software engineer, adventures on the dark web, and why surfing is the perfect activity for unplugging. Plus, Cody explains the latest trends in e-cigs before they launch into a revealing game of Cool or Not Cool.

This episode is sponsored by ThirdLove.

Comedian Jimmy Pardo hosts a pop culture game show-interview podcast; three call-in contestants vie for prizes. Special guest: Lauren Ash.

This episode is sponsored by Sock Fancy (code: GAMES)

Sean and Hayes have JIMMY PARDO as a guest to play games like on his new show, Playing Games with Jimmy Pardo.

Top 40 radio: it’s like if a robot became obsessed with our collective subconscious. And it’s always been dominated by fun, sunshine-y pop songs. Stuff like “Respect” (Aretha Franklin) and “Hey Ya!” (OutKast) and “Maniac” (that dancing movie). But are those songs all that they seem to be? Or do they have hidden, fascinating meanings that nobody ever stops and thinks about?

On this week’s podcast, Alex Schmidt is joined by Howard Kremer and Kulap Vilaysack, the hosts of Earwolf’s “Who Charted”, to ask the questions nobody’s asking about the biggest hit songs of all time. Get ready for a whole new perspective on all your favorite artists, from Van Halen to Marvin Gaye to Francis Scott Key.

Footnotes: https://goo.gl/5sPe7A