Ana Marie Cox (With Friends Like These) and Mike Pesca (The Gist) join Negin to break down the week’s particularly dizzying news cycle. They get into the Comey paper trail, the new special prosecutor and Trump’s possible obstruction of justice. Plus, with so much going on in the West Wing, it can be difficult to keep up with non-Trump news. Fear not! Negin has a roundup of important stories you may have missed, from the resignation of the Census Director to Jeff Sessions’ mandatory minimum directive, and the Supreme Court’s rejection of the North Carolina Voter ID Law. Lastly, they hop on a phone call about polyamory with a man who is on his second open marriage.

This episode is brought to you by FilterBuy (www.filterbuy.com/FAKE) and Aaptiv (www.aaptiv.com code: FAKE).

Former intelligence officer Ned Price joins Ronna and Beverly in Washington “Da Capital” to help them get ahead of the news! The girls talk to Ned about his racehorse namesake, how he decided to quit the CIA, and  the threat of elderly terrorists. Plus, Ned shares his new life prospects, and Ronna and Bev take audience questions from recovering Catholics and rhino caretakers.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: SHALOM) and Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/ronnaandbeverly).

Host of “The Wrap” Patrick Meagher joins the Sklars this week to discuss everything from athletes taking dirt bike joy rides to the biggest boxing matches they witnessed as kids. They break down how Howard Stern got to the radio mountaintop and review the Morris Brothers’ mishaps, and later, they call Dennis Rodman to hear his opinion on the irascible LaVar Ball.

This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy).

Watch out noise makers and corn nuts teeth! Bryan and Erin have your number, hussy, and one of them is day drunk! This week hop on the outrage train with a new classic from an ol’ fav Susanne Venker and her opus “Most Men Just Want a Woman Who’s Nice ” and a San Luis Obispo high school special education teacher pens a “gays deserve to die” diatribe to the high school paper and no one is havin’ it. Plus, Bryan’s BFF from college Stephanie Stenta-James schools you on the Judge Judy fan Facebook page and the time Bryan got his cape stuck. You’ll get it when you get it.

This week: Bob & Doug McKenzie! “The Last of Sheila”! Mel Brooks raps! And “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings”!

Romancing the bean with Paul F. Tompkins.

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

Peter Hulne joins Matt Besser this week for a special improv2humans! They practice their Spanish audition accents in public, seek password help from a starstruck Apple genius, and load their paintball guns with something a little more dangerous. Plus, they take a crazy selfie with the Hollywood sign and explore the roots of their unusual bedroom fetishes.

Listeners, you and your kids need a new alphabet – specifically, one that starts with “A is for Angela Davis”. In this episode of Politically Re-Active, we talk with writer Kate Schatz and artist Miriam Klein Stahl about their illustrated children’s books, _Rad American Women A-Z_ and _Rad Women Worldwide_. We also dive into ways that you – yes you! – can join the resistance in your local community through Solidarity Sundays, a network of feminist activist groups that meet each month to engage elected officials and build intersectional communities for justice. It’s art, action, and the alphabet, all in this episode of #politicallyreactive.

Find a local meeting of Solidarity Sundays at https://www.solidaritysundays.org/! And learn more about Kate and Miriam’s work, including the “Rad Women” series, at http://www.kateschatz.com/ and http://www.miriamkleinstahl.com/. Or if you prefer Twitter: @kateschatz and @miriamkstahl.

Kamau and Hari want to meet you! Catch Kamau on his The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell book tour or Hari on his standup tour – more info at http://www.wkamaubell.com/ and http://www.harikondabolu.com/. And find Kamau in your living room every Sunday at 10pm EST – it’s United Shades of America on CNN!

Got a comment or suggestion? Email us at politicallyreactive@firstlook.org or follow us on Twitter at @politicreactive. Thanks!

This episode is brought to you by Church & State, Zebit (www.zebit.com/PR), Texture (www.texture.com/REACTIVE), and The Skimm (www.theskimm.com/REACTIVE).

Writer Daniel Zomparelli joins Andrew to discuss his new book “Everything Is Awful and You’re A Terrible Person,” Canada’s “Appropriation Prize,” and much more. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

First Daughter Tiffany Trump (Nicole Shabtai) is very excited to be out of her house and at the Hard Nation studios. She tells Mark & Pete about her Warby Parker internship, why hair is a great low-calorie meal, and why her knuckles are bleeding. Plus: Tiffany and Mark plan their revival of Grease.

Join Kevin as he sits down with actor/comedian Dave Foley (The Kids in the Hall, NewsRadio). Dave chats about learning American history in Canada, unlimited trips to Disneyland, and the true identity of the Girl Drink Drunk.

Against the odds, a caller from one of the earliest, most listened-to calls manages to get through for a second time. Unprecedented! The caller gives Gethard an update on what’s happened in his life since his first call over a year ago. They chat about dealing with internet commenters (which might instigate some more internet comments).

This episode is brought to you by Talkspace (www.talkspace.com/beautiful), Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/beautiful), Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/beautiful), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/BEAUTIFUL).

Comedy writer, actress, and improviser Lauren Reeves joins Jensen and guest co-host Ali Segel to talk about Lauren’s Mars One application, Harry Styles’ self titled album, Joymode, how we were late on Georgia Grey, and many more things you should know about.

Comic Felicia Folks joins the girls this week to discuss the thirsty phase, acquiring an interest in Japanese culture, Felicia’s time as a bank teller, and the implications of her unique lifestyle. Plus, they break down the new promo for “Life of Kylie.”

This episode is brought to you by ThirdLove (www.thirdlove.com/omfg).

Sean and Hayes execute a business plan.

This episode is brought to you by Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: HANDBOOK) and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecrutier.com/first).

Midroll Media CEO Erik Diehn returns to The Wolf Den. The group discusses the formation of the East Coast office, the future of Stitcher, and the value of premium content and partnerships in podcasting.

Dana Gould is one of comedy’s “that guys.” His footprint is everywhere — from writing on top-line hits like The Simpsons to cult-status titles The Ben Stiller Show — and there’s a chance you’ve never heard of him. If you’re like Dana and you’ve spent the last quarter century hopping from great writers room to great writers room, while still managing to be a stand-up, a podcast host, and the voice of an animated gecko (not that one), you gain insights into life, entertainment and politics that a lot of us aren’t privy to.

So on this week’s podcast, Jack O’Brien, Daniel O’Brien and Michael Swaim sit down with Dana for an extended conversation about the world-building processes behind The Simpsons and Parks & Rec, Elvis Costello’s worst night ever, and the cognitive dissonance of the average Trump supporter. We also ask him about Gex.

Footnotes:

Podcast: Cracked Podcast: Insane Simpsons Easter Eggs (Explained By Simpsons Writers): https://goo.gl/zhfWQb

Podcast: Cracked Podcast: Why Narcissism Is Our National Mental Disorder: https://goo.gl/Mnr0Wh

Podcast: The Dana Gould Hour: Episode Archive: https://goo.gl/HQ0zzl

TV: IFC: Stan Against Evil: https://goo.gl/zmDvud

Article/Podcast: Freakonomics: The Academic Origins of China’s One-Child Policy: https://goo.gl/GR02B1

Book: Peter Doggett: You Never Give Me Your Money — The Beatles After the Breakup: https://goo.gl/bXCDp2

Documentary: The Making of ‘Dr. Strangelove’: https://goo.gl/G56fqU

Article: Cracked: 12 Classic Movie Moments Made Possible By Abuse and Murder: https://goo.gl/hvav0

Article: Cracked: 5 Great Movie Scenes Made Possible By Reckless Endangerment: https://goo.gl/81V33

Check Out Jack’s May Spotify Playlist: https://goo.gl/sDnx2L

This episode is brought to you by 2 Dope Queens (www.spotify.com/dopequeens), Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/cracked), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/cracked).

Gilbert and Frank talk with producer, archivist and fellow Marx Brothers fanatic Robert S. Bader about his lifelong obsession with the boys as well as his fascinating (and meticulously researched) new book, “Four of the Three Musketeers: The Marx Brothers On Stage.” Also: Gummo goes to war, Harpo “courts” Amelia Earhart, Grouchocashes in on “Skidoo” and Gilbert hangs with Chico’s daughter. PLUS: Swain’s Rats & Cats! The real-life Sunshine Boys! BugsySiegel buys the farm! Dennis Hopper plays Napoleon! And the mystery of the disappearing Marx Brother!

This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com code: GOTTFRIED30) and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/gilbert).

Classically trained actor Haley Joel Osment, best known for his role of Slow Joey on the Comedy Bang! Bang! TV show returns to talk about his new show on Amazon called “Oasis,” what’s going on with his character from The Sixth Sense, and contemplating death for the first time while working on A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Then, financial planner Doug Gropes returns to help Scott and Haley with his expert advice. Later, Bunty Pickles, the sister of the “Cash Me Ousside/Howbow Dah” girl stops by to tell us how she created her sister’s fame and catchphrases. Plus, activist Carl Smart arrives to talk about genie awareness.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BANGBANG), Delta Airlines (The Fly Delta app), and Bombfell (www.bombfell.com/BANGBANG).

Magic can’t solve everything. Maybe the Milkweeds can help us with some natural remedies. Also, Chunt is now in a power position.

Credits
Arnie: Arnie Niekamp
Chunt: Adal Rifai
Usidore: Matt Young
Fig and Maple Milkweed: Nick Mestad and Emma Pope
Glen Weldon: Glen Weldon
Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen
Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi

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

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes adult men and women back to Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guest is singer-songwriter Ted Leo! They chat about when was the last time Ted cried out of happiness, a story about a determined tortoise, and going from having a fear of animals as a kid to now living with a cat. Paul is then joined by Colleen Smith, Craig Cackowski, and Jordan Black, to improvise a story set in Life Drawing Class. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

If you’d like to provide a location for the improv on a future episode, follow @Spontaneanation on Twitter so you won/t miss the prompt!

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: PFT), Dollar Shave Club (www.dollarshaveclub.com/PFT), Leesa.com (www.leesa.com code: PFT), and BullGoose Shaving (www.bullgooseshaving.com code: PFT).

Joanna Robinson (Vanity Fair) and David Chen (/Film) join Amy this week to pit the bookends of The Lord of the Rings trilogy against one another in the ultimate battle for Middle-Earth canonization. They discuss and debate the relative technological strides each film achieved, the narrative significance of central character arcs, and Peter Jackson’s masterful (and sometimes questionable) retooling of key scenes from the books. Is FOTR or ROTK the one film to rule The Canon? Head to the Earwolf forums to cast your vote now!

Welcome back to The Straight Poop from NPR. Join host Margo Margo (Christine Lakin) as she gets into the nitty gritty with special guest and child star Victoria Conch. They’ll talk about how Victoria was discovered in the ward at Cedars-Sinai hospital, her groundbreaking performance as a horse in her Nickelodeon show “Holy Colorado,” and her biggest regret being the time she let her brother on a broken Batman ride at Magic Mountain. Plus, Traci Reardon stops in to help her Twitter followers with their fame questions in another edition of “Help Me, Rhonda.”

Stand-up comedian Whitney Cummings (The Female Brain) joins Paul, June, and Jason to discuss the 1988 comedy science fiction film My Stepmother Is an Alien. Recorded live from Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles, they’ll talk about the horny adults party with kid waiters, Kim Basinger having conversations with the purse worm, Jon Lovitz improvising, and where Dan Aykroyd falls on the sex chart. Put her in a brar!

This episode is brought to you by SKYN condoms (www.buycondoms.online code: BONKERS), Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BONKERS), Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/bonkers), and Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/how).

San Francisco: HDTGM will be at Colossal Clusterfest June 2-4th. Go to www.clusterfest.com for ticket info!

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. 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 Lego Batman Movie, How to Be Single, Sleeping with Other People, and is still indeed in The Dictator.

Negin phones in from a gig in Salt Lake City, Utah to chat with Benari Poulten (Garbage Time with Katie Nolan) and Kaitlin Fontana (The Box) about the biggest news of the week: Trump firing FBI Director James Comey. They discuss the Comey fallout and ponder the all-dude Senate working group that’s rewriting the latest G.O.P. health care bill. Plus, Negin drops knowledge on the (unsurprisingly) huge chasm between our social media selves and our IRL selves.

This episode is brought to you by FilterBuy (www.filterbuy.com/fake), Aaptiv (www.aaptiv.com code: FAKE), Credo Mobile, Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/FAKE).

Comedian Josh Adam Meyers (The Goddamn Comedy Jam) joins the Sklars to go all nuts and bolts on their sports fandom together. The Bros give their take on the Adam Jones incident before talking to Josh about the Wizards’ prospects and their rivalry with the Celtics. During Quick Hits, we hear of a man dumping his friend’s ashes in ball parks across the country and Helen Mirren’s strange Instagram presence, and finally, the Sklars listen to a voicemail from actor Christoph Waltz regarding the latest NBA trade rumors.
This episode is sponsored by ZipRecrutier (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy).

Nothing says relaxation like the 20th anniversary of Snapped: Scott Peterson, The Handmaid’s Tale, or Sally Yates reading Ted Cruz to filth. Bryan and Erin needed to chill after getting worked up about Alabama’s HB24 – which allows adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples who want to adopt – and Kentucky’s Gov. Matt Bevin’s war on the last abortion clinic in the state. Ciao!

This week: Edd “Kookie” Byrnes! Gary Lewis & the Playboys! Revisiting Jimmy Webb! And Moms Mabley covers Barry Manilow!

Taking shelter with Jay Mohr.

This episode is brought to you by ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy) and Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/pardo).