Paul F. Tompkins continues cross-over month on Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guests/improvisers are Big Grande (Big Grande’s Teacher’s Lounge) Dan Lippert, Jon Mackey, Ryan Rosenberg, and Drew Tarver. They chat about what food item they have consumed the most of in their lifetime, the difficulty Drew’s mother has differentiating her son from her husband, and Jon’s most mortifying experience with Dan and Drew at a McDonald’s drive-thru. Then they improvise a story set in A Small Town Post Office After Hours. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: PFT), Leesa.com (www.leesa.com code: PFT), BullGoose Shaving (www.bullgooseshaving.com code: PFT), and Scentbird (www.scentbird.com code: PFT).

Creator of “Mystery Science Theater 3000” Joel Hodgson and comedians Jonah Ray and Baron Vaughn join Scott to give the inside scoop on the newly revived show. Joel tells the saga of how he invented MST3K before they welcome old blues man Johnny “Delta” Johnson to reminisce about his life in music. Then, woman of intrigue Inés Blarfi stops by to update the gang on her personal situation.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BANGBANG), Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: BANGBANG), and Delta Airlines.

Comedian and host of the podcast “How Did This Get Made?” Paul Scheer joins Amy this week to discuss the classic 1984 comedy “Ghostbusters.” They cover everything from Peter Venkman’s Trumpiness to the coolness Sigourney Weaver brought to the film. Plus, Paul gives his take on why this is a film that lends itself to rebooting, Amy gives new context to the inconsistencies of Winston’s character, and the pair does their best to categorize all the different kinds of ghosts. Does “Ghostbusters” belong in the Canon? Head to the Earwolf forums to cast your vote!

Dean Obeidallah (SiriusXM) and Smithsonian Magazine editor Michael Caruso join Negin to discuss Trump’s strategy in Syria, Sean Spicer’s ill-advised Holocaust remarks, and the FBI’s secret court order to monitor Carter Page, a former Trump adviser. They also ace a quiz about the Kentucky Coal Museum. Plus, Nora Ritchie and Gianna Palmer from the Fake the Nation production team jump behind the mic to discuss the Tax Day March and sleep as a status symbol, respectively.

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

Welcome back to The Temple Shirat Hayam Podcast with your hosts this week Ronna Glickman (Jessica Chaffin) and Beverly Ginsberg (Jamie Denbo)! On the way to the podcast, Beverly had to pick up her friend’s daughter Dominique who has issues. They chat about upcoming services at the temple, what goes on in a Panera Bread, and what Dominique was caught doing when they put her in rehab. Plus, Traci Reardon stops on by to help her Twitter followers with advice on something that happened to them at the temple in another edition of “Help Me, Rhonda.”

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

Starlee Kine (Mystery Show) and Aisling Bea (The Fall) join Paul and Jason to discuss the 2006 romantic drama The Lake House. Recorded live from Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles, they cover everything from the magic mailbox to the magic tree to whether or not the dog is responsible for everything. Plus, everyone shares their thoughts on Keanu and Bullock’s amazing final kiss.

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.

This episode is brought to you by SKYN condoms (www.buycondoms.online), Delta Airlines, Sonos (www.sonos.com), Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/how), and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/bonkers).

Comedians Dan St. Germain and Baron Vaughn join the Sklars this week to talk all things NCAA! They recap the recent tournament as well as cover the Celtics’ visible synergy, share their feelings on roast culture, and find out why Randy is looking for a rickshaw. Plus, Quick Hits brings the reincarnation of Lou Gehrig and a pregnant swimming star, and the bros call up “Making a Murderer” subject Steven Avery to hear his complaints regarding the NCAA.
This episode is sponsored by HBO’s “J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only” and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy).

Lauren Ober hosts the only nationally syndicated public radio program about podcasts, “The Big Listen.” She joins Chris Bannon and Lex Friedman on The Wolf Den to tell how the show got started at WAMU and what it was like to get picked up by NPR. Lauren explains how she balances serving the different audiences which listen to the broadcast version of the show, compared to the podcast version. She also discusses the influence and growth of podcasting on public radio stations across the market, detailing the advantages the medium offers these stations. As an experienced journalist and producer who listens to many podcasts with a critical ear, Lauren offers her thoughts on what makes for a consistently engaging show, and how “The Big Listen” team selects the podcasts to feature on the program.

This week Bryan is fully invested in Radish season, while Erin shares a fight with her grandfather as to why he isn’t watching Feud. Also, The New York Times has uncovered that Bill O’Reilly has paid out millions to settle claims of sexual harassment and the now Russian owned LiveJournal has officially banned political speech and pro-LGBTQ content in what they call “Political Solicitation”. Plus, Guest Michelle Collins is here to discuss Mama Junes weight loss, game shows, and her new job hosting the Little Women: LA live after show. Follow Michelle on Twitter and Instagram @michcoll

This week: “The Pride and the Passion”! Rickles and Newhart see the world! Don zings the commander in chief! And Fambino Bambazzo buys the farm!

Singer-songwriter Mike Doughty joins Sarah and Susan to talk about Magnetic Fields’ “Grand Canyon,” Judy Collins’ “Send in the Clowns,” “Subway” from the original cast recording of Preludes, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/babies) and Lola (www.mylola.com code: CRYBABIES).

Spinning the wheel with Quinn Cummings.

This episode is brought to you by Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/pardo) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/NEVER).

It’s been six years of the devastating civil war in Syria – more than 11 million people have been displaced, and last week’s horrifying chemical attack on Syrian citizens by their own president Bashar al-Assad has been yet another reminder of the human cost of the conflict. On this episode of Politically Re-Active, journalist and author Alia Malek helps contextualize the war and shares her own experiences of living in Damascus during the start of the conflict. Alia recommends following these outlets and journalists to stay engaged with news from Syria: independent journalist Rania Abouzeid (@Raniaab), Kareem Shaheen of The Guardian (@kshaheen), and the website http://syria.jadaliyya.com/. And if you have money to spare, donate to the following organizations: INARA, which focuses on providing medical assistance to children from Syria, and Chicago-based Karam, which seeks to “restore the dignity and quality of life for people affected by conflict.”

Learn more about Alia and her book, The Home That Was Our Country: A Memoir of Syria, at www.aliamalek.com/.

Find tour dates and albums from your favorite hosts at www.harikondabolu.com and www.wkamaubell.com.

As always, send us your thoughts and suggestions on Twitter and over email: @politicreactive or politicallyreactive@firstlook.org.

This episode is brought to you by ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/reactive) and HBO’s “J. Cole: 4 Your Eyes Only.”

D’Arcy Carden, Gavin Speiller, and Chad Carter join Matt Besser for this week’s improv4humans! They take suggestions from listeners that inspire scenes about putting Da Vinci’s garbage on display, a combat instructor who can’t deal with tiny injuries, and helping a farmer produce the biggest jug of milk for the fair. Plus, ethicist Randy Cohen calls in to settle the Subway debate, and a couple deals with an infestation of hypotheticals.

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

Comedian Myq Kaplan joins Kevin this week to discuss the 2006 Spike Lee joint “Inside Man.” Myq offers up tips on how to know when to get married as well as his rundown of what makes a solid heist movie before listing his Top 5 Denzel Films. Then, they dive into a dissection of “Inside Man,” touching on the importance of the film’s twist, the craziness Clive Owen brings to the project, and the thrill of being able to trust no one. Lastly, Myq and Kevin give “Inside Man” its official Denzel rating.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/denzel).

This week, Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (Paul F. Tompkins) joins the guys to teach them all about the art of comedy. Plus, Huckabee discusses his guacamole disguise, the importance of a good “bass face” and his love of full milk. 

This episode is brought to you by MyHopscotch (www.myhopscotch.com code: HARD) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/hardnation).

Actor Ahmed Best joins Matt for a jumbo sized episode of I Was There Too to discuss playing Jar Jar Binks in The Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. Recorded live from Largo at the Coronet as well as the Earwolf studio, Ahmed tells us about the many stand in roles he played during the filming of the films, being pulled from the cast of Stomp in San Francisco, and contributing his own ideas on what the iconic Yoda lightsaber battle should look like purely as a fan of Star Wars. Plus, we find out if Ahmed really suffered severe burns from hot tea being spilled on his lap and if he really beat out Michael Jackson in a role during Confirm or Dispel Dubious IMDB Trivia. Stay tuned after the interview for a preview for an upcoming podcast mini-series by Matt entitled ‘The Complete Man,’ a spin-off of Amanda Lund’s brilliant podcast ‘The Complete Woman.’ Find it on Stitcher Premium.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: WASTHERE) and Audible (www.audible.com/wasthere).

Actor and comedian Rob Huebel talks about sneaking onto airplanes, why he doesn’t share a bed with his wife, and what it was like to have their daughter live in the hospital for her first 117 days. And! The best placed fart noise ever. To join the conversation, go to longestshortesttime.com!

Vote for The Longest Shortest Time in the Webbys People’s Voice Awards: goo.gl/K0fOZf

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace, Kopari, Little Passports, and Third Love.

Digital and content strategist Wynter Mitchell (Pop Rocket) joins Andrew to discuss the tone deaf Kendall Jenner Pepsi ad, Dr. Dao being pulled from a United Airlines flight, and much more. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Comedian Nick Thune returns to Who Charted this week to share his greatest memories of Dane Cook! Nick talks about his new special “Good Guy” and identifies his favorite Mariner while the gang counts down the Top 5 Songs of Billboard 100. Then, he shares details of his upcoming tour and why red-eyes and Ambien don’t mix during the Video Game Chart, and Stard helps Kulap and Howard count down Kevin’s Hot Picks while they break down family communications on Two Charted.

Join Kevin as he sits down with former guest Kevin Smith (Mallrats, Dogma) who is determined to make an impact this visit. Smith chats about being told his career was over since day one and how there is no failing as long as you are creating.

Evan Bogart and ZZ Ward joins Jensen and Matty to talk about Blues music, collaborating with Joey Purp, ZZ Ward’s new album “Help Me Mama,” Jidenna’s “The Chief,” Greta Van Fleet, Persona 5, how we were late on Joey Bada$$, toothpicks and many more things you should know about. 

Veteran Redditor Jack Delray joins Emily and Deanna this week to give them a crash course in using the front page of the internet, the mighty Reddit itself. Jack enlightens the girls about the power of upvoting, the appeal of the niche communities, and how to navigate the overwhelming interface. Plus, Jack shares tips on how to sniff out a corporate plant before they attempt to figure out just what a “gilding” really is.

This episode is sponsored by ThirdLove (www.thirdlove.com/omfg).

Sean and Hayes discuss helpful tricks. Then CARL TART joins them in studio to talk about some other famous jokers and to help teach the boys.

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/handbook) and Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/handbook)

Chris asks a midwife some real questions: has she ever seen someone in labor punch someone else? And, what happens to the schmutz left behind after a birth? Politically divisive topics are covered and important lessons are learned (like, never tell a family that the baby looks just like the dad).

This episode is brought to you by Subaru (www.meetanowner.com), Mailchimp (www.mailchimp.com), Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com/stories), Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/beautiful), and Bombas (www.bombas.com/stories).

Writer and actress Mara Wilson (Matilda, Where Am I Now?) joins Travon and Mike onstage at the New York City Podcast Festival to talk about meeting Lin-Manuel Miranda backstage at Hamilton and how acting in films as a child shaped her writing as an adult. Plus, they belt out “What Comes Next” with the live audience and riff on ideas for a new musical starring Cookie from Empire. Travon and Mike also announce their plans to take a break. While they’re away, please call in to share your current favorite Hamilton song at 937-9MYSHOT.  

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: HAMILTON) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/hamilton).

A special announcement from Amy. New episodes of The Canon begin Monday April 17th!

Liverpool-born rocker Billy J. Kramer, a member of the British Invasion and a friend/collaborator of the Beatles, joins Gilbert and Frank to explain the origin of Skiffle, the unusual appeal of the Cavern Club, the subculture known as “Teddy Boys” and Pete Best’s exodus from the Fab Four. Also, Billy signs with Brian Epstein, teams with the Bee Gees, locks horns with George Martin, and covers Neil Diamond and Harry Nilsson. PLUS: “Jukebox Jury”! Billy goes glam! Gilbert salutes Gene Pitney! John Lennon records in the loo! And James Brown upstages the Stones!

Nowadays, there’s a huge emphasis on eating natural foods. Staying away from GMOs, pesticides, and processed sugars is generally thought of as a good thing. Some call it the paleo diet and it’s a way to harken back to a simpler time, when our ancestors ate gathered fruits and hunted animals.

Going paleo is very noble and all, but the problem is: the plants and animals we eat are nothing like they were thousands of years ago, let a hundred years ago. Before test tubes were ever a part of the equation, we selectively bred everything from cows and chickens to apples and bananas. You’d barf in your mouth just looking at an OG banana, let alone trying to eat it. And cows? They were bred from their ancestors, cattle-like animals called aurochs, who would fuck you up if you tried milking them.

The food we eat today and think of as normal is just one example of a historical blindspot we have where we think commonplace objects and concepts have been around forever. But in this week’s episode, Jack O’Brien is joined by Michael Swaim and Teresa Lee to discuss how things like food, love, racism and mourning dead children are all surprisingly recent developments.

Footnotes:

Article: Cracked: 7 Concepts We Totally Take For Granted, Like White People: https://goo.gl/dVJVIL

Article: Cracked: 6 Man-Made Things You Totally Thought Were Natural: https://goo.gl/QvjHtN

Article: Cracked: 5 Simple Things You Won’t Believe Are Recent Inventions: https://goo.gl/NzAfxQ

Article: Seeker: Cows Almost Impossible to Domesticate, DNA Reveals: https://goo.gl/w6Uai1

Article: Pacific Standard: How Lobster Got Fancy: https://goo.gl/qa1LaL

Article: Gawker: ‘Breathtaking’ Document Reveals Pepsi’s Logo is Pinnacle of Entire Universe: https://goo.gl/9tYW

Article: Time: The Invention of Teenagers: https://goo.gl/gWgJDs

Article: The New York Times: Who’s White?: https://goo.gl/fAzpSE

Podcast: Duke University Center for Documentary Studies: Seeing White: https://goo.gl/6fWI65

Text: Ralph Waldo Emerson: English Traits: https://goo.gl/LBPZFQ

Article: The Atlantic: Thomas Jefferson: Radical and Racist: https://goo.gl/F9McpQ

Scholarly Article: Did The Ancients Care When Their Children Died?: https://goo.gl/ozHK5a

The Romantic Love Test: https://goo.gl/ITk7yA

This episode is brought to you by Louis C.K. 2017 on Netflix, Harry’s (www.harrys.com/cracked), and Adam and Eve (www.adamandeve.com code: CRACKED).

Thomas Middleditch, Kumail Nanjiani, and Martin Starr of HBO’s Silicon Valley aka the Silly Con Vally Poo Crew return to give us the nits and grits of the 4th season of their show on this week’s Comedy Bang! Bang! They’ll also break down why boners are so weird, tell us about product placement, and share what are their go to drink choices. Later, inventor Don Donaldson enters the studio to talk about his new email invention and his surprising past.

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/CBB), Lyft (www.lyft.com/BANGBANG), Black Tux (www.blacktux.com/BANGBANG), and Legal Zoom (www.legalzoom.com code: BANGBANG).