Writer and comedian Biniam Bizuneh joins Andrew this week to talk about the Oscars mix-up, La La Land, and Get Out (there will be spoilers). As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Actor, writer, and improviser Seth Morris joins Howard and Kulap this week as they fly past Checkpoint Oscar! Seth gives the inside scoop on “The Seth Morris Radio Project” and the gang debates the merits of the dry hump while they count down the Top Songs on iTunes. Then, they talk Oscar flubbishes and behind-the-camera stress during the Movie Chart. Plus, we hear Kevin’s Hot Picks and the story of Howard’s Santa Barbara crowbar caper during Two Charted.

This episode is sponsored by Backblaze (www.backblaze.com/charted) and HBO’s “Crashing.”

Martin Shkreli

To hear more episodes from SCHMUCKS go to http://www.stitcherpremium.com/schmucks and use promo code SCHMUCKS at checkout to receive 1-month of our premium service for free! Pharma bro Martin Shkreli has made enemies with everyone from Bernie Sanders to Ghostface Killah. And he might just be the most hated person on the internet.

Having a reformed criminal kingpin for a dad has made it difficult for this week’s caller to find his path in life. At his father’s urging, he studied water systems engineering, which means he can answer a serious question that’s been on Geth’s mind: Why does the tap water smell so weird in Florida? The answer to that question may be a bit hard to grasp, but understanding will be found in the idea that a good father will respect his child’s hard work and dedication.

This episode is brought to you by Mailchimp (www.mailchimp.com), Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: CG), Talkspace (www.talkspace.com/beautiful), and Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com/stories).

Join Kevin as he sits down with actress and author Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls, Parenthood). Lauren chats about her brain always creating, the fact she can’t play a cop or doctor, and how she looks at life through a humor filter.

Isaac Childres, the creator of Gloomhaven joins Jensen and Matty to talk about the board game Gloomhaven, Swizz Beats & Just Blaze engaging in a beat battle, Zachtronics, Good Morning Tri-State, how we were late on Nocturnal Animals, Gypsy, and many more things you should know about.

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

With the Oscars coming up, DAN LIPPERT from Big Grande’s The Teachers’ Lounge helps Sean and Hayes make their predictions for the big show.

This episode is sponsored by Harry’s (www.harrys.com/hollywoodhandbook) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/handbook).

Actress Emyri Crutchfield (Roots) joins Emily and Deanna this week to talk about New Orleans fortune telling, her NAACP Image Award nomination, the last thing she taught her parents, and more. Plus, Emyri answers quick-fire questions about her first cell phone and her favorite pair to ship.

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

Comedian, TV writer and host of the popular Internet show/podcast “The Best Show,” Tom Scharpling stops by the studio to hold court on a wide range of topics, including the comic genius of Martin Short (and Charles Grodin), the self-importance of Jerry Lewis, the body count of “Death Wish 3” and the forgotten history of “Saturday Night Live.” Also: Jimmie Walker breaks out, Harry Shearer holds out, Tom feuds with Chuck Woolery and Hitler puts a hit out on the Three Stooges. PLUS: Gilbert O’Sullivan! “The Day the Clown Cried”! Alex P. Keaton goes to Japan! Tom meets Lisa Simpson! And the creepiest song ever written!

This week on WKRH, guest host Sarah Maher discusses her paranormal disappearance and cross stitching.

Sarah Maher: Sarah Maher
Adal Rifai: Adal Rifai
Into and Nerf: Marla Caceres and Eddie Piña
Greg: Arnie Niekamp
Barbara: Matt Young
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

This episode is brought to you by Charming Keep from Mighty Games (www.mightygamesgroup.com/MAGICTAVERN).

What separates the baby religions from the big ones? Is there anything specific that makes Catholicism or Islam more important than the shrine to The Noid that I have in my closet? Some religions make you go to mass or travel to Mecca, mine makes me eat pizza in the nude at least twice a week.

The point we’re trying to make is that what seems fringe or crazy now may have a billion devoted followers a thousand years from now. Mormonism was about as fringe as you could get a hundred years ago, less than a million followers, but now the there are around 16 million members and counting. Is there any religion that’s out there now that’s in the same place Mormonism was 100 years ago?

To get a better understanding of some of these lesser-known religions and if they’ll stand the test of time, Jack O’Brien’s guest this week is Reza Aslan, who has a PhD in the study of religion and whose new show ‘Believer’ on CNN throws him head-first into the beliefs and practices of obscure religions. Among Scientology and Santa Muerte, they talk about the implausible origins of biblical literalism, the rare disorder that has tourists in Jerusalem thinking they’re the messiah and a few big things that’ll change your notions of Christianity and Islam.

Remember to buy tickets to our next live taping of The Cracked Podcast on Saturday, March 11th at 7pm at the UCB Sunset Theatre in Los Angeles. Jack and the gang are going to talk about Amity Island, Jurassic World and movies where vacations go awry in an attempt to figure out the best spring break you should take while vacationing in a fictional universe.

Tickets are $7 and available here: https://goo.gl/Li0ocH

Footnotes:

TV Show: Believer with Reza Aslan: https://goo.gl/xvhvno

Book: Reza Aslan: Zealot: https://goo.gl/qIXXdu

Video: Reza Aslan Viral Interview on Fox News: https://goo.gl/SBTBT5

Article: Cracked: 5 Ridiculous Things You Probably Believe Islam: https://goo.gl/aDLjO

Article: Cracked: 5 Myths You Probably Believe About Major Religions: https://goo.gl/qHreXh

Article: The Telegraph: Jerusalem Syndrome: The Madness That Grips Foreigners on the Streets of the Holy City: https://goo.gl/IW1YUI

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron and ZipRecruiter.

Ben Schwartz aka the Elegant Mr. S and Thomas Middleditch aka star of Silicon Valley join Scott this week to make up a rap that is surely to become a number one hit! They also play To Tell The Truth as we figure out which one of them has a criminal record and give us a little taste of their audiobook work. Later, entrepreneur/ Alan Buchanan stops by to tell us the many jams, jellies and preserves he’s selling as well as his unusual wet crotch syndrome. Plus, aspiring superhero Markis Quiddlebit arrives to talk about being unsuccessful in his attempts to become a superhero.

This episode is brought to you by Backblaze (www.backblaze.com/bangbang), DirtyLemon (www.dirtylemon.com), Crashing on HBO, and Black Tux (www.blacktux.com/BANGBANG).

Comedian and writer Eliza Skinner (The Late Late Show with James Corden) started her career in New York City’s improv scene where she hosted a rap improv battle for comedians. She often shared the bill (and basement venue) with Lin-Manuel Miranda and his group Freestyle Love Supreme. Though she’s embraced comedy and hip hop as an adult, Eliza grew up enmeshed in the world of musical theatre. She joins Travon and Mike to explain why she prefers sad, “rip your heart out songs” songs in musicals over comedy numbers. Plus, a tearful rendition of “Stay Alive (Reprise).”

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: HAMILTON).

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes ladies and gentlemen of San Francisco and the world to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation, recorded at San Francisco SketchFest 2017! This week, Paul’s special return and first 3-time guest is Busy Philipps of HBO’s Vice Principals! They chat about whether or not Busy considers herself a “bad girl,”  the unusual way Busy found her therapist,, and teaching children about the weirdness that they may come across on the internet. Paul is then joined by Eugene Cordero, Tawny Newsome, and Little Janet Varney to improvise a story set in a Burmese Therapist Office. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

Photos by Greg Garth.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: PFT), Crashing on HBO, MVMT Watches (www.mvmtwatches.com/PFT), and Indochino (www.indochino.com code: PFT).

More Xander Cage, a call from Morgan Freeman, plus ninjas! All of this and more is covered on this week’s mini-sode! Paul goes through Corrections and Omissions for xXx: Return of Xander Care and we hear Blake J. Harris interview Vin Diesel’s body double (go to www.slashfilm.com to read the whole thing) and the Movie Bitches review Underworld: Blood Wars. Plus, we find out which ninja film we’ll be covering on next week’s episode!

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.

Writer and actor Noah Harpster joins Randy and Jason this week to discuss his passion for baseball cards and the struggles of being a Dodgers/Giants fan. We hear about the Twitter beef between the Mets mascot and pitcher Noah Syndergaard before the Sklars get into it with Noah about his role on the Amazon series “Transparent” and his recent project “One Mississippi.” During Quick Hits, they touch on a Tom Brady buttocks tattoo and Jose Canseco’s robot fears, and finally, Randy and Jason call up Harrison Ford to get the scoop on his piloting mishap.

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: SKLAR).

It’s that time of the year again, and Oscar experts Adam B. Vary, Kate Aurthur, and Jarett “The Wiesel” Wieselman of BuzzFeed join Ronna & Beverly to talk all things Academy Awards! From Manchester by the Sea to Mahershala Ali, who will win out big time? Which actors and actresses will take home the gold for their performance? Tune in to hear from the best!

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: SHALOM) and Keepsake (www.keepsake.us/shalom).

This week Bryan discusses his tv binge watching, while Erin shares her story of courage by going to the farmers market in the rain. Also, video ads for a conversion therapy ministry have been popping up on LGBTQ Facebook feeds, and James Green a now former GOP county official of Utah decided it was a good idea to criticize an equal pay bill because he still believes women belong in the home. Plus, guest Dan Bucatinsky is back to discuss his former retail career, the tragedy of using fluorescent lighting on a gay man in his 40s, and his new tv show “24: Legacy” airing Monday nights on FOX. Follow Dan on Twitter and Instagram @danbucatinsky

Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor are alumni of the Obama administration who recently founded Crooked Media, a progressive media company. They also host the hit political podcast, Pod Save America. For this special crossover episode, Katie speaks with these former White House communications aides about President Trump’s troubled relationship with the press, media accountability and how Democrats can translate protests into votes.

This episode is brought to you by Credo Mobile (www.credomobile.com/katiecouric), Toyota Highlander 2, and Princess Cruise Lines (www.princess.com/katie).

Gilbert and Frank Read Listener Tweets

Naked Walter Matthau! Munchkins gone wild! “The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing”! The Alan Ladd story gets a theme song! And the strange death of Professor Backwards!

According to executive producer Julie Shapiro, Radiotopia is a unique podcast network that she likens to a punk rock record label, bringing together independent shows to help support and grow them. But how does a show get “signed” to Radiotopia? Julie sheds some light on that, in this episode of the Wolf Den, with hosts Chris Bannon and Lex Friedman. She explains the process behind the network’s Podquest contest, in which 1,537 entries vied to be the next podcast added to the Radiotopia roster. Julie also reflects on her career in creative audio, from co-founding the Third Coast International Audio festival in 2000 to leading the production of two new podcasts at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Finally, she offers advice to the aspiring podcaster, and reveals the kinds of show pitches she’s tired of seeing.

Dying laughing with Suli McCullough.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: PARDO), ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy), and Crashing on HBO.

Actor Malcolm Barrett joins Kevin this week to talk about their shared New York roots, giving back to the theater, transitioning from slam poetry into rap, and the history of Rufuses. Plus, Malcolm discusses the process of transforming his Sin City LP into a play before giving his Top 5 Denzel Flicks, ending with a dissection of the all-time Denzel classic “Training Day.”

Comedian and podcast host Kurt Braunohler joins Scott to show off his fancy New York vocabulary, tell us about his new comedy special, and help figure out the length of a dog’s month. Later, cyclist Johnny Bikes drops by to share tips on motorcycling on the high seas and to discuss his stance on wheelies. Plus, officer of the law Susan Greenberg explains why pants are essential in solving crimes.

This episode is sponsored by Lyft (www.lyft.com/BANGBANG) and Spotify’s “Showstopper.”

Ian Roberts and Jessica McKenna join Matt Besser for a live episode straight from the SF Sketchfest! They take audience suggestions which inspire scenes about hashing out the specifics of butterfly travel, hiding baldness through haircut enthusiasm, and a jockstrap salesman competing with a lemonade stand. Plus, Melania Trump tries to make the internet smaller, and a dying man has very specific musical requests for his caretaker.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: IMPROV) and HBO’s “Crashing.”

On this weeks episode Casey and Danielle are joined by the adorable, housewives fluent Cate Freedman (Teachers on TV Land) to talk what might be the best episode of Real Housewives in the history of time (“She wanted to lick me down” need we say more?).  They break down what makes the ladies of Atlanta so mean yet loving to each other, what caused Eileen’s pink eye, and what it’s like to be an elderly girl scout.

Plus Paul Scheer chimes in to bring us a recap of The Bachelor hometown visits and Casey forced Danielle to watch Britney Ever After.

This episode is brought to you by Home Chef and Texture.

Comedian and writer Jenny Yang returns to join Andrew for a special episode in which they discuss the film The Great Wall. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

It’s roundtable time! Two couples talk about family planning as queer people of color. And how their own parents and cultural backgrounds inform their decisions. To join the conversation, go to longestshortesttime.com!

This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed, Squarespace, Yogi Teas, and Wunder Capital.

Christian Finnegan (Black and White) and Seema Iyer (The Bollywood Lawyer) join Negin to discuss what’s been going on while our heads were up Putin’s fur cap. They debate whether or not the media should give a voice to people like Milo Yiannopoulos, and whether or not comedy and politics make a good pairing. Plus, the nascent GOP resistance and Scott Pruitt’s history with the EPA.

This episode is brought to you by Credo Mobile (www.credomobile.com/fakethenation).