Former GOP presidential nominee Herman Cain (Ronnie Adrian) joins Mark and Pete to chat all things business, pizza, and Oscar nominees! Herman reveals his “trumpet pin bag” to the guys and gets emotional about Godfather’s Pizza. Plus, “everybody gets a little Cain”!

Director, actor, and improviser Alex Fernie joins Howard and Kulap this week to keep the La La Landers at bay! They count down the Top 5 Most Shazamed Songs This Week while breaking down Taylor Swift’s crew fall-out and Alex’s best musical critiques. Then, during the Movie Chart, they talk Nic Cage’s stolen comic books and Matt Damon’s appeal to Chinese audiences, and finally, Engineer Cody Ramhand helps dish out some gifts on Two Charted.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/charted), HBO’s “Crashing,” and Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: WHOCHARTED).

The caste system, religion, arranged marriages and bisexuality are on the mind of this caffeinated caller. Raised in Kenya and India, educated in California and currently living on the East Coast, he opens up about dealing with his conservative religious family. The conversation spans from breaking down western stereotypes about Indian culture, to the amazing dosa place that Gethard goes to in Queens.

This episode is brought to you by Seeso (www.seeso.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Mailchimp (www.mailchimp.com), Talkspace (www.talkspace.com/beautiful), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/beautiful).

Singer-songwriter Tessa Rae joins Jensen and Matty to talk about her debut EP “Young Blood,” Atlanta rapper Joye Marelyn, “fetish” rapper Tommy Genesis, Missing Richard Simmons podcast, how we were late on Ouija: Origin of Evil, The Magicians, and many more things you should know about.

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/GETUPONTHIS).

Join Kevin as he sits down with comedic actor and director Christopher Guest (This is Spinal Tap, Mascots). Chris chats about his actor auditioning process, the serenity of fly-fishing, all while peppering his stories with sound effects.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: KEVIN) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/chat).

Creator of the breakup app “Mend” Elle Huerta pops by to chat with Emily and Deanna about assessing post-breakup insanity, how breakups have changed over the years, the science of attachment, and dealing with social media. Plus, Elle gives the rundown on the “Mend” program’s functionality and the unlikely marriage of coaching and technology.

Hayes and Sean give a brief tutorial on trees art, then STEPHANIE SIMBARI and ELIZABETH KOTT from the That’s So Retrograde podcast do the show to teach about crystals and the stars.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/handbook) and Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: HANDBOOK).

This week Bryan shares his love of gifs and clips from awards shows, while Erin discusses her emotional highs and lows from finally viewing La La Land. Also, former Australian MP Ross Cameron made many explicit homophobic comments during a speech at a conservative fundraiser but now claims it was taken out of context, and a non-profit called Unchained At Last started by Fraidy Reiss has been helping countless women get out of forced or arranged relationships. Plus Erin’s sister, guest Audrey Gibson, is here to discuss Tinder profiles, political yard signage, and the horrors of teaching children. Find Audrey on Instagram @audible80

Let’s talk to Usidore’s fellowship of heroes before we set off on our journey to defeat the Dark Lord.

Credits
Arnie: Arnie Niekamp
Chunt: Adal Rifai
Usidore: Matt Young
Pimbly Nimblebottom: Louie Saunders
Germ Crust: Mary Tilden
Evil Tannakin the Pinglet: Sarah Fineout
Squibbert: Sarah Shockey
Baron Ragoon: Chris Rathjen
Blemish: Martin Wilson
Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen
Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi
Tricia: Kate James

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

“Roaring Orcs” by Eric from Dayton, Ohio

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

Renowned Hollywood publicist Dick Guttman talks to Gilbert and Frank about his 60+ years as a Hollywood “flack,” promoting the careers of stars like Warren Beatty, Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor (among hundreds of others). Also, Dick praises Gene Hackman, pranks James Mason, parties with Marlon Brando and pens a joke for Uncle Miltie. PLUS: “The Sweet Smell of Success”! Harpo speaks! Laurence Olivier hams it up! Cary Grant shares the spotlight! And the greatest year in movie history!

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the audience for the 100th episode of Spontaneanation, recorded in front of a LIVE audience at the world-famous Largo at The Coronet! This week, Paul’s special guest is actress Constance Wu of Fresh Off the Boat! They chat about which sport Constance would kick Paul’s ass in, the real reason Constance got into figure skating as a child, and her dad’s love of Celine Dion. Paul is then joined by Sarah Burns, Marc Evan Jackson, and Little Janet Varney, to improvise a story set in A Shoe Store. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

Photos by Liezl Estipona.

This episode is brought to you by Leesa.com (www.leesa.com/PFT) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/PFT).

Who can forget the classic Oscars showdown between ‘The Artist’ and, uh, ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close’? Most of us can and did, in fact. Great job, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! Way to keep your fingers on the pulse of American filmmaking by giving gold out to the 1930s-style silent film. Trailblazing.

The Oscars have proven year after year that they’re not the best barometer for judging the best or even the most popular films from a given year. Often they’re really only judging movies on the criteria of being appealing to a group of old, white men with film industry jobs. Look at three of the last five best picture winners and their subject matter: ‘Birdman’– an aging actor known for playing superheroes strives for artistic legitimacy; ‘Argo’– Hollywood producers save hostages in Iran; ‘The Artist’– Remember silent films? And let’s pencil ‘La La Land’ into that list– an struggling actress and a struggling musician fall in love, become successful. Hollywood obviously has a problem being objective about movies wherein the subject matter is itself.

So this week we’re being objective for Hollywood. Jack O’Brien welcomes Cracked’s David Bell, Adam Ganser and Brett Rader to discuss 2016’s Best Picture nominees and award movies in some made-up categories that we’d like to see incorporated into the Oscar broadcast. Later they took a look back at the 2012 Oscars in which ‘The Artist’ won best picture and redistribute the awards with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight.

Footnotes:

Cracked Podcast: Why We Should Wait 5 Years to Award the Oscars: https://goo.gl/COc0zQ

Article: Cracked: 5 Problems Haunting The Oscars (Besides Lack of Diversity): https://goo.gl/mMgAQG

Article: Cracked: 5 Reasons the Oscars Matter Even Less Than You Thought: https://goo.gl/bql0

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: CRACKED), Lincoln In the Bardo, and Away (www.awaytravel.com/cracked).

Jason “Heynong Man” Mantzoukas is back to co-host along Scott on this week’s Comedy Bang! Bang! They’ll chat about why Jason missed out the latest John Wick chapter, who should win that Oscar gold, and their dream team SNL cast made of previous Oscar winners. Then, community activists Tricia R. and Tricia L. stop by to talk about their children leaving the nest to go off to college and to make a desperate plea to their mayor to move the new playground in the center of their cul-de-sac.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BANGBANG), Crashing on HBO, and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/CBB).

Comedian and writer Barbara Gray (Lady to Lady) was so determined to see Hamilton that she stood outside the theater in Chicago with a sign that said “Need A Ticket.”  Her makeshift plan worked and she managed to score a free ticket to the show— in the 10th row! She joins Travon and Mike to talk about seeing the show with a generous family of strangers, her cat Linny (named after Lin-Manuel) and bringing Hamilton up in therapy. Plus, they sing over one another in a rousing rendition of “Farmer Refuted.”

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/hamilton).

This week Bryan discusses forgetting most of Lady Gaga’s discography, while Erin shares the issues with Barbara Bush’s concealer application. Also, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson decided to continue to be horrible and sign Act 45 one of the most restrictive anti-abortion legislations in the country, and a new survey for Gay and Bisexual men on dating apps finds that guys with masc for masc and no fems in their profiles significantly less intelligent, sexually confident and dateable. Plus, guests Jordan Firstman and Charles Rogers are back on to discuss being emotional exhibitionists, the word “Fudgepack”, and their new short film “Men Don’t Whisper”. Follow Jordan and Charles on Twitter and Instagram! @jtfirstman and @gcharlesrogers

Adam Scott joins Paul, June, and Jason for a family reunion to discuss Vin Diesel’s fan fiction to himself, xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Recorded live from Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles, they cover everything from forest skiing to riding motorcycles underwater. Plus, a xXx and Fast & Furious crossover is pitched during Audience Q&A!

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BONKERS), SKYN condoms, Dunkin’ Donuts (download Dunkin app and get free beverage with code: PODCAST), Seeso (www.seeso.com code: BONKERS), and Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/how).

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

In anticipation of the 100th episode SPONTANEANATION with Paul F. Tompkins, we present to you the never-before heard pilot episode! Featuring Matt Gourley, Mark McConville, Chris Tallman, and special interview guest Rich Sommer. They chat about how Mad Men is going to end, Rich being upset after having Citizen Kane and Battle star Galactica spoiled for him, and Rich practicing chess for 9 months to have a perfect movie moment in real life. They then improvise a story set in A Non-Tropical Resort. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano! Plus, Paul answers your Twitter questions about the show!

Maeve Higgins (Maeve in America) and Benari Poulten (Garbage Time with Katie Nolan) join Negin to talk about Michael Flynn’s resignation, Stephen Miller’s big debut, and what to say to Trump supporters who think things are going great. Plus, White House power rankings and how to win over your co-workers.

This episode is brought to you by Credo Mobile (www.credomobile.com/fakethenation) and Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/FAKE).

The bros welcome actress Tawny Newsome (Bajillion Dollar Propertie$) for this week’s episode of Sklarbro Country! During Takes, Randy and Jason discuss the Patriots’ White House boycott and a Super Bowl bet between zoos. Then, they chat with Tawny about her audition for SNL, touring with John Langford, and developing a theatrical edge. Quick Hits brings stories about Kevin Durant’s sour welcome in Oklahoma City and the Nazi anthem at a tennis tournament, and finally, the Sklars call up Kris Kristofferson to hear his qualifications for the position of National Security Advisor.

This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/sklar).

Acclaimed novelist and NY Times Bestselling author Marisa Silver (Little Nothing) joins Sarah and Susan to talk about Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor, “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today” by Randy Newman, childhood themes, the last chapter of Winnie the Pooh, and the song “Sunday” from the Stephen Sondheim musical Sunday in the Park with George.

This episode is brought to you by Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/babies) and Hullo (www.hullopillow.com/crybabies).

“The Wizard of Odds”! “Don Adams’ Screen Test”! Bouncing Bobby Van! And the rise (and fall) of Allan Sherman!

Breaking windows with Greg Behrendt.

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

Joel Spence, Colton Dunn, and Johnny Meeks join Matt Besser for this week’s episode of improv4humans. They perform scenes about a ragtag group of retail freedom fighters, children’s books that teach harsh life lessons, and a town up in arms about progressive snowmen. Later, they set unrealistic goals on their wish-boards, visit a shoe outlet that enforces a sock policy, and rescue their dogs from a rhino’s headlock.

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/improv) and HBO’s “Crashing.”

Comedy duo and twin brothers Randy and Jason Sklar join Kevin for some good old-fashioned Denzel talk. They swap Denzel interaction stories and Jason explains how he found common ground with the man himself before they review the Top 5 Best (and Worst) Denzel Performances. The boys touch on the fallabilities of Denzel’s characters and the power coupling between him and Spike Lee, culminating in a discussion about the 1998 film “He Got Game.”

Check out Jason’s encounter with Denzel here: https://youtu.be/BycbbR6D7Yg

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

Casey and Danielle delve into Hotlanta, the force of nature that is Marlo and Sheree’s looming yeast infection. Then they head down south Punta Mita way for an hour long advertisement for The Agency that finds Rinna in the hot seat and Eileen in the diarrhea seat. They are joined for a special segment by poet and playwright Dan O’Brien who unpacks a few famous scenes and enlightens the girls on Danielle Staub’s (long) sex tape. 

This episode is brought to you by The Skimm (www.theskimm.com/HOUSEWIVES).

Comedian, writer, actress Danielle Radford (Tights and Fights podcast) joins Andrew to discuss the recent wave of whitewashing of Asians in upcoming films and television including The Great Wall, Ghost in the Shell, and Iron Fist. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

This Valentine’s Day, Hard Nation welcomes Jean & Howard DiTillo (Mary Sasson & Matthew Brian Cohen), a loving couple who disagree politically. They plug their book “Love Your Body, Hate Your Guts,” recount their trip to ‘gay California,’ and explain why Desert Storm was ‘lots of fun.’ Plus: Are Mark & Pete living in a bubble universe?

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

55 years after the Boston Strangler murders first began, and despite decades of investigation, the search for answers continues. Although we may never know the truth about what happened to these women, we can draw some conclusions about the likely killers, and we can reach a new understanding about how crimes like this occur. In our final episode, Adele Roof, once nearly a victim herself, joins host Portland Helmich on a touching, thought-provoking journey back to Boston.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: Stranglers), Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/Stranglers), Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/stranglers), Audible (www.audible.com/stranglers), and Investigation Discovery.

Actor and artist Tom Wilson joins Matt this week to discuss being present (but also past and future) in the Back to the Future Trilogy as Biff Tannen, among other members of the Tannen clan. Tom tells us about finding a creative way to approach being asked the same questions about the films, which includes creating a handy postcard to present to anyone on the street that asks him the same questions over and over. We also hear what it was like for him – as someone who was bullied – to play a bully himself, being paired off to rehearse his scenes with Crispin Glover, and what he believes to be the heart of all the movies. Plus, Tom talks about being on a debate team with David Brooks of the NY Times, the inspiration for his ‘Pop Fugue’ paintings, and various roles he’s played over the years including one of his earliest on The Facts of Life.

Los Angeles: On February 28th there will be a LIVE I Was There Too at The Regent Theater with legendary screenwriter Steven de Souza (Die Hard, Commando) along with a screening of The Running Man (celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary). Get tickets at http://www.theregenttheater.com

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/IWasThereToo).

Biff’s Question Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmjYimspW-4

What do you do when you realize you’re more like your parents than you want to be? Hillary’s friend Kirsten tackles the problem head-on. The 2nd in a two-parter. To join the conversation go to longestshortesttime.com!

This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed, Aeroflow Breastpumps, Third Love, Yogi Teas, and Wunder Capital.