Join Kevin as he sits down with singer, songwriter, and actor “Weird Al” Yankovic (UHF, Comedy Bang! Bang!).  Al chats about occasionally stalking artists he can’t reach, constantly evolving with the times, and rarely second guessing the encore.

Today’s caller is recovering from a serious illness acquired while working on peace building in East Africa. He likes to give Chris a hard time but also talks about some deep stuff, like contemplating how to maintain one’s idealism and passion when suffering from chronic illness. Also, he hopes the Beautiful Anonymous community can help him find a permanent home for a dog he’s currently fostering.

This episode is brought to you by Mailchimp (www.mailchimp.com), Talkspace (www.talkspace.com/beautiful), and Match.com (www.match.com/beautiful).

On a special episode of Get Up On This, Jensen and Matty break format to bring you the premiere episode of “Toshinary Tales,” the one and only Tosh.0 after show. This week they go in depth about Season 8, Episode 29: “Kate’s Food Challenge.”

The boys do another insane challenge they learned about on the computer, then JULIE KLAUSNER joins the show to help them with a new project.

This episode is sponsored by Shari’s Berries(www.berries.com code: HOLLYWOODHANDBOOK) and MVMT Watches (www.mvmtwatches.com/hollywood).

Travon Free is a writer and the host of the podcast “The Room Where It’s Happening” and he joins Deanna and Emily to chat about the best cosmetic dentistry practices and the story of how he landed a writing gig on The Daily Show. Later, Travon shares personal tips on how to be successful in the writing scene and his thoughts on the evolution of the LGBTQ community in showbusiness.

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

If you’ve followed the news recently, you may have noticed the tiny little superpower Sarah Palin can see from her house has emerged from its slumber and re-injected itself into American politics. Not since the Cold War has Russophobia been as much of a part of our daily lives as it is now. Disinformation, strong man tactics and a corrupt and dictatorial turn have spilled into American life in a way that would’ve seemed like fiction only a few decades ago. What was once the well-trodden territory of black and white “duck and cover” videos and 80s action flicks is now a staple of Twitter feeds and nightly news broadcasts.

So how did we get here, and what the hell does Russia even want from us this time around? That’s what Cracked’s Robert Evans and Michael Swaim are here to find out on this week’s podcast. They join Jack O’Brien for an all-encompassing conversation about the KGB’s history of deceit, Russia’s methodology for spreading lies and Vlad Putin’s psych evaluation. Later in the show, Jack interviews Cracked engineer Tatiana Nam about her experiences growing up in Russia.

Our next live podcast is on Saturday, February 11th at 7pm at the UCB Sunset Theatre in Los Angeles. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join Jack O’Brien, Michael Swaim and Teresa Lee as they welcome Dr. Christopher Ryan, author of Sex at Dawn for a discussion about love, relationships and why our sex lives now bear no resemblance to the way our ancestors got down. Tickets are $7 and available here: https://goo.gl/aXqXex

Footnotes:

Video: Cracked:  Why the #1 Fact of Military History is a Lie: https://goo.gl/12apTz

Article: Cracked: 5 Conspiracy Theories That Are Real (But Not How You Think) [#5 CIA created AIDS]: https://goo.gl/wrt8Kk

Article: Cracked: 6 Insane Conspiracy Theories That Actually Happened [#2 KGB Was Involved in JFK Assassination]: https://goo.gl/w4gBl

Article: NPR: Putin ‘Probably’ Approved Plan to Kill Spy: https://goo.gl/cTC3h0

Podcast: NPR: Russia’s Interference is an Assault on the Western Liberal Order: https://goo.gl/8FPDyv

Video: Press Conference with Bill Clinton and Drunk Boris Yeltsin: https://goo.gl/aEcvkT

Podcast: NPR: Trump Seems Willfully Blind to Putin’s Real Goals: https://goo.gl/tIixW3

Book: Peter Pomerantsev: Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: https://goo.gl/UI1nNx

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: CRACKED) and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/cracked).

Musician and vocalist Howard Kaylan (The Turtles, The Mothers of Invention, Flo & Eddie) joins Gilbert and Frank for a funny, freewheeling discussion of a host of topics, including the virtuosity of Harry Nilsson, the “free love” of the 1960s, the nostalgic appeal of “That Thing You Do!” and the underrated artistry of The Zombies. Also: Howard disses Lulu, parties with Soupy Sales, runs afoul of Jimi Hendrix and meets his personal “Louis Prima.” PLUS: Kate Smith! “Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club!” Donald Fagen buys a suit! John Lennon feuds with Frank Zappa! And the Turtles invade the White House! 

I do want to talk about badger stuff.

Credits
Arnie: Arnie Niekamp
Chunt: Adal Rifai
Usidore: Matt Young
Blemish: Martin Wilson
Talbot the Badger: Tugs the Badger
Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi
Tricia: Kate James

Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Evan Jacover, Ryan DiGiorgi
Editor: Garrett Schultz
Theme Music: Andy Poland
Magic Tavern Logo: Allard Laban
Audio Assistance: Jason Knox
Production Assistance: Garrett Schultz
Episode Art: Justin Osterling
Extra Art: Jessica Osterout

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

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all (including The beasts of the field) back to Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guests and improvisers are Nyima Funk, Daniele Gaither, Gary Anthony Williams, and Cedric Yarbrough of The Black Version! They chat about if they’ve ever called 911 to help a stranger, Gary getting involved in a dangerous situation near our studio, and how Cedric handled a childhood French fry fire. They then improvise a story set in A Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland. 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).

Chris and Gary tuck us in and say goodnight one last time… but not before one last truth bomb gets dropped.

Go to www.casper.com/dreams and use the offer code “DREAMS” for $50 off your next mattress purchase.

Author, actor, and humorist John Hodgman of Judge John Hodgman joins Scott to count down the Top 5 Times he has been stripped to the waist, tell us about a sketch idea Quiznos stole from him, and share a special message during Hodgman’s Shine Time. Later, medical practitioner Dr. Green stops by to talk about his new products and confirm that he is not a weed dealer. Plus, businesswoman The Chief arrives in pursuit of the one and only Carmen Sandiego.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BANGBANG), Black Tux (www.theblacktux.com/BANGBANG), and Jack Threads (www.jackthreads.com code: BANG).

Mike Still (Hard Nation) joins Travon to discuss The Election of 1800 and they end up diving deep into modern politics, too. Mike also reflects on his high school musical roles and what it was like having his dad serve in the Delaware State Senate in the 1980s. Plus, don’t miss out on the Room Where It’s Happening live show in NYC on April 8th. Get your tickets now: ear.wf/liveham.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: Hamilton) and MVMT Watches (www.mvmtwatches.com/Hamilton).

Gary makes a devil’s bargain with guest Wyatt Cenac to keep Chris from discovering his terrible secret. In the meantime, the dreams keep flowing: a salty dive off a waterfall, Jimmy Buffett’s parenting skills, and a McDonalds ball-pit… of death!

Go to www.casper.com/dreams and use the offer code “DREAMS” for $50 off your next mattress purchase.

Scott Aukerman (Comedy Bang! Bang!), Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley, Fist Fight), and Danielle Schneider (Bitch Sesh) join Paul for a HDTGM All-Stars episode to discuss the 1993 rollerblading movie Airborne. Recorded live from Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles, they cover everything from Seth Green’s clothing montage to impressing bullies by showing them a butt. Plus, we get into Mitchell Goosen’s shark fever dream during Audience Q&A!

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BONKERS), Jeff & Some Aliens on Comedy Central, SKYN condoms (www.buycondoms.online code: BONKERS), The History of Comedy on CNN, and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/bonkers).

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.

Rhea Butcher (Take My Wife) and Robin Thede (The Nightly Show) join Negin in LA to discuss the chaos sewn by the travel ban, our fraying foreign relations, and some mental health survival strategies. Plus, Trump’s primetime SCOTUS nominee rollout. But first: Beyoncé is pregnant and Robin is thrilled.

This episode is brought to you by the DecodeDC podcast, Shari’s Berries (www.berries.com code: FAKETHENATION), and Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com code: FAKE35).

Comedian and actor Joe DeRosa returns to join Randy and Jason on Country shores. During Takes, the Sklars cover the Fisher/Barnes feud and an Olympic swimmer reprimanded for speeding in the pool. Then they talk with Joe about his role as a shady vet on “Better Call Saul” as well as the awful traits that inspire his stand up before getting into Quick Hits. Finally, the Sklars give Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton a call to hear her Super Bowl predictions.

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

This week Bryan shares about Toaster Strudel being an aphrodisiac, while Erin shockingly retweeted Kim Kardashian for the first time. Also, Executive orders have historically been a way to discriminate and incite fear in people and Trump’s Immigration Ban continues the trend, and a recent Scientific research shows a lack of women in Stem jobs due to constant years of being made to feel not smart enough. Plus, guests gay-legend-icon-star Trixie Mattel and sweatiest woman in show business Katya Zamolodchikova are here to discuss International Business Class travel, the painter of light Thomas Kinkade, and the importance of Prostate exams. Follow Trixie and Katya on Social Media. @trixiemattel and @katya_zamo

“Coast to Coast Big Mouth”! “Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman”! And Mary discovers Sammy’s Roumanian

On this week’s episode of The Black List Table Reads with Franklin Leonard, screenwriter Blaine Tyler takes us through how he went from a kid who loved wrestling to writing Maggie’s Dawn, which will receive the ear movie treatment.

Comedian Kyle Kinane joins Sarah and Susan to talk about seeing LCD Soundsystem at Outside Lands, watching the movie The Bucket List while in Las Vegas, and walking around 30 Rock alone after taping The Tonight Show.

This episode is brought to you by Lola (www.mylola.com code: CRYBABIES) and Hullo (www.hullopillow.com/crybabies).

Trading insults with Jessica Chaffin. (This previously released Players Club episode was recorded on January 19, 2017.)

This episode is brought to you by MVMT Watches (www.mvmtwatches.com/never), Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/NEVER), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy).

Actor and comedian Nico Santos joins Kevin this week to chat about Denzel’s SAG win, attending comedy daycare at the Punch Line, and life in LA as a Bay Area transplant. Then, Nico dishes on the joys of working on NBC’s Superstore before the two discuss “Philadelphia” and what it tells us about these trying times.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/denzel) and MVMT Watches (www.mvmtwatches.com/denzel).

Special musical guest Colleen Green joins Mary Holland, Kevin Dorff, Horatio Sanz, and Matt Besser for this week’s improv4humans. Colleen’s songs inspire scenes about impressing your disco friends, a child only capable of older references, and having a tough time in calendar class. Later, we find out what really goes on at a mayonnaise factory and why throwing your money away is the most punk rock thing to do.

This episode is sponsored by CNN’s The History of Comedy and The Harold Ramis Film School.

Casey and Danielle are joined by stylist to the stars, and real lady of London Clare Mukherjee and she has something to say about all the housewives fashion (and Casey and Danielle’s too). They talk Sheree’s paltry pre-camping spread, Kim’s awkward decent down the stairs, and having to sit through another Great Gatsby party. Wasn’t there one last year?!

Plus June Diane Raphael makes an announcement that will change peoples lives and minds.

This episode is brought to you by Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/housewives) and Texture (www.texture.com/housewives).

Boston is gripped by fear once again after Albert DeSalvo escapes from Bridgewater State Hospital. But imprisonment never stops the man most people believed to be the Boston Strangler from communicating with—and attempting to manipulate—those outside. In this episode, we get an exclusive glimpse of DeSalvo’s extensive correspondence with his pursuer, Detective Phil DiNatale. DeSalvo never left prison again, but host Portland Helmich follows Phil DiNatale to Hollywood, where he became an official advisor and major character in the very successful 1968 film, The Boston Strangler. While the movie solidified many of the publicly accepted myths about the stranglings, DeSalvo’s mysterious death in prison only adds to the confusion surrounding the Strangler’s identity.

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.

Controversial radio host Alex Jones (Henry Zebrowski) brings a heavy dose of truth (and various bodily fluids) to Hard Nation. Jones enlightens Mark & Pete about 9/11, reptilians, weather weapons, Shakespeare, Beyonce, homosexual frogs, and why he chased a maid nude for seven miles in Mexico.

This episode is brought to you by the DecodeDC podcast.

Comedian Negin Farsad on esoteric allergies, the power of fire hydrants, and growing up Muslim … all in this edition of Kids’ Unanswerable Questions.To find kid-friendly versions and join the conversation go to longestshortesttime.com!

This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed, The Mysterious Secrets Of Uncle Bertie’s Botanarium, Yogi Teas, and 1-800 Flowers.

Rebecca Lehrer and Amy S. Choi, founders of The Mash-Up Americans join Andrew to discuss Trump’s executive order to ban Muslims, protesting in airports, Pottermore, and much more. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

In another edition of I Wasn’t There Too, professional comedian and Never Not Funny host Jimmy Pardo joins Matt to talk about being cut from the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls. Jimmy goes deep into how his role of comedian was offered to him out of the blue, befriending an extra while being on set for 13 hours to shoot his one line, and when he heard the news of when his role was cut. Plus, Jimmy tells us about being cut out of The Informant!, Bob Odenkirk giving him a push to do stand-up comedy when he still worked in a record store, and his time doing warm up for Conan.

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