Andrew Ti and special guest Jason Chu finish the week off by discussing the term “sistahs” and being asked how to eat chicken and waffles. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

This week Bryan sabotages Erins birthday party, contours his body hair and discusses the mistake from Texas named Robert Morrow, while Erin throws down about sexist politics and teaches us a thing or two about statement chokers.

Show creator, writer and podcaster Issa Rae joins Kamau and Kevin to break down “Devil in a Blue Dress.” They discuss black masculinity and why creating your own content can help diversity in the arts. Later, they ponder the metaphor behind the film’s tree-cutting character.

Scott Aukerman presents the first episode of Jemaine Clement’s Howl original series The Mysterious Secrets Of Uncle Bertie’s Botanarium. The Mysterious Secrets Of Uncle Bertie’s Botanarium is an epic, richly sound-designed comedy adventure, created by a truly unique trio of writer/director Duncan Sarkies, musician Lawrence Arabia, and artist Stephen Templer. This Howl Original 12-part mini-series stars Jemaine Clement (Flight Of The Conchords) and an ensemble of creative friends from Wellington, New Zealand. Travel back to 1768, when the Fortitude sailed from the famous port of Damprot, the Jewel of the Gravy Isles. The ship, commandeered by Lord Joseph Banks–nephew of the infamous botanist Bertie Banks–was on a mission to find a plant known to be the very source of pleasure in the world: Heaven’s Clover. This is the tale of that fateful journey. To hear the rest of the story, told week-by-week, sign up for Howl Premium today. Use the promo code BERTIE at Howl.fm, and get your first month free.

Catching waves with Greg Fitzsimmons.

Whether you live in downtown Manhattan or Schoharie, NY, worrying about having enough money to retire is a common fear for hard-working Americans. Today, Stephen and James examine what “the number” needed for retirement might be for the average person, and discuss whether they’ve been over-cautious or under-cautious when it comes to preparing their financial futures.

Hip-hop spoken word artist Jason Chu and Andrew to talk about whether or not white people should talk about privilege. Make sure to leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim joins Matt Besser, Jon Gabrus, Drew Tarver and Dan Lippert for a music episode of improv4humans. Langhorne’s songs inspire scenes about an actor without sports knowledge who auditions for a Gatorade commercial and a boy with a faulty birth who remains attached to his mother’s vagina for life. Later, a stock broker hesitates to conform to his bloodthirsty co-workers. Sign up for Seeso.com to watch Besser’s stand-up special “Besser Breaks the Record” and “The UCB Show,” which were filmed live in UCBLA. Check out Matt, Drew and Dan in Besser’s short film “Arkippiana” on the go90 app.

Casey and Danielle are joined by delightful Housewives Impressionist to the Stars Amy Phillips who graces them with some impressions and the worlds finest,  Kulap Vilaysack who has NEVER SEEN AN EPISODE OF THE HOUSEWIVES and has… questions. Questions like, “Um, are they friends???” It’s a VERY special episode. Also, Danielle rails against Vincent (as per usual) and Casey isn’t drunk (for once).

KUMITE! KUMITE! KUMITE! LIVE from Largo in Los Angeles, Nicole Byer of Party Over Here joins Paul and Jason to discuss the cult 1988 Jean-Claude Van Damme martial-arts film Bloodsport. They’ll cover Frank Dux being a real man, Van Damme’s soft baby buns, blindfolded tea training, the not so secret illegal Kumite martial-arts tournament, Ray Jackson, and much more. Plus, two cousins duke it out in a question kumite battle during Audience Q&A! Don’t forget to check out Blake Harris’ Oral History of Bloodsport over at www.slashfilm.com! Get yourself a BB-8 “What Is Its Mission?” T-shirt or Tote Bag over at http://howdidthisgetmade.bigcartel.com/ Set your DVRs for Party Over Here, a new FOX sketch comedy show from The Lonely Island and Paul starring Nicole Byer, Jessica McKenna, and Alison Rich. It airs Saturdays at 11 pm. People of the internet: Watch Paul in Fresh off the Boat on ABC. Awhile ago, Paul and Rob Huebel did a comedy special on a 60 foot glass bus that traveled around LA. Now you’ll be able to see it. Go to https://itun.es/us/3M4J9 now to buy it! You can also see Jason in Transparent on Amazon and in Dirty Grandpa in a theater near you! Also, check out June in Grace and Frankie available on Netflix, and in all the episodes of NTSF:SD:SUV:: on HULU for free, and Jason in The Dictator (he’s still in it!).

Filmmaker Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter, Mud) joins Leonard to discuss his terrific new sci-fi chase film Midnight Special, which is best appreciated on a theater screen. Jeff explains why he continues to shoot on film, how he began his collaboration with Michael Shannon, directing child actor Jaeden Lieberher, and making the moviegoing experience special. He also reveals which movies have influenced him as a fan and a filmmaker.

A game of got-yer-nose turns racial and a 6-year-old raps to her white mom about not getting her Blackness. Two stories of biracial kids schooling their mamas. To join the conversation about this episode, go to longestshortesttime.com!

James quit a business he started with Stephen in 2008. Stephen quit trying to get the upper hand in discussions with his family. Both hosts quit pretending they enjoy the taste of wine. Today, we discuss the upside and downside of quitting, how to gradually unstick yourself from sticky life situations, and why no one has ever watched a play written by Stephen J. Dubner.

Hip-hop spoken word artist Jason Chu and Andrew to talk about calling dogs Japanese. Make sure to leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

​Director Lance Bangs and comedian Clare O’Kane join Howard and guest co-host April Richardson on Who Charted. During the Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, Howard and Lance discuss trying to solve the case of Howard’s stolen car. The top 5 prime broadcast shows inspire a conversation about Mickey Rooney’s weird path to becoming an animal rights activist. During Two Charted, Howard and April talk about traveling, Star Wars and the word “lovers.”

Jonathan is joined by Ilona Varo, a marriage and family therapist intern specializing in eating disorders.

Learn more about Ilona’s work at www.ilonavaro.com.

Find out what today’s guest and former guests are up to by following us on Instagram and Twitter @CuriousWithJVN.

Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com.

Check out Getting Curious merch at PodSwag.com.

Listen to more music from Quiñ by heading over to TheQuinCat.com.

Jonathan is on Instagram and Twitter @JVN and @Jonathan.Vanness on Facebook.

A young illustrator in New York City grapples with the line between fine art and commerce…and how to avoid parking tickets.

Join Kevin as he sits down with actress Jane Lynch (Glee, Best in Show) to discuss her comedic television and movie career. Jane chats about her commercial work landing her on the radar and into the witty roles that now define her talent.

Writer and producer Ben Acker joins Jensen and Matty to talk about people over 75 who are known for something great, 10 Cloverfield Lane, The Thrilling Adventure Hour, dvsn, Archie and Jem and the Holograms comics, Beware the Slenderman, What’s My Line?, Clash Royale, how we’re late on Gotham, Catholic funerals, UnREAL, and many other things you should know about.

Hayes and Sean speculate as to some other interesting superheroes who could be fighting each other in a movie. Then JULIE KLAUSNER joins the team to redo her celebrated musical episode of the show except not with Dave Matthews this time.

If Andrew Carnegie didn’t fund the construction of 2,509 libraries, would the modern public library exist? Today, we take a look at the current library business vs. brick-and-mortar booksellers and online retailers. James says the branches he frequents in New York City are always empty, while the adjacent book stores are packed. Stephen, however, cites research showing that NYC’s libraries are more heavily trafficked than all of the sports venues in the city combined.  Later, James proposes a new type of library that he’d like to create today, if he were given the opportunity.

Brendan Scannell is a comic, filmmaker, and hilarious ginger. He joins Deanna & Emily to break down what makes a modern gay icon on this week’s OMFG! They’ll also dive into Brendan’s love life, why we should care about Zayn Malik (formerly of One Direction), and an app that will make splitting the dinner bill a breeze.

Hip-hop spoken word artist Jason Chu joins Andrew to talk about the Peter Liang verdict. Make sure to leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Comedian Paul Mecurio talks to Randy and Jason about writing jokes for Jay Leno while being a lawyer. Daniel Van Kirk brings a story about a man who tried to force his way into his neighbor’s home with a sword. Later, Paul describes when Paul McCartney agreed to do his podcast “2 Chairs & a Microphone.” Check out Paul Mecurio’s show at http://www.paulmecurio.com/podcast

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes people in the world and beings from outer space back to SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is improviser and writer of the upcoming Ghostbusters Katie Dippold! They chat about what it would be like leading a cult, the fear of discovering that your significant other is secretly a serial killer, and wanting to be the most interesting person to your therapist. Paul is then joined by Mark McConville, Ted Michaels and Annie Savage to improvise a story set in The Last Blockbuster Video Store. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano! SPONTANEANATION LIVE returns to Largo on Saturday, April 2nd! Paul’s special guest will be Grant-Lee Phillips! Get your tickets now: bit.ly/SPONT416

What’s a polite word for hag?

Credits

Arnie: Arnie Niekamp

Chunt: Adal Rifai

Usidore: Matt Young

Claudia: Beth Melewski

Otok Barleyfoot: Nick Baer

Krom the Fingarian: Mark Logsdon

Flower: Brooke Breit

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

Tob Handlez is a pilot and Bryce Cripple is formerly of the coast guard. They are also friends and both grown men who suffer the affliction of sporadically and uncontrollably flipping into becoming little brats. On a very special episode of Comedy Bang! Bang!, Tob and Bryce join Scott to put out a call to action for those who may suffer from being a  Man Brat and are here to recruit members for The Man Brats Association of America (MBAA). You don’t have to hide being a Man Brat anymore.

Hip-hop spoken word artist Jason Chu joins Andrew all this week to answer some racism questions. Today they discuss a caller’s question about being called out for not having many black friends. Be sure to call us at (323) 389-RACE to ask if anything is racist.

Last week on the site, Daniel O’Brien told us why Pinocchio was a secretly terrifying tale about a monster-boy thrust into existence by a bumbling old man who probably shouldn’t be anyone’s legal guardian.  To become a real boy, he’s expected to prove himself brave, truthful and unselfish. But he’s like, 30 seconds old, how would he know anything about that? None of us have these virtues and we’re not wooden little puppet-devils.

Inspired by last week’s video, Jack O’Brien, Daniel O’Brien and Soren Bowie sit down for a conversation about the ways children’s entertainment was either secretly horrifying, or simply giving us awful life-lessons. They talk about how the Nickelodeon shows of the 90s led to a generation of depressed loners, JK Rowling’s subtle misanthropy, how the early Disney princesses were awful representations of women, and how Winnie the Pooh set back how we deal with mental health.

Devin and Amy dive into a “versus” episode following last week’s Christ theme. Will Martin Scorsese’s non-traditional take on Christ’s life defeat Jim Caviezel’s magical eyes? Tune in, and head over to the Earwolf forums to cast your vote.