Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all– including the bros– back to SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is singer-songwriter and composer Michael Penn! They chat about public restroom precautions, glamping in a tiny house, and Michael’s collection of unusual musical instruments. Paul is then joined by Stephanie Courtney, Michael Oosterom, and Little Janet Varney to improvise a story set in The Line For The Circular Saw In The Lumber Department at Home Depot. 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 and his improvisors will be Stephanie Courtney, Colleen Smith and Gary Anthony Williams! Get your tickets now: bit.ly/SPONT416

Jerrod Carmichael, star of NBC’s The Carmichael Show returns on this week’s Comedy Bang! Bang! Jerrod and Scott catch up as they chat about Neighbors 2, the real conversations that The Carmichael Show tackles, and Jerrod’s impressive sense of direction. Then, entrepreneur Angel Coliciwo stops by to tell us all about his new Hollywood Celebrity Tour that eliminates the part of the tour that everyone hates. Later, we hear some of the many fictional languages of which Professor of Linguistics Pam Steensma has created.

It finally happened. Tom Hiddleston joins Josh after much anticipation to chat about playing singer-songwriter Hank Williams in I Saw The Light, shooting Kong: Skull Island, his interest going back to the theatre, and much more. Plus, Josh catches up with the lovely Elizabeth Olsen about I Saw The Light, Avengers, and condiments.

Stand-up comedian Quincy Jones joins Andrew all this week to answer some racism questions. Today they discuss the term “culturally white” and white guilt. Be sure to call us at (323) 389-RACE to ask if anything is racist.

In celebration of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” Amy and Devin pin Tim Burton’s “Batman” against Richard Donner’s “Superman.” They break down parts of the films like attention to detail in “Batman” and Clark and Lois’s captivating chemistry in “Superman.” Tune in, and head over to the Earwolf forums to cast your vote.

To celebrate 300 episodes of Sklarbro Country, Daniel Van Kirk interviews Randy and Jason about the podcast. They look back on memorable episodes, the Sklars’ early days in stand-up and the evolution of Sklarbro Country. Later, they listen to voicemails from guests congratulating the hosts on 300 episodes.

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. In Episode 2, Lord Joseph Banks assembles a crew for a noble mission: to go to the very source of pleasure, in order to destroy it. 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.

Wake up and listen to the Dreams Dreams Dreams podcast hosted by your favorite three older ladies Claribelle (Alison Rich), Zelda (Jessica McKenna), and Ruth (Nicole Byer)! What goes into having a good group nap? Claribelle, Zelda, and Ruth will take you through all the steps! Then, they welcome a very special guest and dream analyst Derrick Kidman to analyze all our their most recent dreams (recurring and sexy included). Plus, Traci Reardon arrives to help her Twitter followers with dream advice in another edition of “Help Me, Rhonda.” Sweet dreams!

Ronna & Beverly return to the beautiful UCB-Sunset in Los Angeles and this time they are joined by Who Charted’s Kulap Vilaysack and Engineer Sam! They’ll talk about her new comedy series Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ on Seeso, the status of her Origin Story documentary, and help out listeners with some expert advice. Plus, Michael Constantini makes a very rare appearance!

Maret Orliss is the Associative Director of Programming and Events for The L.A. Times. She joins Nate this week to talk about The L.A. Times Festival of Books at USC which is the largest cultural festival in America which this year will include 9 stages featuring special guests Carrie Brownstein, Arianna Huffington, Buzz Aldrin, and much more. Then, Nate closes the show out by reading Tom Perrotta’s “Snowman” as suggested by a listener. Make sure to get a head start for the next book club by grabbing yourself Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar and send in your thoughts on the book at readingaloudpodcast@gmail.com. Go to http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/ for more info on The Festival of Books.

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.