Bullseye With Jesse Thorn
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Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers played guitar on the new Daft Punk single, but decades before that he launched a string of hits with the group Chic, including "Le Freak" and "Good Times", and went on to become a songwriting and producing superstar. He was behind Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out", David Bowie's "Let's Dance", Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and many more. Now, he reflects on decades of hit writing, collaborating, and the meaning of music in his life.
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Mel Brooks and The Source Family
Jesse talks to Mel Brooks about his unparalleled career -- from writing for Sid Caesar on television in the 1950s to working with Gene Wilder on The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein in the 60s and 70s. Then later, Jesse talks to the directors of a documentary that follows the transformation of a man from WWII flying ace into Father Yod - the leader of a 1970s commune in the Hollywood Hills. Plus hear some of the psychedelic music that Father Yod made with his followers: the...
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Huey Lewis and Phone Phreaking with Phil Lapsley
Jesse talks to Huey Lewis about his pub rock beginnings, his multi-platinum success with the album Sports, and how he wrote songs for movies like Back to the Future and Pineapple Express. He also talks about the time he snuck onto an airplane bound for London. Then, from free flights to free phone calls. Find out how phreakers were able to use computerized tones to unlock an entire phone network. Heck, one guy did it just by whistling the right way. Phil Lapsley will talk about his book...
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Simon Amstell and Brian K. Vaughan
We revisit Jesses interview with the delightful stand-up comic Simon Amstell. On TV, he prods at the powers that be and has even caused a few walk-offs. But despite the escapades, Amstell spends much of his time on stage and off looking inward, at himself. The self-doubt got so deep that he went on a shamanic quest to South America for answers. Then Brian K Vaughn talks about his comic book series SAGA. It's a space fantasy about parenting with a deep, engaging mythology. Plus, AV Club...
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Armando Iannucci and Billy Bragg
Were talking Veep this week with the HBO comedys showrunner, Armando Iannucci, and its star, Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Iannucci talks about geeking out on American and British politics and recreating them on-screen. Then, Louis-Dreyfus talks about her days on Seinfeld and her favorite dirty phrase from Veep. Plus, British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg talks about the song that changed his life.
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Shane Carruth (Upstream Color) and Rodney Ascher (Room...
Jesse talks to the director Shane Carruth. His new movie Upstream Color has almost no dialogue, involves a kind of abstract science fiction premise, but keeps you fully engaged. Then Jesse talks to Rodney Ascher, who directed Room 237. Its a documentary about The Shining. But it doesnt go behind the scenes. It features interviews with people who have radical theories about the movie. One guy even says that the film contains signs of a faked moon landing. Rodney and Jesse talk about how...
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Big Boi from OutKast and Catherine O'Hara
Actress Catherine OHara talks about her start with the Second Citys SCTV, blockbuster success with Beetlejuice and Home Alone, and her perfect encapsulation of comic absurdity in Christopher Guest films like Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind. But first, Jesse talks to Big Boi -- one half of OutKast. The hip hop duo swung back and forth across the spectrum of popular music -- zigging with cult favorites like ATliens, and zagging with top 40 hits like The Way You Move. Plus, pop culture...
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Lily Tomlin, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Davy Rothbart
Theres no mistaking actress Lily Tomlin. Even when the part is small, shes never lost in the background. In fact she almost steals the show in the new Tina Fey movie. Its called Admission. Jesse talks to Tomlin about her storied career. Then astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson chases the unexplored secrets of the universe and then tells Jesse why he shouldnt be scared of space. Plus, FOUND Magazines Davy Rothbart is constantly discovering the amazing notes and photos that other people have...
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NBC’s Must See TV with Warren Littlefield, former NBC...
Dive into the empire that Cheers built. Whether it was The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, Frasier, or Friends, Warren Littlefield oversaw all of it. NBC was a Thursday night powerhouse in the 80s and 90s. But now? That's all pretty much crumbled. Hear an extended interview with a real-life television executive. His book is called Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV. Plus, Oliver Wang explains how a forgotten Al Green record helped create a new kind of soul music.
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Simon Rich and Bill Burr
Simon Rich is an absolutely hilarious writer. He sits down with Jesse, and says that he doesn't write about the way love happens, he writes about the way love feels. Rich has a new book out -- Last Girlfriend on Earth. Plus, we revisit an interview with comedian Bill Burr. The first time you hear Burr, you might think hes just a macho, in-your-face type of comic. But most of the time youll find him pointing that aggression at himself. Plus, Eugene Mirman finds an old notebook in his parents...
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Moshe Kasher and Lateef the Truthspeaker
Alex Zalben and Brian Heater offer up some of their all-time comics favorites. The comedian Moshe Kasher talks about his amazing memoir, rapper Lateef the Truthspeaker reveals how jazz scat changed his life, and Jesse talks to the directors of Undefeated -- it's a sports documentary, it won an Oscar, and NPR's Mike Pesca says it's better than Hoop Dreams! (This episode originally aired March 27, 2012.)
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Aisha Tyler and Bilal
Nathan Rabin and Marah Eakin from the AV Club talk about a couple of their all-time favorite albums from Warren Zevon and Fleetwood Mac, respectively. Aisha Tyler -- who stars as Lana on Archer, the animated spy show on FX -- talks about living a real-life version of Fame in high school and funneling her experiences as an outsider into performance and comedy. Plus, the jazz singer Bilal talks about his school days, too. He was voted the weirdest kid in his class. Bilal's new album is called...
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Andrew Rannells, Jim Lehrer, Thao Nguyen
The actor Andrew Rannells talks about growing up gay in Nebraska, his role in The Book of Mormon, and how to avoid uncomfortable moments when filming nude scenes. Public broadcasting legend Jim Lehrer discusses the benefits of working on a tight budget and his early years spent working in a bus depot. Plus, Thao Nguyen (of Thao and the Get Down Stay Down) shares the song that changed her life.
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Boots Riley, Roman Mars and Steve Agee – Recorded at SF...
The Coup's Boots Riley talks about using lyrics to battle capitalism coporatism, police brutality and injustice. Roman Mars, host of 99% Invisible, traces his journey from wunderkind PhD student to public radio producer to crowd-funded podcaster. Comedian Steve Agee reveals why God invented the Internet Movie Database. Jesse recommends a song that never fails to make him think of the Bay Area. This week's show was recorded live on stage at the Punchline in San Francisco.
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Maria Bamford and George Saunders
The writer George Saunders talks about his early creative challenges, the slight constant pressure of capitalism, and Tenth of December, his new book of short stories. Maria Bamford explains why she filmed her new comedy special in front of an audience of two (her parents), and why it's important to talk about scary stuff on stage. Plus, Jesse shares one of his favorite poems by William Carlos Williams.
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W. Kamau Bell, Mike Birbiglia and Eleni Mandell
W. Kamau Bell, host of Totally Biased, calculates the gentrification sweet spot. Singer-songwriter Eleni Mandell's life is changed by a Tom Waits song, even though it wasn't the one she meant to hear. Plus comedian Mike Birbigilia makes a movie. He says it's the hardest thing he's EVER DONE -- but he's down to do it all again. [This episode originally aired in September of 2012]
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Nick Kroll and Billy Eichner
Jesse talks to Billy Eichner, who quizzes bewildered New York pedestrians on the topics that are nearest and dearest to his heart: Britney Spears, Meryl Streep and Madonna. But first, Nick Kroll talks about his new sketch series Kroll Show, and why all of his characters tend to exaggerate how important they actually are. Plus, writer Brad Tolinski explores the album that kicked off a new era of heavy rock n roll: Led Zeppelin III.
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Jeff Bridges, Bernie Glassman and H. Jon Benjamin
It may not be the movie that won Jeff Bridges an Oscar, but The Big Lebowski is still one of the actor's favorites. Bridges joins Zen master Bernie Glassman to talk with Jesse about the Dude in all of us. Then, H. Jon Benjamin talks about voicing the super spy Archer and his days recording Dr. Katz in a kitchen pantry. Plus, Jesse pays tribute to a California great: Huell Howser.
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Benedict Cumberbatch, Errol Morris and Craig Finn
Craig Finn of The Hold Steady talks about the unpredictable and emotional music of the punk band The Replacements, and how one their songs changed his life. Documentarian Errol Morris reveals why he doesn't play "GOTCHA" with his interview subjects. Plus, an interview with the actor Benedict Cumberbatch. He's playing villains in two big upcoming blockbusters. We'll talk about putting his spin on one of pop culture's most ubiquitous heroes, Sherlock Holmes.
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Aimee Mann & Seth Godin
Aimee Mann explains her transition from an 80s pop star to a solo performer who writes mostly for her own tastes. Then, a conversation with Seth Godin. He's kind of a creative marketing guy, but not in the sleazy way. He's actually kind of brilliant. Plus, Jordan ranks what's best in America and Jesse suggests you check out Orson Welles' final masterwork - F for Fake.
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The 2012 Comedy Special
Bullseye features the best stuff from comedy specials and comedy albums released in 2012. Hear from Demetri Martin, John Mulaney, Maria Bamford, Jim Gaffigan, Aziz Ansari, Hannibal Burress, Kyle Kinane, Paul F Tompkins, James Adomian, Doug Benson, Lewis Black, the ladies of Garfunkel Oates, and Tig Notaro.
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Bonus Episode! Dick Cavett and Dave Hill at MaxFunCon...
As a holiday gift, Bullseye features a conversation between two incomparable wits: Dick Cavett and Dave Hill. This event was taped live at MaxFunCon East in October of 2012.
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Holiday Special with Jonathan Coulton, John Roderick &...
It's the Bullseye 2012 Holiday Special! But don't worry, there will be no Rudolph, and no Jingle Bells ... not if Jonathan Coulton and John Roderick have written an album full of all original Christmas songs. Then the guys from My Brother, My Brother and Me will offer their advice on some holiday-season quandaries. Plus, Tim DeLaughter The Polyphonic Spree talks about theChristmas extravaganza they took on the road.
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Dolly Parton & Judd Apatow
Jesse interviews Dolly Parton about the sacrifices she made for her astounding career and how she feels about them now. Plus, Judd Apatow talks about his new comedy This Is 40. It explores the struggle many married couples face as they juggle all life throws their way, while still nurturing a strong relationship.Then, Jason Reece from the rock band ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead reveals the Fugazi song that changed everything for him.
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Simon Amstell, Brian K Vaughn & Jordan Ranks America
An interview with the delightful stand-up comic Simon Amstell. On TV, he prods at the powers-that-be and has even caused a few walk-offs. But despite the escapades, Amstell spends much of his time on stage and off looking inward, at himself. The self-doubt got so deep, he went on a shamanic quest to South America to find answers. Plus, Brian K Vaughn on his new comic book series SAGA. It's a new space fantasy with a deep mythology.
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RJ Smith profiles James Brown, comedy from Cameron...
James Brown wasn't just the Minister of the New New Heavy Super Funk and the Godfather of Soul. He was the hardest working man in show business, and a complex character to boot. RJ Smith profiles the legend of popular music in an extensive biography, The One: The Life and Music of James Brown. Plus, comedian Cameron Esposito muses on her childhood appearance.
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Tavi Gevinson, Retta & Michael Ian Black
Tavi Gevinson talks about how weird it can get navigating the fashion world as a teenager. ThenRetta the comedian and actress you might have seen on Parks Recreation talks about how to steer clear of typecasting.And comedian Michael Ian Black reveals what happened when a trick-or-treater showed up at his door dressed as a cat's tail.
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Writer Fran Lebowitz
A conversation with the New York cultural authority Fran Lebowitz. Find out why she was expelled from high school, why she waltzed into a publishing office barefoot to submit her first manuscript, and why she's had writers block for more than thirty years. Plus, hip hop drummer and producer Karriem Riggins on the James Brown song that changed his life.
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Actor Stephen Tobolowsky
Stephen Tobolowsky is a veteran character actor. Now he's an author, too, but his book isn't about Hollywood stuff. It's about normal stuff from his life like getting held up at the grocery store, or spending Christmas tripping on acid. Plus, Kasper Hauser delivers all the news that's fit to ... make up. And Jesse talks about Frank Ocean's new album the best RB record he's heard in years.
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Ice-T, Greta Gerwig and Aaron Freeman
Ice-T talks to us about interviewing Snoop, Rakim, and a bunch of other famous rappers for his documentary on rap. Plus, did Ice REALLY write rhymes for Mr. T? Jesse also talks to Greta Gerwig, star of the movie Lola Versus, and Aaron Freeman (formerly of the rock band Ween) about the song that changed his life.
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Vijay Iyer, Demetri Martin & Dave Hill
Jazz pianist and composer Vijay Iyer explores the relationship between music, the mind and the body. The comedian Dave Hill performs in front of his toughest audience yet: 250 maximum security felons. But it doesnt turn out quite how he expected. And we hear a sample from comedian Demetri Martin's new album.
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Liam Lynch and Geoff Nunberg on the "A-word"
The writer, director and musician Liam Lynch talks to us about bringing back his sock puppet duo Sifl and Olly and how he met not ONE, but TWO Beatles. Plus, linguist Geoff Nunberg talks about how the word "asshole" found its way into our lexicon in his new book Ascent of the A-Word: Assholism, the First Sixty Years. Plus, only the BEST of fake news from Kasper Hauser.
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Syl Johnson, Gillian Flynn and Matt Berninger from The...
Jesse talks to Syl Johnson the soul singer who has been sampled on countless hip-hop records -- about turning down the record deal that ended up going to Al Green. Julie Klausner sits down with Gillian Flynn, the author of Gone Girl. Her characters are connivers, schemers and would-be-killers. But she kinda likes em. Plus Matt Berninger from the band The National remembers sitting in a golf cart on a driving range, being pelted with golf balls, and taking solace in music of The Smiths.
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Rob Delaney, Nellie McKay and Jordan Ranks America
Jesse talks to Rob Delaney, one of the funniest guys on Twitter with over a half a million followers. He might prefer the virtual world because hes so uncomfortable with the human body.And co-host Julie Klausner talks to Nellie McKay who couldnt hate the internet more. Plus, contributor Jordan Morris returns to the program to PUT AMERICA IN ITS PLACE ... by ranking its stuff.
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Wayne White, Antibalas, Brent Weinbach
Wayne White is the subject of a new documentary directed by Neil Berkeley. If you ever wished you could live in Pee-Wee Herman's bizarre and amazing playhouse - Wayne's the man responsible for that dream. Jesse talks to both Wayne and Neil about how the film came together. Martn Perna and Jordan McLean of Antibalas talk with us about their big influence -- the Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Plus, comedian Brent Weinbach offers acting tips.
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R.A. Dickey, pitcher for the New York Mets
Mets pitcher RA Dickey talks about fighting his way through 10 years as a marginal pro baseball player before giving himself over to the uncontrollable but devastating knuckleball.Then we travel back to the early 60s, on the streets of San Francisco, where James P Coyle Mal Sharpe convince a man to rob a bank for them -- all in the interest of humor. Plus, Erik Adams and Claire Zulkey from the AV Club share some of their all-time favorite television picks, two very different police...
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W. Kamau Bell, Mike Birbiglia, Eleni Mandell
W. Kamau Bell, host of Totally Biased, calculates the gentrification sweet spot. Singer-songwriter Eleni Mandell's life is changed by a Tom Waits song, even though it wasn't the one she meant to hear. And comedian Mike Birbigilia makes a movie. He says it's the hardest thing he's EVER DONE -- but he's down to do it all again.
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Kurt Andersen, Chris Fairbanks and Ari Graynor
Guest host Jordan Morris sits down with Kurt Andersen to talk about creative procrastination, why a new generation is happily digging into its parents record collection, and Andersen's new book True Believers. The comedian Chris Fairbanks shares a story about a nice neighborly mugging. Plus, actress Ari Graynor talks good old fashioned phone sex in her new movie For A Good Time Call.
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Black Dynamite, The Explorers Club and Rachel Dratch
Black Dynamite's Michael Jai White and Carl Jones talk about their favorite blaxploitation films of the 70s. Actress Rachel Dratch walks into a bar, and six months later she's pregnant. Plus, Jason Brewer, guitar player for the The Explorers Club, on the song that changed his life. Here's a hint: he saw it in the movie Back to the Future.
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Bob Newhart and the Directors of Mr. Rogers & Me
Jesse talks to Ben and Christopher Wagner about Americas most beloved broadcaster -- Mister Fred Rogers -- and they all hold back tears. Plus, Jesse sits down with another beloved, cardigan-wearing American Mr. Bob Newhart! And did you know God calls into sports talk radio programs? Bullseye features another chapter of Gods memoir, as written by comedy scribe David Javerbaum. Plus, Jason Kottke shares the best of the web.
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Redd Kross and Matt Braunger
Jordan Morris sits in for Jesse and talks to the influential punk band Redd Kross about their own influences -- from Deep Purple to Ziggy Stardust -- and then asks where they disappeared to for almost a decade. Plus, the comedian and actor Matt Braunger turns a minor argument with a friend into a serious comedy career. And the comedian Todd Barry delivers good news about skipping household chores.
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Michael Ian Black & Tom Bissell, author of Magic Hours:...
Michael Ian Black talks about his memoir: "You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death, and Other Humiliations". Plus, Black explains why he started compulsively Googling the phrase "Fat Kevin Federline". The writer Tom Bissell recalls his path to creative success ... and why that road probably doesn't exist anymore. And comedian Pete Holmes reveals the thing that really ticks him off: a bad sandwich.
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RJ Smith profiles James Brown, comedy from Cameron...
James Brown wasn't just the Minister of the New New Heavy Super Funk and the Godfather of Soul. He was the hardest working man in show business, and a complex character to boot. RJ Smith profiles the legend of popular music in an extensive biography, The One: The Life and Music of James Brown. Plus, comedian Cameron Esposito muses on her childhood appearance and summer music recommendations from The Low Times podcast.
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Lisa Kudrow, Eric Andre and American Pickers' Danielle...
Lisa Kudrow -- the dumb one from Friends -- talks about her career in brain science, and her current Showtime show Web Therapy. Plus, Eric Andre deconstructs the talk show -- quite literally.And Jesse goes on a hunt for the ultimate flea market find, with American Picker Danielle Colby.
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Robert Glasper and Pendleton Ward
Robert Glasper transforms the 90s grunge hit Smells Like Teen Spirit into something surprisingly beautiful.Jesse talks to Pendleton Ward about his animated show Adventure Time. It combines two great elements of teenage boyhood: innocence and Dungeons Dragons! And Found Magazine's Davy Rothbart shares a mysterious note uncovered in Texas.
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Mark Adams, Dave Hill, Jordan Ranks America
Mark Adams a magazine editor who had never even slept in a tent as an adult treks through the Andes tracing the journey of Hiram Bingham. And the comedian Dave Hill ALSO throws himself into a difficult situation performing at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. As a goof! Plus, Jordan Morris helps get America in order by ranking its things.
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Elvis Mitchell, of Montreal's Kevin Barnes and My...
Elvis Mitchell on how he made a career writing about movies, and why he was arrested on the Canadian border with Cuban cigars and 15 thousand in cash. Kevin Barnes, from of Montreal, goes small in the studio but BIG and BOLD on stage. Plus, the Brothers McElroy solve listeners' pressing pop culture problems and use a lot of Jurassic Park refereces in the process.
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Scott Aukerman, Mark Duplass, David Rees
Mark Duplass is involved in half a dozen projects. But he isn't worried about spreading himself too thin. Plus, Jesse talks to the writer and comic Scott Aukerman about sketch comedy on the cult classic Mr. Show, scripts for doomed film projects, and what it's like hosting a new, surreal TV talk show: Comedy Bang Bang. And David Rees gets serious about the ART of pencil sharpening.
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Ice-T, Greta Gerwig and Aaron Freeman
In his new movie, Ice-T interviews Snoop, Rakim, and a bunch of other famous rappers. Plus, Ice reveals whether he wrote raps for Mr. T in the 80s. Jesse also talks to Greta Gerwig -- star of the new movie Lola Versus, -- and Aaron Freeman -- formerly of the rock band Ween -- about the song that changed his life.
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Daniel Handler, The Sklar Brothers and Nico Muhly
Daniel Handler delves into his memories of young love to pen the novel Why We Broke Up -- the twist? He writes the girl's side of the story. The Sklar Brothers talk about their new comedy album from performing as identical twins to broadening their sports-nerd base. Plus Jesse suggests the Canadian TV show The Newsoom and American composer Nico Muhly shares the song that changed his life. [originally aired February 2012]
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Kurt Braunohler and Walter Mosley
Comedian Kurt Braunohler explains his improvised anti-game show, where among other things, comedians are challenged to verbally shame puppies. The comedy group Kasper Hauser will interrupt our entertainment program to bring you a fake news broadcast. And the novelist Walter Mosley on his distinctive brand of detective fiction. Plus the AV Club's Scott Tobias and Nathan Rabin discuss Wes Anderson's new film Moonrise Kingdom and the new stand-up comedy special from Hannibal Buress
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R.A. Dickey, pitcher for the New York Mets
Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey talks about fighting his way through 10 years as a marginal pro baseball player before giving himself over to the uncontrollable but devastating knuckleball.Then we travel back to the early 60s, on the streets of San Francisco, where James P Coyle Mal Sharpe convince a man to rob a bank for them -- all in the interest of humor. And for his Outshot, Jesse suggests you check out The Best Show on WFMU.
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Benedict Cumberbatch, Morgan Webb, Craig Finn
Craig Finn of The Hold Steady talks about the unpredictable and emotional music of the punk band The Replacements, and how one their songs changed his life. Video game journalist and TV host Morgan Webb talks semiotics, video games, and who REALLY makes up the gaming community. The actor Benedict Cumberbatch talks about putting his spin on one of pop culture's most ubiquitous heroes, Sherlock Holmes. And Jason Kottke suggests you check out the documentary Senna -- about the Brazilian Formula...
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Chris Gethard & Lawrence Weschler
Jesse interviews comedian Chris Gethard about booking P. Diddy at a tiny theater in New York. Lawrence Weschler talks about why CGI faces will never look quite right, and why humans are addicted to narrative. Plus some all-time TV picks from Erik Adams and Claire Zulkey, and pop culture advice from My Brother, My Brother and Me. [Episode originally aired January 2012]
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Bullseye with Jesse Thorn: Michael Ian Black and Tom...
Michael Ian Black talks about his memoir: "You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death, and Other Humiliations". Plus, Black explains why he started compulsively Googling the phrase "Fat Kevin Federline". The writer Tom Bissell recalls his path to creative success ... and why that road probably doesn't exist anymore. And comedian Pete Holmes reveals the thing that really ticks him off: a bad sandwich.
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Tony Hale and Nicholas Stoller
The actor Tony Hale talks about his early commercial work, his faith, and who to call when you need to learn a few new swear words ... FAST. Writer and director Nick Stoller extols the virtues of the romantic comedy genre. His new movie is The Five Year Engagement. Kasper Hauser return with their very, VERY fake news. Plus, resident comics critics Brian Heather and Alex Zalben return with their top picks for the week.
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Rachel Dratch and the creators of Eagleheart
Comic actress Rachel Dratch walks into a bar, meets a guy and six months later she's pregnant. It's all in her new memoir. Plus, the creators of the comedy TV show Eagleheart talk about their primary inspiration: Walker Texas Ranger; and about working with the show's star - Chris Elliott. Blogger Greg Kottke shares some of his best cultural finds. And contributor Jordan Morris returns to tell America what's hot and what's not in his segment Jordan Ranks America.
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Jazz pianist Robert Glasper and animator Pendleton Ward
An interview with jazz pianist Robert Glasper, who transforms the 90s grunge hit Smells Like Teen Spirit into something surprisingly beautiful. Then Pendleton Ward talks about his animated show Adventure Time. It combines two great elements of boyhood: innocence and Dungeons Dragons! Plus, Found Magazine's Davy Rothbart shares a mysterious note uncovered in Texas.
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Bob Newhart and Benjamin and Christofer Wagner of...
Jesse talks to Benjamin and Christofer Wagner about Americas most beloved broadcaster --Mister Fred Rogers -- and they all hold back tears. Plus, Jesse sits down with another beloved, cardigan-wearing American: Bob Newhart! And did you know God calls into sports talk radio programs? Bullseye features another chapter of Gods memoir, as written by comedy scribe David Javerbaum.
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Moshe Kasher, Lateef the Truthspeaker, and the directors...
The comedian Moshe Kasher talks about his amazing new memoir, rapper Lateef the Truthspeaker reveals how jazz scat changed his life, and Jesse talks to the directors of Undefeated -- it's a sports documentary, it won an Oscar, and Mike Pesca says it's better than Hoop Dreams! Plus, AV Club writers suggest you check out the film Being Elmo and Adult Swim's Check it Out! with Dr. Steve Brule.
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Swamp Dogg, John Mulaney, Comic Book Picks and Kasper...
Unsung soul maverick Swamp Dogg reflects on his long and storied recording career, with hits ranging from RB, to psychedelic to country. John Mulaney debuts a second stand-up comedy special and continues his meteoric rise. Plus, Alex Zalben and Brian Heater offer up their recent comic book recommendations, a new Kasper Hauser News Update and Jesse shares his pick for the best live recording ever.
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Baratunde Thurston, Stuff You Should Know, Mark...
Author and comedian Baratunde Thurston talks about how to be black, whether it's in high school at Sidwell Friends, in college at Harvard, or while working at The Onion. His satirical self-help book is called -- that's right! -- 'How to Be Black'. Plus Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark -- hosts of the podcast 'Stuff You Should Know' -- introduce us to Lucha Libre (also known as Mexican professional wrestling!).
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Jeffrey Tambor, Doug Jones, Andrew Noz and God on Noah
Actor Jeffrey Tambor talks about his portrayal of Jesse's favorite television character -- Hank Kingsley on The Larry Sanders Show. Then, an interview with Doug Jones. He's tall and skinny, with a skinny face. His physicality and mime training have informed his performances in prosthetics for Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth and the Silver Surfer. Plus, Andrew Noz suggests the rap songs you should check out this week and God speaks out about what REALLY went down with Noah and the ark.
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Key & Peele, The AV Club and My Brother, My Brother and...
Keegan-Michael Key Jordan Peele talk about their comedy beginnings on MADtv; impersonating everyone from presidents, to weather men, to gang members on their new Comedy Central show; and a card game that Jordan Peele designed himself!Plus, Jesse faces a gaming obsession of his own and the Brothers McElroy solve listeners' pop culture quandaries.
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David Wain, The AV Club, and Jordan Ranks America
This week David Wain makes the successful leap from cultiest-of-cult comedy to the mainstream multiplex and keeps things super funny. Correspondant Jordan Morris ranks all of the things in America because we told him to. Plus, the AV Club offers some of their all-time favorite culture picks, and Jesse talks about his JAM -- DJ Quick's Pitch In Ona Party.
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Daniel Handler, The Sklar Brothers, Nico Muhly, Mark...
Daniel Handler delves into his memories of young love to pen the novel Why We Broke Up -- the twist? He writes the girl's side of the story. The Sklar Brothers talk about their new comedy album from performing as identical twins to broadening their sports-nerd base. Plus Jesse suggests the Canadian TV show The Newsoom, Mark Frauenfelder of Boing Boing brings his recommendations and American composer Nico Muhly shares the song that changed his life.
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Michael Rapaport, Werner Herzog, AV Club...
Actor Michael Rapaport profiles his favorite hip-hop group, A Tribe Called Quest, and ends up documenting their deep-rooted friendships and conflicts. Filmmaker Werner Herzog looks into the Chauvet Caves of France, where the oldest known cave paintings exist, practically untouched over thousands of years. Plus, AV Club offer their culture recommendations, Jesse suggests you listen to Sly Stone's If You Want Me To Stay and comedy group Kasper Hauser make up the news.
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Tim and Eric, Roz Chast, Noz on Rap and God's Favorite...
Tim and Eric are known for the surreal and uncomfortable comedy in their sketch show Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!. They also promoted Shrek 3 without permission from the movie studio. Now, they've made a billion dollar movie of their own. Cartoonist Roz Chast explains some of her day-to-day fears like balloons, water, and sitting on the ground. Plus a section from God's memoir (as dictated to comedy writer David Javerbaum) and Jesse suggests Randy Newman in his outshot.
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Jenna Fischer, Jack Handey, Video Game Picks and Kasper...
Jenna Fischer talks about her totally-made-up-sounding first acting gig in LA, auditioning for The Office, and what all the actors are doing on their computers when they're in the background of a shot. The very real Jack Handey talks about his days as Steve Martin's neighbor, and how he writes Deep Thoughts. Plus this week's video game recommendations from Heather Anne Campbell and more!
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Aisha Tyler, David Hornsby, Jordan Ranks America, The AV...
Aisha Tyler funnels her childhood outsider-y experiences toward comedy and performance. She's on the animated FX show Archer. David Hornsby talks about building comedic stories from his real life relationships. His new animated FX show is called Unsupervised. Plus, the AV Club shares their recommendations and Jordan Morris puts America in its place by ranking everything.
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Chris Gethard, Lawrence Weschler, Andrew Noz and More
Jesse interviews comedian Chris Gethard about booking P. Diddy at a tiny theater in New York. Lawrence Weschler talks about why CGI faces will never look quite right, and why humans are addicted to narrative. Plus rap picks from Andrew Noz and pop culture advice from My Brother, My Brother and Me.
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Downton Abbey, Chris Lilley, Dan Deacon, AV Club Picks
The first episode of Bullseye! Jesse interviews the cast of Downton Abbey, a costume drama on PBS Masterpiece that is NOT BORING AT ALL. He'll also talk to Chris Lilley, the Australian comedian behind Summer Heights High and the new HBO show Angry Boys. Plus, hear culture picks from the AV Club and the song that changed the Baltimore musician Dan Deacon's life.
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2011 Comedy Special
Once a year the small staff here at The Sound of Young America compiles the best comedy we've heard from the past year. Our selections may not be poignant, they may not contribute to a broader understanding of our world, but hey, at least they're funny. Hear from Patton Oswalt, Tig Notaro, Mike Birbiglia and many many others this week on the Sound of Young America's 2011 comedy special.
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Ed Levine from Serious Eats
Ed Levine is the founder and editor of the blog Serious Eats, a forum for sharing "food enthusiasm." He's written regularly about NY food and the iconic American foods and their place in our society. The blog has spawned a new book, called Serious Eats: A Comprehensive Guide to Making and Eating Delicious Food Wherever You Are.
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Comedy: Rob Baedeker's CSA Box
Our contributor Rob Baedeker's new kick is his organic farm, and he shares the letter from his CSA box with us. Rob is a member of the comedy sketch group Kasper Hauser and a freelance writer.
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Food Writer Jonathan Gold
Pulitzer Prize-winning food writer Jonathan Gold talks to us about how he manages the day to day eating, the best pastrami sandwich, overcoming food fears and more. He writes for the LA Weekly and is the author of the highly regarded food guide to Los Angeles, Counter Intelligence.
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Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher is perhaps best known as Princess Leia from the seminal Star Wars films, but she began her celebrity life as a baby -- the daughter of America's sweethearts, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Carrie battled addiction, mental illness and the ups and downs of celebrity to reinvent herself as a successful novelist and memoirist. Her new memoir, Shockaholic, is out now.
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AV Club Picks: December 2011
AV Club Editor Keith Phipps and Associate Editor Tasha Robinson join us to give their culture picks for December 2011.
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Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers launched a string of hits with the group Chic, including "Le Freak" and "Good Times", and went on to become a songwriting and producing superstar. He was behind Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out", David Bowie's "Let's Dance", Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and many more. Now, he reflects on decades of hitwriting, collaborating, and the meaning of music in his life. His new autobiography is Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco and Destiny.
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Comedy: Jordan Ranks America, November 2011
Our correspondent Jordan Morris pores over what's happening in America to let you know what's best in the US right now.
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Patrick Warburton
Patrick Warburton is a live and voice actor known for his roles on Seinfeld, NewsRadio and The Venture Brothers among others. He's currently starring in the popular CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement and is the voice behind the talk show host in the animated series Effin With Tonight on Crackle
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Comedy: Rob Baedeker's Chemistry Lecture
Rod Baedeker from Kasper Hauser drops by The Sound of Young America to share with us his ground-breaking lecture he gave at Cal Tech.
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Kate Beaton, Author of Hark! a Vagrant
Kate Beaton authors the webcomic Hark! a Vagrant. The comic strips mine history and literature for figures to be reimagined and skewered as petulant children, jaded superheroes and Victorian dude-watchers, accented by a very expressive drawing style. Her comics have recently been collected into a book, also called Hark! a Vagrant.
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Jeanne Darst, author of Fiction Ruined My Family
Jeanne Darst is a writer and performer whose work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine and This American Life. She recently published her first book, Fiction Ruined My Family, about her literary family who spent more time drinking than writing.
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Comedy: Jordan Ranks America, October 2011
Don't know where to turn, or who to believe? Try our correspondent Jordan Morris, who brings you the best of America every month.
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Marc Maron
Comedian and comedy-inquisitor Marc Maron talks about turning it all around, doing standup and hosting his smash podcast (turned public radio show) WTF. His new comedy album is "This Has to Be Funny".
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Rin Tin Tin with Susan Orlean
Bestselling nonfiction author and The New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean talks to us about the fascinating life of the dog and the character Rin Tin Tin, plus much more. Her new book is Rin Tin Tin: The Life and The Legend.
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AV Club Picks: Fall TV
Today's guests from the AV Club are TV Editor Todd VanDerWerff and Assistant Editor Erik Adams. They drop by to discuss their TV picks for the Fall season from Showtimes 'Homeland' to NBCs 'Up All Night' running through the hits and misses with Host Jesse Thorn.
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Bootsy Collins
The legendary funk bassist joins us to talk about creating the persona of Bootsy, playing music with two very different band leaders, James Brown and George Clinton, and more.
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John Roderick: The Song That Changed My Life
The Long Winters' frontman, John Roderick, talks to us about the song that changed his life: ZZ Top's Gimme All Your Lovin'.
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Jonathan Coulton & John Flansburgh
For Jonathan Coulton, success as a musician has come with recording music himself, releasing individual songs online one-at-a-time, and even selling his catalog on a USB drive. So in a way, his new album Artificial Heart is a terrifying turn to the traditional, and a creative risk. It was produced with They Might Be Giants' John Flansburgh in a studio with a full band, the old-fashioned way. Jonathan and John talk to us about that process.
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Neil deGrasse Tyson
John Hodgman guest hosts this interview with astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Dr. Tyson is the director of the Hayden Planetarium, but the layperson likely knows him as the host of Star Talk Radio and the PBS program Nova ScienceNOW. His upcoming projects include a new version of the TV series Cosmos -- originally hosted by Carl Sagan -- and a new book titled Space Chronicles. He talks to us about how money for space exploration stacks up to other spending, his personal space travel...
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George R.R. Martin
John Hodgman guest hosts an interview with the fantasy, science fiction and horror author George R. R. Martin. Martin is the author of the very popular series known as "A Song of Ice and Fire", which has recently been adapted for the HBO show "Game of Thrones". He joins us to talk about creating a fantasy universe, (very) involved fans, and more.
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Retromania with Simon Reynolds
Is cultural innovation at risk when we indulge in retromania? Music critic Simon Reynolds joins us to talk about why songs today are more unimaginative when we have unprecedented access to decades' worth of past music, the loop of re-creating old sounds, and more. His new book is Retromania: Pop Culture's Addiction to its Own Past.
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Nicolas Winding Refn, Director of "Drive"
Nicolas Winding Refn is the Danish director of the new film "Drive", starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. Refn had a very specific vision for the film, which included trance-like music and throwbacks to the aesthetics of films of his childhood. "Drive" won Refn the Best Director award at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
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Robert Popper
Robert Popper is a British comedy writer behind projects like the BBC mock educational series "Look Around You" with Peter Serafinowicz and the new BBC America series "Friday Night Dinner". He's also an accomplished prankster. We'll talk to him about regressing to childhood in the company of your siblings and parents, the construction of some of his favorite comedy bits, and more.
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Paul Scheer
Paul Scheer, an actor and comedian behind shows like Adult Swim's NTSF:SD:SUV:: and MTV's Human Giant, talks to us about low budgets, when parody comes from a place of love, and more.
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OK Go's Damian Kulash: The Song That Changed My Life
Damian Kulash talks to us about the moment he heard Herbie Hancock's Rockit, and how it it informed his life today as the lead singer of OK GO. The band's live album, 180/365, is out now.
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Bruce Campbell
Bruce Campbell is a writer, producer, and cult movie actor who starred in Sam Raimi's Evil Dead series and can currently be seen on the USA show Burn Notice. We talked to him about the DIY aesthetic and feeling of his projects, obsessive fans, and how he came to make cult horror movies, of all things.
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Danny Pudi
Danny Pudi is an actor and comedian, best known for his role as the pop culture-obsessed Abed Nadir on the NBC show Community. He talks to us about working on a show that's as much fun to shoot as it is to watch and working improv comedy into a scripted show.
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Bruce McCulloch
Bruce McCulloch, best known as one of the members of the comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall, is a writer, actor and director of movies like Superstar and Stealing Harvard. He talks to us about tracing his musical comedy roots, the dynamics of The Kids in the Hall, and more.
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Bob Mould
This week, guest host Dave Holmes talks to singer songwriter Bob Mould. Mould is one of the original members of seminal 1980s punk band Hsker D, who's since struck out on his own with alternative rock band Sugar and his own solo projects. His new memoir, See A Little Light: The Trail Of Rage And Melody, goes deep into his past, exploring band politics, his sexuality and more.
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MaxFunCon Special
A talk from On the Media's Brooke Gladstone, a conversation between John Hodgman and Toy Story 3's director Lee Unkrich, and comedy from Graham Clark, Maria Bamford, Greg Behrendt, Josie Long, and Jerry O'Hearn. It's all here from our third annual MaxFunCon, a gathering of creative people who wish to be more awesome.
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Paul Provenza
Paul Provenza is a veteran stand up comic, but he's also ventured into documenting the world of comedy at large. He's collected interviews with comedians in his book Satiristas and explored the variations of a very dirty joke when directing the film The Aristocrats. He currently hosts Showtime's The Green Room, which seeks to re-create the feeling of being behind the scenes with some of the most celebrated comedians of our time. The show has just entered its second season.
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Jeff Garlin
Jeff Garlin is an actor, director and comic -- and perhaps best known as Larry David's best friend Jeff on the acclaimed HBO show Curb Your Enthusiasm. The show recently kicked off its eighth season.
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Comedy: Jordan Ranks America July 2011
It's that time again - Jordan Morris spells it all out for us. From the bottom to the top, it's Jordan Ranks America.
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Errol Morris
Errol Morris is an Academy Award-winning director who has documented a wide range of subjects, from warfare in The Fog of War to your everyday eccentrics in Vernon, Florida. His talks about his new film Tabloid, and the power of his non-confrontational interview style.
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AV Club Picks July 2011
AV Club editors Kyle Ryan and Tasha Robinson join us to talk about their top picks in July's music, movies, and books.
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Comedy: Jackie Kashian
Jackie Kashian is an LA-based stand up who hosts her own podcast, The Dork Forest. Here's her set from MaxFunCon 2011, a gathering of people who wish to be more awesome.
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Simon Pegg
Filmmaker and actor Simon Pegg talks about nerds' epic climb up the social ladder -- from schoolyard runts to mainstream successes. His new memoir is called Nerd Do Well.
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Michael Rapaport
Michael Rapaport has an extensive list of credits as an actor, but he visits us to talk about his directorial debut. He took on the task of following the travails of his favorite hip hop group, A Tribe Called Quest. His new documentary, Beats, Rhymes, and Life illustrates the storied history of Tribe and is in theaters in NYC and LA on July 8th.
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Comedy: Prescott Tolk
Stand up comedy from Prescott Tolk, from our live show in Chicago earlier this year.
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Weird Al Returns
When we last spoke to Weird Al, he was working on his top-secret new album. Now he's returned to talk about "Alpocalypse" and the process of parodying other artists.
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Glenn O'Brien - The Style Guy
Glenn O'Brien is the author of How To Be A Man, and the Style Guy columnist for GQ. He also created and hosted TV Party, the seminal new wave television show, and edited Interview magazine.
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Rudolph Herzog
Writer and filmmaker Rudolph Herzog explores the jokes employed by the oppressed and the oppressors of Germany's Third Reich in his new book, Dead Funny: Humor in Hitler's Germany.
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Jon Ronson
Jon Ronson is a journalist, filmmaker and humorist who has written Them: Adventures with Extremists, The Men Who Stare at Goats, and has just published his newest book, The Psychopath Test.
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Scot Armstrong
Scot Armstrong is a screenwriter and comedian who has co-written Old School, Road Trip, and Starsky and Hutch among others. His newest writing project was tackling The Hangover Part II with Todd Phillips.
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Demetri Martin
Demetri Martin is a standup comedian, writer and actor. His new book is called This Is A Book.
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AV Club Picks - May 2011
Our friends Nathan Rabin and Josh Modell from The AV Club drop by to expound upon their pop culture picks for right now, including The Lonely Island and Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job! Season 5 on DVD.
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Men of a Certain Age: Mike Royce and Ray Romano
Mike Royce and Ray Romano are the co-creators of the TNT comedic drama "Men of a Certain Age", which follows three friends through the struggles of middle age. They've previously worked together on the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond".
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Noz's Rap Picks, May 2011
Hip hop blogger Noz is back to talk about his favorite songs this month -- listen up to hear about DJ Quik, Fat Trel, E-40 and more.
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Prodigy of Mobb Deep
Prodigy is a Grammy Award-winning rapper and member of the seminal hip-hop group Mobb Deep. His new autobiography is "My Infamous Life."
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Sarah Vowell
Sarah Vowell is an author and humorist whose newest book, Unfriendly Fishes, is about the annexation of Hawaii.
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Werner Herzog
Werner Herzog is an acclaimed (and prolific) film writer and director, known for narrative films like Aguirre, the Wrath of God as well as documentaries like Grizzly Man. His newest release is a 3D film about the oldest known cave paintings, called The Cave of Forgotten Dreams.
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Comedy: Jordan Ranks America, May 2011
Want to know what's good in the US of A this month? Jordan Morris has the scoop.
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Phil Rosenthal
Phil Rosenthal is the creator of the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, which ran for nine seasons on US television. He's also the subject of a new documentary about the challenges of translating the show for a Russian audience.
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Live in Chicago with Peter Sagal
Peter Sagal of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, wrestler-comedian Colt Cabana, singer Robbie Fulks and standup comic Cameron Esposito join Jesse in this live show recorded at Chicago's Second City.
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AV Club Picks: April 2011
We're joined by Keith Phipps, the AV Club's editor and Scott Tobias, the AV Club's film editor to discuss their pop culture picks for April 2011.
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Das Racist
Das Racist is a Brooklyn hip hop trio known for tracks like "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell" and "hahahaha jk?" They've referred to their particular approach to hip hop as "deconstructualist," combining humor, nonsequiturs, and culture theory. Their album Relax will be released later this year.
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Comedy: The Remington County Folk Festival and...
SuperEgo presents a few words from our current sponsor: The Remington County Folk Festival (and Electronics Expo...?).
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John Darnielle
John Darnielle began making music as the frontman of folk rock band The Mountain Goats in 1991. The band subsequently has gained a cult following and Darnielle has been hailed as one of rock's best lyricists. The Mountain Goats' newest release is All Eternals Deck.
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Carl Newman
Carl Newman is the main songwriter and vocalist of indie rock band The New Pornographers, and also performs as a solo act under the moniker A.C. Newman. The New Pornographers' most recent release is the album "Together".
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Dan Charnas
Dan Charnas, a former record company executive, radio host and journalist has authored a history of the business side of hip-hop called The Big Payback.
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Noz's Rap Picks
Noz, of the hip-hop blog Cocaine Blunts, shares some of his favorite new tracks.
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Comedy: Craig Rowin
Craig Rowin has a proposition for all you millionaires out there.
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Greg Mottola
Greg Mottola is the director behind Superbad and Adventureland, and has also directed episodes of Arrested Development and Undeclared. His new film Paul is out March 18th, and stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
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Bill Hader
Bill Hader is an actor and cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he's been known for his great impressions as well as beloved recurring characters like Stefon and Vinny Vedecci. He's also been in several of the most successful comedies of the past few years, including Superbad, Tropic Thunder and Knocked Up. You can see him in a new alien-comedy movie with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost called Paul.
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Phil Collins: The Song That Changed My Life
Phil Collins chose She Loves You by The Beatles as the song that changed his life for our ongoing series.
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Scott Thompson
An actor and comedian best known for his work in the Canadian sketch group The Kids in the Hall, Scott Thompson recently released his first graphic novel based on one of his characters, Danny Husk.
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Weird Al Yankovic
Weird Al Yankovic is the undisputed king of parody music and the all-time bestselling accordionist. His new children's book is When I Grow Up. His new album is due this summer.
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Live from SF Sketchfest
Comedy from Baron Vaughn and Kasper Hauser plus interviews with Bobcat Goldthwait and Steve Dildarian and music from John Vanderslice from our live show at the San Francisco Sketchfest comedy festival.
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A Thousand Clowns
Jesse's live conversation at the Cinefamily in Los Angeles with Barry Gordon, the then-15-year-old star of the film A Thousand Clowns. Released in 1965 and now out-of-print, A Thousand Clowns co-stars Jason Robards as Murray, a comedy writer who struggles to come to terms with growing up something he must do if he wants to stop child protective services from taking away his adopted son Nick.
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Dick Cavett
Dick Cavett is best known as a talk show host who spoke with (and listened to) some of America's most celebrated entertainers. With a playful yet sophisticated wit, he hosted The Dick Cavett Show, which aired on ABC and on PBS from the late 60s to the early 80s. He currently writes an opinion blog for the New York Times. In his newest book, Talk Show, he tells some of his best stories about his time as an interviewer and host.
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Bill Carter: The War for Late Night
Bill Carter is the author of two books about the politics and people of late night television, and a media reporter for the New York Times. His most recent book is The War for Late Night, a thoughtful and exciting behind-the-scenes look at the Sturm und Drang of the late night wars over Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, and The Tonight Show.
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Daryl Hall
Daryl Hall is a singer, songwriter and producer. He's best known as the lead singer and co-founder of Hall Oates, who have sold more albums than any other duo in music history. His current project is a monthly web video series of his collaborations with other musicians, called "Live from Daryl's House".
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The Song That Changed My Life: Chuck Brown
Chuck Brown is known as "The Godfather of Go-Go", a genre of very danceable funk music that he helped originate in Washington, D.C. in the 1970s.His newest release is a 3-disc set called "We Got This".He spoke to us about a song that changed his life.
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Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples is a legendary RB and gospel singer. She began singing as part of a family gospel group formed by her father called The Staple Singers. Her newest album, produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, is called You Are Not Alone.
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Comedy: Cream and Jordan Ranks America
First, "Ragtag", a sketch from LA-based comedy group Cream; then a monthly wrap-up of what's up and what's down with Jordan Morris for "Jordan Ranks America".
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Adam Reed
Adam Reed is a writer, director, producer and voice actor. He was the co-creator of the Adult Swim animated series Sealab 2021 and Frisky Dingo. He's also the mind behind the FX show Archer, which is entering its second season.
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Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein of "Portlandia"
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein are the stars of a new TV show on IFC called "Portlandia", an affectionate skewering of the young people's bohemian paradise that is Portland, Oregon.
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Comedy: Superego
Heartlines, the late night call-in request show -- "turn on your heartlight and send out a heartline."
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David Rakoff
David Rakoff is an essayist, journalist, and a regular contributor to This American Life. His latest book is a collection of essays called Half Empty, on taking down optimism and championing pessimism.
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Comedy: Maria Bamford at Laugh Night
A standup set from one of our comedy heroes, Maria Bamford. Recorded at our last Laugh Night, a benefit for Art Share in Los Angeles.
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Lynda Barry
Lynda Barry is a legend of alternative comics. Her strip Ernie Pook's Comeek earner her a reputation as sweet, funny and fearless. Her two most recent books are about how to create art and writing.
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Best Comedy of 2010
Our special highlighting the best comedy of the year, including Kyle Kinane, Paul F. Tompkins, Karen Kilgariff, Kasper Hauser, Hannibal Burress, The State, Nick Thune, Aziz Ansari, Mike Phirman and more.
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Holiday Special 2010
A holiday extravaganza! In addition to some of our favorite holiday songs, interviews from Ronnie Spector of legendary 60s girl group The Ronettes, Fred Schneider of The B-52s and The Superions, and The AV Club Holiday Gift Guide with Tasha Robinson and Kyle Ryan.
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Greg Fitzsimmons
Greg Fitzsimmons is a standup comedian. His memoir is Dear Mrs. Fitzsimmons.
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Alex Blagg Jacks Your Strat
Web guru Alex Blagg of ABajillionHits.biz jacks your strat with a powerblast of social media marketing know-how and online insight.
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Jordan Ranks America: November 2010
Jordan Morris ranks America from the bottom to the top.
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John Brandon
John Brandon is a novelist who was raised on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Citrus County is set in his home state and is his second novel, focusing on a teacher and two middle-schoolers who have their loneliness and status as outsiders in common. The book is part crime novel and part exploration of the adolescent pysche.
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The AV Club - December 2010
Keith Phipps and Nathan Rabin of The AV Club stop by to sift through pop culture and present their picks, which include a box set from Apple Records, a new cut of the classic film Metropolis, a book from The Onion columnist Jean Teasdale, and the documentary Best Worst Movie.
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Dr. Dog
Zach Miller and Scott McMicken are members of the Philadelphia band Dr. Dog. Their music synthesizes the sounds of the 1960s and 70s with contemporary influeces, and they've built a major following over the past ten years. Their latest album is Shame, Shame.
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The National
Matt Berninger is the frontman of the Brooklyn indie rock band The National. The band's latest album is High Violet.
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Judd Apatow
Judd Apatow is a comedy writer, director and producer. He has become one of the largest comedic forces in Hollywood with films like Knocked Up and the 40 Year Old Virgin. Apatow's new book, I Found this Funny, is a compilation of work by some of his favorite authors.
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Live at WNYC: Les Savy Fav
A special set of songs from Brooklyn art-rock band Les Savy Fav, featuring Tim Harrington and Seth Jabour. Les Savy Fav's newest album is "Root for Ruin".
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Live at WNYC: A Reading from John Hodgman
Friend of the show John Hodgman reads a piece written specially for our live show in New York City, entitled "16 Things to Do in Connecticut Before the Coming Total Collapse of Civilization". One of his newest ventures is the Judge John Hodgman podcast, available on iTunes.
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Live at WNYC: Judah Friedlander
Judah Friedlander is a regular on NBC's 30 Rock and the author of How To Beat Up Anybody. He is the World Champion.
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Lee Unkrich
Lee Unkrich is the director of Toy Story 3. He's worked at Pixar for more than 15 years, and co-directed Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc. and Toy Story 2.
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Chris Morris
Chris Morris is a comedy writer, director and performer. He was voted one of the all-time top 12 "comedians' comedians" in a BBC poll, and his past work includes the news satires Brass Eye and The Day Today. His new film is a farce about a group of would-be suicide bombers called Four Lions.
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William Gibson
William Gibson is a science fiction writer whose works, increasingly, take place in a realistic present. His latest book, Zero History, is about fashion, authenticity and identity.
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Comedy - Jordan Ranks America 10/10
Jordan Ranks America for October of 2010.
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Vocoder
Dave Tompkins is an acclaimed music journalist. His new book, How To Wreck A Nice Beach, is a history of the vocoder from its military applications to its musical ones.
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Comedy: God's Pottery on Drugs & Alcohol
Duo God's Pottery offer very, very serious advice on battling some common vices.
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The AV Club: Toronto International Film Festival
The AV Club join us from North America's largest film festival with some tips on upcoming films worth watching out for (and avoiding).
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Kristen Schaal
Kristen Schaal is a comedian, actress, and author. She's best known for her role as Mel, the devoted, stalkerish fan of the band on HBO's "The Flight of the Conchords". She's recently co-authored a book, "The Sexy Book of Sexy Sex", with Rich Blomquist.
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Comedy: Greg Behrendt
Greg Behrendt talks about meeting one of his heroes, David Lee Roth. Recorded live at The Sound of Young America's "Laugh Night" at ArtShare in Los Angeles.
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Bill Burr
Bill Burr is a standup comic. His ferocious style is leavened by the fact that he often trains the ferociousness on himself. His latest special, now on DVD, is called Let It Go.
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Bilal
Bilal is a jazz and soul singer based in New York. His second album, Airtight's Revenge, was just released. He's worked with artists from Jay-Z and Dr. Dre to Common and DJ Premier.
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Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus is a Los Angeles-based musician. His critically-acclaimed music blends electronica with progressive hip-hop.
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John Waters
John Waters has a new book out called Role Models that packs a few surprises -- chief among them the influence of Johnny Mathis.
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Jonathan Ames
Jonathan Ames is a novelist, non-fiction and television writer. He created and writes the HBO series Bored to Death, which returns with its second season this month.
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Comedy: Simon Rich: Brain Teasers with Rob Huebel
Are you capable of looking past your own prejudices? Simon Rich has prepared a set of brain teasers to answer that question. Featuring Rob Huebel. Simon Rich's new novel is Elliot Allagash.
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Henry Winkler
He's best known for his role as "The Fonz" on Happy Days, but Henry Winkler's added a number of other acting, producing, and directing credits to his name over the years. He's also co-written a series of children's books. You can catch him right now as Dr. Sy Mittleman on Childrens' Hospital on Cartoon Network's [adult swim].
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Donal Logue
Actor Donal Logue stars in the new FX series Terriers. He won best actor at the Sundance Film Festival for his role in The Tao of Steve, and he created the iconic MTV character Jimmy the Cab Driver.
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It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Rob McElhenney is the creator of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as well as a writer, director and star of the show ("Mac"). Glenn Howerton plays Dennis on the show, and is also involved in writing, directing and production.
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The AV Club September 2010
Tasha Robinson and Genevieve Koski join Jesse for September's pop culture picks. Tasha chooses the Australian modern noir The Square and the upcoming season of the TV show Glee. Genevieve's picks are Mavis Staples' new album You Are Not Alone and a new stand-up comedy album from past Sound of Young America guest Hannibal Buress.
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Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood has worked as a professional actor since he was seven years old. His credits include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the upcoming release The Romantics.
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Mary Roach
Mary Roach is the author of several best-selling books of science journalism, the most recent of which is Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void.
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Comedy: God and Moses
Simon Rich imagines the conversation at Mount Sinai. Featuring Seth Morris and Paul Scheer.
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Jon Glaser
Jon Glaser is a comedy writer and performer. His show on Cartoon Network's [adult swim], Delocated, is entering its second season.
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Comedy: Chelsea Peretti
Standup comic Chelsea Peretti recorded this set at our live show in Washington, DC. She was recently selected one of Variety Magazine's Ten Comics to Watch for 2010.
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St. Vincent
Annie Clark, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, performs under the moniker St. Vincent. She got her start playing guitar for The Polyphonic Spree and in Sufjan Stevens' touring band, then struck out on her own, playing almost every instrument on her debut album, Marry Me. Clark's most recent album, Actor, is a striking blend of beautiful vocals, orchestration, and distorted guitar.
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The Song That Changed My Life: Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack is a singer, songwriter and pianist. She won back-to-back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year for her songs "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song." We spoke to her for a new feature, "The Song That Changed My Life."
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Corb Lund
Corb Lund is a musician and third-generation rancher from Alberta, Canada. He played for over ten years as part of punk band The Smalls, and now brings some of that irreverence to writing roots-country music about his own experiences and those of his ancestors on the Canadian prairies.
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Andrew Noz
Andrew Noz is the blogger behind Cocaine Blunts Hip-Hop Tapes, one of the internet's most successful hip-hop blogs. He's also a contributor to NPR, Complex and The Washington City Paper, among other outlets.
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The AV Club July 2010
Nathan Rabin and Josh Modell join Jesse to recommend the best of popular culture. Nathan chooses Louis CK's Louie and the new film The Kids Are All Right. Josh Modell chooses Inception and Children's Hospital.
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Jordan Ranks America: July 2010
Jordan Morris tells us what's hot and what's not.
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Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead is one of America's most acclaimed novelists. He was the recepient of a MacArthur "genius" grant for his fiction, which includes Apex Hides the Hurt and John Henry Days. His latest novel is Sag Harbor, about the African American beach enclave.
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Comedy: My Baby Dreamer
Los Angeles comedy group Superego contribute this sponsorship message from My Baby Dreamer.
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Mark Frauenfelder
Mark Frauenfelder is the founder of BoingBoing, the editor of Make Magazine, and the author of the new book Made By Hand, about the pleasure of making things yourself.
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