James Lileks' The Diner: Recent Episodes
The Ricochet Audio Network
James Lileks' legendary podcast returns. Stories, observations, anecdotes, and music from the end of the counter to the end of the earth.
Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears; and sometime voices,
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds methought would open, and show riches
Ready to drop upon me; that, when I waked,
I cried to dream again.
William Shakespeare (The Tempest, Act III, Scene II)
Sometimes you just have to play the cards you're dealt - even if that card is a one-eyed Jack.
The banalities of "Bob's" and a trip to Boston to clarify the mind. And stay in your lane!
This episode has a lot of things to unpack... which is what happens when you pack a lot of things.
It's autumn. There's work to be done and you have to know how to handle the pressure of any situation.
Today's lesson: Don't let your wife go to the big box store or you'll be eating the same thing for a week.
The most gratuitous show to date. And if you tip your waitress, make sure you help her get back up on her feet.
An episode that's steaming hot and will get you going. Dare we say it? It's good to the last drop (and that's good, too!)
An episode that was hermetically sealed and kept in a mayonnaise jar on the front porch of Funk & Wagnalls since noon today
Retirement lets you do all the things you've ever wanted... provided you can get past the paperwork.
Plenty of seats available in the Diner today because, well, you know why. Let's get ready for the big holiday weekend next.
Good health to all... from the Diner! And we may stop in at the drug store on the way home, that is, if we have enough spare change.
Back it up, baby... that is, if you can. What do you mean "The drive is inaccessible?" You can always get what you want at The Diner.
Welly, welly, welly, welly, welly, welly, well. To what do we owe the extreme pleasure of this surprising visit?
But of course, it's the release of a new episode of "The Diner."
There's few places outside of home that a man can claim as his own. One is his desk and the other is his spot at "The Diner."
It's dark, the road is unfamiliar and that gas gauge is creeping towards empty... Maybe you should stop at the The Diner.
It's the surest sign of Spring when a young man's fancy turns to... corned beef and sauerkraut.
It's that time of year again. Yep, time to delve into the troubles of your favorite cereal mascots. They have no insurance? It's okay... we have trading stamps!
From the glaze and the sprinkles to the last crumb on a subatomic level, behold the American donut.
Forget your lame Pong, man. We've got a pocketful of quarters and we're heading to the Arcade at the mall!
Every generation finds its own groove... and learns to appreciate the grooves of others.
New cars and old trains and infinite waitresses all the way down... say, did you just hear that?
Your car can be sporty, it can be practical, it can be new or used, but whatever it is - if you're driving it to The Diner - it has to have style.
Christmas traditions come and go just like the people in your life. But they don't really go, do they?
The Mercury plunges and we wrap our hands around a hot bowl of soup and contemplate what lies beyond our chicken and stars...
It's a trip to a romantic, exotic locale... you know, the Diner. Have a seat and a cup of Joe, por favor.
Electronics? Check.
Inflatable pillow? Check.
Peanuts. Check.
Headphones. Check.
Welcome to Lileks Air Flight 39 to Heathrow...
Memories flood the brain like the mighty Sheyenne River pouring over its banks. Grab your shovel, son, there's work to be done.
Life is a highway. A double-yellow lined, curving, narrow highway of mechanized death. But on the bright side, that's where you'll find the Diner.
Hold this episode up to your face. Now point at it and smile. You, too, can be a pitchman.
A stiff drink, a hot band and a lanyard around your neck. It doesn't get any better than that. Or does it?
Contemplating the marvels and the possible malevolence of the modern age while consuming a slightly warmed-over "Weird Burger."
Playlists, algorithms, musical tastes and you never know who's listening...
On the juke box: End of Every Song by Buck Dharma (Triceratops Music - ASCAP) Used by permission. endofeverysong.com
Events of the day leads to thoughts of events of the past - with a little Lidocaine thrown in for good measure.
James is back from the British Isles and has had a little bit of it shipped home directly to The Diner.
James is heading off on his annual sojourn but takes emough time to stop in and sit at his familar place at the long, boomarang-patterned Formica counter and talk a little Fourth of July and things that go BOOOOM in the night.
It’s Christmas at the Diner, where the jukebox has been loaded with regrettable Yule tunes. Are you READY TO FLOCK? This podcast is brought to you by Harry’s Shave. For the finest shave at the best price, got Harrys.com and use the coupon code RICOCHET at checkout.
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It’s the annual trip to the Jukebox of Regrettable Halloween Music, and of course a walk through the woods to the Haunted Diner, where something to terrible to contemplate awaits. Help Ricochet by Supporting Our Advertisers! This podcast is brought to you by Harry’s Shave. For the finest shave at the best price, got Harrys.com and use the coupon code RICOCHET at checkout.
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It’s been a wet summer at home and no cruise ship vacation. But the Diner, oddly enough, finds a way to compensate. Musical features include the great film composer, John Barry – leading a rock ’n’ roll ensemble? Yes. And more.
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James Lileks ruminates on t he search for the perfect summer song. Also, Peter Lorre.
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It’s almost Easter, and that brings recollections of the hierarchy of springtime confections. James Lileks discusses the best way to sever the ears from a chocolate rabbit while listening to songs about spring – including that one about the dinosaurs.
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Direct link to MP3 file A shortage of uranium brings temps down, and we turn to the jukebox for solace. (Spoiler: no solace available) Yes, you may subscribe to this podcast. Thanks for asking.
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Direct link to MP3 file Roadside restaurant raconteur James Lileks returns with another look at regrettable Christmas music – including the eternal search for a Rudolph rival. For a free audio book, courtesy of The Diner, go to AudiblePodcast.com/The Diner.
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Direct link to MP3 file Have a seat at the counter, and enjoy first installment of the Diner’s survey of regrettable Christmas music. From tot’s popping pistols at Santa to needless arcade-game tie-ins, it’s here. Alas. Subscribe and get The Diner automagically. Click here. For a free audio book courtesy of The Diner, go to AudiblePodcast/
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Direct link to MP3 It’s Thanksgiving at the Diner! Turkey-themed music of dubious quality, recollections of feasts past, and the real reason Pepto-Bismol brings back good memories. Note: no turkeys were pardoned in the making of this episode. Don’t miss any more Diners. Subscribe here.
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The Diner introduces a new computerized portal for ordering breakfast; a glum autumnal mood grips the patrons, and not even Mungo Jerry can boost their spirits. An attempt to fix the glitches goes just about as well as you might expect. Yes! The Diner is available on iTunes. Not part of the Apple cabal? Use this link to subscribe to your podcast software of choice. The Diner is brought to by our...
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It’s Halloween at the Diner, and that means recollections of all the cliches of the holiday, a tour of some dismaying seasonal music, and confronting the problem of zombies in the Diner’s parking lot. If all those moaning, snuffling creatures are zombies, that is. We’ll find out. Yes! The Diner is available on iTunes. Not part of the Apple cabal? Use this link to subscribe to your podcast software...
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Direct link to MP3 file We’ve been after him for years about this and finally, it’s here. Our own James Lileks returns to The Diner out on Highway 23 for a one man tour through food, music, technology (old and new) and his effort to add James Joyce to the diner jukebox. If you’ve never heard this show before, you’re in for a treat (of the fried variety). Yes! The Diner is available on iTunes.
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