The Dinner Party Download: Recent Episodes
Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam
The Dinner Party Download is a fast and funny hour of culture, food and conversation -- the arts and leisure section of public radio -- with hosts Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam. Previous guests include Steve Martin, Scarlett Johansson and Kevin Hart. Entertainment Weekly named The Dinner Party Download one of 20 Podcasts You Need to Hear in 2015. Twitter: @dinnerpartydnld.
Rico and Brendan aren't exactly back, but they're here to tell you about their new projects! Brendan has been producing The Paris Review and Rico has a new podcast called "Safe For Work." Rico and Liz Dolan ("Satellite Sisters") will help you make the big decisions, sort through the small stuff, and get more fulfillment from your work life. Here's a preview.
Alas, this is our last audio treat for you (for now). In the final installment of the "How to Behave" series, you'll hear some of the best of our favorite etiquette segments with celebrities. Master thespian Sir Ian McKellen offers a tip on how to deal with people who mispronounce your name (never correct the Queen), Cameron Diaz gives us impeccable advice for the long haul, and the one and only RuPaul gives some "godly" etiquette guidance. Be sure to keep up with Brendan and Rico at BrunchIsHell.com Cheers!
We've got another audio treat for you! Think of these as a companion to Brendan and Rico's book, "Brunch is Hell." In the second installment of the "How to Behave" series, you'll hear some of the best of our favorite etiquette segments with comedians. Our guests include "Portlandia" stars Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen, Maria Bamford of "Lady Dynamite," and "Difficult People" star Billy Eichner. Cheers!
Surprise! You might've thought we posted our last DPD episode, but we've got a few more audio goodies over the next couple of weeks, starting with this inaugural episode of what we're calling our "How to Behave" series. Think of it as a companion to Brendan and Rico's book, "Brunch is Hell." These episodes will take the best bits of our favorite etiquette segments. Today's theme is food, and our guests are celebrity chefs Alton Brown, Samin Nosrat, and Bobby Flay. Bon appétit!
It's our final new episode! Featuring new music from Northwest phenom Kyle Craft... A tale of howling at the moon from Snap Judgement's Glynn Washington... Unimpeachable holiday gift ideas from New York Times columnist Lindy West... Maddening song suggestions from Luke Burbank of "LiveWire"... And a litany of good - and bad - goodbyes for all of our wonderful listeners.
This week, we re-heat some of our favorite food-related stories EVER: Celebrated chef Anthony Bourdain gets tough and tender in our etiquette segment... New York's "The Pickle Guys" don their horseradish hazmat suits... Chef Eddie Huang makes us rethink mac and cheese ... Beth Ditto serves up a party soundtrack-- and great gravy... Brendan discovers the three most beautiful words in the English language: Korean, BBQ, Tacos. Chef and author Gabrielle Hamilton turns Triscuits into fine dining ... Actor Illeana Douglas recalls an all-day feast with Marlon Brando... And Rico gets a (tiny) taste of rationed food during WWII.
Encore Broadcast: Comedy legend Mel Brooks reanimates "Young Frankenstein" then offers priceless etiquette advice (warning: may include death threats, flatulence, gallows humor, and uncontrollable laughter)... Actress Greta Gerwig ("Frances Ha" and "Mistress America") tries a love story on for size... AC Newman of indie rock super-group The New Pornographers spins a party soundtrack that's so cool, it'll annoy you... The one and only "Cat Cafe" in North America (no, you do not eat the cats)... The science of "nose-blindness"... We toast Emma Nutt, the first female switchboard operator in history. And music from your new (old) grrlfriends Ex Hex.
The title says it all, folks. Thanks for lending us your ears, ideas, laughs, taste buds, pun tolerance, and everything else! We're blessed to have you attending our party every week, and so we figured it was high time for some audio "thank you" notes.
Tig Notaro brings her life to TV... The Late Show's Jon Batiste makes a case for a surprise at every dinner party... Chef Sean Sherman re-imagines indigenous American cuisine... Director Yorgos Lathimos on his follow-up to "The Lobster"... and more!
Actor Abbi Jacobson remembers her past recycling bottles for spare change... Comedian Whitney Cummings talks about being polite when you're codependent... Drummer Patty Schemel makes a case for why drummers shouldn't be the butt of the joke... The director of "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women"... The best baguette you'll ever eat... and more!
Thought you were getting an encore broadcast? Surprise! It's actually an all-new Speakeasy! First: Lots of news in the DPD universe including a big announcement about the future of the show. Up next: an almost-unedited chat with comedian Whitney Cummings! She stopped by to answer a few etiquette questions and ended up teaching us about the math behind the perfect roast joke...and about the wonder that is co-dependency.
Actor Willem Dafoe explains what he learns from screen newbies... Electro band Depeche Mode on how travel has made their music more socially conscious... A former Obama speechwriter convinces us that ferns are the most romantic plant... Chef Carla Hall shares her grandmother's cast iron cornbread recipe... Rachel Bloom takes on your etiquette questions... and more!
(Heads up: This week's episode features adult humor. It is not suitable for young listeners.) We've got something entirely new for you today... introducing "Double Take"! A new podcast-only goody where you'll hear comedians dissecting their craft, and then, they'll talk us through the evolution of a single joke: from its first, usually pretty awful telling to now. Today's guest is Joel Kim Booster.
While Rico's away, Brendan plays hooky with special guest co-host Tobin Low, of WNYC's Nancy (but don't tell Rico!) Also: Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve worries about the pressure in making the sequel to "Blade Runner"... Comic Joel Kim Booster breaks down a bad joke and how he made it better... Etiquette experts Lizzie Post and Dan Post-Senning give advice on how to thank someone who's been forced to host a public radio show. Plus, producer Khrista Rypl flies to Colorado for some "baked" goods, Parisians unite to defend pigeons' rights, and we showcase a new song from Little Dragon.
Shania Twain explains how a vegetarian can survive a country bbq... Musician Emily Haines challenges you to pick difficult music for your dinner party... Erin McCann makes a case for the mosquito emoji... The filmmakers behind "Battle of the Sexes" reveal why there was 40-year-old underwear on the set of their film... Rico drink tea with cheese on top (really)... and more.
This time around, Brendan chats with "This Is Us" actor and recent Emmy winner Sterling K. Brown about the hit NBC drama, why he found the opportunity to explore Randall's relationship with his father "intoxicating," his new role in the Thurgood Marshall biopic "Marshall," the current landscape of black television shows, and why his first acting gig with his (future) wife wasn't exactly a labor of love.
Folks! Instead of reheating an encore episode, we've carefully baked a brand-new Speakeasy souffle for you!
In this episode: Margaret Cho tells morbid tales of graveyards, murder, and (gasp!) Norman Mailer. Flying Lotus shares how getting into an ahem higher state of consciousness helped him direct "Kuso." "Strong Island" filmmaker Yance Ford recommends a few amazing Mexican restaurants in New York... if you can speak bleep. And Depeche Mode takes us back to the time when they, somehow, started a riot.
Comedian Margaret Cho lets listeners know when it's OK to ask Asian-Americans where they're from (Hint: never)..."Strong Island" documentarian Yance Ford re-examines his brother's murder - and his family's search for justice - 25 years later... Yacht Rock royalty Michael McDonald gives a soundtrack that takes him back to his childhood... Brendan tastes a traditional Slavic beverage known as Kvass... and we bid farewell to Michelle Philippe a.k.a "The Voice of History" with a cocktail.
Author Jesmyn Ward admits to some guilty pleasures... The threesome behind Future Islands DJs the ultimate "grill and chill" playlist - pets allowed... Director Theo Anthony remembers what it's like to have Werner Herzog as your teacher... The National's Matt Berninger explains the perks of being a rock star and a dad... Librarian Annie Spence bids goodbye to a classic of Russian literature... and more!
Actor-director Lake Bell turns her lens on marriage -- the good, the bad, and the ugly... Author Jenny Zhang suggests a few super "sour" bites of culture... Punk Rocker Ted Leo brings us tunes that'll make you dance and think... The Posts demonstrate how NOT to tick off your college roommate... And Brendan tries Kubeh for the first time (the New York restaurant and the Kurdish treat). Plus, Sherlock's creator cracks a real-life case, Vivien Leigh's copy of the "Gone With the Wind" script is up for grabs, and a new track from Grizzly Bear sets the perfect vibe to your weekend.
Just in time for the Emmys, it's a special episode all about TV's unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes! From a costume designer for "The Handmaid's Tale" to a casting director for REALITY television. These unsung roles are called "below-the-line" in the biz... but their work is above-and-beyond amazing. Oh -- and a special twist! -- this show's interviews are hosted by DPD's own below-the-line team: our intrepid producers. Enjoy!
We know a few of you have been thinking, "What's with all the reruns, DPD?" Well, a few of us have been taking a little time off this summer to recharge our batteries. Rest assured we're hard at work on all-new classic DPD episodes we'll be dropping on you in September, featuring interviews with Emmy nominee Sterling K. Brown of the show "This Is Us," the band Depeche Mode, and more. But over the next few weeks, we're bringing you some new, experimental episodes...
Encore Broadcast: The irrepressible Tituss Burgess from "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" doles out etiquette advice and plays matchmaker... "I Love Dick" actor Kathryn Hahn pokes fun at the high-art world... Indie musician Mac DeMarco DJ's his Italian family dinner... A visit to a vegan butcher... Wisdom from New York Times bestselling author Anne Lamott. Plus, a cocktail tribute to VHS tapes and Jane Fonda, how to look like leadership material, and a new track from alternative hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces!
It's time for a cavalcade of icebreaker jokes! We've gathered a year's worth of our show-starting jokes into one convenient listening experience. Brace yourselves for awesomely lame one-liners, knock-knock jokes, and more, courtesy of guests like Jordan Peele, Gillian Jacobs, Ava DuVernay, Danny Boyle, Rachel Bloom, Jane Lynch, Barry Jenkins, Norm Macdonald, and Tituss Burgess. Some are funny... most are not. But there are definitely a lot of them. Cheers!
Encore Broadcast: Lin-Manuel Miranda talks about his latest work in 'Moana,' and reveals how a cross country trip helped him perfect his freestyle rapping...'Nerdette' co-host Greta Johnsen proves why Virginia is NOT for lovers... Rapper Kevin Abstract gives us a dinner party soundtrack for time travelers... Writer Ottessa Moshfegh shares her favorite characters nostalgic for other eras... Plus, the fanciest way to eat beer for breakfast, the history of the Monopoly game, and the only Valentine's Day advice you need from an Emily Post descendant.
"Saturday Night Live" cast member Kyle Mooney takes on some first world problems... Writer and photographer Teju Cole explains how he tried to be gangsta in his new book... Flying Lotus chats with us about his nightmarish film 'Kuso' and why you shouldn't believe everything you read about it... New York Times Editor Erin McCann explains how eagles are taking on drones... Singer Vagabon gives us a party playlist that demands respect... Why you're missing out on fish collars... and more.
Alan Alda offers up etiquette advice (including when it's OK to punch someone)... comedy duo the Lucas Brothers show us how to cheat at driver's tests... rocker Mitski provides a party playlist for people who don't party... Jody Avirgan and Rose Eveleth of ESPN's "30 For 30" tell a tale of a $12 million card trick... And Rico revisits the dumpling of his Pittsburgh youth -- the Polish pierogi. Plus, 300,000 missing umbrellas, the history of UK's food rationing, and a new track from Maya Killtron.
Surprise! Instead of serving up some delicious leftovers (i.e. a rerun), we're serving up a fresh out of the oven Speakeasy special! This time around, Neil deGrasse Tyson explains why Albert Einstein would never use hairspray, "I Love Dick" and "Transparent" star Kathryn Hahn shares a story you should NEVER tell at a dinner party, and Rico pays tribute to a beloved Pittsburgh pal: Jerry of Jerry's Records.
How Alison Brie body-slammed her way to a role in "GLOW"... Cook and author Samin Nosrat explains why Iranians are the best hosts ever... Beth Ditto serves up a party soundtrack -- and great gravy... Giancarlo Esposito ("Better Call Saul") gives us the silent treatment... a detailed discussion on Piet Mondrian (the guy who painted the squares). Plus, a Kentucky town's pit-bull politician, a record-smashing cocktail, and more!
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Feist, Fleet Foxes, a talking wolf named Nick Offerman, and more join us on an audio odyssey designed to reacquaint you with the wonders of nature! Hosts Brendan and Rico -- two city slickers -- stumble their way through the great outdoors (and outer space!), gleaning wisdom from unexpected sources.
This week, instead of a rerun, we're serving up a Dinner for One special with one of the most celebrated character actors ever -- Giancarlo Esposito. Plus, get a little taste of next week's "Look Up and Listen!" audio adventure and a sneak peek at our chat with "Glow" and "Mad Men" actress Alison Brie.
Encore Broadcast: Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan sharpens her skills in Broadway's Crucible... Actor-and-author Cameron Diaz gives us impeccable advice -- for the long haul... A new doc paints a portrait of David Hockney, an artist both bright and blue... One-man-band Kevin Morby recommends a few other artists (and BBQ masters) who went solo... Comedian-on-the-rise Solomon Georgio recalls his low point... And we toast "Queen Bess" -- the African-American pilot who blazed a (con)trail before Amelia Earhart did. Plus, a cure for cell phone zombie-ism, a new funk-tastic track, and some horseplay.
Showrunner supreme Damon Lindelof ("Lost," "The Leftovers") hops into Rico's hot tub time machine, then considers the paradoxes of fandom... The band Phoenix toasts a purring Bryan Ferry, video games in Japan, and the sounds of le cinema... We pay tribute to late great sportswriter Frank DeFord, who throws us some etiquette curveballs... Musician Lynn Castle recalls her proposal from a certain Phil Spector... And we learn about Gertrude of Arabia (sorry Lawrence)! Plus, naked school, Pluto's origins, and a tasty joke from Tituss Burgess.
We're back with another digital delight! It's another installment of our almost-unedited "Dinner for One" series. For this mini-episode, Rico chats with former co-worker Damon Lindelof. Yes, it's true! Listen as he and Damon reminisce about their days working together on MTV's "Undressed" as writers (of many hot tub scenes). Damon also reflects on how his days as a young "Encyclopedia Brown" fan shaped his storytelling style and his love of interpretive endings. Plus, he talks about interacting with fandoms and ponders if "Lost" maybe answered too many questions.
Director Paul Feig tracks your laughs, fights T-shirt tyranny... Producer duo Danger Mouse and Sam Cohen say Vive la "Resistance" (and French party music)... Writer Samantha Irby (of the B**ches Gotta Eat blog) fakes her way into pregnant yoga... Burlesque meets baseball (meets cocktail!)... And the Posts lead us into the 'gaping maw' of yawning etiquette. Plus: migrating trees, Zacatecan cuisine, and love from Phoenix.
We're serving up something different on the feed today. It's the second installment of our new "Dinner for One" series -- a single, almost unedited conversation with a luminary in arts and entertainment. This time around, Brendan talks with writer, director, and producer extraordinaire Paul Feig. Listen as the two examine how "Bridesmaids" led to more creative freedom when writing women characters, why Melissa McCarthy's rage as Sean Spicer is so funny, and more. Plus, he and Brendan bond over style and Paul explains why "comfort is a state of mind." Cheers!
The irrepressible Tituss Burgess from "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" doles out etiquette advice and plays matchmaker... "I Love Dick" actor Kathryn Hahn pokes fun at the high-art world... Indie musician Mac DeMarco DJ's his Italian family dinner... A visit to a vegan butcher... Wisdom from New York Times bestselling author Anne Lamott. Plus, a cocktail tribute to VHS tapes and Jane Fonda, how to look like leadership material, and a new track from alternative hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces!
Surprise! It's an all-new Speakeasy Special -- a bonus mid-week treat filled with unheard bits and bobs from our interviews. Listen as "Silicon Valley" star Thomas Middleditch flexes his improv muscle and invents an entire fictional food chain (with a signature drink!) in less than 60 seconds. Then, get a mint condition etiquette answer from singer-songwriter Aimee Mann, before settling in with a thoughtful discussion with author and radio personality Charlamagne Tha God about why Twitter isn't the greatest place for constructive conversation. Plus, Rico shares a not-so-hot "Star Wars" investment tip and more.
Encore Broadcast: Peter Capaldi -- star of the beloved sci-fi series "Dr. Who" -- brings etiquette advice via TARDIS... Funnyman Paul Scheer revels in terrible movies, pseudo-reality... Filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi explores how the tech boom and gentrification have remade San Francisco, her hometown... Dance-pop star Shamir works it, while working retail, and whips up a party soundtrack... We connect the dots in the history of Twister -- a game once derided as "sex in a box"... and more!
We're putting on our own music festival with a special "ALL-MUSIC EPISODE"! You'll hear sets from our favorite artists: Run the Jewels, Alice Cooper, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Punk legend Viv Albertine, Perfume Genius, folk musician Joan Shelley, Tony Bennett, and more. Plus Kristen Bell singing the praises of her favorite Disney movie (no, it's not "Frozen"), a story about the mostly unknown FIFTH Beatle, and a "Sublime" wedding proposal. Best of all, you don't even have to leave your house to experience this festival (except we will charge 10 dollars for a bottle of water.)
Radio kingpin Charlamagne tha God explains the concept behind his new book, "Black Privilege," and reminds us manners will take you where money won't... Oscar-winning screenwriter and director John Ridley looks back at the L.A. riots 25 years later... Rico takes a trip to Lawry's to check in on the Prime Rib renaissance... and we learn about the delightful world of New York Times obituary writers. Plus, Feist gives us a cozy wintry playlist and more.
"Silicon Valley" star Thomas Middleditch gets silly and waxes poetic on his days as a Dungeons & Dragons wizard… "Dear White People" creator Justin Simien tells us how to deal with a Northerner who says y'all… Two-fifths of Cold War Kids mix a sentimental playlist… and author Elena Passarello introduces us to Mozart's favorite pet. Plus, Thomas Jefferson saves the Library of Congress, a forgotten pioneer of American cuisine, and "coffin liquor."
Give Tuesday a fun boost with this Speakeasy Special! This episode covers it all: Nerds, Steve Inskeep jokes, pizza crust etiquette... need we say more?
First up, you'll get a previously unaired slice from our interview with Gillian Jacobs. Then, hear a full dose of etiquette from our South by Southwest show with "Saturday Night Live" star Sasheer Zamata. Rico reminisces about the era when being a nerd wasn't cool (pantsing and wedgies are discussed). Plus, "T2 Trainspotting" director Danny Boyle explains why he can't get enough of the Young Fathers song "Only God Knows."
Encore Broadcast:Multi-hyphenate Rashida Jones -- one of the forces behind TV's police farce "Angie Tribeca"-- comes bearing wisdom for 'overdogs'... Cello maestro Yo-Yo Ma gets existential... Pop sensations Tegan and Sara craft a party playlist that's frank -- and French... The man and myth behind the doughnut, as we know it... Photographing your dinner makes you happy?! Rico fact checks (with more doughnut)... Funny-person Negin Farsad ponders etiquette and 'other' questions... Plus, blessed jokes, magical chocolate, and your next favorite song!
Hank Azaria ("Brockmire") talks about baseball in at least five different voices... Aimee Mann disses tattoo copycats, sings about actual cats ... "Daily Show" expat Jason Jones -- now starring in "The Detour" -- relives the terrors of moving to New York City ... Molly Wood unveils the latest scholarship at the University of Utah -- for video game players ... and we learn how we've been using salt completely wrong. Plus, Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand makes a dinner party playlist for his pals, we toast a dry Niagara Falls, and we announce/lament the winner of Martini Madness!
Journalist Katie Couric is not flattered by her nickname of "America's Sweetheart"... HBO's "Insecure" showrunner Prentice Penny gives some "Upscale" advice... Swedish troubadour Jens Lekman throws a dance party in the Middle East... the creators of the hit Broadway musical "Come From Away" list some musicals based on real events. Plus, a divorce hotel, a new track from Slowdive, and the final round of Martini Madness!
The one and only RuPaul gives some "godly" etiquette advice... filmmaker Danny Boyle reflects back on his cult film "Trainspotting" and why he decided to make a sequel more than 20 years later... Actor Alan Tudyk picks a list of his favorite robots... And sommelier protocol with the New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov. Plus, why Romania changed definitions in its dictionary, the costliest art heist in American history, and a song to kick off the weekend.
(Heads up: This week's episode features some ahem adult humor. It may not be suitable for young listeners.) Folks! It's an all-new Speakeasy Special. This time, Rico and Brendan are reporting from the South by South West festival in Austin, TX. Learn all about the good (and odd) food they dined on and new music acts they saw. Plus, unheard tidbits from our interviews with RuPaul and Rachel Bloom!
Actor Gillian Jacobs shares her "Love" for her Netflix show and public radio... Comedian Sam Richardson finds a friend -- and his mojo -- at the edge of the world... Jay Som DJs a Halloween party (springtime be damned)... And Emily Post's scions bring tips on hotel tips. Plus, decrypting the Rorschach test, Norway's answer to comment trolls, and MARTINI Madness. Fill out your boozy brackets, y'all!
Comedian Jordan Peele's hit horror film "Get Out" is a deadly serious exploration of racism...Pete Holmes used his divorce as inspiration for his new HBO comedy, "Crashing"...Nashville singer Valerie June throws a party at Elvis' house...Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen tackles issues of race, immigration, and identity...Plus, how the film, "Nosferatu," almost burned to crisp, a cocktail that will wake you from the dead, and running a marathon...with a bike?
This week, something a little different! We're giving you the first in an all-new series we're calling "Dinner for One" -- essentially, a single, almost unedited conversation with someone amazing. This time, comedy -- and now horror -- genius Jordan Peele chats with Rico about "Get Out," the new film he wrote and directed. The 'social thriller' tackles race head-on, with a totally different tone than a typical horror film. Plus, we've got an exclusive new trailer for an ahem absolute must-see movie. Cheers!
Director Damien Chazelle on his record-tying 14 Oscar nominations, and why he's attracted to art forms on their way to extinction... A New York Times editor reveals the elaborate accommodations for canine competitors at the Westminster Dog Show... Author George Saunders dishes out advice and reveals his real first novel... Musician Rhiannon Giddens picks a playlist for the perfect potluck... Plus, decoding menu mysteries and how John Harvey Kellogg invented corn flakes!
Lin-Manuel Miranda talks about his latest work in "Moana," and reveals how a cross country trip helped him perfect his freestyle rapping... "Nerdette" co-host Greta Johnsen proves why Virginia is NOT for lovers... Rapper Kevin Abstract gives us a dinner party soundtrack for time travelers... Writer Ottessa Moshfegh shares her favorite characters nostalgic for other eras... Plus, the fanciest way to eat beer for breakfast, the history of the Monopoly game, and the only Valentine's Day advice you need from an Emily Post descendant.
"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" star Rachel Bloom schools us in online stalking and making contemporary musicals... DJ Steve Aoki marries hardcore music with rap... "Marketplace" host Kai Ryssdal makes us all smarter... Oscar-nominated director Raoul Peck pays tribute to the late, great James Baldwin in his new documentary... Comedians John Early and Kate Berlant recommend three classic tales of the quest for Hollywood immortality... Plus, the history of paper money, a molasses-inspired cocktail, the Southern delights of pimento cheese, and more!
Holy Tuesday, it's an all-new episode of our off-the-cuff Speakeasy podcast. This time, Brendan and Rico are in the studio together -- a rare event! In this special, you'll hear an icebreaker from the Academy Award-nominated director Ava DuVernay that didn't make it to air. Also, "Moonlight" director Barry Jenkins -- who is up for TWO Academy Awards -- reveals why our theme song band, The Sea and Cake, makes him nostalgic for his college years. Plus, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and Rico compare Faces (and Small Faces), Brendan and Rico debate adult "Harry Potter" fandom, and more.
Encore Broadcast: "Ugly Betty" and "Superstore" star America Ferrera explains the "super" part of superstores... Comedian Norm Macdonald gives us etiquette advice and reveals why his new memoir, "Based on a True Story," is full of lies... Childstar-turned-writer Mara Wilson confronts the hereafter... Noise rock pioneer Lou Barlow celebrates soft rock with a soundtrack for your dinner party... Plus, the history of Play-Doh, a crimson cocktail, nanofish in your bloodstream, and more!
We talk life, (near-)death, and tree-climbing with "The OA" creator and star Brit Marling, then learn how she broke her nose making it... Comedian Cristela Alonzo gives us some "Lower Classy" advice... Booker Prize-winning novelist Aravind Adiga teaches us a thing or two about the sport of cricket... A medical breakthrough inspires a healthy tipple...And the documentary "Gleason" showcases the real struggles of living with ALS. Plus, Big Top puns, McDonald's disastrous Hula Burger, and how squirrels are secretly master hackers. (The truth is out...)
Ava DuVernay unpacks the issues at play in her searing documentary, "13th," then reveals the cheeseball '80s movie that's her true fave... Legendary Sex Pistol Steve Jones tells you when it's OK to steal from your opening act... Indie band Whitney gives a retro playlist that'll raise the roof... Comedian Baron Vaughn meets a turn-of-phrase... And Brendan finds out what you get when you cross a cheesesteak with a pancake (hint: not cheesecake!). Plus, the history of FM radio, hip(pie) humor, and a drug that'll give dentists a run for their money.
Filmmaker Mike Mills celebrates his mom and other "20th Century Women"... Multi-instrumentalist Natalie Mering a.k.a. Weyes Blood takes us to the opera (inside her tiny apartment)... The Posts bring etiquette gifts that never expire...We learn about the secret that brilliant cartoonist George Herriman ("Krazy Kat") kept 'til his death... Rico samples guarapo, Cuba's signature street beverage... And we look back at the time when a giant wave of molasses hit north Boston. Plus, beer's musical notes, a little good shroom-er, and a newly-remastered track from the late Elliott Smith.
We look back at our favorite moments of 2016! Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro professes his love for insects and imperfections... Actor Saoirse Ronan pronounces Brendan's name correctly... Mya Taylor (star of "Tangerine" and winner of DPD's "NOTscar") finds home on the range ... We toast the high-flying, history-making exploits of Bessie Coleman, the first black female pilot... Phoebe Waller-Bridge, creator of TV's "Fleabag," shows off her performing chops (and something else) ... And rising R&B star Jamila Woods provides a funky playlist for your next outdoor, overnight hangout! Also on the menu: Bolivian salteñas, Sam Heughan spacing out, and etiquette tips from an all-star crew including Norm Macdonald, Cameron Diaz, Maria Bamford, and Jessica Williams.
Zooey Deschanel and M Ward of the band She & Him suggest some holiday music deep cuts, for the sun and the snow... Alton Brown waxes poetic about eggnog, before serving up etiquette advice... "Parks and Rec" alum Nick Offerman breaks down his Oscar-worthy YuleLog video (that's just him sipping whiskey for 45 minutes)... Vanity Fair film critic Richard Lawson stuffs our stocking with unconventional holiday movies... And listeners chime in with tales of the WORST gifts ever. Plus: merry musings from Brendan and Rico, a generous helping of holiday history, and more!
Filmmaker Barry Jenkins finds magic in "Moonlight"...Actor Gael Garcia Bernal waxes poetic about art and "Neruda"...U.K. wit Caitlin Moran proposes steam baths for politicians and onesies FOR ALL... Folk phenom Lucy Dacus spins us a soundtrack built for living rooms and river beds. Plus: Jedi poetry, "Surfy Christmas," and tiny Jane Austens.
Ta-da! It’s an all-new episode of our impromptu Speakeasy podcasts. This time, Rico and Brendan reflect on their recent trip to Cuba (be sure to check out photos here). Plus, you’ll hear a few bonus pieces of audio not included in full episodes! Rick Astley tells us how his daughter helped him cope with becoming a meme, Anthony Bourdain talks about the contradictions inherent in his hero Hunter S. Thompson, and poet-singer Jamila Woods recommends a gorgeous song that’s part-Disney dream, part wake-up call.
It's one of our favorite (holiday) episodes: Hip-hop legend Darryl "DMC" McDaniels riffs on his mega-hit "Christmas in Hollis"... TV's "Naked Chef" Jamie Oliver injects some health into our holiday menu (okay, some butter remains)... Humorist Fran Lebowitz cuts through holiday sap with tart advice... Macklemore & Ryan Lewis craft a Yuletide playlist, featuring your crazy Uncle Larry... Plus, Santa's whereabouts during the Iranian Revolution ,and re-remember holiday movies good and bad: "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and the infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special."
Celebrated chef Anthony Bourdain gets tough and tender in our etiquette segment... Breakout actor Mackenzie Davis (TV's "Halt and Catch Fire," the new film "Always Shine") opts for reality over (manic pixie) dreams... Kurt Wagner, frontman of Nashville band Lambchop, turns back the clock with his party soundtrack...Iconic silver screen rebel Toshiro Mifune gets a new close-up...And Nora McInerny, host of the new podcast "Terrible, Thanks for Asking," travels through time and tragedy, with comedy. Plus, sinister smog, verboten leftovers, and maybe the most tongue-tied joke in DPD history.
It's a week of feasting, which means it's time for our special All-Food Show! Star chef Roy Choi reinvents fast food, in the heart of Watts... Comedian Jim Gaffigan advises you to pack your kids' lunch with pub fare... Nahnatchka Khan, showrunner for TV's "Fresh Off the Boat," thanks her Dad for drive-thru laughs...Marlon Brando orders room service... And musician Fantastic Negrito builds a playlist that's good for your soul AND your kidneys. Plus, the man and myth behind the donut (as we know it), knish knowledge, soup jou mou, and more!
Encore Broadcast:We revisit our conversation with the late great soul singer Sharon Jones… “Bad Moms” star Kristen Bell entertains our emoji etiquette questions… Comedian Josh Gondelman celebrates his Sublime relationship… Icelandic musician Junius Meyvant DJs your dinner party… Author Charles Russo teaches us about Bruce Lee’s early days… Plus, the robots that wrote the world’s scariest movie, the most popular fake student at a real university, a deceptive cocktail, and more.
This week, it's a special podcast episode taped LIVE at the Now Hear This podcast festival! Davy Rothbart, host of the acclaimed "Found" podcast, tells us about heart-warming root canals... "Gilmore Guys" co-host Demi Adejuyigbe tries to convert Brendan and Rico into, well, "Gilmore Guys"... The OC Weekly's Gustavo Arellano pushes buttons left and right... And humorist Annabelle Gurwitch pities a certain Egyptian princess, before leading our illustrious etiquette panel.
"Parks and Rec" alum Nick Offerman carves out his own niche, solves problems with bear hugs... Singer and godfather-of-memes Rick Astley lists some alternatives to his beloved "Rick-roll"... Journalist Emily Witt ponders sex and love in the 21st century... And "Daily Show" correspondent Hasan Minhaj makes a lofty proposal! Plus: drooling drummers, a cold war close call (with a nerve-settling cocktail), and sous vide fast food.
It's a very special all-book show! Featuring etiquette tips from "Eat, Pray, Love" author Elizabeth Gilbert... A lesson on tribal society with "The Perfect Storm" writer Sebastian Junger... Man Booker prize recipient Marlon James confronts his bullies in drag... Israeli novelist Etgar Keret welcomes a newborn amidst a terrorist attack... Illustrator Molly Crabapple talks about her time in the "naked girl business." Plus: We hear from not one, but two(!) poet laureates, listeners invite a literary character to dinner, small talk about a single-item bookstore, and a QWERTY-inspired cocktail.
Encore Broadcast: This week, it's a special edition of the DPD, taped in front of a D.C.-area crowd! Think of it as a political party: Former congressman Barney Frank pines for pragmatism and left-(handed) progress... Anna Chlumsky of HBO's "VEEP" swears she can leave her character's quirks on-set... Local keyboard legend Hailu Mergia, once a part of Ethiopia's jazz scene, tells us his incredible story and then plays us out... And we talk Martinis (and Martinezes) with D.C.'s bartender-in-chief Derek Brown. Plus, the man behind the President's "Between Two Ferns" appearance, some crooked Nixon humor, and more!
Critically-acclaimed director Kelly Reichardt chats about her new film "Certain Women"... The hilarious Kevin Hart brings his kids to work... Grammy-winner and newly-minted "Prairie Home Companion" host Chris Thile spins us a soundtrack... Comedian Kyle Kinane unwinds with some conspiracy theories... Etiquette experts the Posts help us deal with unskilled Uber drivers... Plus: Growing food amidst LA's continuing drought, a donut delivery man in disguise, we paint the town red with an unruly cocktail, and more!
Actor Rebecca Hall - star of the new film "Christine" - demonstrates her range (from Shakespeare to Bjork!)... The always gleeful Jane Lynch brings an alter ego to therapy and gives us etiquette advice... Electro-pop maestro Tom Krell, a.k.a. How to Dress Well, DJs your dinner party ... Novelist Jade Chang shares a riches-to-rags story of an immigrant who wants to emigrate... Plus, the underground Bolivian Llama Party, how you may be left-footed, the innovative origins of "I Love Lucy," and more!
Seth Meyers dishes about working his "Late Night" gig (and not about "Saturday Night Live!")... Pretend talk show host Eric Andre lists his favorite train wreck interviews... Comedian Phoebe Robinson teaches us how to avoid being the black friend... New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd gives us etiquette advice and describes what happens when Donald Trump calls you crazy... Plus, Indonesian food in Amsterdam, foul play at Wrigley field, pumpkin lies, and more!
Surprise! It's our first-ever extra-special-INSTA-pod! Normally, we help you win your dinner parties, but today we're going to help you win your DEBATE party. We chatted with New York Times Op-Ed columnist Maureen Dowd for "etiquette" (tune in for her full chat on Friday), but we couldn't resist also asking her about her thoughts on tonight's presidential debate and what you should watch out for. According to Maureen, the debate pits the "king of winging it" against the "queen of homework." Listen, learn, and prepare for those bingo cards...
Encore Broadcast: It's a special "ALL-TV" Episode, featuring big talent from the small screen! Ellie Kemper of "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" smiles into the void... T.J. Miller ("Silicon Valley") recommends wedding gifts for the budget-minded (just make sure you have your tetanus shot)... "Orange is the New Black" star Uzo Aduba invites Shakespeare to the slammer... TV mastermind Norman Lear reminisces about the birth of the medium..."The Daily Show" correspondent Aasif Mandvi tells us a thriller-ing story.. And listeners chime in with their favorite TV theme songs. The revolution will be televised...or, you know, streamed.
"Ugly Betty" and "Superstore" star America Ferrera explains the "super" part of superstores... Comedian Norm Macdonald gives us etiquette advice and reveals why his new memoir, "Based on a True Story," is full of lies... Childstar-turned-writer Mara Wilson confronts the hereafter... Noise rock pioneer Lou Barlow celebrates soft rock with a soundtrack for your dinner party... Plus, the history of Play-Doh, a crimson cocktail, nanofish in your bloodstream, and more!
Visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth") celebrates bugs, monsters, and his FX Series "The Strain"... Comedian Dave Barry gives us etiquette advice and defends Florida... Actor Nicole Byer gets racially profiled by a child she babysits... Author Mark Greif lays out his case against exercise (and everything else)... rising R&B star Jamila Woods DJs your dinner party... Plus, "clean food," a real-life tale of time-shifting, a timeless twist on the Dark n' Stormy, and more!
Actor Craig Robinson ("The Office") shows off his dramatic chops (and his German) in "Morris from America"... Phoebe Waller-Bridge-- star of Amazon's buzzy new series "Fleabag"-- pulls off the ultimate stage prank... Rocker Angel Olsen reflects on lost cities, found lovers, and songs worth preaching about... And Sir Arthur Conan Doyle assists in solving a REAL mystery -- which we celebrate with a custom tipple. Plus, the humble origins of sake, fall food (and restaurant bathroom!) trends from Bon Appetit, and tips on hotel tipping from the Posts.
Encore Broadcast: Movie star Colin Farrell considers his new film, "The Lobster"... Comedian Maria Bamford channels her mother (and her mother's hairdresser) to give us etiquette advice... Writer and activist Lindy West stands up for Kermit the Frog... Musician Frankie Cosmos DJs your dinner/pajama party (no boys allowed!)... Writer and rocker John Doe regales us with stories of the early '80s punk scene in LA (X marks the spot)... Plus, hairy dead presidents, the lonely journey of the Gar-Barge, a trashy cocktail, and more!
It's time for our All-Icebreaker extravaganza! We've compiled a year's worth of our show-starting jokes into one convenient package. Get your eyes ready to roll with these awesomely bad tiny tales of stuff walking into bars, bad trips to the doctor, and more, courtesy of guests like Ian McKellen, Cameron Diaz, Alice Cooper, Saoirse Ronan, Nicholas Hoult, Sam Heughan, Tatiana Maslany, and dozens more. Some are funny... most are not. But there are definitely a lot of them. Enjoy!
Encore Broadcast:Allison Janney, star of the CBS sitcom “Mom,” on the humor in life’s heavy stuff… Alan Palomo, better known as Neon Indian, DJs your bomb shelter dinner party (but you’ll have to bring your own food)… Bon Appetit’s Adam Rapoport on how to pre-game for a food coma… The veteran producer behind “The Jeffersons” and “All in the Family,” Norman Lear, tells you how to behave… Up-and-coming comedy writer John Mulaney reveals the secret way to make him agree to anything… Plus, why scientists are studying the surface area of cats, one of France’s most peculiar battle strategies, and more!
Surprise! It's an all-new edition of our off-the-cuff Speakeasy podcast! This time, you'll hear a special treat from "The Sporkful"'s live event at Taste of Chicago: Brendan and Rico square off against Tricia Bobeda and Greta Johnsen, hosts of the "Nerdette" podcast, in a version of the newlywed game. Find out how well the guys know each other's idiosyncrasies after all these years. Then, drop in on a heated debate with comedian Jim Gaffigan about the WORST parts of a fruit salad. (Melon, right?) We've got a poll on our website so you can cast your vote, too. Tis the season!
Encore Broadcast: "Orphan Black" star Tatiana Maslany plays clones, twins, and Ying Yang Twins... Nicholas Hoult ("Mad Max: Fury Road," the new "Kill Your Friends") revels in a bit of depravity -- and a good fanny pack... "American Psycho" gets the Broadway treatment, from Tony winner Duncan Sheik... A portrait of Georgia O'Keefe as a young woman... A Chicago priest battles the "Polish Edison" over credit for the bulletproof vest... And the band Heron Oblivion transports us to a rustic seaside dinner party -- so rustic, in fact, that it's set in a chicken coop.
Soul singer Sharon Jones shares her digits... "Bad Moms" star Kristen Bell entertains our emoji etiquette questions... Comedian Josh Gondelman celebrates his Sublime relationship... Icelandic musician Junius Meyvant DJs your dinner party... Author Charles Russo teaches us about Bruce Lee's early days... Plus, the robots that wrote the world's scariest movie, the most popular fake student at a real university, a deceptive cocktail, and more!
Comedian Jim Gaffigan advises you to pack your kids' lunch with pub fare... Novelist Emma Cline discusses the cult of her hit first novel... acclaimed Scottish composer Anna Meredith DJs your next dinner party/obstacle course... Writer Nicole Dennis-Benn finds trouble in paradise... Biographer Darryl W. Bullock sings the praises of the world's worst opera singer... Plus, the square history of one of the world's most popular toys, a puzzling cocktail, a Google Doc dilemma, and more!
Actor Shiri Appleby, of the Peabody award-winning TV show "UnREAL," directs herself playing the part of a producer (don't worry, we're confused too!)... Jessi Klein, Executive Producer of "Inside Amy Schumer," discusses HER feminine ideals versus THE feminine ideal... Comedian Wyatt Cenac tells us what NOT to say to a mall cop... The man behind The Dan Band chooses some questionable songs to DJ your wedding party... Plus, an FBI investigation of pop music, an indecipherable cocktail, a birdbrained battle, and more!
Encore Broadcast: Actor Viola Davis -- star of the ABC hit show "How to Get Away with Murder" -- waxes poetic on the wonders of Vaseline... Broadway star Alan Cumming gives us an etiquette lesson and reminds us that he is NOT a performing poodle... Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro navigates the darkest moment of his life in his new documentary "Mourning Son"... Musician M. Ward DJs your dinner party... Plus, the history of New York's first subway and a hip underground companion cocktail, robotic animal decoys, and more!
"Pitch Perfect" star Anna Kendrick answers your etiquette questions (and threatens to eat your family)... Documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker celebrates both sides of Bob Dylan... Comedian Aparna Nancherla explains how she embodies science... Musician Fantastic Negrito DJs your dinner party... Plus, we meet the lovechild of Japanese pancakes and tiny hamburgers, learn the history of keeping cool (with a drink to keep you cool too), follow the rent-a-friend trend, and more!
Multi-hyphenate Rashida Jones -- one of the forces behind TV's police farce "Angie Tribeca"-- comes bearing wisdom for 'overdogs'... Cello maestro Yo-Yo Ma gets existential... Pop sensations Tegan and Sara craft a party playlist that's frank -- and French... The man and myth behind the donut, as we know it... Photographing your dinner makes you happy?! Rico fact checks (with more doughnut)... Funny-person Negin Farsad ponders etiquette and 'other' questions... Plus, blessed jokes, magical chocolate, and your next favorite song!
It's an all-new episode of our off-the-cuff Speakeasy podcast! "Outlander" star Sam Heughan has a failsafe way to look buff (hint: tiny clothing)... Dick Cavett reveals his hidden talent and has a little fun at Spiro Agnew's expense... Opus Moreschi, head writer of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," gets crafty with cocktails during our New York live show... And "Brooklyn"-to-Broadway star Saoirse Ronan professes her love for a King... of Queens.
This week, it's a special edition of the DPD, taped in front of a D.C.-area crowd! Think of it as a political party: Former congressman Barney Frank pines for pragmatism and left-(handed) progress... Anna Chlumsky of HBO's "VEEP" swears she can leave her character's quirks on-set... Local keyboard legend Hailu Mergia, once a part of Ethiopia's jazz scene, tells us his incredible story and then plays us out... And we talk Martinis (and Martinezes) with D.C.'s bartender-in-chief Derek Brown. Plus, the man behind the President's "Between Two Ferns" appearance, some crooked Nixon humor, and more!
Encore Broadcast: Alison Bechdel -- whose graphic memoir "Fun Home" is now a 12-time Tony-nominated musical -- tells us how she gets comfy, with her life on stage... "Fight Club" author Chuck Palahniuk schools us in prank-ology, to celebrate his new sequel... The Posts tackle some especially hairy etiquette hang-ups... We tune into an avant-garde-tinged soundtrack, courtesy of French songstress Colleen... 2015 ballpark cuisine -- from nachos-on-a-stick to pulled pork parfait. Plus, the surprisingly continental history of blue jeans, a library you can't visit for 100 years, and lots more.
Encore Broadcast: Master thespian Sir Ian McKellen with etiquette advice and real talk about his least favorite co-stars... supermodel Cindy Crawford recalls her photo shoot with a 40-pound python... Investigative journalist Christine Haughney on why in wine, there's not always truth... Will Toledo -- of lo-fi indie rock band Car Seat Headrest -- DJs your laid-back dinner party... filmmaker Kent Jones on his new Hitchcock doc... Plus, Ann Friedman on pigeon doctors, a history of the Pokemon Shockwave of 1997, a kid show-inspired cocktail, and more!
"Outlander" star Sam Heughan drops by to deliver some haircare tips before answering a few of our listeners' etiquette questions... Filmmaker and journalist Sebastian Junger tells us why some prefer wartime to peacetime... Comedians/spouses Moshe Kasher and Natasha Leggero list a few road trips gone wrong... Brendan visits a cheese cave... Actor and writer Faith Salie confronts her demons... Plus, the sticky history behind masking tape and more!
Movie star Colin Farrell considers his new film, "The Lobster"... Comedian Maria Bamford channels her mother (and her mother's hairdresser) to give us etiquette advice... Writer and activist Lindy West stands up for Kermit the Frog... Musician Frankie Cosmos DJs your dinner/pajama party (no boys allowed!)... Writer and rocker John Doe regales us with stories of the early '80s punk scene in LA (X marks the spot)... Plus, hairy dead presidents, the lonely journey of the Gar-Barge, a trashy cocktail, and more!
It's an all new "Speakeasy" -- our occasional, off-the-cuff, slightly profane, online-only podcast where we share some of the great stuff we had to leave on the cutting room floor.
This time around you'll hear Ellie Kemper of "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" attempt to raise the bar for improv (or is it the roof?)... Plus, Comedian Cameron Esposito schools Brendan on the perils of wearing blue on TV -- and on the perks of entering a room with Tom Cruise...Michael McKean finds the silver lining in a fan diss... And -- bonus audio from our recent NYC live taping! -- Emmy the Great performs a cover of Faye Wong's cover of the Cranberries tune "Dream." Got it? Good. Cheers!
Encore Broadcast: Marc Maron gives etiquette AND time-travel advice... Graphic novelist Mimi Pond lists criminals, spies, and other bohemians ... "Man On Wire" tightrope-walker Philippe Petit explores creative chaos... "The Descendants" author Kaui Hart Hemmings tells a new tale... load up on Kleenex 'cause here comes SADvertising... the history of the least respected trophy in sports... and Rico tastes Soylent: the pasty beige future of food. PLUS: Our listeners sound off about mouths and sounds.
Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan sharpens her skills in Broadway's Crucible... Actor-and-author Cameron Diaz gives us impeccable advice -- for the long haul... A new doc paints a portrait of David Hockney, an artist both bright and blue... One-man-band Kevin Morby recommends a few other artists (and BBQ masters) who went solo... Comedian-on-the-rise Solomon Georgio recalls his low point... And we toast "Queen Bess" -- the African-American pilot who blazed a (con)trail before Amelia Earhart did. Plus, a cure for cell phone zombie-ism, a new funk-tastic track, and some horseplay.
"The Daily Show" Senior Correspondent Jessica Williams dishes about her most devastating moment (in an olive oil shop in Park Slope)... Talk-show legend Dick Cavett waxes poetic on playing himself... Comedian Jen Kirkman loses her cell phone and changes her life... Actor Michael McKean, of "This is Spinal Tap" and "Laverne and Shirley" fame, briefs us on playing bad guys. Plus Helen Zaltzman -- host of the podcast The Allusionist -- on the spies sending you birthday cards, a real German cocktail to go with some fake German news, and music from Emmy the Great!