Bullseye with Jesse Thorn (donors-only feed): Recent Episodes
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Jesse talks to Benjamin and Christopher Wagner about America’s 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 God’s memoir, as written by comedy scribe David Javerbaum.
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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
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.
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 writers offer their culture recommendations, Jesse suggests you listen to Sly Stone's “If You Want Me To Stay” and comedy group Kasper Hauser makes up the news.
Tim and Eric are known for 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's 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.
Jenna Fischer talks about her 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!
Aisha Tyler talks about what pushed her into 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.
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.
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 the new HBO show Angry Boys. Plus, hear picks from the AV Club and the song that changed the Baltimore musician Dan Deacon's life.
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 from PRI.
Every year, dozens of public radio specials flood the marketplace. Only one has the slightly skewed, slightly sweet vision of The Sound of Young America. Interviews with Christmas legend Ronnie Spector (the sweet) and B-52s frontman Fred Schneider (the skewed). It's the only holiday special where you can hear Schneider's signature bellow delivering a heartening mid-winter message: "GIVE... ME... MORE... PRESENTS!"
Why not do a food episode? A conversation with the LA Weekly's Jonathan Gold, who is the authority not just on Los Angeles food, but on Los Angeles in general. Plus Ed Levine talks about how Serious Eats is for people who want to find the best foie gras AND the best local tacos. And humorist Rob Baedeker shares the contents of his CSA box.
Tabloid tales! Carrie Fisher talks about growing up behind the shadow of her celebrity parents, and electroshock treatments in her new book Shockoholic. Plus, Errol Morris obsesses over the power of narrative in tabloid stories -- specifically one involving sex kidnappings, dog cloning, and much much more.
Nile Rodgers is a legendary record producer and a member of the band Chic. If you don't know the band you certainly know their hits "Le Freak" and "Good Times", among many others. Rodgers talks about producing music for the dance floor, from Diana Ross to David Bowie. Plus, Keith and Tasha from the AV Club talk about Marilyn Monroe, Miranda July, and a movie called Tyrannosaur which is completely absent of dinos.
Two conversations exploring different kinds of New York men this week, plus rankings from a man all his own -- Jordan Morris. First, Glenn O'Brien, GQ's Style Guy, meditates on what it means to be a man in the 21st century. Then, writer Jonathan Ames talks about his TV show Bored to Death that follows the lives of three unconventional New York men as portrayed by Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis.
When Jesse is not hosting this program, he serves as the baliff for the honorable Judge John Hodgman. This week we'll be presenting three of that program's FINEST cases on The Sound of Young America. -- The Case of the Youthful Indiscretions, the Girlfriend and the Grasshopper, and Panta-lunacy!
Patrick Warburton talks about how he came up with the “Puddy” voice, his career playing lovably dumb characters, and how he got to voice characters for TWO Disney theme park rides. Plus, Venture Bros. Creator Jackson Publick shares his own Warburton impersonation, and talks about what it's like to love the genre you're satirizing (in this case, boy adventures like Johnny Quest).
Kate Beaton is the woman behind Hark! A Vagrant, a web comic that applies Beaton's distinctive wit to subjects often drawn from history and literature. Plus, legendary cartoonist Gahan Wilson talks about taking his gleeful, macabre style to the pages of Playboy and The New Yorker. Plus, Rob Baedeker gives a lecture on chemistry and knocks it out of the park.
This week, two nudging the bruises that make creativity come out. Jeanne Darst talks about her new memoir on growing up in a literary family that spent more time drinking than writing. She kicks the booze to become more productive, and more creative. Plus a candid conversation with Marc Maron -- a poster child for turning pain into creativity. And don't forget to listen to the completely painless Jordan Ranks America!
Believe it or not, Rin Tin Tin blew people's minds in the silent film days. He jumped tall fences, climbed trees, and even acted. This week, a conversation with author Susan Orlean about the iconic German Shepherd's iconic life, and how it reflected Americans' relationship with their own dogs. Plus, the news with Kasper Hauser.
Bootsy Collins – the greatest funk bassist of all time – talks about playing with James Brown, doing LSD on stage, quitting and/or being fired from the JB's, joining up with the Parliament-Funkadelic collective, and his own amazing solo career. Plus, the TV Editors at the AV Club pick the new shows that are worth your time this Fall.
Taking swings at a creative lifestyle. Jonathan Coulton went from software engineer to successful musician. His new – and first proper -- album was produced by They Might Be Giant's John Flansburgh. One of Coulton's collaborators John Roderick tells us about the song that got him to take his swing at the guitar – Gimme All Your Lovin'. And after taking creative swings at acting throughout her 20s and 30s, Jane Lynch gets her first hit at 40.
Legendary singers entering new worlds. Mavis Staples reflects on her 50 year career and recent collaborations. Daryl Hall talks about the foundations of Hall & Oates, plus his new web series inviting musicians to jam in his home. Plus, Chuck Brown shares the song that helped him to invent the Go Go genre.
John Hodgman guest hosts for an exploration of universes. Yes, that's plural. how many universes are there? It's one of several questions that astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson DOESN'T have the answer to, but Tyson wants us to love the questions themselves.
And while Tyson counts universes, George R. R. Martin has created one. He's the author of the book series A Song of Ice and Fire, which is the basis for the new HBO series A Game of Thrones. Martin discusses his transformation from a science fiction and fantasy fan into a creator, and the effect that hardcore fantasy fans can have on the final product.
What's the use in going retro? This week, two interviews explore that question. First Nicolas Winding Refn talks about his new film Drive, a moody thriller that combines elements of fairy tale, noir, 80s pop and 70s grit. Then, Simon Reynolds talks about his new book Retromania, which delves into why pop culture is addicted to its own past.
Exploring different views of the past, present and future. First an interview with music journalist Dave Tompkins on the vocoder -- the past's vision of the future. Then, the up to date trends of the present when Jordan Ranks America. Science fiction author William Gibson examines the present for its futuristic ideas. Finally, Coyle & Sharpe convince bystanders in 1960s San Francisco of some hare-brained futuristic ideas of their own.
Guest host Xeni Jardin interviews television writers whose work hold strong ties to their childhood.
Robert Popper's first thing on TV was Look Around You, a bizaare callback to educational videos from the 70s and 80s. Now, he's created and written a sitcom-like series about the tendency to go back to your parents' house and suddenly start acting like you're 13 again. It's called Friday Night Dinner.
Plus, we look back to a conversation with television writer Steven Moffat. He grew up adoring the British staple Doctor Who. These days, he's the writer and executive producer of the Doctor Who revival. He's also joined by the show's two new stars.
Guest host Jordan Morris' interviews this week prove that low budgets and home-made aesthetics can still bring in huge audiences.
Bruce Campbell is best known for his roles in the Evil Dead films, and these days when he's not blowing up bad guys on the hit show Burn Notice, he's out at comic conventions soaking up his status as a cult icon.
Plus, Paul Scheer talks about his belovedly scrappy Human Giant comedy group, and skewering big budget police procedurals on his new show NTSF:SD:SUV.
And OK Go's Damian Kulash -- whose backyard music video made his band an Internet smash-- talks about how Herbie Hancock's Rockit changed his life.
Janey Varney steps in as our guest host this week. She sits down with the great Bruce McCulloch from Kids In The Hall. He explains how his love of music led him to comedy, and why being in Kids In The Hall felt a little bit like being in a band with five lead guitarists. Plus, Janet will talk to Danny Pudi from NBC's Community about the fortune of finding a great show to work on, and the trick to working improvisation into scripted comedy.
Guest host Dave Holmes talks to Hüsker Dü founder Bob Mould about his new memoir. Plus comedy veteran Tig Notaro talks with Dave about her first comedy album Good One. Finally, Jesse checks in from paternity leave to talk to Andrew Noz about his top hip-hop tracks for August.
MaxFunCon is a conference that celebrates creativity, comedy and friendship. It takes place at a camp-style retreat in the mountains above Los Angeles. This special episode includes highlights from the 2011 MaxFunCon. We feature comedy from Graham Clark, Maria Bamford, Andy Daly and more, plus talks from On The Media co-host Brooke Gladstone and Toy Story 3 director Lee Unkrich.
Comedy as a lifestyle this week on the program. Jeff Garlin is the co-star of Curb Your Enthusiasm among many other projects and says that his top priority is to become kinder and wiser every day. Next, Paul Provenza is the host of the show Green Room on Showtime and says comedy is more than jokes or written material – it's a mindset.
Errol Morris – director of documentaries such as The Thin Blue Line and Fog of War – talks about his new film Tabloid, and the power of his non-confrontational interview style. Plus, Morris' future film collaborator Ira Glass talks about the power of narrative in his own documentary work on This American Life.
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. Plus, stand up comedy from dork enthusiast Jackie Kashian and picks from our favorite geeks over at the AV Club.
A Tribe Called Quest is one of actor Michael Rapaport's favorite groups. He decides, rather than feverishly waiting for Tribe to release a new album, that he'll film a documentary about them. Rapaport is surprised to find deep conflict between the group of longtime friends. Plus, Malcom Ingram celebrates the gay subculture of large, hirsut gentlemen known as "bears in his documentary Bear Nation.
Weird Al returns to the program to talk about his new album Alpocalypse! The best part? Jesse records the program at Weird Al's house! We also revisit the earlier conversation we had with the world's greatest song parodist, plus standup from Chicago's Prescott Tolk.
What is this thing called "man"? A conversation with GQ's Style Guy Glenn O'Brien. He's the author of the book How To Be A Man. Plus, Jesse sits down with another fine specimen of the male persuation: Mr. Dick Cavett.
Rob Cordrry and Henry Winkler are, among many other things, the creator and one of the stars of Children's Hospital – the farcical parody of a dramatic hospital show. Season 3 has just started airing on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, and seasons 1 & 2 are now out on DVD.
We present conversations that explore madness this week. First, researcher Rudolph Herzog discusses the tpical comedy that was written in Germany during the rule of the Third Reich. Then a conversation with Jon Ronson, author of The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry. Plus, the news from comedy group Kasper Hauser.
Two guys who are putting together the comedy puzzle this week. First Demetri Martin, who pieces together one-liners, palindromes and flow-charts to form his body of work. Then a conversation with Scot Armstrong, who wrote The Hangover Part 2 – a film whose characters slowly puts together pieces from the night before.
Ray Romano and Mike Royce are the co-creators of Men Of A Certain Age, a funny and dramatic show about staring down the barrel of one's fifth decade. Find out how the show is a reflection of both hit sitcom writers' own lives. Plus great new picks from the AV Club.
Prodigy is one of the father's of hardcore hip-hop. As a teenager in the early 1990s he and his partner
Mark Oppenheimer talks about growing up in a culture of debate and Julie Krausner on dating faux sensitive types. Plus, Jordan Ranks America once again and Donald Glover delivers comedy about that one time his teacher farted. High minded topics this week on The Sound of Young America.
Werner Herzog approaches his new documentary about the earliest cave paintings not as "an accountant of facts", but as "a poet". Phil Rosenthal talks about translating his show Everybody Loves Raymond for Russian audiences in his documentary Exporting Raymond. Plus, Jordan tells America how it stacks up.
Live from Chicago's Second City, a conversation with public radio cutup Peter Sagal, professional wrestler and stand up comedian Colt Cabana, plus comedy from Cameron Eposito and music from Robbie Fulks and Nora O'Connor.
Mary Roach talks about the unspeakable side of space travel. Her funny new book is called Packing For Mars. Also, an interview Jon Glaser, who's written for Conan O'Brien and Dana Carvey among others. His show Delocator is entering its second season on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. Plus, Prince finds his way into the Ten Commandements courtesy of comedy writer Simon Rich.
Getting to know the class clowns with rap group Das Racist -- known for the goof of a song "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell -- and another back of the class jokester, comedian Aziz Ansari, co-star of NBC's Parks and Recreation. Plus, pop culture picks from the AV Club.
Songcraft with indie rock mainstays -- Carl Newman of The New Pornographers talks about the overlooked inspiration of songs you might hear in a grocery store and a conversation with the prolific John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats. Plus, a special word from a new sponsor, The Remington County Folks Festival And .. Electronic Show?
A show on how to get work done, whether through David Rakoff's constructive pessimism or the more headlong approach of cartoonist Lynda Barry. Plus, an exclusive stand up set from Maria Bamford.
We explore the business side of the hip-hop world -- from small-time street hustling to multi-billion dollar industry -- with author Dan Charnas. Plus a sampling of some current hip-hop offerings from blogger Noz. And why you should give Craig Rowin one million dollars.
We're pushing to the edge this week. Chris Morris finds a way to humanize mass-murderers in Four Lions, his new comedy about a homegrown terror cell. Lee Unkrich, director of Toy Story 3, talks about why it was important to address death, and why that's OK for kids to see. Plus, a news update from the Kasper Hauser comedy group.
Greg Mottola, the director of the new concept comedy Paul, is also known for a quality teen comedy in Superbad and moody character-driven film in Adventureland. Plus we talk to the SNL cast member and Paul ensemble member Bill Hader. And Phil Collins on the song that changed his life.
A couple of guys who stick out from the crowd. Weird Al relfects on a career that spans music, comedy and three decades. Scott Thompson talks about turning his banal Kids in the Hall character Dany Husk into the protagonist of his own graphic novel trilogy. Plus the news from comedy group Kasper Hauser.
Live from the SF Sketchfest at the Eureka Theater. Comedy from Baron Vaughn and San Francisco heroes Kasper Hauser. Plus, switching careers from producing television advertisements to television programming with Steve Dildarian, and Bobcat Goldthwait on switching from offbeat personality to respected film director.
Jesse talks with producer, writer and director Judd Apatow, one of comedy's most important voices. Plus, sketches from Simon Rich that appear in Judd's compilation of humor writing call I Found This Funny.
We explore the recent battle for The Tonight Show with The New York Times' Bill Carter. Plus, a talk with legendary talk show host Dick Cavett. His new book is called Talk Show.
Legendary singers entering new worlds. Mavis Staples reflects on her 50 year career and recent collaborations. Daryl Hall talks about the foundations of Hall & Oates, plus his new web series inviting musicians to jam in his home. Plus, Chuck Brown shares the song that helped him to invent the Go Go genre.
Comedy with a sweet, if vulgar tone. First up, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, creators of the new IFC sketch comedy show Portlandia. Then Adam Reed, co-creator of Sealab 2021. His current project is the animated spy comedy Archer on FX. Plus comedy from sketch group Cream and Jordan Ranks America.
Exploring the future of soul. Singer Bilal has a new album out called Airtight's Revenge. Producer Flying Lotus' most recent LP is Cosmogramma. His recent EP is called Patter+Grid World. Plus SuperEgo's vision of a late night request line.
Three ways of getting a laugh, whether it's the confrontional style of Bill Burr, the bizaare sweetness of Kristen Schaal, or the way Greg Behrendt tears down his former idol.
A show on how to get work done whether through David Rakoff's constructive pessimism or the more headlong approach of cartoonist Lynda Barry. Plus, an exclusive stand up set from Maria Bamford.
Standup and sketch comedy hand-selected by the staff at The Sound of Young America. This year's edition features emerging standup Hannibal Burress, Parks & Recreation's Aziz Ansari, material from MTV's legendary sketch comedy group The State, and much, much more. Just the kind of curated comedy you can expect from The Sound of Young America
This week, the metal-est public radio holiday special ever. Murder and arson in Norway's black metal scene and some holiday music from metal god Rob Halford of Judas Priest. It's the most wonderful time of the year.
Every year, dozens of public radio specials flood the marketplace. Only one has the slightly skewed, slightly sweet vision of The Sound of Young America. Interviews with Christmas legend Ronnie Spector (the sweet) and B-52s frontman Fred Schneider (the skewed). It's the only holiday special where you can hear Schneider's signature bellow delivering a heartening mid-winter message: "GIVE... ME... PRESENTS!"
The man himself. A conversation with radio and television personality Adam Carolla. He's perhaps best known as the former co-host of the radio program Loveline and the television program The Man Show. After having replaced Howard Stern on morning radio in several markets for a short time, he's gone independent with his own daily podcast. Plus comedy from Holly Mills and Karen Kilgariff.
Comedian Greg Fitzsimmons reads from his new memoir Dear Mrs. Fitzsimmons, John Brandon's novel Citrus County, Jordan Ranks America and Alex Blagg teaches us how to jack our web strat.
Two emerging rock bands this week. Matt Berninger from The National talks about coming into his own as a front man, and Dr. Dog explain their fondness for a trusty lo-fi 4-track recorder.
Jesse talks with producer, writer and director Judd Apatow, one of comedy's most important voices. Plus, sketches from Simon Rich that appear in Judd's new compilation of humor writing call I Found This Funny.
Interviews with Amy Sedaris and Judah Friedlander, with a reading from John Hodgman and a special set of songs from Tim Harrington and Seth Jabour of Brooklyn band Les Savy Fav. Recorded live at WNYC's Greene Space on October 22, 2010.
We're pushing to the edge this week. Chris Morris finds a way to humanize mass-murderers in Four Lions, his new comedy about a homegrown terror cell. Lee Unkrich, director of Toy Story 3, talks about why it was important to address death, and why that's OK for kids to see. Plus, a news update from the Kasper Hauser comedy group.
Dave Tompkins on the history of the vocoder, William Gibson on his latest novel, Jordan Morris ranks America and a classic bit from Coyle & Sharpe.
Mike Birbiglia on his one-man show Sleepwalk With Me, which is the basis for his new book. Plus, SERIOUS lessons on morality from God's Pottery and the AV Club suggest films from the recent Toronoto International Film Festival.
Three ways of getting a laugh, whether it's the confrontional style of Bill Burr, the bizaare sweetness of Kristen Schaal, or the way Greg Behrendt tears down his former idol.
Exploring the future of soul. Singer Bilal has a new album out called Airtight's Revenge. Producer Flying Lotus' most recent LP is Cosmogramma. His new EP is called Patter+Grid World.
The weird and wonderful. John Waters has a new book out called Role Models that packs a few surprises -- chief among them the influence of Johnny Mathis. Also, novelist Jonathan Ames tells the story of watching his own show -- HBO's Bored To Death -- at a fan's house because he had no television. Plus, a news update from Kasper Hauser.
Henry Winkler is of course best known from his starring role as the Fonz on Happy Days. He's been busy since then, appearing on oddball comedy shwos like Arrested Development and most recently Children's Hospital. Donal Logue may be known to children of the 90s as Jimmy the cab driver, who hopelessly commented on pop culture between videos on MTV. He also has starred in cult films such as Tao of Steve, and is now on the new FX series Terriers. Plus, Brain Teasers written by Simon Rich and performed by Rob Huebel.
An interview with actor Elijah Wood that spans his debut in a Paul Abdul video to his newest movie The Romantics out this month. Plus a conversation with Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton from the FX comedy It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Finally, the AV Club provides their September culture picks.
Our 2008 interviews with these pop culture big shots. Ben Folds has a new album coming out in collaboration with author Nick Hornby called Lonely Avenue. The Kids In The Hall's new television show Death Comes To Town has just reached American airwaves on IFC.
An out of this world episode. Mary Roach talks about the unspeakable side of space travel. Her funny new book is called Packing For Mars. Also, an interview Jon Glaser, who's written for Conan O'Brien and Dana Carvey among others. His show Delocator is entering its second season on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. Plus, Prince finds his way into the Ten Commandements courtesy of comedy writer Simon Rich.
Hanson is known for their mega-hit MMMBop but less known for the decade long recording career they've maintained since then. Their new album is called Shout It Out. Art and performance rock act Devo is best known for a mega-hit of its own, Whip It. Their newest album was constructed using Internet focus groups and is called Something For Everybody.
Jim Lehrer is the host and executive editor of the PBS Newshour. He’s also the author of 20 novels, the latest of which is called Super. Walter Mosley has penned 34 novels and his latest is Known To Evil. We also listen in to a confrontation between Batman and the Riddler, a comedy sketch written by Sarah Gee.
We're northbound for the Calgary Folk Festival. Interviews with Corb Lund, a native Albertan country singer and indie songstress Annie Clark, who performs as St Vincent. Plus, the song that changed Roberta Flack's life.
This show was taped in Park City, Utah during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Kevin Kline has been in countless films and holds the distinction of having won an Oscar for a comedic role in A Fish Called Wanda. He spoke with Jesse after the premier of his new film The Extra Man. Taika Waititi's first feature film is Eagle Vs. Shark. Jesse spoke with him after the premier of his new film Boy. The star of Boy, James Rolleston, joined them.
This week on The Sound of Young America an interview with Daily Show correspondant Samantha Bee about her new memoir-ish book "I Know I Am But What Are You?" Plus pop culture picks from the AV Club and comedy from Nick Adams.
Jazz singer Jose James has two new albums out -- the soul & hip-hop influenced Blackmagic plus a collection of standards titled For All We Know. Colson Whitehead's new novel Sag Harbor is a semi-biographical account of summer with an understated narrative. Plus, Jordan's latest rankings of America.
Rob Corddry is best known as a long-time correspondent for The Daily Show. His new show Children’s Hospital begins its run on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim this month. Matt Walsh and Ian Roberts are co-founders of the Upright Citizens Bridgade. Their show Players returns to Spike TV this month. Plus comedy from Superego.
Mark Frauenfelder is the founder of BoinBoing.net and author of the new book Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World. Dan Clowes is a cartoonist known best for Ghost World and Art School Confidential. His new graphic novel is called Wilson. Plus, stand up comedy from Matt Braunger.
Comedian, actor and writer Andy Richter is best known as Conan O'Brien's long time sidekick. He talks about his career, and what it was like working on The Tonight Show while knowing it was in its last days. Plus, new picks from the AV Club.
Hanson is known for their mega-hit MMMBop but less known for the decade long recording career they've maintained since then. Their new album is called Shout It Out. Art and performance rock act Devo is best known for a mega-hit of its own, Whip It. Their newest album was constructed using Internet focus groups and is called Something For Everybody.
This week, conversations with three outstanding up-and-coming comics: Nick Thune, Kyle Kinane and W. Kamau Bell.
This week on The Sound of Young America, a full hour with San Francisco comedy group Kasper Hauser. Their newest books are Weddings of The Times and Obama’s Blackberry.
The man himself. A conversation with radio and television personality Adam Carolla. He's perhaps best known as the former co-host of the radio program Loveline and the television program The Man Show. After having replaced Howard Stern on morning radio in several markets for a short time, he's gone independent with his own daily podcast. Plus comedy from Holly Mills and Karen Kilgariff.
Jim Lehrer is the host and executive editor of the PBS Newshour. He?s also the author of 20 novels, the latest of which is called Super. Walter Mosley has penned 34 novels and his latest is Known To Evil. We also listen in to a confrontation between Batman and the Riddler, a comedy sketch written by Sarah Gee.
This week is about relying on yourself. Comic actor and writer Donald Glover is part of the sketch group Derrick Comedy, who recently produced the film Mystery Team entirely by themselves. Mark Duplass and his brother Jay started out making short comedy videos and moved on to feature length films like 2005's The Puffy Chair. Mark can currently be seen in the FX series The League.
Mark Oppenheimer talks about growing up in a culture of debate and Julie Krausner on dating faux sensitive types. Plus, Jordan Ranks America once again and Donald Glover delivers comedy about that one time his teacher farted. High minded topics this week on The Sound of Young America.
Interviews with Scott Adsit and Rik Cordero; music from Nellie McKay and Andrew WK; and comedy from Kumail Nanjiani.
Guests from across the pond this week. First an interview with The xx whose self-titled debut was released last year. Then the stars and executive producer of the most recent incarnation of Doctor Who -- a series relegated to public television stateside, but a cultural force to be reckoned with in Great Britain. Plus, April's pop culture picks from the AV Club.
Comedian, actor and writer Andy Richter is best known as Conan O'Brien's long time sidekick. He talks about his career, and what it was like working on The Tonight Show while knowing it was in its last days. Plus, comedy from God's Pottery.
Revisiting conversations with the cast of the Starz comedy Party Down which will soon launch its second season. Jane Lynch is now in the cast of the Fox hit Glee, Martin Starr is best known for his role on Freaks & Geeks, and Adam Scott shares his hometown of Santa Cruz with this radio show.
The second show from this year's South By Southwest festival delves into the lives of two outsiders who have new biopics: Bill Hicks and Lemmy. First, a conversation about Hicks with Matt Harlock and Steve Hicks the director of American and the brother of its subject respectively. Then, Wes Orshoski and Greg Olliver, the creators of the new Lemmy biopic. Finally, the man himself, Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister.
The first of two shows from the South By Southwest Film Conference and festival. David Gordon Green is the writer and director of the acclaimed drama George Washington but has recently transitioned into lighter fare such as Pineapple Express. Malcom Ingram is the director of the heart warming film Bear Nation. It explores the gay subculture in which larger, hairier gentlemen are not only accepted, but desired.
An interview with Upright Citizen's Brigade co-founders Matt Walsh & Ian Roberts. Their new show on Spike TV is called Players. Plus comedy from Karen Kilgariff and the singing duo God's Pottery.
Character actor Luiz Guzman currently appears in the HBO series How To Make It In America. He's also been in one out of every four movies you probably see. Plus, news from comedy group Kasper Hauser and some of March's overlooked pop culture gems as decided by the AV Club.
This week: fresh faces. Comedian and actor Aziz Ansari has a new comedy special called Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening. Elna Baker has a new memoir on being single and Mormon in the Big Apple. Plus live stand up from Hugh Moore.
The third of three shows taped in Park City, Utah during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. 'Lucky' is the new documentary from Jeffrey Blitz and Sean Welch that follows the lives of lottery winners through both their joy and their pain. Blitz and Welch were previously nominated for an Oscar for their film 'Spellbound'. Trevor Groth is the Director of programming at Sundance and talks about the selection process for this year's films.
The second of three shows taped in Park City during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Drake Doremus is the 26 year old director of Douchebag, a dramatic comedy that follows a man and his brother on a quest to find his 5th grade sweetheart. Biker Fox is a Slamdance documentary about a Tulsa, Oklahoma eccentric known for bike tricks on busy roads and feeding wild animals with his bare hand. Drunk History is an HBO series originated on the web that features famous actors reenacting historical stories as told by drunken comedians.
The first of three shows taped in Park City, Utah during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Kevin Kline has been in countless films and holds the distinction of having won an Oscar for a comedic role in A Fish Called Wanda. He spoke with Jesse after the premier of his new film The Extra Man. Taika Waititi's first feature film is Eagle Vs. Shark. Jesse spoke with him after the premier of his new film Boy. The star of Boy, James Rolleston, joined them.
Sal Santana is the son of Carlos Santana. His debut album is a fusion of rock, hip-hop, electronica and soul called Keyboard City. Loudon Wainwright III is a folk singer, humorist and actor. His new album High Wide & Handsome is a tribute to the work of Charlie Pool.
This week we plunge into a world of aesthetics with the curator of London's Design Museum and an all-female, all-keyboard band from Brooklyn who scour thrift stores and pawn shops for the perfect vintage sounds. Plus a nun fight, so that's pretty amazing.
Television writer Jane Espenson has been involved in numerous shows, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Battlestar Galactica. She's an executive producer for the new Battlestar prequel series Caprica. Gahan Wilson is a legendary cartoonist whose light macabre style has been seen prominently in Playboy and the New York. Plus, hear from the AV Club about some films out now on DVD that you may have missed in theaters.
This week: fresh faces. Comedian and actor Aziz Ansari has a new comedy special called Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening. Elna Baker has a new memoir on being single and Mormon in the Big Apple. Plus live stand up from Hugh Moore.
On the show this week are two satirists. First Armando Iannucci – the unknown great behind classic British comedies such as The Day Today and I’m Alan Partdrige. His new film In The Loop is on its way to DVD. Plus comedy great Marc Maron. His newest CD is called Final Engagement.
To celebrate the New Year the Sound of Young America presents 2009's best comedy. Hear Maria Bamford, Kasper Hauser, Dana Gould, Patton Oswalt and many, many more.
Our holiday special with Rob Halford of Judas Priest and the directors of Until The Light Takes Us, a documentary on the brutal Norwegian black metal scene.
There's odd standup comedy, and then there's standup comedy so odd it gets you banned from a network late night show... after you've already taped your appearance. Comedian Brent Weinbach is on the show this week. Plus, comedian Al Madrigal talks about the odd encounters he's had after firing over a thousand people from their jobs.
This week is about relying on yourself. Comic actor and writer Donald Glover is part of the sketch group Derrick Comedy, who recently produced the film Mystery Team entirely by themselves. Mark Duplass and his brother Jay started out making short comedy videos and moved on to feature length films like 2005's The Puffy Chair. Mark can currently be seen in the FX series The League.
Live from the stage of Second City in Chicago. Recorded in 2007 with Steve Albini, Hannibal Buress, and more.
Ian MacKaye is central to the world of D.C. punk just as Alex Patsavas is central to the world of film and TV music supervisors. Plus Jordan Morris' Power Rankings of America!
Steven Johnson's book The Invention of Air uses the story of the guy who discovered oxygen to look at where information revolutions come from... and speaking of revolutionaries, the folks behind the basketball blog Free Darko talk about why they think our greatest American is eccentric hoops star Gilbert Arenas.
Nick Hornby's newest book is Juliet Naked. He also is the screenwriter of the new film An Education. The Sartorialist is a fashion blog of daily street photography. Plus, we hear from the AV Club guys on the month's best stuff in the pop culture.
Sarah Vowell's recent book The Wordy Shipmates is now in paperback. Mikita Brottman makes the case that reading isn't so much useless as it is overrated.
We're taped live at the Philly Improv Theater. The oddities of the Mutter Museum, the graphic art of Charles Burns and the comedy of Kent Haines. Oh, and Andrew WK joins us on stage in New York.
Interviews with Scott Adsit and Rik Cordero, music from Nellie McKay and Andrew WK, and comedy from Kumail Nanjiani.
The Trailer Park Boys' critically acclaimed TV series is created in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and follows their lives as they drift in and out of crime, jail, and relationships. Jesse is interviewing them this week, and won't let the fact that they're fictional stop him. Plus, singer Langhorne Slim plays from his new album Be Set Free.
It's all about guys who have been through the ringer this week. Bucky Sinister is a comedian and poet. His new book is called Get Up A 12-Step Guide To Recovery for Misfits, Freaks & Weirdos. Nathan Rabin is the head writer for The Onion's AV Club. His book is called The Big Rewind: A Memoir Brought to You By Pop Culture.
Guest Mike Clattenburg is the creator of the hilarious cult comedy series Trailer Park Boys, and Rian Johnson is the man behind the teen noir Brick. His new film The Brothers Bloom is being released on DVD.
This week we look inside. Inside comedy writing with Mike Sacks and his new book about comedy writers, and inside the objects in our everyday lives, with Gary Hustwit and his design documentary Objectified.
There's odd standup comedy, and then there's standup comedy so odd it gets you banned from a network late night show... after you've already taped your appearance. Comedian Brent Weinbach is my guest this week. Plus, comedian Al Madrigal talks about the odd encounters he's had after firing over a thousand people from their jobs.
Jello Biafra, the punk rocker who ran for mayor of San Francisco on the platform that businessmen dress in clown suits; State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano talks about the gay liberation movement of the 70s, and the queer comedy movement of the 80s; plus, comedy from Sean Cullen and music from Zion-I.
Rob Siegel wrote last year's critically-acclaimed The Wrestler, and his new film Big Fan starring Patton Oswalt explores a different fringe society -- sports fandom. Plus, scraping the bottom of the barrel with Jon Friedman, host of the Rejection Show.
Hear why the price of ideas is trending towards ‘free’ from Chris Anderson, the editor of WIRED We’ll talk about what that means for people who make their living creating thoughts. Plus, hear from Sound Opinions’ Greg Kot on how this all plays out in the music industry and Coyle & Sharpe chime in with their own idea of ‘free’.
There's a new generation of comic actors driven by the inspired silliness of Steve Martin and Pee-Wee Herman. On the show this week, Jesse will talk with two of them, Paul Rust and Charlyne Yi.
It would be tough to find any comedy group that better exemplifies generation X than The State, but the State were anything but stereotypical slackers. We'll hear how eleven NYU students got their own MTV show when they were barely out of college. Plus, Michael Ian Black & Michael Showalter talk about their new show Michael & Michael Have Issues.
Author and Famous Minor Television Personality John Hodgman talks about creating fictional worlds for his new book of humorous fake trivia. Plus, Gideon Yago talks about covering those who cover the real world on his show, the IFC Media Project.
On the show this week are two satirists. First I talk to Armando Iannucci – the unknown great behind classic British comedies such as The Day Today and I’m Alan Partdrige. He’s got a new film out called In The Loop. Plus comedy great Marc Maron. His new CD is called Final Engagement.
Bill Withers wrote and recorded some of soul music's most enduring songs -- hits like Ain't No Sunshine, Use Me, Lovely Day and Lean on Me. Then, in the early 80s, he retired. He hasn't recorded or toured since. This week I talk to Bill Withers about his life and career, and about why he left it all behind.
We plunge into a world of aesthetics with the curator of London's Design Museum and an all-female, all-keyboard band from Brooklyn who scour thrift stores and pawn shops for the perfect vintage sounds. Plus a nun fight, so that's pretty amazing.
Two masters of the joke. Comedian Dana Gould helped take stand up out of comedy clubs and into bars, rock clubs and book stores in the early 90s. After a stint as a writer and producer on the Simpsons, he's back with a new special. Plus a young upstart, John Mulaney -- he'll talk about his first Comedy Central special at age 26.
This week it's a crash course in media literacy. I'll talk about getting inside the news with Brooke Gladstone and Bob Garfield from On the Media. Then I'll chat with ad man Terry O'Reilly, whose CBC show The Age of Persuasion is all about the history and practice of marketing.
I talk with some of my favorite folks in the world. First Jimmy Pardo and Matt Belknap, who host the podcast Never Not Funny, one of podcasting's few true success stories. Then I talk with our old friend Jonathan Coulton, who gives us a bit of a house concert. His new live performance CD / DVD is called Best. Concert. Ever.
In the annals of Divadom, there is Maria Callas... Mariah Carey... and then there's the queen of them all, Miss Piggy. The porcine superstar will be my guest on The Sound of Young America this week, along with an anti-diva, the demure and hilarious Jenna Fischer, who plays the receptionist, Pam, on NBC's The Office.
We're live on stage at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland, Oregon, with music from two stalwarts of The Rose City's indie scene, Mirah and Blitzen Trapper, plus interviews with comedian Nick Kroll and comic writer Brian Michael Bendis.
This week on The Sound of Young America, guests Mike Clattenburg, the creator of the hilarious cult comedy series Trailer Park Boys, and Rian Johnson, the man behind the teen noir Brick. His new film is The Brothers Bloom.
Paul Bacon talks about being a second-rate policeman in New York. His new book is Bad Cop. Plus I talk with southern rap giant Bun B of UGK. He talks about the group's final album, which Bun put together after the passing of his partner in rhyme, Pimp C.
A celebration of the independent spirit. I talk with independent singer-songwriter Eleni Mandell, and with Lloyd Kaufman, the man behind Troma Films and movies like The Toxic Avenger and Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.
A talk with Richard Zoglin, whose book Comedy at the Edge profiles the standup comics who in his view changed America in the 1970s. Then we’ll talk about the late Chris Farley with Tom Farley Jr, his brother and Tanner Colby.
This week it's a crash course in media literacy. I'll talk about getting inside the news with Brooke Gladstone and Bob Garfield from On the Media. Then I'll chat with ad man Terry O'Reilly, whose CBC show The Age of Persuasion is all about the history and practice of marketing.
The new Starz comedy Party Down is a show about failed actors working as cater-waiters. Jesse talks with three of the brilliant actors who play those failed actors -- Martin Starr, Jane Lynch and Adam Scott.
This week, two masters of the joke. Comedian Dana Gould who, after a stint as a writer and producer on The Simpsons, is back with a new special. Plus young upstart John Mulaney who has scored his first Comedy Central special at age 26.
This week on The Sound of Young America, comedy group Human Giant, graphic artist Chip Kidd, cartoonist and illutrator Adrian Tomine, plus music from PWRFL Power and Rhett Miller. All live from the stage at the Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival in Seattle.
Steven Johnson's new book The Invention of Air uses the story of the guy who discovered oxygen to look at where information revolutions come from... and speaking of revolutionaries, the folks behind the basketball blog Free Darko talk about why they think our greatest American is eccentric hoops star Gilbert Arenas.
Distinguished actor Jeffrey Tambor is our guest this week talking about his San Francisco roots and his roles on The Larry Sanders Show and Arrested Development. Plus an interview with the sketch comedy group Whitest Kids U Know.
In the annals of Divadom, there is Maria Callas... Mariah Carey... and then there's the queen of them all, Miss Piggy. The porcine superstar will be our guest this week, along with an anti-diva: the demure and hilarious Jenna Fischer, who plays the receptionist, Pam, on NBC's The Office.
We've got some serious San Francisco Values on this week's show. Jesse talks with Jello Biafra, the punk rocker who ran for mayor of San Francisco on the platform that businessmen would be required to dress in clown suits. Then I talk with a slightly more serious politician, State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, about his role in the gay liberation movement of the seventies, and the queer comedy movement of the 80s. Plus, comedy from Sean Cullen and music from Zion I.
How's Your News is a new series on MTV that follows a team of physically and developmentally disabled reporters around the country as they interview celebrities, talk to regular people and generally have a fantastic time. We'll talk with the program's creator and one of its stars. Plus another perspective on the news: The Daily Show's Senior Black Correspondent, Larry Wilmore.
This week on The Sound of Young America, The Hold Steady rock your socks off, plus comedian Andy Daly, whose comic monologues are endearingly chipper but sometimes terrifyingly dark. His new series Eastbound and Down starts on HBO next week. All that, plus a real poem called "Alien versus Predator".
This week on The Sound of Young America, we explore new worlds. Writer Neil Gaiman and director Henry Selick talk about making Coraline, the spectacular, immersive and kind of scary 3D stop-motion feature film. Plus Spike Feresten, the host of FOX's longest running late night program, Talkshow with Spike Feresten.
Guests The Dirtbombs and Raphael Saadiq. The Dirtbombs are a rock group from Detroit, Michigan whose new record is titled We Have You Surrounded. Raphael Saadiq is a soul musician and record producer. He has a new EP titled The Way I See It.
Guests Meshell Ndegeocello and the writers for The Late Show with David Letterman. Meshell's new record is titled The World Has Made Me The Man of My Dream. Letterman and his writers have a new book out titled Late Show Fun Facts.
Guests Mike Birbiglia and Scott McCloud. Mike Birbiglia is a comedian whose new one-man show is titled Sleepwalk With Me. Scott McCloud is the author of Understanding Comics. His new collection is titled Zot! 1987 - 1997.
Guests David Malki ! and Chris Onstad. David Malki ! is the creator of the web comic Wondermark, a new collection of the strip is titled Beards of our Forefathers. Chris Onstad is the mind behind Achewood, a web comic and collection of blogs that was named the best graphic novel by TIME Magazine in 2007.