Imagine if your mom found out you were getting married because she saw your wedding on the TV news. He called in to point out an issue with episode 14 (that’s 127 episodes ago!) but also tells Geth about growing up Mormon and being a stepdad.

This episode is brought to you by One Drop (www.getonedrop.com code: STORIES), Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/stories), Brooklinen (www.brooklinen.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Sun Basket (www.sunbasket.com/BEAUTIFUL), Caffe Monster, and Poshmark.

Health teacher Joe Bongo is back again with his trusty bongos! Joe joins Scott to talk about being involved in the most expensive car accident, how he incorporates his bongos during his Sex Ed classes, and his podcast pilot “Drivin’ and F**ckin’.” Plus, Randy Snutz returns to talk about his girlfriend bringing catastrophe into his life and to pitch his very own podcast.

This episode is brought to you by The Jeselnik and Rosenthal Vanity Project, Keeps (www.keeps.com/BANGBANG), Sonos (www.sonos.com), and Espresso Monster.

Gilbert and Frank welcome a sought-after guest, writer-director-actor Alan Alda, who discusses (among other topics) growing up in Burlesque theaters, working with his father Robert Alda, coping with the pressures of sudden fame and learning to live life “in the moment.” Also, Buster Keaton does a backflip, Mickey Rooney “hails a cab,” Sarah Silverman forms an unlikely friendship and Alan remembers M*A*S*H colleagues Harry Morgan, Wayne Rogers and McLean Stevenson. PLUS: The Great Blackstone! “The Beast with Five Fingers”! Revisiting “Crimes and Misdemeanors”! Beetlepuss rescues Bela Lugosi! And Alan shares the stage with Red Buttons, Phil Silvers and Mae West!  

Paul F. Tompkins loves that he caught you listening to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special return guest is Erin Gibson of Throwing Shade! Erin chats about which weapon she would prefer be used to kill her, why ghosts aren’t afraid of technology, and Michael Myers being too cool to run. Then, they are joined by improvisers Jordan Black, Stephanie Courtney, and Gary Anthony Williams, to improvise a story set at a 1910s Home Being Renovated In Hudson River Valley. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/PFT).

Larry Birdman stops by with updates on the Hogsface mittens stadium and what he’s currently reading.

Credits:

Arnie: Arnie Niekamp
Chunt: Adal Rifai
Usidore: Matt Young
Larry Birdman: Rush Howell
Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen
Tricia: Kate James
Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi

Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Ryan DiGiorgi, Evan Jacover
Editor: Chris Rathjen
Theme Music: Andy Poland
Magic Tavern Logo: Allard Laban
Audio Assistance: Jason Knox
Production Assistance: Garrett Schultz

Get your copy of the next Book Club read, Pride and Prejudice here [hellofromthemagictavern.com]!

Here’s some common sense: the more complicated a machine gets, the more ways it can break down and fall apart. That applies to everything from cars to kids’ toys to Hollywood, and that last thing (Hollywood) is this principle’s most fun application. Because what happens to your favorite movie if any step of the process goes differently? Is it even still that thing you like if it has different writing/casting/directing/editing/releasing/endless continuing list of these things?

On this week’s episode of The Cracked Podcast, Alex Schmidt is joined by podcasting titan Matt Gourley for a deep dive into all the ways our favorite franchises could’ve come together completely differently. From James Bond to Star Wars to even bigger pop cultural touchstones than those (!), they’ll discover how close we came to not even recognizing the movies, TV shows, and other entertainments closest to our hearts.

Footnotes: http://www.cracked.com/podcast/11-pop-culture-alternate-histories-that-almost-happened

Kate Berlant and John Early do dramatic readings of network notes from the 90s. John’s mother and her best friend recount the old-school sexism they endured as a screenwriter and actress in the 60s and 70s. And we begin our quest to find a TV writing job for Megan Koester.

Thought leader Wade Davis sits down with Cameron to discuss playing in the NFL, antiblackness within the gay community, and the empathy gap.

This episode is sponsored by Wildfang (www.wildfang.com code: QUEERY) and Daily Harvest (www.dailyharvest.comcode: QUEERY).

Comedian Bill Burr feels great about being Conan’s friend.

Bill joins Conan to chat about feeling jealous of his kids, his latest life-changing breakthrough, the end of the Burt Reynolds era, and more.

Plus, Conan answers questions from fans about messing with his staff, sports, and Pokémon. Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (323) 451-2821.

For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com.

This episode is sponsored by Yousician (code: CONAN), Bolster Sleep Company (www.bolstersleep.com code: CONAN), Robinhood (CONAN.robinhood.com), and Away (www.awaytravel.com/conan20 code: CONAN20), and Campaign Monitor (www.campaignmonitor.com/CONAN).

BREAKING HOLIDAY NEWS, TOO

What’s the best Rocky movie? Listen and find out on this week’s minisode! Paul goest through Corrections and Omissions for Look Who’s Talking Now, opens up the Mail Bag, and ranks all the Rocky movies. Plus, find out which movie will be covered next week!

This episode is brought to you by Mailchimp (www.mailchimp.com) and Fossil (www.fossil.com/BONKERS).

Subscribe to Unspooled with Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson here: http://www.earwolf.com/show/unspooled/

Check out our new website over at www.hdtgminfo.com!

Check out new HDTGM merch over at https://www.teepubli…wdidthisgetmade

Where to Find Jason, June & Paul:

@PaulScheer on Instagram & Twitter

@Junediane on IG and @MsJuneDiane on Twitter

Jason is still not on Twitter

Jude realizes he may never get the higher education he has always wanted, and Michael talks to his old friend David Wain about handling disappointment.

This episode is sponsored by Man of the People with Pat Tomasulo (www.wgntv.com/LIVE).

The hilarious AB Cassidy joins Matt and Dave to talk about the real life “showmance” with their now girlfriend, going to weight loss boarding school, autistic cats, gender fluidity and more! Plus It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Shawn Mendes, and pets vs significant others!

This episode is sponsored by Modcloth (www.modcloth.com code: HP) and Calm (www.calm.com/HOMOPHILIA).

Matt Rogers (Las Culturistas) and Leah Bonnema (Comedy Drop) join Negin to discuss Paul Manafort’s 2016 meeting with Julian Assange and if new developments in the Russia probe will affect Trump politically. Then, they talk maternity leave in the U.S., and finally, Lena Dunham and Gina Rodriguez’s recent attention-grabbing interviews.

This episode is sponsored by Thoughtfully (www.thoughtfully.com/FAKE code: FAKE) and Blinkist (www.blinkist.com/FAKE).

Rhea talks Dress Barn, crystals and DivaCups. Sets from Candy Lawrence, Cara Connors, Chris Martin and Howard Kremer.

This episode is brought to you by TomboyX (www.tomboyx.com/CAM).

Casey is holding down the fort in the nook with special co-host, the wondrous Blair Beeken. They are divided on important issues such as: Are we more focused on the Housewives boobs or butts??? No objectifying here! They are joined by stand up comedian and all around lovely human, Camirin Farmer who has hilarious insights but also simple burning questions we all want answers to, such as, re: Dallas, “Who and why is Carrie?” The ladies rip through and rip apart four cities and no one is safe. Least of all Shane. 

This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/HOUSEWIVES), Call Your Girlfriend, Thrive Market (www.thrivemarket.com/housewives), and JustFab (www.justfab.com/HOUSEWIVES).

Welcome to the improv4humans Best of Music Vol. 4! Listen to incredible musicians The Family Crest, Laura Stevenson, Cory Branan, Worriers, Austin Lucas, San Fermin, The Smith Street Band, and K.Flay play their best songs as inspiration for improvised scenes featuring an amazing roster of the greatest improvisers in the universe including Will Hines, Seth Morris, Drew Spears, Sean Conroy, Eugene Cordero, Jon Gabrus, Brian Huskey, Mary Holland, Joe Wengert, Craig Rowin, Jessica McKenna, Stephanie Allynne, Matt Newell, Mike McLendon, Drew Tarver, Betsy Sodaro, Dan Lippert, and Paul F. Tompkins.

This episode is sponsored by The Jim Jeffries Show Podcast and MVMT Watches (www.MVMT.com/IMPROV).

Amy & Paul undergo the Ludovico technique to watch Stanley Kubrick’s dark dystopia A Clockwork Orange! They explain the history of the famous “Singin In The Rain” scene, compare the complicated adaptation to Anthony Burgess’ original novel, and question why Kubrick should be considered a moral authority on anything. Plus: Paul weighs in on the online discussion about the AFI list and “incels.”

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank discussion of rape and rape scenes.

For Rocky week, tell us about how you first encountered the Rocky franchise! Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts.

Scott, Paul and Lauren discuss parties, birth certificates and prison. For their feature segment, the gang plays 32 Toothless Vegetables.

This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/THREEDOM) and M. Gemi (www.mgemi.com/THREEDOM).

This week, Erin talks about an interview in which mega church pastor and televangelist huckster Joel Osteen explains why he refuses to be alone with women who aren’t his wife – and why that’s a load of nonsense that has nothing to do with Jesus and everything to do with male power. Then, Bryan takes us through the story of Cross Coburn, a 19-year-old gay city councilman from Groves, TX who faces a recall from office after his nudes on Grindr were leaked.

And make sure to check out Deeper Shade of Shade on Stitcher Premium, where Bryan and Erin interview their favorite friends of the show. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/shade and use promo code ‘SHADE’.

This episode is sponsored by Poshmark (code: THROWINGSHADE5), Wildfang (www.wildfang.com code: SHADE), Thoughtfully (www.thoughtfully.com/SHADE code: SHADE), Care/of (www.takecareof.com code: SHADE), and Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/SHADE code: SHADE).

Matching the stars with Michael Burger.

This episode is brought to you by The Jim Jefferies Show podcast, LightStream (www.lightstream.com/PARDO), Quip (www.getquip.com/PARDO), and Harry’s (www.harrys.com/PARDO).

The Pistol Shrimps take on The TightSeaLion Cubers at Pan Specific Spark. Matt and Mark call the goings.

The Shrimps on Twitter: @pistolshrimpsbb
The Shrimps on Instagram: @thepistolshrimps

Pistol Shrimps Radio on Twitter: @shrimpsradio
Pistol Shrimps Radio on Instagram: @pistolshrimpsradio

Comedian and actor Adam Conover of Adam Ruins Everything joins Howard and the gang as they speed past Checkpoint Turkey into the great wintry unknown! Howard seeks Adam’s advice regarding a clue to a mysterious Fender theft before they count down Billboard’s Top 5 Alternative Songs. During the Movie Chart, Adam lays down the truth about biopics and reveals how he got snubbed by Disney, and later, Howard doles out holiday cheer with garage gifts and a fresh set of Hot Picks.

Emmy nominated filmmaker and director Mo Marable (Brockmire, Insecure) joins Andrew and Tawny to discuss all things Atlanta, a caller’s question regarding good and bad hair, a caller’s question about a co-worker who quiets their voice when they use the word black, and more. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

This episode is brought to you by Wildfang (www.wildfang.com code: YO).

On a new “First And Last” episode, Lauren & Jon talk about the series premiere and finale of a show they’ve never seen, House M.D.! They describe the pilot as mixing the tropes of a police procedural with a medical drama, then try to figure out what the hell is happening in the twisty finale, and how it compares to the infamous finale of Dexter. Plus: Lauren never wants to eat ham again.

This episode is brought to you by Caavo and Lola.

Comedian Lane Moore (Tinder Live, How To Be Alone) & 10-year-old Maggie join Jo & Manolo to play listener-created games with callers, including special calls from Travis McElroy (The Adventure Zone, My Brother, My Brother and Me) and Andy Beckerman (Couples Therapy)! 

Games played: Doctor Slogan, Buff Fluff, Dr. Fruitcousins, and One Peanut, Two Peanut, No Peanut, Blue Peanut 

This episode is brought to you by Green Chef (www.greenchef.us/gameshow).

Rebecca Givan is an Associate Professor of  Labor Studies and Employment Relations  at Rutgers University. She joins Jonathan to discuss the ins and outs of trade unions: what they are, how they work, why they’re needed, the benefits and protection they offer members, and much more.

Professor Givan is on Twitter @rkgwork, and her website is www.rkgivan.com.

Find out what today’s guest and former guests are up to by following us on Instagram and Twitter @CuriousWithJVN.

Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com.

Check out Getting Curious merch at PodSwag.com.

Listen to more music from Quiñ by heading over to TheQuinCat.com.

Jonathan is on Instagram and Twitter @JVN and @Jonathan.Vanness on Facebook.

The hilarious Jeff Hiller is live in Brooklyn from the Murmrr Ballroom with Jess and Zach in a new underwater musical complete with dolphins, Garibaldi, jellies, witches and more! With songs like “Swim On In”, “Gardening or Singing” and “A Seastar is Born”, you’ll wanna “mate for life” with this new episode. Plus, stay til the end for that special talk-back! 

This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK).

Sean and Hayes have a little fun doing a talkshow with JULIE KLAUSNER and TOM SCHARPLING live at The Bell House.

This episode is sponsored by Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/savings) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/THEBOYS).

What is it like to transform from very large to marathon runner very quickly? A polite but engaged audience in Toronto helps Geth out with some questions, like how her experience feels in the context of the body positivity movement (and they tweet some insults aimed at Buffalo). Then the audience really gets excited when they discuss tandem nursing!

This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/stories), Fruit of the Loom (www.fruit.com code: STORIES), Brooklinen (www.brooklinen.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: BEAUTIFUL), and Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/BEAUTIFUL).