Ben Schwartz aka the Elegant Mr. S and Thomas Middleditch aka star of Silicon Valley join Scott this week to make up a rap that is surely to become a number one hit! They also play To Tell The Truth as we figure out which one of them has a criminal record and give us a little taste of their audiobook work. Later, entrepreneur/ Alan Buchanan stops by to tell us the many jams, jellies and preserves he’s selling as well as his unusual wet crotch syndrome. Plus, aspiring superhero Markis Quiddlebit arrives to talk about being unsuccessful in his attempts to become a superhero.

This episode is brought to you by Backblaze (www.backblaze.com/bangbang), DirtyLemon (www.dirtylemon.com), Crashing on HBO, and Black Tux (www.blacktux.com/BANGBANG).

Comedian and writer Eliza Skinner (The Late Late Show with James Corden) started her career in New York City’s improv scene where she hosted a rap improv battle for comedians. She often shared the bill (and basement venue) with Lin-Manuel Miranda and his group Freestyle Love Supreme. Though she’s embraced comedy and hip hop as an adult, Eliza grew up enmeshed in the world of musical theatre. She joins Travon and Mike to explain why she prefers sad, “rip your heart out songs” songs in musicals over comedy numbers. Plus, a tearful rendition of “Stay Alive (Reprise).”

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: HAMILTON).

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes ladies and gentlemen of San Francisco and the world to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation, recorded at San Francisco SketchFest 2017! This week, Paul’s special return and first 3-time guest is Busy Philipps of HBO’s Vice Principals! They chat about whether or not Busy considers herself a “bad girl,”  the unusual way Busy found her therapist,, and teaching children about the weirdness that they may come across on the internet. Paul is then joined by Eugene Cordero, Tawny Newsome, and Little Janet Varney to improvise a story set in a Burmese Therapist Office. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

Photos by Greg Garth.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: PFT), Crashing on HBO, MVMT Watches (www.mvmtwatches.com/PFT), and Indochino (www.indochino.com code: PFT).

More Xander Cage, a call from Morgan Freeman, plus ninjas! All of this and more is covered on this week’s mini-sode! Paul goes through Corrections and Omissions for xXx: Return of Xander Care and we hear Blake J. Harris interview Vin Diesel’s body double (go to www.slashfilm.com to read the whole thing) and the Movie Bitches review Underworld: Blood Wars. Plus, we find out which ninja film we’ll be covering on next week’s episode!

Where to Find Jason, June & Paul:

Paul’s new comedy Drive Share is available on Go90. You can see June and Paul on NTSF:SD:SUV:: on HULU. June stars in Grace and Frankie on Netflix, as well as Lady Dynamite alongside with Jason.

Jason can be seen in The Lego Batman Movie, How to Be Single, Sleeping with Other People, and is still indeed in The Dictator.

Writer and actor Noah Harpster joins Randy and Jason this week to discuss his passion for baseball cards and the struggles of being a Dodgers/Giants fan. We hear about the Twitter beef between the Mets mascot and pitcher Noah Syndergaard before the Sklars get into it with Noah about his role on the Amazon series “Transparent” and his recent project “One Mississippi.” During Quick Hits, they touch on a Tom Brady buttocks tattoo and Jose Canseco’s robot fears, and finally, Randy and Jason call up Harrison Ford to get the scoop on his piloting mishap.

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: SKLAR).

It’s that time of the year again, and Oscar experts Adam B. Vary, Kate Aurthur, and Jarett “The Wiesel” Wieselman of BuzzFeed join Ronna & Beverly to talk all things Academy Awards! From Manchester by the Sea to Mahershala Ali, who will win out big time? Which actors and actresses will take home the gold for their performance? Tune in to hear from the best!

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: SHALOM) and Keepsake (www.keepsake.us/shalom).

This week Bryan discusses his tv binge watching, while Erin shares her story of courage by going to the farmers market in the rain. Also, video ads for a conversion therapy ministry have been popping up on LGBTQ Facebook feeds, and James Green a now former GOP county official of Utah decided it was a good idea to criticize an equal pay bill because he still believes women belong in the home. Plus, guest Dan Bucatinsky is back to discuss his former retail career, the tragedy of using fluorescent lighting on a gay man in his 40s, and his new tv show “24: Legacy” airing Monday nights on FOX. Follow Dan on Twitter and Instagram @danbucatinsky

Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor are alumni of the Obama administration who recently founded Crooked Media, a progressive media company. They also host the hit political podcast, Pod Save America. For this special crossover episode, Katie speaks with these former White House communications aides about President Trump’s troubled relationship with the press, media accountability and how Democrats can translate protests into votes.

This episode is brought to you by Credo Mobile (www.credomobile.com/katiecouric), Toyota Highlander 2, and Princess Cruise Lines (www.princess.com/katie).

Gilbert and Frank Read Listener Tweets

Naked Walter Matthau! Munchkins gone wild! “The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing”! The Alan Ladd story gets a theme song! And the strange death of Professor Backwards!

According to executive producer Julie Shapiro, Radiotopia is a unique podcast network that she likens to a punk rock record label, bringing together independent shows to help support and grow them. But how does a show get “signed” to Radiotopia? Julie sheds some light on that, in this episode of the Wolf Den, with hosts Chris Bannon and Lex Friedman. She explains the process behind the network’s Podquest contest, in which 1,537 entries vied to be the next podcast added to the Radiotopia roster. Julie also reflects on her career in creative audio, from co-founding the Third Coast International Audio festival in 2000 to leading the production of two new podcasts at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Finally, she offers advice to the aspiring podcaster, and reveals the kinds of show pitches she’s tired of seeing.

Dying laughing with Suli McCullough.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: PARDO), ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy), and Crashing on HBO.

Actor Malcolm Barrett joins Kevin this week to talk about their shared New York roots, giving back to the theater, transitioning from slam poetry into rap, and the history of Rufuses. Plus, Malcolm discusses the process of transforming his Sin City LP into a play before giving his Top 5 Denzel Flicks, ending with a dissection of the all-time Denzel classic “Training Day.”

Comedian and podcast host Kurt Braunohler joins Scott to show off his fancy New York vocabulary, tell us about his new comedy special, and help figure out the length of a dog’s month. Later, cyclist Johnny Bikes drops by to share tips on motorcycling on the high seas and to discuss his stance on wheelies. Plus, officer of the law Susan Greenberg explains why pants are essential in solving crimes.

This episode is sponsored by Lyft (www.lyft.com/BANGBANG) and Spotify’s “Showstopper.”

Ian Roberts and Jessica McKenna join Matt Besser for a live episode straight from the SF Sketchfest! They take audience suggestions which inspire scenes about hashing out the specifics of butterfly travel, hiding baldness through haircut enthusiasm, and a jockstrap salesman competing with a lemonade stand. Plus, Melania Trump tries to make the internet smaller, and a dying man has very specific musical requests for his caretaker.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: IMPROV) and HBO’s “Crashing.”

On this weeks episode Casey and Danielle are joined by the adorable, housewives fluent Cate Freedman (Teachers on TV Land) to talk what might be the best episode of Real Housewives in the history of time (“She wanted to lick me down” need we say more?).  They break down what makes the ladies of Atlanta so mean yet loving to each other, what caused Eileen’s pink eye, and what it’s like to be an elderly girl scout.

Plus Paul Scheer chimes in to bring us a recap of The Bachelor hometown visits and Casey forced Danielle to watch Britney Ever After.

This episode is brought to you by Home Chef and Texture.

Comedian and writer Jenny Yang returns to join Andrew for a special episode in which they discuss the film The Great Wall. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

It’s roundtable time! Two couples talk about family planning as queer people of color. And how their own parents and cultural backgrounds inform their decisions. To join the conversation, go to longestshortesttime.com!

This episode is brought to you by Madison Reed, Squarespace, Yogi Teas, and Wunder Capital.

Christian Finnegan (Black and White) and Seema Iyer (The Bollywood Lawyer) join Negin to discuss what’s been going on while our heads were up Putin’s fur cap. They debate whether or not the media should give a voice to people like Milo Yiannopoulos, and whether or not comedy and politics make a good pairing. Plus, the nascent GOP resistance and Scott Pruitt’s history with the EPA.

This episode is brought to you by Credo Mobile (www.credomobile.com/fakethenation).

Former GOP presidential nominee Herman Cain (Ronnie Adrian) joins Mark and Pete to chat all things business, pizza, and Oscar nominees! Herman reveals his “trumpet pin bag” to the guys and gets emotional about Godfather’s Pizza. Plus, “everybody gets a little Cain”!

Director, actor, and improviser Alex Fernie joins Howard and Kulap this week to keep the La La Landers at bay! They count down the Top 5 Most Shazamed Songs This Week while breaking down Taylor Swift’s crew fall-out and Alex’s best musical critiques. Then, during the Movie Chart, they talk Nic Cage’s stolen comic books and Matt Damon’s appeal to Chinese audiences, and finally, Engineer Cody Ramhand helps dish out some gifts on Two Charted.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/charted), HBO’s “Crashing,” and Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: WHOCHARTED).

The caste system, religion, arranged marriages and bisexuality are on the mind of this caffeinated caller. Raised in Kenya and India, educated in California and currently living on the East Coast, he opens up about dealing with his conservative religious family. The conversation spans from breaking down western stereotypes about Indian culture, to the amazing dosa place that Gethard goes to in Queens.

This episode is brought to you by Seeso (www.seeso.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Mailchimp (www.mailchimp.com), Talkspace (www.talkspace.com/beautiful), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/beautiful).

Singer-songwriter Tessa Rae joins Jensen and Matty to talk about her debut EP “Young Blood,” Atlanta rapper Joye Marelyn, “fetish” rapper Tommy Genesis, Missing Richard Simmons podcast, how we were late on Ouija: Origin of Evil, The Magicians, and many more things you should know about.

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/GETUPONTHIS).

Join Kevin as he sits down with comedic actor and director Christopher Guest (This is Spinal Tap, Mascots). Chris chats about his actor auditioning process, the serenity of fly-fishing, all while peppering his stories with sound effects.

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: KEVIN) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/chat).

Creator of the breakup app “Mend” Elle Huerta pops by to chat with Emily and Deanna about assessing post-breakup insanity, how breakups have changed over the years, the science of attachment, and dealing with social media. Plus, Elle gives the rundown on the “Mend” program’s functionality and the unlikely marriage of coaching and technology.

Hayes and Sean give a brief tutorial on trees art, then STEPHANIE SIMBARI and ELIZABETH KOTT from the That’s So Retrograde podcast do the show to teach about crystals and the stars.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/handbook) and Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: HANDBOOK).

This week Bryan shares his love of gifs and clips from awards shows, while Erin discusses her emotional highs and lows from finally viewing La La Land. Also, former Australian MP Ross Cameron made many explicit homophobic comments during a speech at a conservative fundraiser but now claims it was taken out of context, and a non-profit called Unchained At Last started by Fraidy Reiss has been helping countless women get out of forced or arranged relationships. Plus Erin’s sister, guest Audrey Gibson, is here to discuss Tinder profiles, political yard signage, and the horrors of teaching children. Find Audrey on Instagram @audible80

Let’s talk to Usidore’s fellowship of heroes before we set off on our journey to defeat the Dark Lord.

Credits
Arnie: Arnie Niekamp
Chunt: Adal Rifai
Usidore: Matt Young
Pimbly Nimblebottom: Louie Saunders
Germ Crust: Mary Tilden
Evil Tannakin the Pinglet: Sarah Fineout
Squibbert: Sarah Shockey
Baron Ragoon: Chris Rathjen
Blemish: Martin Wilson
Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen
Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi
Tricia: Kate James

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

“Roaring Orcs” by Eric from Dayton, Ohio

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: TAVERN) and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/MAGIC).

Renowned Hollywood publicist Dick Guttman talks to Gilbert and Frank about his 60+ years as a Hollywood “flack,” promoting the careers of stars like Warren Beatty, Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor (among hundreds of others). Also, Dick praises Gene Hackman, pranks James Mason, parties with Marlon Brando and pens a joke for Uncle Miltie. PLUS: “The Sweet Smell of Success”! Harpo speaks! Laurence Olivier hams it up! Cary Grant shares the spotlight! And the greatest year in movie history!

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the audience for the 100th episode of Spontaneanation, recorded in front of a LIVE audience at the world-famous Largo at The Coronet! This week, Paul’s special guest is actress Constance Wu of Fresh Off the Boat! They chat about which sport Constance would kick Paul’s ass in, the real reason Constance got into figure skating as a child, and her dad’s love of Celine Dion. Paul is then joined by Sarah Burns, Marc Evan Jackson, and Little Janet Varney, to improvise a story set in A Shoe Store. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

Photos by Liezl Estipona.

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