Utkarsh Ambudkar (Pitch Perfect, The Mindy Project) considers Lin-Manuel Miranda to be family. They grew close doing freestyle hip-hop shows together. Utkarsh was also the first person to play Aaron Burr when Hamilton the musical was still being developed. He realizes now that he didn’t make the most of it. “I was not aware of how large of a situation and an opportunity I was being given at the time,” he tells Travon. But Utkarsh has made his peace with how things turned out— in large part by working on a hip-hop musical all his own.

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

Comedians and members of the entertainment elite Paul Scheer (How Did This Get Made?) and Michelle Biloon (The Biloon Podcast) join Scott to chat about novelty Monopoly board games, t-shirt canons, and the some of the shows on Paul’s new network TruLife TV. Later, youth pastor Kelly Burton stops by to tell us how he’s updating the bible for the modern era of at risk teens. Plus, actor Tyren Bigsby arrives to shadow Scott as he works on his craft for a new podcasting movie.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BANGBANG), Black Tux (www.theblacktux.com/bangbang), and Stamps.com (www.stamps.com code: BANGBANG).

This week on The Black List Table Reads with Franklin Leonard, we don’t have one but instead TWO interviews with screenwriters. The first interview is with Allison Schroeder, screenwriter of the smash hit Hidden Figures and the second interview is with Luke Davies, screenwriter of the smash hit Lion. Please enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Seed & Spark (www.seedandspark.com/blacklist) and Harold Ramis Film School (www.ramisfilmschool.com).

Recorded live from Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles, Sam Richardson (HBO’s Veep, Detroiters on Comedy Central) joins Paul, June, and Jason to discuss the 1991 film Highlander II: The Quickening. They’ll talk about why there’s no need to see the first Highlander movie, Sean Connery trying on a suit, Highlander sex in the streets, the psychic cooking show, and much more. Plus, we get to the bottom of where Sean Connery’s walking around money came from and what exactly is the difference between a Highlander and an immortal during Audience Q&A!

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: BONKERS), Dunkin’ Donuts (download Dunkin app and use code: PODCAST), and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/bonkers).

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 How to Be Single, Sleeping with Other People, and is still indeed in The Dictator.

Robin Thede (The Nightly Show) and Josh Zepps (We The People Live) join Negin to lament Donald Trump’s feud with civil rights hero John Lewis. Sad! They also discuss why public protest matters and try (but fail) to figure out the First Family.

Actress and comedian Mary Lynn Rajskub joins Randy and Jason on this week’s Sklarbro Country! The Sklars pitch perfect Super Bowl halftime performances before launching into a discussion with Mary Lynn about getting shin splints while working on “24” and straddling the line between comedy and acting. During Quick Hits, we hear about boxer Amir Khan’s sexy Skype sesh gone public, an NBA player’s response to his Twitter hacking, and the origin of Beer Yoga. Finally, the Sklars ring up Jerry Jones to hear his take on politics and the Cowboys.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/sklar) and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/happy).

Comedian, author, and podcaster Negin Farsad (Fake the Nation , How to Make White People Laugh) joins Sarah and Susan to talk about having to cry for the movie 3rd Street Blackout, crying onstage while performing stand-up, Grey’s Anatomy, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and the pilot episode of Friday Night Lights.

This episode is brought to you by Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/babies).

This week: The films of Victor Mature! The conquests of Kirk Douglas! The musical stylings of Johnny Mandel! And Klinger and Father Mulcahy take it on the road!

Seth Morris, Chad Carter, Anthony Atamanuik, and Adam Pally join Matt Besser for a LIVE episode of improv4humans! Audience suggestions inspire scenes about hiding a legendary cow, a first-time gut wound, and three roommates posing as a demon. Youtube clips lead to an iPad with only mirror-related apps, an Amazon device that won’t stop ordering Tide, and regular fuck-party problems. Plus, special guest Landlady sings a song that inspires everybody not to dance.

This episode is brought to you by HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher and Harold Ramis Film School.

This week the nook is graced by TWO members of the Bitch Sesh FAMBLY,  Deanna Cheng and Matt McConkey and they don’t hold back one bit. From Rinna’s wig to Sheree’s straws to Mauricio’s post coital whispers, nothing goes untouched. Also, the “Lighthouse” Shira Caspe Weiss calls in with some important advice for one desperate listener and Casey shares a lovely moment with a topless fan.

This episode is brought to you by Home Chef (www.homechef.com/BS), Throwing Shade on TV Land, The Skimm (www.theskimm.com/HOUSEWIVES), and Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/housewives).

On the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration, Mark and Pete are live on the scene with some of the A-list performers headlining the festivities (Big Grande’s Dan Lippert, Jon Mackey, Ryan Rosenberg and Drew Tarver). 3 Doors Down comes out in favor of slavery. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir reveals they all sleep in the same giant organ. The “B Street Band” is dripping with sarcasm. And Mark deconstructs Chik-Fil-A!

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

Writer, disability activist, and podcast buddy Carrie Wade joins Andrew to talk about Mississippi city celebrating “Great Americans Day” instead of MLK Day, repealing Obamacare, and ableism. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Last week: boobs gone awry. This week: boobs gone just how you’d expect. But that’s kinda the problem. Abigail Keel has the story. To join the conversation go to longestshortesttime.com!

This episode is brought to you by Aeroflow Breastpumps, Madison Reed, Yogi Teas, Sunbasket, and Tweed Wolf.

Actor Dileep Rao has had the pleasure of working with auteur filmmakers Sam Raimi, James Cameron, and Christopher Nolan. Dileep joins Matt this week to talk about playing Yusuf, the dream chemist in Christopher Nolan’s 2010 film Inception and Dr. Patel in James Cameron’s 2009 film Avatar. He also comments on the validity of the Inception fan theories, being able to come to James Cameron with additions to his character, and how working with Sam Raimi on Drag Me to Hell was like working with family. Plus, a discussion on goat castration. Happy New Year!

This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: WASTHERE)

In 1965, a series of swift maneuvers by Albert DeSalvo’s attorney, F. Lee Bailey, blocked investigators from closing in on their prime Strangler suspect. DeSalvo was more than ready to talk: he had given investigators nearly 60 hours  of recorded confessions. But before fully understanding the crimes DeSalvo had committed, the State of Massachusetts agreed that DeSalvo’s testimony about the murders couldn’t be used against him in court. Bailey leads host Portland Helmich through his legal maneuvers as he battles to keep DeSalvo out of the electric chair. We also hear chilling details about the Strangler murders in excerpts from DeSalvo’s recorded confessions. Despite DeSalvo’s astonishing recall of the 13 stranglings, he gets the most important detail wrong. Could he in fact be lying?

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: STRANGLERS), Audible (www.audible.com/stranglers), Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/stranglers), Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/stranglers code: STRANGLERS), and Investigation Discovery.

Actress and improviser Erin Whitehead of the Wild Horses joins Howard and Kulap to meet Georgina, the brand new fur baby! While counting down the Top 5 Songs on Soundcloud, they talk government agent Steve Harvey and break down new hip hop slang, and Erin answers a special question from a listener. Then, during the TV Chart, we hear what makes a soundtrack manipulative and a debate over Benedict Cumberbatch’s “thing.” Finally, Stard joins in for Two Charted, where Howard shares his hockey adventure at the Staples Center and the group addresses their phobias all while checking out Kevin’s Hot Picks.

This week Bryan shares the myth of the stomach flu, while Erin shares her plans for the Inauguration. Also, Jennifer Holliday promptly backs out of performing at the Inauguration with a heartfelt response, and the Women’s March on Washington is this Saturday 1/21, and we have all the details. Plus, Bryans partner, guest Derek Meeker is here to discuss their wedding, Derek’s Republican past, and his coming out story.

Jensen and Matty are back to reflect on their fight heard around the world on the latest Year End episode along with Terry the Therapist and to open up the phone lines to hear what they might have missed on their Top 10 Get Up Ons of 2016.

Join special guest host Jay Mohr as he sits down with fellow comedian Joe DeRosa (The Pete Holmes Show, Better Call Saul) to chat about comic feuds, difficulty opening Pop-Tarts, and being insulted by puppets.

Raised by parents who moved from Vietnam to the United States in search of a better life, this week’s caller is her family’s first American-born child. She talks about defying stereotypes and asserting her independence by dying her hair. Find out how her “Tiger parents” reacted when she embraced a goth punk identity in middle school and later when she went to work for a non-profit.

This episode is brought to you by Mailchimp (www.mailchimp.com), Talkspace (www.talkspace.com/beautiful), Secrets, Crimes and Audiotape podcast from Wondery, and Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/beautiful).

Comedian Candace Carrizales joins Deanna and Emily this week to talk about her millennial journey from Columbus, Ohio to Los Angeles thanks to SoulPancake, becoming the first big lady magician, and why her dad leaving at a young age might have steered her into doing comedy.

Comedian/Actor/Musician triple-threat Nick Thune joins the Sklars and Dan Van Kirk on Dumb People Town’s inaugural (no pun intended) episode! Nick talks about his new SeeSo comedy special, Good Guy, and an ill-fated birthday gift he once gave his father. The guys discuss an illicit sex act performed upon a snowman and a good ole gas station defecation — plus they receive a voicemail from Steven Seagal!

Check out Dumb People Town’s official feed here: http://www.feralaudio.com/show/dumb-people-town/

Sean gets dropped off at Brett’s house to record a secret episode.

This episode is brought to you by Harold Ramis Film School, Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/handbook), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/first).

It’s easy to think every piece of great art or unforgettable pop-culture is the result of effortless genius and precise intentionality. It separates the gods who create from us lay-people who like to eat cheese and can barely decide what to watch on Netflix. Take Spock’s “Live Long and Prosper” hand signal. Yeah, it seems a little trivial, it’s not ‘Starry Night’ or ‘Hey Jude’ or anything, but it’s an icon that’s lasted in the popular culture for 50 years and stands only second to “May the Force be with you” as the most recognizable totem of the sci-fi genre. Only a genius could’ve come up with that, right? Not really. Gene Roddenberry and company wanted the Vulcan salute to be the peace sign until Lenoard Nimoy took a stand for what was right and was like, “hey, this is dumb. I know this is coming from the dude wearing pointy ears right now, but can I just try this other thing so I don’t look like the stupidest person on television?”

And thank god Nimoy did that, because otherwise everyone would’ve thought ‘Star Trek’ was cheesy crap, or at least cheesier than it already was considered. So sometimes genius isn’t in the intention as much as it is being able to realize a mistake, correct it and pray to god your new solution isn’t as dull as the idea that preceded it. And pop culture is so littered with examples like these, there’s a lone Native American man shedding a single tear over it. That much litter.

So Jack O’Brien is joined on the podcast this week by Cracked’s Teresa Lee and Alex Schmidt to talk about the behind the scenes mistakes and last-minute casting changes that made some movies and video games better. They also talk about some ghastly original versions of famous scripts that thankfully never saw the light of day. You don’t want to know what the original description of Han Solo was (hint: it included the words “green” and “gills”).

Footnotes:

Article: Cracked: 5 Famous Roles Obviously Written For a Different Actor: https://goo.gl/PZD4Se

Video: Cracked: 8 Times Your Favorite Actors Almost Died on Film: https://goo.gl/FTpSWN

Article: Cracked: 5 Iconic Pop Culture Moments Improvised at the Last Second: https://goo.gl/5V8Tl

Article: Cracked: 6 Glitches That Accidentally Invented Modern Gaming: https://goo.gl/WbOZ5

Article: Cracked: 6 Iconic Video Games That Were Created By Technical Problems: https://goo.gl/e2DBHN

Article: Cracked: 7 Characters Clearly Designed for Different Famous Actors: https://goo.gl/nNrcJD

Article: Cracked: 6 Iconic Movie Scenes That Happened By Accident: https://goo.gl/Q49cx

Article: Cracked: 5 Amazing Performances From Actors Who Weren’t Acting (Part I): https://goo.gl/W6KRf

Article: Cracked: 6 Amazing Performances by Actors Who Weren’t Acting (Part II): https://goo.gl/W6KRf

Article: Cracked: 5 Amazing Performances by Actors Who Weren’t Acting (Part III): https://goo.gl/R7Kebk

Article: Cracked: 5 Amazing Performances by Actors Who Weren’t Acting (Part IV): https://goo.gl/jNMCHl

Article: Cracked: 5 Great Performances By Actors Who Weren’t Acting (Part V): https://goo.gl/bLft7q

Article: Cracked: 5 Actors Who Weren’t Acting In Their Most Iconic Roles: https://goo.gl/kk5lV4

Article: Cracked: 6 Actors Who Thought They Had Made A Totally Different Movie: https://goo.gl/Wi6QWh

Kyle Ayers’ #RoofBreakup: https://goo.gl/KH3j3P

Zach Broussard’s Top 1000 Comedians: https://goo.gl/nKVn0r

SoCal Comedy Fest: https://goo.gl/voRTUN

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace and Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO.

Comedian Chris Gethard (Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People) was introduced to musical theatre when, as he puts it, he played Conrad Birdie as a “prepubescent, feminine eighth-grader.” Flash forward two decades and Chris met Lin-Manuel Miranda in rehearsals for a This American Life live show. “This guy is genius, this is next level,” he remembers thinking. He joins Travon to discuss seeing the original cast of Hamilton, what lyric he sings to make his wife laugh, and what he likes about  “Dear Theodosia.”

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace.

We got a hot mic this week! Gary makes a shocking private revelation to our guest Naomi Ekperigin… while the tape is rolling. Plus, dreams of fiery rebirth, drug dealer moms, and Dance Dance Revolution.

Go to www.casper.com/dreams and use the offer code “DREAMS” for $50 off your next mattress purchase.

Comedians Brendon Walsh and Randy Liedtke of The Bone Zone join Scott this week to talk about clapping song parodies, how Brendon got pranked on the set of Conan, and some of Brendon’s pranks over the years. Then, our old friend Traci Reardon returns to tell us about her New Year resolutions and to announce the very big prize she won. Plus, Rene Faberge stops by to spill some celebrity gossip.

This episode is brought to you by Jeff and Some Aliens on Comedy Central and Legal Zoom (www.legalzoom.com code: BANGBANG).

Prince Tomblain has infiltrated Shrike to spy on the Baron and Dark Lord. It’s time to hear what he’s learned.

Arnie: Arnie Niekamp
Chunt: Adal Rifai
Usidore: Matt Young
Tomblain Belaroth: Steve Waltien
Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen
Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi

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

Special Thanks: David Herman

This episode is brought to you by Harold Ramis Film School, Squarespace, and ZipRecruiter.

Radio and podcast personality (and lifelong Gilbert fan) Ira Glass drops by the studio to share his love of, among other things, old-school entertainment, classic comedy albums, the Frank Sinatra songbook and the grand spectacle of “The Poseidon Adventure.” Also, Sammy Davis Jr. finds religion, Davy Jones finds inspiration, Ruth Buzzi hangs (or doesn’t) with Orson Welles and Ira crashes the set of a legendary sitcom. PLUS: “The Komodo Dragon Expert”! Red Buttons’ sister! The mercurial Zero Mostel! Yoko Ono improvises! And “The Incredible Mr. Limpet!”

This episode is brought to you Harold Ramis Film School.

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes New York to Spontaneanation, recorded in front of a LIVE audience at The Bell House in Brooklyn! This week, Paul’s special guest is singer-songwriter Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s! They chat about how the movie ‘The Sandlot’ affected Rhett’s life, unexpected reactions to Taylor Swift songs, and Rhett’s young son taking a stand against the music industry. Paul is then joined by Chelsea Clarke, Shannon O’Neill, and Gary Richardson, to improvise a story set Backstage At A Rock Club. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano!

This episode is brought to you by Harold Ramis Film School (www.ramisfilmschool.com)