Our old friend Ming joins Scott as the co-host of this week’s Comedy Bang! Bang! Scott and Ming catch up as they chat about Ming’s background, the history of the amber alert, and some jokes Ming has thought of in his spare time. Then, a new guest by the name of Neptuna arrives all the way from the lost city of Atlantis with a dire warning for humanity. Later, Dalton Wilcox, the self-proclaimed “Poet Laureate of the West” returns with a new poem for listeners to add to his book You Must Buy Your Wife at Least as Much Jewelry as You Buy Your Horse and Other Poems and Observations, Humorous and Otherwise, from a Life on the Range.

Come see us at the Now Hear This podcast festival: nowhearthisfest.com

This episode is sponsored by Seeso, Draftkings, and Leesa.com.

Are you ever so overwhelmed by the thought of going out to socialize that you just stay home instead? And then once you stay home, you’re bummed out at yourself for not leaving the house in the first place? Is your typical party maneuver to hang out in the corner pretending to text someone? Is the slow march of time a crippling experience that can only be made bearable by drinking alcohol and seeking out progressively more dangerous experiences?

Oh. Whew. Us too!

Seems that anxiety and depression are taking a bigger stranglehold of our culture and there are actually some statistics to back that up. Suicides are at a 30 year high, drinking is at a 25 year high, rates of depression are up 800 percent over 70 years and prescriptions for antidepressants were up 400 percent between 1988 and 2011. That’s some grim shit. But we have a theory as to why this may be happening.

Around some 200,000ish years ago, the human brain stopped evolving, but our culture hasn’t. Rigorous jobs, ever-expanding social networks, complex societal problems have all made our lives more convoluted, but our brains were only designed to handle things like, “where’s the fire?” and, “hey, there are some deer over there.” Evolution has left us hanging and we don’t know how to cope. 

For a multi-tiered deep-dive into this subject, Jack O’Brien is first joined by Cracked executive editor Jason Pargin (aka David Wong) to discuss the increasing role of anxiety in our population. Later, Jono Zalay, the world’s foremost comedian with a PhD in neuroscience, joins the conversation to talk about the role of drugs in this equation and some of the scientific reasons for why our brain needs anxiety.

Also, make sure to come to our next live podcast taping on Saturday, September 10th at the UCB Sunset Theatre in Los Angeles, where Jack and the Cracked staff will flip-off movies like ‘Sully’ and ‘Deepwater Horizon’ and pitch some insane true stories that should be made into big Hollywood movies instead. Tickets are only $5 and are available here: https://goo.gl/VP9riY

Footnotes:

Cracked: Why Anxiety is the Plague of the Modern World: http://goo.gl/BOfQgE

Cracked: 5 Brain Disorders That Started As Evolutionary Advantages: http://goo.gl/US9TKb

Cracked: 5 Ways Your Brain Is Tricking You Into Being Miserable: http://goo.gl/6bivn

Cracked: 6 Logical Fallacies That Cost You Money Every Day: http://goo.gl/K7PI8

Cracked: 6 Human Character Flaws (That Saved The Species): http://goo.gl/ObLk

Cracked: 5 Logical Fallacies That Make You Wrong More Than You Think: http://goo.gl/XtQGF

Slate: Why Do American Schizophrenics Hear Threatening Voices?: http://goo.gl/oi4PVh

Quartz: Giving Up Alcohol Opened My Eyes to the Infuriating Truth About Why Women Drink: http://goo.gl/qnJPSh

‘Rat Park’ Comic by Stuart McMillen: http://goo.gl/0yst1z

Jono Zalay: http://goo.gl/mx203E

Jono’s Podcast ‘Universe City’: https://goo.gl/ocbDyh

Come see us at the Now Hear This podcast festival: nowhearthisfest.com

This episode is sponsored by Magoosh, Yoga Hosers, and Loot Crate.

This week I’m excited to meet Foon’s first Unicorn dentist.

Credits

Arnie: Arnie Niekamp

Chunt: Adal Rifai

Usidore: Matt Young

Baron Ragoon: Chris Rathjen

Squibbert: Sarah Shockey

Tricia: Kate James

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 Assistant: Garrett Schultz

Come see us at the Now Hear This podcast festival: nowhearthisfest.com

This episode is sponsored by Cards Against Humanity, Mack Weldon, Dungeons and Dragons, and Drunks & Dragons.

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes you and to ever should be listening alongside of you to this week’s episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guests are Sean Clements and Hayes Davenport, hosts of Earwolf’s own Hollywood Handbook! They chat about the first thing they can remember breaking, a child’s misguided plan to save trees from being cut down, and how Sean & Hayes first met. Paul, Sean, and Hayes then improvise a story set in an Aquarium. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano! 

Spontaneanation Live returns to Largo this Saturday, September 3rd! Featuring improvisors Jordan Black, Annie Savage & Jean Villepique, and interview guest Kumai Nanjiani! Go to paulftompkins.com and claim your seats!

Come see us at the Now Hear This podcast festival: nowhearthisfest.com

This episode is sponsored by Seeso, Blue Apron, and Leesa.com.

Without historian Ron Chernow, Hamilton the musical probably wouldn’t exist.  It was Chernow’s critically-acclaimed biography of Alexander Hamilton that first inspired Lin-Manual Miranda to put Hamilton’s story to music. These days Chernow is still pinching himself that his long book triggered off such a creative explosion. He tells us about researching Hamilton, seeing this work adapted for the stage, and even sings along to his favorite Hamilton song, “Satisfied.”

This episode is sponsored by Pacific Shaving Company and Fracture.

Devin and Amy tackle the 1986 cult hit “Labyrinth” on this week’s episode of The Canon. They discuss how the film speaks to a specific generation of women before getting into a debate on whether or not David Bowie’s costume included a codpiece. Then they talk young Jennifer Connelly’s mysterious brand of acting, what “Labyrinth” has to say about letting go of childhood, and why the movie drew negative responses from so many viewers. Think “Labyrinth” should be inducted into in the Canon? Head to the Earwolf forums to cast your vote!

Come see us at the Now Hear This podcast festival: nowhearthisfest.com

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron.

Join Casey and Danielle for their second live show at Largo where Whispering Alene’s came out in full force. The theme of the night was simply: PLEASE DON’T LET IT BE ABOUT TOM. But sadly, it was allllll about Tom. Adam Pally and Morgan Walsh guest and lend their talents to an iconic scene. 

This episode is sponsored by Texture, Adam and Eve, and Conscious Period.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s Rachel Bloom joins Ronna & Beverly to chat about some of her favorite musicals she did in high school, falling in love with sketch comedy writing in college, recently getting coffee with a childhood bully, and working on the second season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Plus, Ronna and Beverly weigh in on French police making a woman remove clothing on a beach following a burkini ban.

This episode is sponsored by Third Love and Smile Direct Club.

Justin Krebs (Blue in a Red State, Moveon.org) and stand-up comedian Jim David chat with Negin about Trump’s possible shift on immigration and whether or not the Clinton Foundation is evil. They also dig into one of America’s favorite pastimes: segregation. And remember, the first-ever FTN live show is coming up on September 16th. See Negin live at The Greene Space in New York City with special guests including Aasif Mandvi. Tickets are on sale now: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2016/sep/16/fake-nation-live/

Guy Raz has covered conflicts all over the world for NPR, but now he hosts a show called The TED Radio Hour, which is about big ideas. In this episode, he and David talk about how these big ideas fit into their lives.

This episode is sponsored by The Great Courses.

Children’s authors Nance Timberline (Cissy Fenwick) and Phillip Lancelot (Anthony Gioe) bring you Reading Is Living. It’s the essential podcast dedicated to children’s books recorded live from the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley. This week they are excited to be joined by one of the greatest children’s book authors Charlize Steinbeck. They’ll discuss her family tree, her romantic involvement with objects, and some of her popular potty based books. Plus, Traci Reardon stops by the library to offer her Twitter followers advice on acceptable children’s book topics and more in another edition of “Help Me, Rhonda.”

This episode is sponsored by Bench Made Modern, Mack Weldon, Blue Apron, Eloquii, Magoosh, and the Now Hear This Podcast Festival.

The dogs have turned on us! This week Erin is nursing a dog bite and all Bryan has is a joke to comfort her…friendship. Also the media coverage of the Rio Olympics has been a colossal disaster for the LGBTQ community and women. They’re implying that gay men only watch the Olympics for the hot bods, and relentlessly remind us that women are vaginas first and athletes second. Plus comedian and TSPOD’s new BFF Michelle Collins is here to talk about the trials and tribulations of shopping for shoes, Bachelor in Paradise and her favorite restaurant chains.

Breaking down with David Feldman.

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon, Mott & Bow, Harry’s, and Blue Apron.

LIVE from the UCB-Sunset Theatre in Los Angeles, Mark Wahlberg (Daniel Van Kirk) returns to solve the problems of the world (because Donnie can’t) with his very famous friends Harrison Ford (Kenny Stevenson), Alfalfa (Alison Becker), Gwyneth Paltrow (Beth Hoyt), and Andy Wood. They’ll cover very important topics including Ryan Lochte, the Olympics, and more.

If NASA were to give the opportunity to leave everything behind and settle on Mars, with no return ticket, would you take them up on the offer? Some might jump at the offer, but many people haven’t even explored outside of their own country, nonetheless planet. Today, James and Stephen discuss the prospects of leaving the Earth, literally, as well as what other options might present themselves for people who aren’t trying to escape the bulk of humanity.

Under the cover of anonymity people feel emboldened to say hateful things online, which can be hurtful when you are the target. New York Times Deputy Washington Editor Jonathan Weisman explains why he quit Twitter over anti-Semitic bullying — and why he returned. And Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, says that for every big win against hate speech there is inevitably a backlash. Plus, we ask folks in Times Square to tell us their stories of being bullied online.

This episode is sponsored by Remarkable Lives, Tragic Deaths, Close5, The Great Courses, and Casper Mattresses.

Comedian, actress, and writer Negin Farsad joins Kevin and Kamau this week to discuss the 2013 film “2 Guns.” Negin explains how she ended up majoring in African-American Studies, what it was like to grow up Iranian in Palm Springs, and the inspiration for her new movie “3rd Street Blackout.” Then they take “2 Guns” to task over its multiplicity of villains and unnecessary urination scenes before investigating Mark Wahlberg’s checkered past.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron.

Sean Conroy, Betsy Sodaro, Jon Gabrus, and special musical guest The Mowgli’s join Matt Besser for a live edition of improv4humans. They champion the rights of water, sustain serious injuries after minor falls, and find out who has it the worst on a subway ride. Plus, The Mowgli’s perform some of their favorite songs which inspire scenes about a vague band manager and a drug dealer who peddles love.

This episode is sponsored by NatureBox and Blue Apron.

To hear more episodes of Next Level —  go to Howl.fm and use promo code NEXT which gives you a 1- month free trial. In this episode, Comedian and Literal “King” Of Podcasting Paul F. Tompkins shows us the best comedy the 70s had to offer, and then we bring in Bryan Fuller – the writer behind “Hannibal,” “Pushing Daisies,” “American Gods,” and the just-announced upcoming Star Trek series.

Are Stephen and James recommending “The Purge”? No, but today they and QOD social media followers are chiming in on what single law they think should be eliminated. James channels his inner-Ron Paul and makes a stance that the FDA should be abolished or drastically weakened, but can he convince Stephen that it’s a legitimately good idea?

Molly Hawkey takes on Ingrid ‘Han M’Boogie’ Walla in Round 5 of Pistol Shrimps Radio: Summer Masters Mini-Golf Tournament.

The Shrimps on Twitter: @pistolshrimpsbb
The Shrimps on Instagram: @thepistolshrimps
Pistol Shrimps Radio on Twitter: ShrimpsRadio

Matt Gourley on Twitter and IG: @MattGourley
Mark McConville on Twitter and IG: @MarkMcConville

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon, Blue Apron, Yoga Hosers, and SeatGeek.

Marlo Mack from the wonderful “How to Be a Girl” podcast joins us to talk about raising a girl who seems to have the body of a boy … and what a girl even is in the first place. To join the conversation, go to: www.longestshortesttime.com!

This episode is sponsored by Kiwi Crate, Hooked on Phonics, Chatbooks, Thirdlove and Horizon Organics.

Musical artist Jason Chu returns to join Andrew to talk about current trends including the Ryan Lochte’s Rio robbery lie, the Chinese laundry mat stereotype, and much more. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

This episode is sponsored by DKMS.

U.S. Olympians Gabby Douglas & Ryan Lochte (Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Drew Tarver) help Hard Nation recap the 2016 Rio Olympics, while educating Mark & Pete on hand jobs, smiling, patriotism, slavery, and Chinese food. Plus: Pete fat-shames Mark.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron.

Actress, comedian, and dancer Angela Trimbur joins Howard and Kulap for this week’s Who Charted. She tells all about the Pistol Shrimps documentary before they jump into the charts with Stereogum’s Best 5 Songs of the Week. We hear about Angela’s misophonia and a listener question about horror movies before turning to the TV Chart, where they discuss having fun by being inappropriate and how an app could help you in a fight. Finally, they talk Obama’s trip to Laos and open some tasty gifts during Two Charted.

Make sure to buy Howard’s new album, Oculus Summah, at howardkremer.bandcamp.com/.

What can James take away from having a comedian in the booth with him for four days? Today, on Marina Franklin’s final guest co-hosting episode, James and Stephen give Marina a lightning round of questions about comedy and the comedy business. Some of the topics touched upon include: Getting your set ready for late night talk shows, Jerry Seinfeld’s mom jeans, and Marina’s one piece of advice for up-and-coming comedians.

This episode is sponsored by Magoosh.

Morrissey sings, “It takes strength to be gentle and kind.” Well, Geth hasn’t eaten all day, and this self-avowed “Noodlebody” is about to find out if the two hard-boiled eggs Gethard bought from the midtown 7-11 will provide enough strength for gentleness & kindness.

This episode is sponsored by DKMS, Magoosh, Stamps.com, Stitch Fix, and Talkspace.

Rapper Ryu, producer Divine Styler, and rapper Gravity Christ joins Jensen and Matty to talk about Ryu’s new solo album “Tanks For the Memories,” Livin Colour’s new EP “Mixtape,” vintage BMX bikes, Jean-Claude Van Johnson, Joyner Lucas, Halo Top, and how we were late on King size Casper Mattresses, and many more other things you should know about.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron.