Watching movies like ‘Speed’ and ‘The Negotiator,’ you get the sense that talking a bad guy out of a hostage situation is a lot like being a Jedi. A little, “these aren’t the droids your looking for,” here, a little (insert witty line) there, and bam, you’re making out with the foxy bank teller back at HQ by happy hour.

Now if that were true, we’d all be hostage negotiators, right? But the job isn’t that simple. It’s much more passive than we think and involves a lot more teamwork than just one man walking into a building with only a bullhorn and his gut instinct.

To learn what we all get wrong about hostage negotiators, Jack jack is joined by Chris Voss; author, professor and former lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI. They discuss how teamwork and active listening are two of the most important parts of the job, and then Chris explains how hostage negotiation skills can be used in business and in real life.

Make sure to buy tickets to our next live podcast taping where we get heavy and talk about the afterlife, maaan! What if there’s no heaven and hell and we’re all just a hologram inside the mind of an ancient computer simulation? What if the Zoroastrians were right and it doesn’t matter how good you are in your life, you just have to cross a rickety bridge guarded by two four-eyed dogs to reach eternal salvation?

Join Jack, Dan, and Michael on Saturday, July 16th at 7pm at the UCB Sunset Theatre in Los Angeles as they try to figure out what it all means. They’ll be joined by comedians Casey Jane Ellison and Ramin Nazer to discuss their favorite afterlife scenarios from movies, sci-fi and lesser-known religions.

This episode is sponsored by Harry’s, The Bouqs, and Spotify.

Tickets are only $5 and available here: https://goo.gl/yvf76j

Footnotes:

Chris Voss: Never Split the Difference: http://goo.gl/yCKrnz

Daniel Kahneman: Thinking Fast and Thinking Slow: https://goo.gl/GoGs3a

The Atlantic: The Dark Side of Emotional Intelligence: http://goo.gl/MjOC5N

Cracked: 4 Aspects of Hostage Situations Movies Didn’t Prepare Me For: http://goo.gl/1wvR1h

David Foster Wallace: This is Water: http://goo.gl/XMEqj

New York Times: Quiet Fixer in Donald Trump’s Campaign: http://goo.gl/BcQQsH

Steve Agee (New Girl, The Sarah Silverman Program) joins Paul, June, and Jason in-studio to get to the bottom of important questions that popped up while watching 1991’s Mannequin Two: On the Move. What’s the deal with department stores? Do mannequins have genitalia? And finally, where does the butt start? Plus, we hear the inception of a new Mannequin sequel that is done right.

This episode is sponsored by Now Hear This Podcast Festival, Loot Crate, Blue Apron, and Casper Mattresses.

WATCH Filthy Preppy Teen$ on the FullScreen App today! Get yourself a BB-8 “What Is Its Mission?” T-shirt or Tote Bag over at http://howdidthisgetmade.bigcartel.com/ Set your DVRs for Party Over Here, a new FOX sketch comedy show from The Lonely Island and Paul starring Nicole Byer, Jessica McKenna, and Alison Rich. It airs Saturdays at 11 pm. People of the internet: Watch Paul in Fresh off the Boat on ABC. Awhile ago, Paul and Rob Huebel did a comedy special on a 60 foot glass bus that traveled around LA. Now you’ll be able to see it. Go to https://itun.es/us/3M4J9 now to buy it! You can also see Jason and June in Lady Dynamite on Netflix! Also, check out June in Grace and Frankie available on Netflix, and in all the episodes of NTSF:SD:SUV:: on HULU for free, and Jason in The Dictator (he’s still in it!).

It’s goblin day at the Minotaur again and we’re joined by the Goblin Queen herself! She’s very approachable!

Credits

Arnie: Arnie Niekamp

Chunt: Adal Rifai

Usidore: Matt Young

Fibro Myalgia, the Goblin Queen: Kelsey Kinney

Alabaster Camerdan: Tommy Maranges

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

This episode is sponsored by Cards Against Humanity.

Comedian extraordinaire Aparna Nancherla joins Scott on this week’s Comedy Bang! Bang! to talk about the last letter she wrote, how would she revise the government if she could change any law, and  some of the topics she covers on her new stand-up album “Just Putting Out There.” Then, amateur sports critic Ming arrives to tell us about his favorite sports and songs from The Cranberries. Finally, financial advisor Doug Gropes hastily advises Scott on how to prepare for his retirement.

This episode is sponsored by HBO’s Vice Principals, Stamps.com, Leesa.com, Sweet As Honey by Jennifer Beckstrand, and Now Hear This Podcast Festival.

Writer/comedian/actor Allison Raskin joins Andrew all this week to answer some racism questions. Today they discuss a nail salon being called “American Nails.” Be sure to call us at (323) 389-RACE to ask if anything is racist.

Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all who enter a room (especially at Jury Duty) to this week’s episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guest is singer/actor/writer/director Nathan Lee Graham! They chat about what job Nathan would permanently erase from his timeline, how he handles being recognized on the subway; and Paul and Nathan institute the Tyler Perry Residuals Challenge. Paul is then joined by Maria Blasucci, Matt Gourley, and Tawny Newsome to improvise a story set in Paris. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano! 

The next live edition of Spontaneanation happens Saturday, August 6 at Largo at The Coronet! Join Paul & Eban as they welcome improvisors Dan Ahdoot, Tim Baltz and Tawny Newsome, and special interview guest Desmin Borges from You’re The Worst! Tickets are on sale now!

Check out the first episode of the brand new Earwolf show Fake the Nation! Hosted by Negin Farsad, Fake the Nation is all the comedy about politics without any of the politics about politics. Every week Negin and a cast of her funniest, smartest and most politically astute friends gather ‘round the political roundtable to break down the news, make you laugh, think, and deliver a gut punch to the American political system. 

Check out the first episode of the brand new Earwolf show Fake the Nation! Hosted by Negin Farsad, Fake the Nation is all the comedy about politics without any of the politics about politics. Every week Negin and a cast of her funniest, smartest and most politically astute friends gather ‘round the political roundtable to break down the news, make you laugh, think, and deliver a gut punch to the American political system. 

This week, Devin and Amy pit “Boogie Nights” against “There Will Be Blood” to determine which Paul Thomas Anderson film deserves a place in the Canon. They dissect Mark Wahlberg’s “everyman” sexuality and discuss what about PTA makes his actors do their best work during their take on “Boogie Nights.” Then they dig into “There Will Be Blood,” during which they praise the contrast between Paul Dano and Daniel Day-Lewis and examine the duality of Daniel Plainview’s final words. Head to the Earwolf forums to cast your vote on which movie should be inducted into the Canon!

Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead and Josh Zepps (We the People Live) join Negin Farsad for this inaugural episode of Fake the Nation. They talk about Hillary’s ideal running mate (Beyonce, obvs), whether Microsoft’s Clippy is anti-Semitic and, because Josh’s Australian accent is close enough to a British one, we talk a lil’ Brexit. He pledges allegiance to the Queen!

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon.

Ana Marie Cox used to live and work in Washington, D.C., covering politics – until it got too dangerous for her. In today’s episode, she tells David why.

This episode is sponsored by Stamps.com, The Great Courses, and Crown & Caliber.

Andrew Ti and special guest Troy Walker finish the week off by discussing racist family members. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Welcome back to Family Meeting with the Hardon family! Dale (Casey Feigh) and Miranda (Mary Holland) Hardon meet every week at the kitchen table to check in on all the important family business. This week their guest is their teenage daughter Dana Hardon who has a bomb to drop on her parents about her recent encounter with a boy. Later, neighborhood girl Traci Reardon stops by the kitchen to answer Twitter questions about the Hardon family including what happened to their third child in another edition of “Help Me, Rhonda.”

This episode is sponsored by Now Hear This Podcast Festival.

Actor and comedian Jeff B. Davis (Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Harmontown) joins Jason and Randy on this week’s Sklarbro Country! They discuss missing out on prime Tina Turner, matching Wayne Brady’s intensity on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, the grooviness of ’80s basketball, and the challenges of being a soccer fan without a team. Later, producer Scott Rogowsky joins the fray for Quick Hits, and the Sklars ring up Manny Pacquiao to hear about his budding political aspirations.

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon, Blue Apron, T-Mobile, and Rhone Apparel.

Join Danielle, Casey and very special guest Amy Hartwick as they discuss MILF MONEY, Kylie’s Lip Kit’s, the Southern Charm reunion and RHONY or as Danielle  dubbed it “A Tale of Two Clitties”. Also find out the devastating blow Casey was dealt in paradise. 

This episode is sponsored by Texture and Third Love.

Bryan tells us all about his bestie CeCe Penningston, and doing stand up in front of a sea of gays while Erin shares her yearly 4th of July plans which just involve leaving the country. Also, Oak Lawn in Dallas Texas is getting no help from the police after an increasing amount of Gay Hate Crimes have been committed and summer blockbusters have just become a dickfest, where the women at?

Comedian Troy Walker joins Andrew to talk about if it’s racist to assume a shooter is more likely white. Make sure to leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Did Stephen’s viewing habits of the TV show “Dragon Tales” when his children were young affect his pleasure watching “Game of Thrones” as an adult? Today, James and Stephen go a bit more casual than usual and discuss their television watching habits. Has James’ work history with HBO impacted his enjoyment of their hit original television shows today? Does Stephen watch anything besides golf and soccer in his spare time? Stay tuned to find out these answers and more!

Actress Maria Thayer (Those Who Can’t, Eagleheart, Strangers with Candy) joins Sarah and Susan to talk about crying as a stress release, “Isn’t It A Pity” by Nina Simone, a scene from perennial “Crybabies” favorite Brokeback Mountain, and the heartbreaking documentary Brother’s Keeper.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron, Third Love, and Now Hear This Podcast Festival.

Find out what’s happening behind the scenes at Midroll and Earwolf during this very busy summer, as Midroll’s Erik Diehn and Lex Friedman join Adam for his very last episode hosting The Wolf Den. Adam recently stepped aside from his position of CEO and explains his reasons for doing so. He reminisces with Lex and Erik about the most fun, and the most challenging, moments of the last three eventful years. Then they take up Midroll’s recent acquisition of Stitcher, addressing some of the concerns raised by a few prominent tech podcasters. Lex and Erik detail why and how a reinvigorated Stitcher will be good for all podcasters. Finally they discuss Midroll’s brand studio initiative and the upcoming Now Hear This podcast festival, and share what’s in store for Earwolf.

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron.

Scooting along with Rich Sommer.

This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon, Harry’s, and NatureBox.

Actor Joe Morton joins Kamau for this week’s episode where they discuss Joe’s new play “Turn Me Loose” as well as the challenge of starting out as a black actor in the 1970s. Later, they talk about how to turn a money job into an artistic process, the evils of Joe’s character on Scandal, and the transition between television and film acting. Plus, Joe reflects on working with Denzel on American Gangster and gives his Top 5 Denzel Roles.

Jon Gabrus, Nicole Parker, and Paul Rust join Matt Besser on this week’s improv4humans for scenes about the dangers of animal trading cards, an urban survivalist, and the trials of a horny ghost. Plus, we’ll get to know the new interns, and Matt gets a call from a long-lost relative.

Stard joins Howard and Kulap for a special Summah Music Premiere episode! We’ll hear about Howard’s sibling rivalries and get some tips on creating your own summah gum while listening to the Music Chart. Later, they ponder sending e-smells during IMDB’s Top 5 Television Shows, and we get a special preview of Oculus Summah during Two Charted.

A mom has the birds and the bees talk with her 8-year-old son. Or does he have it with her? To join the conversation about this episode, go to longestshortesttime.com!

This episode is sponsored by Third Love, WHYY, Icon Undies, Bumpy Box, and Alarm.com.

Comedian Troy Walker joins Andrew to talk about using the word race instead of ethnicity. Make sure to leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

This episode is sponsored by Harry’s.

What does Stephen find upon entering the recording studio today? James holding a plastic bag with $4000 in two dollar bills. After a quick discussion about not forgetting thousands of dollars in cash in a hotel room, Stephen discovers the crux of the matter: James’ need for public approval facilitates his eccentric actions that make him stand out in a crowd. From tipping servers in even numbers, to secretively making redundant reservations in case your friends mess up, today James tries to sell the finer points of his lifestyle to Stephen. Will it work?

This episode is sponsored by Allstate.

Former presidential candidate Carly “The Fiorins” Fiorina (Fran Gillespie) tells Mark and Pete why she sleeps in a drawer and tags Planned Parenthoods at night. Plus: Donald Trump (Anthony Atamanuik) calls in to share how he celebrates the Fourth of July!

This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron and Loot Crate.

Matt gathered some of the best anecdotes told on I Was There Too about experiences on the set of Aliens, The Big Lebowski, Poltergeist, and many more. You’ll hear from Paul F. Tompkins, Aimee Mann, Gilbert Gottfried, Lisa Jakub, Phil LaMarr and more on topics ranging from food, flesh, and pancakes to making & breaking comedy. It’s a perfect way to jump into the podcast for new listeners and a grand collection of great stories for regular listeners to revisit.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace, Blue Apron, and Now Hear This Podcast Festival.

Paul, June, and Jason unbox Viewer Mail, we hear what’s the deal with the crab in Simply Irresistible from director Mark Tarlov, find out what our next magical movie will be watching, and learn how to stop face waterfalls. Plus, Corrections and Omissions for Simply Irresistible! Send your own voicemail explanation hopes for Paul to answer by calling 619-PAUL ASK. If you want to check out Blake Harris’ interview with director Mark Tarlov go over to www.slashfilm.com.

This episode is sponsored by Squarespace.

WATCH Filthy Preppy Teen$ on the FullScreen App today! Get yourself a BB-8 “What Is Its Mission?” T-shirt or Tote Bag over at http://howdidthisgetmade.bigcartel.com/ Set your DVRs for Party Over Here, a new FOX sketch comedy show from The Lonely Island and Paul starring Nicole Byer, Jessica McKenna, and Alison Rich. It airs Saturdays at 11 pm. People of the internet: Watch Paul in Fresh off the Boat on ABC. Awhile ago, Paul and Rob Huebel did a comedy special on a 60 foot glass bus that traveled around LA. Now you’ll be able to see it. Go to https://itun.es/us/3M4J9 now to buy it! You can also see Jason and June in Lady Dynamite on Netflix! Also, check out June in Grace and Frankie available on Netflix, and in all the episodes of NTSF:SD:SUV:: on HULU for free, and Jason in The Dictator (he’s still in it!).