Jon Favreau is a wonderful director, actor, writer, and one of Jeff’s longtime pals. Jon & Jeff chat about Dinner for Five, the old Second City days, the idea of being present as one of the themes in the film Chef, Jon’s upcoming film Jungle Book, Jeff’s obsession with the product placement in Ironman, and how Bill Murray is very aware that he is Billy Murray to everyone around him.

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A lot of you know W. Kamau Bell from his tv show Totally Biased and his podcast Denzel Washington is the Greatest Actor of All Time Period.  You may have also read his recent piece on blackness in America in Vanity Fair. But this podcast, which we’re calling Coptalk, is something different: a wide-ranging, honest, and friendly conversation about policing in America.

In Coptalk, Bell sits down with collaborator and comedy writer Ethan Berlin and a veteran ex-LAPD officer named Anthony Escobar. The three recently worked closely together on a television project, where Escobar served as Bell’s security detail. Coptalk is a conversation about race, community-cop relations and diverse perspectives on the recent incidents in Ferguson and elsewhere. It’s a wry, candid and timely conversation – a must-listen.

Say bye bye to another year but say hello hello to the new year with the best of 2014 episode of Comedy Bang! Bang! One of our faves, Paul F. Tompkins joins Scott to countdown numbers fifteen through twelve of the best CBB eps of 2014 that YOU voted for. Stay tuned for Pt 2 dropping on Christmas day!

This episode is sponsored by Club W, and Bonobos. Use offer code BANGBANG at checkout for some great savings!

The end of the year brings two things: unrealistic resolutions sobbed out through mouthfuls of pie, and top ten lists from every site on the Internet. You can’t reach January 1st without learning every hack writer’s opinion of the best movies, albums, and TV shows from the last 12 months.

Experiment time: Google a list of the top 10 films from 2004. You either wont recognize half of movies, or you’ll find yourself wondering what drugs the writer was on to include “Mr. 3000” and leave out “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”

We are terrible at perspective. Things like the Ebola scare or the Sony hack seem nightmarish in their moment, but they fade to the back of our minds as soon as the next awful thing comes about. The fact that next year’s Exploding Testicle Flu and Bill Murray email hack will both be much more shocking won’t stop either of these from making it into the top ten most important stories this year. If there’s one thing new media excels at, it’s turning molehills into goddamn Matterhorns.

Actor/comedian/writer Kirby Howell-Baptiste joins Andrew all this week to answer some racism questions. Today they talk about a license plate that reads “Anglo1” and Anglo pride. Be sure to call us at (323) 389-RACE to ask if anything is racist.

Devin & Amy leap back seven decades for a special holiday episode where they hash out if Frank Capra’s film It’s A Wonderful Life belongs in the canon even though people didn’t like the movie when it came out in 1946. How did critics and audiences get it wrong? What are we getting wrong today? And isn’t evil Pottersville more fun than boring old Bedford Falls? Plus, Devin & Amy ask listeners if they’ll vote literally sight-unseen to put The Interview in the canon for triggering an international incident. Does The Interview’s role in film history matter more than its mediocrity? Tune in for the debate — and head to the forums on Wolfpop to cast the deciding vote for both films!

Nate has a nice mix of wonderful pieces that are sure to make you laugh and cry this holiday season. Nate’s good friend Jacob Pitts reads a spectacular Bret Anthony Johnston piece called “Encounters with Unexpected Animals.” In a first for Reading Aloud, author Bret Anthony Johnston joins Nate in studio to speak on his piece featured in the show. Finally, Nate gives us the gift of listening in on a conversation with his dad about past holidays before his dad reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Fourteen years ago, Jacob hated his mom’s lullabies, which she thought meant he hated music. But now he’s a modern Freddie Mercury.

Ronna & Beverly had a wonderful time at the new UCB-Sunset in Los Angeles and they are now sharing their great time with you! Jack Black and Paul F. Tompkins are your wrapped up Hanukkah and Christmas presents this year. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!

This episode is sponsored by:

Squarespace. Use the offer code GINSBERG at checkout for 10% off.

Club W. Go to clubw.com/shalom to get a bottle of wine on the house with your first order!

Start your morning with a little sisterly love as sisters Sheila (Mary Holland) and Margo (Erin Whitehead) have a convo about romantic love over a cup of coffee in another episode of Sister Talk! This week Sheila and Margo are joined by high school junior Brandon Shorts. They talk about the changes that have happened over the summer to Brandon, how he wowed everyone at the school talent show, his new idea for a game, and to play a round of Truth or Dare. Then, special guest Traci Reardon drops by to help offer advice on safe ways to live on the edge and more to Twitter followers in her special segment, “Help Me, Rhonda.”

The great stand-up/writer Kevin Kataoka of the Bay Area joins the Sklars on the calming shores of Sklarbro Country! Kevin tells us about his father playing in a baseball team in the internment camps, his brother letting him take off school to go to the ‘72 World Series, performing with Robin Williams over the years in San Francisco, why he still loves going to open mics, and writing on Newsreaders. Then, Kevin shares a Hank Aaron story from when he was 9-years-old before getting into some Quick Hits! Finally, Tom Leykis stops by the studio to speak on his Christmas ritual this holiday season.

Get your tickets now for The Sklar Brothers at the Pageant Theater in St. Louis on January 31st which will benefit the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Go to www.supersklars.com for more info!

Kulap, Howard, and Stard celebrate Who Charted’s four(ish)-year anniversary along with the holidays of every tribe by popping champagne and exchanging gifts! Howard brings us a chart of his favorite female vocalists while updating us on the latest developments in eBay-gate. Howard then explains how Spotify-fueled xenophobia can add a new level of pleasure to any Uber ride. Kulap and Howard briefly struggle to come up with Janelle Monae’s name before diving into Kulap’s chart. Ku tells us about her holiday party times, then Howard elects Ku and Stard into his new crew. Happy Chartidays!

Get the “Who Charted Holiday Bundle” here!

http://store.earwolf.com/store/digital/3880/who-charted-holiday-bundle

This episode is sponsored by

Squarespace. Use code CHARTED at checkout for 10% off.

Dog Tag Art. Dog tags for pets!

Laimewads! It’s our Last Laugh #5 and we’re pulling out all the stops – the beautiful, hilarious and genius author of “Science For Her”, MEGAN AMRAM is back to warm our hearts with tales of Drag Queen makeovers, driving offensive film makers to studios, the thrill of an epic romantic Disneyland Thanksgiving dinner with her Mom, and why a mozz-stick dipped in chocolate sauce and mustard will always hold a special place in her heart. Enjoy!

Andrew Ti and special guest Vanessa McGee finish the week off by discussing technology people, the diversity hire, and the term “urban demographic.” As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Blowing the doors off with Adam Ferrara.

This episode is sponsored by Club W, NatureBox, Bonobos, and Harry’s.

Adam’s guest for this episode is the world’s best known astrophysicist–and an amazingly talented podcast host–Neil deGrasse Tyson. In this don’t-miss episode Neil discusses how hosting the StarTalk Radio podcast serves his mission to educate the public about science in a way that is accessible, fun, and—most importantly—informative. He explains that part of podcasting’s strength comes from the fact that “the versatility of pure audio is without equal.” Neil answers Adam’s questions about  what he enjoys most and least about doing StarTalk, and if he receives any criticism or push-back from the scientific community for being so engaged with popular culture. Finally, in honor of it being Adam’s birthday on the day they recorded, Neil gives him a special science fact about his time on Earth. 

Jon Gabrus, Betsy Sodaro, Eugene Cordero, and Stephanie Allynne enrich their lives by learning how to whistle on this week’s improv4humans with Matt Besser! They’ll also follow an orgasm eater on a date, meet expert booger disposers, and get familiar with a guy who sells his vitamin filled urine. Plus, we figure out what were the steps that went through to put up a misspelled STOP sign in the return of the Mope Report. Make sure to get the Upright Citizens Brigade television show season 3 now available on DVD, the UCB Comedy Improv Manual, Matt Besser’s new comedy album at mattbesser.com, and Dragoon’s new album at dragoongalaxy.bandcamp.com! improv4humans will be back at the UCB Sunset LIVE on December 22nd with a Christmas special. Go to https://www.ucbtheatre.com/ for tickets!

This episode is sponsored by Naturebox. Delicious & nutritious snacks. Go to naturebox.com/IMPROV for a free trial box!

On today’s episode, Andrew and Vanessa McGee talk about Peter Pan Live’s portrayal of Native Americans. Don’t forget to keep leaving us messages by calling (323) 389-RACE.

This week W. Kamau Bell & Kevin Avery discuss the 1996 film Courage Under Fire. They’ll talk about Denzel’s bad high top fade, Lou Diamond Phillips briefly making Kamau gay, Meg Ryan’s badassery, and Denzel’s double Glory tear. Plus, they’ll figure out what to get Denzel for his upcoming birthday onDecember 28th.

Things get heated as Bob welcomes Dr. Camille Goodman, author of Making Love to the Moon. Bob & Camille find their attraction levels rise as they talk about having physical encounters with the moon, how astrologic positions effect people’s love life, and past life sexual regression.

Adam Scott Aukerman have seen the U2 signal in the sky and are back for a special holiday episode of U Talkin’ U2 To Me! They’ll talk about Bono’s bike accident, U2 playing a concert without Bono, the Songs of Innocence + Experience tour, Films of Innocence, U2’s Christmas songs, and their upcoming LIVE UTU2TM show. Plus, the Scotts talk Star Wars in another edition of I Love Films and play a game of Did This Come Out This Year or Not.

Get tickets now for U Talkin’ U2 To Me? LIVE at SF Sketchfest over at www.sfsketchfest.com!

In Episode 7 of Season 4, Michael and Michael delve into the mysterious topic of the Unknown. Their conversation covers everything from the ol’ tree falling in the woods saying to the future to the Umami theory.

“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.

In the middle of a battle against some red giant dogs, the gang must choose whether they will stick around or find a place to lay low.

Vanessa McGee & Andrew discuss Asian foods. Be sure to keep leaving us messages at (323) 389-RACE.

Howard and Kulap start off the show by defending Howard’s strictness of tweet-chart questions, with plenty of bullet-proof analogies to explain Howard’s case. Then, our crew discusses the ramifications of the “Sony Hack” and how it’s going to affect entertainment as a whole. Also, Kulap and Stard explain to Howard what a Mockingjay is and why Howard should learn to love the nature of fictional animals. Later, the gang does a live re-enactment of “Shark Tank,” a re-enactment where Howard plays a start up business that specializes in stress relief! Lastly, Howard, in place of our elusive guest, fields questions from chartists!!!

Deanna & Emily talk to stand-up comedian Pedro Salinas about life before internet culture, dating IRL, and the meaning behind bish, ATM, and more. Pedro also tells us what bothers him about GIFs, what’s the deal with Snapchat, and people’s fear of things getting too awkward.

The Sklars start off the show with a recap of Dan Van Kirk’s day with Chili’s. Also, Dan shares some of his exclusive Chili’s schwag that he got for Randy and Jason. Then, the gang welcomes to the show comedian Andy Peters, who shares the advice that Colin Quinn gave, to jumpstart Andy’s whole career. Headlines on this week’s County include grappling with drunken zebra’s, a former college student who sticks around to create some malicious mischief, and the brand new charity “random acts of pasta,” as funded by the Olive Garden. Lastly, Christopher Walken calls in to defend his performance in the Thanksgiving spectacular “Peter Pan.”

This episode is sponsored by Shari’s Berries. Go to berries.com and use code bro for sweet deals.

Tig, Kyle, and David start off with a discussion about the holiday season. Then, the lovely Dr. Crystal Dilworth from Fail Lab is back in the hatch to edutain about the relationship between science and food, marijuana, relationships, communication, and cancer.

This episode is sponsored by Bonobos and Stamps.com. Use the code BLASTOFF for some great savings.

Join Kevin as he sits down with character actor Toby Huss (The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Halt and Catch Fire) to discuss his career as a cavalcade of characters. Toby chats about landing his Seinfeld gig with a goofy dance, how he gets lost in the art of doing voices, and how smiling makes him look like a psycho.

Vanessa McGee & Andrew talk about whether the name of this show is racist or not. Make sure to leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.