Lately, you can’t swing an undead cat without hitting the end of the world. Whether it’s the pure escapism of ‘The Walking Dead’ or high art like ‘The Road’, every story hits the same beats: it’s every man for himself against the hoard of zombies or cannibals or nuclear Nazi mutants, and the only ones who survive are the badasses with shotguns willing to shoot their best friends for a Pop Tart. Even your general post-apocalyptic dystopia movies fall in the same lazy traps — every city looks like a warehouse or a desert, not because it’s an accurate depiction of such a society, but because they’re cheaper to film in.

But whether it’s a case of art reflecting society or storytellers accidentally tapping into a human desire — and running with it until it’s as bloated and decayed as their crew of extras — it says something about us that’s pretty uncomfortable to think about. The apocalypse is just the new Old West, but instead of conquering the “savages,” we just revel in being way better at savagery. We like the idea of the fall of civilization because it allows us to elevate basic human decency to heroic decency, and escape the complications of the modern world — even if most of us would die without it. But that’s why every disaster in the history of ever has shown that it doesn’t play out that way at all.

This week, Cracked editors Jack O’Brien, Soren Bowie, and Jason Pargin (aka David Wong) discuss the rote ways in which apocalypse movies and TV shows always get the demise of civilization wrong.

Devin & Amy clash lightsabers in the first ever versus episode where they will decide which Star Wars movie belongs in the canon. The prequels don’t even deserve to be in the running. Instead they will only focus on the original trilogy. Is Han & Leia’s banter romantic or annoying? Is C-3PO more lovable by being a dick? Can Empire’s bleakness balance out its lack of plot? Tune in for the death match — and head to the forums on Wolfpop to cast the deciding vote!

Nate welcomes his panel of friends Paul Scheer, April Richardson, and John Ross Bowie to break down John Darnielle’s “Wolf In White Van” in the very first Book Club episode of Reading Aloud! They’ll discuss using a kindle vs. a physical book, teen zine mail, Dungeons and Dragons, choices, and listener’s thoughts on the book. Get a head start on the next book which will be “The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P.” by Adelle Waldman and send in your thoughts on the book at readingaloudpodcast@gmail.com. Also, come out to Reading Aloud LIVE at UCB-Sunset on Friday, December 12th at 10:30pm! Get tickets at www.ucbtheatre.com!

Andrew Ti and special guest Ify Nwadiwe finish the week off by discussing a caller’s question regarding Black women saying they only date White men. As always, leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

Randy and Jason start off the show with a retelling of the time that Mickey Rourke beat Usain Bolt in the classic 30 yard dash. Then, the guys welcome actor, musician, writer, voice actor, and composer Brendon Small, who shares intimate details into what it’s like to take on so many artistic mediums. Later, the group does a quick brainstorm of possible uses for Jose Canseco’s lost finger. Also, the Sklars share a story about Marshawn Lynch, and how he proved athletes are still capable of doing good. Lastly, Jesse Ventura calls in to warn the world of comets, occupied by predators, floating in space, are posing a major threat to all mankind.

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YOU GUYS!! The wonderful and dapper dude who needs no intro, PAUL to the F to the TOMPKINS is in the house to explain the origins of humble pie, to announce the recent cure that’s been discovered for Lou Gehrig’s disease, and to discuss why he’s now totally cool with Dominoes Pizza! He also gives HIS advice to a past listener question from Totally Married! This is NUMERO 8 of our Last Laugh… Enjoy!

Howard starts off the show with an in depth investigation into how Kulap was courted by “Scottie Too Hottie.” Then, Kulap reveals the second season of Serial, “The Rise and Fall of Being a Power eBay Player,” the story of Howard Kremer. Also, in this weeks “How to Act,” Howard deliberates over doing battle with the self-checkout robot in the grocery store. Later, Stard talks about the making of an all-new Who Charted version of Frozen’s “Let It Go.” Lastly, the gang makes it very clear that Howard is NOT the Cosby of eBay.

Sarah and Susan discuss New Order’s “Love Vigilantes,” The Way We Were, and Josh Brolin as they share their Old College Cry choices. Then, singer-songwriter Neko Case, a guest whose voice that has launched a thousand cries joins Sarah & Susan to talk about Raising Arizona, Burl Ives, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Manson Family, Iris Dement, and clams.

Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to the improv4humans with Matt Besser best of music show! Listen to incredible musicians David Bazan, Ben Lee, Hallelujah the Hills, Chris Farren, Austin Lucas, Joey Cape, Drag the River, and Cory Branan play their best songs as inspiration for improvised scenes featuring an amazing roster of the greatest improvisers in the universe including Lauren Lapkus, John Gemberling, Michael Delaney, Will Hines, Seth Morris, Drew Spears, Joel Spence, Sean Conroy, Eugene Cordero, Pamela Murphy, Danielle Schneider, Colton Dunn, Jeff Hiller, Jon Gabrus, Mike Still, Tim Meadows, Horatio Sanz, Brian Huskey, Alex Fernie, and Gil Ozeri. 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 support these great musicians by buying their albums!

Happy Thanksgiving race cars! On today’s episode, Andrew and Ify Nwadiwe talk about the new Annie remake. Don’t forget to keep leaving us messages by calling (323) 389-RACE.

The smartest man in the world, Greg Proops joins Matt this week to discuss his role as Fode in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Greg shares how he was cast alongside Scott Capurro while performing stand-up in Edinburgh around 1997, what it was like meeting George Lucas for the first time while wearing a blue latex outfit & full character makeup, and his reaction when he found out he was turned into a completely CGI character. Plus, Matt brings up the rumor of Benicio Del Toro originally playing Darth Maul in another exciting installment of I Wasn’t There Too.

Happy Thanksgiving Denzealots! This week W. Kamau Bell & Kevin Avery discuss Denzel’s directorial debut Antwone Fisher. They’ll talk about Kamau’s Denzel-deficiency during the film, Viola Davis busting out her “Glory” tear, and the scene that made them both cry like babies. Plus, Kamau & Kevin chat about black superheroes, the Marvel announcement of the Black Panther movie, and Chadwick Boseman being the next Denzel.

Heightening your senses with Jason Mantzoukas.

Dan Telfer, Rick Remender, and the gang take some cover under a stoop after their battle with a giant rat. Now they figure out what their plan is as they are surrounded by giants of different colors.

Private citizen Trent Dobkin joins Bob to talk about being a man, being the ruler of your own destiny, dressing well, advice on meeting the perfect lady, and to break down his 5 point plan S.M.A.S.H. Later, Bob calls up Trent to give a follow up on taking his advice to meeting his perfect lady.

In Episode 4 of Season 4, Michael and Michael take a deep spoonful of today’s topic of snowfall aka snow. Their conversation covers everything from the meaning of lake-effect snow to no two snowflakes being the same to Robert Frost.

“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.

This episode is brought to you by Cards Against Humanity.

Ify Nwadiwe & Andrew answer Engineer Cody’s question this time around as they discuss Ram Jam’s “Black Betty.” Be sure to keep leaving us messages at (323) 389-RACE.

Kulap and Howard kick off the show with an insider look into the “strong-arm” aspect of the eBay culture, and the sanctions that Howard is currently facing.  Then, the gang welcomes Brian Stack, the man known for his many characters on all three of Conan’s late night talk shows. Brian shares some of the most memorable moments and encounters of working in late night television. Also, during the rundown of a special Thanksgiving themed song chart, Howard shares all the delusions that he’s having about going home for the holidays.  Lastly, Kulap reveals the absolute finest way to cook a Turkey, a classic Spatchcocking.

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Deanna & Emily are beyond excited to talk to professional models/best friends Rebecca Quinn and Alie Collier about how to step up their eyebrow game, tips on how to take some good pics, and the truth about smize. They’ll also give feedback on Deanna & Emily’s modeling photos, share how they’re taking care of their vaginas, and chat about their One Direction obsession.

Stand-up comedian and writer Yassir Lester joins Jensen & Matty to talk about the brief period where everyone got off Hip-Hop, the weirdest thing Yassir has encountered during his time on MTV’s Snack-Off, how the Bill Cosby story ends, Chicago rapper Tink, John Wick, Chelsea Peretti’s Netflix special “One of the Greats,” Female Driven Comic Books, Dragon Age: Inquisition, how we’re late on Banksy Does New York, Radiodread, Migos, and many other things you should know about.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Hooray Show! Join your host Horatio Sanz and his producer Chad Krueger as they invite you into Bro Bro Studios where anything can happen. Expect some good ol’ chit chat with some of Horatio’s friends, special sketches, and maybe an appearance from Aaron Neville. In the very first episode, special guests Chris Kattan and Matt Walsh stop by for some fun as well as a special appearance by Eddie Driscoll.

Tig, Kyle, and David start off by talking about their childhood pets. Then, Marc Maron takes us through a journey of past relationships, divorce, infidelity, love, self-esteem, sobriety, managing expectations, gas, and so much more. Tune in for a heart-felt, sincere discussion of the end of love.

Sean and Hayes get in a very heated discussion about a phenomenon called anti-comedy. Then, close friend TRACEY WIGFIELD is in the studio to talk about being a female writer, what happened behind the scenes at 30 Rock with Judah’s hat,  and full mouth kissing her boyfriend. Finally, the Popcorn Gallery is back to ask Tracey about being popular, winning an Emmy, and her joke victory dance.

Ify Nwadiwe & Andrew talk all about the Carl Douglas song “Kung Fu Fighting.” Make sure to leave us a message about anything you think is racist at (323) 389-RACE.

The Sklars and guest, Brian Moses, start off the show with an homage to “The Comedy Store,” it’s history, it’s famed performers, and the all new “Roast Battle” that is blowing up as they speak. Then, Dan Van Kirk reviews news headlines that include busty females who are being hunted by German police and an Australian man who surfs a whale while being hunted by great whites. Lastly, Steven Seagal calls in to share his latest business venture and upcoming movie release.

The writers and performers of such iconic pop hits as “Mad World,” “Shout,” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” Tears For Fears are in the studio as well as Scott’s old pal Reggie Watts on this week’s Comedy Bing Bong! We’ll hear all about how Curt & Roland used to sing in a church choir, the new re-issue of “Songs from the Big Chair,” the making of the iconic hit “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” the future for the band, and Reggie gets to ask a very important question. Later, we’ll finally get to find out what’s going on with Cake Boss (Cake Boss!) after his recent run in with the law.

Go get the 2014 CBB LIVE Bundle over at the Earwolf store!

This episode is sponsored by Cards Against Humanity, Club W, Plated, and R&R Games. Use offer code BANGBANG at checkout for some great savings!

The very funny Ify Nwadiwe joins Andrew all this week to answer some racism questions. Today they talk about LA racism and Menthol cigarettes. Be sure to call us at (323) 389-RACE to ask if anything is racist.

This week Devin Faraci and Amy Nicholson discuss Cameron Crowe’s romantic comedy-drama sports film Jerry Maguire. Is this the Tom Cruiseist movie? Did Cuba Gooding Jr. deserve an Oscar? Is something wrong with Jonathan Lipnicki’s character? Is this a sweet movie or a really dark movie? Tune in for the battle — and head to the forums on Wolfpop to cast the deciding vote! Plus, we’ll find out if you chose Romeo + Juliet to be in the canon.

Dreading a long holiday drive with the kids? Imagine if your whole life was on the road. That’s how it is for makeup artist Christina Tracey, who tours with the Broadway show Wicked, and brings her toddler along.