Beautiful Stories
Best Friends with Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata
Big Grande Teachers’ Lounge
Bitch Sesh
Comedy Bang Bang
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Culture Kings
Factually! with Adam Conover
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
Hello From The Magic Tavern
Hollywood Handbook
Homophilia
How Did This Get Made?
How Did This Get Played?
improv4humans
In Bed with Nick and Megan
Off Book: The Improvised Musical
Office Ladies
Queery with Cameron Esposito
Scam Goddess
Spanish Aquí Presents
The Three Questions with Andy Richter
Threedom
Throwing Shade
Unspooled
Urgent Care with Joel Kim Booster and Mitra Jouhari
Yo, Is This Racist?
Janet Varney
Janet Varney is pretty and great (not “pretty great” because she’s SUPER great). If you were just a normal person you would probably know her from Dinner and a Movie or Entourage. But since you’re probably a cool comedy nerd, you know her from co-founding SF Sketchfest or from Back on Topps or her improv or her work with Hard ‘n Phirm.
Host Information
Voyage to the Stars
Space: It’s big. Like, really big. These are the misadventures of a group of misfits that accidentally found themselves on the wrong side of a wormhole, trying not to blow up the galaxy in their attempts to make the long journey home. Join us on a voyage to the stars with the wholly unqualified Captain Tucker Lentz (Colton Dunn), scatterbrained scientist Elsa Rankfort (Felicia Day), apathetic technician Stew Merkel (Steve Berg) and the misanthropic A.I. Sorry (Janet Varney). The universe will never be the same.
Guest Appearances
Janet Varney
Actress and comedian Janet Varney (The JV Club, The Legend of Korra) talks with Andy Richter about dealing with parental separation, her first jobs selling Australian goods and high-end miniatures, tricky toilets from abroad, being a showbiz pragmatist, and the work that’s…
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Janet Varney, Our Voyage Friend
The Boys and JANET VARNEY do a special episode of Voyage of the Stars. This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: THEBOYS), My Sheets Rock (www.mysheetsrock.com/theboys), Indochino (www.indochino.com code: HANDBOOK), Untuckit (www.untuckit.com code: THEBOYS), and Liquid I.V. (www.liquidiv.com code:…
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Janet Varney - Playing Games: Season 2
Comedian Jimmy Pardo hosts a pop culture game show-interview podcast; three call-in contestants vie for prizes. Special guest: Janet Varney.
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Voyage To The Stars Available Now!
Space: It’s big. Like, really big. These are the misadventures of a group of misfits that accidentally found themselves on the wrong side of a wormhole, trying not to blow up the galaxy in their attempts to make the long journey home.…
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The Sharpies (with Janet Varney and Hollis Wong-Wear)
This week, comedian Janet Varney and pop artist Hollis Wong-Wear join Alex and Tawny to write a riot girl track about feeling lost.
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Janet Varney + Steve Berg in Night at the Natural History Museum
Janet Varney and Steve Berg from the new series Voyage to the Stars joins Jess and Zach for a museum musical packed with security guards, sexy Egypt wings, monkeys, two Owen Wilsons and more! With songs like "We Could Be History", "Thank You For Not Making Fun…
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Charleston, South Carolina
Paul F. Tompkins says hello and goodbye on this edition of Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s very special guest is Spontaneanation’s first and final guest, Busy Philipps of Busy Tonight! They chat about what Busy’s themed restaurant would be and why. Then,…
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Inside the Organist's Room at a Baseball Stadium
Paul F. Tompkins wishes listeners a very Merry Christmas on a new Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special return guests are The WorkJuice Players aka Craig Cackowski, Mark Gagliardi, Marc Evan Jackson, Hal Lublin, Annie Savage, and Little Janet Varney. Everyone chats…
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Janet Varney - Spotlight On: Sheline Lion
The only French Canadian in Marina Del Rey, Sheline Lion (Janet Varney) joins Marissa and Listler for this week’s WOMP It Up! Sheline talks about how to tell when Canadians are in a fight, her sponsorship of the show, and leaving her…
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A Train Platform: Live from London
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the live London audience to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is broadcaster/writer/nice person Starlee Kine! Starlee chats about her relationship with God, her sister’s Shakeology phase, and recently having a full on sister fight in public.…
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Hot Spring At A Discount Resort In Iceland
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all of Detroit to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is musician and actor Christophe Zajac-Denek of Twin Peaks! Christophe chats about putting chewed up pieces of paper into light sockets when he was 5 to 7…
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In Line at a Delayed Lauryn Hill Concert: Live from Detroit
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the beautiful crowd of Detroit to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is the proprietor of Mabel Gray, Chef James Rigato! James chats about recurring dreams that are significant to him, why goats are the hardest to…
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Germany: Live from Philly
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the wonderful crowd of Philadelphia back to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is Food Editor for USA Today, Kae Lani! Kae chats about her first job, how her grandfather would pull her in a Radio Flyer…
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San Diego Comic-Con: Live from Philly
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the wonderful crowd of Philadelphia to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse owner Ariell Johnson! Ariell chats about what her first pet’s name was, all of her fish she had growing up,…
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St. Lenox and the Pool With Lips
Musical guest St. Lenox joins improvisers Paul F. Tompkins, Seth Morris, and Janet Varney for this week’s improv4humans! St. Lenox plays a selection of songs that inspire scenes about a jingle karaoke bar, the ghosts of deceased authors, and law students with…
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Bonus - Baskin-Robbins: Live from SF SketchFest
As promised, Paul F. Tompkins releases the damaged audio from the 2018 San Francisco SketchFest featuring special guests Tony Hale, Eugene Cordero, Tawny Newsome, Little Janet Varney, and Eban (only the best) Schletter on piano.
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Baskin-Robbins
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes gigglers and laughers to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is actor and comedian Tony Hale of Arrested Development and Veep! Tony chats about whether or not he would invite himself somewhere, the size of a party…
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Yngwie Malmstein Concert: Live from The Bell House
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the audience under the roof of the Bell House in Brooklyn to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special return guest is humorist David Rees! David chats about which 3 celebrities he would recruit to his post-apocalyptic survival team…
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Wisconsin: Live from The Bell House
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes clappers and wooers to Spontaneanation live at the Bell House in Brooklyn! This time out, Paul’s special guest is senior editor for The Daily Beast, Erin Gloria Ryan! Erin chats about whether she is excited for the singularity…
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Airport
Paul F. Tompkins wishes listeners a very Merry Christmas on Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guests are The WorkJuice Players aka Craig Cackowski, Mark Gagliardi, Marc Evan Jackson, Hal Lublin, Annie Savage, and Little Janet Varney. Everyone then shares which exotic…
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Season 2, Ep 37 - Crone (w/ Janet Varney)
We’re joined by a withered old crone that makes delicious baked goods and steals water. Credits: Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Crone Bakeress: Janet Varney Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Evan Jacover, Ryan DiGiorgi Editor: Chris Rathjen Theme Music: Andy Poland Magic Tavern Logo: Allard…
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Family Owned Bike Shop
Paul F. Tompkins uses the sound of his voice to welcome listeners back to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special return guest is Matt Besser of improv4humans! Matt chats about what his favorite ancient civilization is and why, the thrill of looking…
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Catwoman with Janet Varney
Actress and improviser Janet Varney joins Matt to discuss her role as Party Girl in the 2004 superhero film Catwoman. Janet tells us whether shooting party scenes are as bad as being at a party with people you don’t know, crying on…
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Tommy Bahama Store
Paul F. Tompkins slowly eases listeners into this week’s Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is Arden Myrin of MADtv, Shameless, and Will You Accept This Rose! They chat about the last time Arden pretended to know something, just starting to…
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A Bank Heist
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes ladies and gentleman back to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is Clea DuVall of HBO’s Veep! They chat about how Clea feels about her eye color, the worst haircut she had that she loved at the…
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Janet Varney
Signing in with Janet Varney. This episode is brought to you by Bombfell (www.bombfell.com/PARDO), Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com/NEVER), and Harry’s (www.harrys.com/PARDO).
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Season 2, Ep 25 - Sit in a Circle (w/ Todd Barry, Janet Varney, Cole Stratton, Matt Besser & Danielle Schneider live from Outside Lands Fest)
An especially lively night in the tavern with visits from a raven, a warrior elf, an ill child, a giant dwarf and a fairy decorator. Credits: Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Kermit the Raven: Todd Barry Braidwynn: Janet Varney Timbo: Cole Stratton Matt Dabbin’: Matt…
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Jury Deliberations
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone who can hear his voice on this week’s Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is This American Life host and producer Ira Glass! They chat about what memory from Ira’s childhood he wishes he could change,…
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Labyrinth
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone to the beginning of a new episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special return guest is Kristian Bruun of Orphan Black! They chat about what Kristian's worst encounter with a stranger was, what clever nicknames the kids at…
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Burmese Therapist Office: Live from SF SketchFest
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes ladies and gentlemen of San Francisco and the world to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation, recorded at San Francisco SketchFest 2017! This week, Paul’s special return and first 3-time guest is Busy Philipps of HBO’s Vice Principals! They chat…
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A Shoe Store: Live from Largo
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the audience for the 100th episode of Spontaneanation, recorded in front of a LIVE audience at the world-famous Largo at The Coronet! This week, Paul’s special guest is actress Constance Wu of Fresh Off the Boat! They chat…
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Janet Varney
Join Kevin as he sits down with actor and producer Janet Varney (The Legend of Korra, Stan Against Evil). Janet chats about being raised on sketch comedy, acting opposite monsters, and constantly wowing her 13-year-old self. This episode is brought to you…
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Under A Big Rain Storm
Paul F. Tompkins does NOT exclude entrance to anyone in the world to this week’s episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guests AND improvisers are SPONT regulars Little Janet Varney & Jean Villepique, aka The Jayvees! They chat about what fulfills them,…
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Madrid: Live from Outside Lands 2016
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all back to Spontaneanation, recorded in front of a LIVE audience at Outside Lands in San Francisco! This week, Paul’s special guest is Fred Armisen of Portlandia and Saturday Night Live! They chat about whether a cheeseburger is…
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Minnesota State Fair
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all with his impressive vocal range to this week’s episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guest is Cedric Yarbrough of Reno 911! and HBO's Ballers! They chat about how Cedric pronounces "data," getting into a fist fight as…
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IKEA in Narnia: Live from The Atlantic Ocean
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all of ye-- seekers, suckers, and more-- to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation, recorded in front of a live audience on board JoCo Cruise 2016! This week, Paul’s special guest is rapper/actress/writer Jean Grae! They chat about the…
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Storm Drain/Live from San Francisco Sketchfest
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes ladies or gentlemen to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation, recorded at San Francisco SketchFest 2016! This week, Paul’s special guest Jon Hamm of Mad Men! They chat about what book inspired Jon as a child, questionable babysitting tactics, and being…
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Call Center Christmas Party: Live from Largo
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes you all, whether puny, shy or high, to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation, recorded at the world-famous Largo at The Coronet! This week, Paul’s special guest is comedian Ron Funches of Undateable Live on NBC! They chat about whether it's possible to…
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The Line For The Circular Saw In The Lumber Department at Home Depot
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all-- including the bros-- back to SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is singer-songwriter and composer Michael Penn! They chat about public restroom precautions, glamping in a tiny house, and Michael's collection of unusual musical instruments. Paul is then joined…
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Pediatrician's Office
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone who took the time to stream, download, or overhear SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is Midroll CEO and The Wolf Den host Adam Sachs! They chat about baseball, how much brain space is needed to know three languages, and "the rules…
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Freeport, Illinois
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone to unwrap the Christmas gift of a new SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul's special guest is Ravi Patel of Grandfathered and Meet the Patels! They chat about Ravi's secret girlfriend, what's going on with Mario Lopez, and the difficulty of taking…
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Saltwater Tuffy Shoppe: Live from LA Podfest
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the beautiful people of Beverly Hills AND the internet to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation recorded at the 2015 LA Podfest! This week, Paul’s special guest is Andy Daly of Comedy Central's Review! They chat about Andy's on-camera experience with lizards,…
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Wine Tasting
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes longtime listeners, first time listeners, and Halloweeners back to SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is Bruce McCulloch of The Kids in the Hall! They chat about the history of Tuesday, Bruce's complicated birth & extensive pajama collection, and which color would be assigned…
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Garden of Eden
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone around the world back to SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is Tymberlee Hill from The Hotwives of Las Vegas! They chat about talking to cat therapists, being afraid of sex, and Tymberlee’s friend, the (perhaps) psychic. Paul is…
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A Top Chef Finale Afterparty
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes fans of repeating words to this thing called SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton! They chat about phone etiquette, thank-you notes, and what Jonathan's grandparent nickname would be. Paul is then joined by Janet Varney,…
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A Dental Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona: Live from Largo
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes Los Angeles AND the internet to the first LIVE episode of Spontaneanation recorded at the world-famous Largo at The Coronet! This time Paul’s special guest is actor Colin Hanks of Orange County & Fargo! They chat about why Colin chose to wear the outfit he had on that…
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The Waiting Room at An Oil Change Place
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all his brothers he hasn’t met yet, including women, back to Spontaneanation! This week Paul’s special guest is hip-hop artist Open Mike Eagle! They chat about social anxiety, merch booths guidelines, and pizza day in high school. Paul is…
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Savannah, Georgia
Paul F. Tompkins invites all you wondrous humans to Spontaneanation, and this week he is joined by special guest Melanie Lynskey of HBO's Togetherness! They chat about dropping out of college, what New Zealand looks like from space, and being humiliated in…
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A Denny's Parking Lot
Welcome all in podcasting land to Spontaneanation with Paul F. Tompkins! Paul chats with his special guest Busy Philipps (Cougar Town, Thrilling Adventure Hour) about her favorite snack as a latchkey kid in Arizona. Then, special guests Craig Cackowski, Matt Gourley and…
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Barney's Shopping Spree!
Elizabeth's friend, actress and host of The JV Club, the fantastic JANET VARNEY is back after way too long to discuss stolen identities, finding a gun while hiking, the hope that people are inherently good, and oh yeah - is she a…
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Viking Tennis
Fabulous actress/comedian/podcaster Janet Varney joins Ronna & Beverly inside the Earwolf studios to chat about starting the SF Sketchfest Festival with her comedy sketch group, her podcast The JV Club that exclusively features only female guests, being recently cast in a tennis…
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Animal IQ
You'll be having fun once you hear Tig debut her new hit song (we'll know because you'll be smiling)! After catching up with Tig's double dizzy antics, actress Janet Varney joins the Blastronauts to discuss the intelligent levels of animals. They'll talk…
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Monkey Trumpet
Konichiwa! Between the bath salts diet and strip club lap sores, we're keeping it health concious on the calming shores. Janet Varney joins us to discuss online gambling, cherry spitting, and topless TV scenes. Plus, a Sklarbro Country first! We have Steven…
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Burning Love
Today's audio sound recording of Comedy Bang Bang is the perfect companion to everyone's favorite reality show, Burning Love! Mark Orlando and two of his lovely lady suitors, Carly and Tamara G, are joining Scott to answer the tough questions: Can a…
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Summah Preview 2012
If you listen to this episode in anything other than swim trunks and sunglasses, you're doing it wrong! We've got a not-bummah guest with Janet Varney who is helping Wie and Ku with a summah appetizer platter of the Top Summah Team-Up…
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Pottery Barn Prodigy!
Not only is she gorgeous and funny and, oh... just the co-creator of San Francisco Sketchfest (!), but she was also the manager of Pottery Barn at the tender age of 19! JANET VARNEY's talent is no joke - and we seriously…
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