Oscar season is upon us so who better to join us than Oscar-nominated actor Philip Seymour Hoffman and fan favorite Nick Thune on this week’s bonus episode of Comedy Bang Bang! Philip gives us a preview of his upcoming Orson Welles project right before Scott’s nephew Todd interrupts the program. We then play a game of Fortunately, Unfortunately until a special guest graces us with his presence!

First timer Jon Glaser and past guest Pope Benedict XVI join us to talk finales on today’s Comedy Bang Bang! Jon gives a taste of what we can expect on the Delocated series finale and where his role on Parks and Recreation might possibly lead. Pope Benedict XVI tells us some of the reasons why he is retiring, what he will do now as the Grand Wizard, and shares some of his best impressions. Then they ponder their favorite ways to blow kisses during a super stuffed game of Would You Rather!

Happy 200th episode of Comedy Bang Bang! Take a break from reading the funny papers and tune in as Jason Mantzoukas joins Scott to talk about his role on Enlightened, movie theater handies, and anything else in the news. Old friend Don Dimello sends over the snake skin wearing Cactus Tony to shed some light on the recent controversy at the daycare he runs during Don’s late night productions, tells us about his one year of service for the Croatian armed services, and gives us a look into his other job at the Arclight theater. Check out the full video at Youtube.com/Earwolf!

Old pals Gillian Jacobs and Garry Marshall return to give us an update on their relationship on today’s Comedy Bing Bong! Want to know what went wrong in their marriage? How about the truth behind Garry’s deceased wife Barbara? Will there be enough cursing for Garry’s grandkids to enjoy? All these questions will be answered including a very competitive game of Would You Rather?!

Aren’t you glad that the Roastmaster General Jeffrey Ross and Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith are making their Comedy Bang Bang debut!? That’s not all, Sarah Silverman joins us to sing some of her telegrams and author Cam Billmoth reads an excerpt from his new book Letters To Mom. Plus, we play a heated game of Would You Rather? and Ron treats us to a song from his new album “Forever Endeavour.”

Tim Heidecker is here to tell us about his new venture as Vice President of Alternative Merchandising for The Who on this week’s Comedy Bang Bang! Paul Rust is our cheesed off co-host who helps Scott demystify some American myths and brings in some brand new New No-Nos. Bill Cosby-Bukowski also drops by to talk about his love of Kroll Show, explain exactly what #230pst is, and performs a special inauguration inspired Jelloem. Plus, Tim becomes George Burns during a game of Would You Rather?

Jeff Garlin is back on today’s special Thursday episode of Comedy Bang Bang! Jeff explains why sarcasm is easiest thing to do in comedy, does some of his favorite impressions, and tells us about his new podcast By The Way, In Conversation with Jeff Garlin. The ghost of Huell Howser appears to share what the afterlife is like, he takes Scott & Jeff through time, and says his final farewell.

Out of the street and into the studio, Billy Eichner of Funny or Die’s Billy on the Street is on today’s Comedy Bang Bang! Billy shares his take on George Carlin’s “Stuff” routine, explains where the idea for his show came about, and tells us about meeting Meryl Streep. Scott’s partner in crime Reggie Watts stops by to treat us to some brand new fresh sounds for 2013. The one and only Frosty the Snowman has a short time with us to talk about his failed show Catch Me If You Can, his current problem with an officer, and joins Billy & Reggie for a super sized game of Would You Rather?

Friends of the show, Nick Kroll and Chelsea Peretti are here for a character filled episode of Comedy Bang Bang! Chelsea tells us about her recent nauseating airplane experience and Nick quickly lets us know what to expect on the upcoming Kroll Show before having to leave. Luckily our open door policy is still in effect so Chelsea’s ex-boyfriend Chance stops by to read us some of his spoken word poetry, El Chupacabra brings along Baby to reunite with his paternal twin Tootie, and Fabrice Fabrice demands to not be censored during a game of Would You Rather? KOO KOO RI-KOO!!

Kristen Schaal makes her first in-studio appearance on today’s special Thursday episode of Comedy Bang Bang! Kristen schools co-host Nancy Cooper on rare pennies, microphone techniques, and invites her to Los Angeles for a 24 hour comedy training experience. Teenager Rick Faber then stops by to share his true feelings about being an awful teenager, some of the terrible antics his group of friends have gotten into, and has a confession to make during a game of Would You Rather?

Fan favorite and “House of Pies” star Ben Schwartz tells us about his plans for the new year on today’s Comedy Bang Bang! Ben & Scott recall performing together in Ben’s improv show “Snowpants,” recreate Ben’s favorite Bane sketch, and talk about wet dreams. Newcomer to the show Shelly Driftwood drops by to share some incredible stories from his life that involve his buddy relationship with Brett Butler, Easter Island, and a rolling affair. Plus, Shelly Driftwood tells us about his script “GoodFelines” during a game of Would You Rather?

Wait no longer as the conclusion of the Comedy Bang Bang Best of 2012 is here! We’re counting down the top five episodes as chosen by the listeners and of course more special b-b-b-bonus clips. Join Scott Aukerman and Paul F. Tompkins to see which episodes went head to head for the number one spot and we’ll see you in 2013!

Another year has flown by, so what better way to celebrate than to revisit some of the best Comedy Bang Bang moments that YOU voted for! Special guest Paul F. Tompkins makes a rare appearance as he helps Scott Aukerman countdown numbers ten through six of the listener selected episodes of the year and some very special b-b-b-bonus clips. Stay tuned for Pt 2 to see which episodes made it to the top of the list!

It’s that time of year where you try to not get burned when roasting chestnuts over an open fire and have the whole family gather round the ol’ computer for a special holiday podcast treat! Scott welcomes fan favorite Harris Wittels as he tells us about his new book/stocking stuffer Humblebrag: The Art of False Modesty and showcases a brand new edition of Harris’ Foam Corner. Bjork, Neil Young, and Billy Braggart serenade us with some holiday cheer and Paul Rust has a couple of New Ho Ho Hos for us. Ice-T gives us a history lesson on Santa Claus and Bill Cosby-Bukowski makes up a holiday themed Jelloem. Then first timer Liz joins in on the festivities to talk about her new reality show “Publicity.” Merry Christmas!

Did you ever notice that Demetri Martin has never been on Comedy Bang Bang? Well Demetri is here in studio to tell us about growing up in the Jersey Shore, gift giving, and how he celebrates the holidays. Don’t you hate it when the ghost of Orson Welles appears to warn us about the end of the world? At least stand up comedian Nancy Cooper drops by to cheer us up with some of her observational jokes. You know what I mean? Woof Woof!