Lazy Sunday – These Are a Few Of My Favorite Podcasts

Oy vey. I have been so busy lately that I barely know which way is up. Clearly (as evidenced by my lack of posts) I have had little time for exploring. Honestly, I’ve had little time for leisure activities, too. My DVR is piling up although I have had time to catch Downton Abbey and…well…I just need to get this off my chest. I’m kind of over it. There. I said it. Matthew is insufferable. I don’t care about Anna and Bates anymore. Why on earth is Ethel back? And, seriously, is that all we’re going to see of Shirley MacLaine? Plus, I came across some spoilers and I am NOT happy about future events.

Anyways…aside from TV the only movie I’ve seen recently is Looper (too violent), I haven’t listened to any music except for ’40’s on 4 in my car, and I haven’t even had a chance to dive into one of my beloved books. Seriously. The only one’s I’ve been able to get through lately can be classified as coffee table books. Lots of pictures, very little text. It’s about all that my poor scrambled brain can take.

BUT, there is one thing I have had time to indulge in – podcasts. You see, in my day job we’re aloud to listen to our Ipod’s as we work. Well, I don’t have one anymore thanks to an unfortunate run in with the washing machine and I don’t have any music loaded onto my phone. So I listen to podcasts. Lots and lots of podcasts. And  let me tell you, there are some great ones out there. So, in no particular order, here are some of my favorites.

On a side note, some of these are not safe for younger listeners. So if you are so inclined to download any be sure to keep an eye out for the red E (for explicit) next to some titles.

This American Life is arguably the most well know of the bunch. Already a famous radio show hosted by one of my crushes, Ira Glass, it has been a staple on NPR for years. With human interest stories that can be happy, sad, frustrating and uplifting this show has been my standby for a long time. I probably shouldn’t listen to it at work because 9 times out of 10 I will be crying by the end of the episode.

Ask Me Another is also from NPR and is one of my latest finds. A quiz show taped live in Brooklyn it indulges the trivia nut within me. I seriously want to be a competitor on the show but the grand prize of a pair of tickets to a Broadway play doesn’t really merit the cost of a plane ticket to New York.

The Dead Authors Podcast is hosted by my very favorite comedian, Paul F. Tompkins in the persona of H.G. Wells. Each episode features an interview with a famous dead author that Mr. Wells has transported to present day in his time machine. Sound familiar? Probably because I’ve written about it in the past. The Dead Author Readings are filmed live at the UCB theatre in Hollywood. I’ve attended several and highly recommend it for a fun evening out. The tickets are only $5, all proceeds go to 826LA, and I guarantee you will laugh like you’ve never laughed before.

How Did This Get Made? is hosted by Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas (btw, did anyone catch him on this week’s episode of Modern Family as the lusty jeans salesman? Guy knows how to play creepy!).  Each episode they analyze a different film that, let’s just say, wasn’t in the running for any Oscars. Funny, funny stuff.
WTF with Marc Maron is a straight interview show. Just Maron, a celebrity, and about an hour of deep conversation. In the beginning the guests were strictly comedians but the show has become so popular that musicians, directors, film and tv actors have also visited the garage. Even if I have never heard of the person being interviewed, I’m still fascinated by their story.

Ok, I know I said that these were listed in no particular order but I have to admit the next two are my absolute favorites. Neither are released on a regular schedule which probably makes them all the more special. I practically squeal with delight when I find out a new episode is available.

Mike and Tom Eat Snacks is hosted by the hilarious duo of Michael Ian Black and Tom Cavanaugh. Each episode they chose a particular snack item, eat it, and rate it’s quality. It sounds straightforward but they often go off on crazy and hilarious tangents. They’re close friends in real life and can improv like nobody’s business. I laugh out loud every single episode. Hmmm…maybe I shouldn’t listen to this one at work either.
As you may have figured out from the title, the Pod F. Tompkast is hosted by the already mentioned Paul F. Tompkins. Like I said, he’s my favorite comedian, and this podcast is a showcase for his talent. Much of each episode is devoted to a stream of conscious monologue that will keep you in giggles but also includes a hilarious conversation with Jen Kirkman, a skit from a live show,  and an occasional cameo by a fellow comedian. Oh, and the appearances of Garry Marshall, Ice-T, Werner Herzog, John C. Reilly, John Lithgow, Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Mr. Brainwash – all voiced by Tompkins himself.

So these are the podcasts in regular rotation on my phone. Got any others to recommend? I need to fill up 40 hours a week, people!

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