Category Archive for Episodes
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Episode 134: Anjelica Huston, Doomsday Planes, and Things about Chicken Wings
This week: Actress Anjelica Huston reveals her secret good-luck charm ... Writer-provocateur Caitlin Flanagan blends etiquette, therapy, and cake... "The Artist's" James Cromwell talks quiet... Chickens with four wings... Greeks invade Britain... We toast the end of the world... A poem from imprisoned dissident Liu Xiaobo... Plus, nurture-over-nature, and a Major find from the Asteroids Galaxy Tour. Read more...
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Episode 133: Chairlift, Megadeth on Etiquette, and the Food Olympics
This week: Musical duo Chairlift offers us a martini (and some music)...Megadeth politely shreds our etiquette questions...Author-du-jour Ben Marcus says words CAN break your bones...Antonio Banderas plays kitty and creepy...A soldier lost and found - 28 years later...Plus, the latest in men's fashion, epic Sundance flops, and a joke from crime writer Robert Crais. Read more...
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Episode 132: Tim and Eric, Bone Luging, and Lucinda Williams
This week: Sketch duo Tim & Eric tell us the secret to comedy... Lucinda Williams on etiquette and (non) barbecuing... Chuck Klosterman tackles football... Shalom Auslander's words about last words... CNN's Kat Kinsman talks about not talking about "bone luging"... And the science of "disgusting." Plus, a running joke, your letters, and new Shins. Read more...
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Episode 131: Stephen Merchant, Demon Children, and The War on Drugs
This week: "The Office" co-creator Stephen Merchant spars with Brendan... fashion guru Simon Doonan advocates mullets... humorists Dave Barry & Alan Zweibel (attempt to) read their epic epilogue... The soundtrack of The War on Drugs... Artist Chris Burden's slot-cars on steroids... And Rico digs into Frito Pie. Plus: silent senators, illin' crosswords, and far-out jokes. Read more...
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Episode 130: Wim Wenders, Liszt Lists, and Live Long and Proper
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This week: Director Wim Wenders speaks body language... Star Trek's George Takei takes etiquette to warp factor five... A list about Liszt, from world-renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet... Kathleen Turner's fiery new role... Third Wave Coffee... Existential humor... And finally, we learn how to play dead from a corpse - and then how to come back to life from Guided By Voices. Read more...
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Episode 129: The List Show
This week: We celebrate the year's end with an all-list show. Film critic A.O. Scott explains the art (and anxiety) behind list-making... The Colbert Report's Opus Moreschi curates the year in comedy... sleeper hit films... Lists with identity crises... And the Onion lists the year's top news stories that never happened. Plus, a glimpse of the future feat. jetpacks, platefuls of bark, and your favorite artists of *next* year (like Jhene Aiko and the XX). Read more...
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Episode 128: The Best of 2011
This week: We celebrate the best of 2011 Hear Guest of Honor interviews with Spike Lee, Carrie Brownstein, and Randy Newman... groove to disco godfather Nile Rodgers' tale of the birth of "Le Freak"... feast on a heart-stopping sandwich and a 100-year-old egg... toast Sweden's turn to the right... ponder a bigger Small Talk... then set your New Year's playlists with Song Of The Year picks from listeners like you. Read more...
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Episode 127: Patton Oswalt, Dinner for Breakfast, & Pre-Holiday Post Etiquette
This week: Patton Oswalt rocks our public radio world... A travel list from essayist Sloane Crosley... A shot-less heist inspires a shot-full cocktail... The "Rules of Regifting," according to etiquette royalty... Author Jay Kirk tells the tale of Barnum versus Britannia... a dinner party soundtrack from Kathryn Calder of the band The New Pornographers... and Rico gets a brief history of breakfast. Read more...
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Episode 126: Gary Oldman, Top Chef: Etiquette, and Instant History
This week: Actor Gary Oldman turns our world upside-down... Top Chef's Gail Simmons spills some sweet and saucy etiquette tips... Artist/Musician Terry Allen uncovers 3 lost gems... We toast the instant replay (twice)... and author Lou Beach tells 6 stories with 420 characters. Plus, a crash course in video games, a joke from Brit-com phenom Stephen Merchant, and a tune from Chairlift. Read more...
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Episode 125: Michelle Williams, Inspired Vodka, and GZA the Genius
This week: Actress Michelle Williams channels Marilyn... GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan proves his Genius... New Yorker critic Alex Ross shares the best of his "Best Of"... child star Barry Livingston picks his favorite characters... Gossip and Etiquette collide... Rico inhales some world-class vodka... and 7 ways to read a sandwich. Read more...
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Episode 124: David Cronenberg, Miranda July's PennySavior, and Real Estate in Paris
This week: David Cronenberg plays with our minds...We toast the phonograph with a drink that sounds like it...PennySaver 101 from Miranda July...Odd Future goes Pop...We're thankful for Elaine Stritch...Sarcasm in the Smithsonian?...And we check in on Real Estate in Paris. Read more...
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Episode 123: John Jeremiah Sullivan, Dick Cavett-iquette, and Wild Flag
This week: Essayist John Jeremiah Sullivan takes a hard left turn...Talk show giant Dick Cavett spits out etiquette tips... We learn the meaning of "peplum"... Mega-producer Nile Rodgers gets revenge on Studio 54... The Edsel flops right into a cocktail glass... And Caldecott Award-winner Brian Selznick (Hugo) shares unforgettable picture books - for adults. Plus a playlist from indierock supergroup Wild Flag. Read more...
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Episode 122: Sir Richard Branson, Jonathan Lethem, and Masters of Etiquette
This week, Sir Richard Branson drops the 'sir' for us... writer Jonathan Lethem squeezes Gertrude Stein, Jack Kerouac, and Drew Barrymore into a hot tub.... why we wanted our MTV... the (non-Portland) trailblazer of b-ball backboard-breaking... "Extreme Makeover: Urban Food Store Edition"... and iconic singer-songwriter Judy Collins muses on being a muse. Read more...
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Episode 121: Cyndi Lauper, Thanksgiving's New Black, and Punk Rock Etiquette
This Week: Cyndi Lauper reveals that her true colors are the blues... Comedian Jenny Slate hears voices and tells us her faves... a seasonal organic, free-range serving of New Yorker Mag's Adam Gopnik... Henry Rollins punks your etiquette questions... and why Thanksgiving won't let you eat cake. Read more...
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Episode 120: Chuck Klosterman, Diabolical Hawkes, and Zagats in the Zeitgeist
This Week: Author Chuck Klosterman tosses aside salad... Rap diva Big Freedia on booty etiquette... And the Zagats guide Brendan through the history of the Zagat guide. Plus, the Beatles' rooftop concert in first-person, John Hawkes on playing a monster, and a soundtrack from a Little Dragon. Read more...
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Episode 119: Antonio Banderas, Old-School Candy, and Music from a Non-belieber
This Week: The Dinner Party Download fattens up to become *The Dinner Party* - a cool hour of culture. Actor Antonio Banderas talks about learning to talk... jazz phenom Esperanza Spalding cues up her party soundtrack... and Rico tastes Turkish Delight. Plus, killer beer, documentaries for the doc-averse...and etiquette from Jackie Collins. Read more...
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Episode 118: Little Dragon and Big Small Talk
This week: As we ready for next week's hour-long show premiere, we serve up two more courses from the DPD test kitchen. You'll hear suggestions for your dinner party soundtrack from Swedish band Little Dragon. Plus, author Alexander Maksik flies into a moth-joke trap. Read more...
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Episode 117: Etiquette with Jackie Collins & more from the DPD Test Kitchen
This week: 28-time bestselling novelist Jackie Collins drops by to give Etiquette lessons... and to dish about Michael Caine's birthday bash. Plus, more experimentation from the DPD test kitchen, a call for your calls, and a track from phenom Luke Rathborne. Read more...
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Episode 116: Jeanne Darst, Gary Hustwit, and the DPD Hotline
This week, we continue to prepare for the hour-long version of the show by serving up some new courses. You'll "overhear" a story from author Jeanne Darst, take a Chattering Class on urban design with filmmaker Gary Hustwit, and learn the number of our new dinner-party hotline. (Drunk dialing allowed.) Let us know what you think! Plus, a traumatizing joke from debut novelist Justin Torres, and a new tune from the Stepkids. Read more...
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Episode 115: What if the DPD was an hour-long show?
Welcome to *The Dinner Party* - a culture show that gives you everything you need to win this weekend's dinner party.. On the menu: Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan quacks us up, comedian Demetri Martin takes us on a dietary journey, and we pose our burning etiquette questions to Broadway sensation Elaine Stritch. Plus, an interview with breakout actress Greta Gerwig, poetry from Billy Collins, and lots more. Read more...
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Episode 114: Steve James, Must-See Docs, and Jens Lekman
This week: Steve James, director of "Hoop Dreams" and "The Interrupters," interrupts our regularly scheduled programming to list some docs you'll love, even if you're doc-avoidant. Plus, Swedish singer-songwriter Jens Lekman gets up in his own grill. Much more to come as we prep for a longer, tastier DPD... stay tuned. Read more...
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Episode 113: Gus Van Sant, Government Lunches, and Glutenny
This week: Filmmaker Gus Van Sant gives us the silent treatment... America says Uncle... And Brendan gets the lowdown on gluten from Erin "Babycakes" McKenna. Plus, Soleil Moon Frye (a.k.a. Punky Brewster) kids around, and Feist offers up a bluesy new tune. Read more...
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Episode 112: Terry Allen, Swedish Rights, and Sissy Bounce
This week: Musician/Artist Terry Allen re-mystifies love... Sweden gets on the right track... And tennis superstar Novak Djokovic eggs himself on. Plus, a joke from a bitter Kiwi and a bouncin' track from Big Freedia. Read more...
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Episode 111: TV on the Radio, Moonicorns, and Sophisticake
This week: TV on the Radio explains why it's raining milk...The Sun talks craziness about the moon...And we treat ourselves to the cake to end all cakes. Plus, a joke from actress Claire Sloma and a fierce new track from Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks. Read more...
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Episode 110: Miranda July, a Stolen Smile, and the Waterguns of Brixton
This week: Filmmaker and artist Miranda July reveals her secret identity...The Mona Lisa takes an Italian vacation...And Bobbies crack down on super-soakers. Plus, a joke from musician Forrest Day and a mesmerizing tune from Lana Del Rey. Read more...
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Episode 109: The Icebreaker Episode (2nd Ed.)
Back by popular demand, it's another all-star, all-icebreaker show: Almost every joke we've aired in the last year, collected in one convenient podcast. Patton Oswalt, Miranda July, Spike Jonze, Lemmy and many, many more regale you with miniature tales of animals in bars, drummers in hell and dumb dictators. It's a veritable feast of corn and cheese. Click here for the list of jokes and their tellers... Read more...
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Episode 108: Don Cheadle, Shredding History, and Speculoos
This week: Actor Don Cheadle ("The Guard") kisses and doesn't tell... Music history gets a blast to the eardrums... And Rico discovers the best waffle topping you've never heard of. Plus, an uncool joke from Emma Straub, and new old soul sounds from The Shakes. Read more...
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Episode 107: Brit Marling & Mike Cahill, Toothless Tickets, and the Confederate Cleopatra
This week: The filmmaking duo behind "Another Earth" keep it real... L.A. tells the truth about traffic tickets... and a Confederate spy in the house of love. Plus Miranda July sings for laughs, and Cut Off Your Hands. That's a band, not an order. Read more...
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Episode 106: Errol Morris, Mammoth Cheese, and 4000 Years Of Food
This week: Documentary auteur Errol Morris reluctantly joins the party... A half-ton cheese rolls up to the White House... and we dig into millenia's worth of food with culture critic Lewis Lapham. Plus, a joke from author Ransom Riggs, and a new tune from The War on Drugs. Read more...
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Episode 105: Shabazz Palaces, Disco Bashes, and Cola Wars 2.0
This week: Shabazz Palaces' Ishmael Butler gives us something to chew on...A disco bash breaks a ton of records...And Dr. Pepper sues Dr. Pepper. Plus, a touchy joke from The Low Anthem and a groovy song from Real Estate. Read more...
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Episode 104: Shepard Fairey, Menu Mania, and Sliced Bread
This week: Street art superstar Shepard Fairey tags our table... An uncut history of sliced bread... And stacks of historic menus finally get their (web) close-up. Plus, a joke from celt-folk phenom Julie Feeney and a scorching tune from Ty Segall. Read more...
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Episode 103: Bonnie Jo Campbell, 2nd Class Babies, and Getting Outta Dodge
This week: Author Bonnie Jo Campbell goes zonkeys...The rowdies get out of Dodge...And Ashton Kutcher's twitter account solves traffic crises. Plus, a joke from celebrated author Matthew Gallaway, and a new track from the Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Read more...
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Episode 102: John C. Reilly, Lady Umpires, and the 'Buch
This week: Actor John C. Reilly fights the meanies... A housewife breaks through baseball's grass ceiling... And Brendan fact-checks "magical" drink kombucha. Plus, a duck-duck joke from Pulitzer-winner Jennifer Egan and a new tune from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. [sic] Read more...
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Episode 101: Richard Ayoade, Translantic Transfusion, and Jagger Elks
This week: "Submarine" filmmaker Richard Ayoade starts his own cult... The blood of a sheep breeds some hair of the dog... and Swedes lose the faith -- but only on the inside. Plus, an "Aggie" joke from Texan director Richard Linklater, and a song from the band Cults - in keeping with the theme. Read more...
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Episode 100: Randy Newman, DPD History, and the 100-Year-Old Egg
This week: It's our 100th episode! To celebrate, Brendan talks to one of his dream guests, music icon Randy Newman... Rico excavates a 100-Year-Old Egg... And we delve into our own history (with booze). Also, listeners share their own dream dinner party guests. Plus, we make a long overdue call to the Sea and Cake, and spin a historic cover song from Dr. Dog. Read more...
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Episode 99: Michael Sheen, a Tax Streak, and Summer Sandwitches
This week: Actor Michael Sheen speaks in tongues... Lady Godiva streaks into Tea Partiers' hearts... And a sweet pill erases bitter memories. Plus, a dark joke from director Tim Burton and a bright tune from The Sandwitches. Read more...
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Episode 98: Fleet Foxes, Pac-Man Pizza, and a Michelin Man
This week: Fleet Fox Robin Pecknold talks helplessness and hair...A ladies' Man enters the video game world...And three stars are borne - by master chef Paul Liebrandt. Plus, a joke from street artiste Shepard Fairey, and a dreamy tune by the Dirty Projectors. Read more...
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Episode 97: Anton Yelchin, Spider-Dan, and Lazycakes
This week: Actor Anton Yelchin can't let go of Legos... Spider-Dan climbs the walls... And Del the Funky Homosapien has a ball. Plus we revel in a new tune from L.A. band Alexander. Read more...
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Episode 96: Billy Collins, Food Raves, and Wandering Waste
This week: Former poet laureate Billy Collins talks death and baseball... The lonely journey of the Gar-Barge... And Rico survives a San Fran food rave. Plus, new music from Black Lips, and jokes from a Vivian Girl. Read more...
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Episode 95: Demetri Martin, Robber in Rio, and Kissing Machines
This week: Comedian Demetri Martin fires up his brain machine... We go on the lam with the most punk-rock fugitive in history.... And Morgan Spurlock makes us cry. Plus, virtual kisses and a rockin' lullaby from Modern Mothers. Read more...
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Episode 94: Dinner Party Etiquette with Elaine Stritch
This week: A special DPD, as Broadway legend Elaine Stritch answers listeners' etiquette questions in a most "ladylike" way. She's dated Brando, dissed Sinatra, and conquered the Great White Way... but can she handle the social graces of a dinner party? Read more...
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Episode 93: An East-Over Feast
This week, feast upon our favorite food segments from podcasts past: Rico attacks a WWII-era sandwich... Brendan warily bites into a sushirrito... and we learn about twice-"baked" goods. Don't call them leftovers; they're *East-Overs.* Plus! Feast your ears on a waiter joke, and scarf down a food tune from Brendan himself. Read more...
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Episode 92: Vera Farmiga, Going Dutch, and the Birth of Spam
This week: Actress Vera Farmiga has a productive year... We learn who to blame for online SPAM... And Rico goes Dutch... Plus, a joke from author T.C. Boyle and a new tune from ace songsmith Cass McCombs. Read more...
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Episode 91: Greta Gerwig, Ping Pong Politics, and the Sleep Elite
This week: Actress Greta Gerwig finds the right dress for the big time... Two ping pong players thaw the Cold War... And the "sleep elite" put shuteye to rest. Plus a joke from Texas musician/artist Terry Allen and "The Morning" from The Weeknd [sic]. Read more...
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Episode 90: Bellflower, Guillotin's Machine, and the Cheesesteak Challenger
This week: "Bellflower" filmmakers Evan Glodell and Tyler Dawson set the film-fest circuit ablaze... A Philly sandwich takes on the cheesesteak... And the tale of a most enlightened killing machine. Plus unholy laughter from bestselling author Tea Obreht and a new tune from Vetiver. Read more...
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Episode 89: Neil Strauss, Cold (Con)fusion, and Rabbit Rex
This week: Author/Interviewer Neil Strauss inhales rock-n-roll... Science gives cold fusion the cold shoulder... And *Radiolab*'s Jad Abumrad unearths a giant rabbit. Plus music from Bright Eyes, and a joke from top tailor Vahram Mateosian. Read more...
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Episode 88: Willie Nelson, Frontier Justice, and Tex-Next Cuisine
This week: From SXSW comes our all-Texas show. Music legend Willie Nelson talks Crazy... Judge Roy Bean serves justice on the rocks... And Rico explores tex-next cuisine. Plus laffs and music from two SXSW buzz bands: a thilly joke from Toro y Moi and and a tasty tune from Yuck. Read more...
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Episode 87: Cary Fukunaga, Historic Headaches, and a Painless Brunch
This week: "Jane Eyre" director Cary Fukunaga horses around... The history of a not-so-bitter pill... and we toss back a painkiller brunch. Plus, a joke from jewelry designer Annie Costello Brown and a truth-telling tune from Dutch indie-modster M-JO. Read more...
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Episode 86: Gabrielle Hamilton, The Peacemaker, and Smokeavores
This week: Celebrated author and chef Gabrielle Hamilton reveals a sweet secret... the Peacemaker breaks the peace... and a hipster crop lights up Brooklyn. Plus, rise and shine with a new tune from Manchester, UK's Star Slinger. Read more...
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Episode 85: Carrie Brownstein, Murdered Moose, and God's Sporks
This week: "Portlandia" star/creator Carrie Brownstein satirizes her own... Broadway's major fail... and Rico sticks a fork in history. Plus a joke (in English) from The Love Language... and TUnEYarDs gives us the bizness. Read more...
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Episode 84: Karen Russell, Paar vs. NB(W)C and Stuck-up Employees
This week: Author Karen Russell muses about amusement parks... Jack Paar vs. NB(W)C... And Wal-Mart employees get gun-fired. Plus: Nashville-based singer/songwriter Tristen delivers a joke, and a trip to San Pedro via Mogwai. Read more...
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Episode 83: Chris Burden, Small Weddings, and Sushi Burritos
This week: Artist Chris Burden revokes your driver's license... We look back on the biggest little wedding of the 19th century... And the "Sushirrito" is born. Plus, PJ Harvey's new tune kills, and Weird Al Yankovic makes a rare foray into comedy. Read more...
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Episode 82: John Lithgow, Undying Birds, and Lost H-Bombs
This week: Actor John Lithgow gives Brendan a killer look.. .An H-Bomb goes MIA... And we visit a city whose birds never sleep. Plus, a dulcet tune from Fleet Foxes and a wooden joke from Motorhead frontman Lemmy. Read more...
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Episode 81: Dan Bejar, Big In Japan, and Double Ducks
This week: Indie rocker/wordsmith Dan Bejar finds himself caught in a (quiet) storm... An athlete goes far - and very wide - to get big in Japan... and we roast awful restaurant websites. Plus, rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson quacks us up, and a new tune from Ducktails. Read more...
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Episode 80: Spike Lee, Liquid Smoke, and Prodigious Peppers
This week: Director Spike Lee instigates debate (and dates)... We go back a long way, baby... And a Franken-pepper is born. Plus, a childish joke from comedian Patton Oswalt and a loverly tune from Allo Darlin'. Read more...
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Episode 79: Paul Giamatti, Political Animals, and Moby Drinks
This week: Golden-globe nominated actor Paul Giamatti tells a tall tale... Whale secretions wash up in cocktails... And we toast the cartoonist who gave birth to a couple of political animals. Plus, a joke from troubadour Henry Wolfe and a tune from The Radio Dept. Read more...
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Episode 78: Tennis, Epic Losers, and Happy Birthday
This week: Indie-pop duo Tennis live la vida luddite... A London conference aims for new, boring heights... We unveil the story behind sports' biggest losers... Plus a joke from director Spike Jonze and a new Happy Birthday song. Read more...
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Episode 77: The Best of 2010
This week: Our favorite stuff from the last 12 months - starring Das Racist, Rainn Wilson, Molly Ringwald, Sebastian Junger, mutant barnyard animals, drunken traders, adult kamikazes and a goat named Lincoln. Plus music from Ariel Pink & Sage Francis... and an easter egg omelet. Read more...
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Episode 76: Sofia Coppola, Air-ial Assaults, and Superflops
This week: Writer-director Sofia Coppola reveals she was heir to *another* Hollywood legend... A killer smog chokes London... And Broadway's Spiderman breaks several legs. Plus: a dear joke from Badly Drawn Boy, and a holiday tune from Bishop Allen. Read more...
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Episode 75: Christian Lander, See No Weevil, and Stealth Miso
This week: Satirist Christian Lander talks about Stuff White People Like... a town goes nuts after a boll weevil blight... and Brendan looks into the future of food, but can't see the stealth miso. Plus, a joke from Los Lobos and a tune from Toro y Moi. Read more...
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Episode 74: Kid Cudi, Starstruck, and Reindeer a la Palin
This week: Rap iconoclast Kid Cudi comes in for a check-up... An Alabama woman gets star-struck... And Sarah Palin slays a reindeer. Plus, a joke/hallucination from Bob Odenkirk, and a classic track from Thin Lizzy. Read more...
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Episode 73: Diplo, Tofu U, and Pong Pong
This week: Global DJ and music mogul Diplo takes a call... The besotted birth of the video game industry... and Rico gets schooled at America's most vegan-friendly campus. Plus "medicinal" vodka and a new tune from Cloud Nothings. Read more...
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Episode 72: A Three-Course Thanksgiving
This week, a Thanksgiving meal for your ears, in three courses: Brendan braves the mean streets of NYC to score contraband grilled cheese... Rico daintily dips his tongue into the hottest of hot sauces... and we launch a unilateral war against the cupcake. Read more...
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Episode 71: Sally Hawkins, Fossil Follies, and Chinese Thanksgiving
This week: UK movie star Sally Hawkins crows about her new film... we unearth the missing drink... and Brendan has an early Thanksgiving in Chinatown. Plus, a joke from Procol Harum's Gary Brooker, and a new track from A-D-D D.J. Girl Talk. Read more...
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Episode 70: Huey Lewis, Le Situation, and The Birth of Football
This week: Pop 'n' soul star Huey Lewis gets dressed... Canada takes out our TV trash... We learn the greatest name in football... Plus Kai Ryssdal kids around and Sonny and the Sunsets supply a tune. Read more...
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Episode 69: Chris Morris, Black Bart, and Getting Your Goat
This week: Brit actor/director/provocateur Chris Morris terrorizes US movie screens... Black Bart's last verse... and urban farmers get their goats. Plus, Curative new music from Crystal Castles, and an-"other" joke. Read more...
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Episode 68: Noomi Rapace, World War Welles, and Legitish Quidditch
This week: Swedish starlet Noomi Rapace removes her Dragon Tattoo... America's fake World War... And Quidditch vies for legit-ish-macy. Plus a joke from Talking Head Chris Frantz, and music from The Smith Westerns. Read more...
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Episode 67: Judd Apatow, Beer Tsunamis, and Conflict Cuisine
This week: Comedy juggernaut Judd Apatow courts disaster... London's suds flood... and Rico experiences the sweet taste of Conflict. Plus, a joke from author du jour Dinaw Mengestu and new music from Kiwi band Secret Knives. Read more...
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Episode 66: Paul F. Tompkins, Uncivil Wars, and Tennis Marathons
This week: Comedian Paul F. Tompkins is no longer driven...A congressional beatdown for the ages...And the cult draining Seagram's...Plus, new music from the band Tennis. Read more...
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Episode 65: Robert Reich, Killer Talkies, and Illegal Eats
This Week: Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich gets exposed... the death of silent movies... and Rico is presented with a menu of crimes. Plus Small Black... Guam's rain of rodents... and a so-so So So Glo joke. Read more...
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Episode 64: Sam Taylor-Wood, Unhappy Happy Meals, Inventions that Suck
This week: Artist-turned-filmmaker Sam Taylor-Wood reveals a secret... San Francisco takes the happy out of meals... And we learn about an invention that really sucked. Plus: new music from Deerhunter. Read more...
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Episode 63: Davis Guggenheim, Driving then Drinking, The Situation 2.0
This week: Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis ("An Inconvenient Truth") Guggenheim schools us on his latest movie... We take a trip down memory superhighway... Apple's got a Situation... and a meta joke. Read more...
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Episode 62: Dave Eggers, Longshot Journalism, and pseudo-Millionaires
This week: Author/artist/publisher Dave Eggers tells us something he CAN'T do... A British Major fails the cough test... and a long-shot Longshot. Plus a joke from Tony Millionaire and music from Belle & Sebastian. Read more...
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Episode 61: Panda Bear, Bare Naked Faces, and Baked Goods
This week: Noah Lennox (a.k.a. Panda Bear) gives us a sporting shot... Peter the Great wages war on the hirsute... And Rico meets the baker behind some medical munchies. Read more...
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Episode 60: Alasdair MacLean, Flaming Cocktails, and Empty Stadiums
This week: The Clientele's Alasdair MacLean is a minotaur... London's burning... and the NFL tackles falling attendance. Plus: Moody humor, and a lost gem from the Neil who isn't Diamond. Read more...
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Episode 59: Spike Jonze, Potato Chips, and Grilled Cheese Dealers
This week: Director Spike Jonze channels Flava Flav... We dig up the salty story behind America's favorite snack... and Brendan learns what it's like to hustle grilled cheese on the mean streets of NYC. Read more...
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Episode 58: Aamir Khan, Volcano Parties, and the Deaf-Teens
This week: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan puzzles over the Indian film industry... An explosive burst of red-hot history... And Farai Chideya explains why teens just won't listen. Read more...
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Episode 57: Gary Shteyngart, Guitars go Electric, and Killer Fries
This week: Celebrated novelist Gary Shteyngart doggedly pursues mental health... A history lesson you can crank to eleven... and Rico learns French Fries know no limits. Read more...
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Episode 56: Rainn Wilson, the King of Albania, and Eat Pay Leave
This week: "The Office" star Rainn Wilson goes from artsy to fartsy... Eat Pray Lovers asked to Eat Pay Leave... and the real fake King of Albania. Read more...
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Episode 55: Molly Ringwald, Esperanto, and Raven #2
This week: '80s teen icon Molly Ringwald barks like a dog (and talk about her new book)...William Shatner speaks the language of hope... And Brendan eats corn smut. Read more...
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Episode 54: Venus Williams, Wrong Turns, and Cloud Control
This week: Tennis superstar Venus Williams lives long and prospers...Texas criminals get literate...And a befuddled (or brilliant!) aviator takes a wrong way turn into the history books. Plus, rocker Cass McCombs on cloud control. Read more...
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Episode 53: Sebastian Junger, Evil Machines, WWII Food
This week: Sebastian Junger joins Afghanistan's band of brothers... a devilish Okie spawns the parking meter... and Rico gets a (tiny) taste of rationed food during WWII. Plus, a joke from author/satirist Gary ("Absurdistan") Shteyngart... and Cults to join. Read more...
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Episode 52: Blitzen Trapper, the Throne Stone from Scone, Eating Dirt
This week: Portland sextet Blitzen Trapper eyes us up...the throne stone from Scone...and Brendan meets an artist who bites the dust...literally. Plus Top Chef Ludo Lefebvre eats his own, and new Wavves. Read more...
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Episode 51: Simon Rich, Ali vs. U.S.A., Sweet and Sour Honeymoon
This week Simon Rich kills Hitler...Muhammad Ali vs. the U.S.A...and a sweet and sour honeymoon Read more...
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Episode 50: Paul Verhoeven, No Joy in Mudville, Food Critic on Food Stamps
This week Rico scares the Jesus out of Paul Verhoeven...three strikes you're drunk...and Temp of the Month: Kai Rysdall Read more...
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Episode 49: Wallace Shawn, FBI vs. Louie Louie, No Kidding
This week Wallace Shawn critiques power and Brendan...the FBI investigates Louie Louie...and RIco chats with a restarauteur who's not kidding around. Read more...
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Episode 48: Marisa Silver, 'Rob Me Ronnie', Parasite-aurants
This Week: Celebrated author Marisa Silver exorcises her right to write... We go on the lam with Ronnie Biggs... and Brendan discovers a sandwich shop inside a bodega wrapped up in an enigma. Read more...
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Episode 47: Paul Dano, New Coke and BYOF
This week: Actor Paul Dano is achin' for bacon... the classic story of New Coke...and why BYOF will sadly not be the new BYOB. Read more...
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Episode 46: Das Racist, Ripple Rock & Alicia Silverstone
This Week: Victor Vasquez of rap savants Das Racist talks bop... Canada politely explodes... and Alicia Silverstone tries to veganize Brendan. Read more...
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Episode 45: Tig Notaro, Big Brass Bells & Pop Up Lunch
This Week: Comic Tig Notaro gets all southern-fancy... we admire Wall Street's big brass bells... and designer Ali Pulver shows Rico how to eat on the street. Read more...
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Episode 44 - The Icebreaker Show
A very special episode: almost every joke we've ever had on the show, collected in one convenient podcast. Black Francis, Tom Jones, Billy Bragg, Leslie Caron and many, many more regale you with miniature tales of guys in bars, lightbulb-changers, penguins and a mainstream cloud. Some are funny. Some are not. But there are lots of them. Read more...
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Episode 43: Holly Golightly, Peace, and Sustainable Dinner Parties
This Week: Garage-country songsters Holly Golightly & Lawyer Dave pack heat... a piece about peace... and Brendan sustains interest in sustainable dinner parties. Read more...
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Episode 42: Author Joshua Ferris, the Real Bonfire of the Vanities, and Snowcavores
Bestselling author Joshua Ferris talks the walk... Renassance Italy burns in vain... and Rico learns what locavores do when it snowcavores. Read more...
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Episode 41: Film Director Robert Siegel, a Modern Caveman and the Trendology Trend
"Big Fan" filmmaker Robert Siegel has a clipped conversation with Rico... we meet a modern caveman... and Brendan investigates the Food Trend trend. Plus a joke, or lack thereof, from *the* Leslie Caron. Read more...
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Episode 40: Midlake, Silent Hattie & the Sounds of Ambience
This week: Rock band Midlake gets medieval on Brendan... America's 1st female senator is silently defiant... and Rico learns why, in restaurants, silence is not an option. Read more...
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Episode 39: The Best of 2009
This Week: What do Lamont Dozier, Dr. Albert Hoffman, Swine Flu business suits, Girls and deep-fried butter have in common? They all appeared on the Dinner Party Download this year, and they're all in our annual Best Of episode. Plus Jonathan Coulton breaks the ice... and download Rico's favorite tune of the year from rocker Benjy Ferree. Read more...
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Episode 38: Terry Gilliam, Japanese Heists and Cupcakes for Grownups
This Week: Filmmaker Terry Gilliam holds the devil at bay... We learn about Japan's most infamous heist... and Brendan meets a cupcake he actually likes. PLUS the Pixies' Black Francis breaks the ice... and download a song from rock orchestra Citay. Read more...
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Episode 37: George Saunders, New Look Turkey Sandwich, Getting Hit On By A Star
This Week: Writer George Saunders pitches a tent... an Alabama housewife gets hit on by a star... and a famed deli just can't quit cold turkey. Read more...
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Episode 36: Julian Casablancas, Thanksgiving Centerfolds, A Car is Born
This Week: Julian Casablancas strokes the new 90210...Brendan checks out the swimsuit issue of food mags... and we learn about the Motor City's lemon legend. Read more...
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Episode 35: Laura Veirs, Jonathan Safran Foer and King Tut
This week: Musician Laura Veirs breathes deep... author Jonathan Safran Foer pigs out... and we discover King Tut's last hut. Read more...
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Episode 34: Klosterman, Kidnapping and Killer Kandy
This week: pop savant Chuck Klosterman is sharp as a tiger's whiskers... we lend an ear to the tale of a billionaire kidnapping... and Brendan celebrates Halloween by tasting the worst candy in the world. Read more...
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Episode 33: Yo La Tengo, Koreanguistics, Killer Greens
This week: Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan pulls out his organ... We get a hangul on Korean literate-ture... and "Food, Inc" director Robert Kenner gives Rico an industrial food complex. Read more...
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Episode 32: Andy Borowitz, Cornography, Tipping Tips
This week: Brendan sizes up humorist Andy Borowitz...we unearth a corny communist plot...and Rico gets tips on tipping. Read more...
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Episode 31: Billy Bragg, Short-Lived Millonaires and Deep-Fried Butter
This week: Billy Bragg makes "Ode" new again... an English Major fails the cough test... and Brendan talks to a cholesterocidal maniac. Read more...
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Episode 30: Gary Hustwit, Krakatoa and Foraging
This week: Filmmaker Gary Hustwit has designs on Honeybaked ham... Krakatoa bursts without pride... and Brendan breaks the two-second rule with a professional forager. Read more...
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Episode 29: Josie Long, the King of Albania, Saltado
This week: British comedian Josie Long speaks positively...we supposedly meet the King of Albania...and Rico eats Peruvian and asks "Why fries with that?" Read more...
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Episode 28: Rich Fulcher, Jesse Owens and BrendanBot 3000
This week: Rich Fulcher, of the cult TV hit "The Mighty Boosh," raises the decibel level of UK comedy... We race back in time with Jesse Owens... and Brendan samples a drink fit for Olympians. Also: Rico tries and fails to replace Brendan with technology. Read more...
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Episode 27: Ed Harcourt, Douglas Corrigan and Nonstaurants
This week: pop maestro Ed Harcourt tells Rico his recipes for lamb and schizophrenia... We learn about the aviator who took a wrong turn into the history books... and Brendan says "oui" to nonstaurants. Read more...
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Episode 26: Mishna Wolff, Bloody Mary, and Gourmet Coal
This week: Humorist Mishna Wolff talks about living in black and white... We sip a bloody mary that's clearly insane... And Rico learns about the gourmet coal standard. Read more...
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Episode 25: Anvil's Lips Kudlow, Ali Dodges, and Bowie
This week: 80's metal band Anvil forges ahead... Muhammed Ali KO's the U.S. Army... and Brendan has designs on David Bowie. [photo: Anvil ] Read more...
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Episode 24: Alain De Botton, Mudville, and Parkside Dining
This week: bestselling author Alain De Botton gets worked over... joy is found in Mudville... and Rico digs the new wave of on-site restaurant gardens. Read more...
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Episode 23: Datarock, Congressional Beatdown, and BBQ LP
This week: Norway's Datarock toot their own horn... we're knocked out by a drink served beaten, not stirred... and Brendan eats BBQ with a side of vinyl. Read more...
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Episode 22: Wells Tower, Tree Drinking, Food Mags
This week: Pushcart Prize-winning author Wells Tower gets auto erotic... we learn how to drink trees... and Rico finds out that starting a food magazine is child's play. Read more...
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Episode 21: Stew, Psychedelic Cycling, Culinary Crasher
This week: Tony Award-winning rocker Stew ponders art vs. reality... we take a historic bike trip into an *alternate* reality... and Brendan sneaks into the most exclusive culinary shop in the world. Read more...
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Episode 20: Ondi Timoner, Salt March, Say Cheese!
This week: Sundance-winning filmmaker Ondi Timoner lives in public radio... We taste the salt that shook the world... and Brendan goes hunting for Easter eggs and finds Grilled Cheese. Read more...
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Episode 19: Girls, Brando Lore, Meaty Cupcakes
This week: Rico chats up Girls at SXSW... Marlon Brando gets an offer he can refuse... and Brendan is forced to rethink his jihad against cupcakes (Hint: it involves meatloaf). Read more...
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Episode 18: Benjy Ferree, Planet X, Joel the Knife
This week: rocker Benjy Ferree's ode to Peter Pan... We discover the planet that dares not speak its name... and Rico sharpens his conversation skills with Brooklyn's new king of cutlery. Read more...
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Episode 17: Larry Wilmore, The Peacemaker, Noodle What?
This week: "The Daily Show's" Larry Wilmore is pure magic... We learn why even grownups shouldn't play with guns... star mixologist Todd Thrasher mixes a drink fit for a vampire... and Rico pounds down a serious noodle with a funny name. Read more...
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Episode 16: Howard Zinn, Censors, Piggin' Out
This week: Historian/Activist Howard Zinn recalls a different kind of flower power... We learn what happens when TV censors can't take a joke... and Brendan pigs out on lard pigs. Read more...
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Episode 15: Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, Drink Clone, Donut Training
This week: award winning author Sarah Shun-lien Bynum uses her children to live out her own teen fantasies...We replicate a cocktail recipe... And Rico celebrates athletes by stuffing his face with dough and butter. Read more...
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Episode 14: Lamont Dozier, Cryonic Cocktail, Korean Tacos
This week: legendary Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier gives candy to children... We chill out with a cryonic cocktail... And Brendan discovers the three most beautiful words in the English language: Korean, BBQ, Tacos. Read more...
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Episode 13: Best of 2008
This week: what do Lolita, duck testicles, Chevys, cows, Robert Wagner and booze have in common? This show in 2008, that's what. We take a look back at the first 12 episodes of the podcast that shocked a nation... and toss in a few new facts for the first dinner parties of 2009. Read more...
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Episode 12: David Fincher, Tom Jones, Mozzarella
This week: Director David Fincher isn't afraid of the dark... We unite our nation with an All-American cocktail... Brendan is granted an audience with the king of mozzarella... plus a joke from THE Tom Jones. Read more...
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Episode 11: David Heatley, Killer Fog, PB&J
This week: Cartoonist David Heatley literally tells all... we inhale a glassful of London's killer fog... and star pastry chef Adrian Vasquez makes a peanut butter sandwich that'll make your brain hurt. Read more...
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Episode 10: Of Montreal, Edison, Bird-munching
This week: Kevin Barnes of the band Of Montreal defines "sexualien"... Thomas Edison lights up a martini glass... and Rico gets permission to eat endangered birds. Read more...
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Episode 9: Iran, Football Names, White House Garden
This week: we seek direct engagement with Aaron Aites of the band Iran... We learn the greatest name in football... Pittsburgh gets drunk on black gold... and Obama supporters dream of home-grown on the White House lawn. Read more...
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Episode 8: Robert Wagner, War of the Worlds, Anti-cupcake
This week: Hollywood icon Robert Wagner feels at home on the range... How to mix a cocktail from hell... Orson Welles declares "War" on the radio... and Brendan declares war on cupcakes. Read more...
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Episode 7: Irvine Welsh, D.C. Homes, Sushi Guide
This week: superstar author Irvine Welsh talks about his sexual prowess... We learn the history of the only home in Washington, D.C. that hasn't lost its value... And the Monterey Bay Aquarium ruins dinner. Read more...
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Episode 6: MC Frontalot, The Internets, Fall Food
This week: "nerdcore" rapper MC Frontalot rhymes the unrhymeable... take a trip down Memory Superhighway... and Brendan gets fat on the tastes of Autumn. Read more...
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Episode 5: Sarah Lyall, Duck Fries, Military Drinks
This week: NYTimes reporter/author Sarah Lyall asks a stupid question... we learn the offal truth about "duck fries"... and the French army invades our cocktail glass. Read more...
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Episode 4: Ezra Feinberg, London's Burning, Coffelympics
This week: a sober chat with Ezra Feinberg about his psych-rock band Citay... We remember the Great Fire of London with a conflagrant cocktail... and a champion barista drinks deep the mad flava of competitive coffee-making. Read more...
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Episode 3: David Carr, Lolita, Wine Snobs
This week: author/columnist David Carr discusses ping-pong as a contact sport... Lolita turns 50, but she's still too young... and how to defraud wine snobs. Read more...
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Episode 2: Girl Talk, Ein Berliner, Patriotic Fruit
This Week: the artist known as Girl Talk tells us about his explosive high school band... A short history of Jesse Owens... How to mix a "Berliner Olympic" cocktail... An introduction to the All-American fruit most Americans have never tasted. [Photo: Girl Talk performs live at the Virgin Festival, August 2007. Credit: Joe Cereghino] Read more...
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Episode 1: The Watson Twins, Dillinger, Hot Sauce
This week: indie-folk duo The Watson Twins shares their secret fantasy...A short history of John Dillinger... How to mix an Old-Fashioned cocktail... Taste a hot sauce 8 times more potent than pepper spray. Read more...
