Best ToughPigs.com Podcasts (2025)

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ToughPigs HQ - Muppet Fandom in 2025 1:19:50

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1h ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Four Muppet fans gather to discuss current Muppet events about the Muppets. Including the Muppet Show revival, the Jim Henson birthday event in NYC, and the Muppets' takeover of the Rockin' Roller Coaster!

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 306, Pebble Pox Blues 56:44

4h ago56:44

56:44

In which Gobo and Wembley get sick, and Boober must confront his fear of germs. PLUS: What is the correct spelling of doog(a/e)nberries? Exasperated Nurse Red and Whiny Baby Gobo. Is this the weirdest postcard yet? At least it’s not Yellow Beeping Glonks Disease!

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6.12: UFO Mania Is Appointment TV 1:07:34

5d ago1:07:34

1:07:34

We're talking about Minutes 23-24 of Muppets From Space, in which Gonzo visits Bunsen and Beaker in Muppet Labs while the Muppets watch TV! With special guest Cameron Garrity! PLUS: Replacing Fozzie with Beauregard! A good Statler & Waldorf joke! Is this the voice the real Gary Owens? Is Andie MacDowell the most famous human in this movie? Undubbed…

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6.11: Jacuzzi® Party! 45:35

6d ago45:35

45:35

We're talking about Minutes 21-22 of Muppets From Space, in which Gonzo builds a Jacuzzi and throws a party. With special guest Marisa LaScala of Good Housekeeping and SportsAlcohol.com! PLUS: The Pepe/Rizzo trickster team! Movie quotes that everyone gets wrong! What are these hors d'oeuvres? Do Italian-Americans like Johnny Fiama? And is Pepe's "b…

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 305, Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Woe 49:07

3h ago49:07

49:07

In which Mokey takes on too much responsibility and impersonates a pepper shaker. PLUS: Elven Queen Ardath. Why is it “Goomba” soup? Queen Esmerelda’s She-Shed. Not one but TWO Tom Lehrer/Daniel Radcliffe fun facts!

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The Jim Henson Company Auction with Archivist Karen Falk 26:46

15d ago26:46

26:46

The Jim Henson Company is auctioning off hundreds of items from their archives, including props, puppets, and more from productions like Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Muppet Christmas Carol. Naturally, we have a ton of questions, so we went to the source: Jim Henson Company archivist Karen Falk. Listen as we chat with Falk about how the aucti…

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6.10: Gonzo Won't Get Up Offa That Lawn Mower 34:06

19d ago34:06

34:06

We're talking about Minutes of Muppets From Space, in which Gonzo mows the lawn. With special guest Meagan Barbeau! PLUS: Randall "Tex" Cobb! Rizzo's weird skull! Pepe uses all four hands! Why do cats always get injured in comedy? The Buns of Steel phenomenon! And Muppets Tonight is good! Hosted by: Anthony Strand & Ryan Roe Guest: Meagan Barbeau E…

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6.09: (Cosmic) Fish and (Poker) Chips 46:12

26d ago46:12

46:12

We're talking about Minutes 17-18 of Muppets From Space, in which Gonzo receives instructions from the Cosmic Fish. With special guest Beth Cook of the Fraggle Talk Classic podcast! PLUS: Exactly which stereotype do the fish represent? Tell your parents you want Nickelodeon Magazine! How much would you pay for the lightning-struck Gonzo puppet? Pep…

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 304, The Grapes of Generosity 54:56

28d ago54:56

54:56

In which Gobo hoards a delicious treasure from his friends and becomes weightless. With special guest Mark Gale! PLUS: Singing Diggits! We’re not going to think about Fraggle puberty. Does Red have a cold? This episode is (not actually) brought to you by Campbell’s soup! Did Fraggles invent weighted blankets?…

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6.08: Whoomp! Gonzo's Struck by Lightning 45:11

1M ago45:11

45:11

We're talking about Minutes 15-16 of Muppets From Space, in which Gonzo mostly sits on the roof. With special guest Patrick Cotnoir of The George Lucas Talk Show! PLUS: What do General Luft's badges mean? Bobo is Otis from Superman! Another Addams Family rap! Kermit's pile of peas! The terrible Muppet video game! And why don't they make a movie cal…

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The Muppets Take Scripthattan - Nina West & James Monroe Iglehart 1:06:21

1M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Our podcast miniseries covering The Muppets Take Scripthattan - the live, star-studded script reading for charity on October 24th - concludes with two of our favorite famous Muppet fans! We are so excited to chat with Drag Race All-Star Nina West (Miss Piggy) and Broadway's own James Monroe Iglehart (Dr. Teeth)! To sign up for the livestream of The…

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6.07: R U THREE? 49:43

1M ago49:43

49:43

We're talking about Minutes 13-14 of Muppets From Space, in which we meet two men and a bear who are searching for alien life. With special guest Erik Adams! PLUS: What should COVNET stand for? What is Pat Hingle best known for? Why did they call Bobo "Rentro?" And two of the best jokes in this movie! Hosted by: Anthony Strand & Ryan Roe Guest: Eri…

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The Muppets Take Scripthattan - The Musicians 1:10:35

1M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

The Muppets Take Scripthattan live event (coming up on October 24th) is going to be chock full of celebrities, but also live musicians! Because what's a Muppet movie without music?? We're excited to welcome Dana Wickens (Animal), Brett Morris (Floyd Pepper), and banjo enthusiast Lucas Ross! To sign up for the livestream of The Muppets Take Scriptha…

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Fraggle Talk Classic - Episode 303, Boober and the Glob 35:38

1M ago35:38

35:38

In which Boober avoids Joke Day, only to face a Doozer-eating glob. PLUS: Little Shop of Horrors vibes! Why is Doc writing an article about cats? Fraggle teeth confirmed! Do Doozers lay eggs? Fraggle NOPE. What’s the most satisfying flea-killing method?

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The Muppets Take Scripthattan - Paul F. Tompkins & Marc Evan Jackson 53:32

1M ago53:32

53:32

Geeking out over the Muppets with two more stars of the upcoming live "Muppets Take Scripthattan" show! It's Paul F. Tompkins (Fozzie Bear) and Marc Evan Jackson (Kermit the Frog)! To sign up for the livestream of The Muppets Take Scripthattan, visit Veeps.com and search for "Muppets"!

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6.06: Letters from Kap'n Alphabet 1:00:53

2M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

We're talking about Minutes 11-12 of Muppets From Space, in which Gonzo gets a message from his cereal. With special guest Tansy Rayner Roberts! PLUS: Who took the lonely Gonzo photo? The golden age of movie novelizations! Do they still make Alpha-Bits? What does Rizzo's jacket say? Cereal box prizes! The voice of Bobo! And what if the Muppets move…

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The Muppets Take Scripthattan - Janet Varney & Griffin Newman 53:09

2M ago53:09

53:09

On October 24th, celebrities are gathering in NYC for a special script reading of The Muppets Take Manhattan, with proceeds going to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. In this miniseries, we'll be chatting with some of the stars of the show, starting with the hilarious and talented Janet Varney and Griffin Newman! To sign up for the livestr…

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6.05: Muppet Family Photos 59:05

2M ago59:05

59:05

We're talking about Minutes 09-10 of Muppets From Space, in which the kitchen blows up and Gonzo looks at photos. With special guest Matt Wilkie! PLUS: Gonzo has live hands! Who's the old lady in the kitchen? Home ownership is hard! Drinking birds are cool! Rizzo's Top 8! And we search for a Donatello action figure! CLICK HERE for tickets to The Mu…

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A Prairie Dawn Companion – Some Final Thoughts, For Now 35:30

2M ago35:30

35:30

It’s the season finale of A Prairie Dawn Companion, and Becca Petunia is wrapping up her look at the female Sesame Muppets of the 1970s. That’s right: it’s time to check back in on Betty Lou and Prairie Dawn in their late 70s book appearances. But also: What classic Sesame Street song is technically a feminist anthem? What can we expect to hear in …

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 302, Red-Handed and the Invisible Thief 33:41

2M ago33:41

33:41

In which Red gets paranoid about her missing radish bars. PLUS: Viking Sprocket! Julia dog-sitting another Muppet. What is Gobo allergic to? The Eminent and Venerable Council of Sages! Do sweets make you sleepwalk?

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6.04: It's the '90s and Musicals Are Not Cool 55:28

2M ago55:28

55:28

We're talking about Minutes 07-08 of Muppets From Space, in which "Brick House" concludes and the Muppets eat breakfast. With special guest Katilyn Miller of ToughPigs.com! PLUS: Tacky the Penguin, literary hero! Who's your favorite Spice Girl? Baab the Sheep! Did Lisa Kudrow play Romy or Michelle? Sesame parodies of the Napster era! And Miss Piggy…

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A Prairie Dawn Companion - The Ballad of Rodeo Rosie 1:19:50

1M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

As everyone knows, Rodeo Rosie is really a rose. But does anyone really know Rodeo Rosie? And is she even worth knowing at all? This week on A Prairie Dawn Companion, Becca and her special guest, composer and writer Rachel Garrett Steele, are saddling up to figure out if Rodeo Rosie is...good. What does she say about culture's fascination with the …

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6.03: The Muppets Get Funky 1:18:02

2M ago1:18:02

1:18:02

We're talking about Minutes 05-06 of Muppets From Space, in which the Muppets begin their morning routine to "Brick House." With special guest J.D. Hansel of the classic cartoons podcast Stick to Shorts! PLUS: Are the Muppets actually a good family? What would Clifford's alarm clock look like? Who is this old man Muppet? Pepe's big-screen debut! An…

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 301, The Bells of Fraggle Rock 40:33

2M ago40:33

40:33

In which Cantus returns and Gobo learns a holiday lesson. PLUS: More Fraggles in winter wear! Puppets doing puppetry! Beth’s maybe someday Fraggle Rock tattoo. Sinterklaas clog lore and calling out Bezos. Another B&E from Traveling Matt.

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A Prairie Dawn Companion - Of Smartness and Tinas 1:06:18

2M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

In 1973, Sesame Street introduced a new Muppet character named Tina. In 1974, Sesame Street introduced a second new Muppet character named Tina. In this episode, Becca and guest Drake Lucas talk about both Roosevelt Franklin's friend Smart Tina and the sometimes-smart Tina Twiddlebug, in an episode that is less confusing than it sounds. While neith…

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6.02: Gonzo Is DOOMED 47:37

2M ago47:37

47:37

We're talking about Minutes 03-04 of Muppets From Space, in which Gonzo is denied admittance to Noah's ark and knocks Rizzo out the window. With special guest Roz Strand! PLUS: Is this the Muppet mid-life crisis movie? What's the best cut of Amadeus? Pee-wee Herman has a good dream! Is Rizzo's Santa joke worthy of the Muppets? And a cool 1950s stop…

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A Prairie Dawn Companion - Prairie Dawn and Character Development with Stephanie D'Abruzzo 1:43:53

3M ago1:43:53

1:43:53

In 1971, a new pink, blonde little girl joined Betty Lou on Sesame Street. That's right, it's finally time for Prairie Dawn! And while Betty Lou faded to the background, Prairie Dawn stuck around and still appears on the show over 50 years later. Why did one work rather than the other? Well if anyone can help Becca answer that question, it's Stepha…

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6.01: Is Muppets From Space Good? 44:17

3M ago44:17

44:17

New season, new movie! We're talking about Minutes 01-02 of Muppets From Space, in which the movie begins and Gonzo chases Noah's ark. PLUS: How does this movie compare with The War with Grandpa? The Muppet sci-fi movies that DIDN'T get made! Kermit and Piggy living in sin! Should we watch Buddy? And Y2K apocalypse-mania! Hosted by: Anthony Strand …

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A Prairie Dawn Companion - The Symbolic Annihilation of Granny Fanny Nesselrode and Friends 1:28:57

3M ago1:28:57

1:28:57

Becca's got an endless alphabet purse full of obscure female Muppets and arcane media criticism terms in this episode of A Prairie Dawn Companion! Join Becca Petunia and her special guest, Kristi O, as they talk about Roosevelt Franklin's mother, a little girl named Frannie, and the unforgettable oddball Granny Fanny Nesselrode. Featured in this ep…

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A Prairie Dawn Companion - A Conversation with Fran Brill 58:12

3M ago58:12

58:12

Look, we'll cut to the chase: in this episode, Becca Petunia talks to the queen of Muppet performers, Fran Brill. She was Prairie Dawn! She was Zoe! She was also Roxie Marie but that's less important to most of you! Becca and Fran talk about her entire career and the joys and challenges of bringing so many beloved characters to life. Come on, what …

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A Prairie Dawn Companion - Betty Lou, Transmedia, and the Smurfette Principle 1:35:14

3M ago1:35:14

1:35:14

Becca Petunia takes a close look at Sesame's first recurring female character, softhearted Betty Lou. Not only that, but she is joined by fan favorite recurring ToughPigs guest, puppeteer Stoph Scheer (The Creatures of Yes, Puppet Up, Muppets Mayhem)! Featured in this episode are discussions of drag performances, monsters, and the importance of mer…

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A Prairie Dawn Companion - Sesame Street's Origins and Androcentrism 37:45

4M ago37:45

37:45

Welcome to A Prairie Dawn Companion, the new podcast from ToughPigs.com! On "A Prairie Dawn Companion," Becca Petunia applies a feminist lens to the history of Sesame Street. Although Sesame always prioritized diversity, it is well-known that prior to the 1990s, the show did not devote much time to its female Muppets. As a lifelong Sesame superfan,…

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BONUS: Muppet Treasure Island Sing-Along Video 40:42

6M ago40:42

40:42

We're talking about 1996's Muppet Treasure Island Sing-Along direct-to-video special, in which Kermit learns about pirate life through the magic of song. PLUS: A public domain medley! The Muppets pay homage to The Muppet Show! Mad Monty's feet! Square One Television! And who is Big Snort? Hosted by: Anthony Strand & Ryan Roe Produced & Edited by: R…

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Lisa Henson and the Mystery of Kermit's Birthday 26:50

7M ago26:50

26:50

As we all know, May 9th is Kermit the Frog's birthday. Except... maybe it isn't? This is a Muppet mystery that's begging to be solved. To get to the bottom of this, we're chatting with someone who knows a thing or two about the frog: CEO of The Jim Henson Company, Lisa Henson! In honor of Kermit's (alleged) birthday, the anniversary of Sam & Friend…

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Bonus episode! Season 2 Wrap-Up 52:21

7M ago52:21

52:21

We’re wrapping up season 2 with listener questions, corrections, additions, and letters that make us cry. PLUS: Dennis Lee fighting crime in Russia, malfunctioning gaggles, and Beth’s “Tickle Me Elmo” story.

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Nina West and The Scripted Muppet Caper 45:29

7M ago45:29

45:29

This past February, The Muppet Script event brought celebrities, comedians, and musicians together for a live (and livestreamed) script reading of The Muppet Movie, with proceeds going to charity. It was such a hit, they're doing it again! The Scripted Muppet Caper is coming to Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles on May 5th. And like the first show, …

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 224, The Invasion of the Toe Ticklers 52:18

7M ago52:18

52:18

In which Fraggle Rock is overrun with fuzzy caterpillars and Mokey learns nothing. PLUS: Sprocket does a Scooter Fist! Kava = dirt wine? Missed opportunity for a cowboy song. Millinery lesson time! Eldritch jellyfish butterflies!

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 223, Boober's Quiet Day 49:02

8M ago49:02

49:02

In which Sidebottom is back, steering Boober through lying, beast sitting, and baloobius reading. PLUS: Is this a prequel to “A Muppet Family Christmas”? Julia & Adam’s Mountain Veggie Goats Tales Corner. Beast on a leash! Traveling Lady = Stevie Nicks? Bleeped Walt Whitman.

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 222, Doozer Is as Doozer Does 41:02

8M ago41:02

41:02

In which Wrench is peer-pressured into “flooping” and gets a dangerous case of hiccups. PLUS: We hope our NSA agents are enjoying this. Is flooping drugs?? Gaslight, gatekeep, girl boss. Carpenter Beetle Jesus? Bandages cure everything!

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 221, Wembley and the Great Race 40:35

9M ago40:35

40:35

In which Wembley gets caught in the middle of Gobo's and Red’s competitiveness. PLUS: MIA Fraggles is now a running gag. Fraggles can spell in English? What’s the deal with Dimpley, Noble, and Rumple? Shout out to the Fraggle with the acoustic soundboard! “Rumple still wins” = Rumplestiltskin?

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Catching Up with Noel MacNeal 50:20

9M ago50:20

50:20

Muppet performer Noel MacNeal is getting ready for his live cabaret show - "Hey, This Was Really Fun!" - and what a great opportunity for us to sit down with the man behind the Bear for a chat about everything he's been up to lately. Listen in as Noel tells us about performing, directing, making his off-Broadway debut, and his love of Big Birds and…

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 220, A Cave of One's Own 1:16:04

10M ago1:16:04

1:16:04

In which Red and Mokey go from best friends to roommates to enemies to best friends again. PLUS: We plot Roz’s takeover of Movin’ Right Along. #OhMyGodTheyWereRoommates. “Feeeed me, Mokey!” Commit to the knit! That’s not very Live, Laugh, Love of you, Mokey. Featuring special guest Roz Strand!

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The Muppet Script - A Star-Studded Livestream Benefit 36:42

10M ago36:42

36:42

When a crisis hits, Muppet fans are known to band together to help the world. After the devastating wildfires in California, Muppet fan (and ToughPigs contributor) Matt Wilkie decided to gather some of his Muppet fan friends - including some celebrities - for a special fundraiser called The Muppet Script. On Sunday, February 9th, these folks will b…

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Fraggle Talk: Classic - Episode 219, Doomsday Soup 55:15

10M ago55:15

55:15

In which Boober accidentally creates a magical but dangerous concoction. PLUS: Julia & Adam’s Mountain Goats Corner. Wembley’s Scooter Fist™! Our request for a Fraggle MIA music video. What is the invisibility property of radishes? Oppenboober or Boobenheimer?

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The Great Muppet Fandom Panel - Winter, 2025 Edition 1:28:52

10M ago1:28:52

1:28:52

The Great Muppet Fandom Panel is back! After a year-long hiatus, our podcast featuring Muppet fans talking over each other about the biggest headlines in the Muppet world. This uber-topical episode covers topics like the state of Sesame Street, the impending Muppets Rockin' Roller Coaster, drama in the fandom world, Muppet amigurumi, and so much mo…

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Fraggle Talk: BONUS Episode - Fraggle Rock LIVE! 24:58

11M ago24:58

24:58

Get ready, because the Fraggles are coming to your town! Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE kicks off its cross-country tour this week, and we have SO many questions about the show. So who better to ask those questions to than the show's writer, director, choreographer, and Fraggle expert John Tartaglia?? Listen to our bonus episode of Fraggle Tal…

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5.48: Is Muppet Treasure Island Better Than Taxi Driver? 1:04:47

11M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

We're talking about Minutes 97-100 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which the movie is over! PLUS: Who are these country singers? Let's hear it for the chargehands! The Creature Shop meets Miyazaki! Critical reviews from professionals and amateurs! And we play Blank Check's Box Office Game! Hosted by: Anthony Strand & Ryan Roe Guest: Nobody Produced &…

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5.47: The Rats Strike It Rich 57:13

11M ago57:13

57:13

We're talking about Minutes 93-96 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which rats retrieve treasure and Long John makes a "funny" new friend. With special guest Joe Hennes! PLUS: Do people know the word "penultimate?" Green Goblin's kid-friendly pranks! Who is "Dabe Goelz?" Are there only four human pirate crew members? Meet Shecky the Tiki! And Historica…

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5.46: JOLLY BOAT UNSAFE - DO NOT USE 26:21

11M ago26:21

26:21

We're talking about Minutes 91-92 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Jim and Long John say their final goodbyes. With special guest Erik Browne! PLUS: The screenwriter loves compasses! Tim Curry makes an Ice Cube-style exit! Three ghosts visit Captain Smollett! Elephants don't have wheels! The peak era of DVDs! And Jim skips captain school! Hosted…

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5.45: Long John's Daring Escape 27:52

11M ago27:52

27:52

We're talking about Minutes 89-90 of Muppet Treasure Island, in which Jim catches Long John Silver attempting to escape. With special guest Brian Jay Jones, author of Jim Henson: The Biography! PLUS: Moral lessons are uncool! What's the purpose of a sleeping cap? Joyful triumph and emotional devastation! Shipping Sam the Eagle and a parrot! And boo…