Best What Were They thinking? | Age of Radio Podcasts (2025)

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Classics from The New Yorker

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2h ago

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Meg Wolitzerpresents three stories featured in the anthology A Century of Fiction in the New Yorker.The magazine celebrates its 100th birthday, and this is the second of two programs this season in which we join the party. Robert Coover’s “Going for a Beer” begins with a date and a drink, but you’ll be surprised where it ends up. The reader is SELE…

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Megalopolis (w/guest co-host Jerika Layne) 1:43:44

9h ago1:43:44

1:43:44

Nathan is still recovering from Jason's gunshots so Jerika fills in this week to help discuss Francis Ford Coppola's film Megalopolis after nearly 50 years in the making. Did Francis really cast the Cancelled Actor All-Stars? Is there any baseline of logic to understand ANY of this movie? Does Aubrey Plaza nearly save this entire thing? Should this…

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Memoir and Biography Week: 'Marsha' by Tourmaline

1d ago

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[REBROADCAST FROM MAY 22, 2025] We continue our week spotlighting memoirs and biographies with a conversation about New York City LGBTQ+ rights activist Marsha P. Johnson with Tourmaline, author of the new book Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson.

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The Way I Am

2d ago

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35 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act advanced the idea that society should be accessible for everyone. In this episode: Stories about people who had to find their way in a world built for someone else.Leave us a voicemail at 702-706-TALK, or email us at [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com…

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The Moth Radio Hour: Defining Moments

2d ago

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In this hour, stories of turning points, decisions, and the moments that come to define us—from summer camp to nightclubs. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Jeff Birdsall leads a motley crew on a wilderness canoe trip. Lauren Allen r…

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Should Podcasts Be Videos? (Small Stakes, Big Opinions)

3d ago

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Many podcasts are now recording video as well as audio, from hit interview shows like "Call Her Daddy" to the entire slate of New York Times audio podcasts. But why is an audio medium turning to video? And what do listeners think? Nick Quah, the podcast critic for Vulture and New York Magazine, joins to discuss. Plus, we take calls from listeners w…

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245: Allure of the Mean Friend

4d ago

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What is it about them, our mean friends? They treat us poorly, they don't call us back, they cancel plans at the last minute, and yet we keep coming back for more. Popular bullies exist in business, politics — everywhere. How do they stay so popular? Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription. Prologue: We hear …

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Public Song Project 2025 Radio Special 51:02

5d ago51:02

51:02

This year's Public Song Project wraps up with conversations with the musicians behind the winning submissions. Visit the PSP page to hear all 283 tracks submitted over the project's history, to hear our full 15-minute conversations with each of the winners, and to hear some of the other songs selected by our judges as runners-up. Devon Press, "Moon…

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Nat Ward Photographs Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk

6d ago

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In 2018, photographer Nat Ward stumbled upon Ditch Plains beach in Montauk, and he found a vibrant energy that he couldn't resist capturing. Ward spent four summers photographing Ditch Plains and the people who enjoy the beach, and he discusses his resulting photo collection, "Ditch: Montauk, New York, 11954," featuring 49 photographs that are also…

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New Doc About Ukrainian Dancers' First Post-Invasion Show

6d ago

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The new documentary "Match in a Haystack" follows members of Ukraine’s contemporary dance troupe as they prepare for their first performance since Russia invaded. Director Joe Hill and producer & movement director Stefanie Noll discuss the making of a film in a country at war --- and why dance and art matter in a time of crisis. *This segment is gu…

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2000 Meters to Adriivka' Spotlights the Soldier Experience in Ukraine

6d ago

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Pulitzer Prize and Oscar-winning director and journalist Mstyslav Chernov joins to discuss his new documentary, "2000 Meters to Adriivka." The film follows an assault brigade of Ukrainian soldiers fighting to take back control of the small village of Adriivka. "2000 Meters to Adriivka" is in theaters today, and will premiere on PBS later this year.…

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The Nothing Behind Everything

6d ago

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This week, two conversations from the archives about parts of the world that are imperceptible to us, verging on almost unthinkable. We start with a moment of uncertainty in physics. Inspired by an essay written by physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, called The Accidental Universe (https://zpr.io/4965dUdNqtpQ), taken from a book of the same name.…

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The Moth Podcast: Full Costume

6d ago

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On this episode, we’re putting on our masks, getting our makeup ready, and donning our costumes. This episode was hosted by Kate Tellers.Storytellers:Annie Wiborg learns that dressing up as McGruff the Crime Dog is a bit more difficult than it might appear.Paul Davis struggles to reconcile his dreams of being an artist with his day job as a party c…

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New Doc Celebrates Meredith Monk

7d ago

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In a new documentary, the likes of Bjork and David Byrne attest to the influence and importance of pioneering multi-disciplinary artist Meredith Monk. The film follows Monk, now in her 80s, as she creates her latest immersive work. "Monk in Pieces" will open in theaters on July 25. Meredith Monk joins us alongside director Billy Shebar.…

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Reading Between the Lines

7d ago

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Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about the things she loves most: books and words and why they matter. In Ben Loory’s “The Book,” a contrarian volume becomes a literary sensation, and alters one woman’s life. The reader is Jane Kaczmarek. In “Things I Know to be True” by Kendra Fortmeyer, originally published in One Story, a damaged veteran uses w…

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The Electric State (w/guest co-host Jason MacLeod) 1:35:02

7d ago1:35:02

1:35:02

Nathan is away so Jason has come to play! This week, Jason MacLeod co-hosts to discuss the 320 million dollar Netflix "Original" - The Electric State. Were the voiceovers recorded via Cameo? How in the hell is Mr. Peanut a major character in a movie? Themes of human connection existing in a movie that is essentially one big algorithm? And enough wi…

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Why Minor League Baseball Hits Different

8d ago

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Sure, you could spend hundreds of dollars to take your family to a Mets or a Yankees game. Or you could spend a fraction of that amount to experience the enduring goofiness of minor league baseball, which takes itself a lot less seriously -- and has more interesting food. Benjamin Hill covers the minor leagues for MiLB.com, and Rex Doane (who is a …

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'Videoheaven' Memorializes the Video Store

8d ago

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The new film "Videoheaven" presents a kind of video-essay about the history of on-screen portrayals of video stores, now mostly extinct. Writer and director Alex Ross Perry, who himself worked at Kim's Video, discusses the film alongside editor Clyde Folley. "Videoheaven" will screen on August 12 at Alamo Drafthouse, with a Q&A with Perry to follow…

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Gigi Perez - Sailor Song

8d ago

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Gigi Perez is a singer and songwriter from Florida, and at 25 years old, she’s already had so many ups and downs in her music career. She started sharing her songs on TikTok, where they got enough attention that she got signed to a major label deal, but that ultimately didn’t pan out. Soon after that, as an independent artist again, she had her big…

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The Moth Radio Hour: All the World’s a Stage

9d ago

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Ready the spotlight and raise the curtains! In this hour, performers, sour notes, tough critics, and a unique take on Mary Poppins. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Laura Hitchcock is entrusted with her teacher's prized trumpe…

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Heathers: The Musical' Returns to NYC

10d ago

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Actor Casey Likes stars in the new off-Broadway revival of "Heathers: The Musical," based on the 1988 teen crime comedy film. He talks about the show, the film it's based on, and why the musical is ripe for revival.

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Post-Apocalyptic Thriller '40 Acres'

13d ago

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The new thriller '40 Acres' follows an African-American and Indigenous-American blended family tending to and protecting their farm in Canada after a post-apocalyptic event has wiped out all livestock and caused society to crumble. Star Danielle Deadwyler and writer-director R.T. Thorne discuss the film and its themes.…

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More Perfect: The Hate Debate

13d ago

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Back in 2017, our colleagues at More Perfect gathered a room full of people together to debate a straightforward question: Can free speech go too far? Today, eight years have passed and plenty has changed, but this question feels alive as ever. And so we’re re-airing More Perfect’s "The Hate Debate." Taped live at WNYC's Jerome L. Greene Performanc…

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The Moth Podcast: Cruise Control

13d ago

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On this episode, we take a ride in a car - exploring the places they take us and the memories we make along the way. This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon.Storytellers: Oscar Saavedra tries to make sure his mom doesn't find out what he did to the family's car.Nina Slowinski learns about her father's car, and her father.Podcast # 710 To learn more…

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"The Network" from NPR's Embedded

14d ago

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New from NPR's Embedded: Hosts Victoria Estrada and Marta Martinez travel across Latin America and within the U.S. to understand how women in Brazil discovered one of the medications that's used for self-managed abortions, the spread of this method across the world, and how this approach is shaping the future of abortion in the U.S.Learn more about…

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'Billy Joel: And So It Goes'

14d ago

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The new two-part documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" provides an in-depth look into the life and career of Long Island's beloved piano man. Co-director Susan Lacy discusses the project, which premieres episode one Friday evening on HBO and HBO Max. Listeners weigh in with their favorite Billy Joel memories and performances.…

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Sizzling Summer Travels

14d ago

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Host Meg Wolitzer presents a quartet of summer stories. Umberto Eco endures trial by mini bar in “How to Travel with a Salmon,” read by Jin Hah. A scenic getaway turns eerie in Elizabeth Spencer’s “The Weekend Travelers,” read by Campbell Scott. Life looks up—way up—for an overworked restaurant owner in “The Man, The Restaurant, and the Eiffel Towe…

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Crossroads 1:41:06

14d ago1:41:06

1:41:06

Pop Girl Summer concludes with Britney Spears showing off her acting chops in Crossroads! If you thought Glitter got randomly dark... oh, brother. The guys talk about the Justin Long sex scene, Lucy writing a real Britney Spears song, comparisons to Glitter, karaoke dressing rooms and much more! Next week: Jason joins Brendan as co-guest host for a…

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The Life of Groundbreaking Designer Virgil Abloh

15d ago

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Groundbreaking fashion designer Virgil Abloh became the first Black American artistic director of a luxury French fashion house when he became the artistic director of the menswear ready-to-wear collection for Louis Vuitton. He died in 2021 at the age of 41. Biographer Robin Givhan discusses her new book, Make It Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture…

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'ta-da!' Off Broadway at the Greenwich House Theater

15d ago

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"ta-da!" is a new off-Broadway production, featuring collection of stories and jokes presented in 80 minutes with 2,000 power point slides presented. Hear about it from performer Josh Sharp, who leads the show, and director Sam Pinkleton of "Oh, Mary!"

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Key Change: Jason Schwartzman on the ‘Rushmore’ soundtrack

15d ago

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I'm very excited to be joined today by Jason Schwartzman, who’s been in so many incredible films and shows, including 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,' 'The Darjeeling Limited,' 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,' the new movie 'Mountainhead,' and so much more. In addition to being an actor, he’s also a writer and musician. He makes music under the…

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Emmy Nominee Cristin Milioti On Playing An Anti-Hero In 'The Penguin'

16d ago

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[REBROADCAST FROM Nov. 12, 2024] The acclaimed new HBO series "The Penguin" earned 24 Emmy nominations in this year's awards. Actor Cristin Milioti, who has now been Emmy-nominated for her role as Sofia, a member of the Falcone crime family, joined us for a Watch Party to discuss the final episode.

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The Taste of Summer

16d ago

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Now is the time for foods that celebrate the summer and treats that grant relief from the heat. On this episode: Stories about powerful memories relived through the tastes of summer.Leave us a voicemail at 702-706-TALK, or email us at [email protected] more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy…

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The Moth Radio Hour: Curtain Call

16d ago

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In this hour, three artists known for their work on stage tell their personal stories on The Moth's. This episode is hosted by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison from Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Tiq Milan keeps an important secret from his mother. Amelia Zirin-Brown is c…

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What's Your Favorite Movie of the 21st Century

20d ago

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The New York Times is spending the summer ranking 100 of the best movies of the 21st century so far, based around the voting of over 500 directors, actors and producers in Hollywood. Kyle Buchanan, New York Times pop culture reporter and awards season columnist, discusses the list, his favorite 21st century movies, and listeners share their picks. …

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Desperately Seeking Symmetry

20d ago

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This hour of Radiolab, former co-hosts Jad and Robert set out in search of order and balance in the world around us, and ask how symmetry shapes our very existence -- from the origins of the universe, to what we see when we look in the mirror. Along the way, we look for love in ancient Greece, head to modern-day Princeton to peer inside our brains,…

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Glitter 1:46:10

21d ago1:46:10

1:46:10

It's Pop Girl Summer on the show as the guys discuss Mariah Carey's epic tale of fame... Glitter. Why does Carey play such an empty husk of a character? This took place in the 1980s!? Late Nite Live? Give me a break. And how about that wild, dark ending? Next week: Pop Girl Summer concludes. What We've Been Watching: 28 Years Later "Ironheart" Patr…

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White Man's Burden 1:28:35

28d ago1:28:35

1:28:35

And you thought Amos & Andrew was wrong-headed! This week, the guys discuss the colossal misfire White Man's Burden starring John Travolta and Harry Belafonte in a real racism mix-'em-up. It's as troublesome as it sounds! Does the premise completely miss the idea of classism? What's up with the weird 1950s sexism? Was that the most ridiculous downe…

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Evolution 1:34:14

1M ago1:34:14

1:34:14

This week, the fellas sit down to discuss Ghostbus... I mean, Evolution, which may have scientists fighting supernatural/otherworldy forces, a big goopy finale with a big goopy monster and Ivan Reitman directing but is in no way the same movie. Nathan and Brendan also break down dubious fireman training, the Head and Shoulders product placement, Da…

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Rapid Fire 1:26:13

1M ago1:26:13

1:26:13

The tale of Brandon Lee and his fun-loving, sunny-dispositioned good guy played by... Powers Boothe?! Yes, it's Rapid Fire. Why does Jake like to draw pictures of dragons with naked ladies? Is a bowling alley hideout a red flag if you meet up with a cop? A Chinese laundromat? Really!? Also, does the podcast have a new sponsor? Next week: Ca-Caw Ca-…

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Her Alibi (w/Galen Howard) 1:29:41

2M ago1:29:41

1:29:41

Ah, the beloved Tom Selleck and his moustachio. Who could ever forget... other than this sleepy performance in this very forgettable comedy Her Alibi co-starring supermodel Paulina Porizkova! Do you like the same two jokes over and over again? Clownfights? Questionable age gaps? Then you'll love this movie! Next week: Lee Jr. What We've Been Watchi…

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The Bonfire of the Vanities 1:28:05

2M ago1:28:05

1:28:05

This week, it's time to talk about the colossal misfire adaptation of a beloved book - The Bonfire of the Vanities. Is this the most miscast movie ever made? Just how bad are those monologues by Judge Morgan Freeman? Could this movie be any more tone-deaf? Plus - an honest Geraldo Rivera cameo and much more! Next week: A moustache and a model. What…

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Jackpot! 1:35:13

2M ago1:35:13

1:35:13

John Cena and Awkwafina? In a Small-Screen Shameful? Yes, that's right, folks. This week, the fellas talk about the straight-to-Amazon comedy Jackpot! Does this movie really believe The Purge is a premise that is ripe for comedy? Just how many quips and one-liners is too much? We get a Ninja Turtles fight scene? All this, a Machine Gun Kelly cameo …

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In Time 1:29:43

2M ago1:29:43

1:29:43

It's about money we talk about this money-tested film that made a lot of time at the box office, In Time. It's a very subtle critique of capitalism that surely flew over most people's heads and will be appreciated in another money as one of the smartest movies ever. Just kidding! Really flimsy time/money exchange rates, displaying bank accounts in …

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Hulk (w/Joshua Kotsabasakis) 1:43:16

3M ago1:43:16

1:43:16

This week, the boys bring back comic expert Joshua Kotsabasakis to discuss Ang Lee's Hulk. Wait... is this... like a pretty good movie? Does Ang Lee add a touch of class and auteur filmmaking to make it stand out from other Marvel films? Does everyone in this movie kill it in terms of their performances? Is Hulk super duper hot? Find out! Next week…

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The Emoji Movie 1:28:39

3M ago1:28:39

1:28:39

Yes... the time has come... to discuss one of the worst and laziest movies of all-time... The Emoji Movie. As your hosts try not to keel over, they discuss this mess of a motion picture including the genuinely terrible life lessons for children, the annoying 1-2 punch of T.J. Miller and James Corden, the poop emoji cameo, the nightmare world of the…

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Amos & Andrew 1:31:03

3M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

March 5th, 1993. A day that will live in infamy. On that date, Sir Nicolas Cage, Lord Samuel L. Jackson and director/activist E. Max Frye... solved... racism. Yes indeed. They did it with the help of a little film called Amos & Andrew (not Andy). You might doubt these claims, you might find them dubious... but need I remind you of the power of film…

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The Snowman 1:26:24

3M ago1:26:24

1:26:24

You didn't know we would cover this one? We gave you all the clues! This week, the guys try to wrap their heads around the nonsensical mess that is The Snowman starring a very sleepy Michael Fassbender. They talk about naming your main character Harry Hole, the multiple subplots that are unfinished or illogical, Val Kilmer (RIP) getting ADR'ed by a…

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Kuffs 1:24:57

4M ago1:24:57

1:24:57

Fourth-wall breaking? Vicious murders? Intentionally censored curse words? It's all here, baby! This week, the guys talk about Kuffs starring Christian Slater. The less said about Milla Jovovich's role, the better... Next week: Full of Harry Holes. What We've Been Watching: Apollo 13 Sisu Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwttpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.…

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Skatetown, U.S.A. (w/Bill Yard) 1:40:42

4M ago1:40:42

1:40:42

The voice of Capital City Wrestling, Bill Yard, joins us this week for the first time (wait... are we sure he hasn't been here before?) to discuss the 1979 roller disco comedy Skatetown, U.S.A. They discuss the drug pizza, the multitude of cameos and musical performances, Flip Wilson and Billy Barty playing a couple, the skate dancing choreography …

What Were They Thinking? | Age Of Radio Podcasts