Wits ® – APM Podcasts
By John Moe
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Description
Wits was a weekly national public radio broadcast produced and distributed by American Public Media. As of September 2015, the broadcast ended. The stage shows that provided material for the broadcast are on hiatus, as is the podcast version of Wits. It is our intention to take a little time away from Wits and then look for ways to bring it back on stage and in podcast in a different form. On Wits, some of the top names in comedy and music have joined host John Moe for sketch comedy, improv, conversation, songs and genuine beauty in a program praised as "one of the rare public radio comedy shows that's actually funny" (Huffington Post) and "one of the most unique, entertaining and diverse shows on radio" (The Growler). You can listen to all of our archives online and follow host John Moe on Twitter (@johnmoe) for more information on Wits and other projects.
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1 |
58: Audience Choice Show 2014 | This week on Wits, a special audience choice episode. We asked listeners to tell us what segments they loved on Wits, and they picked their favorites: Amazon Review Theater with comedians Paul F. Tompkins and Keegan-Michael Key, Pop Song Correspondences, sketches about angels in our appliances and Linus losing it when he's separated from his blanket. Plus, Har Mar Superstar with a full horn section, and much more. | 9/17/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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2 |
69: Music Wits | This week’s episode features some of our favorite musical moments on Wits, including performances from Har Mar Superstar, Thao Nguyen, Martha Wainwright, Dan Wilson and Sara Watkins, Loudon Wainwright III, Typhoon, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo and more. | 9/10/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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3 |
47: Paul F. Tompkins, Keegan-Michael Key, Patton Oswalt, Ellie Kemper and The Both (Part Two) | This week's show was recorded at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles. With the help of Paul F. Tompkins, Patton Oswalt, Keegan-Michael Key, Ellie Kemper, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, we hear what superheroes do when there's down time at the Hall of Justice, get a peek at how Big Foot influenced Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, and find out why someone gave Monty Python and the Holy Grail a one-star review on Amazon.com. | 9/3/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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4 |
22: Kristen Schaal with Rufus Wainwright | In this week's episode, comedian and actress Kristen Schaal appears as a jaded hamster and a cop who's just had her first ever cup of coffee; singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright plays a cat and sings a stunning a cappella version of his song "Candles," and the real estate agent for the B-52's has a hard time selling a certain property known as the "Love Shack." | 8/26/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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5 |
28: Hannibal Buress with Open Mike Eagle | On this week's episode of Wits, top stand-up comedian, and 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live veteran, Hannibal Buress tells about the made-up childhood of Alex Trebek, hip hop artist Open Mike Eagle has a hitherto unexplored question for the Party People, and we find out what you really get at a deli when you place a certain lunch order. Plus, a Pop Song Correspondence from Journey's put-upon editor. | 8/19/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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6 |
60: Colin Hanks with Father John Misty (Part One) | On this week’s show, Emmy-nominated actor Colin Hanks tries to get kids to believe that math is cool (it does not go well), singer/songwriter Father John Misty portrays a Fridge Raccoon, and Wikihow Theater shows how to make people respect your pet. Plus, the story of how Prince melted Minneapolis into existence and music from Father John Misty. | 8/13/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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7 |
14: Paul F. Tompkins with Aimee Mann | This week's show features comedian and actor Paul F. Tompkins (also host of the Pod F. Tompkast) with the Oscar and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aimee Mann, as well as an EMU ATTACK, and a visit from President James K. Polk the time-traveling repairman. | 8/6/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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8 |
37: Paul F. Tompkins with Rhett Miller | On this week’s episode, comedian Paul F. Tompkins tries to overcome a lifetime of servile conditioning as Mark, a newly liberated denizen of Oz, while hip-swiveling Rhett Miller of the Old 97′s educates us all about random dandelion surgery. Plus, we go fence riding with the true story of The Eagles’ Desperado. | 7/29/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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9 |
97: Fred Willard with Shinyribs and Carrie Rodriguez (Part Two) | This week’s show comes to you from the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas with legendary comedic actor Fred Willard. Plus, songs from beloved Austin musicians Shinyribs and Carrie Rodriguez. And an "All About That Bass" Pop Song Correspondence from the ad agency hired by National Bass Fishing Association. | 7/23/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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10 |
96: Danny Pudi with Har Mar Superstar (Part Two) | This week on Wits, the hilarious actor Danny Pudi of TV’s Community and singer Har Mar Superstar. Star Wars gets all Ken Burns with tearful letters from actual Storm Troopers in the battle between the Empire and the Rebellion. And a Wits game show, in which Har Mar Superstar uses the word “collapsening.” | 7/16/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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11 |
95: Cristela Alonzo with Ryan Bingham (Part Two) | On this week’s Wits, comedian Cristela Alonzo details the completely unique brand of nerditude she established in college, Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham explains how riding bulls made his teeth so white, and we hear student evaluations from Professor Billy Joel’s 20th Century History class. | 7/9/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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12 |
94: Extra: Andy Daly, Monopoly, and the Wits Mailbag | On the Wits podcast this week, we talk with comedian and actor Andy Daly about his Comedy Central show Review – season 2 debuts in late July. Andy tells us what it’s like to play Forrest MacNeil, a professional life critic. Forrest performs any life experience his audience asks him to and then reviews it on a scale of one to five stars. We also hear how the board game Monopoly was born and take questions from the Wits mailbag. | 7/2/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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13 |
93: Paul Scheer with Neko Case (Part Two) | On this week’s Wits, comedian, actor, and podcaster Paul Scheer tells us about the time he burned down a dude ranch, Neko Case remembers when she found out she was related to one of the first women professional wrestlers, and we meet some superheroes who will never ever make it in the movies. | 6/25/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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14 |
92: Wits Extra: Conversation Parade Preview | On this first episode of Conversation Parade, hosts John Moe and Open Mike Eagle explore the relationship between Finn the Human and Jake the Dog and wonder whether we really need manuals in life. Plus, John talks with actor John DiMaggio, the voice of Jake the Dog, about what it’s like to record the show with his fellow actors and why he loves Lumpy Space Princess so much. | 6/19/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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15 |
91: George Takei with Serengeti (Part Two) | On this week’s Wits, Star Trek actor George Takei tells us what event made him decide to come out as a gay man after decades in the closet. Plus, Chicago art-rapper Serengeti provides some eclectic hip-hop that will stick in your head. And, a special preview of a new project we’re working on! Big excitement! | 6/18/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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90: Cary Elwes with Kat Edmonson | On this week’s Wits, actor and author Cary Elwes. He’s perhaps best known for his role as the dashing hero Westly in the movie The Princess Bride. Elwes shares stories of the fun he had making that movie as well as the painful injuries. Plus, music from mesmerizing chanteuse Kat Edmonson. And, Bob Seger tells us what it’s been like living in a big, ferocious whale. | 6/11/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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17 |
89: Eric Stonestreet with Brandi Carlile (Part Two) | This week on Wits, Emmy-winning actor Eric Stonestreet from Modern Family tries to convince us all that clowns aren’t creepy, and we have a new installment of Wikihow Theater where you can learn how to annoy your dad and how to sneak a cat into work. Plus, chart-topping singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile blows us away with her singing, and shows off her killer funny bone. | 6/4/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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18 |
88: Fred Willard with Shinyribs and Carrie Rodriguez | This week, Wits is at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas with one of the all-time greats of comedy, actor Fred Willard. He shares some behind-the-scenes stories of those classic Christopher Guest comedies he appeared in like Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman. We also have songs from beloved Austin-based music guests Shinyribs and Carrie Rodriguez. Plus, we find out what inspired Abbott and Costello’s most famous routine. | 5/28/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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87: Extra: Cameron Esposito and the Wits Mailbag | On this week’s podcast, we talk with Cameron Esposito. She's been on Conan, Maron, @midnight ... she's the voice of Carroll the cloud person in Cartoon Network's Adventure Time. She writes a biweekly column for The AV Club called Who in the World is Cameron Esposito, and she did all those Buzzfeed Ask a Lesbian videos. She talks with us about making those videos, coming out, and why she got into stand-up. We also answer questions from the Wits mailbag, and we hear actor Keegan-Michael Key and singer Bhi Bhiman in a Shakespearean take on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. | 5/21/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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20 |
86: Danny Pudi with Har Mar Superstar | On this week’s Wits, actor Danny Pudi of the beloved sitcom Community tells us what it was like to work with Chevy Chase, singer Har Mar Superstar shares what it’s like to look like Ron Jeremy when you’re at the Playboy Mansion, and we hear from severely disgruntled potential contributors to Cat Fancy magazine. Plus, the world premiere of new music from Har Mar Superstar. | 5/14/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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85: Cristela Alonzo with Ryan Bingham | On this week’s show, Cristela Alonzo tells us the amazing story about how she came to be the first Latina to write, produce and star in her own network sitcom, Ryan Bingham tells us what you have to do to ride a bull, and we hear what happens when you mess with Texas. Plus, Ryan sings from his latest album, Fear and Saturday Night. | 5/7/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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84: Paul Scheer with Neko Case | On this week’s Wits, comedian, actor and podcaster Paul Scheer tells us about his reenactments of Arsenio Hall interviews from the 90s, Neko Case sings songs from her latest album, and we hear the real story of John Mellencamp’s Jack and Diane. Plus, was George Washingon a big jerk? We’ve got the answer. Maybe. | 4/30/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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83: Extra: John DiMaggio, Wits mailbag, an office game gone wrong | On this week’s podcast, an interview with actor John DiMaggio. He’s the voice of Adventure Time’s Jake the Dog. He’s Bender in Futurama. He’s the Executive Producer of a documentary on voice acting called “I Know That Voice,” and he’s a lot of fun to talk with. We also answer listener questions from the Wits mailbag, and comedians Hari Kondabolu and W. Kamau Bell join us for a scene in the office: a get-to-know-you game gone wrong. | 4/23/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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63: Neil Gaiman with My Brightest Diamond (Part One) | On this week’s Wits, author Neil Gaiman presents the worst submissions to our Bad Gaiman Challenge – where we asked you to send in your poorest imitations of Neil Gaiman’s writing. We also hear Neil selling real estate, or rather, “unreal” estate, and in Pop Song Correspondence, Satan applies for a job at Radio Shack. Plus, music from My Brightest Diamond. | 4/16/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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62: The Great Wits/Thrilling Adventure Hour Crossover with “Weird Al” Yankovic, Paul F. Tompkins, Paget Brewster and Rhett Miller (Part One) | The Thrilling Adventure Hour's married mediums Frank and Sadie Doyle join Wits host John Moe in the crossover event of the holiday season. Relish the sweet song stylings of Rhett Miller, and learn all about the stories behind some of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s big projects. PLUS a super special singalong. | 4/9/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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26 |
61: Maria Bamford with Jeremy Messersmith (Part One) | This week on Wits, comedian and actor Maria Bamford as a very creepy Tooth Fairy and a possibly zombified Laura Ingalls Wilder promoting her new books. We also get music from singer/songwriter Jeremy Messersmith. Plus, Maria and Jeremy try to sort out which patron saints are for real in the Wits game show. | 4/2/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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59: Jim Gaffigan with Reggie Watts and Thao Nguyen | On this week’s show, comedian, author and actor Jim Gaffigan talks about his upcoming book Food: A Love Story, the food he loves, and the food he just doesn’t really understand. Comedian, actor and musician Reggie Watts improvises a song about a beaver who is no good at building dams and singer/songwriter Thao Nguyen wows the audience with her Appalachian-infused rock and roll. Plus, Tom Waits, President Chester Alan Arthur and an immortal stegosaurus want to sell you bubbled gum. | 3/19/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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82: George Takei with Serengeti | This week on Wits, rappers George Takei and Serengeti. Wait, is that right? Well, sort of. Famed Star Trek officer, social media star, and activist George Takei tells stories about the early days of the iconic science fiction franchise, his new Broadway musical, and how he, along with his Gang from Sugar Hill, started rap music. That last part might be more of a comedy sketch. We also get to know rapper Serengeti and his alter ego Kenny Dennis. Plus, a game of OBSCURE RAPPER, ANCILLARY STAR TREK CHARACTER, or NFL LINEMAN; and great music from Serengeti. | 3/12/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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29 |
81: Eric Stonestreet with Brandi Carlile (Part One) | This week on Wits, actor Eric Stonestreet as a Bigfoot who specializes in marriage counseling. Singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile reveals her secret obsession (not to reveal too much but it involves tomatoes). We also get useful lessons on how to cross piranha-infested waters and hear a clip from the new PBS remake of House of Cards. Plus brand new music from Brandi Carlile. | 3/5/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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30 |
57: Kumail Nanjiani with Valerie June (Part Two) | On this week’s show, comedian Kumail Nanjiani talks about his first time in America, his HBO show Silicon Valley, and his love for video games. He also gets pretty freaked out about a potato in a conference room. And we hear music from singer/songwriter Valerie June, who tells us how sometimes songs come to her in different voices. Plus, an installment of Cop Squadron! | 2/26/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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31 |
80: Keegan-Michael Key with Bhi Bhiman | On this week’s show, actor/writer Keegan-Michael Key as Rex, a powerful, 2-ton police force of nature who gets all the confessions. Because he is an actual Tyrannosaurus Rex. We also get the back story on Keegan’s iconic substitute teacher role from his hit show Key & Peele and play a Wits Game Show that reveals our guests might be criminal masterminds. Might! Plus, brand new installments of Amazon Review Theater take on one-star reviews of classics like Of Mice and Men and Hop on Pop, and the beautiful music of singer/songwriter Bhi Bhiman. | 2/19/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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32 |
79: Wits Extra: Hail to the Chief(s)! | On the Wits podcast extra: Hail To the Chief(s)! Chieves? America celebrated its presidents this week. Wits celebrates those same presidents with a look back at the Commanders-in-Chief, Founding Fathers, and First Ladies that we have had on the show over the years. Or at least guests we made pretend that they were those people. And there have been a lot: James K. Polk, others. With special guests Andy Richter, Neil Gaiman, Paul F. Tompkins, Kevin Murphy, Bill Corbett, Paget Brewster, Joseph Scrimshaw, Josh Ritter, Chris Koza, Amy Sedaris, Eugene Mirman, Nellie McKay and Margaret Cho. | 2/17/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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33 |
78: Hari Kondabolu with OK Go (Part Two) | This week on Wits, the band OK Go debuts a brand new, previously unreleased video that you have to see to believe. Yep, video on the radio. Comedian Hari Kondabolu talks colonialism, weird word tricks and having his high school mascot named after him. We play a new Game Show featuring less-than-famous quotes from very famous people. Plus, special guest W. Kamau Bell as a Smurf and we get advice on how to understand the TV show Falcon Crest and/or sneak up on people. | 2/12/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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77: Wits Extra: Neil Gaiman, Friend of Wits | On the podcast extra this week: Extra bonus Neil Gaiman, Friend of Wits! Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman is a long-time pal of our show. He’s been a full-on guest twice, and has made special appearances countless times. Because we have so much fun with Neil every time he’s on, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of his more memorable moments on Wits. So we tuned up the Wits time-turn-backer machine to turn back time, where it’s time to turn toward timeless Neil Gaiman turns on our show. | 2/10/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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76: Neil Gaiman with My Brightest Diamond (Part Two) | This week on Wits, acclaimed best-selling author Neil Gaiman tells tales of his time in a teenage punk band, reveals the conversations he’s had while owning multiple talking animals, and tackles the role of a smooth jazz trumpeter tasked with saving the world from Murder Cat. Singer/songwriter Shara Worden joins us for a Wits Game Show about some of the most obscure comic books ever made, and we get beautiful eclectic music from My Brightest Diamond. | 2/4/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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75: The Great Wits/Thrilling Adventure Hour Crossover with ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, Paul F. Tompkins, Paget Brewster and Rhett Miller: Too Much For Radio | We had such a great time taping our show with Paul F. Tompkins, Paget Brewster, Weird Al Yankovic, and Rhett Miller that we lost track of ourselves and made way too much material for the radio. So we are sharing this bonus material as an extra TOO MUCH FOR RADIO episode. Hear Paul F. Tompkins and Paget Brewster battle Rhett Miller for “Weird Al” Yankovic’s affection. Check out the new #1 single, Guacamole Heart. And swoon to Rhett’s croons. | 2/3/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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74: The Great Wits/Thrilling Adventure Hour Crossover with ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, Paul F. Tompkins, Paget Brewster and Rhett Miller (Part Two) | This week: the triumphant return of the terrific Wits/Thrilling Adventure Hour Crossover. Enjoy an all-new feature featuring married mediums Frank & Sadie Doyle and their quest to figure out just who is filling all these martini glasses with booze while they sleep. The one and only “Weird Al” Yankovic reveals the true stories behind some of his most iconic songs and projects, while actress Paget Brewster stuns the audience with her allegiance to the most hated of all insects. Plus, Paul F. Tompkins reveals that you’ve been singing Bowie wrong all this time, and we get a blast of pure rock energy from singer/songwriter Rhett Miller. | 1/29/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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56: Peter Sagal and Paul F. Tompkins with Open Mike Eagle (Part Two) | On this week's episode, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! host Peter Sagal sings, comedian Paul F. Tompkins reads one-star Amazon reviews (and also sings), and art-rapper Open Mike Eagle offers chilling insight on the Happy Birthday song. He sings as well. Plus, a peek at what probably happened in movies like Christine and Steel Magnolias, cocktail recipes from Don Draper, and a Wits game show. | 1/22/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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73: Maria Bamford with Jeremy Messersmith (Part Two) | This week on Wits, you will be shocked by what you learn about our guest, comedian Maria Bamford, and the things she’s eaten that belong to other people. We also meet Buttonwillow, the world’s best salesperson, and get incredibly valuable advice on how to appreciate the band ABBA. Plus, behind-the-scenes with the Doobie Brother mother, and lots of great music from Jeremy Messersmith. | 1/15/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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72: Colin Hanks with Father John Misty (Part Two) | This week on Wits, Emmy-nominated actor Colin Hanks takes us to the new M. Night Shyamalan restaurant, and he and singer/songwriter Father John Misty travel back in time to the Great Depression and the first moments of the game Monopoly. Plus, advice on how to enjoy life when you stand nowhere, a tour through American slang, and music from Father John Misty. | 1/8/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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71: Extra: Aparna Nancherla | Comedian and writer Aparna Nancherla stopped by the Wits studios recently. John Moe got the chance to talk with her about almost attending West Point, working on late-night television, the process of writing funny things on sad subjects, and the current wave of comedians who are also first-generation Americans. | 1/6/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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54: Jen Kirkman with Bob Mould | On this week's show, comedian, author and actor Jen Kirkman tells us what it's like to make an episode of Drunk History, punk rock godfather Bob Mould performs tracks from his latest album, and we hear why dead author Franz Kafka is so upset with Pharrell Williams about the song, "Happy." | 1/2/2015 | Free | View in iTunes |
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70: Extra: Year in Review | 2014 was a crazy year. On this special episode, we take a look at the top stories from the year that was, and how they affected the everyday for all of us, including the rugged. And the feline. We also take some time to ask some of our past guests what they’re excited about in 2015. Featuring Patton Oswalt, Open Mike Eagle, Thao Nguyen, Hari Kondabolu, Kelly Hogan, Mike Doughty, Paget Brewster and Rhett Miller, it’s our Year In Review episode of Wits. | 12/30/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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55: Kumail Nanjiani with Valerie June (Part One) | On this week's episode, comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani tells us what happens when you Google a smell, singer/songwriter Valerie June explains how she's able to smile when she sings the blues, and the premiere installment of Wikihow Theater teaches how to behave around Grandpa and how to befriend a squirrel (the key is not to kiss it). | 12/26/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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68: Extra: Maz Jobrani | Comedian and actor Maz Jobrani stopped by our studio to talk with John Moe. Maz shares what is was like moving from Iran to America as a child, why it took him so long to start doing comedy, and his upcoming book, “I’m Not a Terrorist, But I've Played One On TV." | 12/16/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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67: Weird Wits | This week on Wits … a special episode of the moments on the show that are just a little off. Sketches and songs that are funny, surprising, moving and weird, where Mr. Rogers turns into a werewolf, letters from Civil War soldiers who are animals, an office trainee who doesn’t understand idioms, a spa filled with insects. Featuring Colin Hanks, Amy Sedaris, Andy Richter, Tig Notaro, Kristen Schaal, Patton Oswalt, Keegan-Michael Key, Loudon Wainwright III, Robyn Hitchcock and more. | 12/11/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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66: Extra: Paget Brewster in ‘Charlie Brown and Lucy’ | On our recent crossover episode with the Thrilling Adventure Hour, guest Paget Brewster joined us for a remount of a classic Wits sketch. Here is Paget as Lucy van Pelt, a role originally performed by Julia Sweeney, and John Moe as Charlie Brown. | 12/9/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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65: Keegan-Michael Key with Bhi Bhiman (Part One) | This week, the deeply hilarious, Peabody Award-winning comedian Keegan-Michael Key channels Michael Jackson, sings like Radiohead, and busts some myths about love and commitment. Plus, singer/songwriter Bhi Bhiman wows us with his powerful voice, and a Shakespearean take on how the Fresh Prince’s life got flipped, turned upside down. | 12/4/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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53: Peter Sagal and Paul F. Tompkins with Open Mike Eagle (Part One) | On this week's episode, Wait Wait … Don't Tell Me! host Peter Sagal plays a Wits game show, comedian Paul F. Tompkins performs Amazon.com one-star reviews of great literature, and Open Mike Eagle performs from his album Dark Comedy. Plus, Leonard Cohen texts Leonard Cohen in this week's Pop Song Correspondence. | 11/26/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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64: Hari Kondabolu with OK Go (Part One) | On this week’s show, comedian Hari Kondabolu is horrible at playing the game Two Truths and a Lie. He also becomes J.R. Toot McGoots and helps people find meaning in their lives. Plus, a special acoustic set from OK Go, and we hear about the teaching assistant who inspired the band’s name. | 11/20/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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35: Margaret Cho with Josh Ritter | On this week's episode, host John Moe and comedian Margaret Cho play characters in an unconventional wedding ceremony, we learn some unusual things about penguins, and Josh Ritter performs songs from his latest album and tells us why Macbeth is a good read for people going through divorce. | 11/6/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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43: Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Anna Kendrick with Sara Watkins and Dan Wilson | On this week's Wits, Zach Galifianakis reveals his secret ambitions, Ed Helms plays one of his original songs, Anna Kendrick becomes Beccany, co-owner of a very different kind of casino, and Sara Watkins and Dan Wilson knock out the crowd with their beautiful harmonies. | 8/22/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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42: Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Keegan-Michael Key and Ellie Kemper with Aimee Mann and Ted Leo (Part One) | This week's episode comes to you from our first touring show at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles with a long list of Wits friends. Keegan-Michael Key performs a one-star Amazon review of Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils, actress Ellie Kemper learns Spanish from a Tom Waits cassette, comedian Patton Oswalt becomes a ghost from Pac-Man, and comedian Paul F. Tompkins joins the musical team of Aimee Mann and Ted Leo for some improv songs in our Wits Game Show. | 8/8/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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46: Steven Yeun with Motion City Soundtrack | On this week's show, actor Steven Yeun talks about how his character Glenn from the hit show The Walking Dead keeps his spirits up amid a zombie apocalypse. Yeun also lets loose his master improv chops in the Wits Game Show. Plus, rock band Motion City Soundtrack debuts a song written specifically for Glenn and tells us where Motion City is actually located. And, we get to know the gritty life of chain restaurant workers in suburban America. | 8/1/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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45: Marc Maron with Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires | On this week's show, podcast icon Marc Maron tells us about a very memorable encounter with Iggy Pop, singer/songwriters Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires make beautiful music together, and we come face to face with Murder Cat! Plus, in our Pop Song Correspondence, we stop the world to melt with Superman. | 7/18/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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44: Andy Richter with Neko Case | On this week's show, Tom Waits, Abraham Lincoln and Morrissey tell us about their snack foods for kids, Neko Case sings from her latest album and tells us about her love for heavy metal, and TV's Andy Richter is a prom king forever. Plus, we find out what really happens when you play Gotcher Nose with a baby. | 7/11/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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41: Maria Bamford with Thao Nguyen | On this week's show, comedian Maria Bamford is a pro-wrestler who becomes a substitute English teacher, and a girl scout who may have eaten all the girl scout cookies before delivering them. Plus, singer/songwriter Thao Nguyen rocks songs from her latest album. | 7/4/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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40: Jason Ritter with Dessa | On this week’s episode, actor Jason Ritter explains his fascination with puns and gives handsome people advice on how to be handsomer, singer/rapper/writer Dessa confesses her love for the elderly and warns against serpents with bad circulation, and we learn about Edgar Allen Poe’s early career misadventures. Plus, the Supreme Court finally weighs in on whether or not you do, in fact, have the right to party. | 6/13/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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39: David Cross with Har Mar Superstar | On this week’s episode, comedian, actor, director David Cross talks about Arrested Development’s Tobias Funke and Alvin and the Chipmunks, Har Mar Superstar lays down his sweet soul sounds, and the two compete in the Wits Game Show: The R & B singer vs. the Slam Poet. You decide who’s who. Plus, a Pop Song Correspondence to Lorde and learn math with Tom Waits. | 5/30/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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38: Tim Heidecker with Aimee Mann and Ted Leo | On this week's show, comedian Tim Heidecker becomes an unconventional aerobics instructor, the Wits Game Show goes delightfully off the rails, and we hear new songs from singer/songwriters Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, who have joined forces in a super-duo called The Both. | 5/23/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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36: Jim Gaffigan with Busdriver | On this week's episode, comedian, author and actor Jim Gaffigan plays the moon from Goodnight Moon, rap artist Busdriver tells us about the first time he met LL Cool J, and we hear a Pop Song Correspondence from Simon and Garfunkel's put-upon friends Alan and Doug. | 5/9/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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52: John Hodgman with Jean Grae | On this week’s show, comedian, actor, and author John Hodgman talks about growing up as an only child and embodying every subgenre of nerd at the same time. Also, rapper, writer, and director Jean Grae tells us what it’s like to punch a superhero, and Britney Spears is finally sued for medical malpractice. | 4/25/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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51: Bobcat Goldthwait with Matt Nathanson | On this week's episode, comedian and movie director Bobcat Goldthwait talks Bigfoot, singer/songwriter Matt Nathanson explains his love for KISS, and the feud between Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd takes an unexpected turn in Pop Song Correspondences. | 4/18/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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50: Margaret Cho and Paul F. Tompkins with Superchunk and Will Sheff | This week's show was recorded in Los Angeles as part of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Festival After Dark. Hear comedian and actor Paul F. Tompkins read one-star reviews from Amazon.com and comedian and actor Margaret Cho talk about how her experience All American Girl has shaped her career. We also have music from punk rockers Superchunk and Will Sheff of Okkervil River. Plus, the game McConaughey or Confucius wherein guests listen to a quote and guess who said it. | 4/12/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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49: Kristen Schaal with Typhoon | On this week's show, comedian and actor Kristen Schaal is a mom with a powerful fanny pack, and we finally find out the name of America's horse in the desert. Plus, music from the Portland-based band Typhoon and the story of the magic shark who named them. | 4/4/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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33: Aisha Tyler with Loudon Wainwright III | This week's show features comedian, actor, author, TV host and podcaster Aisha Tyler and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Loudon Wainwright III. Plus, an alien slumber party, Tom Waits meditation tapes and a Pop Song Correspondence from Radiohead's therapist. | 4/4/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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32: Paul F. Tompkins with Yo La Tengo | On this week's episode of Wits, comedian Paul F. Tompkins performs one-star reviews of classic literature from Amazon.com and competes against rock band Yo La Tengo in the Wits Game Show. Plus, a cruise ship where anything goes. Anything. | 1/31/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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31: Chris Kluwe with Dave Hill and Sara Watkins | On this week's show, NFL punter/author Chris Kluwe and comedian/author Dave Hill join the Cop Squadron, and Sara Watkins sings songs from her latest album, Sun Midnight Sun. Plus, we hear a Pop Song Correspondence from the Rocknrollsburg civil engineering department to Mayor Grace Slick, and we get a peek at Dr. Valverde's Insect Spa ... not a spa for insects, but a spa filled with insects. | 1/24/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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29: David Koechner with Metric | On this week's Wits, actor and comedian David Koechner becomes Dutch, who, with his brother Small Eric, try to help the town they live in with their repair businesses. Plus, a Pop Song Correspondence to Lady Gaga from Lord Gaga of Gaga Manor, and Charlie Brown and Snoopy finally have a heart-to-heart. And, Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw of Metric perform a stunning stripped-down set of songs, including a pair of Lou Reed covers. | 1/3/2014 | Free | View in iTunes |
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34: Scott Aukerman and Eugene Mirman with Kathleen Edwards | On this week’s Wits, Comedy Bang! Bang!’s Scott Aukerman is Glenn Frey of The Eagles, comedian Eugene Mirman from Bob’s Burgers is an astronaut looking for space babes, and singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards plays music that rocks your soul and breaks your heart. | 11/15/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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48: Paul F. Tompkins, Eugene Mirman and Paget Brewster with Nellie McKay and Loudon Wainwright III | This week’s episode comes to you from San Francisco’s Sketchfest comedy festival. Hear comedian Paul F. Tompkins as Ice-T in an episode of Cop Squadron: Spoiler Alert Unit and actor Paget Brewster on Eleanor Roosevelt's exercise cassettes. Plus, comedian Eugene Mirman shows us how wreck a party, Loudon Wainwright III fantasizes about Bill and Hillary Clinton making out to one of his songs, and songstress Nellie McKay performs music that is both timely and timeless. | 10/30/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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30: Audience Choice Show | You built this week's show. You told us your favorite sketches, songs and segments from the archives of Wits, and we whomped up this episode, featuring Brandi Carlile and Maria Bamford squaring off in the Wits Game Show, a seriously demented hamster, a Pop Song Correspondence to Carly Rae Jepsen, a scene from the slightly off-kilter world of Don Draper, and songs from Jason Isbell and Aimee Mann. Thank you for loving this show! | 10/18/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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5: Dave Foley with Mike Doughty | It's the first show of our fall season with comedian Dave Foley, much beloved for his work on the sketch comedy favorite The Kids in the Hall and his starring role in the long-running NBC comedy series NewsRadio, and musical guest Mike Doughty: Singer. Songwriter. Guitar player. Poet. Author. Playwright. Photographer. Most Improved Camper, West Point Youth Camp, 1982. | 10/11/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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27: Colin Hanks with Jason Isbell | In this week's episode of Wits, actor Colin Hanks becomes Doug Bagelson, a man offering his services as a professional friend. Also, Jason Isbell plays songs from his latest album "Southeastern" and performs one of the most stunning covers of "Pancho and Lefty" ever. Plus, a resignation letter from a member of the band Lynryd Skynyrd in this week's Pop Song Correspondences. | 9/20/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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26: Rob Delaney with Neko Case and Kelly Hogan | On this week's show, our Pop Song Correspondences features a customer befuddled by the process of buying a Little Red Corvette from a used car salesman named Prince. Plus, comedian Rob Delaney as a customer service representative from Kleiner Appliance who knows the truth about angels lodged inside household appliances, and Neko Case and Kelly Hogan prove they're more than amazing singer/songwriters – they've got strong comedic chops, too. | 9/13/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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21: W. Kamau Bell with Brendan Benson | On this week's episode, W. Kamau Bell talks with host John Moe about comedy and race, songwriter Brendan Benson, of The Raconteurs, does his best Prince impression, and Charlie Brown's world gets rocked from a conversation with Franklin. | 9/6/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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7: Julia Sweeney with Martha Wainwright | Folks, this show has it all. Listen up, and you will laugh. Hard. You will cry -- unless your heart is a blackened lump of coal, in which case you will at minimum have strong emotional stirrings. Snoopy might die. Or not. Martha Wainwright sings, Julia Sweeney tells stories. So sit back and enjoy this week's episode of Wits. | 8/30/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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17: Bobcat Goldthwait with Steven Page and Dave Pirner | This week's show features Bobcat Goldthwait, just named Esquire Magazine's Director of the Year for his movie God Bless America, a movie he discussed with host John Moe. We also hear Bobcat make his pitch to become public radio's morning shock jock, and we hear from an exasperated contractor working on Robert Plant's stairway to heaven. Plus, music from singer/songwriter Steven Page, formerly of the award-winning Barenaked Ladies and Dave Pirner of local mainstay Soul Asylum. | 8/16/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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15: Fred Willard with Dan Wilson | This week's show features comedy icon Fred Willard from Best in Show and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy with Grammy-award winning songwriter and producer Dan Wilson, and a Commercial Showdown Throwdown game show with an unforgettable jingle for gravy missiles. | 8/9/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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9: Maria Bamford with Brandi Carlile | In this episode of Wits, top touring comedian Maria Bamford transforms into a mermaid obsessed with the Showtime series Homeland, host John Moe becomes a guy at the bottom of the well, dying from Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe," and Brandi Carlile blows us all away with the sheer power of her voice and her solid comedic chops. | 8/2/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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25: Patton Oswalt with Ben Lee | In this week's show, comedian and actor Patton Oswalt and host John Moe are John Oates and Daryl Hall: Animal Control Officers in our "Maneater" Pop Song Correspondence. Singer-songwriter Ben Lee squares off with Patton in our Wits Game Show, and we've got another Charlie Brown story; in this latest installment, featuring John Moe, Patton Oswalt and actress Ione Skye, Linus quits his blanket cold turkey and has a spiritual epiphany. | 7/26/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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24: Michael Ian Black with A.C. Newman | This week, comedian, actor and author Michael Ian Black joins Cop Squadron, indie-pop powerhouse singer/songwriter A.C. Newman writes a very catchy theme song for the canceled show "Mr. Nebulous," and we hear where babies really come from. Really. | 7/19/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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23: Tig Notaro with Kathleen Edwards | On this week's episode, comedian Tig Notaro goes up against singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards in our Wits game show, Bruce Springsteen warns about what happens when you blow up the Chickenman's house, and we get updates from our favorite publications, like Older Brother Magazine and Tiger Beat for Seniors. | 7/12/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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20: Paula Poundstone with Robyn Hitchcock | As a regular panelist on Wait Wait … Don't Tell Me!, comedian Paula Poundstone is perfectly positioned to compete on this week’s Wits Game Show: The Game Show Game Show. Paula explains the rules of fictitious games while one of the godfathers of alternative rock, Robyn Hitchcock, creates the pretend game show’s theme songs. Robyn also plays songs from his latest album, Love from London, and we hear an urgent plea from the big coat in the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis hit, "Thrift Shop." | 6/28/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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11: Henry Rollins with Lissie | In this episode of Wits, punk rock icon Henry Rollins tells us why he wants to be in a constant state of agitation, Lissie bewitches us all with her songs, and the two compete in our Wits game show. | 4/12/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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12: Patton Oswalt, Neil Gaiman and John Hodgman | On this week's Wits, a look inside the brains of some of our favorite funny authors. We join writers Patton Oswalt, John Hodgman, Neil Gaiman and Julia Sweeney for discussions of grandmothers, Beatles, wine, sex, and Dungeons and Dragons. Plus, music from singer-songwriter-authors (yep, double hyphenates) Josh Ritter and John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats. | 3/15/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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19: Andy Richter with Reggie Watts | This week on Wits, we visit with comedian, actor and longtime comedy partner of Conan O'Brien, Andy Richter, as well as internationally renowned vocalist/beatboxer/comic Reggie Watts. Check out the next big hit TV show Mummytown, hear letters from the Civil War soldiers long forgotten - the animal regiments, and learn why Elton John gets fired by NASA in our Pop Song Correspondence. | 3/8/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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18: Tim Meadows with Rhett Miller | This week, Tim Meadows, one of the longest-running cast members in Saturday Night Live history goes up against singer/songwriter and Old 97's front man Rhett Miller in our Wits game show, Funnier and Poignanter. Who will win? It's a nail-biter. You'll also be able to hear Rhett's powerful hip-swivel on all the rocky-roll songs he plays, and you'll get a letter from Axl Rose's editor in this week's Pop Song Correspondences. | 3/1/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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16: Amy Sedaris with They Might Be Giants | This week's show features best-selling author and actor Amy Sedaris along with Grammy award-winning They Might Be Giants. We hear what went on behind the scenes when the founding fathers were writing the Declaration of Independence, we hear from the schoolmaster at the school referenced in Pink Floyd's The Wall, and we get a little insight about what would happen if Winnie the Pooh took an office job. | 2/15/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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13: James Adomian with Grant Lee Phillips | A special studio version of Wits this time around, an intimate setting, a show NOT available to radio listeners. We visit with comedian James Adomian about his eclectic choice of impressions, particularly former pro wrestler and Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura. Also, a chat with Grant Lee Phillips, a Wits alumnus, about the new music he's been making. | 1/11/2013 | Free | View in iTunes |
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10: Rhett Miller, Tim Meadows and Jan the Custodian | Rhett Miller is a singer-songwriter and front man of the Old 97's and a friend of the show. He stops by to talk about how touring with the same batch of guys is way different in your 40s than in your 20s. He also plays a song that's all about a daydream of romance wherein his heart gets crushed. We listen back to Rhett's appearance in the Wits game show from March of 2012. It is both hilarious and bittersweet. And we get a visit from Jan the custodian. | 12/7/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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8: Maria Bamford and Hannibal Buress | It's a comedy interview DOUBLE SHOT! First up, Maria Bamford. She's one of the biggest and easily one of the funniest comedians working today. Maria has appeared on The Comedians of Comedy tour, Louie, and in somewhat unsettling Christmas commercials for Target. We climb inside Maria's head in a revealing interview. Hannibal Buress recently starred in the Comedy Central special, Hannibal Buress: Animal Furnace, and is a former writer for SNL and 30 Rock. | 11/21/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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6: Theater Ghost and Julia Sweeney | On this week's program, we get a haunting visit from the ghost that haunts the Fitzgerald Theater in St Paul. If you listen closely, you can almost hear him attempt to do standup comedy. Also, a look inside Mitt Romney's tax returns. Yes! In the wake of his electoral defeat, he has released them only to us. What? Why wouldn't he? And a chat with Julia Sweeney about how Wits -- yes, this very program -- led her to reassess her literary career and her daughter's taste for fame. | 11/9/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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4: John Roderick and War Horse | This week, host John Moe chats with songwriter John Roderick. He's the lead singer and guitarist in The Long Winters, and the co-host of the podcast Roderick on the Line. Roderick has been tweeting about the connection between nuclear war and '80s movies and music and our apparent nationwide insistence that the town we are in would be the first one hit. We also hear Roderick perform his song Not Moving to Portland with our music director John Munson in a Wits appearance. Plus, an interview with War Horse about how many horses and bayonets the American military really needs. | 10/24/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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3: John Hodgman, Julia Sweeney and Here Are The News | This week, host John Moe visits with the multi-talented John Hodgman. He's the author of several books of fake knowledge, including the latest, That Is All, which has just been released in audiobook form. We hear Hodgman's thoughts on margarine tub percussion, the hugs one receives while famous, and the model set by George Plimpton. If you don't know who George Plimpton is, go look it up. Please. Also, a Wits classic: Julia Sweeney tells the story of the bumpy road toward explaining sex to her daughter. And we get a news update and debate analysis from the somewhat disturbing @HereAreTheNews team. | 10/17/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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2: Rosanne Cash, Mike Doughty and a trip to Mummytown | Host John Moe welcomes a pair of singer/songwriters/memoirists. Rosanne Cash talks about her love of John Denver, William Shakespeare and Mike Doughty. Doughty returns the love and is enthused over Katy Perry, Justin Bieber and the cavernous cars of the seventies. Plus an update on the lesser Nobel Prizes and a classic from the Wits archive: Andy Richter and Reggie Watts visit, among other places, Mummytown. | 10/10/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
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1: Paul F. Tompkins | On this, the inaugural Wits podcast, host John Moe visits with comedian and actor Paul F. Tompkins, who provides valuable insight in how to podcast, the liabilities of having 100 podcast hosts speaking at once, and the invigorating powers of Irish music. John also talks with a certain enormously tall bird who was the surprise star of the first presidential debate, and we explore the career of time-traveling history repairman and U.S. President James K. Polk. | 10/4/2012 | Free | View in iTunes |
| 97 Items |
Customer Reviews
Witty and interesting!
I've followed John Moe's career since he started the Marketplace Tech Report, then to Wits. It's a great live variety show, and the podcast does not disappoint either. You'll really enjoy the witty banter and off-kilter humor.
Thanks to APM for supporting this show and John for assembling a great new program!
Why Wouldn't You LIke This?
Wits the Podcast is a wonderful little world of fun.John Moe is like Santa Claus, but he brings humor and things instead of Xboxes.
Oh, it's good alright.
I was at some of the shows during the 2012 spring season. Maybe you'll hear me in the crowd. I'm one if the people you'll hear saying "Hahaha!" and "Whoooo!" even though I admit it's annoying when people shout "whoooo!" so I try to avoid that.
Wits is a show wherein a funny person and a music person (who change each episode) interact with host John Moe. That's @johnmoe on twitter.
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