Oscar Isaac, star of the Coen Bros. “Inside Llewyn Davis,” talks travis pickin’ and tabbies… Int’l star Mads Mikkelsen, lately of Danish drama “The Hunt,” looks on the bright side of strife… Bestselling author Janet Evanovich tells us how to politely destroy a van… Changing views of Manhattan from the roof of the Chelsea Hotel … Enjoying the Mutual Benefit of music … A shave fit for a King … Sultry Lady Liberty … Carrot-noses that aren’t just for snowmen … And “Red Eyes” you’ll want, from The War on Drugs.
Disorderly Eating
Writer Sherill Tippins jokes about one medical mystery that's pretty easy to solve.
A Sticky Legal Situation (If You Lick the Back)
What's more American than the Statue of Liberty? How about a sexier version of the famous statue, outside a casino in Las Vegas, which is now the subject of a lawsuit with the US Postal Service?
A Close Shave with History
We know we can thank King C. Gillette's 1895 invention of the disposable razor for at least two things: making shaving easier and safer for the average man - and, a century later, giving faux-vintage hipster barbershops something to rebel against.
Mutual Benefit Admiration Society
Jordan Lee makes music under the moniker Mutual Benefit. He has been playing small rooms of in-the-know crowds for years - but with his new release, he is set to break through big time. He gives us a party playlist of other indie acts that share his subtle style.
Travis Pickin' & the Comedy of Resilience: Hanging with Oscar Isaac
To play a fictionalized version of a real-live 1960's folk musician in "Inside Llewyn Davis," actor Oscar Isaac had to play complicated, difficult guitar as well as a complicated, difficult personality.
The Utopian Experiment of the Chelsea Hotel
"Inside the Dream Palace: The Life and Times of New York's Legendary Chelsea Hotel" investigates the Manhattan landmark, its famous residents from Dylan Thomas to Dee Dee Ramone, and what may happen next for this historic property. Author Sherill Tippins tells us about a few particularly high points in its history.
The New Vermouth
While old-school martini-swillers might see vermouth as little more than a flavoring interfering with the purity of their precious gin, a new generation of distillers is reinvigorating the fortified wine.
Solving Etiquette Mysteries with Janet Evanovich
Using a fake name just means twice as many hot guys, bows make Uggs elegant, and other questionable conclusions from best-selling author Janet Evanovich. "Takedown Twenty," her twentieth Stephanie Plum novel, is out now.
Mads Mikkelsen Faces the Darkness
"The Hurt" may be an intimate, dark film, but for Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, playing it real is easier than sparring with scorpions.
Winning, The War on Drugs
The propulsive rhythms, emotive vocals, and crescendoing choruses that typified The War on Drugs' first album back in 2011 are back in sophisticated style.
Playlist: Episode 230
Music used in this week's episode