Episodes

Episode 251: Kevin Spacey, Ruth Reichl, Todd Snider and Elephant

Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment

This week: Stage & screen star Kevin Spacey channels Richard III (and Bill Clinton)… Food icon Ruth Reichl has us eating her words… folk-rocker Todd Snider meets Tony Bennett in an unlikely place… English pop duo Elephant come together to DJ a dance party… Pluto gets discovered, gets a name – and then gets demoted … Etiquette experts Lizzie Post and Daniel Post-Senning urge America to move to the left…  Hawaii’s state legislature pits ukeleles versus steel… and singer Haley Bonar does not actually Kill The Fun.  Plus: Brendan drinks California’s state flower.


Photo: Fiona Aboud

A Little Whine

Icebreaker

Grape-stomping activity not approved by the French government from the famed food writer Ruth Riechl.


A Battle of Instruments in Hawaii

Small Talk

Ukulele might seem like a lock for official state instrument of Hawaii - but a group of steel guitar enthusiasts beg to differ.


Getty Images News

From 'Planet X' to Pluto

A History Lesson With Booze ®

This week, back in 1930, Pluto was officially named. And of course we don’t mean the Disney character.


Elephant Exes Still Agree: Diana Ross is a Babe

Soundtrack

Internet musichounds fell in love with the dreamy pop tunes of UK duo Elephant. But the duo fell out of love with each other, just in time for the release of their debut album. Even so, they've reunited to tour the record... and to give us a party playlist.


Kevin Spacey Takes Center Stage - On Film

Guest of Honor

"Now: In the Wings On A World Stage" documents the months film & TV star Kevin Spacey spent touring the world, starring in a massive stage production of "Richard III." He tells Rico about playing the 2nd biggest role in Shakespeare, and the on-stage pranks that kept it fresh.


The Time Tony Bennett Stole $65 from Todd Snider

Eavesdropping

Nashville musician Todd Snider may be as well known for his storytelling as he is for his songs. In this tale, he recalls one Tony Bennett nicking $65 from him.


Sipping the Golden State in a Poppy Liqueur

Main Course

Golden Poppies, California's state flower, are at their peak bloom season in May. One California distillery hopes to bottle their beauty.


Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning. Courtesy of The Emily Post Institute.

The Posts Perform Their Street Magic

Etiquette

Lizzie Post and Daniel Post-Senning, descendants of the famed Emily Post, join us this month to tackle some difficult topics - and threatening to tackle pedestrians.


Ruth Reichl's Art Imitates Her 'Delicious' Life

Chattering Class

Ruth Reichl has been one of America's foremost food writers since the '80s. She tells Rico about her new novel "Delicious!"... and why writing about food is *not* like dancing about architecture.


Photo: Graveface Records

Haley Bonar - 'Kill the Fun'

One For The Road

Twin Cities singer-songwriter Haley Bonar's new song may be called "Kill the Fun" - but we promise it won't.


Playlist: Episode 251

Playlist

Music from this episode