This week: Actor Jason Segel turns over a new leaf, as David Foster Wallace, in the biopic “The End of the Tour”… Etiquette (and karaoke) tips from rock star writer Diablo Cody (“Ricki and the Flash”)… Bobcat Goldthwait remembers Barry Crimmins, the man who brought conscience (and anger) to comedy… A taste of haute cuisine baby food, courtesy of the novel “The Kitchens of the Great Midwest”…Breakout musician Thundercat adds some crazy to the party…Plus: incendiary stoplights, magnetic moss, and more!
Diablo Cody - 'Dwayne Who?'
The "Ricki and the Flash" screenwriter, who also delivered a few rock star etiquette tips, offers up an icebreaker familiar in her home.
Moss Appeal
Writer and "Call Your Girlfriend" co-host Ann Friedman gives us the scoop on the growing popularity of moss-viewing excursions with women in Japan.
The Start of Stop Lights
Vehicular history changed in a flash when, in 1914, the first electric traffic light switched on. We learn about its spotty track record and then raise a red-yellow-and-green glass to the invention.
Thundercat's Perfect Tunes to Ruin a Party
Thundercat, a.k.a. Stephen Bruner, played bass for the seminal thrash band Suicidal Tendencies and has become known lately for his funky, jazzy work with musicians like Flying Lotus and Kendrick Lamar. On the eve of his solo tour, he presents us with a party playlist that celebrates debauchery -- on the road, at a house party, or on the high seas.
Jason Segel on David Foster Wallace, Our American Character
Jason Segel gained fame on comedy shows like the beloved "Freaks and Geeks" and "How I Met Your Mother" and cut his teeth writing and starring in films like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "The Muppets" reboot. In his latest film, he stars as the late author David Foster Wallace in "The End of the Tour" and talks to Rico about tackling "Infinite Jest,"disillusionment in American materialism... and Snapchatting selfies.
J. Ryan Stradal Shares One Man's Quest to Curate His Kid's Culinary Palate
The Minnesota native, whose debut book, "Kitchens of the Great Midwest," won the Faulkner Society's annual novel competition and is earning universal praise from the likes of the New York Times, shares an excerpt -- in which a chef attempts to create the littlest foodie.
Tiger Nuts! Behind the Health Craze with the Crazy Name
Move over chia seeds! Tiger nuts, as we have learned, have nothing to do with tigers or nuts. Brendan explores the origins and legends of the trendy tuber and tries out tiger nut-based horchata.
Diablo Cody's Whitesnake Mistake and Rock Star Advice
"Juno" writer and "United States of Tara" creator Diablo Cody returns to the big screen with her new film, "Ricki and the Flash." It stars Meryl Streep as a burned out rock musician and it hits theaters this Friday, August 7th. The screenwriter riffs on a hair metal snafu with Meryl Streep, Jonathan Demme's musical standards, and "curb sneakers."
Bobcat Goldthwait on Comedy Kingmaker Barry Crimmins
Stand-up comic and filmmaker Bobcat Goldthwait discusses his deeply empathetic documentary, "Call Me Lucky," which follows the life and career of Crimmins, and the comedian/activist's fight against child pornography.
