Ava DuVernay unpacks the issues at play in her searing documentary, “13th,” then reveals the cheeseball ’80s movie that’s her true fave… Legendary Sex Pistol Steve Jones tells you when it’s OK to steal from your opening act… Indie band Whitney gives a retro playlist that’ll raise the roof… Comedian Baron Vaughn meets a turn-of-phrase… And Brendan finds out what you get when you cross a cheesesteak with a pancake (hint: not cheesecake!). Plus, the history of FM radio, hip(pie) humor, and a drug that’ll give dentists a run for their money.
FM Radio Hits the Airwaves
If you listen to this show on the radio, you have Edwin Armstrong to thank for it. He was commissioned by RCA to combat radio static on the AM band, but his solution -- FM transmitting -- wasn't quite what the corporation had in mind.
Whitney DJs Your Next Retro Rooftop Party
Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek are the masterminds behind the band Whitney. The band blends '60s folk and psych rock with a warm, orchestral sound on their debut album, "Light Upon the Lake." Listen as they blend folk and a touch zamrock for a party playlist perfect for the golden hour.
Ava DuVernay Unpacks the Issues at Play in '13th'
In 2014, Ava DuVernay she earned raves for her civil rights drama "Selma," which was up for an Oscar for Best Picture. Her latest project is a documentary that's on the shortlist for Oscar consideration. It's called "13th," and it's a scathing primer on how America came to incarcerate more people than any other country on Earth, many of whom happen to be of color. The director examines why the criminal justice system captures her imagination, before revealing the surprising film she's seen many, many times.
Steve Jones Adds His Two Cents on Sex Pistols History with 'Lonely Boy'
Back in the '70s, Steve Jones and his band, Sex Pistols, lasted all of three years and put out a single album, but they helped turn punk from a fringe musical movement to a snarling, international phenomena and gave misfits everywhere anthems like, "Anarchy in the U.K." Before telling our audience how to behave in mosh pits, the musician stopped by to talk about why writing his autobiography felt like torture and explains his stance on the disputed origins of punk.
Etiquette Anarchy with Steve Jones
Steve Jones, the founding member of the seminal U.K. punk band Sex Pistols, first talked to us about his new autobiography, "Lonely Boy," and explained why he thought writing would feel like a scene right out of "A Clockwork Orange." Now, he's ready to tell our audience about some mosh pit manners.
Find Out What You Get When You Cross a Cheesesteak with a Scallion Pancake
We've covered tons of hybrid foods over the years: from sushirritos, to cronuts, to Donnolis, and more. After a while, we kind of agreed that we wouldn't heed their siren calls anymore... until we heard a new shop had opened up in Manhattan that was getting a reputation for their scallion pancake cheesesteaks. So, how does the hybrid dish stack up against true cheesesteaks? Our Philly-raised host visited the Lower East Side eatery serving them up to try it out himself.
Baron Vaughn Teaches us the Meaning of 'Oi!'
Standup comic Baron Vaughn is known for his breakneck absurdity and a voice built for impressions. He's also co-hosted a movie podcast with Leonard Maltin, and he acted alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in Netflix's "Grace & Frankie." Listen to him tell a tale the mysterious human embodiment of a British phrase.
