“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” star Rachel Bloom schools us in online stalking and making contemporary musicals… DJ Steve Aoki marries hardcore music with rap… “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal makes us all smarter… Oscar-nominated director Raoul Peck pays tribute to the late, great James Baldwin in his new documentary… Comedians John Early and Kate Berlant recommend three classic tales of the quest for Hollywood immortality… Plus, the history of paper money, a molasses-inspired cocktail, the Southern delights of pimento cheese, and more!
How American Money Upgraded From Coins to Paper
Back in 1689, cash got a whole lot easier for Americans to carry around. Learn how our country's currency went from primarily metal to mostly paper, then cash out with a custom rum cocktail.
Steve Aoki’s Hardcore Dinner Party Soundtrack
DJ Steve Aoki spins and mixes electro house music at massive parties from Las Vegas to Beijing. He collaborates with the biggest names in pop music, and a concert film about his work called "Steve Aoki: I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" is up for a Grammy this year. Check out his eclectic mix of songs by Bloc Party, Refused, and more.
Rachel Bloom Gives us Some Not-So-Crazy Advice
Each week, you send in your questions about how to behave, and here to answer them this time around is actor, writer, and musical number belter-outer Rachel Bloom. The Golden Globe winner and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" star shares the secrets to making a musical show before diving into our listener questions on "Google stalking" and public sing-a-longs.
Raoul Peck on Translating the Work of James Baldwin for the Silver Screen
In his latest documentary, the filmmaker examines the prose of the late, great author James Baldwin and uses Baldwin's unfinished manuscript as a springboard to start a discussion about the racial divide in America.
Partying with Pimento: The 'Comfort' Cheese
This weekend's Super Bowl showdown is between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. And since we featured a cocktail made for us at a Boston bar earlier in the show, Rico figured it'd only be fair to represent Atlanta on this episode as well, in form of pimento cheese. Listen our host get schooled on a little history of the cheese, then bite into a tasty twist on the cheesy treat.
John Early and Kate Berlant Share Their 3 Favorite Tales of Hollywood Desperation
John Early and Kate Berlant are stand-up comedians, actors, and absurd video-makers. The comedy duo teases their new project while listing their favorite tales of the (failed) pursuit of fame.
Arcade Fire - 'I Give You Power'
Never shy about addressing current events, a couple weeks back indie-music giants Arcade Fire released a new song called "I Give You Power." It features rhythm and blues great Mavis Staples.
