Episodes

Episode 303: Amy Schumer, Cokie Roberts, Kurt Cobain in His Own Words


This week: Peabody Award-winning comedian Amy Schumer talks on the wild side… NPR correspondent Cokie Roberts celebrates our female forebears, then offers some civil advice … A new documentary is at home with Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain… Improv wizard and general smartypants Greg Proops challenges three brains to a battle… Nashville’s hot chicken lives up to its name… Writer Heidi Julavits lets us snoop on her diary…We toast the mysterious “Elise” behind Beethoven’s iconic composition… And lots more!


Heidi Julavits - 'To Who(m)'

Icebreaker

Author Heidi Julavits gives us an icebreaker fit for a stand up act at a grammar police convention.


Will the Real Mr. Darcy Please Stand Up?

Small Talk

Sadie Stein, contributing editor at the Paris Review, fills us in on the possible real-life inspiration for the "Pride and Prejudice" heartthrob Mr. Darcy.


The Mystery Behind Beethoven's Famous Piece, 'Für Elise'

A History Lesson With Booze ®

The origins of the classic tune, butchered daily by novice pianists everywhere, is a bit of an enigma and may have been created out of heartbreak.


Greg Proops Builds the Smartest Guest List in the World

Guest List

The "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" funnyman releases his book, "The Smartest Book in the World," on May 5. He crafts a guest list for the ultimate cerebral dinner party. Watch your back, Trebek.


The Many Sides of 'Amy Schumer'

Guest of Honor

Comedian Amy Schumer's provocative style of humor has gained her a following, a Comedy Central series, and a stand-up special. She chats with Brendan about finding god in Paul Giamatti, the unique feedback she gets, and the freaks who run public radio.


Nashville Hot Chicken's Cayenne Pepper Heat Hits Los Angeles

Main Course

Nashville Hot chicken isn't a band -- it's a spicy and lightly sweet style of fried chicken that's been slowly rolling out of it's titular birthplace and appearing in cities around the country. This week Los Angeles gets a taste.


Heidi Julavits Ponders If The Fix Is In At Her Town's Parade

Eavesdropping

After discovering her old journals, the author began to chronicle her daily life and the result is her latest book, "The Folded Clock: A Diary." She reads an excerpt from her Independence Day entry.


Cokie Roberts Discusses 'Dames' and Decorum

Etiquette

The award-winning journalist talks to Rico and Brendan about her new book, explains why "women are just better," and gives a tip on White House etiquette.


'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck' Finds Humor in the Darkness

Chattering Class

Director Brett Morgen talks to Brendan about his comprehensive documentary, which explores the late rock star's life through the lens of Cobain's own home videos, art and music.