Episodes

Episode 317: Uzo Aduba, Yo La Tengo, Doug Aitken

Image courtesy of Uzo Aduba

This week: Emmy-nominated actor Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the New Black”) on what keeps “Crazy Eyes” grounded – and wild fan run-ins…Indie rockers Yo La Tengo cook up a cover-rich soundtrack… Artist Doug Aitken breathes life (and art and music) into old rail hubs, in his new documentary “Station to Station”… The most elaborate college prank in history inspires a Georgia cocktail (without peaches!)… Novelist Matthew Salesses wades into the deluge… The Posts, ambassadors of politesse… We swipe left on a new Tinder robot… and more.


Uzo Aduba - 'Shell Station'

Icebreaker

The "Orange is the New Black" star is our Guest of Honor this week, but first she gives us an unusual twist on the good ol' "cross the road" icebreaker.


The Tinder Matchmaking Robot That'll Help You Find Romance

Small Talk

"Reply All" co-host PJ Vogt tells us about "Conditional Lover," a robot programmed to catch you a catch by using your physical preferences to sort through romantic candidates on Tinder, and swiping on your behalf. Rico and Brendan, however, are inclined to swipe left on the idea all together.


Georgia Tech's Legendary George P. Burdell Prank Endures

A History Lesson With Booze ®

Around this time back in 1927 the Georgia Institute of Technology enrolled its most famous student. Learn about the adventurous life of George P. Burdell, then wash down the tall tale with a very real cocktail.


Yo La Tengo Cook up a Cover-Rich Soundtrack

Soundtrack

For 30 years, Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley have recorded everything from acoustic ballads to noise pop, as two out of three members of indie rock stalwarts Yo La Tengo. That diversity is evident on the group's latest album of cover songs, called "Stuff Like That There." They DJ a dinner party filled with new takes on familiar tunes.


Uzo Aduba Examines the Absolute Truth of her 'Orange' character

Guest of Honor

Uzo Aduba was known mainly as a Broadway actress -- she starred in the revival of the musical "Godspell" a few years back. But these days she's known for her deeply sympathetic portrayal of Suzanne, a.k.a. "Crazy Eyes," on the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black." The actress digs deep into her character's love-based pursuits, reveals her most unconventional fan interaction, and asks to keep her pie.


Matthew Salesses Explores Feeling Displaced by Water and Race

Eavesdropping

The Houston writer shares an excerpt from his new novel, "The Hundred Year Flood," in which a Korean-American adoptee heads to Prague in an attempt to forge an identity of his own.


Smørrebrød: The Dish That Takes Open-Faced Sandwiches to New Heights

Main Course

While abroad in Denmark, Brendan learned all about the Danish national lunch dish from Øl & Brød chef Emil Bjerg.


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

Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning Deliver a few Tech-iquette Tips

Etiquette

The great, great grandkids of manners maven Emily Post return and get a new nickname from Brendan. Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning also turn on the tech-side of their minds to answer listener queries on handling bad service, gifting for twins, and exiting group texts.


Doug Aitken Brings Art to America by Train

Chattering Class

Contemporary artist and filmmaker Doug Aitken discusses his new project, "Station to Station," which takes artists and musicians out of their usual spaces to explore what they create during a transcontinental train journey.