Ice Town Clowns: A Parks and Recreation Podcast

Next week we'll be launching "Ice Town Clowns," a podcast reviewing every episode of the hit NBC comedy "Parks & Recreation". Subscribe today on the podcast player of your choice to join us on this journey!

In the first episode of our podcast, Katy, Jacob and Kirk discuss the trials and tribulations of the first season of "Parks and Recreation," the pilot episode of the series, and how things will improve from here. (Also, our audio quality improves after this one!)

Katy, Jacob and Kirk grapple with the second, and worst, episode of "Parks and Recreation," and its wildly inaccurate portrayal of canvassing and town halls.

As Leslie struggles to deal with the press, Katy, Jacob, and Kirk wonder if the producers of “Parks and Recreation” actually wanted anyone to like the character of Mark Brendanawicz.

Leslie breaks the rules to get closer to Mark, and Katy, Jacob, and Kirk wonder why she would want to do that. Also, April conducts an experiment.

Leslie and the gang attend a banquet, while Katy, Jacob and Kirk are glad that the end of the first season is finally in sight. And why does this episode have a last minute subplot that once again tries to assert that Mark is amazingly attractive?

We’ve made it! The end of season one is finally here! Will the show finally find its footing, or will it tip over into the pit?

It’s morning in Pawnee again, or at least it feels that way as our podcast finally moves into Season 2 of “Parks and Recreation”. This week, Leslie marries two gay penguins, Donna becomes an actual character, and the second biggest name in Pawnee television finally arrives on the scene!

As Tom becomes the latest victim of Mark’s awfulness, Katy, Jacob, and Kirk wonder how this episode’s plot would be received if it were produced today.

Enter a strange new world where Tom is awful and Mark is... not? Katy, Jacob, and Kirk struggle with the awkward gender politics and an even more awkward date on this week's episode of Parks & Rec!

Parks & Rec really hits its stride in this episode, wherein Ann helps Leslie practice for her upcoming date with Dave. Katy, Jacob and Kirk discuss how this episode is so good that it even makes Mark seem kind of likable.

Leslie has to choose between her desire to complete the park and her love for America as Pawnee plays host to a delegation from Venezuela. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob, and Kirk enjoy the visitors' treatment of Mark.

Leslie decides to break the rules to move forward on the park project, to painful results for one of her friends. Also, Katy, Jacob and Kirk welcome Michael, the podcast's first guest host!

Leslie faces off with her arch-nemesis, who happens to be a 16 year old boy named Greg Pikitis. Meanwhile, Ann throws a party and Katy, Jacob, and Kirk discuss being sorted into Hogwarts Houses.

When the Library makes a move on Lot 48, Leslie hopes she can use the moment to end the tensions between Ron and his ex-wife, but the cost of that peace is higher than she could have imaged.

Leslie and the gang try to design a replacement for an offensive mural while Ron learns that Andy may have hidden talents.

Ron is understandably annoyed when his enjoyable hunting trip is interrupted by a shotgun blast to the head. Meanwhile, Jacob is a hunter, Kirk is a Boy Scout, and Katy is (not) a Hufflepuff.

The end of Tom's marriage causes real feelings of sandess. Meanwhile, Andy and Mark have a high stakes game of pool, and Katy and Kirk press Jacob for the skinny on strip clubs.

Leslie gets drawn into a sex scandal with a sleazy member of the City Council, while Katy, Kirk and Jacob keep getting drawn off topic by their inability to focus.

Ann sets Leslie up on a bad blind date in order to keep a good guy in reserve in case she's ever single. Katy, Kirk and Jacob are so horrified they feel compelled to defend Mark.

Leslie throws her ethics out the window in an attempt to impress Justin. Katy, Jacob, and Kirk are joined by their friend Carrie Ann who offers a spirited defense of Mark Brendanawicz.

As Leslie fights to stop a candy company for taking over park concessions, the rest of the office struggles with Tom's move. Also, Katy, Jacob and Kirk are beset by technical challenges.

Justin and Leslie embark on an adventure, Tom confesses his feelings for Wendy, and Andy's band has a new gig in this classic episode of Parks & Rec. Katy, Jacob and Kirk argue about The Notebook and Boy Meets World.

When a prominent Indiana women's organization chooses Ron over Leslie as "Woman of the Year," she is understandably upset. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob and Kirk think that this is pretty minor compared to how the Electoral College treated Hillary Clinton. Also, Jacob expounds upon his love for the CW show "Riverdale".

When a possum on a golf course bites the mayor's dog, Leslie is put in charge of a task force to take it out. Meanwhile, a reporter messes with Andy, April watches Ann's home, and Ron disagrees with Mark. Also — THE BEEPS ON KATY'S AUDIO FEED ARE FINALLY GONE!

When Jerry is mugged in a park, Leslie is on the case and Ron tries to teach the staff to defend themselves. Andy Samberg guest stars, and Katy, Kirk, and Jacob struggle to find anything to like about this episode.

Leslie's plan to reunite all living directors of the Parks Department goes awry as Tom struggles to get a good picture of Ann and Mark.

When April mistakenly schedules 93 meetings for Ron on March 31, it sends him into a rage and Leslie on a quest to save a historic mansion. Meanwhile, Katy and Kirk are kinda mean to Jacob this week.

Leslie struggles to stay awake as she and the Parks Department pitch in at Pawnee's annual diabetes telethon. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob and Kirk struggle to be funny.

He's here! He's finally here! Ben Wyatt (and Chris Traeger) arrive in Pawnee as the city enters an unprecedented budget crunch. Also, Katy, Jacob and Kirk discuss mail we've received from listeners!

Our first ever live show! Katy, Jacob and Kirk are joined by a group of friends as we discuss the end of the second season! Leslie tries to find a way around the government shutdown while Ron is put on a committee to slash the budget. Meanwhile, Chris and Ben are making waves in Pawnee and another character is waving goodbye.

Katy, Jacob and Kirk discuss some of their nitpicks about the Harry Potter book series, and try to resolve its greatest question: Is Ron Weasley actually the worst?

Leslie convinces Ann to go out with Chris in order to cajole more money for the Parks Department, but Ben intervenes and the night becomes an awkward double date. Meanwhile, Ron and Andy face off as coaches of a children's basketball game. And — finally — the origin of our podcast name is revealed!

When Leslie comes down with the flu, she risks her health to keep the Harvest Festival on track. Chris faces his fears, Ron bonds with Andy, and Ben makes some soup. Meanwhile, Katy, Kirk and Jacob discuss basketball helmets and creepy jokes you wouldn't put on TV anymore.

Leslie's plan to bury a time capsule with meaningful momentos about the City of Pawnee is disrupted by one man's obsession with the Twilight books, and Chris helps Andy. Also, Katy and Kirk struggle to make the show work when Jacob is unable to take part in this week's recording.

When Tom tries to get back at Ron over Wendy by bringing Tammy to a department social event, his plan backfires in a horrific way. April struggles with a new assignment. And Jacob is back on the podcast!

Ben melts down live on the radio while Andy makes one last attempt to win April's affections. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob and Kirk debate the merits of typewriters and clicky keyboards.

Ron's journey to Indianapolis ends in disappointment, Tom throws a party, and Ann is right to worry about her relationship with Chris. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob and Kirk cram 19 off-topic digressions into this episode. A new record!

Things take a turn for the dramatic at the Harvest Festival, as a beloved celebrity goes missing and fears swirl about a curse. Meanwhile, Katy, Kirk and Jacob pretty much stay on topic this time around.

Leslie drags the staff out to the middle of nowhere for a camping retreat, and things do not go as planned. Katy and Kirk don't have Jacob on the show to help them this week, but they do have a special interview with Justin Wilson, the Vice Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, who has some thoughts about how well Parks & Rec captures the reality of local government.

Andy and April invite most of the gang over for party with a surprise twist, and Ann finds an unexpected wingman when she hits a singles bar. Meanwhile, Jacob is back, and Kirk wasn't invited to Katy's wedding.

While Ron and Chris face off over hamburgers, Leslie is shocked to be matched with Tom by a dating website. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob and Kirk have concerns about workplace dating.

While Leslie attempts to save a beautiful painting by Jerry, Ben is dismayed by his new living conditions. Also, Katy, Jacob and Kirk are concerned about Chris's intervention into Ben's dating life.

Pawnee's snobby neighbors build a wall to separate their two towns as Leslie terrorizes Ron with the threat of a birthday party. Meanwhile, Katy and Kirk worry when Jacob doesn't show up for recording.

Tom abuses his position to encourage people to come to his club and try his new alcohol, and Leslie and Ann disagree when a new opportunity arises. Meanwhile, Jacob is stunned by the latest developments on the CW's hit show "Riversdale".

Ben and Leslie fight their attraction on a road trip to Indianapolis, while Ron Swanson is very, very wrong about government. Katy, Jacob, and Kirk remain confused about how far Pawnee is from Indianapolis.

Ben finds himself in a sticky situation with Leslie's mom, while Ron and the Parks Department staff adjust to some unexpected changes. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob and Kirk mostly stay on topic!

The Parks Department staff faces the darkest day in Pawnee history. Also, Ben and Leslie's attempts to conceal their relationship lead to chaos.

Katy, Jacob and Kirk take a break between seasons and discuss why fans of Parks & Rec should also be fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

As Leslie prepares to run for office, Ron runs to the woods to flee Tammy 1 and Ann can't run away from unpleasant emails.

Leslie must rescue Ron from not one, not two, but three Tammys! Meanwhile, Ben is in over his head trying to help Tom with Entertainment 720. Also, Katy, Kirk and Jacob totally forget to mention that this is our 50th episode!

Leslie falls victim to "GOTCHA!" journalism when an error is found in a book she just wrote. Ann tries to get Ron and April to talk to her. And someone is paying for city council election polls, and Katy, Kirk and Jacob want to know who it is!

Leslie and Ron run competing wilderness groups, Tom and Donna introduce Ben to a special tradition, and Chris meets Jerry's daughter.

Leslie's meet and greet becomes one last desperate pitch for Tom's failing business, while Ben is upset when an unannounced Halloween party is held at his home. Meanwhile, Katy is very concerned about Ann.

The Parks Department plays host to a local cult that is convinced the world is about to end... again. April and Andy take a crack at his bucket list. Tom throws one last party to say good-bye to Entertainment 720, and Katy couldn't be happier to see it go.

You probably think that combining three mediocre stories won't produce a great episode, and you are right. Katy and Kirk aren't amazed as Ben and Leslie bicker at the model UN, Chris gets even creepier, and Ron draws Tom into a really obvious trap.

Leslie tries to prolong a project to stay in contact with Ben, Tom is given a new assignment, and Andy enters the world of higher education. Meanwhile, Jacob is back and Katy's phone is huge.

Leslie goes on trial when Chris finds out that she has broken his rule about office romances. Katy, Kirk and Jacob are shocked and dismayed at the complete lack of due process during the hearing.

We don't have an episode this week, we have a message: Election Day is Tuesday. Go vote!Click here for more information on casting your ballot!

Leslie attempts to relaunch her city council campaign as Chris tries to help Ben through his unemployment.

Leslie and Ben disgree about how to respond to the arrival of a well-funded opponent, Bobby Newport. Meanwhile, Katy, Kirk and Jacob are completely bored by the other two throwaway plots in this episode.

Leslie loses perspective when she goes to great lengths to win the support of one unpleasant voter, Ron's worldview is thrown for a loop, and the staff try to raise funds amidst personal drama. Meanwhile, Kirk and Jacob are joined by Jessica Post, the executive director of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

Leslie goes to great lengths to find Ann a date, while Ben struggles with a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt.

Leslie is almost as uncomfortable having Dave show up in Pawnee as Katy, Kirk and Jacob are having to discuss another episode with Louis C.K in it.

When Leslie tries to juggle work, life and her campaign, she forgets Jerry's birthday. Meanwhile, Kirk, Katy and Jacob battle severe technical issues and complicated schedules to get this episode produced.

Leslie and Ben find Bobby's new campaign manager to be a real challenge, while Ron is forced to actually complete a project. Katy, Kirk and Jacob wonder about polls, Pawnee TV news, and how much the producers actually know about politics.

When a hot shot Indianapolis reporter wants to interview Leslie it sets off an unfortunate chain of events. Andy faces down the final in his class, and Ron's luck in love highlights Chris's loneliness. Also, Katy and Jacob tackle this episode without Kirk for the first time ever.

Leslie fights to save the Parks Department budget, causing unexpected consequences. Chris attempts to bond with Ron. Katy, Kirk and Jacob struggle to stay on topic.

Leslie faces off with Bobby Newport in a televised debate, as Andy attempts to entertain her supporters at a watch party. Katy, Jacob and Kirk respond to a listener email and try to name all the 2020 Democrats.

Leslie causes turmoil on the last day of the campaign when she insults her opponent’s father. Andy investigates a crime. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob and Kirk digress into “Game of Thrones” spoilers starting at minute 46.

Election Day has finally arrived, and Leslie and Ben await the results and debate a new opportunity for Ben. Meanwhile, Katy, Jacob and Kirk bid farewell to this iconic season and discuss what election nights are really like for campaign workers.

As we take a brief break between seasons, Katy, Jacob and Kirk take a deep dive on the topic of the depiction of political campaigns on television.

Leslie tries to find a new way to stay civically engaged during her suspension, Ben tries to find a new job, and Katy, Kirk and Jacob try to find out who the hell is paying for polls in a Pawnee City Council Race.

When Leslie visits Ben in Washington, DC, the trip isn’t at all what she was hoping it would be. Meanwhile, Ron prepares a barbecue for the Parks Department staff. Katy, Jacob and Kirk are unimpressed with this episode, and struggle to stay on topic.

Leslie runs into opposition as she tries to pass her first ever bill, a tax on sugary drinks, and Ben struggles to relate to his young interns.

Leslie has to make compromises to get a bill she cares about to the finish line. Ben and April take a trip, and the Department takes on new responsibilities. Meanwhile, Katy and Kirk have some serious issues with Season 3 of “Riverdale”.

Leslie faces opposition to a senior sex education initiative. Tom faces the consequences of his sex addiction. Katy, Jacob and Kirk face their confusion about the campaign Ben is working on.

Leslie looks at houses, Ron deals with kids, Jerry faces medical problems, Tom has a business idea, and Ben fields a job offer in a relatively packed episode of Parks & Rec. Meanwhile, Katy and Jacob enjoy the freedom that comes when Kirk’s honeymoon keeps him from recording.

Leslie and Ben throw an engagement party that reunites Ben’s bickering, divorced parents. Tom has a business idea for Ron. Chris is sad. Also, Kirk is back.

In this terrible episode, Leslie and April fight over Lot 48, and Ben gets offered jobs. Kirk and Katy get through this as quickly as possible.

Leslie is suspicious when a resident of Eagleton wants to design a park for Lot 48. Tom leans on his friends to get his business running. Also, Katy, Jacob and Kirk are really into NPR.

Leslie joins Ron and Diane for a woodworking awards banquet. The office staff prepare for their annual Jerry Dinner.

Leslie goes to great lengths when her park plan is threatened, and she and Ben have separate parties in advance of their wedding. Katy, Jacob and Kirk are getting rusty.

Leslie and April take on chauvinism, Ron takes on babysitting, and Chris and Ben take on Tom’s ignorance of basketball. Meanwhile, Kirk and Katy have feelings about the end of Elizabeth Warren’s campaign.

Ann makes a big life decision and April steps out of her comfort zone. Katy, Kirk and Jacob grapple with our new reality.

Hello! We are back! And Leslie needs money for a park, but a pesky pandemic is ruining her life. This all sounds too familiar.

Thank you for checking out the latest episode of Ice Town Clowns. Today we are reviewing the fourteenth episode of the fifth season, "Leslie and Ben”.Episode Synopsis: Leslie and Ben use the big gala for a secondary purpose.