Irrational Public Radio

Irrational Public Radio

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A Dead-On Parody of Public Radio/NPR Where other news sources offer sound bytes and sensationalism, Irrational Public Radio informs, challenges, soothes and/or berates, and does so with a pleasing vocal cadence and unmatched enunciation. When you listen to IPR, integrity washes over you like lava…

Joe Smith


    • Aug 7, 2015 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Irrational Public Radio

    Ep. 23 – Stabbers, Alex Cohen, Grape

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2015 12:52


    We've been gone a long time, but with an unbelievably valid excuse. Featuring Shaz Bennett, Alex Cohen, Jennifer DiBella, Jesec Griffin, Ben Shields, Joe Smith, and Debra Wilson. Featuring the music of The Heftone Banjo Orchestra, The Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet, and The Underskore Orchestra, as well as our IPR theme by Greg Benson. Written and directed by Joe Smith. And please stalk us by every means imaginable : our website, our Blog on Twitter (@IPRnews) on Facebook review us iTunes or just drop us a line : contact [at] irrationalpublicradio.com   The post Ep. 23 – Stabbers, Alex Cohen, Grape appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.22 – Raccoon Confetti, Jean Cochran, Nougat, Not My Problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2013 13:23


    An EPIC new episode of IPR.  Brought to you by The Weasel Council.  Weasel : the Other Gray Meat. Featuring 30-year NPR veteran Jean Cochran, comedian Dan Smith,  ESPN football commentator Mark Willard,  MadTV cast member Debra Wilson, and veteran actor Danny Woodburn (Seinfeld, The Watchmen), and a slew of additional miscreants: Jean Cochran Jesec Griffin Peter Jessop Jeremiah Kissel Amy K Pearson Dan Smith Joe Smith Mark Willard Debra Wilson Danny Woodburn Featuring the music of Clouseaux, Dan-O, DJOC, and Dave Nachmanoff, as well as our IPR theme by Greg Benson.  Written and directed by Joe Smith. And please stalk us by every means imaginable : our website, our Blog on Twitter (@IPRnews) on Facebook review us iTunes or just drop us a line : contact [at] irrationalpublicradio.com The post Ep.22 – Raccoon Confetti, Jean Cochran, Nougat, Not My Problem appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep. 21 – Superstorm Yitzchak, Steve & Kajon, A Handful of Grapes in a Wet Paper Towel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2013 13:54


    Here 'tis, folks.  The newest IPR, featuring a fantastic lineup.  It's a goodie.  Radioactive metal shavings, salt teeth, discount burial services, and lots of coughing. The most wonderful cast : Kajon Cermak and Steve Chiotakis (both of KCRW in Santa Monica), Jesec Griffin, Peter Jessop, Ben Shields, Joe Smith, Kari Wahlgren, and Debra Wilson.  Music by Jordan Halpern, Vasco Debritto, and our IPR theme by Greg Benson.  It was written and directed by Joe Smith. Subscribe to the podcast (link at right), and follow us everywhere; Facebook, Twitter, iTunes (subscribe and review), and/or just drop us a line. Thank you.   The post Ep. 21 – Superstorm Yitzchak, Steve & Kajon, A Handful of Grapes in a Wet Paper Towel appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.20 – Tess Comes on Board, Helper Goats, New Imaginary Numbers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2012 13:07


    After a long hiatus (and a change in IPR's podcast location to http://IrrationalPublicRadio.com/podcast), we are back with special guests ; Tess Vigeland from Marketplace Money (yup, the real-life public radio show), and Debra Wilson (of MadTV and much more).   Cast : Jesec Griffin, Amy K Pearson, Salli Saffioti, Ben Shields, Joe Smith, Tess Vigeland, and Debra Wilson.  Written & directed by Joe Smith.  Music by Andy McKee, Cotton Jenny, and Anne Farnsworth,  IPR Theme Music by Greg Benson. Special Thanks to Dave Jackson/School Of Podcasting. If you felt like spreading the word, sharing on facebook or twitter, reviewing us on iTunes, etc., we wouldn't say no.   Thank you. We've just revamped out site, our podcast, and much of our other techie-type stuff.  There may be bugs.  We'd love to know how easy or difficult a time you're having navigating our stuff.  Email us to let us know  : contact [at] irrationalpublicradio.com The post Ep.20 – Tess Comes on Board, Helper Goats, New Imaginary Numbers appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Fresh Air Special # 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 9:40


    Another entirely unauthorized and unendorsed secret episode of the NPR interview program Fresh Air, this time with Alice Jack Moe Halfgill; raconteur, author, musician, and ex-nun/cheerleader/chimp. The post Fresh Air Special # 2 appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.19 – The Brunskaya del Myuldle Program, Pedialycanthropy, a Trunkful of “Maps”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 9:45


    The Brunskaya del Myuldle Program, Pedialycanthropy, a trunkful of "maps." This episode was made possible by a grant from Grant's 24-Hour "Non-Profit" Grant Dispensary.  Featuring original Saturday Night Livecast member Laraine Newman. Cast : Loretta Fox, Matt Griesser, Jesec Griffin, Peter Jessop, Laraine Newman, Doug Shapiro, Ben Shields, and Joe Smith,   Written and Directed by Joe Smith.  IPR theme by Greg Benson.  Additional music by Danny Weis. The post Ep.19 – The Brunskaya del Myuldle Program, Pedialycanthropy, a Trunkful of “Maps” appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.18 – Dog Relaxants, Our Weekly “Brain Squeezer,” and a Remembrance of the Inventor of Dog Sombreros

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 7:34


    Dog relaxants, the Brain Squeezer with Puzzlemaster Tosh W. Rillz, and a remembrance of inventor Harriet Vijou, who brought us meltable paper and the travel-sized centrifuge. Cast : Evan Arnold, Bill Donoghue, Loretta Fox, Jesec Griffin, Peter Jessop, and Ben Shields,  Written and Directed by Joe Smith.  IPR theme by Greg Benson.  Additional music by 3rd Man. The post Ep.18 – Dog Relaxants, Our Weekly “Brain Squeezer,” and a Remembrance of the Inventor of Dog Sombreros appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.17 – Pre-Fried Beans, Pledge Week, and The Most Dangerous Place on Earth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 11:47


    An awkward sexual encounter. An update on the death of Evan Fryberg. Pre-fried beans. Bad investments. The award-winning* return of Zoldar (*award not verified) Cast : Loretta Fox, Jesec Griffin, Peter Jessop, Jillian, Jackson & Justin Pearson, Julie Perkins, Patrick Shea, and Ben Shields,  Written by Joe Smith with additional material by Amy K Pearson.  Directed by Joe Smith.  IPR theme by Greg Benson.  Music composed by Jamie Dunphy and performed by The Mill City Trio.  End credit music by Andy McKee. The post Ep.17 – Pre-Fried Beans, Pledge Week, and The Most Dangerous Place on Earth appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.16 – Outtakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 2:54


    no adult content in this one The post Ep.16 – Outtakes appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.16 – Nudity, Juggling, and Kashtremsheusen Syndrome

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 5:33


    IPR's 2009 Holiday podcast; nudity, juggling, and Kashtremsheusen Syndrome Cast : Jesec Griffin, Ben Shields, Joe Smith, Dan Smith, & Lisa Tharps. IPR theme by Greg Benson. Additional music by Autumns Eyes, and Cyber PR Holiday. The post Ep.16 – Nudity, Juggling, and Kashtremsheusen Syndrome appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.15 – A Fine, Cantaloupe-Scented Mist

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 5:10


    Sharp knees, irrational cruise, gardening miscommunications.  Brought to you by the Mister Martinez Center for Wayward Cats. Cast : Jesec Griffin , Ben Shields , Joe Smith , & Lisa Tharps .  IPR theme by Greg Benson .  Additional music is "podsafe music" from Music Alley .   The post Ep.15 – A Fine, Cantaloupe-Scented Mist appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.14 – A New, Old Bug, a Bacon Bit Watch

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 6:53


    Today's headlines. Avant-garde entomology. A traffic update. Cast : Jesec Griffin, Jackie Kashian, Ben Shields, Joe Smith, & Lisa Tharps.  IPR theme by Greg Benson. Additional music by LJ Beiderman. The post Ep.14 – A New, Old Bug, a Bacon Bit Watch appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Fresh Air Special #1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 12:33


    An unauthorized presentation of a lost "Fresh Air" interview with Yakima Heindershlossen The post Fresh Air Special #1 appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.13 – Llolanda, with Two Ls

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 8:31


    IPR's 2008 Holiday podcast; no whispering, brittle bones, spitting seals that begin with L Cast : Jenna Busch, Loretta Fox, Jesec Griffin, Joe Smith and Lisa Tharps.  IPR Theme by Greg Benson. Additional music is "podsafe music" from Music Alley.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.13 – Llolanda, with Two Ls appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.12 – MIHTASINTBATCMK

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 10:01


    May I Have The Aisle Seat? I Need To Be Able To Crack My Knees...; IPR's weekly look at the movies Cast : Greg Benson, Peter Jessop, Lordan Napoli, Amy K Pearson, Matt Price, and Joe Smith.  Music is "podsafe music" from Music Alley.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.12 – MIHTASINTBATCMK appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Car Talk Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 5:23


    An utterly unauthorized and unendorsed secret episode of the NPR fave Car Talk.   The post Car Talk Special appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.11 – Inside the Metal Box

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 4:32


    This episode funded exclusively via the sale of IPR commemorative blood glucose meters. Cast : Alicia Sedwick and Joe Smith.  Music is "podsafe music" from Music Alley.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.11 – Inside the Metal Box appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.10 – The Most Dangerous Snack

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 1:58


    An important recall from Hazelton Foods Cast : Joe Smith.  IPR Theme by Greg Benson.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.10 – The Most Dangerous Snack appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.9 – Global Economic Stuff

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 2:24


    Currency standards, ergonomic ottomans, no undergarments Cast : Patrick Shea and Joe Smith.  Music is "podsafe music" from Music Alley.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.9 – Global Economic Stuff appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.8 – Specialty Balloon Animals

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 7:32


    Free Smoothies for Nobel Laureates, Tor's baklava, and why not to carry around "adult" balloon animals in Stockholm. Cast : Chip Phillips and Joe Smith.  Music is "podsafe music" from Music Alley.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.8 – Specialty Balloon Animals appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.7 – Your letters. Or One Letter Anyway.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 2:45


    Yup, just the one letter. Cast : Joe Smith .  Music is "podsafe music" from Music Alley.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.7 – Your letters. Or One Letter Anyway. appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.6 – Gay Marriage Debate; from the IPR UK Desk

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2012 3:44


    A terrifying special report from the UK desk of IPR, on the subject of gay marriage. Cast : Joe Smith.  Music is "podsafe music" from Music Alley.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.6 – Gay Marriage Debate; from the IPR UK Desk appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.5 – Muslim Rob Joints, Quality Footwear

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2012 2:28


    Today's news headlines. And commentary from obtuse, heavily-accented writer Cody Andrescu. Cast : Sheila Ferrini , Chip Phillips , Patrick Shea , Joe Smith.  Music by Jamie Dunphy.  Written & directed by Joe Smith . The post Ep.5 – Muslim Rob Joints, Quality Footwear appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.4 – Pat Benatar, Of Course

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2012 5:22


    Today's news headlines. A feature on a woman whose influences include Voltaire and The Herculoids. The local weather. And a promo for a new segment; Discovery Discovery. Cast : Jeremiah Kissel, Celeste Oliva , Chip Phillips , Patrick Shea , Joe Smith and Richard Snee.  Music by Jamie Dunphy.  Written & directed by Joe Smith . The post Ep.4 – Pat Benatar, Of Course appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.3 – Meet the Novelist, Albino Scorpions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2012 11:36


    This episode is dedicated to an interview with Samuel Keyes; renowned novelist, friend to condors, multi-lingual lover, and one of the greatest men ever to have walked the face of the earth, including the ocean floor. Cast : Jeremiah Kissel, Patrick Shea, and Joe Smith.  Music by Jamie Dunphy and The Mill City Trio.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.3 – Meet the Novelist, Albino Scorpions appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

    Ep.2 – A Cry of Desperation, Pastry

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2012 5:34


    In this episode, we get headlines, an appeal for support, and info on the corporations and foundations that so generously support the noble work we do here at IPR. Cast : Sheila Ferrini, Jeremiah Kissel, Celeste Oliva, Chip Phillips, & Patrick Shea, Music composed by Jamie Dunphy and performed by The Mill City Trio.  Written & directed by Joe Smith. The post Ep.2 – A Cry of Desperation, Pastry appeared first on Irrational Public Radio.

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