Peaks

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Peaks is a show hosted by Jon Koppel in which comedians have lively discussions about the most memorable “peak” periods in the lives of the actors, musicians, and athletes that dominated pop culture. Every episode is packed with entertaining clips, interesting facts, and passionate opinions. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

Peaks


    • Sep 10, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 19m AVG DURATION
    • 28 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Peaks

    Introducing Their Stories!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2021 1:15


    Their Stories is a podcast that interviews murdered person's friends and families to tell their full life stories, other than their murders. We also talk about what the families are currently advocating for and how listeners can get involved. Subscribe Now! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3, Episode 8: Ghost Movies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 78:21


    Alyssa Truszkowski and Megan Goetz, co-hosts of the Real Chills Podcast, faced off to decide the best ghost movie: Beetlejuice or The Sixth Sense. We debated our favorite ghosts, whether it's better to haunt douchey New Yorkers or to help a scared kid, and which flick made you feel better about potentially being a ghost someday. We also touched on some of the parallels between the movies, the underrated Geena Davis peak, and which ghost pulled off the most impressive trick. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3, Episode 7: Quentin Tarantino

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 77:01


    Dan Scully and Dave Primiano go head to head to decide which is the peak of Quentin Tarantino's career, Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood or Pulp Fiction. Topics include the best dialogue, coolest scenes, most memorable side characters, the best bromance, and more. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3, Episode 6: Woody Harrelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 84:54


    When we first met him, he was a bartender. Then he became a cop, a cowboy, a president, a porn kingpin, a boxer, a teacher, a mob boss, a soldier, a conman, and more. He's battled zombies, apes, and depression. But when was he at his best? CG says it's White Men Can't Jump. Kate says it's Natural Born Killers. Let's see who wins and who gets Munsoned. On Peaks: Woody Harrelson. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3, Episode 5: Alt Rock

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 73:33


    Jared Bilski and Marc Staudenmaier battle to decide which alt rock band is superior: Stone Temple Pilots or Green Day. We open by remembering the incredibly stacked music year 1994 was and the way music was consumed at the time. Then we touch on topics like best signature lyrics, videos, cover songs, rockstar mystique, and the coolest side projects. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3, Episode 4: Brendan Fraser

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 71:37


    George Brudermann and Jeff Roser had an epic battle over which movie was the peak of the Brendan Fraser era: The Mummy or Airheads. There are passionate arguments over whether it would be more fun to be a 1920's adventurer or a 1990's metal frontman, which flick had the better sibling rivalry, and whether record executives are more evil than mummies. We also mostly resist the temptation to veer into a podcast about Chris Farley. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3, Episode 3: Adam Sandler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 68:17


    John Deary and Fenris make their cases for which movie represents the peak of Adam Sandler's insanely successful career: Happy Gilmore or The Wedding Singer. Would you rather hang with Happy or Robbie Hart? Are we sure Shooter McGavin was more evil than Glenn Gulia? Was Glenn actually awesome? Did you prefer the cameo by Bob Barker or Billy Idol? We also provide some hot takes about Drew Barrymore and consider some of the perfect roles Chris Farley should've had. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3, Episode 2: Patrick Swayze

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 84:40


    Kate Wolff and CG Erickson have a verbal dance-off to determine which graceful, charismatic version of Patrick Swayze was the best: Dirty Dancing or Road House. Arguments are made for the best quote, most ridiculous fight, superior soundtrack, and best love interest. You'll have the time of your life with this one. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3, Episode 1: Rocky

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 73:24


    For the season 3 premiere, Sylis P and LaTice Mitchell get in the ring to decide which Rocky sequel is the best, Rocky III or Rocky V. They debate head-to-head which flick has the better fight, the baddest villain, and the best soundtrack. We also cover the worst parenting moments (quietly a Rocky staple) and whether they got Rocky's financial situation right. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 3 Preview: It’s All Fun and Games

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 6:00


    Jon and his producer Danny Getz are back, and better than ever! This season will be the most exciting yet! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2, Episode 8: Jamie Foxx (1999-2004) w/Aston Wallace

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 110:15


    For the season 2 finale, Aston Wallace joins me to run through the wildly underrated peak of Jamie Foxx. We remember some of the positives and negatives of Any Given Sunday, the highlights of his multi-platinum standup special, his collaborations with Kanye, his valiant attempt to rescue the Ali movie, and his ridiculously successful 2004 (Collateral and Ray). We toast the The Jamie Foxx show, Booty Call, the time he eviscerated Doug Williams, and the strange legacy of his naked basketball games. We also try to fix the 2005 Oscars and we debate the best cast members of In Living Color. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2, Episode 7: Jean-Claude Van Damme (1988-1992) w/Kate Wolff and CG Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 105:12


    Kate Wolff and CG Erickson from the Invasion of Privacy podcast help to break down the strange and exciting peak of Jean Claude Van Damme. We reminisce about his unique charm, his legendary flexibility, his odd fashion choices, and his awesome accent. We also explore why he lost the predator role in Predator, whether his best friend in Bloodsport was a good person, the awful things that happened to his fictional brothers, and whether Dolph Lundgren should have had his career. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2, Episode 6: Hair Metal (1986-1987) w/Chris Dolan and Danny Getz

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2020 115:23


    An elite team is assembled to look back at the thrilling, silly, obnoxious, debaucherous good-times of the hair metal era. We weigh in on bands like Bon Jovi, Heart, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Poison, Motley Crue, Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Europe, Ratt, Cinderella, and Guns N Roses. We consider whether they were the most or least self-aware people in the world, which videos were the coolest, the biggest rivalries, the most idiotic lyrics, and the goofiest album covers. A great man once said, “It was the house of whores and then it became the house of horrors.” Don’t miss this one. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2, Episode 5: Leonardo DiCaprio (2010-2013) w/Dave Primiano

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 106:43


    Leonardo DiCaprio has arguably been peaking for about 30 years. Dave Primiano and I look back at his third wave, when he ascended to a new level of Hollywood royalty. We talk Shutter Island, Inception, Django Unchained, and Wolf of Wall Street. We don’t weigh you down with too much J Edgar or Great Gatsby, but those were in there too. Then we consider the Mount Rushmore of greatest Leo roles and whether he’ll be in our lives forever. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2, Episode 4: Christmas Flicks (1988-1990) w/Nick Kupsey

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 86:21


    The great Nick Kupsey and I have a spirited conversation about four top-notch Christmas movies, the merits of Bill Murray, and the holiday movie themes we love and hate. We also ask some important questions: what happened in the limo at the end of Die Hard? What if we switched around the 4-lead actors from these Christmas classics? Where do the love interests rank? Which fictional police force did the worst job? Topics Discussed: Die Hard (1988) Scrooged (1988) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) Home Alone (1990) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2, Episode 3: Mike Myers (1997-2001) w/Justin Uretz

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2020 113:41


    Justin Uretz and I look back at the unique and hilarious heyday of Mike Myers. We celebrate his best characters and try to figure out how he got so many catchphrases catch on, whether he held the championship belt as the biggest comedy star in the world, and why he disappeared. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2, Episode 2: John Candy (1987-1989) w/Mark Riccadonna

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 128:21


    Marc Riccadonna returns to reminisce about the great John Candy. We talk about how he became everybody’s uncle, his amazing creative chemistry with John Hughes, and why we appreciate him so much more over the holiday season. Pour yourself a rum and Coke and smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. This look back at Johnny Toronto is a fun ride. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2, Episode 1: Mike Tyson (1987-1990) w/Buddy Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2020 77:44


    Comedian Buddy Harris and I break down the terrifying and bizarre reign of Iron Mike Tyson. We look back at some of his greatest fights, the intimidating way he carried himself, the awesome Nintendo game, and the time he wanted to fight a gorilla. We also play clips of some of the best Tyson impressions. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Season 2 Preview: This Time It’s Personal

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 24:20


    We look back before we move forward into season 2! We're not going to take credit for how many of our first season subjects found their way back into the public eye since the season started airing, but if you want to give it to us we will graciously accept it. After a quick update of our season 1 subjects, we get into what's ahead. Remember that time Mike Tyson wanted to fight a gorilla? Remember in Wolf of Wall Street when Leo taught us the phases you go through on Quaaludes? Remember when John Candy became everybody’s uncle? It’s all coming up in Season 2 of Peaks. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 8: Jim Carrey (1994-1997) w/Danny Getz

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2020 122:12


    For the season one finale, Danny Getz and I discuss Jim Carrey’s legendary breakout year and the massive success that followed. Topics include the stacked cast of In Living Color, Carrey’s greatest impressions, the actors that nearly had his roles in Ace Ventura and Dumb & Dumber, and his characters’ bizarre ability to predict the future. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 7: John Cusack (1997-2000) w/Marc Staudenmaier

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020 95:58


    Marc Staudenmaier and I remember the best years of a unique leading man who somehow made it cool to be a neurotic, self-sabotaging mess. People need to hear Marc’s hot takes about Woody Allen, Al Pacino, Nicolas Cage, and Charlie Kaufman. We also discuss the parallels between Cusack’s characters in Say Anything and Grosse Pointe Blank, we toast his pantheon performance in High Fidelity, and we celebrate the badass silliness of Con Air. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 6: Prince (1982-1987) w/Erika McNichol

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 88:38


    Erika McNichol and I take a look back at the wonderful heyday of The Purple One, Prince. We try to decide what was the best song he gave to someone else, how real his rivalry was with Michael Jackson, whether or not he was a good actor, and if he was the most versatile frontman ever. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 5: Allen Iverson (1996-2001) w/Eddie Finn

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 83:21


    Eddie Finn and I talked about Allen Iverson’s wildly influential, often maddening, and ridiculously entertaining first five seasons with the Philadelphia Sixers. Topics include the cultural impact of his style, his fearless approach to the game, and the way he’s viewed by the current generation of NBA players. You’ll also hear about the spectacular Jordon crossover, the tumultuous relationship with Larry Brown, and the respectful rivalry with Kobe. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 4: Eddie Murphy (1982-1988) w/Aston Wallace

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 107:36


    Nobody’s peak was bigger than Eddie Murphy’s immortal run from 1982-1988, and nobody is better at talking Eddie than Aston Wallace. We look back at his greatest SNL characters, his 48 Hours breakout, the connections he had with Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby, his perfect balance of action and humor in Beverly Hills Cop, and his legendary comedy specials. Aston also tells us where Trading Places ranks among great Philly movies, what makes Harlem Nights an underrated gem, and why Eddie is the GOAT. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 3: Britney Spears (1999-2003) w/Kate Wolff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 75:40


    Kate Wolff joins Jon to discuss Britney’s iconic 1998-2003 run. They remember her wildest videos and live performances, the bizarre way the press treated her, and the electric Justin Timberlake relationship and breakup. They also weigh in on the Madonna vs. Britney debate, and we consider whether anyone utilized MTV as well as Britney. Kate also makes a compelling case directly to the Princess of Pop about why they should be best friends. You can find other Wasted Robot Network shows here --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 2: Macaulay Culkin (1990-1993) w/Sylis P

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2020 76:24


    Sylis P and Jon celebrate the amazing four year run of the greatest child actor of all-time. Topics include the unique charisma that made us all root for the wiseass kid in Home Alone, the transcendent lip-syncing skills he showed off in Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” video, and the disturbing dark side he displayed in The Good Son. Get in the Christmas spirit and listen now! You can find other Wasted Robot Network shows here --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 1: Ben Stiller (1998-2001) w/Mark Riccadonna

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 83:29


    For the premiere episode of Peaks, Mark Riccadonna joins Jon to discuss Ben Stiller’s huge run from 1998-2001. They celebrate the perfect casting of There’s Something About Mary, life lessons learned from Meet the Parents, and the insane plot of Zoolander. They also size up his comedic competition from the era and remember the best moments from The Ben Stiller Show. You can find other Wasted Robot Network shows here --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

    Episode 0: Welcome to Peaks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2020 1:06


    Peaks is a show in which comedians have lively discussions about the most memorable “peak” periods of the actors, musicians, and athletes that dominated pop culture in recent history. Jon Koppel and a guest break down what each celebrity accomplished, why that person’s work resonated with so many of us, who was the toughest competition, what caused the peak to end, and so much more. Early subjects include Ben Stiller, Britney Spears, Macaulay Culkin, and John Candy. Subscribe to Peaks wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can find other shows on the Wasted Robot Network here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/peakspod/support

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