Superfeed! from The Incomparable

Welcome back to “Inconceivable!”, the show that tests two teams’ knowledge of the nerdy, the useless, and the obscure. This time around, our panelists must divine means of telling the future, identify portrayers of the world’s greatest detective not named Batman, and untangle mashed-up superhero song titles. Kathy Campbell, Chip Sudderth, and Shelly Brisbin take on Monty Ashley, Annette Wierstra, and Tony Sindelar in a battle of wits to the pain as host Dan Moren and scorekeeper Lex Friedman keep order. Dan Moren and Lex Friedman with Kathy Campbell, Chip Sudderth, Shelly Brisbin, Monty Ashley, Annette Wierstra and Tony Sindelar.

Only the worst battles are followed by an autopsy. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

After we panned the first Ghost Rider movie last week The Rider Strikes Back and is actually kind of better? This time Johnny Blaze is hanging out in Europe for some reason when he’s contacted by Stringer Bell and adventure rides again. Is this Molt’z new favorite movie after Thor: The Dark World? Read along to find out! Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Listener Niels follows on from the logical question of if a glass can be made of plastic to ponder what makes a can a can. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Have your squire put on your best (and only) set of armor and be sure to re-paint your shield! We’re here to discuss the surprisingly delightful “Game of Thrones” spin-off “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” which features characters to root for, humor, and other things in short supply in other installments of the franchise. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Erika Ensign and John Moltz.

“Starfleet Academy” finishes the end of its first season with the conclusion of numerous plot lines, a lot of character moments, and some problem solving. We discuss how this episode worked, the season as a whole, and how “Starfleet Academy” builds on the shows that came before it. See you again when “Strange New Worlds” returns! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Gene Tierney does comedy. John Lund is not bad. And THELMA RITTER IS THE BEST. Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard and Nathan Alderman.

Deanna shares a spiritual geek-out in a conversation so full of joy and woo—we had to do it twice. Sandra Wong with Deanna Raybourn.

The adventurers visit a demi-plane that’s mostly eyes and corridors. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

In this episode we judge Ghost Rider starring Nick Cage, Eva Mendes, and Dan’s BFF. We stared into it’s eyes and you’ll have to listen to learn if we burnt it or if it burnt us. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Listener Justin tries to get us to stretch the definition of “facial hair” beyond the beard. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

School’s out, but adventure is in! Scott and Jason discuss the penultimate episode of the first season of “Starfleet Academy,” including stealing shuttlecrafts, insulting your friends, hiding out in airlocks, and the perils of having to automate an entire starship! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Charge up your cyberspace deck and avoid all slamhounds! It’s time for us to discuss the second book in William Gibson’s famed Sprawl trilogy, “Count Zero.” Of course, Count Zero is the name of a great hacker… wait, it’s this kid? This is a book that defies audience expectations, from the title character to the way it follows up—or doesn’t, really—the events and characters in its famous predecessor. But, as our veteran Gibson readers note, it sets the template for his career to come. Jason Snell with Lisa Schmeiser, Antony Johnston, Glenn Fleishman and Erika Ensign.

In this, the penultimate episode of Sports Night and the current season of Sorkin’ In It, we start with a “big honkin’ doofus.” That doesn’t relate to the plot, but we just love saying it. The gang’s at the bar meeting strangers and pondering the future — of the network, of the show, of their lives. These are desperate times — and Natalie’s not wearing socks, so who knows what will happen next! Whatever the future, Brian and Lex will be Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Jennifer shares a nifty little geek-out and in the doing, has us sharing insights about the meaning of joy itself. Sandra Wong with Jennifer Hillier.

Action Castle returns! This time, the players navigate the charred remains of post apocalyptic Ne Ork City. Watch out for rat people and burning rivers! Another amusing and entertaining text adventure game from Parsley Games! Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, Brian Hamilton, Dan Moren, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Monty Ashley, Shelly Brisbin, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

Another adventure begins at Candlekeep Library. As usual, that means a weird book and a lot of meatball subs! And once again, the party is in a book - but not like usual. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Listener Roy brings us into his debate with his teenage son about what makes a shirt a shirt. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Live on stage at the Ohio Theatre in Madison, Indiana, it’s the Incomparable Radio Theater Live, with part four of the Adventures of Slim Skinner and the Cowhands of the Range! The thrilling conclusion! We’ve got a runaway train, a heroic dog, and even a few more masked avengers of the old west. We hear from a few more sponsors both real and imaginary. And then…and then, tragedy strikes right on cue, and we learn what happens when time…just…stops… David J. Loehr.

From the space-time weirdness of Kasq to the stage of “Our Town,” it’s a “Starfleet Academy” episode where theater helps process trauma and a certain hologram learns to love again. Oh, and Tilly shows up, reminding us why she’s a top-tier Star Trek character. Come join us in our little one-act play, or as we call it, a podcast. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Our Book Club reconvenes to discuss Emily Tesh’s “The Incandescent,” which offers a teacher’s perspective on a magical school (that’s mostly not magical, but infested by demons), an interesting story structure, and some very well-drawn characters. Plus: What else are we reading? Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Joe Rosensteel, Heather Berberet, Paul Weimer and Scott McNulty.

First-time co-host Daniel Heddendorf joins in to discuss clocks and jellybeans in Harlan Ellison’s short story, “‘Repent, Harlequin!’ Said the Ticktockman” (1965). John McCoy with Daniel Heddendorf.

A veteran broadcaster and musical storykeeper, Grant shares the ins-and-outs of a (sort of) secret talent…and a former life. Sandra Wong with Grant Stovel.

In the final two episodes of Marvel’s “Wonder Man,” our heroes Simon and Trevor have an explosive falling out, shattering all of Simon’s dreams. The only way for them to overcome their adversity is to become true giants. Which they both do in their own ways. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

In one of the more thrilling conclusions of a TPK adventure, Tony can’t tell if the players are being helpful or making fun of him. But that’s only fair because Tony’s gonna make fun of them for anything they do. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Monty Ashley and Kathy Campbell.

Listener Jack wants to know if a few famous gates and statues are also buildings. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Find a cat bed and some apricots, and prepare to upgrade your chicken! While Jason’s away, we play Embark’s hit game “Arc Raiders”, a multiplayer extraction shooter where people can… be nice to each other? (Most of the time, anyway.) We talk survival tips, resource management, and—to nobody’s surprise—John’s got some opinions on the user interface. Host Brian Warren with panelists Ben McCarthy, John Siracusa, and Chip Sudderth. Brian Warren with John Siracusa, Ben Rice McCarthy and Chip Sudderth.

Get out your space swiffers and prepare to visit the Dry Moon of the Fish People! It’s time to discuss the change-of-pace episode “Ko’Zeine,” which we found to be… fine. If this is the baseline for “Starfleet Academy,” that’s good news, but we do have some thoughts on all the ways this episode failed to rise above being perfectly cromulent. We do love that Warp Slug, though. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Natalie has a job interview with Saturday Night Live. Tension at the studio builds as everyone worries about the future of the network. I don’t think you should be worried, though. Sure, there may be bells. There may be a siren. But Lex and Brian will be with you every step of the way. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Things are starting to heat up for Simon and Trevor as they find themselves embroiled in some classic misunderstanding hijinx. It’s out of the frying pan and into the audition for our mismatched thespian pals as we cover episodes 5 and 6 of Marvel’s Wonder Man. Then in our Superhero Sweep segment we have a chat about the upcoming Spider-Noir starring none other than Nick Cage himself. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

What’s that saying about loving what you do..? Robin shares her not-at-all secret and very relatable geek-out. Sandra Wong with Robin Bradford.

Welcome to Missed Connections, a new-ish game with some familiar twists, in which two pairs of contestants try to guess words and then find the hidden bonds that connect them together. Lex will always tell you when he knows the answer, but unfortunately for him, the players still have to take turns. Jason Snell with Lex Friedman, Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and Brian Hamilton.

When all four adventurers reunite on the roof, that’s when the party really starts buzzin’! Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

Listener Gregory thinks Pop-Tarts are pies. We have ratio questions. Also: We remember so many burned palates caused by calzones and McDonald’s fruit pies. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

This one gets pretty dark, with a training mission that goes horribly wrong, leading to casualties. Meanwhile, Holly Hunter watches Paul Giamatti chew scenery (in the best possible way). Plus, don’t forget the YA-mandatory and story-arc-relevant sexy times! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Welcome to our last mission to say goodbye to the Agency. It seems fitting that we do this on Valentine’s Day, exactly six years after we started. We’ve gathered a collection of Agents to reminisce about some favourite episodes, provide recommendations for what we should have talked about, and get sentimental about memories of the past 6 years. We are glad you are here to join us on our final love fest to celebrate what was and where you can continue to find us on the Incomparable mission. We love our listeners! Thank you for being Agents of SMOOCH with us. Annette Wierstra with Moisés Chiullán, Kirsten Goruk, Sandra Wong, Kathy Campbell, Shelly Brisbin, Micheline Maynard and James Thomson.

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like. Shaenon K. Garrity returns to discuss Flan O’Brien’s enigmatic The Third Policeman (written 1940, published 1967). John McCoy.

Want to see a dead body? Bring your comb, stock up on cherry flavor Pez, and stay really quiet if you see a deer. We return to the 1980s and honor Rob Reiner by discussing 1986’s “Stand By Me,” a movie Jason has somehow never seen. It’s not a movie with Things That Happen, but that’s just fine with us. Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, Erika Ensign, John Siracusa and Shelly Brisbin.

Jennifer shares a down-to-earth nerd-out she’s held since childhood. Sandra Wong with Jennifer Chow.

This episode is either recon or snack-eating, depending on the adventurer. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

Simon is back and this time he’s off to Pacoima for his mother’s birthday party with Trevor in tow. We cover another couple of episodes of Marvel’s Wonder Man show which continues to make strong choices and is really opening doors for some terrific actors. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Dan’s working to patch things up with everyone while he and Jeremy host a Seder for the team. Meanwhile, Casey’s figuring out his top favorite movies. Lex and Brian discover some overlap in their top movies too, but we’re best buds, so no need to patch anything up. Right Lex? … Lex? Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.