POPULARITY
The newest recap episode is out and Len recommends a John Oliver segment for about the 250th time (this one on minor league baseball teams that rename themselves -- hilarious). We also talk NBA playoffs and Beave tries not to fret over the Cavs. We talk MLB and the Cubs' efforts to fend off the suddenly resurgent Cardinals. We also get on a tangent about MLB uniforms. Plus Chicago Sky, excellent New Yorker articles, the outstanding publication Front Office Sports, Robert Christgau A+ albums, recently discovered Top 40 hits, and more! JAGBAGS!
The legendary Jill Oliver comes back to Jagbags to talk Jim Carrey movies, best characters, and discuss the secret of his appeal and his comedy success. Did he deserve an Oscar nomination for "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective"? (He did.) Plus we talk our favorite Carrey movies and performances, our most underrated as well as the Carrey movies we liked the least. Outside of Ace Ventura, what do you consider his best performance? Also Beave disparages "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" while Len contemplates having Beave removed forcibly from the Jagbags studio. Tune in!
In our latest recap episode, we talk the amazing first round of the NBA playoffs, plus the Cubs' first-place standing and the Guardians' cautious success. (We will also be better about the Sox moving forward, especially now that Vinnie Duber is covering them.) Plus Len recommends "Thunderbolts" and Beave recommends "Sinners". We also talk New Yorker, the new Deafheaven LP, and recently discovered Top 40 hits. Tune in!
Len and Beave discuss the staggering amount of films that feature the incomparable Willem Dafoe. Which ones are your favorite? We talk our top 5 favorite films, list some of our favorite performances, lament the fact he has never won an Oscar, and much more! Tune in for ULTIMATE DAFOE!
In the latest recap, Len and Beave discuss the first round of the NBA playoffs, as well as MLB and the continuing journalism of the celebrated Chicago Sun-Times columnist Vinnie Duber. Plus "I Recommend", PJ Harvey, Jason Isbell, the New Yorker, and undiscovered Top 40 hits! Tune in NOW for recap brilliance!
Len and Beave go through their favorite albums of this first quarter century. From Taylor Swift to Beyonce to D'Angelo, and more, we go through our own personal top ten LPs from 2000 to this year. Tell us yours, and tune in for some great music discussion!
The boyz discuss cover songs and what artists have the best covers. R talks about taxes and his inept local government. Beave loves Ye and everything he stands for. Midge pisses in the wind and more! Enjoy the show!!!If you're enjoying the show and want to let us know how much you adore us, hate us, have an idea for a topic or think yourself or someone you know would make a great guest then contact us at thembmachinepodcast.com or email us at mbmachinepod@protonmail.com. You can also, subscribe to make sure you never miss a new episode, leave a comment on Spotify or just "like it" on whatever platform you're listening on!
Len and Beave go through their most likable Cubs (Mr. Mickey Morandini, etc.) and their least likable Cubs (Dave Kingman has now entered the chat). Plus they talk the Cubs' continued fast start, and the Guardians' mini-run to second place. The NBA playoffs are underway and the guys talk the Cavs' chances against Miami, Rockets-Warriors, and Clippers-Nuggets. Beave reviews "Salinger" by Paul Alexander, Len recommends the 2024 LP "Million Voices Whisper" by Warren Haynes. Plus Al Green, Rhiannon Giddens, Len's take on the New Yorker, and Undiscovered Top 40 Hits! Tune in!
Now that the dust has settled, and time has passed, Len and Beave examine the career and legacy of Sammy Sosa, who hit 609 home runs and will likely not be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Was he a great player, truly, or just a stat padder who could never come through in the clutch? How much do you care about his steroid use? Do you consider him one of the all-time great Cubs? Len and Beave ponder these questions, and more. (And Len exorcises a few past Cubs demons along the way) Tune in!
Beave forgets to listen to all of Ashanti's top 40 hits as part of his assigned podcast duties, drawing her ire and scorn. We also go through the NBA playoffs and the start of the MLB season. Len contracts a mild but growing case of Cubs Fever("I'm ordering my World Series tickets"), while calling for Billy Donovan's dismissal. Beave tries not to fret about the #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Plus Len and Beave predict the first round of the NBA playoffs and who they think will advance. Plus "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ albums (Live/Dead is the album this week), and Len goes through highlights of the most recent New Yorker issue he has read. Tune in!
Midge opens up about his wife's fantastic pumpkin muffins. Beave announces his big family news and then proceeds to tell about his families ability to relay important news. R talks about video games and more. Enjoy the show!!! If you're enjoying the show and want to let us know how much you adore us, hate us, have an idea for a topic or think yourself or someone you know would make a great guest then contact us at thembmachinepodcast.com or email us at mbmachinepod@protonmail.com. You can also, subscribe to make sure you never miss a new episode, leave a comment on Spotify or just "like it" on whatever platform you're listening on!
We are sorry for not being better at getting podcasts out on time and not having new episodes. In repentance we have the most vile, disturbing and down right trashy this or that Beave could come up with. Midge's skin crawled and R contemplated life decisions. Enjoy the show!!!If you're enjoying the show and want to let us know how much you adore us, hate us, have an idea for a topic or think yourself or someone you know would make a great guest then contact us at thembmachinepodcast.com or email us at mbmachinepod@protonmail.com. You can also, subscribe to make sure you never miss a new episode, leave a comment on Spotify or just "like it" on whatever platform you're listening on!
The newest recap episode runs a bit light, but is sports heavy. Len and Beave still talk Final Four, the opening of the MLB season, and the sprint to the finish for the NBA before devolving completely into the pent-up discussion of Immaculate Grid that they have always wanted to have. We also talk "I Recommend", Beave reviews the new album by The Weeknd, and Len visits Exile in Bookville in the Fine Arts Building on Roosevelt Road. Plus we get a New Yorker status update! Tune in.
Beave and Len are back and this time the subject is the best live albums ever recorded. Which ones are your favorite? We submit our top ten favorite live LPs of all time, as well as our toughest omissions. Beave includes way too many jazz albums, to Len's chagrin. They discuss what makes a great live LP, and in some cases contain recordings that are better than anything done in the studio. From the Who to Kiss to Nirvana to Billy Joel, we dig deep into some of the best live music available and bring it straight to you. Tune in now!
Beave and Len talk through the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which soon devolves into several boring stories about their own dominance of the pickup games at Queen of Angels. Len considers renaming his oldest son "Grant Funk". Beave is NOT PANICKING over the Cavs' recent stumbles. Len contracts a mild case of Bulls Fever. They both review Ghostface Killah's "Fishscale". Plus "I Recommend", Len Reads The New Yorker, Beave's review of the album "Glutton for Punishment" by Heartworms, and Recently Discovered Top 40 Albums. Tune in!
Midge and Beave bring you some of the most awesome topics in the world! Beave has a step by step guide on anal sex. Lena the Plug and why being a pornstar and having a pornstar for a wife would suck. We have two This or That's and Midge would earn 21 million dollars. Enjoy the show!!!If you're enjoying the show and want to let us know how much you adore us, hate us, have an idea for a topic or think yourself or someone you know would make a great guest then contact us at thembmachinepodcast.com or email us at mbmachinepod@protonmail.com. You can also, subscribe to make sure you never miss a new episode, leave a comment on Spotify or just "like it" on whatever platform you're listening on!
We talk March Madness and go through our thoughts on who will win this year's tournament. "THE STORIES ARE HERE ALREADY!!" Len cries with glee. In particular, we focus on Illinois (and its new lease on life coach Brad Underwood), who has a chance to advance to at least the Sweet Sixteen. Plus NBA, "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ Albums, Beave's 2025 Album Review, Len's progress on reading the New Yorker, and Recently Discovered Top 40 Hits, where we talk a little April Wine. Tune in!
R & Beave run the show this week as Midge starts his journey as a contractor in general construction. The 2 guys discuss fire both in the air and in the field followed by an analysis of professionals starting side businesses. Enjoy the show!!!If you're enjoying the show and want to let us know how much you adore us, hate us, have an idea for a topic or think yourself or someone you know would make a great guest then contact us at thembmachinepodcast.com or email us at mbmachinepod@protonmail.com. You can also, subscribe to make sure you never miss a new episode, leave a comment on Spotify or just "like it" on whatever platform you're listening on! Discord: discord.gg/UmsF9YnY 11:00am EST every Saturday
In the latest recap episode, Beave reviews Chick Corea's "Trilogy 3", while Len takes a well-deserved nap. The Bulls embark on their longest winning streak of the season. Conference tournament time is on us at last, and Len and Beave plot the path for Northwestern to WIN THE WHOLE ENCHILADA. Plus a little NFL talk, as Myles Garrett resigns with the Browns and the Bears stockpile offensive linemen. Beave recommends "Detroiters", on Netflix. Len recommends the soundtrack to the 2005 movie "Elizabethtown". Plus they take on Brian Eno's "Another Green World". Tune in!
In the latest recap episode, Len provides the post-Oscar recap and details all his adventures at the various post-Oscar parties. The Cavs overcome a 22-point deficit to beat the Celtics in Boston, and Beave has officially contracted serious Cavs Fever. Plus Bulls and other NBA news. The Illini lurch to the NCAA tournament, while Northwestern fights to even make the Big Ten tournament. Beave recommends "The Game", by Ken Dryden. Len recommends the documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" with strong enthusiasm, plus "Don't Forget Me" by Maggie Rogers, and "Smoke & Fiction", by X. Plus Dylan and the Band's "The Basement Tapes", and Beave discovers the Flamin' Groovies at age 55. Tune in!
In the latest recap episode, Len recounts his day at the five-Best-Picture-Nominee marathon in Woodridge, IL. We also talk NBA and college hoops, including the new Northwestern mini-resurgence. We have our "I Recommend" section, where Beave recommends the baseball book "July 2, 1903", and Len recommends some SNL-related books, including Norm McDonald's "Based On A True Story", Martin Short's "I Must Say", "The Chris Farley Show", and Colin Jost's "A Very Punchable Face". Len shakes his head at the now monumental task of completing the New Yorker's 100th Anniversary Issue. Beave reviews the new album from Matt Berry ("What We Do In The Shadows"). Finally, they review Bob Dylan's "Modern Times", plus Recently Discovered Top 40 Albums. Tune in!
Beave and Len go through their favorite albums and songs of 2024, and also go through their most pleasant surprises and biggest disappointments. We go through new LPs by Dua Lipa, Black Crowes, Blue Oyster Cult (!!), Liam Gallagher and John Squire, Sleater-Kinney, and much more! Tell us your favorite albums as well.
We discuss the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary schedule in detail, and comment on our favorite sketches and cameos. We also talk through various Best Picture nominees, including The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and Dune Part Two. The NBA All-Star Weekend came and went without much fanfare or fan interest. Plus, "I Recommend", Beave reviews the new Guided By Voices album, Len receives his 100th anniversary issue of the New Yorker, and Newly Discovered Top 40 hits! More Paul Anka than you ever dreamed of! JAGBAGS!
Beave and Len give you their annual Academy Awards preview episode for 2025. They go through nominees for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Director, Best Animated Feature, and Best Documentary (before they grow too depressed). They assess each category and predict who may win and also who they want to win. Can Demi Moore break through and win? Will Kendall get the best of Roman once again in the Best Supporting Actor category? And who will win Best Picture? Tune in for Oscar talk!
In the latest recap episode, Len laments the ascension of George Carlin as winner of the standup comedy bracket. He also laments the Chiefs' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Beave laments the Northwestern Wildcats, who lost Brooks Barnhizer to injury and whose season is likely over. The guys discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' trade for DeAndre Hunter. Beave struggles with Gravity's Rainbow, by Thomas Pynchon. Len does not struggle to keep up with issues of The New Yorker. They also discuss top 40 hits by the Animals, Lee Andrews & The Hearts, and others. Tune in!!
Super Bowl LIX is upon us and Jagbags has your ultimate Super Bowl analysis! Len also reveals he will not have a notebook out for Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, nor will he serve any "Chiefs cake". Beave encourages Len to trash talk EVERYONE WITH IMPUNITY should the Chiefs win. We also discuss the Dallas Mavericks' stunning trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Plus Zach LaVine finally packs his bags out of Chicago, the Cavs improve themselves, college hoops, Oscar controversies, stand-up comedian brackets, and THOMAS PYNCHON!! Tune in now!
Beave and Len talk through their top ten albums of 2024, and also talk through the biggest surprises and disappointments of the year. Plus favorite concerts in 2024, and surprising agreement on many LPs for the year. It's a tight 55 minutes of musical KNOWLEDGE -- tune in!
Super Bowl LIX is all set for February, and we talk through the Kansas City Chiefs' status as Ultimate Villains. We also talk brand new Hall of Famer Billy Wagner (as Len celebrates at Girl & The Goat), NBA and WNBA, and college hoops. They briefly touch on Oscar nominations, plus Beave has book recommendations, and Len talks through "Life of Brian", which he had never seen, and "Splendor in the Grass". Plus Derek and the Dominoes' "Layla" , Ringo Starr's new C&W album, and undiscovered top 40 hits. Tune in!
Friends of the podcast Lizzy Mosher and Ryan Hake join the podcast and the topic is the best books we read last year! This is a popular annual topic and we each go through our ten favorite favorite books we read last year (or in Beave's case, eight). Lots of horror (Lizzy reads her very first Stephen King novel), lots of sports, and a bio of Albert Einstein as well! Tune in for ultimate literature, and tell us your favorite books you read last year!
The AFC and NFC championship games are upon us, and Len and Beave go through the divisional playoff games that got us here. Plus the Cavs hit the inevitable lull in their schedule -- can they get back on track? The Bulls and Zach LaVine trade rumors continue. Beave reviews the Dashiell Hammett novel "The Maltese Falcon". Beave and Len talk about Iris DeMent's 1994 album "My Life". They also talk about the four-part documentary "Beyond Saturday Night". Plus secret top 40 hits! All JAGBAGS!
Len and Beave go through their own separate Top Ten Movies of 2024, and then their own Top Ten TV Series of 2024. Tune in as they count down, argue, agree, insult and make up. You won't want to miss the Siskel & Ebert style banter, and hopefully our lists agree with yours! You see, WE WAIT UNTIL THE ACTUAL END OF THE YEAR TO DO OUR "BEST OF" LISTS.
The world has long wondered what Len and Beave think of the seminal DeBarge classic LP "In A Special Way". Wonder no more! The review comes at last! Plus NFL playoffs, Cavs keep rolling through the regular season, CFP is set with Ohio State and Notre Dame, and the Big Ten basketball season kicks off with the usual chaos. Beave reviews a top movie of 2024, "Do Not Expect Too Much from The End of the World", while preparing for his upcoming darkness retreat with Aaron Rodgers. Len reviews albums by Cage the Elephant and his good friend Ray LaMontagne. Plus Secret Top 40 hits! A JAM-PACKED recap episode, so don't miss it!
We get our NFL playoff predictions to you just as the games begin! Plus the CFP semifinals, the unbelievable Cleveland Cavaliers, the Bulls' Zach LaVine saga, and the gauntlet that is the Big Ten basketball standings. Beave turns to Russian literature while Len naps. Len reviews "Shogun", "Nobody Wants This", and "Man On The Inside". And Len keeps up with The New Yorker flawlessly!!!
Beave and Len talk the end of the NFL season, as well as preview potential playoff matchups. They also discuss the white-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, who have won 31 out of their first 35 games. They talk college hoops, Len's forgiveness of Brad Underwood, and the gauntlet that is the Big Ten basketball schedule. Beave reviews "Nosferatu" and Len reviews "A Complete Unknown", "The Penguin", "Fallout", and "Mr .& Mrs. Smith". They discuss Robert Christgau's latest A+ album, "Two Sevens Clash", by Culture. Plus undiscovered Top 40 hits and the Carpenters put out a 2024 Christmas album! JAGBAGS!
Len and Beave go through the ten main characters on "The Bear", and rank them from 10 to number one. How would you rank them? Plus NFL, NBA, the Guardians and Cubs' latest trades, "I Recommend", and the golden age of Chicago college hoops continues! Finally Beave forgets the secret top 40 hits, and we discuss David Remnick's pickleball habits. Tune in!
Len and Beave examine the music of the mercurial and prolific Van Morrison, who continues to churn out records even in the 2020s. We discuss our first memories of his music, rank our favorite albums, compose our signature 45-minute playlists, and discuss his work with Them. Tune in!
Beave visits the home studios in Woodridge, IL for a jam-packed recap episode, eats 3,029 Hershey Kisses in the process, explains Mr. Pibb's pulling sponsorship because of his "Shawshank Redemption" review, and then slips into a diabetic coma under the holiday tree. The Bears and Browns are both forgettable, but we still talk NFL and the charmed Chiefs. Who can challenge them for NFL supremacy? Plus NBA, college hoops (Northwestern beats Illinois in Evanston), college football playoffs, "I Recommend", CCR's "Willy & The Poorboys", unknown Top 40 hits, and Beave and Len forget to rank the characters in "The Bear".
In the latest literary episode, Beave and Len sit down in their comfy chairs in front of a roaring fire, light their pipes, and educate you on fine literature. Specifically, they talk the New York Times' recent list of the Top 100 Books of the 21st Century. How many have you read? We go through the ones we actually have read, the ones we have on our shelves but have not yet gotten to, and ones that may have been snubbed but are still fantastic. Tune in for some good book recommendations!
Beave and Len go through the anonymous NFL players who appear on the league's all-time sack leaders. You can't believe how many players we never heard of. The Bears fire Matt Eberflus after another last second loss. The Cavs keep it rolling with a huge win over the Boston Celtics. Beave reviews the movie Wicked. Beave and Len reminisce about Bakers Square and Len discusses his love of rice pilaf. They discuss the album "Strong Persuader" by Robert Cray. Beave reviews the new Tyler The Creator album. Plus Unknown Top 40 hits! Tune in!
Beave pronounces the new Cure album as one of their very best, and a surefire "Top 10" ranking for the year. Len eats a delicious peanut butter nutella cupcake while Beave sulks with his green beans. Beave and Len bemoan the latest losses by the Chicago Bears (to the Packers at the end of the game) and the Cleveland Browns (to New Orleans). Beave celebrates the Cleveland Cavaliers' blazing hot start. College basketball is underway and Jagbags star Matthew Nicholson warms up with mashed potatoes and green beans (!!). Plus "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ Albums, and the Top 40 catalog of Air Supply and Akon. Join the witty banter!
We have a great recap episode in store for you! The Bears and Browns both lose while the Chiefs stay as the last unbeaten team in football. The Cavs stay as the last unbeaten team in basketball. Plus "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ albums, Beave's 2024 album review, and undiscovered Top 40 hits! TUNE IN!!
It's a jam-packed recap episode where Beave reluctantly grills Len on his progress in keeping up with his New Yorker subscription (while Jennifer Beals waits in suspense). The Cavs are off to a white-hot start to the new NBA season. Bears lose a heartbreaker in DC on a Hail Mary. Indiana Fever fire their head coach, and the Yankees go down in the World Series, to America's delight. Plus, "I Recommend", Beave reviews the best jazz album of 2024 while Len naps, Recently Discovered Top 40 Hits, and DONUTS! Tune in now.
Beave and Len discuss the greatest debut albums ever made, and provide their own favorite Top Ten. From the Cars to Pearl Jam to Hendrix to Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and N.W.A., we cover all genres and talk the music acts that absolutely roared out of the gate with an all-time classic! Tune in for ultimate debut record discussion and some tremendous jams!
Beave laments the fallen Guardians but shares his night at the wild Game 3 -- the best baseball game he has ever attended. Plus the WNBA has a new champion in the New York Liberty and Len shows off his new Sloot swag. Beave innocently asks how reading The New Yorker is going, and Len explodes. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's review of the new Ministry album, the Beach Boys' "Wild Honey" -- how good is that LP? And secret Top 40 hits featuring Oleta Adams and the Addrisi Brothers (who?) TUNE IN!
In the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk the pulse-pounding WNBA Finals between New York and Minnesota. Has there ever been a better one? Plus Len celebrates the suddenly powerful Chicago Bears as they steamroll the Jaguars in London. Yankees go up 2-0 on the Guardians, while Beave frets helplessly. Beave recommends "Monsters: The Menendez Brothers" on Netflix. Len tries to catch up on all the New Yorker articles. Beave and Len review Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible", which received an A+ rating from Robert Christgau. And much much more!
With the NBA season due to kick off soon, Beave and Len don their expert hats and pick the playoff teams, conference winners, and eventual NBA champions. They also debate who could win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. What team will surprise and which team is about to let its fans down hard? Plus we do deep dives on the Bulls and Cavs. Will the return of Lonzo Ball make a difference for Chicago? Is the addition of Josh Giddey a plus or minus? We answer all these questions and more -- ULTIMATE NBA PREVIEW!
Yet another recap episode where cookies stand front and center! Beave makes more shameful cookie consumption confessions. Len introduces Beave to MeTV Mall, whereupon Beave promptly disappears for the next two days. Guardians battle the Tigers in the ALDS playoffs, and Beave has the Game 1 attendance report. The WNBA Finals loom, and Len makes his picks for the eventual league champs. Bears look great in sending Red Rifle crying to Len's backyard. Plus new season of Only Murders in the Building! Beave reviews the Lemon Twigs' concert in Cleveland (amazing, see them in Chicago 10/18). And Secret Top 40 hits by Paula Abdul.....REVIEWED! JAG! BAGS!
Beave and Len preview the MLB playoffs opening by predicting winners of all the wildcard matchups. Beave has a horrific Javy Baez/Kyle Schwarber 2016 World Series flashback. They also talk the Bears and Chiefs' win and the Browns' awful loss to the Raiders. Len roots for the Minnesota Lynx to make the WNBA Finals. Beave tries to guess the #1 seeds in Len's Facebook cookie brand bracket, which leads to an incredibly in-depth discussion of kinds of cookies, Beave's alarming cookie-eating habits, and a formation of a "Cookie Committee". Plus "I Recommend", new 2024 album review, and hidden Top 40 jams. Tune in now!
On the latest recap episode, Len completes his Favorite 500 Albums review by going five through one. Tune in to see what LP grabs the coveted top spot! Plus NFL (Red Rifle Returns With a Venegeance), MLB (GUARDIANS FEVER), and WNBA playoffs. Beave reviews the new Fontaines DC album, "The Gentlemen" on Netflix and the Pillow Queens concert in Cleveland. Len talks through "little known" Top 40 hits, and reviews the B-52's installment from the movie "The Flintstones". Tune in!
RATINGS GOLD guest Amy Seeley comes back and this time the subject is the New Wave legends the Cars, led by Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr. Beave and Len discover they've been pronouncing "Ocasek" incorrectly all this time. Amy talks about her teenage love of the Cars, and has some outstanding stories as well. We go through our favorite albums, put together a tight 45-minute playlist, and discuss the secret of their appeal. And is the Cars' debut album one of the greatest of all time? (HINT: Yes.) It's a fun discussion, and apologies to Todd Rundgren for all the cheap shots! Tune in!