Podcast appearances and mentions of Richard Lewis

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We continue our Robert Eggers' Arc on Four Play with his third film, 2022's 'The Northman.'  Thorin, Richard Lewis, and MonteCristo break down the film's rich Viking mythology, stunning cinematography by Jarin Blaschke, and intense performances, especially highlighting Alexander Skarsgård's transformative role as Amleth. Explore how Eggers' dedication to historical accuracy and mythological realism brings a unique and immersive cinematic experience. From epic battle scenes to intricate mythological details, this film discussion covers it all. Join us as we dissect one of our favorite films and discover why it's a must-watch for history buffs and action fans alike.

DISCLAIMER: This episode was originally scheduled to air on April 18, 2025, but due to an upload issue, it's arriving two weeks late. Thanks for your patience!In this belated Review Roundup episode of The Genre of Your Life Podcast, Doug dives into two very different but equally intriguing films: the psychological thriller LOCKED and the dark comedy Novocaine. Whether you're into tense, claustrophobic storytelling or twisted dental drama, Doug breaks down what works, what doesn't, and whether these titles are worth your watchlist.Tune in for spoiler-free insights, sharp opinions, and the signature Genre of Your Life tone you know and love.The Genre of Your Life is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and with a new episode every Friday. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to never miss an episode!Music by Richard Lewis from Pixabay

Four Play dives deep into Robert Eggers' enigmatic film 'The Lighthouse'. Richard Lewis, MonteCristo, and Thorin analyze the intricate storytelling, impeccable cinematography, and the remarkable performances by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. We explore the film's Lovecraftian themes, Greek mythological references, and its unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from horror to comedy. Whether you're a fan of psychological horror or artistic cinema, this discussion highlights why 'The Lighthouse' is a standout film in Eggers' oeuvre. Our hosts discuss their theories on the mysteries of the film, including what is "real" and the characters' motivations. Don't miss our in-depth analysis and insights into one of the most profoundly crafted films of recent years.

Join Doug for a Review Roundup episode of The Genre of Your Life as he dives into two of the season's most talked-about films: the high-stakes spy thriller Black Bag and Bong Joon-ho's ambitious sci-fi return with Mickey 17. Are they worth the hype? Tune in for spoiler-free takes, standout moments, and where these films land in the 2025 landscape.Tune in for in-depth discussions, sharp analysis, and the final verdict on whether these films are worth your time! Let us know your thoughts and which movies you're most excited to check out!

In this final episode of our David Lynch arc, we delve into one of his most acclaimed and complex films, 'Mulholland Drive' from 2001. Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo offer contrasting views, discussing the film's plot, themes, and surrealistic elements. They debate whether the film is a profound commentary on Hollywood and the nature of reality or an overly pretentious piece. Our hosts explain the plot of this famously non-linear film and provide their interpretations of its more enigmatic elements. They also explore the influence of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan on Lynch's work and analyze the infamous '10 clues' Lynch provided for understanding the film in the DVD release. Additionally, they touch on Lynch's career trajectory, his love for Americana, and how his work bridges various genres. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next arc focusing on Robert Eggers, where we'll explore his films 'The Witch,' 'The Lighthouse,' 'The Northman,' and 'Nosferatu.'

In this episode of The Four Horsemen, Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Barry Lee of Evolved Talent to dissect the recent T1 Zeus agency drama that has captivated the esports scene. Barry offers an inside perspective on the contractual conflicts and accusations that arose during Zeus's free agency. The discussion also explores T1's distinctive K-pop style marketing strategies, League of Legends team management, and the potential repercussions in the competitive landscape. Additionally, the panel shares thoughts on Riot Games' recent controversies, including TFT rulings and the development of new game features. Tune in for an in-depth, insider look at some of the most pressing issues in esports today. Shop the Into the AM Sitewide Sale with up to 60% OFF until April 6. Save an additional 10% by using our link: https://intotheam.com/LFN. Also, visit the Last Free Nation Discord to give feedback on our latest t-shirt design collaboration! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that's over 40% off) with promo code HORSEMEN at https://www.shopmando.com!

In this jam-packed review roundup episode of The Genre of Your Life podcast, Doug takes on a triple feature, diving into three highly anticipated films:First up is ‘Death of a Unicorn', the highly anticipated dark comedy-thriller starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega. Does this bizarre, satirical take on corporate greed and environmentalism deliver on its promise of twisted humor and social commentary? Doug gives his thoughts on whether it sticks the landing.Next, Doug reviews ‘The Penguin Lessons', a heartfelt adaptation of Tom Michell's best-selling memoir. This film tells the incredible true story of a young teacher in Argentina who rescues a stranded penguin and forms an unexpected bond. Does the adaptation capture the charm and emotional depth of the book? Doug dives into what works and what doesn't.Finally, Doug tackles ‘A Working Man', a gripping action thriller that throws audiences into a high-stakes battle of survival and revenge. With intense performances and pulse-pounding sequences, does this film stand out in the crowded thriller genre, or does it fall into familiar territory? Doug breaks down the action, pacing, and performances.Tune in for in-depth discussions, sharp analysis, and the final verdict on whether these films are worth your time! Let us know your thoughts and which movies you're most excited to check out!

Welcome back to The Four Horsemen! In this episode, Thorin, Richard Lewis, and MonteCristo dive into the recent win trading scandal in Team Fight Tactics (TFT) esports, following the announcement of a new esports circuit. They are joined by Frodan, who provides an in-depth analysis of the situation. The discussion covers the suspected collusion involving Chinese players, the implications on the game's integrity, and the broader issues of match fixing in the esports industry. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that sheds light on one of the most controversial topics in the competitive gaming world right now. Take advantage of Ridge's one-a-year anniversary sale and get UP TO 40% OFF right now by going to https://www.Ridge.com/HORSEMAN Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that's over 40% off) with promo code HORSEMEN at https://www.shopmando.com! Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/factorpodcast with code factorpodcast. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home!

In this episode of Four Play, the hosts delve into David Lynch's 1997 film 'Lost Highway.' They discuss the film's visual and auditory splendor, its star-studded cast, the complexities of its narrative, the concept of the dissociative fugue, and explain the role of the Mystery Man. Comparing it to Lynch's other works, the hosts explore themes of psychological trauma, identity, and surrealism. Thorin, Richard Lewis, and MonteCristo gush about the film's score, provided by Angelo Badalamenti and Trent Reznor, and featuring 90s bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein, Marilyn Manson, Lou Reed, David Bowie, and The Smashing Pumpkins. They also touch upon Roger Ebert's perplexing critiques and examine the film's lasting impact and cult status. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of why 'Lost Highway' stands out as a quintessential piece of Lynchian cinema.

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo discuss updates on Saudi involvement in esports, the expanded partnership between Riot Games and the Esports World Cup (EWC), influencers like Doublelift, Tyler1, Nadeshot, and Thebausffs being involved with the EWC, why Saudi Arabia's human rights record has gotten worse, updates on the "Esports Olympics," and more.EXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get FOUR free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemen

After a brief hiatus, this highly anticipated Review Roundup of 'The Genre of Your Life; is here! In this episode, Doug returns to break down two intriguing new films. First up is ‘Companion', the latest thriller produced by the team behind Barbarian. Does it live up to the eerie and unpredictable reputation of its predecessor? Then, Doug takes a look at ‘Flight Risk', the intense action thriller directed by Mel Gibson and starring Mark Wahlberg. Is this high-stakes suspense ride worth your time?Tune in for Doug's in-depth reviews, insights, and final verdicts on these two films.The Genre of Your Life is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and with a new episode every Friday. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to never miss an episode!Music by Richard Lewis from Pixabay

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo discuss updates on Saudi involvement in esports, the expanded partnership between Riot Games and the Esports World Cup (EWC), influencers like Doublelift, Tyler1, Nadeshot, and Thebausffs being involved with the EWC, why Saudi Arabia's human rights record has gotten worse, updates on the "Esports Olympics," and more. EXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get FOUR free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textSpecial sick zoom edition! This time it's all about spying and sneaking, and Richard Lewis rambling. Morgan was drinking hot water ha, Greg drank the "Reverend's Old Fashioned"Check us out on Discord: https://discord.gg/5JVVYpPPcp

Andy Goldberg & Wendy Cutler of the improv group Off the Wall joined me to discuss the founder, Dee Marcus; how they met her; the original members, Chris Thompson, Judy Pioli, and Joie Madigow; having four women and two men; Marc Sotkin and Robin Williams join; improv games; characters; Paul Willson, David Ruprecht, Phil Lamar, and John Ritter join and leave; Maryedith Burrell; Completely Off the Wall pilot loses to Fridays; appearances on The Dating Game, The Goodbye Girl, and Fernwood Tonight; Norman Lear's compliment; voiceover acting and looping; Super Loopers; Diary of a Young Comic with Richard Lewis; hanging out at Cantor's Deli; Garry Shandling, Bernadette Birkett, Archie Hahn, Tom Tully, and Harry Murphy join and leave; Ken Levine takes classes; 1985-1986 sketch comedy Off the Wall not affiliated even though Susan Elliot was a cast member; George Wendt; Laverne & Shirley; Dance Night; celebrity fans Bruce Willis, Sam Shepard, and Gene Hackman; appearing on An Evening at the Improv; having a monthly guest, including Chevy Chase; Wendy & Bob Perlow due gags on People Do the Craziest Things; Candid Camera; Edinburgh Festival; Puppetry of the Penis; Groundlings cross-pollination; his book, Improv Comedy and teaching Bryan Cranston

In this week's Review Roundup episode of The Genre of Your Life podcast, Doug dives into two new releases! First up, he shares his thoughts on the comedy One of Them Days, breaking down its humor, performances, and overall impact. Then, he reviews the horror-suspense thriller Presence, discussing its eerie atmosphere and whether it delivers the chills. Tune in for our latest film takes and find out if these movies are worth your watch!Don't forget to share your thoughts and join the conversation on our social media pages. Which of these films are you most excited to see? And do you agree with Doug's reviews? Let us know!The Genre of Your Life is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and with a new episode every Friday. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to never miss an episode!Music by Richard Lewis from Pixabay

Vic Kaplan's career is a masterclass in entertainment history. From producing some of the most iconic comedy specials to working alongside legends like Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and George Carlin, his behind-the-scenes experiences offer a rare look into Hollywood's golden era. Starting at Dick Clark Productions, he played a pivotal role in shaping comedy and music television, from Fridays and Ellen to HBO stand-up specials and Comic Relief. His stories bring to life the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of television production. Episode Highlights: Producing legends – Worked with Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, and Larry David Fridays vs. SNL – The rise and fall of ABC's late-night sketch show featuring Michael Richards and Andy Kaufman Behind the Moonwalk – The night Michael Jackson stunned the world on the American Music Awards Robin Williams, unfiltered – The chaotic brilliance of An Evening at the Met and how it almost didn't happen Ellen's coming-out episode – The intense process behind one of the most groundbreaking sitcom moments ever Building HBO's comedy empire – Producing specials for Richard Lewis, Bob Saget, and Dennis Miller Zendaya before the superstardom – How a chance meeting led to producing K.C. Undercover From Dick Clark to Disney – A career spanning decades of entertainment innovation   You're going to love my conversation with Vic Kaplan IMDB Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host): Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter Podcast website Podcast on Instagram Join my mailing list Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!) Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show Ways to support the show: Buy me a coffee (support the show) TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more! Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.  

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Neil "Neil_M" Murphy, former manager of Into the Breach, to discuss the spectacularly scandalous implosion of Into the Breach, the shocking tweets from ITB CEO SlayTheMinotaur, the mishandling of funds, what happened to the sticker money from the final CS:GO Major, and more. EXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get FOUR free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemen Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that's over 40% off) with promo code HORSEMEN at https://www.shopmando.com! Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/horsemen TODAY to get 20% off your Raycon order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Lewis from Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out show coming to Australia talks with Bill See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Alban "G2 Stilgar" Dechelotte, the CEO of G2 Esports, to discuss the state of League of Legends, the current outlook for sponsorships within the scene, the impact that massive co-streamers like Caedrel and Kameto have on the game, Riot Games and their relationship with professional teams, G2's ability to set the tone for other teams to follow, and more. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://drinkAG1.com/HORSEMEN. Thank you to INTOTHEAM for sponsoring this week's episode! Take part in their Anniversary Sale from January 22-February 9 with up to 50% OFF sitewide. Use our link to receive an additional 10% discount on anything you purchase on the website: https://www.intotheam.com/lfn EXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get FOUR free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemen Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that's over 40% off) with promo code HORSEMEN at https://www.shopmando.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo discuss the ban on TikTok and how it could affect Riot Games, the current state and bright future of Last Free Nation, evidence that the LEC is viewbotting their YouTube channel in a silly way, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to another thrilling Review Roundup Episode of The Genre of Your Life podcast! This week, Doug takes center stage to deliver his insights on two of the most talked-about films of the season: A Complete Unknown and Wolf Man.First up is A Complete Unknown, a biographical drama that blends fact and fiction, unraveling the enigmatic story of a cultural icon. Doug examines the film's captivating narrative, standout performances, and its ability to keep audiences guessing. How does it balance historical accuracy with creative liberties? And does it succeed in leaving a lasting impact?Next, Doug sinks his teeth into Wolf Man, the newest reimagining of the classic monster tale. With its chilling atmosphere, gripping horror elements, and a fresh take on the werewolf legend, does Wolf Man live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Doug explores the film's visual effects, character development, and whether it delivers the perfect mix of scares and emotion.Whether you're a fan of thought-provoking biopics or spine-tingling horror, this episode has something for everyone! Join us as Doug breaks down these films, offering his honest critiques and uncovering what makes each one unique.Don't forget to share your thoughts and join the conversation on our social media pages. Which of these films are you most excited to see? And do you agree with Doug's reviews? Let us know!The Genre of Your Life is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and with a new episode every Friday. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to never miss an episode!Music by Richard Lewis from Pixabay

Kicking off 2025 with our first Review Roundup episode of the New Year!!

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Richard Lewis, Joe Lieberman, and Teri Garr are among those in the Jewish world fondly remembered in our 2024 edition of "In Memoriam."

Eli Zabar is one of New York City's finest food impresarios. He's celebrating 50 years in the business, and we spoke with him from inside his car about unlocking our 2025 hobbies and dietary restrictions, he sets the record straight about his involvement in the Zabar's business, TJ pitches a frittata repurposing for his not so popular salad, his hate of tunafish, his love of Madison avenue, bread baking, the architecture of Richard Lewis, real estate deals, his mother's soup, his custom Charvet shirts, Ralph Lauren Bermuda shorts, fur lined Crocs, and how he summers in the south of France. What a guy! instagram.com/elizabarnyc twitter.com/donetodeath twitter.com/themjeans howlonggone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of our two-part memorial show, we look back on people from pop culture (and beyond) who died in the first half of 2024. It's a long list, so it's a long show. Including: People from movies (Cindy Morgan, Carl Weathers, Louis Gossett Jr., Dabney Coleman, Donald Sutherland), comedy (Richard Lewis, Joe Flaherty, Martin Mull), television (Joyce Randolph, Kevin Brophy, David Soul), music (Melanie, Mojo Nixon, Eric Carmen), comic books (José Delbo, Ramona Fradon, Trina Robbins), and many more. (The inventor of Pop-Tarts? But of course.) Next week: Memorial Show Part 2. Meanwhile this week, we also reveal our New Year's Resolution, which you will never guess. The Flopcast website! The ESO Network! The Flopcast on Facebook! The Flopcast on Instagram! The Flopcast on Bluesky! The Flopcast on Mastadon! Please rate and review The Flopcast on Apple Podcasts! Email: info@flopcast.net Our music is by The Sponge Awareness Foundation! This week's promo: Monkeeing Around!  

UIC Adjunct Lecturer and historian Wally Podrazik joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier and Dave Schwan to look back at the notable figures we lost in 2024.

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Jason Lake to discuss the state of Counter-Strike going into 2025, the future of Complexity, Valve's new rules regarding Majors and qualifying for them, difficulties that CS teams continue to face, and more. Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/50horsemen with code horsemen50. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home! Check out our t-shirt collaboration with INTO THE AM at https://www.intotheam.com/lfn-tee EXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get THREE free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Certainly! Here's an expanded version:Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Genre of Your Life!

"Richard enlists Larry's help to buy a vintage car, but his careless behavior lads to an unwanted outcome." -Original Air Date: 3/17/2024- This week we're talking about The Colostomy Bag, American Auto and must-see TV, a subreddit devoted purely to cheese and who all is required to be present when you're signing for power-of-attorney? This is No Hugging, No Learning, the show about one thing...watching Curb Your Enthusiasm for the first time. Want more NHNL? Next week's episode drops early on Patreon! You can now join the It's a Hyundai tier for FREE for the first 7 days, and then just $5/month after that. You'll get every episode one week early with all of the extra content that we usually clip out of each release and movie reviews from the Seinfeld Extended Universe. Join Us at patreon.com/nohugging Wanna start your own podcast? Do it with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free podcasting service with our Libsyn code HUGGING. Get a FREE No Hugging, No Learning sticker by giving us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you listen to this! Just be sure to send us your address! Email us: nohuggingnolearningshow@gmail.com Follow us!  @nohugging on X @nohugging_nolearning on Instagram Music: Curb Your Enthusiasm Theme Song Remix by robloxgreat (rip)

Get ready to be swept away in this enchanting Review Roundup episode of The Genre of Your Life podcast! This week, Doug takes center stage with an in-depth review of the highly anticipated adaptation, ‘WICKED'. Does this beloved story of friendship, love, and ambition defy gravity and cast a spell on audiences, or does it fall short of its magical promise?Doug delves into every dazzling detail, from the mesmerizing performances of its star-studded cast to the breathtaking visuals and music that aim to bring Oz to life like never before. Whether you're a devoted fan of the Broadway classic or a newcomer eager to explore the land of Oz, this episode is packed with insights, highlights, and Doug's unfiltered take on whether ‘WICKED' lives up to the hype.Don't miss this captivating discussion that's sure to have you singing along and wondering—are we born wicked, or do we choose it? Grab your broomsticks and tune in for a magical time!The Genre of Your Life is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and with a new episode every Friday. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to never miss an episode!Music by Richard Lewis from Pixabay

On this SPECIAL Review Roundup episode of The Genre of Your Life, we're diving into the holiday spirit with a Review Roundup episode! Doug 'sleighs' solo on this one as he discusses Red One, the action-packed Christmas adventure that brings together The Rock, Chris Evans, and none other than Santa Claus himself!

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Thomas "Zaboutine" Si-Hassen to discuss the transition from LCS, CBLOL, and LLA into the LTA, the confusing status of 100 Thieves in 2024, how Riot borrowed ideas from Flashpoint in the new LTA format, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's Review Roundup episode of 'The Genre of Your Life' Podcast, we're diving deep into two of the most intriguing new releases of the season. Join Doug as he delivers his thoughts on We Live in Time, a touching, time-bending romance that explores the nuances of connection and fate. He'll unpack the film's complex narrative structure, compelling performances, and what makes it a memorable addition to the genre.Next up, Doug reviews Here, a film that takes an ambitious approach to storytelling by exploring a single location across multiple time periods, weaving together lives, events, and memories that span generations. Listen in as Doug shares his take on the cinematography, thematic depth, and the artistic risks that make Here a must-watch for cinephiles.From standout scenes to his final verdicts, Doug's reviews offer all you need to know before hitting play on these films. Whether you're planning your weekend watchlist or just love a good movie breakdown, this episode is packed with insights and recommendations!The Genre of Your Life is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and with a new episode every Friday. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to never miss an episode!Music by Richard Lewis from Pixabay

In this long-overdue triple feature Review Roundup episode of The Genre of Your Life, Doug dives into three highly anticipated films: The Killer's Game, Never Let Go, and Woman of the Hour. Tune in as he breaks down each movie, exploring what worked, what missed the mark, and where these films land on our must-watch list! Whether you're here for action-packed thrills, gripping suspense, or compelling stories inspired by real events, this episode has it all. Don't miss Doug's insights, ratings, and some behind-the-scenes fun along the way!Join us for this jam-packed Review Roundup episode as Doug delivers his takes, giving you everything you need to know about these three films. Whether you're deciding which one to see or just curious about the latest releases, this episode has got you covered!The Genre of Your Life is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and with a new episode every Friday. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to never miss an episode!Music by Richard Lewis from Pixabay

Will we find life alive in our very own solar system? Neil deGrasse Tyson dives into the ocean worlds beyond Earth, exploring the Europa Clipper, and the search for life in our own backyard with astrobiologist and planetary scientist Kevin Hand. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:https://startalkmedia.com/show/europa-clippers-search-for-life-with-kevin-hand/Thanks to our Patrons Krista Vilate, Kevin Anderson, Nipsey Hussle, lauralee kruta, Richard Lewis, Mike Nichols, Sofie ela, Amila Silva, SALS GAMING, Kathleen chiras, Juni Figueroa, Joey Medici, Godfrey DiGiorgi, Damian Smith, Amanda Lyninger, Matthew Jones, Samuel Jones, Andrea Priest, Daemonhat, Timothy Folks, and Kronas De Se for supporting us this week.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.

Remember the summer of 2020? The good old days of lockdown? That was the first summer that I was producing Countermelody, and during that time I tried to inject a little levity into the podcast by doing a long series on crossover. One such episode was devoted to a century of tenors singing crossover, reaching back further than a century from Hermann Jadlowker and Caruso himself and extending to the present day. There was such a wealth of gorgeous material which led to an additional bonus episode on such “Rogue Tenors,” which includes (among the German-speaking singers) Helge Rosvaenge, Fritz Wunderlich, Peter Schreier, Richard Tauber, Marcel Wittrisch, Jonas Kaufmann, Anton Dermota, Walther Ludwig, Herbert Ernst Groh, Joseph Schmidt, Jan Kiepura, and Julius Patzak; others include Stuart Burrows, Roland Hayes, Richard Lewis, Lawrence Brownlee, Jan Peerce, José Carreras, Kenneth McKellar, Noah Stewart, Tino Rossi, Luigi Alva, Giuseppe di Stefano, and Jerry Hadley in a wide range of repertoire and styles ranging from Neapolitan songs Kurt Weill; from folk songs to Victorian parlor songs; from operettas and Tonfilm Schlager to jazz and rock. It's a rollicking good ride; hold on tight and enjoy! Countermelody is a podcast devoted to the glory and the power of the human voice raised in song. Singer and vocal aficionado Daniel Gundlach explores great singers of the past and present focusing in particular on those who are less well-remembered today than they should be. Daniel's lifetime in music as a professional countertenor, pianist, vocal coach, voice teacher, and journalist yields an exciting array of anecdotes, impressions, and “inside stories.” At Countermelody's core is the celebration of great singers of all stripes, their instruments, and the connection they make to the words they sing. By clicking on the following link (https://linktr.ee/CountermelodyPodcast) you can find the dedicated Countermelody website which contains additional content including artist photos and episode setlists. The link will also take you to Countermelody's Patreon page, where you can pledge your monthly support at whatever level you can afford.  

Diddy's Kids Break Silence After His Sex Crimes Arrest (New York Post) (24:34)Ellen Degeneres Says She's 'Proud' Of Who She's Become After Being Labeled as 'Mean' in Toxic Workplace Scandal (Page Six) (29:32)Anna Delvey Cried in Bathroom After 'DWTS' Premiere Backlash, Partner Ezra Sosa Says (Page Six) (39:02)Donna Kelce Has The Sweetest Response After a Fan Confuses Her For Taylor Swift's Mom Andrea (People) (47:48)Central Perk Couch Sells For $30k, Other Friends Treasures Go For Thousands at Auction Celebrating Series' Anniversary (People) (54:47)The Toast with Jackie (@JackieOshry) and Claudia Oshry (@girlwithnojob) Lean InThe Camper and The Counselor by Jackie OshryMerchThe Toast PatreonGirl With No Job by Claudia OshrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

January 3-9, 1998 This week Ken welcomes comedian, filmmaker and all around good dude Jeff Cerulli to the show. Ken and Jeff discuss documentary films, hot dog eating contests, TV Eating Contests, The Simpsons, Senior Year of High School, The Spin Doctors, mail order CDs, TV Guide appearing in movies, The Ice Storm, The Postman, Equal, smoking bans, beepers, the top 12 Simpsons episodes (circa 1998), winning the REAL Simpsons house, Ice-T, Marky Mark, having no concept of modern country and Christian music, The Wiz, Comics Come Home, Road Rules, The Real World, Star Wars Special Edition, Jackie Mason, Caddyshack II, how Vaudeville could be alt com, Pacific Blue, Baywatch, the extended Baywatch Universe, The Black Out Effect vs. The Trigger Effect, Demi Moore in Striptease, horny viewing, Mannequin being a three star movie, Beavis and Butthead, VH1 Pop Up Video, The Brothers McMullan, Poison Ivy series, Boy Meets World, voice over, Richard Lewis, bOkU, Drew Carey Show, the horrors of White Grape, Buffy the Vampire Slayer the movie, The Cronenberg Dynasty, Scanners II, MTV as a home channel, when we all hand to witness Anthony Michael Hall break out of being a nerd, Johnny B Goode, Bill Paxton, Weird Science, Seinfeld's final season, the return of Larry David, Bulls, Michael Jordan, Oliver Stone vs. Oliver North, Celebrity Jeopardy, and a particularly angry Cheers and Jeers.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 201: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: As debate day arrives there could not be a more potent nor ominous metaphor for our political crisis than the one in DC. There, a 3000-pound replica of the Lincoln Memorial is… at this hour… melting in the hot sun. As Trump tries to destroy democracy and Biden tries to destroy Trump, the climate disaster that has already begun and on which Trump would apply the finishing touches, has so imperiled the six-foot tall wax statue of Lincoln outside a Washington elementary school, that the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities has removed Lincoln's head “to prevent it from falling and breaking.” Can you think of worse imagery? Polling indicates more than half of voters expect to watch tonight, and that a rather startling 11% actually expect to have their opinion of who to vote for changed by the results. The three groups produce the most voters who feel that way are the ones in which Trump has had the most unlikely growth: voters under 35, African-Americans, and Hispanics. If Trump actually blows that growth tonight he's cooked. And we will either have a debate right after the Supreme Court rules on this Trumpian "Presidential Immunity" nonsense, or the night before it. It becomes a simple, tangible truth that if the Court invents this immunity and declares this nation a monarchy, the king won't be Trump but Biden and he can take any steps he wants without fear of consequence. It's kind of hard to believe but it is literally true that if SCOTUS creates immunity today, Biden could have arrest Trump tonight - during the debate. B-Block (17:22) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Jamaal Bowman didn't lose because a Nevada Republican called him names, or because AIPAC spent millions, or because progressives are in retreat. He lost because of Jamaal Bowman. The sports TV world is in such trouble a Major League Baseball team is now in essence PAYING its fans to watch its game broadcasts. And Hung Cao, the nut job GOP candidate for Senate in Virginia, tries to get out in front of a huge scandal by blaming a USA Today story that he may have padded his military resume on... the font their reporter used in their email. C-Block (30:35) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: He should've been one of the greatest of all-time in the news business. But bad luck and bad survival skills combined to lay Will Spens low: The Most Talented Man I Ever Worked With.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 200: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT:  With the news that tomorrow night, debate moderators Danna Bash and Jake Tapper will NOT fact-check Trump in real time, CNN has abrogated yet another journalistic imperative at yet another Trump event offering him yet another step towards imposing a dictatorship on this nation. Oh, ok, says CNN: on the 2020 election, yeah, they'll push back. But otherwise?The moderators “are not participants in the debate. They are facilitators,” said a CNN spokesman. CNN's woeful political director David Chalian – largely responsible for the Trump Town Hall debacle last year – told the New York Times that a live debate “is not the ideal arena for live fact-checking”even as that spokesperson who refused to give their NAME to Axios said that there WOULD be SOME fact-checking of major falsehoods and smaller details on secondary CNN platforms. So they're going to do it, they're just not going to do it where it matters or when it matters. Just to further confess that the decision to NOT fact check Trump's firehose of lies as he makes them, WHERE he makes them, is another principle thrown away to make sure Trump shows up or doesn't batter the network, or both, that SAME spokesman said that Trump's lies about 2020 are “inaccuracies.” WHAT SHOULD BIDEN DO? When Trump says something crazy – about sharks OR the economy OR anything in between – START by saying “Donald Trump is insane. And he's wrong. Here's why.” This is especially true if Trump tries the “are you better off now than you were four years ago?” Emphasize Trump's criminal culpability about Covid. The million dead. The bleach. The putting light in your body. The economic collapse. The fact that in February Trump knew it was airborne and lied to the public for months as Americans died. Say it, Mr. President, say it bluntly: Trump killed a million Americans. There are American millions HE killed for whom there is no question – they ain't better off now than they were four years ago. AND bluntly say that he killed the economy. That the inflation we are finally stopping now is TRUMP Inflation. It's TRUMP COVID inflation. That the president with the worst job records since Herbert Hoover was Trump. That violent crime exploded under Trump. That there were two kinds of criminals under Trump: muggers and murderers on the street… and ex-presidents who tried to overthrow the government. And the most important truth to hit him with – the most important truth to dispel what Brian Beutler dubbed “Trump-Stalgia and Trump-Nesia” – the most important truth to enrage Trump – is the truth that he lost. That he lost the election. That he's a loser. And that instead of taking it like a man, he had other people try to overthrow the government, he didn't even have the guts to go to the Capitol during the coup. B-Block (21:30) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Troy Nehls has been wearing a combat medal he never deserved. The military took it back. He says it's the establishment trying to punish him. Vivek Ramaswamy praises the Julian Assange deal, rips the Julian Assange deal, blames Biden, even though he was indicted by Trump. And Missouri's Attorney General sues New York State to somehow impact Trump's 34 Felony Convictions here and says there would be no way some rogue D.A. would have taken Abe Lincoln off the campaign trail in South Carolina in 1860 for being anti-slavery when, of course, Abe Lincoln was taken off the BALLOT in South Carolina in 1860 for being anti-slavery. C-Block (33:44) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: I did an interview about my doctor and friend Renée Richards over the weekend so it's time to tell how I met her - and more importantly why - when she treated me after I slammed my head on the front of the 7 Train at Shea Stadium in New York in 1980.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 199: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: Trump and his henchmen opened not one but two emergency exits for him to bail out of Thursday's debate against The President and blame it on Biden. And in doing so, his dumbest press secretary yet went on CNN and called Adolf Hitler "HILTER." H-I-L-T-E-R, Hilter. I don't know if she should be fired for invoking HItler, or if she WILL be fired for getting the name of Trump's role model wrong. It's Karoline Leavitt, the former centerfielder of the St. Anselm College softball team and the idiot who previously insisted the word 'damning' is correctly pronounced 'dammaning,' tried to filibuster CNN's Katie Hunt about how biased debate hosts Jake Tapper and Dana Bash really are. As Hunt cut first the answer and then the interview off, Leavitt insisted anybody could spend five minutes googling how many times Tapper had compared Trump to "Adolf Hilter." Bypassing the whole Hitler/Hilter stuff, "Damaning Hilter" Leavitt adopted the traditional pose of the Martyred Trump Huckster and did the rounds of the fascist media outlets. When she went on Steve Bannon's outlet he said either CNN apologizes to her, or Trump should cancel the debate. Hours later, Trump opened a second emergency chute, again demanding drug tests before the debate, as his personal quack Congressman Physician Prescribe Thyself Ronny Jackson wrote a long letter to the White House requesting such tests (and saying nothing about any stashes he may have left there). Who knows if Trump really will bail. But he's got FOLAD (Fear Of Losing A Debate) all covered. MEANWHILE: it's a long shot but I'm beginning to wonder if somebody on Jack Smith's side is laying the groundwork for indicting Trump anew - in New Jersey. There has been a second news leak in just three business days, about Trump's Mar-a-Lago Espionage Scandal. Yesterday's leak via ABC News did not resonate among American news media which can generally only BARELY handle one thing at a time – like the debate. The story itself – about Trump making an almost-secret special trip to Florida in July 2022 to make sure nobody had touched the documents he stole from the White House and hid from his own attorney - may not be much more than another one of those threads that you pull on and maybe it just comes off in your hand – or maybe it unravels the entirety of Trump's size 62 suit. I don't even think prosecutors know what they have here. But he went down there two weeks after he had bankers' boxes shipped from Mar-a-Lago to the Bedminster Golf Course. They didn't contain Ivana. B-Block (20:35) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: I have somehow forgotten, for years, maybe 35 years, the first and arguably the best joke I ever made about Trump. I'll correct that here. Not only are the British Conservatives on track for a historic loss in the July 4 election but two candidates, a party official, and a security guard have been caught allegedly wagering on which day their prime minister would select for Election Day! And the rare two-wins-in-a-row for Puck media guy Dylan Byers, carrying still more management water as he turns gutsy Washington Post reporting on the paper's ongoing management scandal into “a plan to dig for unflattering information.” C-Block (27:20) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: How did I forget to tell you this one through the first 500 episodes of this podcast? How could I have missed the 24th anniversary last week? I'll just mention the principals: my mother, me, a former New York Yankees infielder named Chuck Knoblauch - and Babe Ruth. .  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 198: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: The New York Times' sourced story - that a year ago first a senior federal judge in Florida phoned Judge Aileen Cannon and urged her to hand off the Trump Espionage/Stolen Classified Documents case to some other judge, and when Cannon ignored the idea, the CHIEF federal judge in Florida phoned Cannon and warned her that the optics of ruling on the president who appointed her with disastrous - is not just a great bit of reporting. It's a clear shot across the bow of Cannon. It's an indicator that this is her last chance to voluntarily recuse from a case she has so mishandled that even when both Trump and Jack Smith said they were ready to start the trial, SHE refused. I think it's a legitimate inference that if she again ignores it, a real move will be made against her (maybe even against her fitness to continue as a judge). The chief judge who issued the warning was appointed by Governor Bush and then President Bush and to me it's clear this was a planned leak. Let's hope it works. MEANWHILE IT'S TIME FOR RFK JUNIOR TO DROP OUT. The nephew of a martyred President and son of a man who easily could've won the office has now threatened to jail Dana Bash and Jake Tapper of CNN - and the whole network management and production staff - because the network has excluded him from the debate next week. Kennedy's farcical, dangerous, insane Trump stalking horse campaign has to end. He isn't a victim and he isn't being persecuted. He's nuts. AND DONALD SUTHERLAND HAS DIED. This spectacularly talented man was, I am proud to say, my friend. He appointed himself my "acting father" after my Dad died. He was supportive, insightful, hilarious, and I think I can tell you something you may not know about him: he was as good a writer as I've ever read. I will read you one of the dozens of emails he sent me. I will restrain myself and chose one about baseball, not one about...Jane Fonda. B-Block (27:55) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: What if a Tucker Carlson fell over in Australia and nobody was there to hear it? His speaking tour? Plenty of good seats available. Jeff Bezos still won't do the obvious: Will Lewis has to be fired before he crashes The Washington Post. And Dylan Byers trots out words like "hero" and "great" for my late friend Howard Fineman. 14 months ago he gratuitously and painfully insulted him in a story that gad nothing to do with Howard just because he felt like taking a shot at somebody. Byers, a management-jock-sniffing jackass, might meet the same fate 30 years from now - except nobody will remember his work. C-Block (40:02) FRIDAYS WITH THURBER: One of the existential premises of his work was: everything in the world could be reduced to a husband and wife arguing over the dumbest of things. This week he has her insisting that he is murdering her wrong in "Mr. Preble Gets Rid Of His Wife."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 197: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: Joe Biden, five points behind Trump in the Fox News poll in MARCH, a point behind him last month, is now two points AHEAD of Trump in the Fox News poll in JUNE. . There are also some remarkable internal numbers in the poll. Doesn't sound like much, but Fox says 32 percent of its respondents now believe the economy is in excellent or good shape - and that is the HIGH WATERMARK for the entire Biden Presidency. Fox also says voter CONFIDENCE in Biden on the economy has swung wildly towards Biden. They favor Trump by FIVE points, but that last month it was Trump over Biden by THIRTEEN. Also: A top midwestern political reporter says the Trump Campaign is now warning LOCAL media that it will VET all questions for Trump at the Republican Convention and only give access TO Trump to local outlets whose questions have been APPROVED in advance. And a week before the debate, as rumors continue to swirl that Trump will back out as soon as he can find some way to blame it on Biden, it is not only a certainty that Robert Kennedy Junior will NOT be at the debate, but it's beginning to look like he is on FAR fewer state ballots than his campaign has been claiming. And is Trump going to bail out of the debate? Why? Just because he told a reporter Joan Rivers voted for him in 2016 - when she died in 2014? B-Block (20:10) SPORTSCENTRAL CENTER NEWSDESK TONIGHT: The day Willie Mays deliberately turned a double into a single - and why it's testament to his genius as a baseball player. And Justin Turner's pretty smart but his new World Series idea is really, really dumb. (31:04) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Georgetown University celebrated the late New York Times writer David Carr as a great man, which he was. But they also celebrated him as a great journalist, which he most decidedly was NOT. ETTD: Everyteam Trump Touches, Dies. And Greg Gutfeld explains Fox doesn't make crap up which means I guess that they gave Dominion Voting $787,500,000 because Rupert has too much money? C-Block (47:45) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: Just started to get hot here and whenever that it happens I remember the day I went to work at 3 AM after spending the previous day drinking roughly 40 beers. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 196: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: Yesterday in Milwaukee the melting of Trump's brain reached - or at least neared - its completion. He called the President of the United States and the obsession of his life "Joe Bride." He had lots of other episodes, but this is the all-time new high in low. JOE. BRIDE.  No - he's fine. Ask Dr. Johnson. Dr. Jackson. Dr. Johnson. Dr. Jackson. My sister. My daughter. Joe Bride.  Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, who are in essence running the Trump CAMPAIGN, are reportedly “worried” about Trump – specifically about his deteriorating mental condition. Can't imagine why (JOE BRIDE). And this is coming from two former Republicans still plugged into THAT side of the ball. Wiles and LaCivita, per Rick Wilson, are going to friendly journalists and, quoting Wilson, “are starting to whisper that ‘no one can control (Trump)'.” Former Republican Senate aide Tom Nichols meanwhile put his finger to the wind and said that the FLOOD of Trump campaign efforts to make it look like the no one can control PRESIDENT BIDEN are making HIM suspicious. Nichols now writes quote: “Republicans and their media ecosystem seem to be in a panic about their candidate… if Trump is doing so well, why is his campaign and its support system in right-wing media resorting to easily disproved lies?”  Trump also stepped into it AGAIN not IN Milwaukee but ABOUT it. His campaign had to deny a heavily-sourced report from the ABC Television station in Chicago that during the convention – in Milwaukee – the place he called HORRIBLE last week – he won't even stay in a hotel there; that he will stay in his building in Chicago and COMMUTE. MEANWHILE: Roger Stone may conceivably have cost Judge Aileen Cannon her job. In the latest undercover audio released by my friend the investigative journalist Lauren Windsor and her colleague Ally Sammarco, Stone – at a Catholics for Catholics event AT Mar-a-Lago – made the mistake of hinting that the fix is IN in Trump's trial for stealing and keeping classified documents and other espionage act crimes… that when the Trump-appointed Cannon conducts a hearing day after tomorrow on the Trump motions to DISMISS all or most of the charges on the fabricated premise that the Special Counsel was unlawfully appointed, Stone seems – even for him – unusually confident Cannon really WILL throw the case. AND TRUMP JUNIOR tweeted a photo of CNN's Jim Acosta and wrote “LOL. Looks like CNN Fake News loser Acosta got an embarrassingly bad hair dye job.” Talk about “embarrassingly.” Bad hair dye job? Remember that among other living hells, Don Jr. is the guy who on a regular basis mounts that gargoyle Kimberly Guilfoyle who at age 55 trying to look 35 now has SO much make-up and SO much hair dye that she looks like Bette Davis in the movie “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?” B-Block (21:19) Willie Mays, two days before he and the Negro Leagues in which he played, are to be honored with a San Francisco Giants' game at Rickwood Field where Mays' first team the Birmingham Black Barons played, has died at the age of 93. (32:17) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Josh Hawley spreads the "Biden wants to sit during the debate" lie. The BBC's unfortunate typo about self-identification for job applicants and what it did to the word "deaf." And Jeff Bezos sends an email to his Washington Post staff about the building being on fire and stuff and talk about getting a roll of stamps and e-mailing it in! C-Block (42:05) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: Since Bezos is in the news, let me tell you of when I worked with his fiancé Lauren Sanchez, blackmail victim, and when I worked with David Letterman's future blackmailer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 195: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: Trump is losing his mind. If Joe Biden gave a speech in which he claimed everybody agreed he was in full robust mental health because he'd passed a test administered by Doctor Anthony… Hopkins. Or Anthony Bourdain… or Anthony Michael Hall – any Anthony except the doctor who gave him the theoretical test, Doctor Anthony FAUCI. If that had happened to Joe Biden there would be nothing else on television or the internet. But Trump has gotten away with it in part because he is so crazy, so loudly, so often, that it all runs together and, perversely, each Trump mental disaster stops seeming like it's part OF a sequence. Each Trump mental disaster REPLACES the one before it. I have a thought experiment about that to underscore how that's even MORE true than you or I might assume it is. But the second half of the headline? That he's losing his mind AND the election?New Ipsos poll for Politico yesterday: ONE THIRD of all voters say they are now LESS likely to support Trump. Among independents, same number, a third, less likely to vote for him; only 12% of independents say MORE likely to vote for him.Ipsos also dug a little deeper. Are the convictions IMPORTANT in your decision whether or not to vote for Trump? 22% say the convictions ARE important AND make them less likely to vote for him.  He's losing. And Biden has dfinally called him a "convicted criminal" in an official campaign ad. Next? The President saying it himself. I think that is also coming. B-Block (41:47) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Another GOP flag scandal: Newt Gingrich is back because his eyesight is almost as weak as his intelligence. The Michigan Republican who posts, disavows, then embraces an AI endorsement from Martin Luther King. The Associated Press puts out a transparent ad for Trump. And Royce White, would be Republican Senator from Minnesota, would have you believe that there is a crime wave there caused by... water fountains? C-Block (50:02) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: The almost certainty that Turner Sports is about to lose the NBA reminds me of the summer Ted Turner almost got the rights to the NFL. Not the games - the entire league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 194: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) Trump and Mike Johnson are plotting for House Republicans to somehow "overturn" Trump's convictions in the Stormy Daniels Election Interference trial. That was what they were SUPPOSED to talk about when Trump met with the House GOP yesterday but amid all the threats and terrorism and dictatorship and violence we forget that at his core, Trump is a moron. Whether he and Johnson actually got around to conceive some extra-constitutional scheme to enact ex post facto measure, before or after the election, who knows. All we do know is that Trump wound up insulting and enrages Milwaukee, a month and a day before the Republican Convention is supposed to open there. The blowback was a welcome respite. Three different Wisconsin Congressmen made up four different excuses for Trump calling Milwaukee "horrible." One of them, Bryan Steil, first said Trump said no such thing, then in a local TV interview contradicted himself and said Trump did say it, but was referring to "specific things." The upshot of all of this - and Trump's word salads - and Trump's manic blinking at his news conference where he couldn't handle any questions - is the ever-increasingly obvious reality that Trump is currently losing his mind. And that means for all its bravado and fealty the Republican Party is shackled to a corpse. B-Block (24:30) TRUMPDATE: Late breaking news about Trump's fear of going to prison and the likelihood that if he goes it'll be in a place that is halfway between New York City and ESPN (huh?) (26:14) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Rishi Sunak explains he grew up deprived because he didn't have the British equivalent of HBO. The downward spiral of ex-human being Mark Penn gets worse. And Lauren Boebert is caught vaping in public again and you know WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME! C-Block (34:00) FRIDAYS WITH THURBER: For the first time, a chapter from Thurber's only non-fiction book "The Years With Ross." It includes a quote from a New Yorker Magazine writer that to me is one of the five or ten greatest things uttered by anybody in the history of the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 193: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: I have no use for Merrick Garland, in large part because he is one of those people who would never think to do this, and never realize that his Republican counterpart would do it in a heartbeat. Found in Contempt of Congress for ignoring a subpoena, as rammed through by Jim Jordan, who BEGAN to ignore a Congressional subpoena two years and a month ago? Garland should get a grand jury to indict Jordan TODAY. LET THE ASS-KISSING BEGIN: Trump goes to Capitol Hill for the first time since his attempted coup. Just to ratchet up the imagery, he'll be at the Capitol Hill Club, which is where the still undiscovered terrorist left one of his/her pipe bombs the night before.  COULD SCOTUS DECIDE TODAY? It is to issue decisions today and tomorrow. One of them may be about Trump's imaginary "Presidential Immunity." Or not. Or maybe they'll keep it a secret. Or run it up a flag poll to see who'll salute. Another bid to make them follow SOME rules has been vetoed by Lindsey Graham. AND IN MEMORY OF MY FRIEND HOWARD FINEMAN: There is a tiny silver lining in Howard's story, which he honored me by sharing with me since his diagnosis and prognosis 18 months ago. He was with me from literally the HOUR my political career began through last Wednesday when his "intro" to the B-Block last ran. He was brilliant, supportive, honest, indefatigable, funny, beloved, and I will tell you why his fight made our sadness just a little easier to endure. B-Block (25:14) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: So she felt she had to tell everybody to stop calling Jill Biden "Hunter Biden's mother" because she wasn't his biological mother. Someone wrote - and I could not find a clip to confirm this - that she then implied that when the President referred to his wife, and to Hunter as "their son" it was a sign of dementia. So we need to talk about what's wrong with Katy Tur. We'll start with the fact that Katy is herself the step-mother to two children. I have known that families and motherhood have been issues for her since we met in 2006, even before we lived together. But to drag this onto the air - onto news coverage - is unforgivable. It's time for MSNBC to find somebody else. C-Block (45:02) GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 192: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT:  Trump has now floated reinstating the Military Draft. He put the words in the mouth of the last of his Secretaries of Defense and that guy – Christopher Miller who sat back and watched January 6th unfold nearly as much as Trump did – dressed the draft up as “A National Service Requirement.” It seems to be targeted at 18, 19, and 20-year old American boys and girls (and maybe 17-year olds) and it would start with a mandatory military aptitude test administered BY the Pentagon IN your local high school and any kid who refused to take it might be prevented from graduating and any school that hesitated to go along with this would lose ALL federal funding. Trump breaking precedent and using the American army domestically to suppress protests and conceivably kill civilians is not the bottom of the plan for the military-dictatorship part of his dictatorship. Those army soldiers, and marines, and whoever else, firing on other Americans – many of them or most of them or maybe all of them, would be draftees. And when The Washington Post reported it, and the story got no traction and no pick-up at all, and even though the paper reported Trump had not expressly endorsed the draft, within six hours Trump posted an enraged denial reading “In fact, I never even thought of that idea” which even for him is a disastrously transparent non-denial denial. Of course HE never thought of that idea: when has Donald Trump ever thought anything about a military draft – except how to dodge it. Somebody ELSE thought of that idea. The somebody else is that former Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller. The Post interviewed Miller and he said a national service requirement should be “strongly considered. He described the concept as a common “rite of passage,” one that would create a sense of “shared sacrifice” among America's youth." The impact this Washington Post story, could have on Trump's campaign would be nothing short of fatal – if only it were to be handled correctly by BIDEN'S campaign: Trump wants to reinstate the draft. The. DRAFT.  Is there a more powerful campaign message than “Trump wants to draft your kids”? “Trump Wants To Force Your Kids To Kill Or Be Killed?” Actually there is. Because the voting age is not what it was in the ‘60s. The 18-year olds vote. There IS a more powerful campaign message and it is “Trump wants to draft YOU. Trump Wants To Force YOU to Kill or Be Killed.” ALSO: Trump's felony conviction means he can't own a gun in Florida. So why has he had one longer than Hunter Biden had his? And what about Washington State's law allowing any voter to challenge any candidate's ballot position if he's been convicted of a felony? And why is Alvin Bragg voluntarily appearing at Jim Jordan's hearing - the day after Trump will be sentenced? B-Block (25:20) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: A Twitter follower of mine puts Chris Cillizza and Nate Silver in the same tweet just to mess with me. Jonathan Martin, who has spent a year talking about nothing but Joe Biden's age, complains that nobody has talked about Joe Biden's age (and works Aaron Sorkin into it, somehow) and the Republican who wants to be Senator from Minnesota, Royce White, explains the campaign funds may have been spent AT the all-nude strip club but that doesn't mean they were spent on STRIPPERS since they serve FOOD at all-nude strip clubs. C-Block (34:00) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: As I read of Stephen A. Smith demanding that ESPN pay him more than it pays Pat McAfee, I flashed back to the days when the studio-show audiences there were way more profitable than they are now and ESPN was make $60 million a year from SportsCenter and they were paying me $300,000 and I asked for $3,000,000. Oh the look on their faces delights me to this day. How I Quit SportsCenter...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 191: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: The polls continue to underscore it. Trump's conviction, just twelve days ago, is already half as important in voters' decision-making process as where the candidates stand on immigration. 28% tell CBS the convictions are a "major factor" for them, yet this number is dismissed because it isn't by itself decisive. A separate Morning Consult poll says Trump's net favorability is now four points below that of Biden's - because of the trial.  And yet the President, and his advisors, and the old men of the Democratic Party continue to contrive to keep Joe Biden from saying the truth in public. He says the impact of the convictions is for the public to decide. No! That's for the public to decide? This isn't an American Idol vote. This isn't Coke versus Pepsi. This is democracy or dictatorship and most people don't know and YOU, Mr. President, have to make the case. You don't have to sink to Trump's brain-damaged rhetorical level but “that's for the public to decide?” HELP THEM DECIDE. TELL THEM THE TRUTH. Part of the problem is: the campaign seems to be incapable of realizing it can do multiple attacks on Trump - from criminality to dictatorship to the price of orange juice. I'll give some examples of the variety of ads they could run. MEANWHILE: KNOTTED BY WINDSOR. Justice Alito makes a fool of himself as my friend the investigative journalist Lauren Windsor records him agreeing that either the right or left will "win" - and he had a much better visit with her than did his wife. Martha-Ann Alito promises to get revenge against everybody, fly an anti-LGBTQ flag, and sue the bunch of them. It turns out everything we thought about them was comparatively positive. AND JUST FOR LAUGHS: Jonathan Turley has declared Trump "elderly." B-Block (34:44) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Alleged Democratic governor Hochul of New York, after freezing NYC congestion prices, apparently bails out on fundraiser hosted by auto dealers. Marge Barney Rubble Greene thinks electric cars run on gasoline. Politico with the typo of the year, about a fabulous "head of head." C-Block (40:21) FROM THE SPORTS CENTRAL CENTER NEWSDESK TONIGHT: I moved this last in case you are NOT a baseball fan of 57 seasons' duration whom the game is losing. The Athletic publishes its survey of current players and guess what! Turns out they all invented the game, and anybody who played before about 2010 was incompetent and irrelevant. Worse yet, somebody grabs my personal third rail, insulting Babe Ruth. Which means I have to go through mediocre reliever Adam Ottavino's 2018 contention that he would strike Babe Ruth out every time he faced him. If you brought Babe Ruth into baseball 2024 and gave him its tiny ballparks and elaborate video scouting and training regimens, he would hit 255 homers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.