Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone

How are we doing? How do we measure up to the competition? Or is the better question - should we measure up to the competition? Psychologist Dr. Art Markman is here to discuss our need to compare ourselves to others, but are we really the best podcast he’s been on? We’re worried! Plus - she’s been wrong before, but she’s also been wronged! Bonnie Burns is vindicated in…“Captain Crinkle’s Revenge!”...

What is the Electoral College, how does it work, and how can we make it stop working like that? Professor Kermit Roosevelt is here to help us unravel US democracy’s oldest, knottiest problem. And then it’s time to share our - and your - worst employee experiences in “Tales From The Service Industry!” SHOW NOTES How May I Help You!?! GUEST Author and Constitutional Law Professor, Kermit Roosevelt ...

Remember banks? Those places where you used to store your cash and fantasize about robbing? Well, they still exist, even though they’re no longer especially good for storing your cash OR robbing! Banker David Patrone is here to tell us all about it. Then we go from billions to Brazilians - as we head to South America to find new listeners in a brand new Bonnie and Toni’s Oral Report! GUEST Banker,...

Is it possible to love someone or something that you know almost nothing about? It’s VERY possible if we’re talking about oysters. But today we’re going to fix that. International oyster expert Julie Qiu is here to set us all straight about everyone’s favorite (or second favorite) bivalve mollusk. Plus, you’re all up in our business for a round of Mailbag! Busybody Edition. GUEST Julie Qiu www.ina...

Ep 189 - The Climes They Are a-Changin’ What’s driving climate change, and is the answer literally “Driving?” Paula and Adam welcome climate scientist Peter Kalmus to give us the latest on the ongoing disaster. But don’t worry - there are also jokes! Also, there’s “Who’s Miss Quotey-Pants Now?” - a week late but worth the wait! GUEST Peter Kalmus Climate Scientist https://peterkalmus.net/  HOUSE B...

What? You read the title. Shouldn’t that be enough? Meredith and Patton, who now have a podcast of their own (“Did You Get My Text”) are here, and they’re ready to help take Paula’s acting game to the next level. Plus - spoiler alert - there’s another segment that we won’t get to because hanging with those two lovely people was too much fun! GUESTS Meredith Salenger and Patton Oswalt https://starb...

Are you as confused about cryptocurrency as we are? Well, we’ve booked returning champion Jill Schlesinger to explain it all for us! At least, that’s the plan. What happens is… Well, best that you hear it for yourself. Also, as Jimi Hendrix sang, “Scuse me, while I kiss this guy!” It’s time for Misheard Song Lyrics! GUEST “Jill Schlesinger” MUSICIAN Kristin LeJeune Violin kristenviolin.com Hit the...

You what’s totally in right now? Well, we don’t. We don’t have a clue. Fortunately, we DO have fashion designer Hogan McLaughlin on hand to school Paula and Adam in all things Fashion-related! Plus, it’s the return of your favorite game that is 33% BS - it’s “Two Truths and a Lie!” GUEST Hogan McLaughlin http://hogan-mclaughlin.com/ HOUSE BAND David Bragger oldtimetikiparlour.com It's never too la...

Sure, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. But fear itself can be pretty damned scary! What is fear? What’s it good for (besides Stephen King’s bank account!)? Michelle Massi from Anxiety Therapy LA is back… AND SHE’S A WEREWOLF!! Just kidding - she’s here to talk about fear. Also, if fear is caused by ignorance, you’ll have less to be afraid of once we enlighten you with another Potluck...

You know what really blows? Hurricanes! And we’ve got the Hurricane Man himself, Josh Morgerman, to tell us all about the most destructive of all storm systems - and the coolest (at least to Josh!). Plus, Poppa’s got a brand new… Mailbag! Returning Champions Edition. GUEST Josh Morgerman Host of Hurricane Man (BBC) HOUSE BAND Carey Frank Ukulele www.careyfrank.com Learn more about your ad choices....

He might play an acting teacher on “Barry,” but tonight Henry Winkler actually gets to teach the craft to Paula. Yes, you read that right - we’ve got The Fonz on board for sparkling conversation and another installment of Outside the Actor’s Studio! Plus, the first rule of Fight Club Book Club is that we continue to talk about “Fight Club.” In our Book Club. Guest Henry Winkler House Band Zack For...

The thing about priceless art is that there is always a price. But who decides what that price is? And how do the deciders decide what they decide? For what it’s worth, art appraiser Kevin Zweyer Anderson is here to tell us what it’s worth. Also it’s time for another Mailbag! Captain Crinkle Edition. Guest Kevin Zweyer Anderson Anderson Fine Art Appraisals http://www.art-appraisals.net/ House Band...

Our holiday movie festival continues with a review of another Netflix Original, “Red Notice.” Are The Rock and Ryan Reynolds worth all that money? Is the movie at least better than last week’s “Love Hard?” Paula and Adam help you ring in the New Year with cinematic recommendations and good will towards all (except the people who made “Love Hard”). HOUSE BAND Andy Cohen Whistler andywhistles.com Le...

On a Very Special Holiday Episode, Paula and Adam review a brand new movie so you can decide whether to brighten your holiday with it or not. The movie? The romantic comedy “Love Hard,” which is streaming on Netflix right now. Alternatively, you could watch it first and then enjoy our review, but we are not responsible for how THAT’ll work out for you! HOUSE BAND Kevin Kelso Piano Learn more about...

Yes, you read it right. Billie Jean King - tennis legend, women’s sports pioneer, activist and social icon… she’s on the show! Also, if there’s time, we’ll get to another iconic woman in history: It’s Mailbag! Captain Crinkle Edition GUEST Billie Jean King https://www.billiejeanking.com/  HOUSE BAND Rajnar Vajra http://rajnarvajra.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

Our beloved Book Club has already featured one Great Novel that was kind of a snooze, and one International Bestseller that completely sucked. But who’s to say? What makes a book great, and what makes it “a classic,” and - most importantly - how can we sound smart at parties when literature comes up? The University of Chicago’s Dr. Timothy Campbell is here to sort it all out. Plus, open wide - it’...

Wow! Episode 177 - what a milestone! We kick off the celebration with some big birds - crows, to be precise. Ornithologist Dr. Brian O’Shea drops by to fill us in on those ubiquitous, clever creatures. Then - sure we’ve done 177 episodes together, and that’s a special thing, but how well do we really know each other? We play “Two Truths and a Lie” to find out! Guest Dr. Brian O’Shea Collections Ma...

If this “comedy” thing doesn’t work out for her, could Paula make it as a librarian? Adam may think he already has that answer, but the only opinion that matters is that of our guest - Librarian Emily Aaronson joins us for “Career Corner!” Plus, you’ve got some constructive criticism, and we’re going to take it in the spirit that it was intended. No, really. It’s Mailbag! Helpful Hints Edition. Gu...

Remember the impeachment? No, the first one. The one where the former president told Ukraine, “Nice country. Shame if anything should happen to it…” Yes, that one. Fiona Hill remembers, and she’s here to tell us about her White House memories. Also… what? Do you need more? Push “Play!” GUEST Fiona Hill Former National Security Council official and author of the New York Times bestseller THERE IS N...

Yes, your favorite podcast is caught up in an ethics investigation… in that we are investigating ethics! UCLA Philosophy Professor Pamela Hieronymi is here to discuss where our ideas of Right and Wrong come from, and what to do with those ideas once we have ‘em. Also - at long last, we’re done with “Eat, Pray, Love” - join us for the thrilling conclusion! Plus, Bonnie and Toni offer an oral report...

When it comes to tending our gardens, Paula and Adam have two left thumbs. Each. So, a total of four non-green thumbs. But MSU’s Dr. Nate Walton is here to help us weed out all our bad gardening ideas. And get out your magnifying glass - it’s time for another visit to our Department of Fine Print. GUEST Dr. Nate Walton Consumer Horticulture Instructor Michigan State University’s Extension Program...

Paula’s been sounding the alarm about screen addiction for years, but nobody listened, because, well, nobody listens to Paula Poundstone. Also we were too busy staring at our phones. But we’ve got Dr. Hillarie Cash from the reSTART Center on hand to help us navigate this now-undeniable problem. Also, after a tragic and unforeseen one week delay… it’s Mailbag! Positivity Edition. GUEST Dr. Hilarie...

Jon Lovett, from the wonderful “Pod Save America” and “Lovett or Leave It” podcasts takes a break from podcasting to be on our podcast! And what do we talk about? Podcasting! But also other stuff, like government and politics and the possibility of an inter-show basketball league. But remember, OUR podcast is still the only one where you can hear four people grouse their way through “Eat, Pray, Lo...

The legendary John Cleese joins us for In— Wait, why are you even reading this? John Cleese is on this show! Go listen to it! It’s John Cleese, fer godsakes! John. Cleese. Go! GUEST Corey Feldman (just kidding it’s JOHN CLEESE!) uniquelives.com/john-cleese-america HOUSE BAND Lindsey Goodman (who can be heard when JOHN CLEESE isn’t talking!) Flute www.lindseygoodman.com/ Learn more about your ad ch...

We’re going back into the world after a long pandemic. And it’s great. Except… how do we deal with… you know… people? Dr. Jonathan Bowman returns to the show to help us deal with people now that we have to. Also, what have other people said about stuff? Find out on our Quote Party! GUEST Jonathan Bowman, PhD Professor, Communication Studies University of San Diego HOUSE BAND Aedan MacDonnell Harp...