Wits ® Apm Podcasts

Comedian and writer Aparna Nancherla stopped by the Wits studios recently. John Moe got the chance to talk with her about almost attending West Point, working on late-night television, the process of writing funny things on sad subjects, and the current wave of comedians who are also first-generation Americans.

On this week's show, comedian, author and actor Jen Kirkman tells us what it's like to make an episode of Drunk History, punk rock godfather Bob Mould performs tracks from his latest album, and we hear why dead author Franz Kafka is so upset with Pharrell Williams about the song, "Happy."

2014 was a crazy year. On this special episode, we take a look at the top stories from the year that was, and how they affected the everyday for all of us, including the rugged. And the feline. We also take some time to ask some of our past guests what they’re excited about in 2015. Featuring Patton Oswalt, Open Mike Eagle, Thao Nguyen, Hari Kondabolu, Kelly Hogan, Mike Doughty, Paget Brewster and Rhett Miller, it’s our Year In Review episode of Wits.

On this week's episode, comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani tells us what happens when you Google a smell, singer/songwriter Valerie June explains how she's able to smile when she sings the blues, and the premiere installment of Wikihow Theater teaches how to behave around Grandpa and how to befriend a squirrel (the key is not to kiss it).

Comedian and actor Maz Jobrani stopped by our studio to talk with John Moe. Maz shares what is was like moving from Iran to America as a child, why it took him so long to start doing comedy, and his upcoming book, “I’m Not a Terrorist, But I've Played One On TV."

This week on Wits … a special episode of the moments on the show that are just a little off. Sketches and songs that are funny, surprising, moving and weird, where Mr. Rogers turns into a werewolf, letters from Civil War soldiers who are animals, an office trainee who doesn’t understand idioms, a spa filled with insects. Featuring Colin Hanks, Amy Sedaris, Andy Richter, Tig Notaro, Kristen Schaal, Patton Oswalt, Keegan-Michael Key, Loudon Wainwright III, Robyn Hitchcock and more.

On our recent crossover episode with the Thrilling Adventure Hour, guest Paget Brewster joined us for a remount of a classic Wits sketch. Here is Paget as Lucy van Pelt, a role originally performed by Julia Sweeney, and John Moe as Charlie Brown.

This week, the deeply hilarious, Peabody Award-winning comedian Keegan-Michael Key channels Michael Jackson, sings like Radiohead, and busts some myths about love and commitment. Plus, singer/songwriter Bhi Bhiman wows us with his powerful voice, and a Shakespearean take on how the Fresh Prince’s life got flipped, turned upside down.

On this week's episode, Wait Wait … Don't Tell Me! host Peter Sagal plays a Wits game show, comedian Paul F. Tompkins performs Amazon.com one-star reviews of great literature, and Open Mike Eagle performs from his album Dark Comedy. Plus, Leonard Cohen texts Leonard Cohen in this week's Pop Song Correspondence.

On this week’s show, comedian Hari Kondabolu is horrible at playing the game Two Truths and a Lie. He also becomes J.R. Toot McGoots and helps people find meaning in their lives. Plus, a special acoustic set from OK Go, and we hear about the teaching assistant who inspired the band’s name.

On this week's episode, host John Moe and comedian Margaret Cho play characters in an unconventional wedding ceremony, we learn some unusual things about penguins, and Josh Ritter performs songs from his latest album and tells us why Macbeth is a good read for people going through divorce.

On this week's Wits, Zach Galifianakis reveals his secret ambitions, Ed Helms plays one of his original songs, Anna Kendrick becomes Beccany, co-owner of a very different kind of casino, and Sara Watkins and Dan Wilson knock out the crowd with their beautiful harmonies.

This week's episode comes to you from our first touring show at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles with a long list of Wits friends. Keegan-Michael Key performs a one-star Amazon review of Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils, actress Ellie Kemper learns Spanish from a Tom Waits cassette, comedian Patton Oswalt becomes a ghost from Pac-Man, and comedian Paul F. Tompkins joins the musical team of Aimee Mann and Ted Leo for some improv songs in our Wits Game Show.

On this week's show, actor Steven Yeun talks about how his character Glenn from the hit show The Walking Dead keeps his spirits up amid a zombie apocalypse. Yeun also lets loose his master improv chops in the Wits Game Show. Plus, rock band Motion City Soundtrack debuts a song written specifically for Glenn and tells us where Motion City is actually located. And, we get to know the gritty life of chain restaurant workers in suburban America.

On this week's show, podcast icon Marc Maron tells us about a very memorable encounter with Iggy Pop, singer/songwriters Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires make beautiful music together, and we come face to face with Murder Cat! Plus, in our Pop Song Correspondence, we stop the world to melt with Superman.

On this week's show, Tom Waits, Abraham Lincoln and Morrissey tell us about their snack foods for kids, Neko Case sings from her latest album and tells us about her love for heavy metal, and TV's Andy Richter is a prom king forever. Plus, we find out what really happens when you play Gotcher Nose with a baby.

On this week's show, comedian Maria Bamford is a pro-wrestler who becomes a substitute English teacher, and a girl scout who may have eaten all the girl scout cookies before delivering them. Plus, singer/songwriter Thao Nguyen rocks songs from her latest album.

On this week’s episode, actor Jason Ritter explains his fascination with puns and gives handsome people advice on how to be handsomer, singer/rapper/writer Dessa confesses her love for the elderly and warns against serpents with bad circulation, and we learn about Edgar Allen Poe’s early career misadventures. Plus, the Supreme Court finally weighs in on whether or not you do, in fact, have the right to party.

On this week’s episode, comedian, actor, director David Cross talks about Arrested Development’s Tobias Funke and Alvin and the Chipmunks, Har Mar Superstar lays down his sweet soul sounds, and the two compete in the Wits Game Show: The R & B singer vs. the Slam Poet. You decide who’s who. Plus, a Pop Song Correspondence to Lorde and learn math with Tom Waits.

On this week's show, comedian Tim Heidecker becomes an unconventional aerobics instructor, the Wits Game Show goes delightfully off the rails, and we hear new songs from singer/songwriters Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, who have joined forces in a super-duo called The Both.