Pod City: This Week's Most Interesting Podcasts

Leslie Mullen, via startalkradio.net
Leslie Mullen, via startalkradio.net / Leslie Mullen, via startalkradio.net
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Each Friday I round up a few nuggets of wisdom from the podcasting world. I try not to mention the same show twice, so check the archives for more listening suggestions!

1. BEN STILLER OWNS A GORN FROM STAR TREK.

StarTalk, Nov. 2 Episode

At least, he owns a Gorn head, according to pal Hank Azaria. In this episode, host and astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson asks the actor about a variety of topics, including his voice work on The Simpsons, his science-related TV and film roles, and his “geek” cred, which includes an interest in comic books and, yes, Star Trek. (In case you were wondering, he prefers Kirk to Picard.) 

2. ONE MAN WAS CONNED FOR A QUARTER-CENTURY … AND NEVER TOLD ANYONE.

Criminal, Episode 11

prx.org

The podcast highlights a particularly heartbreaking crime in its latest episode with a tale of a kind man who, after an unfortunate detour in a bad neighborhood, wound up being conned out of about $100,000 over a period of 25 years. It would spoil the story to reveal anything more.

3. BRILLIANT PSYCHOPATHS ARE HARD TO COME BY.

Serial, Episode 7

In the latest riveting episode of this podcast, an attorney offers her take on Adnan Syed’s case—and even enlists law students to help dissect it. After host Sarah Koenig wonders aloud whether Adnan is innocent or a very intelligent killer, the attorney notes how rare it is to encounter that type of personality.

4. QUESTLOVE LOVES QUISP CEREAL.

Food is the New Rock, Episode 118

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The drummer dishes about the glory days of The Roots’ tour riders, which he says were all about acquiring nonperishables the band could stockpile and bring home after the tour. Among the requests: Ten boxes of cereal in every city.

5. CHRIS GETHARD THOUGHT HE WAS A GHOST (TWICE).

Mental Illness Happy Hour, Episode 197

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In this episode of Paul Gilmartin’s podcast, the comedian is astoundingly honest about his lifelong struggles with depression. He talks about therapy, medication, his best moments, and his hardest moments, like a couple times when he deluded himself into thinking he was invisible to the world around him.

6. KRAMER WORE THE SAME NECKLACE THROUGHOUT SEINFELD’S RUN.

Seincast: A Seinfeld Podcast, Episode 18

atlantablackstar.com

Each episode of Seincast takes a very detailed look back at one episode of the hit sitcom. This ep deals with “The Deal,” in which Jerry and Elaine decide to become friends with benefits. Along with clips and analysis, the hosts (and diehard fans) impart bits of trivia like this Kramer gem.

7. PAUL F. TOMPKINS ATTENDS AMAZING DINNER PARTIES.

I Was There Too, Episode 1

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In this show, which is part of the new Wolfpop podcasting network, host Matt Gourley talks to lesser-known actors who appeared in famous movie and TV scenes. The debut ep features Tompkins, who had a small part in There Will Be Blood. He describes attending dinner parties with director Paul Thomas Anderson, who later offered him the role via phone.