This Week's Most Interesting Podcasts

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After a Thanksgiving break (during which I moved to Tennessee!), it’s time for another roundup of notable podcasts. I recommend different shows every week, so for more suggestions, visit the archive.

In no particular order:

IRA GLASS DOESN’T WATCH MUCH TV.

Here’s the Thing, Nov. 24 episode

Alec Baldwin’s podcast has returned, and in this episode he chats with the host of This American Life about his career in public radio. Glass admits he spends most of his time working and says if he had more hours to spare, he’d consume more culture. (Aside from Game of Thrones, Louie, and a couple other shows, Glass says he’s woefully behind on TV.)

AL JAFFEE EATS PB&J FOR BREAKFAST.

Employee of the Month, Nov. 28 episode

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Host Catie Lazarus engages in a charming conversation with Jaffee, the lively 93-year-old cartoonist best known for his work in Mad magazine. Jaffee tells fantastic anecdotes about Hugh Hefner (who wanted to be a cartoonist), Stan Lee and others, but a particularly memorable moment comes when he reveals his secret to longevity just might be his daily breakfast of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. 

MARC MARON’S IDEAL BREAKFAST: BISCUITS WITH SAUSAGE GRAVY.

The Sporkful, Dec. 1 episode

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The comedian talks melon balls and sandwiches with host (and former Air America colleague) Dan Pashman. And yes, Maron is a fan of biscuits and gravy—but not so much of microwaves, which he says should only be used “in emergency situations.”

WIL WHEATON FELL OUT OF LOVE WITH STAR WARS.

The Indoor Kids, Episode 177

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I’m not a gamer, but I still enjoy listening to this videogame podcast hosted by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon. This week, Wil Wheaton stops by to talk about crazy ‘80s parties, his obsession with Neil Gaiman’s Sandman and, yes, games. He also (bravely) reveals that he has become indifferent to Star Wars over the years, mainly because of his dissatisfaction with the prequels.

MARC MARON DOESN’T KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HIS EXES.

Professor Blastoff, Episode 183

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Maron is the king of all podcasts this week; he also appears on Blastoff ‘s episode devoted to breakups. WTF listeners are already familiar with the podcaster’s love life, and here he goes into detail about the demise of his two marriages and what he has learned since. 

JULIE KLAUSNER MAY PAUSE HER SHOW … TO WORK ON HER OTHER SHOW.

How Was Your Week?, Episode 194

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Klausner’s podcast has been going strong for almost 200 episodes, and the writer/comedian reveals she may need to take a break from it, since she’s currently busy making her new Hulu series. She thanks her listeners, asks for understanding … and then shares some concerns about Cher’s health.

PATTON OSWALT HAS A FAVORITE TIME-WASTING GAME.

You Made It Weird, Episode 237

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In a funny and earnest two-hour conversation with Pete Holmes, Oswalt touches on aging, depression, meditation, the craft of comedy and other topics. And speaking of craft, he repeatedly references an online game called GemCraft: Chasing Shadows, which he admits to playing for extended periods when he should perhaps be doing something more productive.