Podcast

Mar 5, 2024
Ep 295: Finding the Votes
We know we can win this coming election— we just need to find a few extra votes. Like… two or three million of them. Luckily, we’ve got Field Team 6 with us tonight to do just that! And then, prepare your primate brains for primary education – it’s “Bonnie and ... Read More
Feb 27, 2024
Ep 294: Jon Lovett Rings Our Bell!
We’ve got Jon Lovett from “Lovett or Leave It” at our door, and he won’t leave it until he teaches Paula how to go door-to-door as a political activist. And then we set ourselves down on the front stoop to pluck the mini-banjos we just made – it’s the return ... Read More
Feb 20, 2024
Ep 293: The Surgeon General’s Challenge!
Dr. Vivek Murthy advised us to check out his “5 for 5 Challenge” to improve our connection to other humans. Today… we launch upon it! Plus, we tackle the big questions in “Paula Poundstone’s Ethicspalooza!” HOUSE BAND Kristen LeJeune kristenviolin.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ... Read More
Feb 13, 2024
Ep 292: The Road to Wellness with Rina Raphael
Ep 292 – The Road to Wellness with Rina Raphael We’re feeling well, thanks. What we’re not feeling, though, is wellness, and journalist Rina Raphael joins us to help separate the fads from the scams from the cults. And then, feeling healthy yet? Well, prepare to help your plants do ... Read More
Feb 6, 2024
Ep 291: Love Gone Bad
With yet another guest leaving us at the altar, Paula and the crew recount their own sordid tales of romantic failure – it’s “Love Gone Bad.” And just in case WE were the problem all along, YOU have ideas on how we can be better, in “Mailbag! Fixer-Upper Edition.” GUEST ... Read More
Jan 30, 2024
Ep 290: Constructing Crosswords with Andrea Carla Michaels
What’s an eight letter word for “Poundstone podcast fans?” We find out with legendary New York Times puzzle constructor Andrea Michaels! And then we discover all the peaceful applications for high explosive, as we receive Bonnie and Toni’s Oral Report on Alfred Nobel! GUEST Andrea Carla Michaels andrea-carlamichaels.squarespace.com HOUSE BAND ... Read More
Jan 23, 2024
Ep 289: the Return of Social (Media) Anxiety!
Last month Toni and Bonnie filled in for our missing guest, expert Sunny Hunt, and explained social media to Paula, and what could be better than that? How about actually having Sunny Hunt on the show? Yes! That would be better. And then – tales of our former athletic triumphs. ... Read More
Jan 16, 2024
Ep 288: Heather Cox Richardson Explains It All For You!
Sure the events of the past few years are unprecedented. Except for all the precedents. Historian and world’s greatest contextualizer Heather Cox Richardson is here to put today’s events in perspective! Plus, improve your world in the New Year with a new round of Life Hacks With Captain Crinkle… and YOU! ... Read More
Jan 9, 2024
Ep 287: Career Corner with Talent Manager Bonnie Burns
If comedy doesn’t work out, does Paula have what it takes to make it as a talent manager? Does Bonnie have what it takes to help Paula answer that question? Find out on Career Corner! Plus, what do YOU need from us in 2024? It’s Mailbag! New Years Edition. GUEST ... Read More
Jan 2, 2024
Ep 286: Aquaman and The Poseidon Adventure!
Should you shell out your hard-earned clams for “Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom?” The only sure way to keep your powder dry is to decide based on our review of 1972’s blockbuster “The Poseidon Adventure.” Why? It’s not clear. But trust us as we conclude our Holiday Movie Spectacular! HOUSE BAND ... Read More
Dec 26, 2023
Ep 285: Pouncing on “Cats”
Should you go see the new feature “The Iron Claw?” The only way to tell is to hear our review of the mammoth 2019 flop, “Cats.” Yes, our Holiday Movie Review Season has returned!  HOUSE BAND Tim Sway NewPerspectivesMusic.com  youtube.com/TimSway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ... Read More
Dec 19, 2023
Ep 284: Alone Together with Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy!
We’ve got our actual Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, here to discuss a vastly under-discussed health hazard: Loneliness! And then it’s time to take back what is rightfully ours… it’s Mailbag! Vengeance Edition. GUEST Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA  U.S. Surgeon General, Department of Health and Human Services  ... Read More
Dec 12, 2023
Ep 283: Going Viral with Kyle Harper
Last week we talked about going viral, but this week… what about actual viruses? Can we beat infectious diseases, or are they destined to beat us? Professor Kyle Harper is here to inoculate us with the needle of knowledge! Plus, more Auntie Stories! GUEST Kyle Harper kyleharper.net HOUSE BAND Ron ... Read More
Dec 5, 2023
Ep 282: Social (Media) Anxiety
Okay, the plan is to discuss the next three chapters in our Book Club, then talk to an expert about improving our social media stuff, and then do the Poundstone Riddle Invitational. That’s the plan, anyway. What could possibly go wrong? GUEST Sunny Hunt convinceandconvert.com HOUSE BAND Kevin Kelso Sponsors ... Read More
Nov 28, 2023
Ep 281: Fiona Hill Returns!
What’s up with our buddy Vladdy P, the guy who runs Russia, Russia, Russia these days? Returning champion Fiona Hill is here to explain it all! Plus, remember how we didn’t know anything about Suriname? Prepare to be enlightened by “Bonnie and Toni’s Oral Report!” GUEST Fiona Hill brookings.edu/people/fiona-hill HOUSE ... Read More
Nov 21, 2023
Ep 280: Auditing the Collection Plate with Cathleen Falsani
They take in millions, don’t pay taxes, and they answer to no one about their finances. No, not the Trumps – we’re talking about the entirely legal business of running a church. Cathleen Falsani helps us account for the unaccountable. And then – well, why don’t we let YOU describe ... Read More
Nov 14, 2023
Ep 279 -The Critter in Winter with Dr. Elenor Spicer Rice
Summer is long gone, and so are all the bugs and other creatures we’ve been sharing our yards with. But… where did they go? Not everybody can migrate, especially with today’s airfares. Superguest Dr Eleanor Spicer Rice returns to let us know who’s wintering where. And then – get ready ... Read More
Nov 7, 2023
Ep 278: Pleasing the Court with Dahlia Lithwick
How supreme is our wobbly Supreme Court these days? The amazing Dahlia Lithwick joins us to explore the scandals and history that has taken the shine off those once-regal black robes. Plus, it’s time to run for the border – ALL the borders – with the return of “Land Ho! ... Read More
Nov 6, 2023
Listen Now: ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show
Cuddly as a cactus and charming as an eel, he’s your new favorite snarky talk show host. Join The Grinch (and his faithful dog Max) each week as he rants against Christmas cheer and roasts celebrity guests like chestnuts on an open fire. Starring Saturday Night Live’s James Austin Johnson ... Read More
Oct 31, 2023
Ep 277: Hey hey, it’s Micky Dolenz!
People say we’re monkeying around. Because usually we are. And the only thing that makes this show different, is actual Monkee Micky Dolenz! Oh, and also “Mailbag! Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stickle Edition.”   GUEST Micky Dolenz mickydolenz.com   HOUSE BAND Nate Bickford   Sponsors Take eharmony’s Compatibility ... Read More