Podcast

Jan 17, 2023
Ep 236: Could Paula be a Park Ranger?
Could Paula find a home on the range, ranging around as a ranger? We arrange to speak to real-life Grand Canyon park ranger Della Yurcik to find out if Paula has what it takes to rescue wanderers and protect pic-a-nic baskets! Plus, we’ve got facts for you – but a ... Read More
Jan 10, 2023
Ep 235: Securing Social Security with John Waggoner
How secure is our Social Security? Is it being squandered or is it being kept safe in some kind of lock box? Is it a Ponzi scheme, and if so, how do we use it to get rich quick? The AARP’s John Waggoner explains it all for us. Plus, Bonnie ... Read More
Jan 3, 2023
Ep 234: Spreading the Love at the National Mustard Museum
We love mustard, but what IS it? Where does it come from? Why is it always on shirts and chins? Barry Levenson, curator of the National Mustard Museum, is here to demystify our most mystifying common condiment. And then – we have a show, you have… helpful hints. It’s Mailbag! ... Read More
Dec 27, 2022
Ep 233: Return to “Xanadu”
Should you see the new movie musical “Matilda?” To help you decide, we screen the 1980 musical mess “Xanadu,” starring Olivia’s Newton John, Gene Kelly, the music of ELO, and more roller skates than you’ll ever want to see on one screen. They call it “Xanadu.” Paula calls it… something ... Read More
Dec 20, 2022
Ep 232: Falling for “Falling for Christmas?”
It’s our annual Holiday Movie Review, and this time we have a special one – the unexpected Netflix smash hit, Lindsay Lohan’s “Falling for Christmas!” She fell off a mountain and lost her memory, and – SPOILER ALERT – you’ll wish you had too! The happiest of holidays to all our Nobodies! ... Read More
Dec 13, 2022
Ep 231: Surviving Disaster with Dr. Caroline Hackerott
When it all hits the fan, how do we turn off the fan? Dr. Caroline Hackerott, professor of Emergency Management and Disaster Science is here to ride out the storm with us. And then… they said it, and now we’re saying they said it. It’s the return of Quote Party! GUEST Dr. ... Read More
Dec 6, 2022
Ep 230: Wheelchair Basketball: Wheeling and Dealing w/Alvin Malave
We love basketball, but how does the pick and roll work when you are actually rolling? Wheelchair athlete and coach Alvin Malave stops by to give us the Xs and Os on how the game is played on wheels. And then we keep on a-rolling, right into the Simi Valley for ... Read More
Nov 29, 2022
Ep 229: Do the Gerrymander with Ben Sheehan!
Everybody’s doing it – the hot ol’ dance they call The Gerrymander. But how do we get states to STOP doing it and redistrict fairly? Returning champion Ben Sheehan is here to explain it all. Plus, how can we woo new listeners in Portugal? Maybe with a brand new Toni ... Read More
Nov 22, 2022
Ep 228: The Butler Did It – Could You?
Paula serves her fans beautifully, but could she serve… as a butler? Star butler Andrew Lowrey puts her through her paces. And then, what does every stately home also need? Peacock puppets, of course, and you’ll learn to make them, courtesy of Toni’s Craft Corner. GUEST Andrew Lowrey precisehome.com HOUSE ... Read More
Nov 15, 2022
Ep 227: Can Bugs Save the Planet?
Remember Aly Moore, who came on our show and fed us bugs? Well, she’s back with her new venture, Chapul Farms, working to create a farming ecosystem where bugs turn waste into soil and chicken feed! And if that all seems like a complicated conundrum, wait until we stump you ... Read More
Nov 8, 2022
Ep 226: Winning the Climate War with Michael Mann
What’s happening with our climate, and exactly how screwed are we at this point? Author and scientist Michael Mann comes by with the bad news and some surprisingly hopeful predictions. Then, prepare yourself to seek the truth. And the other truth. That’s right, it’s the return of Two Truths and Lie! GUEST ... Read More
Nov 1, 2022
Ep 225: Kicking Asteroid: Are We Ready to Defend the Planet?
Ep 225 – Kicking Asteroid: Are We Ready to Defend the Planet?  Invaders from space are touching down on Earth all the time, but how are we going to deal with The Big One? Planetary Defense expert Ralph Harvey breaks down how we can break down dangerous meteors – with ... Read More
Oct 25, 2022
Ep 224: Career Window
Paula has investigated a bunch of other jobs, but how do the pros approach career transitions? We’ve got Aurora Meneghello from “Repurpose Your Purpose” to lay it out for us. And then – we’re finally getting to Bonnie and Toni’s report on Ben Franklin! Is it worth the wait? Find ... Read More
Oct 18, 2022
Ep 223: Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan Schools Us
What is the Department of Education? What does it do? And why do so many Republicans run on the idea of getting rid of it? Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan drops by to drop some knowledge on us. GUEST Arne Duncan www.chicagocred.org HOUSE BAND Zip Dagger @zipdagger on instagram Zip ... Read More
Oct 11, 2022
Ep 222: Bugapalooza!
You listeners have questions about bugs – and our friend Dr. Eleanor Spicer-Rice is back to answer them all! And speaking of the natural world, Bonnie Burns and her green(ish) thumb are here to offer handy horticultural tips in another installment of “Garden Time with Captain Crinkle!” GUEST Dr. Eleanor ... Read More
Oct 4, 2022
Ep 221: Oil You Can Eat
How can anything be extra virgin? Although that’s definitely how some of us felt in high school. But olive oil is different, and olive oil sommelier Marisa Bloch Gaytan is here to tell us all about its tasty and nutritious world. Plus – brace yourselves – Bonnie and Toni explore the life ... Read More
Sep 27, 2022
Ep 220: Truth or Share
Studies show that when you share an article that you haven’t read, it actually makes you think you know more than you do. Don’t bother reading any further – you’re already an expert on this podcast! Share it! But if you’re still reading, know that we’ve got returning champion Dr. ... Read More
Sep 20, 2022
Ep 219: See How They Run
We all know that this year’s campaigns are heating up, but what’s it like from the inside? What are the rules nowadays, and more importantly, are there rules nowadays? Author, political consultant, and recovering Republican TIm Miller drops in to drop some knowledge. And then… how would you describe our show? Well, ... Read More
Sep 13, 2022
Ep 218: Eyes on the Prizefighter
At a time when athletes are using their platform to advance real causes, we take a moment to talk about the man who basically built that platform: Muhammad Ali. Professor and author Randy Roberts steps into the ring to tell us all about Ali’s amazing life. And speaking of amazing ... Read More
Sep 6, 2022
Ep 217: Frame That Tune!
What makes that song you like… a song that you like? Nolan Gasser, the brains behind Pandora’s Music Genome Project, is here to tell us how he broke music down its core components. And then he helps Paula continue her quest to write a hot Christmas song that’ll knock Mariah ... Read More