This Is Rad! (Society & Culture)

Heeeeere's Johnny! Kyle and Matthew sit down with Becky Joiner and Tim Kozlenko to discuss the master of the macabre, the king of horror, the scribe of all things scary: Stephen King. They talk about his spookiest novels, novellas and short stories - as well as his shittiest TV movies. Other topics include malt shop obsessions, Cujo memory lapses and the hubris of "Maximum Overdrive." Radrum...Radrum...

Direct download: 48_Stephen_King_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:25am PDT

Let's have a poke ball! Kyle and Matthew catch up with Aldrin Cornejo and Producer Natalie Hazen to channel the power that's inside: Pokemon! They discuss the games, the cards (TCG) and merchandise, and go in depth with their game and battle strategies. Also, who's banging Ash's mom and why Professor Oak is kind of a dick in Pokemon Snap. Gotta catch 'em all!

Direct download: 47_Pokemon_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:10am PDT

Tag, you're it! Shake up your Krylons and stir up your wheatpaste 'cause this week Kyle and Matthew are sitting down with the super rad graffiti artist Spencer Emmons (aka Serf). The crew takes a fascinating look at graffiti art as Serf recounts his history growing up in the L.A. graffiti scene. Topics include black books, wild style, fat caps, burners, heavens, run ins with the police and SpongeBob Switchblade. Serf is part of the TCF Crew, and you can follow him at @serflosangeles.

Direct download: 46_Graffiti_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:58pm PDT

Float on! Kyle and Matthew sit down with Kevin Kimmel to talk about the band Modest Mouse - the old stuff, the new stuff, and everything in between. Learn how Kevin discovered his favorite band while on a car ride back from Togo's. Hear the gang discuss The Moon & Antarctica, the bleakness of "The Lonesome Crowded West" documentary, and the importance of dad rock. Tangents along the way include Tom Green and tomfoolery, "switchy bagsies," shining bright spotlights at humans/animals, and losing your virginity to 311. Also, Kevin met the president!

Direct download: 45_Modest_Mouse_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:59pm PDT

It's a rad world after all! Kyle and Matthew sit down with Keith Carey, Laura Knight and Julia Prescott to discuss their deep enthusiasm for the happiest place on earth (minus Burnside's). Learn about Grad Night and the inevitable deaths that follow (along with morning-after apologies at Baha Fresh), lost Disney parks, and being productive while on Walt's home turf. Keith shares his stories from working as a cast member and using Oogie Boogie Man money to buy meth. Also, the Nicolas Cage curse. Yo ho, yo ho, a podcaster's life for us!

Direct download: 44_Disneyland_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 2:51pm PDT

We're going back in time! Kyle and Matthew sit down in the present with guests Alex Jacobs and Yedoye Travis to discuss time travel in science, movies, TV shows, pop culture and beyond. This is heavy, Doc. Kyle and Alex share how they made time travel movies after getting their hearts broken, and Matthew shares his knowledge of Stephen Hawking. Other topics include Isaac Asimov, the Kutch, "Flipping a Time Bitch," the food pyramid and dinosaurs. And if there's one love that stands the test of time - it's Taco Bell. Check out Alex's awesome movies at www.alexjacobsmakesmovies.com!

Direct download: 43_Time_Travel_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Live free or rad hard! Kyle and Matthew sit down with comedian Justin Williams to discuss the fun, thrills and epic blood loss resulting from action movies. Learn why "Die Hard" is the ultimate Christmas movie, why Keanu Reeves will forever be rad, and the importance of protagonist relatability. But it's not all a "testosterone jerk off fest." They discuss strong female protagonists, Kyle's lack of power fantasies, and Justin makes some astute points about the realistic portrayal of violence in movies. Other topics include Commando, Predator, Running Man, The Professional, The 5th Element, the Matrix, RoboCop, Terminator and the undeniable awesomeness of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hasta la vista, baby!

Direct download: 42_Action_Movies_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:59am PDT

Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee (or more accurately, on Gardner Street in West Hollywood), Kyle "The Colonel" Clark and Matthew "Achy Breaky" Burnside sit down to talk country music with Rivers Langley ("The Goods from the Woods" podcast, "Hush Money," shot a man in Reno just to watch him die). Intertwined are tales of jam bands and the darndest things hippies say, the saddest songs ever written, and that dark period when country music met rapping. Also, drugs. And Rivers recounts his time as a college radio DJ. Yee haw! For a good time, check out the monthly show @Yellahammered, hosted by Rivers, Joe Raines and Wes Van Horn, which brings a little 'Bama to the 'Angeles. The next one is March 28th!

Direct download: 41_Country_Music_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 10:34pm PDT

It's a rare condition, this day and age, to see podcasts about "Family Matters" on the iTunes front page. Thank goodness Kyle and Matthew are joined by the hilarious Hampton Yount to discuss the classic sitcom - and you bet there's real love burstin' out of every seam. Topics include the incomparable Reginald VelJohnson and Jaleel White, the unstoppable force of Urkel - dolls, dances and cereal - and of course, "Did I do that?" Also, they break down the rest of the TGIF lineup, including the sexual expertise of the "Boy Meets World" cast, the awesomeness of "The Drew Carey Show," and why it's not so fun hangin' with Mr. Cooper. It's the bigger love of the family! Check out Hampton's new album "Bearable" on AST Records!

Direct download: 40_Family_Matters_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:47am PDT

Good news, everyone! It's time for our "Futurama" episode! Fresh from cryogenic hibernation, Kyle and Matthew sit down with Frank Gidlewski and Adam Murray to discuss the animated escapades of Fry, Leela, Bender and the rest of the Planet Express gang. Favorite characters, favorite episodes, hidden math, Schrodinger's...cock? Frank reveals how Futurama caused his split from the church, and quotes abound. Don't like it? Then you can bite our shiny metal asses! Adam and Frank are awesome animators. Check out their YouTube channels at atommurray & frankg111.

Direct download: 39_Futurama_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:34pm PDT

Hit me baby one more time! Kyle and Matthew sit down with comedy duo The Martin Duprass (Jeremy Martin and Lauren Thomas-Martin) to talk about their favorite pop stars: Kesha, Tay-Tay, Xtina, Katy P. and Britney, bitch. For a topic so bubblegum, it gets pretty deep. Learn how Miley Cyrus helped Lauren stop drinking and hear everyone have an on-air quarter-life crisis. Mmm...bop. Check out "Their Satantic Majesties Baby Shower Gift Registry" at duprass.bandcamp.com.

Direct download: 38_Pop_Stars_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:11pm PDT

Dar si siht ot emoclew! In this damn fine episode, Kyle and Matthew sit down with Paul Cibis (comedian!) and Ben Waters (L.A. Foodie podcast!) to discuss the brilliant and weird world of David Lynch. From the infuriating Inland Empire to the horror of Eraserhead to the divisiveness of Wild at Heart and scummy Bobby Peru, no film is left unturned. Other topics include the ups and downs of Laura Palmer, Twin Peaks and the "James Hurley Adventures," Transcendental Meditation, Muppet Babies, and a box of electric bees!

Direct download: 37_David_Lynch_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:30am PDT

Will you go to the dance with me? In this Valentine's Day hostful, Kyle, Matthew and Producer Natalie sit down to talk about the trials and tribulations of school dances. They discuss hiding your boner during a slow dance and when your blossoming boobs wither in a strapless sparkle dress. Also, Kyle and Matthew defend juggalos. Like, a lot. Warning: This episode deals a heaping dose of honesty, so get ready!

Direct download: 36_School_Dances_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 2:37am PDT

Welcome back for part two! (If you haven't listened to part one, please check out that episode first.) In part deux, the rad gang plays the negotiation board game "Chinatown" with guests Brent Weinbach, Andrew Michaan and Trevor Ames. In the process, they learn a lot about each other - mostly how much Andrew likes Tender Greens. They also give good recommendations for beginners if you're looking to dip your toe into the board game waters.

Direct download: 35_Board_Games_-_Part_2_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:01pm PDT

Viva la resistance! The rad gang sits down for a friendly board game night with guests Brent Weinbach, Andrew Michaan and Trevor Ames to get to the bottom of what makes board games so rad. However, when tensions run high during "The Resistance," their newfound friendships may never be the same. Can you guess the spies in their midst? Part one of two! Check out Brent's work on brentweinbach.com.

Direct download: 34_Board_Games_-_Part_1_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 10:47pm PDT

Think outside the box! Or rather, what box do you think...inside? Kyle and Matthew sit down with fellow ENFJ Rachel Mac to talk about the mystery cult of personality boxes that is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test. Rachel's a big fan, and she gives them some insight into her fascination with the 16 personality types. Other topics include sheltered boarding school life, mentorships and educating the Amish. Check out Rachel's work at RachelTellsItLikeItIs.com.

Direct download: 33_Myers-Briggs_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:00pm PDT

Happy Birthday, Kyle! This week our heroes in a half shell are joined by Laura Knight and comedian Paul Palmeri to spend the afternoon at Producer Natalie's house eating pizza, celebrating Kyle's birthday and recording a commentary for the original Ninja Turtles movie. Topics include cool youth gangs, Corey Feldman, and April O'Neil's nips. Turtle Power!

Direct download: 32_Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 7:34pm PDT

Sometimes miscommunications arise, and sometimes we spend an episode talking about "The Land Before Time." In this strange episode, Kyle and Matthew are joined by comedians Kevin Macias and Rob Schultz (normalwebsite.com) to discuss the 1988 Don Bluth animated classic. Sort of. It's real weird and all over the place. A lot of "Have you seen (pop culture reference)?" Rob's real funny. So is Kevin. Guys, Producer Natalie is sorry that she can't tell when comedians are joking about episode premises sometimes. She promises next week will be better. Rock-A-Doodle.

Direct download: 31_The_Land_Before_Time_-This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 1:03am PDT

Kyle and Matthew sit down with the delightful comedian Wendi Starling to examine nutrition, holistic remedies, and balancing healthy living with horrific lifestyle choices. Does taurine weaken your butthole? Why is it important to alkalize (and what the hell does that mean)? Is a parasite cleanse for you? Bee pollen, zeolite clay, excitotoxins, it's all here. Plus, Mountain Dew Red Code. Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any health claims, no matter how badly you may want to sue us.

Direct download: 30_Holistic_Living_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:58pm PDT

Kyle and Matthew ring in the New Year by taking a look back at their favorite rad things from 2014. From Boyhood to Birdman, Shovel Knight to South Park, and Modern Boxes to MursDay, no movie, show or album is left unturned!

Direct download: 29_This_Year_In_Radview_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 7:21pm PDT

Merry Rad-mas! This week Kyle and Matthew have got a special someone on their "Nice" list: Meltdown Comics' own Gaston Dominguez-Letelier. That's right, THE Gaston! They take a fascinating look at the world of toy collecting: the ups, the downs, and the hollow victory of buying your dreams on eBay. Gaston also shares the exhilarating (and terrifying) ordeal of making your own toys. Topics include Lego, Pez, Nerf, Amiibo and other words that are barely words. Plus, Japan and Spiderman. Toy to the world!

Direct download: 28_Toys_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:26pm PDT

Kyle and Matthew sit down with the super kawaii Laura Knight and Kyle's brother's friend Doug Tardif to discuss their complicated relationship with anime (not Japanimation!). Kyle waxes poetic about Evangelion, the golden days of internet piracy and plot structure in relation to orgasms (huh?). Other topics include Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, Cowboy Bebop and Naruto. Believe it!

Direct download: 27_Anime_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:24pm PDT

Is the band Radiohead overrated? In for sure the yelliest episode yet, Kyle and Matthew team up with guests Nolan Fabricius and John Roy to have a high school style debate on a topic they're all very passionate about. Who will win? Kyle and Nolan's loud yelling or John and Matthew's even louder yelling? WHAT? We can't hear you over the screams.

Direct download: 26_Radiohead_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:36am PDT

Kyle and Matthew sit down with comedian/writer Chris Estrada and author Eric Grubbs ("Post: A Look at the Influence of Post-Hardcore 1985-2007," "When We Were the Kids") to discuss Post-hardcore and Emo and how the genres shaped music, culture and more. The gang gets deep about Fugazi, Jawbreaker, Spitboy and other bands Producer Natalie has never heard of.

Direct download: 25_Post-Hardcore_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 3:43am PDT

It's the most rad-erful time of the year! Kyle, Matthew and Producer Natalie sit down for another merry "Rad Gab" to share their favorite holiday memories, both weird and not weird. They also share what our listeners are radful for and emotions ensue.

Direct download: 24_Holidays_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:30pm PDT

Kyle and Matthew are joined by pinball wizards/comedians Justin Lentz and Jeff May to discuss the finer points of pinball… with some slight deviations along the way. They tell tales about high scores, the NerdMelt Open Mic, Portland and CFF (Crazy Flipper Fingers), while Job Stauffer from Telltale Games calls in to talk about The Walking Dead digital pinball game.

Direct download: 23_Pinball_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 1:29am PDT

Give a hoot, read a book! Kyle and Matthew go into the rad with comedian Laura Crawford and comedy writer Brandon Burkhart to discuss the works of Jon Krakauer, author of "Into the Wild," "Into Thin Air" and other books that don't start with "Into the." Topics include Mt. Everest aliens, living off the land, the folly of man, and movie drinking games!

 

Direct download: 22_Jon_Krakauer_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:40am PDT

What's up, doc? Kyle and Matthew are joined by Greg Gonzalez and Daniel Zafran from the L.A. Meekly podcast to walk through the looney history of cartoons. From "Gertie the Dinosaur" to "A Goofy Movie," they explore animation's early beginnings in Los Angeles, the studio rivalries of the Golden Age and the shocking truth behind Betty Boop. Boop-Oop-a-Doop!

Direct download: 21_Animation_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 9:02pm PDT

Take a walk on the rad side! You know it's a perfect day when Kyle and Matthew get to sit down and talk about Lou Reed with actor Matt Bennett ("Victorious," "The Virginity Hit"). From the proto-punk sound of the Velvet Underground to Transformer, Berlin and beyond, the gang gets deep - with a stop to discuss William Shatner along the way. Satellite of Love meets Rocket Man?

Direct download: 20_Lou_Reed_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:19pm PDT

Bonus episode! Kyle and Matthew wrap up Radtober with a trip to the Son of Monsterpalooza horror convention - and have a bloody good time. Joined by Producer Natalie and Laura Knight and led by their horror makeup spirit guides Chris Korn and Lawrence Mercado, the gang gets a close-up look at the horror, the horror! Along the way they talk to Face Off's Alana Rose Schiro, extreme artist Tim Gore, Teresa Loera from Stan Winston, YouTuber Sidney Cumbie and some rad fans!

Direct download: 19_Son_of_Monsterpalooza_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 10:05pm PDT

Cotton candy, sweet and low, let me see that Tootsie Roll! In this merry "Rad Gab," Kyle, Matthew and Producer Natalie take you to the candy shop to discuss sugar, spice and everything nice. Topics include sweet vs. sour, lollipops vs. suckers, aspartame vs. Natalie's fragile insides and Dimetapp: the sweetest candy of all?

Direct download: 18_Candy_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 7:36pm PDT

Radtober continues its reign of terror! Kyle and Matthew welcome back their favorite horror makeup mavens Chris Korn and Lawrence Mercado to record an audio commentary for the classic 1982 horror film "The Thing." Also, it's Producer Natalie Hazen's first time seeing the movie, and needless to say, she's making all her friends get blood tests ASAP.

Direct download: 17_The_Thing_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:39pm PDT

The show. The band. The food. This week Kyle and Matthew discuss Wings x 3 with guests Nolan Fabricius, Dave Kloc and Producer Natalie Hazen. Is "Wings" the best American sitcom? Is that Paul McCartney Christmas song really that bad? Is this the stupidest premise for an episode yet? Find out the answer to these questions, plus Lowell's LOLs, and more!

Direct download: 16_Wings_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 12:39am PDT

Do you wanna party? It's party time! This week Kyle and Matthew are joined by Nancy Clark, that's right, Kyle's mom, to talk about the pop culture phenomenon that is "The Walking Dead." Learn the origins of Kyle's zombie love and the gang's zombie apocalypse survival plans. Plus, deer jerky. It's Radtober!

Direct download: 15_The_Walking_Dead_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 8:41pm PDT

Let Radtober begin! Matthew "Burning in Hell"side and Kyle "Kill All Humans" Clark welcome back the co-hosts of Stonecutters LA, John Ungaro and Adam Murray, to discuss The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror episodes – with plenty of quotes and rambles along the way. Plus, John fights off one spoooooky hangover. Urge to kill rising...

Direct download: 14_Treehouse_of_Horror_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 9:29pm PDT

You better werk! Kyle and Matthew are joined by squirrel friends Jarrod Gilbreath and Emily Mellin to gag on the eleganza of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Topics include the mechanics of tucking, the Drag Race curse and Michelle Visage's epic titties. Plus, Matthew and Kyle pick out their drag names. Can I get an amen?

Direct download: 13_RuPauls_Drag_Race_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 8:49pm PDT

Psst... the secret word is "rad"! Kyle and Matthew are joined by actor/comedian Brad Gage to discuss the timeless comedy of Groucho, Harpo, Chico and occasionally Zeppo. Rambles include teenage alcoholism, prison politics and pinochle, assorted sauces and the "Cardboard Coffin."

Direct download: 12_Marx_Brothers_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 8:47pm PDT

In this special rad-venture, our brave paladins Sir Kyle and Sir Matthew embark on a quest to ye olde Renaissance Pleasure Faire… and learn that the only items they should have equipped were their wallets. Special guests include Lady Natalie Hazen and Lady Laura Knight with a surprise drop-in from Sir Ben Trandem!

Direct download: 11_Ren_Faire_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:29pm PDT

What makes a bad movie so good? Kyle and Matthew sit down with Aaron H. Baker and John Mathot, producers of "Horrible Movie Night," to talk about the thrills, chills and spills of cringe-worthy cinema. Learn about the show's history and upcoming 5th anniversary, the best movies to make fun of, and the beef with MC Kung Fu.

Direct download: 10_Bad_Movies_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 9:00pm PDT

Who you gonna call? Radbusters! Kyle and Matthew call on guest Nick Veneroso to talk the Ghostbusters franchise, from movies and cartoons to action figures and breakfast cereal. The gang shares stories of childhood ghost containment units, crying over cast members, and adopting the Ghostbusters as father figures. This shit runs deep.

Direct download: 9_Ghostbusters_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 5:24pm PDT

What's more metal than revenge? Kyle finally gets his revenge for Matthew's ska episode by welcoming on metalheads Travis Clark (comedian!) and Eric Bryan (musician!) to discuss why heavy metal music is rad.

Direct download: 8_Heavy_Metal_-This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 9:00pm PDT

May the rad be with you! Kyle and Matthew sit down with comedians Ed Greer and Klee Wiggins, who get very opinionated about Boba Fett, The Force and America's favorite Ruff Ryder...DMX. Punch it, Chewie!

Direct download: 7_Star_Wars_Expanded_Universe_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 6:23pm PDT

It's a bird...it's a plane...it's a bonus episode! Kyle goes on an expedition to San Diego's legendary Comic-Con and tries to make sense of it all with seasoned con-goers Benjamin Dunn, Justin Baker and Andrew Myers. It's the Real World: Comic-Con!

 

Direct download: 6_Comic-Con_-This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 9:12pm PDT

Who loves "The Simpsons"? We do-ooo! We do-ooo! Kyle and Matthew are joined by Kyle's fellow hosts of Stonecutters L.A., Adam Murray and John Ungaro, to swap Simpsons trivia, memories and quotes…for the love of God, so many quotes.

Direct download: 5_The_Simpsons_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 5:23pm PDT

Ska

Kyle and Matthew sit down with comedians/skaficionados Brandie Posey and Julia Prescott to talk ska music and its effects on their formative teenage years. Learn about Ska Summit 2003, "Jamaican Bacon" and other checkered pasts. Pick it up, pick it up!

Direct download: 4_Ska_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 11:15am PDT

Horror has a face...but it wouldn't without these guys! Kyle and Matthew welcome special makeup and creature effects artists Chris Korn and Lawrence Mercado to discuss how they got started, making blood on a budget, "The Thing" and monster dildos.

Direct download: 3_Horror_Movie_Makeup_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

Kyle and Matthew sit down with comedian Dan Telfer to discuss the wildly popular yet surprisingly deep cartoon "Adventure Time." Topics include Native American mythology, gender politics and the traumatizing aftereffects of "David the Gnome."

Direct download: 2_Adventure_Time_-_This_Is_Rad.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 3:29pm PDT

Welcome to "This Is Rad!" Hosts Kyle Clark and Matthew Burnside are joined by comedian Alex Hooper to talk all things techno. Do you need drugs to rave? Does "Sandstorm" ever get old? And why aren't you listening to Fartbarf? Discover the answer to these questions and more!

Direct download: thisisrad_episode1_techno_final_version_tweeks.mp3
Category:Society & Culture -- posted at: 3:20pm PDT

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