syates59

Hey Paul, I think I know why you kept calling actor/activist Ron Silver by the name "Ron SIlva". Were you confusing him with another actor/activist who frequently plays the bad guy? I'm thinking of actor/activist Henry Silva. There is a slight resemblance. Perhaps there was a time travel snafu and actor/activist Henry Silva, ended up in the same timeline as actor/activist Ron Silver. I understand that the two actor/activists did meet, but never touched! Coincidence? I think not.

I have to thank DVK and the Mirror Men for the wonderful shout-out. I know it sounds like a child getting excited about seeing his name in the paper, but I'm such a fan that hearing my name makes me feel like I'm part of my favorite show. Ran and Jay are so nice. My son still has his picture with the Wonder Twins on his wall, his proudest possession. DVK is just as sweet and the three of them make me laugh consistently. Gondelman was so funny. I laughed out loud several times during this ep. Long live Sklarbro County and Country!

As a loyal citizen of both Sklarbro County and Country, I believe I note the lack of new Regal Cinema episodes of The Trailer featuring our beloved Sklar Buddies. If you are like me and can't get enough of Ran and Jay, please tweet at the good folks at Regal (@RegalMovies) and respectfully request more of the @SklarBrothers. And please ask your followers to RT. If we get the word out, maybe Regal will respond. Thanks! (I am not employed by the Sklar Brothers in any capacity. I am just a fan who wants to see them do well...in spite of the fact that their Cardinals hacked into the computer database of my beloved Astros, no doubt causing them to spiral downward and miss the playoffs. As if the Cards haven't won enough. Let's not share the wealth. Oh, no! Wait, where was I? Oh yes. Let's help the Sklars. Whatevs.)

I feel selfishly sad to see PB end. I remember hearing about the new science-comedy podcast from the Sklar Brothers on their podcast. I listened to the first episode and knew I had found another piece in the puzzle of my life. I fell in love with Tig, Kyle, David and Aaron. I dreamed of being in the hatch with them. They may not think of themselves as being the hip, cool, popular kids, but they are! When I heard them solicit listeners to become guests if they had some scientific expertise, I jumped at the chance and sent off an email with fingers crossed. David read one of my tweets on the show and made me feel like I was like a kid reading his name in the paper! Then I got an email that they wanted to have me on as a guest! Even though it was by phone from far-off Connecticut, I felt how sweet and welcoming they all were to me, even as I silently waited on hold. They made me feel like I was an old friend. It was a true high point! And lo and behold, they asked me back. This time was different. As I waited on hold, I heard them talking about Tig and a diagnosis and then I heard them mention cancer. I held back tears as I am holding them back as I write this. To then try to put that aside and talk about autism and global warming for two hours was pretty tough, but they held my hand (over the phone) and got me through it. I prayed for Tig like I would pray for my sister and I still do. I had the pleasure of seeing two live PB shows in NYC with Megan, Samuel and many other Blastronauts, who were so nice. I even signed an autograph! My first ever! When I took a little flak for my global warming comments, David, Tig and Kyle leapt to my defense. They were so nice to me each time I saw them, however briefly, at the merch table. My daughter and I caught Kyle at the Comedy Cellar and he invited us for drinks. And we saw David at the Creek and the Cave and got to talk to him and get pictures. I saw Kyle and Tig in Ridgefield, CT and got a moment with Tig. My point is that these talented, busy, wonderful people have been as nice to me as I could possibly wish. And I am grateful. In March, my family was in California for vacation and David tried to set up a fourth appearance for me, this time in the hatch! It didn't work out, but I appreciated his efforts. So, I guess I can't say I was short-changed by PB. I do look forward to seeing where they go from here. And I hope I can see them all again for a hug. It's an odd one-way relationship being a podcast listener. We learn so much about the podcasters that we feel close to them, even though they may not know us at all. But somehow Tig, Kyle, David and Aaron made me feel a part of something unique, fun and very special. Thanks a million to them and to my fellow blastronauts for all the laughs and memories. Welp, that's been comment.

Guys, guys, he's really just interested in "healing". Keep that in mind. And if the person he's healing just happens to be a "piece of ass" that needs to "get laid", that's just icing on the poop-cake.

Wow. I love this comment thread! The ego on this guy (Ross) is astounding. My personal BS meter is triggered by people who communicate using trite saying, acronyms, and slogans. Also by people who can't make a simple point, but constantly allude to some greater knowledge that they have, that they will someday share with you. "Getting laid" is a pretty sad goal for one's life. I would have asked Ross if he has had any STDs. And how many women he has "conquered" who no longer talk to him. Sociopath, user, loser. Those words leap to mind. I wonder if guys like him tend to become hypnotists. That smooth psycho-babble and mastery of vague language to persuade weak-willed folks to do their bidding must come in handy. I dated a girl in college who had a poor self-image. I actually broke up with her because I felt I was taking advantage of her. She participated in a "comedy hypnotism" show and became a regular "stop" on the hypnotists concert circuit. I assume he had a girl in every town that he would "lay" as he traveled the country. What an emotionally fulfilling life. It was a unique PBO episode. Interesting to hear Tig, Kyle and David talk to someone they so obviously didn't agree with on any level. I'd love to hear them talk about this experience. Welp, that's been comment.

Kyle is so funny, alone or with friends! Loved the mother meditation. Love hearing Olive being so "obedient". Maybe Olive is just acting!

Thanks to Daniel, Randy and Jason for the nice shout-out! I love the Country and the County and it's great fun to contribute! Love you guys!

What a delight to hear two such lovely people sounding so happy and in love. God bless Tig and Stephanie! May they have many happy years together!! It may have been the first PBO episode, Tig introduced Kyle as "her lover" and, not knowing anything about either of them, I took it to be true. Gradually, I became aware that Tig was gay and now to hear the great news about her engagement, I feel I have come full circle. I've said it before, but Tig, Kyle and David are such genuine, sweet, honest, funny people, they just draw us listeners into the circle of friendship. It is a wonderful thing to be invited into each week.

One more thing. I loved the great Steely Dan discussion. I am a HUGE SD fan having seen them live over a dozen times. Brendon's Kid Charlemagne licks and Randy's rattling off the names of their albums made me wish (once again) that I was a fly on the wall of the studio.

Brendon Small is such a talented guy! He mixes so well with the Mirror Men! Thanks to Ran and Jay for the shout out! I WILL be at the Mamaroneck, NY show in March with my son! (See the forum thread about his Cheap Seats tribute video on YouTube.) Let's pack the Emelin Theater with Sklarbro Nation!!!! James Adomian is so funny. I could listen to Jesse the Body all day long! #documents

My son made this Cheap Seats Cheap Reenactment Reenactment. Cheap Seats featured a number of spelling bee episodes. One of those episodes featured a surly exchange between a contestant and the pronouncer. Ran and Jay re-created that moment in a Cheap Seats Cheap Reenactment. My son Alex re-created THAT moment in this Cheap Seats Cheap Reenactment Reenactment. Enjoy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVOvp-MM19k&list=UU1KYXW8pg0l4FW9H3WUnWlA

I am having trouble downloading PBO and Sklarbro! I think earwolf has some kind of tech problem.

I saw Kyle and Tig last night in Ridgefield, CT and they crushed!!! Kyle opened and did a half hour of great stuff, much of which I had not heard in the three times I've seen him perform before. Great interaction with the audience. He is a very strong stage performer. Left everyone wanting more!! Then Tig came on and did an hour. I had not heard any of this material before, except a few "seeds" from PBO episodes. She is such a unique talent. Totally in control. Her pacing and personality just totally captivates. Lots of crown interaction. Had a chance to chat with her very briefly at the merch table and get a picture. What a doll! As sweet as can be. I strongly recommend that all Blastronauts see these guys if the opportunity presents itself. You will not be sorry! Four stars!!!!

Thanks to agata for resolving the download problem. My level of panic at not getting my PBO "fix" on time was incredible! Got my ticket to see Tig and Kyle at the Ridgefield Playhouse on 9/29! Any other blastronauts going to be there?

I can't download it either!!! Help!!!!

What a great episode! Dr. Kretzmann is a terrific resource and great guy. Tons of good information here. Special thanks to David for the plug for my book, "Getting My First Hug" (available on amazon.com). Everyone please contribute a few (or many) bucks to David's Kickstarter. His animation project looks to be super-fun and you can help make it happen. Have I mentioned that I love Tig, Kyle and David? I do! And Aaron too!!! Gone but not forgotten. Welp, that's been comment.

Disclaimer: Sorry if I make this all about me, but I am a fan. I totally get that some performers may not feel they owe their fans anything. They are entitled to have that feeling. Being a great actor or athlete doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with being a sweet person. That being the case, it is so great that there are performers who are (or at least act) kind, friendly, respectful, even affectionate toward their fans. I love the Sklar Brothers. My kids (now 24 and 21) and I watched every episode of Cheap Seats many times to the point of memorizing lines and imitating Randy and Jason. Their humor is never hurtful and comes from such an honest place, it really touched us all. Sklarbro Country was one of the first podcasts I ever heard and I have listened to every episode. When I took my wife and daughter (our son was too young at the time) to see them perform at Gotham in NYC, they gave a great show. They left the stage and moved to the exit to greet every member of the audience that wanted to say hi. I got a chance to talk with the guys for a minute and they took a picture with me. They spoke to my wife and were delighted to see I had brought my daughter. They autographed the Sklarbro shirt I was wearing and, as my daughter recorded the video, they both said (at the same time), “You have the coolest Dad ever!” It is one of the highlights of my life. I love the Professor Blastoff crew. I have listened to every episode and been lucky enough to have been a guest on three episodes. Like all of their fans, I love the way their real friendship seems to extend magically to include us all. Their friendly joking with each other really makes each listener feel like part of the gang down in the hatch. I took my daughter to see the PBO live shows at the Bell House in Brooklyn and each time as we left each of the gang took a moment to shake hands and say hi and make every fan feel appreciated. David even joined a bunch of us before the show for a little chat and a cool beer. He may not think he’s a big star, but we think he’s pretty special. During the Q&A, I told Tig that I loved her and the audience backed me up giving her an ovation that told her the feeling was unanimous. My daughter and I caught Kyle doing a set at the Comedy Cellar in NYC and he was so nice to us, taking time to chat a bit and inviting us to join him after the show. My point is not that I am special, but that these wonderful performers are special. Podcasting is an odd one-way relationship where the performers reveal so much about themselves, just like close friends do. As fans, we feel so close to them, even though they don’t know us at all. It could be very awkward to meet someone under those circumstances, but every time I have been lucky enough to meet or communicate with these folks they have been generous and gracious. Not to drop names, but I have to include Stephen Tobolowsky, Todd Barry, Michael Che, Hannibal Burris, Chris Hardwick, Matt Mira, Marc Maron, Dan Pashman, Chelsea Peretti, Chris D’Elia, Michael Ian Black, Jonah Ray and Larry Miller in the group of super-nice performers who have been kind to me. Social media makes many of these folks accessible to us fans. I don’t blame those performers who shy away from it for whatever reason, but it does provide a non-invasive means of communicating on one’s own terms. I recommend it. Finally, it goes without saying that kindness and respect is a two-way street. As much as I wanted to say hello to Artie Lange when I saw him outside the Comedy Cellar, he was talking to someone else and it didn’t seem right to bother him, so I didn’t. And when they are performing is not the time to express one’s fandom (in a way other than laughter, applause and listening attentively). When I think about it, I have nothing earth-shaking to say to any of these wonderful people of whom I am a fan other than, “I love what you do. Thanks for doing it. I am a fan.” Welp, that’s been comment.

I have been hoping David would bring his "High Vitale" (Hi-Vi) impression to PBO. I LOVE it on Sklarbro Country and to hear dueling HiVis in the hatch, it's amazing, baby, unbelievable! It was a triple-S podcast episode: super, scintillating, and scrumptious! And everyone should give a listen to the in-depth interview with David on Marc Maron's WTF podcast. It made me want to learn how to rope and shoe!!!! Welp, that's been comment.

Oh, you take your balls, you take your sack, You stuff them deep behind your crack. You scuttle back, you scuttle back. Your friend leans in to check for lumps You both feel like a pair of chumps. You scuttle back, you scuttle back. Your grab your boobs if you're a gal And show em to a girly pal. You scuttle back, you scuttle back. You squeeze and twist and jiggle 'em 'round And see if any lump is found, You scuttle back, you scuttle back. And that's the way you check yourself. A real fun way to maintain good health. The scuttle back. The scuttle back! (I had a physical this week and when the doctor checked me for testicular cancer, it was all I could do to keep from bursting into song. I love Professor Blastoff! I love Tig, Kyle and David. I miss Aaron!) Welp, that's been comment.

What a great episode! Fast talking, Futurini, Teach, great guest, and a mention of me and my book! Huge thanks to Aaron, David, Tig and Kyle for mentioning "Getting My First Hug" (available on Amazon.com, all profits go to autism-related charity). If anyone would like to see me talking about the book, check out the link below. http://www.wtnh.com/ct-style/book-lovers-corner-getting-my-first-hug I have to go practice my fast talking now. Welp, that's been (plug and) comment.

Based on a tweet from Randy, I understand that Jason and his family welcomed a baby girl about a week ago (December 20?)!!! I am so happy for them and I know that the people of Sklarbro Country and Sklarbro County extend their heart-felt love and joy to Jason, his wife, his son and their new baby girl!!! Ran and Jay are such sweet guys and always go out of their way to be gracious to guests as well as fans. I hope they take the time to really soak up the joy and bask in the glow of family. And then I hope they get back to entertaining us!!!! I do not know what the new baby's new is, although I would suggest: Hendersonia Travisa Tarvisina Tavrisina Anybody else have any ideas?

Just a quick note to say that I have written a book about my son's triumph over autism. It's called "Getting My First Hug" and it's available on Amazon.com (Go there through one of the Earwolf links!). If you love someone with special needs or know someone else who does, consider getting the book. Thanks. Any profits will go to an autism-related charity. Here's a link to an interview I did about our experience and the book. http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/74356/from-struggle-to-triumph-a-fathers-story Love to all Blastronauts and all in the hatch!!

I am picturing Tig in the Sidney Portier movie "They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!" Another great episode. I love the live ones. Tig is so great interacting with audiences. Not sure, but I think the "Wagon-ini Guy" debuted in a live episode (?). If so, then the Cambridge audience would not have heard it before. That could explain their reaction. In my first guest appearance on the show, they did a "What's Nuts?" with me. I had never heard it before because it debuted on an episode that had not been aired at the time of my taping. So I was confused. Sascha (aka Sausage) pulls even further ahead of me in PBO appearances. WHAAAAHHH! And Tig saying that Sascha was the favorite guest of all time hurt me deeply (jk), although she later sort of qualified that statement. Loved the Bill Maher and Trump appearances in this ep. And David and Sascha definitely have an interesting dynamic. David has a great energy and intellectual curiosity. And he is so sweet. Welp, that's been comment!

Great episode, as always! A few thoughts. If I understood correctly, the guests were trying to promote the recognition of female scientists as females, but also trying to discourage sexism. These aims are not diametrically in opposition to one another, but there is a somewhat fine line to walk there. I would suggest that science should be gender-blind (as it should be blind to all other characteristics of the individuals doing the science) and focus on the science being done. The work should speak for itself. I oppose sexism in every workplace. It may be difficult for some folks to see an attractive female scientist, recognize the scientist as a female, but not note that she may be attractive. (Or maybe I have missed the point here. If so, I apologize.) Also, in the clip, the scientists were suggesting that years of failure in the lab were required before grad students "became real scientists". I guess that depends how one defines "real scientists". I believe that anyone can learn and apply the scientific method and utilize it to do "real science". That is the beauty of science. And I don't think it takes billions of dollars to set up a "real science lab". Depending on the science one is doing, it may not require much equipment at all. Einstein did many "thought experiments" with only his brain. True, other scientists later used various apparatus to verify his hypotheses. We should encourage all kinds of people of all ages, educational backgrounds and means to do science. The guests were well-spoken and interesting. They did a great job. Welp, that's been comment.