Adam Friedland for guest host.

Matty Litwack for co-host.

Sami Yenigun is a writer for NPR Music.

Jamel Johnson for jokes.

Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Katie Rife for Everything Is Terrible and Daily Grindhouse.

Anthony McBrien for funny.

Joe McAdam for funny and bravery.

Weepin' Willows for songs.

Esmeralda Leon for co-host.

Hungry Brain for venue.

The Nation sports editor Dave Zirin for a conversation about football safety, ultimate fighting and gay rights.

Cori Dials for a chat about the intersection of burlesque and undertaking.

Stephanie Hasz for stand up comedy.

Helmut and Oxana Funf for art criticism.

SM Shrake for gnomes.

Haywood Turnipseed Jr. for "Color Commentary."

Andrew Bucket for "Popped Up Video"

Jenn Tisdale for "Hey...you up?"

Black Hills for songs.

Ian Graham for house band.

Jamel Johnson for announcer.

Artisphere for venue.

W. Kamau Bell is the host of "Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell." The program returns to FX on May 9. The talk show will go to five nights a week this fall on FXX.

Here's W. Kamua Bell, Nato Green and Janine Brito on You, Me, Them, Everybody from November 2011.

Jenn Tisdale for "Hey...you up?"

Mark Cugini for poetry.

Adam Friedland for stand up comedy.

Ryan McLaughlin for a songs.

NTRN for house band.

Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Haywood Turnipseed Jr for "Color Commentary."

Elahe Izadi for "Accidental Racist" examination.

Stavros Halkias for stand up.

Sam McCormally for songs.

Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Haywood Turnipseed Jr for "Color Commentary."

Max Rosenblum for stand up.

Adam Friedland for Pope.

Black Hills for a song.

Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Red Hot Annie for burlesque chat.

Akeem Lawanson for Rye Bread Radio.

C.J. Sullivan for funny.

Matt Campbell for songs.

Esmeralda Leon for co-host.

Hungry Brain for venue.

Haywood Turnipseed Jr for "Color Commentary."

Perth O'Duibhdiorma for a visual bit. Watch here.

Adam Friedland for basketball.

Ballad've for a song.

Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Lisa Markuson for information about You, Me, Them, Everybody's Most Eggcellent Country Teatime Jamboree at the Strathmore Mansion.

Sara Armour for life coaching.

Tom Bridge for MLB 2013 predictions. It looks good for the Nats.

Herbie Gill for jokes.

Wytold for cello.

Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Matteo Lane for guest co-host.

Joshua Kuderna is an improviser, co-host of the podcast Digression Sessions and head of the comedy label Better Robot Records.

Alex Braslavsky for controversial jokes.

Mickey Free for rap.

Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Hooray for Baltimore!

Adam Friedland for guest host.

Jamel Johnson for announcer.

Kevin Phillips is a host of The Encyclopedia Show.

Dana Bell for jokes.

Michael Foody for a presentation.

Andrew Grossman for music.

Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Sara Benincasa for advice on life and love.

James Fritz for a family story.

Zach Lupetin of The Dustbowl Revival for music.

Brandon Wetherbee for host, Stephanie Hasz for co-host,Silverlake Lounge for venue.

Haywood Turnipseed Jr for "Color Commentary."

Marissa Payne for The Anti Wedding.

Gabe Zucker for stand up.

Jonny Grave for music.

Brandon Wetherbee for host, Jenn Tisdale for co-host,Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Rohan Mahadevan writes about music for DCist.

Natalie McGill for jokes.

Leif Birdsong for the environment.

The Mean Season for music.

Brandon Wetherbee for host, Jamel Johnson for announcer, Spaceman 311 for house band, Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Haywood Turnipseed Jr for "Color Commentary."

Jennifer Tress for You're Not Pretty Enough.

Yev Kirpichevsky for stand up.

Brandon Wetherbee for host, Jenn Tisdale for co-host, Jamel Johnson for announcer, Lena's Dunham for house band, Wonderland Ballroom for venue.

Sean Joyce drove. Adam Friedland dj'd. Brandon Wetherbee is "hosted".

Chris LaMartina makes films and Brandon and Chris screamed.

Mike Moran for funny jokes.

Sean Joyce for sex advice.

Adam Friedland for "The Wire."

Thee The The for a full-band set.

Brandon Wetherbee is the host. Jenn Tisdale is the co-host. The Windup Space is the venue.

I interviewed Todd Glass about being part of the word police. I like Todd Glass.

Fiona Zublin becomes a new friend.

Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum for fashion.

Sara Armour for advice.

Adam Friedland for music.

Haywood Turnipseed Jr. joins us for "Color Commentary."

Prince of Petworth Dan Silverman returns to the show.

David Carter for stand-up.

Adam Friedland for a son.

Sara Armour for advice.

Black Hills for music.

Ryan Hunter Mitchell is part of Shark Week and Eastern Confederate.

Alex Braslavsky for controversial stand-up.

Sean Joyce for "Comics Leashed."

Sara Armour and Adam Friedland for a fight.

Eleven of the best comedic performances from You, Me, Them, Everybody Live in 2012.

11. Katie McVay at the Hungry Brain
10. Ben Kronberg at The Creek and The Cave
9. Carolyn Busa at The Grape Room
8. Randy Syphax at the Wonderland Ballroom
7. Jenn Tisdale at the Wonderland Ballroom
6. Matty Litwack at the Wonderland Ballroom
5. Jamel Johnson at the Wonderland Ballroom
4. Liza Treyger at The Whistler
3. The Puterbaugh Sisters at the Hungry Brain
2. James Fritz at the Hungry Brain
1. Star Spangled Stanley Adams at The Whistler

Eleven of the best musical performances from You, Me, Them, Everybody Live in 2012

11. Trevor McSpadden at the Hungry Brain
10. Shark Week at the Wonderland Ballroom
9. Ryan McLaughlin at the Wonderland Ballroom
8. The Harrow at The Whistler
7. Gordon Withers at the Wonderland Ballroom
6. Gabe Liebowitz at the Hungry Brain
5. Washerwoman at the Wonderland Ballroom
4. Rock Falls at Saki Records
3. Deadbeat at the Hungry Brain
2. Daniel Knox at Saki Records
1. Scott Lucas at the Hungry Brain

Adam Friedland. A year of Adam Friedland.

Sir Alister Sinclair, Sheila & Alan Bagelman, Chad the slam poet, Adam Friedland Mitt Romney supporter, Adam Friedland iPhone educator, Adam Friedland sponsored comic, Pewquandrick Excalibur, Adam Friedland music appreciator and Mitt Romney stop by.

Trevor McSpadden for great, sad songs.

Esmeralda Leon for a 2012 recap.

Stephanie Hasz for how a girl becomes a woman with a boy in the basement.

Gabe Liebowitz for great, not as sad songs.

2012 was fun. 2012 is almost over. The Kattpacalypse is here.

Alexandra Petri for the end of the world.

Mikey Larrick for stand-up.

Sara Armour for a horror story.

Ryan McLaughlin for a solo set.

Adam Robinson for quality poetry.

Matt Frazao for collaborative music.

Kimberly Ambrose for stand up.

Lenorable for band.

Baja Blast for house noize.

Emily Ruskowski for friendship.

M.K. Paulsen for stand-up.

Jamel Johnson for advice.

Davey Brown for band.

Chris Kelly for DJ.

Legba Carrefour for answers.

Becca Steinhoff for stand-up.

Alan and Sheila Bagelman for intimate advice.

Sara Armour for other advice.

Butterfly With Bullet Wings for house band.

First show at The Creek and the Cave. It's a long, weird one. That place is awesome.

Ben Kronberg is comfortable with silence. He is impressive.

Brian Moylan is a kick-ass writer and kick-ass talk show guest. This is his third appearance. He's done the show in three different boroughs. He is an inspiration above and below the belt. We both love "Drag Race."

Ned Hepburn has gone from wandering hipster to not as wandering Editor-At-Large for Death and Taxes. He did the talk show four years ago before we did it in front of people. He is my friend. I like Ned.

Final anniversary show. It's a long one. It's a weird one. Lynyrd Skynyrd makes an appearance.

Adam Friedland loses his voice.

Michael Foody gives gift giving advice.

Sara Armour answers your questions.

Jamel Johnson keeps us young.

Hawk Johnson meets women.

Anniversary show.

Back to Philadelphia. Philadelphia is fun.

Lisa Yost tells jokes.

Hillary Rea tells stories

Rob DeSantis tells jokes.

Zack Reinhardt of The Hundred Acre Woods plays songs.

Brandon Wetherbee hosts.

Jenn Tisdale co-hosts.

Butterfly With Bullet Wings changes the world.

We turned 3.

Brian Babylon is a radio host and comic. Follow him on Twitter.

Katie McVay is a comic. Follow her on Twitter.

Deadbeat is a musician. Listen to her music.

Good show. Maybe the best musical performance of the year.

Robyn was a good choice.

Watch "Drag Race" here.

Esmeralda Leon and I recap episode 5.

A look at "Drag Race" with an record label owner.

Watch "Drag Race" here.

I am a jet-setter.

Stephanie Breijo is an editor for Brightest Young Things.

Ben Freed is an editor for DCist. He's bad at betting.

Mitt Romney is trying his hand at stand up comedy joke telling.

David Tveite is good at stand up comedy joke telling.

Ian Walters begins our holiday album recording.

Brandon Wetherbee is the host, Jenn Tisdale is the co-host.

A look at "Drag Race" with an academic.

Watch "Drag Race" here.

Here are Nathan Jurgenson's notes...

Okay, I’m watching "RuPaul’s Drag Race" for the first time for Brandon Wetherbee’s podcast, and am typing up notes as I go [I’ve edited them for use on this blog]. I’m drinking a Manhattan and eating chocolate ice cream. I knew a little of the show before seeing this first episode; well, it’s my first, though the show has been on for years and this is Season One Episode Three of the “All Stars” spin-off. Here goes.

My first reaction is that the show looks/feels/sounds/behaves a lot like other reality shows I’ve seen. Somehow I was expecting something a little less formulaic. I can’t tell yet if this is a satirical spoof on the genre or uncreative adherence (the same debate some have over, say, Lady Gaga’s image). I laughed out loud at the “Tran Drescher” joke.

The show has four segments: a first challenge, a second challenge, and a backstage moment getting ready for the fourth part, a fashion showdown, lip-sync competition and final elimination. The first challenge was fascinating at the level of gender and sexuality norms and performance and, to get real nerdy, a sort of meta commentary of the reality television genre itself. Stay with me. The contestants are given a camera and asked to take a “selfie” of themselves looking as butch as possible. The result is a sort-of meta photographic identity performance.

By this I mean the viewer is watching via a camera a contestant who himself is holding and posing for another camera. The scene makes obvious the performance for the camera inherent in all so-called “reality” television. No one is naive enough to believe that the camera doesn’t change how people behave. That the “reality” in Reality TV is false is a truism. The show plays with this fact, providing symbolic irony of people with cameras pointed at them given a camera to hold and point back at themselves. Actually, the show takes this one step further, see the screenshot I took below:

Consider the camera-mediated sightlines at play here: the viewer at home is watching through one camera; we see an individual posing for a second camera; and the fourth wall is broken when another individual in the background snaps a photo of the original camera, completing a circle of photographic vision. The photo snapped in the background here is a photo of a photo of a photo; the photographic gaze emanates from the home viewer onto an individual, back into his camera, back to him, and ultimately back at us.

Or maybe this is reality? Maybe posting on Facebook is a lot like posing for the Reality Television cameras? Maybe all of our lives, on and offline, camera present or not, take on this form; maybe we are increasingly living as if we are part of a reality television cast, understanding our present as something worthy of broadcast, or at least a status update? Perhaps it is Reality TV that is then most real in its garish embrace of simulated unreality? If any of this is true, "Ru Paul’s Drag Race" is about the realist thing we’ve got.

Manhattan number two and the show moves onto its second segment which involves doing craayzee behavior on the streets for what we are told (but don’t for a second believe) is a “hidden” camera. This segment feels uncomfortable because the contestants often feel uncomfortable. The creative and empowering and non-normative and entertaining and gorgeous identity fashioning thrives in safe spaces, but starts to wear at the edges when the contestants are put on a public street under harsh daylight to make a fool of themselves for those passing by. This, of course, isn’t to say that gender-play doesn’t belong in the streets, but that when contestants are uncomfortable pushing the limits of safety for the amassing of “points” and the entertainment of the viewer, it feels a little off.

The most uncomfortable moment of this segment is when a contest is supposed to ask a passerby for $5 and they all have a big laugh at not asking a person who looks like they do not have much money. The show is above this, and it’s above this type of public humiliation.

But then the show moves onto my favorite moment. In fact, if the whole show was this third segment, I’d watch every week. The segment takes place “backstage” in a dressing room where the contestants create outfits and do makeup. I was disappointed that the show skipped showing the creative process behind the extraordinary outfits. But what is seen is a downright touching discussion between the contestants talking about their insecurities, society’s expectations, and much else. They comfort each other and celebrate a positive self-image. This backstage area (as well as the costumes being created and the performances about to happen) serve as a positive and supportive space. I mean, I don’t know the last time I saw a group of men talking about their insecurities and supporting each other. This was "Drag Race" at its most charming.

The show is almost over, and prizes have been given away. Underwear of the month, shoes, the show is highly commercial, highly consumerist. Perhaps that is not surprising given the focus on fashion, but there is some irony that the fashion industry is often (but not always) a primary source of normative images around gender and sexuality.

The show is over, making one last Manhattan, and trying to collect some concluding thoughts…

"Drag Race" strikes me as the opposite of many reality shows in one respect: if most reality shows are about what you can do if you go out into and changing the world (think: "The Apprentice"), "Drag Race" is about changing oneself. Not as outside-looking but instead inward: the goal is to construct and maintain the self, keep it happy and in good working order, to come to know and appreciate yourself.

As much as I like this, I walk away with a bit of an unsettled feeling, even though "Drag Race" seems to be all about “FUN!”

"Drag Race" is the kind of fun where everyone at the end is crying.

The show, centrally, is a competition. It is equal parts support and judgment. Behind the underlying message to “love yourself” is a constant stream of judgment and critique. The winners are those who are the most “well behaved”, those who conform to the rules more than their competition. The losers are those who cannot live up to the standards of the judges (not metaphorical judges, but literal judges gazing always on the contestants, ready to provide constant critique of the minutia of every behavior, ready to dole out punishment at will).

Individuality is celebrated, in theory, but in practice what is rewarded is being individually the most conformist to the prescribed set of rules that anthropomorphize into the almost frighteningly judgmental Ru Paul character. I felt some fear that what I was watching was play made work, difference made sameness, fierceness made docility, creativity made ordinary.

But isn’t that how it always works? Creativity, self-expression, play almost never can be achieved on their own terms. Indeed, it is only from a position of privilege that one can even hold that as a possibility. Hopefully these contestants can learn to play this game, and all the conformity that comes with it, and come away in a better position to never have to do that again. That’s reality, for everyone, to have to learn to behave so, just maybe, we’ll never have to behave again.

Bad recording. Good show. Ugh. These things happen.

Molly Adams is an awesome guest and an awesome radio show host. She is not a fan of Ira Glass.

Star-Spangled Stanley Adams dishes it out to both sides! Buy Hormel chili and pepporoni.

Tiny Fireflies. See them live.

Brandon Wetherbee is the host, Esmeralda Leon is the co-host, Rock Falls is the house band.

I listen to a lot of Queens of the Stone Age.

Maybe the worst monologue of the year. Maybe.

Katherine Gaines is a talented photographer. Look at her work.

Chris Milner is a funny stand up. Follow him on Twitter.

Alex Vans is a talented musician. See him live.

Brandon Wetherbee is the host, Jenn Tisdale is the co-host, Adam Friedland is the hook writer, Sean Pennetrations is the house band.

Goodbye, Tammi Brown!

Watch "Drag Race" here.

Esmeralda Leon and I recap episode 2.

Nathan Jurgenson talks about his piece about memes and Gawker's reporting on Reddit.

Read Nathan's work here. Follow him on Twitter here.

I am a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race. You should be too. Watch it here.

Adam Friendland and I recap episode 1.

Jared Harrison works for a worthy organization and is a worthy man. Good dresser too.

Jamel Johnson sets a record. Follow him.

Chad Brad is a poet. Follow him.

Linsay Demming is the lead singer and guitarist for Sweetbread Jim's. Listen to them.

Jenn Tisdale is the co-host, Wonderland Ballroom is the venue, Brandon Wetherbee is writing this/the host.

Will Hessler is a voice on Astro-Cons. Watch it.

Eliot Payne makes bow ties. Buy them.

Ryan Schutt makes people laugh. Follow him.

Big Bird needs a job. Follow him.

Joey Harrison is a member of Fire and the Wheel. See them.

Jenn Tisdale is the co-host, Wonderland Ballroom is the venue, Brandon Wetherbee is writing this/the host.

Weird audio. Listen on speakers, it'll sound better.

How to see baseball for free.

Everything Is Terrible is branching out. We are excited.

Matty Ryan is funny.

Angela James sings beautiful songs.

Esmeralda Leon is the co-host. Hungry Brain is the venue. Stephanie Hasz is the warm-up comic.

The tamale guy makes an appearance.

I am ready for some football.

Amber Sparks' new book, "May We Shed These Human Bodies," is about to be released. Buy it. It's good.

Matty Litwack returns. This time you can hear him.

An interesting man from an interesting place is interested in taking this show to a Latin audience.

Jason Mendelson sings Metro Songs.

Brandon Wetherbee is the host. Jenn Tisdale is the co-host. Chris Rocks is the house band. The Wonderland Ballroom is the venue.

WBEZ's Alison Cuddy lets us make fun of her beloved Canada.

Red Eye's Ernest Wilkens gives good advice, like don't make fun of the Red Eye and then ask the Red Eye for a job.

Ever Mainard made it to the show, bike be damned.

Scott Lucas plays songs from the new Local H record and some older, not Local H songs.

Al Scorch is the house band. Esmeralda Leon is the co-host. Brandon Wetherbee is writing this.

My good friend James Fritz sat down with me after Friday's live show to chat about moving and more. Subscribe to him on Twitter and listen to his podcast.

Live at the Wonderland Ballroom with Charlie Visconage, MoReese Licorish, Adam Friendland, Paperhaus

Back at the Wonderland!

Ian Walters is the house band!

Jenn Tisdale co-hosts!

Charlie Visconage is the guest!

MoReese Licorish is the stand up!

Adam Friedland

Paperhaus is the band!

This Is A Game Show Live from the Artisphere with Andrew Bucket, Adam Friedland, Senna Minor and Jenn Tisdale

The game show returns to the Artisphere!

Panelists
Brightest Young Thing Andrew Bucket
Comedian Adam Friedland
Radio personality Senna Minor
Stand up Jenn Tisdale

Thanks to our generous and excellent sponsors

Blind Dog Cafe
DC Improv
Fojol Brothers
itty bitty press
Looking Glass Lounge
The Runcible Spoon
Story League
Sushi By Kaz
Urban Style Lab
Washington Area Bicycle Association
Wonderland Ballroom
Worn Magazine

Special thanks to Lisa Markuson

Part 2 of 2

This Is A Game Show Live from the Artisphere with Jared Harrison, Bruce Majors, Jennifer Tress, Hugh Youngblood and Ugly Purple Sweater

The game show returns to the Artisphere!

Panelists
Development Diva Jared Harrison
Congressional candidate Bruce Majors
Author Jennifer Tress
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Hugh Youngblood

Music from
Ugly Purple Sweater

Thanks to our generous and excellent sponsors

Blind Dog Cafe
DC Improv
Fojol Brothers
itty bitty press
Looking Glass Lounge
The Runcible Spoon
Story League
Sushi By Kaz
Urban Style Lab
Washington Area Bicycle Association
Wonderland Ballroom
Worn Magazine

Special thanks to Lisa Markuson

Part 1 of 2

Back at the Hungry Brain! Hooray!

Marcus Gilmer is a very nice man! I hope he'll return!

James Fritz is my favorite!

Kelsie Huff is great!

The Paver plays quiet music! They were seven of them!

Rock Falls was the house band, Esmeralda Leon the co-host!

Good show!

It was hot. It's still hot.

Jim Newell writes about politics and enjoys writing about politics.

Adam Friedland tells comedy jokes and I enjoy his comedy jokes.

Harris Face plays songs from his new record and the crowd enjoys it.

Hooray! Another city!

John Bennet is part of Mondo Baltimore and host of Expert of Nothing. I want to be his friend.

Jim Meyer was our first choice and am glad he said yes.

Alex Braslavsky and Daniel Friedman produce a monthly comedy show at Ottobar called Chucklestorm. I referred to them as Chucklestorm for the duration of the show. They do not go by Chucklestorm.

Polaroid Rage pulled double duty as house band and musical guest.

Thanks to The Wind-Up Space and co-host Jenn Tisdale.

Baltimore isn't bad.

I am a fan of Local H. This is no secret. That came out during this post-show interview.

Scott Lucas and the Married Men are currently touring their new record, "Blood Half Moon." See them and buy the record.

Still a fan of Local H.

Miles Raymer is a music writer for the Chicago Reader and bassist in Mannequin Men. He no longer lives in Michigan.

Joe McAdam hosts Creative Control at Saki, co-hosts "The Late Live Show" and steals everything I've ever said. He is funny. Godzilla exists.

Daniel Knox is my favorite.

Thanks to Saki for letting us celebrate their second anniversary.

A new host opens the show.

Christian Hunt wears a red suit and produces The Capital City Showcase.

Elahe Izadi made people thing their yearbooks were defective.

Adam Friedland teaches us about the history of rap.

Johari closes the show with a voice and guitar.

Goodbye, dearly departed friend. Sadface.

Jenn made it through the rain!

Andrew Bucket makes DC fun!

Russ Green makes fun!

Andrew Grossman performs!

Live at the Wonderland Ballroom!

The first edition of Important Records. Recorded live at Saki Records on Saturday, May 26.

James Fritz talked about The Afghan Whigs’ "Black Love" and Gabe Liebowitz from Dastardly performed a song from "Black Love."

Leor Galil talked about Fugazi’s "The Argument" and Mike Riga from Indian Wife performed songs from "The Argument."

Brandon Wetherbee talked about Nirvana’s "In Utero" and Rock Falls will performed songs from "In Utero."

Back at the Hungry Brain.

Red Hot Annie is a beautiful burlesque dancer. This is an audio podcast.

Stephanie Hasz has won a large place in my heart.

Desert Soap sings in beautiful harmony.

Jeremy Tromburg plays piano. Esmeralda Leon co-hosts.

Ian played guitar and I made Jenn sing.

Chris Naoum is the head of Listen Local First and a good man.

Will Hessler is a return comic and a good man.

Adam Friedland is now political and a good man.

Miyazaki is a great live band but you get the mp3.

Jenn Tisdale is the co-host, Ian Graham is the band.

We've grown. A little.

Joe Callahan of 826 DC tells us how we can get involved with an excellent charity.

Chelsea Shorte does quite well and is going places.

Shark Week plays acoustic for the first time. Also does quite well and also going places.

Ruth Rasby co-hosts, Iggy and the Three Stooges house bands. Live at the Wonderland.

Sometimes it's not a good idea to say horrible things to the nice audience.

Brian Moylan is the perfect talk show guest and will inevitably have a talk show and Brian, please, may I please have a job?

Kate Hendricks is a very funny wasp. Follow her on Twitter.

Waylan Daniel charms the crowd.

Peter Heyneman uses his comedy expertise.

Thanks to The Way Station and their still kick ass TARDIS.

DISCLAIMER: I mixed up "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 3 winner Raja with season 4 finalist Phi Phi O'Hara. I am regretful for my error. Oh yea, there's also a giant part of the show missing. It makes sense if you were there. Since you probably weren't there, I'll tell you about what happened in person! Let's all be friends!

---

Team Sharon Needles!

Rush Limbaugh thinks Alexandra is b-i-itchy! She's made it! Go see her Fringe play!

Goodbye, Sir Alistair Sinclair!

Beautiful music from Parsely!

Jenn Tisdale is the co-host and Chris Kelly is the DJ!

It gets loud!

Chris Connelly is a Scottish-born, Chicago-based musician and author. Former member of Ministry, the Revolting Cocks, Acid Horse and a ton more, solo artist with 11-12 albums (he lost count) and author of a memoir and novel, Connelly is an awesome dude and I want him on the show again.

The Puterbaugh Sisters always make me happy and I want to start a podcast with them exclusively covering "RuPaul's Drag Race"!

Kitchen Table, Illinois close our four night stint with a delightful set of both light, funny tunes as well as heavy, personal sad songs.

Rock Falls is the house band, Esmeralda Leon is the co-host, Hungry Brain is the home.

Thanks to our sponsors

Bridgeport Coffee Company

Half Acre Beer

Saki

Ana Fernatt is the RedEye dating columnist, a ChicagoNow Blogger, travel writer and very nice lady. Follow her on Twitter. Foller her boyfriend @showyousuck too!

Ali Clayton is a funny stand up comic and Southern lady. Follow her on Twitter.

Think Tank is fantastic and I love everything they do.

Deadbeat may be my new favorite band. Visit their site My Imaginary Record Label.

Rock Falls is the house band, Esmeralda Leon is the co-host, Hungry Brain is the home.

Thanks to our sponsors

Bridgeport Coffee Company

Half Acre Beer

Saki

Ray Pride is a film critic, photographer, writer and film maker. Follow him on Twitter.

Patrick Bertoletti is the #2 ranked professional eater in the world but #1 in our hearts! Dude is cool.

Collin Bullock hosts Awkward Moments with Collin A Bullock and will be at the Hungry Brain on April 30 for his live show.

The recording of Oh Theodora didn't turn out well so we went with a past performance. It's good. They're funny.

Tiger Cry closes the show. One song from the live show, two from their album.

Rock Falls is the house band, Esmeralda Leon is the co-host, Hungry Brain is the home.

Thanks to our sponsors

Bridgeport Coffee Company

Half Acre Beer

Saki

Night one of the four night stand! I was hung on a cross!

WGN's Nick Digilio is an excellent guest, big Blackhawks fan and loves films! He's like me but on a super big radio station!

Rhea Butcher is also like me! But not the same gender!

Gabe Liebowitz from Dastardly closes the show his way!

Rock Falls is the house band, Esmeralda Leon is the co-host, Hungry Brain is the home.

Thanks to our sponsors

Bridgeport Coffee Company

Half Acre Beer

Saki

BROS night out! Our first ever BROS BEING BROS Official Tribute to Pinterest show!

Sean Joyce give tips on sexual prowess!

Michael Foody reads his mid 2000s WWE fan fiction!

The Whole Damme Delegation performs!

Our first episode of This Is A Game Show! It was fun!

The very talented Ian Walters returns as the house band!

Mab, Just Mab, SM Shrake and Jenn Tisdale made up our charming panel!

The Sweater Set closes with a set that turned everyone in the room into a fan!

Recorded live at the Artisphere on Saturday, March 31

Thanks to our sponsors

The Blind Dog Cafe

Brightest Young Things

Everything Is Terrible!

itty bitty press

Looking Glass Lounge

Miss Pixie's

Scoutmob

Sockets Records

Som Records

Windian Records

Wonderland Ballroom

The very funny Rooth Rasby co-hosts this show, asking good questions and being good in general.

Story League head honcho SM Shrake relates a tale about the Queen of Soul, chain bookstores and cashiers checks.

Courtney Fearrington wore plaid.

A bright young man named Adam Friedland teaches the crowd about an exciting new product.

Maragaret Wasaff closes the show with beautiful songs about not so beautiful things.

The very funny, very nice comedian and writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait sat down between shows at the Riot Act Comedy Club to discuss film making, Nirvana, writing, his voice, his upcoming Showtime special and more. His newest film, "God Bless America," will be available on video on demand on April 6 and in select theaters on May 11.

The quest for Iggy Pop continues.

Merle has been pronouncing states incorrectly for quite some time.

Dmitry Samarov, author of "HACK: Stories from a Chicago Cab," artist and cabbie explains why he has to pick everyone up and bicycles.

James Fritz delivers my favorite set on the podcast in the last calender year, if not the history of the show.

Scott Lucas from Local H and Scott Lucas & the Married Men plays five songs when he planned to play three.

Rock Falls is the house band and plays a few gorgeous songs throughout the show.

One of my favorites.

I am a fan/not a fan of an upcoming scandalous fast food taco product.

Ian Belknap is the founder of Write Club, half of Irby + Ian and not a scumbag.

Liza Treyger is funny.

The Harrow played a good set.

I like The Whistler.

James Adomian sits in. Hooray! Let's all get harassed by Capitol police!

Mike Edison is the author of the new book "Dirty! Dirty! Dirty!" He also wrote 28 pornographic novels, a memoir, produces a weekly radio show and plays music. Fun guy.

Brooke Van Poppelin is a funny stand up and recommends not burning down open mics.

Allison Weiss plays an extended set due to popular demand.

Ned Hepburn stops by for a quick update. He'll be back.

First show in Philadelphia and only one "Fresh Prince" reference! It could have been much worse!

Doogie Horner is a funny stand up and wrote a funny book full of charts. Funny. And nice. A funny, nice man that I hope will return to the show.

Stand up comedian Carolyn Busa is a funny stand up. And nice. A funny, nice women that I hope will return to the show.

The War on Drugs guitarist/keyboardist Robbie Bennett closes the show with an intimate set. Not funny but definitely nice. I hope he will return to the show. I'm sure this was much more important to his career than the bands recent Fallon appearance. I'm sure of it.

Thank to The Grape Room for having us. Patronize them. Good people.

Alex White is the guitarist/singer in White Mystery. I have raved about them before and will continue to do so.

Aaron Weaver is one of my new favorite comics.

The Halamays are charming and you should buy their albums.

Last show of 2011. RIP Occupy, Tim Tebow, Never Forget, Yes We Can.

Samantha Irby recommends making money for doing certain acts.

Jeff Steinbrunner is part of Your Funniest Friends. They're trying to do something that is difficult.

http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/2011/12/23/best-of-2011/ http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/2011/12/23/best-of-2011/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:05:29 +0000 Brandon Wetherbee http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/?p=3305 Best of 2011

A compilation of the best moments of the live show in the last calendar year. The clips that make up this show can be heard in their entirety in the shows listed below.

Monologue

"Stop Blaming Your Parents" from
Live at the Wonderland Ballroom with Rob Bricken from Topless Robot, Abe Barth and noon:30

Interviews

Robin Hilton and Bob Boilen from
Live at the Wonderland Ballroom with Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton from All Songs Considered, Katherine Jessup and Aaron Thompson

Wyatt Cenac from
Episode 148, Live at Pete’s Candy Store with Wyatt Cenac, C.J. Toledano and Abby Payne

Dave Zirin from
Episode 149, Live at the Looking Glass with Dave Zirin, Mariya Alexander and Jonny Grave

Brian Moylan from
Live at H.I. NYC with Brian Moylan, Lauren Vino and Mindy Raf

Sean Yseult from
Live at Pete’s Candy Store with Sean Yseault, Brent Sullivan, Myq Kaplan, Ned Hepburn, Christine Friar and Julia Haltigan

Chris Richards from
Episode 142, Live at the Looking Glass with Washing Post music critic Chris Richards, Chris Barylick and Big Chimney

James VanOsdol from
Episode 147, Live from the Hungry Brain with James VanOsdol, Chuck Sudo, Dan Ronan and Good Evening

Katie Balloons from
Episode 162, Live at the Looking Glass with Katie Balloons, Anupama Pillalamarri and Ian Walters

Stand Up

Nick Vatterott from
Episode 126, Live at Pete’s Candy Store with Sara Benincasa, Nick Vatterott and Pearl and the Beard

Haywood Turnipseed Jr from
Episode 132, Live at the Looking Glass with Jon Meyers, Haywood Turnipseed Jr and Lenorable

Martin Plant from
Live at Artisphere with Maya Robinson from Grey DC, Martin Plant and Silo Halo

Megan Gailey from
Episode 160, Live at the Looking Glass with Mark Anderson, Erin Ryan, Megan Gailey and Patrick Kigongo

Adam Friedland from
Live at the Wonderland Ballroom with Andrew Beaujon, Adam Friedland and Meredith Bragg

Erin Jackson from
Episode 159, Live at the BYT uncapped space with Phillipa Hughes, Erin Jackson and Justin Jones

Danny Kallas from
Live at The Whistler with Sean Parnell, Danny Kallas, Steinomite and Orca Team

Skits

Sam's Voicemail from
Episode 166, Live at the Wonderland Ballroom with Keli Anaya, Tyler Richardson and The Dustys

Political Comic Patriot Pete from
Live at the Wonderland Ballroom with Denman, Atif Myers and Birdlips

Music

Daniel Knox from
Episode 156, Live at the Looking Glass with Daniel Knox, Chris MacDonald, Michael Foody and Judson Claiborne

Rock Falls from
Episode 164, Live at the Hungry Brain with Robyn Pennacchia, Candy Lawrence and Rock Falls

Pearl and the Beard from
Episode 126, Live at Pete’s Candy Store with Sara Benincasa, Nick Vatterott and Pearl and the Beard

Steinomite from
Live at The Whistler with Sean Parnell, Danny Kallas, Steinomite and Orca Team

Ami Saraiya from
Live at the Hungry Brain with Wendy McClure, Joe Kilgallon and Ami Saraiya

Christylez Bacon from
Live at the Wonderland Ballroom with The Runcible Spoon, Kalee Rinehart and Christylez Bacon

The Bandana Splits from
Episode 139, Live at Pete’s Candy Store with Karen Abbott, Andy Haynes and The Bandana Splits

Ian Walters from
Episode 162, Live at the Looking Glass with Katie Balloons, Anupama Pillalamarri and Ian Walters

Credits
Host: Brandon Wetherbee
Co-host (Chicago, NYC): Esmeralda Leon
Live Show Producer (DC): Peter Heyneman
House Band (Chicago): Trevor McSpadden, Jeremy Tromburg
House Band (DC): Ian Graham, Nathan Jurgenson, Ian Walters

Malaka and Alison from The Runcible Spoon stop by and talk about their foody zine. Patriot Pete does not understand.

Kalee Rinehart buys Fruit Roll Ups.

Christylez Bacon was nominated for a Grammy. Listen and understand why.

The folks behind Laughter Against the Machine sit down before the first of two nights at the DCAC. Talk about the role of comedy in the Occupy movements, politics in comedy and building your own audience.

W. Kamua Bell's site and Twitter

Janine Brito's site, Twitter and interview she did with me for the Washington City Paper

Nato Green's site and Twitter

Rob Bricken, the man behind Topless Robot, is a nerd and proud of that title.

Abe Barth is a good, old fashioned joke writer that is good and not old fashioned.

noon:30 is a two piece that does not sound like a two piece.

Back at the Wonderland.

Cameron Esposito returns to the show with tales of magical hands! See her show, "Side Mullet Nation" at The Comedy Bar every Thursday until December 15. Follow Cameron on Twitter.

Sean Patton is a very funny man and I am glad I now know him. I did not look like what he thought I would. Follow him on Twitter.

Robin Bacior closes the show with three great songs. Buy her new album "Rest Our Wings" today!

Greg Walloch is a story teller that makes me happy that I still know some story tellers. Follow him on Twitter.

Jay Welch has a giant beard and a t-shirt idea! Follow him on Twitter.

Aaron Thompson plays the show for a third time. I like Aaron. Follow him on Twitter.

The man behind the extremely popular/good podcast RISK! sits down with us (Adam Friedland, Peter Heyneman and Brandon Wetherbee) and lets ask inquire about story telling, sexy "State" members, teaching and things involving hands. Follow RISK! on Twitter.

Brian Moylan works at Gawker and is not snarky. It was fun talking to him on a microphone. Subscribe to him on Twitter.

Lauren Vino now lives in Harlem. She may get to use a certain product in that neighborhood. Subscribe to her on Twitter.

Mindy Raf brings in Leibya Rogers to close the show. Leibya isn't a fan of steak. Follow Mindy on Twitter.

There was a Tardis 10 feet away!

Cartoonist Michael Kupperman is the author of the new book Mark Twain's Autobiography 1910-2010. It's amazing. Buy it. He's also a very nice man and it was a pleasure talking to him. Follow him on Twitter.

I've been of James Adomian for years. I was way too geeked out to do a decent interview. I ended up having Huell Howser and Mark Twain recite the pledge of allegiance. It was amazing. Here's an animated gif of that moment. Follow him on Twitter.

It took six months but Jenna Nicholls was finally able to do the show. It was worth the wait. She had dudes in tears by the third song. Follow her on Twitter.

Thanks, The Way Station! Your bar is great and I like being there!

Arthur Delaney writes for the Huffington Post about things that aren't happy. He's also the author of A People's History of the Great Recession, which is also not happy.

Lydia DePillis is a real journalist for the Washington City Paper and I am impressed.

Brandon Wardell returns.

Get A Tan play sweet beach tunes.

When Steve Jobs met Victory.

Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton from All Songs Considered are very fun men. One likes Billy Joel, one does not.

Katherine Jessup is fine with being that aunt.

Aaron Thompson is using electricity.

Really fun show. I hope you enjoy it.

Tom Petty.

Amy Saidman from Speakeasy DC knows when you're repeating the premise of a movie.

Tim Messinger starts out strong but ends with Pokemon.

America Hearts closes the show with three American songs.

I love I.C.P./Jack White!

Mab, Just Mab informs us why she decided that isn't not insane to walk on glass. Follow her on Twitter.

Sampson is really funny and knows where to find weed. Friend him on Facebook.

Dan from Deleted Scenes closes the show with a intimate set. Buy their new record (released today) and see them on tour.

Good show. Download it. It's dope for the most part.

The fair was fun.

Psalm One stopped by to talk about her album in progress, working as a chemist and the awesomeness of the Timbaland/Chris Cornell album.

Think Tank are amazing.

Anna Solty's closed the set with some beautiful tunes in French.

We all wore sleeves.

Sean is the author of "Historic Bars of Chicago" and the man behind the site Chicago Bar Project. He's a nice man and a good patron and we like his kind.

Danny Kallas is one of the Comedians You Should Know and made Merle and I laugh more than any comedian that has been on the show. He also walked 20 people. Listen to Danny. If you like him, we'll be very good friends. If you do not, well, maybe we'll find other things in common.

Steinomite is fucking great. As soon as he finished his set I asked him back to the show.

Orca Team closed the show with a fantastic set. Sadly, the recording didn't sound too hot so I put a song of theirs on instead. I highly recommend seeing them, buying their records and encouraging them to order more t-shirts.

I am a fan of Adam and if you subscribe to this podcast, you will too. (That sentence is stupid.)

The best comic in D.C. lets me ask him questions that make both of us uncomfortable.

Scott Thompson is my favorite member of "Kids in the Hall." He's currently on a stand up tour. See him this weekend at the Arlington Drafthouse.

I like Scott.

The arts and entertainment editor of TBD Andrew Beaujon informs me that I am not a good writer but am a good talk show host.

Adam Friedland is one of my two favorite comics in D.C. and you should follow him on Twitter.

Meredith Bragg closes the show with some not emo songs.

A good one.

The kids did not want to hear Wu-Tang.

Sean Yseult is the author of the recently released book I'm in the Band. The band she was in was called White Zombie. She was a great guest.

Brent Sullivan taught us what to call lovemaking, sex and one night stands.

Myq Kaplan was just as funny as when he was on "The Tonight Show," "Conan" and "Last Comic Standing."

Ned Hepburn stops by for a quick story about reality television.

Christine Friar read one of her terrific teenage poems. This installment is about the passing of Elliott Smith.

Julia Haltigan closes the show with three songs from her upcoming album, "My Green Heart."

A lot of show. It's a fun one.

Rob Elder is an author of a lot of books. He's also a very nice man. Buy a lot of his books.

Megan Gailey makes a triumphant return to the show.

Sad Brad Smith lives up to his name.

Really fun show.

A punk legend, a Chicago critic, garage rockers and Pitchfork staffers. Day 2 at the Pitchfork Music Festival.

The 2011 Pitchfork Music Festival is underway. Day 1 was fun. This is the proof.

Go home, babies.

Our first show at the Wonderland!

Ryan Holladay is half of Bluebrain. They've designed the best app for the iPhone if you're ever in D.C. Download The National Mall and use it. It's amazing.

Evan Valentine is a good sport! He's also funny.

Adrian Hardkor does not play hardcore music.

One and done.

Home is where the heart is and also where shows go on forever!

Robyn is the host of the Sunday Night Sex Show and friends with one of my favorite drag superstars! As a bonus, she provides Merle and I with some good skin care tips.

Candy Lawrence is brilliant and you can hear it in my laugh.

Rock Falls may have performed my favorite song to date to close the show. Really.

Hooray Hungry Brain! Hooray talk show! Accidental ladies night!

Hooray Whistler!

DK Ediger stops by to inform the audience of the dangers of fun.

Paul Hornschemeier is a super talented cartoonist/artist that is an awfully nice guy.

Will Miles is a good comic and opening for Hannibal Buress at Zanies this week.

Mark Janka from Lesser Birds of Paradise plays really, really good, sad music.

One of the best decisions I made was putting the nice people hour towards the end of the marathon. Chuck Sudo, EIC of Chicagoist, and Seth Vanek of Homeroom make Chicago a great place to live. Ami Saraiya plays great music. Nice people.

Funny, nice people making other people laugh. Stand up, sketch and improv with a closing set from Mr. Morr from Wells Next the Sea.

The oddest couple of the marathon made me very, very happy. I love Hour 7.

Hour 6 with the lady behind the Sunday Night Sex Show and a funny lady stand up. The show continues. Also, cake farts.

Two of the Comedians You Should Know and everyone's favorite calypso punk band make Hour 5 quite good.

Hour 4, the talk show host hour! Karl from Chicagoist and Joe from The Late Live Show join us to talk about voice overs, producing a show and the insides of comedy. Trevor McSpadden from The Hoyle Brothers closes the hour with three heartbreaking tunes.

One of Chicago's best couples sits down to talk about the birth of their lovely daughter, drinking at work and summer jams. Hour 2 was nice.

Katie Balloons, America's Favorite Balloon Girl, stops by the show to tell us about her passion and sing her theme song. Amazing.

Anupama Pillalamarri is not the tallest person.

To celebrate our last Looking Glass show, Ian Walters closed the show with a few originals.

Good show.

If you're a fan of "Waiting for Godot," "Roseanne" and plays by David Mamet, you will enjoy a very interesting exchange with the lovely Ned Hepburn.

Eli Sairs is an excellent stand up who recently left D.C. for NYC. If you don't like his comedy, you might enjoy a very long conversation about comedy following his act.

Alison Clancy, from Electric Child and HUFF THIS! played a really great, soulful set.

Late show and it shows.

The first live show to be captured on video tape. The first live show in an art gallery.

Phillipa Hughes is the creator of the Pink Line Project and one of the most important and nice people in the D.C. art scene.

Erin Jackson is an amazing stand up comic and you should learn about her ASAP.

Justin Jones closes the show with two beautiful song.

Thanks to BYT and vitamin water for letting us use the space. Sincerely.

Credits
Host: Brandon Wetherbee
Producer: Peter Hyneman
Sound: P.J. Rey
Production Assistant: Erik Zieger
Person in costume referenced but won't make sense until you see the video: Allison Jordan

Daniel Knox opens and closes the show. If you've ever listened, you know he's my favorite. If you haven't, welcome. Daniel Knox is my favorite songwriter.

Chris MacDonald from IndieFeed is a swell guy.

Michael Foody is my favorite D.C. stand up comic.

Judson Claiborne is a fantastic Americana (I hope they don't mind that tag) band

A super long, super fun holiday show.

Bee or cat?

Amanda Hess writes about sex and is about to say goodbye to DC. Kinda find out why.

Sarah thinks I could be a rapist.

The Sweater Set does a lot with a little. I am a big fan.

Marshall's used to have lay-away.

Chris Neary works on the super awesome podcast Freakonomics Radio and is an all-around good guy.

Jena Friedman knows how to appeal to the crowd. She's also really funny and you should see her whenever possible.

I am now a big fan of Lawrence and Leigh. You can and should download their EP from the link in the last sentence.

Fun times in Williamsburg.

Send me your hate mail! Please! It's so, so good!

Dave Zirin is a sports writer. He's the perfect talk show guest. Entertaining, engageing, smart, charming and more. Buy all of his books and read all of his columns. No joke. Whether or not you like sports, you will enjoy Mr. Zirin. Visit him at Edge of Sports.

Mariya is a fellow podcaster! Hooray! You can listen to her show at The Mariya Alexander Show.

I am a fan of Jonny Grave as a musician and a person. An all-around good guy and good performer. Find him on Reverb Nation and see him tonight at the Looking Glass. I invited the gentleman back for another round.

The fantastic poster attached to this podcast was made by Rich Bernett from Gig Posters by Rich.

Wyatt Cenac from "The Daily Show" has a new stand up special premiering on Comedy Central on May 14. You should watch it.

C.J. Toledano now writes for "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Rather than perform stand up, Wyatt joined us for a heart to heart. We all like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Abby Payne is a Pete's favorite. Listen to find out why.

Hooray Williamsburg!

I attended the Family Values tour. I am not proud of this.

James VanOsdol is my favorite radio DJ and I think he had a good time. Success!

Chuck Sudo, editor in chief of Chicagoist, brought home made Grog on the show. We drank Grog. It was strong.

Dan Ronan is really funny and you should see him live.

Good Evening plays beautiful music. Good for intimate settings.

Trevor McSpadden from The Hoyle Brothers plays music throughout the show. I love Trevor and his band. See them every Friday at the Empty Bottle.

Fun show.

Our first show at The Whistler! Easter! Why not?

I was hung on a cross.

Amy Phillips is a very nice woman and the News Editor for Pitchfork. Music talk!

Prescott Tolk is headed to Los Angeles soon. See him in Chicago while you can.

Post Honeymoon is a great, loud two-piece. Listen to them be great and loud.

Baseball is not about cover bands.

Chris Richards is an awesome guy. Read his writing in the Washington Post.

Chris Barylick made people uncomfortable in under a minute!

Big Chimney make beautiful music. Visit them online.

I was an All-Star!

Claire Zulkey is an author (buy her book "An Off Year") and all-around nice person. You should see her show at the Hideout on May 10. It's called Funny Ha-Ha and should be funny. More info here.

Ricky Carmona is one of my favorite people. Follow him on Twitter and see him live.

Michael Lux and the Bad Sons are really good and played some music that has never been played on acoustic guitars. Visit them online and see them live.