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Lower a finger if you were expecting Anne Levine to suddenly jump off the vegetarian wagon and right into a whole pile of chicken. Ok. Explore the peculiar paths of our appetites, from the comforting taste of Home Pride bread (Is that a real thing) to the comical suggestion of clam strips as a dietary alternative. Soaring egg prices and grocery shopping dilemmas morph into a lighthearted culinary chat, spiced up by my co-host Michael's humorous inputs (Michael did not write this). It's a culinary rollercoaster that promises to entertain and perhaps make you chuckle at the absurdities of food cravings and shortages.

Picture this: you're prepped for eye surgery, pulse oximeter in place, and suddenly you're more aware of the needle than you ever wanted to be. Our episode journeys through the unpredictable terrain of medical procedures, where Tim, the anesthesiologist, assures me I'll be blissfully unaware of any discomfort. Spoiler alert: I wasn't. With some name mix-ups and a quest for a warm blanket, it's a narrative filled with the unexpected twists and turns of surgery, with Michael playing the ever-supportive guy over there.

Reflecting on a tapestry of personal moments, we pay homage to the late William Tyler, whose legacy touched many lives, and we uncover how cataract surgery brought a newfound clarity to mine. From the surreal moments post-surgery to the joys of vivid sight restoration, the experience is nothing short of transformative. Amidst these musings, we also weave in anecdotes about Paul McCartney and the Beatles, sending warm thoughts to friends abroad, and indulging in the quirky moments that make life all the more interesting.

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We checked out the extravagance of Super Bowl 59, where celebrities dominated over 70% of commercials and Americans wagered a staggering $1.4 billion on a very lopsided game. Join us as we humorously unravel the spectacle, critiquing the lavishness amidst America's financial struggles, including the skyrocketing prices for everyday essentials like eggs. From Brad Pitt's metaphorical musings on unity to Lady Gaga's dazzling performance on Bourbon Street, we explore the eye-catching highlights—like Harry Connick Jr.'s musical magic with the LSU marching band and the quirky fashion choices of Travis Kelce.

Switch gears with us as we transition from the Super Bowl's glitz to the world of cinema. We highlight a movie, Amelia Perez, featuring Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez, while celebrating the groundbreaking achievements of a trans actress nominated for an Academy Award. Our conversation underscores the power of modern storytelling in shaping societal narratives. And for those craving a culinary adventure, discover the surprising charm of Ruhama's celery salad, a delightful dish that even celery skeptics might embrace.

Our journey doesn't stop there. We venture into quirky tales and literary treasures, from the mysterious "blue people" of Kentucky to the captivating novel "The Book Woman's Daughter." Finally, we reflect on stories of resilience, love, and courage—particularly the poignant return of Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Shirabi, and O Levy after their captivity in Gaza. With each chapter, we weave a rich tapestry of curiosity, discovery, and hope, celebrating the power of human connection in challenging times.

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This week's show jumps right into the chilling narrative of "Heretic," Where two Mormon missionaries cross paths with a mysterious stranger played by Hugh Grant (who delivers a performance both captivating and creepy as Mr. Reed). With unforeseen twists and a suspense-filled atmosphere, this film keeps you guessing, even if you think you've seen the end coming. Our review offers a blend of admiration and critique, celebrating Grant's enigmatic portrayal amidst an eerily compelling storyline.

From the cinema's eerie thrills, we pivot to the equally surreal experience of a former U.S. President's funeral service, where reality seemed stranger than fiction. Imagine curious women with silver wands and a surprising musical interlude by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood—elements that turned a somber occasion into a tableau of pop culture intrigue. Reflecting on the unchanged appearance of Amy Carter, we couldn't help but draw humorous parallels to a character from "Steel Magnolias," all the while navigating the maze of family connections in the public eye.

Our exploration of modern media trends takes a critical turn as we dissect the peculiarities of a Daniel Craig film (Queer) that misses the mark in its cartoonish excess. We also dive into Elon Musk's gaming scandal, unraveling a tale of deceit where the world's richest man brags about his gaming abilities yet resorts to hiring a "booster" to help him with "Path of Exiles," We then touch on the shifting value of awards and the perils of social media shopping, we wrap up with a heartfelt tribute to Oron Shaul and the Israeli women hostages released in Gaza, reminding us of the enduring power of music and memory in connecting us to those we've lost. And also putty to put on your face.

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If you were an author, would you write a fictional character named after a notorious real-life geologist? We kick off with some humor about Anne's understandable mix-up with "The Brutalist" and its lead character, Laszlo Toth. We explore the curious decision to name the character after a historical Hungarian known for vandalizing Michelangelo's Pietà. As we dissect the film's success, the highlight is Adrian Brody's performance, which might just snag him another Oscar. And did you know he was the original protagonist in "The Thin Red Line" before being mostly cut? And he's still upset about it. It's a rollercoaster of curiosity and acclaim.

Halle Berry's recent appearance on Andy Cohen's show takes us on a trip down memory lane, revisiting the unforgettable Oscars moment from 2002 when Adrian Brody planted a surprise kiss on her. How would that fly today? (CLUE: It didn't fly well THEN either) We also talk about the Golden Globes' unusual category for highest box office gross and Michael tries Oreo cookies featuring a Coca-Cola twist so you don't have to. Say thank you.

A heartfelt thank you to Alison for recommending "The Scent of Green Papaya" leads us into deeper discussions. This Vietnamese film beautifully captures life's nuances against the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War.
Also, there's more stuff about Adrian Brody.
The episode takes a somber turn as we reflect on Jimmy Carter's passing, celebrating his humanitarian legacy. Yet, even in sadness, there's humor in the closed caption descriptions at his state funeral. We wrap up with a celebration of gospel music's power and the joy of human connection, urging everyone to put a light on.

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Anne is ALWAYS interested in great television and starts off this week's show with her thoughts about "Joan," the thrilling (Found on BritBox) series starring Sophie Turner. Our conversation is as lively as the show itself, with Michael Over There™ sharing his barely informed opinions of British actors and actresses and such like. Anne is interested in Sophie's impressive career while Michael includes her severed connection to Joe Jonas. Also, we chat about gripping series like "Landman" (again) and "The Morning Show."

Switching gears to cinema, we explore the authentic familial dynamics of "A Real Pain," featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. The charm of the film lies in its exploration of deep-seated family bonds. From there, we tackle "Gladiator 2" and its quirky portrayal of Roman emperors, but it's Denzel Washington's natural accent that steals the spotlight for Anne, suggesting that his performance stands out as the reason to watch this film. We also touch on the pitfalls of other accent work in films, recalling Kevin Costner's memorable struggles in "Robin Hood."

Our journey concludes with a poignant reflection on the Vietnam War through powerful literature and personal stories. Anne delves into the emotional depth of Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried," among other works, to highlight the complexities of war. We pay tribute to Major Richard Ayers, an Air Force pilot whose story of disappearance remains a haunting reminder of unresolved sacrifices. Join us as we remember the bravery and reflect on the stories that continue to shape our understanding of conflict and peace.

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Ever found yourself at a holiday dinner where the menu unexpectedly challenges tradition? Picture Elen and Lary's festive feast where ham boldly joined the lineup of roast beef, chicken, and kugel. This humorous culinary mashup celebrated the extremely rare convergence of Hanukkah and Christmas (only the 5th time ever), a delightful reminder of the joy in blending traditions and sharing laughter over a plate of latkes. Also, we delve into the history of "kugelgate," and discover how it could have been avoided altogether.

Now, let's pivot from the dinner table to the rugged terrains of Survivor Island, tipping our hats to Rachel's stellar victory and Sue's strategic genius, proving once again that age is just a number when it comes to outwitting and outlasting. This season's nod to older contestants evokes memories of Rudy, the wise 75-year-old, while sparking conversations about the dynamic layers age brings to the game. We also revisit the dark comedy "Vengeance," and it's Allison from Orleans who keeps us on our toes with her knack for unraveling plot twists, reinforcing our enthusiasm for this engaging flick (AND Survivor).

Our entertainment journey doesn't stop there. We're recommending that you immerse yourself in the suspenseful world of espionage with "The Agency," where Michael Fassbender and Richard Gere shine against a London backdrop. If oil and intrigue are more your speed, join us in dissecting "Landman," where Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Hamm deliver gripping performances set amid the complexities of the Texas oil industry. Available on Paramount Plus and Prime Video, these series promise a perfect blend of humor, drama, and insight.

Plus: Happy New Year!

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Michael's "radio voice", sets the stage for an enlightening discussion on Lily Miola's "Daydream," a gem unearthed on Britain's Got Talent. We then shift gears to highlight the dynamic role YouTube plays in the music industry, before diving into Snoop Dogg's latest masterpiece, "Missionary," produced with Dr. Dre and featuring an unexpected collaboration with Sting. It's all about the power of discovery and surprise in the music world!

Journey with us as we celebrate the incredible rise of artists who owe their fame to singing competitions. From Meghan Trainor's youthful success at just 30, to the chart-topping careers of "American Idol" alumni like Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert and Scotty McCreery, we uncover stories of triumph and perseverance. Along the way, we tease Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Maria Callas, a role that delves into the singer's fascinating past with Aristotle Onassis and earned her an EIGHT MINUTE Ovation at Cannes.

The thrill of espionage and the nostalgia of yesteryears converge as we dissect The Agency, a modern spy drama set against a tumultuous global backdrop. Our conversation weaves through the complexities of CIA operations, memories of the Y2K scare, and pays tribute to fashion icon Polly Mellon. And then it happened. We somehow lost around 13 minutes of our show. We didn't have time to re-record so Michael added an episode of Five Minute Mysteries, and old-time radio program unravelling a cunning murder mystery in a Turkish bath steam room, where an ingenious murderer almost commits the perfect crime. It's a suspenseful ride full of twists, turns, and clever deductions that will keep you on the edge of your seat and it's only five minutes long ;)

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This week, we start with the legendary Patti LaBelle and discuss her being a flamboyant gay icon and hear about her recent pearls of wisdom she shared on Julia Louis-Dreyfus' podcast, "Wiser Than Me." Plus, Patti travels with her spice cabinet. Then we wonder what the Boyz in Perth thinks about the peculiar "Devil's Marbles" in Northern Australia. Also, Anne's face is a problem at the moment —who knew parotid glands could be so captivating?

As the episode rolls on, we embrace the lively worlds of entertainment and culinary arts. If you're feeling those post-holiday blues, we have just the remedy: sticky toffee pudding. Seriously, it's awesome.

We couldn't resist a humorous exploration of today's LGBTQ+ rights landscape, where comedians Anthony Jeselnik and Fortune Feimster give us much-needed laughs. There's a nod to nostalgia with Massachusetts' blue laws and a celebration of new retail arrivals on Cape Cod. But that's not all! Get the scoop on exciting entertainment news, from the much-anticipated A24 film "Queer" to intriguing portrayals in "A Complete Unknown" and "Maria." Whether it's the nuances of language or the joy of collecting quirky merchandise, we bring a playful yet thoughtful tapestry of topics that promise to entertain and enlighten. And by promise we mean, "perhaps might."

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