The JV Club with Janet Varney

Janet marvels at the high school debate prowess of episode 188’s guest, Emily Heller (Baby Geniuses), the social politics of which office you run for in student council, and circus camp, circus camp, circus camp.

Direct download: JVC187_Emily_Heller.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It's a special re-release of Kathleen Rose Perkins! The charming Kathleen Rose Perkins (Episodes) recounts the joys and challenges of being a certified bird-owner, being heard in a family of boys, and what we’re really doing when we’re eating eggs. Want more? Find out where Kathleen’s future home is, courtesy of another glorious game of M.A.S.H.!

Direct download: JVC187_Kathleen_Rose_Perkins_Re-Release.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:38pm PDT

Recorded in a cozy hotel room at SF Sketchfest, Janet and Janeane Garofalo sit wedged between the wall and the bed, following whatever tangent might present  itself. Does Janet get left in the dust in matters intellectual, political and otherwise? Sure. Is that okay? It’s going to have to be, because Janeane is smart, fast, and fantastic.

Direct download: JVC186_Janeane_Garofalo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

In a shocking and exciting break from tradition, Janet’s friend crush Charles W. “Chuck” Bryant from the beloved Stuff You Should Know podcast joins his fellow guest, the fiercely smart and funny Veronica Belmont as the first non-Boy of Summer in this live episode from SF Sketchfest! They’re joined by the sublime Matt Nathanson, who had everyone onstage and in the audience in love with him by the end of the show.


Janet is joined by the President of the American chapter of SWOP: Sex Workers Outreach Project and professional dominatrix Savannah Sly for a rapid-fire discussion of perception, experience, misconception and politics in this goes-by-way-too-quickly-and-could-have-been-three-hours-long episode. Thankfully there’s still time to talk about a mutual favorite female X-Men character and a good chance that JV and Savannah will end up neighbors on a magic mountain.

Direct download: JVC184_Savannah_Sly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Get ready for a San Francisco-style hair-buzzing with one of the shining stars of You’re the Worst, Aya Cash, as we dash from Buddhism to dental care jewelry (yep) to the startling discovery of youth that not every citizen is a Bay Area liberal in this final episode of 2015! Happy New Year!

Direct download: JVC183_Aya_Cash.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

All-around badass journalist (and former sex/dating columnist) Jessica Ogilvie drops by, and the tangents are nothing if not feverishly robust and tendril-like. What can we say? She’s fascinating, brave, and funny… and she took her written M.A.S.H. results home to frame.

Direct download: JVC182_Jessica_Ogilvie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02am PDT

Not unlike making lemonade from lemons, learn how to make the best of learning to play the clarinet when your heart called out for a flute from  terrific guest Collette Wolfe (“You’re the Worst”). The woods of Virginia, a friend who tells you when your fashion’s bad, and Janet’s seeming inability to stop talking about post-Feminist Feminism also punctuate Episode 181.

 

Direct download: JVC181_Collette_Wolfe.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The absolutely splendid Ingrid Oliver ("Doctor Who”) can breeze seamlessly from evocative quandaries about politics to the wonders of a Whopper Junior in Episode 180 of the podcast, where the Janet-New-Friend-Swoon-O-Meter (previously not actually a thing, now very much a thing) goes off the charts.

Direct download: JVC180_Ingrid_Oliver.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Heads-up! We did things a little differently this week for a podcast mashup! Carla interviews Janet about doing improv as a teaser for Carla’s new improv podcast, Improv Yak… until the proverbial tables are turned and Janet gets back to the place she feels most comfortable: asking people about their weird teen habits.

Direct download: JVC179_Carla_Cackowski.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Guys, it’s just two gals from Tucson, Arizona, talkin’ shop. A teenaged Kate Walsh (Private Practice) body-paints, yearbook staffs, and drama clubs her way through a couple of high schools, including the one Janet attended! Are these two connected by a magical Arizonan connection? Or is it a Vonnegut-esque granfalloon? Either way, they’re both in love with their new web series, Everyone’s Crazy But Us.

Direct download: JVC178_Kate_Walsh.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Throw on your band uniform and pick up that flute for a march with Mary Holland (Blunt Talk), whose people-pleasing teenage spirit went from a small bluegrassy town to the sexy seclusion of a boarding school in Episode 177, where Janet’s middling detective skills are put to the test.

Direct download: JVC177__Mary_Holland.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:51am PDT

It’s a Portland-tastic live episode from the delightful All Jane Comedy Festival in Oregon, featuring the brilliant talents of Sarah Mirk (Bitch Media), Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney), and musical guest Hutch Harris (The Thermals)!


Heads up, Akron! The simply superb Rhea Butcher arrives armed and ready for Episode 175 with a killer hairstyle, insightful thoughts on teenage sexuality and skateboarding, and a justified robust admiration of Claire Huxtable.

Direct download: JVC175_Rhea_Butcher.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Show off your grungiest snowman with Episode 174’s guest, voice actor-virtuouso and author Tara Platt, who didn’t always rise to the top of the popularity heap in her youth as a practical atheist during her family’s many ramblings. Figure out where your own safety nets lie as Tara and Janet trapeze through fear, change, stability and a good  spoonful of harissa, which may or may not be the thing we thought we were talking about. Mysteries!

Direct download: JVC174_Tara_Platt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:44am PDT

Climb into your co-ed dorm’s shower and have a good laugh/cry with the fantastic Jessica Merizan (don’t worry, she knows you think it’s “marzipan”) as she and Janet slip and slide all over about 30 different tangents at once, including mafia (the game, not the crime syndicate) and Guillermo del Toro’s wonderful monsters. And! Janet finds out what Xanga is, which until this moment she didn’t even know started with the letter “x."

 

Direct download: JVC173_Jessica_Merizan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02am PDT

Episode 171 brings the extraordinary you-have-to-hear-it-to-believe it story of actress and comedian Lisa Kate David, who has become a bit of an expert on dating in LA with no nipples. And that’s just part of what has been the mother of all roller coasters of a life. So pull your fresh baked bread out of the oven and huddle in!

 

Direct download: JVC172_Lisa_Kate_David.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:13am PDT

Have you said hello to your bottom teeth lately? Check in with the lovely set of Joy Osmanski (Grey’s Anatomy, The Loop) in Episode 171, where you’ll also find genetic mysteries, late night television, and the commonalities between Anne of Green Gables and Laura Ashley.

Direct download: JVC171_Joy_Osmanski.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Come see Janet this weekend at LA Podfest, www.lapodfest.com

Direct download: JVClub_fest.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

With the Boys of Summer gone but not forgotten, Episode 170’s guest Kelly Carlin shares stories of adventurous ropes courses, making it alive through the high times of Los Angeles in the 70’s-80’s, and how her art/work informed her bond with her legendary father, comedian George Carlin. Plus: the endless virtues of peanut butter!

Direct download: JVC170_Kelly_Carlin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:09am PDT

Episode 169 brings us to the end of Boys of Summer, and better way to go than with the one and only Dana Gould (Full disclosure, no search was done to determine whether there are other Dana Goulds out there)? It’s an episode replete with tangents, including defining nostalgia, a Simpsons episode origin story, and two people hurtling uncomfortably forward into a conversation about body hair and sex.

Direct download: JVC169__Boys_of_Summer_-_Dana_Gould.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Fathers of the late ’80’s early ’90’s, protect your daughters! Protect them… from THE PROMINATOR. There’s more to be said about this episode with the multi talented and hilarious Christopher Sabat (Dragonball Z), but it’s really, really tough to follow something as horribly wonderful as THE PROMINATOR. So discover yourself with a listen, why don’t you?

Direct download: JVC168_Boys_of_Summer_-_Christopher_Sabat.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It’s a party of Janetors and Adventurkateers with episode 167 and Boy of Summer Hal Lublin (The Thrilling Adventure Hour). Will someone please help Hal find his lost plush Pluto doll? Or at bare minimum, make him a t-shirt like the one he describes on the podcast? These are pressing human issues.

Direct download: JVC167_Hal_Lublin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Eat your heart out, Billy Idol! Janet and Boys of Summer guest, the simply wonderful Ron Funches (Undateable) ignore hits like "Eyes Without a Face” from the semi-comfort of a dressing room at Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco. And in an unprecedented turn of events, Ron spends the entire podcast lying down. Friendship!

Direct download: JVC166_Boys_of_Summer_-_Ron_Funches.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:12am PDT

Turn that baseball cap around for Episode 165, because it’s tennis in Texas with the deeply awesome James Roday (Psych)! Peel the oniony layers of a man who knows the immense value of emotive singer/songwriters, a heaping plate of Mexican food, and a puffy vest.

Direct download: JVC165_Boys_of_Summer_-_James_Roday.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Look out! Episode 164 in the Boys of Summer series brings you Janet’s first boyfriend, the talented and possibly-too-handsome Barrett Kime, also known as the Prince Charming to her clunky, pumpkin-toothed Snow White in their first grade musical. And it was pretty much all downhill from there for the next decade, with rock-throwing, surreptitious smooching, petty jealousies and everything else that comes along with young, young, YOUNG love.

Direct download: JVC164_Boys_of_Summer_-_Barrett_Kime.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It’s the badass creator of You’re the Worst, Stephen Falk! Episode 162 lets you straddle the disparate high school worlds of theatre, jazz band and sports, and then fall in love with the new girl in school, who naturally drives a stick-shift pick-up truck. Swoon!

Direct download: JVC163_Boys_of_Summer_-_Stephen_Falk.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Swoon over the delight that is musician Rhett Miller (Old 97’s) as Boys of Summer rocks on, with a robust list of awesome and embarrassing erstwhile band names, tales of the Lone Star state, and a tip of the hat to Seventeen magazine. No episode has ever been groovier.

Direct download: JVC162_Boys_of_Summer_-_Rhett_Miller.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Who ain’t afraid of no ghosts? Depends on which version of episode 161’s guest, Gabriel Diani (The Selling), we’re talking about. So crack open your favorite comic book (ours is Mondo Man) and throw on some oldies to get yourself in the mood for this podcast treasure.

Direct download: JVC161_Boys_of_Summer_-_Gabriel_Diani.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:50pm PDT

Enjoy Janet’s stumble through the early part of Episode 160 with the insanely funny John Ross Bowie (Big Bang Theory) as he does his very best to be gracious about a common misconception. Then! Stick around for a look at New York’s Hell’s Kitchen in the 80’s… or at least one city block of it. And get your straight edge on!

Direct download: JVC160_Boys_of_Summer_-_John_Ross_Bowie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Bing Bong! It’s time for another Boys of Summer episode of The JV Club with comedian and actor Amir Talai. So! Reflect on your Mindset- are you open to failing to become better at something? Have you spit into a cup to find out your origin story? And vitally important: when was the last time you watched Man on Fire?

Direct download: JVC159_Boys_of_Summer_-_Amir_Talai.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Hey Everybody— it’s the sublime Marc Evan Jackson! The latest Boys of Summer episode will reveal some compelling and charming new things about the man you may also know as Sparks Nevada from Thrilling Adventure Hour. Addendum: you will not be asked to sign a pledge to abstain from drinking, smoking, sex, or dancing during the consumption of this episode. We are not the boss of you.

Direct download: JVC158_Boys_of_Summer_-_Marc_Evan_Jackson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Breakdance your way through Episode 157 with one of the busiest and coolest guys around, Dante Basco (Hook, Avatar: The Last Airbender), who reminds us that family, curiosity, and the occasional all-night conversation with friends can yield rich rewards. And find out what it means to “know what you know” (then you’ll know)!

Direct download: JVC157_Boys_of_Summer_-_Dante_Basco.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The JV Club’s Boys of Summer returns with gusto, courtesy the wonderful Colin Hanks! Sink into episode 156 where you’ll marvel at the benefits of a multi-purpose room and, perhaps most importantly, learn how to say two VERY useful phrases in everyone’s favorite dead language, Latin.

Direct download: JVC156_Boys_of_Summer_-_Colin_Hanks.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Episode 155 finds artist, writer and educator Kimberly Brooks popping over to share her boundless insights in an exploration of too many things to list… but here are a few anyway: Art! Feminism! Physics! Fearlessness! Eggs Florentine!

Direct download: JVC155_Kimberly_Brooks.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Welcome Episode 154’s hilarious guest Colleen Smith (No You Shut Up!), who patiently puts up with Janet’s attempts to force her into writing a children’s book based on her experiences as a lanky redhead in the beautiful state of Hawaii. Aloha!

Direct download: JVC154_Colleen_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It’s Episode 153 with the endlessly awesome and prolific Felicia Day (Geek and Sundry). Learn the pros and cons of spending your high school years outside of high school proper, where you have the chance to become as weird and as wonderful as you like. And! One of the swiftest and most satisfying sets of M.A.S.H. answers you could dare to dream for!

Direct download: JVC153_Felicia_Day.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Meet the high school thespian who wasn’t afraid to tuck her giant 80’s bangs under her babushka for the most authentic Fiddler on the Roof performance in Episode 152 of The JV Club, with the inimitable Mary Birdsong (Reno 911). You’ll also find out more about the origin story of her delightful last name, celebrate unaffordable horses, and learn the surprising way Mary’s mom got her to Paris.

Direct download: JVC152_Mary_Birdsong.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Saddle up, because episode 151 with Jennifer Hale (Bioshock, Mass Effect, Halo) is a whirlwind of slipping through the timestream, listening to your gut, and lessons only a horse can teach you. NOTE! Regardless of your age, you will want to be Jennifer Hale when you grow up.

Direct download: JVC151_Jennifer_Hale.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It’s the 150th Episode of The JV Club, and how better to celebrate than with one JV chit-chatting with another JV (the simply fantastic Jean Villepique)? With stories from a tall girl with big dreams from a small town in New Jersey, it’s an episode Bruce Springsteen could (and should!) write a song about.

Direct download: JVC150_Jean_Villepique.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

There’s just something about people from New Mexico that makes them special. That’s certainly true of Episode 149’s guest, the huge-hearted Natalie Garcia (MaeDay Rescue), who is a veritable renaissance woman with a love of vintage attire, singing music, and saving pups.

Direct download: JVC148_Natalie_Garcia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Get a jump on space travel with the extraordinary Zelda Williams (Legend of Korra) and her incredibly awesome voice. Tales of private school, voice acting, and the puzzles of social media lead up to one of Janet’s worst MASH categories ever, which Zelda navigates like a champ.

Direct download: JVC148_Zelda_Williams.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Episode 147 welcomes Alison Haislip (Attack of the Show) for a deep dive into some pretty important issues. Of course we’re talking about hair color, psychics, and dessert for breakfast. Kick the soccer ball of conversation around with us for an hour, won’t you?

Direct download: JVC147_Alison_Haislip.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:37am PDT

I’ll just say it: Episode 146 is one of the most inspiring to date. Way to go, Erin Fitzgerald (Chie from Persona 4)! From the far reaches of Ottawa, Ontario through the lovely Victoria, British Columbia, Los Angeles has the good fortune to be called home by this shining star, who knows a good chocolate croissant when she tastes one.

Direct download: JVC146_Erin_Fitzgerald.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Get naked (just remember to tape up!) with the wickedly funny Paula Marshall (Californication) in this episode covering all the basics: Sex, Politics, Religion, and, of course, Ghosts.

Direct download: JVC145_Paula_Marshall.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Are you an alligator or a turtle? Do some Animal work (and find out what that even means) with the sparkling Molly Quinn (Castle) in episode 144 of The JV Club, which also includes discussion of some other A-words: Adulthood, Affection, and Amaretto sours.

Direct download: JVC144_Molly_Quinn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

This week’s guest — comedian Janine Brito — comes to you direct from Los Angeles via New York via San Francisco via Alabama with a bunch of other exotic locales in between. Along the way: Icelandic grandmothers, British schools, SNL obsessions and a couple of pretty remarkable early-life curveballs.

Direct download: JVC143_Janine_Brito.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Episode 142 welcomes “Skepchick” Rebecca Watson, who reminds us that every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven. And speaking of heaven, turns out there may not be one. A look at atheism and secular humanism with a sprinkling of Christianity is supplemented with plenty of R.E.M. and the scientific discovery that humans have two different stomachs! You heard it here first!

Direct download: JVC142_Rebecca_Watson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It’s comedian Cameron Esposito (Put Your Hands Together) and SHE! IS! GREAT! There’s nothing like a story about a medical semi-crisis in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language to get the old podcast blood flowing. But it doesn’t stop there… because who doesn’t love talking to their parents about sex? NOTE: the prior two references are NOT RELATED.

Direct download: JVC141_Cameron_Esposito.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Things get groovy with the luminous Seychelle Gabriel (The Legend of Korra) with rhapsodic waxing on the brilliant Jimi Hendrix, song-and-dance numbers featuring high school teens and Toto classics, and Korra fans, don’t worry… some chatting about Korrasami.

Direct download: JVC140_Seychelle_Gabriel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Janet falls into the lull of the hypnotic Amber Benson (The Witches of Echo Park) yet somehow also manages to talk faster than she maybe ever has. This may be an episode where even more conversations are begun and never finished than usual, and that’s really saying a lot. AND, you have the chance to win a signed book from Amber! Now go win it!

Direct download: JVC139_Amber_Benson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

This is an episode that can only be described as second to nun. [insert 100 groans here] But really! It’s the amazing and wonderful Maureen Johnson (The Name of the Star) and talk of metaphorical time traveling via one strict Catholic high school (shhhh… don’t tell anyone she was a Protestant!). Advisory: This episode may be habit-forming. “Habit" forming. Get it? Nuns? Habits? [slams door in own face]

Direct download: JVC138_Maureen_Johnson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Following the old adage “Write what you know,” episode 137’s guest could have her very own One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest! Janet welcomes author (and woodworker!) Marci Crestani (Halfway to Dead) for a deep-dive into expanding your social horizons, whether empathy is a blessing or a curse, and of course, whether paintings can be “evil."

Direct download: JVC137_Author_Marci_Crestani.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

If you’ve been worried that there hasn’t been quite enough talk about being a teenage goth lately, worry not! Sarah Burns (Enlightened) brings her A game with just the right amount of Skinny Puppy and Bauhuas. Plus a brand-new MASH question submitted by a listener finds much success!

Direct download: JVC135_Sarah_Burns.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

What do you get when you cross a Renaissance Faire with Disney World, add a dose of psychopathy,  and throw a few wigs and fake nails and a bedazzled sweater or two? Why, you get Episode 135 of the JV Club with Jamie Denbo (The Heat), of course! Meet the Beverly to Jessica Chaffin’s (ep 143) Ronna. Spoiler: She’s a dream!

Direct download: JVC135_Jamie_Denbo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

SPOILER ALERT! You are cleared to listen to this episode if you are A. All caught up with the Serial podcast or B. Totally not interested in the Serial podcast. If B, Jessica Chaffin (Ronna and Beverly) and Janet apologize for talking so much about it. But not to worry- they also discuss several other disturbing events. SECOND SPOILER ALERT: Jessica Chaffin is terrific.

Direct download: JVC134_Jessica_Chaffin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

This week’s guest, the extraordinary Sarah Thyre, answers possibly the most pressing question facing Americans today: Where can you go to practice walking in high heels on cobblestone before your trip to Europe? And perhaps just as vital: How have Playboy boobs changed over the decades? Also, guess what? Sarah’s awesome!

Direct download: JVC133_Sarah_Thyre.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Janet finds a new way to make peace with spiders thanks to Episode 132’s guest, the wise and wonderful Shadi Petosky. This sage advice and more stories of nature’s bounteous forests, lakes and guitar by the campfire. And as if that weren’t enough, get ready for some frank, fascinating and important talk about how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.

Direct download: JVC132_Shadi_Petosky.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Put on your best 60’s dress and grab a book, because you’re probably not going to get to watch much television tonight in the world of the disarming Jenny Wade’s childhood. If you’re a young woman without many resources on how the body works, get ready to get REALLY informed! Everyone else… saddle up!

Direct download: JVC131_Jenny_Wade.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Things aren't always what they seem with Episode 130's guest, the lovely Noureen DeWulf (Anger Management, Burning Love). Tips on how to get out of the house to the movies, the pizza place, and oh-so-much-more, even when your parents forbid it. Espionage!

Direct download: JVC130_Noureen_DeWolfe.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:08am PDT

Pull on your sequined unitard and clip in your feathered headdress for the Dance Drill of podcast episodes with Annie Savage (Thrilling Adventure Hour). It’s raining tap shoes, airsickness bags, and actual rain in episode 128, where the especially important factoid of where Janet and Annie clean out their purses is finally revealed (no one cares).

Direct download: JVC129_Annie_Savage.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The JV Club went live at the LA Podfest with special guests Kether Donohue (You’re the Worst) and musicians Ben Jaffe and Suzanne Santo, otherwise known as Honeyhoney, and what ensued was an afternoon of music, cookies, fake tattoos, and a double M.A.S.H. with Kether and Janet both finding out their 100% guaranteed fictional futures. Saddle up!

Direct download: JVC128_Live_from_LA_Podfest_with_Kether_Donohue_and_Honeyhoney.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:47am PDT

The first regular episode back after the Boys of Summer series finds the hilarious Erin Foley (Sports Without Balls) discussing the satisfaction of a good sweat vs. a good beachside lazy layabout. ALSO! Braving the minefields of adolescent romance, the perfection of good Thai food, and living and dying for the Bee Gees.

Direct download: JVC127_Erin_Foley.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Live from SDCC 2014, it's the Nerdist Podcast Super Panel with Matt Mira (Nerdist, James Bonding), Jonah Ray (Nerdist, Jonah Raydio), Janet Varney (The JV Club), Cole Stratton (Pop My Culture), Gil Letelier (The Mutant Season), Ben Blacker (Nerdist Writers Panel, Nerdist Comics Panel, Thrilling Adventure Hour), Ben Acker (Thrilling Adventure Hour), Sandra Daugherty (Sex Nerd Sandra) and Dave Ross (Terrified)!

Direct download: Nerdist_Podcast_Network_Super_Panel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Episode 126 marks the last of the Boys of Summer series, and who better to class up the podcast than Keegan-Michael Key (Key and Peele)? Dog talk and tapeworm talk eventually give way to exploring identity as it relates to being adopted, how to get along with (almost) everybody, and the appeal of a really great plate of chili cheese fries.

Direct download: JVC126_Boys_of_Summer__Keegan-Michael_Key.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Post-Labor Day = not technically Summer anymore, but gotta get out this great ep with the delightful Dave Holmes (International Waters) as he delves into the things we do to fit in, exploring literal and metaphorical uniforms, and coming out to your Catholic parents— whee!

Direct download: JVC125_Boys_of_Summer__Dave_Holmes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:54pm PDT

The last duo of Boys of Summer: the insanely talented and terrific Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the minds behind "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "The Legend of Korra.” Art! Music! Travel! Adventure! And of course, squirrel suits. PLUS! A VERY, VERY special rendition of “Boys of Summer” from Paul and Storm!

Direct download: JVC124_Boys_of_Summer__Mike_DiMartino_and_Bryan_Konietzko.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Surf’s up! Guest Graham Elwood (Comedy Film Nerds) puzzles over moralistic quandaries, zen and control, sports and feelings, and (gulp) the gluttony of a good buffet

Direct download: JVC123_Graham_Elwood.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Now entering Sklarbro Country! Jason and Randy Sklar make JV Club history as the first (and let’s face it, possibly only) twins to appear. Applaud their patience as Janet asks what are probably twin-related questions that the boys have been forced to answer their entire lives (and somehow still make it entertaining and fresh).

Direct download: JVC122_Boys_of_Summer__The_Sklar_Brothers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:18am PDT

How’s your summah? It’s about to get a bit brighter with the delightful Howard Kremer (Who Charted?) whose stories of non-caped crusading, rocks from the Boss, and the changing phases of his erstwhile band do not disappoint. What would YOUR superhero name be?

Direct download: JVC121_Boys_of_Summer__Howard_Kremer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It's back-to-back duos! This week welcomes The Thrilling Adventure Hour's Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, with tales of suburban east coastery, unrequited crushery, and odd coincidencery, plus possibly more made up words!

Direct download: JVC120_Ben_Acker_and_Ben_Blacker.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The Boys of Summer return in the corporeal forms of Paul and Storm, in town on their way to Comic Con! The gents try to explain D & D to Janet even though neither of them were really that into it, until she finally lets it drop and they move on to other equally delightfully nerdy subjects. w00t w00t!

Direct download: JVC119_Boys_of_Summer__Paul_and_Storm.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Taking a brief break from the Boys of Summer series while Janet's out of town, it's the live episode from Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland, Oregon with Carrie Brownstein!

Direct download: JVC118_Live_at_Bridgetown_with_Carrie_Brownstein.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The lightning-quick-minded Paul Gilmartin reunites with his Dinner and a Movie co-host for a frank discussion about the good and bad that shapes us, finding humor in darkness, and... Chaka Kahn.

Direct download: JVC117_Boys_of_Summer__Paul_Gilmartin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Oh no- not ANOTHER Polish-Indian-silly-wonderful-trail-running-twin-fathering-Community-castmember. Wait... There's only ONE Danny Pudi. And he's the guest of episode 116- as the Boys of Summer rolls on!

Direct download: JVC116_Boys_of_Summer__Danny_Pudi.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

This week with the always wonderful Paul F. Tompkins: build a snow tunnel, sing a few piano tunes, or recite Edgar Allen Poe in the place where his macabre work truly shines: a brightly lit classroom. Boys of Summer continues!

Direct download: JVC115_Boys_of_Summer__Paul_F._Tompkins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

You knew this Boys of Summer episode was inevitable… so SWEATER UP! It’s the just-plain-awesome Greg Behrendt and his rugby-playing, alt-rock-discovering, girl-crazy younger self, all wrapped up in a quality cardigan and a good pair of Purcells.

Direct download: JVC114_Boys_of_Summer__Greg_Behrendt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Spend an hour and change with erstwhile Young Drunk Punk Bruce McCulloch (Kids in the Hall) as he class-clowns, competitive-weightlifts, and rock-and-rolls his way through his teens in Calgary and Edmonton. Yes, those are both places in Canada. C'mon guys. We knew that.

Direct download: JVC113_Bruce_McCulloch.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:03am PDT

Get soothed by the dulcet tones of the charming and absurdly talented Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Mad TV) as he channels Bogart, Poitier... and even Winkler. Plus: Discover the sci-fi plots of books he really should write, courtesy of the M.A.S.H. game!

Direct download: JVC112_Phil_LaMarr.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Cross over the Rainbow Bridge for a listen to some of Boys of Summer guest Jimmy Pardo's (Never Not Funny) Greatest Hits. Now imagine Jimmy rolling his eyes when he reads this description, and you've got a sense of this episodic gem!

Direct download: JVC111_Boys_of_Summer__Jimmy_Pardo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The “it” in question being, amongst other things, guest and Pop My Culture Podcast co-host Cole Stratton’s job at the local newspaper. What other adventures did this moxie-laden self-starter have while the rest of us were eating multiple hot fudge sundaes after school (okay, maybe that was just Janet.)? Find out in Episode 110, otherwise known as the third installment of the Boys of Summer series!

Direct download: JVC110_Boys_of_Summer__Cole_Stratton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Things you will know A LOT about after you finish this episode with the simply delightful Oscar Nunez (The Office): Hot dogs! Dental Technology! And the entire history of Castro’s dictatorship in Cuba! And heads-up- this might be the most giggly Janet has ever been on the podcast. You’ve been warned!

Direct download: JVC109_Oscar_Nunez_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:12am PDT

Military-schooled Steve Agee (The Sarah Silverman Program) is the guest for the premiere of the "Boys of Summer" series on the JV Club! Tools you may find useful: rock-climbing gear, headphones, a Trans-Am and a bottle of Boone's.

Direct download: JVC108_Steve_Agee.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:10am PDT

It's Episode 107 with comedian Joselyn Hughes! First up: hair, hair hair. Plus: 311! Everclear! No Doubt! And later... a deeper dive... into snorkeling.

Direct download: JVC107_Joselyn_Hughes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

In this very special episode, Janet podcasts her very own DAUGHTER! ...Well, at least someone who played her daughter in a thing. It’s the terrific Jennette McCurdy (“Sam and Cat”) and a sitting-on-the-rug hangout, covering such topics as feminism, faith, and becoming a real life Ghostbuster.

Direct download: JVC106_Jennette_McCurdy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Put on your safety googles and fire up the furnace with this week's guest, the handy and hilarious Suzy Nakamura (Bad Teacher). Take a tour of pizza shop and comic book-basement-vacations-- but don't fall asleep or you'll miss your train stop!

Direct download: JVC105_Suzy_Nakamura.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

It’s a deep-delving discussion of ethics and morality (science fiction nerds welcome!) with the inimitable Aisha Tyler, otherwise known as a video gaming champ of her local laundromat. Plus: enough rad book recommendations to last you for weeks!

Direct download: JVC104_Aisha_Tyler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Will Episode 103 cut the mustard? Join Janet and guest Sarah Tapscott (Kroll Show) on a verrrrrry long adventure where, if you’re lucky— or unlucky— you may even be given your own horse. Plus: More Creepy Emma Thompson worship!

Direct download: JVC103_Sarah_Tapscott.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

This episode comes with a collectible set of apologies for all of the apologies from the apologizing team of Pilar Alessandra (On the Page). Plus: a houseful of grandparents, a dad with a perm, and marrying Bugs Bunny.

Direct download: JVC102_Pilar_Alessandra.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Finally, the ALL-ALMONDS episode you've been waiting for! Sympathize with awesome guest Ginger Gonzaga (ABC's Mixology) as she patiently discusses almonds with Janet for almost the entire hour.* Oh, and a little bit about debate teams, hallucinogenic teas, and a "free-farting" flute teacher. *Extreme exaggeration

Direct download: JVC101_Ginger_Gonzaga.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Our very first live episode video-streamed with the amazing Busy Philipps (Cougartown) and MANY OF YOU! Thanks to everyone who tuned in and commented and asked awesome questions. And thanks to the guys at Cogo for hosting! Happy 100th episode!

Direct download: JVC100_Busy_Philipps.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:26pm PDT

A special announcement from Janet about the LIVE 100th episode streaming March 13th at 4pm PST on https://www.cogo.tv/jvclub!

Direct download: JVC_100_announcement.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:34pm PDT

Feel it all! Lean into every bit of Episode 99 with the inspiring Heidi Rose Robbins, who celebrates the delight of a great poem, the magic of children’s books, and the extraordinary appeal of a little something called midnight moon cheese!

Direct download: JVC99_Heidi_Rose_Robbins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Come hang out in the principal's office with the hilarious and talented Daniele Gaither (MadTV), read up on your Mary Higgins Clark, and if you're lucky, you might even become a member of the elite club the Rumbling Knights.

Direct download: JVC98_Daniele_Gaither_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43am PDT

It's tough to beat New York City in the 1980's, as this week's guest Zandy Hartig (Childrens Hospital) proves with memories of museums, clubs, and a very special classroom. Plus: Sting!

Direct download: JVC97_Zandy_Hartig.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:16am PDT

One of the Bay Area's shiniest stars, comedian and writer Caitlin Gill takes a break from her 7,000 Sketchfest appearances to hang out in Janet's hotel room and jaw about buffalos, Murphy Brown, and livin' tall in Episode 96, as we draw ever closer to the threat of Episode 100.

Direct download: JVC96_Caitlin_Gill.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Walk into the light - or follow the smell of toast- for a morningtime chat with the splendid Maria Thayer (Eagleheart) about bee farms, how flunking art leads to art school, and the delight of watching garden things grow in Episode 95 ("95, Feel Alive!") of this podcast, also known as The JV Club.

Direct download: JVC95_Maria_Thayer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

This week's guest, the incredibly bright and hilarious Kathryn Borel (Corked: A Memoir) does not need another copy of the children's book Eloise. Find out why, and while you're at it, learn about the random anarchy of the universe, the unexpected ways we connect to other humans, and of course (of course??), French clowns.

Direct download: JVC94_Kathryn_Borel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Jigsaw Puzzles! Eating the bread basket! Cutting your hair! Find out about all of these metaphorical meanings in this in-depth mind-meld with episode 93’s guest Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt (It’s Just a F*ing Date), fresh from teaching her "Oprah Life Class" with Ms. Winfrey herself!

Direct download: JVC93_Amiira_Behrendt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Put on your fluffiest cat tail and your Elizabethan collar for this episode with special guest pirate-princess-trombonist Kimmy Gatewood (The Apple Sisters), whose teenage Garth Halloween costume puts Dana Carvey to shame. To shame!

Direct download: JVC92_Kimmy_Gatewood.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT