Excelsior! The Marvel Age of Comics w/ Danny Fingeroth and Larry Lieber

Mood Elevators: Easy Listening from Muzak to Mancini w/ Dan Epstein, Rachel Lichtman and Michele Mantynen

Frank is joined by radio host Michele Mantynen, author and music journalist Dan Epstein and writer-visual artist-comedian Rachel Lichtman for a fascinating, far-ranging discussion about the secret history of Muzak, the genius of Burt Bacharach, the "aspirational" music and culture of the space-age 60s, the heyday of regional TV advertising and the creation of Rachel's brilliant "world-building" satires "Programme 4" and "Easy AM 66." Also in this episode: Jackie Gleason introduces "musical wallpaper," Dan and Michele extol the virtues of Esquivel, Rachel teams with Aimee Mann and Michael McKean (among others) and the panelists try to teach Frank the distinction between Easy Listening, MOR, Adult Contemporary and Beautiful Music. PLUS: In praise of Montovani! Herb Alpert presents Sergio Mendes! Quinn Martin meets the 5th Dimension! "Hal Ashby's 'Shampoo' on Ice"! And Dan and Frank geek out over 1970s-era baseball! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

A Damn Fine Episode: Revisiting "Twin Peaks" w/ Scott Meslow and Harley Peyton

Frank finally fulfills a decade-long dream: recording a podcast about one of his longtime obsessions, David Lynch and Mark Frost's surrealist, genre-bending soap opera "Twin Peaks." Joining him on this fascinating journey from the Great Northern to the Black Lodge are author Scott Meslow ("A Place Both Wonderful and Strange: The Extraordinary Untold History of Twin Peaks") and Emmy-nominated "Twin Peaks" writer-producer Harley Peyton. In this episode, Scott reveals the origin of the mystery project titled "Northwest Passage," Harley recalls writing key episodes "Rest in Pain" and "Coma" (among others), Mark Frost draws inspiration from a real unsolved murder, and David Lynch draws a map of a fictional town on the back of a placemat. Also: Diane Keaton directs, Steven Spielberg ALMOST directs, Scott debunks myths about the Lynch-Frost partnership, and the panel discusses how the series changed television AND the culture. PLUS: The tao of Agent Cooper! The villainy of Windom Earle! The madness of "Twin Peaks" mania! Frank gets the Log Lady's autograph! And Scott and Harley praise "Twin Peaks: The Return"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

All Together Now: Bob Dylan and the Beatles (Part Two) w/ Jim Windolf, Kenneth Womack and Nellie McKay

In this conclusion of a two-part installment, New York Times writer-editor Jim Windolf, music critic-historian Kenneth Womack and singer-songwriter Nellie McKay join Frank for an in-depth examination of the friendly rivalry and mutually supportive relationship between Bob Dylan and the Beatles, inspired by Jim's new book "Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other -- and the World." In this episode, Ken marvels at the "aural whiplash" of "Revolver," Jim credits Dylan with creating the modern rock concert, Frank revisits a memorable Peter Fonda story from the "Amazing Colossal Podcast," and the boys sing the praises of Nellie's debut album, "Get Away from Me." PLUS: Dylan pens a "diss track"! Bernard Herrmann influences "Eleanor Rigby"! Ken visits Abbey Road Studios! Nellie's mom sees the Fab Four live! And Jim gets a phone call from Sir Paul himself! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

All Together Now: Bob Dylan and the Beatles w/ Jim Windolf, Kenneth Womack and Nellie McKay

In the first part of a two-part episode, Frank explores the mutually influential relationship between Bob Dylan and the Beatles, with the help of a panel of experts and superfans, including author and New York Times editor Jim Windolf ("Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other and the World"), writer, critic and music historian Kenneth Womack ("Solid State: The Story of 'Abbey Road' and the End of the Beatles") and singer-songwriter and lifelong Beatles (and Dylan) fanatic Nellie McKay. In this episode, the panelists recall their initial exposure to Dylan and the Fab Four, Kenneth pens bios of George Martin and Mal Evans, Nellie teams with legendary Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick, and Jim recounts the long journey to complete the book that inspired this discussion. Also, Dylan visits the Beatles' childhood homes, Peter Sellers records "She Loves You," "Good Vibrations" influences "Strawberry Fields Forever," and Chuck Berry and Little Richard inspire everyone. PLUS: "American Top 40"! "The New Zoo Revue"! Dylan is compared to Harpo Marx! The mop tops meet Mr. Warmth! And the experts celebrate the 60th anniversary of "Revolver"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Encore Presentation: The Strange Cinema of William Castle w/ Frank Conniff, Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and Jeffrey Schwarz

Frank welcomes "Mystery Science Theater 3000" writer-performer Frank Conniff, horror host Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz ("Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story") for a loving look back at the B-movies of legendary producer, director and showman William Castle ("13 Ghosts," "Mr. Sardonicus," "House on Haunted Hill"), his innovative promotional gimmicks (Emergo, Percepto, Illusion-O) and his lasting contributions to the horror genre. Also in this episode, John Waters  introduces "Odorama," Jeffrey hangs with Grandpa Munster, Frank gets spooked by an "Adventures of Superman" episode and Rich attempts to explain the plot of "The Tingler." PLUS: "Rosemary's Baby"! "Carnival of Souls"! The wrath of Joan Crawford! Castle inspires Hitchcock! Hitchcock inspires Castle! And the first acid trip in movie history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]