David Nadelberg's favorites

A hilarious series for the word nerd in all of us

The Allusionist — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:55:53 +0000

Helen Zaltzman’s show is a hilarious series for the word nerd in all of us. Each episode celebrates language and etymology delivered with wit and spark.

My favorite show, anywhere

Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:45:15 +0000

This is currently my favorite show, anywhere. The host, Chris Gethard, receives a call from one stranger and, well, they talk. No script. No prep. It’s like tagging along on a first date. So it’s sometimes awkward, sometimes enlightening.

An honest and sometimes painful portrait of romance.

The Heart — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:35:27 +0000

I loved this episode, about a woman who falls for a stranger she meets on a subway, partially because – like a of Heart episodes – I could relate to it a little too well.

Personal essays from actor/writer Stephen Tobolowsky.

Tobolowsky Files — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:25:50 +0000

I suggest starting with this episode, wherein you essentially learn that the band Radiohead got their name from a song by the Talking Heads which was in turn inspired by a childhood memory of Stephen Tobolowsky. Pretty sure Thom Yorke has no idea.

Dares you to listen without telling you much

Love + Radio — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:15:03 +0000

I usually am a sucker for shows that provide context and make the listener feel oriented. However, L+R is great because it defiantly does the opposite — it dares you to listen without telling you much, if anything. The result is an experience that totally sucks you in. I really enjoyed this episode, which is about a guy who picks up a hitchhiker who turns out to be someone who changes his life. I also loved The Neighborhood, which is made by Scott Carrier who many recognize from his amazing work on This American Life.

I don’t just enjoy the show, I really support its underlying mission.

Mental Illness Happy Hour — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:05:24 +0000

Paul Gilmartin’s talk show tackles conversations about depression, anxiety and all that fun stuff found in your head. This is a topic that is very personal to me, and it’s important to that this stuff be discussed in public without shame.

One of the best WW2 true life stories you have never heard

99% Invisible — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 17:55:35 +0000

A gripping show about the stories behind design. This episode is one of the best WW2 true life stories you have never heard, examining a team of artists (including future fashion mogul Bill Blass) who are tasked with creating fake tanks, trucks, and even soldiers… to fool the enemy watching from afar.

Brilliant improv on an offbeat premise

With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 17:45:59 +0000

Each show, Lauren pretends to be a fake guest on a fake show hosted by today’s real guest. Does that make sense? Maybe not. But that is part of the fun. Some of the best improvisers are on this series and it’s fun hearing them play with ideas and characters in the moment. Episode 13’s Tom Leykis parody (with James Adomian) is hilarious but only for people who have a high tolerance for parodies of sexist talk shows of the early 00s.