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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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Join us this week on the Anne Levine Show as we explore tenuous ties to  a 1946 Guy Lombardo hit, weaving nostalgia and probably imagination into our Thanksgiving reflections. Together, we savor memories of exquisite feasts and heirloom china, while acknowledging the complex history of the holiday. Despite the rain, Thanksgiving's spirit shines through moments shared with friends and neighbors, even as we grapple with post-holiday maladies.

Experience the unpredictable charm of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, where in days past hosts like Katie Couric and Al Roker faced high winds and wardrobe malfunctions. We share our accidental parade attendance in 2010, laughing at the logistical chaos and pondering the merits of live versus televised viewing, meaning it's SO MUCH BETTER to see it on TV. As the parade celebrates its 101st year, we recall and truly wonder at the slip and fall Riverdance™ performance and marvel at the enduring American tradition that is the Thanksgiving Parade.

Immerse yourself in our light-hearted reviews and recommendations from the world of television and film and perhaps discover the comedic brilliance of "St. Denis" and the thrilling twists of "The Madness" on Netflix, both of which captivated our attention. We also discuss our thoughts on Saturday Night, the new film about the making of the very first episode of the famous sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Uncanny portrayals of iconic figures like John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, and Gilda Radner made it special. We wrap up with a nod back at RIverdance™ and the cinematic contributions of the late Marshall Brickman, offering a delightful AI described tapestry of entertainment for all.

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Accents aren't for everybody. We kick off our Thanksgiving special with a nod to Tones on Tail's hit "Go" from 1984, launching into a lively chat about the peculiarities of leap years, followed by a quick introduction to the show for those who have never heard us before (I know, right?). We then shift gears to dissect the Hulu drama "Say Nothing," diving into its gripping portrayal of the Troubles in Ireland. With a fascinating cast including Lola Petticrew and Maxine Peake, we question the historical portrayal of Jerry Adams, sparking a fiery debate on his controversial legacy.

Our globetrotting journey continues with a playful appreciation of accents and cultures. Our Kiwi friend in Australia, Nicholas, allows us to almost humorously butcher an Australian accent as well as tackle the complexities of the Scottish brogue and the allure of the Irish lilt. We also spotlight some standout episodes from the Handsome Pod and share our love for a variety of content, from podcasts and books to music and historical tidbits. It's a cultural smorgasbord, with laughter, banter, and recommended listens for everyone to enjoy.

As the holiday season approaches, let's indulge in comedy and film reviews, like Cross (Amazon Prime), Somebody Somewhere, and Say Nothing, then switching to podcasts like "Smartless" for its laid-back celebrity chats. Our mixed review of "Succession" includes admiration for Kiernan Culkin, while we also share thoughts on films like Jesse Eisenberg's latest work. Ending with our Thanksgiving meal plans and a  dental story which may or may not be humorous, this episode is packed with all of the pop culture shenanigans you expect from our nearly 800th show. Also, Happy Thanksgiving (to those who celebrate)! 

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Join us on The Anne Levine Show as we start by explaining what our show is all about (for the new folks), followed by sharing a hearty laugh over the notion of "Valentine's babies," celebrating birthdays of Michael, his brother Brian, and sister Monica (and a lot of other people). We fondly reminisce about the magic mirror from Romper Room and then throw in some colorful tales from the Garment Center era, bringing a sense of nostalgia and warmth to our conversation. Plus, we revisit our debate over the adorability of Oreo Coke Zero's mini cans—Anne's not a fan, but Michael stands by their charm. We've also handpicked the Handsome Podcast as our go-to recommendation for an extra dose of laughter. 

Next, we tackle some more or less current events with our observations on The Voice, with recent "Mega Mentors" Sting and Jennifer Hudson (along with coaches Michael Buble, Gwen Stefani, Reba MacIntyre and Snoop Dogg).  Also, Survivor season 46 and the new challenges of Survivor "experts" playing the game. We wrap it up (more of less) with a look at Disclaimer (Apple TV) starring  Kevin Kline and Kate Blanchett, a real mind-bender where nothing is what it seems.

With humor in every story and a promise of lighthearted fun, this episode is a celebration of life’s little joys, perfect for those moments when you just want to escape through the tunes of pop culture, birthdays, and family memories. So, let’s keep the good times rolling together! We can try, anyway. 

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We kick off our latest episode with the dramatic rise and fall of Milli Vanilli, reminiscing about their chart-topping hits and the infamous lip-syncing debacle that shook the music world. We dig into the creative minds behind their iconic tracks, pondering the fate of those irresistible royalties. Our journey then pivots to the gripping narrative of Netflix’s "Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez Story." With riveting performances from talents like Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny, and newcomers Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, this true crime saga kept us glued to our screens. We explore how the series cleverly incorporates Milli Vanilli's music for a deeper metaphorical impact, creating an unexpected bridge between the two stories.

Switching gears, we lighten the mood with memories of a standout SNL episode featuring the comedic brilliance of John Mulaney and musical guest Chapel Roan. With unforgettable sketches and surprise guests, it was a night of laughter and musical magic. We also share a delightful two podcast recommendations, "Classy," narrated by Jonathan Minivar, perfect for those who love humor mixed with clever mnemonic tricks and Desert Island Discs, one of the longest running series from BBC radio. To cap off our discussion, we dive into the character-rich world of "The Lincoln Lawyer" series, applauding its quality writing and surprise cameos, like the charming Bernie Kopell. 
Also, we spend time celebrating some of the many brilliant accomplishments of Quincy Jones.
Tune in for a rollercoaster of nostalgia, drama, and laughter, offering something for music lovers, true crime enthusiasts, and comedy fans alike, or so they say. Plus: Vote.

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Can a single performance define an entire era? We unravel the singular magic of Barbra Streisand, likening her impact to that of the finest bagel on a plate of onion rolls—truly a standout. Our exploration of her legacy in "Funny Girl" and beyond offers a joyful escape from the political chatter of election week, reminding us of the boundless charm Streisand continues to bring to the entertainment industry.

Join us as we navigate through a literary adventure with "Carla's Choice," the latest installment in the George Smiley series by Nick Harkaway, son of John le Carré. My initial skepticism gave way to admiration as the book seamlessly captured the essence of its predecessors. Alongside this literary treasure, we dish out TV show recommendations, including a new medical drama (Brilliant Minds with the New Spock - Zachary Quinto - that promises to fill the void left by "The Resident," providing fresh excitement for both bookworms and screen enthusiasts.

Sarah Silverman takes the stage in her special Someone You Love and we examine both her bold contributions to comedy and her candid discussions on representation in Hollywood. Her trademark wit and honesty shine through as we tackle topics from her stand-up specials to the intricacies of casting choices. We round off with a whimsical debate on the peculiar Oreo cookie-flavored Coke Zero (It's real and it tastes like an Oreo), while pondering the complex duality of the American Dream, balancing the allure of new opportunities with the hurdles faced by immigrants on their journey.

Also: Birthdays, LEE, the amazing film starring Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgaard, Marion Cotillard, Somebody Somewhere (YAY!), our last visit of the year to Original Seafood, and Puerto Rico.

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Remember that time you found yourself in a hospital room, chuckling at the unexpected comedy of life? Neither do we but we have this episode that takes a whimsical look back at some of our most laughable and touching hospital antics, featuring the unforgettable Helen (and her ukulele playing son) and Anne's heartwarming recollection of her time in Sarasota, with the enduring phrase, "Hope, put a light on." It's a tapestry of laughter and hope, intertwined with our shared affection for Chimp Crazy and the insanity contained therein.

Our surprisingly sun-soaked adventures take us next to a bustling October beach, where high tide brought in a raft of quirky characters. Amid the waves and sun, we wander down memory lane to Cape Cod's beloved Kreme and Kone, tracing its transformation and the delicious legacy to the Original Seafood Company, which is obviously, in our opinion, much better (with less shrieking). Plus: rediscover the joy of shared platters of fried seafood and the charm of local ice cream, wrapped up with our musings on the art of gifting and the excitement of Hanukkah (Don't forget).

As the conversation shifts, we explore the captivating realm of Anne's obsession with medical dramas. From Grey's Anatomy's long-running saga to The Resident's compelling character arcs—particularly Matt Czuchry's memorable role—we dissect their impact and evolution. The episode wraps with a playful debate on the urban spirit of places like Silver Lake, Los Angeles, and the unique essence of neighborhoods (Go Staten Island). Nostalgia and music lyrics weave through our stories, inviting you to smile, reflect, and perhaps even hum along.

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