We're back, baby! And we're all ready to jack into the matrix to cyber-brain download Ghost in the Shell, or something. Meanwhile, Dan goes all googly eyes, Stuart spins some controversial theories about Middle-Earth, and Elliott takes us down to his seafood restaurant.

And yes, we hear that crackling noise on Elliott's audio too. We have no idea why it happened, but we're working on it. Let's hope our cross-country recording isn't bedeviled by Gremlins.

Wikipedia synopsis for Ghost in the Shell

LIVE SHOWS

Sept. 9 – No Elliott, but with Ronny Chieng in New York at the Now Hear This Festival

Oct. 8 – The whole gang in Los Angeles, at the Regent Theater

Dec. 9 – The whole gang in San Francisco, at the Marines Memorial Theater

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's MaxFunDrive! Still want to get in on the action? Follow this link to support this show (and get in on our limited-time keychain sale to benefit the Center for Constitutional Rights): https://maximumfun.org/joinflop