The Big Wakeup Call

Tower of Power founding members Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupka, along with new singer Marcus Scott, called in to talk about their fall tour and new album Soul Side of Town, which recently hit #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts. Topics: writing and recording new material, finding new ways to approach songs and instruments, and touring in 2018 vs. 1968. Plus: what it takes to get the Tower of Power horns to play on your record.

Legendary sportscaster Verne Lundquist called in for a chat about his new memoir PLAY BY PLAY: Calling the Wildest Games in Sports - From SEC Football to College Basketball, The Masters, and More. Topics: reminiscing about the Bears-Eagles "Fog Bowl" in 1988, being present for so many historical sports moments, and making a memorable call for the ages.

John McFee from the Doobie Brothers called in to talk about their current tour and plans for a new album. We also discussed his former band Clover, who backed Elvis Costello on his debut album, and what it's like to still be "the new guy" in the band after 40 years.

Paget Brewster joined the show to talk about her new movie The Witch Files. Did she get to shadow any actual witches and/or witch hunters to prepare for her role? We also discussed Criminal Minds and working with Paul F. Tompkins on The Thrilling Adventure Hour. Plus: an inside look at the making of a Drunk History segment.

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Hal Linden gave us a call to talk about his critically-acclaimed film "The Samuel Project." We also discussed his concert tours and how it's never too late to chase a dream.

Sex Pistols and PiL legend John Lydon returned to the show to discuss a new documentary, The Public Image is Rotten, as well as his upcoming show at Thalia Hall in Chicago on October 22nd. John also shared his thoughts on music streaming, self-funding a band, and making sweater vests cool.

Adam Carolla returned to the show for a chat about his new channel on Pluto TV, Chassy, which will feature documentaries, feature films and tv shows exploring all things motor machinery. We also discussed his collection of Paul Newman's racing cars and reminisced fondly about "Sunday, Sunday, Sundays" with Nitro-burning funny cars. Plus: the return of Crank Yankers?

Former Newsweek legal affairs editor and best-selling author David A. Kaplan called in to discuss his new book "The Most Dangerous Branch: Inside the Supreme Court's Assault on the Constitution."  It's too bad the Supreme Court wasn't top of mind for most of us as we talked about his book.

Comedy Bang! Bang!'s Scott Aukerman joined our prestigious 10-Timers Club when he called in as a special guest for our 8th Anniversary and 1800th show. After giving us the heartiest of congratulations, Scott talked about the history of Comedy Bang! Bang! and gave us an exclusive look at the making of an episode!

Bill McCormick dialed us up from the World News Center to chat about getting his name & photo in the paper (surprisingly, not a mug shot.) Things are going to start happening for him now! We also discussed Bill being a furry guy (but not a Furry, though he does write Furry fiction). Plus: Christopher Robin (a sweet, subversive movie), Captain Marvel vs. Shazam,and Aquaman's concentric circles.