The Big Wakeup Call

Mike Reiss has worked on The Simpsons since the first episode. His new book is Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for The Simpsons." We talked about exactly what outright lies the book contains, while he originally thought the show would be lucky to last six episodes, and his indirect appearance in a season 2 episode.

Tom Papa called in for a fun chat about his new book Your Dad Stole My Rake...and Other Family Dilemmas. We discussed why he wanted to put down his thoughts into convenient book form, writing for a specific audience, dealing with "wacky" morning radio shows, and the eternal dilemma of juggling work and family.

Bill McCormick from the World News Center called in for his weekly visit and this time we chatted about hacking a fish tank, Alexa stealing your identity, changing the password on your nanny cam, and the unexpected advantages of a late '90s garage door opener. Plus: mutant superpowers and a public service announcement.

New York Times culture reporter, best-selling author, and Twitter superstar Dave Itzkoff dialed into the show to talk about his new book Robin: The Definitive Biography and Untold Story of Robin Williams. We discussed why fans felt such a connection to Robin, how he dealt with a rocket-like ascent to fame from comedy clubs to Mork and Mindy, his struggles with substance abuse, and how the public side of Robin Williams differed from the private side.

Nickelodeon Star JoJo Siwa joined our show to talk about her life and career and upcoming performance at Nickelodeon Slimefest in Chicago, coming to Huntington Bank Pavilion June 9th and 10th. Jojo discussed her anti-bullying campaign, how she stays grounded with family support, and promoted her new single out June 1st.

Fox News Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier called in to talk about his new book Three Days In Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire. We discussed the Reagan-Gorbachev relationship, why Reagan is revered by the GOP for being tough on Russia yet supports a president who both defends and praises Putin and if a Reagan-like approach would work today.

Kari Byron joined our three timers club (though her first solo appearance) to have a chat about her new book Crash Test Girl. We discussed her career-long proximity to explosives, applying the scientific method in non-scientific settings, how she is also the book's illustrator. Plus: a complete catalog of our injuries.

Brynn Cartelli, winner of NBC's "The Voice," called in for a chat about how her life has changed since being named the winner just a couple days ago. We discussed her relationship with the amazing Kelly Clarkson, her plans for her debut album, and how her midwestern roots help keep her grounded.

Kate Walsh called in to chat about season 2 of her critically-acclaimed series "13 Reasons Why," which returns to Netflix on Friday. Kate revealed all spoilers for the new season (which unfortunately could not be included on the podcast version for legal reasons -- sorry!), gave us an update on her health (following surgery to remove a thankfully benign brain tumor) and talked about the joys and challenges of turning 50.

Rock journalist Steven Hyden called in to discuss his new book Twilight of the Gods: A Journey to the End of Classic Rock. We discussed the Classic Rock upbringing of Gen X'ers, why Lennon-McCartney will be discussed like Mozart, 90s bands becoming the new classic rock. Plus: we share our love of Styx: Behind the Music.