The Bob Pod

Ambassador of Americana” Charles Phoenix is a pop culture humorist, historian, author, and champion of 1950’s and ’60’s kitsch. Pals with the late Bob Baker and long time friend of the Theater (you may have spotted him as 2020’s Bob Baker Day Grand Marshal), Charles has been at the top of host's Timothy Nordwind and Elena Flores's “Most Wanted Guest” list for The BobPod. Tune in as Charles charmingly discusses his friendship with Bob, mid-century California slide-shows, historic Los Angeles eateries, spumoni ice cream, and classic Bob Baker music that will have all the skeletons and black cats dancing!

You may know Dave Dastmalchian as Ant Man, but this actor, writer, and creator of the new comic book series “Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter” is also a BBMT super fan. On this episode of the BobPod he speaks with hosts Elena Flores and Timothy Nordwind about cultivating imagination growing up in the midwest, basements as creative spaces, and the magical stops along the way that led him to Bob Baker Marionette Theater, which has become one of his most treasured institutions in Los Angeles - and a place that he now shares with his two young children. Plus! Special songs from Bob Baker archive, including fun novelty gems from the beloved BBMT classic Halloween SpOoKtAcUlAr! Tune in to BobPod wherever you get your podcasts — and via the link in our bio.

Dita Von Teese is not only the International Queen of Burlesque, but also an adoring fan of Bob Baker Marionette Theater. On this episode of The BobPod, Dita speaks with hosts Timothy Nordwind and Elena Flores about her favorite songs and memories from BBMT and plays rare music taken from the Theater’s infamous music archive. Alongside songs from Little Stevie Wonder, Boots Randolph, and a cute baby seal, Dita regales us with stories of her love for antique cars, Orange County, and Betty Grable. Plus, special insights into future (very exciting!) collaborations that Dita is brainstorming with the Bob Baker Marionettes. Sit back, relax, and get ready for a BobPod portrait of the incredibly talented and unique Dita Von Teese. And for more at-home Dita, be sure to check out her latest book, “Your Beauty Mark”!

Ginger Duncan is not only a mainstage puppeteer at the BBMT, but she also curates music playlists culled from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater's archival library - home to 5,000 rare and vintage records.  Tune in to The BobPod to hear Ginger share some of her favorite rare musical finds from or inspired by the BBMT.  And if that weren't already enough, she beautifully tells inspiring stories about Bob Baker and her journey to becoming a BBMT puppeteer.  At the top of the show, hosts Timothy Nordwind and Elena Flores share their hot takes on the nefarious true crime Netflix docuseries The Tiger King - Pitch a BBMT marionette true crime re-enactment of The Tiger King in the hopes of finding new clues into the murder of Carol Baskin's husband - Talk about Elena's potential collaboration with Tiger King's Joe Exotic - And, put a spotlight on the amazing non-profit organization Dine11.org who deliver hot free meals to LA's health care workers - prepared by local LA restarants and chefs.  Go to Dine11.org to donate today!!

Join us on our first ever podcast-adventure featuring puppeteer and creative director of The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Alex Evans!

Winona Bechtle is the Director of Development at The Bob Baker Marionette Theater.  She's been coming to the BBMT since she was a child, and on this episode Winona talks about growing up with Bob Baker, making the transition into working with the theater, and how to keep a 57 year old DIY community driven institution running in the 21st century - amidst a rapidly changing city.  Warning: This episode contains a song sung by a baby seal.

Eric De La Cruz is a protegé of Bob Baker's and has been a puppeteer at the BBMT for two decades.  Audrey Densmore is newer to the marionette  gang, but already entrenched in the history and future of the theater.  They talk about the emotional opening day at BBMT's brand new Highland Park location, puppets as therapy, practicing their craft with pencils, favorite songs from Bob Baker's incredible record collection, and the everlasting impact Bob has had on both of their lives.