Season 2 of The Last of Us has officially come to a close, and Ben and Brian are joined by John Siracusa to talk about Seattle Day 3, the season overall, and (in a very special extended spoiler slot) how we think Season 3 can turn out. We’ll see you in a few years!

The Video Game is the Book

Ben Rice McCarthy and Brian Hamilton with John Siracusa

Welcome to Episode 17, fellow nerds! Stacy broke her ankle, so we’re talking about injuries and how to help…or not! Heather and Stacy have a May The Fourth chat, discuss a list of books that are impossible to describe, and share all the feels of watching Bluey. If you’d like to self-reflect, pick up a new book, parent or be reparented, this is the episode for you!

Bluey, Broken Ankles, Andor and Indescribable Books

Stacy Watnick and Heather Berberet

The end is near. Has the moment been prepared for? We make a wish and discuss Wish Babies and how they relate to Space Babies, the importance of vibes, the proper use of The Rani, and the rest of this episode. Onward to the (grand?) finale!

Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth

From the skyscrapers of Coruscant to the pyramids of Yavin and with numerous stops in between, season two of “Andor” covers the rise of the rebellion and leads to the doorstep of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” What makes it special among Star Wars series? Did season two improve on the groundbreaking first season? It’s Star Wars, so we break it down in detail.

"Andor" season 2

Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Dan Moren, Tony Sindelar and Steven Schapansky

This episode of Agents of SMOOCH is a spoiler-light mission to convince you to watch the most Canadian of mystery shows: Murdoch Mysteries. This series, set in the 1890s to 1910s, is 18 seasons long and still going. We discuss the series’ ability to be serious and light-hearted, tackle social issues and zombies while staying true to itself. And - of course - we delve into the many romantic entanglements. We give no mysteries away and hope that by the end, you will be drawn into the world of Detective Murdoch with us.

AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT!

This is the last episode before we go into the summer break.

We will be back in the fall. Until then, stay safe, Agents!

Murdoch Mysteries

Annette Wierstra with Amanda-Rae Prescott

Our recommended jumping-in points:

Read Amanda’s articles about Murdoch Mysteries

Murdoch Mysteries and the Art of Having Fun with History

Arwen Humphreys interview (includes S18 SPOILERS)

Lex and Brian don’t know if women have special powers, but maybe Aaron Sorkin does. Season two of Sports Night kicks off with a killer montage as Casey tries to work up the courage to ask Dana out. Jeremy and Natalie are fighting. Isaac’s back. There’s a lot to unpack - and a lot to love. You’re listening to Sorkin’ In It on the Incomparable podcast network, so stick around.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren

Let’s get back to basics. We celebrate our improbable 10th anniversary with a letter from Listener Scott, who has a lot of questions about his son’s book “Science Comics: Robots and Drones.”

John Siracusa and Jason Snell

Once again, it’s “Inestimable,” a show that answers the question: how many? how big? and, never, why???? On this episode, host Glenn Fleishman tortures guests Brian Hamilton, Liz Myles, Jason Snell, and Annette Wierstra about how many things fit inside other things, the Top 100 Billboard chart, sewage, movie math madness, and which came first. Scorekeeper Tony Sindelar abetted.

Inestimable Episode 3

Glenn Fleishman and Tony Sindelar with Brian Hamilton, Lizbeth Myles, Jason Snell and Annette Wierstra

Listener Paul doubts the efficacy of the Bay Leaf. Host John ponders the longevity of Spices. Host Jason admits to keeping spices 15 years past their expiration dates.

John Siracusa and Jason Snell

Who’s ready for a nice calm break from the chaos of Seattle? Casey Liss joins Ben and Brian for an all-flashback episode where we finally get the context for Joel and Ellie’s falling out that we’ve been missing up until now. Grab your Walkman and a cassette, we recommend listening to this one with your eyes closed in a lunar module.

A Taste of Joel

Ben Rice McCarthy and Brian Hamilton with Casey Liss