The Naked American Songbook

Singer, Songwriter, social activist. How does one even begin discussing Nina Simone? Luckily, we have a few friends to help us out in this bonus episode, dedicated to the High Priestess of Soul.

This summer we brought you Ira Glass in 3 Acts, such an impossible feat that we are forced to add an Act 4!

You may know Ira from his touring storytelling, radio, and dance show. Or as a ringtone on the Netflix show Bojack Horseman. Or maybe you know Ira Glass from his always-chart-topping show This American Life, which has earned a shelf full of Peabodys and other awards.

A few months ago, the very same public radio icon and Baltimore's own Ira Glass got naked with Naked American Songbook host Julian Fleisher. In that episode, we learned all about Ira's passion for Fiddler on the Roof, and that he "super loves" Bruce Springsteen (who's now on Broadway).

If you, like we, were left wanting more after Ira Glass in 3 Acts, you're in luck. 

If you thought Ira kvelled over Taylor Swift in our first installment, in this Act 4 he goes way deeper into T-Swift territory. Listen as Ira tries to convince Julian that Swift belongs in the same company as Bruce (and Bono and Joni). There's even a cameo T-Swift performance by Kenny Mellman of Kiki & Herb fame.Ira tells also us what he's listening to on the treadmill, why he sending you those X's and O's, what song is the cockroach of the American Songbook, and how he doesn't consider himself a "music person" ...but (just like us!) Ira Glass is totally a product of the songs he loves.

Ira Glass and Julian Fleisher kvell about songs(Julian Fleisher)

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Julian and his new favorite Jewess Rachel Bloom welcome year 5778 with praises of Sheldon Harnick, fermented kosher grape juice, and gluten-free matzoh!

You can learn a lot about Rachel Bloom from her recent Naked Songbook chat. But you'll have to hear this bonus episode to get the full blown Rachel Bloom Space Jam experience!

Listen here for more from our conversation with stage, screen, and Glee star Darren Criss! Find out which Pippen tune brought Darren together with a member of The Rat Pack.

Public radio superstar host Ira Glass switches seats and becomes guest on The Naked American Songbook. 

Rachel Bloom, star and co-creator of the CW show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, is also a Disney Princess impersonator, a student of musical comedy, and a fan of kosher wine.

The Naked American Songbook went LIVE with singer-songwriter-producer-genius Stephin Merritt, the force behind at least one indie-cult classic group, The Magnetic Fields.

Naked American Songbook host Julian Fleisher once again puts on his wig and grabs his gavel for another installment of... Judge Julian!

In this Naked American Songbook EXTRA, host Julian Fleisher finds some Disney magic in conversations with Darren Criss, Rachel Bloom, and Alan Cumming!