[r] Hear Jesse’s interview with one of comedy’s greatest grumps: Lewis Black. He didn’t become a stand-up until his mid-thirties. Find out why he left the theater for comedy and why he actually considers himself a family comic. The answer will surprise you.  Then Jesse talks to Syl Johnson – the soul singer who has been sampled on countless hip-hop records -- about turning down the record deal that ended up going to Al Green. Andrew Noz shares some of his favorite hip hop tracks, and Annie Hart of Au Revoir Simone reveals the hardcore song that changed her life.

Hari Kondabolu talks about the distinct advantages and disadvantages of being a stand up comedian who's also a former social activist and organizer. Director Jake Kasdan talks about the strategy involved in making a movie called Sex Tape. Carolyn Kellogg recommends some of her favorite westerns. Jesse tells you about Harvey Pekar, a man who made the mundane and everyday feel special.

Nat Faxon talks about going from bit parts to starring roles, and what it was like to meet George Clooney. Mimi Pond talks about the sex, drugs and profanity she encountered while working at a diner in the 1970s. She put together a graphic novel about all of it. Werner Herzog reveals his origin story. Mark Frauenfelder shares some new culture recommendations. Jesse tells you about The Beach Boys’ Smiley Smile.

[r] Fred Willard talks to Jesse about why he plays a cocky buffoon all the time, and why he turned down the lead in Airplane! Dave Tompkins talks about how the vocoder went from a military encryption tool to a musical instrument. Eleni Mandell reveals the Tom Waits song that changed her life -- but it’s not the one she meant to hear. Todd Martens recommends a couple of all-time favorites from Wilco and Material Issue. Lastly, Jesse will tell you about Elliott Gould as a noir hero in Robert Altman’s The Long Goodbye.

Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone are both creative and romantic partners. They’ll talk about their most recent collaboration, the new movie Tammy. Then Jesse will talk to another family that’s working together: The Sklar Brothers.Randy and Jason Sklars' stand-up comedy special is called What Are We Talking About?  Plus, culture picks from the folks at NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, Davy Rothbart from FOUND Magazine, and Jesse talks about his favorite, crazy-eyed player on the San Francisco Giants.