Bill Carter is the author of two books about the politics and people of late night television, and a media reporter for the New York Times. His most recent book is The War for Late Night, a thoughtful and exciting behind-the-scenes look at the Sturm und Drang of the late night wars over Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, and The Tonight Show.

Friend of the show John Hodgman reads a piece written specially for our live show in New York City, entitled "16 Things to Do in Connecticut Before the Coming Total Collapse of Civilization".  One of his newest ventures is the Judge John Hodgman podcast, available on iTunes.

John Waters has a new book out called Role Models that packs a few surprises -- chief among them the influence of Johnny Mathis. 

Are you capable of looking past your own prejudices? Simon Rich has prepared a set of brain teasers to answer that question. Featuring Rob Huebel. Simon Rich's new novel is Elliot Allagash.

Corb Lund is a musician and third-generation rancher from Alberta, Canada. He played for over ten years as part of punk band The Smalls, and now brings some of that irreverence to writing roots-country music about his own experiences and those of his ancestors on the Canadian prairies.

Andrew Noz is the blogger behind Cocaine Blunts & Hip-Hop Tapes, one of the internet's most successful hip-hop blogs.  He's also a contributor to NPR, Complex and The Washington City Paper, among other outlets.

Nathan Rabin and Josh Modell join Jesse to recommend the best of popular culture.  Nathan chooses Louis CK's Louie and the new film The Kids Are All Right.  Josh Modell chooses Inception and Children's Hospital.

Stadup comic Nick Adams is the author of How To Make Friends With Black People and a writer for the upcoming NBC series Perfect Couples. 

Samantha Bee is The Daily Show's longest-tenured correspondent, with seven years on the air.  She's just released a memoir, entitled I Know I Am, But What Are You?

Jordan Morris tells us what's hot and what's not.