Shows
The West Wing WeeklyBulworthThis week, we're discussing the 1998 film Bulworth, which features a rapping Warren Beatty, a young Josh Malina, a few problematic moments, and some wonderful and strange ones, too.For a real treat, watch the music video for Ghetto Supastar, which also features a young Josh Malina!What did you think of Bulworth? Join the conversation over on our Patreon and let us know on a scale of 1–10 forced calls!
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The West Wing WeeklyIntroducing: Home CookingWe want to introduce you to a brand new emergency quarantine podcast mini-series called Home Cooking. It’s from Hrishi and chef Samin Nosrat, author of the award-winning cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and host of the Netflix show by the same name. The first episode just came out, and features Josh as the special guest. If you’ve missed hearing Josh and Hrishi in conversation, we thought you’d appreciate this excerpt. The rest of the episode centers around giving people advice about what to cook with whatever they’ve got in the house, and we think you’ll really...2020-03-3017 min
The West Wing Weekly7.22: Tomorrow (Live with cast and crew of The West Wing)As the Bartlet administration ends, so does our podcast. We recorded our finale live in Los Angeles, at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel. This episode has two parts: first, we discuss "Tomorrow," with several guests joining us. Then, we take a fond look back at the entire series, along with thirty (30!) guests from the cast and crew, including Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme. Here’s everyone who was with us on stage:
Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Marlee Matlin, Jack Jason, Kathleen York, Allison Smith, Melissa Fitzgerald, Ramon de Ocampo, Evan Ar...2020-01-292h 12
The West Wing Weekly7.21: Institutional Memory (with Janet Ashikaga)CJ & Danny and Will & Kate all ponder what's next, and Josh & Hrishi do, too, as we discuss "Institutional Memory." We're joined by someone who also posseses institutional memory: the fantastic Janet Ashikaga, editor on The West Wing (including this episode), as well as Sports Night and Seinfeld.
Plus: listen to the trailer for Hrishi’s new podcast, Partners, and subscribe to it here.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/721
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The West Wing Weekly7.20: The Last Hurrah (with Mary-Louise Parker and Teri Polo)We discuss "The Last Hurrah" in this, our antepenultimate hurrah. And what a hurrah it is, with not one, but two great guests: Mary-Louise Parker and Teri Polo. Hurrah!
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/720
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The West Wing Weekly7.19: Transition (Live with Bradley Whitford)We traveled all the way to London to make a lot of references to "Fiddler on the Roof." Bradley Whitford joined us to record this episode in front of a sold-out crowd at the Hammersmith Apollo.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/719
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The West Wing Weekly0.19: John WellsFor our last episode of the year, we've got a special one with television legend John Wells. We've been talking about him for seven seasons, and now we finally got him to talk to us directly. Our conversation spans the entire history of The West Wing, since John Wells served as Executive Producer for every single episode.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/019
Right now, Radiotopia is holding its annual fundraiser. Help us keep The West Wing Weekly available and free forever by supporting the network. Make your mark. Go to **radiotopia.fm** to donate today.2019-12-171h 00
The West Wing Weekly7.18: Requiem (with memories of John Spencer from the cast and crew)In this episode, some thoughts on John Spencer, shared by Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford, Janel Moloney, Rob Lowe, Jimmy Smits, Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Del Negro, Emily Procter, Eli Attie, Michael Hissrich, and Josh Malina. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/718
Support The West Wing Weekly and Radiotopia. Make your mark. Go to radiotopia.fm today.
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The West Wing Weekly0.18: Small Block of Cheese Day (The West Wing Weekly Forever)In the main foyer of our podcast, we have this small block of cheese, there for any and all who might want a snack. We want this block of cheese to stick around forever, and never get moldy, or get thrown out! To do so, we’re hoping you’ll support our wonderful podcast network, Radiotopia, the refrigerator that keeps our show fresh in this increasingly painful metaphor. We’re sharing some stories from you, our lovely listeners, in hopes that you’ll want to chip in and help keep this podcast around forever. Make your mark, go to http://r...2019-12-0614 min
The West Wing Weekly7.17: Election Day, Part 2 (with Jimmy Smits)As we finish the long arc of the Presidential campaign with this momentous West Wing episode, Jimmy Smits joins us to tell us about his experience playing Matt Santos. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/717.
Right now, Radiotopia is holding its annual fundraiser. Help us keep The West Wing Weekly available and free forever by supporting the network. Make your mark. Go to radiotopia.fm to donate today.
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The West Wing Weekly7.16: Election Day, Part 1 (with Lauren Schmidt Hissrich and Michael Hissrich)This week’s episode is one of love and loss, but with our guests this week, we’re celebrating the joyful side. Lauren Schmidt Hissrich wrote this episode, and she and her husband, West Wing line producer Michael Hissrich, join us to tell us how their path together mirrored and influenced Josh and Donna’s.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/716
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The West Wing Weekly0.17: Casting the Pilot (with John Levey)Before we get to the end, we're going back to the beginning. For this bonus episode, we talk to John Levey, Emmy-winning casting director for the first two seasons of The West Wing, about putting together our renowned ensemble.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/017
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The West Wing Weekly7.15: Welcome to Wherever You AreIn this week's episode, Toby says, "You should do the crossword," so Hrishi made a mini puzzle to go along with our discussion. Get a PDF of the puzzle at thewestwingweekly.com/715.
ACROSS
1. Grammy-winning singer and creator of questionable slogans, Bon _
5. Nights before, like Erevs Yom Kippur
6. What Josh wants when he yells, "I want the numbers!"
7. __ chunks, like when you eat way too much candy
DOWN
1. POTUS’s rap name, maybe
2. The room where it happens
3. To do this, actually, you stamp it, then sign it
4. Th...2019-11-0651 min
The West Wing Weekly7.14: Two Weeks OutWe take this episode in our bone-crushing grip and shake it with everything we've got.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/714
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The West Wing Weekly7.13: The Cold (with Janel Moloney and Bradley Whitford)Josh and Donna
There on my TV
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Let's discuss.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/713
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The West Wing Weekly7.12: Duck and Cover (with Eli Attie)Eli Attie joins us to discuss this tension-filled episode about a potential nuclear disaster.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/712
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The West Wing Weekly7.11: Internal Displacement (with Bradley Whitford and Annabeth Gish)Bradley Whitford returns to gleefully tell us about writing this episode and giving Josh the lines, "I can't act. I'm a terrible actor." And Annabeth Gish joins us, too! (How lucky are we?) We talk to her about the complicated character of Liz Bartlet Westin, whom she portrayed so thoughtfully.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/711
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The West Wing Weekly0.16: Annabeth Schott (with Kristin Chenoweth)This week, the great Kristin Chenoweth joins us to discuss her role as Annabeth. She's an Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer, and we’re so glad she’s finally joining us!
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/016
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The West Wing Weekly7.10: Running Mates (with Matthew Del Negro)This week, we discuss the beautiful performance by John Spencer in "Running Mates," the first episode of his to air posthumously. We’re also joined by Matthew Del Negro to discuss Bram, telebrams, and more.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/710
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The West Wing Weekly7.09: The Wedding (with Nina Siemaszko)Today, we’re talking about "The Wedding" (or The Marriage, or The Espousal, or The Nuptials, or The Union). We’re joined by Nina Siemaszko, who tells us about the twist in this subplot that she didn’t see coming.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/709
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The West Wing Weekly7.08: UndecidedsIn "Undecideds," Santos gives a speech meant to uplift and inspire, but Josh and Hrishi are "Unconvinceds." Plus, we look at Toby’s apartment, Godwin’s Law, and Will’s butt.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/708
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The West Wing Weekly7.07: The Debate (Part II, with Ronald Klain and Beth Myers)How did Santos and Vinick do in the debate? To help us judge the candidates on both substance and style, we’ve enlisted the people in charge of debate prep on either side of the 2012 Presidential election. Ronald Klain led President Obama’s debate prep, and Beth Myers was in charge of Senator Mitt Romney’s prep. It was fascinating to speak to both of them together for this bipartisan episode of our podcast.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/707-part2
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The West Wing Weekly7.07: The Debate (Part I, with Lawrence O’Donnell)In our first of two episodes on "The Debate," we talk to Lawrence O’Donnell, who took on the challenge of writing a live episode — one that takes place entirely in the context of a Presidential debate.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/707
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The West Wing Weekly7.06: The Al Smith DinnerAt long last, everyone is ready to unleash their negative ad campaigns. Here's one Hrishi came up with. JOSH MALINA—he's not nearly as mean as he makes himself out to be! He says he "ruined The West Wing," but even Richard Schiff says 'Arctic Radar' is one of the best episodes of the series. What else is Josh hiding? JOSH MALINA—actually pretty nice. (My name is Hrishikesh Hirway, and I approve this message.)
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/706
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The West Wing Weekly7.05: Here Today (with Richard Schiff)Richard Schiff joins us to discuss this gorgeous, eerie, heartbreaking episode and to tell us his true feelings about Toby’s storyline.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/705
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The West Wing Weekly7.04: Mr. FrostJoshua Malina and Hrishikesh Hirway (collectively, “The Hosts”) have been served a subpoena to appear on this episode of the podcast, to testify in regards to the above television episode. Pursuant to this agreement, you (“Listener”) are required to listen to our nonsense. Failure to do so may result in missing out on some dumb thing that gets called back later, like a reference to a 2004 movie about dance battles.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/704
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The West Wing Weekly0.15: Alex GravesAt long last, West Wing director and executive producer Alex Graves joins us to talk about his time on the show. From "In Excelsis Deo" to "17 People" to our current episodes in Season 7, we discuss some of the big moments in the series that he helped shape.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/015
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The West Wing Weekly7.03: Message of the WeekThis week, the message is The Message of The Week. Just to brief you: we're keeping it brief. As they say in athletics.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/703
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The West Wing Weekly7.02: The Mommy ProblemIn this mother of an episode, Alex Graves cranks the style up to 11. We’re introduced to the character of Louise Thornton (played by Janeane Garofalo). We get real-time text answers to our quests from the unstoppable Eli Attie. So get ready cuz, as Steve Miller says, "we go down Carolina!"
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/702
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The West Wing Weekly7.01: The TicketIt’s the Season 7 premiere! Which begins, naturally, with a scene from the Season 10 premiere! Suspense hovers over this episode, like a space station in need of maintenance—or a baker about to be sent home from the tent—as Josh and Hrishi sort through both the wise and foolish acts of our heroes.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/701
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The West Wing Weekly0.14: Veep (with Gary Cole and David Mandel)We wanted to honor the end of Vice President Bob Russell's storyline in The West Wing with Gary Cole, who played Bingo Bob. Gary also plays Kent Davison in the brilliant, vicious, hilarious Veep, so we decided to celebrate two great(?) Vice Presidents in one episode. It's a Veep special! We're also joined by Veep showrunner David Mandel, a huge West Wing fan, to talk about where these two very different, political, Emmy-winning shows intersect.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/014
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The West Wing Weekly6.22: 2162 Votes (Live with Mary McCormack and Lawrence O'Donnell)We wrap up Season 6 with a live taping from Washington, DC, joined by special guests Mary McCormack (@marycmccormack) and Lawrence O’Donnell (@lawrence). Cue the balloons! Go balloons! Uhhh, where are the balloons?!
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/622
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The West Wing Weekly6.21: Things Fall Apart (with Jennifer Palmieri)Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the DNC,
The delegate tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of democracy is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
With special guest, Jennifer Palmieri.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/621
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The West Wing Weekly6.20: In God We Trust (with Alan Alda and Rev. Katey Zeh)The legendary Alan Alda joins us this week to discuss Arnie Vinick, the Constitution, and eating ice cream. Plus, we speak to Reverend Katey Zeh, the executive director of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/620
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The West Wing Weekly6.19: Ninety Miles Away"Ninety Miles Away" really takes us somewhere, and we're not talking about Cuba. Josh and Hrishi try to navigate their way through wigs, termites, and Hemingway.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/619
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The West Wing Weekly0.13: Graphic Design for President! (with Michael Bierut and Leslie Wah)When you’re running for President, how you present yourself to the public is crucial. The West Wing often underscored that it’s not just what one says, it’s how one says it. So in this special episode, we look at what goes into designing a Presidential campaign – both fictional, and non-fictional. Michael Bierut designed Hillary Clinton’s ubiquitous 'H' logo, and Leslie Wah designed the logos and signage for all of the West Wing candidates in Season 6. This might be the nerdiest episode of the West Wing Weekly yet!
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/013
Learn about...2019-05-221h 00
The West Wing Weekly6.18: La Palabra (with Eli Attie and Angelica Salas of CHIRLA)Eli Attie joins us again to talk about his third episode in the trilogy of Santos campaign episodes that he wrote for Season 6. We also hear from Angelica Salas of CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) on the real story behind California’s fight over driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/618
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The West Wing Weekly6.17: A Good Day (with Richard Schiff)Richard Schiff returns as our guest this week to tell us about his experience directing "A Good Day."
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/617
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The West Wing Weekly6.16: Drought Conditions (with Debora Cahn and Richard Schiff)This week, we’re joined by Debora Cahn, to talk about her script for "Drought Conditions," and by Richard Schiff, to talk about his heartbreaking performance in it.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/616
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The West Wing Weekly0.12: How Barack Obama Shaped Matthew Santos (with David Axelrod and Eli Attie)"Tell me about Barack Obama." That's what Eli Attie said to David Axelrod in 2004, while searching for inspiration to help flesh out the character of Congressman Matthew Santos. In this episode, we talk to both of them to find out what Eli learned and how it shaped the sixth season. And David Axelrod tells us about his own experiences as the guy behind the guy, and what The West Wing means to him.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/012
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The West Wing Weekly6.15: Freedonia (with Eli Attie)Eli Attie joins us to discuss the Santos campaign, the return of Amy Gardner, and the Marx Brothers.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/615
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The West Wing Weekly6.14: The Wake Up Call (with Lawrence Lessig)We’re joined by the real-life Professor Lawrence Lessig, who appears as a character in this episode, played by the real-life Christopher Lloyd.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/614
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The West Wing Weekly6.13: King Corn (with Karis Campbell, Evan Arnold, Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, and Michael Grunwald)We have so many great guests for our discussion of “King Corn” that you’re going to look at this podcast episode the way Will Bailey looks at an ice cream sandwich. We talk Ned & Ronna with Evan Arnold & Karis Campbell, we talk Turkey with West Wing writer Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, and Politico senior writer Michael Grunwald walks us through the political maize of supporting ethanol.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/613
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The West Wing Weekly0.11: Big Block of Cheese SpecialYou sent in your queries; you know we've got answers—it's a feta compli. In the queso one or two questions, we got a little help from Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford, who sent us some really gouda answers of their own. We're always fondue these episodes, and we hope you'll think this one's grate, too.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/011
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The West Wing Weekly6.12: 365 Days (with Fmr. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken)There’s only a year left in the Bartlet Presidency—and only 9 months left in the TWWW Podcastency!—and it feels like the last chance to make history. We’re joined by Tony Blinken who once held the same NSA position as Kate Harper, to talk about how hard it is to make long-term plans while you’re putting out little fires everywhere.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/612
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The West Wing Weekly6.11: Opposition Research (with Mayor Pete Buttigieg)We’re joined by Mayor Pete Buttigieg, 2020 Presidential hopeful, for our discussion of “Opposition Research,” in which Matt Santos travels to New Hampshire to introduce himself to the electorate.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/611
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The West Wing Weekly6.10: Faith Based Initiative (with Bradley Whitford)Bradley Whitford joins us this week to discuss "Faith Based Initiative," which he wrote! Incredibly, his first time writing for television was this episode of The West Wing. He tells us how it all came together, as we pick it apart.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/610
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The West Wing Weekly0.10: In the Writers' Room (with Paul Redford)We’re joined by Paul Redford, who wrote for West Wing Seasons 1–5, as well as Sports Night and The Newsroom. He’s responsible for some classic West Wing storylines, and we’re long overdue for a chat with him, so we’re making up for lost time with this bonus episode.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/010
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The West Wing Weekly6.09: Impact Winter (with Ben Murray)We’re joined this week by Season 6 newcomer Ben Murray, who played Curtis Carruthers, the President’s new body man. He tells us the hilarious story of auditioning to be the guy who had to pick up and carry Martin Sheen.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/609
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The West Wing Weekly6.08: In the Room (with Penn & Teller)Join us in the room to discuss "In the Room," in which the President’s need to be 'in the room' in China is the central topic of discussion in the room—President Room—the Oval Office. We’re joined by magicians Penn & Teller, who light a flag on fire in the (East) Room in this episode. Or did they? (They didn’t.)
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/608
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The West Wing Weekly6.07: A Change Is Gonna Come (Live with Mary McCormack and Roman Mars)Mary McCormack joins Josh and Hrishi to discuss "A Change Is Gonna Come," recorded live in San Francisco. Plus, Roman Mars, host of 99% Invisible and noted flag expert, drops some vexillological knowledge. Special thanks to Professor Rebecca Nedostup for shedding light on Taiwan and China.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/607
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The West Wing Weekly0.09: Casting Special (with Tony Sepulveda)In this special bonus episode, we learn about what it’s like casting The West Wing. Our guest is Tony Sepulveda, who was the casting director for Seasons 3 and 4.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/009
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The West Wing Weekly6.06: The Dover TestWait a second: Is Annabeth Mandy 2.0? Plus Donna pushes Josh away, CJ pushes Toby away, and Santos pulls Josh in with his wily political moves. We need a bipartisan summit with Red Vines families and Twizzler families so we can discuss all of this and more.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/606
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The West Wing Weekly6.05: The Hubbert PeakIn this episode, a little chess, to test cognitive ability. First move: SUV to Prius. What's the opposite of checkmate?
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/605
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The West Wing Weekly6.04: Liftoff (with Allison Janney)Everything about “Liftoff" feels like a new era is beginning, so we’re welcoming the new year by welcoming Allison Janney (@AllisonBJanney) to talk about CJ’s new job as the new chief of staff.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/604
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The West Wing Weekly6.03: Third-Day StoryBig changes are getting announced: CJ is the new Chief of Staff. More importantly, Josh and Hrishi announce "Melon Day" as an official West Wing holiday. Grab a muskmelon and a plate of brownies, and hit play!
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/603
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The West Wing Weekly6.02: The Birnam Wood (with Fmr. Ambassador Jacob Walles)Hello Mother, I'm elated
Here I am at old Camp David
I'm respectful, all due deference
But I don't really get the Macbeth reference
Plus, former ambassador Jacob Walles tells us about the years he dedicated to brokering Mideast peace, including his time at 2000 Camp David Summit, and he tells us what this episode got right about those conversations.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/602
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The West Wing Weekly6.01: NSF ThurmontIt took a lot of diplomacy behind the scenes, but Josh and Hrishi have agreed to come together to negotiate our feelings on Season 6, Episode 1. Pull up a chair and join us for the discussion at Camp Josiah.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/601
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The West Wing Weekly0.08: Meet the Twwweam (Bonus Mini-Episode)Introducing the folks behind the scenes of our podcast.
You can help us make our show, too, by supporting Radiotopia's annual fundraiser, going on right now! radiotopia.fm
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/008
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The West Wing Weekly0.07: Parks and Recreation (with Rob Lowe, Adam Scott and Michael Schur)We literally cannot wait for you to hear how much The West Wing influenced Parks and Recreation. We spoke to the co-creator of the show, Michael Schur, and two of the stars, Rob Lowe and Adam Scott, to learn about the parallels between the Bartlet White House and the Pawnee Parks Department. Stop pooping! Just listen.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/007
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The West Wing Weekly5.22: Memorial Day (with Josh Singer)We're wrapping up Season 5 with screenwriter Josh Singer, whose first writing credit was "Memorial Day." We also look back at the past 22 episodes to ask: what kind of season has it been?
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/522
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The West Wing Weekly5.21: Gaza (with Jason Isaacs and Janel Moloney)We're joined by special guests Jason Isaacs and Janel Moloney to discuss the big, ambitious, penultimate episode of Season 5.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/521
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The West Wing Weekly5.20: No Exit (with Fmr. Senator Tom Daschle, Wilson Cruz, and Eli Attie)We’re joined by three guests for our discussion of "No Exit." Former Senator Tom Daschle tells us about what it was like getting sent anthrax in the mail; Wilson Cruz tells us about playing Jack Sosa for his two episodes on The West Wing; and Eli Attie tells us about the writing of the episode, specifically the Will and Toby scenes, which he co-wrote with Peter Noah. But first, a poem that this episode inspired Hrishi to write:
Albert Camus
Cried, "What do we do?
We're all stuck here in a cell!"
So...2018-10-311h 07
The West Wing Weekly5.19: Talking Points (with Richard Schiff)We're joined by Richard Schiff to discuss this episode, his television directing debut! Hear what it was like for him to step behind the camera for this story about power and labor and international trade.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/519
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The West Wing Weekly5.18: AccessIn "Access," we're given a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to work inside the West Wing. …wait a second, what have all these other episodes been about? Let's discuss.
For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/518
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The West Wing Weekly5.17: The Supremes (with Debora Cahn)We hereby appoint the Honorable Debora T. Cahn, West Wing writer, for the position of Chief Guestice of The Supremes episode.
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The West Wing Weekly5.16: Eppur Si Muove (with Dr Muller Fabbri and Jason Zengerle)They tried to get us to renounce The West Wing, but Eppur Si Puodcaste! Josh and Hrishi investigate some of the real world mechanics behind NIH grants and the federal judiciary with help from cancer researcher Dr Muller Fabbri and political journalist Jason Zengerle.
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The West Wing Weekly5.15: Full Disclosure (with Lawrence O'Donnell)Full disclosure: you’re going to hear the words 'full disclosure' a lot in this episode, as we discuss "Full Disclosure." Lawrence O’Donnell joins us to discuss how he wrote this episode, how Richard Schiff changed its meaning without changing a word, and how Josh Lyman’s plot line landed him in Hillary Clinton’s crosshairs.
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The West Wing Weekly5.14: An KheIn this episode, the past is laid bare like a nude portrait, or at the very least, like a photo of your ex in a bikini. Grab your copy of Latin Phrases for Awkward Situations, and parachute in with us.
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The West Wing Weekly5.13: The Warfare of Genghis Khan (with Fmr. Congressman John Tierney and Jacob Keaton)A potential nuclear threat looms on the horizon, so let’s head down to the Situation Room to discuss The Warfare of Genghis Khan. We’re joined by former congressman and nonproliferation advocate John Tierney, who catches us up on nuclear politics then and now. And Josh and Hrishi manage to listen to the arguments of NASA analyst Jacob Keaton without him even having to take them stargazing or anything.
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The West Wing Weekly5.12: Slow News Day (with Eli Attie and Nancy Altman)Sleep in! We'll wake up the President for you to tell him about our great idea to record a podcast about the Slow News Day episode of the West Wing. Joining us in this historic endeavor is returning guest Eli Attie, who shares his memories about real and fictional West Wing attempts to build a legacy. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, also drops by to tell us just how Toby's efforts compare to the real history of Social Security reform. PS: we had a data glitch while recording and lost Josh's mic audio, so his side of...2018-08-221h 19
The West Wing Weekly5.11: The Benign Prerogative (with Janel Moloney)This week, we discuss "The Benign Prerogative," and the not so benign aspects of Presidential pardons. We're joined once again by Janel Moloney to talk about Donna's moving storyline in this episode. Plus, Lin-Manuel Miranda makes a little cameo (#Hameo) to help us with the original text by Alexander Hamilton from which this episode takes its name.
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The West Wing Weekly5.10: The Stormy Present (with Bellamy Young)It's the 100th episode of The West Wing! Our guest this week is Bellamy Young, who made her first appearance in a TV White House here, some years before joining Josh on Scandal as PRESIDENT Mellie Grant.
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The West Wing Weekly5.09: Abu el Banat (with Joe Fab)"Cauliflower."
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The West Wing Weekly5.08: Shutdown (with Gene Sperling)Shut! It! Down! Josh and Hrishi are walking right up to the hallway outside your office to talk about “Shutdown.” Gene Sperling, former White House Director of the National Economic Council, joins them to compare Bill Clinton's shutdown game plan to Jed Bartlet's apparent lack of one.
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The West Wing Weekly5.07: Separation of Powers (with Michael Hyatt)The Supreme Court is looking at a case that relates to Korematsu v. United States, while the White House starts to make their moves towards appointing a new justice. But ai yai yai, we aren’t talking about last month’s headlines—we’re talking about “Separation of Powers,” from November 2003. And this week, we’re joined by special guest Michael Hyatt who plays Angela Blake. She gave us a wonderfully candid interview about how she got the role—and why Angela didn’t stick around for longer.
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The West Wing Weekly5.06: Disaster Relief (with Alexa Junge and Lauren Schmidt Hissrich)We're joined this week by Alexa Junge and returning guest Lauren Schmidt Hissrich. They co-wrote "Disaster Relief," and together, we try to propulgate the backstory of this episode onto the frontstory. Like President Bartlet in Oklahoma, you'll never want to go back to work!
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The West Wing Weekly5.05: Constituency of One (with Jennifer Palmieri)What is a “Constituency of One”? You know, it’s all about that boss, ‘bout that boss, those troubles. It’s all about that boss, ‘bout that boss, those troubles. Toby and POTUS. Will and Bob Russell. Amy and the First Lady. Plus, we speak with Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri, whose list of bosses includes Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama.
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The West Wing Weekly5.04: Han (with Paula Yoo)Listener beware - like the episode we're discussing, Han, this installment of The West Wing Weekly has more sad piano music than all previous episodes combined. When they're not lost in a sadness so deep no tears will come, Josh and Hrishi interview Paula Yoo, the writer who came up with the story of a would-be North Korean defector who visits the White House.
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The West Wing Weekly5.03: Jefferson LivesJefferson lives, but the President's dreams for a strong VP die—killed by committee. But Josh and Hrishi, pilgrim detectives, are on the scene to investigate. PS: Jefferson is also dead.
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The West Wing Weekly5.02: The Dogs of WarFriends, Romans, people in other places, lend us your ears. We come to dissect this episode, and to praise it, or at least the parts we liked. So cry "havoc!" and let slip this podcast into your downloads.
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The West Wing Weekly5.01: 7A WF 83429 (Live with Bradley Whitford and Ronald Klain)Josh and Hrishi take a deep breath and dive headfirst into the post-Sorkin years. They're joined by guests Bradley Whitford and Ronald Klain to discuss the suspense of the Season 5 premiere — a fateful moment for the characters, and the show itself. Recorded live at Georgetown University.
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The West Wing Weekly4.24: Season 4 Retrospective (Live with Aaron Sorkin and Emily Procter)We’ve reached the end of the fourth season, and the end of Aaron Sorkin’s tenure on The West Wing. For this special farewell, Aaron himself joined us on stage at the historic Town Hall in New York to teach us how to say goodbye. He surprised us with his candor, and we surprised Aaron and the audience with special guest Emily Procter, as well as heartfelt messages sent in by the cast and crew.
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The West Wing Weekly4.23: Twenty Five (Live with Thomas Schlamme)Recorded live in Boston, Tommy Schlamme joins Josh and Hrishi to talk about the last days of the Sorkin-Schlamme era as they recap the episode Twenty Five.
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The West Wing Weekly4.22: Commencement (Live with Bradley Whitford, Ronald Klain, and Melissa Fitzgerald)Live from the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC, Josh and Hrishi discuss the penultimate episode of Season 4—and all its trip-hop-laced anomalies—with special guests Bradley Whitford, Ronald Klain, and Melissa Fitzgerald. Plus: a surprise guest who’s surprised to be part of the podcast.
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The West Wing Weekly4.21: Life on Mars (Live with Richard Schiff, Eli Attie, and The Swingles)We’re live in London! Josh and Hrishi discuss Life on Mars with guests Richard Schiff (@Richard_Schiff) and Eli Attie (@EliAttie). Plus some special West Wing-themed musical performances from Debbie Fiderer’s favorite a capella group, The Swingles (@swinglesingers).
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The West Wing Weekly4.20: Evidence of Things Not Seen (Live with Richard Schiff and Marlee Matlin)We’re live in Dublin to discuss Evidence of Things Not Seen with special guests Richard Schiff, Marlee Matlin, her interpreter Jack Jason, and a pint of Guinness that is like an angel crying on Richard’s tongue.
Cilantro!
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The West Wing Weekly0.06: Hamilton Special (with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Thomas Kail)AARON BURR: How does a podcast, web thing,
Recap and chat on The West Wing,
Dropped on the internet by nostalgic pals
On a fake President—it makes no sense!
How do Josh and Hrish, on balance,
Manage to land two major Broadway talents?
The two gallants, Lin-Manuel and Tommy Kail,
Got a lot farther by working a lot harder
By being a lot smarter, by being self-starters
By watching Bartlet, who's based a bit on Jimmy Carter
Well, the word got around that they’re like, "Sorkin is insane...2018-04-041h 10
The West Wing Weekly4.19: Angel Maintenance (with Fmr. Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning)Please set your cell phones to airplane mode, it’s Angel Maintenance time. In this episode we’re joined by former Acting Secretary of the Air Force (and former Secretary of the Army) Eric Fanning for lots of juicy details about Air Force One, including the fact that there’s more than one Air Force One. And Josh looks back fondly on filming this episode, for reasons involving Vaseline.
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The West Wing Weekly4.18: Privateers (with Allison Janney, Jeff Perry, Helen Slayton-Hughes, and the DAR)Privateers has a special place in our hearts because we love the scene where Allison Janney can’t stop laughing - and she’s here with us to talk about the fugue state necessary to create such memorable giggles. We’re also joined by Josh’s Scandal costar Jeff Perry, and Helen Slayton-Hughes, who played Marion Cotesworth-Haye of Marblehead. And we get the final word on the privateer question from Bren Landon of the DAR.
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The West Wing Weekly4.17: Red Haven’s on Fire (with Senator Tammy Duckworth and Lauren Schmidt Hissrich)The Laurens make good! West Wing writer Lauren Schmidt Hissrich joins us to recap Red Haven's on Fire and share stories of the real world Lauren confusion behind this episode. And Senator Tammy Duckworth tells us what to expect when you're a senator who's expecting.
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The West Wing Weekly4.16: The California 47thAh, Miss Hamantaschen! It's the California 47th. Josh and Hrishi discuss the linguistic nuance of Rice Krispies and what one calls the treats made from them. And, Mrs Hottentot, Hrishi introduces a handy online tool for President Bartlet: the Debbie Fiderer nickname generator.
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The West Wing Weekly0.05: Big Block of Cheese Live (with Dulé Hill, The Memory Palace, The Allusionist, and more)A live Big Block of Cheese Day from San Francisco Sketch Fest! Hrishi and Josh are joined by Dulé Hill to answer questions from fans - including a semi-surprise guest. Nate DiMeo of The Memory Palace (@thememorypalace) podcast tells the history of the big block of cheese, and Helen Zaltzman of The Allusionist (@AllusionistShow) gets VERY salty with her language as she explains the origin of the word “sh**hole.” Saltiest of all, though, is the 50 pound wheel of Pecorino Romano that we actually had delivered to the Marines’ Memorial Theater to feed our hungry questioners.
For more, vi...2018-02-211h 09
The West Wing Weekly4.15: Inauguration: Over There (with Gene Sperling)For our discussion of Inauguration: Over There, Josh regales Hrishi with tales of shooting in his underwear and throwing snowballs at Janel Moloney. Plus, we’re joined by West Wing writer and former Director of the National Economic Council Gene Sperling (@genebsperling). He tells us how the Clinton administration's regrets over the handling of the Rwandan genocide led to the Bartlet administration's doctrine for the use of force.
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The West Wing Weekly4.14: Inauguration: Part 1 (with Danica McKellar)Inauguration: Part I is the first part of our two-part series about a two-part series of West Wing episodes. Josh and Hrishi dig up fun facts about presidential bibles, and cast a critical eye on CJ's flirting and Josh's mean sass about Jack Reese. They also talk with Danica McKellar (@danicamckellar) about how a character named Tracy became Elsie Snuffin.
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The West Wing Weekly4.13: The Long Goodbye (with Jon Robin Baitz and The Alzheimer’s Association)As the West Wing takes a trip to Dayton, OH, for The Long Goodbye, Josh and Hrishi talk to playwright Jon Robin Baitz, who playwrought the episode. He talks about how his own father's illness informed the script in ways he didn't realize at the time, and gets props from our hosts for finally letting C.J. get some.
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The West Wing Weekly4.12: Guns Not Butter (with MAZON and The ONE Campaign)For our discussion of Guns Not Butter, Josh and Hrishi go on a hunt for Hrishi’s Hebrew name that is almost as intense as Donna’s quest to get Josh’s phone into the hands of Senator Hardin. Tom Hart of ONE (@OneCampaign) makes the case for foreign aid, and MAZON’s CEO & President Abby Leibman (@MAZONusa) backs Charlie up on the subject of food stamps on the military, but not one single person sides with poor Josh Lyman on the remote prayer issue.
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The West Wing Weekly4.11: Holy Night (with The Whiffenpoofs and Robert Malina)On the West Wing, it’s Toby’s birthday (December 23), and his father visits. On the West Wing Weekly, it’s Josh’s birthday (January 17), and HIS father visits. We turn to Mr Robert Malina for some Yiddish info and some Joshish insights. Plus, we’re joined by a couple of the Yale Whiffenpoofs who appeared in "Holy Night" to tell us about how they ended up singing for President Bartlet.
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The West Wing Weekly4.06: Game On (with Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, and Joshua Malina)Hrishi and Josh welcome special guest Joshua Malina to talk about Joshua Malina’s first episode as Will Bailey. [fanfare] With special appearances by Bradley Whitford, Rob Lowe, and Joshua Malina.
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Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices2017-11-151h 25The West Wing Weekly0.01: West Wing Reunion (Live from ATX)Live from the ATX Television Festival, a panel discussion looking back at the West Wing. With Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford, Dulé Hill, Melissa Fitzgerald, and Joshua Malina, moderated by Lawrence O'Donnell. (For any of listeners watching the series for the first time, there are spoilers throughout the discussion.)
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