Best Playbill Podcasts (2025)

1
The Clubhouse - Give Us A Playbill 41:11

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28d ago41:11

41:11

In this special episode, Jeff and Christie dive into the Netflix series The Clubhouse: A Year With The Red Sox. They explore the emotional highs and lows captured on screen, the advantages of portraying the mental side of the game, and how teams can use this kind of storytelling to better engage their audiences. It’s a deep look at sports, psycholo…

1
Willie Wilson - You hit ‘em in the gaps 1:38:00

14d ago1:38:00

1:38:00

In this episode, Jeff chats with Kansas City Royals legend Willie Wilson about the 1980s Royals, his breakthrough into the bigs, how he became a switch-hitting batting champ, and his equation for hitting triples. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Joey Banks who’s working on a movie set. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If y…

1
Pat Asanti - It’s So Good People Want To Steal It 1:11:22

2M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

Jeff chats with Pat Asanti, a first generation Italian-American, who left his strict family life in Long Island, NY, for life as an actor in Hollywood. He tells his incredible family story from Italy to America and back, his struggles and successes as an actor, and the rise of his bakery from his grandmother’s recipes. Then Jeff crackerjack calls h…

1
Ron Cey - Give Me My Gold Glove 1:48:26

2M ago1:48:26

1:48:26

Jeff and Christie discuss the new torpedo bats. Then Jeff speaks with Dodgers legend Ron Cey, “The Penguin,” about his immense minor league stats before playing in one of the greatest infields of all time, getting nurtured by Tommy Lasorda, what he thinks about baseball today, and more! Then Jeff crackerjack calls his friend Peter Nestos of Spiro’s…

1
Richard Crudo - Vivid, Saturated, Beautiful Green 1:47:03

3M ago1:47:03

1:47:03

Jeff and Christie talk about Tokyo baseball. Then Jeff speaks with distinguished cinematographer Richard Crudo (American Pie, Justified) about his incredible career, learning from the legendary Gordon Willis (The Godfather), and his passion for baseball. And Jeff crackerjack calls his friend of 50 years, Mike McPhilliamy, to talk about their neighb…

1
Ron Coomer - Who Wants It? 1:31:02

3M ago1:31:02

1:31:02

We’re back! Jeff and Christie discuss the new ump rule. Then Jeff speaks with Cubs Broadcaster and former player Ron Coomer about growing up a Cubs fan, how he got into baseball and became a broadcaster, and calling the 2016 World Series. Jeff crackerjack calls Tony Cahn from Waveland Events to reminisce about the 2025 Northside Fantasy Baseball Ca…

1
#110 - I went on vacation in the Bavarian Alps and all I got was cucked by Big Bird 1:23:56

4M ago1:23:56

1:23:56

This week, Lori and Aria enjoy a modern slice of Euro-horror fun as they extol the virtues of Tilman Singer's "Cuckoo" (2024). MAJOR SPOILERS Audio clip from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (2013). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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#109 - Substance Abuse 1:01:23

5M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Aria and Lori discuss critical darling body horror fun-time film "The Substance" (2024). Audio clip from "Happy Gilmore" (1996). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
#108 - Isn't That a Show for Girls? 1:21:47

6M ago1:21:47

1:21:47

This week Lori and Aria stay up past their bedtimes to venture deep into the Midnight Realm with a vulnerable discussion about "I Saw the TV Glow" (2024). I'm not crying, you're crying! Audio clip from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (2012). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Brigham Avery - Damn You, Barbara Walters 1:09:12

6M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Jeff and Christie discuss the HOF inductees and the possible new rule called the Golden-At-Bat. Then Jeff sits down with the multi-hyphenate man of entertainment, Brigham Avery, who talks about his lineage in entertainment, his show Hollywood and Ivy on the Marquee Network, and his next project, Let There Be Light, and how he got into comedy and pr…

1
Tom Dreesen - Success Is Living The Life You Want 1:34:04

6M ago1:34:04

1:34:04

Jeff and Christie have a fun chat about the new robotic umpires. Then Jeff speaks with legendary comedian Tom Dreesen about his journey from humble beginnings to his larger-than-life career, including opening for Frank Sinatra, appearing on the Tonight Show, and his love for the Cubs. Jeff crackerjack calls Karl Marquardt, an organizer for Northsid…

1
#107 - Logging Back On... 1:10:27

7M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Lori and Aria are taking a breather from doomscrolling to finally return with a new episode to discuss, once again, the concept of being terminally online in lieu of finding fulfillment in the meatspace, with a look at "Red Rooms" (2023) and "We're All Going to the World's Fair" (2021). Major spoilers for both films. Audio clip from "Don't Want to …

1
Ryan Dempster - Be The Buffalo 1:50:23

7M ago1:50:23

1:50:23

Jeff and Christie open by talking about their current project. Then Jeff talks with former Cubs’ pitcher and co-host of MLB’s Intentional Talk, Ryan Dempster. They discuss this World Series matchup, the mental game of baseball, what makes a winning team, his friendship with Ron Santo, and baseball today. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his buddy Jim Mc…

1
Almost Famous 52:31

8M ago52:31

52:31

Grow out your hair, open those collared shirts, and burn them bras, ladies: we’re going back to the 1970s with Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous! Adapted from the 2000 movie of the same name, this adaptation features book and lyrics by Crowe with music by Tom Kitt. Paul and Jill squeeze into their tour van to ponder: what makes a good movie adaptation?…

1
Sharon Pannozzo - I Never Wore A Dress 1:23:54

8M ago1:23:54

1:23:54

In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss Pete Rose. Then Jeff speaks with Sharon Pannozzo, the Cubs' longtime Director of Media, about how she got into the business, the obstacles she had to overcome, calling Ron Santo to tell him he didn't make the Hall of Fame, and working with Sammy Sosa. Then Jeff crackerjack calls David Gue, author of the ne…

1
Episode 2 - Playbills 56:42

8M ago56:42

56:42

Send us fan mail! This episode we talk about those free little books you get when you see a musical! Why are Playbills free? What is a Stagebill? What do pop star Gwen Stefani and the 1960's musical "Fiddler on the Roof" have in common? And why is P.T. Barnum the worst?? *All music clips included are for educational purposes!* Some sources and link…

1
Lempicka 1:07:22

9M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

We’re back, baby! Join Paul and Jill for a scholarly study of 2024’s Lempicka, starring Eden Espinosa as the titular painter. Not to paint this show with a broad brush, but Paul and Jill found it a bit sketchy. Why were there Suicide Squad-esque place subtitles? Can there be two musicals about painters? And can sad men chill for like, a second? We …

1
Joe Buck - I’m The Lucky One 1:21:35

9M ago1:21:35

1:21:35

Jeff talks with legendary announcer Joe Buck about his incredible career, following his father’s footsteps and finding his own style, calling the 2016 World Series, and much more. Then Jeff crackerjack calls writer and Gino’s East LA owner Tod Himmel. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and wou…

1
Sean Casey - You Can’t Steal 1st 1:34:00

9M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

Jeff and Christie talk about the loss of Christie’s mom. Then Jeff speaks with All-Star 1st baseman Sean Casey, “the Mayor,” about his career: drafted by the Indians, traded to the Reds, being a workhorse at the plate, and eventually becoming the hitting coach for the Yankees. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his childhood friend Jim Rosenberger. Suppor…

1
Episode 1 - Spyro the Dragon 1:02:44

9M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Send us fan mail! Raven uses her podcast as an excuse to gush to her wife about dragons, old synths, the woes of porting a game overseas, and Stewart Copeland. And Clover loves their wife very much. Our first episode is a deep dive into the successes and failures of the classic PS1 trilogy! Support the show Intro/Outro music by: Josie Brechner Fuel…

1
Joe Amalfitano - That Was His Signature 1:27:26

10M ago1:27:26

1:27:26

We're back! Releasing this exclusive content for you all to hear. In this episode, Jeff talks with first base coach of the 1969 Cubs, Joe Amalfitano. They discuss Joe’s first meeting with the infamous Leo Durocher, Ron Santo's prowess at the hot corner, the ride of ’69, and so much more. And Jeff crackerjack calls Christie's Godfather, Chips Conlon…

1
Kevin Chapman - I Prepared For That Moment 1:41:29

11M ago1:41:29

1:41:29

In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss The Bikeriders and new merch. Then Jeff speaks with actor Kevin Chapman about working for the Mayor of Boston, his early childhood with an alcoholic war veteran father and mother from the nuns in Biddeford, ME, his leap into acting and getting Mystic River, and more. And Jeff crackerjack calls his childhoo…

1
Mike Skelton - What’s Playing This Weekend? 1:35:51

12M ago1:35:51

1:35:51

In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss the TV series Dark Matter. Then, Jeff talks with screenwriter Mike Skelton about their similar paths into Hollywood and the different roads from there forth, Mike selling scripts to studios and Jeff with his indie spirit. And Jeff crackerjack calls Bobby Biittner, son of Cubs Larry Biittner, to talk about …

1
Chris Chelios - I Never Took Anything For Granted 1:51:22

12M ago1:51:22

1:51:22

In this episode, hockey legend Chris Chelios talks about his incredible journey through multiple continents, from taking a boat to Australia to learning how to fight in Canada to competing in the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo under armed watch to his recent honor of getting his number retired by the Chicago Blackhawks. Then Jeff Crackerjack calls his c…

1
Rob Weiss - The Rest Is Just A Hustle, Man 1:50:27

12M ago1:50:27

1:50:27

In the intro, Jeff and Christie get real about the struggle of the independent journey. Then Jeff chats with writer/producer/director Rob Weiss (Entourage, Ballers) about his trajectory into Hollywood, his hit TV shows, and writing Hells Angels together for Fox2000. Then, Jeff crackerjack calls Andy Masur, who worked in the booth with Ron and Pat H…

1
Jody Davis - Cubs Fans Are The Greatest 1:39:43

1y ago1:39:43

1:39:43

Cool insight and great stories in this episode. Jeff interviews Cubs catcher Jody Davis to discuss that great ’84 season. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Matt Boltz, the audio engineer for WGN when Ron Santo was in the booth. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us and rece…

1
Scott Zolke - I Feel Like I've Been Stealing Bases For 40 Years 1:20:59

1y ago1:20:59

1:20:59

In the intro, Jeff and Christie discuss being spoiled, and then Jeff discusses Hollywood, deal-making, and being a Cub fan with entertainment lawyer Scott Zolke. Lastly, Jeff crackerjack calls Karen Bonelli, a family friend whose father helped put together Ron Santo Pizzeria and Pro’s Pizza. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and …

1
Cocktails with Kevin Cahoon: Helicopters and Horse#*^! 1:00:40

1y ago1:00:40

1:00:40

The Houston native made his Broadway debut in The Who's Tommy, other credits include The Lion King, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Rocky Horror Show, and The Wedding Singer. Off-Broadway audiences have seen his work in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Foreigner (Lucille Lortel nomination), The Wild Party, How I Learned to Drive, and Shaggs. His screen …

1
Jimmy Bank - A Road Manager For A Very Large Rock Band 2:00:21

1y ago2:00:21

2:00:21

Jeff interviews Jimmy Bank, the former traveling secretary for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Oakland A’s, who has so many stories he could write a book. He talks about how he became the youngest in his position in MLB history and his wonderful relationship with Ron Santo. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Arthur Pullano for some wild stori…

1
Fergie Jenkins - You Gotta Pay Your 20 Game Winner! 1:06:33

1y ago1:06:33

1:06:33

In this episode, Jeff speaks with Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins about his incredible career, his time with the Cubs, and that 1969 team. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his nephew Spencer Brown, who’s studying Sports Business at the University of Oklahoma. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear …

1
Ira Deutchman - Do You Have That Hook? 1:34:39

1y ago1:34:39

1:34:39

In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss their top five favorite baseball films. Jeff interviews independent studio mogul Ira Deutchman (A Woman Under the Influence, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Sex Lies and Videotape, Hoop Dreams). They discuss Ira’s enduring career, distributing This Old Cub, and some insightful advice for today’s indie fil…

1
Bobby Dernier - Tiger Paws On My Feet 1:19:09

1y ago1:19:09

1:19:09

In this episode, Jeff interviews center fielder Bobby Dernier about the incredible 1984 Cubs team and its success, which took Chicago by storm. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Gino’s East LA owner Dan Michaels. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us and receive exclusive c…

1
Nate Oliver - We Hit A Tailspin 1:04:51

1y ago1:04:51

1:04:51

In this episode, Jeff and Christie talk about luck. Jeff interviews Dodger/Cub Nate Oliver about that Cubs 1969 team, singing Pennant Fever, and the Koufax no-hitter in ’65. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Joey Hickman, son of Cubs slugger Jim Hickman. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would …

1
Cats (2019) 1:16:40

1y ago1:16:40

1:16:40

Everyone's favourite musical theatre nerds are coming to you live and in-person! Join us for a saucy late-night show where we dive in to one of musical theatre’s greatest embarrassments: 2019's Cats, in all its human-fingered/CGI/Jason Derulo glory. We got MERCH y’all! Visit Spring to check out our mugs, t-shirts, hoodies and more! Instagram: @monk…

1
Barry Rozner - We Are What We Are 1:36:44

1y ago1:36:44

1:36:44

Jeff and Christie discuss regret. The earnest Barry Rozner talks about how he went from a vender to an award-winning sports journalist, his relationship with Ron Santo, writing Ron’s Hall of Fame speech, and more. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his nephew, Sam Brown. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you…

1
Ron Rapoport - A New Beginning 1:15:29

1+ y ago1:15:29

1:15:29

In this episode, Jeff talks with the masterful biographer/reporter Ron Rapoport about his book on Ernie Banks and that Cubs 1969 team. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his childhood friend and armchair GM, Peter Nestos, to discuss the Cubs’ upcoming season. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and wo…

1
#23 - How to Dance in Ohio: From Documentary to Broadway Musical 44:24

1+ y ago44:24

44:24

This episode features some of the key creative team behind the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio, a heartwarming musical based on a true story that follows a group of young adults on the autism spectrum preparing for a spring formal dance. The show is praised for its uplifting message, its celebration of neurodiversity, and its talented cast, w…

1
Peter Conti - Feed The Journey 1:20:11

1+ y ago1:20:11

1:20:11

In the last episode of the season, Jeff continues his conversation with Peter Conti, discussing documentaries, novels, teaching, and how hard it is in Hollywood to get projects going. Then, dear friend Dan Foley gets the crackerjack call, who began the artistic journey with Jeff, collaborating on the play The 25th Man, which premiered at the Remain…

1
Peter Conti - Friends In High Places 1:22:20

1+ y ago1:22:20

1:22:20

In this episode, Jeff and Christie exchange views about friendship and life as you age. Then Jeff sits down with author Peter Conti to talk about his #1 Amazon best-selling book Gringo, baseball, and Peter’s new marriage. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his childhood friend Jim McCauley, and they discuss their friendship, growing up in Glenview, and be…

1
Louis Lombardi - Stars and Stripes 1:12:39

1+ y ago1:12:39

1:12:39

In this episode, Jeff and Christie talk about the baseball season. Louis Lombardi talks about being raised by three women, raising his daughter, and the current state of Hollywood and the actor's strike. Then Jeff crackerjack calls former Cubs’ Director of Baseball Operations Scott Nelson and discusses his unique path to his dream job working for t…

1
Louis Lombardi - You Can’t Break Me 1:25:05

1+ y ago1:25:05

1:25:05

In this episode, actor Louis Lombardi, from The Sopranos and 24 fame, tells his incredible story of growing up on the streets in the Bronx and becoming an actor. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his God-sister Sherry Matarrese for a trip down memory lane. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and woul…

1
Tommy John - I Threw Six Days And Took Sundays Off 1:17:27

1+ y ago1:17:27

1:17:27

In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss their motorcycle accident and Christie's injury. Then Tommy John gets into the nitty-gritty of his historical surgery that has saved careers—the injury, the surgery, and the rehab. The crackerjack call is to Jeff's friend Pete Hartmann, a left-handed pitcher who's dedicated his life to the game and shares …

1
Tommy John - Knowing What I Can And Can’t Do 49:52

1+ y ago49:52

49:52

In this episode, Jeff speaks with the remarkable pitcher Tommy John. They discuss why he hasn't yet been voted into baseball's Hall of Fame, his academic and athletic roots in Indiana, and the best pitching lesson he’s ever learned. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Joe Amalfitano to talk about Joe’s cross-town friendship with Tommy. Support the show Tha…

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Jeff Santo - Find the good in it and be all in. 1:11:42

1+ y ago1:11:42

1:11:42

We do a switcheroo in this episode; Christie hosts and interviews Jeff, who reveals more about his big league childhood, following in his father's footsteps, his dad's diabetes, his leap into the film business, and This Old Cub. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us a…

1
#106 - Peanus Peril Playbill 57:12

1+ y ago57:12

57:12

Aria and Lori get Freudian as they explore the existential concept of one's "peanus hort so bad" with the castration anxiety-inducing films "Killer Condom" (1996) and "Bad Biology" (2008). Major spoilers for both films. Audio clip from "The Whitest Kids U' Know" (2010). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Randy Hundley - Livin’ In A Fantasy 1:10:33

1+ y ago1:10:33

1:10:33

In this episode, Randy tells a story showing Ron Santo’s competitiveness, talks about his late wife Betty, the Don Young game, and explains how and why he invented the fantasy camps. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his brother Ronnie for a deep dive into their childhood. To close it out, Jeff reads a poem he wrote titled Me & My Brother. Support the sh…

1
Randy Hundley - Every bloomin’ pitch! 1:14:04

1+ y ago1:14:04

1:14:04

Jeff talks with the legendary catcher Randy Hundley about his new book Ironman, his one-handed catching style that changed the game of baseball, and his relationship with Leo Durocher. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Randy's son, All-Star catcher Todd Hundley, for an inside look at Todd's journey to the big leagues. Support the show Thanks for listenin…

1
Don Kessinger - Please return to your seats! 1:25:11

2y ago1:25:11

1:25:11

In this episode, Don Kessinger discusses his thoughts on Leo Durocher, getting traded, how he became a player-manager, and the notorious Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his friend and producer of This Old Cub, Billy Pullano, and they talk about Ron Santo Pizzeria and Ron’s home run during the moon landing. Suppo…

1
Don Kessinger - Married to the dream. 1:14:25

2y ago1:14:25

1:14:25

In this episode: Jeff and Christie tell the story of how they met. Jeff talks with another Cubs legend Don Kessinger who opens up about his athletic beginnings, meeting his wife, and his impression of Ron Santo. Then Jeff crackerjack calls the ultimate baseball mom, Don’s wife, Carolyn Kessinger. Support the show Thanks for listening! Please follow…

1
Joel Murray - It’s a different time. 1:19:26

2y ago1:19:26

1:19:26

In this episode, Joel Murray talks about working on Joe Mantegna's "Bleacher Bums," playing softball in a celebrity game at the Field of Dreams, this SAG-AFTRA strike, the Cubs' victory in 2016 and the Cubs' current season, and Jeff and Joel joke around about doing a hunger-strike outside Warner Bros. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his friend and form…