Best Michael Sumner Podcasts (2025)

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1998 Part 1 - Are We Not Beagles? We Are Peanuts! 58:01

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2d ago58:01

58:01

The daily comics have turned full color, and so the guys get into the nitty gritty of comic strip coloring and wonder if the entire form has de-volved over time. Then they ponder mysteries like “What IS Rerun’s real name anyway?” And we hear from readers answering the question “What is Peanuts?” Plus: Dodging questions from curious outsiders. Trans…

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Two Cheers for Libertarianism and Econ 101 (with Noah Smith) 1:22:06

3d ago1:22:06

1:22:06

Economist Noah Smith was so focused on libertarianism's theoretical flaws, he overlooked its political importance. Trump's tariff policy opened his eyes and made him re-assess the virtues of both libertarianism and Econ 101. Listen as he and EconTalk's Russ Roberts explore the way political competition has shaped economic policy in surprising ways …

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S10 Ep27: Aimie Atkinson, original Katherine Howard in Six & Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman 37:19

6d ago37:19

37:19

Olivier nominee Aimie Atkinson is In The Frame! Aimie is preparing for the release of her album Queen which will be launched with a special solo concert in the West End on 23rd June at the Vaudeville Theatre. Aimie originated the role of Katherine Howard in Six The Musical in the West End, on tour and on the studio album. After reuniting with the o…

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EconTalk #1000 (with Russ Roberts) 1:08:49

10d ago1:08:49

1:08:49

In honor of EconTalk's 1,000th episode, host Russ Roberts reflects on his long, strange journey from pioneer of the podcast format to weekly interviewer of leading economists, authors, and thinkers. Hear him answer your--and Chat GPT's--questions about why he got started, how he preps, and how he picks guests. He also explains why debate gave way t…

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S10 Ep26: Aidan MacColl, Leonardo in Pop Off, Michelangelo! 37:00

11d ago37:00

37:00

Aidan MacColl is starring as Leonardo in Pop Off, Michelangelo! at Underbelly Boulevard Soho. Written by Dylan MarcAurele, Pop Off, Michelangelo! premiered at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival to huge acclaim and went on to play some concert performances at The Other Palace. The show follows childhood friends Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci …

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S10 Ep25: Hadley Fraser, star of City of Angels, Opening Night, Les Misérables, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels & The Deep Blue Sea 51:01

14d ago51:01

51:01

Hadley Fraser is In The Frame! Hadley is preparing to play his biggest solo show yet at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 15th June, which follows the release of his most recent album Things That Come And Go. Presented in association with ADAMA Entertainment and WestWay Music, Hadley's show will feature guest performances from his wife Rosalie Craig (Company/…

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1997 Part 3 - Just Out of Curiosity, What Did You Have For Breakfast? 1:13:20

16d ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Rerun hides under the bed again. Lucy and Charlie Brown go on a date. Michael causes the gang to have an existential crisis and the very concept of the podcast is shaken to the core! Woodstock leads Olaf and Andy to the edge of the earth. And Zipatone ties the room together. Plus: Al Pacino! Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Pe…

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Nature vs. Nurture (with Paul Bloom) 1:07:44

17d ago1:07:44

1:07:44

How much of our success or failure is written in our genes? How much is under our control? Is it nature or nurture or is that dichotomy too simplistic? Hear EconTalk's Russ Roberts and psychologist Paul Bloom discuss why the nature vs. nurture question is actually worth taking seriously and how by understanding it we can help ourselves and others.…

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S10 Ep24: Michael Jibson, Steve in This Is My Family & London's original King George III in Hamilton 40:38

18d ago40:38

40:38

Olivier winner Michael Jibson is playing Steve in This Is My Family, marking his return to musical theatre. Written by Tim Firth, This Is My Family is having its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. The show is about a disastrous family holiday and won the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2013. Michael won the 2018 Olivier Award for…

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S10 Ep23: Keith Ramsay, Peanut in Shucked 32:04

20d ago32:04

32:04

Keith Ramsay is playing Peanut in the UK premiere of Shucked. Following its run on Broadway, Shucked has opened at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre directed by Jack O'Brien. The show has book by Robert Horn, music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. Keith's theatre credits include: The Play That Goes Wrong (Duchess Theatre); Eve: All A…

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1997 Part 2 - Everyone Needs A Break Now and Then 59:57

23d ago59:57

59:57

Charles Schulz announces he will be taking his first five week sabbatical after Jeannie says he’s “getting jumpy.” Then he gets a big thrill from a call by one of his artistic heroes. In the strip, Rerun is in kindergarten and the stress is slowly destroying him! Plus: The Little Pig Haired Girl? Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacki…

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Inside the Mysterious World of Credit Cards (with Patrick McKenzie) 1:15:14

24d ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Patrick McKenzie explains to EconTalk's Russ Roberts how credit cards work, who makes money from them and how, and gives his take on whether cash customers and debit card users subsidize the users of credit cards with reward programs.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

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300th Episode: Jerry Mitchell, director & choreographer of BOOP!, The Devil Wears Prada & Becoming Nancy 34:47

25d ago34:47

34:47

It's the 300th episode and Tony winner Jerry Mitchell is back In The Frame! Jerry has worked extensively as a director and choreographer in both the West End and on Broadway. He is currently nominated for Best Choreography at this year’s Tony Awards for his production of BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical - with music by David Foster - which is running t…

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S10 Ep21: Lucie-Mae Sumner, Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins 49:10

28d ago49:10

49:10

Lucie-Mae Sumner is playing Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins. The show is back on tour across the UK & Ireland, following its most recent runs in the West End and Australia. Mary Poppins has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book…

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1997 Part 1 - Every Child Should Be Issued a Dog and a Banjo 56:26

1M ago56:26

56:26

After years of hearing Sally’s philosophies, Charlie Brown comes up with one of his own. Rerun and Snoopy have a lot of fun together, even if they don’t know what they’re doing. And the gang takes on perhaps the weirdest Peanuts strip of them all… or maybe it’s just an ad. Plus: Crybaby Boobie, we hardly knew ye. Transcript available at UnpackingPe…

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The Past and Present of Privacy and Public Life (with Tiffany Jenkins) 1:22:59

1M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

A paradox of our time is our willingness to bare all to strangers while worrying about who exactly is watching us online and anywhere else. Listen as author Tiffany Jenkins discusses her book, Strangers and Intimates, with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore the role of Martin Luther, J.S. Mill, reality TV, and …

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S10 Ep20: Kellie Shirley, Joy in Parlour Song 33:18

1M ago33:18

33:18

Kellie Shirley is playing Joy in the London revival of Parlour Song by Jez Butterworth at the Greenwich Theatre. Kellie has worked extensively onstage, some of her roles have included Pauline in One Man, Two Guvnors (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Brooke in Noises Off (Frinton Summer Theatre), Beverly in Abigail’s Party (Park Theatre), Stella Stone & Ge…

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S10 Ep19: Oliver Jacobson, Barman in The Choir of Man 33:08

1M ago33:08

33:08

Oliver Jacobson is currently playing Barman in The Choir of Man. The Choir Of Man is back in the West End at the Arts Theatre. The show features hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry, performed by an ensemble of singers and musicians. Oliver most recently played Oz in the first…

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1996 Part 3 - Automatic for the Beagles 1:02:32

1M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

The gang furthers their discussion about what Peanuts is and how it works, and then talks about the difference tools make in the life of an artist. In the strip, Rerun continues to show new aspects of his personality, Lucy isn’t slipping at all, and we bid a fond farewell to one of the oldest Peanuts cast members. Plus: Mutts Transcript available a…

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The Economics of Tariffs and Trade (with Doug Irwin) 1:32:53

1M ago1:32:53

1:32:53

Is the United States victimized by trade? What causes trade deficits? Are higher tariffs a good idea? Can manufacturing jobs return to the United States? Economist Doug Irwin of Dartmouth College answers these questions and more in this wide-ranging conversation with EconTalk's Russ Roberts.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

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S10 Ep18: Jaz Robinson, Catherine of Aragon in Six 37:44

1M ago37:44

37:44

Jaz Robinson is starring as Catherine of Aragon in the West End production of Six. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, Six has direction by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage with choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille. Six was first performed in London in 2017, and is now the winner of over 35 international awards including two Tonys. Jaz is from Toro…

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1996 Part 2 - Angel Food Cake With 7-Minute Frosting and a Side of Attempted Murder 1:04:04

1M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Harold takes us on a deep dive into the back issues of Editor and Publisher to tell a dark tale of real life drama that touched the Schulz universe. But it’s not all gloom and doom. Harriet is back and she brought baked goods! Plus: The One Note Samba Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael…

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The Past and Future of AI (with Dwarkesh Patel) 1:36:44

2M ago1:36:44

1:36:44

Dwarkesh Patel interviewed the most influential thinkers and leaders in the world of AI and chronicled the history of AI up to now in his book, The Scaling Era. Listen as he talks to EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the book, the dangers and potential of AI, and the role scale plays in AI progress. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the a…

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S10 Ep17: Charlie Burn, Cady in Mean Girls 39:43

2M ago39:43

39:43

Charlie Burn is starring as Cady Heron in the West End production of Mean Girls. Having premiered on Broadway in 2018, Mean Girls opened in London last year. Tina Fey adapted the show from her 2004 film, collaborating with Jeff Richmond who composed the music and Nell Benjamin who wrote the lyrics. The show is directed and choreographed by Casey Ni…

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1996 Part 1- The Strange Death of Tapioca Pudding 1:02:31

2M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

In this episode, the guys have a long discussion about what makes Peanuts work, and how Schulz’s presence is felt in the strip. Can that be the key to understanding Peanuts? Or is it possible we’re overthinking this? Meanwhile, Rerun provides some of the strip’s best moments. Charlie Brown is still up all night. And Spike is still fighting in the t…

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Why Christianity Needs to Help Save Democracy (with Jonathan Rauch) 1:20:08

2M ago1:20:08

1:20:08

How does a nice Jewish boy who is also a gay atheist have the chutzpah to lecture Christianity on its obligations to democracy? Listen to author Jonathan Rauch talk about his book Cross Purposes with EconTalk's Russ Roberts as Rauch makes the case for what he calls a thicker Christianity.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

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S10 Ep16: Jed Berry, star of The Book of Mormon, Wicked, Shucked & Kinky Boots 48:46

2M ago48:46

48:46

Jed Berry is In The Frame! Most recently Jed played Boq in the UK & Ireland tour of Wicked and next up he is a swing in the UK premiere of Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Some of Jed’s other credits include: understudy Elder Cunningham and Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon (UK & International Tour / West End), Ernest Boulton and Stell…

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S10 Ep15: Tori Allen-Martin, Cass in Midnight Cowboy 54:20

2M ago54:20

54:20

Tori Allen-Martin is In The Frame! Tori is currently playing Cass and others in the premiere of Midnight Cowboy at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy which was adapted into the 1969 film, Midnight Cowboy has a book by Bryony Lavery and music by Francis “Eg” White who has written songs for Adele, Sam Smith, Florenc…

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1995 Part 3 - The Outer Space Adventures of Woodstock and Spike 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

Woodstock goes to the moon and it makes Michael’s head hurt. Cheating is rampant at Peppermint Patty’s school, but no one seems to mind. And Schulz predicts the world of print on demand. Plus: An all time record on the anger/happiness index. Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Ha…

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Rational and Religious (with Ross Douthat) 1:17:31

2M ago1:17:31

1:17:31

How can we explain the world's underlying order? How does consciousness emerge? And why do people from such different cultures have such similar near-death experiences? Listen as Ross Douthat, New York Times columnist and author of the new book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, argues that these and other unanswerable questions underscore …

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S10 Ep14: Kerry Ellis, Queen of the West End 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

Kerry Ellis is In The Frame! Kerry is preparing to perform her latest solo show Queen Of The West End at the Vaudeville Theatre on 21st April as part of Westway Music’s season of concerts. Later in the year Kerry is taking the show on another extensive tour of the UK. In August Kerry is uniting with two other iconic Elphabas – Rachel Tucker and Lou…

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S10 Ep13: Emile Ruddock, Roland in A Knight's Tale 32:34

2M ago32:34

32:34

Emile Ruddock is playing Roland in the premiere of A Knight's Tale The Musical. Based on the 2001 film written and directed by Brian Helgeland which starred Heath Ledger and Paul Bettany, A Knight's Tale is running in Manchester at the Opera House. The show is adapted for the stage by Irish comedy writer and actor Brona C Titley, directed by Rachel…

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1995 Part 2 - Woodstock is Emotionally Bankrupt! 52:04

2M ago52:04

52:04

Woodstock is at his wit’s end, and all his pal Snoopy can do is muse on Fitzgerald. Rerun shows us more facets of his ever expanding personality. Meanwhile Linus’s struggle for security rages on. Plus: Some Enchanted Evening Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, an…

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The Music and Magic of John and Paul (with Ian Leslie) 1:17:48

2M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

At the heart of the success of the Beatles was the creative chemistry and volatile friendship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Listen as author Ian Leslie discusses his book, John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. It's a deep dive into music and friendship as well as a revisionist history about how John and Paul cre…

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S10 Ep12: Will Callan, Sebastian in Cruel Intentions 31:57

2M ago31:57

31:57

Will Callan is starring as Sebastian in Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical. Following its London run at The Other Palace, Cruel Intentions is currently touring the UK and Ireland. Based on the 1999 film and inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Cruel Intentions features ‘90s pop classics including songs by Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Agu…

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SIX SPECIAL: Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Natalie Paris, Alexia McIntosh & Maiya Quansah-Breed 1:00:36

2M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

In this special episode, we revisit the conversations we had with Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Natalie Paris, Alexia McIntosh and Maiya Quansah-Breed, the original queens of Six. Six The Musical LIVE is being screened in UK cinemas from 7th April. The film was made in 2022 when the original West End cast reunited for some performances at Hampton Court Pal…

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1995 Part 1 - At Long Last, Charlie Brown is the Hero 1:12:56

2M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

When a kid from another neighborhood takes advantage of the guileless Rerun, Charlie Brown steps up to defend him. Elsewhere, Sally is still Sally, Lucy still loves Schroeder, and Schulz fights through his tremor. Plus: Al Capp Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz,…

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Do All Creatures, Great and Small, and Made From Silicon, Have Rights? (with Jeff Sebo) 1:16:13

2M ago1:16:13

1:16:13

Should monkeys have the same rights as humans? What about elephants, ants, or invertebrates? NYU philosopher Jeff Sebo makes the case for expanding your moral circle to many more beings than you might expect, including those based on silicon chips. Listen as Sebo and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss to whom and what we owe moral consideration, how w…

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S10 Ep10: Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, writers of Six 34:17

2M ago34:17

34:17

Tony and Olivier nominees Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss are In The Frame! Toby and Lucy are the writers and creators of Six The Musical, and Lucy is also the show’s co-director. From this Sunday 6th April a special filmed version of Six, with the original West End queens, is being screened in UK cinemas. Six premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival i…