Hello? Hello? Is this thing on??

It's Sparks! The Band!! Russell and Ron Mael are back on the podcast to talk about their new album, "Mad!" (available now), going out on their big world tour, and how it's possible to overthink things and STILL just move forward anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the first episode of a new era! And what better way to start than with the hilarious and wonderful Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog, Parks and Rec, The Afterparty) discussing improv and how you don’t have TIME to overthink it. Find Ben's live show dates at rejectedjokes.com! Oh, and PS, the pre-show intro on this ep is probably a weeeeeee longer than it will normally be by just a few minutes, but it IS the first one of these after three years so hopefully that’s okay. Thank you for listening! You’re nice!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aaaaaaaaand we’re back!! PHEW! That was a quick three years! Chris starts this new podcast chapter with a minisode that explains the decision to hit the pause button and focus on being a dad after the birth of his daughter in 2022, why he wanted to come back now, and what to expect with the new show. I mean, it’s pretty much like the old show, but with new & improved thematic elements that really seal in the freshness! Anyway if you’ve read this much of a podcast description, you are a nice person and we appreciate you. :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Madrigal talks to Chris about touring, building a fulfilling career, and, of course, parenting! Al’s new movie "Morbius" is in theaters April 1st and his comic book "Primos" is available right now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Dastmalchian and Chris catch up and talk about dealing with loss, addiction, and the importance of having an emotional support system. They also talk about "Dune", David’s comic book series "Count Crowley", and playing Polka-Dot Man in "The Suicide Squad"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christina Ricci chats with Chris about how both their families are expecting babies soon (since this ep recorded, her baby was born! Congratulations, Ricci!!), how to negotiate device screentime with your kids, and what it was like to work on the new “Matrix” film. Her current show “Yellowjackets” on Showtime is amazing and “The Matrix Resurrections” is out in theaters and HBOMax on Dec. 22! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Karen David (Fear the Walking Dead, Once Upon a Time, Barry) chats with Chris about their mutual love of home renovation/restoration, how she's balanced careers in music and acting, and going from working on a Fairy Tale show to an Apocalypse show. Speaking of which, the mid-season finale of Fear the Walking Dead is Sunday, Dec 5 which you can watch on AMC or anytime on AMC+! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ron Funches is back on the podcast! He and Chris talk about voice-over acting, what video games Ron is currently playing and how he made his wrestling debut. Ron is currently on a terrific animated show called Poorly Drawn Lines (based on the popular webcomic) on FXX and Hulu! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dick and Angel Strawbridge are a charming British couple who are on one of Chris & Lydia's favorite shows, "Escape to the Chateau", which follows them on their amazing journey to restore a centuries-old French chateau and turn it into a stunning home/B&B/events location. The show is the perfect cross of DIY art and engineering! Even if you haven't seen it (and you should) it's a great conversation about embracing who you are, finding your purpose, and manifesting your creative vision. They also chat about Irish hats, using multiple disciplines in the creation process, and how to problem-solve when a task seems insurmountable. The newly-released season 7 (and all seasons) of "Escape to the Chateau" is on Peacock now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danny Elfman has a terrific chat with Chris about their mutual love of Victorian-era taxidermy, how Danny made the jump from science to music in high school, the early days of Oingo Boingo, and making the shift from band to film scoring. There are some really great stories! Danny will be performing 2 shows at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on October 29th & October 31st for the live-to-film concert experience of Disney’s timeless holiday classic “TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS! Tix available now! Also his first album in 37 years "The Big Mess" is also out now!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices