Episode 387

with Paul F. Tompkins, Anuradha Bhagwati, and Patterson Hood

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share their personal catchphrases; comedian Paul F. Tompkins impersonates iconic German filmmaker Werner Herzog to review his local Trader Joe’s; author and activist Anuradha Bhagwati discusses the challenges women face for equal treatment in the Marines; and singer-songwriter Patterson Hood performs “21st Century USA.”

Paul F. Tompkins

Comedian

If you’re looking for comedy and podcast royalty, look no further than Paul F. Tompkins. A comedian, actor, and writer, he’s appeared on over two hundred episodes of Comedy Bang! Bang!, hosts the popular improvised SPONTANEANATION podcast, and charms audiences all over with his live comedy shows. TV-wise, Tompkins has appeared on HBO’s "Mr. Show" and voices the character of Mr. Peanutbutter on the hit Netflix animated series "Bojack Horseman". Style-wise, he always performs in a suit and tie. All hail the king! Website • Twitter

Anuradha Bhagwati

Author & Activist

Anuradha Bhagwati is all talk and all action. The writer, activist and Marine Corps veteran’s first book, Unbecoming: A Memoir of Disobedience, draws on her own experience to take the military to task for misogyny and sexual assault in the armed forces. In 2007 Bhagwati founded the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) which advocates for the causes in the book and helped to overturn the ban on women in combat. In addition to her writing and activism, Bhagwati is also a regular media commentator on issues related to national security, women’s rights, civil rights, and mental health, and is the recipient of numerous awards. In her work and activism Bhagwati speaks, writes, and takes aim at some of the most important issues facing our modern military. Website • Twitter

Patterson Hood

Singer-Songwriter

Patterson Hood is a modern Renaissance man across many mediums. He’s a prolific writer, performer, and lecturer, whose character-driven stories with political subtext can take the shape of songs, op-eds, essays, lecture, or short stories. He’s best known as front-man, singer, songwriter, and guitar player for the critically acclaimed rock and roll band Drive-by Truckers, whose most recent album, 2016’s American Band, delves into and examines the topics that matter most in current America. This Renaissance man has a lot to say about his Southern upbringing and the current state of our country, and the fact that he can say it in such a plethora of forms makes his message even more potent. Listen • Twitter