Topic: Tom Hanks

21 chapters across the catalog

Nerd & Knucklehead
Episode 1706 1:28:42 - 1:31:53

1706: Nerd & Knucklehead

Tom Hanks, Celebrity Political Endorsements

Tom Hanks publicly endorses Kamala Harris, criticizing Donald Trump and Elon Musk as people one wouldn't want to "have a beer with." The hosts dismiss the "beer test" for presidency and speculate on whether celebrities are being blackmailed into making political statements. They also warn of increasing deplatforming and shadow-banning on social media platforms.

Sleep Equity
Episode 1419 2:05:45 - 2:11:41

1419: Sleep Equity

Tom Hanks Biden Ad, Land of the Brave

Actor Tom Hanks narrated a new promotional video for the Biden administration that omits the word "free" from the traditional American patriotic phrase. Instead of "land of the free and home of the brave," the narration repeatedly uses "land of the brave," which critics interpret as a subtle shift in national values.

Booster Blitz
Episode 1408 2:45:22 - 2:47:01

1408: Booster Blitz

Tom Hanks, Government Credibility, The Simpsons

A clip from The Simpsons Movie featuring Tom Hanks is used to illustrate the government's loss of credibility. In the clip, Hanks "borrows" his personal credibility to the U.S. government to promote a new Grand Canyon. The segment suggests that modern celebrity endorsements of government policy are reaching a similar level of absurdity.

Gob of Goo
Episode 1407 1:16:28 - 1:19:44

1407: Gob of Goo

Bob Dole Memorial, Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey

Actor Tom Hanks spoke at the memorial service for Senator Bob Dole, leading the hosts to speculate that Hanks is being groomed for a political career in California. They compare this potential move to Ronald Reagan's path from the Screen Actors Guild to the governorship. The discussion also touches on Matthew McConaughey's decision not to run for Governor of Texas.

Grope Line
Episode 1372 42:32 - 44:58

1372: Grope Line

Chet Hanks Anti-Vaccine Video, COVID-19 Mortality Odds

Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, posted a video that began as a pro-vaccine message before revealing it was a prank to express his anti-vaccine and anti-mandate views. Following this, the hosts discuss the statistical odds of dying from COVID-19, noting that for those under 70, the chances are extremely low, which they argue justifies individual risk assessment.

Mink Road
Episode 1302

1302: Mink Road

Dana Brunetti, Hollywood Producer Wine Tasting and Somali Pirates

Hollywood producer Dana Brunetti visited a cult winery in Sonoma County for a high-end tasting involving 100-point wines. During the visit, Brunetti shared a story regarding the casting of the film Captain Phillips, noting that the Somali pirates were cast during a cattle call in Minnesota. One of the non-professional actors from that call eventually received an Academy Award nomination, while lead actor Tom Hanks did not.

Obamable
Episode 1243 2:16:32 - 2:21:37

1243: Obamable

Tom Hanks Commencement Speech Critique

Actor Tom Hanks is criticized for a "discombobulated" and poorly produced virtual commencement speech for Wright State University. The hosts mock the low audio quality and the "phoned-in" nature of the address, noting that a professional producer of his stature should have utilized better technology and production values.

W.H.O. CARES
Episode 1233 2:35 - 7:50

1233: W.H.O. CARES

Saturday Night Live At Home, Tom Hanks Hosting

Saturday Night Live produced its first "At Home" episode using Zoom-style video conferencing, hosted by Tom Hanks from his residence. The absence of a studio audience, professional hair and makeup, and a live laugh track resulted in a production described as amateurish and lacking comedic timing.

GuangoCast
Episode 1232 1:03:50 - 1:08:55

1232: GuangoCast

AIDS Epidemic Parallels, Tom Hanks and Celebrity Messaging

Parallels are drawn between the current pandemic and the 1980s AIDS crisis, noting that Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx were key figures in both. The hosts mention Tom Hanks, who starred in the AIDS-themed movie *Philadelphia* and was the first major celebrity to contract COVID-19. They suggest a recurring pattern of using celebrities and fear-based media to drive public health policy.

Boozing and Beefing
Episode 1227 2:32:56 - 2:36:15

1227: Boozing and Beefing

Adrenochrome Conspiracy, Tom Hanks and QAnon Theories

The "Q" conspiracy group has circulated theories involving "adrenochrome," a substance allegedly harvested by elites from children. A new claim suggests that a batch of the drug was booby-trapped with the coronavirus, leading to the high-profile infections of celebrities like Tom Hanks, who is currently in quarantine in Australia.

Boozing and Beefing
Episode 1227 2:36:16 - 2:38:35

1227: Boozing and Beefing

Celebrity COVID-19 Updates, Idris Elba and Jimmy Fallon

Celebrities including Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, and Kevin Durant have provided public updates on their coronavirus diagnoses. Meanwhile, late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon are attempting to produce shows from home using laptops and fake applause, a move some critics find unnecessary and poorly executed.

CAPS
Episode 1224 26:00 - 28:28

1224: CAPS

Celebrity Self-Quarantines, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson announce they have tested positive for coronavirus while in Australia. This is viewed as the start of a trend where high-profile celebrities use social media to document their self-quarantines, potentially influencing public perception of the virus's severity.

Tolerized
Episode 1206 1:36:49 - 1:39:12

1206: Tolerized

Russian Pranksters and Tom Hanks Lolita Express Rumors

The hosts discuss the potential for pranksters to impersonate Ronan Farrow to elicit confessions from Hollywood executives. Rumors are mentioned regarding Tom Hanks and his alleged presence on Jeffrey Epstein's "Lolita Express" private jet. The segment references previous successful pranks by Russian actors on politicians like Adam Schiff regarding "kompromat" on Donald Trump.

Pentacon
Episode 1109 19:03 - 21:26

1109: Pentacon

Super Bowl LIII, Washington Post Ad Campaign

Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta features high-priced commercials, including a $5 million spot by The Washington Post voiced by Tom Hanks. The ad focuses on the importance of "real news" amid a climate of media skepticism. Local authorities in Atlanta reportedly cleared homeless camps in preparation for the massive sporting event.

Batteries Not Included
Episode 1029 2:36:35 - 2:41:15

1029: Batteries Not Included

The "T3" List: Theoretical Trump Targets

The hosts develop the "T3" list (Theoretical Trump Targets), naming celebrities and media figures they believe will be the next to face scandals. Candidates include Robert De Niro, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Carl Reiner. De Niro's recent "unhinged" rants against Trump are cited as a reason he might be targeted for a "skeleton in the closet" reveal.

Humalgo
Episode 938 10:07 - 12:13

938: Humalgo

Congressional Baseball Team Managers Blame Media

The managers of the congressional baseball teams appear on PBS to discuss the emotional toll of the shooting. One manager suggests that the news media should reflect on its role in fueling division by only interviewing politicians who are "throwing swords at each other." They argue that the media ignores the many bipartisan friendships that exist within Congress.

Promise to Prosecute
Episode 880 3:07:16 - 3:12:01

880: Promise to Prosecute

Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Mannequin Challenge

President Obama awards the Medal of Freedom to 21 recipients, including Ellen DeGeneres and Tom Hanks. The group participated in a "Mannequin Challenge" video at the White House. The hosts compare these viral "gimmicks" to fads from the Great Depression, such as pole-sitting or dance-athons, viewing them as symptoms of an economic downturn.

Zero Risk Society
Episode 528 37:08 - 46:09

528: Zero Risk Society

Tom Hanks Film Adaptation of In the Garden of Beasts

Actor Tom Hanks is producing and starring in a film adaptation of Erik Larson's book "In the Garden of Beasts," which chronicles the rise of the Hitler regime in 1930s Berlin. Natalie Portman is rumored to play the ambassador's daughter. There is skepticism regarding whether the Hollywood production will maintain the book's warning about creeping authoritarianism or serve as a distraction.

"Hunker Down"
Episode 334 1:22:39 - 1:24:59

334: "Hunker Down"

Russell Armstrong Suicide and Russian Mob in Hollywood

The suicide of Russell Armstrong, ex-husband of a "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star, is linked to the subsequent death of his business associate Alan Schram. Investigations suggest Armstrong had ties to the Russian mob through a Malibu drug clinic deal. The hosts speculate that the Russian mob's influence in Hollywood drives high-profile deaths and causes major stars like George Lucas to live away from Los Angeles.

Magnets In Space
Episode 182 8:21 - 10:57

182: Magnets In Space

Producer Credits, Tom Hanks, Jaap Buitendijk Knighthood

The hosts discuss the professional value of producer credits, citing the success of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg as examples of how such titles can enhance a career. Jaap Buitendijk is officially knighted as Sir Jaap of the No Agenda Round Table. The ceremony includes a formal oath requiring the new knight to protect the weak and "hit all foes in the mouth."