(Un)Clean

Episode notes

This week’s Sound of Young America broadcast bears the theme “(Un)Clean.” My guests are comedian Jim Gaffigan (who doesn’t swear on stage) and the creators of Wonder Showzen (who dress children up in Hitler costumes).

Jim Gaffigan is one of the country’s most popular stand-up comics, and an accomplished actor, as well. His observational humor is peppered with audience commentary – that he provides himself, in a creepy high pitched voice. We talk about his long standup career, and his acting career, which features both comic and dramatic credits. He’s currently on tour (including a show in San Francisco April 7th), and his new CD and DVD are in stores now.

Vernon Chatman and John Lee are the creators of the brilliant MTV2 series Wonder Showzen. The series could be broadly described as a parody of children’s television, but it’s really more of a satire of the banality of American culture. One recurring segment, “Beat Kids,” sends children dressed as reporters to ask pointed questions of the man on the street. In one, a 7-year-old (or so) black girl is dispatched to Wall Street, asking “Who have you exploited today?” and “Where will you be when the revolution comes?” John & Vernon are also members of the rock band PFFR (pronounced P-F-R), and the former writers of the MTV series “Doggy Fizzle Televizzle.” Wonder Showzen returned to MTV2 yesterday, and airs Fridays at 9:30PM. Their first season DVD was just released.

Download this week’s show (MP3 Audio)

Listen Online

Check out our uncut, unedited interview with Jim Gaffigan

Music This Week

Untitled Beat by DJW

Hey! Buy some stuff! (The show gets a portion of the money)

Jim Gaffigan’s Beyond the Pale DVD (only $9.99!)

Jim Gaffigan’s Beyond the Pale CD

Wonder Showzen Season 1

Previously on The Sound of Young America Blog

Dead Frog v. Wonder Showzen
Wonder Showzen Creators’ Core Beliefs
Change the Channel for Kids
Good Shows & Bad People