Oops, This Deck of Cards Really Is Shuffled!

Scorpions and Spiders

Jun 25, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of Penn’s Sunday School, the hosts engage in a wide-ranging conversation that touches on the challenges of sleep deprivation, the art of stage performance, and behind-the-scenes movie trivia. The discussion begins with the struggle to find restful sleep and transitions into a review of a compelling performance at the Fallout Fringe Festival. The hosts share their appreciation for well-crafted theater, reflecting on how even comedic or improvisational shows can evoke deep, unexpected emotions. The conversation eventually shifts to the technicalities of stagecraft and performance. They explore niche skills like shapography—creating stories through felt shapes—and the intricacies of "trouble wit," a paper-folding technique. A highlight of the episode is their exploration of movie history, specifically the production of Dr. No. The hosts recount the fascinating and often hilarious story of Sean Connery’s arachnophobia during the filming of the famous spider scene. They contrast the reality of the production, involving a prop guy masquerading as an animal expert and a piece of glass for protection, with a humorous imagined internal monologue from the tarantula, "Rosie," providing a unique perspective on classic cinema.

Triangular Triscuits and Other Snacks

Jun 19, 20261h 21mSummary

In this episode of Penn’s Sunday School, the hosts engage in a wide-ranging conversation that touches on aging, professional evolution, and the nature of public life. The discussion opens with an exploration of an editorial piece featuring Bob Dylan’s candid thoughts on turning eighty-five. The hosts reflect on Dylan’s poignant observations regarding the loss of illusions and the realization that time, rather than moving forward, stands still while humanity experiences it. The conversation transitions into the challenges of maintaining a long-term partnership, with the hosts drawing parallels between musical duos and their own collaborative dynamic. They discuss the importance of artistic growth and their pride in recent performances, which they believe represent some of their best work to date, regardless of their career longevity. Additionally, the hosts delve into the complexities of modern sports fandom, touching on how audiences relate to teams, ownership, and the performative aspects of high-stakes competition. Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain an engaging dialogue about navigating life and work with integrity, focusing on personal development rather than external pressures or trivial political noise.

Carr Hagerman - Out Of The Blue

Jun 10, 20261h 45mSummary

In this episode of Penn's Sunday School, host Matt Donnelly welcomes Carr Hagerman, a long-time friend and former collaborator from the Renaissance Festival days. The discussion centers on Hagerman’s harrowing experience of being falsely accused of rape, an ordeal that led to his arrest and a four-year legal battle before he was ultimately acquitted. The conversation explores the profound psychological toll of such an accusation and the disintegration of Hagerman’s personal and professional life. Rather than succumbing to bitterness or hate, Hagerman details his commitment to maintaining his humanity, even while incarcerated. He recounts the unique ways he coped with the dehumanizing environment of jail, including cleaning the facilities and maintaining a sense of order to reclaim a sense of purpose. The hosts highlight the inspiration found in Hagerman’s ability to approach his trauma through the lens of deep, humanitarian reflection. By sharing his story, Hagerman aims to examine the broader cultural impact of false accusations and the complexities of the justice system, offering listeners a compelling look at resilience, radical kindness, and the pursuit of truth under unimaginable circumstances.

You Don’t Add Cars to a Moving Train

Jun 3, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of Penn’s Sunday School, Penn Gillette and Matt Donnelly dive into a fascinating discussion about the unconventional methods of language learning and the complexities of human interaction. Penn shares a story about a former Florida deputy sheriff named Cueram, a self-taught Spanish speaker who developed a unique, non-immersive method to master the language. Cueram’s system focuses on speech patterns and syntax rather than traditional vocabulary memorization, a technique that eventually led him to perform dangerous undercover work with cartels. The hosts also explore the nuances of celebrity, humility, and social friction. Penn recounts a memorable incident from his past at a high-end New York restaurant, contrasting it with his desire to remain grounded and avoid "Do you know who I am?" style confrontations. The conversation shifts toward the value of lifelong learning, with Matt highlighting his current experiences with creative masterclasses. Together, they reflect on the importance of detail in art, the necessity of knowing when to walk away from a project, and the value of supporting creators by paying for the content they produce.

A Y’all and a Wicked

May 28, 20261h 10mSummary

In this episode of Penn’s Sunday School, hosts Penn Jillette and Matt Donnelly engage in a wide-ranging conversation about the merits of rigid self-discipline and the pursuit of a life free from unnecessary environmental impurities. Penn opens up about his recent, intense focus on eliminating plastic from his daily routine—ranging from kitchen appliances to food storage—driven largely by the critical feedback of his personal trainer, Jason Garfield. Penn reflects on the irony of needing someone to enforce strict limitations in his life, noting that while he often presents himself as a rebellious spirit, he thrives when operating under draconian rules, whether in diet, exercise, or his creative process as a performer. The hosts also explore the psychology of parenting and the frustration of negotiating with children, contrasting the idea of democratic households with the necessity of firm boundaries. Throughout the discussion, Penn shares anecdotes about his career, the mechanics of stage performance, and his philosophical approach to creating comedy. By examining the balance between structure and spontaneity, the pair highlights how adhering to self-imposed limitations often leads to greater personal satisfaction and artistic clarity.

I Can't Take It!

May 22, 20261h 22mSummary

In this episode of Penn’s Sunday School, Penn and Matt reunite in the Las Vegas studio to share stories from the road. The conversation begins with a frustrating recount of Penn’s recent trip to Atlantic City, where off-season closures and a lack of late-night dining options sparked a humorous discussion about the decline of the boardwalk and the changing landscape of American leisure. The hosts delve into a series of engaging cultural tangents, including the merits of variety shows, the legacy of legendary jazz bassist Charles Mingus, and the peculiar nature of modern algorithmic censorship. Penn shares his personal breaking point with automated systems after a jazz track title was awkwardly censored by a music platform, leading to a broader commentary on how algorithms process language. The duo also touches on interesting marketing anecdotes, comparing the psychology behind product success—like the origin stories of cake mixes and macaroni and cheese—to Penn's own efforts to market merchandise at his shows. The episode rounds out with reflections on classic Los Angeles haunts like the Smoke House and the humorous dynamics of introducing new pets, all delivered with the hosts' signature blend of skepticism and curiosity.