It's the recap episode! (Featuring special guest: Akon) We talk the continued hot start of the Cleveland Guardians, and the glorious results of the May 18 home game against the Minnesota Twins. The Cubs remain in playoff contention, but need more hitting to back up their incredible rotation. The White Sox are still bad. The Chicago Sky are off to a surprising start to the season, playing well! We also talk the conference finals in the NBA and make predictions. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's new album review, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!

Len and Beave talk through their respective lists of Bruce Springsteen's 30 best songs. They argue over placements (or inclusion) of songs like "I'm Goin' Down", "Born In The USA", "Trapped", "Streets of Philadelphia", "Backstreets", and "Rosalita". Does "Born To Run" automatically go to the top spot, or is there a better choice? Tune in for ultimate Boss discussion!

Hear Beave and Len's expertise and propensity for butchering names during the upcoming 2024 WNBA season preview. Len calls for new leadership in the commissioner's office! Beave reviews the new movie "Unfrosted", on Netflix. Len explores the jams of April Wine. Beave bemoans the Cavs' injuries and is disgusted with the Guardians' performance against the Sox in Chicago. Len celebrates the power of Shota Imanaga, off to one of the best starts in Cubs history! Plus Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in NOW!

Beave and Len take you back to the 70s and 80s with an in-depth discussion of the music of Maurice White, Philip Bailey and the musical geniuses that are Earth, Wind & Fire. The guys discuss the band's biggest hits, go through their own EWF 45-minute playlist, and talk Philip Bailey's recent book "Shining Star". They also compare Earth, Wind & Fire to contemporary musical acts of that particular era. Tune in and Sing a Song! It'll make you glad!

Len and Beave are back with another recap episode for your entertainment! We talk the NBA playoffs, and the young Cavs' continuing playoff ascension. We also talk second round matchups. MLB is in full swing, and we talk Cubs and Guardians injuries, plus the improving White Sox. Len has a message for the WNBA as they start their season. "I Recommend"! Album reviews! And Len's Favorite 500 Albums! Tune in now!

BEAVE GUESSES ALL OF LEN'S NUMBER ONE FACEBOOK BRACKET SEEDS!! He is still gloating and covered in confetti. We talk all of our favorite game shows on the newest episode of Jagbags. We talk Match Game, Price is Right, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and Hollywood Squares, among many many more. We rate our favorite game shows, favorite hosts (ultimate Richard Dawson!), and favorite game show satire episodes. AND BEAVE GUESSES EVERY LAST NUMBER ONE SEED OF THE BRACKET! Come join him on his victory lap!

The guys are back after a week-long hiatus with an outstanding recap episode made just for you! We chat through the NBA playoffs, and what the Cleveland Cavaliers must do to advance to the second round and a date with the evil Boston Celtics. We also talk the first month of the MLB season, and chat the White Sox's unprecedented start to the season. Beave talks the new Roland Lazenby bio on Magic Johnson, while Len tilts his nose upward to discuss articles he has read in The New Yorker while sipping chamomile tea. Plus Beave reviews the new Taylor Swift album and Len takes Robert Christgau TO TASK!! JAGBAGS!

He created two of the most iconic movie characters of the past 50 years. His name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty. On the latest Jagbags, we discuss the entire career of the legendary Harrison Ford. We talk movies like "Blade Runner", "Witness", "Presumed Innocent", and "The Fugitive", among many others. And we also delve into the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Star Wars" movies as well. Is Harrison Ford a good actor? And where does he rank on the all-time Actors' Pantheon? We also talk the great Al Waxman, and Len makes a lifelong enemy of Brad Pitt. Tune in for podcasting excellence!

Friend of the podcast Marlana May Carlson joins the podcast for a SPIRITED look at the multi-platinum Brit New Wave band Tears for Fears. We talk the band's outstanding first LP "The Hurting", their smash follow-up "Songs From The Big Chair", "Seeds of Love", and every album that followed. We also do a 45-minute playlist, discuss the band's influence on artists like Drake and Kanye West, and compare them to their musical contemporaries (to Marlana's decision-making dismay). Tune in for some great musical flashbacks!

In the newest recap episode, Beave and Len talk the NCAA championship results and analyze the Final Four games. We also discuss the start of the MLB season and the fast starts for the Cubs and Guardians (but not the Sox). Len also gives us the Top Five Cubs relievers of all time. The Bulls make the playoffs while the Cavs slide down the standings. Len rates five new albums, and Beave talks "Magic" by Roland Lazenby, as well as the new IDLES album. Plus Len's Top 500 albums! ULTIMATE PODCAST EXPERIENCE!

Beave and Len go through the filmography of actress Scarlett Johansson, and discuss her career. They pick their top five movies and go through their favorite performances as well. They also pick her most underrated movies. Tune in for ULTIMATE JOHANSSON EXPERTISE!

In the latest recap episode, Len and Beave talk the NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four matchups, and predict the winners. They also talk potential NBA playoff matchups for the Bulls and Cavaliers, and grow more depressed by the second. Their outlook brightens as they discuss the fast MLB starts of the Guardians and the Cubs. Beave gives thumbs up to the new Black Crowes LP. Len reviews the show "Gen V" on Amazon and discusses the tragic death of actor Chance Perdomo. Beave talks the sports documentary "Giannis" on Amazon, and the Hulu documentary "Secrets of Penthouse". Plus Len's Favorite 500 Albums! JAGBAGS NOW!!!

Our Jagbags baseball expert Anthony D'Andrea joins the podcast for the 2024 MLB preview episode. We go through the Cubs, White Sox (briefly and mercifully), and Guardians' chances for this season, assess their offseason moves, discuss the minor league pipeline, and finally predict World Series, MVP and Cy Young winners. Len relies on the guidance of the mysterious "guy on the train", who has advised him to bet it all on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tune in now!

Len and Beave talk the magic of March Madness, including the Fighting Illini's success and the Northwestern Wildcats' thrilling win and inevitable exit. We also talk NBA, and bemoan the recent stumbles of the Bulls and Cavaliers. Len recounts his trip to the public library in his gabardine pants to check out the hits of Mr. Clay Aiken. Beave takes another long look at the Rolling Stones' new album "Hackneyed Diamonds", and places it in the all-time Rolling Stones Pantheon. Len reviews the new "Ghostbusters" movie. JAGBAGS!

We talk the music and the career of the controversial English guitarist and singer Eric Clapton. Though he is known more today for his beliefs outside of music, we try to focus on his best songs, albums, and his work with bands such as the Yardbirds, Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and Blind Faith. We also discuss his solo career, go through our favorite Clapton albums, and of course construct our personal 45-minute playlists. Tune in for scintillating discussion!

March Madness has begun across the country and Jagbags has you covered with FEARLESS EXPERT predictions. Listen as we influence Vegas odds with our prognostication prowess (especially on Illinois and Northwestern), plus our free assessment of the announcing impartiality of Robbie Hummel. We also talk the Justin Fields trade and the inevitable arrival of Caleb Williams, Bulls and Cavs. Plus "I Recommend", featuring a spirited discussion of the outstanding movie "BlackBerry". Plus Beave's 2024 Album Review! And Len's Favorite 500 Albums! JAGBAGS!

The magnificent Carrie Sullivan comes on to Jagbags to discuss a true American treasure: "Weird Al" Yankovic. Since one of his comedy songs appeared on the Dr. Demento radio show in 1976, Weird Al has gone on to sell more than 12 million albums and win five Grammy Awards. We discuss his entire career, pick our favorite albums and songs, and do a huge deep dive into his seminal 1989 movie "UHF". Sully has seen Weird Al live in concert five times! She describes what a typical Weird Al show is like. Tune in for the wacky!

We talk about our all-time favorite Bulls and Cavs of all time. Prepare for a LOT of talk about Ben Gordon, as well as how World B. Free literally saved the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. Plus college hoops, as we do a deep dive into Illinois, Northwestern and Loyola. Beave recounts his trip to Vegas and his big resulting court case. We talk Oscar winners, "I Recommend", a review of the new Judas Priest album (flips tables) and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!

Friend of the pod Morgan Gire comes on the podcast to discuss the films of new Oscar winner Christopher Nolan. We start with "Following", end with the new Best Picture winner "Oppenheimer", and talk all movies in between! Each of us rank our all-time Top Ten Nolan Films, and also talk our favorite performances from Nolan's career. Tune in for top-notch cinema discussion!

Len goes through his all-star all-maligned Chicago Bulls starting five, while Beave provides his for the Cavs. (Both teams feature Carlos Boozer.) Plus Len extols the genius of Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required". We assess Loyola's NCAA Tournament chances. We talk what NU and Illinois need to do to finish the season strong. "I Recommend", Len's Favorite 500 Albums, and of course, the continued fallout over the devastating "Mr. Pibb Incident". TUNE IN!

The Academy Awards are almost here, so Beave and Len sit down to tell you their picks as well the movies and artists they are rooting for the most on March 10. We talk "Oppenheimer", "Barbie", "Zone of Interest", "Killers of the Flower Moon", and many more! Plus all the acting categories, directing, and documentaries. Tune in for Oscar EXPERTISE!

On the latest recap episode, an unspeakable incident occurs ON THE AIR as Beave completely mischaracterizes the category of soft drink for Len's beloved Mr. Pibb. Shock, consternation, horror....all the emotions pass through Len and you can hear them all in his voice. Beave survives (barely) and the guys go on to discuss the week in NBA action, featuring the Cavs coming back to earth and Bulls continuing their Jekyll-and-Hyde ways. College hoops: Illinois rebounds from the bad Penn State loss to defeat Iowa and Minnesota! Beave recommends the documentary "Radical Wolfe", on Netflix. Len recommends the new album "Little Rope" by Sleater-Kinney. And more album reviews as well! TUNE IN!

Friend of the podcast Marlana May Carlson joins Jagbags again and the subject is "Creating A Great Playlist". We talk about themes to consider when constructing a killer playlist, different types of playlists, what kind of occasions call for a playlist, appropriate times to share a playlist, and we even go old school to talk about burning CDs as well as the ancient art of making the perfect mixtape. Then we create a playlist of our own -- ON THE AIR! Tune in right now! And check out our playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/52Weou8VULOVF9itIEmCk9?si=iNqqeq8zSh-YXUFF7qp2mg&pi=u-LvSWGlDvTVm8&nd=1&dlsi=633ccd430f834c59

We talk the NBA All-Star Game on the latest Jagbags, plus the men's college basketball fortunes of Northwestern, University of Illinois and the SURGING Loyola Chicago Ramblers! Plus we talk the Chicago Sky's latest maneuverings, the Oscar-nominated movie "Anatomy of a Fall", the new Bob Marley biopic "One Love", the C&W gem "What, When & Without" by Amanda Fields, and finally Len's Favorite 500 Albums, where we settle the question about the Eagles' Greatest Hits, Vol.1.....once and for all. JAGBAGS!!! A fun listen!

The newest Jagbags deals with the career of the Oscar winner Natalie Portman, and her films. We go through her films, her co-stars, and our favorite performances. Don't miss this episode, even if you don't consider yourself a Portman fan! JAGBAGS!

Len invades LiqrBox for the second consecutive February, chugging Mr. Pibb like there's no tomorrow in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' second consecutive Super Bowl victory. Plus we go over the potentially devastating news about Ty Berry's season-ending injury for Northwestern, Loyola's continued ascendance up the A10 standings, and Illinois' holding firm in the Big Ten. Plus Rock Hall nominees! Nikola Jokic in The New Yorker! True Detective! And the new Beyonce country single. JAGBAGS!

JFK assassination expert Daniel Lapke joins the podcast to discuss the various theories advanced over the years over who shot U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. We go over all the major players on that day, discuss the events of the assassination, and speculate on the findings of the Warren Commission. We also discuss movies and books that have dealt with the subject. Tune in for an insightful, fascinating discussion!

The Cleveland Cavaliers are absolutely on fire -- have they peaked too soon, or are they legit contenders? We also talk the Super Bowl and who might win. Andre "Jeans" Drummond is a major contributor to the Bulls and we talk his growth (as well as a serious discussion of Coby White). Rough week for Northwestern hoops, but Illinois and Loyola hoops roll on. Plus a Chicago Sky preview from Len! We also talk the new book "Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever", plus the new Netflix documentary "The Greatest Night In Pop". Tune in for recap excellence!

Jagbags regular Kirk Pynchon joins the program to talk about Lionel Richie, who is now back in the public eye with the release of the excellent Netflix documentary on the making of "We Are The World". We do a deep dive into Lionel's career with the Commodores and as a solo artist. What is his best song? What is his very WORST song? Is he an artist who will be remembered 30 years from now? Think about Lionel as you have never have before!

Len and Beave get together once again for ham sandwiches, trying to avoid Meryl Streep's enthusiastic high-fives, and an OUTSTANDING Big Ten basketball game between Illinois and Northwestern! They discuss the night in full. Plus the Super Bowl is set and we provide a preview. NBA is heading toward the All-Star Break and we talk Bulls and Cavs. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's album reviews and Len's Favorite 500 Albums (no Greatest Hits compilations this week)! JAGBAGS!

On the eve of Oscar season, Len and Beave examine the filmography of one of the hottest names in Hollywood: Director Greta Gerwig, whose billion dollar smash film "Barbie" is up for multiple Academy Awards. In light of her obvious snub for Best Director, we go through her three movies (Lady Bird, Little Women and Barbie) in great detail and rank them. We also pick our favorite performances from each movie, dig into her acting career a bit, and finally preview what's around the corner for her going forward. TUNE IN AT ONCE!

In the newest recap episode, Len and Beave preview the upcoming NFL conference championships, and predict the upcoming Super Bowl matchup. They also talk the Cavs' surge up the NBA standings and potential trade scenarios for Zach Lavine. Northwestern, Illinois and Loyola are all having great seasons so far, so we dissect their teams and upcoming games. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's New Albums, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in at once!

Chicago artists Ryan Hake and Lizzy Mosher join Jagbags for an outstanding discussion of the best books we all read in 2023. They are not necessarily books published in 2023, but rather books we discovered and books we loved. We also discuss other book-related topics (such as the authors we would most like to have dinner with) in a stimulating 90 minute podcast. JOIN US for ultimate literature back and forth! Put some Jagbags in your ear!

Beave returns from California, having pitched the Jefferson Airplane biopic script to clandestine movie mogul Jimmy The Acid King. Len handicaps the upcoming NFL playoff games, with Beave too distraught over the Browns to even speak. Cavs are on fire! Beave has the breakdown. Bulls continue to run in place and Len waits patiently. Northwestern and Illinois stay on a collision course in Evanston for Jagbags Night 2. Plus Emmy Awards recap, "I Recommend", Beave reviews a jazz album while Len naps, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums! JAGBAGS!

Len and Beave go through their favorite films and TV series of 2023, and once again they share several favorites. A full investigation has been launched as a result! Tune in to complete your entertainment consumption needs of 2023 through our hosts' EXPERTISE! Put us in your ear.

In the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk the Cavs and the fast-improving Bulls. Len quietly gloats over a despondent Beave and Illinois' decimation of Northwestern in Champaign. They talk Emmy Award nominations and go over various categories. Len roots for Jury Duty in particular to win, while Beave nods politely. Plus "I Recommend", where Len recommends various new songs and Beave discusses the new reality series "Redefined", which follows J.R. Smith's fledgling golf career. Plus Beave's Album Review and Len's Favorite 500 Albums continues. Put some Jagbags in your ear!

Beave and Len kick off 2024 by picking their favorite albums and songs of 2023! And they agreed on three albums in their top 10! Plus their #1 album was the same! What's going on here? What's next, a Browns-Lions Super Bowl? They also go over some of their favorite songs of 2023 as well. Len picks his top 10 songs, while Beave unveils his 45-minute playlist (partially curated by JagCore guest Jessie Beyer). Tune in for the JAMS!

Len continues to push "The Postman"-related content while celebrating the celebrity-packed New Year's Eve party featuring the surviving Beatles, Don Johnson & Philip Michael Thomas, and Matthew Nicholson and his beard that caught fire. Len anticipates the Bears-Packers shut down, and how Chicago can play spoiler. Beave talks the Cavs and his frustrations with coach JB Bickerstaff. They preview the upcoming Northwestern-Illinois game in Champaign, as well as the upcoming college football national championship. Len reviews the new Dolly Parton album "Rockstar", and Beave reviews the new Oscar bait movie "Maestro". Tune in for expertise!

In a preview of Len's latest Facebook bracket, Jagbags attempts to settle the age-old question head-on. We compare the numerous hits of Barry Manilow and the Carpenters, discuss what made them so popular, and rank them alongside other musical titans in the Easy Listening Pantheon. Tune in for lots of cheese, corn and syrup!

Beave ponders the utter improbability of the Joe Flacco story in Cleveland, while Len hopes for the drafting of another wide receiver for Justin Fields and the Bears. The guys talk trading Zach Lavine and (gasp) Donovan Mitchell? They discuss the fact that Illinois and (gasp) Northwestern may be two of the Big Ten's top men's basketball teams. Plus "I Recommend", Len's Favorite 500 Albums, albums that should have made Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, and more! Put JAGBAGS in your ear!

Len and Beave work to untangle the complicated life and music of iconoclastic musician Warren Zevon. They go through their favorite albums, compose a 45-minute playlist, and go through some of Zevon's wildest bouts of alcohol and self-destructive excess. Tune in for great music and stranger-than-fiction LA stories.

Len masks his pain over the Bears' heartbreaking loss in Cleveland by decorating his home to reflect the holiday season in the spirit of Leo Sayer and his wedding to his girlfriend Donatella PIccinetti. Beave podcasts from the streets in his new David Njoku-styled hairdo, while Len disapproves. The Bulls go on a post-Zach Lavine winning run, while Len celebrates Coby White, Patrick WIlliams, and Andre Drummond's jeans and comb. Beave describes the U2 concert at Sphere in Las Vegas. Len recommends the Christopher Nolan movie "Interstellar". Put some Jagbags in your ear!

Len and Beave rewatch two notable 90s film releases, "The Doors" starring Val Kilmer (and Titus Welliver in an unforgettable cameo), and "The Postman", directed by and starring Kevin Costner. We discuss our opinions of each movie, and why it succeeded (or failed). Len discusses his hatred for GIovanni Ribisi, and wonders aloud how many Kevin Costner love scenes remained on the cutting floor. Beave reminisces about how things were so much better in the sixties, while Len sighs.

In an accomplishment that ranks with the building of the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China, Beave finishes his review of Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of all Time. He ranks the last five and then considers retirement, as there are no more mountains left to climb. We also talk the upcoming Bears/Browns game and how that will undoubtedly be a preview of Super Bowl LVIII. The Bulls are a different (and better) team without Zach Lavine. The Cavs go on a upward swing. Illinois takes a tough loss. Plus "I Recommend" and Len's Favorite 500.

Ultimate Spotify maven Marlana May Carlson comes back on Jagbags to talk the career and the music of Athens-based college radio legends R.E.M. What albums are their best? How did you first come to the band and what was your initial take? Did you ever see them in concert? What R.E.M. tunes make the best children's songs? What is their worst album? Most overrated songs? Did you listen to any albums after "Up"? And is "Automatic For The People" their masterpiece or the moment they hit rock bottom? Tune in for all things Stipe, Mills, Berry and Buck!

Beave celebrates Northwestern's incredible triumph over #1 Purdue in Evanston. Len texts Matthew Nicholson furiously, urging him to show a little more on-court intensity and put the restaurant business on hold. Len discusses the Chiefs, NFL refs, and how the 4-8 Bears can make the playoffs. Beave celebrates the return of Joe Flacco to the Browns. Plus the Bulls, Cavs and NBA in-season tournament that no one understands. And "I Recommend" (San Francisco Sounds, Joyride), Rolling Stone Top 500, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in for recap mastery!

We talk the career, the commercials, the documentaries and above all the movies of Mr. Spike Lee. We go through our favorite movies of his, as well as the countless careers he helped to launch. We discuss our first memories of his work (Mars Blackmon, Nike commercials with Michael Jordan) to Do The Right Thing, to X, He Got Game, 4 Little Girls, Da 5 Bloods, and many many more. Put some Jagbags in your ear!