The College Years

The Sound of Young America: The College Years is a chronicle of the rise to power of three young men who would one day become kings of the radio field. Comedy, interviews, banter, delight.

Baseball

Jesse speaks with Tim and Eric, about their early love for the game, and their intense trivia knowledge of it. Then Will Carroll talks to Jesse about the current steroid issue in baseball. They discuss local baseball teams of the Bay area, as well as injury and trading reports. Lastly, Jesse talks to Bill Lee about what it's like to get older but still love playing the game of baseball enough to continue.

01-27
01:01:21

Podcast: The College Years: RIP Hedberg

Jesse sadly announces Mitch Hedberg's passing and reflects on his work as a comedian. Then comedian Al Madrigal speaks about his upcoming appearance at the 826 Valencia Comedy Benefit and also takes time to look back at Hedberg's life. Then comedian and radio host Mark Maron talks about his experience as a radio personality and role in comedy.

01-20
58:28

Rebirth 3/24/05

Jesse talks to New York writer, artist, and musician Paul D. Miller, AKA DJ Spooky. Then writer Sharon Waxman talks about her book Rebels on the Backlot, which discusses the indie film explosion of the mid 1990's.

01-12
59:37

My My Marmot 3/17/05

Jesse speaks with the founders of the Lebowski Fest, Will Russell and Scott Shuffitt. Then, author Seth Greenland talks about his book Shining City. Finally, callers call in to talk about marmots! What's a marmot, you ask? Listen to find out! Or google it.

01-05
59:18

Literary Magic 3/3/05

Jesse talks to Amy Krouse Rosenthal, writer of numerous books for children and adults, host of NPR's Mission Amy KR, and creator of numerous short films.  Next Jesse talks to Ricky Jay: magician, author, actor and historian.

12-22
01:00:12

Hollow Men 2/24/05

Jesse talks to Doug Benson about who will win the 2005 Oscars. Then comedy troupe The Hollow Men storm onto the show. Shenanigans abound!

12-06
01:00:34

The Sound of Young American Splendor 2/17/05

In this episode, Jesse recalls an interview he and Jordan conducted with Colin Meloy, singer/songwriter of The Decemberists. Then Jesse interviews Harvey Pekar, best known for his autobiographical "American Splendor" comic series.

11-24
56:28

Beyond the Fringe 2/10/05

In this episode, Jesse talks to a curator from the United States Museum of Television and Radio about the "Beyond the Fringe" show of the early 1960s.

11-15
58:06

Free-est Form Radio 2/3/05

In this episode, Jesse starts off by explaining the newfangled technology of "podcasting." Then Tom Scharpling and Jon Wurster talk to Jesse about the age old technology of radio. The back half of the episode is a track taken from a best of The Best Show on WFMU.

10-27
58:02

Back from Jury Duty 1/20/05

The College Years is back from jury duty!  On this episode, get to know the sketch comedy troupe, Olde English.  And then look forward to Jesse's interview with director, actor, and writer Paul Feig.

10-11
57:53

Christmas in September 12/09/04

It's The College Years' holiday special!  Oh happy day.  Celebrate Christmas in September with Found magazine editor Davy Rothbart, author Christopher Moore, filmmaker John Waters, comedian Patton Oswalt, and even Jesse's little brother.

09-11
01:00:11

Party Time! 12/02/04

In this episode, The Sound of Young America celebrates The Second City, one of comedy's great institutions.  Appropriately, Jesse talks to Anne Libera, author of The Second City Almanac of Improvisation.

09-03
55:13

R.I.P. ODB 11/18/04

Today's episode is a very special tribute to Ol' Dirty Bastard.  In it, Jesse and guest-host Jim "Master of Would You Rather" Real welcome Improv Everywhere founder Charlie Todd, and partake in a little radio improvisation themselves.  

08-25
58:25

Strong Words 11/11/04

In this episode of The College Years, Jesse Thorn welcomes a few notable men. To start things off, Jesse welcomes Chuck D, of Public Enemy fame.  For the second half, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, also known as Tim & Eric, visit the show to talk about Tom Goes to the Mayor.

08-22
48:04

Steve Harvey's Giant Teeth 11/04/04

On this edition of the The College Years, Jesse welcomes guest hosts Rob Baedeker and James Reichmuth of Kasper Hauser fame and eternal MaxFun friendship.  First off, the gentlemen talk with the casting director of Steve Harvey's Big Time Challenge.  Next, Jesse interviews Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors.  And lastly, the hilarious Zach Galifianakis drops by for a brief interview. 

08-14
01:01:55

Show People 10/28/04

On this edition of The College Years, Jesse and guest-host Steve Palopoli welcome SuicideGirl Pearl and monologuist Josh Kornbluth.  

08-08
57:49

Free Form 10/14/04

Jesse Thorn, by his lonesome, welcomes two very funny men on this episode of The Sound of Young America.  Look forward to the great writer and radio host Tom Scharpling as well as  the never not funny comedian Eugene Mirman.

07-31
58:48

It's All Politics! 9/30/04

Listen in as Jesse Thorn and special guest host, Maria Schell welcome truly talented people on The Sound of Young America.  You can look forward to writer Kristin Gore, funnyman Patton Oswalt, and graphic novelist Art Spiegelman on this week's show.  

07-23
01:33:15

Chosen People 9/2/04

In this edition of The College Years, special guest-host Kathi Kamen-Goldmark joins Jesse as they welcome a few chosen people on The Sound of Young America.  First, Jesse and Kathi talk to Chris Jackson from H.O.P.E. in America about Paris Hilton's 2004 dallience with literature.  Right after that, Count Bass D drops some knowledge on the show.  And to end things, Sarah Silverman graces the show with her funny.   

07-17
01:26:19

Hello Possums! 8/19/04

In this episode, Jesse starts things off with a celebration of the music of Randy Newman.  Then, cartoonist Dan Piraro talks about Bizarro and politics.  Also, Dame Edna Everage graces the show with her presence. 

07-09
01:51:54

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