BANTER BLENDER #111: Bagels, Hollywood, and The Game of Fiasco

Last week, my friend Jessica Ogilvie (twitter.com/jessicapauline) joined me on The Banter Blender for some good old fashioned banter. As usual, the topics spanned a large variety of topics, starting with another lengthy dissertation on bagels: how we like our cream cheese, how we feel about the word “shmear,” and other important observations from our …

BANTER BLENDER #102: Halloween Candy Roundup, Ebola Nurse, and Pumpkin Spice Mania

This week on “The Banter Blender,” Angie Thomas (“All The Way” podcast) and David Clark join Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) to rehash the Halloween weekend that was. This means bantering extensively about candy and costumes (and a little Annie Lennox, for some reason). Then it’s on to more pressing topics: should “the Ebola nurse” quarantine herself? …

BANTER BLENDER #100: Damian Holbrook on “Gotham,” “Scorpion,” and Trolling the iPhone in a Samsung Commercial

This week, we’re joined by Damian Holbrook (TV Guide Magazine) who recently gained notoriety after his snarky Twitter dig at the new iPhone wound up in a Samsung commercial. We talk about how that happened, what the response has been, and how Damian is dealing with the onslaught of iPhone fanboys. Then it’s on to …

BANTER BLENDER #98: Forty-Five Minutes of “Barefoot Contessa” Chat

Calling all “Barefoot Contessa” fans. This week’s “Banter Blender” is devoted 100% to Ina Garten — from her recipes to her friends and everything in between. Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) and Andrea Nawalanic hash it all out as they share their favorite meals, their fondest memories, and some of their most honest criticisms about the Food …

BANTER BLENDER #97: Revisiting ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ Also, Kit Kats, Peanut Butter Cups, and Israel

‘The Banter Blender’ is working at full speed. This week, Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) is joined by his friend David Clark to discuss a wide array of topics, including their reactions to both “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Lucy.” Plus, the two wax poetically about the oft overlooked sitcom “Gimme a Break.” This somehow leads to …

BANTER BLENDER #96: Inside Comic-Con 2014 and an Early Look at ‘Guardians of the Galaxy;’ Guest Host Kyle Buchanan

This week on “The Banter Blender,” Kyle Buchanan (senior editor, “Vulture”) returns to talk movies. First, Kyle takes us inside last week’s annual San Diego Comic-Con to describe what the experience is actually like. Kyle then shares some of the best things he saw, including an extended preview of the new “Avengers” sequel. Then it’s …

BANTER BLENDER #95: World Cup, TV, and “Romancing The Stone”

Lisa Timmons joins Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) again for a rousing go at the Banter Blender. The two manage to broach all sorts of topics: the World Cup, personal training, Special K cereal, “Orange is the New Black,” “Game of Thrones,” “Romancing the Stone,” and Billy Ocean. It’s a classic Banter with Ben and Lisa situation. …

BANTER BLENDER #94: Catching up with Big Brother 15 Winner Andy Herren

It’s “Big Brother” season, and what better way to kick off the latest edition than by interviewing last year’s winner? Join Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) as he welcomes Andy Herren (twitter.com/andyherren) to The Banter Blender to discuss all things BB: life in the house, life outside the house, relationships with other cast members, thoughts on the …

BANTER BLENDER #93: Tinder, World Cup, Personal Trainers, Summer Movies; Special Guest Marcos Luevanos

Writer Marcos Luevanos joins Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) to banter about all things pop culture. Going into the Banter Blender this week: Tinder behavior, the World Cup, personal training quandaries, summer movies, and just a dash of Big Brother. It’s lots of fun — come listen! And if you’re looking to start a website or simply …