The West Wing Weekly

Before we get into Oliver Babish and the Big Hammer, and Donna Moss and the Secret Pumpkin, we start with a much needed follow-up to our discussion of autism in 2.17: The Stackhouse Filibuster. Special thanks to Amy and Jill, who were two of the many listeners who sent us messages with concerns about how autism was addressed. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/219 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We've got 7 people for "17 People." Richard Schiff (@Richard_Schiff) talks to us about Toby's journey, and the origins of the Spalding ball. Emily Procter (@emilyprocter) talks to us about Ainsley "spilling coffee" with Sam. Rebecca Walker (@rebeccawalker), one of the actual ERA panelists set to debate Ainsley at Smith, responds to her arguments, along with the President of the ERA Coalition, Jessica Neuwirth. And we get a little insight into a fantastic website dedicated to this episode, seventeenpeople.com, from its creator, Jon White (@jonwhitebriefly). thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/218 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Josh and Hrishi are joined by Bradley Whitford (@WhitfordBradley) for the first-ever live taping of a West Wing Weekly episode, recorded at the Marines' Memorial Theatre in San Francisco at the SF Sketchfest Comedy Festival. We also hear from Dee Perkins and Marc Bernardin, parents of autistic children, about the impact "The Stackhouse Filibuster" had on them. Check out photos from the taping at thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/217. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sitting here in the darkness I’ve gotta post the show Somebody’s joining us this episode Somebody named Rob Lowe We found somebody to explain free trade Cuz there is so muuuch we don’t knowwww And we asked Aaron about the song… It’s the West Wing Weekly (ooh-oo-oooh) Aaron wrote us baaack! It’s the West Wing Weekly (ooh-oo-oooh) How f*$%ing cool is that? It’s the West Wing Weekly (ooh-oo-oooh) All the maps are wack It’s the West Wing Weekly We're joined by Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) to discuss this episode, which earned him an Emmy nomination. And we welcome back Ben Casselman (@bencasselman), chief economics writer for FiveThirtyEight, to give us some modern context for Toby's line, "Free trade stops wars." Ooh-oo-oooh! thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/216 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode, we look at the uncomfortable contiguity of Bartlet the President and Bartlet the Dad. Along the way, we discuss zeugma, gloriosky!, Smoot-Hawley, and other ridiculous sounding words. We also talk to Nina Siemaszko (@MsSiemaszko) about her role as Ellie Bartlet. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/215 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Stockard Channing was nominated for an Emmy based on her performance in this episode. Though her performance in the first part of this two-part arc was also excellent, we discuss why this second episode may have had the edge. Plus, a discussion around the language used to identify different groups of Americans. Donate to Mazon in honor of Josh's birthday today. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/214 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The West Wing Weekly presents an ode to The West Wing. Hrishi made a beat, an extended remix of our podcast’s intro theme, for the biggest West Wing fan we know— Lin-Manuel Miranda — who wrote lyrics and recorded vocals for the track! What's next? To watch the video for this song, go to: thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/whats-next Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The West Wing Weekly presents an ode to The West Wing. Hrishi made a beat, an extended remix of our podcast’s intro theme, for the biggest West Wing fan we know— Lin-Manuel Miranda — who wrote lyrics and recorded vocals for the track! What's next? To watch the video for this song, go to: thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/whats-next Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode, we're joined by Don Baer, who was the chief speechwriter for President Bill Clinton, to tell us what it's really like to write a State of the Union Address. And when you're done listening and you're ready to go home, we only have one question for you: How's Grampy? thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/213 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

For the last episode of the year, we answer listener questions in our 2nd edition of The West Wing Weekly Big Block of Cheese Day. Thanks so much for listening to the show this year and giving us a great 2016 — apart from, well, everything else that happened. If you are looking for good causes to support this holiday season, we suggest: Mazon The Pablove Foundation Southern Poverty Law Center Bet Tzedek Justice for Vets footnotes — Hrishi's West Wing cast list thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/003 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Forget the popcorn, we got Ginger! Kim Webster joins us to talk about the fortuitous path that led her to the role. So affix your signature and seal, baby — Plus, we're doing our FIRST EVER live taping. It's in San Francisco, on January 15, 2017, at the Sketchfest Comedy Festival. We'll be joined by friend (?) of the show, Bradley Whitford. GET TICKETS. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/212 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

When we spoke to Emily Procter (episode 2.04), she told us a story about a lunch meeting she had with Tommy Schlamme that had an unexpected twist. We've been holding on to her story until this episode. You'll hear why. Plus, a lot of #TrumpAiYiYi. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/211 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

(sung to the melody of "Carol of the Bells") Hark! oh my gosh Hrishi and Josh Discuss Noël Puns and intel Ellen Totleben Tells us laymen All that you see Was her duty She was the West Wing Set Decorator And we’ll talk to Bradley Whitford later When it’s just us Things we discuss: PTSD Tommy Schlamme I got a job? You got a job Bush versus Gore Flentls and more Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas! Bradley Whitford won an Emmy with this Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas! Epic flentl; you don't want to miss this. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/210 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

At this extremely historic moment, we present a very unique episode. (Wow, that really is some terrible writing.) In this episode, we bone up on our Mars with help from NASA Systems Engineer Mallory Lefland, who is working on the Mars 2020 mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. footnotes — Freddie Mercury said it right. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/209 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The pressure is on as we discuss one of Hrishi's all-time favorite episodes. Will his feelings be spared by Josh, or will they be placed on the chopping block and pulled apart like a turkey's giblets and flentls?! Introducing the TWWW University Sweatshirt! You can get one for yourself or for your favorite West Wing Weekly listener at thewestwingweekly.com/sweatshirt. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/208 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

For "The Portland Trip," we try to slip the surly bonds of Earth. We are, in turns, lifted and dragged down by our feelings. In honor of Josh Lyman's conversation with Congressman Matt Skinner, we ask real-life former Wisconsin congressman Steve Gunderson what it was like to be the first openly gay Republican in Congress. And we're joined later by Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle), as well as the Secretary of the Army, Eric Fanning (@SecArmy) — the first openly gay person to head any service in the U.S. Military. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/207 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

How ya doin, Dalai Lama? In this episode, we're joined by steadicam operator Dave Chameides to talk about the complex choreography of the shooting a walk and talk. Plus, we get a visit from Kevin T. Porter (@KevinTPorter) to talk about his Sorkinisms supercut videos. footnotes — Sorkinisms: Part I, II, and III thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/206 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Loosen your tie. Loosen whatever you'd like. But don't get it twisted: leaf peeping is totally a thing. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/205 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ginger, get the popcorn, because we're joined by Emily Procter (@emilyprocter) to talk about her first appearance on the West Wing as Ainsley Hayes. Plus, for some context and perspective on the storyline about AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, we speak to Ambassador-at-Large Deborah L. Birx, the US Global Coordinator to Combat HIV/AIDS (@PEPFAR). And introducing The West Wing Weekly t-shirt! thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/204 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

While you may be mistaking this for your monthly meeting of the Ignorant Tight-Ass Club, it's in fact the weekly meeting of the West Wing TV Book Club. (The Ignorant Tight-Ass Club meets down the hall, on the right.) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In Part II of our double header, Bradley Whitford (@WhitfordBradley) makes his West Wing Weekly debut to talk about getting the role of Josh Lyman, and starting the season by getting shot. But first, we speak with Michael O'Neill , who played Special Agent Ron Butterfield. Plus, a few thoughts on Emily's List from its former executive director, Amy Dacey (@AmyKDacey). thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/201-202 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

"In the Shadow of Two Gunmen" was the Season 2 premiere of the West Wing. The two-part episode aired as a special 2-hour broadcast. In honor of that, here's our own two-part episode. In Part I, we're joined by director and executive producer Thomas Schlamme , who created the visual language of The West Wing around Aaron Sorkin's words. We ask him about his directorial decisions for the show, and for this cinematic premiere. And we ask: what happened with Mandy? thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/201-202 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin joins Josh and Hrishi for a special episode. Aaron reflects on the experience of making the first season of the West Wing while making the second season of Sports Night at the same time. We look back on the previous season, and look ahead to the upcoming one. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

For the finale of season one: you get Hoynes. Tim Matheson (@Tim_Matheson) joins us as we reflect on what kind of season it has been. Plus, a little preview of what's next. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/122 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Josh and Hrishi are joined by Bill O'Brien to talk about his role as Kenny Thurman. This West Wing episode focuses on polling, so here's a poll question: do you approve or disapprove of the lack of Oxford comma in the title? thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/121 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Kathleen "Bird" York (@birdyork) talks to us about playing Congresswoman Andrea Wyatt, and Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson (@karenaboutgary), former CEO of The National Association of Drug Court Professionals and current mayor of Gary, Indiana, talks to us about mandatory minimums. More at: thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/120 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This episode of the West Wing represents the lowest point so far for the Bartlet team, but perhaps the highest point so far for the series. Josh and Hrishi are joined by The Honorable Patrick Murphy (@USAMurphy), Under Secretary of the Army. While he was a Congressman from Pennsylvania, Secretary Murphy helped overturn Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Good: a conversation about reparations; the Bad: Mandy and pandas; and the Ugly: Josh and Sam dancing (?) to “The Jackal.” Plus, a few words from West Wing music supervisor Anne Kline (@theannkline). Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

If you don't like this episode, just be wrong. Just stand there in your wrongness and be wrong and get used to it. Plus, Hrishi brings back a field report from the Democratic National Convention, with thoughts on The West Wing from former DNC CEO Amy Dacey (@AmyKDacey), Senator Chris Coons of Delaware (@ChrisCoons), and Zeke Miller of TIME (@ZekeJMiller). Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We live in Los Angeles, but no one has offered *us* a development deal. We're going to the wrong parties. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Former White House Press Secretary Jay Carney (@JayCarney) joins Josh and Hrishi to discuss Josh Lyman's secret plan to fight inflation, and other ways press briefings can go horribly, horribly wrong. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Josh and Hrishi team up with the FiveThirtyEight Elections Podcast to discuss how polling is used in The West Wing, by looking at a few scenes from the show. This episode was recorded live at the Crest Theatre in Los Angeles. We talk about scenes from seasons 1–4, so there are spoilers throughout. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Like Toby in this episode, Josh and Hrishi go to shul to try and learn more about the death penalty and faith. They have a conversation with Rabbi Jonathan Spira-Savett. Plus, we email Aaron Sorkin to ask how Marlee Matlin came to be cast as Joey Lucas. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This episode of the West Wing deals with hate crimes, and our discussion comes close on the heels of the massacre in Orlando. So, we asked Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) about the current state of hate crime legislation. We also talk to Liza Weil (@liza_weil) about her role as Karen Larson, as well as the Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation (matthewshepard.org). Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Is it right to defend someone, even when they've asked you not to? Josh and Hrishi debate. Plus, a supercut of The West Wing opening theme music with accompanying lyrics, from submissions sent to us by West Wing Weekly listeners. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Live from the ATX Television Festival, a panel discussion looking back at the West Wing. With Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford, Dulé Hill, Melissa Fitzgerald, and Joshua Malina, moderated by Lawrence O'Donnell. (For any of listeners watching the series for the first time, there are spoilers throughout the discussion.) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, Josh and Hrishi are joined by William Duffy (@WilliamDuffy_) and Peter James Smith (@PJSActor), who played Ed and Larry. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On this Memorial Day, we bring you a special episode with Melissa Fitzgerald (@maffyfitz) talking about her work with Justice for Vets. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Richard Schiff (@Richard_Schiff) joins Josh and Hrishi to talk about "In Excelsis Deo." His performance as Toby in this episode earned him his first Emmy win. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The path to a Supreme Court nomination takes us through a discussion of the right to privacy. Plus, Ronald Klain (@RonaldKlain) tells us about the real-life short list that he put together for President Clinton that led to the appointment of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Retribution, romance, and The Antiquities Act. Plus, Josh and Hrishi attempt their own Big Block of Cheese Day. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Josh and Hrishi largely disagree with each other about this episode. Plus, award-winning costume designer Lyn Paolo (@lynpaolo) discusses her work on the series and on this episode in particular, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Janel Moloney (@nellymoloney) joins Josh and Hrishi to talk about playing Donna, and Ben Casselman (@bencasselman) gives an update on the state of the census. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

For Big Block of Cheese Day, Josh and Hrishi are joined by Eli Attie, who was Vice President Al Gore's chief speechwriter before leaving politics and joining The West Wing as a writer and producer. Plus, the truth about David Rosen. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The limits of practical idealism. Plus, Hrishi sets Leo's dialogue to music, and Josh unwittingly reveals a secret. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dulé Hill joins Josh and Hrishi to talk about shooting his first episode of The West Wing, visiting the real White House, and losing to Martin Sheen in 1-on-1. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Latin, the Vice President, Morris Tolliver, and more. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Josh and Hrishi discuss the West Wing’s pilot episode, in the pilot episode of this podcast. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Introducing The West Wing Weekly. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices