# the challenge (audio feeds) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 1 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover the challenge. Page: Feed: --- ## [The Toy Department – Episode 462](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1303) _2026-08-07 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 462, Madden and Kolsky are having a hell of a week, so it’s an ACTUAL SHORT EPISODE, focusing on: The return of THE CHALLENGE: CUTTHROAT (1:35)!! That’s it, that’s all, with thoughts on the format, the new contestants and all the shenanigans that have already gone down in the first two episodes… Homework for next week (31:15): which is mostly just last week’s homework, but adding the… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode462.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 461](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1301) _2026-07-17 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 461, Madden and Kolsky begin by acknowledging a first-time occurrence in pod history as they get into: Steven Soderbergh’s Full Circle (2:05) which as it turns out, our hosts watched several years ago when it was released and simply forgot about… Apple TV+’s new action show Lucky (8:05) and how it has a lot of good qualities—Anya Taylor-Joy, an interesting story, some good… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode461.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 460](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1299) _2026-07-10 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 460, Madden and Kolsky get in a little earthquake talk before moving on to: Boots Riley’s new film I Love Boosters (3:40), the particular madcap style that he works in, and whether it has diminishing returns… The somewhat disappointing Eric Andre/John Cena Netflix comedy Little Brother (18:10) and how it simply doesn’t reach the necessary level of laughs-per-minute… The rather… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode460.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 459](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1296) _2026-06-26 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 459, Madden and Kolsky pay some quick attention to their upcoming schedule before getting into: An extended visit to the SPORTS WORLD, where the World Cup is in full swing (1:30) and the NBA is turning from draft to trades and free agency (22:05)… Colin Farrell’s Apple TV+ show Sugar (42:20), which is totally enjoyable as just a neo-noir detective show, but also happens to includ an… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode459.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 458](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1292) _2026-06-11 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 458, Madden and Kolsky figured out a way to get this thing on tape, which should be enough, as they talk through: The somewhat underwhelming season finalé of Top Chef (0:50) and how not leaving the Carolinas for the final felt strange… The new Apple TV+ series Cape Fear (16:30) and how one of our hosts just isn’t here for this sort of thing, but the other is ALL IN… A look back at a few… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode458.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 457](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1290) _2026-06-03 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 457, Madden and Kolsky missed a week, so no time is wasted before discussions of: An eventful two weeks on Top Chef (1:00), which sets us up for a humdinger of a finalé next week… Tatiana Maslany’s new Apple TV+ show Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (30:50) and how her magnetism is at the center of an entertaining experience… Netflix’s new Duffer Brothers-produced series The Boroughs (35:00)… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode457.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 456](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1288) _2026-05-20 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 456, Madden and Kolsky discuss their mutual inability to drink alcohol like in the good ole days before snapping their focus to: Netflix’s documentary Untold UK: Jamie Vardy (4:10) and the absolutely incredible story of his rise to the Premier League and eventual league title with Leicester City FC… Amazon Prime’s heist thriller Crime 101 (15:20) and how it’s a fun and pretty great… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode456.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 455](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1286) _2026-05-13 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 455, Madden and Kolsky navigate a new recording system as they meander through: A fish-themed episode of Top Chef (1:40), the danger of a simple error and the race to the finish with a good collection of chefs… The brilliance of The Bear’s new mini-movie Gary (25:40) and how the show’s creators continue to build beautiful, vibrant stories… BBC’s Lord of the Flies adaptation on Netflix… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode455.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 454](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1283) _2026-05-06 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 454, Madden and Kolsky poo-poo Derek’s birthday before hustling through: The latest from Top Chef: Carolinas (1:45) where there was too much mayo for one of our hosts and too much heat for some of the chefs… Netflix’s new action show Man on Fire (19:50) and all the things it gets right… HBO’s new drama Half Man (21:15), from the creator of the highly-acclaimed Baby Reindeer, and how… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode454.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 453](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1281) _2026-04-29 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 453, Madden and Kolsky react to another missed show countdown before diving right into: The long-awaited and pretty weird Restaurant Wars episode of Top Chef: Carolinas (1:15) and the outlook for the remainder of the season… Netflix’s new series This Is A Gardening Show (24:05), which is DEFINITELY a gardening show, but also a Zach Galifianakis show, and rather delightful if you’re into… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode453.mp3) ## [Ship everywhere from one CLI (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/1t0pmAeCaKoY) _2026-04-29 · **Sponsored**_ One codebase, hosted runners, encrypted credentials, and automated submissions across stores ## [The Toy Department – Episode 452](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1279) _2026-04-22 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 452, Madden and Kolsky are HAVING A WEIRD DAY, independently and also together, complete with technological difficulties as they attempt to fully attend to: The most recent episode of Top Chef (1:05), featuring weird departures and weirder returns and the weird est quickfire challenge… The return of the Netflix series Beef (23:30) for its second season, and what distinguishes the… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode452.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 451](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1274) _2026-04-15 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 451, Madden and Kolsky are up late for a special after-dark edition, so don’t worry if everyone sounds a little punchy as they chat about: The latest from Top Chef (2:45) where a BIG BBQ challenge brought out the best in the chefs and there’s a hanging mystery heading into next week… The Netflix doc UNTOLD: The Death and Life of Lamar Odom (24:10) which has a fascinating subject but… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode451.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 450](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1271) _2026-04-09 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 450, Madden and Kolsky return from an extended, travel-filled layoff to get into: The last few episodes of Top Chef: Carolinas (3:25) and how the group is seemingly not living up to its own standards over that time… Apple TV+’s new sexy psychological drama Imperfect Women (26:35) and the sudden plethora of sexy psychological dramas on streaming services… The third season of Lisa… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode450.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 449](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1268) _2026-03-18 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 449, Madden and Kolsky have a brief and unfortunate conversation about Arsenal’s star-in-the-making Max Dowman before putting soccer away to discuss: The second episode of Top Chef: Carolinas (2:15), with a very high level of cooking all around and an emerging favorite, plus a few thoughts on Padma’s new show America’s Culinary Cup… HBO’s new Bill Lawrence/Steve Carrell show Rooster… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode449.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 448](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1266) _2026-03-11 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 448, Madden and Kolsky are arriving on Wednesdays for the foreseeable future, as they respond to: The premiere of a new season of Top Chef (1:50), this one in the Carolinas and off to a rip-roaring start with a very dramatic elimination challenge… The final Best Picture nominee on the list, Hamnet (30:25), complete with Kolsky’s predictable distaste for the film and some general Oscar… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode448.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 447](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1264) _2026-03-06 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 447, Madden and Kolsky address an upcoming pod schedule change before wading through: The Oscar-nominated film Marty Supreme (2:20) and all of its great acting performances, plus Kolsky’s discomfort with the Safdie style… The Oscar-nominated performance of Rose Byrne (13:00) in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, and the distinctly not-oscar-worthy nature of the film itself… A sort of combined… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode447.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 446](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1262) _2026-02-20 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 446, Madden and Kolsky briefly discuss Derek’s homework apology before (angrily) diving right into: The widely acclaimed Best Picture nominee The Secret Agent (1:10) and how neither of our hosts can figure out why that acclaim exists… Richard Linklater’s new film Blue Moon (12:45), which was abjectly hated by one of our hosts and marginally appreciated for its good qualities by the… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode446.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 445](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1260) _2026-02-06 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 445, Madden and Kolsky briefly address the results of the Toy Department Derby (if it can be so called) before moving into: Kolsky’s dad’s recommendation, the Bert Kreischer show Free Bert on Netflix (4:15), which neither of our hosts disliked, per se, but nobody here can exactly recommend… This week’s Oscar film Sentimental Value (11:25) and how Madden and Kolsky’s differing… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode445.mp3) ## [The Toy Department -Episode 444](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1258) _2026-01-30 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 444, Madden and Kolsky have a breezy chat about whether or not they’ll have a breezy chat about some not-so-breezy content (does that make sense?) before having an \[arguably breezy\] chat about: The Oscar-nominated Train Dreams (1:35) and how it does a lot of things right, even if it ultimately is more of a tone poem than a narrative film… The distinctly not-a-tone-poem Netflix film The… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode444.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 443](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1256) _2026-01-23 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 443, Madden and Kolsky discuss the various challenges presented by the sub-zero temperatures they’re experiencing before launching into: Netflix’s new dramatic thriller His & Hers (5:30), and how it fails to reach the quality of a lifetime movie despite some heavy hitters in the cast… A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (13:20) and the wisdom of major IP properties telling small,… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode443.mp3) ## [Find it on Amazon (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/nCBJomRgjAJj) _2026-01-23 · **Sponsored**_ Open the Amazon product listing to see details and availability ## [The Toy Department – Episode 442](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1254) _2026-01-16 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 442, Madden and Kolsky are FINALLY back after a LOOOOONG winter break to bring you the best in pop culture conversation, specifically regarding: A couple minutes on the Toy Department Derby—Chelsea v Arsenal—that happened shortly before our return (2:30) and how nobody left satisfied… The HBO documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (6:50) and Kolsky’s bizarre cultural blind spot when… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode442.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 441](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1252) _2025-12-19 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 441, Madden and Kolsky are in a REAL time crunch, so after briefly addressing Kolsky’s predictable failure with a specific (Jeff Buckley-sized) portion of the homework, it’s right into: The 50 Cent-produced Sean Combs: The Reckoning () on Netflix and whether it paints a complete picture of the monster that is Puffy/Diddy/Whatever you wanna call him… George Clooney’s excellent… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode441.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 440](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1250) _2025-12-05 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 440, Madden and Kolsky have a lot to discuss and very little time, so it’s right into: The two episodes of TJ’s Final on The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (1:00), wrapping up an excellent 41st season with some high drama… Netflix’s surprisingly delightful historical drama Death By Lightning (28:35) and the bizarre nature of history and legacy… The second season of A Man on the Inside… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode440.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 439](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1247) _2025-11-21 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 439, Madden and Kolsky get started with Derek issuing the dreaded short-show curse before a futile attempt to break it while discussing: The last pre-final episode of The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (1:15) where Nany’s determination to play the game “honorably” got the best of her, leaving a stacked field for TJ’s Final… The return of Landman on Paramount+ (22:05) and how it’s one of… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode439.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 438](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1245) _2025-11-14 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 438, Madden and Kolsky get right down to business to avoid Kolsky’s scheduling conflicts: The last two weeks of action on The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (1:11) where the latest episode featured some delightful high drama, continuing rookie behavior from a vet and a fascinating new elimination… and we are set up for a heck of stretch run! Tracy Morgan’s new Paramount+ sitcom Crutch… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode438.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 437](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1242) _2025-10-31 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 437, Madden and Kolsky hurry through an intro after Derek applies the dreaded short-show curse, so they can get to: This week’s action from The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (2:35) and how bizarre it is to see the vets panic over gameplay when the rookies are handling it reasonably well… The second season of Netflix’s Nobody Wants This (26:20) and how it remains compulsively watchable… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode437.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 436](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1239) _2025-10-24 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 436, Madden and Kolsky must address Derek’s continued truancy at the movie theater before they can get deeper into: The latest from The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (4:35) where there are increasingly fewer vets (especially on the men’s side) but plenty of threats all over… The Shane Black film Play Dirty (20:50) and the joys of watching Lakeith Stanfield, plus a spoiler that we forgot… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode436.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 435](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1237) _2025-10-17 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 435, Madden and Kolsky return from an extended absence with Derek running on fumes to discuss: Three weeks of The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (4:15) which featured lots of content but maybe not a whole lot of action… The Chair Company on HBO (26:05) and why both of our hosts are all the way out on Tim Robinson… Hulu’s football comedy Chad Powers (33:35) and what it looks like when a… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode435.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 434](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1234) _2025-09-26 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 434, Madden and Kolsky discuss Derek’s upcoming trip to Austin City Limits before zeroing in on: The latest from The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (7:45) and the product of the Lock In, plus Derek’s feelings about an elimination-free episode… Netflix’s new series Black Rabbit (28:30) and whether it’s their attempt at a prestige show (and whether it’s successful, if so)… Sterlin Harjo’s… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode434.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 433](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1232) _2025-09-19 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 433, Madden and Kolsky literally discuss the weather before they finally get into it with: The latest from The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (3:35) after the demise of the Justice for Leka movement… The new Spike Lee joint Highest 2 Lowest (24:40) and whether Denzel is too old for this sh\*t… Prime Video’s new thriller The Girlfriend (35:50) and how (and why) it doesn’t quite rise to the… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode433.mp3) ## [Make any domain metal (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/Tfo66hrnbytl) _2025-09-19 · **Sponsored**_ Turn any domain into a blacked-out metal landing page with an email waitlist ## [The Toy Department – Episode 432](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1229) _2025-09-12 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 432, Madden and Kolsky discuss Derek’s imminent vacation to Vegas, and general Vegas strategy, before diving into: The latest from The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (5:00) where, as so often happens, the rookies are flailing and failing at forming a working alliance to oppose the vets… Peacock’s Office spin-off The Paper (22:00) and the potential pitfalls of trying to re-capture the… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode432.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 431](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1225) _2025-09-05 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 431, Madden and Kolsky discuss their IRL meet-up between podcasts before getting down to brass tacks on: The last two weeks of The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (7:00) and the thrilling elimination that crowned the most recent episode… The baffling and distinctly not funny comedy The Pickup (22:50) and how exactly we end up making things that make no sense… The disappointing film The… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode431.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 430](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1221) _2025-08-21 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 430, Madden and Kolsky are chomping at the bit after a week off, so it’s right on into: The last two weeks of The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (1:20) and whether Johnny Bananas was right when he said “I AM the Challenge!” Apple TV+’s Chief of War (24:10) and why neither of our hosts expect to keep watching… Noah Hawley’s Alien Earth on FX (28:55) and how he just keeps making compelling… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode430.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 429](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1218) _2025-08-08 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 429, Madden and Kolsky get into their relative appreciation of getting pounded with heavy metal before they buckle down on: The new FX show Welcome to Necaxa (3:20) and how the Eva Longoria project resembles but is also very different from the Rob & Ryan project in Wrexham… Kolsky’s failure to watch Chief of War (15:00) thanks to a miscommunication on last pod (so maybe it’s homework… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode429.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 428](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1213) _2025-08-01 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 428, Madden and Kolsky discuss Derek’s visit to Chicago and assign some extra homework that they forgot about before locking into: The first episode of The Challenge: Vets & New Threats (5:55) and also the weird and mostly annoying 0th episode, with lots of excitement for the season to come… The reasonably enjoyable Happy Gilmore 2 (30:55), how far you can fly on the wings of cameo… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode428.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 427](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1211) _2025-07-25 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 427, Madden and Kolsky chat a bit about Kolsky’s new recording setup (which did not work as well as hoped) and recent oral surgery before homing in on: Netflix’s Charlize Theron action sequel The Old Guard 2 (3:40) and whether it deserves a Part 3, plus thoughts on Netflix’s ouevre… Michael C. Hall’s return to old haunts on Dexter: Resurrection (10:25) and streamer’s looking for mileage… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode427.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 426](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1207) _2025-07-11 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 426, Madden and Kolsky spend entirely too long on Kolsky’s new cold brew coffee formula before shaking it off to discuss: The police-procedural-style crime drama Dept. Q on Netflix (4:30) and why one of our hosts loved it and the other turned it off… Apple TV+’s fire-crime-drama Smoke (10:05) and how, again, one of our hosts loved it and the other turned it off… Some love for the newest… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode426.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 425](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1205) _2025-06-19 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 425, Madden and Kolsky wish everyone a Happy Juneteenth before jumping into a holiday recording with: The excellent documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin on Netflix (2:50) and how it tells a fascinating and compelling story about a great rock band… The harmless Amazon Prime film Deep Cover (12:45) and why it seems to be getting so much love… The Netflix series Tires (15:50) and a general… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode425.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 424](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1201) _2025-06-13 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 424, Madden and Kolsky are aiming for a short show, so it’s more or less right into: A predictable but nevertheless emotional finalé for Top Chef: Destination Canada (1:30) and the remarkable run of Tristen Epps… The Bong Joon Ho film Mickey 17 (15:35) and how it just never totally comes together or manages to live up to a very appealing trailer… Amazon Prime’s new thriller The Better… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode424.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 423](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1199) _2025-06-07 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 423, Madden and Kolsky make haste with pleasantries and hustle their way through: The penultimate episode of Top Chef: Destination Canada (2:25) where one of Kolsky’s beloved Chicago chefs headed home from Milan… The HBO Max film Mountainhead (7:25) and the Succession team’s take on the tech bro-pocalypse… Hulu’s new 20-somethings-in-the-city sitcom Adults (16:35) and whether our hosts… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode423.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 422](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1196) _2025-05-30 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 422, Madden and Kolsky have a quick Chelsea FC digression before they dive on in to: A semifinal to remember on Top Chef: Destination Canada (4:05) and how the scenery and cookery combined with emotional moments for a tremendous episode of television… The new Max show Duster (17:50) and how it makes you wonder why we haven’t seen more of Josh Holloway… The disappointing new Guy Ritchie… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode422.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 421](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1191) _2025-05-16 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 421, Madden and Kolsky return after too long of a break to get into a wealth of pop culture, some of it very excellent, at least whatever they can remember of: The last few weeks of action on Top Chef: Destination Canada (2:55), where a top dog almost fell and the competition is fierce heading into the semi-finals… The first of the week’s two mediocre action flicks, Havoc (16:25) and… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode421.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 420](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1189) _2025-04-25 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 420, Madden and Kolsky get into some dentistry (and periodontistry?) before circling around to: The latest from Top Chef: Destination Canada (3:55), where Tristen Epps is absolutely clobbering the competition… A check-in on season four of Hacks (19:10) which is just a genuinely great television show with two excellent leads… Nathan Fielder’s HBO madness The Rehearsal (22:45) and how… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode420.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 419](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1187) _2025-04-18 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 419, Madden and Kolsky are squeezing a taping into a naptime, so it’s right on into: A couple of NBA Playoff thoughts (3:55) as we head into the first weekend of action… The last episode of The Challenge All-Stars: Rivals (16:45), the appropriate winners and some thoughts on the season as a whole… A surprising elimination on Top Chef: Destination Canada (27:00) and the stranglehold that… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode419.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 418](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1185) _2025-04-11 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 418, Madden and Kolsky return from an unscheduled absence to revisit the world of pop culture, blasting through: Two episodes of Top Chef: Destination Canada (1:45), including the return of a Last Chance Kitchen champ and the emergence of a pretty clear favorite… Two weeks of action on The Challenge All-Stars: Rivals (16:20), with the beginning of TJ’s Finals in the books and an… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode418.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 417](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1183) _2025-03-28 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 417, Madden and Kolsky get right down to business because Kolsky has important activities to get to (specifically a 3-year-old’s dance performance): Two weeks of Canadian cooking on Top Chef: Destination Canada (1:20) including some distinctly north-of-the-border challenges and a couple of understated standouts… Two weeks of action on The Challenge All-Stars: Rivals (9:15) including… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode417.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 416](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1180) _2025-03-14 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 416, Madden and Kolsky get into the transition from winter to spring and the many traps this season presents before shifting over to: The season premiere of Top Chef (3:30) where it’s Destination Canada and they have the tuxedos to prove it… The latest on The Challenge All-Stars: Rivals (24:25) where another team of heavy hitters heads home and the ladies of Era 1 seem to be in full… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode416.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 415](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1178) _2025-03-07 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 415, Madden and Kolsky briefly recount Derek’s London experience before diving into: The last two weeks of The Challenge All-Stars: Rivals (5:50) featuring plenty of drama and the elimination of a major favorite… A trio of Netflix content: The new basketball comedy Running Point (20:45), the Mindy-ness of it all and whether it passes muster with its basketball knowledge… Olympic… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode415.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 414](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1176) _2025-02-21 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 414, Madden and Kolsky are pressed for time after missing last week, so it’s some quick pleasantries and right into: Two weeks of action from The Challenge All-Stars: Rivals (1:15), the early leaders in the clubhouse and the unfortunate (for entertainment purposes) elimination of Ashley and Aneesa… Our hosts’ thoughts on all of the SNL 50 content (22:25) from the past weekend… A couple… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode414.mp3) ## [The Toy Department – Episode 413](https://www.kolsky.info/toydept/?p=1174) _2025-02-07 · The Toy Department_ In Episode 413, Madden and Kolsky give you everything they’ve got about the Super Bowl (which amounts to approximately 47 seconds of content) before locking in on: The first two episodes of The Challenge All-Stars: Rivals (1:30) which featured a fortuitous elimination and very little personal growth from people we’ve known for a decade… The Jesse Eisenberg feature A Real Pain (20:35) and how it… [Listen](http://media.blubrry.com/319419/kolsky.info/toydept/episodeData/TDEpisode413.mp3)