# top chef — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 5 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover top chef. Page: Feed: --- ## [The Official Spice Bag Review](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/american-reviews-irish-spice-bag) _2026-08-19 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ I’m back from Ireland, with thoughts on spice bags, the status of fast-casual ethnic food everywhere, and additional noodlings on “the full Irish breakfast.” ## [‘Top Chef’ Host Kristen Kish on How Her Fellow Judges and People Around Her ‘Helped Me Get to a Place Where I Felt Like My Best Self’](https://variety.com/2026/tv/podcasts/top-chef-host-kristen-kish-podcast-interview-1236834230/) _2026-08-14 · Jazztangcay · Podcasts – Variety_ In another life, Kristen Kish might have been an astronaut. As a young child, she even went to space camp for a day. “I sat in the little simulator, and I touched all the buttons,” she recalls, her face lighting up. “I want to go to adult space camp,” she declares. And maybe, she’ll do \[…\] ## [The Real Avengers Were The Friends We Made Along The Way](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/spider-man-brand-new-day-review) _2026-08-14 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' \*looks\* like a real movie again, but still can't escape being a vessel for tie-ins. ## [Stanley Tucci on Why His Emmy-Nominated ‘Tucci In Italy’ Is Moving to the United Kingdom Next Season](https://variety.com/2026/tv/podcasts/stanley-tucci-nat-geo-italy-moving-uk-next-season-why-1236830482/) _2026-08-08 · Varietyschneider · Podcasts – Variety_ Italy remains Stanley Tucci’s first love. But a man can travel, right? After winning three Emmys for CNN’s “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” followed by two nominations (including this year) for Nat Geo’s “Tucci in Italy,” the star is on the move. Tucci tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast that he’s currently filming his new season \[…\] ## [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) ## [Emmy-Nominated Stars Hannah Einbinder and Paul W. Downs on the Legacy of ‘Hacks’ and Which Character Needs a Spinoff First](https://variety.com/2026/tv/podcasts/hacks-hannah-einbinder-paul-w-downs-legacy-spinoff-1236825927/) _2026-08-02 · Varietyschneider · Podcasts – Variety_ Hannah Einbinder says working with Gillian Anderson on the new film “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” has actually given her a new perspective on the end of “Hacks” and its legacy. “Doing all this press with Gillian for the movie, she talks about ‘X-Files’ constantly,” Einbinder tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “She’s asked \[…\] ## [Free Streaming Recommendation: Hotel Coolgardie (2016)](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/free-streaming-recommendation-hotel) _2026-07-31 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ A funny, unsettling documentary about rural Australia and nightmare gigs is streaming on Prime. ## [This Week in Movie Posters: July 27, 2026](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/this-week-in-movie-posters-july-27) _2026-07-27 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ Jason Statham dies hard on a boat, Ryan Gosling's weird hand, a Hershey biopic, plus, Caden Aiden and Chris Del Chris. ## [Gay Romance Podcast ‘Drive Thru Magic’ Casts Daniel J. Kim and Danielle Kennedy, Sets September Release Date (EXCLUSIVE)](https://variety.com/2026/digital/podcasts/gay-romance-podcast-drive-thru-magic-daniel-j-kim-1236821490/) _2026-07-26 · Marcmalkin · Podcasts – Variety_ Daniel J. Kim (“Cobra Kai”) and Danielle Kennedy (“The ’Burbs”) have joined the cast of “Drive Thru Magic,” the upcoming scripted fiction podcast from actor, writer and director Briggon Snow (“The Bright Sessions”). The project is produced by Atypical Artists and executive produced by Lauren Shippen. “Drive Thru Magic” is a gay romance drama set against the unlikely backdrop of \[…\] ## [Noah Wyle on ‘The Pitt’ Fan Discourse, Saving Hollywood and What’s Coming In Season 3](https://variety.com/2026/tv/podcasts/noah-wyle-the-pitt-fans-hollywood-season-3-1236818461/) _2026-07-24 · Varietyschneider · Podcasts – Variety_ Noah Wyle knows some “The Pitt” fans came down hard on his character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, given how the character’s personal struggles caused him to lash out at some of his colleagues in Season 2. But he tries not to pay attention to the online discourse. “The blending of the line between actor and \[…\] ## [Point a Domain, Start a Pit (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/t8QJBvS7YEyD) _2026-07-24 · **Sponsored**_ Point any domain to a blacked-out, poison-green coming-soon page with an email waitlist. ## ['The Odyssey' Made All of the Money](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/the-odyssey-made-all-of-the-money) _2026-07-21 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ The movies are back! Again! ## [The Odyssey? More Like The OWNyssey. Nolan & Homer Are A Match Made In Heaven](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/the-odyssey-review-the-ownyssey) _2026-07-18 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ Violence promised, violence delivered. Swords AND sandals? In \*this\* economy? ## [Who Are the Emmy Category Spoilers, Who Wins When One Show Dominates a Category — And Other Burning Emmy Questions](https://variety.com/2026/tv/podcasts/emmy-category-spoilers-burning-emmy-questions-1236816115/) _2026-07-18 · Varietyschneider · Podcasts – Variety_ On another all-Roundtable edition of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, the team opens by discussing their World Cup fever — and apologizing to Jazz for the nail-biter loss of her England team to Argentina. We then dive into burning Emmy questions, including the potential spoilers in the drama and comedy races (it’s probably “The Pitt” \[…\] ## [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) ## [A Collection of Rare(ish) Sam Neills](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/a-collection-of-rareish-sam-neills) _2026-07-17 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ RIP to a dude everyone seemed to love. ## [Emmy Nominations Roundtable: ‘The Pitt’ and ‘Hacks’ Dominate, but ‘Widow’s Bay’ and ‘Pluribus’ Are Waiting in the Wings](https://variety.com/2026/tv/podcasts/emmy-nominations-roundtable-the-pitt-hacks-podcast-1236807336/) _2026-07-11 · Varietyschneider · Podcasts – Variety_ At 25 noms, is “The Pitt” heading toward its second consecutive drama win? In breaking the record for most comedy noms ever, is “Hacks” a shoo-in? What happened to “Half Man”? How did “Dancing With the Stars” end its ten-year nomination drought? What can we expect from Emmys host Mariska Hargitay? Those questions, and a \[…\] ## ['The Invite' is the Rare Sharp Adult Comedy and Easily Olivia Wilde's Best So Far](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/the-invite-review-swingers) _2026-07-11 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ Pencil Edward Norton in for an Oscar nomination now. ## [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) ## [Noah Wyle, Lisa Kudrow, Jamie Lee Curtis and More: Variety’s ‘Actors on Actors,’ Cover Stars and Podcast Guests Score Emmy Nominations](https://variety.com/2026/tv/awards/emmy-2026-nominees-actors-on-actors-awards-circuit-podcast-1236803938/) _2026-07-08 · Clayton Davis · Awards Circuit Podcast – Variety_ Variety is celebrating the 2026 Emmy nominees who have appeared on the magazine’s covers, participated in Actors on Actors and the Awards Circuit Podcast. The nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday morning, with “The Pitt” leading the pack with 25 nominations, followed by “Hacks” with 24. The 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards \[…\] ## [Politics Aside, 'Citizen Vigilante' is One of the Worst Movies Ever Made](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/citizen-vigilante-review-worst-movie-ever) _2026-07-06 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ To call Uwe Boll's latest "fascist propaganda" would be giving it way too much credit. ## [Prime Noise-Cancelling Picks (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/abq7cwFjFbby) _2026-07-06 · **Sponsored**_ Browse Prime-eligible, 4-star-and-up noise-cancelling earbuds with fast shipping and deals ## [Are YouTubers the New Spielberg, Coppola, Lucas? A History of the Movie Brats, with Paul Fischer](https://vincemancini.substack.com/p/interview-youtubers-new-movie-brats) _2026-07-02 · Vince Mancini · The Content Report, By Vince Mancini_ Movies looked irrelevant and corny before, until some kids brought it back from the dead. Are there signs that it's happening again? 'Last Kings of Hollywood' author Paul Fischer explains. [Listen](https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/203716830/6710a266483a4b3e591310a3bbebf7b1.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) ## [‘Pluribus’ Star Rhea Seehorn on Why She Hasn’t Grilled Vince Gilligan and the Writers About Season 2 Just Yet](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/pluribus-rhea-seehorn-season-2-fan-theories-podcast-1236786174/) _2026-06-19 · Varietyschneider · Awards Circuit Podcast – Variety_ Think your fan conversations about Apple TV’s “Pluribus” are heated? Try being on the actual series set. “We have healthy, sometimes tongue-in-cheek debates about different questions that the show brings up, whether it’s your personal take on what you would do or what you think your character would do,” star Rhea Seehorn tells the Variety \[…\] ## [‘The Four Seasons’ Stars Will Forte and Kerri Kenney-Silver on How Close to Home Their Show Really Is](https://variety.com/2026/tv/podcasts/four-seasons-stars-will-forte-kerri-kenney-silver-podcast-1236785767/) _2026-06-19 · Varietyschneider · Podcasts – Variety_ “The Four Seasons” writers often mine their own lives — and their spouses — for material on the Netflix comedy. But for one Season 2 storyline, the producers were inspired by something that actually happened on set. Early on in Season 2 of “The Four Seasons,” the show’s vacationing pals are forced to quarantine inside \[…\] ## [Polymarket and Dear Media Team for Weekly Podcast ‘What Are the Odds?’ (EXCLUSIVE)](https://variety.com/2026/digital/podcasts/polymarket-dear-media-podcast-what-are-the-odds-1236785029/) _2026-06-18 · Marcmalkin · Podcasts – Variety_ Polymarket is getting into the podcast business. The prediction market is teaming up with Dear Media to launch “What Are the Odds?,” a new weekly podcast that blends celebrity news, internet moments and real-time prediction data. “What Are the Odds?,” premiering Friday, features rotating hosts from Dear Media’s most-listened-to-shows, including Claudia and Jackie Oshry (“The Toast”), \[…\] ## Savor Charlotte Edition Episode 6 - Andres Kaifer _2026-06-17 · Pack Your Knives_ The sixth segment of a six-part Savor Charlotte series presented by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Tom Haberstroh is joined by Andres Kaifer, who is the partner and executive chef of CustomShop, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Charlotte as well as the new Charlotte wine bar called Emmy Lou’s. When word got out that Charlotte was hosting Top Chef, the first name that popped into my… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS9085302214.mp3) ## [‘The Pitt’ Stars Isa Briones and Gerran Howell on Who Gets Squeamish on Set, Season 3 Expectations and the Unlikely Santos/Whitaker Friendship](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/the-pitt-isa-briones-gerran-howell-santos-whitaker-friends-1236783136/) _2026-06-16 · Varietyschneider · Awards Circuit Podcast – Variety_ “The Pitt” stars Isa Briones and Gerran Howell say they’re no longer squeamish about the things they see on set. “It is weird that I don’t get grossed out anymore?” asks Howell, who plays resident doctor Dennis Whitaker. “Is that a red flag? It is gross, don’t get me wrong, especially when we’re about to \[…\] ## [Ashley Padilla on Writing a Book With Diane Keaton, Staying Off Social Media and Becoming an ‘SNL’ Breakout Star: ‘I Assumed People Would Go, We Hate Her!’](https://variety.com/2026/tv/podcasts/ashley-padilla-snl-diane-keaton-social-media-breakout-star-1236779410/) _2026-06-12 · Varietyschneider · Podcasts – Variety_ Ashley Padilla was shopping with her mom at Glendale’s Americana at Brand outdoor mall in September 2024 when the news was announced: She had just been added to “Saturday Night Live” as a featured player. Padilla had just collaborated with her old boss, Diane Keaton, on a new book, “Fashion First,” and was purchasing copies \[…\] ## Track Your Knives Ep 14 _2026-06-12 · Pack Your Knives_ It’s the final episode of Track Your Knives for Season 23! In this episode, we finally get to announce the winner of the power rankings, who will be heading to Paducah for dinner at Freight House with Sara Bradley! Carly and Kendra also revisit GOAT status and break out how well everyone ranked the final 3. Lastly, we congratulate the fantasy league winners and wrap up with an appreciation for… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS4380079262.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) ## [AI QA that opens fix PRs (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/O46HQx3r9Mxu) _2026-06-11 · **Sponsored**_ Run a browser QA from plain-English instructions; get GitHub issues and optional fix PRs. ## Savor Charlotte Edition Ep 5 - Justin Hazelton _2026-06-11 · Pack Your Knives_ The fifth segment of a six-part Savor Charlotte series presented by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Tom Haberstroh is joined by Justin Hazelton, a groundbreaking mixologist from Charlotte whose bar was listed on Esquire’s Top 15 bars in AMERICA. It’s called Lorem Ipsum, and it’s known as the first listening bar in Charlotte. Justin was born and raised in Charlotte by parents who worked… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS8768493857.mp3) ## S23 Ep 14: The Final Toast _2026-06-10 · Pack Your Knives_ We have a winner! Tom and Sara help crown the Top Chef Carolinas champ with a series of stats and anecdotes from the finale. As a mentor to one of the finale contestants and a dining guest at the final table, Sara shares her thoughts on each of the 12 dishes that she ate at the finale. Tom digs into the numbers on the Top Chef winner and the surprising data on the Dessert or No Dessert debate in… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS8661139363.mp3) ## Track Your Knives Ep 13 _2026-06-05 · Pack Your Knives_ This week, we start off by comparing this final four chefs to other seasons and look at the association between gender ratio at final four with the gender of past seasons' winners. One of Carly and Kendra's leagues drafted the final four chefs in the first five chefs drafted - and the other, well, not so much. The power rankings have become a nail biter, with only one point separating the first… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS4293254597.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) ## S23 Ep 13: Plate Expectations _2026-06-03 · Pack Your Knives_ After Sara introduces Tom to the concept of a coupe, the two step up to the plate and take a swing at the penultimate episode of Top Chef Carolinas. Tom H and Sara enjoy the Tom C 20 Questions game and think it should remain a Top Chef staple, but Tom H has some questions for Sara. Starting with: How in the world did you draft so well? Tom and Sara agree that they should tinker with the scoring… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS8857849301.mp3) ## Track Your Knives Ep 12 _2026-05-29 · Pack Your Knives_ Track Your Knives, the companion podcast to Pack Your Knives, brings you results of the community's power rankings, fantasy leagues highlights, and data-driven insights. This week, Carly and Kendra discuss how they appreciate the Asheville highlight and Ashleigh Shanti's commentary, plus whether restricting access to ingredients is an advantage. We have a battle at the top of the Power Rankings… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS2247895318.mp3) ## Savor Charlotte Edition Ep 4 - Chayil Johnson _2026-05-28 · Pack Your Knives_ The fourth segment of a six-part Savor Charlotte series presented by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Tom Haberstroh is joined by Chayil Johnson, who you might recognize from his appearance as a guest judge in the season premiere episode of Top Chef Season 23 Carolinas. He’s the executive chef of Community Matters Cafe in Charlotte and a James Beard nominee for Best Chef Southeast.… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS5071416558.mp3) ## S23 Ep 12: Appalachian Celebration _2026-05-27 · Pack Your Knives_ Look at those stares … Tom and Sara recap an episode that presented a wonderful ode to Asheville, NC., and ended with an all-time crashout. It’s time to get out our rule sheet and make a ruling on what happened. Sara shares some intel about what may have gone down and the words that were said — allegedly. Tom and Sara try to get to the bottom of the eliminated chefs gripes and propose an alternate… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS1119451751.mp3) ## Track Your Knives Ep 11 _2026-05-22 · Pack Your Knives_ Track Your Knives, the companion podcast to Pack Your Knives, brings you results of the community's power rankings, highlights from fantasy leagues, and data-driven insights and oddities. This week, Carly and Kendra start off by talking about which chef has entered GOAT territory, debating whether duos are truly dangerous, and how uncommon it is to have a Quickfire with a shopping budget. Leaders… [Listen](https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS1839065018.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) ## [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)