# top chef (audio feeds) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover top chef. 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) ## 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) ## 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) ## 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) ## [Stop CI/CD & Supply-Chain Attacks (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/CQl2dVnQ6WrP) _2026-06-05 · **Sponsored**_ Per-PR: 17 CI/CD checks and package malware scans with inline Check Run findings. ## [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) ## [Try Before You Buy, Risk-Free (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/DUXB1xVDsEhc) _2026-04-29 · **Sponsored**_ Free trial hosting plus refunds processed in 12-24 hours, guaranteed. ## [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) ## [Screen Share With Real Control (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/4GjN3XdP04sM) _2026-01-23 · **Sponsored**_ Collaborative screen sharing with simultaneous remote control — open source, like Screenhero. ## [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) ## [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)