The Banter Blender with Ben

This week on "The Banter Blender," Angie Thomas ("All the Way") joins Ben to chat about the usual grab bag of topics: the measles outbreak in CA, Bruce Jenner's possibly trans journey, the controversy surrounding American Sniper, and, of course, the best bagels in Los Angeles. Come listen! And remember to like the podcast on Facebook: facebook.com/banterblender

"The Banter Blender" is back! Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) and guests Jessica Ogilvie and Drew Staten kick off the new year by diving into the world of modern board games: Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and others. The group discusses what makes these games fun, how they got hooked, and what makes for a great tabletop experience. Be sure to follow The Banter Blender on Facebook: facebook.com/banterblender

This week, we're joined by Damian Holbrook (TV Guide Magazine) who recently gained notoriety after his snarky Twitter dig at the new iPhone wound up in a Samsung commercial. We talk about how that happened, what the response has been, and how Damian is dealing with the onslaught of iPhone fanboys. Then it's on to Fall TV. We discuss some of the most talked-about shows, starting with "Gotham," then "Scorpion" and then of course "The Mysteries of Laura." Lots of fun stuff here. Come listen! And follow the show at facebook.com/banterblender

Writer Jessica Ogilvie (Playboy) returns to the podcast to discuss the latest events in a summer of craziness. We start with Ray Rice and the larger question of can bad behavior ever be forgiven? This leads to discussion of Chris Brown and Michael Vick before eventually landing on the most pressing debate of our time: Team Taylor vs. Team Katy. Yes, the Taylor Swift / Katy Perry feud is addressed with the gravitas it deserves, and then it's on to Fox's new reality experiment, "Utopia." Trash TV or a disturbing look at our society? Finally, we close out the podcast with talk of Joan Rivers and her career. Along the way, there are plenty of asides about Starbucks, puss caterpillars, ISIS, and even Ferguson. Tackling the tough topics as always! Remember to follow the podcast on Facebook at Facebook.com/banterblender And don't forget: You can start building your website today at GoDaddy. Enter promo code 199banter at checkout to get your .com for just $1.99. Some limitations apply. See website for details. *ps — at one point I said "prey" and meant "predator" in the podcast. ugh.

Calling all "Barefoot Contessa" fans. This week's "Banter Blender" is devoted 100% to Ina Garten — from her recipes to her friends and everything in between. Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) and Andrea Nawalanic hash it all out as they share their favorite meals, their fondest memories, and some of their most honest criticisms about the Food Network superstar. Along the way, there's also stern criticism of Food Network's current direction and also talk of Sandra Lee and The Pioneer Woman. If you watch Food Network or simply have a passing interest in Ina Garten, this episode is for you. Be sure to use GOOD headphones. How fun is that? And remember to use the promo code 199banter at checkout with GoDaddy.com to get a new .com for just $1.99! Some limitations apply. See website for details. Please like us! http://facebook.com/banterblender

'The Banter Blender' is working at full speed. This week, Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) is joined by his friend David Clark to discuss a wide array of topics, including their reactions to both "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Lucy." Plus, the two wax poetically about the oft overlooked sitcom "Gimme a Break." This somehow leads to discussion of Kit Kats and Peanut Butter Cups. Also in the mix this week: Israel on Facebook, spiteful apple pie purchases at Burger King, and Robin Williams. Come listen! Remember to like the Facebook page: http://facebook.com/banterblender

This week on "The Banter Blender," Kyle Buchanan (senior editor, "Vulture") returns to talk movies. First, Kyle takes us inside last week's annual San Diego Comic-Con to describe what the experience is actually like. Kyle then shares some of the best things he saw, including an extended preview of the new "Avengers" sequel. Then it's on to summer movies. First up: "Guardians of the Galaxy." Kyle has warm words to say about this upcoming Marvel release. Then we tackle "Lucy," "Snowpiercer," "Neighbors," and various other films. Bone up on your summer cinema and come listen!

Lisa Timmons joins Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) again for a rousing go at the Banter Blender. The two manage to broach all sorts of topics: the World Cup, personal training, Special K cereal, neighbor etiquette, "Orange is the New Black," "Game of Thrones," "Romancing the Stone," and Billy Ocean. It's a classic Banter with Ben and Lisa situation. Come listen! And if you're looking for a good website deal, we have a new promo for GoDaddy. Use the code 199banter at checkout to get a new .com for just $1.99. Some limitations apply. Weee!

It's "Big Brother" season, and what better way to kick off the latest edition than by interviewing last year's winner? Join Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) as he welcomes Andy Herren (twitter.com/andyherren) to The Banter Blender to discuss all things BB: life in the house, life outside the house, relationships with other cast members, thoughts on the new ones. It's a Big Brother lovefest! Come listen! And remember to follow Ben on Instagram (instagram.com/bsideblog) and Twitter (twitter.com/bsideblog). Oh and don't forget: use the promo code "banter295" on checkout with GoDaddy.com to get a new dotcom or transfer for just $2.95. It's an amazing deal (and the perfect price to start up a Big Brother fan page, right?). You can also just use this link: http://www.godaddy.com/?isc=banter295 Thanks!!

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

On this very special episode of "The Banter Blender," Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) is joined by three of his high school friends: Michelle, Lauren, and Caty. The three immediately launch into a variety of topics, including Justin Bieber's racist rant, the Kim Kardashian/Kanye West wedding, and, of course, ranking hot actors and athletes. Plus, no high school reunion is complete without stories of yore, and this podcast definitely has an airing of grievances... Check it out, and remember that if you use the promo code banter295 on checkout at godaddy.com, you can get a new dot com or domain transfer for just $2.95. How awesome is that?

What better way to kick off your Memorial Day Weekend than by talking about TV? Michelle Collins (twitter.com/michcoll) joins Ben Mandelker (twitter.com/bsideblog) to talk about the season finales of "Survivor" and "Amazing Race." Along the way, the two have plenty of tangents, including talks of mishaps at Target and sartorial mistakes at H&M. Definitely load this one up for when you're stuck in traffic this weekend! And remember, if you use the promo code banter295 at checkout with godaddy.com, you can get a new .com or domain transfer for just $2.95! Or heck, to make it even easier, just follow this link: http://www.godaddy.com/?isc=banter295 Yay savings! Also, don't forget to like this podcast on Facebook: http://facebook.com/banterblender

This week Rob Cesternino (Rob Has A Podcast @ http://robhasawebsite.com/) joins Ben Mandelker (twitter.com/bsideblog) to talk all things "Survivor." The two discuss the show as a whole with Rob relaying his experiences on season 6 (Survivor: Amazon). Intertwined with this discussion is talk of the current season, Cagayan, and the various strategies on display. For any "Survivor" or reality TV fan out there, this is definitely worth a listen! Check out Rob's podcast at robhasawebsite.com. And remember that if you want a new .com or domain transfer, use the promo code "banter295" at checkout with godaddy.com to get yours for $2.95! It's a good deal!

This week, Lisa Timmons (http://vimeo.com/92791518) returns to the podcast just in time to hear a highly mortifying story from Ben Mandelker (twitter.com/bsideblog). Those with weak stomachs should be warned! Then it's on to stories about Swoosie Kurtz and an in depth analysis of ice cream cones. Waffle, sugar, or wafer — which is best? Come take a listen. And remember to use the promo code Banter295 at checkout with GoDaddy.com to get a new dotcom or transfer for $2.95!

This week on "The Banter Blender," author, journalist, and podcaster Anna David (http://afterpartypod.com/) joins Ben to chat about a variety of pop culture topics, including TV theme songs and celebrity anti-vaccination crusades. Plus, stick around for a conversation about unfollowing friends on Twitter and Instagram. Don't forget to use the code "banter295" on checkout with GoDaddy.com to get a new .com or domain transfer for just $2.95. It's a crazy good deal! Just click here: http://www.godaddy.com/?isc=banter295 You're welcome in advance.