Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Once a year the small staff here at The Sound of Young America compiles the best comedy we've heard from the past year. Our selections may not be poignant, they may not contribute to a broader understanding of our world, but hey, at least they're funny. Hear from Patton Oswalt, Tig Notaro, Mike Birbiglia and many many others this week on the Sound of Young America's 2011 comedy special.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ed Levine is the founder and editor of the blog Serious Eats, a forum for sharing "food enthusiasm." He's written regularly about NY food and the iconic American foods and their place in our society. The blog has spawned a new book, called Serious Eats: A Comprehensive Guide to Making and Eating Delicious Food Wherever You Are.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our contributor Rob Baedeker's new kick is his organic farm, and he shares the letter from his CSA box with us. Rob is a member of the comedy sketch group Kasper Hauser and a freelance writer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Pulitzer Prize-winning food writer Jonathan Gold talks to us about how he manages the day to day eating, the best pastrami sandwich, overcoming food fears and more. He writes for the LA Weekly and is the author of the highly regarded food guide to Los Angeles, Counter Intelligence.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Carrie Fisher is perhaps best known as Princess Leia from the seminal Star Wars films, but she began her celebrity life as a baby — the daughter of America's sweethearts, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Carrie battled addiction, mental illness and the ups and downs of celebrity to reinvent herself as a successful novelist and memoirist. Her new memoir, Shockaholic, is out now.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

AV Club Editor Keith Phipps and Associate Editor Tasha Robinson join us to give their culture picks for December 2011.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nile Rodgers launched a string of hits with the group Chic, including "Le Freak" and "Good Times", and went on to become a songwriting and producing superstar. He was behind Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out", David Bowie's "Let's Dance", Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and many more. Now, he reflects on decades of hitwriting, collaborating, and the meaning of music in his life. His new autobiography is Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco and Destiny.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our correspondent Jordan Morris pores over what's happening in America to let you know what's best in the US right now.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Patrick Warburton is a live and voice actor known for his roles on Seinfeld, NewsRadio and The Venture Brothers among others. He's currently starring in the popular CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement and is the voice behind the talk show host in the animated series Effin With Tonight on CrackleLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Rod Baedeker from Kasper Hauser drops by The Sound of Young America to share with us his ground-breaking lecture he gave at Cal Tech.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy