The West Wing Weekly

Forget the popcorn, we got Ginger! Kim Webster joins us to talk about the fortuitous path that led her to the role. So affix your signature and seal, baby — Plus, we're doing our FIRST EVER live taping. It's in San Francisco, on January 15, 2017, at the Sketchfest Comedy Festival. We'll be joined by friend (?) of the show, Bradley Whitford. GET TICKETS. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/212 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

When we spoke to Emily Procter (episode 2.04), she told us a story about a lunch meeting she had with Tommy Schlamme that had an unexpected twist. We've been holding on to her story until this episode. You'll hear why. Plus, a lot of #TrumpAiYiYi. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/211 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

(sung to the melody of "Carol of the Bells") Hark! oh my gosh Hrishi and Josh Discuss Noël Puns and intel Ellen Totleben Tells us laymen All that you see Was her duty She was the West Wing Set Decorator And we’ll talk to Bradley Whitford later When it’s just us Things we discuss: PTSD Tommy Schlamme I got a job? You got a job Bush versus Gore Flentls and more Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas! Bradley Whitford won an Emmy with this Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas! Epic flentl; you don't want to miss this. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/210 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

At this extremely historic moment, we present a very unique episode. (Wow, that really is some terrible writing.) In this episode, we bone up on our Mars with help from NASA Systems Engineer Mallory Lefland, who is working on the Mars 2020 mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. footnotes — Freddie Mercury said it right.   thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/209 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The pressure is on as we discuss one of Hrishi's all-time favorite episodes. Will his feelings be spared by Josh, or will they be placed on the chopping block and pulled apart like a turkey's giblets and flentls?! Introducing the TWWW University Sweatshirt! You can get one for yourself or for your favorite West Wing Weekly listener at thewestwingweekly.com/sweatshirt.  thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/208 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Former Wisconsin congressman Steve Gunderson talks about being the first openly gay Republican in Congress. Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan Boyle and Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning, the first openly gay service head in the U.S. Military, join later. The podcast analyzes episode seven of The West Wing, explores the Defense of Marriage Act, discusses product placements, and touches on government responsibility and affordable education. The hosts also talk about the challenges of compromise in political work and the lack of political change compared to progress on social issues.

Dave Chameides, steadicam operator, joins the hosts to discuss the complex choreography of shooting a walk and talk. They also talk about Sorkinisms supercut videos. The episode analyzes the chess-like maneuvering and strategic decisions in 'The Lame Duck Congress'. They critique Charlie's comment, explore the use of music cues, discuss romantic relationships, and highlight the challenges of filming 'The West Wing'. Plus, they promote their socials, podcast, and a new show.

Loosen your tie. Loosen whatever you'd like. But don't get it twisted: leaf peeping is totally a thing. thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/205 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ginger, get the popcorn, because we're joined by Emily Procter (@emilyprocter) to talk about her first appearance on the West Wing as Ainsley Hayes. Plus, for some context and perspective on the storyline about AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, we speak to Ambassador-at-Large Deborah L. Birx, the US Global Coordinator to Combat HIV/AIDS (@PEPFAR). And introducing The West Wing Weekly t-shirt! thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/204 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

While you may be mistaking this for your monthly meeting of the Ignorant Tight-Ass Club, it's in fact the weekly meeting of the West Wing TV Book Club. (The Ignorant Tight-Ass Club meets down the hall, on the right.) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices