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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Matthew Coniam, Noah Diamond, Bob Gassel
An insightful but not too serious look at the Marx Brothers films, careers, and lives from some guys who really need to get out more. Hosted by Matthew Coniam ("The Annotated Marx Brothers," "That's Me, Groucho!"), Noah Diamond ("Gimme a Thrill: The Story of I'll Say She Is") and Bob Gassel (he'll write a book someday...or perhaps read one). Featuring guest appearances by Marx experts, notable fans, and even family members. New episodes post monthly. For more info or to leave a comment, visit us at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast or Bluesky: @marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com And join the lively discussion on 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242 Contact us directly at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast@gmail.com
Latest Episodes
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- 1 weeks ago1h 46m
93 “A Day at the Races” Resaddled (featuring The Marx Brothers Council)
Listeners share their thoughts on the most divisive Marx film. Is it the last hurrah or the last straw? We sift through comments on everything from Tootsie-Frootsie to the excised “Dr. Hackenbush” song, while confronting the water carnival sequence that turns watching the movie into a hostage situation. We also take on the film’s most uncomfortable sequence, doing our best to put it in perspective... Along the way, there are Beatles comparisons, Lindy Hop history, and a listener who thankfully wasn’t one of Chico’s children. And as always, enough nitpicking to put any fan under observation at the Standish Sanitarium.
- Apr 17, 20261h 4m
92 N.Y. a Duck? (The MBCP LIVE)
Matthew joins us in New York City for our first-ever episode in front of a live audience, recorded at the Museum of the Moving Image—just steps from Kaufman-Astoria Studios, where the Marxes filmed their first two movies. We kick things off with a quick dive into Horse Feathers (because The Cocoanuts or Animal Crackers felt a little too obvious), before welcoming Craig Shemin for a look at the studio’s ongoing history. Next, we take questions from the audience, and are then joined by the great Cinco Paul, whose Schmigadoon! is set to premiere on Broadway. Finally, we make a special announcement about an upcoming project before Cinco serenades us with a closing song.
- Apr 1, 20261h 29m
91 Whatever Will B. Johnstone (featuring Meg Farrell)
We welcome ethnomusicologist Meg Farrell, the great-granddaughter of Will B. Johnstone—an unsung hero of the Marx story who helped set the template for their act with I’ll Say She Is, and later contributed to Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, and A Day at the Races. Meg treats us to entries from “Grandpit’s” private diaries, revealing surprising Marx Brothers tales from the 1920s, and insights into his day job as a political cartoonist. We’ll also discuss the importance of the Napoleon scene from ISSI, Johnstone’s complicated relationship with S.J. Perelman, and speculate on his specific contributions to their films.
- Mar 6, 20264 min
MBCP SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
April 12th, 2026. NYC. A unique event. More details at: https://movingimage.org/event/horse-feathers/
- Feb 27, 20261h 32m
90 The Marx Others (featuring Brett Leveridge and Trav S.D.)
We turn our attention to the Marx family circle—on and off stage—highlighting relatives and influences that shaped the team. We examine the showbiz roots of Minnie’s parents, the short life of Manfred, and figures like Aunt Hannah, Cousin Polly, Mabel O'Donnell, and Lou Levy. We question common assumptions about Minnie and Frenchie, with Brett Leveridge shedding light on Minnie’s brief fling in the soft drink business. Then, Trav S.D. returns to discuss Uncle Al Shean—his role in the Brothers’ development, and his famed partnership with Ed Gallagher.
- Jan 27, 20261h 49m
89 “A Night at the Opera Reorchestrated” featuring The Marx Brothers Council
The guys respond to insightful audience comments on the brothers’ MGM classic. Is the film actually more like their Paramount work than we give it credit for? Does the brothers’ career trajectory resemble that of Picasso—or Elvis? And did Margaret Dumont actually land a joke? These and other truly life-altering questions are debated, dissected, and delightfully overthought.
- Dec 22, 202548 min
88 “The Joy of Marx” featuring Joy Harmon
Matthew and Noah take a closer look at “Tell It to Groucho”, the short-lived 1962 successor to “You Bet Your Life”. Though nearly identical in format, the series curiously never found its footing with audiences and was quickly cancelled. The guys are joined by the delightful Joy Harmon—Groucho’s assistant on “Tell It…” whom he first met when she appeared as a contestant on YBYL. Joy shares how she landed the role and reflects on her warm, affectionate working relationship with Groucho. --------- (EDIT 4/26): R.I.P. Joy Harmon, who passed away some five months after this chat was recorded. It was likely her final interview. ---------
- Nov 30, 20251h 52m
87 “At’sa Some Joke, Eh, Boss?” featuring Elliott Kalan
Award-winning writer/comedian and longtime Marx Brothers obsessive Elliott Kalan ("The Daily Show", "MST3K", "The Flop House", and the new book, "Joke Farming") takes us deep into the craft of professional comedy writing with a nice dose of Marx-inspired examples. Elliott details the difference between satire and parody, defends the noble pun, and tells the story behind his delightfully chaotic Marx-flavored children’s book, "Sharko and Hippo".
About The Marx Brothers Council Podcast
An insightful but not too serious look at the Marx Brothers films, careers, and lives from some guys who really need to get out more. Hosted by Matthew Coniam ("The Annotated Marx Brothers," "That's Me, Groucho!"), Noah Diamond ("Gimme a Thrill: The Story of I'll Say She Is") and Bob Gassel (he'll write a book someday...or perhaps read one). Featuring guest appearances by Marx experts, notable fans, and even family members. New episodes post monthly. For more info or to leave a comment, visit us at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast or Bluesky: @marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com And join the lively discussion on 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242 Contact us directly at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast@gmail.com
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