Fighting the “Dead of Winter” with Nancy’s Fancy Gelatti & Sorbetti

It’s been a year or two since I last dusted off my handy ice cream maker, and every time I gaze at its shiny, white shell (which is admittedly not often), I grow wistful for those heady days when I would pour fatty custards into its spinning innards and find glorious ice creams and gelatos …

BANTER BLENDER #107: Avengers! Mad Max! Rachel McAdams! Summer Movies!

Kyle Buchanan (senior editor at New York Magazine’s Vulture) returns to “The Banter Blender” to discuss summer movies with Ben Mandelker (@watch-what-crappens). The two talk “Avengers,” “Mad Max,” “Star Wars,” “Trainwreck,” “Spy,” “Jurassic World,” and more. Plus, there’s talk of Rachel McAdams and the state of her career. Come listen! moviesbanterKyle Buchanansummer moviesAvengersStar WarsStar Wars: …

BANTER BLENDER #106: Weight Watchers, Easter Candy, Indiana, and Karrueche Tran

This week on The Banter Blender, Ben Mandelker welcomes back Angie Thomas (the Small Potatoes podcast) to talk about a host of exciting topics. The two take on Easter Candy, Weight Watchers, Indiana’s anti-gay laws, jambalaya, Passover foods, and Karrueche Tran (naturally). Plus, there’s more chatter about board games such as Jenga and Dead of …

WATCH WHAT CRAPPENS #165: See You At The Halter

Grab your finest boob-decorated wine glass: it’s time to celebrate the holy matrimony of Scheana Marie and her halter top. Yes, we are going down the aisle with Azusa’s most blushiest blushing bride on a very special episode of “Watch What Crappens.” With tears in our eyes and Lisa Vanderpump Sangria in our hands, we …

BANTER BLENDER #104: Measles, Bruce Jenner, ‘American Sniper,’ and Bagels

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 …

WATCH WHAT CRAPPENS #163: Drama on the Menu at Sur

This week Ronnie Karam (trashtalktv.com) and Ben Mandelker (The Banter Blender) go to town on the crazy drama of “Vanderpump Rules.” From the Miami stalker to Lisa’s scolding, it’s nearly a full hour of ridicule. Then it’s on to Beverly Hills and Atlanta for more mockery. Along the way, there’s talk of Top Chef, Best …

WATCH WHAT CRAPPENS #161: The Library Is Open, and Claudia Is Reading

Ronnie Karam (Trashtalktv.com) and Ben Mandelker (“The Banter Blender”) are joined by Angie Thomas (“All The Way” podcast) to discuss the EPIC reads Claudia Jordan gave Nene Leakes on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Then it’s off to Miami to bathe ourselves in the glory of “Vanderpump Rules,” and finally, we say goodbye to the …

Banter Blender #103: Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and Modern Board Game Culture

“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. …

WATCH WHAT CRAPPENS #156: Kyle’s Yacht, Nene’s Beef, and Jax’s Lies

This week on “Watch What Crappens,” Ben Mandelker (bsideblog.com) and Ronnie Karam (trashtalktv.com) tackle the pressing issues: why is Kyle Richards’ yacht so small? Is Cynthia Bailey a social climber? How dumb is Jax? And when will people realize that America is the best country EVAR? Come listen to hear the answers! You can donate …