Week 53 Spotlight: The Dork Knights.

Last Friday, on “Batman Day,” Joel and Lars got all giddy in anticipation for The Dark Knight. Well, they were so excited about the film that they just couldn’t wait until Friday to talk about it, so they decided to do a special Tuesday night podcast.

Joel and Lars breaks down the latest addition to the Batman franchise, sharing their thoughts on the film and its record-breaking success. They cover everything from Heath Ledger’s much talked about performance at The Joker to Christian Bale’s recent off-screen troubles.

What did Hobo Radio’s Dynamic Duo think of The Dark Knight? Was it the greatest Batman film of all time? And did Cookie Monster really make a cameo in the film? The answers to these questions and more are in this week’s show.

Week 52 Spotlight: Batman Day.

The day has finally arrived. After months of Internet hype, the highly anticipated summer blockbuster filled with amazing action sequences and glorious explosions hits theaters today … and no, we aren’t talking about Mama Mia.

In honor of “Batman Day,” Joel Murphy and his new co-host Lars share their thoughts on the previous Batman films and talk about what they expect from The Dark Knight. So, in case you have somehow managed to miss all of the other hype surrounding this movie, this podcast is your perfect appetizer for the latest installment in the Batman franchise.

Will The Dark Knight break box office records? What will make it a truly memorable film? Can two nerdy comic book fans discuss Batman without sounding like the Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons? The answers to these questions and more are in this week’s show.

Week 51 Spotlight: Whatever you do, don’t ask about her tattoos.

Many fans of the site have wondered what happened to HoboTrashcan’s official site girl Tara. She was once a monthly staple, writing witty posts and taking sexy photos. Then, she disappeared.

This week, Tara resurfaces as a special Hobo Radio guest co-host and she reveals what brought an end to her photo shoots. She also shares her thoughts on the passing of George Carlin and the disturbing Mini-me sex tape. But, most of all, she is on the show to warn people to stop asking stupid questions about her tattoos.

Why did Tara stop taking photos? What is her obsession with Swiffer products? Did she really drop a c-bomb on air? The answers to these questions and more are in this week’s show.

• Introduction
• Justin Foster, tap dancing superstar
• Hobo Radio’s million dollar give-away
• What the hell is wrong with society?
• “Katie” by Adam Ezra Group

Week 50 Spotlight: The last form of free media.

The economy is in the toilet, gas prices are through the roof and most Americans seem to have lost their sense of humor. Is there any hope for society?

This week, Joel Murphy and guest co-host Justin Foster seek to solve all of the world’s problems. From Vince McMahon’s latest desperate ratings-grabbing stunt to people’s unwillingness to help their fellow man, the two look at where things went wrong in our culture and attempt to set things right once again.

What the hell is wrong with people? How do the two hosts think all disputes should be settled? Did Foster really tap dance as a child? The answers to these questions and more are in this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Joe Dunn and webcomic innovations
• The Simpsons
• “Grind” by Melt

Week 49 Spotlight: A cromulent Simpsons spectacular.

On 6-6-06, the day of the beast, the first Hobo Radio podcast was unleashed on the world. Two years later, the show is in a state of flux - Brian Murphy is off pursuing his race car driving dreams, which has left Joel Murphy without a co-host.

Without a permanent replacement for his brother, Joel turns to Joe Dunn from DigitalPimpOnline.com to fill in as a guest host. Joel and “the hardest working man in webcomics” discuss The Simpsons, the animated powerhouse that secured a deal to air its 20th season.

Are the actors who voice the characters on The Simpsons worth $400,000 per episode? Does South Park have a better moral compass than the Family Guy? What would a Joe Loves Crappy Movies video game entail? The answers to these questions and more are in this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Brian’s shocking announcement
• A spoiler warning
• Thoughts on Lost’s season finale
• “Deviatory” by Apothys

Week 48 Spotlight: Feeling Lost without a co-host.

After a mysterious absence last week, Brian Murphy triumphantly returns to the podcast this week. But the Murphy brother’s joyful reunion is short-lived because Brian has a shocking announcement that will change the podcast forever.

And speaking of shocking surprises, the Murphy brothers share their opinions on the Lost season finale, offering theories on where they think the show is headed and thoughts on how to keep Lost as entertaining as it has been this past season.

What is Brian’s shocking announcement? What does Joel have against spoiler warnings? Why is Kate so good at tracking footprints in the jungle? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• The popcorn pusher
• Hand to hand combat
• Politics
• “Fine, be that way” by The Hazzards

Week 47 Spotlight: If you smell what Barack is cooking.

Last week, Brian Murphy talked about sneaking onto Richmond International Raceway to do a few laps. This week, he is mysteriously absent from the podcast, leaving his adoring fans to wonder if Richmond’s finest finally caught up with him.

In Brian’s absence, Joel Murphy calls in Hobo Radio’s resident Dan LeBatard, David “Bubby” Green, to fill his brother’s shoes. Murphy and Green tackle a wide range of subjects, including the presidential race, Bubby’s martial arts training and the new scheme movie theaters have devised to cater to lazy moviegoers.

Why won’t Hillary Clinton drop out of the democratic primary? Why is Bubby training to be the next Karate Kid? Why is Tito Ortiz dating a duck? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• New format
• Let’s go racing, boys
• The Cheese Man
• Grand Theft Auto IV and the Uncanny Valley
• “(Dude) Let’s Get Boners” by The Hazzards

Week 46 Spotlight: Back and better than ever …

Hectic schedules and technical difficulties have kept Brian and Joel Murphy off the air for a month and a half, but this week they make their triumphant return to The Podcast Network and introduce some changes to the format of Hobo Radio.

From now on, both Brian and Joel will get their own five minute segment to discuss what’s going on in their neck of the woods. The rest of the show will be devoted to a larger topic, which the Murphys will discuss together at length.

How did their first attempt at this new format go? What did Brian do to attract the attention of “Richmond’s finest”? Who is The Cheese Man? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Superhero Movie
• Iron Man
• The Incredible Hulk
• The Dark Knight
• Step Brothers
• “Ooh Girl! (An honest R&B song)” by Mike Polk

Week 45 Spotlight: It’s a bird, it’s a plane …

While Superhero Movie, the latest offering from the brain trust behind the Scary Movie franchise, is sure to be awful, it gives Brian and Joel Murphy a good excuse to take a look at some of the other big superhero movies on the horizon.

So this week, the Brothers Murphy share their thoughts on Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight. They even throw in a conversation about Step Brothers, the summer comedy staring the dynamic duo known as “Shake and Bake,” Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.

Which superhero movies are Brian and Joel excited about? Why are Star Wars fans protesting Superhero Movie? Who the hell is Iron Man? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Discussion about The Wire
• Closing thoughts
• “Tick Tock” by Lance Reddick

Week 44 Spotlight: Saying goodbye to The Wire.

Brian and Joel Murphy are back with an all-new episode, which pays tribute to the best show on television, The Wire, which aired its final episode this past Sunday. After taking the time to explain what made the show so unique and so enjoyable, the Murphy brothers talk in-depth about the finale and the legacy of the show.

This week’s podcast might not be for everyone, but for fans of the critically-acclaimed HBO show, it is the proper sendoff that this groundbreaking drama deserves. Every facet of the finale is covered in this special hour long podcast.

What were Brian and Joel’s favorite moments from the final episode? What would they have changed? What’s next for David Simon and the cast? Is there any reason to keep your HBO subscription? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Bubby and The All American Podcast
• Politics
• End of the writers’ strike
• Peyton’s little brother
• Valentine’s Day plans
• “The Town Crotch” by Jonathan Coulton

Week 43 Spotlight: An All American Valentine’s Day.

On February 16, 2006, David “Bubby” Green posted his first All American Podcast on The Podcast Network. Brian and Joel Murphy served as guest hosts. While The All American Podcast only lasted six episodes, Brian and Joel stole Bubby’s idea and started their on podcast. And thus, Hobo Radio was born.

So when Brian, the ladies man, was unable to pull himself away on Valentine’s Day to do a podcast, Bubby got called in to co-host with Joel.

Can Hobo Radio make it without it’s star player? Does anyone still remember The All American Podcast? Why is Bubby wishing for some Hillary on Coulter action? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Groundhog Day
• Art Monk
• Super Bowl Sunday
• “Ur So Gay” by Katy Perry

Week 42 Spotlight: Rise and shine campers.

In the classic movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray’s character finds himself trapped on February 2nd, forced to live the same day over and over again until he finally gets it right.

In recent years, it seems like the NFL has been making the same mistakes over and over again. However, this past Groundhog Day weekend, the sports gods finally got it right. First, Art Monk was finally voted into the Hall of Fame. Then, the despised Patriots had their perfect season ruined by the underdog Giants.

How happy was Brian when he heard his favorite Redskin made the Hall of Fame? How did Joel manage to avoid all of the Super Bowl hype while living in Boston? Did Joel really see beloved Redskin Darrell Green punch an orphan? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• San Francisco
• Music is a privilege on Hobo Radio
• The big news
• “Gone Daddy” by Gary Jules

Week 41 Spotlight: New Year, same busted show.

With Christmas and New Year’s Eve officially in the rear view mirror, the Murphy brothers are back with the first Hobo Radio podcast of 2008. And, right from Joel’s intro, things get off to a rocky start.

But, while their podcast is the same as it ever was, a few things have changed in Brian and Joel’s personal lives. Brian had a nice visit with his in-laws and actually has nothing to complain about for once in his life and Joel has some surprising news about big change in his life that happened on New Year’s Eve.

What is Joel’s big news? What advice does Brian have for listeners with family visiting? And who thought it was a good idea to give Brian a harmonic during a live broadcast? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• The Mitchell Report
• Question of the Week
• Writers’ strike update
• “Feliz Navidad” by Christmas with Beer

Week 40 Spotlight: The most wonderful time of the year.

Many people have different Christmas traditions. For some, it’s sipping eggnog and hanging stocking over the chimney with care. For others, it’s leaving cookies and milk out for Santa and watching classic holiday movies. Brian and Joel Murphy have a special holiday tradition - they spend their Christmas with Beer.

That’s right, Christmas with Beer, the musical sensation that swept the nation last year is back on Hobo Radio with their hit song “Feliz Navidad.” Plus, Brian discusses baseball’s Mitchell report and Joel gives an update on the writers’ strike.

Can baseball be saved? How will the Academy Awards and late night television be affected by the writers’ strike? Is Brian finally in the Christmas spirit? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Christmas spirit
• Hulk Hogan
• Robots
• “Skullcrusher Mountain” by Jonathan Coulton

Week 39 Spotlight: Robots in disguise.

Having paid close attention to Hollywood robot movies like Terminator and I, Robot, Joel Murphy is convinced that one day robots will overthrow their human oppressors and kill us all. Needless to say, he isn’t a big fan of robots.

This week, Joel has scanned the headlines and has found three separate robot stories, which he shares with the class. The three stories seem unrelated - a Tokyo manufacturer has created a popular robot toy, another Tokyo company has created a robot that can feel pain and a New York company has created a military robot - but Joel believes that these three stories spell the end of mankind.

Has Joel lost his mind? Where is Brian’s Christmas spirit? And what is going on with Hulk Hogan these days? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Rock Band
• What the hell is wrong with Brian?
• Face punching
• “A Boy and His Cat” by Melora Hardin

Week 38 Spotlight: Like a dying cat.

While RoboTron 4000 covered for him last week by hosting a special best of show, Brian Murphy spent his Thanksgiving holiday forming a band. And, while none of the members of his new band can actually play musical instruments, thanks to an Xbox 360, some plastic instruments and the new video game Rock Band, they are still able to rock the house.

Unfortunately, their vocalist Jose might just be the worst singer ever in the history of music. Luckily, Brian has concocted an evil plan to get the off-key Mexican out of the virtual band.

How does Brian plan on getting rid of Jose? Why did Joel almost punch a guy in the face at a rock show? And why is Brian hanging out at his workplace on his day off? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction by RoboTron 4000
• The Gobbler (November 28, 2006)
• Who’s the man? (October 17, 2006)
• The Celebrity Bullet Question (June 27th, 2006)
• To Hug, or not to Hug? (July 18, 2006)
• “Nike Boots” by W.A.L.E.

Week 37 Spotlight: Gobble, gobble.

Like most of you American listeners, Brian and Joel Murphy are spending are off work and spending Thanksgiving with loved ones. So, this week, RoboTron 4000 hosts a special best of podcast, featuring highlights from the past 36 shows.

We have delved deep into the archives to bring you some of the best moments from the show, including the moment Brian lost his manhood, Joel’s struggle with hugging people and the Murphy brothers’ answers to the infamous “Celebrity Bullet Question.”

If Brian and Joel had a gun with three bullets and Leonard DiCaprio was already dead, what three celebrities would they shoot? What exactly is a Virginia Tech Gobbler? What horribly inappropriate things will RoboTron 4000 say when given an open mic? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

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• Introduction
• Cleveland rocks, Pt. 2
• Sexiest men alive
• The writer’s strike
• “All Right” by Luan Parle

Week 36 Spotlight: Unless you’re Kurt.

Last week, Brian Murphy revealed his ability to help the Cleveland Browns win football games simply by being in the stands during their games. This week, he delves further into his recent trip to Cleveland and reveals why he and his friends are remembered in a particular Cleveland sports bar, even though they only go there once a year.

We don’t want to give too much away, but it has to do with the way Brian tortures his unwitting wingman Kurt, who ends up becoming an endless source of amusement for Brian and the other bar patrons.

How does Brian torture Kurt? How will the Hollywood writers’ strike affect your favorite shows? And why does People magazine refuse to recognize Joel’s sexiness? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.

Thank you for your patience. I promise we will get this show sounding right one of these days.

If you’ve listened to the show, you heard us both rave about “Violin” by Paul Dateh. If you like the song as much as we do, you’ll probably enjoy the video …

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• Introduction
• Mail from Jebus
• Cleveland rocks
• Daylight Savings Time
• Leroy Jenkems
• “Violin” by Paul Dateh (http://pauldateh.com)

Week 35 Spotlight: Hugs, not drugs.

Brian and Joel Murphy have always believed that being drug free is the way to be. Growing up in the 80s, they were subjected to countless after-school PSAs and “very-special” episodes of their favorite sitcoms (including the “I’m So Excited” episode of Saved by the Bell) and they quickly learned that drugs were for losers.

So this week, they are doing their part to warn today’s youth about the dangers of drugs, specifically a new drug called Leroy Jenkems that is all the rage in today’s schools. The Murphy brothers explain what Jenkems is and why you should never use it in a “very special” edition of Hobo Radio.

How is Leroy Jenkems made? Does Brian have the ability to control the outcome of Cleveland Brown games? And did our lord and savior pull a groin muscle? The answers to these questions and more lie within this week’s show.