Solutions to Problems - podcast cover

Solutions to Problems

Nathan Comstock, Austin Hendricks, and Michael F. Gillwww.stppodcast.com
Solutions to Problems is a Dear Prudence style advice podcast set on a space station in some version of the future hovering over some version of Earth. Join us every other Friday for advice on work, relationships, time travel paradoxes, and the occasional brain parasite. Now available on RadioPublic. For more information and episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com.
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Episodes

ANNOUNCEMENT: Electromancy Crowdfunding Campaign

Did you know that Nathan has a second fiction podcast? And Austin is in it too! You can find it at www.electromancypod.com . We're also raising money at https://igg.me/at/electromancypod to make a second season. Any help you can give us would be wonderful. Here's the trailer for season 1, which you can listen to in its entirety now.

May 08, 20222 min

Mini Ep. 13: Loaf and Sam On Assignment

A series of radio reports by Intern Samantha on the IFM2 show On Assignment, which is hosted by Loaf. Featuring intergalactic run-off elections, dracula ants, time travel conventions, philosophical fragrance branders, and more! For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Phoenix Bunke as Samantha Nathan Comstock as Loaf Lesley Gideon as Flora Zachary Robb as Archimedes Austin Hendricks as Janet Valerie Loveland as Frankie Chloé Cunha as Melody Ron ...

Jun 04, 202121 minSeason 3Ep. 18

Episode 30: The Time Travel Tapes

Janet is profiled on the true crime show "The Time Travel Tapes." Loaf, Frankie, Sam, and Melody listen in while waiting to visit with Janet, who is in a holding center before her trial. Thanks for listening to Season 3! Stay tuned, we'll have some bonus content coming up in the near future. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Evan Tess Murray of This Planet Needs a Name as Kurt Damariscotta, Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Jan...

Nov 14, 202031 minSeason 3Ep. 17

Episode 29: Into The Deep Blue Screen I Go

With Melody temporarily shutdown for updates, Loaf and Janet have a confrontation with alternate Janet and Nassif, while also answering letters on the sexuality of your alternate selves, the ramifications of politically incorrect banjo music, and how not to compulsively break the fourth wall while acting. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Ramy Abdelghani as Nassif, Valerie Loveland as F...

Oct 30, 202029 minSeason 3Ep. 16

Mini Ep. 12: The Groupchat / Crazy Zifle's

The network of Janets hold court and confront a certain Janet who has been jeopardizing their plans. Meanwhile, Officer Nassif "accidentally" runs into Loaf and Muffin at Crazy Zifle's Zaffy Trifles, the finest Flisnorp patisserie in the whole sector. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Muffin Comstock as Muffin, and Ramy Abdelghani as Nassif....

Oct 16, 202014 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Episode 28: Be As Average As Possible - A Dating Special

Loaf, Janet, and IFM2 intern Sam team up for another episode revolving around hypernet dating. While also discussing their own experiences, they answer letters about accidentally catfishing yourself, and how to date when your isolationist cult dictates that you remain extremely average. Also: a rapid-fire round that breaks down what the most common dating profile phrases really mean! Content note: Discussions of sex and sexuality For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www...

Oct 02, 202029 minSeason 3Ep. 14

Episode 27: Adorable In The Most Horrifying Way

Back home, Janet and Loaf host a parenting-themed episode with two special guests: Janet's mom and one of Loaf's broodlings. They all pitch in to help answer letters on the ramifications of gene-edited children, the existential loneliness of digital offspring, and how to share the holidays with your children who span multiple species and marriages. Meanwhile, Nassif and alternate Janet find themselves stranded in an interdimensional bus terminal. For more information and full episode transcripts...

Sep 18, 202026 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Episode 26: Extremely Mundane Dragons

In another alternate universe, Janet and Loaf are guests on "Problems Requiring Solutions", a show hosted by an alternate version of Melody. A dozen listeners call in to help Loaf and Janet with their problems regarding Armulan divorce, time travel tech support, and how to tell other versions of yourself that you want to see other people. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Chloé Cunha as...

Sep 04, 202029 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Episode 25: An Excellent Strange Quagmire

With Loaf and Janet still absent, Frankie, Melody, Mr. Xorfus, and Sam attempt to host an episode of Solutions to Problems, complete with AI versions of Janet and Loaf. They offer advice on how to deal with knowing that the founding father of your new colony was awful in a previous life, how to break out of the 400-year curfew assigned by your parents, and how to get your spouse to respect your family AI. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring...

Aug 21, 202023 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Mini Ep. 11: The Council Of Interns / The Hand Off

Samantha presides over a meeting of IFM2 Subspace Radio interns, but is interrupted by the news that Janet and Loaf are missing. Meanwhile, Janet and Loaf work their way through different dimensions, meeting up with an alternate Janet and an unexpected alternate Melody. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Phoenix Bunke as Samantha, Dallas Wheatley as Norvik, Emily Duggan as Makathena, Chl...

Aug 07, 202014 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Mini Ep. 10: Alternate Universe Karaoke

Loaf and Janet hang out at a karaoke bar with their alternate universe counterparts (Lavender, Frankie, and Beta Janet), and show how their singing, drinking, and flirting skills are just as highly polished as their advice giving. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf/Lavender, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Valerie Loveland as Frankie, and guest starring James Oliva as the MC....

Jul 24, 202011 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Episode 24: Compassion Is Compulsory

Loaf and Janet are guests on an alternate timeline version of Solutions To Problems. On this live call-in show, they assist hosts Lavender and Frankie with questions about age-appropriate friendships for immortals, overcoming boredom as an AI, the surprising aftermath of liberating a planet, how to choose what TV shows to watch when you have two heads, and where to get lunch. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf/Laven...

Jul 10, 202024 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Episode 23: Unfettered & Free To Tell You Exactly How I Feel

In despair, Loaf finally opens up to Janet about what happened on Armulus, but Janet is a little distracted by her own concerns, including an unexpected visit by Officer Nassif. Plus, letters about robotic training boyfriends, Avian divorce, and how to deal with time dilation in a professional setting. Content notes: discussions of alcohol abuse, divorce, and abandonment issues For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Au...

Jun 26, 202027 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Episode 22: No Optimal Time To Date Me

Janet tries to be the responsible host as Loaf is feeling rather disillusioned with both radio and life. This proves to be difficult when Melody and her new beau arrive! Somehow, they still manage to answer questions about vehicular infidelity, replacement limb policies in the workplace, and how to equitably share your body with an energy being. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janet, Chloé Cu...

Jun 12, 202028 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Episode 21: Summer Vacation & Crustacean Devastation

Back from vacation and back in the studio, Loaf and Janet catch up with each other, and offer advice in regards to gentrification on Mars, how to avoid a mega-pet showdown between neighbors, and when you should take a blood oath seriously. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com

May 29, 202028 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Mini Ep. 9: The Printer

IFM2 station manager Mr. Xorfus and omnipotent intern Samantha try to resolve a supernatural printer jam with some help from station AI Melody. Also: Sam has some ideas for radio shows of her own! This mini-episode features Phoenix Bunke as Samantha, Ron Prudent as Mr. Xorfus, and Chloé Cunha as Melody. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com

May 15, 202012 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Mini Ep. 8: The Network Of Janets

Frankie and Officer Nassif play phone tag regarding IFM2's paradox-fixed contracts, and some disturbing timelines that may or may not have happened. Meanwhile, The Network of Janets have a groupchat to discuss temporal displacement coordinates, dating gossip, and whether or not certain Janets are keeping up with their tasks. This mini-episode features Valerie Loveland as Frankie, Ramy Abdelghani as Officer Nassif, and Austin Hendricks as Janets. For more information and full episode transcripts,...

May 01, 202014 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Mini Ep. 7: Sustenance Party

On his home planet of Armulus Four Zeta Zombort, Loaf is a guest on an intergalactic cooking show, where he prepares the authentic human dish "Hash Browns," and answers questions about transdimensional spatulas, flaming salads, and good recipe substitutes for snails. This mini-episode features Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Optimized Comstock Unit as the OCU, and Android F. Gill as the host. Content note: Discussions of food, eating, smells, and one insect murder For more information and full episode ...

Apr 17, 202014 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Nassif's Log: A StP Recap

In this episode recapping season 1 and 2, we hear the timeline-locked log of Officer Armin Nassif from the Time Travel and Interdimensional Regulations Agency (TARTI), where he catches his alternate selves up on his history with Loaf, Janet, and the rest of the Solutions To Problems crew. Featuring Ramy Abdelghani as Officer Nassif For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com.

Apr 17, 202023 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Season 3 Announcement!

Season 3 of Solutions to Problems starts on April 17th! New episodes will be released every two weeks. Austin, Nathan, and Michael fill you in on all the details. Thank you so much for listening! We love you. Please stay safe.

Apr 03, 20203 minSeason 2Ep. 22

WWDTM!! Episode 4 of 4

The final part of our four-part miniseries! Wait Wait Don't Teleport Me!! is a sound collage of shows heard on IFM2 Subspace Radio, an ambient comedy outside the frame of linear time. In this final extended episode: making deep purple bread on The Universe's Test Kitchen, the horror of being named Derek, Janet fills us in on recent TV shows and movies, and a breakup song from Maggie's band, The Spindly Sisters. Also: the full vocal version of our theme song! With your soap operatic hosts: Kerrin...

Nov 29, 201933 minSeason 2Ep. 21

WWDTM!! Episode 3 of 4

The third part of our new four-part miniseries! Wait Wait Don’t Teleport Me!! is a sound collage of shows heard on IFM2 Subspace Radio, an ambient comedy outside the frame of linear time. In this third episode: an interview with the only person to successfully prevent Shakespeare’s assassination, strategies on how to be a better eyeball ping-pong player, non-existent callers have a dial tone competition, and another segment with our omnipotent intern Samantha! With your soap operatic hosts: Kerr...

Nov 22, 201929 minSeason 2Ep. 20

WWDTM!! Episode 2 of 4

Second part of our new four-part miniseries! Wait Wait Don't Teleport Me!! is a sound collage of shows heard on IFM2 Subspace Radio, an ambient comedy outside the frame of linear time. In this second episode: worm-wielding birds face off on a competitive cooking show, a murder mystery composed entirely of raspy voices, a lightning round of incomprehensible callers, and lots more! With your soap operatic hosts Kerrington, Nova, Maggie, and C.C. Sims. Transcript at www.stppodcast.com/blog/wwdtm2 C...

Nov 15, 201929 minSeason 2Ep. 19

WWDTM!! Episode 1 of 4

Our new four-part miniseries! Wait Wait Don’t Teleport Me!! is a sound collage of shows heard on IFM2 Subspace Radio, an ambient comedy outside the frame of linear time. In this first episode: a deep dive into the history of popsicle jokes, what it’s like when 96% of your body is traded to another laserball team, segments with Loaf and Sam, plus lots more! With your hosts: Kerrington, Nova, Maggie, and C.C. Sims. Transcript at www.stppodcast.com/blog/wwdtm1 Content notes: Episode contains very b...

Nov 08, 201927 minSeason 2Ep. 18

Bonus: Behind the Scenes of Season 2

The end of another season means another behind the scenes episode! Featuring cast interviews, partner interviews, roommate interviews (but not cat interviews), bloopers, weird voice filters, and general silliness. This episode's transcript is available at www.stppodcast.com . We'll be releasing a mini-series about the show after Solutions to Problems later this summer, with an official Season 3 start date coming soon!...

Jun 07, 201920 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Mini Ep. 6: Melody's Comedy Audition Reel

Melody tries to record her audition tape for Lightspeed's Artificially Funny Fest. She really thinks this will be her year! Even if she has to resort to bending time and space. This episode features Chloé Cunha as Melody, and was written by Chloé Cunha and Michael F. Gill. Melody's stand up was recorded at Sally O'Briens in Somerville, Massachusetts and featured the voice of the host, Scott Oddo. This episode's transcript is available at www.stppodcast.com. We're working hard on Season 3, and we...

Apr 26, 201911 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Episode 20: Active Sabotage Is A Love Language

Off the air, the whole crew celebrate the end of the season, but there are still some problems to be solved, namely Loaf's misgivings about their upcoming family visit, Janet's uncertain employment status, and Samantha's ongoing struggle to be a real person instead of the idea of a real person. Featuring Ron Prudent as Mr. Xorfus, Valerie Loveland as Frankie, Phoenix Bunke as Sam, Chloe Cunha as Melody, Bridget Kraynick as Broodmate, Austin Hendricks as Janet, and Nathan Comstock as Loaf. This i...

Mar 15, 201924 minSeason 2Ep. 15

Episode 19: All About the Disruption of Narrative Causality

Janet and Loaf listen to letters about living inside the ramifications of genetic engineering, and how to measure your compatibility with someone who was in a time loop when you met. Also, Officer Nassif is back to weigh in on the time travel shenanigans, including a time capsule letter that's turns out to be more personal then expected. Content notes: Discussions of racism [2:20-8:30] and stalking [8:30-14:00]. Featuring the voices of Rami Abdel-Ghani as Officer Nassif, Nathan Comstock as Loaf,...

Mar 01, 201928 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Episode 18: Hot Messes Together

Nothing topsy-turvy at all happens to Janet and Loaf before the show, and it surely doesn't affect their performance in answering letters about universal translation gone awry, workplace infidelity, and the experience of living as a certain species. There aren't even any special guests who break into the studio to confront them about the problems they are avoiding in their personal lives. What a relief! Featuring Valerie Loveland as Frankie, Chloe Cunha as Melody, Bridget Kraynik as Loaf's Brood...

Feb 15, 201927 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Mini Ep. 5: Office Gossip

Off the air, Janet and Melody discuss whether to be romantic or pedantic, while Loaf and Mr. Xorfus argue about Janet’s future role at IFM2. Sometimes humans are too human for their own good! Featuring Chloe Cunha as Melody, Austin Hendricks as Janet, Nathan Comstock as Loaf, and Ron Prudent as Mr. Xorfus. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com.

Feb 01, 20198 minSeason 2Ep. 12
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