Dave Tompkins on the history of the vocoder, William Gibson on his latest novel, Jordan Morris ranks America and a classic bit from Coyle & Sharpe.

Mike Birbiglia on his one-man show Sleepwalk With Me, which is the basis for his new book. Plus, SERIOUS lessons on morality from God's Pottery and the AV Club suggest films from the recent Toronoto International Film Festival.

Three ways of getting a laugh, whether it's the confrontional style of Bill Burr, the bizaare sweetness of Kristen Schaal, or the way Greg Behrendt tears down his former idol.