Penn's Sunday School
Penn's Sunday School is a weekly comedy and discussion podcast hosted by magician and entertainer Penn Jillette alongside Matt Donnelly. Each episode digs into the news of the week, with a particular focus on religious news, odd stories about monkeys, and anything else the hosts find funny or infuriating. The show invites listener suggestions for topics and takes audience questions. Episodes are recorded as a live video stream from Show Creators Studios on Sundays at noon Las Vegas time. The audio is usually available for download from podcast platforms by Monday morning.
Episodes
The Supreme Want
A surprisingly casual and familiar visit to the ER, Penn's average conversations, thoughts on the Billy Joel documentary, Springsteen's easy interviews, the weirdest lyrics ever, and lots more.
Analysis Is Not a Recipe
A bizarre coincidence on stage at the big Penn & Teller show, Matt performs in Chicago and dives deep into Penn's performing style while developing The Tricksters, tackling classics of both music and literature, Penn's hometown makes the news, and lots more.
A Three Hour Tour
Penn is back from touring the UK with Piff & Pop's Magic Shoppe and now in L.A. where he discovered he hates workshops but loves vegan cream cheese. A new failure, airport wheelchairs, how sticky notes work, Matt is writing and preparing to perform with The Tricksters: Inside Penn & Teller's Vault, and lots more.
High Penn
Inspired by listener suggestions in a previous episode, Penn held a Zoom hangout and loose question and answer session with Patreon Members of the Congregation last month, directly from his back procedure, still high on pain medication. This is the result. Matt is at an airport, Reddi Rich is trying to steer the ship, and Penn is high.
Piff & Pop
In this bank episode recorded last month, Piff the Magic Dragon joins the show to reflect on the epic pre-tour performances of Piff & Pop's Magic Shoppe at the Magic Castle. What Penn and Piff have learned from performing with each other onstage, running around excitedly with a bottle, the real definition of a punk magic show, unfiltered thoughts on the wrong kind of menta
You From Jersey?
Penn's spine has inspired his performance, final rehearsals for Piff & Pop's Magic Shoppe inspire a discussion on the pros and cons of theatricality in magic, how Bruce Springsteen inspired Penn & Teller, Penn recalls the most starstruck he's ever been, and lots more.
Just Happy About Everything
Penn is joined by guest host Sarah Lowe as he remembers David Fair of Half Japanese through stories, memories, and music. Plus, the history of 50 Skidillion Watts of Power in the Hands of Babies Records, Penn breaks tapes out of the vault, The Bank of Penn, a really good feta, Herseys Syrup and Ruffles potato chips, and lots more.
It’s Amazing to See the Power of Kindness
Penn shares memories and reflects on the life, career, and immeasurable generosity of spirit of Juan Tamariz, plus the easiest book Penn has ever written, thoughts on Penn & Teller's Magic and Mystery Tour, a Thanksgiving dinner gone wrong, Matt performs at the Magic Castle and reflects on his career in comedy and magic as he comes up on a milestone anniversary, and lots m
I Won’t Laugh at You for Being Stupid
Penn explores why he never got into politics, Matt saw the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere, zines, postcard club, and an inadvertent lollygag, the right way to eat pretzels and french fries, and lots more.
Are You in the Right Window?
Penn's new pain relief comes with unexpected results, Matt visits an 88 year old magic festival and is also an improv god, Piff & Pop's Magic Shoppe rehearsals roll on, how Penn deals with criticism, Penn from the future, and lots more.
Distracted by Pain and a Sticky Microphone
Penn contemplates a sedan chair, Matt recounts an embarrassing moment with Olivia Newton-John and saw two very different Las Vegas magic shows, Penn should have gone to Hawaii to ride motorcycles with Lou Reed, more audience volunteers at the big Penn & Teller show, and lots more,
If There’s One Thing That Defines the Pursuit of Happiness...
Penn gets a nice mention from The Flying Karamazov Brothers and continues to discover the unexpected joys of performing seated on a stool, Matt performs magic for different audiences in Nashville, the life and legacy of Paul Reubens, unexpected concert tour lineups, and lots more.
Just Gravity and Age
Penn recaps his week of cancelled travel, adjusting to performing seated again, and TV star medical treatment. Plus, judging a book by its cover, stories of both Matt Donnelly the Mind Noodler and Bobby Slayton picking the wrong volunteers on stage, Reddi Rich pitches a new sci-fi story to Penn, and lots more.
Rock Jumps Won’t Kill You Until One of Them Does
Penn hurt his back but it's nothing compared to jumping in high heeled cowboy boots, Matt headlines a comedy show with magic, chandelier girls, Penn goes from Lou Reed to Bob Dylan, Debbie Harry's accidental straightjacket escape, well lit houses, and lots more.
You’re Asking if There’s an Adult?
Penn is busy rehearsing and preparing to travel the UK in a van with Piff & Pop's Magic Shoppe, Penn and Matt have very different experiences with Stephen Colbert, foisting the variety arts on audiences expecting to see a band, Penn's memories of Independence Day (the movie and the holiday), and lots more.
Tickets now on sale for Piff & Pop's Magic Shoppe - 11 dates ac
Oops, This Deck of Cards Really Is Shuffled!
Penn is at his best when things don't go to plan, Matt follows the Penn Jillette school of thought on magic preparation - with results as expected live on stage, some new musicians performing with Bob Dylan lead to an in-depth look at guitar tech with a connection to Penn & Teller: BS!, and lots more.
Scorpions and Spiders
Matt has some fun ideas to surprise Penn, a brand new opener at the big Penn & Teller Show, Sean Connery went face to glass with an arachnid, Penn hits UK morning talk shows to promote Piff and Pop's Magic Shoppe, and lots more.
Use offer code SCOOPS (click the "Unlock" button to enter the code before selecting tickets) to save 35% off tickets to Matt Donnelly The Mind Noo
Triangular Triscuits and Other Snacks
Penn & Teller hit up Jimmy Fallon in the midst of the Knicks championship run and perform to sold out crowds in Toronto, Bob Dylan on growing older and Penn on the definition of good vs. bad writing, Penn is busy writing new books and plays, Matt at The Magician's Room Las Vegas, and lots more.
Carr Hagerman - Out Of The Blue
Penn's friend of more than 50 years, Carr Hagerman, shares his deeply personal story of being falsely accused. From the initial allegations and arrest, through a very public reaction and trial, to his acquittal and trying to find a way to move forward with hope and inspiration.
Check out Carr's podcast at outofthebluepodcast.com
Please note: this episode contains discussion of
You Don’t Add Cars to a Moving Train
Penn's search for more Spanish language learning leads to a world of undercover cops and fake family histories, a cleansing trip to McDonalds, the horse won the race, Zoom doesn't know jokes, and lots more.
A Y’all and a Wicked
Penn takes a new view on plastics, TV algorithm suggestions, Matt gets asked a confusing question following his show at The Magician's Room, thoughts on the most requested magic trick of all time, and lots more.
I Can't Take It!
Searching for late night vegan food in Atlantic City, Penn's upcoming, new book, the saga of merch at Matt the Mind Noodler's magic shows, Penn's excited about a new music documentary, discussing DTF St. Louis, and lots more!
Same As Downtown, Father
Penn's experience as a dishwasher comes in handy with current events, Matt cruises around Alaska and reflects on his time as a cruise ship magician, a letter from a Member of the Congregation sparks more introspection about the situation in Iran, career advice from Phyllis Diller, and lots more.
Hollywood, Which Is Really Fort Lauderdale
Penn visits Dr. Theater in Florida and has to take the long way home, a novel solution to Matt's resting grumpy face, a memorable interaction with a Member of the Congregation, and lots more.
What’s the French Word for Squirrel?
A dancing, foreign, audience volunteer attempts a Battle of Dreams, Penn & Teller's amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, Matt and Reddi Rich both have very different experiences going to concerts, and lots more.
Robert Corn-Revere - Created by Geniuses So It Can Be Run by Idiots
First Amendment attorney Bob Corn-Revere returns to the show for a wide ranging conversation on his work with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, the Supreme Court, deepfakes, the state of free speech in America today - and what moving forward looks like, and lots more.
The Big Whoop
Jim Turner, Mark Fite, and Dave (Gruber) Allen (a.k.a. Big Bugs, Corky, and Gustav) from the cast of The Big Whoop join Penn and the gang for an in depth discussion on making the film. Penn's history with the cast and clown acts in the past, finding empathy in characters you disagree with, bonus live improv from Corky and Big Bugs, and lots more.
Check out The Big Whoop stream
And He Chooses To Go “Woo-Hoo!”
Penn buys a new car, rolling coal, more of Penn's thoughts on THC, movies on the plane, and lots more.
Pretty Full Bucket
It's another milestone week as Penn, Matt, and Reddi are back in the studio for the first time since Penn's ankle injury and Penn is up on his feet and walking around. Physical therapy woes, meet and greets, what it actually takes to get thrown offstage at the big Penn & Teller show, and lots more.
Medical Advice at the Oscars
A full recap of Penn’s trip to the Academy Awards complete with plenty of wheelchair awkwardness, Matt spent the week back on the road with the Jokers of Magic Tour and has some very exciting Vegas news, and lots more.
Feathers Can Just Be On the Ground
Penn gets ready to head off to the Academy Awards, Matt gets ready to head back out on the road with the Jokers of Magic Tour, a very special 71st birthday tribute to Penn, strange backlash, remembering Johnny Thompson, awkward family dinners, and lots more.
Don't Worry
Penn and his wheelchair lost at the SAG Awards but still came back with lots of stories, filming Vegas in Northridge, David Copperfield announces his retirement on Penn's birthday, Matt sees David Blaine and a Congregation favorite bit comes full circle, and lots more.
I Can Stand Up to Pee Now!
It’s a big week as Penn is out of his cast and into a boot, and ready to head off to L.A. for awards shows and filming, Matt did some corporate improv training, walk around magic, career day, unintentional soul searching with ChatGPT, Penn’s favorite award he’s received, and lots more.
But I Think It’s Just the Audience Mocking Me
Penn is still adjusting to life with a broken ankle and preparing to head off to Los Angeles for awards shows in a wheelchair, and Matt is returning to dry land and back performing in Vegas at The Magicians Room at The LINQ. Plus, lobster rolls, cruise ship ports, getting Vegas locals to the strip, coffee flavors, and lots more.
I Don’t Know If It’s a Good Idea, But I’m Doing It!
Penn is strapped into a wheelchair and back performing in the big Penn & Teller show, cigarette advertising campaigns that haven’t aged well, solving the problem of awkward phone calls, audio technology, Matt continues learning Spanish, and lots more.
For Some Reason, Always Around
Penn is still recovering from his broken ankle, and Members of the Congregation are writing in to help him get higher. Plus, Matt’s back out to sea performing magic, Penn & Teller remain entirely unsentimental, vision measurements, vibrating tools, and lots more.
Euphoria Just Ain’t On the Horizon
Penn continues healing from his broken ankle with the… help(?) of new drugs, thoughts on Springsteen’s “Streets of Minneapolis,” Matt prepares to return to cruise ship life and another leg of the Jokers of Magic tour and looks to level up his marketing game, Penn & Matt’s big Super Bowl bet, and lots more.
Nine Screws and a Plate
Penn is recording from bed while he recovers from his broken ankle and Matt is snowed in dealing with weather cancellations on tour. But none of that can stop the Preaching Love! Penn’s unprecedented new pain relief, somehow managing to listen to even more Dylan, crazy audience volunteers on the Jokers of Magic Tour, and more.
See You Next Eye Surgery
Penn flew to Los Angeles for cataract surgery and is now glasses-free! Matt discovers The Language of the Dead, Reddi Rich vs. The Caveman, a New Year's Eve challenge from Spain, and lots more.
Mark Malkoff - Love Johnny Carson (part 2)
The conversation continues with Mark Malkoff and his book Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend. More banned guests, guest hosts, Pat McCormick, Carson and The Amazing Randi, Elvis, giant checks, and lots more.
Mark Malkoff - Love Johnny Carson (part 1)
Author Mark Malkoff is on the show to talk his new book, Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend, and all things Johnny Carson. Penn & Teller’s history with the Tonight Show, Carson and atheism, Tiny Tim, banned guests, and lots more.
Better Than Nothing
A plan to re-rename the Kennedy Center, Penn gets humiliated, Matt becomes The Man of the Hour, another premiere of Marty Supreme, Matt tries his hand at youth soccer coaching, and lots more.
You’re Both Pretty
Penn headed to Los Angeles for the premiere of Marty Supreme and he’s got the stories to prove it. Five days off, office chair attire, the self-proclaimed biggest Penn & Teller fans on Earth, inappropriate billing, careful makeup, and lots more.
Fake Leather But Real Blood
Matt had an experience at customer service the last day of his cruise (but not the kind you think), Penn got dressed for the premiere of Marty Supreme in L.A., the future of The Aristocrats, Penn and Goudeau are exercising again, and lots more.
The Preposition Trilogy
Jazz demon Mike Jones joins Penn, Matt, and Reddi via Zoom to talk his podcast, The Stereo Image (thestereoimage.com), and upcoming live trio recordings at Vic's Las Vegas on December 8. Plus, Penn gets some incredible news and then gets his hair cut by The Butcher, Matt’s act causes trouble with cruise ship security, a remarkable volunteer onstage at the big Penn &
Really Creepy, Really Useless, and Really Close
Penn recounts a surprising audience interaction re-reading his journal, new and old tricks for Piff and Pop's Magic Shoppe, Penn and Matt's thoughts on gambling, bits with Reddi Rich, and lots more.
A Team of Two People Who Can’t Be On Teams
Life lessons from Neil Young, South Park makes Penn cry, Matt prepares to hit the road again with the Jokers of Magic as Penn & Teller’s 50th anniversary tour continues, more Springsteen talk, continued musings on Vegas, and lots more!
Sorry, I Have To Go Visit My Giraffes
Penn and Reddi are joined by Matt and special guest Tim Jenison over Zoom from San Antonio. Flight delays, the prices of exotic animals, and an in-depth discussion with Tim on the history, current state, and possible future of artificial intelligence.
Insolence of Office
Matt’s thoughts on Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, Penn visits Chicago to honor Tony Fitzpatrick and help fulfill his wishes, Penn & Teller at the YouTube Theater in L.A. (complete with a Hall of Fame manager and heist-level coffee delivery from a Member of the Congregation!), Penn’s favorite magic trick, and lots more.
Tony
Penn shares stories and remembers his good friend, artist, writer, actor, Chicago legend and FedEx caller Tony Fitzpatrick.
Negotiating For Your Latte
Penn, Matt, and Reddi are back again for another exclusive Q&A with Patreon members of the congregation. Bass advice, Fool Us behind the scenes, vegan cheese, child volunteers on stage, Penn & Teller get a street named after them, and lots more!
My Form Would Be Topiary
Penn, Matt, Reddi, and Fool Us performer Tom Crosbie are joined on Zoom by Patreon members of the congregation for another live Zoom Q&A! Penn & Teller's Desert Bus, coffee and mouse traps, teeth, voices, music, and memory, and lots more.
You Did a Talking Horse Movie?
Penn was still sick this week, so he watched a ton of TV and had a surprising experience at the emergency room. Plus, Matt is back out performing magic at sea, Penn reminisces about playing an animated flea opposite Bobcat Goldthwait, how voice acting has changed, The Sopranos, and more.
Live at Scoopfest 2025
Penn, Matt, Goudeau, Reddi, Paul, and Jacob are back live at The Orleans for Scoopfest 2025! Recapping Penn's trips to the UK and Spain, Piff & Pop's Magic Shoppe is announced, getting lost, Canada t-shirts, dressing room portraits, a novel way to learn English, and lots more.
Program Prevention Department
In this bank episode recorded prior to Penn’s trip to England, Penn finally gets the chance to retell the story of Penn & Teller’s Phobophilia: The Love of Fear. Plus, Penn’s experiment against boredom, Lenny Bruce at The Palladium, Battle of Dreams outtakes, and lots more.
Why Make That Choice?
Penn wonders who’s at his house, a bummed out night in L.A., in depth thoughts on The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere, and lots more.
Paul Provenza - The Right to Die Old
Penn and Matt sit down in Los Angeles with good friend and filmmaker Paul Provenza for an in-depth chat on the 20th anniversary of The Aristocrats, the state of comedy today, remembering Gilbert Gottfried, and lots more.
Fifty Years, Part Two
Part two of Penn and Matt’s conversation recorded live at the Magic Castle with Handsome Jack, Randy Pitchford, and Piff the Magic Dragon. A full breakdown of Penn & Teller's return to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, the correct spelling of Shoppe, juggling yet more objects that were definitely not meant to be juggled, passing the hat, and lots more.
Fifty Years, Part One
Penn and Matt are joined live at the Magic Castle by special guests Handsome Jack, Randy Pitchford, and Piff the Magic Dragon for a full recap of Penn & Teller’s performance at Radio City Music Hall, including a surprise from Pilobolus, a backstage first in 50 years of performing, old hits vs. new hits, Piff’s experiences playing Radio City and the London Palla
A Bucket of Darkness
Reddi Rich shares some conversations from his life that lead to a deeper and meaningful conversation with Penn and Matt on suicidal ideation, what it means to make permanent decisions based on temporary situations, and protecting people from themselves. Then it’s Oil Can time! Penn’s work life balance, Penn & Teller hiding in plain sight onstage, oil filled ped
Monkeyvision
Penn’s vision journey continues with a simian twist, Matt the Mind Noodler and Penn & Teller have very different experiences at Magic Live, Penn opens a time capsule, and lots more.
Better or Worse?
Penn has some big news that can only be shared one way. Plus, Penn & Teller at San Diego Comic Con, Matt's road trip to Arizona, Americans in Scotland, chess strategy, Penn as Houdini's time traveling brother, an interesting Cameo request, and lots more.
La Seltzer's Dirty Joke Shootout
Penn solves the mystery of an absolutely filthy joke that Matt heard years ago, and the episode shoots off like a rocket from there. Magicians in supercars, Penn continues having a blast on the Felony Juggler book tour, Penn & Teller's upcoming show at Radio City by the numbers, how to just be a nice person, and lots more.
Squirrels Hate MILFs
Penn, Matt, and Reddi are joined by Michael Goudeau with a big life update he's taking with all the positivity and humor you'd expect. Surprise guest Dr. Rich Ross is also back to talk secret octopus hunts, Penn's essay for the New York Times, an update on the closed Dylan Museum, a dog that runs really fast, playing Folsom Prison, and more.
Not Open on Tuesday?
The saga of Battle of Dreams continues with maybe the best response possible, Matt shares his thoughts on the upcoming Springsteen biopic and takes his kids to an unexpected Broadway show, Reddi Rich sells something online in the most honest way possible, and Penn is thrown a curveball live on air regarding an upcoming stop on his book tour.
Well I Like To Bring Everything Around to Porn
Matt and Brian Brushwood join Penn and Reddi for a live Q&A as part of a special creator retreat weekend in Austin, TX. New and old scams, more of Penn's thoughts on AI, the fallibility of memory, Penn's writing process, Penn & Teller's evolving position in the world of magic, and lots more.
We’d Like to Say It Could Have Been Worse...
Penn, Matt, and Reddi are back preaching love after Penn got wicked sick last week and THOUGHT he came up with a revelation. The hits kept coming with another derailed Battle of Dreams and possibly the strangest ending ever to the big Penn & Teller show - with a live recap from a special member of the congregation who happened to be in the audience. Plus a follow up on Mat
But This Is a Stupid Thing That I Wanted To Do
Penn, Matt, and Reddi Rich are joined on Zoom by Patreon backers for another exclusive Q&A! The evolution of thinking on taxes, Penn and LOD's origin story, Penn's thoughts on generative AI, knowing when to quit working on a magic trick (including mid-performance!), thoughts on notable magicians and magic during World War II, a morse code update, and more.
Pleasant People and Homemade Potato Chips
Penn heads to Los Angeles and reminisces about Martin Mull, Matt reflects on his early improv and comedy career, returns to the seas for more magic (and maybe dinner?) and lots more.
I Couldn't Hear You In The Dressing Room
Penn rushes the stage in Philadelphia, Matt is assigned a surprising role by Penn, a question from a fan leads to a variety of solutions for magic props that just don't work, a new trick from a familiar friend of the show, and more.
I'll See What I Can Do
Matt performs in San Antonio and hangs out with Tim Jenison, Penn embarks on an epic journey to see Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson at the Hollywood Bowl, and more.
Just Win Baby
Penn & Teller join the Raider Nation, thoughts on the new Pope, Penn's book appearances for his new novel Felony Juggler, Matt moves up to the big room at the Magic Castle, and lots more!
Jane Borden - Cults Like Us
Author Jane Borden joins Penn, Matt, and Reddi on Zoom to discuss her new book Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America, and explore the role and roots of cults in America, the American monomyth, theories on evil, how all of this factors into today's political thinking, and lots more.
He Found His Word
Falling asleep, Groucho Marx facts, The Pitt, Penn on Literally! With Rob Lowe, the AFAN AIDS Walk Las Vegas, and lots more.
Don't forget Penn's new novel, FELONY JUGGLER, out May 6!
This Is Also Show Business
A Battle of Dreams goes sideways, Penn revisits a movie he hated and comes away with a different outlook, Penn & Teller ride the Goodyear Blimp, and more.
I Couldn't Hear My Bass At All!
Wet shows, Reddi Rich on guitar pedals, auditioning with Robert De Niro, Penn goes to the fair, the musical landscape of Penn & Teller Off-Broadway 40 years ago, and more.
He Just Stood There Saying "Oh Dear"
Penn discovers a new app, hangs out with Weird Al, gets interviewed by Jimmy Fallon, says some of the most famous words in sports, and more.
Jonathan Rauch - Cross Purposes
Author Jonathan Rauch is back on the show with his new book, Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy, and a wide-ranging, challenging, and thought-provoking conversation with Penn, Matt, and Reddi about the role of Christianity in America, Christian values from an atheist's viewpoint, and lots more.
Just A Skittle In the Head
The show has a spectacular new website at pennssundayschool.com (complete with new merch!) and the crew has no hope of the show actually living up to it. Matt is back from the Jokers of Magic tour and back out to sea unexpectedly, Penn gets pelted at the movies, The Big Whoop premieres in Los Angeles, and more.
Stop Following Me
Jandro and Piff are back on Zoom for a few listener questions before turning the show back over to Patreon backers for an in-depth Q&A with Penn. Memorable questions and memorable moments onstage, Penn at the airport, bringing Dylan into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and more.
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