Podcasts geek out about Bond, movies, celebs

They keep us company while we drive, work and work out. They're also among the best things to happen in the 21st Century to radio junkies like me.

I am talking about podcasts, and here are some I've been enjoying lately. Each is available via iTunes or the websites listed below.

James Bonding: From our friends at the multimedia giant known as Nerdist Industries comes this treasure chest of all things 007. Comedian Matt Mira and writer Matt Gourley dissect every film in the James Bond canon in this periodic podcast that started with episodes on 2012's "Skyfall" and 1962's "Dr. No" and is working its way to the middle. These are not shows for the casual fan; episodes run as long as two hours and are packed with trivia, audio clips from the films and cheeky humor. Start with the episode on Sean Connery's final official Bond film, "Diamonds Are Forever," featuring guest star Doug Benson. (Available at nerdist.com.)

Doug Loves Movies: Speaking of Doug Benson ... his long-running, successful podcast consists of little more than celebrity guests playing movie trivia games, but recent shows have gotten an injection of hilarity from "Mark Wahlberg" - that is, comic Dan Van Kirk's impression of Mark Wahlberg. The faux Funky Bunch refugee is often funnier than Doug and his guests, and is best enjoyed in the Aug. 29 episode that also features former "SNL" cast member Abby Elliott. (Available at dlm.libsyn.com)

Kathy Griffin on WTF: Marc Maron's WTF podcast is among the medium's most popular, and his Sept. 11 show with Oak Park native Griffin is a must-listen. Her no-holds-barred standup shows that focus on celebrity gossip are an acquired taste, but in a confessional interview setting she is alternately riveting and hilarious. She has so many great stories that you almost wish Marc would invite her back every few months. (Available at wtfpod.com.)

Welcome back, Pee-Wee

Pee-wee Herman, Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, Reba the Mail Lady, The King of Cartoons and all of their puppet friends are coming back to your TV thanks to the complete Blu-ray release of "Pee-wee's Playhouse." Paul Reubens' wacky, tacky and altogether joyous children's show was a hit with adults, too, and now grown-ups like you and me can watch all 45 episodes in high-definition. (Oh, I guess we could share them with the kids in the family, too.)

I'll never forget laughing with my dad at Pee-wee's unlikely wedding ceremony. "I just love fruit salad!" / "Well, Pee-wee, if you love it so much, why don't you marry it?" / "OK! I WILL!"

The $150 retail price is a bit daunting, but that's what online sales and holiday lists are for. (www.amazon.com)

• Sean Stangland is a Daily Herald copy editor and tireless consumer of pop culture. You can follow him on Twitter at @SeanStanglandDH.