It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia kicks off its fourth season Thursday, and I'm happy to report it hasn't changed a bit.

In this week's podcast, you'll hear my interview with stars/executive producers Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day. They preview upcoming episodes, which include a Charlie-penned musical about the "Night Man" and a trip back to 1776. They talk about their new sci-fi comedy series for Fox, which will be set on a spaceship. And they reveal their dream guest star: Kurt Russell.

"We're just waiting for him to call us and say he wants to be on the show," Day says. "We would write something fantastic for him."

The gang also discusses what it's like to work with director Fred Savage and how they manage to keep the series fresh.

"For me, I think there's an element of surprise that's missing in a lot of comedy these days," Howerton says. "I think people have gotten very comfortable and complacent with a certain formula, and I think in order for something to be truly, genuinely funny, it needs to be surprising on some level. We're just constantly trying to surprise each other and go to those strange, dark weird places."

Also this week: You'll hear some punk rock from Brimstone Howl and a tune from Koufax's great new album, Strugglers, out Sept. 23. Also, I play a new song from the talented Joseph Arthur. He releases Temporary People with the Lonely Astronauts Sept. 30.

Hear it now:

- Download the free podcast from iTunes (and subscribe!)

- Stream the podcast

Thanks for listening! I appreciate it, and I am sending you a telepathic handshake in gratitude.