Every Tuesday night at 8pm EST, Tom Scharpling hosts the legendary “Best Show on WFMU” for three hours of what he describes as “mirth, music and mayhem.” The Best Show is essentially a free-form call in show populated by talented comedians and musicians, regular folk and an assortment of characters voiced by Jon Wurster.

The unpredictable nature of the program can result in hilarious riffing between guests, moderating a debate between an aspiring radio host and a puppet, or Tom singing “All By Myself” on repeat for a sizable portion of the show. It is never boring, and Tom’s curmudgeonly persona has made the show a landmark in radio comedy.

Tonight is Tom Scharpling’s birthday and to celebrate, he is hosting a six hour edition of the show that will feature guests like John Hodgman. If you have the time, listen live tonight. Or check out podcasts of the show on iTunes or archived streams at WFMU. There is even a greatest hits podcast, Best Show Gems to catch up on classic phone calls from the show.

This show gets me through so many road trips. My father insists that I play it whenever I drive him somewhere.

Here is a taste of the show that John Hodgman posted on his tribute to Scharpling: