On this week’s show, the panel falls for Anora, a new movie from writer-director Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project) that’s as arrestingly tender as it is sexy, funny, and unpredictable. The whirlwind Cinderella story won the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year, and will likely become an Oscar frontrunner due to its star-making performances and humanistic depiction of life on the margins and sex work. One host calls it “the best American movie in the past 25 years.” Then, the three discuss Matlock, a gender-swapped reboot on CBS starring Kathy Bates. With huge viewership numbers and decent critical success, is the quirky legal procedural proof that network television is so, so back?‌‌ Finally, our trio turns their attention to Hearing Things, a new site for independent music journalism run (and owned by) a group of former Pitchfork writers.In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the hosts explore their thoughts and feelings about Halloween costumes. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:Steve:‌ “Two Don Quixote Lyrics”‌ by W. H. Auden.Julia:‌‌ Hampton Heights, an excellent novel by Supreme Friend of the Pod (SFOP)‌ Dan Kois.Dana:‌ In honor of her new oven, a recipe for Roasted Cod and Potatoes. Also in honor of Dana’s recent appliance upgrade, an oven recipe from Julia and Stephen respectively:‌ Sheet-Pan Sausages and Brussels Sprouts With Honey Mustard and Roasted Kale and Sweet Potatoes With Eggs.Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Disclosure: A Bond Account is a self-directed brokerage account with Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Deposits into this account are used to purchase 10 investment-grade and high-yield bonds. As of 9/26/24, the average, annualized yield to worst (YTW) across the Bond Account is greater than 6%. A bond’s yield is a function of its market price, which can fluctuate; therefore, a bond’s YTW is not “locked in” until the bond is purchased, and your yield at time of purchase may be different from the yield shown here. The “locked in” YTW is not guaranteed; you may receive less than the YTW of the bonds in the Bond Account if you sell any of the bonds before maturity or if the issuer defaults on the bond. Public Investing charges a markup on each bond trade. See our Fee Schedule. Bond Accounts are not recommendations of individual bonds or default allocations. The bonds in the Bond Account have not been selected based on your needs or risk profile. See https://public.com/disclosures/bond-account to learn more.

On this week’s show, Julia and Stephen are joined by Slate writer and senior editor, Sam Adams. Why do we tell fictional stories about real people?‌ The panel ponders this question as they discuss two biopics: The Apprentice and Saturday Night. The Apprentice is an uncanny portrait of Donald Trump, a young striver under the tutelage – and spell – of his mentor, Roy Cohn. But does the film offer any new information or ideas? Saturday Night, on the other hand, is the often obnoxious tale of the frenetic 90-minute countdown before Saturday Night Live’s first broadcast in 1975. Finally, the panel is joined by The Atlantic staff writer Charlie Warzel to discuss his recent and prescient piece, “I’m Running Out of Ways to Explain How Bad This Is.”In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses f*cking profanity, a conversation inspired by a listener question from Jonathan. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:Sam: Separated, a documentary by Errol Morris. (Read Sam’s review here.)Julia: Ten, Nine, Eight, a wonderful children’s book by Molly Bang. Steve: Laura Miller’s book review of Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell for Slate. Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.

On this week’s show, Dana and Stephen are joined by Supreme Friend of the Podcast (SFOP) Isaac Butler, author of The Method:‌ How the Twentieth Century Learned to‌ Act. The trio first explores The Wild Robot, DreamWork Animation’s handcrafted, lovingly made film that’s the surprise of the year. Lupita Nyong’o voices ROZ, an old-fashioned robot powered by supremely advanced A.I. who must learn about and adapt to her new wild surroundings.Then, they dissect Nobody Wants This, a new Netflix series starring Kristen Bell (who plays a sex podcaster) and Adam Brody as a hot rabbi. Although there are obvious charms, the show’s “will they, won’t they” rom-com beats can often feel, at best, gratingly familiar, and at worst, bizarre and unthoughtful, particularly in its portrayal of Jewish women. Finally, the Criterion Collection, is “a catalog so synonymous with cinematic achievement that it has come to function as a kind of film Hall of Fame,” writes Joshua Hunt for The New York Times. The panel dives into the wonderful world of ‘Closet Picks,’ a viral video format in which celebrities and movie buffs head into the Criterion Collection stockroom and pluck high-quality DVDs and Blu-rays off its shelves while explaining their personal significance. Also mentioned in this episode:‌“The Wild Robot Has an Intelligence That’s Anything But Artificial” by Dana Stevens for Slate.“‘Nobody Wants This’ Pits Jewish Women Against ‘Shiksas.’ Nobody Wins.” By Jessica Grose for The New York Times.In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel extols the joys of being on the ground. Inspired by Chris Black’s column for GQ, “How I Learned to Love a Layover,” the trio discusses how they spend their time in airports. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:Dana:‌ “Abbas Kiarostami’s Childhood Films,”‌ a collection of 17 films by the renowned Iranian filmmaker made about or for children.Isaac:‌ The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, directed by Isao Takahata.Stephen:‌ “The Song That Connects Jackson Browne, Nico and Margot Tenenbaum”‌ by Bob Mehr for The New York Times.Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. 

On this week’s show, the hosts are joined by a very special fourth panelist: Wesley Morris, a critic at The New York Times and the host of The Wonder of Stevie, a new podcast on Audible. First, the quartet explores The Substance, a lurid, monstrous body horror flick by writer-director Coralie Fargeat. Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading Hollywood icon who is so repulsed by the idea of aging, that she purchase a black-market drug known as “the substance.”‌ The film caused a commotion at Cannes this year, where audience members reportedly walked out in disgust and the remaining crowd gave it a 13-minute standing ovation. Then, the panel dives into The Wonder of Stevie with its host. The new six-part Audible series explores the career of Stevie Wonder and “uncovers the untold story of an extraordinary artistic journey that shaped the greatest creative era in popular music history.”‌ On the show, Wesley is joined by guests including Barack and Michelle Obama, Questlove, Smokey Robinson, and more. Finally, the hosts discuss A.I. slop and the onslaught of online garbage and language model detritus. This conversation was inspired by Max Read’s piece for New York Magazine, “Drowning in Slop.”‌In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Wesley Morris sticks around for a classic Slate spoiler special, and joins the hosts in dissecting The Substance and the film’s controversial, bloody, and borderline nauseating third act. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:Dana: Stevie Wonder and Gilbert Gil performing live in Brazil in 1995.Julia:‌ Today on Trail, Rusty Foster’s spin-off newsletter miniseries about hiking the Appalachian Trail with his son.Stephen:‌ British singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya’s album, My Method Actor.Wesley: Vote for your favorite songs of the past 25 years, and add to WXPN radio’s definitive list of the “885 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century.”‌Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.Disclosure: A Bond Account is a self-directed brokerage account with Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Deposits into this account are used to purchase 10 investment-grade and high-yield bonds. As of 9/26/24, the average, annualized yield to worst (YTW) across the Bond Account is greater than 6%. A bond’s yield is a function of its market price, which can fluctuate; therefore, a bond’s YTW is not “locked in” until the bond is purchased, and your yield at time of purchase may be different from the yield shown here. The “locked in” YTW is not guaranteed; you may receive less than the YTW of the bonds in the Bond Account if you sell any of the bonds before maturity or if the issuer defaults on the bond. Public Investing charges a markup on each bond trade. See our Fee Schedule. Bond Accounts are not recommendations of individual bonds or default allocations. The bonds in the Bond Account have not been selected based on your needs or risk profile. See https://public.com/disclosures/bond-account to learn more.

On this week’s show, two of our favorite Slate-sters, Nadira Goffe (culture writer)‌ and Dan Kois (author of Hampton Heights), fill in for Dana Stevens and Stephen Metcalf. The trio first pays a visit to Gotham, and reviews Max’s The Penguin, an odd, unevenly paced mob show that doubles as DC Comics intellectual property. Sporting a prosthetic face, Colin Farrell reprises his role as the titular character (also known as Oz Cobb) and adds a new layer of humanity to the villainous Penguin. Then, the three discuss Sundance darling My Old Ass, a charming coming-of-age film by writer-director Megan Park, in which teenage Elliot (played by Maisy Stella) meets her future self (Aubrey Plaza) while tripping on shrooms. Finally, the panel tackles Am I The Asshole?‌‌ and explores the classic Reddit forum’s many pleasures. Mentioned in this episode:‌ Colin Farrell’s Long Waddle to The Penguin (Isaac Butler, Slate.) In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses Robert Caro’s The Power Broker with staff writer Henry Grabar, who in his essay, “Read Another Book,” offers a counterpoint to the weighty tome: maybe it’s OK to skip this one.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Nadira: Sean Wang’s film Dìdi; a playlist of metaphorically violent songs, inspired by Charli XCX’s “Sympathy is a Knife.”‌ (Also, if anyone has any intel on “Life Is a Death Wish”‌ or Golden Age Ensemble, please reach out!) Dan:‌ Thank Goodness, an extremely funny video game.‌ Available on most gaming platforms. (He also strongly recommends watching this video about the game’s developers!) Julia:‌‌ ColorKu, a vibrant and beautiful puzzle game. Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by reviewing one of Netflix’s hottest movies at the moment, Rebel Ridge. Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge is a revenge thriller that tackles the very real issue of civil asset forfeiture. And while the film’s cleverness is up for debate, the panel agrees on one thing: the star of Rebel Ridge, Aaron Pierre, is fantastic (“each of his eyes deserves a special Oscar nod,”‌ describes Steve.)‌ Then, the trio explores His Three Daughters, a tear-jerking death-watch drama that follows three estranged sisters trapped in a claustrophobic New York City apartment. The film is written and directed by Azazel Jacobs and stars Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon. Finally, musician and Friend of the Pod Franz Nicolay joins to discuss his new book, Band People:‌ Life and Work in Popular Music.  In the exclusive Slate Plus bonus episode, the panel is joined by Slate staff writer Nitish Pahwa to discuss the fate of the Internet Archive and controlled digital lending.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Inspired by today’s Plus conversation, Dana endorses the Media History Digital Library, “a conservation and access project for historical printed materials related to cinema, broadcasting and recorded sound,” hosted on the Internet Archive. Julia:‌‌ An actually good protein bar:‌ Papa Steve’s No Junk Protein Bar. Steve:‌ Colm Tóibín’s essay on James Baldwin for The New York Review, “The Pitch of Passion.” Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts revisit Beetlejuice (1988), the seminal film that marked Tim Burton’s arrival onto the scene as a sort of grim fairy tale teller. 36 years later, the director and much of the original cast return for its sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a surprisingly sincere tale about the nature of death and grieving. Or, is it a total mess?‌‌ The hosts discuss. Then, the three dive into English Teacher,‌‌ a hilarious new FX‌ series in which Brian Jordan Alvarez (previously known for online comedies like The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo)‌ plays Evan Marquez, a high school English teacher in Austin, Texas. Finally, chat podcasts (like the one you’re listening to right now)‌ are like dating and improv – to work, they necessitate a certain level of chemistry, intimacy, and vulnerability. The hosts are joined by New York Times culture critic Reggie Ugwu to discuss his recent piece, “What Makes Good Chemistry?‌ For Chat Podcasts, It’s Fundamental,”‌ as well as the Gabfest’s early days, the hosts first impressions of one another, and how they went about building their own unique rapport.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Julia joins last week’s productivity discourse and widens its scope, and the hosts discuss the nature of “hacking life” and how our relationship to productivity reflects current American ideals.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana:‌ A‌ spice shop that’s been in the news:‌ Penzeys Spices, in Pittsburgh. Check out Helen Rosner’s 2018 piece on the shop for The New Yorker, as well as Penzey’s sweet and spicy Cake Spice. Steve: Howard’s End, a novel by E.M. Forster. Julia: A‌ two-parter:‌ (1) The single best piece of criticism about Avatar:‌ The Way of Water, performed by English Teacher cast member Jordan Firstman (it’s the second slide in the Instagram reel). (2)‌ Season 8, episode 5 of Frasier entitled ‌“Taking Liberties.”‌ Victor Garber is a hilarious guest star – this is Frasier at his best. Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Slate’s books and culture columnist, Laura Miller, sits in for Julia. The panel begins with KAOS, Netflix’s new series that reimagines Greek mythology in modern times. Created by Charlie Covell (End of the F***ing World), KAOS stars Jeff Goldblum as Zeus, alongside a host of excellently cast deities. But is the show too self-satisfied and high off its own supply?‌ The three investigate. Then, they dive into Close Your Eyes, a Spanish film made by Victor Erice (The Spirit of the Beehive)‌. After 30 years away from the medium, the filmmaker returns with a beautiful meditation on the nature of art and identity. Finally, the hosts contemplate Spotify: is the streaming service a glorious cornucopia or the algorithm that ate your music?‌ This conversation is inspired by this essay by Tiffany Ng for the MIT‌ Technology Review:‌ “How to break free of Spotify’s algorithm.”‌ In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel hacks productivity, inspired by a recent episode of Vergecast, “What’s in a productivity system?” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Motivated by Choire Sicha’s review for The Strategist, Dana’s endorsement this week is a goofy desk timer:‌ the mooas Dodecagon Time Ball Mini Timer.  Laura:‌ Entitlement by Rumaan Alam, a novel that’s to be published soon.  Steve:‌ “Never Going Back Again,”‌ a song off of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album, performed by Lindsey Buckingham. Steve’s currently learning to play it on the guitar, which gave him a newfound appreciation of the song itself. Make sure to check out Buckingham’s performance at USC. Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by reviewing Bad Monkey, a breezy new crime drama on Apple TV+ starring Vince Vaughn as a former police officer turned health inspector. It’s everything a summer show should be: laid-back, easy on the eyes, and set in warm, sunny Florida. Then, speaking of returns, the panel turns back the clock and tackles Homicide:‌ Life on the Street, a groundbreaking cop show that debuted in 1993 and is now available to stream on Peacock. Finally, the trio considers A.I. in the arts, inspired by Curtis Sittenfeld’s guest essay for The New York Times:‌ “An Experiment in Lust, Regret and Kissing.”‌ In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses the experience of dropping your children off at college.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Close Your Eyes, a film written and directed by Victor Erice.  Julia: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld.  Steve: The entire state of California.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Rebecca Onion and Jenny Zhang fill in for Stephen. First, the panel tackles HBO’s Industry. The show is in its third season and has seen a huge increase in viewership. But is it a show worth of the coveted Sunday night timeslot? Then, they explore Alien: Romulus, a new addition to Xenomorph lore, with a controversial cameo. Finally, the panel talks about Sephora, beauty culture and tweens in a conversation inspired by Jia Tolentino’s new essay What Tweens Get from Sephora and What They Get From Us.  On this week’s exclusive Slate Plus bonus episode, the panel talks about watching horror movies as a critic.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: REBECCA: Two endorsements: First, Health and Safety: A Breakdown by Emily Witt. This memoir from a New Yorker writer is a fascinating look at “changing perceptions of life.” Second, pistachio milk. It’s tasty.  JULIA: This week’s Hang Up and Listen marks the end of an era. “What a gift this show has been.”  DANA: The Review of Beauty, a substack from Jessica Delfino. Dana knows she may have endorsed it in the past, but given the third topic this week it is too fitting to not mention it again.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, Rebecca Onion, Jenny Zhang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, June Thomas (author of A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Shaped Queer Women’s Culture) and Dan Kois (author of Hampton Heights) fill in for Dana and Stephen. First, the panel tackles It Ends With Us starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni (the latter also directed and produced the film.) It’s a big, glossy melodrama laced with a domestic violence plot, and is the first film adaptation of BookTok star author Colleen Hoover. Then, the three explore Time Bandits, a new television show from Jermaine Clement, Iain Morris, and Taika Watiti starring, among others, a sublime Lisa Kudrow. The Apple TV+ series is based on Terry Gilliam’s 1981 film of the same name and follows a ragtag bunch of bandits as they thieve and travel through time. Finally, in light of its 20-year anniversary, the trio considers Yelp – does the crowd-sourcing review platform still hold power in 2024? This conversation was inspired by Jaya Saxena’s Eater piece, “Everybody Gets a Star.” On this week’s exclusive Slate Plus bonus episode, the panel goes on the hunt for the wonderful, elusive “perfect cracker.” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: JUNE: A very well-reviewed book from two years ago: Katheine Rundell’s Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne. DAN: The Ministry for the Future: A Novel by Kim Stanley Robinson. JULIA: First Class Tailors on Wilshire Blvd., which boasts a 4.7 Star rating on Yelp. Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts June Thomas, Dan Kois, Julia Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, it’s the return of a Cultfest favorite: The Annual Summer Strut Episode! As per tradition, the panel is joined by Slate’s pop music critic and chart analyst (and host of the podcast Hit Parade) Chris Molanphy to celebrate his tenth (!!) year of Summer Strutting —before the four dive into their favorite picks from this year’s massive playlist, populated with song recommendations from our lovely listeners.  You can find the panel’s collective favorites here, at the Summer Strut ‘24 Shortlist. In addition, Dana, Julia, and Stephen, have also published their personal best-of lists.  Brave listeners are welcome to explore the enormous original playlist here.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel breezes through two additional lightning rounds of Strut picks, including a very cool, pastiche track from the Avalanches called “Because I’m Me.”  Email us at [email protected].  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel is joined by Jamelle Bouie (New York Times Opinion columnist and Friend of the Pod) to discuss Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel’s R-rated superhero flick starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman that’s dominating at the box office. Then the four assess the onslaught of Kamala Harris memes sweeping the internet right now and the role social media will play in this year’s upcoming election. Finally, Julia, Dana, and Steve puzzle over Eno, a new documentary chronicling Brian Eno’s 50-year career as a visionary musician and artist that’s different every time it’s shown.  Mentioned in this episode:  “Deadpool’s obnoxious gay panic humour is a tiresome schoolyard taunt” (Guy Lodge, The Guardian. July 26, 2024.) Upcoming screenings of Eno In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel answers a listener question from Rob about assigned seating in movie theaters.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Stephen: Team USA’s pommel horse stallion, Stephen Nedoroscik, and his flawless routine at the 2024 Olympics.  Julia: An upcoming exhibit at the National Gallery of Art: “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment.” Dana: The Decameron on Netflix.   Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel gets swept up by Twisters, and begins by discussing director Lee Isaac Chung’s standalone sequel starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones. (For the record, the original 1996 disaster flick, Twister, is a near-perfect, Gabfest-approved comfort watch). Sure, Chung’s reboot isn’t as weird as the original, and the modern-day renderings of completely plausible natural disasters are alarming, but Twisters did what it was supposed to do: deliver a good, generic summer movie where Glen Powell can be, well, Glen Powell. (Read Dana’s review! And Sam Adam’s take on the film’s approach to climate change.) Then, the three dissect Sorry Not Sorry, a documentary from the New York Times that examines Louis C.K.'s public fall from grace in 2017 and the comic’s recent comeback, but disappointingly offers little new insight. Finally, the trio tackles gambling and its increasing presence in modern life, inspired by an essay by Christine Emba for The Atlantic. “Suddenly, gambling seems to be everywhere,” Emba writes. “This sort of vice creep, a societal normalization of what used to be seen as unsavory habits—gambling, smoking marijuana, watching porn—is accelerated by people’s addiction to devices, in this case giving casual bettors the tools to become compulsive wagerers and easing the way for gambling to become a constant part of life.”  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses a recent New York Times interactive and dives deep into their relationships with the grocery store. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements: Dana: Inspired by today’s gambling segment, Dana endorses Owning Mahowny, director Richard Kwietniowski 2003 film based on the true story of a Toronto bank employee (played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman) who embezzled more than $10 million to feed his gambling addiction.  Julia: An open call! Please send Julia your recommendations for great children’s books that discuss the weather or the changing seasons to [email protected]. (And read Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson!) Stephen: “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo,” a set of 118 woodblocks by 19th century Japanese landscape master Utagawa Hiroshige, which is currently on display at the Brooklyn Museum through August 4th.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel begins by dissecting Longlegs, director Osgood Perkin’s viral horror movie starring Nicolas Cage that’s sweeping the box office. Aided by a clever marketing campaign, Longlegs is undoubtedly the summer’s “you gotta see it” horror flick, but does the Silence of the Lambs copycat live up to the hype? Then, the three jump (or is it herkie?) into Greg Whiteley’s latest docuseries, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which follows the Texan squad from auditions through the grueling NFL season, revealing a quietly devastating portrait of worker exploitation and modern femininity along the way. Finally, the trio is joined by Slate critic Laura Miller to parse through an extreme controversy in the literary world: Last week, Alice Munro’s daughter, Andrea Skinner, published an Op-Ed in the Toronto Star detailing the sexual abuse she suffered as a young girl at the hands of her stepfather – abuse that the Nobel Prize-winning author had known about, but chose to ignore. (Read Laura’s essay for Slate; check out the Star’s reported piece.) In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel rips into Longlegs and all of its glorious plot holes in a classic spoiler special.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Stephen: Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle and this essay by Anna Leskiewicz for The New York Review: “The Small-Girl’s Proust.” Dana: In honor of Shelley Duvall (who passed away last week), a two-part endorsement: (1) Austin Film Society’s tribute to Duvall, which premiered at the 2020 Texas Film Awards. (2) Watching a Shelley Duvall movie that’s new to you! (Dana suggests Brewster McCloud directed by Robert Altman.) Julia: A special Scandi-Candy report: (1) Norway’s national candy, Kvikk Lunsj, which carries the reputation of a Snickers bar in that part of the world and sports the Fjellvettreglene (Norwegian for “the mountain code”) on the wrapper’s back. (2) Fredag Slik, or “Friday sweets,” a Danish tradition where families head to the candy store together at the end of the week. Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, June Thomas (co-host of Slate’s Working podcast and the author of A Place of Our Own) sits in for Julia Turner. The panel first explores The Bear, now in its third season, and questions whether Christopher Storer’s beast has become too self-aware. Then, they discuss Fancy Dance, a profoundly moving film by Native writer-director Erica Tremblay starring Lily Gladstone that’s equal parts road movie, crime procedural, and family drama. Finally, the trio dives deep into their personal relationships with app culture, inspired by Mark Hill’s essay for Slate, “I’m Tired of Using An App For Everything.” In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel answers a listener question from James: “As you get older, how do you keep yourself open to new interests, experiences, and ideas? To put it negatively, how do you avoid becoming an old crank?” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: June: A particularly moving video that's making the rounds on social media, in which a large crowd of supporters gather at Carmarthen Railway in Wales to send off Plaid's Anne Davies and sing her the Welsh national anthem.  Steve: "I Know It's Over" by The Smiths.  Dana: Patti Smith reading Fernando Pessoa (or to be more precise, Álvaro de Campos) at the Casa Fernando Pessoa museum in Lisbon.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, June Thomas, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Dan Kois (author of Vintage Contemporaries and the upcoming Hampton Heights) and Laura Miller (Slate’s books and culture columnist and author of The Magician’s Book) fill in for Julia and Dana. The panel is first joined by Carl Wilson, Slate’s music critic and the author of Let’s Talk About Love, to parse through I Am: Celine Dion, a new documentary on Prime Video. Directed by Oscar-nominated director Irene Taylor, I Am: Celine Dion chronicles the French Canadian singer’s private battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, an illness that has stripped away Dion’s ability to sing – and with it, her identity. Then, the three explore A Family Affair, Netflix’s wish fulfillment rom-com for middle-aged women starring Zac Efron, Joey King, and Nicole Kidman (plus a whole lot of Plasticine.) Finally, they dive into the world of aesthetics, inspired by Erin Schwartz’s essay for The Cut, “In Defense of Calling Everything an Aesthetic.”  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel looks into “The Vexing Problem of the ‘Medium Friend’” by Lisa Miller for The New York Times.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dan: All Fours by Miranda July.  Laura: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley.  Stephen: “Art and Memory” by Julian Barnes for London Review of Books.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.   Hosts Stephen Metcalf, Dan Kois, Laura Miller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Isaac Butler (co-host of Slate’s Working podcast and the author of The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act) sits in for Julia Turner. The panel first turns their attention to Ren Faire, HBO’s three-part documentary chronicling the surreal power struggle at the heart of America’s largest renaissance festival. Director Lance Oppenheim (Spermworld, Some Kind of Heaven) presents an extraordinary window into the fantastical world, capturing a very specific moment in late-stage capitalism in which society returns to feudalism. Then, the three inspect Janet Planet, Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright Annie Baker’s film debut. Like Baker’s theater work, Janet Planet–a loosely autobiographical tale revolving around an 11-year-old girl named Lacy (played by Zoe Ziegler) and her mother, Janet (played by Julianne Nicholson)–pushes naturalism to the extreme, an approach that some critics love and others, some even on this very panel, abhor. Finally, the great Canadian actor Donald Sutherland died this past week at the age of 88. His career spanned over six decades, but his immense talents weren’t always immediately obvious. To honor Sutherland and his body of work, each host re-watched a favorite film of theirs: Don’t Look Now, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Six Degrees of Separation.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel reflects on their relationship to giving and receiving criticism, inspired by Arthur C. Brooks’s article for The Atlantic, “How to Take–And Give–Criticism Well.” Email us at [email protected].  It’s the last week to submit songs for Summer Strut! The final deadline is July 1st. Send your struttiest songs to [email protected].  Endorsements: Stephen: I, Claudius and Claudius the God by Robert Graves.  Isaac: Any Person Is the Only Self: Essays by Elisa Gabbert. Dana: Inspired by Janet Planet: The Roche’s 1979 self-titled album and specifically, “Hammond Song.” Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.    Hosts Dana Stephens, Isaac Butler, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, the hosts excavate the psyche and begin by exploring Inside Out 2, a sophisticated children’s movie that tackles the question on every kid’s mind: How does one go about crafting a highly integrated ego? A bevy of new emotions join the motley crew living inside of our teenage protagonist Riley’s mind, most notably Anxiety, voiced brilliantly by Maya Hawke. The film, a sequel to Pixar’s 2015 Academy Award-winner, is filled with wisdom about developmental psychology, but finds itself in murky waters when indirectly tackling issues of free will and the power of the unconscious mind. Then, the panel probes the mind of Andrew McCarthy, whose recent documentary Brats (not to be confused with the new Charli XCX joint) reveals the inner workings of the “Brat Pack,” a term coined by David Blum in a New York Magazine cover story published in 1985. A lifelong member of the “Brat Pack,” McCarthy attempts to reconcile his relationship to the infamous label alongside others who fell under it, including Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, and Emilio Estevez, in a surprisingly personal and peculiar documentary that’s quite revealing of McCarthy – either intentionally or not. Finally, the trio considers Google, the tech giant and the subject of Kyle Chayka’s piece for The New Yorker, “Is Google S.E.O. Gaslighting the Internet?” Chayka’s article sparks a larger conversation about the oversized role search engines have played in our lives and in our understanding of the internet, and comes at a time when Google plans to further integrate A.I. into Search Engine Optimization (S.E.O.) and eliminate the need for writers, journalists, and news organizations. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel answers an excellent listener request from Rachael: “Discuss your favorite content from the early Internet days, before it became a toxic wasteland.”  Email us at [email protected].  We’re also accepting Summer Strut submissions until July 1st! Send your strut-worthy songs to [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: The wonderful documentary Being Mary Tyler Moore, which you can stream on Max, Hulu, and Prime Video, among others. Julia: Sam Anderson’s new podcast, Animal.  Stephen: A callback to last week’s episode – the song was “Ballad of the Runaway Horse” performed by Emmylou Harris and written by… Leonard Cohen! (Under the original name, “Ballad of the Absent Mare.”) He also endorses Stereophonic, which just won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Play.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Dan Kois (writer at Slate and author of Hampton Heights: One Harrowing Night in the Most Haunted Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) fills in for Dana Stevens. The hosts begin by exploring the latest addition to the Star Wars canon, The Acolyte, created by Leslye Headland (Russian Doll). Amandla Sternberg and Lee Jung-jae lead the who-dunnit mystery, and while there is a lot to admire about the show’s visuals and depiction of the Master Jedi, The Acolyte often sags under the baggage of the vast Star Wars mythology and suffers from fundamental pacing problems. Then, the three tackle Godzilla Minus One, a genius and emotionally rich parable about wounded masculinity and the national trauma felt in a post-WWII Japan. The kaiju film, released at the end of last year, won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 2023, and immediately shot to No. 1 on Netflix when it hit the streaming service last week. Finally, the panel is joined by Dan Charnas (author of Dilla Time and The Big Payback) to discuss Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” and his very sharply framed piece for Slate, “The Musical History Lesson Buried Beneath the Song of the Summer.”  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel tackles: children’s birthday parties. To plan, or not to plan, that is the question!  Email us at [email protected].  We’re taking Summer Strut submissions! Send your strutty-est songs to [email protected].  Endorsements: Dan: The quick-witted, joke-packed pleasures of Girls5eva season 3.  Julia: (1) Ambition Monster: A Memoir by Jennifer Romolini; (2) Dan Charna’s playlist, “The Genre With No Name.”  Stephen: (1) Who wrote this song?; (2) Abdullah Ibrahim’s "Solotude." Podcast production by Kevin Bendis. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts: Dan Kois, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by asking the question: What even is Garfield? Jim Davis’ overfed, Monday-hating (even though he’s jobless) cultural figure first appeared in comic strips in the late 1970s, and since then, has been surprisingly resilient, most recently conquering the summer box-office with The Garfield Movie. But who is Garfield, and more perhaps more importantly, why is he a thing? To answer these questions, each host watched (or endured) a different Garfield entity, including Garfield: The Movie (2004), Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006), and the latest film starring Chris Pratt as the titular cat. Then, the three discuss suspense and its nature in relation to fiction, inspired by Kathryn Schulz’s essay for The New Yorker, “The Secrets of Suspense.” It’s a curious, fantastic essay that questions the human impulse to know what happens next. Finally, it’s a visit from the Gabfest’s oldest and closest Friend of the Pod, June Thomas, who speaks with the panel about her essential new book, A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Shaped Queer Women’s Culture.  In the exclusive slate Plus segment, the hosts answer a listener question from Evana: “What is a cultural reference that really bugs Steve/Julia/Dana when they see/hear it being misused or misinterpreted?” We’re taking submissions for Summer Strut 2024! Send up to three songs that you find particularly strut-worthy to [email protected].  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: A wonderful documentary on Apple TV+, From Caligari to Hitler: German Cinema in the Age of the Masses.  Julia: Koeze’s Cream-Nut All-Natural Peanut Butter (with no added sugar!) Stephen: The musical stylings of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Read a profile on the duo: “How Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Held Onto Optimism” by Hanif Abdurraqib for The New York Times. Listen to their songs, “Beautiful Boy” and “Picasso,” and check out the YouTube video, “Getting Started with Licks & Fills in the style of Dave Rawlings.”  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by jumping into Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a prequel to George Miller’s 2015 Fury Road, in which Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Furiosa, an arachnid beauty who’s stolen as a child and becomes a wasteland road warrior. She’s a “strong, silent type,” typical of the action film genre, but does that trope mean something different with a female protagonist in 2024? The panel discusses. (Read Dana’s review of Furiosa!) Then, the three chat Hit Man, Richard Linklater’s latest starring Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a college professor who moonlights as a fake gunman for hire. It’s a delightful rom-com tucked within a thriller—a romantic thriller, if you will–that manages to feel like a hangout film despite its ridiculous premise. (Read Dana’s review of Hat Man!) Finally, ScarJo or FauxJo? Tech journalist and author of Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech Brian Merchant joins the panel to parse through Silicon’s Valley’s latest scandal: Scarlett Johansson accusing ChatGPT of stealing her voice for its new interface program. (Read Brian’s newsletter about it!) In the exclusive slate Plus segment, the hosts answer an excellent listener question from Michael Schulman: What fictional works of art-within-the-art would you most want to see on their own? Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: An interview between Richard Linklater and Skip Hollandsworth, whose stories Linklater adapted in the films Bernie and Hit Man, for Texas Monthly.  Julia: Monopoly Deal, a well-designed family card game.  Stephen: A poem by Janet Frame, “Scarlet Tanager, Saratoga Springs” which was featured on the Yumi Zouma song, “Lie Like You Want Me Back - Alternative Version.” Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by reviewing Babes, Pamela Adlon’s (Better Things, Louie) directorial feature debut starring Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau. Through raunch-comedy and body horror, Babes explores childbirth and pregnancy through a refreshingly unromanticized lens, but does it succeed as a drama? Then, the three switch gears and turn to Interview With the Vampire, AMC’s Anne Rice adaptation that’s now in its second season. What a weird show! The series–starring Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac and Eric Bogosian as the titular cynical interviewer–brings the novel’s queer subtext to the surface, and is camp in every sense of the word. Finally, the trio is joined by Mikael Wood, the Los Angeles Times’ pop music critic to discuss Billie Eilish’s latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. (You can read Wood’s review here.) Produced with her brother Finneas, Hit Me Hard and Soft offers a new way of thinking about the 22-year-old, and features songs like “Birds of a Feather” and “Lunch,” a fun, lusty track about being into girls.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel answers a question from long-time listener, James: “What things that you love have you been introduced to by advertising?” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: This week’s endorsement comes with a brag: Dana’s daughter is going to Julliard! Through that, they discovered the wonderful documentary, Creating a Character: The Moni Yakim Legacy.  Julia: Two clarifications and an extremely sumptuous sweater recommendation. First, the fashion Substacks mentioned on a previous episode were I Want to be Her!, Girls of a Certain Age, and Blackbird Spyplane. Second, a wool sweater from Dana Lee Brown.  Stephen: The Time of the Last Persecution, an album by the English singer-songwriter Bill Fay, released in 1971.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by dissecting The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the fourth chapter in the Apes franchise. Set “many generations” in the future, the latest installment (directed by Wes Ball and starring Owen Teague) is an undeniably well-crafted summer blockbuster – but does it achieve the level of complexity and thought its predecessors did? (Read Dana’s review for Slate for further analysis.) Then, it’s onto John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA, a six-part live Netflix special that aired during the streaming giant’s comedy festival. The conceit is thus: Netflix is a Joke attracts the best comedians in the world to LA, John Mulaney interviews them. But the final product is much stranger than that description, both a rejection and reinvention of the tired late-night talk show format, in which Mulaney interviews celebrities and non-celebrities, airs sketches, and delivers long monologues on the character of LA. Is Everybody’s in LA chaotic and sloppy, or a ragged delight? Our panel discusses. Finally, the trio is joined by Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, to eulogize the legendary musician and “producing engineer” (his preferred title) Steve Albini. Known for recording albums with Joanna Newsom, Nirvana, and the Pixies, among others, Albini considered himself a documentarian of sound and a technical expert, and brought his punk-rock ethic to everything he did. Read Steve Albini’s essay, “The Problem with Music” and his letter to Nirvana. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses cultural arbitrage with Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, inspired by W. David Marx’s essay for The Atlantic, “The Diminishing Returns of Having Good Taste.”  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: “Who’s Afraid of Judith Butler?” – a profile of the philosopher and gender theorist by Parul Sehgal for The New Yorker. Julia: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. Stephen: The delightful, catchy, and exuberant (with a tincture of melancholy) music of New Zealand band, Yumi Zuma. (Check out Steve’s playlist here.)  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by diving head-first into The Fall Guy, director David Leitch’s love letter to stunts and stunt people. It’s a rom-com starring action set pieces, in which stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) falls for his director and ex-flame, Jody (Emily Blunt). The film is very telling about the work that goes into making an action flick… but does The Fall Guy ever achieve liftoff? Then, they debate I Saw the TV Glow, Jane Schoenbrun’s impressive second feature that chronicles the friendship between Owen and Maddy, and their fascination with the fictional show The Pink Opaque. I Saw the TV Glow obsesses over what’s real and not real–and is said to be an allegory for being trans–in a way that’s brave and admirable, but often depressing to watch. Finally, the panel is joined by Lydia Polgreen, Opinion columnist for The New York Times and co-host of the Matter of Opinion podcast, to discuss her reporting on the student protests unfolding in New York City. A few of the media mentioned: “Columbia, Free Speech and the Coddling of the American Right” and “The Student-Led Protests Aren’t Perfect. That Doesn’t Mean They’re Not Right.” by Polgreen; “The Takeover,” an on-the-ground report by the staff of the Columbia Daily Spectator for New York Magazine; the Columbia Revolt documentary.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses the question that’s been roiling TikTok: For women, would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: “Kindness,” a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye, which she read on the On Being podcast. You can explore more of Shihab Nye’s poetry here. Julia: (1) A congratulations to former Los Angeles Times film critic Justin Chang for his Pulitzer Prize. (2) The Work of Art: How Something Comes From Nothing by Adam Moss.  Stephen: Saxophonist Frank Morgan, specifically, his album Listen to the Dawn. And you can listen to Steve’s playlist for Julia here. Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by discussing Challengers, Luca Guadagnino’s sexy tennis flick in which Zendaya stars as Tashi Duncan, the muse and lover of two male players, Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O’Connor). It’s a smart but silly movie, one that paints a beautifully nested portrait of friendship and rivalry, and explores the complexities of desire. Then, the three dissect Baby Reindeer, an incredibly constructed and emotionally intense psychodrama–and a true-ish tale–by creator and star Richard Gadd. The seven-part series is currently dominating Netflix and explores themes including masculinity, sexuality, and abuse. Finally, what is a magazine now? The hosts consider this question, inspired by Jessica Testa’s article for The New York Times profiling Highsnobiety, a store-website-production agency-clothing line hybrid that recently won a National Magazine Award for general excellence, the publication’s first nomination and win at the “Oscars of the magazine world.”  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel jumps into a classic spoiler special and discusses the final scene of Challengers.  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: "The Red Light Special" by Matt Large Endorsements: Dana: A piece of Britain everyone can access: Mr Bates vs The Post Office on Hulu.  Julia: Samin Nosrat’s recipe for Clam Pasta, which can be found in her book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat.  Steve:  “How Penelope Fitzgerald became a late blooming novelist.” By Henry Oliver.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, the panel is first joined by Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, to puzzle over The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift’s much-anticipated 11th studio album. Stuffed with 31 tracks, the two-part album is a departure from the billionaire pop star’s otherwise perfectly crafted oeuvre: it’s messy and drippy, and at times, manic and frenetic. Is this secretly a cry for help? And more importantly, when did she find the time to record this thing? Then, the three explore Fallout, a post-apocalyptic drama series adapted from the extremely popular role-playing video game of the same name. Executive produced by Jonathan Nolan (Westworld, Person of Interest) and streaming on Prime Video, Fallout certainly achieves a high level of immersive world-building, but do the stories and characters fare the same? Finally, Becca Rothfeld, the Washington Post’s non-fiction book critic, joins to discuss her triumphant first book, All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess, in which she rebukes the culture’s affinity for minimalism and makes the case for living in a maximalist world.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, it’s part two of the Ambition versus Contentment discussion (courtesy of a listener question from Gretel): How should a parent approach cultivating ambition in a child, if at all? The hosts discuss.  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: "Ruins (Instrumental Version)" by Origo Endorsements: Dana: The Teacher’s Lounge, a film by German-Turkish director Ilker Çatak. It was a Best International Film nominee at the 96th Academy Awards. (Also, Ebertfest in Champaign, Illinois!) Julia: Kristen Wiig’s Jumanji sketch on Saturday Night Live, inspired by Dana.  Stephen: The British band Jungle, introduced to him by his daughter. A few favorite songs: “Back on 74,” “Dominoes,” and “All of the Time.”  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Slate culture writer (and Very, Very Good Friend of the Show, a.k.a. VVGFOP) Nadira Goffe sits in for Dana Stevens. The three begin with Civil War, writer-director Alex Garland’s (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Men) dystopian travelog starring Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, and Wagner Moura that imagines a burned out, bombed out America in the throes of a raging internal conflict. But who is fighting whom? Our panel discusses. Then, they examine Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, an eight-part series on Max depicting a very different civil war. Here, the exemplary sit-down stand-up comedian goes to war with himself, his public image, and the very nature of “reality.” It’s “Seinfeld meets reality TV meets Sylvia Plath,” and is a painfully naked confessional that begs the question: “Is Jerrod Carmichael trolling us?” (Read Nadira’s fantastic piece, “Who Did People Think Jerrod Carmichael Is?” Finally, the trio turns to “gaslighting,” the pop psychology term up for debate in Leslie Jamison’s essay for The New Yorker, “So You Think You’ve Been Gaslit.” Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year in 2022, is “gaslighting” a handy term used to describe harmful behavior? Or has “gaslighting” become so ubiquitous, it’s lost all meaning? The panel gets into it.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the hosts explore stuffed animals (including but not limited to: Squishmallows, Jelly Cats, and “lovies”), the difference between a blanket and blankie, and the joys of embracing one’s inner child, inspired by Valerie Trapp’s essay for The Atlantic, “Welcome to Kidulthood.”  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: "200 Dont's" by Conditional Endorsements: Nadira: (1) The Wiz revival on Broadway.  (2) Costco!  (3) Willow Smith’s new song, “b i g f e e l i n g s” off of her upcoming album, empathogen.  Julia: G. T. Karber’s book of puzzles, Murdle: 100 Simple to Impossible Mysteries to Solve Using Logic, Skill, and the Power of Deduction. “It’s a cross between an LSAT logic puzzle and a murder mystery.”  Stephen: Becca Rothfeld’s debut essay collection, All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess. (Becca will be on the show next week to discuss! For extra credit, grab a copy of her book and come prepared.) Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Nadira Goffe, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel is first joined by Slate business and culture writer Nitish Pahwa to discuss Monkey Man, Dev Patel’s dazzling but muddled directorial debut. The ultra-violent action flick stars Patel as Kid, a young man who works his way into a secret brothel for the super rich, hell-bent on finding the police chief who murdered his mother and exacting his revenge. It’s clearly a political statement of a film, rife with references to real-world controversies and corrupt political, religious, and pedagogical practices (all of which Nitish covers in his piece for Slate, “Monkey Man Has a Bold New Vision”). Then, the three jump into Ripley, a new eight-part Netflix series based on Patricia Highsmith’s master novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley, starring 47-year-old Andrew “Hot Priest” Scott as the titular seductive psychopath. Directed by Steven Zaillian (The Night Of, Schindler’s List, All the King’s Men) and with cinematography by Robert Elswith (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, Good Night, and Good Luck), the series is shot in spectacular black-and-white and co-stars Dakota Fanning as Marge Sherwood and Johnny Flynn as Dickie Greenleaf. Finally, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (of Veep, Saturday Night Live, and Seinfeld fame, obviously) has a podcast, Wiser Than Me, which just entered its second season. On it, she interviews iconic older women like Jane Fonda, Carol Burnett, Bonnie Raitt, and Sally Field about the wisdom they’ve accrued and asks the question: “Well, how should I live?” While the show doesn’t fully avoid the pitfalls of the celebrity interview, secrets and things emerge within the course of a conversation and the framework itself gets to the very core of human existence.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel answers a fittingly existential question from listener Gretel: “Wondering how you, high achievers all, balance ambition with contentment. Do you consider yourselves competitive or is your drive innate? I vacillate between pushing myself harder, striving to achieve more, and being grateful for what I have and where I am. Is contentment a noble endgame in your opinions?” Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “Bollywood Star” by Jhukane Bada. Endorsements: Dana: Andrew Scott’s performance as Hamlet in 2017. (The full three-hour production can be watched on YouTube.)  Julia: Worn: A People’s History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser. An absolutely beautiful and fascinating book about the centrality of textile production throughout history.  Stephen: “Lowell, Plath, and Sexton in the Same Room” by Steve Moyer for the National Endowment for the Humanities (Spring 2024, Volume 45.)  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel is first joined by Slate culture writer (and the Gabfest’s Senior Beyoncé Correspondent) Nadira Goffe to dissect Beyoncé’s latest album, Cowboy Carter. Released on March 29th, Cowboy Carter is a 27-track behemoth with a country soul, packed with archival footage and songs that span multiple genres. To call it a country album would be too simplistic, so we’ll stick with Queen Bey’s own words: Cowboy Carter is a Beyoncé album. Then, the three jump into Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World, an avant-garde film from Romanian director Radu Jude that perfectly captures life in the 21st century. Finally, the trio examine Steve! (martin): a documentary in 2 pieces, a new two-part series directed by Morgan Neville (Will You Be My Neighbor?), which analyzes the legendary Steve Martin, an inscrutable human being and American icon.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses their personal relationships to hotels.  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: "I Can Still Dance" by Tigerblood Jewel Endorsements: Dana: Critic Nicolas Rapold’s interview with Radu Jude, the director of Do Not Expect Much From the End of the World, on his podcast, The Last Thing I Saw. It’s a great companion piece to listen to after watching the film.    Julia: The Fraud by Zadie Smith, a historical novel set in Victorian England. If you’ve read this book and have strong feelings, please email Julia at [email protected] to dissect the work and discuss.  Stephen: Penelope Fitzgerald, the Booker Prize-winning novelist, poet, and essayist. Specifically, her 1995 novel, the Blue Flower.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's show, Slate’s Dan Kois (author of Vintage Contemporaries, How to Be a Family, The World Only Spins Forward, and Facing Future) sits in for Julia Turner. The panel first begins with a reboot: In 1999, when Jon Stewart took over, rather indifferently, the helm of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, he changed the media landscape with his comedic chops, serious outrage, and penchant for pointing out politicians' hypocrisies. He’s since left and returned back to the show (which he hosts once a week), but how effective are he and his trademark bag of tricks in 2024? We discuss. Then, the three dive into Problemista, writer-director-star Julio Torres’ first feature film that can only be described as “a lot.” Torres (Los Espookys, My Favorite Shapes, Saturday Night Live) plays Alejandro, a sweet but naive aspiring Salvadoran toymaker who must navigate the Kafka-esque purgatory known as the U.S. immigration system. He meets Elizabeth, played by Tilda Swinton, a nightmare boss with fuschia-colored hair and a looming presence that often overwhelms the film… but perhaps that’s exactly what it needs? Finally, the trio is joined by The Sporkful host Dan Pashman to discuss his cookbook, Anything’s Pastable: 81 Inventive Pasta Recipes for Saucy People. In 2021, Pashman created the cascatelli, a new pasta shape that went viral, with Time calling it “one of the best inventions of the year.” Anything’s Pastable aims to revolutionize our concept of what pasta sauces can be, with recipes for unique and non-traditional dishes like “Kimchi Carbonara” and “Cacio e Pepe e Chili Crisp.”  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel explores Dana’s book review, “Rejecting the Binary” for Slate. She reviews American philosopher and theorist Judith Butler’s latest book–the first of theirs published with a nonacademic press–Who’s Afraid of Gender. Butler served as Dana’s dissertation adviser at the University of California in the late 1990s.  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “Funny Jam” by Gloria Tells. Endorsements: Dana: A feat of artistry and interpretation, nineteen-year-old American Ilia Malinin’s free skate to the Succession theme (composed, of course, by Nicholas Britell). Malinin scored a record 227.79, winning his first world title and executed the best collection of jumps in one program in figure skating history.  Dan: The Big Ears Festival held in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Stephen: Falling into a Cat Stevens rabbit hole. He recommends starting with “The First Cut is the Deepest” and Stevens’ 2014 Tiny Desk performance.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.    Hosts Dana Stephens, Dan Kois, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Slate culture writers Nadira Goffe and Dan Kois fill in for Julia and Stephen. First up, the panel dissects Love Lies Bleeding with What’s Next producer Madeline Ducharme. Writer-director Rose Glass’ second feature stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian as beefed up, star-crossed lovers, in a twisted and gory love story about two unhealthily enmeshed women. (You can read Madeline Ducharme and Christina Cauterucci’s detailed review of the sex scenes in Love Lies Bleeding here!) Then, the trio explores The Regime, a weird and tonally bizarre Max limited series by showrunner Will Tracy (The Menu, Succession), in which Kate Winslet–in a commanding performance–plays the fictional dictator of an unnamed European country. Finally, can a book published posthumously do more harm than good? The panel discusses renowned author Gabríel Garcia Márquez’s latest novella, Until August, which was published ten years after his death–and without his consent.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Nadira, Dan, and Dana chew over the rise and fall of food trends, inspired by Kim Severson’s piece for The New York Times, “The Coolest Menu Item at the Moment Is… Cabbage?”  Recipes mentioned by Dan:  Gilgeori Toast (Korean Street Toast with Cabbage and Egg) by Darun Kwak for The New York Times.  Vegan Bunny Chow by Meera Sodha for The Guardian.  Somen Salad by Sheldon Simeon. Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: "Funk Wife Punk Life" by L. M. Styles Endorsements: Dana: Extreme Friend of the Pod (EFOP) Isaac Butler’s Substack, Complete Works. Specifically, his most recent post: “It Ain’t Me, Babe: Complicity and consequences, from sitcoms to Gaza.”  Nadira: Two albums – World Wide Whack by Philadelphia rapper, Tierra Whack, and Brittany Howard’s What Now. Dan: Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring by Brad Gooch. A beautiful chronicle of the artist’s life.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Nadira Goffe, Dan Kois Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel is first joined by Mark Harris, cultural historian and the author of Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood, to discuss the 96th Academy Awards: a fun, glitzy return to form filled with surprisingly political moments. Then, the three review FX’s Shōgun, a massive epic set in 17th century Japan that many are calling “the new Game of Thrones.” But does it live up to the hype? Finally, the trio examines “Behind F1’s Velvet Curtain,” Kate Wagner’s spellbinding 5,000-word piece about the world of Formula 1 racing that Road & Track published then promptly yanked from the internet without explanation. Although Wagner’s piece is no longer live on Road & Track, you can still read it on Wayback Machine’s internet archive. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Mark Harris returns to talk about his New York Times essay, “How Bad Can It Get for Hollywood?” which details what we can expect from movies in 2024 (spoiler alert: it’s not looking good).  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “8-Bit Hop” by Ash Sculptures Endorsements: Dana: HINT.FM’s Wind Map, which illustrates “the delicate tracery of wind flowing over the US.”  Julia: Tejal Rao’s recipe for Kale Sauce Pasta, adapted from Joshua McFadden.    Steve: “What Physicists Have Been Missing” by theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel returns to Arrakis! First up, the trio reviews Dune: Part Two, the (as the title suggests) second part of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 science fiction epic. In it, Timothée Chalamet plays Paul Atreides, the supposed “messiah” of Arrakis, a hostile desert planet rich in spice, in a fantastic feat of world building and worm-riding. Then, they examine God Save Texas, a three-part docu-series streaming on Max that follows three Texan filmmakers (Richard Linklakter, Alex Stapleton, and Iliana Sosa) as they return to their respective hometowns and chronicle the state’s complex history with the prison system, oil business, and border laws. Finally, the panel is joined by Paul Schnee, an acclaimed casting director whose credits include Spotlight, Winter’s Bone, and The Help, to discuss the Academy Awards’ most recent addition: an Oscar for Casting.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel answers a listener question from Eliot: What are some pieces of culture that your children have introduced to you?  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “Last Sunday” by OTE Endorsements: Dana: Werner Herzog’s 2011 documentary, Into the Abyss. The film examines America’s capital punishment system.  Julia: The Lady and the Tramp, which is still great and bizarre, and somehow, makes the dogs… hot?  Steve: Australian novelist Helen Garner’s 2014 non-fiction book The House of Grief, which follows a man and his broken life, a community wracked by tragedy, and the long and torturous road to closure.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel is first joined by Wesley Morris, New York Times’ critic at large, to dissect This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, Jennifer Lopez’s bizarre, nutty, yet utterly delicious self-funded vanity project that cost the singer $20 million to produce. (Wesley wrote a brilliant piece about it for the Times.) Then, the three explore 20 Days in Mariupol, the Oscar-nominated documentary by Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov that depicts the atrocities of the Russia-Ukraine war through on-the-ground footage and harrowing accounts of civilians. Finally, in a new oral history of the Village Voice, entitled The Freaks Came Out to Write: The Definitive History of the Village Voice, the Radical Paper That Changed American Culture, author Tricia Romano tells the iconic alt-weekly newspaper’s history through 200 interviews with its legendary writers, editors, and photographers. We discuss. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, we share an impromptu conversation between the hosts and Wesley Morris. Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: "Zero Gravity" by ELFL Endorsements: Cameron: Longtime Culture Gabfest producer, Cameron Drews, is moving onto his next project but came on one last time to endorse! He endorses movie theater subscriptions and is a big fan of Alamo Drafthouse’s season pass.  Dana: The Criterion Channel’s new “Gothic Noir” series.  Julia: An algorithm-recommended bop, UNTZ UNTZ by Inji.  Steve: The Milk Carton Kids’ cover of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and a performance of their song, “All of the Time in the World to Kill,” featuring some lovely on-stage banter.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel begins by dissecting Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the episodic remake of Brangelina’s 2005 espionage film. The Prime Video series stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as the titular Smiths, spies who become “married” as a part of the job, and explores partnership in the gig economy in a quieter, smaller, and less glamorous version of the original. Then, they review The Color Purple, a movie-musical adapted from Alice Walker’s seminal novel. The film stars Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson, as well as Danielle Brooks, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Sofia. Finally, it’s the viral scam that rocked the internet: “The Day I Put $50,000 in a Shoe Box and Handed It to a Stranger” is a first-hand account written by The Cut’s financial-advice columnist, Charlotte Cowles, about the time she fell for an Amazon scam call. Our panel reviews the piece and explores its ethics.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Julia discusses her big life changes, including a new fellowship at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “Pull Me Out” by Mike Stringer Endorsements: Dana: Dance Life on Prime Video, a five-episode series that follows the students at Brent Street Academy, the southern hemisphere’s most prestigious dance academy.  Julia: The Hobonichi Techo Planner Book, a planner that’s descended from the heavens. The book uses thin and light yet durable paper and employs the same thread-stitch binding as a dictionary, allowing it to lay flat open for glorious, comfortable writing.  Steve: A two-part endorsement: Listen to his playlist of cover songs, Let’s Dance, while making hand-made pasta with a Marcato hand-crank machine.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the panel returns to 1985 and reviews The Greatest Night in Pop, Netflix’s star-studded documentary about how “We Are the World” (a charity single performed by USA for Africa, a supergroup comprised of the most popular artists not only of the time, but arguably, ever) came to be and the legendary night it was recorded. Although it features cameos from Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, and more, the documentary manages to be quite modest in its ambition. Then, the three discuss Rustin, director George C. Wolfe’s biopic about Bayard Rustin, an advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. whose legacy has often been glossed over. Rustin stars a fantastic Colman Domingo as its titular lead and is a celebratory example of the importance of telling gay/queer stories with queer creatives above and below the line of production. Finally, it’s the Slate True-Crime Canon! Cheyna Roth, contributor to the Canon and author of Between Two Wars: A True Crime Collection: Mysterious Disappearances, High-Profile Heists, Baffling Murders, and More joins to break down the monstrous endeavor.  (Roth’s other book is Cold Cases: A True Crime Collection) In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses Super Bowl LVIII and analyzes the advertisements, Usher’s half-time performance, and the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce love story at the center of it all.  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: "Self Made Woman" by Katharine Appleton Endorsements: Dana: Her perfect plane movie, Dumb Money, which features a superstar cast that’s always in-sync.  Julia: Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane, an “all-consuming tale of revenge, family love, festering hate, and insidious power, set against one of the most tumultuous episodes in Boston’s history.”  Steve: A liquidus piano album by Mary Lou Williams, Zodiac Suite. The 1945 album seamlessly mixes classical and jazz influences throughout 12 pieces, each named for a different astrological sign.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stephens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Extreme Friends of the Pod and co-authors of The World Only Spins Forward, Isaac Butler and Dan Kois, fill in for Dana Stevens and Julia Turner. The hosts begin by dissecting The Zone of Interest, filmmaker Jonathan Glazer’s audacious movie about the Holocaust that’s told through the lens of Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig as they live their somewhat ordinary lives in a compound outside of Auschwitz. The film has garnered both praise and severe critique from critics, many of whom are split on Glazer’s detached aesthetic and imaginative approach to depicting genocide. The Zone of Interest has racked up five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Then, the three dive into Nyad, the (maybe?) true story of marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, as she attempts to swim unassisted from Cuba to Florida. Annette Bening stars in the titular role alongside Jodie Foster, both of whom are up for Oscars (Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively). Finally, what is a good director, anyway? What does it look like, what does it mean, and is there a difference between producing, screenwriting, and directing – or is it some strange amalgamation of all three? These questions come from a listener, Emily, and the panel attempts to answer them.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses their film preferences while airborne, inspired by David Mack’s essay for Slate, “What Makes a Perfect ‘Plane Movie’?” Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: "Pull Me Out" by Mike Stringer. Endorsements: Isaac: Dheepan (2015), an exquisitely directed movie from filmmaker Jacques Audiard. In it, three Tamil refugees must pose as a family to flee war-torn Sri Lanka but land in a Paris suburb blighted by drugs.  Dan: For anyone in or heading to New York, check out Cole Escola’s play “Oh Mary!” The comedian stars as a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln and takes place in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. (You can also find Escola’s episode of Slate’s Working podcast here.)  Steve: Rebecca Solnit’s meditation on the Bay Area, loneliness, and the human impulse towards succession: “In the Shadow of Silicon Valley” for the London Review of Books.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Isaac Butler, Dan Kois, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From our friends at Life and Art, a culture podcast of the Financial Times: This week, we return to an old comfort classic: the 2003 Nancy Meyers romcom Something’s Gotta Give, starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. In it, two middle-aged people fall in love, but only after one heart attack, two younger lovers, some unexpected midnight pancakes and ample bickering. Does the movie still work today? How has the way we depict aging in film changed? And do we miss Nancy Meyers movies? Joining host Lilah Raptopoulos is comedian Negin Farsad, host of the podcast Fake the Nation, and FT senior corporate finance correspondent Eric Platt. This is one of his favourite movies. https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/life-and-art-from-ft-weekend/id1179847741 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe and Sam Sanders, host of Vibe Check fill in for Dana Stevens and Julia Turner. The hosts begin with a subversively brilliant Oscar contender, American Fiction, which is Cord Jefferson’s adaptation of Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure. The filmmaker’s debut racked up five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and stars Jeffrey Wright as Thelonius “Monk” Ellis, a frustrated writer, in this heartfelt family melodrama encased in biting satire. (Catch Sam’s conversation with Cord Jefferson here.) Then, the three tread into familiar territory and dissect In the Know, Mike Judge’s (Beavis and Butthead, Silicon Valley, King of the Hill) latest show on Peacock which satirizes the world of public radio, specifically NPR, through the stop-motion animated lens of its third most-popular host, Lauren Caspian (voiced by Zach Woods). Finally, Oscar season is officially upon us, and with Oscar nominations, comes invariably, Oscar snubs. The panel explores this year’s nominees, and who may or may not have gotten the short end of the stick.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses a fun interactive from The New York Times, “The Menu Trends That Define Dining Right Now.”  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “Bloody Hunter” by Paisley Pink Endorsements: Sam: An album he loves and owns on vinyl, Chameleon (1976) by the American singing trio Labelle. It’s pure R&B funk dazzle.  Nadira: A threefold music endorsement: Midnight Dancer (1979) by the Philly soul group Silk, Spotify’s “create radio” function, and a compilation of Barbara Ackland’s greatest hits.  Steve: A gorgeous, lofi home recording of Sandy Denny singing her classic, “Who Knows Where the Time Goes.”  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Jamelle Bouie (Opinion columnist at The New York Times) sits in for Julia Turner. The hosts first begin with a trip to Ennis, a fictional Alaskan town at the heart of True Detective: Night Country, and review the fourth installment of the HBO Max anthology series. There’s a new showrunner at the helm, Issa López, who brings a desperately needed fresh take on the Lovecraftian True Detective format, along with the series’ two leads, played by Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. Then, the three dissect Origin, director Ava DuVernay’s ambitious feature film adapted from the nonfiction book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by the American journalist Isabel Wilkerson. In the film, we accompany Wilkerson (played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) as she develops her theory of formalized subordination based on race in America through the lens of the caste system. Finally, Pitchfork, the rockstar’s digital paradise and essential music review site, announced that it would be laying off most of its senior staff and be folded into fellow Condé Nast publication, GQ. What does that mean for both Pitchfork and the future of music criticism? Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, joins to discuss.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, it’s the 25th anniversary of The Sopranos, and the panel discusses the series’ incredible legacy along with what it means for the stories of Tony, Dr. Melfi, Carmela, and more, to hit a quarter of a century.  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “Ruins” by Origo. Endorsements: Dana: Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech by Brian Merchant, a nonfiction book about the “all-but-forgotten class struggle that brought nineteenth-century England to its knees.” Jamelle: G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century, historian Beverly Gage’s biography of FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. Steve: Two reviews of Elon Musk, Walter Isaacson’s biography of the SpaceX/Tesla CEO: “Ultra Hardcore” by Ben Tarnoff for The New York Review and “Very Ordinary Men” by Sam Kriss for The Point.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Nadira Goffe sits in for Julia Turner. The hosts first begin by exploring an updated cult classic: Mean Girls, the movie musical version of the Broadway show based on the iconic 2004 film. The 2024 iteration stars Reneé Rapp as Regina George and Angourie Rice as Cady Heron. Then the three head to 17th century Edo-era Japan and review Blue Eye Samurai, an animated Netflix series about an ambiguously gendered, half-Japanese, half-white samurai (voiced by Maya Erskine) hell-bent on exacting revenge on the man responsible for their “monstrous” existence. Finally, consider the plight of January, a recent New York Times essay implores. The panel debates the merits of America's least-loved month and whether they agree with the assertion that the first 31 days of the year are the best.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discloses what books to read for self-reinvention, including Letters to a Young Poet and Nadira’s favorite Toni Morrison work. The conversation is based on Chelsea Leu’s piece for The Atlantic, “What to Read If You Want to Reinvent Yourself.”  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “Lonely Calling” by Arc De Soleil Endorsements: Nadira: Embracing her tradition of endorsing music favorites, Nadira’s been loving Depression Cherry by Beach House, the indie duo’s 2015 studio album that’s dreamy, surreal, and comforting, and Cynthia Erivo’s sensational cover of “Alfie,” performed live at the Kennedy Center Honors for 2023 honoree Dionne Warwick.  Dana: At the onset of every year, Dana chooses a mammoth book assignment for herself, and in 2024, that book was Middlemarch by George Eliot. She especially enjoys listening to the audiobook while hiking, which is narrated by the English actress Juliet Stevenson.  Steve: Steve learned to Travis pick on the guitar! Thanks to a wonderful YouTube tutorial by Mike’s Music Method for the song “Blues Run the Game” by Jackson C. Frank. (And maybe if enough listeners request it, he might perform it for us…) Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts are first joined by Slate’s Heather Schwedel to discuss Anyone But You, a paper-thin adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, whose combined good looks and star wattage aren’t enough to save the flimsily written rom-com. (Although, despite the film’s rocky start, it’s become a sleeper smash at the box-office.) Then, the panel explores Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron (which premiered under the name, How Do You Live?, in Japan), a beautiful and astoundingly thematic film made by one of the world’s greatest living animators, as he reflects on his life, work, and the nature of creation. Finally, the Golden Globes returned on Sunday, January 7th. The hosts ask: with a beefed up voting body and new network home, did the disgraced awards show manage to overcome its many scandals and untarnish its reputation?  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel answers a listener question from Scott: are there any movies, TV shows, novels, books, albums, etc., that impacted you at a pivotal time in your life (not necessarily childhood) that you will not revisit due to the fact that it may not hold up?  Email us at [email protected].  Outro music: “I Want a Change” by The Big Let Down Endorsements: Dana: Inspired by his incredible essay in The Intelligencer last week, Dana endorses Tom Scocca’s Substack, Indignity, which covers internet culture, the distortions of fame and identity, nature, the weather, daily news, and more.  Julia: Do you use the right salt when you cook? The best fancy salt, according to Julia, is Carmargue Fleur de Sel, an exceptional French salt that comes in a sweet little tub with a cork lid.  Steve: The earlier works of Dave Brubeck, one of the greatest jazz artists of all time, particularly the albums Interchanges ‘54 and Jazz Goes to College. Steve made a short playlist of his favorites, which can be found here.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, the hosts begin by jumping into the fantastical world of Wonka, a prequel to Roald Dahl’s enduring novel that explores the origins of its famously impish character, Willy Wonka, portrayed here by a wide-eyed, sugary sweet Timothée Chalamet. The musical film, directed by Paul King (Paddington, Paddington 2) isn’t the kind of movie you want to pick on–it undoubtedly has a warm heart–but has the effect of watching a lucrative homework assignment. Then, the three switch gears and review Maestro, a biopic (if you can even call it that) about one of America’s greatest cultural luminaries and public educators, Leonard Bernstein. Directed by and starring Bradley Cooper as “Lenny,” the film explores Bernstein’s complicated marriage with Felicia Montealegre (played spectacularly by Carey Mulligan) and the couple’s struggle to balance Lenny’s public genius with his life as a closeted gay man. (For more on Cooper’s prosthetic nose, read Mark Harris’ comprehensive essay for Slate, “The Bradley Cooper ‘Jewface’ Controversy Isn’t Really About That Nose.”) Finally, the panel is led by ringmaster extraordinaire, Dana Stevens, through Slate’s 2023 Movie Club, an annual digital roundtable featuring conversations between prominent film critics and writers as they look back through a year in film. This year, Bilge Ebiri (film critic for New York Magazine and Vulture), entertainment writer Esther Zuckerman, and film historian Mark Harris contribute, along with features from Nadira Goffe, Sam Adams, and the project’s editor, Dan Kois.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel embraces a post-holiday theme and discusses memorable gifts: their favorites and the ones that got away, inspired by a recent episode from the podcast Scriptnotes.  Email us at [email protected]. Outro music: “Spinning the Wheels” by Dusty Decks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we revisit one of our favorite episodes of 2023! The panel begins by examining Barbie, Greta Gerwig’s hot pink, record-breaking movie about the iconic Mattel doll. Then, the trio dives into Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which chronicles the life of the “Father of the Atomic Bomb,” and explores whether the film achieves its aims. Finally, they are joined by Slate’s Chris Molanphy to discuss the controversy behind country singer Jason Aldean’s latest song, “Try That In A Small Town.” In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel is once again joined by Chris Molanphy to discuss all things Summer Strut. With the annual show just weeks away, the four pull back the curtain to detail their processes, weird observations, and more. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements: Dana: In line with her theme of the week, “Yay movies and go, go, go to the theater,” Dana highly recommends Theater Camp, a delightful film by Ben Platt and Molly Gordon. Julia: Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipe for zucchini pasta with crispy capers and pistachios isn’t the sort of thing Julia would normally endorse (for one, it’s extremely laborious and you will need to fry individual basil leaves), but it’s vegan, a showstopper, and completely worth it. Stephen: In honor of the late singer, Stephen recommends two Tony Bennett albums: “The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album” (1975) and “Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall” (1962). Outro music: “Last Sunday” by OTE. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, it’s the yearly call-in episode! Steve, Dana, and Julia dive into questions submitted by Culture Gabfest listeners.  Outro music: “Forbidden Love” by OTE Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel is joined by Slate writer and senior editor Sam Adams to dissect Poor Things, director Yorgos Lanthimos' horny, steampunk Frankenstein tale about Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone), a pregnant woman who commits suicide then is brought back to life by a brilliant scientist (Willem Dafoe), with an eccentric caveat: She now has the brain of her unborn fetus. Then, the three remember Norman Lear, the late television pioneer and American icon who died at the age of 101 and who was responsible for ushering in a new era of character-driven, comedic, topical, and morally serious TV with hit sitcoms like All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Maude, and One Day at a Time. Finally, they are joined by Slate’s books and culture columnist, Laura Miller, who shares her top ten books of the year, and along with Dana, discusses the joys and challenges of year-end listmaking.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel reunites with Sam Adams to spoil Poor Things, detailing what is arguably the film’s weakest portion: the final ten minutes.  We’re also accepting submissions to our yearly call-in show, where Dana, Julia, and Stephen answer questions from Culture Gabfest listeners. Get in touch! Submit a question by calling (260) 337-8260 or emailing us at [email protected]. The deadline to submit is Wednesday, December 13.  Outro music: “The Red Light Special” by Matt Large Endorsements: Dana: It’s clear that Norman Lear was working in the heyday of television title sequences. And although Dana may have been born a bit late to catch All in the Family in real time, what she remembers are the theme songs. So, go on YouTube and call yourself up some of the most indelible introductory sequences (All in the Family, Good Times, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, etc.) and you’ll have a good time.  Julia: An endorsement that doubles as a one-item gift guide. If you would like to give someone a fancy, overpriced, but delicious-smelling body wash, Julia has found the best one: NO Green by Corpus, a luxurious plant-based cleanser with notes of bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom, and cardamom. Snap it up if you have some last-minute gifts to buy.  Steve: A quote by Søren Kierkegaard, gifted to Stephen by his eldest daughter: “Should philosophy, among its other conceits, imagine that someone might actually want to follow its precepts in practice, a curious comedy would emerge.” (Fear and Trembling, 1843.)  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by exploring Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé with Slate culture writer (and Beyhive stan) Nadira Goffe. The renowned pop diva’s theatrical debut works both as a well-oiled concert documentary as well as a surprisingly heartfelt deconstruction of Knowles’ previously impenetrable image of perfection. Then, the three consider Todd Haynes’ May December, an emotionally curious, tonally dissonant study of life’s gray areas starring Natalie Portman, longtime collaborator Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton. Loosely based on the real-life relationship between Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, Haynes (and screenwriter Samy Burch) questions Hollywood’s penchant for sensationalizing tragedy and the ways humans interact with each other. Finally, they are joined by EEFOP (Exceedingly Exceptional Friend of the Pod), Slate writer Dan Kois to discuss Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Lost Christmas!, a posthumous sequel to Theodor Geisel’s iconic 1957 children’s book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The original IP has been marketed and re-imagined within an inch of its life – but does new author Alastair Heim invoke any of the source materials’ sincerity or deeper meaning?  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel answers a listener question from Timothy: “When reading for pleasure, how do you choose what to read next?”  We’re also accepting submissions to our yearly call-in show, where Dana, Julia, and Stephen answer questions from Culture Gabfest listeners. Get in touch! Submit a question by calling (260) 337-8260 or emailing us at [email protected]. Outro music: “Spinning the Wheels” by Dusty Decks Endorsements: Dana: A two-part endorsement that goes together like wine and cheese: If I Should Fall from Grace with God, the third studio album by Irish folk-rock band The Pogues, and “Shane MacGowan Leaves the Astral Plane,” a wonderful essay by Amanda Petrusich at The New Yorker, which memorializes the late frontman. Don’t know where to start with The Pogues’ catalog? Dana recommends “A Rainy Night in Soho.”  Julia: Drawing inspiration from this episode’s children’s book segment, Julia endorses the Little Blue Truck series (written by Alice Schertle and illustrated by the late Jill McElmurry) alongside her favorite Theodor Geisel work, Hunches and Bunches. “It’s the Beyoncé of Dr. Seuss books.”  Steve: Paris is Burning, which pairs beautifully with Beyoncé’s Renaissance. Jennie Livingston’s landmark 1990 documentary is one of the most moving films Stephen has ever seen, and provides a vibrant snapshot of New York City’s drag-ball scene in the ‘80s.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana and Julia are joined by Jamelle Bouie, Opinion columnist at The New York Times and co-host of Unclear and Present Danger. The panel begins by diving into Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, a visually sumptuous biopic starring Joaquin Phoenix that attempts to chronicle the legendary historical figure’s life and reduce him to human size, yet fails to do so within its 2 ½ hour runtime. Then, the three jump into Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, a new eight-part animated Netflix series that offers an alternate version of its protagonist, Scott Pilgrim (who was first depicted in Bryan Lee O'Malley’s series of graphic novels then later in Edgar Wright’s cult classic film, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), and reunites much of the movie’s brilliant original cast. Finally, they discuss André 3000’s New Blue Sun, a transcendent ambient album laced with flute-base soundscapes that on its face seems like a complete departure from the rapper’s previous work in Outkast, but actually depicts a piece of him that’s been present in his music all along.   In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel takes advantage of Jamelle’s baking prowess and discusses best practices and tips in the kitchen, before turning to the eternal, all-important question: When you bake, do you use a measuring scale? And if so, why?    We’re also accepting submissions to our yearly call-in show, where Dana, Julia, and Stephen answer questions from Culture Gabfest listeners. Get in touch! Submit a question by calling (260) 337-8260 or emailing us at [email protected]. Outro music: “By the Riverside” by Lindsey Abraham Endorsements: Jamelle: The 4K restoration of one of his favorite movies, The Fugitive (1993), starring Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford. It’s an underrated and beautiful Chicago movie.  Julia: A deep cut from her personal Summer Strut playlist: Bob Dylan’s 1997 song “Not Dark Yet,” which appeared on the album Time Out of Mind.  Dana: Inspired by their discussion of André 3000’s new album, Dana endorses a different avant-garde flute enthusiast: Eric Dolphy, the American multi-instrumentalist and bandleader. Specifically, his fantastic 1964 jazz album, Out to Lunch.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by reviewing The Curse, a cringe-worthy Showtime series co-produced by Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie. Fielder and Emma Stone star as Asher and Whitney Siegel, a newlywed couple at the center of a reality HGTV show built on narcissism, gentrification, and lies. Then, the three jump into Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers, which Dana describes as a “sadsack Christmas classic,” starring Paul Giamatti as a curmudgeonly misanthrope professor alongside newcomer Dominic Sessa and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The three play misfits being held over at a prep school during the winter break of 1970. Finally, the trio is joined by Dwight Garner, book critic for The New York Times, to discuss his delightful new memoir, The Upstairs Delicatessen: On Eating, Reading, Reading About Eating, and Eating While Reading.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel commemorates Jezebel, the now-shuttered women-focused news and cultural commentary site, and reflects on their relationships with media geared towards women overall.    Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Life on Our Planet on Netflix, a nature documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman that tells the four-billion-year story of life on Earth. It’s perfect for at-home family viewing over the holidays.  Julia: A hilarious bit Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone did on Jimmy Kimmel Live! while promoting The Curse. In response to a less-than-glowing review of his acting skills in The New York Times, Fielder shows up in-character as a nonchalant, totally not stilted bad boy alongside Stone’s non-acted self.   Stephen: “Camus on Tour,” an excellent tour de force essay by Vivian Gornick in The New York Review of Books, in which she covers Camus’ Travels in the Americas: Notes and Impressions of a New World.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Kat Hong.    Hosts Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana and Stephen are joined by Supreme Friend of the Pod, Isaac Butler, who co-hosts Slate’s Working podcast and is the author of The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act (which is now available in paperback!). The panel begins by pondering Dream Scenario, a provocative new film from Norwegian writer-director Kristoffer Borgli. The nightmarish social satire stars Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews, a hapless middle-aged biology professor who begins appearing randomly in people’s dreams in a tale about anonymity and the cycle of virality. Then, the three speak with the brilliant author and classicist Emily Wilson about her recent translation of Homer’s the Iliad, and her unique approach to metered verse and how she came to access the interior lives of Hector, Patroclus, Achilles, and more. Finally, the trio discusses Coyote vs. Acme, a completed film based on Ian Frazier’s 1990 comic in The New Yorker, that was shelved last week by Warner Bros. (reportedly in favor of a $30 million tax write-off) then un-shelved when the studio received backlash for being “anti-art.”   In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel descends into a different kind of nightmare: The Beatles’ music video for “Now and Then.” Has director Peter Jackson created a touching CGI tribute to the legendary band? Or has he engineered something truly evil? Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: The Public Domain Review, an online journal and not-for-profit project dedicated to “the exploration of curious and compelling works from the history of art, literature, and ideas.” She’s only just begun to scratch the site’s surface, but recommends starting with “W.E.B. Du Bois’ Hand-Drawn Infographics of African-American Life.” Isaac: Deadloch, an Australian feminist noir comedy set in a fictional working class fishing village that’s been, as he describes, “gentrified by the most granola crunchy lesbians on earth.”   Stephen: The song “New Romantic” by British folk singer-songwriter Laura Marling, specifically her extraordinary 2006 live performance of it when she was quite young at a now-closed music venue in West London.  Outro music: “Any Other Way” by Particle House Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel is joined first by Isaac Butler, co-host of Slate’s Working podcast and author of The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act, to debate the merits of David Fincher’s The Killer and whether the director’s latest “thriller” (which stars Michael Fassbender) is a masterful example of craft or simply a logic-free time-suck. Then, Dana, Julia, and Stephen explore the world of Letterboxd, the self-proclaimed “Goodreads of movies” that may be the only positive social media platform left. Finally, the trio is joined by Extreme Friend of the Pod Chris Molanphy to discuss his wonderful new book, Old Town Road, which considers Lil Nas X's debut single as pop artifact, chart phenomenon, and cultural watershed. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel asks: what’s the deal with long movies? Are today’s films getting longer or is it just a figment of our imagination?  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: A hometown endorsement of Slate’s excellent coverage of the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, specifically a piece by Nitish Pahwa entitled “The Days the Chips Fell,” which chronicles what Pahwa witnessed in the courtroom the day Bankman-Fried was found guilty. Julia: The Last Waltz, Martin Scorsese’s iconic 1978 concert documentary that captures the Band’s legendary farewell performance in San Francisco. It depicts a very specific image of the male rockstar era, highlighting both the vanity and vulnerability of its stars. Dana also wrote about The Last Waltz for Slate in 2012!  Stephen: Taken by the retro-feel of The Holdovers’ trailer, Stephen endorses the song featured in it, “Silver Joy” by Damien Jurado.  Outro music: “Go Slow” by Daniel Fridell Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing Priscilla, Sofia Coppola’s new film starring Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi that’s based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir, Elvis and Me, and features an otherworldly courtship, gilded cages, and whole lot of mumbling. Then, the three review Anatomy of a Fall, an excellent French movie directed and co-written by Justine Triet that, on the surface, looks like a courtroom drama, but dives deep into the discrepancies and lies that make up a marriage. Finally, they conclude with a spicy topic: Hot Ones, the viral celebrity interview show that forces guests to eat increasingly hot chicken wings while answering surprisingly well-researched questions.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel gets into spoiler territory and discusses the dramatic, twist-y ending of Anatomy of a Fall.   Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: The French History Podcast hosted by Gary Girod, which covers unique and interesting aspects of French culture. She recommends starting with the episode “Thomas Jefferson’s Paris.”  Julia: Owen Gleiberman’s essay for Variety, “In ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ Is Leonardo DiCaprio Playing a Dumb Hick, a Pitiless Sociopath… or a Muddle?” Also, in light of actor Matthew Perry’s recent passing, she’s bumping his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing up on her must-read list. Stephen: Naples ‘44 written by Normal Lewis, a landmark novel that highlights the author’s dry wit and ability to detail the extent of human suffering.  Outro music: “Backwards” by Staffan Carlen Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by reviewing Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese’s film based on David Grann’s 2017 non-fiction book about the plot of white Americans to steal the Osage Nation’s headrights in the 1920s, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone. Then, the three are joined by Dan Kois, writer and editor at Slate and author of Vintage Contemporaries, to puzzle over Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, a scripted audio series based on Buffy: The Vampire Slayer that’s written and performed by many of the original cast, with one glaring omission: creator and showrunner Joss Whedon. Finally, the trio asks: Why is the internet no longer fun? The once utopian dream of democracy has turned into a hellscape, according to Kyle Chayka’s essay in The New Yorker, “Why the Internet Isn’t Fun Anymore.”  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel shares their relationships (or lack thereof) with audiobooks, inspired by Paul Grimstad’s essay “Confessions of an Audiobook Addict for The New Yorker.”  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: The Genius Behind Hollywood’s Most Indelible Sets, a profile of Jack Fisk, the master production designer behind Killers of the Flower Moon and many other films.  Julia: While watching Sleepless in Seattle with her husband, Julia discovered her new favorite sound clip: When Meg Ryan dishes with Rosie O’Donnell about her budding romance with Tom Hanks, O’Donnell responds comically while chomping a bite of egg salad into her mouth, in a way that deserves to become a meme. Stephen: The little-known, up-and-coming writer Shakespeare (according to Stephen, he’s “very good” if not “a little antique-y”), specifically in the context of Killers of the Flower Moon. The film’s final scenes recall The Tempest in many ways.  Outro music: “Back to Silence” by OTE. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by diving into Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, a glittery and extremely fun concert movie starring the singer-songwriter-producer-mogul that’s already become the highest grossing concert documentary of all time. Then, they discuss Beckham, a surprisingly candid four-part docu-series on Netflix directed by Fisher Stevens that chronicles the footballer’s meteoric rise to stardom and paints an intimate portrait of his home life with Victoria Adams, a.k.a. Posh Spice. Finally, the three dissect “Why Culture Has Come to a Standstill,” a provocative essay authored by Jason Farago, the New York Times critic at large.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel embraces sweater weather with a discussion inspired by Amanda Mull’s essay for The Atlantic, “Your Sweaters Are Garbage.”  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: One of Dana’s favorites from the New York Film Festival this year is Anatomy of a Fall (which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes!) Directed by Justine Triet, this murder mystery thriller becomes a psychological study of a marriage when a suspicious tragedy strikes a family living in the French Alps. “It’s the kind of film you want to see then immediately debate over drinks with friends.” Julia: A fantastic piece of writing on Insider, “The Great Zelle Pool Scam” by Devin Friedman, that uses the funny personal essay form–some reporting, a few confessions, observational humor, and the occasional insight–to levy an attack on Zelle, a massive, poorly regulated major part of our financial infrastructure.  Stephen: “Picasso’s Transformations” an essay by the art critic Jed Perl, published in The New York Review of Books (which is celebrating its 60th anniversary).  Outro music: “Lonely Calling” by Arc De Soleil Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by reviewing The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar, Wes Anderson’s faithful adaptation of a 1977 Roald Dahl short story, that doubles as a sumptuous meta-commentary on the director’s exacting approach to his craft. Then, the three discuss The Super Models, Apple TV+’s docu-series that glossily chronicles the lives and careers of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista, a.k.a. The It Girls of ‘90s fashion. Finally, they puzzle through a controversy sweeping the behavioral science community: What happens when so-called “lying experts” falsify their own data? Recent allegations against well-known thought leaders in the field, Francesca Gino and her frequent collaborator, Dan Ariely, have unleashed a host of ethical issues and questions within the academic sphere. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel honors Spooky Season by sharing their first encounters with terrifying movies.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Joni Mitchell, the celebrated singer-songwriter, recently released Archives – Volume 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975), a five-CD box set of archival treasures: never-before-heard demos, unearthed session outtakes, and recordings of live performances. (Also, if you’re not a Mitchell fan, what are you even doing here?)  Julia: Julia has doubled down and listened raptly to every episode of Strike Force Five, the late-night host podcast from Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver. Apparently, the men eventually found their groove! It’s an unusual product that reveals much about their respective talents.  Stephen: Lydia Loveless, an amazing alt-country songwriter, and her superlatively strong sixth album, Nothing’s Gonna Stand in My Way Again. Stephen endorses Loveless so enthusiastically, he’s even created a playlist of his favorite songs of hers: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vAPq5ZGCRB3kJLOFzZ4rF?si=4a4d5619bb6e40c0&nd=1 Outro music: “Break The Line” by Coma Svensson Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by dissecting The Golden Bachelor, the latest spin-off of the classic reality TV series starring a 72-year-old bachelor searching for love amongst a group of women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Sincerity ensues… or does it? Then, the three return to the ‘80s to discuss A24’s re-release of Stop Making Sense, Jonathan Demme’s seminal 1984 Talking Heads concert movie that’s widely regarded as the apex of the genre. Finally, they investigate the celebrity apology video aesthetic, an artform that’s been attempted—and by no means, perfected—by Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Russell Brand, and Drew Barrymore recently, as an unusual document of the times. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses the meme and viral TikTok trend, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” and the ways it encourages a faux-performance of gender on the internet.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: In the spirit of revelatory live shows, Dana endorses The Bengsons, a folk-rock duo (by married couple Abigail and Shaun Bengson) whose recent concert she describes as “performance art.” Julia: “Stop Talking” by Miya Folick, one Julia’s favorite songs from the 2023 Summer Strut Mega-mix, that exasperatedly laments about a friend whose brain space has been eaten up by some boy–and Folick doesn’t want to hear about it anymore!  Stephen: Lucky in Paris by saxophonist Lucky Thompson, a relatively under-the-radar record that has become one of Stephen’s top five jazz albums of all time.  Outro music: “On the Keys of Steel” by Dusty Decks. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana and Stephen are once again joined by Kat Chow, author of the memoir Seeing Ghosts. The panel begins by jumping into the ring with Cassandro, the oddly conflict-adverse biopic about the lucha libre superstar and exótico gay icon, Saúl Armendáriz, who is played terrifically by Gael García Bernal in a provocative, tour-de-force performance. Then, the trio wades into comedian–and future Daily Show host hopeful–Hasan Minhaj’s thorny web of lies with Slate staff writer, Nitish Pahwa, who detailed the devastating impact of Minhaj’s many falsehoods in his essay, “Hasan Minhaj Meant Something to Brown Americans. Was It All an Act?” Finally, the three react to “The 40 Greatest Stand-Alone TV Episodes of All Time,” written by the Slate Staff, a massive labor of love and fun thought experiment that spans The Sopranos, Atlanta, The Larry Sanders Show, Black Mirror, and High Maintenance.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses the impact the last few years have had on their lives, inspired by Katy Schneider’s essay for The Cut, “The Pandemic Skip.” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Dana sent this to everyone she knows–family, friends, etc. It’s a new interview with Martin Scorsese, written by Zach Baron for GQ entitled “Martin Scorsese: ‘I Have To Find Out Who The Hell I Am.’” In addition to films and moviemaking (his latest, Killers of the Flower Moon, is set to be released in October), the legendary director, now 80, also speaks candidly about life, its inevitable end, and his own mortality. It’s a dream of an interview and absolutely sublime.  Kat: Small Things Like These, a beautifully written historical fiction novel by Claire Keegan about the horrific conditions women and children endured at Magdalene Laundries in Ireland.  Stephen: “Quantum poetics,” an essay in Aeon written by William Egginton, a professor of humanities at James Hopkins University. In it, Egginton describes the ways Argentine short story author, Jorge Luis Borges, and German theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg “converged on the notion that language both enables and interferes with our grasp of reality.”  Outro music: “Forbidden Love” by OTE Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stephen and Dana are joined by long-time friend of the pod and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, June Thomas. The panel begins by puzzling over the return of Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot in A Haunting in Venice, the actor-director’s third Agatha Christie whodunit adaptation. Then, they dig into Jann Wenner’s disastrous New York Times interview with David Marchese in which the Rolling Stone co-founder manages to disgrace himself in almost every conceivable way. Finally, the trio concludes by discussing Naomi Klein’s new book, Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World, which captures the strange ways selfhood is performed in the internet age.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel reveals their cleaning playlists and audio accompaniments, inspired by Lindsay Zoladz’ essay for The New York Times, “A 20-Minute Cleaning Playlist.” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: The wonderful world of Better Call Saul table reads (which can be found on YouTube), specifically, the one for “Switch,” Season 2, Episode 1.  June: As someone who enjoys reading biographies of unpleasant people, June endorses A Thread of Violence by Mark O’Connel, which chronicles the gripping tale of one of the most scandalous murders in modern Irish history.   Stephen: The West Cork podcast, a non-fiction series reported and hosted by Sam Bungey and Jennifer Forde about the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.  Outro music: “Mother” by The Big Let Down. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stephen and Dana are joined by guest host Kat Chow, journalist and author of the 2021 memoir Seeing Ghosts. The panel begins by wading through HELL, Chris Fleming’s new hour-long comedy special that’s both puzzling and delightfully goofy. Then, the three consider Astrakan, a deeply dark and unsettling first feature from director David Depesseville, and attempt to parse through the film’s (intentionally?) ambiguous messages. Finally, they conclude by discussing Rotten Tomatoes, the widely used critical review aggregation site and subject of the recent Vulture exposé by Lane Brown, “The Decomposition of Rotten Tomatoes,” which details a “gaming of the system” by Hollywood PR teams.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel dives into the 2023 U.S. Open, specifically the effect of extreme heat on gameplay and how the sport will need to contend with climate change going forward.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Kat: C Pam Zhang’s brilliant upcoming novel The Land of Milk and Honey.  Dana: One of the best novels she’s read in years, Idlewild by James Frankie Thomas. Stephen: The Guest by Emma Cline, a novel that serves as a “carefully observed ethnography of the super rich.”  Outro music: “On the Keys of Steel” by Dusty Decks. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel jumps into Bottoms, the chaotic second feature from director and co-writer Emma Seligman that satirizes… something (what that thing is, they have yet to discover). They then discuss Telemarketers, a Michael Moore-style documentary that exposes the telemarketing industry’s dark underbelly in a weirdly captivating tour de force. Finally, the trio takes on Strike Force Five, a new Spotify podcast hosted by late-night veterans Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and Seth Meyers that deals with the ins and outs of the trade and raises money for their striking writing staffs.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel considers the joys of trains and sleeper cars, inspired by Bryn Stole’s essay for Slate, “Wake on a Train.”  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: A very funny, investigative piece in The Guardian by Elif Batuman: “Proust, ChatGPT and the case of the forgotten quote.”  Julia: In a wonderfully kismet moment, Julia stumbled upon Hilltown Hot Pies, a neapolitan-ish pizzeria in the Berkshires run by chef Rafi Bildner, who previously owned one of Stephen’s favorite pizza spots in Ghent.  Stephen: “The Inheritance Case That Could Unravel an Art Dynasty” by Rachel Corbett for The New York Times Magazine, an essay that lays bare an empire built on shell companies, weird art depots, and paintings sequestered in vaults. Outro music: “Break The Line” by Coma Svensson Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Julia is joined by Slate associate culture writer Nadira Goffe and Jamelle Bouie, opinion columnist at The New York Times. The panel begins by test driving Gran Turismo, a sports movie that is essentially a Playstation commercial based on popular intellectual property and “real life.” Then, they explore Mask Girl, a visually stylish K-drama that tackles men, capital letters, systemic violence, Korean beauty standards, and fame through smart social satire. Finally, the three discuss the virtues, or lack thereof, found in Oliver Anthony’s number one hit song “Rich Men North of Richmond” (which Jamelle also covered in his essay “The Irony in the ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’”). In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel considers prep, preppy style, and their relationships to the American art form, inspired by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela’s piece for The New Republic, “We’re All Preppy Now.”  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Jamelle: The films of Satoshi Kon, the legendary Japanese film director, animator, and screenwriter. Jamelle particularly enjoys Perfect Blue and Millennium Actress, which he calls a “love letter to mid-century Japanese filmmaking.”  Julia: A recent tomato sandwich devotee, Julia endorses Eric Kim’s furikake tomato sandwich recipe for The New York Times. It calls for Wonder Bread, a bit of mayonnaise, heirloom tomatoes, and a sprinkling of the dry Japanese condiment.  Nadira: British neo-funk electronic collective, Jungle, and the dance-based music videos for their latest album, Volcano, specifically “Candle Flame,” “Dominoes,” and viral sensation “Back on 74,” brilliantly choreographed by Shay Latukolan.  Outro music: "Warefare" by Sandra Bjurman Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Julia Turner, Nadira Goffe, Jamelle Bouie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana is joined by Slate’s books and culture columnist, Laura Miller, and senior editor Rebecca Onion (who are filling in for Julia and Stephen). The panel begins by unraveling Passages, the sexy but also, at times, repelling feature from director Ira Sachs about a complicated love triangle. The film received a controversial NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Association. Then, they head to Detroit to discuss Justified: City Primeval, FX’s revival of the Raylan Givens cult classic that ran for six seasons. Finally, the three consider Michael Oher’s recent legal allegation that the Tuohy family (immortalized in the 2009 Oscar-winning movie The Blind Side) never really adopted him but instead, placed him in a conservatorship. It’s a scandal at the fascinating convergence of exploitation, fame, race, and adoption.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel examines nature writing and their relationship to the form, inspired by Jonathan Franzen’s essay for The New Yorker, “The Problem with Nature Writing.”  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Laura: Her quest for a new detective series (that isn’t stupid or cliché) is over: Laura endorses Deadloch, a Prime Video comedy set in Tasmania that’s equal parts genuine mystery and delicious social satire.  Rebecca: Anya Liftig’s memoir, Holler Rat, beautifully recounts her upbringing where she often felt caught between two worlds: the comfortable, upper-middle-class life in Connecticut where she lived, and the summers spent in Appalachia, her mother’s home.  Dana: A behind-the-scenes video for, what could potentially be the song of the summer, “I’m Just Ken” has just been released. In it, we see Ryan Gosling rehearsing and cameos from Greta Gerwig, Simu Liu and co-writer Mark Ronson, and it’s just super fun.  Outro music: “I Want a Change” by The Big Let Down.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  This episode is sponsored by the podcast About the Journey. Learn more here: https://traveler.marriott.com/about-the-journey/ If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by dissecting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, a zany piece of intellectual property that’s been taken off the shelf by Jeff Rowe, Seth Rogan, and a slew of animators and turned into a critical darling. Then, the trio reviews The Retrievals, a five-part narrative podcast hosted by Susan Burton for The New York Times and Serial Productions that chronicles the systematic ways American healthcare continually denies, discounts, and ignores women’s pain through a series of events that unfolded at the Yale Fertility Clinic. Finally, they are joined by Wesley Morris, critic at large at The New York Times, to discuss his tour de force essay, “How Hip-Hop Conquered the World,” and how the history of the radical art form is as porous and complex as the nation itself.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel commemorates hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with a lightning round of personal accounts about their first encounters with the form.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Since their conversation about Sinéad O’Connor a few weeks ago, Dana has dived even deeper into the late Irish singer/songwriter’s oeuvre. One gem she found was The Year of the Horse, a concert documentary recorded live in 1990 at Forest National, Brussels. It’s a fantastic snapshot of a live performance at a very specific time in O’Connor’s life.  Julia: Taylor Swift fans! Julia recently attended Swift’s concert in Los Angeles and was struck by the overall kind, positive, and good vibes of the crowd. Fans of all ages and body types exchanged bracelets with one another, trading “Hi Barbie!” greetings, which made the concert-going experience feel even more special.  Stephen: It may be difficult to convince a teenage girl in 2023 to listen to Tom Waits’ catalog, but Stephen has done exactly that: he created a playlist for his daughter called “Broken Bicycles,” which highlights Waits’ extraordinary ability to write a pop melody.  Outro music: “Spinning Wheels” by Dusty Decks. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  This episode is sponsored by the podcast About the Journey. Learn more here: https://traveler.marriott.com/about-the-journey/ If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel is joined by pop critic and chart analyst (and host of Slate’s Hit Parade podcast) Chris Molanphy for our annual Summer Strut episode. The four dive into the longest listener-suggested summer playlist to date (this year, it’s a 682 song behemoth that adds up to approximately 42 hours!) and take turns in an electric, strut-ty roundtable discussion of their top picks. You can find their collective favorites here in the Summer Strut '23 Shortlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Ivpm4HVLsMw3LFwkgp7lw?si=90d2d26d65264157 To view Dana, Steve, Julia, and Chris's personal shortlists, and the original massive playlist, check out the Summer Strut show page at slate.com/culturefest. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel does an additional round of their Strut-iest picks. Email us at [email protected].  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  This episode is sponsored by the podcast About the Journey. Learn more here: https://traveler.marriott.com/about-the-journey/ If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by diving into Theater Camp, a mockumentary-style comedy about gloriously talented misfits. Then, they pay tribute to Sinéad O’Connor, the dearly missed Irish singer, songwriter, and activist whose 1992 performance on Saturday Night Live rocked the world. Then, the trio is joined by screenwriter (and co-host of the Scriptnotes podcast) John August to discuss the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, what’s going on in Hollywood, and how this “double strike” feels different than others past.   In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel chews over our relationships to our digits, inspired by the delightfully small yet cerebral piece by Charlie Warzel for The Atlantic, “In Praise of Phone Numbers.” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: While not released on one of her albums, Sinéad O’Connor’s performance of “The Foggy Dew” with The Chieftains at the 1995 IRMA awards in Dublin perfectly captures the singer’s gift for singing live.  Julia: A big fan of lighting candles at dinner, Julia recommends Mole Hollow, a Massachusetts-based company that produces stunning handmade candles in bright, vibrant colors.  John: Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone’s novel, This is How You Lose the Time War, is a beautiful and intimate story with science fiction influences, told through the exchanging of letters, epistolary-style. Shout out to Twitter user @maskofbun for the viral recommendation.  Stephen: He doesn’t normally join the bandwagon of clear winners, but Patrick Radden Keefe’s profile of art dealer Larry Gagosian for The New Yorker is so impressive, it left Stephen speechless.  Outro music: “Forbidden Love” by OTE Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  This episode is sponsored by the podcast About the Journey. Learn more here: https://traveler.marriott.com/about-the-journey/ If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by examining Barbie, Greta Gerwig’s hot pink, record-breaking movie about the iconic Mattel doll. Then, the trio dives into Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which chronicles the life of the “Father of the Atomic Bomb,” and explores whether the film achieves its aims. Finally, they are joined by Slate’s Chris Molanphy to discuss the controversy behind country singer Jason Aldean’s latest song, “Try That In A Small Town.”  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel is once again joined by Chris Molanphy to discuss all things Summer Strut. With the annual show just weeks away, the four pull back the curtain to detail their processes, weird observations, and more.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: In line with her theme of the week, “Yay movies and go, go, go to the theater,” Dana highly recommends Theater Camp, a delightful film by Ben Platt and Molly Gordon.  Julia: Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipe for zucchini pasta with crispy capers and pistachios isn’t the sort of thing Julia would normally endorse (for one, it’s extremely laborious and you will need to fry individual basil leaves), but it’s vegan, a showstopper, and completely worth it.  Stephen: In honor of the late singer, Stephen recommends two Tony Bennett albums: “The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album” (1975) and “Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall” (1962).  Outro music: “Last Sunday” by OTE Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe fills in for Julia. The panel begins by discussing Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, Tom Cruise’s latest romp against rogue A.I. Then, the trio review Wham!, a bittersweet and perhaps hollow documentary following the ‘80s English pop duo’s rise to fame. Then, they explore Spill, a new image-based platform claiming to be the next “Black Twitter” and its role in the current social media landscape.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses the lost art of handwriting, inspired by this piece in The Atlantic: “How Handwriting Lost Its Personality” by Rachel Gutman-Wei.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Nadira: Adele’s tribute to George Michael — The singer’s performance of “Fastlove” at the 2017 Grammy’s is far from perfect, but it’s exactly those flaws and her raw emotion that makes this rendition so moving.  Also, NewJeans! Nadira adores this shapeshifting K-pop girl group and the ways they evoke nostalgia using Y2K visuals and hip hop elements. Stream their latest songs “Super Shy” and the self-titled “New Jeans.” (She also likes “Ditto” and “Attention”) Dana: Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?” — Longtime Billie Eilish fan, Dana, recommends the pop star’s most recent music video, which was directed by Eilish and beautifully captures the melancholy of a doll’s role. It’s also a bit of free promotion for the upcoming Barbie film, which uses “What Was I Made For” in its final scenes.   Stephen: George Michael, “Waiting for That Day” — Stephen will never forget the day when he, free from the bias against Wham! and pop music he grew up with, finally realized that George Michal was a musical genius. This song about loss and an inherent sadness is especially moving. Outro music: Adele's tribute to George Michael at the 2017 Grammys. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Audio engineering by Merritt Jacob. Production assistance by Kat Hong.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate writer and editor Dan Kois fills in for Julia. The panel begins by breaking down Joy Ride, Adele Lim’s raunchy first feature about four Chinese-American friends. Then, the panel dives into the second season of the reality show Claim to Fame. Finally, they examine the commodification of storytelling, inspired by Parul Sehgal’s essay “The Tyranny of the Tale” for The New Yorker.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel discusses pickleball, America’s fastest growing sport.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: “They Don’t Want Us and We Don’t Need Them” – David Roth on the drama surrounding GQ’s David Zaslav story and the depressing state of media for Defector.  Dan: Patrick deWitt novels – Specifically, the Canadian novelist’s latest, The Librarianist.  Stephen: Diary of a Foreigner in Paris – Curzio Malaparte recounts his return to postwar Europe and his complex relationship with fascism.  Outro music: “Backwards” by Staffan Carlen Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by examining the final Indiana Jones crusade (probably), Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny. Then, they debate Boots Riley’s daring new television show, I’m a Virgo. Finally, the trio considers Turner Classic Movies and the fate of the beloved TV network. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel dives into the reliably controversial Agnes Callard’s latest piece, “The Case Against Travel.” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: “The Joy of Traveling Solo” — Inspired by this week’s Slate Plus segment, Dana endorses writer Andre Acimen’s piece in Town & Country about the joys of being in a new place alone.  Julia: Raiders of the Lost Ark Story Conference Transcript — Over five days in January 1978, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Lawrence Kasdan came together to brainstorm what would later become the Raiders of the Lost Ark screenplay. The entire story session transcript has been published in its entirety.  Stephen: “A Sort of Buzzing Inside My Head” — A beautifully written piece by Jessica Riskin for The New York Review that explores ChatGPT’s relationship to the Turing Test and what it tells us about the meaning of “intelligence.” Outro music: “Spinning the Wheels” by Dusty Decks Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins with the question: is The Bear’s second season even better than its first? Then, the trio discusses Jennifer Lawrence’s new “sex” comedy, No Hard Feelings. Finally, they examine an essay by Jonah Weiner of Blackbird Spyplane, “Is Ssense hurting the cool-clothes eco-system?” about the online clothing emporium that’s growing like a weed.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel dives into former New York Times film critic—and current Book Review critic—A.O. Scott’s recent piece, “Everyone Likes Reading. Why Are We So Afraid of It?” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Access and Engagement Curator at the Brontë Parsonage Museum — The Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth is hiring! Dana thinks someone out there must be perfect for this wonderful job: a part-time Access and Engagement curator at the former home of the Brontë family and where Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall were written. Applications close on Sunday, July 2nd.  Julia: Cédric Grolet on Instagram — The French pastry chef (who works as executive pastry chef at Le Meurice in Paris) posts beautifully shot baking videos to his Instagram and TikTok. In them, he demonstrates how to make fruity, complex pastries at a huge scale. The result is perfection.  Stephen: “Cancelled” by Amia Srinivasan — Published by the London Review of Books, “Cancelled” is philosopher Amia Srinivasan’s exploration of the role of fee speech on campus. In it, she asks “Who gets to speak?” and details the ways academic freedom is currently being suppressed.  Outro music: “Zero Gravity” by ELFL Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana Stevens is joined first by Slate senior editor Sam Adams and ICYMI co-host Candice Lim to examine Wes Anderson’s latest film, Asteroid City. Then, the trio discusses why the sixth season of Black Mirror feels so disjointed. Finally, Dana and Candice explore the ethics of true crime content—and its devout followers—with Slate podcast producer and host Cheyna Roth inspired by a recent piece by The Atlantic, “The Gross Spectacle of Murder Fandom.” In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Dana, Candice, and Cheyna delve into TikTok’s latest trend: “beige flags.” Not quite red or alarming, nor something you absolutely love, beige flags are little quirks a person reveals that makes you go, “Hmm… okay.” Their conversation is inspired by Buzzfeed’s “‘My Boyfriend Always Asks The Waiter What To Order’” and The Cut’s “So What’s Your ‘Beige Flag?’” Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Dana: Reality — Based on the real-life FBI interrogation transcript of whistleblower Reality Winner (played wonderfully by Sydney Sweeney), Dana describes HBO Max’s Reality as a surprisingly experimental film that manages to recount the story of a historical event without any dramatic reenactments or fictionalized scenarios.  Candice: Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier — Written by Marisa Meltzer, Glossy exposes the history of Glossier, one of America’s hottest and most consequential startups and examines the enigmatic woman responsible for it all. A must read for any Girl Boss obsessives.  Cheyna: Below Deck — If you’re looking for fun, “turn your brain off” television, it doesn’t get much better than Below Deck, according to Cheyna. Below Deck (and its many Bravo spin-off series) follows the crews of luxury sailing yachts and all of the mess and drama that comes along with the job. Outro music: “You Know What I Want” by Staffan Carlen.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  Hosts Dana Stevens, Candice Lim, Sam Adams, Cheyna Roth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel is first joined by Slate senior editor Sam Adams to review Past Lives, Celine Song’s gentle yet affecting directorial debut. Then, Dana and Stephen dive into The Ultimatum: Queer Love with Slate’s June Thomas. Finally, the trio debate the virtues of closed captioning, based on a recent piece by The Atlantic, “Why Is Everyone Watching TV With the Subtitles On?”  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Dana and Stephen are joined by Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion to discuss the ways therapy language has found its way into everyday conversations, inspired by The Rise of Therapy Speak (Katy Waldman, The New Yorker) and “‘Doing the Work’ and the Obsession With Superficial Self-Improvement (Jessica Grose, The New York Times). Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Stephen: A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov — “An expression of Byronism as it reaches Russian shores.” Written in 1939 by one of the great Russian poets, A Hero of Our Time follows a nihilistic anti-hero on his many misadventures.  Dana: Everything Isn’t Terrible by Dr. Kathleen Smith (Audio book) — To go with this week’s Plus segment, Dana recommends this very good self help book. The audio book is partly narrated by the author Dr. Kathleen Smith, who works as a family systems therapist. June: Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel (Audio series) — Based on the beautifully written comic strip, Dykes to Watch Out For is an Audible series adapted by Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeleine George that features voices from Roxane Gay, Jane Lynch, Carrie Brownstein, and more.    Outro music: “What We Didn't Do” by Particle House Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  __ This Pride Month, make an impact by helping Macy’s and The Trevor Project on their mission to fund life-saving suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by unraveling Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Then, the three discuss Platonic, a new Apple TV+ show starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen. Finally, they are joined by Slate staff writer Luke Winkie to examine the surprisingly wholesome journalism storyline found in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.   In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel reflects on their professional lives with a listener question: What is your relationship to your work after you’ve completed it?  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Stephen: “Trespassing on Edith Wharton” by Alissa Bennett for The Paris Review — An essential piece and “exemplary specimen” that’s critical to the discussion of what literary criticism looks like in today’s digital media age.  Dana: “The Dress Diary of Mrs. Anne Sykes” by Kate Strasdin for The Paris Review — An excerpt from the fashion historian’s upcoming book The Dress Diary: Secrets from a Victorian Woman’s Wardrobe. A fantastic glimpse into the Victorian period, what people wore then, and what they did in those clothes.  Julia: Holedown — A mindless, addictive iPhone game that Julia describes as “Asteroid, but down instead of up.” This endorsement comes from John August, the host of her favorite podcasts, Scriptnotes.    Outro music is "Back to Silence" by OTE Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  __ This Pride Month, make an impact by helping Macy’s and The Trevor Project on their mission to fund life-saving suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by dissecting (and spoiling) the Succession finale. Then, the three discuss You Hurt My Feelings, a great new comedy by writer/director Nicole Holofcener starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Finally, they examine the Obama’s Netflix docuseries Working: What We Do All Day.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel gets deep with a question from Julia Turner: What is one small life thing you’re absolutely terrible at?  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Stephen: Jury Duty’s finale — After last week’s discussion, Stephen finished Jury Duty and discovered one of the better hours of television he’d seen in a long time, calling it “the antidote to reality TV: a genuinely wonderful show that is in a class of its own.”   Dana: Studs Terkel’s Radio Archive — WFMT-FM in Chicago published an archive of over 1,000 digitalized audio tapes that originally aired over 45 years on Studs Turkel’s radio show. No one interviews quite like him, a man of the people who can talk to pretty much anyone about anything. A stand out: this interview with Buster Keaton.  Julia: Frozen sliced bread — Discovering this life hack changed everything: crusty bread saved for later, sliced and stowed in the freezer. Is this the best thing since… sliced bread? Or, as Dana quips, “You can’t spell sliced bread without ‘iced bread.’”   Outro music: "Blue Nights and Yellow Days" by Matt Large Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate’s senior editor Rebecca Onion fills in for Julia. The panel begins by examining Sanctuary, a claustrophobic BDSM thriller starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. Then, they debate Freevee’s hard-to-define “reality” series Jury Duty. Finally, Dana and Stephen are joined by Slate music critic Chris Molanphy to discuss Morgan Wallen and his number one song, “Last Night” and the nature of cancel culture.   In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel talks about Martha Stewart posing for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit cover at 81 and what it actually achieves in terms of empowerment for women.  Email us at [email protected].  Endorsements: Stephen: “The Price of Crypto” — A comprehensive and non-esoteric summation of Bitcoin’s history (both the network and “currency”) published by The New York Review of Books. Dana: The simple joy of spring cleaning — While clearing out her basement, Dana recently unearthed an old record player and rediscovered her love of listening to vinyls to pass time.  Rebecca: The Lure (2015) — To prepare for Disney’s upcoming The Little Mermaid live action revival, Rebecca and her husband are binging mermaid-related movies. At the top of her list: The Lure, a Polish musical-horror film directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska that tells the tale of two sirens who emerge from the water and perform in a nightclub.    Outro music: “Any Other Way” by Particle House. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen start by talking about the movie BlackBerry. Then they discuss the new Peacock series Bupkis. Finally, Slate’s Isaac Butler sits in to talk about the questions around Shakespeare’s identity that refuse to die. In Slate Plus, Steve's recent move and how physical place relates to phases of life. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: The vibes-based playlists on Matthew Perpetua’s YouTube channel Julia: Amityville: An Origin Story on MGM+ and Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One | The Biggest Stunt in Cinema History (Tom Cruise) Stephen: See Feist live if you have the opportunity. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Kat Hong. Outro music: "Bloody Hunter" by Paisley Pink __ Make an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen begin by talking about the new Amazon series, Dead Ringers. Then the L.A. Times’ Anousha Sakoui joins to discuss the WGA strike. Finally, Slate’s Dan Kois sits in to talk about the writing and revising of the story of digital media and Ben Smith’s book "Traffic.” In Slate Plus, the panel gets into the health of alcohol and caffeine, inspired by this Slate article: https://slate.com/technology/2023/04/alcohol-wine-drinking-healthy-dangerous-study.html Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Newsreels from the UCLA Film & Television Archive Julia: The Ultimate L.A. Bookshelf Stephen: Jan Lisiecki - Chopin: Complete Nocturnes Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "The Red Light Special" by Matt Large. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen begin by talking about the new Netflix series “The Diplomat.” Then Slate’s Heather Schwedel joins them to discuss the adaptation of Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Finally, they chat about weddings, as inspired by Slate’s recent wedding coverage.  In Slate Plus, the panel gets into their relationships with Google Maps, prompted by this article in the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/04/google-maps-world-perception/673834/ Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: The 2010 National Theatre production of Hamlet starring Rory Kinnear.  Julia: L.A. Times’ The Wide Shot newsletter to help you stay informed about the WGA strike. Stephen: The HBO series High Maintenance. (And, via Dana, the original web series.)  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Champions Day" by Lupus Nocte. __ Make an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host Julia Tuner is joined by guest-hosts Jamelle Bouie and Nadira Goffe. In the first segment, they discuss The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which currently tops the box office and stars Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and numerous other big stars. After that, the panel talks about Chimp Empire, a new Netflix nature series narrated by Mahershala Ali. Then they wrap things up with a conversation about A.I. music and the song Heart on My Sleeve, which sounds like a collaboration between Drake and The Weekend, but…isn’t.  Endorsements Jamelle Bouie: The 1971 film Carnal Knowledge, directed by Mike Nichols.  Nadira Goffe: Ackee and saltfish, a delicious Jamaican breakfast. Julia Turner: The 2011 documentary Sing Your Song about Harry Belafonte.  Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]  Production assistance by Yesica Balderama. Production by Cameron Drews.  Outro music: “What We Didn't Do” by Particle House. __ Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate’s Sam Adams joins Dana and Stephen to talk about auteur Ari Aster’s newest film, Beau is Afraid. Then they discuss the new Hulu limited series, Tiny Beautiful Things. Finally, they chat about the state of the music business as inspired by this recent article: https://www.thenation.com/article/society/music-industry-ipod/ In Slate Plus, the panel goes deep into spoilers and specifics about Beau is Afraid.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Sir John Soane’s Museum in London.  Sam: The Voyager by Jenny Lewis Stephen: Multitudes by Feist, as well as the Feist and Kings of Convenience collaboration “Red Wing” (mislabeled as “Rewind” on YouTube).  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Did I Make You Wait" by Staffan Carlen Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate’s Rebecca Onion joins Julia and Stephen to talk about the Nike shoe story, Air. Then they discuss the new Netflix series Beef. Finally, Slate’s Carl Wilson joins to chat about the first full album by supergroup Boygenius. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about leftovers and food waste, inspired by Tamar Adler's book The Everlasting Meal Cookbook. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Rebecca: The new memoir Don’t Call Me Home by Alexandra Auder. Julia: Julia is endorsing the activity that is googling things with your kids, as inspired by her family’s deep dive into the history of Fanta while on vacation. Stephen: Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau’s album Your Mother Should Know: Brad Mehldau Plays The Beatles Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Jenny's Alright" by OTE. __ Make an impact this Earth Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to bring more parks to more people across the country. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate’s own Nadira Goffe and Working co-host Isaac Butler join Dana to talk about Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Then they discuss the new AMC series starring Bob Odenkirk, Lucky Hank. Finally, Slate’s Dan Kois joins to talk about the poet Maggie Smith and an essay that was excerpted from her new memoir, You Could Make This Place Beautiful. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about Phantom of the Opera finally leaving Broadway after more than three decades. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Nadira: Nadira encourages you to visit the weirdo, small museums in your area that you might not go to otherwise, as inspired by her impromptu visit to the New York Transit Museum.  Isaac: The movie The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and the book Dear Committee Members.  Dana: A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is: "Last Sunday" by OTE __ Make an impact this Earth Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to bring more parks to more people across the country. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate’s own Nadira Goffe joins Dana and Stephen as they begin by talking about John Wick 4. Then they discuss a new streaming series about fandom gone too far called Swarm. Finally, they chat about why classical music is getting more popular among young people.  In Slate Plus, the panel discusses Freud’s comeback.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Lorraine Hunt sings Handel Nadira: The app and website Music League Stephen: “The Trails of the Young: A Semester” by Mary Gaitskill Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is: "Self Made Woman" by Katharine Appleton. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen begin by talking about Daisy Jones & the Six. Then they discuss the new film Palm Trees and Power Lines. Finally, writer Dan Charnas joins to chat about why it is time to finally legalize sampling in music.  In Slate Plus, the panel answers a listener question about the practicalities of being a critic.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: The movie Smooth Talk from 1985.  Julia: “You Didn’t” by Brett Young  Stephen: The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is: "Blue Nights and Yellow Days" by Matt Large. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen start by discussing the wins and losses of Oscar night. Then, they’re joined by Slate’s Sam Adams to talk about his recent piece, “Peak TV Is Over. Welcome to Trough TV,” and the current state of streaming television. Finally, they try out TikTok’s new “Bold Glamour” filter and discuss how they feel about it. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the recent New Yorker profile, “Agnes Callard’s Marriage of the Minds.” Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements: Dana: “Fat Suit Fart Attack: The Whale,” by Lindy West in her newsletter Butt News Julia: The monthly Cartoon Club at the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles. Stephen: The live music and food at the Lagniappe House in Miami. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro Music: “200 Dont’s” by Conditional __ Make an impact this Women’s History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund girls in STEM. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen begin by talking about Creed III. Then they chat about the Oscar-nominated animated short My Year of Dicks. Finally, a conversation about the history of the Oscars and their relevancy.  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the poor state of projection at movie theaters.  Editor’s note: In the episode, the historian Kim Phillips-Fein is incorrectly referred to as “he” instead of “she.” Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Charlie Kaufman’s speech at the WGA awards.  Julia: Sam Anderson’s Spirited Away to Miyazaki Land and Miyazaki’s film Kiki’s Delivery Service.  Stephen: The Betrayal of Adam Smith by Kim Phillips-Fein Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. "You Know What I Want" by Staffan Carlen __ Make an impact this Women’s History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund girls in STEM. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen begin by talking about the return of the Starz comedy Party Down. Then they discuss Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar-nominated performance in To Leslie. Finally, NPR’s Aisha Harris joins to chat about the newest entries to the Black Film Canon; a collaboration between Slate and NPR.  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the controversial changes to Roald Dahl’s books.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Nathan Hiller’s article ‘The End of the English Major’ in The New Yorker. Julia: Art But Make It Sports on Instagram Stephen: ‘Are You Sure’ by Willie Nelson from The Demos Project: Volume One Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Backwards" by Staffan Carlen. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana and Stephen are joined by Jamelle Bouie, and they start by discussing Marc Maron’s new HBO comedy special From Bleak to Dark. Then they review the Oscar-nominated Polish film EO. Then, Slate writer Dan Kois joins to talk about his article on the importance of hanging out.  In Slate Plus they talk about the Bing Chatbot and this article in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: A YouTube user named “nobody.” They post all these incredible baroque playlists with great names.  Jamelle: The films of Satoshi Kon.  Stephen: Listen to Barry Harris, a solo piano album by Barry Harris.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Forbidden Love" by OTE __ Make an impact this Black History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund UNCF scholarships for HBCU students. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen start by talking about Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime performance with Slate’s Nadira Goffe. Then they discuss the new mockumentary series Cunk on Earth. Finally, they chat about Oscar-nominated documentary All That Breathes. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss Leslie Jamison’s article in the New Yorker, “Why Everyone Feels Like They’re Faking It,” about Imposter Syndrome. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Burt Bacharach’s live concert with Elvis Costello at The Royal Festival Julia: Prince’s Super Bowl XLI Halftime Performance and the oral history behind this iconic performance. Stephen: Essay in the Dublin Review of Books titled, Problems, problems by Johnny Lyons Bonus from Nadira: Rihanna’s VMA Medley Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Break The Line" by Coma Svensson. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Relentless, host Kristen Meinzer is joined by, not one, but two fearless Michelles who know that to be a successful leader, you need to take risks and have a strong support system.  First, she speaks with Michelle “Mace” Curran, a former F-16 fighter pilot and the second woman to fly as Lead Solo in the Air Force Thunderbirds. Now an entrepreneur, Curran has made it her mission to empower others to make bold and brave choices. Afterwards, Kristen talks with Michelle Fermin, Team Lead of the Fermin Group at Century 21 North East. An expert, on-the-ground team builder, Fermin shares her secret to being a good leader: inspire and be inspired by those around you. Guests Michelle “Mace” Curran: Combat Veteran, Former Thunderbird & Fighter Pilot Michelle Fermin: Team Lead of the Fermin Group, Century 21 North East  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen start by talking about the new AppleTV+ series Shrinking. Then they discuss the Oscar-nominated film Triangle of Sadness. Finally, they chat about modern etiquette, inspired by The Cut’s piece on the topic. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the closing of the “World’s Best Restaurant” Noma.    Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: I have great, great affection for Jason Segel. Nobody is talking about his children’s books. It’s this series called Nightmares! that he co-wrote with Kirsten Miller. There are also two sequels. Any kid about 10 or 11 years old can handle them.  Julia: OG food friend of the program Dan Pashman has followed up his invention of an entirely new pasta shape (Cascatelli) in 2021 with the release of two more shapes: Quattrotini and Vesuvio. These aren’t inventions, they are less commonly found shapes that he is helping bring to a larger audience of eaters. Dan is continuing his partnership with Sfoglini and you can buy the shapes on their site. [Producer note: Gluten free people can enjoy a gf version that Dan made in partnership with Banza.]  Stephen: I enjoyed the Nordic crime series The Bridge. It introduced me to Kim Bodnis, a great actor Americans would get to know as the assassin handler on Killing Eve. I finally caught up with the third season and it’s great.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "If Only I Was a Poet" by Staffan Carlen _ Make an impact this Black History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund UNCF scholarships for HBCU students. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen start by talking about Natasha Lyonne’s modern take on Columbo, aka the new Peacock series Poker Face. Then they discuss Netflix’s Oscar-nominated All Quiet On The Western Front. Finally, the chat about the changed aesthetics of shopping, inspired by this Grub Street article.  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the sleepover panic.    Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Kiss Me Petruchio is an hour long documentary about the 1981 Shakespeare in the Park production of The Taming of the Shrew starring a young Meryl Streep and a young Raul Julia.  Julia: The third episode of HBO’s The Last of Us featuring Murray Bartlett and Nick Offerman.  Stephen: I couldn’t let the death of Tom Verlaine go unremarked. The albums Adventure and Marquee Moon that he made with his band Television are both absolute stone cold masterpieces.  And a discovery: Skeeter Davis, anybody?  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Stone Cookies" by Dusty Decks. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen start by discussing the film, Women Talking. Then they chat about the new U.K. import Traitors with Slate’s own Carl Wilson. Finally, they finish by talking ChatGPT and the coming of AI chatbots. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about this year’s Oscar nominations.    Email us at [email protected]. Also, we're hiring! If you'd like to apply to be the production assistant for the Culture Gabfest, please send a cover letter with two suggestions for topics to [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Werner Herzog is in his somber, elegiac mode with The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft. Not to be confused with Fire of Love, about the same people, but made by Sara Dosa.  Julia: Endorsing the third season of Never Have I Ever. It’s such a good show. Sometimes I take for granted the variety of things being made.  Stephen: Two things: 1. I am comically late on Better Call Saul. 2. Sam Gendel is a young L.A. jazz guy with a DGAF attitude towards even the music he makes, in a weird way. The album is called blueblue. Just amazing.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Last Sunday" by OTE. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana and Julia are joined by Slate writer Dan Kois. They start by discussing HBO’s new series, The Last of Us, a video game adaptation with culture editor and writer at The New Yorker, Alex Barasch. Then they discuss the French film, Saint Omer, shortlisted for Best International Film at the 2023 Oscars. Finally, they finish by talking about Dan's essay on how the Trunchbull, the formidable villain of Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel Matilda, is still evolving.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dan: Two books publishing this week, an anti-romantic comedy, Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey, about a young woman in Toronto failing to deal with her divorce, and a novel by Matthew Salesses titled The Sense of Wonder about the ways Asian Americans navigate the worlds of sports and entertainment when everything is stacked against them.  Julia: The Smitten Kitchen recipe for seven-yolk pasta dough. Dana: An unexpected yet beautiful viral Twitter thread by @annethegnome about mushrooms. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Pull Me Out" by Mike Stringer. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen begin by reviewing the very buzzy horror comedy M3GAN. Then the panel dives into Slate’s annual movie club. Finally, L.A. Times columnist Carolina A. Miranda joins to talk about her article on how TikTok is changing our culture.   In Slate Plus, the panel answers a listener's question about whether it is more fun to love or hate a piece of art when working as a critic.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements:  Dana: Eleonor Bindman is an incredible pianist, arranger, and transcriber. Her big thing is transcription of Bach for four-hand piano. I’ve seen her play a duet with another person and the four hands do things the two hands can’t. Her newest release is J.S. Bach: Orchestral Suites (transcribed for piano duet by Eleonor Bindman), which is performed by Bindman and Susan Sobolewski. Also, go follow her on social media and just learn about Bach from her.  Julia: I think regular listeners know that I like to bake. I am endorsing a cookbook that was recommended to me by the L.A. Times newsletter. It’s A Good Day to Bake: Simple Baking Recipes for Every Mood by Benjamina Ebuehi, who was a contestant on The Great British Bake Off. For my husband’s birthday we made a olive oil flourless chocolate cake that you cover in a ganache frosting. Wow, it’s a great recipe.  BONUS: Here's Julia's piece about her family's famous potato balls: https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2022-12-21/holiday-family-german-potato-balls Stephen: Zadie Smith has written a definitive essay about the movie that most stayed with me from last year: Tár. It is a masterpiece. My admiration for Zadie Smith as a critic is hitting a zenith and I thought it couldn’t get any higher than it already was. Dear God, the woman is just deft and delightful and deep. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Self Made Woman" by Katharine Appleton. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen bring you their yearly call-in episode where they answer questions from Culture Gabfest listeners.  In Slate Plus, the panel answers one final question from a listener named James.  Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Blue Nights and Yellow Days" by Matt Large. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're taking a break from our usual programming to bring you a great episode of Slate's "Working" podcast. In it, host June Thomas talks to author Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who recently adapted her novel Fleishman is in Trouble into a limited series for Hulu. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss the faulty metric of character likeability in both fiction and nonfiction. They also chat about creative collaboration and tough career decisions.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Taffy tells a story about her upcoming novel, Long Island Compromise.  If you enjoy this episode, make sure to subscribe to Working wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen get started by discussing Avatar: The Way of Water. Then they discuss the new Netflix documentary series Harry & Meghan. Finally, they finish by talking about the new Lensa AI art app and all the photos it’s generating online. In Slate Plus, the panel answers a listener question about which works of art they like to revisit again and again? Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Spending an afternoon at the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents in Berkeley, California. Julia: The videos of Front Porch Dad on Instagram.  Stephen: The essay “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” by Simon Callow about Paul Newman in the New York Review of Books. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music: "Lonely Calling" by Arc De Soleil. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Isaac Butler and Dan Kois fill in for Stephen and Dana, joining to chat about Netflix’s new series, Wednesday. Then, they talk about the documentary, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. Finally, they discuss what our Spotify Wrapped results tell us about ourselves.  In Slate Plus, the panel shares a fun follow-up on one of Julia’s recent endorsements.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dan: I’m endorsing a delightful book called What Artists Wear by Charlie Porter. It is exactly what it sounds like. This book really reminded me that art is work and it demands respect as a result of that, but it also reminds you that artists are often total, delightful weirdos.  Julia: Somehow I didn’t yet share the song that I liked best in 2022. It’s a song I considered submitting for Summer Strut. Frankly, I’m a little bit embarrassed because it’s a song about having breasts and really enjoying having breasts. It’s “Coconuts” by Kim Petras. It’s very funny and very peppy.  Isaac: I’m endorsing Connie Willis’ wonderful novel, To Say Nothing of the Dog. It is incredibly funny. The Victorian era gets satirized brilliantly. It’s just a soup-to-nuts delight. If you’re looking to have a really fun week of reading on your hands, this book is a great bet.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is "Pike Place Market" by Rockin' For Decades. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the Gabfest team starts by discussing Spirited, the new AppleTV+ musical comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. Then, they talk about comedian Matt Rogers’ new Showtime special, Have You Heard of Christmas?. Finally, a chat about the sending and receiving of holiday cards.  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about when the holiday season officially begins for each of them. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Natalie Walker is a wonderful actress, singer, and performer. My Christmas gift to you is to send you down a rabbit hole of her work, and I suggest that you start with her performance of the song Cabaret. She was in Matt Rogers’ special but not singing or performing cabaret.  (Also, listeners can learn about Dana's weeklong series in Berkeley here: https://bampfa.org/program/camera-man-buster-keaton.) Julia: About 10 years ago on the show I described my favorite childhood picture book which was long out of print. Well now for some reason the book is being republished in a new edition in the U.S. and Australia. The book is Need a House? Call Miss Mouse! and it is written by George Mendoza and illustrated by Susan Smith. I am so glad this book is going to be available.  Steve: This is one of the weirder endorsements I think I’ve ever dropped. I’m endorsing Lana Del Rey. She joins a list of artists who manage to get deep, deep, deep into the weird shallows of the American character. I think there’s something special happening in her music.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is "What Do You Want From Me" by OTE. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Sam Adam sits in for Julia as the panel begins by reviewing Steven Spielberg’s new semi-autobiographical film, The Fablemans. Then, a discussion about the Hulu limited series Welcome to Chippendales. Finally, a chat about Ticketmaster.  In Slate Plus, the panel answers a listener question about the songs that make us cry.  Email us at [email protected].   Endorsements   Dana: Inspired by chatting about the new Chippendales series this week, my endorsement is the true, non-fictionalized version of the story told by the podcast Welcome to Your Fantasy.    Sam: Endorsing a very specific version of A Christmas Carol. The one-man show version currently on Broadway performed by Jefferson Mays is excellent. Sometimes I find myself wondering if there is any need for another version of A Christmas Carol and this sort of answers that question.    Steve: Singer/songwriter Jessica Pratt is very highly regarded and I wanted to get into her music, but I had trouble until I listened to the song, Back, Baby. Also, saxophonist Ike Quebec. I am absolutely digging his album Blue & Sentimental.    Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama.   Outro music is "Stone Cookies" by Dusty Decks. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jamelle Bouie sits in for Dana as the panel begins by reviewing She Said, the new film about investigating the Harvey Weinstein story. Then, a discussion about the Hulu limited series Fleishman is in Trouble. Finally, they chat about the auction of Joan Didion’s private items.    In Slate Plus, the panel talks to the very online Jamelle Bouie about the recent wild weeks of Twitter.    Email us at [email protected].   Endorsements   Jamelle: The Criteron release of Spike Lee’s Malcolm X. Biopics have fallen out of style for the most part. I rewatched it last year and I came away struck not just by the sheer ambition of it, but the extent to which it is such a love letter to classic Hollywood.     Julia: My endorsement is episode 10 of Andor. It’s a great episode in a bunch of ways, but also the episode ends with an incredible monologue by Stellan Sarsgaard. It’s an incredible piece of writing and performance.    Steve: I like this song. I don’t know much about it, but a friend sent it to me. It’s Super Rich Kids and it’s a cover of a Frank Ocean song. This version is from Trio SR9 featuring Malik Djoudi   Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama.   Outro music is "Did I Make You Wait" by Staffan Carlen. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Nadira Goffe sits in for Julia as the panel begins by reviewing the Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever. Then, a discussion about the Selena Gomez documentary, My Mind & Me. Finally, they chat about Gen Z’s impact on the midterms and the election of Maxwell Alejandro Frost.  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the art they resisted at first, but came to love.   Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements  Dana: I will recommend Spielberg, a 2017 documentary about Steven Spielberg that I happened to watch on HBO because I was reviewing his new movie The Fablemans which is auto-biograohical or semi-autobiographical and has a lot of stuff about his childhood. So naturally I went back to try and what his actual childhood was like. Low and behold, this doc about Spielberg is really good. Available to stream on HBOMax. Nadira: I was inspired by the Selena Gomez documentary to bring something that is a piece of celebrity journalism. The 15K word piece Frank Sinatra has a Cold by Gay Talese is one of my favorite pieces of journalism ever. There’s a really fun version on Neiman Storyboard with annotations both by someone interviewing Gay Talese and then Gat Talese responding to those questions. Also, I don’t know how familiar you are with Moses Sumney but he is a queer Ghananian-American artist from California who makes, I’d describe it as etherial avant-garde jazz rock. He’s so good. The lack of performing during the pandemic pushed him to make a sort of live conceptual concert film called BLACKALACHIA that he released last year. I saw him perform a live version of this concert film arrangement earlier this year in Brooklyn and it was one of the top 10 live shows in my life.  Steve: In the forthcoming New York Times Magazine, but it’s already up on the web, there is a longform interview with Brian Eno. The thing about Eno is, talk about someone who deserves the elder statesman label! He’s just stayed so vital and he’s such an intellectual. It’s a great interview. I could go on and on about Eno.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is "Any Other Way" by Particle House. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Relentless, we look at how the people we surround ourselves with can help us move fearlessly on the road to success. Host Kristen Meinzer is joined by two inspiring guests who know that turning visions into reality means pushing past fear and, to do that, you need a solid support system. First, she talks to Aida Rodriguez, a comedian, writer, and actor, whose career took off when she stopped listening to critics and started aligning with people who resonated with her authenticity. Aida is unafraid to be vulnerable in her comedy, often talking about her own life story from surviving two kidnappings to experiencing homelessness. With an HBO stand-up special under her belt and another HBO comedy series in the works, Aida’s comedic talent is undeniable, but the real key to her success lies in the trusting relationships she’s built with people who help her stay fearless. Later in the episode, we hear from Dan Kruse. As President of the number one CENTURY 21 affiliate in the world, Dan takes an immense amount of pride in the support network he’s built for his agents and brokers. If he’s succeeding, so are they.  Guests Aida Rodriguez: Comedian, Writer, and Actor Dan Kruse: President, CEO, and Owner of CENTURY 21 Affiliated in Madison, Wisconsin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by reviewing the Weird Al biopic, Weird. Then, a discussion about the entire run of Derry Girls. Finally, Matt Levine joins to explain crypto.  In Slate Plus, the panel takes on a listener question and talks about comfort food.  Email us at [email protected].   Endorsements   Dana: A movie I saw a couple of weeks ago that is one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. If you can see it will depend on where you are but keep your eyes open for this Hindi-language documentary called All That Breathes.    Julia: I’d like to recommend an Instagram account and that Instagram account is by the name of Hot Dads of Picture Books and it is what it says. It’s basically somebody curating pictures of smokeshow dads from picture books. I can’t attest to its future longevity but I appreciate its commitment to the bit.    Steve: The wonderful Mimi Parker, drummer and vocalist of the band Low, has died. I really truly love their music so I’m endorsing both Low and their music but also very much the remembrance by Slate’s own Sam Adams. Low made this crazy, wonderful, spooky rock and roll music that I adore.    Outro music: "Ruins" by Origo   Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by talking about Elon Musk taking over Twitter. Then, a discussion about the new film Aftersun. Finally, Angelica Jade Bastién joins to talk about her recent article about Brangelina.  In Slate Plus, the panel takes on a listener question and talks about swap casting.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: I know I’m constantly endorsing things on the Criterion Channel! They are streaming the noir films of 20th Century Fox all month long. I don’t know why noir has become associated with November. Maybe it goes with the shortening days and the gloomy shadows of November. Julia: A slightly odd endorsement today. People really seem to think they can disrupt underwear. I don’t really know why. But, I have been a skeptic until now. Finally the platonic underwear has been designed. Knickey high-rise briefs. It’s just too good.  Steve: The thing that’s given me the most joy is the Richard Wilbur poem Castles and Distances from 1950. I was in the mood for Wilbur and I found one I had never read before. It’s so cool. So sadly apposite to modern experience, especially with Elon Musk in the news and tech barons.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is "Lonely Calling" by Arc De Soleil. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing the new Martin McDonagh dramedy, The Banshees of Inisherin. Then, they look at composer Michael Giacchino's foray into directing with Werewolf by Night on Disney+. Finally, they reflect on the generational divide over emoji use. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood, being the new face on a US coin. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Happened upon this endorsement because kept me up late watching. If you are a cult horror fan you are probably already familiar with Carnival of Souls. If you aren’t familiar, it has this feeling of creepy rightness that makes it worth watching. It’s all vibes. Julia: A new work by a little singer-songwriter you may have missed…Taylor Swift’s new release, Midnights is out now. It’s sort of halfway between pop-Taylor and folk-Taylor. Check out the song Anti-Hero. Steve: Everybody knows The Zombies, but you may have missed lead singer Colin Blunstone’s masterpiece of a solo record One Year. Blunstone reissued the album last year. His vocals are so precise and unexpectedly baroque. The album saved my life this Halloween from the poison of poptimism. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is "Haunted Playhouse" by Stationary Sign. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing Cate Blachett’s new film Tár. Then, they dig into the ways the Star Wars universe is expanded in the series Andor. Finally, Slate’s own Dan Kois joins the panel to discuss his recent feature on forgotten American poet Rod McKuen.  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the practice of reading out loud.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Sharing a musical endorsement after coming across a CD on the street by chance. Josquin Desprez’s choral religious work is wonderful thinking music, and this version is performed by La Chapelle Royale.  Julia: A character in Tár inspires a revisit to the incredible New York Times obituary of Gilbert E. Kaplan written by Margalit Fox in 2016.  Steve: Joining Dana with a music suggestion, enjoy the oddly bewitching charm of jazz pianist McKoy Tyner’s Nights of Ballads & Blues from 1963.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Yesica Balderrama. Outro music is "Break The Line" by Coma Svensson. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by going Blonde as they dive into Andrew Dominik’s Marilyn Monroe biopic on Netflix. Then, the panel continues by chipping in on the reboot discussion, specifically through the lens of Hulu’s new show (you guessed it) Reboot. Finally, Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, joins the panel to explain the legacy of the late country music titan Loretta Lynn. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the on-going smear campaigns against cities and urban spaces—inspired by Henry Grabar’s Slate article titled “Fear City.” Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The 2006 movie The TV Set, directed by Jake Kasdan and starring Reboot’s Judy Greer, Sigourney Weaver, and David Duchovny. Julia: A cookbook called Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings: A Baking Book by Yossy Arefi. Steve:  Remembering the great French philosopher Bruno Latour who spent his work trying to explain how empirical statements come to be. Podcast production by Yanii Evans. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing the moral quandaries surrounding Netflix’s newest hit Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Then, the panel breaks down the successes and failures of Billy Eichner’s gay romcom Bros. And finally, the panel lends their opinions on the trope of the wife guy, spurred on by Ned Fulmer’s (formerly of the Try Guys) recent adultery scandal. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses society’s growing appetite for true crime. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Pulling a Steve with a local endorsement: the new bookstore (offering new and used books) in Park Slope called Troubled Sleep. Julia: The American Military Museum, aka Tankland, in El Monte, California. It has over 150 odd, decommissioned military vehicles jam-packed in a dusty parking lot which they used to provide for various film and entertainment productions. Also, if you make the trip then also stop at Burritos La Palma in El Monte. Steve: From the 2022 Newport Folk Festival: singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile bringing legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell back on stage for her first full set performance in decades. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "If Only I Was a Poet" by Staffan Carlen. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate writer and editor Dan Kois fills in for Julia as the panel begins by revisiting a familiar character in the Jon Hamm-led reboot Confess, Fletch. Then, the panel is joined by Slate’s book critic, Laura Miller, to remember the legacy of the recently departed British author Hilary Mantel. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate's web editor, Nitish Pahwa, to explain the cheating scandal that has embroiled not only the world of competitive chess, but also the general public. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses what makes the best bathroom book—inspired by Dan Kois’ article on the subject for Slate. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The perfect airplane viewing (whilst embarking on a new chapter of book promo): the one hour BBC documentary Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard. Dan: The intensely close reading of the film Predator titled, Predator: A Memoir, a Movie, an Obsession by Ander Monson. In it, Monson transforms the close reading into a memoir about manhood, guns, politics, juvenile delinquency, and more. Steve: The famous solo by tenor saxophone player Paul Gonsalves during Duke Ellington’s set at the 1956 Newport Jazz festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vnrNWyvI-U Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Bloody Hunter" by Paisley Pink. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Julia and Dana invite different guests to temporarily fill in for Steve. First, Julia and Dana are joined by Slate’s technology editor, Jonathan L. Fischer, as they hulk out and lawyer out with She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Then, the panel is joined by Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, to take a look at one of music’s larger-than-life figures, David Bowie, with the documentary Moonage Daydream. Finally, the panel is joined by Sam Adams, a senior editor at Slate, to discuss the ethics of documentaries—a discussion inspired by the article “Inside the Documentary Cash Grab,” written by Mia Galuppo and Katie Kilkenny for The Hollywood Reporter. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses unfinished works of art they really wish were, well, finished. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: One of Dana’s favorite Onion articles of all time: “David Bowie Asks Iman If They Should Just Do Lasagna Again.” Sam: Actually reading Robert Caro’s book The Power Broker. Julia: Take an art class! Take. An. Art. Class. Generally, if you’re in LA: checkout Makers Mess. Specifically, if you’re anywhere: check out the online kits and classes from Mercedez Rex. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Stone Cookies" by Dusty Decks. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by settling into the scenic Irish mystery of Bad Sisters. Then, the panel begrudgingly watches the Breitbart funded uh…indie film…My Son Hunter which may end up being the most interesting text the panel has discussed in a while. Finally, the panel is joined by co-host of Slate’s Working podcast and special friend of the pod, June Thomas, to discuss the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the 2022 Emmy Awards. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: A really great audiobook, Shirley, A Tale by Charlotte Brontë (the follow up to Jane Eyre) narrated by Georgina Sutton. Julia: Two endorsements: first, possibly the silliest thing ever endorsed, the $17 Scalp Brush from fancy salon-style shampoo company Sachajuan. Second: Dana is coming to Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City, CA to discuss her book, Camera Man, this coming Saturday, September 17th at 5 pm. Steve: An interview with Harvard Philosopher of Science, Steven Shapin, in The Chronicle of Higher Education by Len Gutkin, titled “There’s No Shame in Being a Hack.” Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Any Other Way" by Particle House. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at Slate.com/cultureplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by assessing the most expensive television show to date: Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Then, the panel breaks down Breaking, the John Boyega-led hostage crisis film that also includes one of the last performances of late actor Michael K. Williams. Finally, the panel discusses the pros and cons of child acting, a topic choice that was influenced by HBO’s The Rehearsal and Jennette McCurdy’s recent memoir. In Slate Plus, the panel talks with Ultimate Major Super-Human Friend of the Program (and also author and contributing writer for the New York Times) Jody Rosen about his recent piece in NYT Mag about Willie Nelson, titled “Willie Nelson’s Long Encore.” And as a good example of Nelson’s magic: his performance of “Funny How Time Slips Away” at the ‘79 Austin City Limits music festival.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Some Texas music: the most recent album from San Antonio indie band Buttercup, titled Specks, an Autobiographical Record by Buttercup. Julia: Even more Strut afterglow: “Oui ou Non” by Angèle Steve: In memory of Barbara Ehrenreich: reading her excellent work.  Podcast production by Anna Rubanova. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "The Brew" by Chris Shards Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana and Julia are out but never fear, we’ve brought on two great guest host to join Steve: slate alumnus and NYT columnist Jamelle Bouie and senior editor at Slate, Sam Adams. First, the panel breaks down the moral quandaries of the socially unhinged HBO hit The Rehearsal. Then, the panel dips a toe into the dark side with the Aubrey Plaza-led film Emily the Criminal. Finally, the panel discusses the article “Why Do Rich People Love Quiet?” by Xochitl Gonzalez for The Atlantic. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the relationship between race and food, based on the article “What We Talk About When We Talk About ‘White People Food’” by Jenny G. Zhang for Bon Appétit. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Sam: The new New York City Center’s “Encore” production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods—now showing at the St. James Theater in New York City. Jamelle: Inspired by his podcast Unclear & Present Danger: the 1992 Bill Duke film Deep Cover starring Laurence Fishburn and Jeff Goldblum, which is a great example of relatively modern neo-noir and a fascinating political artifact of the 1990s. Steve: A previous endorsement update: Steve has finished and approves the 1980 novel The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard. Steve’s real endorsement for the week: the album Crest by Swedish hip-hop artist Bladee, especially the songs: “Desire is a Trap” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”   Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "What Do You Want From Me" by OTE. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dana and Julia hold down the fort in Steve’s absence while Slate’s book critic, Laura Miller, fills in as a third host. First, the panel breaks down the Neil Gaiman adaptation that no one thought would happen, The Sandman. Then, the panel discusses the new installment in the Predator franchise: Prey. Finally, supplemented by Laura’s great piece on the author, the panel attempts to answer: Who is Colleen Hoover? In Slate Plus, the panel discusses pairs of notable people that they’d like to see in conversation with one another. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Pulling a Julia with a food endorsement: Off-Script’s Samin-Nosrat-inspired thyme pistachio pesto. Julia: More Summer Strut afterglow: “I Wish That I Could See You Soon” by Herman Dune. Laura: The New Zealand comedy series, Wellington Paranormal, which is a spin-off of the original What We Do in the Shadows film. Specifically: season 4 episode 3, “The Coolening.” Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Forbidden Love" by OTE. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Julia and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, June Thomas, steer the ship with a rotating panel of guests as Dana and Steve take a break. First, Julia and June are joined by Slate’s Editorial Assistant and Production Assistant for Gabfest, Nadira Goffe, to discuss A24’s new Gen-Z slasher film Bodies Bodies Bodies. Then, the panel is joined by Slate’s Editor-in-Chief, Hillary Frey, to discuss the new female-led adolescent ‘80s sci-fi series Paper Girls. Finally, the panel is joined by former Slate lawyer (now at many places, including The Cornell Law First Amendment Clinic) Ava Lubell to discuss the current lawsuit between Netflix and The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical and the legalities surrounding fan art. In Slate Plus, Julia interviews June about her upcoming move! Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements June: The soap-operatic lesbian romance novels from the very prolific writer Harper Bliss. Specifically, The Pink Bean and French Kissing series. Julia: With a little Summer Strut afterglow, the listener-recommended song “100 years ago (2020)” by The Rolling Stones. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Pike Place Market" by Rockin' For Decades. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing Peacock’s latest mystery series The Resort. Then, the panel takes a more light-hearted turn with Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. Finally, the panel is joined by author and Slate editor Dan Kois to discuss his recent Slate piece about “The 50 Greatest Fictional Deaths of All Time.” In Slate Plus, the panel talks about movie and television credits. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: A suggestion from Carl Wilson (and in memory for Olivia Newton-John) a cover of the Olivia Newton-John song, “A Little More Love” by Juliana Hatfield, which is a track on an entire album of Newton-John covers titled Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John.  Julia: More from Recipe Julia: the Six Seasons cookbook recipe for peperonata. Steve: The song “Watch the Sunrise” by Big Star. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Bloody Hunter" by Paisley Pink. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by trying to tackle Jordan Peele’s most recent sci-fi, western, horror film NOPE. Then, the panel is joined by author and host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler, to discuss the new HBO series The Last Movie Stars. Finally, Slate’s editorial assistant and production assistant for Culture Gabfest, Nadira Goffe, joins to discuss Beyoncé’s 7th studio album Renaissance. In Slate Plus, the panel gets into some NOPE spoilers. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The proper name pronunciation of two Irish artists from our Spoiler Special episode: Roisin Murphy and Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson (aka CMAT). In that vein, an endorsement for CMAT’s album If My Wife Knew I’d Be Dead.   Julia: An endorsement from “Recipe Julia” for Alison Roman’s Mustardy Green Beans with Anchovied Walnuts from her cookbook Nothing Fancy. Steve: From a previous Julia endorsement: the app Merlin. Also, alto saxophonist Sonny Red’s album Out of the Blue. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "What We Didn't Do" by Particle House. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel is joined by the host of Slate’s Hit Parade podcast, Chris Molanphy, for our annual Summer Strut episode. First, they discuss this year’s chart-topping songs of the summer and their lack of strut-ness. Then, the panel dives into the longest listener-suggested summer playlist to date (42 hours!), and takes turns in a roundtable discussion of their top favorites from the list. You can find the panel’s shortlist of favorite summer strut songs here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2oc68EJC3OyLUi1Honhxlw?si=44ec68203e8d47a9&nd=1 In Slate Plus, the panel gives one more bonus round of strut picks. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Lonely Calling" by Arc De Soleil. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, author, poet, and host of the podcast This Is Good for You, Nichole Perkins, fills in for Julia as the panel begins by digging into Apple TV+’s new series Loot. Then, the panel explores sex and sexuality in the film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. Finally, the panel is joined by science writer and editor, Jaime Green, to break down the meaning of NASA’s new Webb Telescope images—her new book The Possibility of Life title comes out in April. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their relationship to plot. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: A supplement to the segment on the Webb Telescope: a simple website that takes the images and places them in context to each other for scale. Nichole: The 2012 romance novel A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant, which centers a recent widow who needs to provide an heir to keep her wealth. Steve: Kris Kristofferson’s song “Help Me Make It Through the Night”: including the covers by John Doe and The Sadies and Sammi Smith. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "What Do You Want From Me" by OTE. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, New York Times columnist and Slate graduate Jamelle Bouie fills in for Julia as the panel begins by taking on Thor: Love and Thunder with staff writer at The Atlantic and co-host of the podcast Blank Check, David Sims. Then, the panel feels the heat with the new documentary Fire of Love. Finally, the panel ranks their favorite content streaming services. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses movie cliches they’d rather do without. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the new-ish series on Paramount+. Jamelle: A re-watch of Universal Soldier, and then: Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning. Steve: “Opus 40,” an art installation built out of the earth in the Catskills. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Death Dance" by Luftmensch"Death Dance" by Luftmensch. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, New York Times columnist and Slate graduate Jamelle Bouie fills in for Julia as the panel begins by answering the call of The Black Phone. Then, the panel digs into FX’s newest hit TV show The Bear. Finally, they discuss the perplexing and popular world of gross food trends on TikTok. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses culture’s relationship to politics and affecting an audience. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Peter Brook the legendary theater director passed away last week, in memoriam of him: going on a Peter Brook deep dive. Specifically: a 2001 documentary titled Brook by Brook: An Intimate Portrait directed by his son, Simon Brook, and a YouTube video of a complete production of Hamlet Brook directed starring Adrian Lester as the titular prince. Jamelle: The Criterion Channel’s new collection, titled In the Ring: Boxing On-Screen, comprising 16 boxing-related films. Specifically: the 1942 film Gentleman Jim directed by Raoul Walsh and starring Errol Flynn. Steve: An involving read from Yale historian Timothy Snyder, titled “Germans have been involved in the war, chiefly on the wrong side:” a long, extensive, beautifully calm, excellently argued rejoinder to Jürgen Habermas, the German Philosopher widely regarded as the only remaining living embodiment of European Enlightenment. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Pike Place Market" by Rockin' for Decades. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by experiencing Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic Elvis with Slate’s pop critic, author, and media professor, Jack Hamilton. Then, the panel goes on the run with the new FX series The Old Man. Finally, the panel discusses the viral article on cancel culture from New York Magazine’s website The Cut, titled “Canceled at 17.” In Slate Plus, the panel divulges what they’re actually excited about. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: A movie Dana just reviewed for Slate, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. Julia: A fortified endorsement of a previous Gabfest segment, Abbott Elementary.  Steve: An essay by Hannah Zeavin for n+1 Magazine titled, “Unfree Associations.” Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Forbidden Love" by OTE. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by trying out the new Adam Sandler film on Netflix, Hustle. Then, they discuss the new hit Indian film RRR. Finally, the panel is joined by host of Slate's Hit Parade podcast, Chris Molanphy, to discuss musician Kate Bush's recent rise in the charts. In Slate Plus, the panel debates which SNL stars became the best film actors. Email us at [email protected] Endorsements Dana: A crown of sonnets, For My Father: A Sonnet Redouble, by Alexis Sears in Literary Matters. Julia: Cheap hack to kitchen luxury: buy yourself 4 or 5 complete sets of measuring spoons. Steve: Elvis Costello and Chet Baker performing together. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music: "Bring My Friends" by Tigerblood Jewel. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by fraternizing with the dinosaurs of Jurassic World: Dominion. Then, they’re joined by senior writer for New York Magazine E. Alex Jung to discuss the movie that changed the Bechdel Test, Fire Island. Finally, the panel discusses a New York Times opinion piece from Tish Harrison, titled “I Married the Wrong Person, and I’m So Glad I Did.” In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the Bechdel Test. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: In honor of the recently late actor Phillip Baker Hall, the 1984 Robert Altman film Secret Honor, based on the one-man show. Julia: Generally: micro journaling. Specifically: The Five Minute Journal and One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book.  Steve: With love for the musical cover: Leo Nocentelli’s (of The Meters) cover of Elton John’s “Your Song.” Also: the band The Apartments (per Steve: the most underrated indie rock band of all time) and their song “Everything is Given to Be Taken Away” from their live album Live at L’Ubu. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Bloody Hunter" by Paisley Pink. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by diving into the animated world of Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Then, they reflect on Norm Macdonald’s career and influence with his posthumous special Nothing Special. Finally, the panel enters Harry’s House as they are joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson to discuss Harry Styles’ most recent album.   In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their ideal cultural mix. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: In celebration of the late-great Prince’s birthday: his 1987 concert film Sign o’ the Times, which is finally available on streaming. Julia: Two things: one, the famous Hollywood Bowl venue; two: in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Bowl, the LA Times has put together a guide to the history of the Hollywood Bowl. Steve: An extraordinary memoir published posthumously in 1939 and written by Sebastian Haffner, a German man who witnessed the 1930s and the rise of Hitler, titled Defying Hitler: A Memoir. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. "Stone Cookies" by Dusty Decks. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by re-visiting the Top Gun academy with Top Gun: Maverick. Then, the panel is joined by critic and author Jason Bailey to assess the career of George Carlin, presented in the two-part documentary George Carlin’s American Dream. Finally, the panel discusses the defamation trail of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard that is gripping the media.  In Slate Plus, the panel remembers the career of Ray Liotta. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The film Paris, 13th District, which is a light, French relationship movie where everyone has perfect sweaters, deep wine glasses, and engaging romantic arguments. Julia: A birdwatching app, Merlin. Which can now identify birds by shazaming its song to identify the bird species. Steve: Guardian book review from Anil Gomes, titled “Private Notebooks 1914–1916 by Ludwig Wittgenstein review—sex and logic,” about the first translation of famous philosopher’s notebooks in English. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Any Other Way" by Particle House. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing A24’s newest horror/thriller film from Alex Garland Men. Then, the panel jumps back in time with the reboot of Canadian comedy troupe Kids in the Hall. Finally, the panel is joined by contributing writer for the New York Times, Jody Rosen, to discuss his newest book Two Wheels Good: The History and Mystery of the Bicycle.  In Slate Plus, the panel spoils Men to get to the bottom of the horror mystery. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: This 10 year-old article from Jimmy Stamp for Smithsonian Magazine titled “The Long History of the Espresso Machine.” Julia: From Jody’s early recommendation via Twitter: the Boston food-chain Tatte, which is expanding into DC. Jody: New York Times Critic Jason Farago’s series Close Read, in which he does close analyses of works of art. In particular: his pieces on Berthe Morisot, Jasper Johns, and Chitarman’s “Shah Jahan on a Terrace.” Steve: A deep-cut YouTube video of The Replacements’ “Friday Night is Killing Me” (Live). Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Did I Make You Wait" by Staffan Carlen. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing the new true crime series Under the Banner of Heaven. Then, the panel time travels with the film Petite Maman. Finally, the panel debates “The Future of Public Parks,” inspired by a New Yorker piece from Alexandra Lange. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their experiences having their work edited. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The novel, Howards End by E.M. Forster. Julia: A listener response to her former request of snorkeling’s relationship to birdwatching. Steve: A book review in The New Statesman from Scotland’s National Poet, Kathleen Jamie, titled “What rocks teach us about the human condition,” which reviews Hugh Raffles’ book The Book of Unconformities: Speculations on Lost Time. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Last Sunday" by OTE. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve is joined by author and Slate editor and writer, Dan Kois, and Slate staff writer, Heather Schwedel. The panel begins by discussing the French film Happening with Susan Matthews, Slate’s news director and the host of Slow Burn Season 7, which will focus on Roe v. Wade. Then, the panel sails the high seas with HBO’s Our Flag Means Death. Finally, Julia pops in for a surprise guest segment as the panel discusses Kim Kardashian’s Marilyn Monroe-inspired Met Gala appearance. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses culture that shaped their ideas of 40s and 50s adulthood. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dan: A contemporary novel about a very bad art friend that was somewhat overlooked in January, Last Resort by Andrew Lipstein. Heather: Hersey’s Colliders—a two-part refrigerated dessert. Steve: The 2002 Brazilian epic crime film City of God. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Self Made Woman" by Katharine Appleton. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Isaac Butler, author and co-host of Slate’s podcast Working, fills in for Steve as the panel begins by seeking Valhalla with The Northman. Then, the panel takes a time-traveling ride with Season 2 of Russian Doll. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion to discuss the new social media app BeReal.  In Slate Plus, the panel—plus guest producer Jessamine Molli—share their experiences watching content while under the influence.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The Hans Holbein exhibit Holbein: Capturing Character at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. Their website has a great online version of the exhibit with audio and artistic reproductions. Julia: Still looking for RFP on snorkeling; also: an old-school internet delight: Grunge Frasier.  Isaac: Two novels! First: The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson from the mid-20th century. Second: the new novel Happy For You by Claire Stanford. Buy Dana’s book and Isaac’s book! Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is The King by Robin Carolan and Sebastian Gainsborough from The Northman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by assessing Nicolas Cage’s satirical cinematic metaverse in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Then, the panel is joined by co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler, to discuss the final season of Better Call Saul. Finally, the panel is joined by Washington Post columnist Will Oremus to break down Elon Musk’s recent acquisition of Twitter. In Slate Plus, Steve corrects a mistake and the panel discusses their relationships to imaginary places. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Cousin endorsements involving the Mankiewicz family. First: Nick Davis’ book Competing With Idiots: Herman and Joe Mankiewicz, A Dual Portrait. Second: This video of Ben Mankiewicz interviewing Bruce Dern. Julia: Snorkeling! Steve: A 2015 edition of local radio program Alternative Radio: Audio Energy for Democracy in which Timothy Snyder (author of On Tyranny) discusses the Holocaust. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Back to Silence" by OTE Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by entering the multiverse of Everything Everywhere All At Once. Then, the panel dives into Apple TV+’s newest spy drama Slow Horses (based on books that were reviewed by Slate’s own Laura Miller). Finally, the panel talks about music’s next big thing: British indie-rock duo Wet Leg’s newest self-titled album.   In Slate Plus, the panel discusses a Gawker article from Rachel Connolly, titled “The ‘Pity Me!’ Personal Essay.” Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Dana reads Herman Melville’s sonnet titled “Art” about…art! Also, this video of Dana’s recent book event in Philadelphia! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyODZSE6w_o Julia: L.A. Times’ Festival of Books—where both Julia and Dana are doing panels!—which takes place April 23–24th. In addition: L.A. Times’ “Lit City” package which includes a list of “The 65 best bookstores in L.A.” Notably from that list is Julia’s listener-inspired selection: Children’s Book World. Steve: An essay in the NYRoB by M.W. Feldman and Jessica Riskin, titled “Why Biology Is Not Destiny,” in which they review The Genetic Lottery by Kathryn Harden. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Lonely Calling" by Arc De Soleil Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel is joined by June Thomas, co-host of Working (Slate’s podcast on the creative process). They begin by digesting HBO’s Julia Child series, Julia, starring one of June’s favorites: Sarah Lancashire. Then, the panel dives into the world of AI with After Yang. Finally, the panel answers Dana’s very important question: is Chris Pine the Robert Redford of our time?  In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their favorite Canadian cultural products. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: An audiobook which revolutionized the way Dana thinks about Virginia Woolf: Mrs. Dalloway read by Juliet Stevenson (of Truly, Madly, Deeply fame). June: The Free World: Art and Thought in the Cold War by Louis Menand about a wide range of ideas from World War 2 to The Cold War. Steve: An essay by general interest writer and professor Justin E. H. Smith, titled “The Punk-Prophet Philosophy of Michel Houellebecq,” for Foreign Policy, in which he writes an uninhibitedly intelligent assessment of the famed French novelist and essayist. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "I Want a Change" by The Big Let Down. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by revisiting the iconic film The Godfather in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Then, the panel answers the question Is It Cake? as they cut into Netflix’s newest hit. Finally, the panel is joined by Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of Memphis, Jeremy Orosz, to discuss forensic musicology and what counts as musical plagiarism—which he wrote about for Slate, using Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” lawsuit as a case study.  In Slate Plus, the panel discusses reverse thematic aversions, or “thematic kinks.” Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: For all the videophiles out there, The Coppola Restoration of The Godfather from 2008, which includes all three parts of the trilogy. Allegra: New sad girl indie rocker, Leanna Firestone, and her album Forward / Slash which speaks to your inner teen. More specifically, the song “Google Translate / poppies.” Steve: Julius Aglinskas’ album Daydreamer, which he did with avant-garde experimental music collective, Apartment House. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "You Know What I Want" by Staffan Carlen Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by breaking down everything that went down during the weirdest Oscars ever. Then, the panel is joined by author, professor, and Slate’s pop critic, Jack Hamilton, to discuss Adam McKay’s over-stylized docudrama about the 1980s Lakers, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate senior writer Mark Joseph Stern to discuss Disney CEO Bob Chapek and his response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses Oscars fashion. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Bill McGlaughlin’s syndicated five-week-long series on WFMT public radio, Latin Carnival. McGlaughlin sits at the piano while he DJs, guiding us through a journey of Latin carnival music from the Middle Ages to current day. Listen before it expires! Julia: Two pieces of great Oscars coverage from the LA Times. FIrst: Greg Braxton’s commentary, “With the slap, Smith tarnished a night of pride for Black Hollywood—and his legacy.” Second: Mary McNamara’s column, “Will Smith’s slap overshadows a historic night for women at the 2022 Oscars.” Steve: The Cure! But more specifically, three different covers of their song “Just Like Heaven.” One by the Scottish synth-pop group CHVRCHES alongside English musician, Robert Smith. Another by the rock band Dinosaur Jr.. And a third by American singer-songwriters Christian Lee Hutson and Shamir and (also check out his song “Lose This Number”). Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is “Backwards" by Staffan Carlen. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, New York Times columnist and Slate graduate, Jamelle Bouie, fills in for Steve as the panel begins by entering the Gotham of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Then, for our final pre-Oscars round-up, the panel digs into Best Picture nominee Drive My Car. Finally, the panel discusses the trend of ever-elongating movie runtimes. In Slate Plus, the panel questions Jamelle about his recent deep dive into the work of Martin Scorcese. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Pedro Almodóvar’s addition to the Director’s Issue series of W Magazine, in which he interviews and photographs Penélope Cruz. Jamelle: The 4K UHD version of the 1993 Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle Hard Target. Directed by Hong Kong director, John Woo, Hard Target is the first major Hollywood film made by a Chinese director. But, it’s Jamelle’s pick because it’s one of the best restorations of a movie he’s ever seen.   Julia: The Batman ‘66 series, which is a Batman that is different than the dark opus of Batman today. It’s good for adults but also great for kids. Then an addendum from Jamelle: the kid-friendly, highly funny Batman animated series, Batman: The Brave and the Bold.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "What Do You Want From Me" by OTE Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, senior editor at Slate, Allegra Frank, fills in for Steve as the panel begins by debating the enjoyability of Apple TV+’s new star-studded thriller Severance. Then, the panel digs into Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest Oscar contender Licorice Pizza. Finally, the panel discusses longform YouTube videos and the rise and fall of attention spans, inspired by Terry Nguyen’s article “The video essay boom” for Vox. Referenced video essays include: Mike’s Mic on Pretty Little Liars, Jenny Nicholson on Dear Evan Hansen, and Quinton Reviews on Victorious. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses thematic aversions they have in films. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Julia: Endorsing Six Seasons: a New Way With Vegetables by Joshua McFadden and Martha Holmberg, which has lots of delicious recipes that are designed for your farmer’s market finds. Allegra: The podcast Dead Eyes from comedian Connor Ratliff about people in the entertainment industry and their long forgotten, lost, and/or canceled projects—inspired by how he was fired from Band of Brothers by Tom Hanks himself because he had “dead eyes.” Dana: Speaking of video essays, filmmaker Kogonada’s (After Yang, Columbus) video essays which are extremely visual and beautifully edited. They’re all on his website, but Dana specifically shouted out: Breaking Bad // POV, Mirrors of Bergman, Hands of Bresson, and Linklater // On Cinema & Time. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "If Only I Was a Poet" by Staffan Carlen. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by hashing out Hulu’s new Silicon Valley miniseries The Dropout. Then, the panel breaks down Pedro Almodóvar’s recent film Parallel Mothers. Finally, the panel is joined by author and Slate writer Dan Kois to rant about the growing dangers of pickup trucks. In Slate Plus, the panel answers the classic celebrity hall pass question. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The website Timemaps.com, where you can view maps of the world over time and focus on specific places to get historical summaries. Julia: The instagram account @TheSussmans, which posts consistently funny hospitality industry memes. Steve: The most recent long read from Oliver Bullough for The Guardian, “Gas-powered kingmaker: how the UK welcomed Putin’s man in Ukraine,” which provides insight into the deeper motivations behind the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Ruins" by Origo. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing the Norwegian Oscar contenderThe Worst Person in the World. Then, they're joined by Slate’s TV critic and host of the Decoder Ring podcast, Willa Paskin, to digest the New York Time’s latest hit podcast The Trojan Horse Affair. Finally, the panel is joined by screenwriter, director, and journalist Michael Idov to discuss Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s pivot from the entertainment industry to president of Ukraine. In Slate Plus, the panel answers a question from a listener about their most divisive feelings about certain directors and writers. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The band She Wants Revenge from the early 2000s, especially their self-titled album from 2006—even more specifically, the single “These Things.” Julia: A late endorsement for the 2000s show Veronica Mars which is currently on Hulu. Steve: The original version of the Swedish/Danish show The Bridge, which also had an American remake. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Back to Silence" by OTE Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by pondering the longevity of the Jackass franchise, focusing on the latest addition, Jackass Forever, with Slate staff writer Sam Adams. Then, the panel watches the surprise Oscar Best Picture contender Nightmare Alley. Finally, the panel discusses the conversation-starter article from The Cut’s Allison P. Davis, “A Vibe Shift Is Coming. Will Any of Us Survive It?” In Slate Plus, Sam joins the panel again to answer a listener's question about how knowing the ways in which people interact with their content (via the internet and SEO development) changes the way they write. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Criterion subscribers (and if you don’t already, you should subscribe!) get a treat: a small program they’re running called “Three Starring Laura Dern,” where they show three movies starring Laura Dern from the early days of her career including: Smooth Talk, Rambling Rose, and Citizen Ruth. Julia: A counter endorsement, or maybe supplemental endorsement?, for fans of The Last Bookstore in LA: Hennessey + Ingalls in LA, which is an art, architecture, and design bookstore. Steve: Josh Turner’s cover of Lucienne Boyer’s hit “Parlez-Moi D’Amour.” Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Bloody Hunter" by Paisley Pink Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by discussing Hulu’s new biopic Pam & Tommy. Then, they dive into the Academy Award-record breaking animated Danish film Flee. Finally, the panel discusses Jennifer Senior’s popular article for The Atlantic, “It’s Your Friends Who Break Your Heart” about friendships as you age. In Slate Plus, the panel takes inspiration from the Scriptnotes podcast and ponders what aspects of other languages they would want to borrow for English. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Charter Books in Rhode Island. Julia: An update on her preferred digital clock, per Twitter request. Steve: Thomas Nagel’s article—“What is rude?”—for the London Review of Books which is a review of Benjamin J. B. Lipscomb’s novel The Women Are Up to Something: How Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, Mary Midgley, and Iris Murdoch Revolutionized Ethics. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "If Only I Was a Poet" by Staffan Carlen Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Culture Gabfest is coming to you live from The Strand Bookstore in NYC for a special event! In this live taping, Steve interviews Dana about her new book (Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the Twentieth Century) and Isaac Butler about his new book (The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act). In Slate Plus, Dana and Isaac answer some questions from the audience. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Thanks to Jason Stack for this great photo! Outro music is "Spinning the Wheels" by Dusty Decks. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel is first joined by author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler, to discuss the new Joel Coen rendition of The Tragedy of Macbeth. (Buy Isaac’s new book!) Then, the panel is joined by author and Slate correspondent, Justin Peters, to explain the phenomena of Joe Rogan and the recent Spotify controversy. Finally, the panel discusses the decision to rebrand the famous advertising characters of the Mars candy M&M’s. In Slate Plus, the panel answers listener questions about culture’s relationship to climate change. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: An episode of the public radio show On the Media from WNYC called “Humans, Being.” Julia: The endorsement: the Chez Panisse Vegetables cookbook from Alice Waters, owner of the famous California restaurant Chez Panisse. And a request for listeners to send in their favorite salad dressing recipes. Steve: The song “Sweet Baby” by Prince and The New Power Generation. Buy Dana’s book, Isaac’s book, and a ticket to Dana and Isaac’s book event at The Strand (hosted by our very own Stephen Metcalf)! Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Blue Nights and Yellow Days" by Matt Large. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Slate’s TV critic and host of the podcast Decoder Ring, Willa Paskin, and poet, essayist, podcast host, and author, Nichole Perkins, fill in for Dana and Julia. The panel begins by taking a spin with Julian Fellowes’ (creator of Downton Abbey) new show The Gilded Age. Then, the panel debates about Kenny G and the installment of the docuseries Music Box: Listening to Kenny G. Finally, the panel ponders Ted Gioia’s question: is old music killing new music? In Slate Plus, the panel discusses culture that they’ve changed their mind about over time—whether they’ve grown to like it or dislike it. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Willa: The podcast Once Upon a Time… at Bennington College. Nichole: The collection of stories Vampires in the Lemon Grove: And Other Stories by Karen Russell. Steve: Ian MacDonald’s essay “Exiled From Heaven: The Unheard Message of Nick Drake.” Pre-order Dana’s book and buy a ticket to Dana and Isaac’s book event at The Strand (hosted by our very own Stephen Metcalf)! Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Pike Place Market" by Rockin' For Decades. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by pondering Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, The Lost Daughter. Then, the panel gushes about the fresh workplace comedy Abbott Elementary. Finally, the panel discusses everyone's latest obsession: the word game Wordle. In Slate Plus, the panel enters spoiler territory as they continue to puzzle out The Lost Daughter. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: An LA related endorsement: The Academy Museum (run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) which is mostly okay, but has a stellar show called The Path to Cinema: Highlights from the Richard Balzer Collection. Julia: Potentially the first worthy piece of pandemic art: the Gary Shteyngart novel Our Country Friends, set in an upstate NY country home as friends gather to wait out the pandemic. Steve: Israeli-born, Paris-based singer Keren Ann’s cover of “Hallelujah.” Also: a no longer on-the-fence, solid endorsement for HBO’s Succession. Pre-order Dana’s book and buy a ticket to Dana and Isaac’s book event at The Strand (hosted by our very own Stephen Metcalf)! Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Self Made Woman" by Katharine Appleton Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler fills in for Steve (pre-order Isaac's book!). First, the panel debates the merits of Adam McKay’s star-studded cautionary tale Don’t Look Up. Then, the panel is joined by film historian and journalist Mark Harris to outline the debt we owe to the late Sidney Poitier—a legend whom he speaks about in his book Pictures at a Revolution. Finally, the panel is joined by author and staff writer for the New Yorker, Kathryn Schulz, to discuss her new memoir Lost & Found. In Slate Plus, the panel lists some reboots and remakes that they actually would like to see. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: David Ehrlich’s, chief film critic for Indiewire, video montage countdown of the best films of 2021, an annual tradition he’s been doing for several years. Julia: The LEGO set “Flower Bouquet” (set #10280) which ingeniously replicates a bouquet using some creative LEGO pieces. Isaac: The novel I Am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett. Pre-order Dana’s book and buy a ticket to Dana and Isaac’s book event at The Strand (hosted by our very own Stephen Metcalf)! Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music "I Want a Change" by The Big Let Down Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel begins by breaking down just what makes HBO’s pandemic series Station Eleven so successful with Slate’s senior managing producer of podcasts and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, June Thomas. Next, the panel appreciates the legacy that writer Joan Didion left behind. Finally, the panel rehashes the 2021 edition of Slate’s Movie Club (including Dana’s list of the year’s best films) while discussing the future of film. In Slate Plus, the panel responds to Parul Sehgal’s article “The Case Against the Trauma Plot” in the New Yorker. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The magical work of Swedish stop-motion animator Niki Lindroth von Bahr. Four of her animated shorts can be found on the Criterion Channel, but you can find one—The Burden—on Amazon Prime. Julia: A recipe for Italian rainbow cookies adapted by Bon Appétit from Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone (of popular eateries Carbone and Torrisi Italian Specialties). Steve: First, his monster music playlist of mellow deep cuts, which includes work from Rickie Lee Jones’ great ‘81 album Pirates, particularly the song “Living It Up.” Second: Susan Tallman’s criticism for the New York Review of Books as a whole, but particularly  her recent review of Jasper Johns titled “The House That Johns Built,” inspired by a Johns catalog titled Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror. Podcast production by Asha Saluja. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is Freak Out! by Zorro. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve, Dana, and Julia tackle some listener questions in our annual call-in show. Topics include: favorite pieces of art, culture their children introduced them to, and previous years’ endorsements that have become staples in the panel’s lives. In Slate Plus, the panel continues to field some stellar listener questions.  Email us at [email protected]. There are no endorsements this week, but here are links to some of the things mentioned in the episode: Here’s Julia’s former (Dana approved) Cooks Illustrated blueberry muffin recipe endorsement that’s sourced from The New Best Recipe. Here’s her current favorite blueberry muffin recipe. Dana’s suggestions for content that might help with grief features Francois Couperin’s Leçons de Ténèbres. Some songs Steve would like played at his funeral include: Everything but the Girl’s cover of Captain Beefheart’s “My Head Is My Only House Unless It Rains;” Nina Simone’s version of “Who Knows Where the Time Goes;” Charles Mingus’s “Myself When I Am Real;” and The Go-Between’s “Cattle and Cane.” Julia’s picks include: Felix Mendelssohn’s “Op. 62 No.3” and Superchunk’s “Me & You & Jackie Mittoo.” Here’s Dana’s Spotify playlist of her picks. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Lonely Calling" by Arc De Soleil. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the panel discusses Aaron Sorkin’s Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz biopic, Being the Ricardos. Next, the panel is joined by contributing writer for the New York Times, Jody Rosen, to make sense of Bruce Springsteen’s latest deal and the confusing world of music rights today. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate’s book critic Laura Miller to discuss her list of the best books (and audiobooks!) of 2021. In Slate Plus, the panel continues the discussion of music rights and how Taylor Swift changed the game with her re-recordings.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: A video of a series of pianist Bill Evans’s live performances over 11 years titled, Bill Evans Live ‘64 ‘75. Julia: The 2004 film Cellular which stars Chris Evans, Kim Bassinger, Jason Statham, William H. Macy, Jessica Biel, and more. Steve: A follow-up to the 8 hours of Get Back, one of the greatest works of cultural criticism: Revolution in the Head: The Beatles’ Records and the Sixties by Ian MacDonald. Also: Sufjan Stevens’s Christmas catalog, Songs for Christmas. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "What Do You Want From Me" by OTE Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens and Stephen Metcalf are joined by Isaac Butler to discuss Steven Spielberg’s new adaptation of West Side Story. Then Slate staff writer Heather Schwedel stops by to talk about And Just Like That, the “next chapter” in the lives of the characters from Sex and the City. And finally, they debate Vulture’s list of the “101 Best New York Movies Set in the Greatest City in the World” and add their own. Dana’s list: After Hours The Cameraman The Crowd Do the Right Thing Hester Street Metropolitan The Naked City Rosemary's Baby Shadows The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3 Steve’s list: The Apartment Annie Hall Desperately Seeking Susan Dog Day Afternoon Do the Right Thing King of Comedy Saturday Night Fever Sweet Smell of Success Wild Style In the Slate Plus segment, Steve and Dana answer a question from listener Colin, via his friend Ezra: Which city block would you take to a desert island, and why? Endorsements: Dana: Two books about New York City and the movies: Fun City Cinema, by Jason Bailey, and Celluloid Skyline, by James Sanders. Steve: The song “Watercolors,” from Between the Lines, by Janis Ian; and “Digging for Utopia,” Kwame Anthony Appiah’s review of David Graebner and David Wengrow’s recently published book The Dawn of Everything, in the New York Review of Books. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is “Bloody Hunter” by Paisley Pink. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Julia is back! First, the panel discusses Jane Campion’s big comeback, The Power of the Dog. Next, the panel wades through Peter Jackson’s eight hour-long Beatles docuseries Get Back. Finally, the panel discusses the rise of the gift guide and gift giving. In Slate Plus, Steve and Dana catch up with Julia and chat about how relationships with culture consumption can change.  Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The last movie Dana reviewed for Slate, Steven Spielberg’s and Tony Kushner’s remake (or re-invention) of West Side Story. It’s only in theaters currently, but (if you feel comfortable making the trip) it’s a great theatrical experience. Julia: Isabel Wilkerson’s historical study The Warmth of Other Suns. Winner of the 2011 National Book Critics Circle Award, it’s one of the most incredibly well-crafted narratives of the Great Migration. Steve: Among the pieces of culture Steve’s recently consumed, the one that meant the most after viewing the Beatles docuseries is a song: Taylor Swift’s re-recording of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” is a masterpiece. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Pike Place Market" by Rockin' for Decades Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by senior managing producer of Slate podcasts and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, June Thomas. First, the panel discusses the Princess Diana biopic Spencer. Dana tracked Kristen Stewart’s career up to this Oscar vehicle film. Next, the panel gets a taste of the new "meet stew" of a show, Yellowjackets. Finally, the panel is joined by author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast Isaac Butler to remember the late, great Stephen Sondheim. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their processes for writing a book. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Susan Orlean reading her own audiobook of her non-fiction novel Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend about the famous Hollywood star...who also happens to be a German Shepherd.   June: The exhibit at the New York Historical Society titled “‘Turn Every Page’: Inside the Robert A. Caro Archive.” Steve: Continuing his Rachel Cusk endorsement with his most recently read novel of hers, Transit. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Any Other Way" by Particle House Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by New York Times columnist and Slate graduate Jamelle Bouie. First, the panel discusses the Richard Williams—father of tennis phenoms Venus and Serena Williams—biopic, starring Will Smith, King Richard. Next, the panel is joined by Slate music critic Carl Wilson as they break down Adele’s latest emotional rollercoaster, 30. Finally, the panel dives into a new comic book, The Department of Truth. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their Thanksgiving culinary festivities. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: An Adele related endorsement, a clip that went viral from the British TV series An Audience With... on ITV, where famous people perform for an audience of other famous people who then ask the performer questions. In this clip, Adele reunited with her former English Teacher, Ms. McDonald. Jamelle: The Apple TV+ adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy. Steve: The all-time greatest/worst endorsement was in 2014 when John Swansburg endorsed the TV show Cheers. To do John Swansburg one better, Steve endorses The Beatles, more specifically the slant way to get at their greatness, an infamous bootleg that’s been circulating for decades, The Esher Demos. Also: Rachel Cusk, a genius novelist. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Did I Make You Wait" by Staffan Carlen. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by writer extraordinaire Karen Han. First, the panel discusses Rebecca Hall’s adaptation of Nella Larsen’s novel, Passing. Next, the panel dives into The Shrink Next Door. Finally, the panel talks about People’s 2021 Sexiest Man Alive, Paul Rudd. In Slate Plus, the panel answers a classic time travel question. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Rebecca Hall’s amazing performance in the 2016 film Christine, about news reporter Christine Chubbuck.  Karen: Swedish artist Agnes’s new album Magic Still Exists. Specifically her song “Here Comes the Night.” Steve: First, the entire discography of Devonté Hynes aka Blood Orange—more recently, his work on the soundtrack for Passing. Second, Nick Lowe and Daryl Hall doing a marvelous acoustic version of Lowe’s hit from the ‘70s “Cruel to Be Kind.” Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is “Edge of Life” by OTE. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by New York Times columnist and Slate graduate Jamelle Bouie. First, the panel discusses Marvel’s most recent big picture, Eternals—which Dana reviewed for Slate. Next, the panel gives an update on their feelings about HBO’s hit TV show Succession, which is currently in its third season. Finally, the panel explores the controversy involving Critical Race Theory. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses Jamelle’s new podcast Unclear and Present Danger. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Something small, but in hopes to find the entire thing: this 2 minute clip of Welsh actor Michael Sheen performing a segment of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’s drama Under Milk Wood. Jamelle: Norman Jewison’s classic 1987 film Moonstruck, starring Cher and Nicolas Cage, which is currently in the Criterion Collection. Steve: A slightly odd endorsement of a book review. Peter Salmon’s article for Prospect Magazine, titled “Boo to the Boo-Hurrahs: how four Oxford women transformed philosophy,” is a review of Benjamin J. B. Lipscomb’s novel The Women Are Up to Something: How Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, Mary Midgley, and Iris Murdoch Revolutionized Ethics. The book and review discuss the female-led movement to take on the male consensus in philosophy during the 1930s and ‘40s which saw the world as value free. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is “Self Made Woman” by Katharine Appleton. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson. First, the panel reviews Edgar Wright’s newest psychological horror film Last Night in Soho—which Dana reviewed for Slate. Next, the panel discusses the newest album in over 40 years from the legendary Swedish music group ABBA, titled Voyage. Finally, the panel is joined by host of Slate’s Hit Parade podcast (and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voter!) Chris Molanphy to discuss this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and the institution at large. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses music they like to listen to while working. You can find Dana’s playlist of music to work and write to here, Steve’s here, and Carl’s here. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The LA Times has been doing an incredible job of covering the ever-developing story of the tragic shooting on the set of the Alec Baldwin film, Rust. The story, which points to many bigger problems, including issues with labor relations in the entertainment industry at large. “The Day Alec Baldwin Shot Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza” chronologically accounts the events of the entire day, written by three different reporters: Meg James, Amy Kaufman, and Julia Wick. Carl: First, the great late-80s rock musician Billy Bragg’s newest album The Million Things That Never Happened in which he reflects on aging, isolation, change, and being challenged ideologically by younger generations. This is specifically true of the track, “Mid-Century Modern.” Second, the new music historiography novel from Kelefa Sanneh (who, in the 2000s, wrote the great central piece on rockism for the New York Times), Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres, which is a celebration of what happens when you stay within a tradition. Steve: First, the ‘80s singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw’s live cover of ABBA’s song “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” Second, yet another Swedish indie band: The Amazing. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is “Lonely Calling” by Arc De Soleil. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Slate senior editor Allegra Frank. First, senior producer of Slate’s Decoder Ring podcast, Benjamin Frisch, chimes in to review the sci-fi megafilm Dune. Next, the panel discusses Netflix’s Maid. Finally, the panel dives into the IATSE strike, and the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust, involving the actor Alec Baldwin. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses Halloween as an adult. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Lauren Michele Jackson’s piece for The New Yorker about corporate social media and the way Netflix’s social media teams have responded to the Dave Chappelle controversy, titled “Dave Chappelle, Netflix, and the Illusions of Corporate Identity Politics.” Allegra: Lately, the videogame Super Smash Bros. Ultimate—which she has been playing on Nintendo Switch. Recently, the lead character of another video game franchise, Sora from Kingdom Hearts, has been added as an avatar you can play as in the game.  Steve: First, the song “Precious Memories” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Then, British political scientist David Runciman discussed Peter Thiel, silicon valley investor, for the London Review of Books’ podcast, in an episode titled, “The Peter Thiel Paradox.”  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is “Precious Memories” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Karen Han. First, Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson chimes in to discuss Todd Haynes’s new The Velvet Underground documentary, which he wrote beautifully about for Slate. Next, the panel (minus Dana) is joined by Slate staff writer Rebecca Onion to review Mike Flanagan’s newest Netflix horror series, Midnight Mass—which she also wrote lovingly about. Finally, the panel (minus Dana) is joined by Vulture senior editor and host of the Good One podcast, Jesse David Fox, to discuss the Dave Chappelle controversy. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses media they loved when they were younger that they have since outgrown. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: The book equivalent of Todd Haynes’s documentary, the first oral history Dana ever read and still one of the best she’s ever read to this day: Edie: American Girl by Jean Stein and George Plimpton. The oral history tells the story of actress and model Edie Sedgwick completely through testimony from people that were there, without any interstitial material.  Karen: New World, the Korean crime drama film from Park Hoon-jung that stars Squid Game’s Lee Jung-jae. The film features Lee as an undercover cop who is tasked with infiltrating the mob, but ends up caught between two worlds. It also stars a slew of great Korean actors including Hwang Jung-min and Song Ji-hyo.  Steve: First, Netflix’s series The Chestnut Man, a dark, taught crime drama which takes place in Copenhagen. Then, a whole genre of YouTube videos taking you from raw audio of rehearsal to mastertape of Elvis’s songs, including “And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind”—though, Neil Diamond’s version of that one is better. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is “I’ll Be Your Mirror” by The Velvet Underground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler. First, the panel reviews Sally Rooney’s most recent novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You?. Next, the panel discusses the new poignant and hilarious television series Reservation Dogs. Finally, the panel dissects the viral NYT Mag article “Who Is the Bad Art Friend?” in a larger discussion about literary responsibility. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the choice to give up on media you just don’t like and, alternatively, why some people don’t. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Devery Jacobs’s—the actress who plays Elora Danan on Reservation Dogs—beautifully written article “How Reservation Dogs Is Opening Up a Crucial Conversation About Suicide in Indigenous Communities.” Isaac: The 1996 romantic comedy and comedy of friendship from Nicole Holofcener, Walking and Talking, which is a perfect time capsule of ‘90s New York. Dana has written insightfully about the film, which has also been discussed on a previous episode of Gabfest. Steve: An essay from The New York Review of Books that blew Steve away from Jessica Riskin, titled “Nature’s Evolving Tastes” which talks about the misconstrued reactions to Darwin’s most politicized work Descent of Man. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "200 Dont's" by Conditional Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler. First, the panel discusses the social implications of Netflix’s biggest hit to date, Squid Game. Next, the panel reviews the incredibly divisive (and gory) Cannes Palme d’Or winning Titane. Finally, the panel is joined by writer, researcher, and host of the Talking Scared podcast, Neil McRobert, to dissect the horror genre trope of the Final Girl. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses representations of parenthood in art. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements The panel revisits their previous discussion on eBooks and endorses more media. Dana: Scottish actor Alan Cumming’s harrowing, yet deeply moving book—particularly the audiobook version—Not My Father’s Son: A Family Memoir. Isaac: Two books consumed in eBook format! The first, a tome composed of every novella from author Ursula K. Le Guin titled, The Found and the Lost. The second, in this episode’s shadow theme of Halloween, Jason Zinoman’s book Shock Value: How a Few Eccentric Outsiders Gave Us Nightmares, Conquered Hollywood, and Invented Modern Horror. Which is, not clearly, a history steeped in love of 1970s horror cinema auteurs. Steve: Keeping it simple this week with three songs. First, the indie rock band from Leeds, The Wedding Present and their 1992 song “Blue Eyes.” Second (friend of a friend of the podcast) Courtney Barnett’s cover of The Velvet Underground’s “I’ll Be Your Mirror” from the recent Velvet Underground & Nico tribute album. Finally, Willow Smith’s (yes, as in Jada Pinkett and Will Smith) song with artist Tyler Cole “Meet Me At Our Spot,” which was released under their alias THE ANXIETY. (The live version has been blowing up on TikTok.) Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Meet Me At Our Spot" by THE ANXIETY, WILLOW, and Tyler Cole Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler. First, the panel reviews Clint Eastwood’s most recent film Cry Macho. Next, the panel discusses the neoliberal parable that is Amazon’s docuseries LuLaRich. Finally, the panel discusses the advantages and pitfalls of eBooks. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their favorite film credit sequences. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Generally: Explore.Org, a live nature cam network. More specifically: Dana’s favorite live cam “The Mississippi River Flyway Cam” on the Raptor Resource Project in Brice Prairie, Wisconsin. Isaac: The novel A Lie Someone Told You About Yourself by Peter Ho Davies, about how a big early decision impacts a couple’s married life afterwards. Steve: A pound the table endorsement: the essay by the feminist critic Vivian Gornick in Harper’s Magazine called “Put on the Diamonds: Notes on humiliation” -- in which she thinks out loud about what humiliation and loneliness are. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is “Ruins” by Origo. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by culture writer extraordinaire, Karen Han. First, the panel reviews the definitely problematic, yet overall divisive, popular Netflix film Kate—which Karen wrote about. Next, the panel discusses when Hulu’s risk-taking Nine Perfect Strangers pays off and when it doesn’t. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate’s TV critic and host of Decoder Ring Willa Paskin to discuss the Emmys, the value of award shows, and the evolving way we consume television. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses media they love but consume in moderation for fear of wearing it out. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Netflix’s controversial and shocking Bob Ross documentary, Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, & Greed, which was coincidentally co-produced by Nine Perfect Strangers’ Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone. Karen: The first season of The Righteous Gemstones and how it speaks to the current American climate. You can catch up before season two! Steve: A sad endorsement: The New Republic’s great article, “How Tucker Carlson Lost It” by Alex Shephard. A happier endorsement: it’s time to fall in love again with Gillian Welch, particularly with her songs “Picasso,” “Wayside/Back in Time,” and, honestly? All of the other songs she’s ever made. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "I Can Still Dance" by Tigerblood Jewel Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler. First, the panel discusses how Paul Schrader’s most recent film, The Card Counter, replaces gambling and addiction with guilt and accountability. Next, the panel discusses the star-studded true crime satirical comedy, Only Murders in the Building. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate senior writer and ICYMI podcast host Madison Malone Kircher to discuss John Mulaney and parasocial relationships. In Slate Plus, the panel divulges more of their personal parasocial relationships. Email us at [email protected]. Endorsements Dana: Nora Ephron’s great essay in The New Yorker “Moving On, A Love Story,” in which she struggles to move on from her apartment in the historical Apthorp building in the Upper West Side. Isaac: First, Scorcese’s 1982 film The King of Comedy—the ultimate parasocial relationship film. Second, the app Relisten, which allows you to stream live-music recordings from the vast number of internet archives. Steve: The great writer Saul Bellow’s 1956 novel, Seize the Day. Also: the 1984 collection of his short stories, Him with His Foot in His Mouth and Other Stories. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "Self Made Woman" by Katharine Appleton Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Slate senior editor, Allegra Frank. First, the panel discusses the surprising achievements of Marvel’s newest addition, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Next, the panel is joined by Slate senior editor Jeremy Stahl to talk about Spike Lee’s docuseries NYC Epicenters 9/11-2021½ and 9/11 trutherism on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Finally, the panel discusses the frustrations of the star-studded time-loop video game 12 Minutes. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses big swings—that missed—but, still hold special places in their hearts. Email us at [email protected]. Outro music: "Break the Line" by Coma Svensson Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Endorsements Dana: The indie film Short Term 12 from Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton. Also, an endorsement for flood-proof spatial planning–especially for your precious physical media. Allegra: Upon the release of the famous rapper’s newest album, Allegra’s curated playlist of Drake Songs That Don’t Suck. And a quick shout out to the everlasting enjoyment of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Steve: Christoph Reuter’s beautifully reported deep-dive on the Western presence in Afghanistan post-9/11 titled The Entirely Predictable Failure of the West’s Mission in Afghanistan for Der Spiegel. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Slate senior editor, Allegra Frank. First, the panel discusses the divisive parables within Candyman. Next, they talk about the Netflix series, The Chair. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate pop critic Jack Hamilton to discuss the legacy of the late, great Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses things they’re looking forward to in the rest of 2021. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe. Outro music is "If Only I Was a Poet" but Steffan Carlen. Endorsements Dana: This eight-minute montage of Charlie Watts’s signature warm-up dance before live shows. Jack: The work and legacy of the inimitable Jamaican reggae producer, Lee “Scratch” Perry, who recently passed. Specifically: the 1977 landmark roots reggae album Heart of the Congos by reggae group The Congos—which Perry produced. A highlight: the track “Sodom and Gomorrow.” Allegra: The long-running daily web comic steeped in the culture of “shit posting,” Mr. Boop by Alec Robbins. Steve: This destination pizza evangelizer endorses the pizza at Hearth & Harbor in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Also, the sitcom Arrested Development Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is a Bizarro Fest featuring associate editor Marissa Martinelli; June Thomas, senior managing producer of Slate podcasts; and Benjamin Frisch, senior producer, Decoder Ring. First, the panel discusses the bizarre experience of watching Annette. Next, they talk about the BBC miniseries, The Pursuit of Love. Finally, they talk about the board game Wingspan with Slate editor and writer Dan Kois. In Slate Plus, the panel answers a listener question about which board game they would choose to play on a first date. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Outro music is "Death Dance" by Luftmensch. Endorsements June: The writing of all the Mitfords. Especially Hons and Rebels and Poison Penmanship by Jessica Mitford. (As well as the biography Irrepressible: The Life and Times of Jessica Mitford by Leslie Brody). And The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford. Ben: Promises by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, and The London Symphony Orchestra. And the game Disco Elysium. Marissa: “How Science Saved Me From Pretending to Love Wine” by Anne Fadiman in The New Yorker. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is a Bizarro Fest featuring Karen Han, Slate staff writer; June Thomas, senior managing producer of Slate podcasts; and Marissa Martinelli, Slate associate editor. First, the panel is joined by writer Sara Nović to discuss the Sundance hit film CODA. Next, they talk about the dating simulation game Boyfriend Dungeon. Finally, Josh Levin, host of the Slate podcast One Year, comes on to talk about the premiere season of his show.  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about which writer (living or dead) they would choose to pen their biographies, and then which actor they would want to play them in their biopics.  You can read Sara Nović’s interview with CODA star Marlee Matlin in Bustle: “Marlee Matlin Knows How to Make Change.” Email us at [email protected].  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Outro music is "Zero Gravity" by ELFL Endorsements June: The podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill from Christianity Today Marissa: The video game Stardew Valley Karen: The TV show Wellington Paranormal Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy for our annual Summer Strut episode. First, they discuss this year’s song of the summer and how one particularly passionate fan base gained control of the charts. Then, the panel announces their favorite song picks from the mammoth playlist of listener suggestions and explain why they love them. In Slate Plus, the panel does a couple additional rounds of strut picks. Sumer Strut Final Selections: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ypwIOuhN3ClV9lvynRl88?si=ff5da2bfa5a04b1b Summer Strut Full List: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1iLdLhunJkTq9F4CeHkCJR?si=f1b8d195db414fd5 Past “Summer Strut” Gabfests are available here: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens are joined by Working co-host and longtime Slate contributor Isaac Butler. First, the panel discusses David Lowery’s new movie The Green Knight, a retelling of the medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Next, they talk about Billie Eilish’s new album Happier Than Ever with Slate music critic Carl Wilson. Finally, the hosts dig into the questions raised by Scarlett Johansson’s breach-of-contract lawsuit over the way Disney handled the release of her movie Black Widow, with Peter Labuza, a historian of creative industries. In Slate Plus, the careers the hosts almost pursued. Outro music is "Pike Place Market" by Rockin' For Decades Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Endorsements Dana: The word maieutic Isaac: The audiobooks of Simon Armitage’s translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, narrated by Bill Wallis, and The Death of Arthur, by Sir Thomas Malory, narrated by Philip Madoc Steve: Picture, by Lillian Ross and Crash Landing on You on Netflix Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Slate editor and writer Dan Kois. First, the panel discusses the TV show White Lotus, airing on HBO. Then they talk about the Nicholas Cage movie Pig. Finally, the hosts review the second season of the podcast The Plot Thickens, based on the book The Devil’s Candy. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about their past summer jobs. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Outro music is "What We Didn't Do" by Particle House Endorsements Dana: The documentary The Truffle Hunters and The Mike White movie School of Rock Dan: The book Truck: On Rebuilding a Worn-Out Pickup and Other Post-Technological Adventures Steve: The pianist Marcin Wasilewski and his album Arctic Riff and the essay “Against Persuasion” by Agnes Callard in the Boston Review. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Isaac Butler, co-host of Slate’s Working podcast. First, the panel discusses the documentary Roadrunner about Anthony Bourdain. Next, they talk about the Apple TV show Schmigadoon. Finally, the hosts are joined by Laura Miller to discuss her review of Michael Wolff’s Landslide. In Slate Plus, the panel further discusses their thoughts on Roadrunner. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Outro music is "Back to Silence" by OTE Endorsements Dana: The Kitchen Confidential audiobook Isaac: The documentary And Everything is Going Fine and the novel Secrets of Happiness by Joan Silber Steve: “A Just and Loving Gaze” by Deborah Casewell in Aeon Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve is joined by Allegra Frank, Slate senior editor, and Heather Schwedel, Slate staff writer. First, the panel discusses the new Marvel blockbuster Black Widow. Next, they talk about the AMC show Kevin Can F**k Himself. Finally, the hosts are joined by Alexis Nowicki to discuss her essay in Slate “‘Cat Person’ and Me.” In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the rabbit holes they fell down during the pandemic. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Outro music: "Stone Cookies" by Dusty Decks Endorsements  Allegra: The cookies at City Cakes. Heather: The documentary Kid 90. Steve: “This Woman’s Work: Alice Neel’s Portraits of Feminized Labor” by Jessica Fletcher in The Baffler. DeFazio’s Pizzeria in Troy, NY Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana is accompanied by Allegra Frank, Slate senior editor. First the panel is joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson to discuss Summer of Soul, a documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Next, the panel discusses season two of the Netflix sketch show I Think You Should Leave with Vulture senior editor Jesse David Fox. Finally, Carl returns to talk about the productions of Jack Antonoff. In Slate Plus, Carl and the panel talk about the concerts they’re looking forward to seeing and the live music experience. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Outro music: "Bloody Hunter" by Paisley Pink Endorsements Carl: The work of Lauren Berlant, especially “Trump, or Political Emotions.” (And Dana recommends an episode of the podcast Big Brains Berlant appeared on: “Why Chasing the Good Life is Holding Us Back.”) Allegra: The video game Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! Dana: The website Radio Garden. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana and Steve are joined by Slate staff writer Karen Han. First, the panel discusses the movie Zola. Next, they talk about the British sitcom We Are Lady Parts. Finally, the panel is joined by Seth Stevenson, the host of Slate’s Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism, to discuss the past, present, and future of HBO.  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about Conan O'Brien's departure from late night TV. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Outro music is "Did I Make You Wait" by Staffan Carlen Endorsements Dana: “The Story Behind Luca’s Whale Carcass-Loving Breakout Character” by Karen Han for Slate  Karen: “Navillera” on Netflix. Steve: “Rothko Chapel” by Morton Feldman. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana and Steve are joined by Slate staff writer Karen Han. First, the panel discusses the Pixar movie Luca. Next, they talk about the first two episodes of Marvel’s TV show Loki. Finally, the panel is joined by Willa Paskin and Benjamin Frisch, the host and producer of Slate’s Decoder Ring podcast, to discuss the making of the new season. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about whether seeing movies in the theater is a tradition worth preserving. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin. Outro music is "Eightball" by Gabe Nandez. Endorsements Dana: The playlist of the music found in James Baldwin’s apartment, “This Giant Prehistoric Rhino Was the Biggest Land Mammal to Walk the Earth” by Jack Guy and Zixu Wang for CNN Karen: Try making ice cream at home Steve: The writing of Janet Malcolm in the New York Review of Books and The New Yorker Further Reading “How Gay Is Pixar’s Luca?” by Marissa Martinelli for Slate “The Many Contradictions of Owen Wilson” by Isaac Butler for Slate Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana and Steve are joined by Monica Castillo, arts and culture reporter for Colorado Public Radio, to discuss In the Heights. Next, Atlantic staff writer Sophie Gilbert comes on to talk about HBO’s Hacks. Finally, Dana and Steve dive into Liz Phair’s new album, Soberish, with the expertise of Slate music critic Carl Wilson. In Slate Plus, Dana, Steve, and Carl talk about Gen X musicians and how they’re aging gracefully—or not. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: "Any Other Way" by Particle House Endorsements Dana: The soundtrack to Bo Burnham’s Inside Carl: Clairo’s single “Blouse” and the series Feel Good (especially the placement of “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers) Steve: Herzog by Saul Bellow Further Reading “In the Heights Fumbles Some of Its Changes, but It Still Soars” by Dana Stevens for Slate “’In the Heights’ Film Review: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Stage Hit Becomes a Screen Celebration” by Monica Castillo for the Wrap “What Hacks Proves About Jean Smart” by Sophie Gilbert for the Atlantic “An Alt-Rock Queen Returns to Take Back Her Crown” by Carl Wilson for Slate Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana is joined by Slate senior editor Sam Adams and Vulture critic Kathryn VanArendonk. First, the panel discusses the HBO mini-series Mare of Easttown. Next, they talk about Bo Burnham’s Netflix special Inside. Finally, Dana and Sam dive into the recent Amazon-MGM deal. In Slate Plus, the panel talks spoilers galore about Mare of Easttown. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Outro Music: "On the Keys of Steel" by Dusty Decks Endorsements Dana: MGM: Hollywood’s Greatest Backlot Sam: Lucy Dacus’s song “VBS” from her upcoming album Home Video Further Reading “Mare of Easttown’s Creator on Its Final Shocking Twist” by Sam Adams for Slate Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve is joined by Slate senior editor Allegra Frank and Slate staff writer Karen Han. The group first discusses Cruella, starring Emma Stone. Next, they discuss the television adaption of Colson Whitehead’s novel The Underground Railroad. Finally, the group is joined by Slate’s Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy to dive into Olivia Rodrigo’s breakout album Sour. In Slate Plus, the panel shares their experiences going back to movie theaters. Email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Outro music: "I Want a Change" by The Big Let Down Endorsements Allegra: Doomin’ Sun by Bachelor, Jay Som, & Palehound Karen: The perfume company Snif Steve: Robyn Hitchcock & Emma Swift’s cover of “Motion Pictures” by Neil Young Further Reading “Cruella Shouldn’t Work, but It Mostly Does” by Karen Han for Slate “Why Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Good 4 U’ Is Rock’s First Hot 100 No.1 in Years” by Chris Molanphy for Slate Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss HBO Max’s film Those Who Wish Me Dead, starring Angelina Jolie. Next, the panel is joined by Slate books critic Laura Miller to dive into a strange publishing trend—where literary criticism meets self-help. Finally, Slate’s technology editor Jon Fisher talks with the hosts about M.O.D.O.K., Hulu’s latest series on the Marvel character. In Slate Plus, the hosts open up about their schedules, productivity, and hacks for cultural consumption in response to a listener question. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Endorsements Dana: A series of films by Lois Weber on the Criterion Channel Julia: A new daily news podcast from the L.A. Times called The Times: Daily news from the L.A. Times Steve: The restaurant Feast & Floret in Hudson, New York Further Reading “Enough With Literature as Self-Improvement!” by Laura Miller in Slate https://slate.com/culture/2021/03/wonderworks-angus-fletcher-review.html Outro music: "200 Dont's" by Conditional Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss Netflix’s animated film The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Next, the panel dives into the cultural resonances of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck aka “Bennifer.” Finally, the group is joined by Isaac Butler, co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, to talk about the latest Zoom version of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. In Slate Plus, Isaac Butler joins the hosts to talk about the state of theater and what its reopening will look like in the coming months. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro music: "You Know What I Want" by Staffan Carlen Endorsements Dana: “The Trees” by Philip Larkin Julia: Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener Steve: “Arendt and Roth: An Uncanny Convergence” by Corey Robin and DeFazio’s Pizzeria in Troy, NY Further Reading “What Everyone Forgot About Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez” by Heather Schwedel in Slate “Why is Bennifer 2.0 so exciting? Because last time, we screwed it up” by Meredith Blake in the LA Times Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss Tina Fey’s new Peacock sitcom Girls5Eva. Then the panel dives into vaccine personalities—how did Pfizer really become the “status vax”? Finally, the group discusses Netflix film The Disciple with LA Times film critic Justin Chang. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about their relationship with cars, courtesy of a listener question. Email us your questions at [email protected] Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis and Asha Saluja. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Endorsements Dana: Morning Ragas, Bombay 1965 by Nikhil Banerjee Julia: Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe and “The Composer at the Frontier of Movie Music” by Jamie Fisher (and Nicholas Britell’s Culture Gabfest episode!) Steve: “Quintin Jones Is Not Innocent. But He Doesn’t Deserve to Die.” by Jonah M. Kessel, Suleika Jaouad, and Lindsay Crouse Further Reading “Pfizer Snobs Are Wong. Johnson & Johnson Is the Coolest Vaccine.” by Dan Kois in Slate “How Pfizer Became the Status Vax” by Heather Schwedel in Slate “Review: ‘The Disciple’ is already one of the year’s best movies. Does Netflix know—or care?” by Justin Chang in the LA Times  Hosts Stephen Metcalf Dana Stevens Julia Turner Social Media @slatecultfest on Twitter https://twitter.com/slatecultfest @slateculturepodcasts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/slateculturepodcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss the Netflix film Stowaway with Slate book and culture columnist Laura Miller. Then the panel dives into the French dramedy Call My Agent! with New Yorker staff writer Lauren Collins. Finally, the group discusses the social realities and challenges of the CDC’s new guidelines on masking outdoors. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss the ending to Stowaway and other spoilers from the film. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Endorsements Dana: You Must Remember This podcast and Jacques d’Amboise, specifically Jacques d’Amboise in China Julia: The Mirage Factory Steve: “The Abiding Scandal of College Admissions” by Matt Feeney in the Chronicle of Higher Education Further Reading “'Dix pour cent’: les agents et leurs doubles” by Benjamin Locoge in Paris Match “Fanny Herrero, créatrice de ‘Dix pour cent’: ‘Mon rêve est de faire une série d’auteur populaire’” in Les Inrockuptibles Outro Music "Go slow" by Daniel Fridell Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss the Oscars in a pandemic year. Then the panel dives into the Bob Odenkirk action flick Nobody. Finally, the group discusses the allegations of workplace harassment against the producer Scott Rudin, as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the fallout surrounding sexual assault allegations against Blake Bailey, who published a biography of Phillip Roth earlier this month. Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Jasmine Ellis. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Endorsements Dana: Call My Agent! and the accompanying French podcast Julia: Sheet-Pan Sausages and Brussel Sprouts With Honey Mustard recipe from the New York Times Steve: Sturgill Simpson, specifically his NPR Tiny Desk concert and “The Woman Who Shattered the Myth of the Free Market” by Zachary D. Carter in the New York Times  Further Reading  “Scott Rudin, As Told by His Assistants” by Anne Victoria Clark, Jackson McHenry, Lila Shapiro, Gazelle Emami, Helen Shaw, Tara Abell, Nate Jones, E. Alex Jung, and Megh Wright in Vulture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss the Oscar-nominated documentary Collective. Next, the group is joined by June Thomas, senior managing producer of Slate podcasts, to discuss Law & Order: Organized Crime. Finally, the panel dives into Substack, the newsletter platform journalists are flocking to. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the Oscars. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Endorsements  Dana: The Narcotic Farm  Julia: Party Down  Steve: Anne Briggs, particularly this song Further Reading Charlie Warzel’s recent Twitter thread on Galaxy Brain Outro Music "What Do You Want From Me" by OTE Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve is joined by Slate senior editor Allegra Frank and writer/editor Dan Kois. The group first dives into the What Lies Below, the wild No. 1 movie on Netflix. Next, they discuss the Netflix series Worn Stories. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate music critic Carl Wilson to talk about Prince’s vault of unreleased music, as covered in Sunday's episode of 60 Minutes. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about how their parents influenced their music taste. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Endorsements Dan: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry Allegra: serpentwithfeet’s DEACON Steve: “Averted Intimacies” by Elaine Blair in the New York Review Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve and Dana are joined by Slate senior editor Allegra Frank. First the hosts discuss the Oscar contender Judas and the Black Messiah and the performances of its two stars, Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield. Then pop critic and UVA professor Jack Hamilton joins the show to offer his thoughts on Tina, the new documentary about the life of rock n' roll icon Tina Turner. After that, the hosts talk to Slate writer Rebecca Onion about her re-examination of The Beauty Myth, a modern feminist classic with an increasingly controversial author. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Steve, Dana, and Allegra talk about being evangelists for the art they like and discuss whether pushing your cultural taste on other people is a good or bad practice. Outro music: "Death Dance" by Luftmensch Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Endorsements: Dana: This unusual and excellent bottle of white wine called La Foradada Allegra: Worn Stories Steve: Call My Agent! and the band Life Without Buildings Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss the film The Father, starring Anthony Hopkins. Next, the group is joined by Slate television critic Willa Paskin to talk about The Real World Homecoming: New York. Finally, the panel dives into the new secrets revealed by a Philip Roth biography. In Slate Plus, Steve and Julia chat with Willa about the books, movies, or shows they've changed their minds about. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Endorsements Dana: Bertrand Tavernier’s My Journey Through French Cinema Julia: Her recent roadrunner sighting, the Atlantic podcast Floodlines, and I Capture the Castle Steve: The Simpletons and Call My Agent! Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss the Oscar-nominated Danish film Another Round. Next, the group is joined by Dan Pashman, host of the Sporkful podcast, to discuss his journey to invent a brand-new pasta shape. Finally, the panel is joined by Carolina Miranda of the LA Times to discuss museums “deaccessioning” art. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss what favorite works for children they discovered as grown-ups. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Endorsements Dana: The Flashback archive Julia: “A guide to hiking in L.A.” in the LA Times Steve: “With You” by Teenage Fanclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve and Dana are joined by Slate editor Allegra Frank. First, they discuss Coming 2 America, the sequel to the 1988 film Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall Next, they chat about the Pedro Almodóvar short The Human Voice and discuss how it compares to other Almodóvar works. Finally, they’re joined by Slate staff writer Aaron Mak to talk about NFT's (non-fungible tokens), the new digital certificates of "ownership" that are changing the way people buy art. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about their feelings on re-entering society post-pandemic. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Outro Music: "Break The Line" by Coma Svensson Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Further reading: “Coming 2 America’s Disastrous Return to Africa” by Allegra Frank in Slate “What the Heck Are NFTs, and Why Are Grimes, Lindsay Lohan, and the Guy Who Made Nyan Cat Selling Them?” by Aaron Mak in Slate Endorsements Dana: “Repeat After Me” by June Thomas in Slate  “Talk To Her, All About My Mother, Broken Embraces …” by June Thomas in Slate  This radish recipe  Allegra:  The Real World Homecoming: New York and the original.  “i drive me mad” by renforshort, as heard on Generation  Steve:  “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” by Saint Etienne "Cherry Wine" by Hozier "Shrike" by Hozier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Slate’s executive producer of podcasts Alicia Montgomery for a segment about Oprah’s widely viewed interview with Meghan and Harry. Then the hosts discuss the ever-growing popularity of Stanley Tucci, from his viral cocktail videos to his CNN show Searching for Italy to his new movie Supernova. Finally, the group talks about the discontinuation of six Dr. Seuss books. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Outro Music: "Bring My Friends" by Tigerblood Jewel Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve and Dana talk to Slate senior editor Sam Adams about the HBO documentary Allen v. Farrow, which examines the legal battle between Woody Allen and Mia Farrow in the early 90's and the sexual assault allegations at the heart of it. Then Steve, Dana, and Julia talk about the Golden Globes and a report by the LA Times that revealed dubious spending practices by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (the group behind the Globes) and a lack of diversity in its ranks. After that, University of Pennsylvania English professor Alan Filreis joins the show to talk about the poet, activist, and bookstore owner Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who recently passed away. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss the new gender-neutral rebranding of Mr. Potato Head and the reaction from right-wing pundits. Send us your questions and topic suggestions at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: "Mother" by The Big Let Down Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve, Dana, and Julia talk about Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland. Next, they dig into their obsession with the New York Times’s Spelling Bee puzzle and interview its creator, 24-year-old Sam Ezersky. Finally, they discuss group chats in light of Heidi Cruz’s recent troubles with the forum. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss a piece of culture that they used to love and are now done with? Thanks to listener James Callan. Send us your questions and topic suggestions at [email protected]. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: "Back to Silence" by OTE Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve and Dana are joined by Jessica Winter, editor at the New Yorker and author of the upcoming novel, The Fourth Child. They kick off the show by discussing Saint Maud, the critically acclaimed horror film by Rose Glass. Then they dig into the #FreeBritney movement and dissect a televised documentary by the New York Times that covers Britney Spears' legal battle with her father. After that, Slate's pop music expert Chris Molanphy joins the show to discuss Olivia Rodrigo's hit song Drivers License, which shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Chris is the host of the Hit Parade podcast. In Slate Plus, Julia joins Steve and Dana to talk about the Gina Carano controversy and weigh in on whether her firing from The Mandalorian was justified. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Email the hosts at [email protected] Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve, Dana, and Julia kick things off by discussing Minari, the semi-autobiographical movie by the filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung that focuses on a Korean family trying to build a life for themselves in rural Arkansas. After that, New York Magazine writer Mark Harris joins the show to to talk about his new biography of the director Mike Nichols. Then the hosts pick apart the latest Chrissy Teigan controversy and offer opinions about wealth, celebrity, and privilege during the pandemic. In Slate Plus, the hosts remember the actor Christopher Plummer who passed away last week at age 91. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen, Dana, and Julia begin this week's show by talking about Locked Down, the rom-com heist movie starring Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor that's set during the early days of the pandemic. Then they discuss Derek DelGaudio's In & Of Itself, a Frank Oz directed stage performance that's part magic show and part meditation on personal identity. The filmed version is now available to stream on Hulu. For their third segment the hosts weigh in on a controversy in the film criticism world about a review of the movie Promising Young Woman, which they talked about in last week's show. In Slate Plus, the hosts chat about the pandemic's affect on casual friendships. Their inspiration was Amanda Mull's article in The Atlantic, titled The Pandemic Has Erased Entire Categories of Friendship. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Stephen, Dana, and Julia start by discussing Promising Young Woman, the revenge thriller starring Carey Mulligan and written and directed by Emerald Fennell. Then Slate culture writer Karen Han joins the show to talk about the French heist series Lupin, which has been firmly situated on Netflix's top 10 list since it premiered. After that, the hosts reflect on a recent article in the New York Times Magazine by Kyle Chayka titled, How Nothingness Became Everything We Wanted. In Slate Plus, the hosts wonder whether the end of the Trump presidency has really hit them yet. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Stephen, Dana, and Julia take a look at Sound of Metal, the debut movie from writer/director Darius Marder, about a heavy metal drummer who loses his hearing. Then they discuss WandaVision, the new Marvel TV show that's loaded with references to classic TV sitcoms. After that they dive into the world of TikTok sea shanties and theorize about why the craze caught on. In Slate Plus, the hosts talk about vice president Kamala Harris' recent Vogue cover and the debate surrounding it. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Stephen, Dana, and Julia talk about the National Geographic miniseries, City So Real, about the 2019 mayoral race in Chicago and the social and political issues that fueled it. Then New York Times writer Charlie Warzel joins the show to discuss conservative media outlets like Newsmax and OANN and the alternate reality of news that Trump supporters reside in. After that, the hosts talk about New Yorker writer Lawrence Wright's comprehensive article, The Plague Year, about the way U.S. officials have reacted to the pandemic. In Slate Plus, the hosts reply to a listener who wants to know how they distinguish between works of art that are "entertaining" and ones that are "good" and whether making that distinction makes them snobs. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve, Dana, and Julia start by talking about Wonder Woman 1984 with LA Times film critic Justin Chang. Then they discuss Bridgerton, the new Netflix show produced by Shonda Rhimes and based on a series of novels by Julia Quinn. After that, Justin Chang rejoins the show to talk about Movie Club, Slate's annual end-of-year movie coverage. In Slate Plus, the hosts expand on their Wonder Woman conversation in spoiler-filled detail. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stephen, Dana, and Julia present the Culture Gabfest’s annual listener call-in show, originally recorded live and streamed on Facebook and YouTube. They answer questions like, “Would you live in a muder house?” and “Are there any ways in which you are a snob about the culture you partake in?” In Slate Plus, the hosts field more questions from their live audience via Facebook and YouTube.  Click here for the video version of the show.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Live show production by Faith Smith and Britt Pullie. Outro Music: "200 Dont's" by Conditional Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Stephen and Dana are joined by Slate editor and writer Dan Kois. First, they discuss the new Steven Soderbergh movie Let Them All Talk, starring Meryl Streep, Dianne Wiest, and Candice Bergen. Then they talk to Slate TV critic Willa Paskin about the trends in TV this year and why "popular" TV isn't always "good" TV. After that, the hosts talk about a new project in the UK that aims to revive smells from the past. In Slate Plus, the hosts debate whether the labels "movie" and "TV show" have lost some of their meaning in the age of streaming. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: "If Only I Was a Poet" by Staffan Carlen Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve and Dana are joined by guest host Nichole Perkins, writer, poet, and host of the Thirst Aid Kit podcast. First they discuss the new film adaptation of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which stars Viola Davis and features Chadwick Boseman in his final role. Then they weigh in on the HBO Max mystery thriller The Flight Attendant. After that, Vulture writer Mark Harris joins the show to talk about Disney's rapid growth and what it means for the movie industry. In Slate Plus, the hosts talk about which historical performances they wish they could witness. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: "Go slow" by Daniel Fridell Slate Plus members get a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve and Dana are joined by co-host Laura Miller, books and culture columnist for Slate. First, the three of them talk to Slate's own Matthew Dessem about what's real and what's made up in the new David Fincher movie, Mank. Then Julia Turner joins the show for a discussion about Spotify's end-of-year "wrapped" feature. For the third segment, Laura talks about the best books of 2020. In Slate Plus, Laura talks about a debate that keeps cropping up in literary circles about whether kids should be taught more contemporary literature. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro music: "Ruins" by Origo Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Steve and Dana are joined by writer, poet, and co-host of the Thirst Aid Kit podcast, Nichole Perkins. First, the they weigh in on Happiest Season, the new holiday rom-com starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis. Then they chat with Culture Gabfest producer Cameron Drews about why he loves the HBO show How To with John Wilson. And finally, the hosts a talk about a big mistake made recently by the publisher Fireside Fiction, where a white voice-over artist put on a fake accent to read an audio essay written by a Black woman. The essay, written by Dr. Regina N. Bradley, is called Da Art of Speculatin’ . In Slate Plus, the Steve, Dana, and Nichole discuss their pop culture blindspots. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: "What Do You Want From Me" by OTE Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve and Dana kick off the show by talking about season 4 of The Crown with June Thomas, Slate's managing producer and co-host of the Working podcast. Then they're joined by Asha Saluja, operations manager for Slate Podcasts, to discuss one of the internet's latest creations: a TikTok musical based on the Pixar movie Ratatouille. For their third segment, Slate senior editor Sam Adams argues that our new streaming world is a poor replacement for traditional movie-going. In Slate Plus, Dana, Steve, and June discuss their Thanksgiving plans. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: "Backwards" by Staffan Carlen Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve and Dana talk to Slate’s television critic Willa Paskin about the unprecedented current season of The Bachelorette.  Then Slate's Brow Beat editor, Matthew Dessem, comes on board for the rest of the show to talk about Saturday Night Live and two recent articles about societal collapse, one titled The Next Decade Could Be Even Worse and one titled How Do You Know When Society Is About to Fall Apart? In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss which TV universes they'd like to be dropped into. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: "Break The Line" by Coma Svensson Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia talk with New York Times book critic Dwight Garner about his book Garner’s Quotations: A Modern Miscellany. Next, they are joined by Slate’s television critic Willa Paskin to discuss The Queen’s Gambit. Finally, the panel imagines how the Trump administration will be remembered in American Studies classes years from now.  In Slate Plus, the hosts talk with writer and enneagram counselor Jacob Rubin about their enneagrams. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve and Dana are joined by guest host Isaac Butler, writer and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast. First, the group talks about What the Constitution Means to Me, the Broadway play now streaming on Amazon. Next, they talk about the legacy of Sean Connery, who passed away last week. Finally, they discuss the new Netflix documentary series Song Exploder, based on the podcast. In Slate Plus, the hosts talk with Isaac about the future of the theater industry in pandemic times. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Whitney Tesi and Rachael Allen. Outro Music: A Sail by Lisa Hannigan Endorsements Dana: Isaac’s interview with Alex Lacamoire on Slate’s Working podcast To Be or Not to Be and Criterion’s accompanying commentary track Isaac: John M. Ford’s The Dragon Waiting The Danish political drama Borgen Steve: Cowboy Junkies’ cover of “Flirted With You All My Life” Lisa Hannigan’s “A Sail” Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens are joined by guest host Jody Rosen, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine. First, they discuss Borat 2 (officially, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm). Next, they dive into music with “The Harry Smith B-Sides.” Finally, they discuss Zoom’s newfound, and sometimes dangerous, place in our culture. On this week’s Slate Plus segment the hosts extend their analysis of Borat 2, diving into the scene with Rudy Giuliani. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro music: Next Stop the Big Onion by Chester Malone Endorsements Jody: “The butcher's shop that lasted 300 years (give or take)” by Tom Lamont in the Guardian Top Boy: Summerhouse and Top Boy Dana: The music streaming station “Ocora” from Radio France and its accompanying podcast Steve: The Beatles’ rehearsals on YouTube, particularly the “Think For Yourself Vocal Overdub Session 1965” video Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss The Trial of the Chicago 7. Then, the panel is joined by Willa Paskin, Slate’s TV critic, to discuss Ted Lasso. Finally, they discuss “Cereal Eats” with New York Times opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie.   The Slate Plus segment this week features producer Jessamine Molli, as the panel talks about knowing about things before they become popular.    Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Whitney Tesi.   Outro music: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 (Arr. E. Bindman for Piano): I. Prélude   Endorsements   Dana: J.S. Bach Cello Suites for Solo Piano transcribed and performed by Eleonor Bindman   Julia: Cinnamon Buns   Steve: Miami and the Siege of Chicago, by Norman Mailer; Return of the Secaucus 7   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana, Steve, and Julia talk about Kirsten Johnson's new documentary, Dick Johnson is Dead, in which Johnson documents her father's experience with dementia. Then the hosts are joined by LA Times television editor Matt Brennan to discuss Luca Guadagnino's HBO series We Are Who We Are. And finally, Slate's pop critic Jack Hamilton joins the show to talk about Eddie Van Halen and the appeal of screeching guitar solos. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner are joined by Slate book critic Laura Miller for a full episode. First, the panel takes on The Glorias, the new film based on Gloria Steinem’s life. Next, they are joined by New Yorker staff writer Lauren Collins to talk about the Netflix comedy-drama Emily in Paris. Finally, the panel discusses the narrative drama of Donald Trump’s having COVID-19. The Slate Plus segment this week features Laura’s book recommendations for fall.    Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Pike Place Market by Rockin' For Decades Endorsements Laura: The Good Lord Bird, starring Ethan Hawke Julia: A recipe for State Fair Lemonade Steve: Rod Stewart’s cover of “Handbags and Gladrags” (as well as the many videos of rockstars’ impromptu performances) Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the Netflix film My Octopus Teacher. Next, they chat about the legacy and ending of Keeping Up With the Kardashians (check out the Gabfest’s 2011 conversation about the Kardashians here). Finally, the panel is joined by Slate staff writer Aaron Mak to analyze the latest episode of Reply All on QAnon. On Slate Plus, the hosts discuss how they try to balance work and family. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Outro Music: The Red Light Special by Matt Large Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are live from … Zoom! First, the panel talks about Cuties, the Netflix film that has stirred up controversey. Next, the panel discusses the Emmys—how successful (and necessary) was the virtual awards show? Finally, the panel takes on the future of fashion. Get your closets ready: Sweatpants will not be around forever. In Slate Plus, the hosts answer listeners’ questions about philosophy, comfort watches, and so much more. (Per a listener’s question, here is our previous episode on pumpkin spice.) Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Endorsements: Dana: The McMansion Hell blog Julia: Con Todo El Mundo by Khruangbin Steve: The television show Reno 911! Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Special thanks to Faith Smith and Britt Pullie for organizing the live show. Outro Music: Self Made Woman by Katharine Appleton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana reminds listeners about tonight's virtual live show! It's at 8pm ET on Slate's Facebook and YouTube pages. For links and more info, visit Slate.com/live If you can't make it, that's okay! The audio version of the live show will be dropped in your feed on Thursday evening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Slate’s Aymann Ismail to discuss the Emmy-nominated series Ramy (check out Aymann’s story for Slate on Ramy Youssef here). Next, the panel talks with Glenn Whipp, an entertainment columnist for the LA Times, about the new inclusion requirements the Oscars recently announced. Finally, the panel dives in HBO Max’s movie Unpregnant.  In Slate Plus, the hosts open up about the first thing they’ll want to do in a post-pandemic world and what things, to their surprise, they will not want to return to doing.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Endorsements: Dana: “Aquarium” from “Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saëns (as heard in Days of Heaven) Julia: Rösle Stainless Steel Mincing Garlic Press Steve: Hilltown Hot Pies (“Feast your eyes!”) Phoebe Bridgers’ cover of “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Last Sunday by OTE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve is joined by guests hosts Laura Miller, a books and culture columnist for Slate, and Jamelle Bouie, a columnist for the New York Times and Slate’s former chief political correspondent. The panel takes on Lovecraft Country, HBO’s new horror series. Next, they talk about Charlie Kaufman’s enigmatic I’m Thinking of Ending Things. And finally, the panel dives into the “is NYC over?” debate. In Slate Plus, the hosts talk about a George Washington University professor’s recent confession that she falsely claimed a Black identity. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Endorsements: Laura: The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman Jamelle: The Way Back, a sports film starring Ben Affleck Steve: “What Ails America” by Timothy Snyder in the New York Review of Books, adapted from his new book, Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary And finally, please check out Jamelle’s cereal reviews for Serious Eats. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Bloody Hunter by Paisley Pink Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss Bill & Ted Face the Music, the decades-later sequel to the 1989 and 1991 originals. (This was also Dana’s first movie review for Slate after the pandemic’s monthslong disruption! Check it out here.) Next, the panel talks about Chadwick Boseman’s legacy with Wesley Morris, a critic-at-large for the New York Times who wrote about the late actor’s powerful approach to biographical moviemaking. Finally, they dive into Dana’s comfort pick—Days of Heaven. In Slate Plus, the hosts talk about moviegoing with Sam Adams, Slate’s very own writer who ventured into a newly opened theater to review Tenet. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Endorsements: Dana: Alex Winter’s Showbiz Kids, an HBO documentary about child stars. Julia: Plus One, starring Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid. https://www.amazon.com/Plus-One-Maya-Erskine/dp/B07RYT666R Stephen: “American Fascism: It Has Happened Here,” by Sarah Churchwell in the New York Review of Books. “Ur-Fascism,” by Umberto Eco in the New York Review of Books in 1995. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro music: Spinning the Wheels by Dusty Decks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss a recent video of twins’ listening to Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight” that went viral. Then, the panelists talk about John M. Barry’s The Great Influenza. Finally, they take on this week’s comfort watch—Network. In Slate Plus, the hosts break down The Daily’s recent two-part series on cancel culture. Endorsements: Dana: The accurate lime cordial recipe! Julia: Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld Steve: “Dickens in Brooklyn” by Jay Neugeboren in the New York Review of Books Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson to take on Taylor Swift’s Folklore. Then, the panelists discusses school reopenings, riffing off of Dana’s recent op-ed for the Washington Post. Finally, they break down this week’s comfort watch—the 1936 screwball comedy, My Man Godfrey. In Slate Plus, the hosts are joined by Slate staff writer Lili Loofbourow to discuss her recent pieces on cancel culture and online debate. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Other items discussed in this show: “Taylor Swift’s New Album Reveals That Social Distancing Has Served Her Well” by Carl Wilson in Slate “Held back: As parents realize how badly the U.S. botched the next school year, we’re furious” by Dana Stevens in the Washington Post “The Cancel Culture Trap” by Lili Loofbourow in Slate “Illiberalism Isn’t to Blame for the Death of Good-Faith Debate” by Lili Loofbourow in Slate Endorsements: Dana: Dana’s original drink “This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison,” inspired by a Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem. To make the cordial, boil a 2:1 ratio of lime juice to water on stove until reduced to half. Sweeten to taste. Mix with bourbon or rye whiskey. Throw in basil or mint leaf as garnish. Julia: Strand by the Spinanes, especially “Winter on Ice.” Steve: “Publish and Perish” by Agnes Callard in the Point. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Back to Silence by OTE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy to take on contenders for song of the summer, an unusual competition this year that has been heavily influenced by TikTok. Then, the team dives into 20 hours of listener-nominated songs to determine the “struttiest,” giving you new music to listen to as you strut around your house this summer or when venturing out on an exciting adventure to the grocery store. In Slate Plus, the hosts zip through a lightning round of their Summer Strut recommendations. Summer Strut 2020 Short List on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0P17fljddUDgdDHJx7Sa27?si=MrLdELutSJSdcw5WyW-ekQ Past “Summer Strut” Gabfests are available here: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by New Yorker staff writer Doreen St. Félix to talk about I May Destroy You. Then, Steve and Dana are joined by Isaac Butler, writer and co-host of this season of Slate’s Working podcast, to discuss the filmed version of Hamilton, now streaming on Disney Plus. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s comfort-watch pick of the week: the 1996 disaster film Twister. In Slate Plus, the hosts continue to talk with Isaac about Hamilton, its ending, its significance in 2020, and more. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Smartface by Smartface Endorsements Dana: Scott Brick’s narration of Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton. Julia: The movie Dave. Steve: “Wanting Wrong” by Anne Enright in the New York Review of Books. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Jamelle Bouie to talk about the toppling of statues across the country. Then, the panel talks about Spike Lee’s latest film Da 5 Bloods. Finally, they discuss Julia’s comfort-watch pick: Center Stage. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss the postponement of the Oscars to 2021. Other items discussed in the show: The Slate podcast series Reconstruction, hosted by Jamelle Bouie and Rebecca Onion This Twitter thread on the history of Mount Rushmore “‘First Cow’ for best picture? A critic’s guide to the Oscars if movie theaters don’t reopen in 2020,” by Justin Chang in the Los Angeles Times Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Self Made Woman by Katharine Appleton Endorsements Dana: Jamelle Bouie’s newsletter. Julia: Waterproof UNO, the card game. Steve: Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. The French spy thriller The Bureau.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Lauren Michele Jackson to discuss her recent piece in Vulture, “What Is an Anti-Racist Reading List For?” Then, the panel talks about cop shows during this current moment, jumping off of a recent article in the Washington Post by Alyssa Rosenberg that argues these procedurals that tend to glorify the police should be canceled. Finally, they discuss the power of citizen-shot videos of police brutality that are widely shared on social media. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss the New York Times’s decision to publish an op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton and what the fallout means for newsrooms today. You can sign up for Slate Plus at slate.com/cultureplus Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Cheap Flights by Dylan Sitts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Mindy Kaling’s new television show Never Have I Ever. Next, they talk about Twitter beefs in the time of COVID-19—from Alison Roman to Lana del Rey. Finally, the panel dives into Steve’s comfort watch for this week: Out of Sight. On the Slate Plus segment this week, Dana and Steve try Sudoku for the first time, as inspired by this recent captivating video.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Woke by SINY Endorsements Dana: Anne V. Coates’s interview on Out of Sight. Charlotte Brontë’s Villette, especially as an audiobook. Julia: “The Miracle Sudoku” video, as discussed in our Plus segment. “How to Make Wylie Dufresne’s Incredibly Creamy Scrambled Egg Sandwich,” by Wylie Dufresne, as told to Emma Wartzman in Bon Appétit. Steve: “The Painting Behind the Door,” by Emily Benedek in Tablet magazine. Singer Laura Marling’s breaking down her guitar chords on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the Hulu adaption of Sally Rooney’s Normal People. Next, they talk about John Krasinski’s Some Good News. Finally, the panel dives into Dana’s comfort watch for this week: In a Lonely Place. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel is joined by Jody Rosen to talk about the music and legacy of Little Richard. Sign up for Slate Plus at Slate.com/cultureplus Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Endorsements: Dana: Spike Lee’s short film about New York City. Julia: The Donut Hole in La Puente, Calif., a trip inspired after reading “Drive-throughs and drive-ins were fading. Coronavirus made them a lifeline” by Carolina A. Miranda in the Los Angeles Times. Steve: Nick Lowe performing “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” as part of Rolling Stone’s “In My Room” series. Also, Nick Lowe’s “I Read A Lot.” Plus, check out Madison Cunningham’s “Dry As Sand.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens shares a message for Culture Gabfest listeners. Become a Slate Plus member now to support the show, and you'll get a bonus segment every episode, ad-free Slate podcasts, and access to Dana Stevens' member-exclusive movies podcast Flashback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner break down the Netflix miniseries Unorthodox. Next, they bring on Jesse David Fox, Vulture writer and host of the Good One podcast, to talk about the state of comedy today. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s comfort watch pick for this week: the iconic and hilarious Airplane! On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses how their fitness routines have changed in quarantine. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Hulu’s historical drama Mrs. America. Next, they bring on Slate music critic Carl Wilson to break down Fiona Apple’s latest album “Fetch the Bolt Cutters.” Finally, the panel discusses Steve’s favorite movie of all time: Local Hero.  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel takes on quarantine cookery.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner analyze the latest way to watch television: Quibi. Next, they bring on Slate music critic Carl Wilson to talk about the legacy of the late songwriter John Prine. Finally, the panel dives into The Talented Mr. Ripley, Dana’s comfort watch pick for this week. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each week, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Saturday Night Live’s recent “at home” show. Outro Music: 'Apocalypse' by Cigarettes After Sex  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Endorsements Dana: John Dickerson’s interview with John Prine from February 2019. Julia: Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of the Harry Potter series—except for his voice of Hermione. Steve: The Lucksmiths. Again. The music of Cigarettes After Sex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner are joined by Jen Agg to talk about the fate of the restaurant industry. Next, they bring on New York Times Magazine contributing writer Jody Rosen to discuss the passing of Adam Schlesinger. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s favorite movie and comfort watch—Sneakers.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each week, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses their results to the Statistical "Which Character" Personality Quiz. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: “All Kinds of Time” by Fountains of Wayne  Endorsements Jody: The singer Bill Withers, particularly his albums Naked & Warm and ’Justments.  Jonathan Cecil’s audiobook reading of P.G. Wodehouse’s Uncle Fred in the Springtime.  Dana: Interview with Better Call Saul’s Rhea Seehorn on the Ringer podcast “The Watch.” Julia: “Nutmeg” from A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! Steve: The songwriter Marty Donald of The Lucksmiths found here in Steve’s Spotify playlist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf is joined by Slate senior editor Sam Adams and Slate podcast producer Daniel Schroeder discuss the wildness of Tiger King. Then, Steve teams back up with Dana Stevens and Julia Turner to talk about one of his favorite comfort watches: Paddington 2. Finally, the panel analyzes celebrity in the age of coronavirus by exploring the two recent telethons respectively hosted by Elton John and James Corden. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Bob Dylan’s newest song. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each week, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Outro Music: "The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else)" by Julie London Endorsements Dana: The singer Julie London Julia: Hoosker Doosker Tug of War game Steve: “They Survived the Spanish Flu, the Depression and the Holocaust,” by Ginia Bellafante in the New York Times “A Star in a Stoneboat,” by Robert Frost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Dana Stevens rejoins Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner from her book leave for a few segments. First, Steve and Dana chat with Slate’s books and culture columnist Laura Miller about The Plot Against America. Next, Steve, Dana, and Julia talk about the power of walking, particularly in this time of quarantine, and the literary history that precedes the activity. Finally, Steve and Julia chat with Slate staff writer Dan Kois about the 1996 film Big Night, a delicious comfort watch. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel checks in with each other about how they’re doing during this time of quarantine.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Outro Music: “Higher Love” cover from Kygo & Whitney Houston  Endorsements Dana: “Kasha is the new nutmeg.” Patti LuPone’s basement tours. Julia: “Higher Love,” the Whitney Houston and Kygo remix. Steve: “Buh Black Snake in New England,” by Benjamin Anastas in Oxford American.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about the film Spenser Confidential, starring Mark Wahlberg on Netflix. Next, they discuss Reply All’s recent episode “The Case of the Missing Hit.” Finally, the panel is joined by Dana Stevens to lay out how they approach culture during this time of quarantine. How much do we lean into escapism?  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel takes on Steve’s own “missing hit” mystery. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Outro Music: Lost Something in the Hills" by Sibylle Baier. Endorsements Dana: Colour Green by Sibylle Baier. Dan: The “Sondheim at 90” package by the New York Times.  The album Side by Side by Sondheim.  Julia: The poem “My Heart Leaps Up” by William Wordsworth. Steve: Always Narrating: The Making and Unmaking of Umberto Eco by Costica Bradatan in the Los Angeles Review of Books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about Kelly Reichardt’s film First Cow. Next, they bring on Slate television critic Willa Paskin to discuss the latest episode of her podcast Decoder Ring, which dives into the real-life bookstore battle behind You’ve Got Mail. Finally, the panel dives into Molly Fischer’s feature in the Cut on the millennial aesthetic.  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses the cancellation of Woody Allen’s memoir.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Additional production help by Rosemary Belson. Outro Music: "Party All The Time" by Eddie Murphy Other items discussed on the show:  “I Made the Oily Cakes From First Cow,” by Dan Kois in Slate.  “Bookstores That Live Only in the Mind,” by Dan Kois in the New York Times. Endorsements Dan: The March Badness bracket of songs. Julia: Print out your cooking recipes. Steve: “Reading Richard Rorty in Tehran” by Samuel Thrope in the Nation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about the hit Netflix dating reality show Love Is Blind with Slate podcast producer Daniel Schroeder. Next, they discuss tomboys, jumping off of a recent New York Times op-ed. Finally, the panel takes on the coronavirus, analyzing the epidemic through various pieces of culture.  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses a New York Times op-ed from an editor whose ex-boyfriend is now dating Lady Gaga.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Additional production help by Rosemary Belson. Outro Music: 'Shattered & Hollow' by First Aid Kit Endorsements Dan: The graphic memoir Tomboy by Liz Prince. Pitchfork’s Sunday Reviews. Julia: The viral video where a camera falls from an airplane… Steve: “No Ghost in the Machine” by Mark Halpern in the American Scholar. The album Stay Gold by First Aid Kit. Hosts Stephen Metcalf Julia Turner Dan Kois Social Media @slatecultfest on Twitter https://twitter.com/slatecultfest @slateculturepodcasts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/slateculturepodcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Next, they discuss Taylor Swift’s documentary Miss Americana. Finally, the panel dives into “garbage language” a.k.a corporate buzzwords—unnecessary or effective?  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses a contentious subject—whether Leonardo DiCaprio was already a star before Titanic? Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Additional production help by Rosemary Belson. Outro Music: 'The Man' by Taylor Swift Endorsements Dan: Reading Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies before The Mirror & the Light, the third book in the trilogy, is released March 10.  Julia: Golden State by Ben H. Winters. Steve: “Reading Sade in the Age of Epstein” by Mitchell Abidor in The New York Review of Books.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf is joined by two guests hosts: Sam Anderson, New York Times Magazine staff writer and author of Boom Time, and Dan Kois, Slate staff writer and author of How to Be a Family. First, the panel discusses The Assistant, the indie film with heavy Harvey Weinstein overtones. Next, they dive into Hulu’s reboot of High Fidelity, starring Zoë Kravitz. Finally, the panel breaks down the work of Jenny Odell, including her book How to Do Nothing and her recent Paris Review essay “The Myth of Self-Reliance.” On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Dan Kois’s recent Slate story on a New Zealand fantasy masterpiece—an article that catalyzed the book’s publication in the U.S.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Additional production help by Rosemary Belson. Outro Music: ‘Lonely World’ by Moses Sumney Endorsements Dan: The writing of Charles Portis, including True Grit and Norwood. Sam: John Cage’s performance of “Water Walk” on “I’ve Got a Secret” in 1960 (as Jenny Odell recommends). Steve: Seeing Parasite a second time.  “The Professor of Denial” by Amanda J. Crawford in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Moses Sumney’s Aromanticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner break down the Oscars and Bong Joon-ho’s historic win. Next, the discuss Star Trek: Picard with Slate associate editor and Trekkie Marissa Martinelli. Finally, they dive into a recent New York Times Magazine article on the way television imagines New York City.  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the fashion of the Oscars.   Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Eminem Performs 'Lose Yourself' at Oscars 2020 Endorsements Dana: Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar acceptance speeches, as Dana wrote about in her recent Slate piece “Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar Night Had All the Genre-Bending Twists of His Movies.” Julia: “Chasing Colombia’s ‘cocaine hippos’” by Peter Rowe in the Los Angeles Times. Steve: “The Seriousness of George Steiner” by Adam Gopnik in the New Yorker. “An Evening With George Steiner (1929-2020)” by Kinton Ford in n+1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

`This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner dive into Ford v Ferrari before the Oscars this weekend. Next, they discuss Netflix’s reality show The Circle with Slate’s editorial director—and Circle-enthusiast—Laura Bennett. Finally, they analyze the controversy surrounding Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt with Los Angeles Times staff writer Daniel Hernandez. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Super Bowl ads with Slate’s Justin Peters.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: ‘The Circle Theme (Netflix)’ by Patrizio Knight   Hosts Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner Endorsements Dana: “‘Jojo Rabbit’ Captures the Horror and Absurdity of our Trumpian Moment,” by Masha Gessen in The New Yorker. Julia: The Good Wife. Steve: Cheer (specifically, La’Darius’s brother’s face). “The Money Behind Trump’s Money,” by David Enrich in The New York Times Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner untangle the oddity that is Jojo Rabbit, discuss whether Netflix’s sport docu-series Cheer lives up to the hype, and talk to Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson about this year’s Grammys.  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Kobe Bryant and the reactions to his death. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You" & "Truth Hurts" 2020 Grammy Performance Endorsements Dana:  ‘Gigi Bryant Was a Great Basketball Player’ by Josh Levin Julia:  ‘The Rise of the Dancefluencer’  by Makeda Easter Steve:  ‘The Myth of Self-Reliance’ by Jenny Odell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner dive into Honeyland, Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov’s Academy Award-nominated documentary following a beekeeper in Macedonia. Next, they chat about Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time. Finally, Slate’s Laura Miller joins the panel to discuss Jia Tolentino’s Trick Mirror and the role—and critiques—of the modern female essayist. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Oscar nominations.   Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: The Futureheads’ cover of Kate Bush’s “Hounds of Love.” Hosts Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner Endorsements Dana:  Jia Tolentino’s Trick Mirror audiobook.  Julia:  Jenny Odell’s How to Do Nothing.  Steve:  Ian Rankin’s “Inspector Rebus” book series. The Futureheads’ cover of Kate Bush’s “Hounds of Love.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and June Thomas discuss Sam Mendes' film 1917, the new installment in the UP documentary series, 63 UP, and the British royal phenomenon that has become known as Megxit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner dive into Little Women, writer-director Greta Gerwig’s adaption—perhaps the best adaption yet—of Louisa May Alcott’s novel that follows the lives of the four March sisters. Next, they discuss the risky jokes, heartfelt speeches, and weird red carpet looks of this year’s Golden Globes. Finally, they chat about The Movie Club, Slate’s annual conversation among film critics led by Dana about this year in film.  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel spoils the ending to Little Women.  Endorsements Dana:  Atlantics, a Cannes Grand Prix-winning film by French-Senegalese director Mati Diop, streaming on Netflix. Julia:  A withdrawal of a previous endorsement—the book The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow—because of its sexist treatment of women.  The Marvel supervillain M.O.D.O.K. Steve:  The German-Austrian comedy-drama Toni Erdmann, directed, written, and co-produced by Maren Ade. Available for rent on Amazon Prime. Outro Music: It’s Romance by Alexandre Desplat from the Little Women Original Motion Picture Soundtrack  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens hosts a selection of a few of our favorite Slate Plus bonus segments, offering them to our regular listeners for the first time. You'll hear Steve, Julia and Dana talk about the new live action CATS, discuss impactful nonfiction with Slate's Laura Miller, remember critic Harold Bloom, and decipher what went wrong with Jill Abramson's Merchants of Truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner take listener call-in questions, including what books, music, and beverages they would take to a well-appointed Alpine cabin and much, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner talk to TV critic Willa Paskin about the state of the medium, discuss Mariah Carey's surprise Christmas number one hit, and discuss the Peloton ad that has the internet atwitter. This episode is brought to you by Everlane. Check out your personalized collection today at everlane.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss The Marriage Story, speak with author Simon Doonan about the death of the department store window display, and debate whether social media killed our sense of time - and the 2010s as a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Knives Out, speak with New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie about Watchmen, and remember Clive James with Adam Gopnik. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner and Stephen Metcalf talk with guests about Gogglebox, a show that lets you watch Brits watch TV, Bon Appetit's "Gourmet Makes" on YouTube, and the best nonfiction books of the past 25 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf are live in at the Granville Island Stage in Vancouver to discuss The Irishman, Schitt's Creek, and creepy ads that follow you around. In Slate Plus: Questions from the live audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf are live in Los Angeles to discuss Parasite with the LA Times critic Justin Chang, happiness in the modern world, and Dickinson from Apple TV+, with showrunner Alena Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Netflix's My Name is Dolemite, Apple TV+'s The Morning Show, and the mass resignations that took place at the website Deadspin with Slate's Tom Scocca. This episode is brought to you by Everlane. Check out your personalized collection today at everlane.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the horror classic Rosemary's Baby, the TV show Modern Love, and Morrissey's political legacy with the LA Times Randall Roberts. In Slate Plus: The Marvel vs. Scorsese kerfuffle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the film Pain and Glory with Slate's June Thomas, the podcast Dolly Parton's America, and the Slate profile of Lauren Gunderson, the most popular playwright in America, with author Dan Kois. In Slate Plus: cats vs. dogs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Julia Turner discuss the Breaking Bad movie El Camino, The Great British Baking Show, and the streaming wars and the future of television. In Slate Plus, the panel discuss the work of critic Harold Bloom who died this week with professor Al Filreis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss the film Joker, Transparent's musical finale episode, and the question of Gwyneth Paltrow with critic Wesley Morris.  Producer's Note: You’ve probably noticed that this feed now features a lot of Slate culture podcasts beyond just our show. We’ve heard that some of you would prefer to get just the Culture Gabfest in your feed. If that’s you, Slate has created a new feed that should meet your needs. You can find it by searching for “Culture Gabfest” in Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens discuss the new Judy Garland biopic Judy with Slate's Sam Adams, Netflix's Unbelievable with Slate's Inkoo Kang, and welcome Simon Doonan back to the show to discuss his new book about the art and history of drag. In Slate Plus, more from the conversation with Simon Doonan. This episode is brought to you by Everlane. Check out your personalized collection today at everlane.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the movie Ad Astra, the HGTV show A Very Brady Renovation and George Packer's piece in The Atlantic "When the Culture War Comes for Our Kids". Plus: The Emmys.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the movie Hustlers, Ken Burns' PBS documentary about country music with Slate's Carl Wilson, and the saga of Caroline Calloway in The Cut. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the life and work of photographer Robert Frank with Slate's Fred Kaplan. This episode is brought to you by Everlane. Check out your personalized collection today at everlane.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the new Netflix streamer American Factory, Lana Del Ray's new album with Slate's Carl Wilson, and talk to Dana about her recent residency at a nunnery in Idaho. In Slate Plus, the panel discuss their fantasy residencies.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf and June Thomas are joined by a rotating third chair including Julia Turner, Heather Schwedel, and Benjamin Frisch to discuss Showtime's On Becoming a God In Central Florida, ESPN's The Sterling Affairs, and Taylor Swift's new album, Lover. In Slate Plus the panel discusses sports and their relationship to being a fan.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner are joined by guest host and pop culture aficionado Isaac Butler to discuss the cinematic ode to The Boss, Blinded By The Light. Then they dive into why they love the wacky, unique vibes of AMC’s Lodge 49. And finally, discuss the 25 year old phenomenon that is Friends and why the show’s popularity doesn’t seem to be waning any time soon. And in Slate Plus, the subtle art of the ice cream order. Links: Blinded By the Light Lodge 49 “The Dud Abides” By Laura Miller "Attractive People Being Funny While Doing Amusing and Sometimes Romantic Things" by Willa Paskin This episode is brought to you by Everlane. Check out your personalized collection today at everlane.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June Thomas, Benjamin Frisch, and Rachelle Hampton discuss Richard Linklater's Where'd You Go Bernadette, HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show, and Slate's list of the 25 most important characters of the past 25 Years with Forrest Wickman. In Slate Plus, the panel adds their own picks to the important characters list. This episode is brought to you by Everlane. Check out your personalized collection today at everlane.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Aisha Harris, and Gabriel Roth discuss Jennifer Kent's new film The Nightingale, Amazon's streaming show The Boys, and the work of Toni Morrison with Sarah J. Jackson, professor at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the new film The Farewell, Netflix's glass-blowing show Blown Away, and the life of legendary theater director Hal Prince with Isaac Butler. In Slate Plus, Steve explains why he left Twitter. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.  We're looking for a new production assistant! This is a paid, part-time position based in our office in Brooklyn, NY. Send an email with an attached resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line "production assistant". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Tarantino's Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, Netflix's The Great Hack documentary, and a piece about chronic lyme disease in  The Cut. In Slate Plus: Once Upon a Time In Hollywood spoilers. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.  We're looking for a new production assistant! This is a paid, part-time position based in our office in Brooklyn, NY. Send an email with an attached resume and cover letter to [email protected].  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the new version of Disney's The Lion King with the New York Times's Aisha Harris, the social media app TikTok with Slate's Daniel Schroeder, and the TV series about Roger Ailes, The Loudest Voice. In Slate Plus: the panel discusses the new trailer for the film CATS. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the film Peterloo, the newly-streaming classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion with Slate's Benjamin Frisch, and the legacy of Mad Magazine with Slate's Dan Kois.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the film Midsommar, the life and work of the bossa nova progenitor João Gilberto with critic Nate Chinen, and the end of life-hacking with Slate's Laura Miller.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens are joined by Chris Molanphy to discuss the song of the summer and our annual summer strut playlist. You can find our full playlist on Spotify, as well as a shortlist of songs selected on the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss The Day the Music Burned with Jody Rosen, about the massive loss of master tapes from historically important record labels due to fire, then CBS's The Good Fight with Vulture's Mark Harris, and Sally Rooney's novel Normal People.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Willa Paskin, and Marissa Martinelli discuss Big Little Lies season two, the movie The Last Black Man in San Francisco, and The Sims 4, with Slate's Dawnthea Price.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Culture Gabfest is live from The High Line in New York City to discuss the movie Late Night with Inkoo Kang, the life and work of Dr. John with Chris Molanphy, and King Lear with Isaac Butler.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens and Stephen Metcalf are joined by a rotating third chair of Slatesters to discuss Rocketman with Forrest Wickman, HBO's Chernobyl with Sam Adams, and the podcast Headlon: Running From COPS with Inkoo Kang.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the movie Booksmart, what it's like to lose 250 thousand dollars on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire on the occasion of its cancelation with Slate's Justin Peters, and Dana's new podcast Flashback with K. Austin Collins. In Slate Plus: the panel picks their favorite TV show endings.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the new, third film in the John Wick saga, the second season of Amazon's Fleabag, and the New York Times package on generation X and the concept of generations as a useful metric. In Slate Plus, the panel each recommend a piece of gen X art.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss the movie Long Shot, Netflix's new series Dead to Me, and the legacy of camp and the MET Gala with Slate's Bryan Lowder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Isaac Butler discuss the new documentary Knock Down the House about women competing in Democratic primaries, the new animated sitcom Tuca and Bertie, and then Father of the Bride, the new album from Vampire Weekend with critic Carl Wilson. In Slate Plus, Dana calls in to talk about her time at the San Fransisco Silent Film Festival.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss Avengers: Endgame with Marvel-ologist Jamelle Bouie, the FX series Fosse/Verdon, and the dispute between Hollywood writers and agents with the screenwriter and Scriptnotes co-host John August. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stephens, and the New York Times' Aisha Harris discuss Beyonce's Homecoming documentary, Jordan Peele's new Twilight Zone, and the Mueller Report at literature with Marie Claire's Karen Schwartz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Dan Kois discuss the fire at Notre Dame cathedral with New Yorker staff writer Lauren Collins, the new animated film Missing Link, and the saga of country/hip hop mega-hit Old Town Road with Slate's Chris Molanphy. This episode is brought to you by Everlane. Check out your personalized collection today at everlane.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the stunning film Diane, FX's What We Do in the Shadows, and the debut album by Billy Eilish: WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner and Dana Stevens are joined by The Atlantic film critic and co-host of the Blank Check podcast David Sims to discuss Tim Burton's remake of Dumbo, the life and work of Agnès Varda, and the social media kerfuffle over "St. Louis style" sliced bagels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Willa Paskin discuss Jordan Peele's new film Us, Hulu's comedy series Shrill, and the bestselling book Dreyer's English with the author, Benjamin Dreyer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Isaac Butler, and Benjamin Frisch discuss HBO's documentary The Inventor about the Theranos scandal, the meteoric rise of Rupaul's Drag Race, and Netflix's awkward attempt at branding itself in the wake of cancelling the beloved show One Day at a Time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the blockbusting Captain Marvel, Hulu's girl-puberty comedy Pen15, and the article Guilty with Seth Stevenson, about Seth coming to terms with being part of jury that convicted a man who didn't deserve it. In Slate Plus, Seth and the panel discuss their own personal experiences on a jury.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens break our usual format to do an in-depth discussion of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland by director Dan Reed about two men allegedly abused by Michael Jackson. First the panel discuss the documentary, then are joined by Slate writer Christina Cauterucci to discuss how the film treats the victims for good and ill, and then discuss the future of Jackson's musical legacy with Slate music critic Carl Wilson.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the Oscars ceremony and its various controversies, Comedy Central's new show The Other Two, and how letter boards took over Instagram and our visual culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and K. Austin Collins discuss the film Bohemian Rhapsody, the bonkers true crime documentary Abducted in Plain Sight, and the death of the Mars rover Opportunity.  To skip our spoiler segment on Abducted in Plain Sight, skip ahead to timecode 41:15.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the film If Beale Street Could Talk, the TV phenomenon The Masked Singer with The Gist's Mike Pesca, and finally they deconstruct "The Stew"—the viral recipe that's seemingly everywhere.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the Oscar-nominated film Vice, the Netflix streamer Sexual Education, and what to make of Netflix's "ratings" numbers with Slate TV critic and the host of Decoder Ring, Willa Paskin. This episode is brought to you by Capterra. Try it today, for free, at Capterra.com/CULTURE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Sam Adams discuss the dueling Fyre Festival documentaries on Netflix and Hulu with Slate writer Shannon Palus, Glenn Close best actress vehicle The Wife, and the 2019 Academy Award Nominations. This episode is brought to you by Slack, the collaboration hub for work. Learn more at Slack.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the Golden Globs-conquering film Green Book with Vanity Fair's K. Austin Collins, Netflix's Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and the art of the pan and the state of the bad review in criticism.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the court farce The Favourite, the awards frontrunner Roma, and the year in movies and Slate's Movie Club. This episode is brought to you by Slack, the collaboration hub for work. Learn more at Slack.com. Doctors Without Borders, donate today at doctorswithoutborders.org. Fabletics, get two leggings for just $24 at fabletics.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens hosts a selection of a few of our favorite Slate Plus bonus segments, offering them to our regular listeners for the first time. You'll hear Steve, Julia and Dana on being reunited with favorite childhood books, the great book vs. movie debate, the pain of writing a book with Sam Anderson, and whether to power through a book you don't like with Willa Paskin. This episode is brought to you by Doctors Without Borders. Donate today at doctorswithoutborders.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens gather around the holiday hearth to answer listener questions in our annual call-in special! They answer questions about hobbies, British imports (with guest June Thomas), how having children has changed their cultural diet, and much more. Due to some technical difficulties, we connected to Julia for the introduction and first question on a phone line before restoring her regular recording setup. This episode is brought to you by the following advertisers: Helix, a new kind of DNA testing. Try today for a deep discount at helix.com/culture. Warby Parker, try their home try-on program for free today at warbyparker.com/CULTURAL. Fabletics, get two leggings for just $24 at fabletics.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Julia Turner discuss the movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, reappraise the Christmas film classic Love, Actually, and the year in TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss Ralph Breaks the Internet, the Netflix documentary Dogs and the use of cliches in speech and writing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss the film Support the Girls, the LeCarre TV adaptation Little Drummer Girl, and the saga of a writer at Thrillist who may or may not have killed a great burger joint.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the Coen Bros. new film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, HBO's Elena Ferrante adaptation My Brilliant Friend, and the art of adaptation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner returns with Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens to discuss the film Widows, The British import The Bodyguard on Netflix, and the life and work of William Goldman and what the role of screenwriter means today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Laura Bennett discuss the Melissa McCarthy vehicle Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Netflix's filthy but heartfelt puberty cartoon Big Mouth, and the death of Stan Lee with Slate's Jamelle Bouie.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens and Stephen Metcalf are joined by The Atlantic's David Sims, host of the podcast Blank Check to discuss the two new Orson Welles projects on Netflix, Robyn's new album Honey, and the concept of the "blank check" in the film industry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this spooky scary edition of the show: Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Isaac Butler discuss the new Halloween reboot, Netflix's Haunting of Hill House, and the absence of women in horror film direction. This episode is brought to you by the following advertisers: I Travel For, a new podcast that explores what inspires us to travel. Listen and subscribe today at https://apple.co/2DPEWJE. Dream Corp LLC. Catch the new season on Adult Swim.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the new movie First Man, the Netflix streamer Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and Slate's New American Songbook with culture editor Forrest Wickman,  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

③ Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the new film Private Life, then are joined by Slate's Gabriel Roth to discuss the legacy of Doctor Who and its new season starring Jodie Whitaker, and finally a reading of Kanye West at the White House. This episode is brought to you by the following advertisers: Everlane, premium clothing essentials made with the finest materials, without the traditional markups. To get a special offer exclusive to our listeners, visit everlane.com/culture. Slack, a workplace communication hub. Find out more at slack.com. I Travel For, a new podcast that explores what inspires us to travel. Listen and subscribe today at https://apple.co/2DPEWJE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the film A Star is Born, the TV documentary America to Me, and bring critic Wesley Morris into the studio to discuss his New York Times Magazine piece "The Morality Wars" about the state of art criticism.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Gabriel Roth discuss the new season of the podcast Serial, the recent spate of post-#metoo essays by disgraced men, and the Amazon show Forever.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the 40th anniversary re-release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, whether Taylor Swift represents Trump-era art with critic Jody Rosen, and fan fiction with Laura Miller.   The Culture Gabfest is brought to you by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Home plays a big role in your life. That’s why Quicken Loans created Rocket Mortgage. It lets you apply simply and understand the entire mortgage process fully, so you can be confident that you’re getting the right mortgage for you. To get started, go to RocketMortgage dot com/culture. And by The Bureau, Sundance Now’s exclusive spy series called “both cerebral and gadget-filled” by the New York Times. Start your free 30-day trial of Sundance Now today by going to sundancenow.com and using the promo code culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Isaac Butler discuss the social media satire Ingrid Goes West, Adult Swim's Rick and Morty, and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede with Aisha Harris.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Right now, get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets plus free shipping by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And by Open Account, a podcast that gets personal about making, losing and living with money. Created by Umpqua Bank and hosted by SuChin Pak, download and subscribe to Open Account wherever you get your podcasts. And by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens and June Thomas discuss Steven Soderbergh's new film Logan Lucky, the eclipse with Atlas Obscura's David Plotz, and speech on the internet after Charlottesville.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Home plays a big role in your life. That’s why Quicken Loans created Rocket Mortgage. It lets you apply simply and understand the entire mortgage process fully, so you can be confident that you’re getting the right mortgage for you. To get started, go to RocketMortgage dot com/Culture. And by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. And by The Bureau, Sundance Now’s exclusive spy series called “both cerebral and gadget-filled” by the New York Times. Start your free 30-day trial of Sundance Now today by going to sundancenow.com and using the promo code Culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Aisha Harris, and Julia Turner discuss HBO's Insecure with Slate's Veralyn Williams, the classic film Dr. Strangelove, and the Vulture article: "The Toxic Drama on YA Twitter" with Slate's Laura Miller. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Sun Basket. Sun Basket sends organic, non-GMO ingredients right to your door, so you can skip the grocery store and prepare meals in just 30 minutes! Choose from Paleo, Gluten-Free, Lean & Clean, and Vegetarian options. Go to ​SUN BASKET dot com slash CULTURE​ today and get 50% off your first order! ​SUN BASKET dot com slash CULTURE. And by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. And by Care.com. Care.com is the largest digital marketplace for care for everyone in the family—find nannies, sitters, housekeepers, dog walkers, and more. To save 30% off a Care.com Premium membership— visit Care.com/CULTURE when you subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner and Stephen Metcalf discuss The Public Theater's new production of Hamlet starring Oscar Isaac, Netflix's Friends From College, and the maligned genre of prog rock with Dave Weigel.  The Culture Gabfest is brought to you by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. They make applying for a loan simple and help you to understand the entire mortgage process fully. To get started, go to RocketMortgage.com/CULTURE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss Christopher Nolan's new film Dunkirk, the musical podcast 36 Questions, and sellouts with musician and writer Franz Nicolay. The show is brought to you by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. And by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses. Get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by going to Casper.com/culture and using the promo code culture.  And by Open Account, a podcast that gets personal about making, losing and living with money. Created by Umpqua Bank and hosted by SuChin Pak, download and subscribe to Open Account wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamelle Bouie, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss War For the Planet of the Apes, the Netflix film Okja and the ethics of meat eating, and the state of comedy under Trump. The Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. They make applying for a loan simple and help you to understand the entire mortgage process fully. To get started, go to RocketMortgage dot com/Culture. And by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. And by Sun Basket, delivering fresh, organic ingredients and quick, healthy recipes to your door. Choose from Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Family options. Find out more at SunBasket.com/Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss Edgar Wright's new film Baby Driver, Jay Z's album 4:44 with Slate's Jack Hamilton, and David Brooks' infamous sandwich column.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. And by the AT&T original series Mr. Mercedes, based on the bestselling Stephen King novel. Mr. Mercedes premieres August 9th at 8 PM eastern/pacific on Audience Network. Watch it on DIRECTV or DIRECTV NOW. Learn more at att.net/mrmercedes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this jumbo-sized summer strut special, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Chris Molanphy discuss the songs of the summer and our annual summer strut playlist. Find the playlist at slate.com/culturefest or facebook.com/culturefest.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans. They give you confidence when it comes to refinancing your existing mortgage or buying a home. Go to RocketMortgage.com/Culture to get started.  And by the AT&T original series Mr. Mercedes, based on the bestselling Stephen King novel. Mr. Mercedes premieres August 9th at 8 PM eastern/pacific on Audience Network. Watch it on DIRECTV or DIRECTV NOW. Learn more at att.net/MrMercedes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Sophia Coppola's new film The Beguiled, the Netflix documentary Get Me Roger Stone, and the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Open Account, a podcast that gets personal about making, losing and living with money. Created by Umpqua Bank and hosted by SuChin Pak, download and subscribe to Open Account wherever you get your podcasts. And by Boll and Branch. Right now, get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets plus free shipping by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And by University of California Press, publishers of Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas by Rebecca Solnit & Joshua-Jelly Schapiro. Explore New York’s hidden histories, wherever books are sold.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens and Steven Metcalf discuss Netflix's wrestling comedy GLOW, Lorde's album Melodrama with critic Carl Wilson, and Mattel's Ken Doll reboot and if/why it's so funny.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Sun Basket, delivering fresh, organic ingredients and quick, healthy recipes to your door. Choose from Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Family options. Find out more at SunBasket.com/culture And by Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans. They give you confidence when it comes to refinancing your existing mortgage or buying a home. Go to RocketMortgage.com/culture to get started.  And by AT&T. Enjoy unlimited entertainment with unlimited data from AT&T. Don’t settle for any unlimited data plan. Only the AT&T Unlimited Plus plan comes with HBO included. Learn more at att.com/unlimited.  After 22 gigabytes of data usage, AT&T may slow speeds. Credits for HBO start within two bills. Channels available subject to change.  Charges, other usage and restrictions apply. See att.com/unlimited for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, June Thomas, and Christina Cauterucci discuss the new horror film It Comes at Night, the TNT Niecy Nash vehicle Claws, and Beth Ditto's new album Fake Sugar.  The Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Lexus.Experience the first-ever 5.0 liter, V8 LC 500 with 10-speed Direct-Shift transmission and the first-ever Multistage Hybrid LC 500h. Experience Amazing.  And by Winc. Get wines that are tailored to your palate delivered right to your door! Go to TryWinc.com/CULTURE and you’ll receive 20 dollars off your first order, plus complimentary shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Isaac Butler discuss the HBO documentary Mommy Dead and Dearest with journalist Michelle Dean, the Julius Caesar controversy at Shakespeare in the Park, and the philosophy storytelling podcast Hi-Phi Nation. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by I’M DYING UP HERE on Showtime, the new drama series from Jim Carrey that centers around a group of young comedians hoping to make it big in the 1970s L.A. comedy scene. Don’t miss new episodes Sundays at 10/9 Central only on SHOWTIME. Download the SHOWTIME App now to start your free trial. And by Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans. They give you confidence when it comes to refinancing your existing mortgage or buying a home. Go to RocketMortgage dot com/Culture to get started. And by The Black Tux. For high-quality rental suits and tuxedos delivered right to your door, go to TheBlackTux.com/Culture and you’ll receive free shipping, plus 20 dollars off your purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens are live from Sydney with performances and a discussion with Courtney Barnett, plus Wonder Woman and cultural stereotyping with  Michael Williams, director of The Wheeler Centre.  Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Right now, get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets plus free shipping by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And by I’M DYING UP HERE on Showtime, the new drama series from Jim Carrey that centers around a group of young comedians hoping to make it big in the 1970s L.A. comedy scene. Don’t miss new episodes Sundays at 10 / 9 Central only on SHOWTIME. Download the SHOWTIME App now to start your free trial. And by Harry's. Harry’s is all about a great shave at a fair price. With 5 German-crafted blades, a flex-hinge, and a lubricating strip, they make the perfect Father’s Day gift. Go to Harrys.com/CULTURE right now to get $5 off one of their Shave Sets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens are in Sydney Australia for the first of two Australian live shows! They discuss the film Baywatch, The novel and tv series The Handmaid's Tale, and the state of arts criticism with pulitzer-winning critic Sebastian Smee. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Harrys. Get the close, comfortable shave you deserve. Sign up at Harrys.com/CULTURE, and you’ll receive their most popular Trial Set - a 13 dollar value - for FREE, you just cover the shipping. And by AT&T. Enjoy unlimited entertainment with unlimited data from AT&T. Don’t settle for any unlimited data plan. Only the AT&T Unlimited Plus plan comes with HBO included. Learn more at att.com/unlimited. After 22 gigabytes of data usage, AT&T may slow speeds. Credits for HBO start within two bills. Channels available subject to change.  Charges, other usage and restrictions apply. See att.com/unlimited for details. And by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses. Get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by going to Casper.com/CULTURE and using the promo code CULTURE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stephens, Stephen Metcalf, and Julia Turner discuss the work of the late Jonathan Demme, the new film Tramps with director Adam Leon, and Bret Stephens' recent New York Times op-ed about climate change. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. When it comes to the big decision of choosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has your best interests in mind. Use Rocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loan process that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/Culture And by The Black Tux. For high-quality rental suits and tuxedos delivered right to your door, go to TheBlackTux.com/culture and you’ll receive free shipping both ways, plus 20 dollars off your purchase.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this debut episode, Chris Molanphy tells the story of “Red, Red Wine”: a song written in the 1960s by a certain journeyman singer-songwriter who loves a Hot August Night. Improbably, it became a reggae song, before the ’60s were even over—and then, even more improbably,  in the 1980s it was transformed into a lilting, toasting reggae-pop global smash. And it would have been a flop in America if it hadn’t been for an enterprising deejay, who ignored the record labels and picked his own hits. With this song, he even started a two-year fad and a radio mutiny. Make sure you never miss an episode of Hit Parade.  Subscribe to the Culture Gabfest wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf are joined at the Hamilton Theater in Washington D.C. by Face the Nation's John Dickerson and Slate's Jamelle Bouie to talk Fate of the Furious, Bob Dylan's singing voice, and their favorite Washington D.C. movies. The Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Right now, get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets plus free shipping by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And by Green Mountain Coffee. Green Mountain Coffee is passionate about making a smoother tasting cup. Try it today with $4 off, when you buy two boxes of most Green Mountain Coffee K-Cup pods at keurig.com with code TRYGMC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the new documentary Five Came Back with creator Mark Harris, the end of the show Girls with The New Yorker's Jia Tolentino, and the United Airlines fiasco with Laura Miller. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. When it comes to the big decision of choosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has your best interests in mind. Use Rocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loan process that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/Culture And by Texture. Texture lets you stay up to date with your favorite magazines...all in one place. Right now, get a 14-day FREE TRIAL when you sign up by going to Texture.com/culture. And by Green Mountain Coffee. Green Mountain Coffee is passionate about making a smoother tasting cup. Try it today with $4 off, when you buy two boxes of most Green Mountain Coffee K-Cup pods at keurig.com with code TRYGMC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the new Anne Hathaway film Colossus, Andy Daly's Comedy Central sitcom Review, and Pepsi's recent ad controversy. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by ThirdLove, the lingerie brand using real women’s measurements to design better-fitting bras. Try one of their best-selling bras for free for 30 days by visiting thirdlove.com/culture And by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses. Get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by going to Casper.com/culture and using the promo code culture. And by The Black Tux. For high-quality rental suits and tuxedos delivered right to your door, go to TheBlackTux.com/culture and you’ll receive free shipping both ways, plus 20 dollars off your purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and special guest David Plotz of the Slate Political Gabfest discuss the new podcast S-Town, the film Ghost in the Shell with Represent host Aisha Harris, and the controversy surrounding Vice President Pence and his self-imposed rules around women. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Right now, get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets plus free shipping by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And by ThirdLove, the lingerie brand using real women’s measurements to design better-fitting bras. Try one of their best-selling bras for free for 30 days by visiting thirdlove.com/culture And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. When it comes to the big decision of choosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has your best interests in mind. Use Rocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loan process that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June Thomas, Willa Paskin, and Laura Miller discuss Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast and To Walk Invisible, the new drama about the Brontë sister, plus an interview with Alison Wright of The Americans, Feud, and her recent Broadway debut, Sweat. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Texture. Texture lets you stay up to date with your favorite magazines...all in one place. Right now, get a 14-day FREE TRIAL when you sign up by going to Texture.com/culture. And by Green Mountain Coffee. Green Mountain Coffee is passionate about making a smoother tasting cup. Try it today with $4 off, when you buy two boxes of most Green Mountain Coffee K-Cup pods at keurig.com with code TRYGMC. and by Squarespace. Start building your website today! Go to Squarespace.com and use offer code culture to get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Gabriel Roth, and Willa Paskin discuss the new film Personal Shopper, the legacy of Chuck Berry with the New York Times Magazine's Jody Rosen, and the sale of Us Weekly with the hosts of the podcast Who Weekly. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. When it comes to the big decision of choosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has your best interests in mind. Use Rocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loan process that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/culture And by Squarespace. Start building your website today! Go to Squarespace.com and use offer code CULTURE to get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain. And by KAYAK.com. Traveling is exciting, but planning travel can be confusing. KAYAK takes the confusion out of planning travel by showing you your options on flights, hotels and rental cars from across the web. Get the information you need with KAYAK. Travel Problem Solved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Jamelle Bouie and Isaac Chotiner discuss the new X-Men spinoff Logan, the new album 50-Song Memoir by The Magnetic Fields with critic Carl Wilson, and Phoebe Maltz Bovy's article in The New Republic: "The Perils of Privilege". The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Right now, get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets plus free shipping by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And by Showstopper, a new podcast from Spotify. Showstopper answers the question “how did that awesome song end up in that great show?” Listen to Showstopper and your favorite music on the Spotify mobile app for free now. And by The Black Tux. For high-quality rental suits and tuxedos delivered right to your door, go to TheBlackTux.com/culture and you’ll receive free shipping both ways, plus 20 dollars off your purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens discuss George Orwell's classic novel 1984, Ryan Murphy's new show Feud about Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, and pop culture's current obsession with sleep. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by ThirdLove, the lingerie brand using real women’s measurements to design better-fitting bras. Try one of their best-selling bras for free for 30 days by visiting thirdlove.com/culture. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. When it comes to the big decision of choosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has your best interests in mind. Use Rocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loan process that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/culture. And by Texture. Texture lets you stay up to date with your favorite magazines...all in one place. Right now, get a 14-day FREE TRIAL when you sign up by going to Texture.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens and Stephen Metcalf discuss Jordan Peele's horror film Get Out with Aisha Harris, the Oscars, and the new season of the BBC's Planet Earth. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by ThirdLove, the lingerie brand using real women’s measurements to design better-fitting bras. Try one of their best-selling bras for free for 30 days by visiting thirdlove.com/culture. And byThe Americans, an FX Original Series. This season will draw you closer to the unanswered questions and confrontations you’ve been waiting for. The Americans premieres Tuesday, March 7th at 10PM on FX. For more information, visit FXNetworks.com. And by Squarespace. Start building your website today! Go to Squarespace.com and use offer code culture to get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss HBO's Big Little Lies with TV critic Willa Paskin, Martin Scorsese's latest film Silence, and the new podcast Missing Richard Simmons. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Right now, get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And by by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans.When it comes to the big decision of choosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has your best interests in mind. Use Rocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loan process that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/culture And by The Black Tux. For high-quality rental suits and tuxedos delivered right to your door, go to TheBlackTux.com/culture and you’ll receive free shipping both ways, plus 20 dollars off your purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the cartoon phenomenon Steven Universe with intern Daniel Schroeder, SNL and political satire with the Political Gabfest's Emily Bazelon, and The Trump Fiction project with author Ben H Winters. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Texture. Texture lets you stay up to date with your favorite magazines...all in one place. Right now, get a 14-day FREE TRIAL when you sign up by going to Texture.com/culture. And by Care.com, the world’s largest digital marketplace for finding and managing family care. Learn how you can save 30 percent off a Care.com Premium membership AND receive a 15 dollar credit by visiting Care.com/culture And by the hit SHOWTIME Original Series BILLIONS, starring Emmy winners Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti. BILLIONS returns Sunday, February 19th with new episodes every Sunday at 10/9 central. Download the SHOWTIME app now to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate's Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Julia Turner discuss the CW's new Archie adaption Riverdale, David Mackenzie's Oscar-nominated film Hell or High Water, and this year's Super Bowl ads with Seth Stevenson. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by ThirdLove, the lingerie brand using real women’s measurements to design better-fitting bras. Try one of their best-selling bras for free for 30 days by visiting thirdlove.com/CULTURE. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. When it comes to the big decision of choosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has your best interests in mind. Use Rocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loan process that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/CULTURE. And by the hit SHOWTIME Original Series BILLIONS, starring Emmy winners Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti. BILLIONS returns Sunday, February 19th with new episodes every Sunday at 10/9 central. Download the SHOWTIME app now to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Slate’s culture editor Laura Bennett discuss the film Elle, NBC's This Is Us, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And byThirdLove, the lingerie brand using real women’s measurements to design better-fitting bras. Try one of their best-selling bras for free for 30 days by visiting thirdlove.com/culture. And by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses. Get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by going to Casper.com/cultureand using the promo code culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and guests discuss the film Hidden Figures, Oscar nominations, and whether or not it's ok to punch a Nazi.  Culture Gabfest is brought to you by LifeAfter. What happens to our digital lives when we’re gone? LifeAfter, a new series from GE Podcast Theater and Panoply, the creators of last year’s award-winning The Message, explores these very questions. Listen and download LifeAfter wherever you find your podcasts. And Texture. Texture lets you stay up to date with your favorite magazines...all in one place. Right now, get a 14-day FREE TRIAL when you go to Texture.com/culture. And by the SHOWTIME Original Series HOMELAND, starring Claire Danes. Relentlessly fighting the government’s abuse of power here at home, Carrie Mathison is at odds with former allies. HOMELAND returns with new episodes every Sunday at 9 PM. Download the SHOWTIME app now to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Steven, Stephen Metcalf and Sam Anderson discuss HBO's new show The Young Pope, the film A Monster Calls directed by J. A. Bayona, and Neanderthals Were People, Too from The New York Times Magazine.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. When itcomes to the big decision of choosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has yourbest interests in mind. Use Rocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loanprocess that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/culture. And by LifeAfter. What happens to our digital lives when we’re gone? LifeAfter, a newseries from GE Podcast Theater and Panoply, the creators of last year’s award-winningThe Message, explores these very questions. Listen and download LifeAfter whereveryou find your podcasts. And by the SHOWTIME Original Series HOMELAND, starring Claire Danes. Relentlesslyfighting the government’s abuse of power here at home, Carrie Mathison is at odds withformer allies. HOMELAND returns with new episodes every Sunday at 9 PM. Downloadthe SHOWTIME app now to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate's Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Netflix's new sci-fi show The OA, the film Fences with UCLA professor and playwright Dominic Taylor, and then whether hard times make for great art.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Get 50 dollars off your first set of sheets by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code culture. And by ThirdLove, the lingerie brand using real women’s measurements to design better-fitting bras. Try one of their best-selling bras for free for 30 days by visiting thirdlove.com/culture. And by LifeAfter. What happens to our digital lives when we’re gone? LifeAfter, a new series from GE Podcast Theater and Panoply, the creators of last year’s award-winning The Message, explores these very questions. Listen and download LifeAfter wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss the new film musical La La Land, the Oscar-contender Manchester By the Sea with John Swansburg, and the best movies of the year in Slate's movie club.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you ThirdLove, the lingerie brand using real women’s measurements to design better-fitting bras. Try one of their best-selling bras for free for 30 days by visiting thirdlove.com/culture. And by LifeAfter. What happens to our digital lives when we’re gone? LifeAfter, a new series from GE Podcast Theater and Panoply, the creators of last year’s award-winning The Message, explores these very questions. Listen and download LifeAfter wherever you find your podcasts. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. When it comes to the big decision ofchoosing a mortgage lender, work with one that has your best interests in mind. UseRocket Mortgage for a transparent, trustworthy home loan process that’s completely online at QuickenLoans.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, Steven Metcalf and Dear Prudence's Mallory Ortberg come together around the podcast fire to answer your advice questions in our yearly call-in holiday special. Topics include poems for suitors, father-daughter dances, foreign name pronunciation and much more.  The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. And by LifeAfter. What Happens to our digital lives when we’re gone? LifeAfter, a new series from GE Podcast Theater and Panoply, the creators of last year’s award-winning The Message, explores those very questions. Listen and download LifeAfter wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Kois, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the new Star Wars spin-off Rogue One, TBS's mystery millennial comedy Search Party, and Stevie Wonder and Slate's Wonder Week with Slate's pop critic Jack Hamilton. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. Andby Wordpress.com. More bloggers use Wordpress.com than any other platform. And now, for the first time ever, Wordpress.com offers you your own dot-blog domain. Hurry to Wordpress.com now and use promo code PODCAST for 15-percent off your custom dot-blog domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Laura Miller, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the new biopic Jackie with Browbeat editor Sam Adams, the Netflix show 3%, and Laura Miller's piece for Slate, "Do Video Games Make Us More Cruel?" The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Casper. Get the great night’s sleep you deserve. For 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase, just go to Casper.com/culture and use promo code culture. And by Audible. Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial today by signing up at Audible.com/culture. And by Seedling. Give the kid in your life a unique gift that inspires creativity. Go to Seedling.com and use promo code culture for 10 dollars off your purchase of 30 dollars or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the new film The Edge of Seventeen, The new album from A Tribe Called Quest, We Got it From Here...Thank You For Your Service with guest Jody Rosen, and Julia Turner's Slate cover story, The Stunt Presidency. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Wordpress. More bloggers use Wordpress than any other platform. And now, for the first time ever, Wordpress.com offers you your own dot-blog domain. Hurry to Wordpress.com now and use promo code PODCAST for 15-percent off your custom dot-blog domain. And by Harry’s. Their limited edition holiday shave set makes a great gift for anyone. Go to Harrys.com and order by December 9th to get free shipping. Enter promo code culture at checkout for 5 dollars off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Moana, the new animated film from Disney, the return of Gilmore Girls with Seth Stevenson, and Nathan Heller's article in the New Yorker, "If Animals Have Rights, Should Robots?". The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Seedling. For gifts that encourage kids to explore their creativity, just go to Seedling.com. Enter code culture for 10 dollars off your purchase of 30 dollars or more. And by Blue Apron. Blue Apron’s meal kits are delivered right to your door, and make cooking at home easy. Get your first THREE meals FREE by going to BlueApron.com/culture. And by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. Take a multi-sensory journey into the InterContinental life, and discover the Empathy stories where you learn about other cultures and expand your own life simultaneously. Download the Empathy audio stories on iTunes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the booing of Mike Pence at a performance of Hamilton, the new sci-fi movie hit Arrival, and TruTV's man on the street comedy game show Billy on the Street. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by LifeAfter. What Happens to our digital lives when we’re gone? LifeAfter, a new series from GE Podcast Theater and Panoply, the creators of last year’s award-winning The Message, explores those very questions. Listen and download LifeAfter wherever you find your podcasts. And by Audible. Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial today by signing up at Audible.com/culture. And by Harry’s. Go to Harrys.com right now to get a limited edition holiday shave set while supplies last, and use promo code culture for 5 dollars off. Free shipping ends December 9th, so act now!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner and Dana Stevens discuss their feelings in the aftermath of the election, the art we use to take solace in dark times with Slate writers Jamelle Bouie and Bryan Lowder, and how to think about Trump and Hitler with Slate contributor and historian Ron Rosenbaum. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. And by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for 50 dollars off a set of sheets. And by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. Take a multi-sensory journey into the InterContinental life, and discover stories that will excite your curiosity by going to Intercontinental.com/life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and June Thomas discuss Netflix's new show The Crown, about the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, Loving, the new film about the couple at the center of the Loving Vs. Virginia case with gabfest producer Benjamin Frisch, and Making Gay History, the new podcast from writer Eric Marcus chronicling figures from the early struggle for gay rights. The Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. And by Away. For premium quality luggage that’s affordable and makes traveling a breeze, visit awaytravel.com/culture. Use promo code culture and you’ll get 20 dollars off your order. And by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. Take a multi-sensory journey into the InterContinental life, and discover stories that will excite your curiosity by going to Intercontinental.com/life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, Aisha Harris, and Will Oremus discuss ABC's hit drama Designated Survivor, Netflix's new documentary 13th, and the death of Vine, the 6-second video platform. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Blue Apron. Blue Apron’s meal kits are delivered right to your door, and make cooking at home easy. Get your first THREE meals FREE by going to BlueApron.com/culture. And by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for 50 dollars off your first set of sheets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Barry Jenkins' new film Moonlight, Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize and subsequent snub, and taste test Soylent, the tech world's attempt at food disruption. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Audible. Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial today by signing up at Audible.com/culture. And by Money Mind, a new podcast from Prudential. Learn how to financially plan for every stage of life. Download and subscribe to Money Mind wherever you find your podcasts, and learn more at Slate.com/MoneyMind. And by Stitch Fix. Get custom looks delivered right to your door that are handpicked by your very own personal stylist to fit your budget and taste. Give Stitch Fix a try this fall by going to StitchFix.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and guest Karina Longworth of the the podcast You Must Remember This are live in Santa Monica to discuss Nate Parker's new film Birth of a Nation, W.D. Griffith's 1915 film The Birth of a Nation, and their favorite Hollywood films about Hollywood. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by the new film Denial. From the screenwriter of The Hours and The Reader comes the true story of one woman’s court battle for historical truth against a Holocaust denier. Starring Rachel Weisz and Tom Wilkinson. Denial: Playing everywhere Friday. And by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for 50 dollars off your first set of sheets. And by Stitch Fix. Get custom looks delivered right to your door that are handpicked by your very own personal stylist to fit your budget and taste. Give Stitch Fix a try this fall by going to StitchFix.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and guest host Gabriel Roth discuss the new Netflix Documentary Amanda Knox, Jack Hamilton discusses his new book Just Around Midnight: Rock and Roll and the Racial Imagination about how rock and roll became white, and the mystery and unmasking of Rachel Brewson. We want you to tell us about the podcasts you enjoy, and how often you listen to them. So we created a survey that takes just a couple of minutes to complete. If you fill it out, you'll help Panoply to make great podcasts about the things you love. And things you didn’t even know you loved. To fill out the survey, just go to megaphone.fm/survey The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Harry’s. Get the smooth shave you’ve been wanting! When you sign up for a shave plan at Harrys.com, use promo code culture to get their Free Trial Set, plus their post-shave balm. And by Money Mind, a new podcast from Prudential. Learn how to financially plan for every stage of life. Download and subscribe to Money Mind wherever you find your podcasts, and learn more at Slate.com/MoneyMind. And by Stitch Fix. Get custom looks delivered right to your door that are handpicked by your very own personal stylist to fit your budget and taste. Give Stitch Fix a try this fall by going to StitchFix.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and guests discuss the new HBO show Westworld, Bruce Springsteen's memoir, Born To Run, and the unmasking of author Elena Ferrante. We want you to tell us about the podcasts you enjoy, and how often you listen to them. So we created a survey that takes just a couple of minutes to complete. If you fill it out, you'll help Panoply to make great podcasts about the things you love. And things you didn’t even know you loved. To fill out the survey, just go to www.megaphone.fm/survey Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Blue Apron. Blue Apron’s meal kits are delivered right to your door, and make cooking at home easy. Get your first THREE meals FREE by going to BlueApron.com/culture. And by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for $50 off your first set of sheets. And by Glossier. Upgrade your beauty routine today. Get 20% off your first purchase by going to Glossier.com and using promo code culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the Amazon show Fleabag, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's divorce, and they talk with Slate culture writer Aisha Harris about race and the history of American Girl dolls. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Audible, with an unmatched selection of audiobooks, original audio shows, news, comedy, and more. Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial at Audible.com/story. And by Money Mind, a new podcast from Prudential. Learn how to financially plan for every stage of life. Download and subscribe to Money Mind wherever you find your podcasts, and learn more at Slate.com/MoneyMind. And by Casper. Get the great night’s sleep you deserve. For $50 toward any mattress purchase, just go to Casper.com/culture and use promo code culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" (1963) and Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" (1964): In the first episode of our new Pop, Race, and the ’60s Slate Academy, Slate pop critic Jack Hamilton talks to Barry Shank, author of The Political Force of Musical Beauty, about two immensely famous protest songs. Where did Dylan get the melody for “Blowin’ in the Wind”? What makes “A Change Is Gonna Come” so beautiful? And why is Dylan perhaps the most written-about musician of his era while Cooke has been neglected? The first episode of this Slate Academy is being made available as a special preview. To hear the rest of the series, sign up for Slate Plus at slate.com/popacademy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Laura Miller discuss the summer horror-movie hit Don't Breathe. They also dive into the new season of High Maintenance -- now on HBO -- with Slate's TV critic Willa Paskin, and talk about how the rise of the internet helped create Harry Potter mega fandom.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. And by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for $50 off your first set of sheets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and guests discuss Donald Glover's new show Atlanta; how landmark scientific studies are being debunked more and more frequently; and they take a look back at Nicole Holofcener's beloved 90s film Walking and Talking. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Casper. Get the great night’s sleep you deserve. For $50 toward any mattress purchase, just go to Casper.com/culture and use promo code Culture. And by Placemakers, a new Slate podcast made possible by JPMorgan Chase. This podcast tells the stories of neighborhoods, businesses, and nonprofits that are working together to move their communities forward. Download and subscribe to Placemakers wherever you get your podcasts. And by SeatGeek. Get a $20 rebate on your first order of game or concert tickets by downloading the SeatGeek app and using promo code culture in the Settings tab. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Amazon's pilot TV show I Love Dick, bad songs, and what a dismal summer at the box office means for the movie industry. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. And by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for 50 dollars off your first set of sheets. And by Blue Apron. Blue Apron’s meal kits are delivered right to your door, and make cooking at home easy. Get your first THREE meals FREE by going to BlueApron.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and guests discuss Werner Herzog's documentary Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World; how Michelangelo's David could crumble at any moment; and what it takes to make a great children's book. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Placemakers, a new Slate podcast made possible by JPMorgan Chase. This podcast tells the stories of neighborhoods, businesses, and nonprofits that are working together to move their communities forward. Download and subscribe to Placemakers wherever you get your podcasts.  And by Audible. Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial today by signing up at Audible.com/culture.  And by Green Chef. Their organic meal kits make it easy to cook healthy and feel great about where your food comes from. Get four free meals with your first order when you sign up at GreenChef.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Dan Kois, and Jessica Winter discuss the end of Gawker, the animated film Kubo and the Two Strings, and their favorite cultural depiction of vacations. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for free shipping and 20 percent off your entire order. And by Audible. Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial today by signing up at Audible.com/culture. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens are live from Steve's porch this week and answer listeners' calls. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Placemakers, a new Slate podcast made possible by JPMorgan Chase. This podcast tells the stories of neighborhoods, businesses, and nonprofits that are working together to move their communities forward. Download and Subscribe to Placemakers wherever you get your podcasts. And by Audible, with an unmatched selection of audiobooks, original audio shows, news, comedy, and more. Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial at Audible.com/story. And by Green Chef. Their organic meal kits make it easy to cook healthy and feel great about where your food comes from. Get four free meals with your first order when you sign up at GreenChef.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens are live from Edith Wharton's estate The Mount in the Berkshires this week to discuss the film Idiocracy and its relevancy to this year's presidential race, why people take pilgrimages to authors homes, and how technology is trying so hard to infantilize us. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Netflix series Stranger Things, the Harry Potter play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and the case against the media by the media. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for free shipping and 20 percent off your entire order. And by Placemakers, a new Slate podcast made possible by JPMorgan Chase. This podcast tells the stories of neighborhoods, businesses, and nonprofits that are working together to move their communities forward. Download and Subscribe to Placemakers wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens talk about their Summer Strut picks for 2016 with Slate music writer Chris Molanphy. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Open Account, a podcast that gets personal about making, losing, and living with money. Created by Umpqua Bank and hosted by SuChin Pak, download and subscribe to Open Account wherever you get your podcasts. And by Green Chef. Their organic meal kits make it easy to cook healthy and feel great about where your food comes from. Get four meals free with your first order when you go to GreenChef.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Ghostbusters reboot, Pokemon Go, and Chuck Close. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W. Get $20 off your first order of wine now by going to ClubW.com/culture. And by Boll and Branch. For luxury bedding at a low price, go to BollandBranch.com and use promo code culture for free shipping and 20 percent off your entire order. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with an easy online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and guests discuss HBO's series Night Of, the Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, and the flap over actresses and plastic surgery. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Audible, with an unmatched selection of audiobooks, original audio shows, news, comedy, and more. And by Open Account, a podcast that gets personal about making, losing, and living with money. Created by Umpqua Bank and hosted by SuChin Pak, download and subscribe to Open Account wherever you get your podcasts. And by Green Chef, a new food delivery service that makes cooking easy—with consciously sourced healthy recipes and organic ingredients. Get four free meals with your first order when you go to GreenChef.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and guests discuss the film The BFG, the beefcake noir television show Animal Kingdom, and Facebook's new algorithm. Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W. Get $20 off your first order of wine now by going to ClubW.com/culture.  And by eero, the world’s first whole-home wifi system. Get FREE overnight shipping by going to eero.com/culture and at checkout enter promo code culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Independence Day: Resurgence, Angels in America, and Judith Butler. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by the new podcast Dog Smarts. Each episode features leading researchers and academics that tackle questions of language, memory, intelligence, and even love as they pertain to our dogs. Subscribe to Dog Smarts on iTunes now. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage’s completely online process lets you get a custom mortgage solution wherever and whenever you want. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Laura Bennett discuss the latest Pixar film Finding Dory James Corden's Carpool Karaoke, and UnReal Season 2. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by the new podcast Dog Smarts. Each episode features leading researchers and academics that tackle questions of language, memory, intelligence, and even love as they pertain to our dogs. Subscribe to Dog Smarts on iTunes now. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage takes the frustrations out of getting a mortgage by letting you safely share your financial information with the touch of a button. Get approved online in minutes at QuickenLoans.com/culture. And by Tictail, a social shopping marketplace. Go to tictail.com/culture to create your profile and discover independent brands around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss the ESPN's documentary "OJ: Made in America", men's fashion with Simon Doonan, and Dana weighs in on the topics she missed. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by Audible, with an unmatched selection of audiobooks, original audio shows, news, comedy, and more. Get a free audiobook with a 30-day trial at Audible.com/culture. And by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Dana Stevens discuss  Maria Bamford's Netflix series Lady Dynamite, the film Popstar, and Paul Simon's latest album and his career. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by the new podcast Dog Smarts. Each episode features leading researchers and academics that tackle questions of language, memory, intelligence, and even love as they pertain to our dogs. Subscribe to Dog Smarts on iTunes now. And by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. And by Open Account, a podcast that gets personal about making, losing, and living with money. Created by Umpqua Bank and hosted by SuChin Pak, download and subscribe to Open Account wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and The New York Times' Wesley Morris discuss the buddy cop romp film The Nice Guys, television's classless void, and Slate's list of the 50 greatest films by black film directors. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. All Casper mattresses come with free delivery and returns within a 100-day period. Right now, get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by visiting Casper.com/culture and using the promo code CULTURE. And by the new podcast Dog Smarts. Each episode features leading researchers and academics that tackle questions of language, memory, intelligence, and even love as they pertain to our dogs. Subscribe to Dog Smarts on iTunes now. And by Open Account, a podcast that gets personal about making, losing, and living with money. Created by Umpqua Bank and hosted by SuChin Pak, download and subscribe to Open Account wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Laura Miller discuss the film Neighbors 2, AMC's bloodlusty show Preacher, and debate whether adverbs are the enemy of good writing. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by TrackR, a coin-sized device that locates misplaced keys, wallets, bags, computers—anything in seconds. Make losing things, a thing of the past. Get 30 percent off your first TrackR device by going to TheTracker.com and using the promo code CULTURE. And by Open Account, a podcast that gets personal about making, losing, and living with money. Created by Umpqua Bank and hosted by SuChin Pak, download and subscribe to Open Account wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Laura Miller discuss Whit Stillman's film "Love & Friendship," Radiohead's latest album, and the British TV show "Scott And Bailey" and comfort food television. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Audible.com, with more than 250,000 audiobooks and spoken-word audio products. Get a free 30-day trial and a free audiobook at Audible.com/culture. And by Tictail, a social shopping marketplace. Go to tictail.com/culture to create your profile and to see a selection of our favorite products. And by Rocket Mortgage from Quicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the twenty-first century with a fast, easy, and completely online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at QuickenLoans.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Laura Miller discuss the film Key and Peele's first feature film Keanu, whether iTunes is a dinosaur that deserves extinction and men's book clubs. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by Tracker, a coin-sized device that locates misplaced keys, wallets, bags, computers—anything in seconds. Make losing things, a thing of the past. Get 40 percent off your first Tracker device by going to TheTracker.com and using the promo code CULTURE. And by Tictail, a social shopping marketplace. Go to tictail.com/culture to create your profile and to see a selection of our favorite products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dan Kois, and June Thomas discuss the film The Meddler, the AMC television show The Night Manager, and why Trump is best understood as a terrifying product of his generation. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine delivered directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For $20 off your first order--with free shipping on orders of 4 bottles or more--go to ClubW.com/culture. And by ScoreBig. Did you know that 40 percent of all live event tickets go unsold? ScoreBig works directly with your favorite teams and artists to get those unsold seats at huge savings. Go to ScoreBig.com right now, click on the microphone and enter the promo code CULTURE. You’ll save an extra 20 dollars off your first ticket purchase. And by Tictail, a social shopping marketplace. Go to tictail.com/culture to create your profile and to see a selection of our favorite products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and June Thomas discuss Prince, Beyoncé's Lemonade, and the television show The Girlfriend Experience. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by Tracker, a coin-sized device that locates misplaced keys, wallets, bags, computers—anything in seconds. Make losing things, a thing of the past. Get 40 percent off your first Tracker device by going to TheTracker.com and using the promo code CULTURE. And by Care.com, the world’s largest digital marketplace for finding and managing family care. Right now you can save 30 percent off a Care.com Premium membership AND receive a 15 dollar credit when you subscribe at Care.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dan Kois discuss the latest incarnation of The Jungle Book, the HBO movie Confirmation, and the future of NPR. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by FUN HOME, winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical. The Associated Press calls this groundbreaking production, “The best of what Broadway can do.” Get tickets at FunHomeBroadway.com. And by The Haters, the hilarious road-trip novel about music and friendship, by Jesse Andrews—New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter of the Sundance award–winner Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Find The Haters at AbramsBooks.com/thehaters. And by Green Chef, a new food delivery service that makes cooking easy—with consciously sourced healthy recipes and organic ingredients. Get four free meals with your first order when you go to GreenChef.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens talk with Rob Delaney the co-creator and co-star of the Amazon show Catastrophe and then discuss Gay Talese and the legendary Merle Haggard. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Audible.com, with more than 180,000 audiobooks and spoken-word audio products. Get a free 30-day trial and a free audiobook at Audible.com/culture. And by ScoreBig. Did you know that 40 percent of all live event tickets go unsold? ScoreBig works directly with your favorite teams and artists to get those unsold seats at huge savings. Go to ScoreBig.com right now, click on the microphone and enter the promo code CULTURE. You’ll save an extra 20 dollars off your first ticket purchase. That’s ScoreBig.com, promo code CULTURE. And by The Haters, the hilarious road-trip novel about music and friendship, by Jesse Andrews—New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter of the Sundance award–winner Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Find The Haters at AbramsBooks.com/thehaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens are live at the SVA Theater in New York City and discuss Richard Linklater's latest film "Everybody Wants Some!!", Amazon's Echo device, and what four figures they would carve into a cultural Mt. Rushmore. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20% off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by The Haters, the hilarious road-trip novel about music and friendship, by Jesse Andrews—New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter of the Sundance award–winner Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Find The Haters at AbramsBooks.com/thehaters. And by Green Chef, a new food delivery service that makes cooking easy—with consciously sourced healthy recipes and organic ingredients. Get four free meals with your first order when you go to GreenChef.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Culture Gabfest is going to be late this week because of its awesome live show in New York City.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Batman v Superman with Slate's Jamelle Bouie, TBS' Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and bro out with The New York Times' writer Wesley Morris. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by Roku and HBO NOW. Roku players offer the biggest selection of streaming channels, like HBO NOW. Learn more and try HBO NOW free for one month by going to roku.com/gab. And by ScoreBig. Did you know that 40 percent of all live event tickets go unsold? ScoreBig works directly with your favorite teams and artists to get those unsold seats at huge savings. Go to ScoreBig.com right now, click on the microphone and enter the promo code CULTURE. You’ll save an extra 20 dollars off your first ticket purchase. That’s ScoreBig.com, promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf, and Laura Miller discuss the animated film about police brutality Zootopia, WGN America's Underground, and our obsession with revealing the identities of artists who want to maintain their privacy. Is our curiosity justified or predatory? The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by The Great Courses Plus, a new video service with more than 5,000 lectures. As a member, you can watch as many lectures as you want, anytime, on any device. For a limited time, Culture Gabfest listeners can watch The Fundamentals of Photography—for free—by visiting TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/culture. And by Roku and HBO NOW. Roku players offer the biggest selection of streaming channels, like HBO NOW. Learn more and try HBO NOW free for one month by going to roku.com/gab. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the horror sequel 10 Cloverfield Lane, Fred Kaplan's latest book "Dark Territory: The Secret History of Cyber War," and the significance of names with The New York Times' Jody Rosen. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by Roku and HBO NOW. Roku players offer the biggest selection of streaming channels, like HBO NOW. Learn more and try HBO NOW free for one month by going to roku.com/gab. And by Tracker. Make losing things a thing of the past. Get 40 percent off your first Tracker device by going to TheTracker.com and using the promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Kendrick Lamar's untitled unmastered, work-life balance, and the story of the eradication of the original Ku Klux Klan. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by The Great Courses Plus, a new video service with more than 5,000 lectures. As a member, you can watch as many lectures as you want, anytime, on any device. And for a limited time, Culture Gabfest listeners can watch The Fundamentals of Photography—for free—by visiting TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/culture. And by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine delivered directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by Amazon. Detective Harry Bosch is back on the new season of Amazon’s Original Series Bosch, based on the best selling novels by Michael Connelly. Stream the new season on March 11th on Amazon Prime Video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss The Oscars, small talk, and interview photographer Gregory Crewdson about his work and latest show "Cathedral of the Pines." The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Carbonite. Keep your digital files safe this year—protect your photos, music, and documents with automatic cloud backup from Carbonite. Try it free without a credit card at Carbonite.com, and use the offer code CULTURE to get two free bonus months if you decide to buy. And by Warby Parker, a new concept in eyewear. Warby Parker makes buying glasses online easy, risk-free and most of all, enjoyable. Visit warbyparker.com/cultural to begin your free home try-on experience today. And by Audible.com, with more than 180,000 audiobooks and spoken-word audio products. Get a free 30-day trial and a free audiobook at Audible.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Stephen Metcalf discuss the Netflix series Love, the Oscar nominated documentary Amy, and cultural criticism. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by The Great Courses Plus, a new video service with more than 5,000 lectures. For a limited time, listeners of the Culture Gabfest can watch one of the most popular courses—The Everyday Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking—for free. Just visit TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/culture. And by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE.   And by A&E’s hit series Bates Motel. Catch the new season when it returns Monday March 7th at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on A&E. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Forrest Wickman discuss the new HBO series Vinyl about New York City's 70s music scene, the gentle indie feature Brooklyn, and Kanye's latest album the Life of Pablo. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Carbonite. Keep your digital files safe this year—protect your photos, music, and documents with automatic cloud backup from Carbonite. Try it free without a credit card at Carbonite.com, and use the offer code CULTURE to get two free bonus months if you decide to buy. And by Audible.com, with more than 180,000 audiobooks and spoken-word audio products. Get a free 30-day trial and a free audiobook at Audible.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Coen brothers latest movie Hail Caesar!, Beyonce's Formation video with New York Times' Wesley Morris and the 2016 Superbowl ads with Slate's Seth Stevenson. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by The Great Courses Plus, a new video service with more than 5,000 lectures. As a member, you can watch as many lectures as you want on any device. And for a limited time, listeners of the Culture Gabfest can watch one of the most popular courses—The Everyday Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking—for free. Just visit TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/culture. And by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. Casper mattresses come with free delivery and returns within a 100-day period. And get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by visiting Casper.com/culture and using the promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and New York Times' Wesley Morris discuss the biographical drama American Crime Story: The People v. OJ Simpson, the film Room, and Rihanna's new album. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by The Great Courses Plus, a new video learning service with more than 5,000 lectures. For a limited time only, listeners of the Culture Gabfest can stream one of the most popular courses—The Everyday Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking—for free. Just visit TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/culture. And by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine delivered directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Laura Miller discuss The Oscars diversity problem, Trevor Noah's vesrion of The Daily Show, and the Oscar-nominated film Carol.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Carbonite. Keep your digital files safe this year—protect your photos, music, and documents with automatic cloud backup from Carbonite. Try it free without a credit card at Carbonite.com, and use the offer code CULTURE to get two free bonus months if you decide to buy. And by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Get the nicest sheets you've ever owned for about half the price of what stores are charging. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. Go to BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE.   And by Audible.com, with more than 180,000 audiobooks and spoken-word audio products. Get a free 30-day trial and a free audiobook at Audible.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and June Thomas discuss the film 45 Years, the BBC America TV series London Spy, and "The Trials of Alice Goffman" with Slate's Leon Neyfakh.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Get the nicest sheets you've ever owned for about half the price of what stores are charging. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. Go to BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and Aisha Harris discuss David Bowie's legacy, Quentin Tarantino's latest film Hateful Eight, and the true crime documentary Making A Murderer.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by the 21st Annual Critics' Choice Awards. Tune in live January 17th at 8pm EasternTime/5pm Pacific to see who in film and TV takes the top prizes. Only on A&E. And by Carbonite. Keep your digital files safe this year—protect your photos, music, and documents with automatic cloud backup from Carbonite. Try it free without a credit card at Carbonite.com, and use the offer code CULTURE to get two free bonus months if you decide to buy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Laura Miller, and Mike Pesca discuss the film The Revenant, Marie Kondo's latest book for wannabe neat freaks, and whether profanity exposes a worldview.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Get the nicest sheets you've ever owned for about half the price of what stores and boutiques are charging. Order right now and they'll give you $50 off a set of sheets, plus free shipping. Go to BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. And by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by the 21st Annual Critics' Choice Awards. Tune in live January 17th at 8pm Eastern Time/5pm Pacific to see who in film and TV takes the top prizes. Only on A&E. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens and answer listener questions.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Prudential's 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life - and the future - looks like to today's 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family.   And by Making A Murderer, an unprecedented new documentary that takes viewers inside a high-stakes criminal case where reputation is everything and things are never as they appear. All episodes are now streaming, only on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Laura Miller discuss the best TV, books, and movies of 2015.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Prudential’s 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life—and the future—looks like to today’s 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the movie The Big Short, the hit musical Hamilton, and whether scholarly work be less and not more accessible.    The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 20 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Get the nicest sheets you've ever owned for about half the price of what stores and boutiques are charging. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off your entire order plus free shipping. Go to BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the latest cinematic adaptation of Macbeth, Bill Murray's Netflix Christmas special "A Very Murray Christmas," and Katy Waldman’s recent Slate exploring the cultural narratives that underscore (and misinterpret) anorexia.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Shari's Berries. Fresh berries dipped in chocolate—starting at just $19.99—are a great holiday gift. Go to berries.com and use the promo code CULTURE and double your berries for just 10 dollars more. And by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Rocky reboot Creed, the atypical Marvel TV series Jessica Jones, and whether we should regulate our internet addiction.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. And by Braintree. Looking to set up payments for your business? Braintree gives your app or website a payment solution that accepts just about every payment method with one simple integration. Plus, we’ll give you your first $50,000 in transactions fee­free. To learn more, visit BraintreePayments.com/culture. And by The Message, an original science fiction podcast from Panoply and GE Podcast Theater. All of Season 1 is available now, so listen and find out why a 70-year-old alien recording seems to be killing people. Search for The Message on iTunes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dan Kois discuss the film Spotlight, the Philip K. Dick novel-turned-TV show The Man in the High Castle, and a Westboro Baptist woman's Twitter conversion with author Adrian Chen.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Prudential’s 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life—and the future—looks like to today’s 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family.   And by The Message, an original science fiction podcast from Panoply and GE Podcast Theater. All of Season 1 is available now, so listen and find out why a 70-year-old alien recording seems to be killing people. Search for The Message on iTunes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from Town Hall in New York City, Slate's Culture Gabfest is joined by the Political Gabfest and Hang Up and Listen to discuss the growing threat of ISIS, Aziz Ansari's Master of None, and the Russian doping scandal. Plus, an interview with Hamilton cast members Leslie Odom Jr. and Daveed Diggs. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by The Message, a new podcast series from GE Podcast Theater. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/gabfestplus. Twitter: @SlateCultFest Facebook: facebook.com/culturefest Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the latest Steve Jobs biopic, virtual reality and Facebook's Oculus Rift technology, and whether subtlety in art sucks.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by the American Heart Association, which is urging lawmakers to save physical education. The average school gets just $764 every year for phys ed. Go to heart.org/LetThemPlay to learn more and take action. And by The Message, a new podcast series from GE Podcast Theater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens discuss the career of Elvis Costello on the heels of his recent memoir, "Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink" with Slate's Carl Wilson, Drake's viral Hotline Bling video with Slate's Leon Neyfakh, and Adele's anticipated album 25 with Slate's Chris Molanphy.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. And by Braintree. Looking to set up payments for your business? Braintree gives your app or website a payment solution that accepts just about every payment method with one simple integration. Plus, we’ll give you your first $50,000 in transactions fee­free. To learn more, visit BraintreePayments.com/culture. And by the American Heart Association, which is urging lawmakers to save physical education. The average school gets just $764 every year for Physical Education. Go to heart.org/LetThemPlay to learn more and take action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss CW's musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, whether NASA has discussed a super alien race with Slate's Bad Astronomer Phil Plait, and the digitally annotated Bartleby the Scrivener with Slate's Andrew Kahn.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Prudential’s 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life—and the future—looks like to today’s 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family. And by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by The Message, a new podcast series from GE Podcast Theater. Subscribe to "The Message" here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Laura Miller discuss Spielberg's Cold War Movie "Bridge of Spies," Kathryn Schultz’s recent New Yorker takedown of Henry David Thoreau, and whether the lecture still has a place in the college classroom.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by the Great Courses, offering a series of lectures about food, including Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking, Making Healthy Food Taste Great, Baking Pastries and Desserts, and Making Great Meals in Less Time. Order any one of these Everyday Gourmet courses for only $9.95 for a limited time at TheGreatCourses.com/culture. And by The Message, a new podcast series from GE Podcast Theater. Subscribe to "The Message" here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Rahmin Bahrani's latest film 99 Homes, our identity obsession with Wesley Morris, and Dana Stevens's travelogue meditation about her recent trip to Japan.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Whispersync for Voice, an Amazon and Audible innovation. Add narration to more than 60,000 Kindle bestsellers and popular titles. Read on your tablet and when it's time to go, pick up where you left off by switching to audio and listening on your phone. Learn more about Whispersync for Voice by visiting amazon.com/culturefest. And by Beech Nut Organics. At Beech Nut, homemade is their inspiration. It’s not baby food. It’s real food for babies—real organic fruits and vegetables, and nothing more. Nobody else makes food for babies this way! Beech Nut Organics are now available at Target. Go to BeechNutGabFest.com and enter to win a year's worth of food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the blockbuster science movie The Martian, Fox's standout fall TV show The Grinder, and whether Hamlet is fat. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Braintree. Looking to set up payments for your business? Braintree gives your app or website a payment solution that accepts just about every payment method with one simple integration. Plus, we’ll give you your first $50,000 in transactions fee­ free. To learn more, visit BraintreePayments.com/culture. And by Beech Nut Organics. At Beech Nut, homemade is their inspiration. It’s not baby food. It’s real food for babies—real organic fruits and vegetables, and nothing more. Nobody else makes food for babies this way. Beech Nut Organics are now available at Target. Go to BeechNutGabFest.com and enter to win a year’s worth of food. And by the Great Courses, offering a series of lectures about food, including Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking, Making Healthy Food Taste Great, Baking Pastries and Desserts, and Making Great Meals in Less Time. Order any one of these Everyday Gourmet courses for only $9.95 for a limited time at TheGreatCourses.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss ABC's How To Get Away Murder with Slate's TV critic Willa Paskin. Plus, we're joined by Jody Rosen, the critic at large for "T" the style magazine of The New York Times, to talk about Ryan Adams and his cover of Taylor Swift's "1989" album. And Dan Pashman, former Gabfest producer and current host of WNYC's The Sporkful, chimes in to chat pumpkin spice lattes. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by OPEN ACCOUNT, a podcast series created by SuChin Pak and Umpqua Bank. OPEN ACCOUNT explores, through honest and sometimes comical interviews, our uncomfortable silence around money. OPEN ACCOUNT is available now on iTunes. And by Beech Nut Organics. At Beech Nut, homemade is their inspiration. It’s not baby food. It’s real food for babies—real organic fruits and vegetables, and nothing more. Nobody else makes food for babies this way! Beech Nut Organics are now available at Target.  Go to BeechNutGabFest.com and enter to win a year’s worth of food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens are live in Chicago this week and discuss the film Black Mass, the sketch comedy of Second City, and the cultural phenomenon known as Donald Trump. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Open Account, a podcast series created by SuChin Pak and Umpqua Bank. Open Account explores, through honest and sometimes comical interviews, our uncomfortable silence around money. Open Account is available now on iTunes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the FXX anti-romantic comedy "You're the Worst," Stephen Colbert's late night debut, and whether it's OK to be a Luddite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Steves, Willa Paskin, and Seth Stevenson discuss FX CEO John Landgraf’s recent remarks about how there is “simply too much television” available today, Bill Hader and Fred Armisen IFC mockumentary series Documentary Now, and Google's new logo with Slate's Will Oremus.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Warby Parker, a new concept in eyewear. Warby Parker makes buying glasses online easy, risk-free and most of all, enjoyable. Get free three-day shipping on your final frame choice when you go to warbyparker.com/cultural.   And by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Slate's Laura Miller discuss Narcos, Netflix original series about the Medellín drug cartel, Jonathan Franzen's new book Purity, and the refusal of some first-year students at Duke to read Allison Bechdel’s Fun Home.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Braintree. If you’re working on a mobile app and searching for a simple payments solution, check out Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. Period. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go to www.braintreepayments.com/culture   And by Next Issue, the mobile app that lets you tap directly into the world's most popular magazines, anywhere, using your phone or tablet.  Dive deeper into Vogue, People, Esquire, Time, and more, with interactive content for a richer reading experience.  Right now, try Next Issue out for free  at www.nextissue.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner and June Thomas discuss the film Diary of a Teenage Girl with Slate's Laura Miller, the Walking Dead pre-quel, Fear of Walking Dead with Slate's Mike Vuolo, and the Ashley Madison hack with Slate's Amanda Hess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner discuss the HBO mini-series Show Me A Hero based on a landmark housing integration case with Slate's Jamelle Bouie, the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton with Slate's John Swansburg, and Amazon work culture with Slate's Allison Benedikt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Seth Stevenson discuss Netflix's Wet Hot American Summer reboot, the David Foster Wallace biopic End of Tour with Slate's Jessica Winter, and the morals of air conditioning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Mission Impossible franchise's latest installment, Rogue Nation, girl squads with Slate's Katy Waldman, and the problem of country music for people who don't like country with Carl Wilson.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Braintree. If you’re working on a mobile app and searching for a simple payments solution, check out Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go to braintreepayments.com/culture   And by Volvo. Experience the Wonder of Summer. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get up to five years full coverage, including wear and tear. Go to volvocars.com/us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss The Look of Silence, filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer's companion to his 2012 documentary The Act of Killing. Also, Slate's national correspondent, Will Saletan, talks about GMOs and fearmongering. Plus, how will What Pet Should I Get? affect the legacy of Dr. Seuss? Read Dana's review of The Look of Silence and her interview with Oppenheimer. And, read Will Saletan's article about GMOs. In our Slate Plus bonus segment: What's your alienating hobby? If you're not a member, enjoy ad-free podcasts, exclusive content, and much more when you sign up at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Amy Schumer's debut film Trainwreck, the cyberpunk thriller Mr. Robot on USA Network, and the latest dustup at Gawker.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by the Great Courses, offering engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "The Every Day Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking." Right now, get up to 80 percent off the original price when you visit thegreatcourses.com/culture.   And by Volvo. Experience the Wonder of Summer. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get up to five years full coverage, including wear and tear. Go to volvocars.com/us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the TV show Catastrophe, the Grateful Dead with Slate's John Swansburg, and the book The Next Next Level with author Leon Neyfakh.   The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE.   And by Braintree. If you’re working on a mobile app and searching for a simple payments solution, check out Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. Period. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go tobraintreepayments.com/culture   And by the Great Courses, offering engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "The Every Day Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking." Right now, get up to 80 percent off the original price when you visit thegreatcourses.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Slate's Mike Pesca discuss Magic Mike XXL, the Nina Simone documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone?", and whether the American actor is in decline.   Slate's Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Boll & Branch, making luxury bedding affordable and convenient to order from home. Right now, get $50 off a set of sheets, plus free shipping, when you go to www.bollandbranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Slate's Chris Molanphy discuss the Brian Wilson biopic Love and Mercy, the songs of summer (or not), and reveal their favorite summer struts for 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Pixar's latest film Inside Out, the art of currency design, and tour the new Whitney Museum with curator Scott Rothkopf. Slate's Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Squarespace. Start building your website today at Squarespace.com. Enter offer code CULTURE at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace. Build it Beautiful. And by the Great Courses, offering engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "The Fundamentals of Photography." Right now, get up to 80 percent off the original price when you visit greatcourses.com/culture. And by Boll and Branch, making luxury bedding affordable and convenient to order from home. Boll and Branch sheets are made from organic cotton that's fair-trade certified. Right now, get $50 off a set of sheets, plus free shipping, when you go to bollandbranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and June Thomas discuss the Hollywood's latest reboot of Jurassic World, the legacy of Ornette Coleman with Slate's Fred Kaplan, and interview the United States' new poet laureate Juan Felipe Herrera.   Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by: Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. Period. To learn more, and for your  first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go to braintreepayments.com/culture   And By: Tastebud, a new mobile app that lets you share and discover movies, music, books, TV shows, podcasts and apps. Ask friends for specific recommendations or simply share your current obsessions. Go to tastebudapp.co     And By: The Great Courses, celebrating their 25th Anniversary,  with over 500 courses including History, Literature, Psychology, Better Living, and more. Watch or Listen with DVDs, CDs, streaming, digital downloads or with The Great Courses apps. The Great Courses created a Special, limited time offer for Culture Gabfest listeners Order from 8 of their bestselling courses – including: The Fundamentals of Photography at Up to 80% off the original price. Don’t wait: go to thegreatcourses.com/CULTURE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film Spy starring Melissa McCarthy, Lifetime's fictional reality tv show UnReal, and finally guest Dan Kois joins to talk about his recent visit to the Clickhole writers’ room. Our sponsors: Tastebud, a new mobile app that lets you share and discover movies, music, books, TV shows, podcasts and apps.  Ask friends for specific recommendations or simply share your current obsessions. Go to tastebudapp.co. And: Audible.com, who has more than 180,000 audiobooks and spoken-word audio products. Get a free audiobook of your choice at www.audiblepodcast.com/culture. Also: Birchbox Man. Gentlemen, with all the challenges you tackle each day, looking sharp shouldn’t have to be one of them. That’s why for $20 a month, Birchbox Man will ship you a lineup of gear and grooming  essentials—from style upgrades to shaving supplies—directly to your doorstep. So head over to Birchbox.com and use promo code CULTURE to get 100 Birchbox points with the purchase of your subscription. That’s $10 to spend towards your new favorite products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens are joined by Emily Bazelon to talk about Laura Kipnis and Title IX, Rebecca Onion to discuss whether generation titles are bogus, and Carl Wilson to talk about Jim O'Rourke's new album Simple Songs. This episode of Slate's Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Braintree. If you’re working on a mobile app and searching for a simple payments solution, check out Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. Period. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go to braintreepayments.com/culture. The Culture Gabfest is also sponsored by Volvo. Experience the Wonder of Summer. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get up to five years full coverage, including wear and tear. Go to volvocars.com/us. The Culture Gabfest is also sponsored by Harry's. Go to Harrys.com now and Harry’s will give you $5 off your Father’s day set with the promo code CULTURE. Order by June 17th to get your set in time for Father’s Day. That's Harrys.com and enter coupon code CULTURE at check out for $5 off. Harry’s—a shave good enough to give. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss M. Night Shyamalan's TV show Wayward Pines, the webcam app Periscope, and whether nerd culture is dumbing down cinema with Slate's Jamelle Bouie. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CULTURE at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful. This episode of The Culture Gabfest is brought to you by The Netflix Original Documentary Series - Chef's Table which offers viewers the opportunity to go inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world's most renowned, international culinary talents. This series is directed by David Gelb the creator of Jiro Dreams of Sushi. All episodes now streaming on Netflix.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss George Miller's Mad Max remake and the Mad Men finale with Slate's Jessica Winter and John Swansburg. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by NatureBox, shipping tasty and guilt-free snacks right to your door. With over 100 flavors to choose from, you’ll never get bored of snacking again. Try NatureBox for free by going to naturebox.com/culture. That’s naturebox.com/culture. And by the Netflix Original Documentary Series - Chef's Table. Go inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world's most renowned, international culinary talents. This series is directed by David Gelb the creator of Jiro Dreams of Sushi. All episodes now streaming on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss David Letterman’s impending retirement from The Late Show and his 33-year legacy as a late night host with Slate's Jessica Winter, the British science fiction thriller film Ex Machina, and the Tonight Show spinoff Lip Sync Battle. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code "Culture." And by the Netflix Original Documentary Series - Chef's Table. Go inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world's most renowned, international culinary talents. This series is directed by David Gelb the creator of Jiro Dreams of Sushi. All episodes now streaming on Netflix. And by NatureBox, shipping tasty and guilt-free snacks right to your door. With over 100 flavors to choose from like Asiago & Cheddar Cheese Crisps, Pistachio Power Clusters and Big Island Pineapple, you’ll never get bored of snacking again. Try NatureBox for free by going to naturebox.com/culture. That’s naturebox.com/culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Kurt Cobain documentary Montage of Heck, the lure of boxing with Seth Stevenson, and Dad Bods. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Selma, the Academy Award winning film now available on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD. Selma tells the incredible true story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic effort to ensure voting rights for all Americans, from Paramount Pictures and rated PG-13. And by The Honest Company, featuring safe products for your family and home. Purchase your first bundle by Mother's Day and receive a free soy candle worth $20. Go to FreeHonest.com and use the promo code "culture." That's FreeHonest.com and the promo code "Culture."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dan Kois discuss Masterpiece Theater's sumptuous version of Wolf Hall, Bruce Jenner's interview with Diane Sawyer about his decision to become a woman, and whether the much loved avocado should become extinct. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Mike Pesca discuss the Iranian film About Elly, Gwyneth Paltrow's Goopy SNAP challenge, and movie trailers. Our sponsor this week is The Honest Company, featuring responsible and safe household products you can trust. Get a free gift worth $20 when you purchase your first bundle before Mother's Day. Go to Honest.com and use the promo code CULTURE. Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/cultureplus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Noah Baumbach's latest film "While We're Young," the annotation website Genius with Slate's Katy Waldman, and the post-Civil War paths of Grant and Lee with Slate's Jamelle Bouie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Fast and Furious movie franchise, casting director Allison Jones, and the culture of public shaming on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film White God, fading charm with Simon Doonan, and go on a karaoke crawl with Slate's Dan Kois. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the HBO documentary It's Me, Hilary, Jacob Rubin's Slate piece on the art of celebrity impressions, and Laura Kipnis' essay about teacher-student relationships, "Sexual Paranoia Strikes Academe." Join Julia and other Slatesters for a Mad Men premiere party, April 5 at the Bell House in Brooklyn. Doors at 9 p.m. RSVP here, with special benefits for Slate Plus members.  Our sponsors this week: RetailMeNot, the digital coupon app that offers thousands of coupons from 55,000 stores. To get an invite to download the invite, text "CULTURE" to 42767. And, PBS, presenting Wolf Hall on Masterpiece. Starring Mark Rylance, this historical drama for a modern audience revolves around Thomas Cromwell, the brilliant power broker who served England's King Henry VIII. Wolf Hall airs Sunday, April 5 at 10/9 central.  Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/cultureplus   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, Jessica Winter discuss the "Blurred Lines" jury verdict with Slate contributor Chris Molanphy, Snapchat Discover with Slate's Will Oremus, and alternative titles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, June Thomas, and Dan Kois discuss Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, television opening credits, and whether it's stupid decision to get an MFA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss FOX's new TV show The Last Man on Earth, Knausgaard's travel writing, and the fuss about the dress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens along with Carl Wilson review the Oscars, Bjork's latest album, and weigh in on the audiophile debate. Our sponsors today: Netflix, presenting season three of House of Cards. Starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. All episodes available on Friday, Feb. 27. And by the new ABC drama American Crime, from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of 12 Years a Slave. Catch the series premiere on Thursday, March 5 on ABC.  Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/cultureplus     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss 50 Shades of Grey, the legacy of Jon Stewart with Slate's Jamelle Bouie, and misogny on the red carpet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Breaking Bad's much anticipated spinoff Better Call Saul, Damien Chazelle’s film Whiplash, and the ethics surrounding the release of Harper Lee’s new book, Go Set a Watchman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film Foxcatcher and its Best Picture Oscar snub, Sleater-Kinney's latest album with music writer Jack Hamilton, and the best of the worst Super Bowl ads with Seth Stevenson. Help us make our podcasts even better! Take Slate's listener survey at to slate.com/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film American Sniper, Jonathan Chait's article "Not a Very P.C. Thing to Say," and get a report from Sundance from Slate's Forrest Wickman and Aisha Harris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In which Julia explains that we were delayed by this week's storm, and we'll post the show a little later on Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film The Imitation Game, HBO's Togetherness, and Celine's new It Girl, Joan Didion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic Selma, the culture of protest in today's internet world, and Merriam Webster's updated online edition with Slate writer Stefan Fatsis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the biopic of the great Victorian painter J.M.W. Turner, the TV show Empire, and D'Angelo's Black Messiah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens visit the studio of composer Nicholas Britell to hear his musical interpretations of their theme song desires and then choose a new theme song for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Sony Pictures hack, Hollywood film franchises, and favorite Christmas movies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and David Haglund discuss Chris Rock's latest movie Top Five, the Seven Wonders of the Modern World with Slate's Daniel Gross, and what the lumbersexual says about masculinity. Visit our sponsors: Blue Bottle Coffee at Home (bluebottlecoffee.com/redeem), promo code Culture. Harrys.com (harrys.com), promo code Culture. CreativeBug.com (creativebug.com), promo code Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens take a field trip to MoMA to see the Henri Matisse exhibit, discuss the film Wild, and reveal the best second novels you'll read this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens take a spin around Los Angeles with native Angeleno (and Slate's executive producer of podcasts) Andy Bowers at the wheel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Cosby scandal with Grantland writer Wesley Morris, the legacy of director Mike Nichols, and the cultural things the Gabbers are thankful for this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culturefest joins the Political Gabfest and Hang Up and Listen, onstage at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with emcee Dan Kois, for a blockbuster show in front of a live audience. Show notes at www.slate.com/culturefest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film Interstellar, Lisa Kudrow's comeback TV series "The Comeback," and London taxi drivers' test The Knowledge with writer Jody Rosen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the shapeshifting Taylor Swift's latest incarnation with Slate music critic Carl Wilson, the documentary film about The New York Review of Books, 50 Year Argument, and Hollaback's viral video on catcalling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Edward Snowden documentary CitizenFour with Fred Kaplan, the camp TV comedy Jane the Virgin, and the human cost of protecting us from the Internet with Adrian Chen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the new Alejandro González Iñárritu film Birdman and revel in the absurdity of "Sexiest Woman Alive" features. They also talk poetry with former U.S. poet laureate Robert Pinsky. Show notes at www.slate.com/culturefest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss This American Life's wildly popular spinoff show Serial, talk with Dan Pashman about his book Eat More Better, and debate Zadie Smith's essay about New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special live show in Los Angeles, Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens try to bridge the gulf between West Coast culture creators and East Coast critics. The Gabbers talk with actors Jenny Slate and Natasha Lyonne; Scriptnotes podcast hosts and screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin, and debate the movie Gone Girl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens take a tour the Jeff Koons exhibit at the Whitney Museum with curator Scott Rothkopf, and discuss the myth of the self-made man with Slate's John Swansburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner discuss U2 with Slate music writer Carl Wilson, the ignored world of competitive chess with Seth Stevenson, and Shonda Rhimes and representation with Slate's TV critic Willa Paskin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss A.O Scott's article which asks, "Who or what killed adulthood?", fingerprint words, and whether Apple Watch is the beginning of our wearable future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens answer listeners calls from the Slate retreat at Mohonk Mountain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and David Haglund discuss Whit Stillman's Amazon pilot "The Cosmopolitans," the online gaming and spectator sport TV channel Twitch.tv, and whether it's good to be against the against article. You can leave a question for next week's show on our voicemail: 725-222-FEST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Culture Gabfest, Julia Turner, John Swansburg, and David Haglund discuss FXX's Simpson's marathon, the independent twist-filled romance The One I Love, and the Ice Bucket Challenge craze. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Slate Culture Gabfest, Slate critics Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and guest Dan Kois discuss the film The Giver, ironic misandry, and the makings of a memorable movie soundtrack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Dana Stevens, Julia Turner, and guest John Swansburg discuss the inestimable actor and comedian Robin Williams' career, Cinemax's the turn-of-the-century hospital drama The Knick, and the weather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Steve Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Marvel's latest franchise movie Guardians of the Galaxy, whether plagiarism is that big of a deal, and the intricacies of writing a new Gabfest theme song with composer Nick Britell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Dan Kois discuss the Nathan Fielder's absurd advice on his Comedy Central TV show "Nathan For You," Blake Lively's lifestyle website Preserve, and the surprising literary power of children's books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the dark and violent sequel Dawn of the Apes, whether potato salad caused Kickstarter to jump the shark, and the timelessness of Weird Al Yankovic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Richard Linklater's new movie Boyhood, whether E!'s plastic surgery reality show Botched actually has a moral universe, and whether Tinder is as female-friendly as it bills itself to be with outgoing intern Anna Shechtman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and guest June Thomas discuss the action blockbuster and political allegory film Snowpiercer, the campy and catty British TV import Vicious, and David Brooks tells us that we should all strive to be deep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest John Swansburg discuss the rom com spoof They Came Together, the rapturously dark HBO show "The Leftovers," and The Onion's new clickbait parody website Clickhole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss ABC Family's radical TV show The Fosters with Slate's June Thomas, the ethics of landmark conservation, and the results of this year's listener callout for summer songs that will make you strut your stuff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss if the movie 22 Jump Street is too self aware to be any good, whether poetry can go mainstream, and how to predict your song of the summer with Slate's Chris Molanphy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner and Dana Stevens discuss the film Obvious Child, a movie that is radically blase about abortion, whether adults should be embarrassed to read Young Adult literature, and the case for bringing Home Economics back to the classroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Mike Pesca discuss Disney's Sleeping Beauty re-make "Maleficent," faking cultural literacy, and NY magazine's music critic Jody Rosen joins the gabbers to discuss "Oh, You Kid," what he deems the "first ever dirty pop song." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Dan Kois discuss HBO's new film The Normal Heart, commencement speeches, and the new 9/11 Memorial Museum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and June Thomas discuss Showtime's heady Gothic series Penny Dreadful, Chipotle's move to serve literature along with its burrito bowls, and net neutrality with Slate's David Auerbach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and David Haglund discuss the unexpectedly gripping real-time car ride movie Locke, the philosophical cartoon hit Adventure Time, and Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace by Nikil Saval. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens are live in Montreal this week as part of the 16th Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival. This week the gabbers discuss the Canadian Sci-Fi thriller Orphan Black, the film Hateship Loveship which is an adaptation Alice Munro’s short story, and Slate’s Carl Wilson joins the gabbers to talk about using Celine Dion as a measuring stick for taste. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss French economist Thomas Picketty and his intellectual blockbuster, "Capital in the Twenty-First Century," comedian John Oliver's weekly fake-news show, and spring cleaning with Slate's Bryan Lowder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Scarlett Johansson as a man-eating femme fatale in the arthouse horror flick "Under the Skin," the legacy of Gabriel Garcia Marquez with journalist and critic Paul Berman, and why you won't see derp in Gawker's new style guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest Gabber Jacob Weisberg discuss Stephen Colbert's move to late night television, chat with author Adam Begley about the legacy of John Updike, and then it's a Guggenheim field trip to check out the exhibit, "Italian Futurism, 1909-1944: Reconstructing the Universe." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Errol Morris' study of Donald Rumsfeld in his latest documentary "The Unknown Known," HBO's tech industry send up "Silicon Valley," and why faster isn't necessarily better when it comes to reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Darren Aronofsky's Hollywood version of Noah's Ark, how fame changes friendship in HBO's Doll & Em, and the TV recap website "Television Without Pity" going dark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone's a guest this week on the Culture Gabfest with Slate's Mike Pesca, John Swansburg, and Jessica Winter filling in for our usual hosts. The guest gabbers discuss the movie Muppets Most Wanted and what the Muppets mean to kids in 2014. Next, it's High Maintenance a fictional web series that follows a pot dealer into clients' homes, and lastly the effects of e-payments on tipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss FX's Cold War era throwback television show The Americans, whether Amazon is ruining literature, and the matriculation of trigger warnings into the college classroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices