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Culture Gabfest

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Slate Podcasts

New York Times critic Dwight Garner says “The Slate Culture Gabfest is one of the highlights of my week.” The award-winning Culturefest features critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner debating the week in culture, from highbrow to pop. For more of Slate’s culture podcasts, check out the Slate Culture feed.

#371

Running Up That Flaming Hill

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 culturefest@slate.com Endorsements Dana: A crown of sonnets, [For My Father: A Sonnet Redouble] (https://www.literarymatters.org/14-1-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] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bSsj_kVVtw) . 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

22 Jun 2022

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:48

22 Jun 2022

#370

Go Extinct Faster!

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] (https://www.vulture.com/article/andrew-ahn-fire-island-director-interview.html) [E. Alex Jung] (https://www.vulture.com/article/joel-kim-booster-fire-island.html) 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.”] (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/05/opinion/marriage-satisfaction-love.html) In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the Bechdel Test. Email us at [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: In honor of the recently late actor Phillip Baker Hall, the 1984 Robert Altman film [Secret Honor] (https://www.criterionchannel.com/secret-honor) , based on the one-man show. Julia: Generally: micro journaling. Specifically: [The Five Minute Journal] (https://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Change-Mindfulness-Reflection-Affirmations/dp/0991846206) and [One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book] (https://www.amazon.com/One-Line-Day-Five-Year-Memory/dp/0811870197/ref=sr_1_5?gclid=CjwKCAjw46CVBhB1EiwAgy6M4q8v8_LzfeCTBwbsROdQ0wfkxU8DMOtdffKa4cpR3JU0gGS4OgmtGRoCKdsQAvD_BwE&hvadid=241624741654&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9004368&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15430431626126163247&hvtargid=kwd-14690777005&hydadcr=22562_10354929&keywords=one+line+a+day+journal&qid=1655233379&sr=8-5) . Steve: With love for the musical cover: Leo Nocentelli’s (of The Meters) cover of Elton John’s [“Your Song.”] (https://open.spotify.com/track/5XM8d7zdf4mhT2RgV8aQTo?si=7223032834cf426a) 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”] (https://open.spotify.com/track/3aQYQMt1TjFUl1IjTDmH7M?si=f54d9c11dbd84a73) 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

15 Jun 2022

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:09

15 Jun 2022

#369

Harry Styles: Your Mom's Favorite Hottie

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] (https://slate.com/culture/2022/05/harry-styles-harrys-house-new-album-review-lyrics.html) . In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their ideal cultural mix. Email us at [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: In celebration of the late-great Prince’s birthday: his 1987 concert film [Sign o’ the Times] (https://www.criterionchannel.com/sign-o-the-times#:~:text=%E2%80%A2%20United%20States-,Starring%20Prince%2C%20Sheila%20E.%2C%20Levi%20Seacer%20Jr.,vocal%2C%20and%20ph...) , 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] (https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-06-01/hollywood-bowl-at-100-los-angeles-concert-venue) . 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] (https://bookshop.org/books/defying-hitler-a-memoir-9780312421137/9780312421137) . 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

08 Jun 2022

59 MINS

59:14

08 Jun 2022

#368

Need for Speed

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] (https://slate.com/culture/2022/05/george-carlin-american-dream-hbo-free-speech-judd-apatow.html) , 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 [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: The film [Paris, 13th District] (https://www.amazon.com/Paris-13th-District-Lucie-Zhang/dp/B09WTGNV3K) , which is a light, French relationship movie where everyone has perfect sweaters, deep wine glasses, and engaging romantic arguments. Julia: A birdwatching app, [Merlin] (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) . 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,”] (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/may/18/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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

01 Jun 2022

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:23

01 Jun 2022

#367

Put Your Pants Back On

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.] (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/239537/two-wheels-good-by-jody-rosen/) In Slate Plus, the panel spoils Men to get to the bottom of the horror mystery. Email us at [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: This 10 year-old article from Jimmy Stamp for Smithsonian Magazine titled [“The Long History of the Espresso Machine.”] (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-long-history-of-the-espresso-machine-126012814/) Julia: From Jody’s early recommendation via Twitter: the Boston food-chain [Tatte] (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tattebakery.com/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1653408727027636&usg=AOvVaw1ekR6A9SoG5jfruagh2m13) , which is expanding into DC. Jody: New York Times Critic Jason Farago’s series [Close Read] (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/arts/close-read.html#card4) , in which he does close analyses of works of art. In particular: his pieces on [Berthe Morisot] (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/04/arts/design/berthe-morisot-in-england.html) , [Jasper Johns] (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/01/16/arts/design/jasper-johns-memory-of-my-feelings.html) , and Chitarman’s [“Shah Jahan on a Terrace.”] (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/04/02/arts/design/shah-jahan-chitarman.html) Steve: A [deep-cut YouTube video] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4zzIbOArkw) 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

25 May 2022

1 HR 00 MINS

1:00:33

25 May 2022

#366

Whose Woods Are These?

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,”] (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/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 [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: The novel, [Howards End by E.M. Forster] (https://bookshop.org/books/howards-end-9781420929171/9780141182131?gclid=CjwKCAjwj42UBhAAEiwACIhADoUQwMpFW8KzdGocTrrlHnaoRWA8pfRLoiuXIQOXsm3QzJclnYfgSRoC_GIQAvD_BwE) . 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,”] (https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/book-of-the-day/2022/05/the-book-of-unconformities-hugh-raffles-review) which reviews Hugh Raffles’ book [The Book of Unconformities: Speculations on Lost Time] (https://bookshop.org/books/the-book-of-unconformities-speculations-on-lost-time/9780804197991) . 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

18 May 2022

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:17

18 May 2022

#365

Aristocrats at Sea

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] (https://slate.com/human-interest/2022/05/kim-kardashian-marilyn-monroe-dress-met-gala-controversy.html) Met Gala appearance. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses culture that shaped their ideas of 40s and 50s adulthood. Email us at [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dan: A contemporary novel about a very bad art friend that was somewhat overlooked in January, [Last Resort] (https://bookshop.org/books/last-resort/9780374602703) by Andrew Lipstein. Heather: [Hersey’s Colliders] (https://www.collidersdesserts.com/) —a two-part refrigerated dessert. Steve: The 2002 Brazilian epic crime film [City of God] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_God_(2002_film)) . 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

11 May 2022

55 MINS

55:58

11 May 2022

#364

Hamlet on Steroids

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] (https://slate.com/culture/2022/04/northman-movie-hamlet-alexander-skarsgard-anya-taylor-joy.html) . 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 [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: The Hans Holbein exhibit [Holbein: Capturing Character] (https://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/holbein) at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. Their website has a [great online version] (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/online/holbein&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1651610502036986&usg=AOvVaw0h52PO-O-WqX7U6hZHh8iB) of the exhibit with audio and artistic reproductions. Julia: Still looking for RFP on snorkeling; also: an old-school internet delight: [Grunge Frasier] (https://twitter.com/okjonblair/status/1514678421216972800?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw%257Ctwcamp%255Etweetembed%257Ctwterm%255E1514678421216972800%257Ctwgr%255E%257Ctwcon%255Es1_&ref_url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/frasier-goes-grunge-in-viral-new-parody-clip-3206463) . Isaac: Two novels! First: [The Broken Sword] (https://bookshop.org/books/the-broken-sword-9781441786883/9781504054959) by Poul Anderson from the mid-20th century. Second: the new novel [Happy For You] (https://bookshop.org/books/happy-for-you-9780593298268/9780593298268) by Claire Stanford. [Buy Dana’s book] (https://bookshop.org/books/camera-man-buster-keaton-the-dawn-of-cinema-and-the-invention-of-the-twentieth-century-9781797139999/9781501134197) and [Isaac’s book] (https://bookshop.org/books/the-method-how-the-twentieth-century-learned-to-act/9781635574777) ! 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

04 May 2022

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:38

04 May 2022

#363

Nick Cage Smooches Good

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 [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: Cousin endorsements involving the Mankiewicz family. First: Nick Davis’ book [Competing With Idiots: Herman and Joe Mankiewicz, A Dual Portrait] (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/37845/competing-with-idiots-by-nick-davis/) . Second: This video of Ben Mankiewicz [interviewing Bruce Dern] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY6Cz9E89Vc) . Julia: Snorkeling! Steve: A 2015 edition of local radio program [Alternative Radio: Audio Energy for Democracy] (https://www.alternativeradio.org/products/snyt002/) 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

27 Apr 2022

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:37

27 Apr 2022

#362

Wet Leg, Floppy Fingers

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] (https://slate.com/culture/2022/04/slough-house-books-slow-horses-mick-herron-review.html) ). 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] (https://www.gawker.com/culture/the-pity-me-personal-essay) .” Email us at [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: Dana reads Herman Melville’s sonnet titled [“Art”] (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51865/art-56d22fe510c67) 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] (https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/) —where both [Julia and Dana] (https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/schedule-2022/?eventId%5Bundefined%5D) are doing panels!—which takes place April 23–24th. In addition: L.A. Times’ [“Lit City”] (https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2022-04-14/a-guide-to-los-angeles-bookstores-authors-literary-history) package which includes a list of [“The 65 best bookstores in L.A.”] (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/list/65-best-bookstores-in-los-angeles&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1650401112791536&usg=AOvVaw0oFZRXMDC450XW2FaWt9Uy) Notably from that list is Julia’s listener-inspired selection: [Children’s Book World] (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.childrensbookworld.com/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1650401112792898&usg=AOvVaw3zkwAvto9DxRtxZCROtNtP) . Steve: An essay in the NYRoB by M.W. Feldman and Jessica Riskin, titled [“Why Biology Is Not Destiny,”] (https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2022/04/21/why-biology-is-not-destiny-genetic-lottery-kathryn-harden/) 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

20 Apr 2022

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:45

20 Apr 2022

#361

Do Androids Dream of Chris Pine?

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] (https://slate.com/culture/2014/08/sarah-lancashire-star-of-netflix-import-happy-valley-its-time-for-americans-to-fall-in-love-with-the-u-k-actress.html) . 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] (https://slate.com/culture/2022/04/chris-pine-contractor-movie-old-knives-wonder-woman.html) ? In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their favorite Canadian cultural products. Email us at [culturefest@slate.com] (mailto:culturefest@slate.com) . Endorsements Dana: An audiobook which revolutionized the way Dana thinks about Virginia Woolf: [Mrs. Dalloway] (https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Dalloway-Virginia-Woolf-audiobook/dp/B004D2QVN6) read by Juliet Stevenson (of Truly, Madly, Deeply fame). June: [The Free World: Art and Thought in the Cold War] (https://bookshop.org/books/the-free-world-art-and-thought-in-the-cold-war/9780374158453) 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,”] (https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/04/10/michel-houellebecq-france-europe-book-future-politics-punk/) 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

13 Apr 2022

1 HR 00 MINS

1:00:10

13 Apr 2022

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Culture Gabfest

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Slate Podcasts

#371

Running Up That Flaming Hill

#370

Go Extinct Faster!

#369

Harry Styles: Your Mom's Favorite Hottie

#368

Need for Speed

#367

Put Your Pants Back On

#366

Whose Woods Are These?

#365

Aristocrats at Sea

#364

Hamlet on Steroids

#363

Nick Cage Smooches Good

#362

Wet Leg, Floppy Fingers

#361

Do Androids Dream of Chris Pine?