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Keep It!

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Wherever pop culture and politics collide, Emmy-nominated TV writer Louis Virtel examines the gorgeous wreckage from his uniquely queer perspective with a rotating cast of special guest co-hosts. Each week, our “Prince of Pop Culture” is joined by the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Garfield, Connie Britton, and Sheryl Lee Ralph to unpack the latest controversies, laude character actress appreciation, and all the shade that’s fit to throw.
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Episodes

You’ve Got a Friend in Dorothy with Murray Bartlett and Alonso Duralde

Louis Virtel is joined by film critic Alonso Duralde to chat queer cinema and Duralde’s book Hollywood Pride: A Celebration OF LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film . Then the two get into Toy Story 5 and how the franchise has held up over 30 years. Plus, Australian actor Murray Bartlett swings by to talk about his new movie The Death of Robin Hood .

Jun 24, 20261 hr 11 minEp. 428

Full Disclosure Day with Matt Rogers and Kyle Buchanan

Louis Virtel is joined by culture reporter Kyle Buchanan to discuss pop it-girl Olivia Rodrigo's new album before diving into Steven Spielberg's new movie Disclosure Day and whether he still has his finger on the pulse. Plus, Matt Rogers stops by to chat about the Culture Awards, podcasting and his new movie “Stop! That! Train!”

Jun 17, 20261 hr 17 minEp. 427

Full Disclosure Day with Matt Rogers and Kyle Buchanan

Louis Virtel is joined by culture reporter Kyle Buchanan to discuss pop it-girl Olivia Rodrigo's new album before diving into Steven Spielberg's new movie Disclosure Day and whether he still has his finger on the pulse. Plus, Matt Rogers stops by to chat about the Culture Awards, podcasting and his new movie “Stop! That! Train!”

Jun 17, 20261 hr 17 minEp. 427

P!nk Tony Club with Wendi McLendon-Covey, Chris Schleicher and Rheeqrheeq Chainey

Louis Virtel is joined by TV writers Chris Schleicher and Rheeqrheeq Chainey to gab about the Kylie Minogue Netflix documentary, Madonna’s new short film, and other projects they’re watching right now. Then they discuss the highs and lows of Broadway’s biggest night: The Tony Awards. Plus, comedy powerhouse Wendi McLendon-Covey comes by to talk about her show St. Denis Medical .

Jun 10, 20261 hr 22 minEp. 426

Backrooms With A View with Samara Weaving and Bryan Safi

Louis Virtel is joined by Bryan Safi to celebrate what would have been Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday and reflect on her lasting impact on culture. Then they dive into the liminal space themed horror film Backrooms and the rise of Gen Z horror auteurs. Plus, modern scream queen Samara Weaving stops by the show to discuss her new movie Carolina Caroline .

Jun 03, 20261 hr 11 minEp. 425

The Colbert Necessities with Mandy Moore and Guy Branum

Louis Virtel is joined by Guy Branum to discuss the Canadian magic of Martin Short and his new documentary Marty, Life is Short . Then, Louis and Guy chat about The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ending and what that means for late night television. Plus, friend of the show Mandy Moore returns to chat pop music and her new movie The Breadwinner .

May 20, 20261 hr 26 minEp. 424

Jane Fonda’s Favorite Husband with Taylour Paige, Chris Schleicher and Gus Hickey

Louis is joined by writers Gus Hickey and Chris Schleicher to discuss the latest edition of Eurovision and the finale of The Comeback . Then they dive into the legacy of Ted Turner and share their favorite classic films listeners should add to their watchlists. Plus, actor Taylour Paige joins to talk about her new movie I Love Boosters . Taylour Paige photo credit: Simon Emmett

May 13, 20261 hr 38 minEp. 423

Why Is No One Ready? with Rheeqrheeq Chainey and Kyle Buchanan

Louis Virtel is joined by Rheeqrheeq Chainey and Kyle Buchanan to break down the biggest moments from Monday night’s Met Gala, dive into The Devil Wears Prada 2 , unpack the 2026 Tony nominations, and preview what’s ahead at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

May 06, 20261 hr 22 minEp. 422

The Famesick Monster with Tony Goldwyn and Rheeqrheeq Chainey

Louis Virtel is joined by Rheeqrheeq Chainey to celebrate Lemonade ’s 10th anniversary and seeing Madonna live at The Abbey. Then they break down Lena Dunham’s new memoir Famesick , the latest developments in the Summer House drama, and Lady Gaga and Doechii’s new single. Plus, actor Tony Goldwyn stops by to discuss his experiences on Law & Order , One Battle After Another , and the new season of Hacks .

Apr 29, 20261 hr 32 minEp. 421

Mother Mary and Madonna Emerges with Ellen Burstyn and Kyle Buchanan

Louis Virtel is joined by New York Times pop culture reporter, Kyle Buchanan, to recap the highlights of Coachella weekend 2 particularly performances by Slayyyter, Madonna's guest appearance with Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G. They also discuss the divisive new film "Mother Mary" starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel before Louis welcomes the fabulous Ellen Burstyn for a conversation about acting, poetry and what she's watching now that excites her.

Apr 22, 20261 hr 23 minEp. 420

Coachella & Euphoria Season Premiere with Paul Walter Hauser and Ivy Wolk

Louis Virtel is joined by comedian/actress Ivy Wolk to react to Coachella's first weekend with notable performances by Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber. They also discuss the season 3 premiere of HBO's Euphoria and unpack the varying levels of stardom the likes of Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi have achieved after Euphoria's first season all the way back in 2019. Louis is also joined by Paul Walter Hauser to discuss his new film "Balls Up" which is streaming now on Prime Video....

Apr 15, 20261 hr 32 minEp. 419

The Drama & Brandy's New Memoir "Phases" with Nina Parker

Louis Virtel is joined by Nina Parker to discuss the surprising return of Kanye West and the even more surprising amount of concert posts from people they thought knew better. They unpack revelations from Brandy’s new memoir “Phases” as well as debate whether the drama in A24’s “The Drama” is all that dramatic after all.

Apr 08, 20261 hr 28 minEp. 418

New Music from Robyn and Raye & What We're Watching with Nina Parker

Louis Virtel is joined by Nina Parker to discuss new albums by Raye and Robyn. They also share their thoughts on Nick Cannon's comments on Trump and the Democratic Party followed by the latest episodes of The Pitt, The Comeback and America's Culinary Cup.

Apr 01, 20261 hr 27 minEp. 417

Project Hail Mary & The Comeback with Lisa Ann Walter & Guy Branum

Louis Virtel is joined by Guy Branum to discuss the optimistic space epic “Project Hail Mary” as well as the comeback of HBO’s “The Comeback” starring and co-created by Lisa Kudrow. Lisa Ann Walter joins to talk all things “Abbott Elementary,” “Celebrity Jeopardy” and her long-awaited stand-up special coming to Hulu this spring. They also delve into Lisa’s prep for her off-Broadway debut in “Heathers: The Musical” on April 27th.

Mar 25, 20261 hr 29 minEp. 416

The 98th Academy Awards with Guy Branum & Nina Parker

Louis Virtel is joined by Guy Branum and Nina Parker to discuss all things Oscars as they recap the 98th Academy Awards hosted by Conan O'Brien. They unpack why the Oscars can't seem to find anyone but a straight man to host as well as the political and symbolic importance of Sinners. They also analyze each of the major categories in addition to the most memorable moments from this year's broadcast including Barbara Streisand's tribute to Robert Redford which of course became very Barbara-focuse...

Mar 18, 20261 hr 35 minEp. 416

Harry Styles' New Album and FX's "Love Story" with Nina Parker and Alessandro Nivola

This week pop culture commentator, Nina Parker, joins Louis Virtel to discuss the new Harry Styles album, "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally." They also share their thoughts on the FX show "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette" before Louis is joined for an interview with Alessandro Nivola who plays Calvin Klein in "Love Story."

Mar 11, 20261 hr 20 minEp. 415

Survivor 50, Bruno Mars and Hillary Duff with Nina Parker and Stellan Skarsgård

This week, Louis Virtel is joined by pop culture commentator Nina Parker to discuss the premiere of Survivor season 50 along with new music from Bruno Mars and Hillary Duff. Nina weighs in on the BAFTAs and the BBC's lackluster apology and Louis chats with Stellan Skarsgård about his Golden-Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated film Sentimental Value.

Mar 04, 20261 hr 10 minEp. 414

A24's Pillion and Black Actress Appreciation with Dewayne Perkins

This week, Louis Virtel is joined by comedian/actor Dewayne Perkins to discuss Alexander Skarsgård's new film Pillion and to recognize the definitive list of their all time favorite Black actresses. Dewayne also talks about the joy of working with Seth Rogen and Catherine O'Hara on The Studio.

Feb 25, 20261 hr 7 minEp. 413

Wuthering Heights & Netflix's ANTM Doc with Nina Parker

This week, Louis Virtel is joined by pop culture commentator Nina Parker to discuss the new Wuthering Heights film as well as the deaths of Robert Duvall, James Van Der Beek and Rev. Jesse Jackson. They also unpack Netflix’s revelatory new documentary series about the 2000s reality TV classic, America’s Next Top Model, and the shocking behavior that went on in-front-of and behind the cameras.

Feb 18, 20261 hr 10 minEp. 412

Bad Bunny Super Bowl & BHM Films with Symone & Monét X Change

This week, Louis is joined by Drag Race icon Symone to discuss Bad Bunny's halftime show and Black-led films that should live on forever. Then, Monét X Change joins to discuss her run on The Traitors and her upcoming stand-up tour. As a special treat, Monét stays for the Keep It segment and the trio discuss fake Super Bowl outrage, The Pitt, and the Diane Warren documentary. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at ...

Feb 11, 20261 hr 32 minEp. 411

The Grammys & Catherine O'Hara with Paula Pell & Nina Parker

This week, Louis Virtel is joined by pop culture reporter Nina Parker to discuss the Grammys, Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, Nicki Minaj, Don Lemon, and Catherine O'Hara. Louis is also joined by Paula Pell to discuss writing on SNL and her upcoming Peacock series, The Burbs. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast

Feb 04, 20261 hr 41 min

Oscar Nominations & Mel Brooks with Dylan O'Brien & Rheeqrheeq Chainey

This week, Louis Virtel is joined by TV writer Rheeqrheeq Chainey to discuss the Brooklyn Beckham family drama, Oscar nominations, the new Mel Brooks documentary The 99 Year-Old Man!, TikTok shop, and the never-ending Heated Rivalry press tour. Dylan O'Brien also joins Louis to discuss working with Rachel McAdams on his new film Send Help. Get a free can of OLIPOP: Buy any 2 cans of Olipop in store, and we'll pay you back for one. Works on any flavor, any retailer. Go to drinkolipop.com/TRIPS . ...

Jan 28, 20261 hr 25 min

The Pitt & Traitors with Bill Skarsgård & Brandon Kyle Goodman

This week, Louis is joined by TV writer and podcaster Brandon Kyle Goodman to discuss the latest episodes of The Traitors, The Pitt, and their favorite sexually liberating movies and shows. Louis is also joined by Bill Skarsgård to discuss his new film Dead Man's Wire. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast

Jan 21, 20261 hr 39 min

The Golden Globes with Eva Victor, Justin Sylvester, & Guy Branum

This week, Louis is joined by E! News correspondent Justin Sylvester and comedian Guy Branum to discuss the 83rd Golden Globes. They get into Nikki Glaser's monologue, Teyana Taylor, Rose Byrne, One Battle After Another, Hamnet, The Pitt, Sinners, and more. They also review the first three episodes of The Traitors season 4, then Louis sits down with Golden Globe-nominee Eva Victor to discuss their film Sorry, Baby. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and ot...

Jan 14, 20261 hr 46 min

Marty Supreme & Heated Rivalry with Ethan Hawke & Vinny Thomas

This week, Louis is joined by actor and comedian Vinny Thomas to discuss RuPaul's Drag Race season 18, Marty Supreme, the season finale of Marty Supreme, their favorite gay TV shows, Avatar: Ash & Fire, and James Cameron's recent comments on award nominations. Louis is also joined by Ethan Hawke to discuss his Golden Globe-nominated performance in Blue Moon. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@Ke...

Jan 07, 20261 hr 25 min

Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with Dorinda Medley)

On this episode of Bravo, America! - a new series from Lovett or Leave It - Dorinda Medley recounts her days during the wild west of Bravo, before housewives considered social media, glam squads, and consequences. And she talks about how reality TV helped her become the star of her own life, how years as an Upper East Side political spouse readied her for the high-heeled combat of Real Housewives, and how in both worlds the worst thing anyone can be is boring. She and Lovett also commiserate abo...

Dec 24, 20251 hr 2 min

Remembering Rob Reiner & Gay Guy Music Videos with Walton Goggins & Dylan Adler

This week, Louis is joined by stand-up comedian and comedy writer Dylan Adler to discuss Rob Reiner's Legacy, the new Rian Johnson film Wake Up Dead Man, and their top picks for the ultimate gay guy music video playlist. Walton Goggins also joins Louis to chat about the new season of Fallout, The White Lotus, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast...

Dec 17, 20251 hr 26 min

Golden Globe Noms & Best Albums of 2025 with Diane Kruger and Courtney Revolution

This week, Louis is joined by former The Circle contestant and pop culture commentator Courtney Revolution to discuss the Golden Globe nominations, Spotify Wrapped, their top albums of 2025, and the biggest celebrity gossip of the year, including Quentin Tarantino vs. Paul Dano, Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni, Diddy, Sydney Sweeney's GAP ad, and Jimmy Kimmel vs. Trump. They later Keep It to Vanderpump Rules and the latest episode of Heated Rivalry. Louis also sits down with Diane Kruger to dive...

Dec 10, 20251 hr 16 min

Hamnet & Heated Rivalry with Guy Branum and Rheeqrheeq Chainey

This week, Guy Branum and Rheerheeq Chainey join Louis to celebrate not watching another season of Stranger Things and recount their all-time favorite Winona Ryder roles. They break down Chloé Zhao's new film, Hamnet, and its chances in the awards field. They also take a moment to fan themselves after watching the new sultry hockey drama, Heated Rivalry, on HBO Max. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com...

Dec 03, 20251 hr 11 min

Pluribus & Celebs We're Thankful For w/ Thomasin McKenzie, Guy Branum, & Rheeqrheeq Chainey

This week, Guy Branum and Rheerheeq Chainey are back to talk about Wicked fever, Vince Gilligan's new Apple TV+ series Pluribus, and the celebrities we're thankful for. Thomasin McKenzie also sits down with Louis to discuss her new film, Fackham Hall. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast

Nov 19, 20251 hr 22 min
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