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Keep It!

Keep It!audioboom.com
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

“Bring the Girls!” w. Julio Torres

Ira and Louis discuss the Tony nominations, whether Elisabeth Olsen does Marvel movies (like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) for the checks, Kim Kardashian robbing Marilyn Monroe’s grave, and Lady Gaga’s Top Gun song. Plus, Julio Torres joins to discuss his new children’s book I Want to Be a Vase, Nicole Kidman, and more. Note: This episode contains mild spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ___ With our constitutionally protected right to abortion under attack, a...

May 11, 20221 hr 22 min

“The Gilded Rage” w. Amber Ruffin

Ira and Louis discuss celebrities’ interpretations of Gilded Glamour at The Met Gala, Street Fighter characters, and Johnny Depp’s defamation trial. Plus, they revisit their gay adolescences with Heartstopper, The Real World Homecoming: New Orleans, and White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch. Also, Amber Ruffin joins to discuss late night writing for Seth Meyers versus The Amber Ruffin Show, writing the book for Some Like It Hot the musical, and more. ___ With our constitution...

May 04, 20221 hr 35 min

”Desperately Seeking Aida”

Ira, Louis, and a returning Aida discuss Janelle Monae coming out as non-binary and other genderqueer celebs, Jerrod Carmichael’s comedy special Rothaniel, Elon Musk buying Twitter, hot takes on Steve Martin’s old SNL skits, and the new season of Selling Sunset. Plus, Kiernan Shipka joins to discuss her new Roku series Swimming with Sharks, her Mad Men memories, and more. For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit...

Apr 27, 20221 hr 22 min

“Megchella” w. Alexander Skarsgård

Ira recaps Coachella for Louis, then the two discuss Gilbert Gottfried, odd Celine Dion “biopic” Aline, and flight mask mandates. Plus, Alexander Skarsgard joins to discuss The Northman, working with everyone’s favorite actresses, and more. For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit

Apr 20, 20221 hr 36 min

"At the Movies with lra and Louis" w. Michelle Yeoh

Ira and Louis discuss their favorite films, Ira's Coachella itinerary, Spirit Halloween, and David Mamet's turn as a Fox News commentator. Plus, icon Michelle Yeoh to discuss Everything Everywhere All At Once, her roots in Hong Kong action films, and more!

Apr 13, 20221 hr 25 min

'We Don’t Talk About Favreau' w. Sheryl Lee Ralph

The ban has finally been lifted… Ira and Louis are joined by guest host Jon Favreau to discuss the Grammys, Bruce Willis films, Sarah Palin, Elon Musk owning Twitter, and Paula Patton’s fried chicken recipe. Plus, Sheryl Lee Ralph joins to discuss Abbott Elementary , Moesha’s second life, Dreamgirls backstage stories, and more! For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit...

Apr 06, 20221 hr 36 min

'The Hand That Rocks The Oscars' w. Judith Light

Ira, Louis, and guest host Damon Young discuss the only thing that anyone is talking about after The Oscars, arbitrary anniversary celebrations, banned books, bad tweets from comedians, and more. Plus, Judith Light joins Ira and Louis to discuss her career from One Life to Live to her latest, HBO’s Julia . For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit...

Mar 30, 20221 hr 29 min

"State of thee Union" w. Gabrielle Union

Ira and Louis are joined by return guest Gabrielle Union to discuss her new film Cheaper by the Dozen and activism in Hollywood. Plus, Ira and Louis discuss their Gabrielle Union blindspots ( The Honeymooners, Love & Basketball ), their Oscar predictions, taking photos of celebrities, The Beach Boys, Doja Cat’s Hole cover, Kentaji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing, and more! For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit...

Mar 23, 20221 hr 24 min

'Power of the B-I-T-C-H' w. Danny Pellegrino

This week on Keep It, Louis and guest host Kyle Buchanan (author of Blood, Sweat, and Chrome ) fit a lifetime of thoughts about the Oscars into 20 minutes. Then they get into their favorite art that was hell to make, which Batmen fuck, and how it's possible to not know that there are gay people in Rent . Plus, Danny Pellegrino joins Ira and Louis to discuss his book How Do I Un-Remember This?: Unfortunately True Stories , gay teen trauma, and why Rosie O'Donnell is the best in the biz. Join Loui...

Mar 16, 20221 hr 23 min

'Nora Ephron’s Pot Brownies' w. Kristin Chenoweth

Ira and Louis discuss The Batman , Madonna’s actress boot camp, Katy Perry’s Vegas residency, Beyoncé’s acting skills, and the latest drama with the Oscars. Plus, Kristin Chenoweth joins to discuss her new picture book What Will I Do With My Love Today? , attending Nora Ephron’s iconic dinner parties, and more. For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit...

Mar 09, 20221 hr 25 min

'Six Degrees of Joey Gordon-Levitt'

Ira and Louis discuss what the SAG Awards means for the Oscar race, Instagram activism, and Sam Elliott’s disdain for The Power of the Dog . Plus, Blindspots returns with Joseph Gordon-Levitt films we missed — The Dark Knight Rises (Louis) and Snowden (Ira) — and Joseph himself joins us to discuss his new series Super Pumped ; and his our faves in his decades-long career. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit....

Mar 02, 20221 hr 22 min

'Evil Julia Roberts' with Marlon James

Ira and Louis discuss the new Hulu series Pam & Tommy and wild celebrity couples, a recent GQ profile of Francis Ford Coppola, the dangers of mocking Ted Lasso , the Palm Springs DMV, West Hollywood car thieves, and more. Plus, Marlon James joins to discuss his latest book Moon Witch, Spider King and what we can learn from mythology. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the ...

Feb 23, 20221 hr 22 min

'West Coast Rap Story' with Aunjanue Ellis

Ira and Louis discuss the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Inventing Anna, Marry Me , and Kanye's attempts to win Kim Kardashian back. Plus, Aunjanue Ellis joins to discuss her Oscar nomination for King Richard , why imitating Denzel Washington is a bad idea, and more. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast....

Feb 16, 20221 hr 17 min

'A Star is Snubbed' with Nicole Byer

Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Oscar nominations and whether or not Lady Gaga was snubbed, how Black History Month has already gone terribly awry, Kanye and Kim's messy divorce, and more. Plus, Nicole Byer joins to discuss being the busiest woman in show business and pandemic routines we've already abandoned. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast....

Feb 09, 20221 hr 29 min

'Black Money Laundering Month' with Moses Sumney

Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Lifetime’s less than revealing Janet Jackson doc, Rihanna’s baby reveal, Drag Race ’s 'Night of 1,000 J. Los', Joe Rogan, Yellowjackets , Selling Tampa, Euphoria , and more. Plus, Moses Sumney joins to discuss his new art exhibition at Nicola Vassell Gallery, his love of photography, and the Netflix series Ozark . For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of...

Feb 02, 20221 hr 28 min

'Win a Date with West Elm Caleb!' with Ariana DeBose

Ira returns to join Louis for a discussion of the West Elm Caleb, Andre Leon Talley’s legacy, Charlie Puth’s new single, Scream, The Gilded Age , Joss Whedon’s Vulture profile, overlong superhero movies, and more. Plus, Ariana DeBose joins to discuss stepping into the iconic role of Anita in West Side Story and her recent SNL hosting gig.

Jan 26, 20221 hr 28 min

'Final Girl, Interrupted' with Valerie Bertinelli

On this week’s Keep It, Louis, returning guest host Guy Branum, and newbie Diablo Cody discuss the celebrity couples that tabloids can’t get enough of plus the ones they barely care about. Emmy winner Valerie Bertinelli swings by to discuss her new memoir, Enough Already , working with Betty White, and moving on from regrets. Then, horror heroines and why we want them alive. Plus, the insidious nature of Disney, Disney parks, and Disney adults. Notes: Buy Valerie's book, Enough Already...

Jan 19, 20221 hr 17 min

All that Glitters is Not Globes (with Simon Rex)

On this week's Keep It, Louis is joined by guest hosts Guy Branum and Solomon Georgio to pay their respects to their comedy brother-in-arms, Bob Saget and wax poetic on what makes standup stick together. Then, renaissance man and Red Rocket star Simon Rex brings some much needed calm to the awards race. And speaking of awards -- the Golden Globes. Do we miss them? Unfortunately, yes. Plus, Wordle is bad, put the Chaga down, and stop working. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click ...

Jan 12, 20221 hr 22 min

Keep It’s Legends Ball

Aida returns with Louis and guest host Guy Branum to discuss the loss of Betty White, Joan Didion, and bell hooks. Don’t Look Up draws a heated debate. Yellowjackets is TV’s hottest new show. Plus, what we’re looking forward to in 2022, and more! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast....

Jan 05, 20221 hr 6 min

“And Some Like It Just Like That…” (with Thomas Doherty)

Ira and Louis discuss the Sex and the City sequel series And Just Like That… , their favorite performances of the year, Elon Musk on Time, and what makes the best Christmas music. Plus, Thomas Doherty joins to discuss the new Gossip Girl reboot, what it’s like to pop up on Deux Moi, and more. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast....

Dec 15, 20211 hr 21 min

“House of Cuomo” (with Chrishell Stause)

Ira, Louis, and guest host Aminatou Sow discuss the downfall of brothers Andrew and Chris Cuomo and other American dynasties, Jeremy Strong’s polarizing New Yorker profile, Colton Haynes’ first-person account of being gay in Hollywood, Tom Holland as Fred Astaire, Alice Sebold’s inadequate apology for her wrongful rape accusation, and Alec Baldwin’s ABC Interview. Plus, Chrishell Stause joins to discuss the latest season of Selling Sunset, her soap opera past, and more. For a closed-captioned ve...

Dec 08, 20211 hr 30 min

“Pull Up in the Sondheim” (with Porsha Williams)

Ira, Louis, and guest host Zach Stafford discuss Sondheim’s legacy, Virgil Abloh, the Grammys, the new Jussie Smollet trial, and share Keep It’s First Annual Holiday Gift Guide. Plus, Porsha Williams joins to discuss her time on Real Housewives and her new memoir Pursuit of Porsha. Gift Guide Louis: All About Me by Mel Brooks Half Truth (board game) Zach: Tiffany champagne flute Coffee Butt scrub Aesop handsoap Birthjays (or joint candles) Ira: The Midwest Survival Guide by Charlie Berens Every ...

Dec 01, 20211 hr 30 min

“It’s Very Giving” (with Joshua Henry)

Ira, Louis, and guest host Kimberly Drew discuss internet moments they’re thankful for this year, fact and fiction in King Richard , Adele’s new album 30 , and more. Plus, Joshua Henry joins to discuss Broadway after a pandemic and his latest film, Tick, Tick… Boom! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast....

Nov 24, 20211 hr 25 min

All Too Well (Jake’s Version) (with Steven Yeun)

Ira, Louis, and guest host Michelle Collins discuss Jake Gyllenhaal’s association with Taylor Swift and place in popular culture at large, Britney’s freedom, Harry Styles’ fashion, Love It or List It, Spencer, and their favorite film adaptations of plays and musicals. Plus, Steven Yeun joins to discuss his latest film (a play adaption!) The Humans , his journey from improv to Oscar nomination, and more. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit . For a trans...

Nov 17, 20211 hr 26 min

The Fresh Prince Diaries (with Lana Wood)

Ira and Louis dive into old Hollywood mysteries and more as they chat with Lana Wood about her new memoir Little Sister , which digs into the 1981 boating incident that led to the death of her sister and famed actress Natalie Wood. Plus, guest host Franchesca Ramsey joins to discuss Will Smith’s revealing new memoir, the allure of Joe Jonas, BuzzFeed’s list of celebs with “no haters,” Aaron Rodgers' turning heel, and why memeing the Astroworld tragedy sucks. For a closed-captioned version of thi...

Nov 10, 20211 hr 24 min

"What Nancy Meyers Fans Want" (with Gaby Hoffmann)

Ira, Louis, and guest host Sylvia Obell discuss Chris Pratt as Garfield, Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson's alleged romance, the Real Housewives of Dubai , Days of Our Lives revisiting Marlena's possession storyline, classic Meryl Streep films, and the latest seasons of Succession, Insecure, and You. Plus, Gaby Hoffmann joins to discuss her new Mike Mills film C'mon C'mon , Nancy Meyers films, and more. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit . For a trans...

Nov 03, 20211 hr 26 min

“The Last Biopic Show” (with Claire Foy)

Ira, Louis, and guest host Saeed Jones discuss Dune and the state of Hollywood sci-fi films, this fall’s slate of upcoming biopics and their favorite and least favorite films in the genre, Adele’s Vogue 73 Questions, the tragedy on the set of Alec Baldwin’s new film, and Dave Chappelle’s response to the Netflix protests. Plus, Claire Foy joins to discuss her new biopic The Electrical Life of Louis Wain , her iconic past roles, and more. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visi...

Oct 27, 20211 hr 33 min

“Au Parasocial” (with Sutton Foster)

Ira, Louis, and guest host Traci Thomas discuss how we should talk about celebrities now, their favorite actors’ best and worst films, Meghan McCain’s reasoning for leaving The View , NFL coach Jon Gruden’s firing, and what constitutes a “shitshow.” Plus, Sutton Foster joins to discuss her new memoir Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life , her history on Broadway, and the upcoming revival of The Music Man. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit . For a trans...

Oct 20, 20211 hr 33 min

"Celebrity Pod Match" (with Carrie Brownstein)

Ira, Louis, and guest host Tre'Vell Anderson discuss Dave Chappelle's new Netflix special, the celebrity podcast boom, the fifth installment of Scream , Jeopardy! conspiracies, and gaps in elevators. Plus, Carrie Brownstein joins to discuss her new film The Nowhere Inn , music documentaries, and more. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast....

Oct 13, 20211 hr 32 min

"Lock, Stock and Two Hundred Episodes" (with Alan Cumming)

For Keep It's 200th episode, Ira and Louis are joined by guest host Leslie Grossman to discuss Facebook's shut down, Britney Spears' imminent freedom from her conservatorship, Adele's return, and Ellen Pompeo's feud with Denzel Washington. Plus, Alan Cumming joins to discuss his new memoir Baggage, Spice World , and more. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of...

Oct 06, 20211 hr 28 min
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