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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

"P-Valley Girls" (with Katori Hall)

Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Taylor Swift's surprise pandemic album Folklore, Tenet's ever-changing release date, disrespectful Megan the Stallion jokes, whether the Canada Drag Race judges are too mean, and share memories of Regis Philbin and Olivia de Havilland. Katori Hall joins to discuss her new series P-Valley, representing the South in her writing, and working with icons like Tina Turner and Angela Bassett.

Jul 29, 20201 hr 30 min

"Podcast Friends Network” (with Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman)

Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Mykki Blanco not being paid for their feature on Teyana Taylor's "WTP," bingeing The O.C. and what constitutes "guilty pleasures," their favorite child actors, performative tributes to John Lewis from Republicans, and more. Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman join to discuss their new book Big Friendship and the importance of adult friendships.

Jul 22, 20201 hr 27 min

"Stiletto Superstar” (with Billy Porter)

Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Jada Pinkett Smith's visit to the Red Table, Lady Antebellum’s performative activism, Simone Biles’ Vogue cover, Chance the Rapper stumping for Kanye, and the internet’s obsession with cake. Billy Porter joins to discuss his career and using his platform for activism.

Jul 15, 20201 hr 23 min

"Hamilstan Wars” (with Marcia Gay Harden)

Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Hamilton, Kanye’s 2020 run, Halle Berry’s apology for accepting a trans role, Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas’ quarantine romance, and more. Marcia Gay Harden joins to discuss her toughest roles and her latest period piece Barkskins.

Jul 08, 20201 hr 20 min

"Pride Save America" (with Adam Rippon and Leiomy)

Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss what Pride looks like in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests, Hulu removing a Golden Girls episode for alleged blackface, pop music's disco revival, Kanye's GAP collab, the socially distant BET Awards, and more. Adam Rippon joins to discuss his pop culture obsessions and what his life looks after the 2018 Olympics. Leiomy joins to discuss bringing ballroom to the masses on HBO Max's Legendary.

Jul 01, 20201 hr 35 min

"Sic Cancel Tyrannis” (with Sam Lansky)

Ira, Aida, and Louis discuss k-pop fans taking down Trump, Chris D’Elia and Ansel Elgort’s sexual misconduct allegations, Tina Fey pulling 30 Rock’s blackface episodes, Megan Amram’s anti-Asian tweets, the queer defiance of Joel Schumacher’s films, and more. Sam Lansky joins to discuss gay dating, LA mysticism, and his new book Broken People. Plus, listeners share their queer Hot Takes on Julius Caesar, parades, and The Parent Trap.

Jun 24, 20201 hr 37 min

"Empires & Records" (with Drew Dixon)

Ira, Aida, and Louis discuss the SCOTUS' monumental ruling on LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination, The Academy's new efforts for inclusion, Dave Chappelle's new stand-up response to George Floyd's murder, conservatives stanning Gone the Wind, and more. Plus, Drew Dixon joins to discuss going public with rape allegations against Russell Simmons and starring in a documentary on the subject, On the Record.

Jun 17, 20201 hr 21 min

"Places in the Art" (with Kimberly Drew)

Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss how We're Here and Legendary center queer narratives, the hollowness of exposing Republican hypocrisy, Vanderpump Rules' racism scandals, North Carolina Republicans attempts to kill a bill banning conversion therapy, and calls to defund the police. Plus, art curator Kimberly Drew joins to discuss her new book This Is What I Know About Art and how the art world is for us all.

Jun 10, 20201 hr 28 min

"Law and Disorder" (with Bowen Yang)

Protests erupt in the wake of George Floyd's murder by a Minneapolis police officer. #BlackoutTuesday spirals from purposeful activism to performative allyship. Justice evades Breonna Taylor and David McAtee in Louisville. Ivanka Trump pretends to care about Pride. Lea Michele is accused of bullying by Glee cast members. Plus, an anti-racism reading list and Bowen Yang joins to discuss his year on Saturday Night Live, Lady Gaga's Chromatica, and more! Donate to the David McAtee funeral and memor...

Jun 03, 20201 hr 29 min

“Sex and the Insecurity” (with Issa Rae and Kristin Davis)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira and Louis discuss Lana Del Rey and Doja Cat’s dramatic weeks on social media, the addictive new season of Selling Sunset, and Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s song of the summer entry. Plus, Kristin Davis joins to discuss Melrose Place, Sex and the City, and Fox’s wild new reality series Labor of Love. Issa Rae also joins the whole crew to discuss writing Insecure’s new season in a pandemic and her new Netflix film The Lovebirds.

May 27, 20201 hr 27 min

“The Graduwhat” (with Daveed Diggs)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss digital commencement speeches, reflect on their own graduations, and offer advice for the Class of 2020. Also discussed: Entertainment Weekly’s puzzling Pride cover, and Nancy Pelosi’s fat shaming. Plus, Daveed Diggs joins to discuss starring in the TV adaption of Snowpiercer and Hamilton’s impending digital release.

May 20, 20201 hr 24 min

“Roman Unloaded” (with Simone Missick)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Alison Roman’s critiques of Chrissy Teigen and Marie Kondo, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott’s healing Instagram live, Michelle Obama’s documentary, reactions to Adele’s weight loss, and the fleeting concept of summer. Plus, Simone Missick joins to discuss her new series All Rise and how to shoot an episode of television on Zoom.

May 13, 20201 hr 15 min

“Les Noirs” (with André Holland)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the 1955 Best Actress winners, Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood revisionist history, Mindy Kaling’s new series Never Have I Ever, Pulitzer Prize winners we’re excited for, The Daily Beast’s Michelle Obama clickbait, and more. Plus, André Holland joins to discuss theatre, Paris, and working with Damien Chazelle’s on The Eddy.

May 06, 20201 hr 23 min

"#poorAF" (with Michael Arceneaux)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Sondheim's 90th birthday concert, JK Simmons as a sex symbol, why Miles Teller deserves an Oscar, #blackAF, Making the Cut's winner, and more! Hot Takes returns with Ira declaring Angel a better show than Buffy. Plus, Michael Arceneaux returns to discuss his latest book of essays I Don't Want to Die Poor, how college aspirations can cripple us, reality TV, and supporting OnlyFans.

Apr 29, 20201 hr 24 min

“Me and My Bolt Cutters” (with Alison Pill)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Aida, and Louis fetch their bolt cutters and discuss Fiona Apple’s new album, Mrs. America, Netflix’s new dating series Too Hot to Handle, and the Michael Jordan doc The Last Dance. Plus, Alison Pill joins to discuss Alex Garland’s trippy new sci-fi series Devs and working with icons like Judy Davis and Glenda Jackson.

Apr 22, 20201 hr 15 min

"Gunn Crazy" (with Tim Gunn)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Aida, and Louis discuss Usher and The Weeknd’s respective influences on R&B, SNL and other shows recording from home, and more. Plus, Tim Gunn joins to talk his new fashion series Making the Cut.

Apr 15, 20201 hr 28 min

"Full Barrymore Jacket" (with Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Aida, and Louis discuss voter suppression in Wisconsin, the Sherry Pie scandal on Drag Race, and the respect Alfre Woodard deserves. In this week's Hot Takes segment, Louis thinks Emma Stone is the least deserving Oscar winner of the 21st century. Plus, Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni join to discuss American Idol, niche gay culture, Reese Witherspoon, and their new Quibi series Gayme Show.

Apr 08, 20201 hr 24 min

"Queenpin" (with Alan Yang & Betty Gilpin)

In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Aida, and Louis discuss how hot young Dennis Quaid was, Tippi Hendrin's acting, the never ending madness of Tiger King. Betty Gilpin joins to discuss being a gay icon, acting, and Tennessee Williams. Alan Yang joins to discuss Mandopop, Joan Chen, and his feature film debut Tigertail. Plus, in our first Hot Takes segment Aida defends choosing Solange over Beyonce (if she had to).

Apr 01, 20201 hr 34 min

"Fun with Quarantine and Jane" (with Jane Fonda & Jeremy O. Harris)

Ira, Aida, and Louis bring you Keep It directly from their homes this week as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Activist, actress, and legend Jane Fonda joins to discuss how we can still protest the Trump administration's bailout of corporations and continue the fight for climate change from our homes. Playwright Jeremy O. Harris returns to the pod to discuss how artists are suffering from theatre closures across the country. A new segment, Keep It Civil, solves disputes among roommates under qua...

Mar 25, 20201 hr 18 min

“Go the Social Distance”

In the first episode of Keep It: Social Distancing Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss how they’ve coped with not leaving their homes. Plus, the movie industry grinds to a halt, listeners share what culture they’ve consumed, Fiona Apple’s revealing New Yorker profile, and more!

Mar 18, 20201 hr 3 min

“Grey’s Mortuary” (with Tamron Hall)

Grey’s Anatomy writes off another main character in a bonkers way, prompting a convo about other historically wild television write-offs. Hulu’s new doc Hillary revisits Hillary Clinton’s role in our current political climate. Aaron Schock earns little sympathy for finally coming out. Coronavirus hits Hollywood. Plus, Ira sits down with Tamron Hall to discuss her daytime talk show comeback.

Mar 11, 20201 hr 32 min

“Turn the Pete Around” (with Annie Murphy)

Pete Buttigieg ends his historic presidential campaign. Lady Gaga returns to her pop roots with “Stupid Love.” Coronavirus hysteria is a reminder to wash your goddamn hands. Plus, Annie Murphy joins to discuss the end of Schitt’s Creek and the series’ breakout success.

Mar 04, 20201 hr 19 min

"To Knives, With Love" (with Rian Johnson)

Love Is Blind might be Netflix's most insane reality show yet, Harvey Weinstein gets convicted, Donald Trump hates Parasite, Mike Bloomberg whines about his vandalized campaign offices, and Los Angeles City Council candidate Nithya Raman joins to discuss the city's homelessness and housing crises. Plus, Ira's knives have never been more out... Rian Johnson joins to talk about his love of genre films and how to survive social media as a creator.

Feb 26, 20201 hr 27 min

"Requiem for a Meme” (with Heather Graham)

Bloomberg backs up his money truck and gets Instagram meme accounts to shill for him. Love a Island faces criticism in the wake of host Caroline Flack’s death. Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die” divides Bond theme fans. McMillions is everyone’s latest documentary obsession. Wendy Williams stirs up a new scandal. Plus, Heather Graham joins to talk about reclaiming her narrative as a woman in film and her affinity for witchcraft.

Feb 19, 20201 hr 16 min

"Bong Hive" (with Peter Paige)

Parasite is triumphant at an otherwise predictable Oscars. Jessica Simpson's memoir invites a re-examination of her career. Gayle King is under attack from Kobe fans. Plus, Peter Paige joins to discuss the legacy of Queer as Folk and creating queer content for Freeform.

Feb 12, 20201 hr 23 min

“IowaTF” (with Skylar Astin)

The Iowa caucus descends into chaos. J Lo and Shakira’s Super Bowl staggering halftime show is met with controversy. Taylor Swift’s documentary Miss Americana creates more questions than answers. Plus, Skylar Astin joins to talk Co-Star, Spring Awakening group texts, and more!

Feb 05, 20201 hr 36 min

“American Hustler” (with Kasi Lemmons)

Ira, Louis, and Aida are joined by Julissa Arce to discuss the controversy surrounding Jeanine Cummins’ novel American Dirt. Kobe Bryant’s death ignites a complicated discussion about a flawed icon. Billie Eilish sweeps a scandal-ridden Grammys. Plus, Kasi Lemmons joins to discuss her film Harriett and the lack of diversity at this year's Oscars.

Jan 29, 20201 hr 33 min

“Endorsement Becomes Her” (with Lakeith Stanfield)

The NYT editorial board turns their Presidential endorsement into a game show. The SAG Awards leaves social media thirsty for a Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston reunion. Plus, our knives are so out and our gems are so uncut that Lakeith Stanfield joins to talk about being in two of the most talked about films of the year.

Jan 22, 20201 hr 5 min

"A J. Lo Down Dirty Shame" (with Sera Gamble)

J. Lo is snubbed for an Oscar, so we're canceling the entire ceremony. Meghan and Harry flee from the Royal Family. New reality series The Circle is insane, addictive, and surprisingly endearing. Gwyneth Paltrow launches a vagina candle. Silence of the Lambs has a television sequel. Billie Eilish is singing the new Bond theme. Plus, You and Magicians showrunner Sera Gamble joins to discuss why we're all obsessed with Netflix's dark, twisted stalker drama.

Jan 15, 20201 hr 21 min

“Ricky and the Bash” (D'Arcy Carden)

Ricky Gervais returns for a fifth (and he swears final) time to host the Golden Globes. Judge Judy makes Mike Bloomberg her first ever Presidential endorsement. Gwyneth Paltrow brings her Goop brand to Netflix. Tyler Perry wants you to know he writes all of his shows himself. Justin Bieber’s ad campaign for his new single is baffling. Plus, D’Arcy Carden returns to discuss navigating awards season, Bombshell, and the final season of The Good Place.

Jan 08, 20201 hr 17 min
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