Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas talk about Daniil Medvedev’s upset over Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu’s shocking U.S. Open title. They also discuss Jameis Winston, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cam Newton’s interview with his dad. Finally, they assess the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s rocky opening to World Cup qualifying. U.S. Open (2:25): What to make of Djokovic’s loss, and his response to it. Plus, where did Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez come from? NFL (3...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 10 min
Somebody has been hurling raw eggs at people in Chicago. On today’s episode, Rachelle and Madison try to crack the case of these egg attacks, and speak to the man who created the Chicago Egg Hunters Facebook group that has been on the hunt for the culprit ever since. Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John. Support ICYMI and listen to the show with zero ads. Sign up to become a Slate Plus member for just $1 for your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...
Sep 11, 2021•25 min
At any given time, the music world is celebrating some anniversary, but 1971 has received more than its share of commemorations this year. And with good reason: Carole King. Marvin Gaye. Joni Mitchell. Sly Stone. Janis Joplin. The Who. All released their best work a half-century ago. For our 50th episode of Hit Parade, we go back 50 years, celebrating the semicentennial of the year when, critics claim, “music changed everything.” The Quiet Beatle became the Favorite Beatle, when Mick Jagger sang...
Sep 10, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 105
Sister Josephine Garrett grew up Baptist and worked her way up the corporate ladder—only to realize in her late 20s that she wanted to convert to Catholicism and become a nun. Watch Anna's check-in with Sister Josephine earlier this year on our Instagram feed @deathsexmoney. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, sign up! Every Wednesday, we send out podcast listening recommendations, your stories from our inbox, and behind-the-scenes updates from the show. Sign up at deathsexmoney....
Sep 08, 2021•25 min•Ep. 318
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...
Sep 08, 2021•58 min
On today’s episode, Rachelle and Madison open up the mailbag to answer a few questions from our listeners. In addition to other things, they explain what acting POV TikToks are, the possibility of going to Chernobyl, and what, if any, meaning the different emoji heart colors have. If you’ve got questions you want us to answer, send an email to ICYMI@slate.com. Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John. Support ICYMI and listen to the show with zero ads. Sign up to become a Slate Plus...
Sep 08, 2021•29 min
Josh Levin and Joel Anderson are joined by Spencer Hall to talk about the opening weekend of the college football season. They also discuss Bishop Sycamore, the fake high school that made its way into an ESPN football showcase. Finally, the CBC’s Morgan Campbell joins to assess Canada’s series of sporting triumphs. College football (1:48): Alabama looks like its old self. But what’s up with Clemson? Bishop Sycamore (24:37): Where did it come from? Is it unique or a sign of a larger phenomenon? C...
Sep 08, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Earlier this week, musician Jazmine Sullivan took to Instagram and requested her followers to send in secrets, which she then shared anonymously on her page. On today’s episode, Rachelle and Madison talk about how what Jazmine did isn’t new, secrets sharing as a useful online engagement strategy, and why we’ve all be sharing our secrets online for so long. Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John. Support ICYMI and listen to the show with zero ads. Sign up to become a Slate Plus mem...
Sep 04, 2021•29 min
Panelists Tayari Jones, John Paul Brammer, and Tara Ilsley share advice for listeners struggling with decision fatigue and weighing big moves, going back to school, caretaking, and more. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, sign up! Every Wednesday, we send out podcast listening recommendations, your stories from our inbox, and behind-the-scenes updates from the show. Sign up at deathsexmoney.org . And don't forget to follow the show on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram . Got a s...
Sep 01, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 317
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 culturefest@slate.com . Podcast production by Cameron Drew...
Sep 01, 2021•1 hr
The milk crate challenge, an online viral challenge where people attempt to walk up and down a pile of milk crates stacked to resemble steps, has become so popular that it even shut down a highway and two parks in Atlanta. On today’s episode, Rachelle and Madison recount how this challenge rose to viral fame, talk to Keith Dorsey who coordinated the Atlanta event, and even try to find some milk crates of their own. Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John. Support ICYMI and listen t...
Sep 01, 2021•26 min
Josh Levin interviews Ben Rothenberg about his reporting on domestic abuse allegations against tennis player Alexander Zverev. Josh, Stefan Fatsis, and Joel Anderson are then joined by Grant Wahl to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Manchester United. Finally, assessing Rachel Nichols’ fall and Stephen A. Smith’s rise at ESPN. Zverev (3:50): What are the accusations and how has the tennis world responded? Ronaldo (19:19): Why he’s returning to the club where he became an international supersta...
Aug 30, 2021•1 hr 10 min
Last week, the company behind OnlyFans, a platform where sex workers can generate income by providing adult content to paid subscribers, announced that it would ban sexually explicit uploads starting October 1. Less than a week later, the company reversed its decision after public backlash. On today’s episode, Rachelle and Madison talk about the rise of OnlyFans, and its importance to independent sex workers. Then they interview Slate sex columnist and OnlyFans performer Jessica Stoya about her ...
Aug 28, 2021•32 min
In part 2 of this episode of Hit Parade, Chris Molanphy continues his deep dive on Yacht Rock, the retroactive genre label for the sleek, jazzy, R&B-flavored sound that cropped up in the late '70s and early '80s amongst polished, perfectionist West Coast studio musicians. Whatever you call it, this music really did command the charts at the turn of the ’80s: from Steely Dan to George Benson, Michael McDonald to Kenny Loggins, Toto to…Michael Jackson?! Believe it: even Thriller is partially a...
Aug 27, 2021•42 min•Ep. 104
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 choo...
Aug 25, 2021•55 min
In 2012, the non-profit organization Invisible Children released Kony 2012 , a short film about the human rights violations in Uganda perpetrated by Joseph Kony, which rapidly took over the internet and made Joseph Kony a household name. On today’s episode, Rachelle and Madison look back at the origins of the organization, how its creator handled the extreme popularity of their viral moment, and what lessons we learned from its utter failure. Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John...
Aug 25, 2021•30 min
Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis talk with track writer Jojo Gretschel about sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s last-place finish in her return from a suspension. Former pro basketball player Rod Benson discusses Draymond Green’s revealing conversation with Kevin Durant and the future of athlete-driven sports media. Finally, an interview with Claire McNear of the Ringer about her blockbuster reporting that brought down the new host of Jeopardy! Sha’Carri (5:23): Track writer Jojo Gretschel on Sha’Ca...
Aug 23, 2021•1 hr 7 min
There is always a bunch of hand-wringing surrounding cancel culture, but after your bank account hits a certain threshold, there’s not much more to worry about. On today’s episode, Madison is joined by BuzzFeed’s Scaachi Koul to discuss why Chet Hanks just won’t go away, and what happens when a journalist finds themselves as a character in a YouTuber’s drama. We knew Trisha Paytas would be back on our radar . Make sure to check out Scaachi Koul’s profile of Trisha Paytas, “ Don’t Piss Off Trisha...
Aug 21, 2021•29 min
In Cora and Garrett's final financial therapy session with Amanda Clayman, they talk about seeing a financial advisor, and what they want to model for their child when it comes to money. Are you struggling to see eye to eye about money in your relationship? Text "financial therapy" to 70101 to learn about five principles of financial intimacy—qualities that can help build healthier relationships when it comes to money. You can also hear Amanda talk more about financial intimacy—and ways to build...
Aug 18, 2021•40 min•Ep. 316
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 ...
Aug 18, 2021•57 min
On today’s episode, Rachelle and Madison try to figure out if it’s legal to buy and sell human remains. They’re joined by Tanya Marsh , a professor at Wake Forest who specializes in funeral and cemetery law, to find out what the legal system says about the human bone market, the ethical questions surrounding such a market, and why we still have rights even after we die. If you’d like to know more about the history of the human bone trade, check out this video, “ Can You Legally Buy a Real Human ...
Aug 18, 2021•29 min
Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Major League Baseball’s Field of Dreams game. Writer Jessica Luther also joins to discuss the Deshaun Watson and Trevor Bauer cases. Finally, they review the documentary Malice at the Palace . Field of Dreams (4:42): Is this kind of nostalgia good or bad for baseball? Watson and Bauer (26:02): How should leagues handle allegations of sexual misconduct? Malice at the Palace (46:35): What the Netflix documentary leaves out. Afterball (1:07:16...
Aug 16, 2021•1 hr 13 min
For many TikTok users, it’s been impossible to escape #BamaRush, the week of sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama. On today’s episode, Madison and Rachelle explain, how rush week actually works, why it’s flooded our feeds, and what its popularity says about whiteness, wealth, and class on the app. Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John. Support ICYMI and listen to the show with zero ads. Sign up to become a Slate Plus member for just $1 for your first month. Hosted on...
Aug 14, 2021•29 min
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, a scene and a sound cropped up on the West Coast: polished, perfectionist studio musicians who generated sleek, jazzy, R&B-flavored music. About a quarter-century later, this sound was given a name: Yacht Rock. The inventors of the genre name weren’t thinking about boats…well, unless the song was Christopher Cross’s “Sailing.” Yacht Rock was meant to signify deluxe, yuppified, “smooth” music suitable for playing on luxury nautical craft. Whatever you call it,...
Aug 13, 2021•55 min•Ep. 102
In their second session with financial therapist Amanda Clayman, a couple we're calling Cora and Garrett talk about their financial strengths and weaknesses, and the wall between them. Are you struggling to see eye to eye about money in your relationship? Text "financial therapy" to 70101 to learn about five components of financial intimacy—qualities that can help build healthier relationships when it comes to money. Financial Therapy with Amanda Clayman is a special series from Death, Sex &...
Aug 11, 2021•47 min•Ep. 315
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/play...
Aug 11, 2021•1 hr 18 min
Tumblr is once again trying a new way to monetize its content, but will its users allow it? On today’s episode, Rachelle is joined by fellow former Tumblr teen Allegra Frank to discuss their own origins on the platform, Tumblr’s numerous attempts to make money, and why the users who called a strike over its new Post+ feature might not have the best understanding of the legal system. (We reached out to some copyright professors to find out.) Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John. ...
Aug 11, 2021•30 min
Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the end of the Tokyo Olympics. They also discuss NFL players who’ve refused to get the COVID vaccine, and what the league should do about it. Finally, author Simon Kuper explains the tearful end of Lionel Messi’s brilliant career at F.C. Barcelona. Olympics (3:31): The troubled 2020 Olympics could reset how fans view athletes and the games. NFL (22:32): Kirk Cousins would rather surround himself with Plexiglas than get vaccinated. Lionel Me...
Aug 09, 2021•1 hr 9 min
On today’s episode, Rachelle and Madison crack open some romance novels and talk about BookTok, the realm of TikTok where readers can find hyper-personal recommendations and niche memes about the horny books everybody is reading. They discuss how TikTok has caused some books to reappear on the New York Times bestseller list, Rachelle’s love of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, and why the top priority when it comes to reading is fun. Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John. ...
Aug 07, 2021•28 min
In 2001, Oprah Winfrey invited Jonathan Franzen to come on her show to discuss his new novel The Corrections. A month later she withdrew the invitation, kicking off a media firestorm. The Oprah-Franzen Book Club Dust-Up of 2001 was a moment when two ways of thinking about selling out smashed into each other, and one of them—the one that was on its way out already— crashed and burned in public, barely to be seen again. So today on Decoder Ring, what happened to selling out? This is the last episo...
Aug 06, 2021•46 min