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The Dinner Party Download

American Public Mediawww.dinnerpartydownload.org
Welcome to The Dinner Party Download, a fast and funny hour of culture, food and conversation: “public radio’s arts & leisure section.” In every episode you’ll learn a joke; bone up on an odd bit of history and then wash it down with a themed cocktail recipe; meet artists of note; have your burning etiquette questions answered; savor an emerging food trend; and hear your new favorite song. Plus, unconventional wisdom from hosts Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam.
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Episodes

Episode 200: Noah Baumbach, David Alan Grier, Temple Grandin, and Kids Comix

This week: Filmmaker Noah Baumbach on the new New York… David Alan Grier answers (most of) your etiquette questions… Autism pioneer Temple Grandin diagnoses Mr. Spock… Travel writer Matt Gross goes to the edge… “Love & rockets” co-creator Gilbert Hernandez on ’60s comics that were super, sans superheroes… Why guilt is good (for groceries)… and […]

May 10, 201351 min

Episode 199: Michael Shannon, Paul Theroux, and Hannibal’s Homies

This week: Actor Michael Shannon (“The Iceman”) revisits his Wobegon days… Hugh Dancy of TV’s “Hannibal” lists a few good baddies… Acclaimed travel writer Paul Theroux on a place he won’t be heading back to… “Daily Show” co-creator Lizz Winstead grins and bares it … San Fran rocker Mikal Cronin serves up soundtrack… Biscuits on […]

May 03, 201351 min

Episode 198: Colin Firth, Bobby Flay, and Molly Ringwald’s Vault

This week: Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth explores masks and the mind… We grill star chef Bobby Flay on etiquette… Food writer Michael Pollan says we are because we cook…Molly Ringwald sets a new standard for musical standards… Jane Fonda’s headbands & home videos inspire a health-crazed cocktail… And Mike Wolfe of “American Pickers” strikes it […]

Apr 26, 201351 min

Episode 197: Jamie Foxx, Macklemore, and Gollum’s Grandparents

This week: Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx plays Django and table tennis… JEOPARDY! champ Ken Jennings answers our *etiquette* questions (minus the buzzer)… “Thrift Shop” rap stars Macklemore & Ryan Lewis spin a playful party playlist… “The Splendid Table’s” Lynne Rosetto-Kasper is haunted by the ghost of Christmas-party past… “The Hobbit” FX mastermind Joe Letteri traces Gollum’s family tree back to Sherlock Holmes… And speaking of which, Rico learns to think like Sherlock Holmes. Plus: Brazilian f...

Apr 18, 201351 min

Episode 195: Eva Mendes, Julia Sweeney, and Blushing Stomachs

This week: Actress Eva Mendes decodes her new film – and hieroglyphics… Writer and “SNL” vet Julia Sweeney answers your etiquette questions from the fetal position… New Orleans indie rockers Generationals spin a sweet-and-sour soundtrack… Science writer Mary Roach (“Stiff,” the new “Gulp”) takes us on a field trip down the alimentary canal… Twitter queen Kelly Oxford tiptoes into David Copperfield’s private lair… And Wrigley’s Gum inspires a cocktail that WON’T lose its flavor. Plus, salt mines ...

Apr 04, 201351 min

Episode 194: Taiye Selasi, Andy Cohen, and Alt-J’s Pagan Playlist

This week: TV personality Andy Cohen – the man who launched 1,000 “Real Housewives” – tells us how to behave… Rising literary star Taiye Selasi on making novels and dresses… British prog-rock phenoms Alt-J throw a party in the woods… Satirist Sam Lipsyte on the joys of fatherhood… We tiptoe into “Room 237,” a film about “The Shining”‘s fanatical following… And Rico tastes the secret of panuchos. Plus, a drink born from cold fusion, new music from Mikal Cronin, and a monstrous joke.

Mar 29, 201351 min

Episode 193: Harmony Korine, Chris O’Dowd, and Ramen Ravioli

This week: Filmmaker Harmony Korine on Cassevetes and mime contests… Chris O’Dowd, star of “Bridesmaids” and now “The Sapphires,” on sudden successes… Marisa Silver develops an iconic photo into a novel… Noodling around with Ramen and Ravioli…The history of the Stanley Cup inspires a drink (with no ice!)…The Posts address door jams and outer-underwear…Your Spring fashion preview, featuring trendy Hamburglars…Plus, a new tune from “Vampire Weekend,” KFC’s poetry campaign, and a nuclear-powered jo...

Mar 21, 201351 min

Episode 192: Anna Kendrick, Kevin Nealon, and the Perks of Being a Pittsburgher

This Week: Oscar-nominated actress Anna Kendrick sings of adorkability… “Weeds”/SNL alum Kevin Nealon blesses us with etiquette advice…”The Perks of Being a Wallflower” creator Stephen Chbosky talks of time and place… Okkervil River runs through a party soundtrack… here comes the (terrorist) bride… And the Primanti Sandwich goes national. Plus: We witness the birth of a clean machine, shine a light on art, and learn the history of comedy.

Mar 15, 201350 min

Episode 191: Laura Dern, Billy Bragg, and Bite-Sized Giants

This week: “Enlightened” actress Laura Dern on brains and Baio… Folk-rocker Billy Bragg wins hearts and minds in our etiquette segment… They Might Be Giants list tiny gems… We toast the first man(nequin!) in space… The story behind SXSW, as told by the festival’s co-founder… Indie musician Tracey Thorn finds her voice… Plus, build-your-own hotels, cocktails by the barrel-ful, Side of the Road music, and lots more.

Mar 08, 201351 min

Episode 190: Matthew Goode, Dick Cavett, and Tiki Talk

This Week: “Stoker” star Matthew Goode on being a creepy Uncle and devoted Dad… Talk show legend Dick Cavett tells us how to ‘Hitchcock’… Essayist Michelle Orange undergoes a cinematic identity crisis… Ryan Quincy, creator of TV’s “Out There,” comes of age… Indie darlings Adam Green and Binki Shapiro turn scraps and metal into a dinner party soundtrack… How to run away with the circus… And Rico pays his last respects to a Tiki landmark… Plus, fly jokes, upside-downers, and woolly drinks.

Feb 28, 201351 min

Episode 189: David France, Jackie Collins, and Vampire Lemonade

This week: Oscar-nominated filmmaker David France on plagues and platforms… Pulitzer-finalist Karen Russell sinks her teeth into a new story collection… Bestseller queen Jackie Collins tells you how to (mis)behave… Alex Karpovsky (“Girls”) goes meta… We dip into chip history… Why religion matters to atheists… Plus Graveyard humor, cheating via satellite, and “Entertainment” provided by Phoenix.

Feb 22, 201351 min

Episode 187: Miguel, Rachel Dratch, and Seduction Instruction

This week: R&B sensation (and multiple Grammy-nominee) Miguel spells “wah!”… SNL alum Rachel Dratch lists her favorite lovahhs… “Thomas Jefferson” makes his second inaugural etiquette address… Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite tells a high-flying tale about Muddy Waters… Author Betsy Prioleau defends ladies’ men… Brendan learns not to confuse ‘soulful’ with ‘healthful’… And Aussie psych-band Pond rocks a Giant Tortoise. Plus: a bomb of a cocktail from the Georgia coast, fun with trigonometry,...

Feb 07, 201351 min

Episode 186: Jessica Chastain, Dave Barry, Jimmy Cliff, and Joy(ful) Division

This week: Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain, of “Zero Dark Thirty” on Pitt and pigs … Insane advice from humorist Dave Barry…Joy Division’s Peter Hook tells the bright side of a dark band…A Super Bowl Menu, minus meat?!…We excavate the story of a crown jewel, then drink a sparkling cocktail…Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff plays dinnertime DJ… Plus, flying goats, contagious laughter, and the spider of the year.

Feb 01, 201351 min

Episode 185: William H. Macy, Not Sauce, and the Original Animal

This week: This week: “Shameless” star William H. Macy has fun with despicable… Beloved singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith spins a party playlist… NYTimes cocktail columnist Rosie Schaap teaches proper bar behavior… Rico uncovers a sriracha scam… Gonzo filmmaker Jay Bulger (“Beware of Mr. Baker”) dives into the messy life of drummer Ginger Baker… And food phenom Eddie Huang (“Fresh Off the Boat”) tells us about his first ‘All-American’ dinner… Plus, non-smoking women, Tim Burton on clubbing, and ast...

Jan 24, 201351 min

Episode 184: Michael Apted, Sundancing, and Coaster Cocktails

This week: Filmmaker Michael Apted (“7 Up”) talks about renewing his landmark documentary series… Writer Manuel Gonzales tells us how NOT to bury a body…Etiquette all-stars Lizzie and Dan Post on the protocol of the communal newspaper bin… Sundance Fest director John Cooper shares some behind-the-screens stories… Britain’s latest food fad is (wait for it) American food?!… Josh Bearman – whose article inspired the film “Argo” – tells three other film-worthy tales… Plus, Drew’s brews, Cold War Kid...

Jan 17, 201351 min

Episode 183: David O. Russell, George Saunders, and Experiments with Cale

This week: Director David O. Russell (“Silver Linings Playbook,” “The Fighter”) steals the show…The Velvet Underground’s John Cale experiments with a list… Writer George Saunders weighs man purses and messenger bags…Comedian Nick Kroll (“Kroll Show”) tries to mix Oktoberfest and Yom Kippur – then has to flee Germany…We learn about the birth of Texas Oil Boom, and drink a slick cocktail…And there’s a new French dessert to swoon over…Plus, brilliant hatchet jobs, a viola-nt joke, and a trippy trac...

Jan 10, 201351 min

Episode 182: The Best of 2012

This week, a look back at our best moments of 2012: Jon Hamm dives into dark matter… Ed Asner answers your etiquette questions (and his cellphone)… We toast a historic Niagara fall… Folk rock icon Rodriguez rises from the dead… Alison Pill (“The Newsroom”) lists her favorite behind-the-scenes stories… Ramblin’ man Todd Snider recalls his brush with Nascar celebrity… And country singer Iris DeMent takes us home with a dinner party soundtrack…Plus “pretzel dumplings,” lucky underwear, and an OCD j...

Jan 03, 201351 min

Episode 181: Patti Smith, Bryan Cranston, and Drinkable Shrubs

This week: Punk icon Patti Smith dreams of little black dresses… “Breaking Bad’s” Bryan Cranston builds green houses, not meth labs… Zosia Mamet (Girls, Mad Men) picks other ‘against-type’ actors… we inhale the tale of the original “smoke-filled room”… and novelist Nathaniel Rich finds a rhino with all the answers. Plus: drinkable shrubs, a new track from Odd Future’s Frank Ocean, and the fastest road in the USA.

Dec 28, 201251 min

Episode 180: Jamie Foxx, Macklemore, and Gollum’s Grandparents

This Week: Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx plays Django and table tennis… JEOPARDY! champ Ken Jennings answers our *etiquette* questions (minus the buzzer)… “Thrift Shop” rap stars Macklemore & Ryan Lewis spin a playful party playlist… “The Splendid Table’s” Lynne Rosetto-Kasper is haunted by the ghost of Christmas-party past… “The Hobbit” FX mastermind Joe Letteri traces Gollum’s family tree back to Sherlock Holmes… And speaking of which, Rico learns to think like Sherlock Holmes. Plus: Brazilian f...

Dec 20, 201251 min

Episode 179: Beck, Modern Family Values, and Love’s Songs

This week: Pop star Beck Hansen’s new album looks great on paper… Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson of “Modern Family” offers etiquette advice… Darlene Love, singer of Xmas soul classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” lists non-awful yuletide tunes… We sing the praises of Leonard’s Cohen’s “Hallelujah”… Top chefs debate if food should come with footnotes… and we learn how “Gone With The Wind” brought Jimmy Carter and MLK together. Plus: paper beats air, a nutty joke, and Destiny’s *other* child....

Dec 13, 201251 min

Episode 178: Fred Armisen, Fishy Business, and Kinky Etiquette

This week, “Portlandia’s” Fred Armisen cops to working blue… legendary satirist/musician/Governor-to-be Kinky Friedman serves up Texas-sized etiquette tips… rockstar classical organist Cameron Carpenter thinks outside the Bach box… We toast an infamous Alabama pest… Fish fraud!… And “Kumare” documentarian Vikram Gandhi teaches you how to become a guru. Plus, a ‘Fun.’ joke, Da Vinci Code: Rhode Island, and your letters… all the way from Kyrgyzstan.

Dec 06, 201252 min

Episode 177: Tony Hawk, Benh Zeitlin & Incorrigible Ethels

This week: Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk does some extreme couchsurfing… “Beasts of the Southern Wild” director Benh Zeitlin on axe-painting… Controversy-courting essayist Katie Roiphe offers advice… author Susanna Moore dines in wartime Berlin… Brendan learns the difference between jerks and Ethels… and SF band Thao & The Get Down Stay Down give us a tune that gets you up, keep you up. Plus the history of a New-Wave Band Aid, the science of Xmas music, and sherry wine: it’s not just for Gr...

Nov 30, 201251 min

Episode 176: The All-Food Episode

This week: It’s an ALL-FOOD episode stuffed with tasty goodness. Gail Simmons of TV’s “Top Chef” survives internship hell and gets her ‘Angel’ wings…We reheat the history of the microwave, then get zapped with a custom cocktail…Fran Lebowitz and other notables share unforgettable mealtime memories…A free-range serving of The New Yorker’s Adam Gopnik… Just in time for Turkey Day, Rico heads to Istanbul to taste some delights… Chef/Memoirist Gabrielle Hamilton on sweetbreads and sweet success…And ...

Nov 20, 201251 min

Episode 175: Wyatt Cenac, Tilly and the Wall, and Kubrick’s Kitties

This week: “The Daily Show”‘s Wyatt Cenac gives us some ‘facts’ to chew on… “Life of Pi” author Yann Martel takes us on his favorite literary journeys…’Classic dining’ makes a comeback…A soundtrack from Tilly and the Wall to set the mood… How NOT to feign interest in arthouse cinema… We pay tribute to dunker-in-chief Daryl Dawkins a.k.a. Chocolate Thunder… Stanley Kubrick gets a close-up…Plus, Turkey Day etiquette, flying cellos, and silly headlines.

Nov 15, 201251 min

Episode 174: Jon Ronson, Eric Idle, and Flying Leotards

This Week: Eric Idle of “Monty Python” and “Spamalot” leads us in a singalong… Writer Jon Ronson plays sidekick to a real-life superhero…Folk icon Iris DeMent shares a homey dinner party soundtrack…Adam Pally of TV’s “Happy Endings” revisits his rocky beginnings…And kale invades Thanksgiving…. Plus, the birth of the leotard, the “King” of new music, and video games NOT named “Halo.”

Nov 08, 201252 min

Episode 173: The All-Book Episode

This week: It’s our first ever ALL-BOOK episode – a whole hour of fun with literary luminaries. MacArthur ‘Genius’ Junot Diaz probes the mind of a young cheater…LeVar Burton – beloved host of “Reading Rainbow” – offers life advice for book borrowers… British heavyweight Martin Amis lets his dogs out… And indie queen Miranda July tells us about a print relic… Plus, fun footnotes from T.C. Boyle, YA phenom Leigh Bardugo, and a guy named Shakespeare.

Nov 02, 201251 min

Episode 172: Stephin Merritt, Vengeance Eating, and Alka-hol

This week: Stephin Merritt’s attraction to love… Actress Amy Brenneman adjudicates listener etiquette… A vengeful lunch with Joel Stein… an Alkaholic drink… Neil deGrasse Tyson defends space… Bill Plympton’s favorite animation… and a 3-song prescription from Dr. Dog. Plus: Aggie yells, a Dinner Party Timeout, and a cross-word joke from singer Cate le Bon.

Oct 26, 201251 min

Episode 171: Ben Gibbard, Jens Lekman, and Fake Presidents

This week: Ben Gibbard, of the band Death Cab For Cutie, goes solo… Political comedian W. Kamau Bell lists his favorite fake presidents… Swedish rocker Jens Lekman tells of his fake almost-marriage… Advice for debate-watchers and couch-crashers from the Emily Post Institute kids… Top chef Michale Cimarusti makes a big deal about little fishes… and John Paul Getty III’s ear-ie kidnapping. Plus: a new track from Kanye West, the science of disgusting, and trampolines ‘cross the Seine.

Oct 18, 201251 min

Episode 170: Martin McDonagh, Ed Asner, and Real American Cheese

This week: Playwright & “Seven Psychopaths” filmmaker Martin McDonagh laughs in the face of death… TV legend Ed Asner calls us out… Mary Elizabeth Winstead lists some sobering cinema… ’5 under 35′ honoree Justin Torres reads from his celebrated novella… New Yorker critic David Denby divines film’s future… and Brendan seeks the *real* American cheese. Plus, a historic Niagara fall, a crushed dinosaur dream, and a wild new track from Tame Impala.

Oct 11, 201251 min

Episode 169: Anna Kendrick, Kevin Nealon, and the Perks of Being a Pittsburgher

This Week: Oscar-nominated actress Anna Kendrick sings of adorkability… “Weeds”/SNL alum Kevin Nealon blesses us with etiquette advice…”The Perks of Being a Wallflower” creator Stephen Chbosky talks of time and place… Okkervil River runs through a party soundtrack… here comes the (terrorist) bride… And the Primanti Sandwich goes national. Plus: We witness the birth of a clean machine, shine a light on art, and learn the history of comedy.

Oct 05, 201251 min
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