On this week’s episode, Steve and Dana talk to Slate’s television critic Willa Paskin about the unprecedented current season of The Bachelorette. Then Slate's Brow Beat editor, Matthew Dessem, comes on board for the rest of the show to talk about Saturday Night Live and two recent articles about societal collapse, one titled The Next Decade Could Be Even Worse and one titled How Do You Know When Society Is About to Fall Apart? In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss which TV universes they'd like to be...
Nov 18, 2020•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia talk with New York Times book critic Dwight Garner about his book Garner’s Quotations: A Modern Miscellany. Next, they are joined by Slate’s television critic Willa Paskin to discuss The Queen’s Gambit. Finally, the panel imagines how the Trump administration will be remembered in American Studies classes years from now. In Slate Plus, the hosts talk with writer and enneagram counselor Jacob Rubin about their enneagrams. Podcast production by Camero...
Nov 11, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve and Dana are joined by guest host Isaac Butler, writer and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast. First, the group talks about What the Constitution Means to Me, the Broadway play now streaming on Amazon. Next, they talk about the legacy of Sean Connery, who passed away last week. Finally, they discuss the new Netflix documentary series Song Exploder, based on the podcast. In Slate Plus, the hosts talk with Isaac about the future of the theater industry in pandemic tim...
Nov 04, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens are joined by guest host Jody Rosen, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine. First, they discuss Borat 2 (officially, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm). Next, they dive into music with “The Harry Smith B-Sides.” Finally, they discuss Zoom’s newfound, and sometimes dangerous, place in our culture. On this week’s Slate Plus segment the hosts extend their analysis of Borat 2, diving into the scene with Rudy Giuliani. Podcas...
Oct 28, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss The Trial of the Chicago 7. Then, the panel is joined by Willa Paskin, Slate’s TV critic, to discuss Ted Lasso. Finally, they discuss “Cereal Eats” with New York Times opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie. The Slate Plus segment this week features producer Jessamine Molli, as the panel talks about knowing about things before they become popular. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Whi...
Oct 21, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Dana, Steve, and Julia talk about Kirsten Johnson's new documentary, Dick Johnson is Dead, in which Johnson documents her father's experience with dementia. Then the hosts are joined by LA Times television editor Matt Brennan to discuss Luca Guadagnino's HBO series We Are Who We Are. And finally, Slate's pop critic Jack Hamilton joins the show to talk about Eddie Van Halen and the appeal of screeching guitar solos. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each epis...
Oct 14, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner are joined by Slate book critic Laura Miller for a full episode. First, the panel takes on The Glorias, the new film based on Gloria Steinem’s life. Next, they are joined by New Yorker staff writer Lauren Collins to talk about the Netflix comedy-drama Emily in Paris. Finally, the panel discusses the narrative drama of Donald Trump’s having COVID-19. The Slate Plus segment this week features Laura’s book recommendations for fall. ...
Oct 07, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the Netflix film My Octopus Teacher. Next, they chat about the legacy and ending of Keeping Up With the Kardashians (check out the Gabfest’s 2011 conversation about the Kardashians here). Finally, the panel is joined by Slate staff writer Aaron Mak to analyze the latest episode of Reply All on QAnon. On Slate Plus, the hosts discuss how they try to balance work and family. Slate Plus members get a bonus seg...
Sep 30, 2020•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are live from … Zoom! First, the panel talks about Cuties, the Netflix film that has stirred up controversey. Next, the panel discusses the Emmys—how successful (and necessary) was the virtual awards show? Finally, the panel takes on the future of fashion. Get your closets ready: Sweatpants will not be around forever. In Slate Plus, the hosts answer listeners’ questions about philosophy, comfort watches, and so much more. (Per a listener’s question,...
Sep 24, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dana reminds listeners about tonight's virtual live show! It's at 8pm ET on Slate's Facebook and YouTube pages. For links and more info, visit Slate.com/live If you can't make it, that's okay! The audio version of the live show will be dropped in your feed on Thursday evening.
Sep 23, 2020•48 sec•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Slate’s Aymann Ismail to discuss the Emmy-nominated series Ramy (check out Aymann’s story for Slate on Ramy Youssef here). Next, the panel talks with Glenn Whipp, an entertainment columnist for the LA Times, about the new inclusion requirements the Oscars recently announced. Finally, the panel dives in HBO Max’s movie Unpregnant. In Slate Plus, the hosts open up about the first thing they’ll want to do in a post-pandemic world and what...
Sep 16, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve is joined by guests hosts Laura Miller, a books and culture columnist for Slate, and Jamelle Bouie, a columnist for the New York Times and Slate’s former chief political correspondent. The panel takes on Lovecraft Country, HBO’s new horror series. Next, they talk about Charlie Kaufman’s enigmatic I’m Thinking of Ending Things. And finally, the panel dives into the “is NYC over?” debate. In Slate Plus, the hosts talk about a George Washington University professor’s r...
Sep 09, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss Bill & Ted Face the Music, the decades-later sequel to the 1989 and 1991 originals. (This was also Dana’s first movie review for Slate after the pandemic’s monthslong disruption! Check it out here.) Next, the panel talks about Chadwick Boseman’s legacy with Wesley Morris, a critic-at-large for the New York Times who wrote about the late actor’s powerful approach to biographical moviemaking. Finally, they dive into Dana’s comfort pick—Days of...
Sep 02, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss a recent video of twins’ listening to Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight” that went viral. Then, the panelists talk about John M. Barry’s The Great Influenza. Finally, they take on this week’s comfort watch—Network. In Slate Plus, the hosts break down The Daily’s recent two-part series on cancel culture. Endorsements: Dana: The accurate lime cordial recipe! Julia: Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld Steve: “Dickens in Brooklyn” by Jay Neugeboren in ...
Aug 19, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson to take on Taylor Swift’s Folklore. Then, the panelists discusses school reopenings, riffing off of Dana’s recent op-ed for the Washington Post. Finally, they break down this week’s comfort watch—the 1936 screwball comedy, My Man Godfrey. In Slate Plus, the hosts are joined by Slate staff writer Lili Loofbourow to discuss her recent pieces on cancel culture and online debate. Slate Plus members get a bo...
Aug 05, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy to take on contenders for song of the summer, an unusual competition this year that has been heavily influenced by TikTok. Then, the team dives into 20 hours of listener-nominated songs to determine the “struttiest,” giving you new music to listen to as you strut around your house this summer or when venturing out on an exciting adventure to the grocery store. In Slate Plus, the hosts zip through a lightn...
Jul 22, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by New Yorker staff writer Doreen St. Félix to talk about I May Destroy You. Then, Steve and Dana are joined by Isaac Butler, writer and co-host of this season of Slate’s Working podcast, to discuss the filmed version of Hamilton, now streaming on Disney Plus. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s comfort-watch pick of the week: the 1996 disaster film Twister. In Slate Plus, the hosts continue to talk with Isaac about Hamilton, its ending...
Jul 08, 2020•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Jamelle Bouie to talk about the toppling of statues across the country. Then, the panel talks about Spike Lee’s latest film Da 5 Bloods. Finally, they discuss Julia’s comfort-watch pick: Center Stage. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss the postponement of the Oscars to 2021. Other items discussed in the show: The Slate podcast series Reconstruction, hosted by Jamelle Bouie and Rebecca Onion This Twitter thread on the history of Mount Rus...
Jun 24, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Lauren Michele Jackson to discuss her recent piece in Vulture, “What Is an Anti-Racist Reading List For?” Then, the panel talks about cop shows during this current moment, jumping off of a recent article in the Washington Post by Alyssa Rosenberg that argues these procedurals that tend to glorify the police should be canceled. Finally, they discuss the power of citizen-shot videos of police brutality that are widely shared on social me...
Jun 10, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Mindy Kaling’s new television show Never Have I Ever. Next, they talk about Twitter beefs in the time of COVID-19—from Alison Roman to Lana del Rey. Finally, the panel dives into Steve’s comfort watch for this week: Out of Sight. On the Slate Plus segment this week, Dana and Steve try Sudoku for the first time, as inspired by this recent captivating video. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production ass...
May 27, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the Hulu adaption of Sally Rooney’s Normal People. Next, they talk about John Krasinski’s Some Good News. Finally, the panel dives into Dana’s comfort watch for this week: In a Lonely Place. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel is joined by Jody Rosen to talk about the music and legacy of Little Richard. Sign up for Slate Plus at Slate.com/cultureplus Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Productio...
May 13, 2020•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dana Stevens shares a message for Culture Gabfest listeners. Become a Slate Plus member now to support the show, and you'll get a bonus segment every episode, ad-free Slate podcasts, and access to Dana Stevens' member-exclusive movies podcast Flashback.
May 06, 2020•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner break down the Netflix miniseries Unorthodox. Next, they bring on Jesse David Fox, Vulture writer and host of the Good One podcast, to talk about the state of comedy today. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s comfort watch pick for this week: the iconic and hilarious Airplane! On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses how their fitness routines have changed in quarantine. Podcast production by Came...
Apr 29, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Hulu’s historical drama Mrs. America. Next, they bring on Slate music critic Carl Wilson to break down Fiona Apple’s latest album “Fetch the Bolt Cutters.” Finally, the panel discusses Steve’s favorite movie of all time: Local Hero. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel takes on quarantine cookery. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.
Apr 22, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner analyze the latest way to watch television: Quibi. Next, they bring on Slate music critic Carl Wilson to talk about the legacy of the late songwriter John Prine. Finally, the panel dives into The Talented Mr. Ripley, Dana’s comfort watch pick for this week. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each week, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign...
Apr 15, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner are joined by Jen Agg to talk about the fate of the restaurant industry. Next, they bring on New York Times Magazine contributing writer Jody Rosen to discuss the passing of Adam Schlesinger. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s favorite movie and comfort watch—Sneakers. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each week, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast ...
Apr 08, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf is joined by Slate senior editor Sam Adams and Slate podcast producer Daniel Schroeder discuss the wildness of Tiger King. Then, Steve teams back up with Dana Stevens and Julia Turner to talk about one of his favorite comfort watches: Paddington 2. Finally, the panel analyzes celebrity in the age of coronavirus by exploring the two recent telethons respectively hosted by Elton John and James Corden. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel ...
Apr 01, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Dana Stevens rejoins Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner from her book leave for a few segments. First, Steve and Dana chat with Slate’s books and culture columnist Laura Miller about The Plot Against America. Next, Steve, Dana, and Julia talk about the power of walking, particularly in this time of quarantine, and the literary history that precedes the activity. Finally, Steve and Julia chat with Slate staff writer Dan Kois about the 1996 film Big Night, a delicio...
Mar 25, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about the film Spenser Confidential, starring Mark Wahlberg on Netflix. Next, they discuss Reply All’s recent episode “The Case of the Missing Hit.” Finally, the panel is joined by Dana Stevens to lay out how they approach culture during this time of quarantine. How much do we lean into escapism? On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel takes on Steve’s own “missing hit” mys...
Mar 18, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about Kelly Reichardt’s film First Cow. Next, they bring on Slate television critic Willa Paskin to discuss the latest episode of her podcast Decoder Ring, which dives into the real-life bookstore battle behind You’ve Got Mail. Finally, the panel dives into Molly Fischer’s feature in the Cut on the millennial aesthetic. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses the ...
Mar 11, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
