This week, the panel begins by discussing Peacock’s latest mystery series The Resort. Then, the panel takes a more light-hearted turn with Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. Finally, the panel is joined by author and Slate editor Dan Kois to discuss his recent Slate piece about “The 50 Greatest Fictional Deaths of All Time.” In Slate Plus, the panel talks about movie and television credits. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: A suggestion from Carl Wilson (and in memory for Olivia...
Aug 10, 2022•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by trying to tackle Jordan Peele’s most recent sci-fi, western, horror film NOPE. Then, the panel is joined by author and host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler, to discuss the new HBO series The Last Movie Stars. Finally, Slate’s editorial assistant and production assistant for Culture Gabfest, Nadira Goffe, joins to discuss Beyoncé’s 7th studio album Renaissance. In Slate Plus, the panel gets into some NOPE spoilers. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorse...
Aug 03, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel is joined by the host of Slate’s Hit Parade podcast, Chris Molanphy, for our annual Summer Strut episode. First, they discuss this year’s chart-topping songs of the summer and their lack of strut-ness. Then, the panel dives into the longest listener-suggested summer playlist to date (42 hours!), and takes turns in a roundtable discussion of their top favorites from the list. You can find the panel’s shortlist of favorite summer strut songs here: https://open.spotify.com/play...
Jul 27, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, author, poet, and host of the podcast This Is Good for You, Nichole Perkins, fills in for Julia as the panel begins by digging into Apple TV+’s new series Loot. Then, the panel explores sex and sexuality in the film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. Finally, the panel is joined by science writer and editor, Jaime Green, to break down the meaning of NASA’s new Webb Telescope images—her new book The Possibility of Life title comes out in April. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their relat...
Jul 20, 2022•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, New York Times columnist and Slate graduate Jamelle Bouie fills in for Julia as the panel begins by taking on Thor: Love and Thunder with staff writer at The Atlantic and co-host of the podcast Blank Check, David Sims. Then, the panel feels the heat with the new documentary Fire of Love. Finally, the panel ranks their favorite content streaming services. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses movie cliches they’d rather do without. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: Sta...
Jul 13, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, New York Times columnist and Slate graduate Jamelle Bouie fills in for Julia as the panel begins by answering the call of The Black Phone. Then, the panel digs into FX’s newest hit TV show The Bear. Finally, they discuss the perplexing and popular world of gross food trends on TikTok. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses culture’s relationship to politics and affecting an audience. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: Peter Brook the legendary theater director passed aw...
Jul 06, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by experiencing Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic Elvis with Slate’s pop critic, author, and media professor, Jack Hamilton. Then, the panel goes on the run with the new FX series The Old Man. Finally, the panel discusses the viral article on cancel culture from New York Magazine’s website The Cut, titled “Canceled at 17.” In Slate Plus, the panel divulges what they’re actually excited about. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: A movie Dana just reviewed for...
Jun 29, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by trying out the new Adam Sandler film on Netflix, Hustle. Then, they discuss the new hit Indian film RRR. Finally, the panel is joined by host of Slate's Hit Parade podcast, Chris Molanphy, to discuss musician Kate Bush's recent rise in the charts. In Slate Plus, the panel debates which SNL stars became the best film actors. Email us at culturefest@slate.com Endorsements Dana: A crown of sonnets, For My Father: A Sonnet Redouble, by Alexis Sears in Literary Matters....
Jun 22, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by fraternizing with the dinosaurs of Jurassic World: Dominion. Then, they’re joined by senior writer for New York Magazine E. Alex Jung to discuss the movie that changed the Bechdel Test, Fire Island. Finally, the panel discusses a New York Times opinion piece from Tish Harrison, titled “I Married the Wrong Person, and I’m So Glad I Did.” In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the Bechdel Test. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: In honor of the recentl...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by diving into the animated world of Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Then, they reflect on Norm Macdonald’s career and influence with his posthumous special Nothing Special. Finally, the panel enters Harry’s House as they are joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson to discuss Harry Styles’ most recent album. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their ideal cultural mix. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: In celebration of the late-great Prince’s birt...
Jun 08, 2022•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by re-visiting the Top Gun academy with Top Gun: Maverick. Then, the panel is joined by critic and author Jason Bailey to assess the career of George Carlin, presented in the two-part documentary George Carlin’s American Dream. Finally, the panel discusses the defamation trail of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard that is gripping the media. In Slate Plus, the panel remembers the career of Ray Liotta. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: The film Paris, 13th...
Jun 01, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by discussing A24’s newest horror/thriller film from Alex Garland Men. Then, the panel jumps back in time with the reboot of Canadian comedy troupe Kids in the Hall. Finally, the panel is joined by contributing writer for the New York Times, Jody Rosen, to discuss his newest book Two Wheels Good: The History and Mystery of the Bicycle. In Slate Plus, the panel spoils Men to get to the bottom of the horror mystery. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: ...
May 25, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by discussing the new true crime series Under the Banner of Heaven. Then, the panel time travels with the film Petite Maman. Finally, the panel debates “The Future of Public Parks,” inspired by a New Yorker piece from Alexandra Lange. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their experiences having their work edited. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: The novel, Howards End by E.M. Forster. Julia: A listener response to her former request of snorkeling’s...
May 18, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Steve is joined by author and Slate editor and writer, Dan Kois, and Slate staff writer, Heather Schwedel. The panel begins by discussing the French film Happening with Susan Matthews, Slate’s news director and the host of Slow Burn Season 7, which will focus on Roe v. Wade. Then, the panel sails the high seas with HBO’s Our Flag Means Death. Finally, Julia pops in for a surprise guest segment as the panel discusses Kim Kardashian’s Marilyn Monroe-inspired Met Gala appearance. In Slat...
May 11, 2022•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Isaac Butler, author and co-host of Slate’s podcast Working, fills in for Steve as the panel begins by seeking Valhalla with The Northman. Then, the panel takes a time-traveling ride with Season 2 of Russian Doll. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion to discuss the new social media app BeReal. In Slate Plus, the panel—plus guest producer Jessamine Molli—share their experiences watching content while under the influence. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. E...
May 04, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by assessing Nicolas Cage’s satirical cinematic metaverse in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Then, the panel is joined by co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler, to discuss the final season of Better Call Saul. Finally, the panel is joined by Washington Post columnist Will Oremus to break down Elon Musk’s recent acquisition of Twitter. In Slate Plus, Steve corrects a mistake and the panel discusses their relationships to imaginary places. Email us a...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by entering the multiverse of Everything Everywhere All At Once. Then, the panel dives into Apple TV+’s newest spy drama Slow Horses (based on books that were reviewed by Slate’s own Laura Miller). Finally, the panel talks about music’s next big thing: British indie-rock duo Wet Leg’s newest self-titled album. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses a Gawker article from Rachel Connolly, titled “The ‘Pity Me!’ Personal Essay.” Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsement...
Apr 20, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel is joined by June Thomas, co-host of Working (Slate’s podcast on the creative process). They begin by digesting HBO’s Julia Child series, Julia, starring one of June’s favorites: Sarah Lancashire. Then, the panel dives into the world of AI with After Yang. Finally, the panel answers Dana’s very important question: is Chris Pine the Robert Redford of our time? In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their favorite Canadian cultural products. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endo...
Apr 13, 2022•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by revisiting the iconic film The Godfather in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Then, the panel answers the question Is It Cake? as they cut into Netflix’s newest hit. Finally, the panel is joined by Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of Memphis, Jeremy Orosz, to discuss forensic musicology and what counts as musical plagiarism—which he wrote about for Slate, using Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” lawsuit as a case study. In Slate Plus, the panel discuss...
Apr 06, 2022•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by breaking down everything that went down during the weirdest Oscars ever. Then, the panel is joined by author, professor, and Slate’s pop critic, Jack Hamilton, to discuss Adam McKay’s over-stylized docudrama about the 1980s Lakers, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate senior writer Mark Joseph Stern to discuss Disney CEO Bob Chapek and his response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses O...
Mar 30, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, New York Times columnist and Slate graduate, Jamelle Bouie, fills in for Steve as the panel begins by entering the Gotham of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Then, for our final pre-Oscars round-up, the panel digs into Best Picture nominee Drive My Car. Finally, the panel discusses the trend of ever-elongating movie runtimes. In Slate Plus, the panel questions Jamelle about his recent deep dive into the work of Martin Scorcese. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: Pedro Almod...
Mar 23, 2022•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, senior editor at Slate, Allegra Frank, fills in for Steve as the panel begins by debating the enjoyability of Apple TV+’s new star-studded thriller Severance. Then, the panel digs into Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest Oscar contender Licorice Pizza. Finally, the panel discusses longform YouTube videos and the rise and fall of attention spans, inspired by Terry Nguyen’s article “The video essay boom” for Vox. Referenced video essays include: Mike’s Mic on Pretty Little Liars, Jenny Nichol...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by hashing out Hulu’s new Silicon Valley miniseries The Dropout. Then, the panel breaks down Pedro Almodóvar’s recent film Parallel Mothers. Finally, the panel is joined by author and Slate writer Dan Kois to rant about the growing dangers of pickup trucks. In Slate Plus, the panel answers the classic celebrity hall pass question. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: The website Timemaps.com, where you can view maps of the world over time and focus on...
Mar 09, 2022•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by discussing the Norwegian Oscar contenderThe Worst Person in the World. Then, they're joined by Slate’s TV critic and host of the Decoder Ring podcast, Willa Paskin, to digest the New York Time’s latest hit podcast The Trojan Horse Affair. Finally, the panel is joined by screenwriter, director, and journalist Michael Idov to discuss Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s pivot from the entertainment industry to president of Ukraine. In Slate Plus, the panel answers a question from a...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by pondering the longevity of the Jackass franchise, focusing on the latest addition, Jackass Forever, with Slate staff writer Sam Adams. Then, the panel watches the surprise Oscar Best Picture contender Nightmare Alley. Finally, the panel discusses the conversation-starter article from The Cut’s Allison P. Davis, “A Vibe Shift Is Coming. Will Any of Us Survive It?” In Slate Plus, Sam joins the panel again to answer a listener's question about how knowing the ways in ...
Feb 23, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by discussing Hulu’s new biopic Pam & Tommy. Then, they dive into the Academy Award-record breaking animated Danish film Flee. Finally, the panel discusses Jennifer Senior’s popular article for The Atlantic, “It’s Your Friends Who Break Your Heart” about friendships as you age. In Slate Plus, the panel takes inspiration from the Scriptnotes podcast and ponders what aspects of other languages they would want to borrow for English. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. End...
Feb 16, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Culture Gabfest is coming to you live from The Strand Bookstore in NYC for a special event! In this live taping, Steve interviews Dana about her new book (Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the Twentieth Century) and Isaac Butler about his new book (The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act). In Slate Plus, Dana and Isaac answer some questions from the audience. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Producti...
Feb 09, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel is first joined by author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler, to discuss the new Joel Coen rendition of The Tragedy of Macbeth. (Buy Isaac’s new book!) Then, the panel is joined by author and Slate correspondent, Justin Peters, to explain the phenomena of Joe Rogan and the recent Spotify controversy. Finally, the panel discusses the decision to rebrand the famous advertising characters of the Mars candy M&M’s. In Slate Plus, the panel answers listener quest...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Slate’s TV critic and host of the podcast Decoder Ring, Willa Paskin, and poet, essayist, podcast host, and author, Nichole Perkins, fill in for Dana and Julia. The panel begins by taking a spin with Julian Fellowes’ (creator of Downton Abbey) new show The Gilded Age. Then, the panel debates about Kenny G and the installment of the docuseries Music Box: Listening to Kenny G. Finally, the panel ponders Ted Gioia’s question: is old music killing new music? In Slate Plus, the panel discu...
Jan 26, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the panel begins by pondering Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, The Lost Daughter. Then, the panel gushes about the fresh workplace comedy Abbott Elementary. Finally, the panel discusses everyone's latest obsession: the word game Wordle. In Slate Plus, the panel enters spoiler territory as they continue to puzzle out The Lost Daughter. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana: An LA related endorsement: The Academy Museum (run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
