Culture Gabfest

Wicked Triple Feature Edition

10 snips
Nov 26, 2025
Guest host Dan Kois, a freelance writer and cultural commentator, joins the conversation about the complexities of adaptations and musical storytelling. They dive into the darker themes in "Wicked for Good," praising Ariana Grande's powerful performance while debating the divide's impact. The discussion shifts to "Train Dreams,' exploring its visual beauty and the nuances lost in adaptation. Lastly, they reflect on the intimate escape of "Peter Hujar’s Day," highlighting its portrayal of art and friendship. Tune in for a rich cultural journey!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Ariana Grande’s Show-Stopping Turn

  • Ariana Grande's performance surprised critics with precision, vocal power, and comic timing.
  • Her role may be campaigned strategically for supporting or lead Oscar categories.
ANECDOTE

Packed Theater Of Enthusiastic Fans

  • Dan Kois described seeing a packed theater of preteens losing their minds during Wicked's big moments.
  • He found that communal response rewarding and energizing for the film experience.
ADVICE

Use Slate Plus For Bonus Content

  • Consider subscribing to Slate Plus for bonus episodes and ad-free feeds mentioned by the hosts.
  • The network offers a companion Pluribus recap and extra content for members.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app