
The Dinner Party Download
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 27, 2017 • 51min
398: Abbi Jacobson, Whitney Cummings, and More Wonder Women
Actor Abbi Jacobson remembers her past recycling bottles for spare change… Comedian Whitney Cummings talks about being polite when you’re codependent… Drummer Patty Schemel makes a case for why drummers shouldn’t be the butt of the joke… The director of “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women”… The best baguette you’ll ever eat… and more!

Oct 20, 2017 • 30min
Speakeasy Special: DPD News and Comic Relief with Whitney Cummings
Thought you were getting an encore broadcast? Surprise! It’s actually an all-new Speakeasy! First: Lots of news in the DPD universe including a big announcement about the future of the show. Up next: an almost-unedited chat with comedian Whitney Cummings! She stopped by to answer a few etiquette questions and ended up teaching us about […]

Oct 13, 2017 • 51min
397: Willem Dafoe, Depeche Mode, Carla Hall Shares Her Grandmother’s Cornbread Recipe
Actor Willem Dafoe explains what he learns from screen newbies… Electro band Depeche Mode on how travel has made their music more socially conscious… A former Obama speechwriter convinces us that ferns are the most romantic plant… Chef Carla Hall shares her grandmother’s cast iron cornbread recipe… Rachel Bloom takes on your etiquette questions… and […]

Oct 11, 2017 • 34min
Double Take: Joel Kim Booster Reflects on the Evolution of His Career… and His Pony Stylist Dreams
(Heads up: This week’s episode features adult humor. It is not suitable for young listeners.) We’ve got something entirely new for you today… introducing “Double Take”! A new podcast-only goody where you’ll hear comedians dissecting their craft, and then, they’ll talk us through the evolution of a single joke: from its first, usually pretty awful […]

Oct 6, 2017 • 50min
396: ‘Blade Runner 2049’ director Denis Villeneuve, Brendan and Tobin Low Take Manhattan
While Rico’s away, Brendan plays hooky with special guest co-host Tobin Low, of WNYC’s Nancy (but don’t tell Rico!) Also: Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve worries about the pressure in making the sequel to “Blade Runner”… Comic Joel Kim Booster breaks down a bad joke and how he made it better… Etiquette experts Lizzie Post and Dan […]

Sep 29, 2017 • 51min
395: Shania Twain, Sterling K. Brown, Cheese Tea
Shania Twain explains how a vegetarian can survive a country bbq… Musician Emily Haines challenges you to pick difficult music for your dinner party… Erin McCann makes a case for the mosquito emoji… The filmmakers behind “Battle of the Sexes” reveal why there was 40-year-old underwear on the set of their film… Rico drink tea […]

Sep 26, 2017 • 29min
Dinner For One: Sterling K. Brown (‘This Is Us’) Enjoys Crying as Much as You Do
We’re back with a digital treat this week! It’s another installment of our almost-unedited “Dinner for One” series. This time around, Brendan chats with “This Is Us” actor and recent Emmy winner Sterling K. Brown about the hit NBC drama, why he found the opportunity to explore Randall’s relationship with his father “intoxicating,” his new […]

Sep 22, 2017 • 17min
Speakeasy Special: Depeche Mode, Margaret Cho, Flying Lotus
Folks! Instead of reheating an encore episode, we’ve carefully baked a brand-new Speakeasy soufflé for you! In this episode: Margaret Cho tells morbid tales of graveyards, murder, and (gasp!) Norman Mailer. Flying Lotus shares how getting into an *ahem* higher state of consciousness helped him direct “Kuso.” “Strong Island” filmmaker Yance Ford recommends a few […]

Sep 15, 2017 • 49min
394: Margaret Cho, Michael McDonald, And We Cover Your Kvass
Comedian Margaret Cho lets listeners know when it’s OK to ask Asian-Americans where they’re from (Hint: never)… “Strong Island” documentarian Yance Ford re-examines his brother’s murder – and his family’s search for justice – 25 years later… Yacht Rock royalty Michael McDonald gives a soundtrack that takes him back to his childhood… Brendan tastes a […]

Sep 8, 2017 • 49min
393: Jesmyn Ward, Matt Berninger, and Future Islands’ Pet-Friendly Playlist
Author Jesmyn Ward admits to some guilty pleasures… The threesome behind Future Islands DJs the ultimate “grill and chill” playlist – pets allowed… Director Theo Anthony remembers what it’s like to have Werner Herzog as your teacher… The National’s Matt Berninger explains the perks of being a rock star *and* a dad… Librarian Annie Spence […]
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