The Dinner Party Download
American Public Media
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 11, 2015 • 50min
Episode 329: Alicia Vikander, Randall Munroe, EL VY
Alicia Vikander, star of “The Danish Girl,” on why she hates Pictionary… “xkcd” cartoonist Randall Munroe helps us keep it simple… Matt Berninger and Brent Knopf of the band El Vy quarrel over Cat Stevens… Emily Post’s great-grandchildren on whether it’s OK to bring a half-empty bottle of wine to a party (or is it […]
Dec 4, 2015 • 50min
Episode 328: Ian McKellen, Cindy Crawford, Wine Crime
Master thespian Sir Ian McKellen with etiquette advice and real talk about his least favorite co-stars… supermodel Cindy Crawford recalls her photo shoot with a 40-pound python… Investigative journalist Christine Haughney on why in wine, there’s not always truth… Will Toledo — of lo-fi indie rock band Car Seat Headrest — DJs your laid-back dinner […]
Nov 27, 2015 • 50min
Episode 311: Joe Manganiello, Devendra Banhart, Joy Williams
Encore Broadcast: “Magic Mike” star Joe Manganiello strips away our bad etiquette habits… Artist-musician Devendra Banhart ruminates on art, ritual, and everlasting honey… Grammy-winner Joy Williams (formerly of The Civil Wars) shares a party soundtrack, direct from her Nashville “Night Circus”…The pros and cons of dining with dogs… Nina Simone gets a close-up, from acclaimed documentarian […]
Nov 20, 2015 • 49min
The 2015 All-Food Show
Just in time for a week of feasting, it’s our special All-Food Show! Chefs Gabrielle Hamilton and Dan Barber turn food afterthoughts into fine dining … We ruminate on the history of the toothpick… Questlove and Conor Oberst play dinnertime DJ… Eddie Huang, of “Fresh off the Boat” fame, addresses do’s and don’ts about donuts… […]
Nov 13, 2015 • 50min
Episode 326: Allison Janney, Norman Lear, John Mulaney
Allison Janney, star of the CBS sitcom “Mom,” on the humor in life’s heavy stuff… Alan Palomo, better known as Neon Indian, DJs your bomb shelter dinner party (but you’ll have to bring your own food)… Bon Appetit’s Adam Rapoport on how to pre-game for a food coma… The veteran producer behind “The Jeffersons” and […]
Nov 6, 2015 • 50min
Episode 325: Brie Larson, Gloria Steinem, Raury
Actor Brie Larson, star of “Room,” talks about being trapped on a plane while passengers watch her movie… The esteemed Gloria Steinem answers etiquette questions and gives you permission NOT to smile… folk-hip-hop artist Raury DJs your dinner party in a futuristic forest… Mary-Louise Parker reads a letter from her new book (don’t call it a memoir!)… Plus, […]
Oct 30, 2015 • 50min
Episode 324: Carrie Brownstein, T.J. Miller, Colin Hanks
Indie rock god Carrie Brownstein on the troubles and triumphs of touring, as outlined in her new memoir… “Silicon Valley” star TJ Miller recommends wedding gifts for the budget-conscious (make sure you have your tetanus shot!)… Actor and first-time director Colin Hanks guides us through the rise and fall of Tower Records… Rising opera star […]
Oct 27, 2015 • 14min
Speakeasy Special #4
Surprise! It’s a new “Speakeasy” — our occasional, off-the-cuff, slightly profane, online-only series in which we give you a peek behind the scenes at the making of the DPD… and give a listen to some of the great stuff we had to leave on the cutting room floor. This time around: never-before-heard snippets of actor […]
Oct 23, 2015 • 50min
Episode 310: Al Pacino, Adam Scott & Jason Schwartzman, Flo Morrissey
Encore Broadcast: Al Pacino reflects on playing himself (method, of course), improvising with Sidney Lumet, and watching YOU from the corner booth… Adam Scott and Jason Schwartzman, two forces behind the risque new comedy “The Overnight,” pass our etiquette pop(corn) quiz… Precocious singer Flo Morrissey fashions a soundtrack for lovers, dreamers, and an international man of […]
Oct 16, 2015 • 50min
Episode 323: Olivia Wilde, Elvis Costello, Paul F. Tompkins
This week: “Meadowland” actor Olivia Wilde tells us about non-nurturing female characters… Music legend Elvis Costello chats about his new memoir… We toast to Little Richard’s religious awakening… Art god Laurie Anderson weaves together a gripping tale about her rainy stint at an Amish farm… Young adult novelist Leigh Bardugo gives us her list of […]
