

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

May 10, 2013 • 51min
Episode 200: Noah Baumbach, David Alan Grier, Temple Grandin, and Kids Comix
This week: Filmmaker Noah Baumbach on the new New York… David Alan Grier answers (most of) your etiquette questions… Autism pioneer Temple Grandin diagnoses Mr. Spock… Travel writer Matt Gross goes to the edge… “Love & rockets” co-creator Gilbert Hernandez on ’60s comics that were super, sans superheroes… Why guilt is good (for groceries)… and […]

May 3, 2013 • 51min
Episode 199: Michael Shannon, Paul Theroux, and Hannibal’s Homies
This week: Actor Michael Shannon (“The Iceman”) revisits his Wobegon days… Hugh Dancy of TV’s “Hannibal” lists a few good baddies… Acclaimed travel writer Paul Theroux on a place he won’t be heading back to… “Daily Show” co-creator Lizz Winstead grins and bares it … San Fran rocker Mikal Cronin serves up soundtrack… Biscuits on […]

Apr 26, 2013 • 51min
Episode 198: Colin Firth, Bobby Flay, and Molly Ringwald’s Vault
This week: Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth explores masks and the mind… We grill star chef Bobby Flay on etiquette… Food writer Michael Pollan says we are because we cook…Molly Ringwald sets a new standard for musical standards… Jane Fonda’s headbands & home videos inspire a health-crazed cocktail… And Mike Wolfe of “American Pickers” strikes it […]

Apr 18, 2013 • 51min
Episode 197: Jamie Foxx, Macklemore, and Gollum’s Grandparents
This week: Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx plays Django and table tennis… JEOPARDY! champ Ken Jennings answers our *etiquette* questions (minus the buzzer)… “Thrift Shop” rap stars Macklemore & Ryan Lewis spin a playful party playlist… “The Splendid Table’s” Lynne Rosetto-Kasper is haunted by the ghost of Christmas-party past… “The Hobbit” FX mastermind Joe Letteri traces Gollum’s family tree back to Sherlock Holmes… And speaking of which, Rico learns to think like Sherlock Holmes. Plus: Brazilian food rising, monkeys with no rhythm, and zen dogs.

Apr 4, 2013 • 51min
Episode 195: Eva Mendes, Julia Sweeney, and Blushing Stomachs
This week: Actress Eva Mendes decodes her new film – and hieroglyphics… Writer and “SNL” vet Julia Sweeney answers your etiquette questions from the fetal position… New Orleans indie rockers Generationals spin a sweet-and-sour soundtrack… Science writer Mary Roach (“Stiff,” the new “Gulp”) takes us on a field trip down the alimentary canal… Twitter queen Kelly Oxford tiptoes into David Copperfield’s private lair… And Wrigley’s Gum inspires a cocktail that WON’T lose its flavor. Plus, salt mines in the sky, self-hating jokes, and a new Rogue Wave.

Mar 29, 2013 • 51min
Episode 194: Taiye Selasi, Andy Cohen, and Alt-J’s Pagan Playlist
This week: TV personality Andy Cohen – the man who launched 1,000 “Real Housewives” – tells us how to behave… Rising literary star Taiye Selasi on making novels and dresses… British prog-rock phenoms Alt-J throw a party in the woods… Satirist Sam Lipsyte on the joys of fatherhood… We tiptoe into “Room 237,” a film about “The Shining”‘s fanatical following… And Rico tastes the secret of panuchos. Plus, a drink born from cold fusion, new music from Mikal Cronin, and a monstrous joke.

Mar 21, 2013 • 51min
Episode 193: Harmony Korine, Chris O’Dowd, and Ramen Ravioli
This week: Filmmaker Harmony Korine on Cassevetes and mime contests… Chris O’Dowd, star of “Bridesmaids” and now “The Sapphires,” on sudden successes… Marisa Silver develops an iconic photo into a novel… Noodling around with Ramen and Ravioli…The history of the Stanley Cup inspires a drink (with no ice!)…The Posts address door jams and outer-underwear…Your Spring fashion preview, featuring trendy Hamburglars…Plus, a new tune from “Vampire Weekend,” KFC’s poetry campaign, and a nuclear-powered joke.

Mar 15, 2013 • 50min
Episode 192: Anna Kendrick, Kevin Nealon, and the Perks of Being a Pittsburgher
This Week: Oscar-nominated actress Anna Kendrick sings of adorkability… “Weeds”/SNL alum Kevin Nealon blesses us with etiquette advice…”The Perks of Being a Wallflower” creator Stephen Chbosky talks of time and place… Okkervil River runs through a party soundtrack… here comes the (terrorist) bride… And the Primanti Sandwich goes national. Plus: We witness the birth of a clean machine, shine a light on art, and learn the history of comedy.

Mar 8, 2013 • 51min
Episode 191: Laura Dern, Billy Bragg, and Bite-Sized Giants
This week: “Enlightened” actress Laura Dern on brains and Baio… Folk-rocker Billy Bragg wins hearts and minds in our etiquette segment… They Might Be Giants list tiny gems… We toast the first man(nequin!) in space… The story behind SXSW, as told by the festival’s co-founder… Indie musician Tracey Thorn finds her voice… Plus, build-your-own hotels, cocktails by the barrel-ful, Side of the Road music, and lots more.

Feb 28, 2013 • 51min
Episode 190: Matthew Goode, Dick Cavett, and Tiki Talk
This Week: “Stoker” star Matthew Goode on being a creepy Uncle and devoted Dad… Talk show legend Dick Cavett tells us how to ‘Hitchcock’… Essayist Michelle Orange undergoes a cinematic identity crisis… Ryan Quincy, creator of TV’s “Out There,” comes of age… Indie darlings Adam Green and Binki Shapiro turn scraps and metal into a dinner party soundtrack… How to run away with the circus… And Rico pays his last respects to a Tiki landmark… Plus, fly jokes, upside-downers, and woolly drinks.