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
Aug 4, 2011 • 19min
Episode 108: Don Cheadle, Shredding History, and Speculoos
This week: Actor Don Cheadle (“The Guard”) kisses and doesn’t tell… Music history gets a blast to the eardrums… And Rico discovers the best waffle topping you’ve never heard of. Plus, an uncool joke from Emma Straub, and new old soul sounds from The Shakes.
Jul 26, 2011 • 16min
Episode 107: Brit Marling & Mike Cahill, Toothless Tickets, and the Confederate Cleopatra
This week: The filmmaking duo behind “Another Earth” keep it real… L.A. tells the truth about traffic tickets… and a Confederate spy in the house of love. Plus Miranda July sings for laughs, and Cut Off Your Hands. That’s a band, not an order.
Jul 20, 2011 • 24min
Episode 106: Errol Morris, Mammoth Cheese, and 4000 Years Of Food
This week: Documentary auteur Errol Morris reluctantly joins the party… A half-ton cheese rolls up to the White House… and we dig into millenia’s worth of food with culture critic Lewis Lapham. Plus, a joke from author Ransom Riggs, and a new tune from The War on Drugs.
Jul 15, 2011 • 14min
Episode 105: Shabazz Palaces, Disco Bashes, and Cola Wars 2.0
This week: Shabazz Palaces’ Ishmael Butler gives us something to chew on…A disco bash breaks a ton of records…And Dr. Pepper sues Dr. Pepper. Plus, a touchy joke from The Low Anthem and a groovy song from Real Estate.
Jul 8, 2011 • 21min
Episode 104: Shepard Fairey, Menu Mania, and Sliced Bread
This week: Street art superstar Shepard Fairey tags our table… An uncut history of sliced bread… And stacks of historic menus finally get their (web) close-up. Plus, a joke from celt-folk phenom Julie Feeney and a scorching tune from Ty Segall.
Jul 1, 2011 • 18min
Episode 103: Bonnie Jo Campbell, 2nd Class Babies, and Getting Outta Dodge
This week: Author Bonnie Jo Campbell goes zonkeys…The rowdies get out of Dodge…And Ashton Kutcher’s twitter account solves traffic crises. Plus, a joke from celebrated author Matthew Gallaway, and a new track from the Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
Jun 24, 2011 • 22min
Episode 102: John C. Reilly, Lady Umpires, and the ‘Buch
This week: Actor John C. Reilly fights the meanies… A housewife breaks through baseball’s grass ceiling… And Brendan fact-checks “magical” drink kombucha. Plus, a duck-duck joke from Pulitzer-winner Jennifer Egan and a new tune from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. [sic]
Jun 16, 2011 • 14min
Episode 101: Richard Ayoade, Translantic Transfusion, and Jagger Elks
This week: “Submarine” filmmaker Richard Ayoade starts his own cult… The blood of a sheep breeds some hair of the dog… and Swedes lose the faith — but only on the inside. Plus, an “Aggie” joke from Texan director Richard Linklater, and a song from the band Cults – in keeping with the theme.
Jun 10, 2011 • 29min
Episode 100: Randy Newman, DPD History, and the 100-Year-Old Egg
This week: It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate, Brendan talks to one of his dream guests, music icon Randy Newman… Rico excavates a 100-Year-Old Egg… And we delve into our own history (with booze). Also, listeners share their own dream dinner party guests. Plus, we make a long overdue call to the Sea and Cake, and spin a historic cover song from Dr. Dog.
Jun 3, 2011 • 16min
Episode 99: Michael Sheen, a Tax Streak, and Summer Sandwitches
Actor Michael Sheen speaks in tongues, Lady Godiva streaks into Tea Partiers' hearts, a sweet pill erases bitter memories. Director Tim Burton shares a dark joke. The Sandwitches play a bright tune. Plus, discussing acting roles and exploring new subject matters in films, answering questions, and inviting dream guest lists for a Dinner Party.
