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 26, 2011 • 18min
Episode 98: Fleet Foxes, Pac-Man Pizza, and a Michelin Man
This week: Fleet Fox Robin Pecknold talks helplessness and hair…A ladies’ Man enters the video game world…And three stars are borne – by master chef Paul Liebrandt. Plus, a joke from street artiste Shepard Fairey, and a dreamy tune by the Dirty Projectors.
May 20, 2011 • 15min
Episode 97: Anton Yelchin, Spider-Dan, and Lazycakes
This week: Actor Anton Yelchin can’t let go of Legos… Spider-Dan climbs the walls… And Del the Funky Homosapien has a ball. Plus we revel in a new tune from L.A. band Alexander.
May 12, 2011 • 19min
Episode 96: Billy Collins, Food Raves, and Wandering Waste
This week: Former poet laureate Billy Collins talks death and baseball… The lonely journey of the Gar-Barge… And Rico survives a San Fran food rave. Plus, new music from Black Lips, and jokes from a Vivian Girl.
May 5, 2011 • 17min
Episode 95: Demetri Martin, Robber in Rio, and Kissing Machines
This week: Comedian Demetri Martin fires up his brain machine… We go on the lam with the most punk-rock fugitive in history…. And Morgan Spurlock makes us cry. Plus, virtual kisses and a rockin’ lullaby from Modern Mothers.
Apr 26, 2011 • 9min
Episode 94: Dinner Party Etiquette with Elaine Stritch
This week: A special DPD, as Broadway legend Elaine Stritch answers listeners’ etiquette questions in a most “ladylike” way. She’s dated Brando, dissed Sinatra, and conquered the Great White Way… but can she handle the social graces of a dinner party?
Apr 22, 2011 • 13min
Episode 93: An East-Over Feast
This week, feast upon our favorite food segments from podcasts past: Rico attacks a WWII-era sandwich… Brendan warily bites into a sushirrito… and we learn about twice-”baked” goods. Don’t call them leftovers; they’re *East-Overs.* Plus! Feast your ears on a waiter joke, and scarf down a food tune from Brendan himself.
Apr 14, 2011 • 19min
Episode 92: Vera Farmiga, Going Dutch, and the Birth of Spam
This week: Actress Vera Farmiga has a productive year… We learn who to blame for online SPAM… And Rico goes Dutch… Plus, a joke from author T.C. Boyle and a new tune from ace songsmith Cass McCombs.
Apr 7, 2011 • 14min
Episode 91: Greta Gerwig, Ping Pong Politics, and the Sleep Elite
This week: Actress Greta Gerwig finds the right dress for the big time… Two ping pong players thaw the Cold War… And the “sleep elite” put shuteye to rest. Plus a joke from Texas musician/artist Terry Allen and “The Morning” from The Weeknd [sic].
Mar 31, 2011 • 21min
Episode 90: Bellflower, Guillotin’s Machine, and the Cheesesteak Challenger
This week: “Bellflower” filmmakers Evan Glodell and Tyler Dawson set the film-fest circuit ablaze… A Philly sandwich takes on the cheesesteak… And the tale of a most enlightened killing machine. Plus unholy laughter from bestselling author Tea Obreht and a new tune from Vetiver.
Mar 24, 2011 • 16min
Episode 89: Neil Strauss, Cold (Con)fusion, and Rabbit Rex
This week: Author/Interviewer Neil Strauss inhales rock-n-roll… Science gives cold fusion the cold shoulder… And *Radiolab*’s Jad Abumrad unearths a giant rabbit. Plus music from Bright Eyes, and a joke from top tailor Vahram Mateosian.
