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
Mar 17, 2011 • 18min
Episode 88: Willie Nelson, Frontier Justice, and Tex-Next Cuisine
This week: From SXSW comes our all-Texas show. Music legend Willie Nelson talks Crazy… Judge Roy Bean serves justice on the rocks… And Rico explores tex-next cuisine. Plus laffs and music from two SXSW buzz bands: a thilly joke from Toro y Moi and and a tasty tune from Yuck.
Mar 10, 2011 • 15min
Episode 87: Cary Fukunaga, Historic Headaches, and a Painless Brunch
This week: “Jane Eyre” director Cary Fukunaga horses around… The history of a not-so-bitter pill… and we toss back a painkiller brunch. Plus, a joke from jewelry designer Annie Costello Brown and a truth-telling tune from Dutch indie-modster M-JO.
Mar 4, 2011 • 13min
Episode 86: Gabrielle Hamilton, The Peacemaker, and Smokeavores
This week: Celebrated author and chef Gabrielle Hamilton reveals a sweet secret… the Peacemaker breaks the peace… and a hipster crop lights up Brooklyn. Plus, rise and shine with a new tune from Manchester, UK’s Star Slinger.
Feb 25, 2011 • 21min
Episode 85: Carrie Brownstein, Murdered Moose, and God’s Sporks
This week: “Portlandia” star/creator Carrie Brownstein satirizes her own… Broadway’s major fail… and Rico sticks a fork in history. Plus a joke (in English) from The Love Language… and TUnEYarDs gives us the bizness.
Feb 17, 2011 • 14min
Episode 84: Karen Russell, Paar vs. NB(W)C and Stuck-up Employees
This week: Author Karen Russell muses about amusement parks… Jack Paar vs. NB(W)C… And Wal-Mart employees get gun-fired. Plus: Nashville-based singer/songwriter Tristen delivers a joke, and a trip to San Pedro via Mogwai.
Feb 11, 2011 • 20min
Episode 83: Chris Burden, Small Weddings, and Sushi Burritos
This week: Artist Chris Burden revokes your driver’s license… We look back on the biggest little wedding of the 19th century… And the “Sushirrito” is born. Plus, PJ Harvey’s new tune kills, and Weird Al Yankovic makes a rare foray into comedy.
Feb 4, 2011 • 17min
Episode 82: John Lithgow, Undying Birds, and Lost H-Bombs
This week: Actor John Lithgow gives Brendan a killer look.. .An H-Bomb goes MIA… And we visit a city whose birds never sleep. Plus, a dulcet tune from Fleet Foxes and a wooden joke from Motorhead frontman Lemmy.
Jan 28, 2011 • 20min
Episode 81: Dan Bejar, Big In Japan, and Double Ducks
This week: Indie rocker/wordsmith Dan Bejar finds himself caught in a (quiet) storm… An athlete goes far – and very wide – to get big in Japan… and we roast awful restaurant websites. Plus, rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson quacks us up, and a new tune from Ducktails.
Jan 21, 2011 • 13min
Episode 80: Spike Lee, Liquid Smoke, and Prodigious Peppers
This week: Director Spike Lee instigates debate (and dates)… We go back a long way, baby… And a Franken-pepper is born. Plus, a childish joke from comedian Patton Oswalt and a loverly tune from Allo Darlin’.
Jan 14, 2011 • 19min
Episode 79: Paul Giamatti, Political Animals, and Moby Drinks
This week: Golden-globe nominated actor Paul Giamatti tells a tall tale… Whale secretions wash up in cocktails… And we toast the cartoonist who gave birth to a couple of political animals. Plus, a joke from troubadour Henry Wolfe and a tune from The Radio Dept.
