
The Dinner Party Download
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.
Latest episodes

May 5, 2017 • 50min
383: The 2017 All-Music Episode
We’re putting on our own music festival with a special “ALL-MUSIC EPISODE”! You’ll hear sets from our favorite artists: Run the Jewels, Alice Cooper, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Punk legend Viv Albertine, Perfume Genius, folk musician Joan Shelley, Tony Bennett, and more. Plus Kristen Bell singing the praises of her favorite Disney movie (no, it’s not “Frozen”), […]

Apr 28, 2017 • 51min
382: Charlamagne tha God, John Ridley, Feist
Radio kingpin Charlamagne tha God explains the concept behind his new book, “Black Privilege,” and reminds us manners will take you where money won’t… Oscar-winning screenwriter and director John Ridley looks back at the L.A. riots 25 years later… Rico takes a trip to Lawry’s to check in on the Prime Rib renaissance… and we […]

Apr 21, 2017 • 50min
381: Thomas Middleditch, Justin Simien, Cold War Kids
“Silicon Valley” star Thomas Middleditch gets silly and waxes poetic on his days as a Dungeons & Dragons wizard… “Dear White People” creator Justin Simien tells us how to deal with a Northerner who says y’all… Two-fifths of Cold War Kids mix a sentimental playlist… and author Elena Passarello introduces us to Mozart’s favorite pet. […]

Apr 18, 2017 • 25min
Speakeasy Special: Sasheer Zamata of ‘SNL,’ Danny Boyle, Gillian Jacobs
Give Tuesday a fun boost with this Speakeasy Special! This episode covers it all: Nerds, Steve Inskeep jokes, pizza crust etiquette… need we say more? First up, you’ll get a previously unaired slice from our interview with Gillian Jacobs. Then, hear a full dose of etiquette from our South by Southwest show with “Saturday Night […]

Apr 14, 2017 • 49min
Episode 350: Rashida Jones, Yo-Yo Ma, Tegan and Sara
Encore Broadcast: Multi-hyphenate Rashida Jones — one of the forces behind TV’s police farce “Angie Tribeca”– comes bearing wisdom for ‘overdogs’… Cello maestro Yo-Yo Ma gets existential… Pop sensations Tegan and Sara craft a party playlist that’s frank — and French… The man and myth behind the doughnut, as we know it… Photographing your dinner makes […]

Apr 7, 2017 • 50min
380: Aimee Mann, Hank Azaria, Jason Jones
Hank Azaria (“Brockmire”) talks about baseball in at least five different voices… Aimee Mann disses tattoo copycats, sings about actual cats … “Daily Show” expat Jason Jones — now starring in “The Detour” — relives the terrors of moving to New York City … Molly Wood unveils the latest scholarship at the University of Utah […]

Mar 31, 2017 • 52min
379: Katie Couric, Prentice Penny, Jens Lekman (w/ guest host Lauren Ober)
Journalist Katie Couric is not flattered by her nickname of “America’s Sweetheart”… HBO’s “Insecure” showrunner Prentice Penny gives some “Upscale” advice… Swedish troubadour Jens Lekman throws a dance party in the Middle East… the creators of the hit Broadway musical “Come From Away” list some musicals based on real events. Plus, a divorce hotel, a […]

Mar 24, 2017 • 51min
378: Danny Boyle, RuPaul, Alan Tudyk
The one and only RuPaul gives some “godly” etiquette advice… filmmaker Danny Boyle reflects back on his cult film “Trainspotting” and why he decided to make a sequel more than 20 years later… Actor Alan Tudyk picks a list of his favorite robots… And sommelier protocol with the New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov. […]

Mar 17, 2017 • 21min
SXSW Speakeasy Special: RuPaul, Rachel Bloom, Adrianne Lenker
(Heads up: This week’s episode features some *ahem* adult humor. It may not be suitable for young listeners.) Folks! It’s an all-new Speakeasy Special. This time, Rico and Brendan bring updates direct from the South by Southwest festival in Austin, TX about great new bands and oddball food finds (Heavy metal pizza? Check.) You’ll also […]

Mar 10, 2017 • 52min
377: Gillian Jacobs, Sam Richardson, Jay Som
Actor Gillian Jacobs shares her “Love” for her Netflix show and public radio… Comedian Sam Richardson finds a friend — and his mojo — at the edge of the world… Jay Som DJs a Halloween party (springtime be damned)… And Emily Post’s scions bring tips on hotel tips. Plus, decrypting the Rorschach test, Norway’s answer […]
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