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 20, 2010 • 14min
Episode 58: Aamir Khan, Volcano Parties, and the Deaf-Teens
This week: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan puzzles over the Indian film industry… An explosive burst of red-hot history… And Farai Chideya explains why teens just won’t listen.
Aug 13, 2010 • 19min
Episode 57: Gary Shteyngart, Guitars go Electric, and Killer Fries
This week: Celebrated novelist Gary Shteyngart doggedly pursues mental health… A history lesson you can crank to eleven… and Rico learns French Fries know no limits.
Aug 6, 2010 • 15min
Episode 56: Rainn Wilson, the King of Albania, and Eat Pay Leave
This week: “The Office” star Rainn Wilson goes from artsy to fartsy… Eat Pray Lovers asked to Eat Pay Leave… and the real fake King of Albania.
Jul 30, 2010 • 21min
Episode 55: Molly Ringwald, Esperanto, and Raven #2
This week: ’80s teen icon Molly Ringwald barks like a dog (and talk about her new book)…William Shatner speaks the language of hope… And Brendan eats corn smut.
Jul 23, 2010 • 11min
Episode 54: Venus Williams, Wrong Turns, and Cloud Control
This week: Tennis superstar Venus Williams lives long and prospers…Texas criminals get literate…And a befuddled (or brilliant!) aviator takes a wrong way turn into the history books. Plus, rocker Cass McCombs on cloud control.
Jul 16, 2010 • 20min
Episode 53: Sebastian Junger, Evil Machines, WWII Food
This week: Sebastian Junger joins Afghanistan’s band of brothers… a devilish Okie spawns the parking meter… and Rico gets a (tiny) taste of rationed food during WWII. Plus, a joke from author/satirist Gary (“Absurdistan”) Shteyngart… and Cults to join.
Jul 2, 2010 • 20min
Episode 52: Blitzen Trapper, the Throne Stone from Scone, Eating Dirt
This week: Portland sextet Blitzen Trapper eyes us up…the throne stone from Scone…and Brendan meets an artist who bites the dust…literally. Plus Top Chef Ludo Lefebvre eats his own, and new Wavves.
Jun 18, 2010 • 20min
Episode 51: Simon Rich, Ali vs. U.S.A., Sweet and Sour Honeymoon
This week Simon Rich kills Hitler…Muhammad Ali vs. the U.S.A…and a sweet and sour honeymoon
Jun 5, 2010 • 23min
Episode 50: Paul Verhoeven, No Joy in Mudville, Food Critic on Food Stamps
This week Rico scares the Jesus out of Paul Verhoeven…three strikes you’re drunk…and Temp of the Month: Kai Rysdall
May 21, 2010 • 21min
Episode 49: Wallace Shawn, FBI vs. Louie Louie, No Kidding
This week Wallace Shawn critiques power and Brendan…the FBI investigates Louie Louie…and RIco chats with a restarauteur who’s not kidding around.
