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 13, 2009 • 16min
Episode 18: Benjy Ferree, Planet X, Joel the Knife
This week: rocker Benjy Ferree’s ode to Peter Pan… We discover the planet that dares not speak its name… and Rico sharpens his conversation skills with Brooklyn’s new king of cutlery.
Feb 27, 2009 • 16min
Episode 17: Larry Wilmore, The Peacemaker, Noodle What?
This week: “The Daily Show’s” Larry Wilmore is pure magic… We learn why even grownups shouldn’t play with guns… star mixologist Todd Thrasher mixes a drink fit for a vampire… and Rico pounds down a serious noodle with a funny name.
Feb 13, 2009 • 16min
Episode 16: Howard Zinn, Censors, Piggin’ Out
This week: Historian/Activist Howard Zinn recalls a different kind of flower power… We learn what happens when TV censors can’t take a joke… and Brendan pigs out on lard pigs.
Jan 30, 2009 • 15min
Episode 15: Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, Drink Clone, Donut Training
This week: award winning author Sarah Shun-lien Bynum uses her children to live out her own teen fantasies…We replicate a cocktail recipe… And Rico celebrates athletes by stuffing his face with dough and butter.
Jan 16, 2009 • 16min
Episode 14: Lamont Dozier, Cryonic Cocktail, Korean Tacos
This week: legendary Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier gives candy to children… We chill out with a cryonic cocktail… And Brendan discovers the three most beautiful words in the English language: Korean, BBQ, Tacos.
Jan 2, 2009 • 17min
Episode 13: Best of 2008
This week: what do Lolita, duck testicles, Chevys, cows, Robert Wagner and booze have in common? This show in 2008, that’s what. We take a look back at the first 12 episodes of the podcast that shocked a nation… and toss in a few new facts for the first dinner parties of 2009.
Dec 19, 2008 • 14min
Episode 12: David Fincher, Tom Jones, Mozzarella
This week: Director David Fincher isn’t afraid of the dark… We unite our nation with an All-American cocktail… Brendan is granted an audience with the king of mozzarella… plus a joke from THE Tom Jones.
Dec 5, 2008 • 15min
Episode 11: David Heatley, Killer Fog, PB&J
This week: Cartoonist David Heatley literally tells all… we inhale a glassful of London’s killer fog… and star pastry chef Adrian Vasquez makes a peanut butter sandwich that’ll make your brain hurt.
Nov 21, 2008 • 16min
Episode 10: Of Montreal, Edison, Bird-munching
This week: Kevin Barnes of the band Of Montreal defines “sexualien”… Thomas Edison lights up a martini glass… and Rico gets permission to eat endangered birds.
Nov 14, 2008 • 17min
Episode 9: Iran, Football Names, White House Garden
This week: we seek direct engagement with Aaron Aites of the band Iran… We learn the greatest name in football… Pittsburgh gets drunk on black gold… and Obama supporters dream of home-grown on the White House lawn.
