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
Jun 24, 2016 • 50min
Episode 350: Rashida Jones, Yo-Yo Ma, Tegan and Sara
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 donut, as we know it… Photographing your dinner makes you […]
Jun 22, 2016 • 16min
Speakeasy Special: Sam Heughan, Dick Cavett, Saoirse Ronan, Opus Moreschi
It’s an all-new episode of our off-the-cuff Speakeasy podcast! “Outlander” star Sam Heughan has a failsafe way to look buff (hint: tiny clothing)… Dick Cavett reveals his hidden talent and has a little fun at Spiro Agnew’s expense… Opus Moreschi, head writer of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” gets crafty with cocktails during our […]
Jun 17, 2016 • 49min
Episode 349: Barney Frank, Anna Chlumsky, Hailu Mergia
This week, it’s a special edition of the DPD, taped in front of a D.C.-area crowd! Think of it as a political party: Former congressman Barney Frank pines for pragmatism and left-(handed) progress… Anna Chlumsky of HBO’s “VEEP” swears she can leave her character’s quirks on-set… Local keyboard legend Hailu Mergia, once a part of […]
Jun 10, 2016 • 49min
Episode 307: Alison Bechdel, Chuck Palahniuk, Colleen
Encore Broadcast: Alison Bechdel — whose graphic memoir “Fun Home” is now a 12-time Tony-nominated musical — tells us how she gets comfy, with her life on stage… “Fight Club” author Chuck Palahniuk schools us in prank-ology, to celebrate his new sequel… The Posts tackle some especially hairy etiquette hang-ups… We tune into an avant-garde-tinged […]
Jun 3, 2016 • 49min
Episode 328: Ian McKellen, Cindy Crawford, Wine Crime
Encore Broadcast: Master thespian Sir Ian McKellen with etiquette advice and real talk about his least favorite co-stars… supermodel Cindy Crawford recalls her photo shoot with a 40-pound python… Investigative journalist Christine Haughney on why in wine, there’s not always truth… Will Toledo — of lo-fi indie rock band Car Seat Headrest — DJs your […]
May 27, 2016 • 50min
Episode 348: Sam Heughan, Sebastian Junger, Moshe Kasher and Natasha Leggero
“Outlander” star Sam Heughan drops by to deliver some hair care tips before answering a few of our listeners’ etiquette questions… Filmmaker and journalist Sebastian Junger tells us why some prefer wartime to peacetime… Comedians/spouses Moshe Kasher and Natasha Leggero list a few road trips gone wrong… Brendan visits a cheese cave… Actor and writer Faith Salie […]
May 20, 2016 • 50min
Episode 347: Colin Farrell, Maria Bamford, Frankie Cosmos
Movie star Colin Farrell considers his new film, “The Lobster”… Comedian Maria Bamford channels her mother (and her mother’s hairdresser) to give us etiquette advice… Writer and activist Lindy West stands up for Kermit the Frog… Musician Frankie Cosmos DJs your dinner/pajama party (no boys allowed!)… Writer and rocker John Doe regales us with stories of […]
May 17, 2016 • 18min
Speakeasy Special: Ellie Kemper, Cameron Esposito, Michael McKean, Emmy the Great
It’s an all new “Speakeasy” — our occasional, off-the-cuff, slightly profane, online-only podcast where we share some of the great stuff we had to leave on the cutting room floor. This time around you’ll hear Ellie Kemper of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” attempt to raise the bar for improv (or is it the roof?)… Plus, Comedian […]
May 13, 2016 • 51min
Episode 252: Marc Maron, Philippe Petit, and Soylent
Encore Broadcast: Marc Maron gives etiquette AND time-travel advice… Graphic novelist Mimi Pond lists criminals, spies, and other bohemians … “Man On Wire” tightrope-walker Philippe Petit explores creative chaos… “The Descendants” author Kaui Hart Hemmings tells a new tale… load up on Kleenex ’cause here comes SADvertising… the history of the least respected trophy in […]
May 6, 2016 • 51min
Episode 346: Saoirse Ronan, Cameron Diaz, Solomon Georgio
Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan sharpens her skills in Broadway’s Crucible… Actor-and-author Cameron Diaz gives us impeccable advice — for the long haul… A new doc paints a portrait of David Hockney, an artist both bright and blue… One-man-band Kevin Morby recommends a few other artists (and BBQ masters) who went solo… Comedian-on-the-rise Solomon Georgio recalls his […]
