

Cannonball with Wesley Morris
The New York Times
Conversations about the culture that moves us – the good, the bad and whatever’s in between. Every week, critic Wesley Morris talks with writers and artists about the moment we’re in. Surprisingly personal and never obvious, new episodes drop Thursdays.
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Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Don't Let the Vampires In
Writer Rembert Browne joins to explore the intriguing connections between Ryan Coogler's vampire film "Sinners" and the ongoing Drake-Kendrick beef. They delve into the vampiric threats facing Black art and the cultural significance of music in storytelling. The conversation includes themes of representation, authenticity, and the need for original narratives in an industry dominated by reboots. Browne and his host reflect on the complexities of cultural appropriation and the importance of preserving Black creativity in both music and film.

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 9min
What NYT’s Top 100 Movies Missed: 2 Former Video Store Clerks Get Real
Join Wesley Morris and Eric Hynes, a film curator with a rich background in cinematic programming, as they dive into the nostalgia of their days at Kim's Video. They passionately dissect the Times's 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century, reflecting on the evolving impact of films like 'Parasite' and the critical importance of diverse storytelling. Their lively debate includes a look at Spielberg’s legacy and the emotional depth of 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence,' all while sharing personal favorites and insights from their shared cinematic journey.

Jul 17, 2025 • 45min
Has Dining Gotten Too Fine on ‘The Bear’?
Wesley Morris talks with Samin Nosrat, a chef and food writer, about her love-hate relationship with “The Bear,” a show that’s always racing against the clock. She says the best moments, in the show and in our own kitchens, happen when things slow down.Thoughts? Email us at cannonball@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@CannonballPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/cannonball
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jul 10, 2025 • 57min
The Closet in Pee-wee’s Playhouse
In the new HBO documentary “Pee-wee as Himself,” Paul Reubens, the creator of the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, comes out as gay. Reubens, who spent most of his career in the closet, had already come out years before but then returned to the closet during his time as the popular Saturday morning children’s show host.On today’s episode of “Cannonball,” Wesley Morris talks with the writer Mark Harris about Reubens’s relationship to being closeted, and they discuss what it means for artists to publicly come out. Thoughts? Email us at cannonball@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@CannonballPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/cannonball
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jul 3, 2025 • 46min
The Diddy Trial Is Over, but My Mind Is Still Racing
The conversation dives into the complexities of a high-profile trial involving Sean Combs, reflecting on the emotional toll of witnessing a famous Black man face serious charges. There’s a critical look at race, identity, and public perception, addressing how these themes shape jury views and societal narratives. Personal feelings about the verdict reveal mixed emotions within the Black community, blending pride and disappointment. Ultimately, it examines how such trials affect public figures and their legacies, urging a deeper understanding of humanity amidst controversy.

Jun 26, 2025 • 50min
Me and Bruno Mars — a Love Story
Host Wesley Morris has a confession to make: He loves Bruno Mars. Nothing wrong with that, right? With the help of the culture writer Niela Orr, Wesley untangles his crush from his discomfort with the pop star’s cozy relationship to Blackness.Thoughts? Email us at cannonball@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@CannonballPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/cannonball
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 25, 2025 • 3min
Introducing: ‘Cannonball’ With Wesley Morris
A new weekly podcast, hosted by the critic Wesley Morris. Come on in, the culture’s fine.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.