Culture Gabfest

On this week’s show, Julia, Stephen, and Dana are together and talk about Sinners with Slate Culture Writer Nadira Goffe. Then, they talk about a new animated series from Ramy Youssef called #1 Happy Family USA. Finally, they take a listener's suggestion and listen to a few episodes of the new podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Nadira rejoins the panel to go deep on Sinners. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts kick off with a discussion on the new TV series starring Jon Hamm, critiquing its portrayal of suburban life. They dive into the surprising success of the Minecraft movie, exploring generational reactions and its humor. The conversation shifts to the significance of the all-female Blue Origin flight, comparing it to historical feminist milestones and the commercialization of space travel. They also reflect on the complexities of female representation in STEM and the impact of celebrity culture on public perception.

This week, Sam Adams, a senior writer at Slate, and Carl Wilson, Slate's music critic, dive into the impactful themes of sexual freedom in the new series 'Dying for Sex,' where a woman explores her desires after a terminal diagnosis. They also discuss the quirky documentary 'Secret Mall Apartment,' uncovering how a group turned a mall space into a hidden living area. Lastly, they celebrate the musical evolution of Lucy Dacus, drawing connections between intimacy and artistry, all while grappling with the nuances of identity and community.

On this week’s show, the hosts discuss Apple TV’s latest ode (tragic comedy?) to the movie industry with The Studio. Then, they step up to the plate and take a swing at the baseball film Eephus. Finally, they invite Slate’s Rebecca Onion to discuss the new edition to Panem’s dystopia: Suzanne Collin’s Sunrise on the Reaping.Endorsements:Dana: A French Village PodcastSteve: “Personal Responsibility Under Dictatorship” by Hannah ArendtDan: Sky Daddy by Kate FolkPodcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Chris Molanphy, a Slate writer and host of Hit Parade, as he dives into the cultural phenomena of Netflix’s 'Adolescence,' unpacking its exploration of how incel culture seeps into youth. The discussion highlights the tragic narrative of a young boy facing dire consequences and the role of social media in radicalization. Molanphy also shares insights on Lady Gaga’s acclaimed new album 'MAYHEM,' examining her artistic evolution, musical influences, and thematic explorations that showcase her unique pop sensibilities.

On this week’s show, Slate’s Dan Kois sits in for Stephen Metcaff. The hosts discuss the new Mr. & Mrs. Smith-like film Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. Then they dive into the “inconvenient” Hulu show Deli Boys. They end by discussing the legacy of Dave Eggers’ phenomenal memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.Endorsements:Dana: The television show A French VillageDan: Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte WoodJulia: LATimes article “I'm a martini purist. Here's what is — and isn't — in the perfect classic cocktail.” by Bill AddisonPodcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, we throw a flower-sprinkled dinner party for a space clone (personal beehive not included).Slate culture staff writer Nadira Goffe sits in for Dana, and the hosts discuss the new Bong Joon Ho film Mickey 17, followed by Meghan Markle's uncanny homemaking show With Love, Meghan on Netflix. Finally, we invite Slate writer Dan Kois to discuss his new cover story “How Giant White Houses Took Over America.”Endorsements:Julia: The Slate article “Cracking the Code” by Henry GrabarSteve: The New York Review essay “Angles of Approach” by Sally RooneyNadira: Kelela’s album In The Blue LightPodcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, no amount of star power can save a “screamingly stupid show.” (Sorry, Robert De Niro et al.) With Sam Adams—Slate Senior Editor and Staff Writer—sitting in for Dana, the team talks about the Netflix political thriller series Zero Day. Then they remember the career of Gene Hackman and end with their thoughts about this Atlantic article on navigating optimism during times of crisis.Endorsements:Julia: Moist Peanut Butter Cake Recipe from Cakes By MKSteve: The savage suburbia of Helen Garner: ‘I wanted to dong Martin Amis with a bat’ by Sophie Elmhirst for The GuardianSam: Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein (Again! After Julia endorsed it last week.)Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isaac Butler, an acclaimed author and host of the Criterion Channel series, joins Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They dive into the rising buzz around the Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' and its poignant portrayal of resilience during dictatorship. The discussion extends to the NEA's struggles under political pressure and the need for cultural institutions to adapt amidst challenges. They also contemplate how the Oscars can evolve for a streaming audience while embracing diversity and modern storytelling.

Nitish Pahwa, a tech reporter for Slate, sits down to unpack the complexities of 'Severance' Season 2, delving into its psychological themes and character dynamics. The discussion shifts to 'No Other Land,' a powerful Palestinian documentary exploring activism under occupation. Nitish also tackles the rise and fall of BuzzFeed, analyzing its attempts to innovate with the AI-infused social media platform, BF Island, amid changing digital landscapes. It’s a compelling blend of media analysis and cultural commentary!