Culture Gabfest

Sam Adams, a Slate writer and editor, and Daisy Rosario, Senior Supervising Producer at Slate, dive into the thrilling world of F1 with Brad Pitt's new racing film. They discuss the film's clichés and its surprising depth, while exploring the rising popularity of motorsport. The duo also unpacks the whimsical chaos of the British game show 'Taskmaster,' reflecting on its absurd challenges. Finally, they analyze The New York Times' top 100 films of the 21st century, sharing insights on cinematic inclusivity and notable omissions, like the overlooked 'Paddington 2.'

On this week’s show, Julia, Dana, and Steve return to the Rage Virus-infected world first created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland two decades ago. They talk about 28 Years Later and what the zombie movie sequel has to say about now. A lot it turns out: COVID, Brexit, human mortality, and more. Next, they grapple with the media phenomenon that is Alex Cooper—the spunky and sexually frank host of the blockbuster podcast Call Her Daddy— by discussing the recent documentary about her rise, Call Her Alex. Finally, they analyze the loping, charming, sister-rock appeal of Haim’s new album I quit. In an exclusive Slate Plus segment, the hosts spoil the ending of 28 Years Laters and get into all the film’s twists that make it such a surprising, interesting ride. Endorsements: Dana: More Haim, specifically their 2020 Tiny Desk concert performed on Zoom. Steve: The underappreciated band The Cry. And if you like that, more music from their Manchester-based record label Factory Records. Julia:  The charming hang of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Kois, a Slate writer and author, and Carl Wilson, music critic for Slate, delve into the film 'Materialists', exploring the clash between love and financial ambition as Dakota Johnson's character navigates relationships. They critically examine the film's portrayal of modern romance and its moral ambiguities. The conversation shifts to the harrowing Titan submarine disaster, reflecting on unchecked ambition and its consequences. Lastly, they celebrate Brian Wilson's musical legacy, highlighting the deeper, melancholic themes in his work.

Caity Weaver, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her travel writing and humor, joins the discussion about Paul Reubens and the revealing documentary 'Pee-wee as Himself.' They explore the complexities of Reubens' life, including his struggles and the cultural impact of his iconic character. The conversation also dives into Weaver's travel piece about retracing Mark Twain’s journey in Paris, highlighting literary reflections and the evolution of travel writing. Plus, the group shares dream cities they’ve visited but wish to live in.

The hosts dive into Jesse Armstrong's film 'Mountainhead,' exploring its critique of tech culture and the 'brolicarchy.' They discuss the struggles of identity in the new Amazon Prime series 'Overcompensating,' and the quirky dynamics of celebrity PR in today's media landscape. Personal anecdotes and literary endorsements add depth, as they reflect on the importance of authenticity in public image. The conversation sparkles with humor, offering insights into the complexities of self-identity and the changing narrative of fame.

On this week’s show an all-star team of super agents join Julia to gab including guest host Amy Nicholson, film critic for the Los Angeles Times. Their first mission: Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, the supposed final installment of the Tom Cruise action juggernaut. Like Cruise on to a vintage biplane, Dana jumps on the call to discuss all the film’s death-defying stunts, clunky exposition, and lasting cultural impact. Next, they’re joined by Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion to dish on Sirens, Netflix’s pastel-hued dramedy starring Meghan Fahey, Milly Alcock, and Julianne Moore. Finally, Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson arrives to grapple with the hugely successful, but critically polarizing, new Morgan Wallen album I’m the Problem. In an exclusive Plus segment, Amy, fresh from the Riviera, shares with Julia and Dana her favorite films and moments from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Endorsements: Amy: The 19th season of the British game show Taskmaster, wherein a group of comedians are made to do impossible tasks by host Greg Davies. Carl: The Mock Trial-centric live episode of the musical improv podcast Off Book, and the podcast itself while you’re at it.  Julia: The quintessentially American, summertime experience of eating a hotdog on a ferry as well as the 2011 film Money Ball. You can also hear more from Amy on her podcast Unspooled and from Carl on his substack Crritic!.  Want more Culture Gabfest? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the Culture Gabfest show page. Or, visit slate.com/cultureplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s show, Dana and Julia are joined by guest host Isaac Butler to go through the A24, bromance looking glass to discuss Friendship, the surreal cringe comedy starring I Think You Should Leave’s Tim Robinson and the always friend-crushable Paul Rudd. Next, they share their thoughts on Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer, the new podcast by Prologue Projects and Leon Neyfakh about the improbable and complex story of the infamous talk-show host and one-time progressive politician. Finally, they circle the drain of cultural apocalypse vis-a-vis a conversation on a recent Atlantic piece by Spencer Kornhaber about the possible decline of nothing less than Western culture itself. In an exclusive Slate Plus Bonus Episode about a recent essay by Issac in Slate, Dana and Julia find out how he went from thinking the actor Tom Hardy was a grunting, incomprehensible B-list Brando to a delightful, albeit weird, screen star. Want more Culture Gabfest? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the Culture Gabfest show page. Or, visit slate.com/cultureplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Steve, Dana, and Julia gab about Another Simple Favor, the sequel to Paul Fieg’s 2018 A Simple Favor, which again pits Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in a twisty, noir comedy. Next, they discuss Amy Sherman Paladino’s new Franco-American ballet TV confection Étoile. Finally, they confer on the shocking conclave pick of an American pope with New York Times journalist and Vatican-watcher Ruth Graham. In the exclusive Slate Plus Bonus Episode, the panel spoils the heck out of all the many wild plot turns of Another Simple Favor. Endorsements: Dana: The new film April by up-and-coming Georgian filmmaker Déa Kulumbegashvili. Julia: An essay by Keith Phipps’s about six crucial seconds in The French Connection and the experience of seeing this William Friedken film classic at a repertory cinema near you.  Steve: The enduringly nourishing poem “Peeling Onions” by Adrienne Rich. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, it’s one of the Gabfest’s most cherished traditions: the yearly call-in show. Dana, Julia, and Stephen answer listen-submitted questions that run the gamut – can cooking for one be a joy? Should philosophy be studied more? And how did you make your most recent friend?  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel gets into Lena Dunham's latest addition to the canon of "writers writing about moving out of New York." Email us at culturefest@slate.com.  Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong and Palace Shaw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dan Kois, a keen cultural commentator from Slate, and Sam Adams, a discerning cultural critic, as they delve into the second season of Andor. They discuss its striking realism and thematic depth, likening it to The Wire. The duo also explores a modern remake of The Wedding Banquet, reflecting on LGBTQ stories and societal pressures. Additionally, they share insights into the discovery of a new color, Olo, highlighting its implications for art and perception. Tune in for a colorful mix of culture and commentary!