Culture Gabfest

This week is a Bizarro Fest featuring associate editor Marissa Martinelli; June Thomas, senior managing producer of Slate podcasts; and Benjamin Frisch, senior producer, Decoder Ring. First, the panel discusses the bizarre experience of watching Annette. Next, they talk about the BBC miniseries, The Pursuit of Love. Finally, they talk about the board game Wingspan with Slate editor and writer Dan Kois.In Slate Plus, the panel answers a listener question about which board game they would choose to play on a first date.Email us at culturefest@slate.com.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Outro music is "Death Dance" by Luftmensch.EndorsementsJune: The writing of all the Mitfords. Especially Hons and Rebels and Poison Penmanship by Jessica Mitford. (As well as the biography Irrepressible: The Life and Times of Jessica Mitford by Leslie Brody). And The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford.Ben: Promises by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, and The London Symphony Orchestra. And the game Disco Elysium.Marissa: “How Science Saved Me From Pretending to Love Wine” by Anne Fadiman in The New Yorker.Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is a Bizarro Fest featuring Karen Han, Slate staff writer; June Thomas, senior managing producer of Slate podcasts; and Marissa Martinelli, Slate associate editor. First, the panel is joined by writer Sara Nović to discuss the Sundance hit film CODA. Next, they talk about the dating simulation game Boyfriend Dungeon. Finally, Josh Levin, host of the Slate podcast One Year, comes on to talk about the premiere season of his show. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about which writer (living or dead) they would choose to pen their biographies, and then which actor they would want to play them in their biopics. You can read Sara Nović’s interview with CODA star Marlee Matlin in Bustle: “Marlee Matlin Knows How to Make Change.”Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Outro music is "Zero Gravity" by ELFLEndorsementsJune: The podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill from Christianity TodayMarissa: The video game Stardew ValleyKaren: The TV show Wellington ParanormalSlate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy for our annual Summer Strut episode. First, they discuss this year’s song of the summer and how one particularly passionate fan base gained control of the charts. Then, the panel announces their favorite song picks from the mammoth playlist of listener suggestions and explain why they love them.In Slate Plus, the panel does a couple additional rounds of strut picks.Sumer Strut Final Selections:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ypwIOuhN3ClV9lvynRl88?si=ff5da2bfa5a04b1bSummer Strut Full List:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1iLdLhunJkTq9F4CeHkCJR?si=f1b8d195db414fd5Past “Summer Strut” Gabfests are available here: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.Email us at culturefest@slate.com.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens are joined by Working co-host and longtime Slate contributor Isaac Butler. First, the panel discusses David Lowery’s new movie The Green Knight, a retelling of the medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Next, they talk about Billie Eilish’s new album Happier Than Ever with Slate music critic Carl Wilson. Finally, the hosts dig into the questions raised by Scarlett Johansson’s breach-of-contract lawsuit over the way Disney handled the release of her movie Black Widow, with Peter Labuza, a historian of creative industries. In Slate Plus, the careers the hosts almost pursued.Outro music is "Pike Place Market" by Rockin' For DecadesEmail us at culturefest@slate.com.Podcast production by Cameron Drews.EndorsementsDana: The word maieuticIsaac: The audiobooks of Simon Armitage’s translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, narrated by Bill Wallis, and The Death of Arthur, by Sir Thomas Malory, narrated by Philip MadocSteve: Picture, by Lillian Ross and Crash Landing on You on NetflixSlate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Slate editor and writer Dan Kois. First, the panel discusses the TV show White Lotus, airing on HBO. Then they talk about the Nicholas Cage movie Pig. Finally, the hosts review the second season of the podcast The Plot Thickens, based on the book The Devil’s Candy.In Slate Plus, the panel talks about their past summer jobs.Email us at culturefest@slate.com.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Outro music is "What We Didn't Do" by Particle HouseEndorsementsDana: The documentary The Truffle Hunters and The Mike White movie School of RockDan: The book Truck: On Rebuilding a Worn-Out Pickup and Other Post-Technological AdventuresSteve: The pianist Marcin Wasilewski and his album Arctic Riff and the essay “Against Persuasion” by Agnes Callard in the Boston Review.Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Isaac Butler, co-host of Slate’s Working podcast. First, the panel discusses the documentary Roadrunner about Anthony Bourdain. Next, they talk about the Apple TV show Schmigadoon. Finally, the hosts are joined by Laura Miller to discuss her review of Michael Wolff’s Landslide.In Slate Plus, the panel further discusses their thoughts on Roadrunner.Email us at culturefest@slate.com.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Outro music is "Back to Silence" by OTEEndorsementsDana: The Kitchen Confidential audiobookIsaac: The documentary And Everything is Going Fine and the novel Secrets of Happiness by Joan SilberSteve: “A Just and Loving Gaze” by Deborah Casewell in AeonSlate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Steve is joined by Allegra Frank, Slate senior editor, and Heather Schwedel, Slate staff writer. First, the panel discusses the new Marvel blockbuster Black Widow. Next, they talk about the AMC show Kevin Can F**k Himself. Finally, the hosts are joined by Alexis Nowicki to discuss her essay in Slate “‘Cat Person’ and Me.”In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the rabbit holes they fell down during the pandemic.Email us at culturefest@slate.com.Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Outro music: "Stone Cookies" by Dusty DecksEndorsements Allegra: The cookies at City Cakes.Heather: The documentary Kid 90.Steve: “This Woman’s Work: Alice Neel’s Portraits of Feminized Labor” by Jessica Fletcher in The Baffler.DeFazio’s Pizzeria in Troy, NYSlate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana is accompanied by Allegra Frank, Slate senior editor. First the panel is joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson to discuss Summer of Soul, a documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Next, the panel discusses season two of the Netflix sketch show I Think You Should Leave with Vulture senior editor Jesse David Fox. Finally, Carl returns to talk about the productions of Jack Antonoff.In Slate Plus, Carl and the panel talk about the concerts they’re looking forward to seeing and the live music experience.Email us at culturefest@slate.comPodcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Outro music: "Bloody Hunter" by Paisley PinkEndorsementsCarl: The work of Lauren Berlant, especially “Trump, or Political Emotions.” (And Dana recommends an episode of the podcast Big Brains Berlant appeared on: “Why Chasing the Good Life is Holding Us Back.”)Allegra: The video game Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!Dana: The website Radio Garden.Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana and Steve are joined by Slate staff writer Karen Han. First, the panel discusses the movie Zola. Next, they talk about the British sitcom We Are Lady Parts. Finally, the panel is joined by Seth Stevenson, the host of Slate’s Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism, to discuss the past, present, and future of HBO. In Slate Plus, the panel talks about Conan O'Brien's departure from late night TV.Email us at culturefest@slate.comPodcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Outro music is "Did I Make You Wait" by Staffan CarlenEndorsementsDana: “The Story Behind Luca’s Whale Carcass-Loving Breakout Character” by Karen Han for Slate Karen: “Navillera” on Netflix.Steve: “Rothko Chapel” by Morton Feldman.Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dana and Steve are joined by Slate staff writer Karen Han. First, the panel discusses the Pixar movie Luca. Next, they talk about the first two episodes of Marvel’s TV show Loki. Finally, the panel is joined by Willa Paskin and Benjamin Frisch, the host and producer of Slate’s Decoder Ring podcast, to discuss the making of the new season.In Slate Plus, the panel talks about whether seeing movies in the theater is a tradition worth preserving.Email us at culturefest@slate.comPodcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Cleo Levin.Outro music is "Eightball" by Gabe Nandez.EndorsementsDana: The playlist of the music found in James Baldwin’s apartment, “This Giant Prehistoric Rhino Was the Biggest Land Mammal to Walk the Earth” by Jack Guy and Zixu Wang for CNNKaren: Try making ice cream at homeSteve: The writing of Janet Malcolm in the New York Review of Books and The New YorkerFurther Reading“How Gay Is Pixar’s Luca?” by Marissa Martinelli for Slate“The Many Contradictions of Owen Wilson” by Isaac Butler for SlateSlate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices