Culture Gabfest

Slate writer Nitish Pahwa joins to discuss Dev Patel's politically charged directorial debut, Monkey Man. They also explore the new Netflix series Ripley starring Andrew Scott. The conversation touches on themes of vengeance, Hindu nationalism, and the allure of the Talented Mr. Ripley. Additionally, they highlight Julia Louis-Dreyfus' podcast featuring profound conversations with iconic women.

Slate's Culture Gabfest features Senior Beyoncé Correspondent Nadira Goffe dissecting Beyoncé's genre-defying album 'Cowboy Carter.' They also discuss an avant-garde Romanian film and a documentary on the inscrutable Steve Martin. Exclusive Slate Plus segment on personal relationships with hotels.

Former host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart returns with his trademark humor and political commentary amidst the 2024 election chaos. The panel also discusses 'Problemista' by Julio Torres, a film exploring immigration themes, and Dan Pashman's cookbook revolutionizing pasta sauces. The podcast highlights Stewart's lasting influence on Comedy Central and the evolution of The Daily Show.

On this week’s show, Slate culture writers Nadira Goffe and Dan Kois fill in for Julia and Stephen. First up, the panel dissects Love Lies Bleeding with What’s Next producer Madeline Ducharme. Writer-director Rose Glass’ second feature stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian as beefed up, star-crossed lovers, in a twisted and gory love story about two unhealthily enmeshed women. (You can read Madeline Ducharme and Christina Cauterucci’s detailed review of the sex scenes in Love Lies Bleeding here!) Then, the trio explores The Regime, a weird and tonally bizarre Max limited series by showrunner Will Tracy (The Menu, Succession), in which Kate Winslet–in a commanding performance–plays the fictional dictator of an unnamed European country. Finally, can a book published posthumously do more harm than good? The panel discusses renowned author Gabríel Garcia Márquez’s latest novella, Until August, which was published ten years after his death–and without his consent. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Nadira, Dan, and Dana chew over the rise and fall of food trends, inspired by Kim Severson’s piece for The New York Times, “The Coolest Menu Item at the Moment Is… Cabbage?” Recipes mentioned by Dan:  Gilgeori Toast (Korean Street Toast with Cabbage and Egg) by Darun Kwak for The New York Times.  Vegan Bunny Chow by Meera Sodha for The Guardian.  Somen Salad by Sheldon Simeon. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Outro music: "Funk Wife Punk Life" by L. M. StylesEndorsements:Dana: Extreme Friend of the Pod (EFOP) Isaac Butler’s Substack, Complete Works. Specifically, his most recent post: “It Ain’t Me, Babe: Complicity and consequences, from sitcoms to Gaza.” Nadira: Two albums – World Wide Whack by Philadelphia rapper, Tierra Whack, and Brittany Howard’s What Now.Dan: Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring by Brad Gooch. A beautiful chronicle of the artist’s life. Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. HostsDana Stephens, Nadira Goffe, Dan Kois Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast discusses the 96th Academy Awards and their political moments, reviews FX's Shōgun as the new Game of Thrones, and dives into Kate Wagner's intriguing piece on Formula 1 that was mysteriously yanked from the internet. Plus, they explore upcoming movie trends for 2024 and share recommendations like HINT.FM's Wind Map and Tejal Rao's Kale Sauce Pasta recipe.

Review of Dune: Part Two and Timothée Chalamet's role as Paul Atreides. Discussion on the docu-series God Save Texas. Acclaimed casting director Paul Schnee talks about the new Oscar for Casting. Plus, recommendations include Werner Herzog's Into the Abyss and The Lady and the Tramp.

Dissecting Jennifer Lopez's self-funded vanity project, $20 million spent on a bizarre love story. Exploring the atrocities of the Russia-Ukraine war through a documentary. Tricia Romano's oral history of the Village Voice newspaper. Slate Plus bonus conversation with Wesley Morris. Endorsements: movie theater subscriptions, Criterion Channel's 'Gothic Noir' series, UNTZ UNTZ by Inji, Milk Carton Kids' cover of Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were He'.

Dissecting TV remakes like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and adapting The Color Purple from novel to movie-musical. Exploring a journalist's scam story and discussing the challenges of adapting classic works. Endorsements include a dance series on Prime Video and a heavenly planner book. Delving into unique song covers and pasta making adventures.

This week's podcast reviews the star-studded documentary 'The Greatest Night in Pop,' delves into the biopic 'Rustin' about Bayard Rustin, and explores the ethical concerns in true crime. They also discuss Bob Dylan's amazing appearance in a documentary and recommend 'We Are the World' and 'Rustin' for their insightful portrayals and significance.

Isaac Butler and Dan Kois discuss the audacious movie 'The Zone of Interest', its depiction of the Holocaust, and the criticism it has received. They also delve into the complexities of directing, discuss the movie 'Nia' and express their disappointment, and explore the role of the director in the film industry.