Culture Gabfest

On this week’s episode, the panel is first joined by Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, to puzzle over The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift’s much-anticipated 11th studio album. Stuffed with 31 tracks, the two-part album is a departure from the billionaire pop star’s otherwise perfectly crafted oeuvre: it’s messy and drippy, and at times, manic and frenetic. Is this secretly a cry for help? And more importantly, when did she find the time to record this thing? Then, the three explore Fallout, a post-apocalyptic drama series adapted from the extremely popular role-playing video game of the same name. Executive produced by Jonathan Nolan (Westworld, Person of Interest) and streaming on Prime Video, Fallout certainly achieves a high level of immersive world-building, but do the stories and characters fare the same? Finally, Becca Rothfeld, the Washington Post’s non-fiction book critic, joins to discuss her triumphant first book, All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess, in which she rebukes the culture’s affinity for minimalism and makes the case for living in a maximalist world. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, it’s part two of the Ambition versus Contentment discussion (courtesy of a listener question from Gretel): How should a parent approach cultivating ambition in a child, if at all? The hosts discuss. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Outro music: "Ruins (Instrumental Version)" by OrigoEndorsements:Dana: The Teacher’s Lounge, a film by German-Turkish director Ilker Çatak. It was a Best International Film nominee at the 96th Academy Awards. (Also, Ebertfest in Champaign, Illinois!)Julia: Kristen Wiig’s Jumanji sketch on Saturday Night Live, inspired by Dana. Stephen: The British band Jungle, introduced to him by his daughter. A few favorite songs: “Back on 74,” “Dominoes,” and “All of the Time.” Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong. HostsDana Stevens, Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nadira Goffe joins the hosts to discuss the film 'Civil War', Jerrod Carmichael's reality show, and the misuse of the term 'gaslighting'. They analyze dystopian themes, question authenticity in reality TV, and explore the systemic impact of gaslighting on marginalized groups.

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.