How Long Gone

Olivia Nuzzi, West Coast Editor at Vanity Fair and author of American Canto, shares her insights on navigating the tumultuous landscape of Washington journalism during the Trump era. She discusses the personal impact of online criticism and the tribal nature of backlash, especially misogyny. Nuzzi reveals her thoughts on the art of storytelling and how public narratives shape perception. Diving into her sobriety and adrenaline-seeking adventures, she connects pop culture dynamics with political character studies, offering a fascinating look at modern media.

Roddy Bottum, the talented musician from Faith No More and Imperial Teen, shares insights from his revealing memoir, The Royal We. He reminisces about his days in Provincetown and the iconic Dick Dock, while diving into the highs and lows of Manhattan real estate. Roddy reflects on his early investment in Apple stock, the nostalgic allure of American Apparel, and pop culture musings surrounding Kim Kardashian. With candid stories about LA cruising culture and past relationships—including a few juicy details about Courtney Love—this conversation is as entertaining as it is insightful.

Chris shares his Vegas adventures while Jason soaks up the Laguna Beach vibes. They dive into quirky topics like airplane food aroma, the rise of the quarter-zip sweater, and the oddity of serving potatoes alongside pasta. Matty Matheson makes a surprise cameo on a motorcycle, and they reflect on holiday traditions, including the infamous 'cousin walk.' The duo also debates the highs and lows of airport lounges and gets a chuckle out of music that sounds like cuckoo clocks. It's a laid-back chat packed with hilarious insights!

Madi Diaz, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and a touring artist with Harry Styles, discusses her unique experiences and insights into the music industry. She shares fun anecdotes about coffee-drinking dogs and her love for pickling onions after tours. Madi reflects on life in Nashville, including her friendships, cultural roots, and the challenge of dating. She also talks about the thrill of performing at the Ryman and the joys of supporting fellow artists. The conversation dives into celebrity bars and the amusing quirks of the Nashville scene.

Hailey Benton Gates, an accomplished model, actress, director, and journalist, chats from Puerto Rico about her award-winning debut film, Atropia. She shares quirky tales of filming in unusual hotels and her childhood experiences with braces. The conversation dives into the complexities of military themes in her work, including real military training settings. Hailey's insights on casting, creative nuances, and the indie filmmaking grind reveal her unique artistic journey, making for a lively and engaging discussion.

Chris and Jason dive into a world of quirky topics, ranging from rapper Fabolous' hilarious birthday mishap to the debate over whether Wicked is simply Hamilton for the LGBTQ+ crowd. They roast Ashton Kutcher's questionable lunch outfit and explore the pressures on male celebrities to bulk up for roles. Live music etiquette gets a nod as Chris shares his Geese show experience, while a discussion on Jimmy Kimmel's family political ultimatum offers a humorous take on privilege and politics. Tune in for laughs and hot takes!

Paul Needham, CEO of The Infatuation, dives into the vibrant world of restaurant culture from his NYC office. He explores the intriguing psychology behind waiting in line and shares his favorite In-N-Out order. The talk touches on elevated small luxuries in dining, Ojai's rise as a trendy getaway, and the latest in the 'bagel wars.' Paul also reveals insights from The Infatuation's best-of lists and discusses the balance restaurants face with viral trends versus loyal customers. Tune in for a flavorful feast of culinary insights!

W. David Marx, a Tokyo-based writer and cultural historian known for his books like Status and Culture, joins the discussion to delve into intriguing cultural topics. He chats about the appeal of American fast food flavors in Japan and how global pop culture is evolving, particularly through K-pop. David also explores the impact of the '22 rule' on media culture and the consequences of viral fame in today's internet landscape. With fascinating anecdotes from his new book, Blank Space, he shares insights into the shifting dynamics of culture and creativity.

Listen in as the hosts chat about their experience at the GQ Man of the Year event and the uproar over a congressman caught glancing at explicit content mid-flight. They delve into the chic new Chrome Hearts hotel in Malibu and share highlights from their red carpet interviews. A comical look at airport food preferences contrasts full English versus fish and chips, while reflections on celebrity encounters, hotel tipping etiquette, and Timothée Chalamet's daring fashion choices leave listeners entertained and amused.

Tom Freston, co-founder of MTV and former CEO of Viacom, shares fascinating stories from his extensive career and travels. He recounts overland travel to the Middle East in the '70s and how it shaped his worldview. Tom discusses the rise and fall of cable TV, the impact of celebrity culture at MTV, and even his controversial meeting with Fidel Castro. He reflects on the evolution of media, creativity in the face of corporate pressures, and shares favorite moments from MTV's Unplugged series.