Keep It!
Crooked Media
Wherever pop culture and politics collide, Emmy-nominated TV writer Louis Virtel examines the gorgeous wreckage from his uniquely queer perspective with a rotating cast of special guest co-hosts. Each week, our “Prince of Pop Culture” is joined by the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Garfield, Connie Britton, and Sheryl Lee Ralph to unpack the latest controversies, laude character actress appreciation, and all the shade that’s fit to throw.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 30, 2021 • 1h 19min
“Free Britney or Die Hard” (with Nicco Annan)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Britney’s court appearance over her conservatorship, Lil Nas X’s BET Awards performance, Courtney Love versus Olivia Rodrigo, Fast 9, and more. Plus, Nicco Annan joins to discuss P-Valley and his guest judging stint on Legendary.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jun 23, 2021 • 1h 22min
“Mark Twain Smile” (with Brandon Taylor)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Cancer season, the Michael Costello and Chrissy Teigen drama, Sharon Stone’s tweets about Meryl Streep, Usher causing T-Pain’s depression, GET OUT knockoff KAREN, DaBaby’s defense of Tory Lanez, and more. Plus, Brandon Taylor joins to discuss his new book FILTHY ANIMALS and how to stop writing for white audiences.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jun 16, 2021 • 1h 23min
“Kardashians Keep Falling On My Head” (with Rostam)
Ira, Louis, and guest host Grace Parra discuss the end of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, celebrity tequila brands, In the Heights’ colorism critiques, Sinead O’Connor’s night with Prince, and Chrissy Teigen’s apologies for her past internet behavior. Plus, Keep It’s first guest, Rostam, returns to discuss his new album Changephobia, pop music, and more.
Jun 9, 2021 • 1h 13min
“Easy NDA” (with JP Brammer)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss celebrities asking sexual partners to sign NDAs, Bo Burnham’s new Netflix special, queer cultural recommendations for Pride, and more. Plus, JP Brammer joins to discuss his new book ¡Hola Papi!. Queer RecsMoviesBeach Rats (included with Hulu)Rafiki (included with Hulu and Amazon Prime)Naz & Maalik (included with Hulu and Amazon Prime) MusicLuther Vandross -- Never Too MuchYoung M.A. -- HerstoryVINCINT -- There Will Be Tears (out Friday)Todrick Hall -- Femuline BooksBrontez Purnell -- 100 BoyfriendsJonathan Parks-Ramage -- Yes, Daddy For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jun 2, 2021 • 1h 14min
"Fifty Shades of Gay" (with TS Madison)
Ira and Louis discuss whether cops or the kink community belong at Pride, Mare of Easttown, Cruella, the Friends reunion, Naomi Osaka withdrawing from the French Open, Ellie Kemper's past as Veiled Prophet Queen of Love and Beauty, and more. Plus, TS Madison joins to discuss how she turned internet fame into her own reality series, The TS Madison Experience.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
May 26, 2021 • 1h 23min
“Like Sands Through the Sour Glass” (with Julianna Margulies)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album SOUR, Nikole Hannah-Jones tenure denial and the fight surrounding critical race theory, Gemini season, the return of Bennifer, and whatever the hell is going on with Taika Waititi, Rita Ora, and Tessa Thompson. Plus, Julianna Margulies joins to discuss her new memoir Sunshine Girl, as well as ER, The Good Wife, and more.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
May 19, 2021 • 1h 18min
“Some Like It Flamin’ Hot” (with Wanda Sykes)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Flamin' Hot Cheetos origin controversy, Ellen canceling her show, Israel's social media manager, the Dear Evan Hansen trailer, and racist tweets against new iCarly star Laci Mosley. Plus, Wanda Sykes joins to discuss her new sitcom The Upshaws and being a stand-up comedian versus being an actress.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
May 12, 2021 • 1h 7min
“Elon’s Journey Into Saturday Night” (with Buzzy Cohen)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Elon Musk’s appearance on Saturday Night Live, the new social media app Clubhouse, the canceled 2022 Golden Globes, Demi Lovato hunting for aliens, Eddie Redmayne in Cabaret, The Big Shot with Bethenny, and more. Plus, Louis talks to Jeopardy! champ Buzzy Cohen about guest hosting the show’s Tournament of Champions.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
May 5, 2021 • 1h 21min
"iCheugy" (with Jason Concepcion)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss "cheugy," the new buzz word of the moment, Billie Eilish's British Vogue interview, Justin Bieber's dreadlocks, and more. Plus, Keep It listeners call in for dating advice (including Ira's roommate Royce), and Jason Concepcion joins to discuss his new Crooked Media podcast Takeline, sports and pop culture, and Ben Affleck on Raya.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Apr 28, 2021 • 1h 26min
"Dude, Where's My Oscars?" (with Ed Helms)
Ira, Louis, and guest co-host Rae Sanni discuss the 93rd Academy Awards, Caitlyn Jenner's dubious run for Governor of California, Elon Musk hosting SNL, Scott Rudin's reign of terror, and more. Plus, Ed Helms joins to talk about his new film Together Together and new television series, Rutherford Falls.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
