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
Apr 21, 2021 • 1h 20min
“The Yog-hurt Locker” (with Bolu Babalola)
Ira, Louis, and Aida make Oscar predictions and discuss Demi Lovato’s feud with a Los Angeles yogurt shop, Colton Underwood’s coming out, and more. Plus, Bolu Babalola joins to discuss her new book Love in Color and what makes a good rom com. Vote for us for the Webby Awards!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 14, 2021 • 1h 34min
"Where The Suburbs At" (with Ben Folds)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss DMX's legacy and how we talk about celebrities who grapple with addiction, the loss of the Arclight Cinema in Los Angeles, Lena Dunham's clothing line, and Kerry Washington's corny tweets. Rae Sanni returns with comedian Jacquis Neal to discuss their new reality TV podcast The Cast and what makes a good reality TV star. Plus, Ben Folds joins to discuss making music in the 90s versus now and his new podcast Lightning Bugs with Ben Folds.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 7, 2021 • 1h 16min
"Shaaahh!!! Real Housewives" (with Hanif Abdurraqib)
Aida's out sick, so Ira and Louis discuss Real Housewives of Salt Lake City's Jen Shah's arrest for defrauding the elderly, seeing Godzilla vs. Kong in theaters and a return to normalcy post-pandemic, FOX's new late night show Gutfeld!, and which closeted actors Kate Winslet knows. Plus, Hanif Abdurraqib joins to discuss his latest book A Little Devil in America: In Praise of Black Performance.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.
Mar 31, 2021 • 1h 24min
“Satan Boy Summer” (with Naomi Ekperigin and Megan Gailey)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Lil Nas X’s devilish new single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” HBO’s Tina Turner doc, Ariana Grande joining The Voice, Addison Rae’s Jimmy Fallon appearance, Chet Hanks’ introduction of White Boy Summer, and more. Plus, Naomi Ekperigin and Megan Gailey join to discuss their new podcast I Love A Lifetime Movie.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.
Mar 24, 2021 • 1h 28min
“Lemon Aid” (with Cerise Castle and Don Lemon)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Asian spa shootings in Atlanta, Teen Vogue’s new editor-in-chief firing for past racist tweets, Thomas Middleditch’s sexual misconduct allegations, Bill Maher’s take on recontextualizing problematic films, and Justin Bieber featuring Martin Luther King Jr. on his latest album. Knock LA reporter Cerise Castle joins to discuss her report on deputy gangs in the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Plus, Don Lemon joins to discuss his new book This Is The Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism. Show notes:Support KNOCK.LACheck out Cerise's seriesSupport the AAPI communityFor 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.
Mar 17, 2021 • 1h 25min
"If You Like It Then You Shoulda Put An Album of the Year Grammy On It" (with Cheyenne Jackson)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, the Oscar noms and snubs, the Vatican's unsurprising take on gay marriage, JD Vance's run for office, and the painful conclusion to The Bachelor. Plus, Cheyenne Jackson joins to discuss multi-camera acting on Call Me Kat and his extensive Broadway history.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 which podcast you would like.
Mar 10, 2021 • 1h 13min
“Duchess Protection Program” (with Delroy Lindo)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Oprah’s sit down with Harry and Meghan, the WandaVision finale, ghost kitchens, and Glenn Close versus Olivia Colman round two. Plus, Delroy Lindo joins to discuss his raved about performance in Da 5 Bloods and how theatre prepares him for The Good Fight and films like Gone in 60 Seconds.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 which podcast you would like.
Mar 3, 2021 • 1h 15min
“Globes, Man: Turn Off the Zoom” (with Dominique Fishback)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the 1st Hopefully Not Annual Zoom Golden Globes, Taylor Swift taking on Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia, Jonah Hill calling out the Daily Mail, racist Bachelor fans, and bad Twitter memes. Plus, Dominique Fishback joins to discuss her role in Judas and the Black Messiah and her Vampire Diaries fandom.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 which podcast you would like.
Feb 24, 2021 • 1h 19min
“I Really Don’t Care A Lot, Do U?” (with Roxane Gay)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Rosamund Pike’s new film I Care A Lot, AIDS drama It’s A Sin, Daft Punk’s breakup, the internet’s Kathryn Hahn obsession, the latest Golden Globes scandals, and more. Plus, Roxane Gay joins to discuss her new MasterClass on writing for social change and how to romance writers.Roxane's recs:Klancy Miller, a black chef and writerAsha Grant, who is opening The Salt Eaters, a black feminist bookstore and literary hub in Los AngelesRivers Solomon, a writerFor a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit.
Feb 17, 2021 • 1h 17min
“White Men... Skip This Episode!!!”
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the week of disappointing white men from Justin Timberlake, Joss Whedon, Chris Harrison, to the GOP. Plus, Gina Carano gets fired and joins a Ben Shapiro film, the Indianapolis Museum of Art prefers white patrons, Lil Yachty is making an UNO movie, and more! Louis' recommendations Jody WatleyCheryl Lynn — Shake it Up Tonight, Star love, EncoreJoan Armatrading — Love and Affection, Show Some EmotionMeshell Ndegéocello — Ventriloquism, PocketbookA Taste of Honey -- Honey combed theme promos
