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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
Feb 10, 2021 • 1h 29min
“#Free Against the Music” (with Baratunde Thurston)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss The NY Times documentary Framing Britney Spears, Christopher Plummer, Golden Globe noms, The Weeknd’s Super Bowl performance, Debra Messing’s worst tweet, Morgan Wallen’s racism scandal, Cracker Barrel’s etymology and more. Plus, Baratunde Thurston joins to discuss his podcast How to Citizen and how Black and white America moves forward post Trump.Aida's recs: Aja Monet -- The Black Unicorn SingsMikki Kendall -- Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgott’ai freedom ford -- how to get overBuy them from your local black owned bookstorePoppy + RoseBed-Stuy Fish Fry@tierrwhackBaratunde's recs: Black-owned publishing company called A Kids Book About. They make empowering, challenging and important books for kids on everything from racism to depression to creativity. Reverence, a Black-owned restaurant on historic Striver’s Row in Harlem created by Chef Russell Jackson (@chefrjackson on IG). He’s adapted the chef’s table-only dining experience to amazing to go food compatible with a global pandemic’s restrictions. Find Reverence on IG @reverencenyc or online at reverence.nyc
Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 30min
“Two Can Play That GameStop” (with Amanda Idoko)
Ira, Louis, and Aida try to make sense of the GameStop business then just talk about video games. Also discussed: remembering Cicely Tyson, Cloris Leachman, and Sophie, AOC’s rightful anger at Republicans, worrying Drag Race trends, the Chromatica Oreos, and more. Plus, Amanda Idoko joins to talk diversity in writers' rooms and her debut feature Breaking News in Yuba County.Ira's book recs:Stacey Abrams — Lead From the OutsideTressie McMillan Cottom — Thick: And Other Essays Brandon Taylor — Real LifeHanif Abdurraqib — They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill UsHanif Abdurraqib — A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black PerformanceBuy them from your local black owned bookstore
Jan 27, 2021 • 1h 27min
"Driving Miss Disney" (with Kat Dennings)
Ira, Louis, and Aida revisit Larry King interviews and discuss the drama surrounding Olivia Rodrigo's debut single "Drivers License," Biden's star-studded inauguration, the LA Times' report on "vaccine chasers," Joan Didion's sparse interview in Time, DaniLeigh's light skin anthem "Yellow Bone," Sarah Huckabee Sanders' bid for governor of Arkansas, and more. Plus, Kat Dennings joins to discuss sitcom acting, WandaVision, and the secrecy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Jan 20, 2021 • 1h 6min
"A Farewell to Armas"
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Biden's Inauguration, Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas' split and the celebrity gossip machine, Trump's Garden of American Heroes and 1776 Report, WandaVision, cremation, the glaring absence of Aaliyah’s music on streaming, and more.
Jan 13, 2021 • 1h 30min
"Horton Hears A Coup!" (with Riz Ahmed)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Trump’s failed coup and subsequent Twitter ban, Armie Hammer’s alleged bloodlust, Kamala Harris’ Vogue cover, reactions to Lori Harvey and Olivia Wilde’s new relationships, Fran Lebowitz’s Pretend It’s A City, and the Samantha-less Sex and the City reboot. Plus, Riz Ahmed joins to discuss his new film Sound of Metal and grappling with identity during a pandemic.
Jan 6, 2021 • 1h 22min
"Anyone Can Whistledown" (with Meagan Good)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Shonda Rhimes' horny new show Bridgerton, the Gossip Girl-esque Instagram account GaysOverCovid, the disappointing Wonder Woman 1984, Hilaria Baldwin's white-on-white crime, Beats' Confederate statue ad, January without the Golden Globes, and more. Plus, Meagan Good joins to discuss her directorial debut If Not Now, When? and (duh) starring in Eve's Bayou, Cousin Skeeter, and more.
Dec 23, 2020 • 1h 9min
“Wrapped in Red Table Talk” (with Gammy)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the worst of 2020 and their pop culture wishes for 2021, along with some listener contributions. Also, Adrienne Banfield-Norris joins to discuss her new podcast and her role as Gammy on Red Table Talk.
Dec 16, 2020 • 1h 27min
“Evermore Girls” (with Andrew Rannells)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Taylor Swift’s Folklore sequel Evermore, FKA Twigs’ revelation of her abusive relationship with Shia LaBeouf, Lizzo’s juice cleanse backlash, Shawn Mendes’ less than revealing documentary, the #FreeBritney movement, and more. Plus, Andrew Rannells joins to discuss The Prom and working with icons Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.
Dec 9, 2020 • 1h 23min
"Dazed and Centrist" (with Alison Brie)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Matthew McConaughey's critique of Hollywood liberals, Letitia Wright's defense of sharing an anti-vax video, Elliot Page publicly sharing his transgender identity, Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special, David Fincher's new film Mank, Dionne Warwick's Twitter account, Lifetime's Colonel Sanders movie, and more. Plus, Alison Brie joins to discuss her new film Promising Young Woman and the internet’s reactions to Happiest Season.
Dec 2, 2020 • 1h 23min
“Undoing the Right Thing” (with Rina Sawayama)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss The Undoing and the classic genre of “white mess,” Christmas horror movie Happiest Season, Grammy nominations, Megan thee Stallion’s debut album, the new Jim Belushi doc, and Selena Gomez versus the new Saved by the Bell. Plus, Rina Sawayama joins to discuss her addictive debut album SAWAYAMA and her academic approach to pop music.
