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
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.
Nov 25, 2020 • 1h 13min
“Secure the Mailbag” (with Kate Mara)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss COVID vaccines, why you shouldn’t be traveling for the holidays, and they answer all your burning pop culture and Thanksgiving questions (well, a few of them, we don’t have all day). Plus, Kate Mara joins to talk about her new series A Teacher and what it’s like having a sister (Rooney Mara) as an actress too.
Nov 18, 2020 • 1h 27min
“Freakumout Dress” (with Rachel Bloom)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the conservative fervor over Harry Styles wearing a dress on the cover of Vogue, the COVID season of The Bachelorette, Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X's new videos, Twitter's new "Fleets" feature, the Grammys, Pitchfork's Kylie Minogue review, Obama's A Promised Land playlist, and more. Plus, Rachel Bloom joins to discuss depicting mental health on television and her new memoir I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are.
Nov 11, 2020 • 1h 28min
“The American President-Elect” (with Kimberlé Crenshaw)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ victory, Stacey Abrams’ victory in Georgia and correct Buffy opinions, Alex Trebek’s passing, The Undoing, Keke Palmer’s messy EBT take, Charlie Puth’s voting record, and more. Plus, Kimberlé Crenshaw joins Ira to reflect on the election, the history of “intersectionality,” and what’s next for America.
Nov 3, 2020 • 1h 10min
"Election Day of Our Lives" (with Radhika Jones)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss depictions of politics in pop culture and where we go after Trump, Ariana Grande’s new album, The Queen’s Gambit, and T.I.’s alleged coronavirus cure. Plus, Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones joins to discuss Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s cover and reinventing the magazine for a new audience. If you run into any issues voting or witness voter suppression or intimidation, call the voter protection hotline: 1-833-DEM-VOTE — 1-833-336-8683
Oct 28, 2020 • 1h 22min
"The Passion of the Chris" (with Adam Brody)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the ensuing controversy of Twitter calling Chris Pratt "the worst Chris," Borat 2, Amy Coney Barrett's placement on the Supreme Court, Jared Kushner calling black people lazy, and Kanye's maddening Joe Rogan interview. Plus, Adam Brody joins to discuss his new film The Kid Detective and revisit his iconic roles in The O.C., Jennifer's Body, and more!
Oct 21, 2020 • 1h 32min
“Strokes of Dunces“ (with Gabrielle Union)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Tony noms, the weird defenses of Jeffrey Toobin masturbating on Zoom, Chace Crawford’s second life in The Boys, The Trial of the Chicago 7, rappers turned Trump voters, Tiffany Trump’s bizarre Pride speech, how Louis got sucked into Emily in Paris, and more. Plus, Aida shares her Nebraska voting plan and we’re joined Nebraska icon Gabrielle Union to talk being an activist, an LGBTQ+ ally, and why Grease 2 is better than Grease.
Oct 14, 2020 • 1h 47min
“Keepin’ It 150” (with Nicole Richie)
Ira, Louis, and Aida celebrate Keep It’s 150th episode with a rundown of 150 things that DIDN’T suck in 2020. Plus, gay men take over the Proud Boys hashtag on social media, Bill Burr’s SNL monologue causes controversy, and guest Nicole Richie joins!
Oct 7, 2020 • 1h 32min
“Trust the B” (with Bethenny Frankel)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Mariah Carey’s new memoir and the pleasures of its audiobook, Trump’s COVID theatrics, The Witches reboot, Drake and SZA’s unearthed relationship, and why everyone’s addicted to Emily in Paris. Plus, Bethenny Frankel joins to discuss her new podcast Just B and the business side of Real Housewives.
Sep 30, 2020 • 1h 27min
"Rock ‘N Vote” (with Brit Bennett)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss The Rock campaigning for Biden, Mark Burnett’s responsibility for Trump’s Presidency, Tory Lanez’s continued exploitation of Megan thee Stallion, Eddie Redmayne’s support of JK Rowling, and more. Plus, Brit Bennett joins to discuss her NYT best-selling novel The Vanishing Half.
