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
Sep 23, 2020 • 1h 42min
“America’s Emmy Home Videos” (with David Chang and Zachary Quinto)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss this year’s virtual Emmy ceremony, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy, Ellen’s on-air apology, Kat McPhee donating to Republicans, racist social media algorithms, and the film Antebellum. Plus, chef David Chang joins to discuss his new memoir Eat a Peach and Zachary Quinto returns to discuss the film adaption of .
Sep 16, 2020 • 1h 26min
“About A Boycott” (with Roy Wood Jr.)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the new Oscars inclusion standards, Paris Hilton’s less than insightful new documentary, the boycotts against Mulan and Cuties, Paul Rudd’s awkward PSA on wearing masks, new Netflix docs The Social Dilemma versus Capital in the 21st Century, and more. Plus, Roy Wood Jr. joins to discuss making comedy and The Daily Show in a pandemic.
Sep 9, 2020 • 1h 15min
“Imitation of Life 2” (with June Diane Raphael)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Jessica Krug’s blackfishing scandal, Charlie Kaufman films, the Rebecca remake, Letterbox review, Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ exhausting book promo, and more. Plus, June Diane Raphael joins to discuss a decade of podcasting, watching Bravo during a pandemic, and more!
Sep 2, 2020 • 1h 25min
"Are You There God? It's Ira and Louis." (with Phillip Picardi)
In the third annual Ira and Louis Variety Hour, they discuss the socially distanced VMA ceremony, Adele's Bantu knots, Club Future Nostalgia, the NBA strike, unfollowing Shaun King, and the shocking loss of Chadwick Boseman. Plus, a conversation about finding faith as queer people with Phillip Picardi, host of the new Crooked Media podcast Unholier Than Thou.
Aug 26, 2020 • 1h 19min
“I’d Like to Buy the World on Coke” (with Ramy Youssef)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the cultural moments that led to this year’s unhinged Republican National Convention, soothing British comedies, revisiting Jerry Maguire, why not enough people are talking about Megan thee Stallion’s shooting, and whether videos of black trauma should be shared on social media. Plus, Ramy Youssef joins to discuss self-reflection via faith, depicting Muslim life through comedy, and his Emmy nominated series Ramy.Fight for Jacob Blake:
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Aug 19, 2020 • 1h 28min
“Best Creek Ever” (with Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Democratic National Convention going digital and bipartisan, how Lovecraft Country addresses H.P. Lovecraft’s racist history, Trump’s attacks on the USPS, and more. Plus, Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy join to discuss Schitt’s Creek, decades of working together, and their most memorable roles.
Aug 12, 2020 • 1h 34min
"Fear of a WAP Planet" (with Zadie Smith and Jean Smart)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss conservative reactions to Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion’s new single “WAP,” Selling Sunset, Joe Biden selects Kamala Harris, and which celebrities have us blocked. Plus, Zadie Smith joins to discuss her new book of essays Intimations and Jean Smart joins to discuss her Emmy-nominated role in Watchmen.
Aug 5, 2020 • 1h 11min
"Black Is Queen" (with Bob the Drag Queen)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Beyoncé’s latest visual album Black Is King, Brandy’s return with B7 and revisiting Moesha on Netflix, the misconduct allegation at The Ellen Show, and more. Plus, Bob the Drag Queen joins to discuss mixing politics with drag and her Emmy nominated series We’re Here.
Jul 29, 2020 • 1h 30min
"P-Valley Girls" (with Katori Hall)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Taylor Swift's surprise pandemic album Folklore, Tenet's ever-changing release date, disrespectful Megan the Stallion jokes, whether the Canada Drag Race judges are too mean, and share memories of Regis Philbin and Olivia de Havilland. Katori Hall joins to discuss her new series P-Valley, representing the South in her writing, and working with icons like Tina Turner and Angela Bassett.
Jul 22, 2020 • 1h 27min
"Podcast Friends Network” (with Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Mykki Blanco not being paid for their feature on Teyana Taylor's "WTP," bingeing The O.C. and what constitutes "guilty pleasures," their favorite child actors, performative tributes to John Lewis from Republicans, and more. Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman join to discuss their new book Big Friendship and the importance of adult friendships.
