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
Oct 2, 2019 • 1h 28min
“Gimme Moore” (with Jia Tolentino)
Ira and Louis are joined by guest co-host Wynter Mitchell to discuss Demi Moore’s revealing new memoir Inside Out, a disrespectful review of Debbie Harry’s memoir, and more! Plus, Louis has a Keep It is himself and New Yorker columnist Jia Tolentino joins to discuss her new book Trick Mirror and why we fall in love with the stories we do.
Sep 25, 2019 • 1h 25min
“An Inconvenient Truth Hurts" (with Tarell Alvin McCraney)
Ira and Louis are joined by guest co-host Alyssa Mastromonaco to dive into the highs and lows of the 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Greta Thunberg leaving conservatives bothered, Lenny Kravitz’s stolen sunglasses, Mandy Moore's triumphant return to music, and more! Plus, Tarell Alvin McCraney joins to discuss telling black queer storylines on screen and his new TV series, David Makes Man.
Sep 18, 2019 • 1h 32min
"Cancel Me If You Can” (with Ezra Koenig)
Ira and Louis are joined by guest co-host Grace Parra to discuss Shane Gillis’ firing from SNL and Andrew Yang hitching himself to the racist comedian, Felicity Huffman’s sentencing, how Keke Palmer became a meme, NBC’s Saved by the Bell reboot, and more. Plus, Ezra Koenig from Vampire Weekend joins to talk about his Columbia University roots, politics and the joys of country music.
Sep 11, 2019 • 1h 18min
"The Ira and Louis Variety Hour! Vol. 2" (with Chelsea Handler)
Ira and Louis launch Jennifer Lopez's Oscar campaign for Hustlers and discuss Scarlett Johansson's defense of Woody Allen, pay disparity on the Crazy Rich Asians writing team, Kevin Hart's messy conversation with Lil Nas X, America's White Claw shortage, and more! Plus, Chelsea Handler joins to discuss her new Netflix documentary on white privilege and how she's gotten politically involved.
Sep 4, 2019 • 1h 23min
“Bop to the Top or Bottom” (with Randall Park)
Ira and Louis are joined by guest co-host Shar Jossell to discuss Troye Sivan’s invasive interview about his sex life, Dave Chappelle’s controversial new comedy special, why Kirsten Dunst deserves more respect, Lana Del Rey’s new album, and more. Plus, Randall Park joins to talk about rom coms, meeting Keanu Reeves, and those Constance Wu tweets.
Aug 28, 2019 • 1h 47min
“Neither What, Neither Who” (with Robin Thede)
Ira and Louis are joined by guest co-host Rheeqrheeq Chainey to discuss the VMAS, Taylor Swift’s new album LOVER, and Karamo Brown’s new friendship with Sean Spicer. Plus, Robin Thede joins to talk about HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show and the black gaze in comedy.
Aug 21, 2019 • 1h 8min
“Chicken Sandwich for the Soul” (with Jackie Tohn)
Ira and Louis are joined by guest co-host Aida Osman to stan Normani and discuss Chick-fil-A and Popeyes’ chicken sandwich war, Jay-Z teaming up with the NFL, #BoycottMulan, and more. Plus, Jackie Tohn joins to talk about the new season of GLOW in Netflix and her past on American Idol.
Aug 14, 2019 • 1h 19min
"Mama Said Equinox, You Out” (with Angelica Ross)
Ira and Louis are joined by guest co-host Aida Osman to discuss Missy Elliott's upcoming MTV Video Vanguard award, boycotting Equinox and Soul Cycle, the recently canceled movie 'The Hunt,' Priyanka Chopra's Beautycon showdown, and more! Plus, Angelica Ross joins to talk about meeting Janet Jackson and what 'Pose' means for the future of trans stories.
Aug 7, 2019 • 1h 22min
“Kamala on a Hot Tin Roof” (with Kathleen Turner)
Ira and Louis are joined by return guest co-host Rheeqrheeq Chainey to honor Toni Morrison, discuss Marianne Williamson fandom, attacks on Kamala Harris, male egos on the set of Hobbs & Shaw. Plus, Kathleen Turner joins to discuss her iconic roles on stage and film and the stunted evolution of female sexuality in Hollywood.
Jul 31, 2019 • 1h 21min
“Fantasy Hollywoodland” (with Margaret Cho)
Ira and Louis are joined by guest co-host Jill Gutowitz to discuss Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Lil Nas X’s breaking the Billboard charts, Andy Cohen’s messy interview with Tituss Burgess, shirtless joggers, and where lesbians hang out in Los Angeles. Plus, Margaret Cho joins to talk about her history doing stand-up and Aaron Spelling TV shows.
