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 19, 2018 • 54min
"Emmy Was Kim Cattrall's Name in the 1987 Movie Mannequin"
It's our Emmys episode! Ira, Kara, and Louis dissect television's biggest night and also that fight between Tom Arnold and Mark Burnett. Plus, Soon-Yi Previn and Woody Allen's creepy relationship gets a New York Magazine puff piece, Sean Penn should shut up, Bryan Singer needs to go away, and Louis has a bone to pick with Tim Cook.
Sep 12, 2018 • 1h
"A Binderella Story" (with Jenny Han)
Cardi B and Nicki Minaj stir up drama at New York Fashion Week. The US Open doesn’t deserve Serena Williams. Les Moonves is out at CBS. Olivia Munn is abandoned by her ‘Predator’ castmates. The media lays the blame for Mac Miller’s death on Ariana Grande. Plus, author Jenny Han joins to talk All the Boys I’ve Loved Before!
Sep 5, 2018 • 1h
"Lovett or Keep It" (with Jon Lovett)
Jon Lovett joins Ira, Kara, and Louis as they try to figure out why Steve Bannon was invited to the New Yorker Festival. Plus, Colin Kaepernick becomes the face of Nike and continued boogeyman of conservatives, Eminem’s latest album is stuck in his homophobic past, Aretha Franklin’s funeral gets messy, and a game of “OK, Stop!” with the A Star is Born trailer!
Aug 29, 2018 • 59min
"Louis CKeep It" (with Andrew Ti)
Louis C.K. makes his unwanted comeback. John McCain's death brings a reexamination of his problematic political career. The French Open disrespects Serena Williams. Kara shares her list of Top Ten White Women. Plus, Andrew Ti (of the podcast Yo! Is This Racist?) joins for a conversation on Asian representation in the media and the "blaccent" controversy in Crazy Rich Asians.
Aug 22, 2018 • 1h 4min
"Harriet Tubman Killed the Queen Radio Star" (with Michael Arcenaux)
Nicki Minaj has a meltdown when her new album, QUEEN, debuts at #2 behind Travis Scott's ASTROWORLD. Madonna causes a commotion at the MTV Video Music Awards. Asia Argento is embroiled in her own #MeToo scandal. Boots Riley isn't down with Spike Lee's latest joint. Plus, author Michael Arcenaux (I Can't Date Jesus) joins the panel and an Aretha Franklin shade quiz!
Aug 15, 2018 • 1h 4min
"National Treasure: Omarosa’s Book of Secrets" (with Tommy Vietor)
Tommy Vietor joins Ira, Kara, and Louis to talk about Omarosa’s messy book tour. The Oscars get desperate for viewers. Insatiable, Jack Whitehall, and Ruby Rose are the latest to face social media backlash. Azealia Banks is trapped in Elon Musk’s home. Plus, the NFL, Teen Choice Awards, and a game!
Aug 8, 2018 • 54min
"Crazy Racist Trumps" (with Jon M. Chu)
Donald and Melania Trump go to war over LeBron James. Beyoncé takes control of Vogue. Succession gets thinkpieced to death. Zodiac killer Ted Cruz defends Alex Jones. Plus, Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu joins Ira, Kara, and Louis to discuss what the film means for Asian representation in Hollywood.
Aug 1, 2018 • 55min
"Can’t Fight the Moonves" (with Marti Noxon)
Ronan Farrow’s latest piece takes aim at Les Moonves, but CBS’ board keeps his job intact. Jake Tapper is pressed about the Obamas enjoying a Beyoncé concert. MoviePass is on its last leg. Meghan Markle’s father needs to keep Princess Diana’s name out his mouth. Plus, Marti Noxon (Sharp Objects, Dietland, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) joins Ira, Kara, and Louis to dissect the cult of GOOP.
Jul 25, 2018 • 1h 1min
"Under the James Gunn"
Ira is joined by Doreen St. Félix (New Yorker) and Aminatou Sow (Call Your Girlfriend) to dive into James Gunn and the summer of white people losing their jobs, Chance the Rapper buying Chicagoist, and the new Whitney Houston documentary. Plus, the NY Daily News layoffs, why Charlemagne should’ve been canceled a long time ago, and Riverdale season three needs to do less.
Jul 18, 2018 • 49min
"The Bad News Baron Cohen" (with Jordan Horowitz)
Sacha Baron Cohen returns with his exhausting brand of comedy. Nicki Minaj. WWE reinstates self-described racist Hulk Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame. Andy Cohen needs his Instagram taken away. Plus, producer Jordan Horowitz (La La Land, Fast Color, and Starz TV series Counterpart) joins Ira, Kara, and Louis to discuss the Emmy nominations and awards season campaigning.
