On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Chris Molanphy, Slate's pop critic and host of the Hit Parade podcast. The four of them pick their favorite songs form a giant list of listener suggestions. They also talk about which songs are candidates for Song of the Summer this year. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work.

Culture Gabfest

Summer Strut 2020

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by New Yorker staff writer Doreen St. Félix to talk about I May Destroy You. Then, Steve and Dana are joined by Isaac Butler, writer and co-host of this season of Slate’s Working podcast, to discuss the filmed version of Hamilton, now streaming on Disney Plus. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s comfort-watch pick of the week: the 1996 disaster film Twister. In Slate Plus, the hosts continue to talk with Isaac about Hamilton, its ending, its significance in 2020, and more. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Smartface by Smartface Endorsements Dana: Scott Brick’s narration of Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton. Julia: The movie Dave. Steve: “Wanting Wrong” by Anne Enright in the New York Review of Books. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work.

Hamilton in the Trump Era

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Jamelle Bouie to talk about the toppling of statues across the country. Then, the panel talks about Spike Lee’s latest film Da 5 Bloods. Finally, they discuss Julia’s comfort-watch pick: Center Stage. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss the postponement of the Oscars to 2021. Other items discussed in the show: The Slate podcast series Reconstruction, hosted by Jamelle Bouie and Rebecca Onion This Twitter thread on the history of Mount Rushmore “‘First Cow’ for best picture? A critic’s guide to the Oscars if movie theaters don’t reopen in 2020,” by Justin Chang in the Los Angeles Times Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Self Made Woman by Katharine Appleton Endorsements Dana: Jamelle Bouie’s newsletter. Julia: Waterproof UNO, the card game. Steve: Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. The French spy thriller The Bureau.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each episode, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work.

Toppling Teddy Roosevelt

On this week’s episode, Steve, Dana, and Julia are joined by Lauren Michele Jackson to discuss her recent piece in Vulture, “What Is an Anti-Racist Reading List For?” Then, the panel talks about cop shows during this current moment, jumping off of a recent article in the Washington Post by Alyssa Rosenberg that argues these procedurals that tend to glorify the police should be canceled. Finally, they discuss the power of citizen-shot videos of police brutality that are widely shared on social media. In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss the New York Times’s decision to publish an op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton and what the fallout means for newsrooms today. You can sign up for Slate Plus at slate.com/cultureplus Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Cheap Flights by Dylan Sitts

Black Lives Matter

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Mindy Kaling’s new television show Never Have I Ever. Next, they talk about Twitter beefs in the time of COVID-19—from Alison Roman to Lana del Rey. Finally, the panel dives into Steve’s comfort watch for this week: Out of Sight. On the Slate Plus segment this week, Dana and Steve try Sudoku for the first time, as inspired by this recent captivating video.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: Woke by SINY Endorsements Dana: Anne V. Coates’s interview on Out of Sight. Charlotte Brontë’s Villette, especially as an audiobook. Julia: “The Miracle Sudoku” video, as discussed in our Plus segment. “How to Make Wylie Dufresne’s Incredibly Creamy Scrambled Egg Sandwich,” by Wylie Dufresne, as told to Emma Wartzman in Bon Appétit. Steve: “The Painting Behind the Door,” by Emily Benedek in Tablet magazine. Singer Laura Marling’s breaking down her guitar chords on social media.

Never Will I Ever Beef with Chrissy Teigen

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss the Hulu adaption of Sally Rooney’s Normal People. Next, they talk about John Krasinski’s Some Good News. Finally, the panel dives into Dana’s comfort watch for this week: In a Lonely Place. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel is joined by Jody Rosen to talk about the music and legacy of Little Richard. Sign up for Slate Plus at Slate.com/cultureplus Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Endorsements: Dana: Spike Lee’s short film about New York City. Julia: The Donut Hole in La Puente, Calif., a trip inspired after reading “Drive-throughs and drive-ins were fading. Coronavirus made them a lifeline” by Carolina A. Miranda in the Los Angeles Times. Steve: Nick Lowe performing “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” as part of Rolling Stone’s “In My Room” series. Also, Nick Lowe’s “I Read A Lot.” Plus, check out Madison Cunningham’s “Dry As Sand.”

Normal People?

Dana Stevens shares a message for Culture Gabfest listeners. Become a Slate Plus member now to support the show, and you'll get a bonus segment every episode, ad-free Slate podcasts, and access to Dana Stevens' member-exclusive movies podcast Flashback.

A Reminder About Our New Schedule

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner break down the Netflix miniseries Unorthodox. Next, they bring on Jesse David Fox, Vulture writer and host of the Good One podcast, to talk about the state of comedy today. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s comfort watch pick for this week: the iconic and hilarious Airplane! On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses how their fitness routines have changed in quarantine. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. 

Don't Call Me Shirley

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner discuss Hulu’s historical drama Mrs. America. Next, they bring on Slate music critic Carl Wilson to break down Fiona Apple’s latest album “Fetch the Bolt Cutters.” Finally, the panel discusses Steve’s favorite movie of all time: Local Hero.  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel takes on quarantine cookery.  Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. 

Fetch the Patriarchy

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner analyze the latest way to watch television: Quibi. Next, they bring on Slate music critic Carl Wilson to talk about the legacy of the late songwriter John Prine. Finally, the panel dives into The Talented Mr. Ripley, Dana’s comfort watch pick for this week. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each week, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Saturday Night Live’s recent “at home” show. Outro Music: 'Apocalypse' by Cigarettes After Sex  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Endorsements Dana: John Dickerson’s interview with John Prine from February 2019. Julia: Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of the Harry Potter series—except for his voice of Hermione. Steve: The Lucksmiths. Again. The music of Cigarettes After Sex.

The Talented Mr. Quibi

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner are joined by Jen Agg to talk about the fate of the restaurant industry. Next, they bring on New York Times Magazine contributing writer Jody Rosen to discuss the passing of Adam Schlesinger. Finally, the panel dives into Julia’s favorite movie and comfort watch—Sneakers.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each week, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses their results to the Statistical "Which Character" Personality Quiz. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Outro Music: “All Kinds of Time” by Fountains of Wayne  Endorsements Jody: The singer Bill Withers, particularly his albums Naked & Warm and ’Justments.  Jonathan Cecil’s audiobook reading of P.G. Wodehouse’s Uncle Fred in the Springtime.  Dana: Interview with Better Call Saul’s Rhea Seehorn on the Ringer podcast “The Watch.” Julia: “Nutmeg” from A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! Steve: The songwriter Marty Donald of The Lucksmiths found here in Steve’s Spotify playlist.

Will Restaurants Survive?

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf is joined by Slate senior editor Sam Adams and Slate podcast producer Daniel Schroeder discuss the wildness of Tiger King. Then, Steve teams back up with Dana Stevens and Julia Turner to talk about one of his favorite comfort watches: Paddington 2. Finally, the panel analyzes celebrity in the age of coronavirus by exploring the two recent telethons respectively hosted by Elton John and James Corden. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Bob Dylan’s newest song. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Culture Gabfest each week, and access to exclusive shows like Dana Stevens’ classic movies podcast Flashback. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Outro Music: "The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else)" by Julie London Endorsements Dana: The singer Julie London Julia: Hoosker Doosker Tug of War game Steve: “They Survived the Spanish Flu, the Depression and the Holocaust,” by Ginia Bellafante in the New York Times “A Star in a Stoneboat,” by Robert Frost

Cool Cats and Kittens

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Dana Stevens rejoins Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner from her book leave for a few segments. First, Steve and Dana chat with Slate’s books and culture columnist Laura Miller about The Plot Against America. Next, Steve, Dana, and Julia talk about the power of walking, particularly in this time of quarantine, and the literary history that precedes the activity. Finally, Steve and Julia chat with Slate staff writer Dan Kois about the 1996 film Big Night, a delicious comfort watch. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel checks in with each other about how they’re doing during this time of quarantine.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Outro Music: “Higher Love” cover from Kygo & Whitney Houston  Endorsements Dana: “Kasha is the new nutmeg.” Patti LuPone’s basement tours. Julia: “Higher Love,” the Whitney Houston and Kygo remix. Steve: “Buh Black Snake in New England,” by Benjamin Anastas in Oxford American. 

Walking into the Abyss

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about the film Spenser Confidential, starring Mark Wahlberg on Netflix. Next, they discuss Reply All’s recent episode “The Case of the Missing Hit.” Finally, the panel is joined by Dana Stevens to lay out how they approach culture during this time of quarantine. How much do we lean into escapism?  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel takes on Steve’s own “missing hit” mystery. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.  Outro Music: Lost Something in the Hills" by Sibylle Baier. Endorsements Dana: Colour Green by Sibylle Baier. Dan: The “Sondheim at 90” package by the New York Times.  The album Side by Side by Sondheim.  Julia: The poem “My Heart Leaps Up” by William Wordsworth. Steve: Always Narrating: The Making and Unmaking of Umberto Eco by Costica Bradatan in the Los Angeles Review of Books.

Viral Songs and Quarantine Culture

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about Kelly Reichardt’s film First Cow. Next, they bring on Slate television critic Willa Paskin to discuss the latest episode of her podcast Decoder Ring, which dives into the real-life bookstore battle behind You’ve Got Mail. Finally, the panel dives into Molly Fischer’s feature in the Cut on the millennial aesthetic.  On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses the cancellation of Woody Allen’s memoir.  Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Additional production help by Rosemary Belson. Outro Music: "Party All The Time" by Eddie Murphy Other items discussed on the show:  “I Made the Oily Cakes From First Cow,” by Dan Kois in Slate.  “Bookstores That Live Only in the Mind,” by Dan Kois in the New York Times. Endorsements Dan: The March Badness bracket of songs. Julia: Print out your cooking recipes. Steve: “Reading Richard Rorty in Tehran” by Samuel Thrope in the Nation. 

Cows and Capitalism

New York Times critic Dwight Garner says “The Slate Culture Gabfest is one of the highlights of my week.” The award-winning Culturefest features critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner debating the week in culture, from highbrow to pop. For more of Slate’s culture podcasts, check out the Slate Culture feed.

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Culture Gabfest

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