On this week’s show, the hosts discuss Apple TV’s latest ode (tragic comedy?) to the movie industry with The Studio. Then, they step up to the plate and take a swing at the baseball film Eephus. Finally, they invite Slate’s Rebecca Onion to discuss the new edition to Panem’s dystopia: Suzanne Collin’s <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2025/03/sunrise-reaping-hunger-games-suzanne-collins-booktok.html">Sunrise on the Reaping</a>. Endorsements:Dana: <a href="https://afvpodcast.thebulwark.com/episodes/page/1">A French Village Podcast</a>Steve: <a href="https://grattoncourses.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/responsibility-under-a-dictatorship-arendt.pdf">“Personal Responsibility Under Dictatorship”</a> by Hannah ArendtDan: <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/2181/9780593231494">Sky Daddy</a>’ by Kate Folk Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at <a href="mailto:culturefest@slate.com">culturefest@slate.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>On this week’s show, the hosts discuss Apple TV’s latest ode (tragic comedy?) to the movie industry with The Studio. Then, they step up to the plate and take a swing at the baseball film Eephus. Finally, they invite Slate’s Rebecca Onion to discuss the new edition to Panem’s dystopia: Suzanne Collin’s Sunrise on the Reaping.

Endorsements:
Dana: A French Village Podcast
Steve: “Personal Responsibility Under Dictatorship” by Hannah Arendt
Dan: Sky Daddy’ by Kate Folk

Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

This week, the hosts discuss The Studio, Eephus, and Sunrise On The Reaping. 

On this week’s show, the hosts discuss Apple TV’s latest ode (tragic comedy?) to the movie industry with The Studio. Then, they step up to the plate and take a swing at the baseball film Eephus. Finally, they invite Slate’s Rebecca Onion to discuss the new edition to Panem’s dystopia: Suzanne Collin’s Sunrise on the Reaping.

Endorsements:
Dana: A French Village Podcast
Steve: “Personal Responsibility Under Dictatorship” by Hannah Arendt
Dan: Sky Daddy’ by Kate Folk

Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture Gabfest | Seth Rogen’s Love/Hate Letter to Hollywood

On this week’s show, Slate’s Rebecca Onion sits in for Julia. The team discusses Netflix’s current number 1 program Adolescence and what it says about how the descent into incel culture starts young. They then invite Chris Molanphy to talk about Lady Gaga’s new album, MAYHEM. They close out with a discussion on Trump's continued assault against DEI, this time holding funding over the heads of public universities if they don’t end programs that they say advance "racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities." Endorsements:Steve: Lauren Theisen’s <a href="https://defector.com/four-blanches">review</a> of A Streetcar Named DesireDana: “That’s Life” on the Lady Gaga album HarlequinRebecca: <a href="https://mubi.com/en/thefall">The Fall</a>Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at <a href="mailto:culturefest@slate.com">culturefest@slate.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>On this week’s show, Slate’s Rebecca Onion sits in for Julia. The team discusses Netflix’s current number 1 program Adolescence and what it says about how the descent into incel culture starts young. They then invite Chris Molanphy to talk about Lady Gaga’s new album, MAYHEM. They close out with a discussion on Trump's continued assault against DEI, this time holding funding over the heads of public universities if they don’t end programs that they say advance "racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities."

Endorsements:
Steve: Lauren Theisen’s review of A Streetcar Named Desire
Dana: “That’s Life” on the Lady Gaga album Harlequin
Rebecca: The Fall
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

This week, the hosts discuss Adolescence, Lady Gaga’s latest album MAYHEM, and Trump’s continued assault on public universities to remove DEI programs.

On this week’s show, Slate’s Rebecca Onion sits in for Julia. The team discusses Netflix’s current number 1 program Adolescence and what it says about how the descent into incel culture starts young. They then invite Chris Molanphy to talk about Lady Gaga’s new album, MAYHEM. They close out with a discussion on Trump's continued assault against DEI, this time holding funding over the heads of public universities if they don’t end programs that they say advance "racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities."

Endorsements:
Steve: Lauren Theisen’s review of A Streetcar Named Desire
Dana: “That’s Life” on the Lady Gaga album Harlequin
Rebecca: The Fall
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture Gabfest: Netflix’s Incel Tragedy Adolescence

On this week’s show, Slate’s <a href="https://slate.com/author/dan-kois">Dan Kois</a> sits in for Stephen Metcaff. The hosts discuss the new Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith-like film Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. Then they dive into the “inconvenient” Hulu show Deli Boys. They end by discussing the legacy of Dave Eggers’ phenomenal memoir <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2025/02/dave-eggers-heartbreaking-work-staggering-genius-book-toph.html">A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius</a>. Endorsements:Dana: The television show <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1288631/">A French Village</a>Dan: <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/787666/stone-yard-devotional-by-charlotte-wood/">Stone Yard Devotional</a> by Charlotte WoodJulia: LATimes article <a href="https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2025-03-04/the-perfect-martini-los-angeles-bill-addison">“I'm a martini purist. Here's what is — and isn't — in the perfect classic cocktail.”</a> by Bill AddisonPodcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at <a href="mailto:culturefest@slate.com">culturefest@slate.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>On this week’s show, Slate’s Dan Kois sits in for Stephen Metcaff. The hosts discuss the new Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith-like film Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. Then they dive into the “inconvenient” Hulu show Deli Boys. They end by discussing the legacy of Dave Eggers’ phenomenal memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.

Endorsements:
Dana: The television show A French Village
Dan: Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood
Julia: LATimes article “I'm a martini purist. Here's what is — and isn't — in the perfect classic cocktail.” by Bill Addison
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

This week, the hosts discuss Black Bag, Deli Boys, and the enduring legacy of Dave Eggers’ memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.

On this week’s show, Slate’s Dan Kois sits in for Stephen Metcaff. The hosts discuss the new Mr. & Mrs. Smith-like film Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. Then they dive into the “inconvenient” Hulu show Deli Boys. They end by discussing the legacy of Dave Eggers’ phenomenal memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.

Endorsements:
Dana: The television show A French Village
Dan: Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood
Julia: LATimes article “I'm a martini purist. Here's what is — and isn't — in the perfect classic cocktail.” by Bill Addison
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture Gabfest: Cate Blanchett Is a Sexy Super Spy

On this week’s show, we throw a flower-sprinkled dinner party for a space clone (personal beehive not included).Slate culture staff writer <a href="https://slate.com/author/nadira-goffe">Nadira Goffe</a> sits in for Dana, and the hosts discuss the new Bong Joon Ho film <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2025/03/mickey-17-robert-pattinson-movie-mark-ruffalo-trump.html">Mickey 17</a>, followed by Meghan Markle's uncanny homemaking show <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2025/03/meghan-markle-harry-netflix-show-with-love.html">With Love, Meghan</a> on Netflix. Finally, we invite Slate writer Dan Kois to discuss his new cover story “<a href="https://slate.com/business/2025/03/houses-real-estate-luxury-sale.html">How Giant White Houses Took Over America</a>.”Endorsements:Julia: The Slate article <a href="https://slate.com/business/2025/02/housing-crisis-apartments-development-single-stair-reform-codes.html">“Cracking the Code”</a> by Henry GrabarSteve: The New York Review essay <a href="https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2025/03/27/angles-of-approach-unbreakable-ronnie-osullivan/">“Angles of Approach”</a> by Sally RooneyNadira: Kelela’s album <a href="https://kelela.ffm.to/in-the-blue-light">In The Blue Light</a>Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at <a href="mailto:culturefest@slate.com">culturefest@slate.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>On this week’s show, we throw a flower-sprinkled dinner party for a space clone (personal beehive not included).
Slate culture staff writer Nadira Goffe sits in for Dana, and the hosts discuss the new Bong Joon Ho film Mickey 17, followed by Meghan Markle's uncanny homemaking show With Love, Meghan on Netflix. 
Finally, we invite Slate writer Dan Kois to discuss his new cover story “How Giant White Houses Took Over America.”
Endorsements:
Julia: The Slate article “Cracking the Code” by Henry Grabar
Steve: The New York Review essay “Angles of Approach” by Sally Rooney
Nadira: Kelela’s album In The Blue Light
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

This week, the hosts discuss Mickey 17, Netflix’s With Love, Meghan, and the plague of the white homes.

On this week’s show, we throw a flower-sprinkled dinner party for a space clone (personal beehive not included).
Slate culture staff writer Nadira Goffe sits in for Dana, and the hosts discuss the new Bong Joon Ho film Mickey 17, followed by Meghan Markle's uncanny homemaking show With Love, Meghan on Netflix. 
Finally, we invite Slate writer Dan Kois to discuss his new cover story “How Giant White Houses Took Over America.”
Endorsements:
Julia: The Slate article “Cracking the Code” by Henry Grabar
Steve: The New York Review essay “Angles of Approach” by Sally Rooney
Nadira: Kelela’s album In The Blue Light
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture Gabfest: Meghan Markle Sprinkles Potpourri on You

On this week’s show, no amount of star power can save a “screamingly stupid show.” (Sorry, Robert De Niro et al.) With <a href="https://slate.com/author/sam-adams">Sam Adams</a>—Slate Senior Editor and Staff Writer—sitting in for Dana, the team talks about the Netflix political thriller series Zero Day. Then they remember the career of Gene Hackman and end with their thoughts about this Atlantic <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2025/02/optimism-anxiety-action-psychology/681846/">article</a> on navigating optimism during times of crisis.Endorsements:Julia: <a href="https://cakesbymk.com/recipe/moist-peanut-butter-cake-recipe/">Moist Peanut Butter Cake Recipe</a> from Cakes By MKSteve: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/ng-interactive/2025/feb/27/the-savage-suburbia-of-helen-garner-i-wanted-to-dong-martin-amis-with-a-bat">The savage suburbia of Helen Garner: ‘I wanted to dong Martin Amis with a bat’</a> by Sophie Elmhirst for The GuardianSam: <a href="https://naomiklein.org/doppelganger/">Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World</a> by Naomi Klein (Again! After Julia endorsed it last week.)Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at <a href="mailto:culturefest@slate.com">culturefest@slate.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>On this week’s show, no amount of star power can save a “screamingly stupid show.” (Sorry, Robert De Niro et al.) 
With Sam Adams—Slate Senior Editor and Staff Writer—sitting in for Dana, the team talks about the Netflix political thriller series Zero Day. Then they remember the career of Gene Hackman and end with their thoughts about this Atlantic article on navigating optimism during times of crisis.
Endorsements:
Julia: Moist Peanut Butter Cake Recipe from Cakes By MK
Steve: The savage suburbia of Helen Garner: ‘I wanted to dong Martin Amis with a bat’ by Sophie Elmhirst for The Guardian
Sam: Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein (Again! After Julia endorsed it last week.)
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

This week, the hosts discuss Zero Day, remembering Gene Hackman, and how to engage with optimism during times of crisis.

On this week’s show, no amount of star power can save a “screamingly stupid show.” (Sorry, Robert De Niro et al.) 
With Sam Adams—Slate Senior Editor and Staff Writer—sitting in for Dana, the team talks about the Netflix political thriller series Zero Day. Then they remember the career of Gene Hackman and end with their thoughts about this Atlantic article on navigating optimism during times of crisis.
Endorsements:
Julia: Moist Peanut Butter Cake Recipe from Cakes By MK
Steve: The savage suburbia of Helen Garner: ‘I wanted to dong Martin Amis with a bat’ by Sophie Elmhirst for The Guardian
Sam: Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein (Again! After Julia endorsed it last week.)
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture Gabfest: Zero Day Makes Robert De Niro a Befuddled President

A feed from the Slate podcast network featuring episodes with enlightening conversations, opposing views, and plenty of healthy disputes. You'll get a curated selection of episodes from programs like What Next, The Waves, and the Political Gabfest, with deep discussions that go beyond point-counterpoint and shed light on the issues that matter most.

Slate Debates

Details

Recent Episodes