Culture Gabfest

This week, the panel begins by discussing the new Martin McDonagh dramedy,  The Banshees of Inisherin . Then, they look at composer Michael Giacchino's foray into directing with  Werewolf by Night  on Disney+. Finally, they reflect on the generational divide over emoji use. In Slate Plus,   the panel talks about Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood, being the new face o...

This week, the panel begins by discussing Cate Blachett’s new film Tár . Then, they dig into the ways the Star Wars universe is expanded in the series Andor . Finally, Slate’s own Dan Kois joins the panel to discuss his recent feature on forgotten American poet Rod McKuen .  In Slate Plus, the panel talks about the practice of reading out loud.  Email us at culturefest@slate.com. Endorsements Dana...

This week, the panel begins by going Blonde as they dive into Andrew Dominik’s Marilyn Monroe biopic on Netflix. Then, the panel continues by chipping in on the reboot discussion, specifically through the lens of Hulu’s new show (you guessed it) Reboot . Finally, Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, joins the panel to explain the legacy of the late country music titan Loretta Lynn . In Slate Plus, t...

This week, the panel begins by discussing the moral quandaries surrounding Netflix’s newest hit Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story . Then, the panel breaks down the successes and failures of Billy Eichner’s gay romcom Bros . And finally, the panel lends their opinions on the trope of the wife guy , spurred on by Ned Fulmer’s ( formerly of the Try Guys ) recent adultery scandal. In Slate Plus...

This week, Slate writer and editor Dan Kois fills in for Julia as the panel begins by revisiting a familiar character in the Jon Hamm-led reboot Confess, Fletch . Then, the panel is joined by Slate’s book critic, Laura Miller, to remember the legacy of the recently departed British author Hilary Mantel. Finally, the panel is joined by Slate's web editor, Nitish Pahwa, to explain the cheating scand...

This week, Julia and Dana invite different guests to temporarily fill in for Steve. First, Julia and Dana are joined by Slate’s technology editor, Jonathan L. Fischer, as they hulk out and lawyer out with She-Hulk: Attorney at Law . Then, the panel is joined by Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, to take a look at one of music’s larger-than-life figures, David Bowie, with the documentary Moonage Da...

This week, the panel begins by settling into the scenic Irish mystery of Bad Sisters . Then, the panel begrudgingly watches the Breitbart funded uh…indie film… My Son Hunter which may end up being the most interesting text the panel has discussed in a while. Finally, the panel is joined by co-host of Slate’s Working podcast and special friend of the pod, June Thomas, to discuss the recent death of...

This week, the panel begins by assessing the most expensive television show to date: Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power . Then, the panel breaks down Breaking , the John Boyega-led hostage crisis film that also includes one of the last performances of late actor Michael K. Williams. Finally, the panel discusses the pros and cons of child acting, a topic choice that was influenced by HBO’s The R...

This week, Dana and Julia are out but never fear, we’ve brought on two great guest host to join Steve: slate alumnus and NYT columnist Jamelle Bouie and senior editor at Slate, Sam Adams. First, the panel breaks down the moral quandaries of the socially unhinged HBO hit The Rehearsal . Then, the panel dips a toe into the dark side with the Aubrey Plaza-led film Emily the Criminal . Finally, the pa...

This week, Dana and Julia hold down the fort in Steve’s absence while Slate’s book critic, Laura Miller, fills in as a third host. First, the panel breaks down the Neil Gaiman adaptation that no one thought would happen, The Sandman . Then, the panel discusses the new installment in the Predator franchise: Prey . Finally, supplemented by Laura’s great piece on the author , the panel attempts to an...

This week, Julia and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, June Thomas, steer the ship with a rotating panel of guests as Dana and Steve take a break. First, Julia and June are joined by Slate’s Editorial Assistant and Production Assistant for Gabfest, Nadira Goffe, to discuss A24’s new Gen-Z slasher film Bodies Bodies Bodies . Then, the panel is joined by Slate’s Editor-in-Chief, Hillary Frey, to d...

This week, the panel begins by discussing Peacock’s latest mystery series The Resort. Then, the panel takes a more light-hearted turn with Marcel the Shell With Shoes On . Finally, the panel is joined by author and Slate editor Dan Kois to discuss his recent Slate piece about “ The 50 Greatest Fictional Deaths of All Time .” In Slate Plus, the panel talks about movie and television credits. Email...

This week, the panel begins by trying to tackle Jordan Peele’s most recent sci-fi, western, horror film NOPE. Then, the panel is joined by author and host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler, to discuss the new HBO series The Last Movie Stars . Finally, Slate’s editorial assistant and production assistant for Culture Gabfest, Nadira Goffe, joins to discuss Beyoncé’s 7th studio album Renaissan...

This week, the panel is joined by the host of Slate’s Hit Parade podcast, Chris Molanphy, for our annual Summer Strut episode. First, they discuss this year’s chart-topping songs of the summer and their lack of strut-ness. Then, the panel dives into the longest listener-suggested summer playlist to date (42 hours!), and takes turns in a roundtable discussion of their top favorites from the list. Y...

This week, author, poet, and host of the podcast This Is Good for You , Nichole Perkins, fills in for Julia as the panel begins by digging into Apple TV+’s new series Loot . Then, the panel explores sex and sexuality in the film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande . Finally, the panel is joined by science writer and editor, Jaime Green, to break down the meaning of NASA’s new Webb Telescope images —her n...

This week, New York Times columnist and Slate graduate Jamelle Bouie fills in for Julia as the panel begins by taking on Thor: Love and Thunder with staff writer at The Atlantic and co-host of the podcast Blank Check, David Sims. Then, the panel feels the heat with the new documentary Fire of Love . Finally, the panel ranks their favorite content streaming services . In Slate Plus, the panel discu...

This week, New York Times columnist and Slate graduate Jamelle Bouie fills in for Julia as the panel begins by answering the call of The Black Phone . Then, the panel digs into FX’s newest hit TV show The Bear. Finally, they discuss the perplexing and popular world of gross food trends on TikTok. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses culture’s relationship to politics and affecting an audience. Email...

This week, the panel begins by experiencing Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic Elvis with Slate’s pop critic, author, and media professor, Jack Hamilton . Then, the panel goes on the run with the new FX series The Old Man . Finally, the panel discusses the viral article on cancel culture from New York Magazine’s website The Cut, titled “Canceled at 17.” In Slate Plus, the panel divulges what they’re actual...

This week, the panel begins by trying out the new Adam Sandler film on Netflix, Hustle . Then, they discuss the new hit Indian film RRR . Finally, the panel is joined by host of Slate's Hit Parade podcast, Chris Molanphy, to discuss musician Kate Bush's recent rise in the charts. In Slate Plus, the panel debates which SNL stars became the best film actors. Email us at culturefest@slate.com Endorse...

This week, the panel begins by fraternizing with the dinosaurs of Jurassic World: Dominion . Then, they’re joined by senior writer for New York Magazine E. Alex Jung to discuss the movie that changed the Bechdel Test, Fire Island . Finally, the panel discusses a New York Times opinion piece from Tish Harrison, titled “I Married the Wrong Person, and I’m So Glad I Did.” In Slate Plus, the panel dis...

This week, the panel begins by diving into the animated world of Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers . Then, they reflect on Norm Macdonald’s career and influence with his posthumous special Nothing Special . Finally, the panel enters Harry’s House as they are joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson to discuss Harry Styles’ most recent album .   In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their ideal cultural...

This week, the panel begins by re-visiting the Top Gun academy with Top Gun: Maverick . Then, the panel is joined by critic and author Jason Bailey to assess the career of George Carlin , presented in the two-part documentary George Carlin’s American Dream . Finally, the panel discusses the defamation trail of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard that is gripping the media.  In Slate Plus, the panel rememb...

This week, the panel begins by discussing A24’s newest horror/thriller film from Alex Garland Men . Then, the panel jumps back in time with the reboot of Canadian comedy troupe Kids in the Hall . Finally, the panel is joined by contributing writer for the New York Times, Jody Rosen, to discuss his newest book Two Wheels Good: The History and Mystery of the Bicycle .   In Slate Plus, the panel spoi...

This week, the panel begins by discussing the new true crime series Under the Banner of Heaven . Then, the panel time travels with the film Petite Maman . Finally, the panel debates “The Future of Public Parks,” inspired by a New Yorker piece from Alexandra Lange. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their experiences having their work edited. Email us at culturefest@slate.com . Endorsements Dana: T...

This week, Steve is joined by author and Slate editor and writer, Dan Kois, and Slate staff writer, Heather Schwedel. The panel begins by discussing the French film Happening with Susan Matthews, Slate’s news director and the host of Slow Burn Season 7, which will focus on Roe v. Wade. Then, the panel sails the high seas with HBO’s Our Flag Means Death . Finally, Julia pops in for a surprise guest...