Culture Gabfest

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens and answer listener questions. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Prudential's 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life - and the future - looks like to today's 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family. And by Making A Murderer, an unprecedented new documentary that takes viewers inside a high-stakes criminal case where reputation is everything and things are never as they appear. All episodes are now streaming, only on Netflix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Laura Miller discuss the best TV, books, and movies of 2015. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Prudential’s 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life—and the future—looks like to today’s 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the movie The Big Short, the hit musical Hamilton, and whether scholarly work be less and not more accessible. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 20 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Get the nicest sheets you've ever owned for about half the price of what stores and boutiques are charging. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off your entire order plus free shipping. Go to BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the latest cinematic adaptation of Macbeth, Bill Murray's Netflix Christmas special "A Very Murray Christmas," and Katy Waldman’s recent Slate exploring the cultural narratives that underscore (and misinterpret) anorexia. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Shari's Berries. Fresh berries dipped in chocolate—starting at just $19.99—are a great holiday gift. Go to berries.com and use the promo code CULTURE and double your berries for just 10 dollars more. And by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Rocky reboot Creed, the atypical Marvel TV series Jessica Jones, and whether we should regulate our internet addiction. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. And by Braintree. Looking to set up payments for your business? Braintree gives your app or website a payment solution that accepts just about every payment method with one simple integration. Plus, we’ll give you your first $50,000 in transactions fee­free. To learn more, visit BraintreePayments.com/culture. And by The Message, an original science fiction podcast from Panoply and GE Podcast Theater. All of Season 1 is available now, so listen and find out why a 70-year-old alien recording seems to be killing people. Search for The Message on iTunes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dan Kois discuss the film Spotlight, the Philip K. Dick novel-turned-TV show The Man in the High Castle, and a Westboro Baptist woman's Twitter conversion with author Adrian Chen. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Prudential’s 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life—and the future—looks like to today’s 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family. And by The Message, an original science fiction podcast from Panoply and GE Podcast Theater. All of Season 1 is available now, so listen and find out why a 70-year-old alien recording seems to be killing people. Search for The Message on iTunes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Town Hall in New York City, Slate's Culture Gabfest is joined by the Political Gabfest and Hang Up and Listen to discuss the growing threat of ISIS, Aziz Ansari's Master of None, and the Russian doping scandal. Plus, an interview with Hamilton cast members Leslie Odom Jr. and Daveed Diggs. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by The Message, a new podcast series from GE Podcast Theater. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/gabfestplus. Twitter: @SlateCultFest Facebook: facebook.com/culturefest Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the latest Steve Jobs biopic, virtual reality and Facebook's Oculus Rift technology, and whether subtlety in art sucks. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by the American Heart Association, which is urging lawmakers to save physical education. The average school gets just $764 every year for phys ed. Go to heart.org/LetThemPlay to learn more and take action. And by The Message, a new podcast series from GE Podcast Theater. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens discuss the career of Elvis Costello on the heels of his recent memoir, "Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink" with Slate's Carl Wilson, Drake's viral Hotline Bling video with Slate's Leon Neyfakh, and Adele's anticipated album 25 with Slate's Chris Molanphy. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. And by Braintree. Looking to set up payments for your business? Braintree gives your app or website a payment solution that accepts just about every payment method with one simple integration. Plus, we’ll give you your first $50,000 in transactions fee­free. To learn more, visit BraintreePayments.com/culture. And by the American Heart Association, which is urging lawmakers to save physical education. The average school gets just $764 every year for Physical Education. Go to heart.org/LetThemPlay to learn more and take action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss CW's musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, whether NASA has discussed a super alien race with Slate's Bad Astronomer Phil Plait, and the digitally annotated Bartleby the Scrivener with Slate's Andrew Kahn. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Prudential’s 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life—and the future—looks like to today’s 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family. And by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by The Message, a new podcast series from GE Podcast Theater. Subscribe to "The Message" here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Laura Miller discuss Spielberg's Cold War Movie "Bridge of Spies," Kathryn Schultz’s recent New Yorker takedown of Henry David Thoreau, and whether the lecture still has a place in the college classroom. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Club W, leading the "grape to glass" wine revolution. Answer just six simple questions at ClubW.com and their algorithm will create a Palate Profile just for you. Get wine directly to your door, perfectly customized to match your taste. For 50 percent off your first order, go to ClubW.com/culture. And by the Great Courses, offering a series of lectures about food, including Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking, Making Healthy Food Taste Great, Baking Pastries and Desserts, and Making Great Meals in Less Time. Order any one of these Everyday Gourmet courses for only $9.95 for a limited time at TheGreatCourses.com/culture. And by The Message, a new podcast series from GE Podcast Theater. Subscribe to "The Message" here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Rahmin Bahrani's latest film 99 Homes, our identity obsession with Wesley Morris, and Dana Stevens's travelogue meditation about her recent trip to Japan. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Whispersync for Voice, an Amazon and Audible innovation. Add narration to more than 60,000 Kindle bestsellers and popular titles. Read on your tablet and when it's time to go, pick up where you left off by switching to audio and listening on your phone. Learn more about Whispersync for Voice by visiting amazon.com/culturefest. And by Beech Nut Organics. At Beech Nut, homemade is their inspiration. It’s not baby food. It’s real food for babies—real organic fruits and vegetables, and nothing more. Nobody else makes food for babies this way! Beech Nut Organics are now available at Target. Go to BeechNutGabFest.com and enter to win a year's worth of food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the blockbuster science movie The Martian, Fox's standout fall TV show The Grinder, and whether Hamlet is fat. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Braintree. Looking to set up payments for your business? Braintree gives your app or website a payment solution that accepts just about every payment method with one simple integration. Plus, we’ll give you your first $50,000 in transactions fee­ free. To learn more, visit BraintreePayments.com/culture. And by Beech Nut Organics. At Beech Nut, homemade is their inspiration. It’s not baby food. It’s real food for babies—real organic fruits and vegetables, and nothing more. Nobody else makes food for babies this way. Beech Nut Organics are now available at Target. Go to BeechNutGabFest.com and enter to win a year’s worth of food. And by the Great Courses, offering a series of lectures about food, including Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking, Making Healthy Food Taste Great, Baking Pastries and Desserts, and Making Great Meals in Less Time. Order any one of these Everyday Gourmet courses for only $9.95 for a limited time at TheGreatCourses.com/culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss ABC's How To Get Away Murder with Slate's TV critic Willa Paskin. Plus, we're joined by Jody Rosen, the critic at large for "T" the style magazine of The New York Times, to talk about Ryan Adams and his cover of Taylor Swift's "1989" album. And Dan Pashman, former Gabfest producer and current host of WNYC's The Sporkful, chimes in to chat pumpkin spice lattes. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by OPEN ACCOUNT, a podcast series created by SuChin Pak and Umpqua Bank. OPEN ACCOUNT explores, through honest and sometimes comical interviews, our uncomfortable silence around money. OPEN ACCOUNT is available now on iTunes. And by Beech Nut Organics. At Beech Nut, homemade is their inspiration. It’s not baby food. It’s real food for babies—real organic fruits and vegetables, and nothing more. Nobody else makes food for babies this way! Beech Nut Organics are now available at Target. Go to BeechNutGabFest.com and enter to win a year’s worth of food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens are live in Chicago this week and discuss the film Black Mass, the sketch comedy of Second City, and the cultural phenomenon known as Donald Trump. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Open Account, a podcast series created by SuChin Pak and Umpqua Bank. Open Account explores, through honest and sometimes comical interviews, our uncomfortable silence around money. Open Account is available now on iTunes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the FXX anti-romantic comedy "You're the Worst," Stephen Colbert's late night debut, and whether it's OK to be a Luddite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dana Steves, Willa Paskin, and Seth Stevenson discuss FX CEO John Landgraf’s recent remarks about how there is “simply too much television” available today, Bill Hader and Fred Armisen IFC mockumentary series Documentary Now, and Google's new logo with Slate's Will Oremus. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Warby Parker, a new concept in eyewear. Warby Parker makes buying glasses online easy, risk-free and most of all, enjoyable. Get free three-day shipping on your final frame choice when you go to warbyparker.com/cultural. And by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Slate's Laura Miller discuss Narcos, Netflix original series about the Medellín drug cartel, Jonathan Franzen's new book Purity, and the refusal of some first-year students at Duke to read Allison Bechdel’s Fun Home. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Braintree. If you’re working on a mobile app and searching for a simple payments solution, check out Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. Period. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go to www.braintreepayments.com/culture And by Next Issue, the mobile app that lets you tap directly into the world's most popular magazines, anywhere, using your phone or tablet. Dive deeper into Vogue, People, Esquire, Time, and more, with interactive content for a richer reading experience. Right now, try Next Issue out for free at www.nextissue.com/culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Turner and June Thomas discuss the film Diary of a Teenage Girl with Slate's Laura Miller, the Walking Dead pre-quel, Fear of Walking Dead with Slate's Mike Vuolo, and the Ashley Madison hack with Slate's Amanda Hess. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf and Julia Turner discuss the HBO mini-series Show Me A Hero based on a landmark housing integration case with Slate's Jamelle Bouie, the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton with Slate's John Swansburg, and Amazon work culture with Slate's Allison Benedikt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Seth Stevenson discuss Netflix's Wet Hot American Summer reboot, the David Foster Wallace biopic End of Tour with Slate's Jessica Winter, and the morals of air conditioning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Mission Impossible franchise's latest installment, Rogue Nation, girl squads with Slate's Katy Waldman, and the problem of country music for people who don't like country with Carl Wilson. The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Braintree. If you’re working on a mobile app and searching for a simple payments solution, check out Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go to braintreepayments.com/culture And by Volvo. Experience the Wonder of Summer. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get up to five years full coverage, including wear and tear. Go to volvocars.com/us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss The Look of Silence, filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer's companion to his 2012 documentary The Act of Killing. Also, Slate's national correspondent, Will Saletan, talks about GMOs and fearmongering. Plus, how will What Pet Should I Get? affect the legacy of Dr. Seuss? Read Dana's review of The Look of Silence and her interview with Oppenheimer. And, read Will Saletan's article about GMOs. In our Slate Plus bonus segment: What's your alienating hobby? If you're not a member, enjoy ad-free podcasts, exclusive content, and much more when you sign up at slate.com/cultureplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Amy Schumer's debut film Trainwreck, the cyberpunk thriller Mr. Robot on USA Network, and the latest dustup at Gawker. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by the Great Courses, offering engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "The Every Day Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking." Right now, get up to 80 percent off the original price when you visit thegreatcourses.com/culture. And by Volvo. Experience the Wonder of Summer. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get up to five years full coverage, including wear and tear. Go to volvocars.com/us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the TV show Catastrophe, the Grateful Dead with Slate's John Swansburg, and the book The Next Next Level with author Leon Neyfakh. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code CULTURE. And by Braintree. If you’re working on a mobile app and searching for a simple payments solution, check out Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. Period. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go tobraintreepayments.com/culture And by the Great Courses, offering engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "The Every Day Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking." Right now, get up to 80 percent off the original price when you visit thegreatcourses.com/culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Slate's Mike Pesca discuss Magic Mike XXL, the Nina Simone documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone?", and whether the American actor is in decline. Slate's Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Boll & Branch, making luxury bedding affordable and convenient to order from home. Right now, get $50 off a set of sheets, plus free shipping, when you go to www.bollandbranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, and Slate's Chris Molanphy discuss the Brian Wilson biopic Love and Mercy, the songs of summer (or not), and reveal their favorite summer struts for 2015. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Pixar's latest film Inside Out, the art of currency design, and tour the new Whitney Museum with curator Scott Rothkopf. Slate's Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Squarespace. Start building your website today at Squarespace.com. Enter offer code CULTURE at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace. Build it Beautiful. And by the Great Courses, offering engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "The Fundamentals of Photography." Right now, get up to 80 percent off the original price when you visit greatcourses.com/culture. And by Boll and Branch, making luxury bedding affordable and convenient to order from home. Boll and Branch sheets are made from organic cotton that's fair-trade certified. Right now, get $50 off a set of sheets, plus free shipping, when you go to bollandbranch.com and use the promo code CULTURE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and June Thomas discuss the Hollywood's latest reboot of Jurassic World, the legacy of Ornette Coleman with Slate's Fred Kaplan, and interview the United States' new poet laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by: Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. Period. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go to braintreepayments.com/culture And By: Tastebud, a new mobile app that lets you share and discover movies, music, books, TV shows, podcasts and apps. Ask friends for specific recommendations or simply share your current obsessions. Go to tastebudapp.co And By: The Great Courses, celebrating their 25th Anniversary, with over 500 courses including History, Literature, Psychology, Better Living, and more. Watch or Listen with DVDs, CDs, streaming, digital downloads or with The Great Courses apps. The Great Courses created a Special, limited time offer for Culture Gabfest listeners Order from 8 of their bestselling courses – including: The Fundamentals of Photography at Up to 80% off the original price. Don’t wait: go to thegreatcourses.com/CULTURE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film Spy starring Melissa McCarthy, Lifetime's fictional reality tv show UnReal, and finally guest Dan Kois joins to talk about his recent visit to the Clickhole writers’ room. Our sponsors: Tastebud, a new mobile app that lets you share and discover movies, music, books, TV shows, podcasts and apps. Ask friends for specific recommendations or simply share your current obsessions. Go to tastebudapp.co. And: Audible.com, who has more than 180,000 audiobooks and spoken-word audio products. Get a free audiobook of your choice at www.audiblepodcast.com/culture. Also: Birchbox Man. Gentlemen, with all the challenges you tackle each day, looking sharp shouldn’t have to be one of them. That’s why for $20 a month, Birchbox Man will ship you a lineup of gear and grooming essentials—from style upgrades to shaving supplies—directly to your doorstep. So head over to Birchbox.com and use promo code CULTURE to get 100 Birchbox points with the purchase of your subscription. That’s $10 to spend towards your new favorite products. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens are joined by Emily Bazelon to talk about Laura Kipnis and Title IX, Rebecca Onion to discuss whether generation titles are bogus, and Carl Wilson to talk about Jim O'Rourke's new album Simple Songs. This episode of Slate's Culture Gabfest is brought to you by Braintree. If you’re working on a mobile app and searching for a simple payments solution, check out Braintree. With one simple integration, you can offer your customers every way to pay. Period. To learn more, and for your first $50,000 in transactions fee-free, go to braintreepayments.com/culture. The Culture Gabfest is also sponsored by Volvo. Experience the Wonder of Summer. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get up to five years full coverage, including wear and tear. Go to volvocars.com/us. The Culture Gabfest is also sponsored by Harry's. Go to Harrys.com now and Harry’s will give you $5 off your Father’s day set with the promo code CULTURE. Order by June 17th to get your set in time for Father’s Day. That's Harrys.com and enter coupon code CULTURE at check out for $5 off. Harry’s—a shave good enough to give. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss M. Night Shyamalan's TV show Wayward Pines, the webcam app Periscope, and whether nerd culture is dumbing down cinema with Slate's Jamelle Bouie. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Start building your website today at Squarespace.com. Enter offer code CULTURE at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful. This episode of The Culture Gabfest is brought to you by The Netflix Original Documentary Series - Chef's Table which offers viewers the opportunity to go inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world's most renowned, international culinary talents. This series is directed by David Gelb the creator of Jiro Dreams of Sushi. All episodes now streaming on Netflix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss George Miller's Mad Max remake and the Mad Men finale with Slate's Jessica Winter and John Swansburg. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by NatureBox, shipping tasty and guilt-free snacks right to your door. With over 100 flavors to choose from, you’ll never get bored of snacking again. Try NatureBox for free by going to naturebox.com/culture. That’s naturebox.com/culture. And by the Netflix Original Documentary Series - Chef's Table. Go inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world's most renowned, international culinary talents. This series is directed by David Gelb the creator of Jiro Dreams of Sushi. All episodes now streaming on Netflix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss David Letterman’s impending retirement from The Late Show and his 33-year legacy as a late night host with Slate's Jessica Winter, the British science fiction thriller film Ex Machina, and the Tonight Show spinoff Lip Sync Battle. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code "Culture." And by the Netflix Original Documentary Series - Chef's Table. Go inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world's most renowned, international culinary talents. This series is directed by David Gelb the creator of Jiro Dreams of Sushi. All episodes now streaming on Netflix. And by NatureBox, shipping tasty and guilt-free snacks right to your door. With over 100 flavors to choose from like Asiago & Cheddar Cheese Crisps, Pistachio Power Clusters and Big Island Pineapple, you’ll never get bored of snacking again. Try NatureBox for free by going to naturebox.com/culture. That’s naturebox.com/culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Kurt Cobain documentary Montage of Heck, the lure of boxing with Seth Stevenson, and Dad Bods. The Slate Culture Gabfest is sponsored by Selma, the Academy Award winning film now available on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD. Selma tells the incredible true story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic effort to ensure voting rights for all Americans, from Paramount Pictures and rated PG-13. And by The Honest Company, featuring safe products for your family and home. Purchase your first bundle by Mother's Day and receive a free soy candle worth $20. Go to FreeHonest.com and use the promo code "culture." That's FreeHonest.com and the promo code "Culture." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dan Kois discuss Masterpiece Theater's sumptuous version of Wolf Hall, Bruce Jenner's interview with Diane Sawyer about his decision to become a woman, and whether the much loved avocado should become extinct. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Mike Pesca discuss the Iranian film About Elly, Gwyneth Paltrow's Goopy SNAP challenge, and movie trailers. Our sponsor this week is The Honest Company, featuring responsible and safe household products you can trust. Get a free gift worth $20 when you purchase your first bundle before Mother's Day. Go to Honest.com and use the promo code CULTURE. Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/cultureplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Noah Baumbach's latest film "While We're Young," the annotation website Genius with Slate's Katy Waldman, and the post-Civil War paths of Grant and Lee with Slate's Jamelle Bouie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Fast and Furious movie franchise, casting director Allison Jones, and the culture of public shaming on the internet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film White God, fading charm with Simon Doonan, and go on a karaoke crawl with Slate's Dan Kois. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the HBO documentary It's Me, Hilary, Jacob Rubin's Slate piece on the art of celebrity impressions, and Laura Kipnis' essay about teacher-student relationships, "Sexual Paranoia Strikes Academe." Join Julia and other Slatesters for a Mad Men premiere party, April 5 at the Bell House in Brooklyn. Doors at 9 p.m. RSVP here, with special benefits for Slate Plus members. Our sponsors this week: RetailMeNot, the digital coupon app that offers thousands of coupons from 55,000 stores. To get an invite to download the invite, text "CULTURE" to 42767. And, PBS, presenting Wolf Hall on Masterpiece. Starring Mark Rylance, this historical drama for a modern audience revolves around Thomas Cromwell, the brilliant power broker who served England's King Henry VIII. Wolf Hall airs Sunday, April 5 at 10/9 central. Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/cultureplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Turner, Dana Stevens, Jessica Winter discuss the "Blurred Lines" jury verdict with Slate contributor Chris Molanphy, Snapchat Discover with Slate's Will Oremus, and alternative titles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dana Stevens, June Thomas, and Dan Kois discuss Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, television opening credits, and whether it's stupid decision to get an MFA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss FOX's new TV show The Last Man on Earth, Knausgaard's travel writing, and the fuss about the dress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens along with Carl Wilson review the Oscars, Bjork's latest album, and weigh in on the audiophile debate. Our sponsors today: Netflix, presenting season three of House of Cards. Starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. All episodes available on Friday, Feb. 27. And by the new ABC drama American Crime, from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of 12 Years a Slave. Catch the series premiere on Thursday, March 5 on ABC. Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/cultureplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss 50 Shades of Grey, the legacy of Jon Stewart with Slate's Jamelle Bouie, and misogny on the red carpet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss Breaking Bad's much anticipated spinoff Better Call Saul, Damien Chazelle’s film Whiplash, and the ethics surrounding the release of Harper Lee’s new book, Go Set a Watchman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film Foxcatcher and its Best Picture Oscar snub, Sleater-Kinney's latest album with music writer Jack Hamilton, and the best of the worst Super Bowl ads with Seth Stevenson. Help us make our podcasts even better! Take Slate's listener survey at to slate.com/survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film American Sniper, Jonathan Chait's article "Not a Very P.C. Thing to Say," and get a report from Sundance from Slate's Forrest Wickman and Aisha Harris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which Julia explains that we were delayed by this week's storm, and we'll post the show a little later on Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.