Slate Culture Feed

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the latest on sports and the coronavirus. They also talk with the Athletic’s Ethan Strauss about his new book on the Golden State Warriors, The Victory Machine. And the Hang Up and Listen Quarantine Magazine Club convenes to discuss Bill Russell’s “How I Psych Them.”The pandemic (03:48): ESPN televising HORSE and Major League Baseball’s insane plan to restart the season.The Victory Machine (23:36): The decline and fall of the Warriors’ basketball dynasty.Quarantine Magazine Club (44:29): A conversation about a classic Sports Illustrated piece about sports and psychology.Afterballs (01:01:46): Stefan on SI’s 1963 profile of Bill Russell and Josh with some sports trivia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the things writer Tayari Jones has learned in isolation is mastering different forms of connection, from re-learning how to teach her college students over Zoom to sending money to friends in need. The simplest way she's connecting? Greeting cards! "People love to receive cards and I have so many of them and I just imagined that if people are at home alone feeling isolated, wouldn't it be nice to get a card even if it's the wrong holiday?"In that spirit, this weekend we're asking you to send a greeting card to someone in your life. Send us pictures, record a voice memo and email us at [email protected] by Monday morning.Sign up for our newsletter today at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. And follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did poop get cute? On this episode of Decoder Ring we trace the rise of cute poop from the original Japanese poop emoji to more modern poop toys which rely on the Youtube algorithm to get seen and sold.Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Dear Prudence and Slow Burn. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 EndorsementsJody: 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I'm just a lucky guy," John Prine told me in our 2018 interview. We will miss him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the push to bring football back and the psychology around restarting sporting events with crowds. Hurdling champion Dawn Harper-Nelson also joins to discuss how her life has changed now that the Olympics have been postponed.NFL (4:04): Donald Trump wants games to start back up again by August or September. Is that realistic? Dawn Harper-Nelson (26:25): Our live show guest from December returns for an update on her life and her training now that the Summer Games are off the calendar for 2020.Afterballs (47:24): Joel on Bobby Bowden, Stefan on Fountains of Wayne’s “All Kinds of Time,” and Josh on a 1948 race between old baseball men. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Songwriting icon Bill Withers died this week at 81 years old. Today, we revisit my conversation with him—from the very first episode of Death, Sex & Money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few weeks back, we created a Pandemic Tool Kit for those of us who are staying home during the COVID-19 crisis. But we also wanted to hear from those of you who can't stay home right now because your jobs have been deemed essential—about what's on your mind right now, and what's helping you cope. These are your stories. Are you in financial flux right now due to COVID-19? Tell us about it at [email protected] up for our newsletter today at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. And follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 LondonEndorsementsDana: The singer Julie LondonJulia: Hoosker Doosker Tug of War gameSteve: “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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hit Parade takes you back to the turn of the millennium when, for a couple of years, it seemed like a Latin pop star was topping Billboard’ Hot 100 every few weeks: Ricky Martin. Jennifer Lopez. Enrique Iglesias. Marc Anthony. Carlos Santana. Shakira. This wave of Latin crossover was hard-fought and a long time coming—from “La Bamba” to “Macarena,” Spanish-language hits in the 20th century had been treated like novelties by record buyers and radio programmers.The Latin boom of 1999 changed all that—but did it go far enough? How did we get from the slick Spanglish of “Livin’ la Vida Loca” to the Spanish-first success of “Despacito” and “Mi Gente”? And how did Ritchie Valens and João Gilberto prepare America for J.Lo and Shakira triumphing at the Super Bowl?Podcast production by Justin D. Wright.Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Dear Prudence and Slow Burn. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Joe Vardon to talk about the push to get games back on television. They also discuss the HBO documentary The Scheme, and Josh interviews tennis player Kristie Ahn about what an athlete does when she can’t leave her house.Sports on TV (03:16): TV networks have paid billions to televise sports. What’s going to happen to all that money? And will those dollar signs push leagues to get games on TV as soon as possible?The Scheme (18:24): Is the HBO documentary on corruption in college basketball worth watching? And what should we think of its protagonist, Christian Dawkins?Kristie Ahn (39:37): What’s life like for a pro tennis player who can’t be on the court?Afterball (01:02:13): Stefan on the spitball and the Spanish flu pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We asked essential workers to write in about what they need, and what they're thinking about. Here's what one surgical nurse in Ohio told us.Not subscribed to our newsletter yet? Sign up at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. And follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re an essential worker who isn't able to stay home, we want to know what’s on your mind right now and what’s helping you. Record a voice memo and send it to [email protected]. And if you are staying at home right now—we have an assignment for you too. Not subscribed to our newsletter yet? Sign up at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. And follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Isbell was a restless guitarist. Amanda Shires was a fiddler who turned his life around. In 2014, they were a year into marriage, and discovering that sobriety and success come with new challenges.Want more? Here are a few other conversations from our archive featuring Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires: Live from the Internet: Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires & You: The couple took listener calls along with Anna about relationships, faith and music. Jason Isbell & Will Welch: Somebody Needs Me: Jason guest hosts Death, Sex & Money, and talks with his best friend and GQ Editor in Chief Will Welch about sobriety and mental health. What Rockstars And Sober People Already Know About Quarantine: Jason talks with Anna from his home in Nashville during the COVID-19 pandemic, about how coming on and off of tours has helped prepare him for sobriety in quarantine, and about the music he and Amanda are listening to right now. And if you're looking for our Jason Isbell-inspired quarantine Spotify playlist, here it is. Subscribe to our newsletter at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. And consider becoming a sustaining member of Death, Sex & Money by donating here: deathsexmoney.org/donate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's bringing me back to early recovery....I have to think about the things that keep me sober for right now, because we have no idea what tomorrow is going to look like." Not subscribed to our newsletter yet? Sign up at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. And follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected] here's that Spotify playlist we promised you in the episode, with some of the songs Jason mentioned that he and Amanda are listening to during their self-quarantine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 EndorsementsDana: “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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Tom Brady’s move from New England to Tampa Bay. They also discuss the increasing calls to postpone the Olympics. Finally, they interview rugby announcer Nick Heath, who has taken to providing commentary on ordinary life events.Tom Brady (02:02): Did the Patriots disrespect the legendary quarterback? What can we expect of his tenure with the Bucs? Olympics (20:38): Why has the International Olympic Committee been so slow to understand the reality of the global coronavirus pandemic?Life commentary (35:19): How a play-by-play commentator adapted to a world without sports.Afterballs (54:50): Joel on claiming unearned national championships and Josh on the fake games played by the 1982 Saints. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, you've been helping us build a Pandemic Tool Kit. Now we want to see it in action! Pick something to do from the kit this weekend and send in your field reports from your activities of choice—pictures, voices memos, emails, whatever—to [email protected] by Monday morning. We’ll share how we're all putting this tool kit to use in our newsletter.Not subscribed to our newsletter yet? Sign up at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. We're sending them out a few times a week right now. Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Dear Prudence and Slow Burn. Sign up now to listen and support our work.How did the humble rubber duck become an icon of bath time? On this episode of Decoder Ring we talk to rubber duck experts, enthusiasts, and manufacturers to find out how the rubber duck evolved, why it's so appealing, and why there are thousands of them lost at sea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The High Maintenance star reflects on his childhood, what he's learned from his divorce, and why he's starting to smoke less weed.Looking for some TV recs? Here are five of my favorite High Maintenance episodes. I only picked from the last four seasons of HBO for ease in finding. The whole web series is amazing, which you can find here."Dongle" (Season 3, Episode 7): A Puerto Rican man who just arrived in New York starts work on a road crew and starts a flirtation with his bodega guy."Googie" (Season 2, Episode 6): The Guy is recovering home after a bike injury after smoking a lot of pot and streaming a lot of television, he goes out for a walk."M.A.S.H." (Season 3, Episode 1): A wake brings together a collection of people upstate, who join together in an inspired music jam. "Adelante" (Season 4, Episode 6): An encounter with ex in an Uber pool, and a dental hygienist goes on a date with a patient and then returns to her home in the Bronx."Scromple" (Season 2, Episode 5): The Guy and his ex-wife run into each other in a hospital.Sign up for our newsletter by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter, and every Wednesday we'll send you behind-the-scenes updates, podcast listening recommendations, and some pretty incredible listener letters from our inbox.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.EndorsementsDana: 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis talk about the latest on the coronavirus and sports. They are joined by former NFL player Domonique Foxworth and former NFL executive Andrew Brandt to break down the league’s new labor deal. Hall of Fame soccer player Julie Foudy assesses the women’s national team’s equal-pay fight. Finally, they interview Tegan Hanlon of Alaska Public Media about the Iditarod sled-dog race.Coronavirus (02:25): The reality of life without sports has set in.NFL (16:37): Did the players get fleeced by the owners?Women’s soccer (37:52): The U.S. Soccer Federation argued that “indisputable science” proved that its World Cup-winning women’s team was inferior to men.Iditarod (52:36): As the rest of the sports world ground to a halt, the Iditarod mushes on across Alaska. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anna and Kai Wright, host of WNYC's The United States of Anxiety podcast, take your calls about how the coronavirus is impacting your life, your relationships, and your plans—and how you're coping with it all. You can find coronavirus tips and resources that we've compiled at deathsexmoney.org/coronavirus, and you can listen to The United States of Anxiety wherever you get your podcasts, or at wnyc.org/anxiety.If you're not already signed up for our newsletter, do it today! We're going to be reaching out a few times a week as we all get through this together. Subscribe today by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. And support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini-episode of Hit Parade, host Chris Molanphy is joined by Wesley Morris, Pulitzer Prize–winning critic, New York Times critic-at-large, and co-host of Still Processing. They discuss the most recent full-length episode of Hit Parade about the chart legacy of Whitney Houston, which was inspired in part by Wesley and his co-host Jenna Wortham’s analysis in Still Processing of Houston’s life, identity, and artistry. Wesley talks about his first memory of seeing Whitney on TV, his respect for the versatility of her voice, and his commiseration with her sometimes-cold reception by Black fans. Next, Chris quizzes a Slate Plus listener with some music trivia, and the contestant turns the tables with a chance to try to stump Chris with a question of his own. Then, Chris teases the upcoming full-length episode of Hit Parade, which will look at Latin pop crossover on the American charts. While this episode is available to all listeners, our trivia round is open only to Slate Plus members. Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Dear Prudence and Slow Burn. Sign up now to listen and support our work.Want your question featured in an upcoming show? Email a voice memo to [email protected] production by Asha Saluja. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin get together for an emergency podcast on the cascading shutdowns in the world of sports due to the coronavirus pandemic. They discuss which leagues have handled the crisis admirably and which haven’t and they talk about what to expect in the weeks and months to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We asked you why you're not having sex—right now, or ever. These are your stories. How is the coronavirus impacting your life? How is it changing the way you think about your relationship to other people? Anna is taking your live calls this Friday, March 13, from 3-4pm Eastern (12-1pm Pacific) along with United States of Anxiety host Kai Wright. Call them up during that time at 844-745-8255. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now.Sign up for our newsletter by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter, and every Wednesday we'll send you behind-the-scenes updates, podcast listening recommendations, and some pretty incredible listener letters from our inbox.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 MurphyOther 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.EndorsementsDan: The March Badness bracket of songs.Julia: Print out your cooking recipes.Steve: “Reading Richard Rorty in Tehran” by Samuel Thrope in the Nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the Wall Street Journal’s Ben Cohen to talk about the latest on the coronavirus and sports. They also interview Cohen about his book The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streaks. Finally, they assess a chaotic week in New York professional basketball. Coronavirus (1:52): When will our sense of American exceptionalism end and reality set in? Hot hand (19:35): What the latest research tells us about the elusive “zone.” Knicks and Nets (39:24): James Dolan is beefing with Spike Lee and Brooklyn just fired its coach. Yowza. Afterballs (59:48): Stefan on team handball and Joel on Carl Crawford.Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on Hang Up and Listen each week, and no ads. Sign up now to listen and support our work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A listener talks about why he thought hiring sex workers could save his marriage⁠—while also knowing it could destroy it. We're looking for your stories about climate change, and about what happens when you take a minute to slow down and force yourself to focus on it. What do you think about? How do you feel? And then, what happens next? Send a voice memo to [email protected]. Sign up for our newsletter by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter, and every Wednesday we'll send you behind-the-scenes updates, podcast listening recommendations, and some pretty incredible listener letters from our inbox.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about the hit Netflix dating reality show Love Is Blind with Slate podcast producer Daniel Schroeder. Next, they discuss tomboys, jumping off of a recent New York Times op-ed. Finally, the panel takes on the coronavirus, analyzing the epidemic through various pieces of culture. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses a New York Times op-ed from an editor whose ex-boyfriend is now dating Lady Gaga. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Additional production help by Rosemary Belson.Outro Music: 'Shattered & Hollow' by First Aid KitEndorsementsDan: The graphic memoir Tomboy by Liz Prince.Pitchfork’s Sunday Reviews.Julia: The viral video where a camera falls from an airplane…Steve: “No Ghost in the Machine” by Mark Halpern in the American Scholar.The album Stay Gold by First Aid Kit.HostsStephen MetcalfJulia TurnerDan KoisSocial Media@slatecultfest on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/slatecultfest@slateculturepodcasts on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/slateculturepodcasts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the rise of Zion Williamson. They also discuss the legends and myths of the NFL’s scouting combine and assess how the spread of the coronavirus will affect sports around the world. Zion (3:59): Understanding the might and charisma of the teenage NBA superstar. NFL combine (19:49): Is pro football’s annual scouting carnival actually useful as an evaluation tool? Coronavirus (36:08): How teams, leagues, and the Olympics might be affected.Afterballs (49:35): Stefan on a historic Penn collapse and Josh on a fateful kick over the uprights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Dear Prudence and Slow Burn. Sign up now to listen and support our work.The 1998 romantic comedy You've Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan is about the brutal fight between an independent bookstore, The Shop Around the Corner, and Fox Books, an obvious Barnes & Noble stand-in. On this episode of Decoder Ring we explore the real life conflict that inspired the movie and displaced independent booksellers on the upper west side of Manhattan. This conflict illustrates how, for a brief time, Barnes & Noble was a symbol of predatory capitalism, only to be usurped by the uniting force at the heart of the film: the internet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight years after her passing—and 35 years after the release of her debut album—Whitney Houston is about to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Predictably, some rock fans have carped that Houston doesn’t belong in the Hall. But they are not the only ones who, historically, have complained about Houston’s bona fides. In the ’80s, at the apex of her success, black fans complained that Houston was courting white pop fans too eagerly, and forgetting her roots in gospel and R&B.On the charts, by contrast, Whitney Houston’s achievements are indisputable. But they also might be underrated. Houston’s chart records offer a window into exactly how she crossed over…and whether she deserved the backlash. In this episode, Chris Molanphy walks step by step through Whitney’s storied chart records—including a couple that have gone unheralded—that help explain why she was a seminal, singular figure among black female crossover stars, from Aretha and Diana to Beyoncé.Podcast production by Justin D. Wright. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The comedian talks with me about what mental illness has taught her about managing money and allowing herself to be loved. Maria's new comedy special is called Weakness Is The Brand. Listen to This American Life episode 261 to hear more about the Gottmans, the husband and wife psychologists Maria has turned to for marriage advice. If you or someone you love is at risk of suicide, please go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ to find resources and someone to talk to. Sign up for our newsletter by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter, and every Wednesday we'll send you behind-the-scenes updates, podcast listening recommendations, and some pretty incredible listener letters from our inbox.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and guest host and Slate staff writer Dan Kois talk about Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Next, they discuss Taylor Swift’s documentary Miss Americana. Finally, the panel dives into “garbage language” a.k.a corporate buzzwords—unnecessary or effective? On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses a contentious subject—whether Leonardo DiCaprio was already a star before Titanic?Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Additional production help by Rosemary Belson.Outro Music: 'The Man' by Taylor SwiftEndorsementsDan: Reading Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies before The Mirror & the Light, the third book in the trilogy, is released March 10. Julia: Golden State by Ben H. Winters.Steve: “Reading Sade in the Age of Epstein” by Mitchell Abidor in The New York Review of Books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the push for a 17-game NFL season and John Beilein’s short, tumultuous tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Joseph Bien-Kahn also joins to discuss ultrarunner Jim Walmsley’s quest to qualify for the Olympic marathon.NFL (01:42): The pros and cons of a longer professional football season.Beilein (17:31): He was a great college basketball coach. How did it go so wrong in the NBA?Ultramarathon (33:30): Can the world’s best super-long-distance runner hang with the best for 26.2 miles?Afterballs (51:26): Stefan on Little Leagues and major-league nicknames and Josh on segregation at the Sugar Bowl. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After years of working as a physician, Ken Jeong quit to pursue acting. Then his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, and he found himself needing to think like a doctor again.This episode was originally broadcast in 2015.Sign up for our newsletter by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter, and every Wednesday we'll send you behind-the-scenes updates, podcast listening recommendations, and some pretty incredible listener letters from our inbox.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf is joined by two guests hosts: Sam Anderson, New York Times Magazine staff writer and author of Boom Time, and Dan Kois, Slate staff writer and author of How to Be a Family. First, the panel discusses The Assistant, the indie film with heavy Harvey Weinstein overtones. Next, they dive into Hulu’s reboot of High Fidelity, starring Zoë Kravitz. Finally, the panel breaks down the work of Jenny Odell, including her book How to Do Nothing and her recent Paris Review essay “The Myth of Self-Reliance.”On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Dan Kois’s recent Slate story on a New Zealand fantasy masterpiece—an article that catalyzed the book’s publication in the U.S. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen. Additional production help by Rosemary Belson.Outro Music: ‘Lonely World’ by Moses SumneyEndorsementsDan: The writing of Charles Portis, including True Grit and Norwood.Sam: John Cage’s performance of “Water Walk” on “I’ve Got a Secret” in 1960 (as Jenny Odell recommends).Steve: Seeing Parasite a second time. “The Professor of Denial” by Amanda J. Crawford in The Chronicle of Higher Education.Moses Sumney’s Aromanticism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and special guest Lindsay Gibbs talk about the fallout from the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. They also discuss WNBA free agency and the rise of Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu. Finally, they review the Netflix docuseries Cheer.Astros (03:13): What should we make of baseball players’ anger toward their Houston brethren?Women’s basketball (19:53): What’s the deal with all the player movement in the WNBA? And is Sabrina Ionescu the sport’s next huge star?Cheer (38:16): What makes the Netflix docuseries great and why it’s often disturbing to watch.Afterballs (01:01:00): Joel on the Knuckleheads podcast and Lindsay on the pioneering Immaculata women’s basketball program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini-episode of Hit Parade, host Chris Molanphy is joined by Nathan Rabin, podcaster and writer of two books about “Weird Al” Yankovic. They discuss the most recent full-length episode of Hit Parade, a history of novelty songs on the Billboard charts culminating with the oeuvre of the most successful parody musician ever. Nathan shares the history of his Al fandom and eventual book-length collaboration, and Chris and Nathan theorize about the secrets of Al’s success.(Want to see Nathan Rabin talk about Weird Al in person? Join him in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. PST at Dynasty Typewriter—tickets here.)Next, Chris quizzes a Slate Plus listener with some music trivia, and the contestant turns the tables with a chance to try to stump Chris with a question of his own. Then, Chris teases the upcoming full-length episode of Hit Parade, which will look at the record-breaking career of the late Whitney Houston—now a Rock Hall inductee.While this episode is available to all listeners, our trivia round is open only to Slate Plus members. If you are a member—or once you become a member—enter as a contestant here.Want your question featured in an upcoming show? Email a voice memo to [email protected] production by Asha Saluja. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk with the dancer and choreographer about the low-budget beginning of her prolific career, and about dealing with new physical limitations while creating new works in her late 70s.Send a Death, Sex & Money Valentine! Find episodes to send to your loved ones, as well as a special Valentine's e-card, at deathsexmoney.org/valentine.Sign up for our newsletter by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter, and every Wednesday we'll send you behind-the-scenes updates, podcast listening recommendations, and some pretty incredible listener letters from our inbox.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner break down the Oscars and Bong Joon-ho’s historic win. Next, the discuss Star Trek: Picard with Slate associate editor and Trekkie Marissa Martinelli. Finally, they dive into a recent New York Times Magazine article on the way television imagines New York City. On the Slate Plus segment this week, the fashion of the Oscars. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.Outro Music: Eminem Performs 'Lose Yourself' at Oscars 2020EndorsementsDana: Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar acceptance speeches, as Dana wrote about in her recent Slate piece “Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar Night Had All the Genre-Bending Twists of His Movies.”Julia: “Chasing Colombia’s ‘cocaine hippos’” by Peter Rowe in the Los Angeles Times.Steve: “The Seriousness of George Steiner” by Adam Gopnik in the New Yorker.“An Evening With George Steiner (1929-2020)” by Kinton Ford in n+1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the opening weekend of the new XFL. They also discuss the Houston Rockets’ small-ball experiment and review ESPN’s new Michael Vick documentary.XFL (01:57): Is the latest iteration of Vince McMahon’s NFL competitor built to last?Rockets (22:48): Is playing super-duper small a smart idea, a desperate ploy, or a smart idea that’s also a desperate ploy?Vick (37:11): Assessing the quarterback’s contrition 13 years after he pleaded guilty to a dogfighting charge.Afterball (58:02): Stefan on one of Bobby Knight’s most memorable meltdowns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Dear Prudence and Slow Burn. Sign up now to listen and support our work.When Peter Mac was young, he found solace from his troubles in the voice of Judy Garland. He's now been a Judy Garland impersonator for 17 years. On this episode of Decoder Ring we explore the special valence that Judy Garland has for queer people, the history of female impersonation on stage, and what the future might hold for Judy as an icon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The writer reflects on her first relationship with a woman, finding the words to talk about experiencing abuse, and the process of writing it all down in her memoir.Sign up for our newsletter by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter, and every Wednesday we'll send you behind-the-scenes updates, podcast listening recommendations, and some pretty incredible listener letters from our inbox.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

`This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner dive into Ford v Ferrari before the Oscars this weekend. Next, they discuss Netflix’s reality show The Circle with Slate’s editorial director—and Circle-enthusiast—Laura Bennett. Finally, they analyze the controversy surrounding Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt with Los Angeles Times staff writer Daniel Hernandez.On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel discusses Super Bowl ads with Slate’s Justin Peters. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.Outro Music: ‘The Circle Theme (Netflix)’ by Patrizio Knight HostsStephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia TurnerEndorsementsDana: “‘Jojo Rabbit’ Captures the Horror and Absurdity of our Trumpian Moment,” by Masha Gessen in The New Yorker.Julia: The Good Wife.Steve: Cheer (specifically, La’Darius’s brother’s face).“The Money Behind Trump’s Money,” by David Enrich in The New York Times Magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Chiefs’ win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. Stefan and Josh are then joined by the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas to discuss the wins by Novak Djokovic and Sofia Kenin at the Australian Open.Super Bowl (01:31): The great Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a comeback victory as Andy Reid outcoached Kyle Shanahan.Australian Open (24:34): How Novak Djokovic controlled his mind and body to beat Dominic Thiem, and what you need to know about the latest American woman to win a grand slam title.Afterballs (46:05): Stefan on “Proud to Be an Astro” and Josh on the tragic story of Jim and Martha Tyrer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Dear Prudence and Slow Burn. Sign up now to listen and support our work.When Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote an exposé of Lord Byron's incestuous affair in 1869, it nearly destroyed The Atlantic Monthly, and threw the reputations of two literary icons into chaos. This is a story about 18th century scandal, cancel culture, and Bad Literary Men, that isn't so different from how these stories play out in our own time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sped-up voices. Wacky instruments. Songs about cavemen, bathtubs, bikinis and mothers-in-law. From the very birth of rock-and-roll, novelty songs were essential elements of the hit parade. Right through the ’70s—the age of streaking, CB radios, disco and King Tut—novelty songs could be chart-topping hits. But by the corporate ’80s, it was harder for goofballs to score round-the-clock hits on regimented radio playlists.Until one perm-headed, mustachioed, accordion-playing parodist who called himself “Weird” rebooted novelty hits for the new millennium. A video jokester before YouTube, he just might have ushered in the age of the meme. So join Hit Parade this month as we walk through the history of novelty hits on the charts—most especially if M.C. Escher is your favorite M.C.Podcast production by Justin D. Wright.Follow @cmolanphy on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A conversation with a psychologist about the importance of friends who cross racial lines—and those who don't. Want to reflect on how race has factored into your friendships? Take our survey at deathsexmoney.org/friendship. Afterward, you can see how other people have responded to the survey questions, and we'll also send you a recommended reading list. And, as always, you can sign up for our newsletter by going to deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. Every Wednesday we'll send you behind-the-scenes updates, podcast listening recommendations, and some pretty incredible listener letters from our inbox.Follow our show on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @deathsexmoney. Got a story to share? Email us any time at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.