Slate Culture Feed

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.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about whether intentional fouls have a place in the NBA. They also discuss Floyd Mayweather’s history of domestic violence and assess Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price’s profanity-filled tirade. This episode is sponsored by Shari's Berries. Treat your mom to something sweet this Mother’s Day. Shari’s Berries is offering giant, freshly dipped strawberries—starting at $19.99! Over a 40% savings! Go to www.berries.com, click on the microphone, and type in the code Hangup. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. 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.

After his television show Totally Biased was cancelled, comedian W. Kamau Bell is balancing the work of rebuilding his career, earning enough money and being a dependable family man.Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about whether the Warriors and Hawks will dominate the NBA playoffs. Andrew Zimbalist also joins to talk about Boston’s Olympic bid, and they discuss the New York Islanders’ last season in Nassau Coliseum. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. 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.

John Cameron Mitchell created Hedwig and the Angry Inch when he in his 30s. Now he's playing the title role on Broadway, and says aging and loss have given the show new meaning.Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Jordan Spieth’s runaway Masters win. They also interview Sonny Vaccaro about the new documentary Sole Man. Finally, they ogle the Stanley Cup and speak to the trophy’s keeper Philip Pritchard.More at slate.com/hangupLove 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/hangupplus 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.

Giulia Lukach was three years into her marriage when she began experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder. She and her husband talk about how her illness has reshaped their marriage. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Wisconsin’s upset victory over Kentucky and the start of the 2015 baseball season. They also interview composer Bob Christianson, who has written more than two dozen sports television theme tunes. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. 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.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Kate Fagan talk about the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments and the dominance of Kentucky and UConn. They also discuss the U.S. women’s national soccer team and assess the state of the gay athlete. 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/podcastplus. 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.

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.Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament and the early retirement of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland. They’re also joined by writer Andrew Miller to discuss the Cricket World Cup. 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. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. 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.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the NCAA tournament and ESPN’s I Hate Christian Laettner. They also discuss all the player movement during NFL free agency, and Bruce Arthur joins to assess the imploding Toronto Maple Leafs.Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. 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.

You've heard Lisa Fischer singing backup vocals for everyone from the Rolling Stones to Beyoncé. But after decades of touring with rock stars, Fischer lives in a far more humble reality.Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about college hoops’ slow pace with Ken Pomeroy. They also discuss the decline of the NFL running back and interview Errol Morris about his new series of short sports documentaries for ESPN.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. 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.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by ESPN.com’s Kevin Pelton to talk about the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. They also discuss Larry Sanders’ decision to leave the NBA and Ben Rothenberg joins to examine match-fixing in tennis.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. 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.

There's the cliche: someone cheats, crockery is thrown, lawyers are called. But your stories about cheating were much more varied, with some unpredictable conclusions. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Grantland’s Eric Raskin to discuss Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. They also compare Alex Rodriguez and Kobe Bryant, and they look at new rules designed to make baseball speedier.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. 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.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Kevin Durant’s anti-media rant. They also discuss Jackie Robinson West Little League losing its U.S. title and Slate’s Daniel Engber joins to explore the art and science of free-throw distraction.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes love fits neatly on a card. Sometimes, it spills over into rehab, divorce, or a call from a former Wyoming senator. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. 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.

Teddy and Kami Thompson followed in the footsteps of their musical parents, Richard and Linda Thompson. But they remember their childhood and its lessons about family very differently.Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Sports Illustrated‘s Alexander Wolff to talk about Dean Smith, by Nathaniel Vinton to discuss U.S. ski racers, and by Jonathan Hock for a chat about his Soviet hockey documentary Of Miracles and Men.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. 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.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about New England’s 28-24 Super Bowl win. Grantland’s Bryan Curtis joins to discuss the game’s surprising stars and NBC’s lead producer Fred Gaudelli gives a behind-the-scenes look at the TV broadcast.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. 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.

Comedian Margaret Cho frequently jokes about her wild sexual adventures. But now she says she wants something less X-rated and more like a middle school romance. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Deflategate. They also interview John Biever, who’s photographed every Super Bowl, and tennis player Tim Smyczek, who’s been lauded for his sportsmanship after losing a tight match to Rafael Nadal.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the film The Imitation Game, HBO's Togetherness, and Celine's new It Girl, Joan Didion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the Seahawks’ comeback win and the Patriots’ allegedly deflated balls; interview NBC producer Fred Gaudelli about televising the Super Bowl; and talk to Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski about the NHL.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Akhavan’s debut feature film, Appropriate Behavior, mines the details of her own life—particularly the most uncomfortable moments. It also earned her a spot on this season of Girls.Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic Selma, the culture of protest in today's internet world, and Merriam Webster's updated online edition with Slate writer Stefan Fatsis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the NFL playoffs and Dez Bryant’s disputed catch. ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh joins to assess the NBA’s Hawks and Pistons and Andrew Bisharat talks about the first free ascent of El Capitan’s Dawn Wall.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the biopic of the great Victorian painter J.M.W. Turner, the TV show Empire, and D'Angelo's Black Messiah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs and the inaugural college football playoffs, wherein the SEC went down to a crushing defeat. ESPN’s Jay Harris also joins to discuss the death of Stuart Scott.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens visit the studio of composer Nicholas Britell to hear his musical interpretations of their theme song desires and then choose a new theme song for the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living alone has its perks: no one to tell you what to eat, how to decorate, or when to go to bed. But there's also no one to split the bills with. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca take listeners’ questions in a special year-end call-in show. Topics range from their greatest sports moments to what to watch on TV when you can’t sleep to gender bias in the sports media.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens discuss the Sony Pictures hack, Hollywood film franchises, and favorite Christmas movies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Kentucky's surplus of basketball talent. They also talk with Sports Illustrated executive editor Jon Wertheim about the future of sports TV and assess Yahoo NBA writer Adrian Wojnarowski.Show notes at slate.com/hangup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.