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Culture Gabfest

Slate Podcasts

New York Times critic Dwight Garner says “The Slate Culture Gabfest is one of the highlights of my week.” The award-winning Culturefest features critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner debating the week in culture, from highbrow to pop. For more of Slate’s culture podcasts, check out the Slate Culture feed.

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21 episodes
Avg 58 min
English

Episodes 21

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August 21 · 23 min
Announcing: Julia's New Show!
You can still hear Julia Turner's voice every week over at L.A. World.
July 1 · 1 hr 37 min
So Long, and Thanks for All the Granola Edition
This week, the panel discusses 2008’s Juno, anticipates changing cultural habits, and dives into the mailbag.
June 24 · 1 hr 20 min
Toy Story 5 Crushes It at the Box Office Edition
This week’s Gabfest topics include Toy Story 5, Dropout TV’s Game Changer, and the six sentences that define America according to The New York Times.
June 17 · 1 hr 27 min
One Last Strut Edition
This week, our panel gets into the summer blockbuster Disclosure Day, Isaac Butler’s new book The Perfect Moment, and a final Summer Strut with Chris Molanphy.
June 10 · 1 hr 22 min
One Last Taylor Swift Throwdown Edition
On this week’s show, the panel takes up the films Masters of the Universe and Is God Is and… Taylor Swift.
June 3 · 1 hr 14 min
Stuck in the Backrooms Edition
This week, topics include the horror movie Backrooms, the new podcast OnlyFantasy, and a Pudding infographic on similes.
May 27 · 58 min
I Love Boosters Heightens the Contradictions Edition
On this week’s show, the hosts analyze the new film I Love Boosters, the docuseries Couples Therapy, and a recent article about Esperanto.
May 20 · 55 min
You’re My Obsession Edition
On this week’s show, our panel gets into the indie horror Obsession, the new series Widow’s Bay, and the internet pile-on du jour over Mac Barnett and the alleged “crud” of children’s literature.
May 13 · 59 min
Lord of the Sheep Edition
On this week’s show, the film Sheep Detectives, the limited series Lord of the Flies, and assessing the gloomy state of book criticism.
May 6 · 57 min
Somehow, Miranda Priestly Returned Edition
Miranda is back—just when media needs her most.
April 29 · 58 min
Michael Jackson Moonwalks the Box Office Edition
On this week’s show, the cultural juggernaut Michael, the new limited series Half Man, and T Magazine’s special issue: How to Be Cultured.
April 22 · 1 hr 2 min
Mother Troubles Edition
On this week’s show, the film Mother Mary, the series Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and the search for the best free restaurant bread in America
April 17 · 43 min
Richard Pryor: The Truth Teller Who Changed Comedy Forever | From Big Lives
Richard Pryor redefined comedy by telling the truth, even when it scorched him.Today, we’re sharing a preview of a new podcast, Big Lives, and a special episode about Pryor. Every week, hosts Kai Wright and Emmanuel Dzotsi dig into the BBC archive to explore the story behind the icons who shape our culture—trailblazers like David Bowie, Meg Ryan, Amy Winehouse, and Tina Turner—and better understand how each legend set the stage for our contemporary cultural landscape. In this preview, Kai and Emmanuel look at how Richard Pryor rose from a Peoria, Illinois brothel to become comedy’s GOAT, only to then wrestle with racism, fame, desire, and self‑destruction. If you like what you hear, find more episodes of Big Lives on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Need to set up your Slate Plus feed? If you subscribed through Slate.com, check out our FAQ at slate.com/podcastfaqs for easy instructions. Members subscribed via Apple Podcasts get automatic access—no setup required. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 15 · 57 min
There Are No Small Parts Only Miniature Wives Edition
On this week’s show, our panel assesses the film The Christophers, the series The Miniature Wife, and the reemergence of cigarettes on screen.
April 8 · 1 hr 2 min
The Drama Surrounding The Drama Edition
This week, our hosts dish on The Drama, Taylor Sheridan’s The Madison, and the overwhelming appeal of doodle hybrid dog breeds.
April 1 · 53 min
James Bond’s Sexistential Retreat Edition
On this week’s show, the high concept comedies of Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat and Riz Ahmed’s Bait as well as the return of Robyn with Sexistential.
March 27 · 29 min
Money On Film: Spirited Away
Nadira and Felix take a trip to a bathhouse for spirits in Spirited Away
March 25 · 1 hr
Ryan Gosling’s Pet Rock Edition
On this week’s show, the panel sets course for Project Hail Mary, the premiere of SNL UK, and Dan Kois’s encomium to bar soap.
March 24 · 27 min
Money On Film: Materialists
Felix and Nadira discuss dating and money in Celine Song’s 2025 romantic comedy Materialists
March 20 · 27 min
Money On Film: Margin Call
Nadira and Felix are headed to Wall Street to watch a Felix Salmon favorite: Margin Call

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