Culture Gabfest

Slate’s critics debate the week in culture, from highbrow to pop.

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About the Show

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

Hosts

Culture Gabfest “We’re All Gonna Die” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Don’t Look Up, the life and legacy of Sidney Poitier, and Lost & Found: A Memoir by Kathryn Schulz.

Culture Gabfest “Station 2022” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Station Eleven, Joan Didion’s legacy, and Movie Club 2021.

Culture Gabfest “Annual Call-In Show: 2021” Edition

Steve, Dana, and Julia answer listener questions on our annual call-in show.

Culture Gabfest “I Love Brucy” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Being the Ricardos, Bruce Springsteen and music rights, and the best books of 2021.

Sex and Violence in the City

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on West Side Story, And Just Like That, and Vulture’s list of the best New York movies.

Culture Gabfest “Where You Once Belonged” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on The Power of the Dog, The Beatles: Get Back, and gift guides.

Culture Gabfest “Into the Woods” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Spencer, Yellowjackets, and the life and legacy of Broadway genius Stephen Sondheim.

Culture Gabfest “Hello, It’s Still Me” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on King Richard, Adele’s new album 30, and the comic book The Department of Truth.

Culture Gabfest “Sexiest Man Alive” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Passing, The Shrink Next Door, and People’s Sexiest Man Alive.

Culture Gabfest “Eternals Return of the Same” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Marvel’s Eternals, Succession Season 3, and the controversy surrounding Critical Race Theory.

Culture Gabfest “Dancing Queen” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Last Night in Soho, ABBA’s newest album Voyage, and this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Culture Gabfest “Maid in Arrakis” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Dune, Maid, and the IATSE strike and tragedy on the set of Rust.

Culture Gabfest “I’ll Be Your Mirror” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Todd Haynes’ new documentary The Velvet Underground, Midnight Mass, and the controversy surrounding comedian Dave Chappelle.

Culture Gabfest “Bad Art Friend, Where Are You?” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Sally Rooney’s newest novel Beautiful World, Where Are You?, Reservation Dogs, and a greater discussion of literary responsibility in the viral article “Who Is the Bad Art Friend?”

Culture Gabfest “Squids, Women, and Chainsaws” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Titane, Squid Game, and the horror genre trope of the Final Girl.

Culture Gabfest “Buttery Soft Leggings” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Cry Macho, LuLaRich, and the eBook.

Culture Gabfest “Who Butchered the Goat?” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Netflix’s Kate, Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers, and the 2021 Emmy Awards.

Culture Gabfest “Lash, Pre-Lash, and Parasocial Relations” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on The Card Counter, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, and how John Mulaney inspired a wider discussion on parasocial relationships.

Culture Gabfest “10 Rings, 12 Minutes, and 20 Years” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Shang-Chi, Spike Lee’s 9/11 docuseries, and the star-studded video game 12 Minutes.

“Say Their Names” Edition

Slate Culture Gabfest on Candyman, Netflix’s The Chair, and Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.