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

“Half for Me, Half for You” Edition

Slate Culture Gabfest on Honeyland, Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time tournament, and Jia Tolentino.

“Royal Pain in the Arse” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on 1917, 63 Up, and Megxit.

“The Secret Mailbox” Edition

Slate Culture Gabfest on Little Women, the Golden Globes, and the Movie Club.

“Welcome to Slaht Ploos, Books, and Cats” Edition

Revisiting our favorite Slate Plus segments.

The “Call Us, Definitely” Edition

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

“Peloton Prisoner” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on TV Club, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and the “Peloton wife.”

“Impenetrable Façade” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on department store window displays, Marriage Story, and the decade.

“The Doughnut Inside the Doughnut Hole” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Knives Out, Clive James, and Watchmen.

“Posh Veg” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on the British reality show Gogglebox, Bon Appétit’s Gourmet Makes video series, and the 50 best nonfiction books.

“Live from Vancouver” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on The Irishman, Schitt’s Creek, and targeted advertising.

“Live From Los Feliz” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Parasite, the pursuit of happiness, and Dickinson.

“Chaos Is the New Cocaine” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Dolemite Is My Name, The Morning Show, and the demise of Deadspin.

“Hail Satan” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Rosemary’s Baby, Modern Love, and Morrissey.

“Voice Like a Jangly Bell” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Pain and Glory, Dolly Parton’s America, and playwright Lauren Gunderson.  

The “Claggy Sponge” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on El Camino, The Great British Baking Show, and the streaming wars.

“Your Boundary Is My Trigger” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Joker, Transparent’s musical finale, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

“Gap-Toothed Rube” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Judy, Unbelievable, and drag.

“Iconic Staircase” Edition

The Culture Gabfest on Ad Astra, A Very Brady Renovation, and George Packer’s piece on meritocracy and schools.

“Climb Inside My Fur” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Hustlers, Ken Burns’ Country Music, and Caroline Calloway.

“Our Poetry Is Bad” Edition

Slate’s Culture Gabfest on American Factory, Lana Del Rey, and Dana’s residency at a monastery.