“Secrets of the New York Times Spelling Bee” Edition
Slate Culture Gabfest on Nomadland, the NYT Spelling Bee, and group chats.

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Episode Notes
This week Steve, Dana, and Julia talk about Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland. Next, they dig into their obsession with the New York Times’s Spelling Bee puzzle and interview its editor, 24-year-old Sam Ezersky. Finally, they discuss group chats in light of Heidi Cruz’s recent troubles with the forum.
In Slate Plus, the hosts discuss a piece of culture that they used to love and are now done with? Thanks to listener James Callan. Send us your questions and topic suggestions at culturefest@slate.com.
Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.
Outro Music: “Back to Silence” by OTE
Further reading:
“Nomadland Is a Masterpiece Made by Two Separate Virtuosos” by Dana Stevens in Slate
Endorsements
Dana: “The Silent Comedy Watch Party” (also on YouTube)
Julia: “Golden Globes voters in tumult: Members accuse Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. of self-dealing, ethical lapses” by Stacy Perman and Josh Rottenberg in the LA Times
Steve: Playing Piano for Dad by h hunt