Best Culturefest Podcasts (2024)

1
How To! | Plan an Estate (Before It’s Too Late) 40:39

9m ago40:39

40:39

André has known for years that they have to execute the estate when their parents pass. They feel wholly unprepared for the task, especially since their parents are reluctant to share any important information. On this episode of How To!: Carvell Wallace brings on M.P. Dunleavey, journalist, author of the Squished Substack, and contributor to Next …

1
Death, Sex & Money | From Social Work to Improv to the Best Show on HBO 58:15

27m ago58:15

58:15

When actor and performer Jeff Hiller first tried improv comedy, he was instantly amazing at it. Jeff is an excellent listener. He’s also accommodating, flexible, and undeniably hilarious. This week on the show, Jeff discusses his role on the critically acclaimed HBO series Somebody, Somewhere and the personal quirks and qualities that have made him…

1
Hang Up | Tennis Reckons with Doping 1:17:29

42m ago1:17:29

1:17:29

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs discuss Iga Swiatek’s and Janik Sinner's doping allegations and the huge implications for international tennis. They also get into this past weekend’s college football chaos and Saquon Barkley and Derek Henry’s running back revival. For Afterballs, Lindsay Gibbs examines the tragic passing of Al…

1
Care & Feeding | The Santa Problem 42:38

3m ago42:38

42:38

On this episode: Every year, like clockwork, we start getting questions about how to do, or not do, the whole Santa thing. We’ll answer a listener's question and muse on the nature of belief. We’ll also check in on where the hosts are this week – and then, if you’re coming to hang out on the Slate Plus Playground, we’re honoring peak holiday meal s…

1
ICYMI: Max Read on Gawker, “Sculder” Fanfiction, and Slack Rules 42:58

29m ago42:58

42:58

Candice Lim is joined by Read Max writer Max Read, whose Substack hit a new high this year when he coined the term “Zynternet” and its connection to “Hawk Tuah girl.” Prior to Substack, Read was the editor-in-chief of Gawker, and on today’s episode, he speaks about the stories he regrets publishing, his relationship with The X-Files fandoms, and hi…

1
Dear Prudence | Encore: I Am Swamped With Plans and I Hate It. Help! 43:47

1h ago43:47

43:47

In this episode, Carvell Wallace (author of Another Word for Love and host of Slate’s How To!) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about how to cancel on family vacation plans that sound horrible to you, how to break it to your butch lesbian girlfriend that her friends might be misogynists, and how to convince your pa…

1
A Word: Trump’s Team America: The Sequel 30:44

15m ago30:44

30:44

On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Capital B reporter, Brandon Tensley to discuss Trump’s cabinet picks, and their potential impact on the Black community. Guest: Brandon Tensley, Capital B News reporter Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola Want more A Word? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately access ad-free liste…

1
Care & Feeding | Sharing Gratitude and the Best Advice 1:06:47

39m ago1:06:47

1:06:47

We're off for Thanksgiving but still got together to share some things we're grateful for — and then, Zak is grateful to share an episode of his other show with you... all about being grateful for friendships, even in the rear-view. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of …

1
Well, Now | More Than Hot Flashes: Breaking the Silence on Menopause 38:32

1h ago38:32

38:32

More than half the population will experience menopause if they’re fortunate enough to age. Yet so much of this full-body transformation remains a mystery. Journalist and filmmaker Tamsen Fadal is out to change that. Her new documentary The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause premiered on PBS earlier this year. In it, her team interviews p…

1
Culture Gabfest: Wicked and Gladiator II in the Box Office Arena 1:01:51

1h ago1:01:51

1:01:51

On this week’s show, the hosts consider ‘Glicked’ (or is it ‘Wadiator’? ‘Gladicked?’), the Wicked and Gladiator II double feature that promised to be this year’s ‘Barbenheimer.’ But did it deliver? Or even come close? First, the trio inspects Wicked, which won the weekend by a long shot (and broke a few records along the way.) At times, director Jo…

1
ICYMI: Our 2024 ICYMI Friendsgiving Spectacular 49:43

1h ago49:43

49:43

On today’s episode, Candice Lim is joined by Vox’s Alex Abad-Santos and The Atlantic’s Allegra Frank to celebrate ICYMI’s fourth annual Friendsgiving episode. They run down the internet moments that made them laugh out loud this year, such as the highs and lows of ClubChalamet, the Madame Web of it all, and horny TikToks. This podcast is produced b…

1
Wicked and Gladiator II in the Box Office Arena 1:01:51

14m ago1:01:51

1:01:51

On this week’s show, the hosts consider ‘Glicked’ (or is it ‘Wadiator’? ‘Gladicked?’), the Wicked and Gladiator II double feature that promised to be this year’s ‘Barbenheimer.’ But did it deliver? Or even come close? First, the trio inspects Wicked, which won the weekend by a long shot (and broke a few records along the way.) At times, director Jo…

1
Outward: Sarah McBride’s Win and the Rise of Anti-Trans Politics 42:42

1h ago42:42

42:42

This week, the hosts come together to unpack Sarah McBride’s groundbreaking win as the first openly transgender member of Congress. While the win is historic, Bryan, Jules, and Christina dig in to unpack the limits of representational politics and what it means for this win to exist alongside the emergence of anti-trans politics, which hit their al…

1
How To! | Throw a Party They’ll Remember (Encore) 45:54

28m ago45:54

45:54

‘Tis the season of gathering with friends and family. It’s also a time where some of us yearn for a closer community, like this week’s listener. Morgan is looking for a way to hang out with friends in a consistent, meaningful manner. On this episode of How To!, Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, explains how to transform a lackluster han…

1
Death, Sex & Money | Why I Chose Estrangement 51:24

1h ago51:24

51:24

When is it time to go no contact? In this episode, we talk to four listeners who have recently become estranged from loved ones. This episode was originally aired in 2022, and is part of a three-part series on estrangement. You can listen to the other episodes here: Estrangement Purgatory - Our episode about the contemplation stages of estrangement…

1
Hang Up | One Last Vamos: Rafa’s Retirement 1:20:07

3h ago1:20:07

1:20:07

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh chat about Rafael Nadal’s legacy as one of the all-time tennis greats. They also discuss the NWSL championship which Lindsay attended, the last days of ESPN’s Around the Horn. This week’s Afterball is from Ben, in which he compares the terms of sports commissioners and Supreme Court justices. On…

1
Care & Feeding | Can I Explain Germs To My Toddler? 44:47

1h ago44:47

44:47

On this episode: we’re weighing how to teach little ones about the dangers of germs… without making it sound too scary. We’ll talk about how to explain why eating off the floor is bad… without unlocking some new fears. We’ll also check in on where the hosts are this week – and then, if you’re coming to hang out on the Slate Plus Playground, we’re c…

1
ICYMI: Should I Buy A Purse Kindle? 41:49

17m ago41:49

41:49

Candice Lim is joined by Wall Street Journal reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara to discuss #KindleTok’s rise among millennials and Gen-Z. 17 years ago, Amazon released the Kindle as a tech device that seemed to resonate as a nerdy, bookworm gadget. But it’s now become Tiktok’s must-have accessory to complete the cozy, girly pop lifestyle. With Black Frid…

1
Dear Prudence | We Bought A House. Now He Won’t Marry Me. Help! 37:42

1h ago37:42

37:42

Guest Prudie Cheyna Roth is joined by Steven Ray Morris — best known for his work on My Favorite Murder, but now producing and hosting See Jurassic Right. Together, they answer letters from a listener hurt by her boyfriend’s comments that “marriage isn’t on his radar,” another hoping to support her partner through work conflicts without adding to h…

1
A Word | A Mother of a Crisis 49:01

1h ago49:01

49:01

A sizable number of pregnancies end in a loss, whether to miscarriage, still-birth or abortion. But until very recently, discussions of these losses were kept out of public—and policy—conversations. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Colleen Long and Rebecca Little, co-authors of the book, “I’m Sorry for My Loss: An Urgent Exa…

1
Care & Feeding | Are Your Kids Safe on Roblox? 43:56

5h ago43:56

43:56

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah and Zak share advice for weighing whether you want your kids on Roblox. The company just announced some impending safety enhancements to the mega-popular online multiplayer game… but, as the hosts and our Slate Parenting community will tell you, the platform might still be a wild west. After that, of course, we’l…

1
Well, Now: Creating an Exercise Routine That’s Right for You 37:43

32m ago37:43

37:43

Regular movement is crucial for lifelong health, but finding a routine that fits well in your life can be challenging and overwhelming. On this week’s episode of Well, Now we speak to retired volleyball player Gabby Reece on transitioning out of professional sports and talk about ways to realistically bring performance-level fitness to every kind o…

1
Culture Gabfest: Lots to Say About Say Nothing 1:05:23

5d ago1:05:23

1:05:23

On this week’s show, Isaac Butler (Supreme Friend of the Show and author of The Method:‌ How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act) sits in for Dana. First, the panel is quite verbose about Say Nothing, a limited series that takes place over four generations and is set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. By dramatizing the real-life events reco…

1
ICYMI: Princess Treatment, the 4B Movement, and "Women in Male Fields" 45:54

27m ago45:54

45:54

Candice Lim is joined by Vox senior correspondent Rebecca Jennings to discuss what their timelines have looked like since the U.S. presidential election was called. From TikToks accusing men of entering their feminine era, to a surge of Americans posting about the 4B movement, they discuss how the dynamic between men and women has become increasing…

1
Lots to Say About Say Nothing 1:05:23

3d ago1:05:23

1:05:23

On this week’s show, Isaac Butler (Supreme Friend of the Show and author of The Method:‌ How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act) sits in for Dana. First, the panel is quite verbose about Say Nothing, a limited series that takes place over four generations and is set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. By dramatizing the real-life events reco…

1
Outward: What Southern LGBTQ History Can Teach Us 46:36

1d ago46:36

46:36

In this episode, host Jules Gill-Peterson speaks with the co-founders of Invisible Histories about their groundbreaking work preserving the rich, often overlooked history of queer life in the American South. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities face growing threats, safeguarding these stories is more urgent than ever. Together, they discuss how archiv…

1
Decoder Ring: Reconsidering One of the “Worst” TV Shows of All Time 1:04:20

27m ago1:04:20

1:04:20

In 1980, a variety show debuted on NBC called Pink Lady and Jeff. Its stars were a pair of Japanese pop idols known for catchy, choreographed dance numbers. Pink Lady was inescapable in Japan: selling millions of records, appearing on TV daily, and filling arenas. But their American TV show left audiences completely bewildered. Pink Lady and Jeff a…

1
How To!: Face the Future (Gen Z Edition) 47:06

6d ago47:06

47:06

Ezra is adrift in his early 20s. He craves a life of meaning, community, and love. But he’s struggling to find those things in a world that seems increasingly uncertain and discouraging for young people. On this existential episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings in Andrew McPeak, author, podcast host, and vice president of Growing Leaders. He t…

1
Death, Sex & Money: How a Betrayed Spouse Became an Infidelity Expert 55:55

1h ago55:55

55:55

Therapist Lauren LaRusso has spent the past few years learning everything she can about infidelity–why people have affairs, how to cope with an unfaithful spouse, and how to move forward with or without your partner after a betrayal. And she’s been sharing this wisdom with her 100,000 followers on Instagram. This week, Lauren explains why she appro…

1
Hang Up: The Tyson-Paul Punchline 1:13:01

10d ago1:13:01

1:13:01

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs discuss the 4-hour Jake Paul and Mike Tyson boxing circus. They also talk about changes in regional sports networks, the next chapter in the Chiefs-Bills rivalry, plus an Afterball from Alex on the Winnipeg Jets. On the Bonus episode, available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the panel gets …

1
Care & Feeding: The Autistic Raccoon Changing PBS Kids 50:30

9h ago50:30

50:30

On this episode: Zak sits down with Zach O’Hora and Lisa Whittick – respectively, the creator and director of the new PBS Kids show Carl The Collector. They’ll talk about crafting a kids’ show with neurodiverse characters… and what it means to tell a good story. We’ll also check in on where the hosts are this week – and then, if you’re coming to ha…

1
Gabfest Reads: How Two Rivals Shaped Birth Control in America 33:42

33m ago33:42

33:42

Political Gabfest host Emily Bazelon talks with author Stephanie Gorton about her new book, The Icon & The Idealist.They discuss racism and prudishness in the early suffragist movement, how eugenics played a role in the birth control movement, and how two different women fought each other, despite wanting the same things. Tweet us your questions @S…

1
ICYMI: Is ChatGPT Your Therapist? 42:12

38m ago42:12

42:12

Candice Lim is joined by Dazed senior writer Laura Pitcher to discuss her piece, “Meet the people using ChatGPT as their therapist.” Since ChatGPT’s public release in late 2022, there has been a growing reliance on the artificially intelligent chatbot in people’s everyday lives. TikTok users are talking about the way they use ChatGPT as their thera…

1
Hit Parade: Say a Little Prayer Edition Part 1 1:01:00

4d ago1:01:00

1:01:00

You know her honorific: Queen of Soul. And heavy is the head that wears the crown. In her lifetime, Aretha Franklin didn’t just want to be revered. She wanted hits. But Franklin made pop come to her, not the other way around. When showtunes and standards didn’t work in the ’60s, Aretha switched to gritty R&B and gospel harmonies—and started topping…

1
Dear Prudence | I Can’t Afford To Support My Girlfriend Anymore. Help! 44:10

1h ago44:10

44:10

Guest Prudie Kristen Meinzer is joined by longtime Slate-ster June Thomas — author of A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Have Shaped Queer Women’s Culture. Together, they answer letters from a boyfriend who has been financially supporting his girlfriend but can’t afford to anymore, a spouse whose younger partner is mocking part of their aging, and…

1
What Next TBD: The Manosphere That Delivered Trump Back to Power 24:42

3m ago24:42

24:42

Going on Joe Rogan’s podcast didn’t fit into Kamala Harris’s last month of campaigning, which consisted of a careful diet of traditional media and specifically selected appearances. It came up short against Donald Trump’s “get on mic with that guy and his big following” strategy. Guest: Makena Kelly, senior writer at Wired. Want more What Next TBD?…

1
A Word: The (Small) Winners’ Circle 27:08

3m ago27:08

27:08

Democrats were shut out of power across the board in the House, Senate and the presidency. But for African American voters, new leaders may be emerging from among a handful of winning candidates. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Capital B News reporter Christina Carrega to discuss post-election strategy, and rethinking among…

1
Care & Feeding: Parenting Under Trump 2.0 51:26

18d ago51:26

51:26

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah and Zak talk about the aftermath of the presidential election — from the policy issues that freak us out to handling grief in front of our kids. And we’ll share a ton of amazing thoughts, advice, and reassurance from the Slate Parenting community. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to…

1
What Next: Can SNL Meet the Moment? 33:35

1h ago33:35

33:35

People praise Saturday Night Live for its political satire…in spite of how toothless a lot of that satire is. Is the show equipped to take on Donald Trump, a former SNL host whose own absurdity often defies parody? Guest: Sam Adams, senior editor and writer for Slate. Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next …

1
Well, Now: Being a “Likeable Badass” Could Improve Your Health 52:19

20d ago52:19

52:19

How do women gain social influence? Understanding this is crucial because research shows they often face unique challenges in having their voices heard and their expertise recognized, even in highly qualified fields like medicine. The consequences of this could be dire, both for female patients and their healthcare providers. On this week’s episode…

1
You Are the Media Now 1:12:26

10d ago1:12:26

1:12:26

On this week’s episode, the hosts tackle A‌ Real Pain, writer-director Jesse Eisenberg’s tale of two cousins (played by himself and Kieran Culkin) who travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother and, in the process, come to understand their family’s history through a new lens. Then, the three drop into the lush, sumptuous world of Like Water f…

1
Culture Gabfest: You Are the Media Now 1:12:26

9d ago1:12:26

1:12:26

On this week’s episode, the hosts tackle A‌ Real Pain, writer-director Jesse Eisenberg’s tale of two cousins (played by himself and Kieran Culkin) who travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother and, in the process, come to understand their family’s history through a new lens. Then, the three drop into the lush, sumptuous world of Like Water f…

1
ICYMI: Who’s Turning on Moo Deng? 38:38

24h ago38:38

38:38

Candice Lim is joined by Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe to play a game of High Speed Downloads, where they each get 60 seconds to break down an internet story they’re obsessed with. On today’s episode, they’re breaking down the Instagram comment that may affect Nicole Scherzinger’s Tony Awards chances, and the wild memes that struck the Moo Deng…

1
Death, Sex & Money: Will He Still Love Me When I'm Off Ozempic? 1:20:05

1d ago1:20:05

1:20:05

In 2021, we released an episode called The Weight of Love, where listeners shared stories about weight, body size, and how those factors affect their romantic relationships. Fast-forward to 2024, and weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have complicated these issues even further. This week, listeners share stories and questions about dating, r…

1
How To!: Man Up About Male Birth Control 45:44

2d ago45:44

45:44

Contraception is a huge burden for women and people with uteruses to bear. What would it look like—on a personal, cultural, and medical level—if more men took on that responsibility? Today on How To!, a conversation about gender equity for reproductive care, from changes in sexual education to more accessible vasectomies to the development of new c…

1
Hang Up: Trump’s Win and Its Ripple Effect on College Sports 1:26:26

2d ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Hosts Alex Kirshner, and Ben Lindbergh are joined by Matt Brown of Extra Points for a discussion of how unified Republican control of the government could allow the NCAA to roll back college athletes’ newly won empowerment. They also talk about the NFL’s international aspirations, possible MLB off-season moves, plus a baseball-crosswords Afterballs…

1
Care & Feeding: Tom and Jerry Toddlers 39:13

3d ago39:13

39:13

On this episode: Elizabeth, Lucy and Zak help a member of the Slate Parenting Facebook group whose toddlers are at each other… Constantly. We’re just glad they don’t have cartoon hammers. We’ll also check in on where the hosts are this week – and then, if you’re coming to hang out on the Slate Plus Playground, we’re talking about the long history o…

1
ICYMI: The Fashion Expert Twitter Loves to Hate 45:13

5d ago45:13

45:13

Candice Lim is joined by Slate’s business and tech writer Nitish Pahwa, to discuss the internet history of Derek Guy, better known as @DieWorkwear on Twitter. Back in 2022, Elon Musk acquired Twitter, leading to major consequences for everyone’s timelines. One of those consequences was the unexpected boosting of Derek Guy, which led to his Twitter …

1
Dear Prudence: I’m Sick of Hearing My Friend Cry About Her Job. Help! 40:24

6d ago40:24

40:24

Guest Prudie Kristen Meinzer is joined by journalist and host of Vox’s Explain It To Me podcast JQ Hill. Together, they answer letters wondering when is the right time to start dating in a new city, how to let your friend know you’re tired of listening to them complain about their job, and what’s the best way to tell your boyfriend that you’d prefe…

1
Care and Feeding: Letters on Politics, Halloween, and the Impala 59:59

6d ago59:59

59:59

On this episode: Elizabeth, Lucy and Zak crack open our mailbag. You’ve been sending a ton of emails about everything from Zionism to the Red Light District to Lucy’s Impala impulses… so today, we’re sharing all that and more. And then, of course, we’ll share some triumphs and fails. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com t…

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