Best Culturefest Podcasts (2024)

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

7m 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
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
Lots to Say About Say Nothing 1:05:23

5m 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

27m 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
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
How To!: Face the Future (Gen Z Edition) 47:06

32m 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

37m 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
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
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
Care & Feeding: Parenting Under Trump 2.0 51:26

3h 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

1d 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

23h 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

23h 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…

1
A Word: Is There Hope After Kamala Harris? 41:02

7d ago41:02

41:02

In the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris’s decisive loss left Democrats despondent, and locked in a cycle of finger-pointing. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson surveys the wreckage with professor and political analyst Niambi Carter. They discuss why so many Democratic operatives failed to read the trends properly, how white women and L…

1
Well, Now: Getting to the Heart of Hormonal Health 50:06

8d ago50:06

50:06

Hormones influence everything from mood and energy levels to fertility and long-term health. Yet for many, hormonal health remains shrouded in mystery. When women do seek guidance from their OBGYNs, they’re often told birth control is the only option for treating hormone-related issues like PCOS and endometriosis. But that wasn’t going to cut it fo…

1
Culture Gabfest: How Quincy Jones Reinvented American Music 1:13:19

8d ago1:13:19

1:13:19

On this week’s show, Extremely Musical Friend of the Pod (EMFOP)‌ Chris Molanphy joins to memorialize pop’s Renaissance Man, Quincy Jones, who passed away on November 3, 2024. The legendary producer worked with every star under the sun, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Chaka Khan, and created the best-selling album in history. (“Thriller…

1
How Quincy Jones Reinvented American Music 1:13:19

13d ago1:13:19

1:13:19

On this week’s show, Extremely Musical Friend of the Pod (EMFOP)‌ Chris Molanphy joins to memorialize pop’s Renaissance Man, Quincy Jones, who passed away on November 3, 2024. The legendary producer worked with every star under the sun, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Chaka Khan, and created the best-selling album in history. (“Thriller…

1
ICYMI: Bodega Cats and Cussing Out Your Boss 38:33

8d ago38:33

38:33

On today’s episode, Candice Lim is joined by Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe to share their favorite TikToks, tweets, and internet icons of late. They’ll discuss construction workers going viral and the newest Abbott Elementary guest star to inspire fan edits galore. But first, they discuss the peculiarity of People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive r…

1
Outward: Gays in the Woods: History and Identity with Ben Miller 39:21

8d ago39:21

39:21

In this episode, historian Ben Miller chats with Bryan Lowder about the surprising ways white gay men have romanticized the idea of the 'primitive' in their search for utopia. Ben shares stories about key figures like Harry Hay and the radical gay activism of the 70s that centered a 'back to the land' fantasy that relied on racialized fantasies of …

1
Decoder Ring: A Feel-Good Story About the End of the World 43:36

10d ago43:36

43:36

The fear that the Earth could be destroyed by a killer asteroid is an anxiety that pops up all the time in fiction and is grounded in fact. But funnily enough—actually being pancaked by a giant space rock? Not something you need to spend a whole lot of time worrying about! And that’s because a bunch of NASA scientists and engineers are already worr…

1
How To!: Lead Your Local Nonprofit 41:41

9d ago41:41

41:41

Heather recently joined the board of her local library, a beloved institution from her childhood. While continuing to balance her day job, she is excited to be an active and engaged member of this community-led organization. But she’s also grappling with time management and effective communication with her fellow board members. How can she express …

1
Death, Sex & Money: A Celebration (and Critique) of American Freedom 50:10

9d ago50:10

50:10

From an early age, Alynda Segarra saw the people they loved grind it out in an American system that offered them little reward. Their father, a musician and Vietnam War veteran, suffered from PTSD, and their aunt and uncle, with whom they lived, were stretched beyond their means. Alynda decided they would take a different path: drop out of school, …

1
Hang Up: The Dodgers Bring Glory Back to L.A. 1:05:00

9d ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Hosts Alex Kirshner, Lindsay Gibbs, and Ben Lindbergh talk about the dominant Dodgers, why NCAA coaches are hiring lobbyists, election gambling, and the return of Afterballs! On the Bonus episode exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts get into esports, and gaming star FAKER's fifth League of Legends World Championship. World Series (4:47): T…

1
Care & Feeding: Talking To Kids About The Election 1:02:57

10d ago1:02:57

1:02:57

On this episode: Elizabeth, Lucy and Zak share how they’re talking to the kids about tomorrow’s election. We’ll offer tips for cutting through the noise to talk civics… and also how to address the serious, nasty, and scary. Elizabeth’s book recommendations: V is for Voting by Kate Farrell Equality’s Call: the Story of Voting Rights in America by De…

1
ICYMI: The Internet’s Favorite Fictional Presidents 47:40

12d ago47:40

47:40

Candice Lim is joined by Pop Culture Debate Club host Ronald Young Jr. to reveal their favorite fictional presidents of film, television, and the internet. Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook were historically platforms rife with presidential meme content. Since the 2016 election, however, there seems to have been a shift in the way the internet talks — …

1
Dear Prudence | My Wife Won’t Stop Correcting My Grammar. Help! 43:34

13d ago43:34

43:34

Guest Prudie Ashley C. Ford is joined by entertainment writer and comedian H. Alan Scott. Together, they answer letters from a sibling who’s trying to understand a boundary, a parent worried about how their spouse speaks to them in front of their child, and someone feeling deep regret about a lost friendship. Want more Dear Prudence? Subscribe to S…

1
A Word | Star Man: Merlin’s Tour of the Universe 42:30

13d ago42:30

42:30

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s life-long love of science led him to astrophysics and a career as the nation’s premiere voice on making science accessible for all. On today’s episode of A Word, he joins host Jason Johnson for a conversation about the new edition of his book, Merlin’s Tour of the Universe, Revised and Updated for the Twenty-First Century: A T…

1
Care & Feeding: Is It Creepy To Photograph Other Kids’ Costumes? 58:31

20d ago58:31

58:31

On this episode: Lucy, Zak and Elizabeth answer a listener's question about something that happened last Halloween… when an older gentleman might’ve taken a photo of her young kid. We’ll talk about whether it’s as creepy as it sounds — and also, why Elizabeth is over Halloween. We’ll also circle up for a round of triumphs and fails — including an u…

1
Well, Now: Weed’s Growing (and Alarming) Side Effects 38:34

21d ago38:34

38:34

Nearly half of states – 24 and Washington, D.C – have legalized recreational marijuana. As more people report regularly using it, physicians are seeing patients with alarming side effects related to their cannabis use. On this week’s episode of Well, Now Kavita and Maya sit down with internist and pediatrician Dr. Brittany Tayler to better understa…

1
Culture Gabfest: Can Stolen Artifacts Return Time?‌ 1:01:13

15d ago1:01:13

1:01:13

On this week’s show, Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion sits in for Julia Turner. First, the hosts examine Dahomey, an audacious new documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Mati Diop (Atlantics.)‌ With a one hour, eight minute run time, Dahomey is an incredibly rich text in a very small package, and contemplates the repatriation of 26 royal treasures plu…

1
Outward: Building Movements with Gender Liberation March Organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz 44:18

19d ago44:18

44:18

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during…

1
ICYMI: The Breakup Reddit Can’t Stop Talking About 55:36

15d ago55:36

55:36

Candice Lim and Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe dissect the drama surrounding country singer Zach Bryan and his breakup with Barstool Sports personality Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. On October 22, Bryan announced via Instagram Story that he had split from LaPaglia, which did not surprise certain corners of Reddit who had been discussing alleged…

1
Can Stolen Artifacts Return Time?‌ 1:00:38

15d ago1:00:38

1:00:38

On this week’s show, Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion sits in for Julia Turner. First, the hosts examine Dahomey, an audacious new documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Mati Diop (Atlantics.)‌ With a one hour, eight minute run time, Dahomey is an incredibly rich text in a very small package, and contemplates the repatriation of 26 royal treasures plu…

1
How To!: Face Your Fear of Dying (Encore) 34:38

16d ago34:38

34:38

Katie is terrified of dying. As the youngest in a big family, she can’t stop thinking about the fact that all her loved ones may die before she does. Katie is a comedy writer who knows how to get laughs, but her obsession with death is real, and getting in the way of living. In this episode of How To!, we bring on Rachel Menzies, a psychologist and…

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