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The Waves; Does the New Clinton Impeachment Show Do Monica Lewinsky Justice? Sep 30, 2021

Show notes

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate executive producer of podcasts Alicia Montgomery and The Waves producer, Cheyna Roth talk about the Clinton impeachment and the why, decades later, we can’t seem to let go of this story. They start out by unpacking Ryan Murphy’s new show, American Crime Story: Impeachment and how feminist thinking has evolved since the mid-90s. After the break they talk about the characters surrounding Monica Lewinsky, and whether the show treats them fairly.

In Slate Plus’s “Is This Feminist” segment, Alicia and Cheyna talk about whether the ongoing Britney Spears saga is feminist.

Recommendations:

Alicia: Diving headfirst into Fall.

Cheyna: Lindy West’s new Substack Butt News.

Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Susan Matthews and June Thomas.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com

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Culture Gabfest: Buttery Soft Leggings Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by author and co-host of Slate’s Working podcast, Isaac Butler. First, the panel reviews Clint Eastwood’s most recent film Cry Macho. Next, the panel discusses the neoliberal parable that is Amazon’s docuseries LuLaRich.Finally, the panel discusses the advantages and pitfalls ofeBooks.

In Slate Plus, the panel discusses their favorite film credit sequences.

Email us at culturefest@slate.com.

Endorsements

Dana: Generally: Explore.Org, a live nature cam network. More specifically: Dana’s favorite live cam “The Mississippi River Flyway Cam” on the Raptor Resource Project in Brice Prairie, Wisconsin.

Isaac: The novel A Lie Someone Told You About Yourself by Peter Ho Davies, about how a big early decision impacts a couple’s married life afterwards.

Steve: A pound the table endorsement: the essay by the feminist critic Vivian Gornick in Harper’s Magazine called “Put on the Diamonds: Notes on humiliation” -- in which she thinks out loud about what humiliation and loneliness are.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe.

Outro music is “Ruins” by Origo.

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus.

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ICYMI: Is “Soaking” a Real Mormon Sex Thing? Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

On today’s episode, it’s time for some High Speed Downloads: First, Rachelle and Madison tell you everything you need to know about a viral video of an unfortunate sea lion seeking refuge from a group of orcas. Then, they get to the bottom of a mythical version of Dear Evan Hansen featuring a digitally de-aged Ben Platt. Is it real? Finally, the hosts answer listener questions about the chair emoji on TikTok, “devious licks,” and “soaking.” (We bet you can’t guess which of those aren’t a weird sex thing.)

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John.

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Working: How Nichole Perkins Tapped into Memories for Her Memoir Sep 26, 2021

Show notes

This week, host June Thomas talks to writer and podcaster Nichole Perkins, whose new book of personal essays is Sometimes I Trip on How Happy We Could Be. In the interview, Nichole describes the techniques she used to get in touch with early memories for the book. She also discusses the importance of clarity and her mission to avoid being misunderstood.

After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler get some creative advice from writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Nichole talks about some of her favorite collections of personal essays.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus.

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ICYMI: Who’s the Little Lad Who Loves Berries and Cream? Sep 25, 2021

Show notes

The little lad who loves berries and cream is inescapable on TikTok right now. A character from a 2007 Starburst commercial, the little lad has transcended his advertising origins and become a meme all his own. On today’s episode, Madison and Rachelle explain how and why this lad has taken over your feeds, and why there are so many remixes of his audio. They also talk about all the remixes on TikTok featuring rapper Cupcakke, how these are all part of the ubiquity of advertising, and if there’s anything viral that isn’t consumed by capitalism.

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John.

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Hit Parade: Spirit of ’71, Part 2 Sep 24, 2021

Show notes

In Part 2 of our 50th episode of Hit Parade, we go back 50 years, celebrating the semicentennial of the year when, critics claim, “music changed everything.” The Quiet Beatle became the Favorite Beatle, when Mick Jagger sang lyrics even he regrets, when Carole King graduated from songwriter to singer-songwriter, and commercial juggernaut, when blaxploitation took over the charts and the Oscars, and when the radio was somehow awash in Osmonds. It wasn’t a perfect year—but Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy is fond of ’71 for personal reasons.

Podcast production by Asha Saluja with help from Rosemary Belson.

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ICYMI: Did TikTok Find Gabby Petito, or Exploit Her? Sep 22, 2021

Show notes

While authorities searched for missing 22-year-old Gabby Petito, she was everywhere to be found on TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram. Content creators, some well-intentioned and others simply chasing clout and clicks, turned the story of Gabby’s apparent death into the latest in true crime drama. On today’s show, Madison and Rachelle talk about the murkiness of the true crime internet and the ethics of using tragedy for clicks. They’re joined later in the show by Hayley Toumaian, a TikTok creator and novice true crime podcast host who says the rapid pace of the news genre means sometimes getting things wrong in front of an audience of millions and willfully sharing misinformation.

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John.

Support ICYMI and listen to the show with zero ads. Sign up to become a Slate Plus member for just $1 for your first month.

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Culture Gabfest: Who Butchered the Goat? Sep 22, 2021

Show notes

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by culture writer extraordinaire, Karen Han. First, the panel reviews the definitely problematic, yet overall divisive, popular Netflix film Kate—which Karen wrote about. Next, the panel discusses when Hulu’s risk-taking Nine Perfect Strangers pays off and when it doesn’t.Finally, the panel is joined by Slate’s TV critic and host of Decoder Ring Willa Paskinto discuss the Emmys, the value of award shows, and the evolving way we consume television.

In Slate Plus, the panel discusses media they love but consume in moderation for fear of wearing it out.

Email us at culturefest@slate.com.

Endorsements

Dana:Netflix’s controversial and shocking Bob Ross documentary, Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, & Greed, which was coincidentally co-produced by Nine Perfect Strangers’ Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone.

Karen:The first season ofThe Righteous Gemstones and how it speaks to the current American climate. You can catch up before season two!

Steve: A sad endorsement: The New Republic’s great article, “How Tucker Carlson Lost It” by Alex Shephard. A happier endorsement: it’s time to fall in love again with Gillian Welch, particularly with her songs “Picasso,” “Wayside/Back in Time,” and, honestly? All of the other songs she’s ever made.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe.

Outro music is "I Can Still Dance" by Tigerblood Jewel

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus.

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Working: How a Book Cover Designer Catches the Reader’s Eye Sep 19, 2021

Show notes

This week, in his final hosting appearance on the show, Rumaan Alam talks to graphic designer Rodrigo Corral, who specializes in book cover art. In the interview, Rodrigo explains how his designs attempt to capture the tone and themes of the books they adorn. He also talks about avoiding a signature style and finding inspiration at the hardware store.

After the interview, Rumaan and co-host Isaac Butler discuss the covers of their books and the creative decisions that went into the designs.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Rodrigo explains how fatherhood has impacted his work. He also talks about some cover art that he admires.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Morgan Flannery.

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ICYMI: The Dark Subreddit of Men’s Rights Asians Sep 18, 2021

Show notes

Men’s Rights Asians are a group of men whose concern for anti-Asian racism in America has led them on a grim path of anti-Blackness and harassing Asian women. On today’s show, Rachelle and Madison are joined by Slate’s Aaron Mak, whose recent cover story, “Men’s Rights Asians Think This Is Their Moment,” dove into his two year stint embedded in this online Reddit community and what he’s learned about their structure, tactics, and the vitriolic anger constantly simmering within it. Rachelle and Madison also explain the baffling “good soup” meme on TikTok.

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John.

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