Wicked Triple Feature Edition

Wicked Triple Feature Edition

Author: Slate Podcasts November 26, 2025 Duration: 56:13

Something Wicked this way comes as Dana, Steve, and guest host Dan Kois gather round their proverbial cauldrons for an all-movie edition of the Gabfest. First up, of course, is Wicked: For Good the green/pink-hued conclusion to the alternative history of Oz. This sequel, which reunites Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as witch besties/mortal enemies, goes to surprisingly dark places.

Next, they discuss Train Dreams, the contemplative and grandeur-filled adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella directed by Clint Bentley. Finally, they sit down for a long, rich conversation between friends in Peter Hujar’s Day, a chamber piece by Ira Sachs about art, friendship, and how much can happen in a single day.

In our bonus episode for Slate Plus subscribers, Julia hops on the call to continue our recap series of Pluribus. The hosts get into all the details of Pluribus episode 5 “Got Milk.”

We’re still taking submissions for our call-in show. If you’ve got a burning cultural question or topic you’d like our hosts to tackle, call and leave us a message at:  347-201-2397

Endorsements:

Dan: Matching Minds with Sondheim by Barry Joseph, a whole book about Stephen Sondheim’s love of puzzles.

Steve: The jazz album Mal/4 by Mal Waldron Trio and Tim (Let it Bleed Edition) by the Replacements.

Dana: The Broadway production of Waiting for Godot that reunites none other than Bill and Ted with stars Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter.

Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com

Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each week, the lively and insightful critics of Culture Gabfest gather to dissect what’s happening across the cultural landscape. Hosted by Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner, the conversation flows effortlessly from the latest film releases and television phenomena to books, music, and broader artistic debates, blending highbrow analysis with genuine pop enthusiasm. Their dynamic is less a formal review and more like eavesdropping on a brilliant, sometimes heated, coffee chat between friends who happen to be experts. You’ll hear them grapple with the nuances of a challenging new series, champion an overlooked artist, or passionately disagree about a blockbuster’s merits, all with a sharp wit and deep knowledge that clarifies your own thinking. This Slate Podcasts production has become an essential weekly ritual for many, praised by voices like New York Times critic Dwight Garner for its consistent intelligence and engaging rapport. For those who can’t get enough, a Slate Plus subscription offers ad-free listening and additional bonus segments, extending the discussion even further. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting a curated, conversational briefing on everything that matters in arts and entertainment, delivered with a personal touch that reminds you why culture is worth talking about in the first place.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 862

Culture Gabfest
Podcast Episodes
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: Phoning It In Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:59
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and June Thomas discuss Sofia Coppola's latest film Somewhere with film critic Dan Kois. Plus the best TV shows of 2010 and their New Year's resol…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: WE'RE NOT SCREAMING AT YOU Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:57
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner discuss the Coen brothers’ film True Grit. They’re joined by Slate’s political reporter Christopher Beam to discuss the movement…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: Swarm of Humbugs Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:55
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner discuss director Tom Hooper’s film The King’s Speech and NBC sitcom Community. They’re joined by Slate’s Daniel Engber to discuss…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: It's Not Me, It's Me Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:06
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner discuss the fate of narcissism as a psychiatric disorder and director Andrew Jarecki’s film All Good Things. They’re joined by Sl…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: Live from Seattle Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:12
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner discuss the new film Burlesque, MFA's and today's writers and Microsoft's latest gizmo Kinect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri…
Slate:The Culture Gabfest: Seattle Live Q and A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:26
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner answer questions from the audience live from Seattle's Town Hall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: Junk-Touching Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:22
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Dan Engber, Troy Patterson, John Swansburg, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner discuss the outcry over the TSA's new scanning procedures, the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly and HBO's new d…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: I Can See My Ego From Russia Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:04
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss Sarah Palin's new TLC show Alaska, the British jihadi satire Ten Lions and the Sinatra bio "Frank: The Voice." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati…