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: Mourning in America Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:29
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Meghan O'Rourke, Troy Patterson and Dana Stevens discuss Oscar nominations, death and mourning in American and the loss of author JD Salinger. Hosted on Acast.…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: The Origin of Speciousness Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:50
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Mike Pesca and Dana Stevens discuss the new Charles Darwin biopic Creation, liberal outrage and the airwaves and The New York Times hiding behind a pay wall. H…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest: The Golden Globalization Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:24
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Troy Patterson, Dana Stephens and June Thomas discuss the Golden Globes, the Americanization of Mental Illness from the New York Times Magazine and the latest video to go viral…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, Scary Bunny Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:43
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Adam Gopnik, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stephens and Julia Turner discuss sex and the American novel, the fate of magazines and van Gogh's ear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, Puny Ingratiation Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:29
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss the mistress of yuppie comedy Nancy Meyers latest film It’s Complicated, the loss of singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt and predictions for the decade to come. Hosted on Ac…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, Do You Want to Touch My Poof Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:49
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Jessica Grose, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, June Thomas and Julia Turner discuss the best TV shows and films of the year and decade and the polluted waters of MTV's reality s…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, That's My Gingerbread Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:04
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Jody Rosen, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner discuss the decade of change in the music business, the art of selling out and the everlasting Facebook. Hosted on Ac…