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, Tangled Up In Yule Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:25
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss Bob Dylan’s Christmas CD Christmas in the Heart, the South African sprinter Caster Semenya and filmmaker Frederick Wiseman’s new documentary Le Danse. Hosted on Acast.…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, Plutonium Blonde Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:33
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, Julia Turner and guests Troy Patterson and Juliet Lapidos discuss what's so great about Lady Gaga anyway, filmmaker Wes Anderson's latest, and ho…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, Cute vs. Evil Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:42
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner take on the film Precious, the novel Black Dogs (about the fall of communism) and the nauseating, exploitative menace otherwise k…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, Good Breeding Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:42
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, Julia Turner and guest June Thomas discuss ABC's new sitcom "Modern Family", Tad Friend's latest memoir and a hundred things a restaurant staffer…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, The Bombard Me With Phonemes Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:23
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss the new season of 30 Rock, the refund offer from Baby Einstein, and the genius – and crossover potential – of country music star Brad Paisley. Hosted on Acast. See acas…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, The Flying Circus Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:09
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss the media circus surrounding the Colorado “Balloon Boy,” the case for and against circumcision in New York Magazine, and the new documentary on the 40th anniversary of…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, The I'll Eat You Up Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:56
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss Spike Jonze’s film adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are, the notion that comedians are starting to take aim at President Obama, and a series on obes…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, The Damage Control Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:10
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss the blackmail scandal surrounding David Letterman’s sexual relationship with some of his female employees, the New Yorker’s profile of Hollywood blogger Nikki Finke, an…
Slate: The Culture Gabfest, The Teen Beat Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:49
In this week's Culture Gabfest, our critics discuss Roman Polanski’s arrest in Switzerland and possible extradition to California for sentencing on a decades old sexual abuse case, the new Fox TV musical drama Glee, and…