Dana Stevens

Join Laura Miller, Slate's insightful book critic, Nadira Goff, a keen cultural commentator, and Dana Stevens, an expert film critic, as they explore thought-provoking themes. They delve into Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent, blending paranoia and magical realism. The discussion shifts to the buddy comedy dynamics in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a quirky Game of Thrones prequel focusing on relatable characters. Finally, they reflect on the immersive yet extreme teaching methods of UPenn's Justin McDaniel, sparking conversations on literature's evolving landscape.

Dana Stevens, Slate's chief movie critic and co-host of Culture Gabfest, dives into the cinematic landscape of 2025. She shares her top picks, highlighting the complex narratives of 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another.' Stevens explores how 'Sinners' intertwines vampires with Jim Crow history, offering a musical meditation on cultural roots. Meanwhile, she examines 'One Battle After Another' as a prescient adaptation that melds genre and revolutionary themes. Stevens aims for big-studio risks, finding hope in ambitious storytelling.

This past year was a flop. From questionable blockbuster reboots to supply chain shenanigans to worst of all, omnipresent COVID variants. But, in a last ditch effort to flip the flop, we at Radiolab have dredged up the most mortifying, most cringeworthy, most gravity-defying flops we could find. From flops at a community pool to flops at the White House, from a flop that derails a career to flops that give NBA players a sneaky edge, from flops that’ll send you seeking medical advice to THE flopped flop that in a way enabled us all. Take a break from all the disappointment and flop around with us. Special Thanks to: Kaitlin Murphy, Dana Stevens, David Novak, Pablo Pinero Stillman Support Radiolab by becoming a member today at Radiolab.org/donate. 

Dana Stevens, a film critic and Slate podcaster known for her insight on pop culture, joins the discussion on the iconic When Harry Met Sally. They explore how the film shaped rom-coms and Ephron's career. What makes Billy Crystal so charming? They dive into the chemistry between Crystal and Meg Ryan, the film's low-concept brilliance, and the unforgettable New Year’s monologue. Plus, they examine the film's nostalgic New York setting, iconic food scenes, and the larger question: can men and women truly be friends?

Christiane Amanpour, veteran international correspondent, traces Iran’s modern conflicts and regional ambitions. Sandy Nurse, Brooklyn council member and labor advocate, lays out the case for a $30 hourly minimum in NYC. Dana Stevens, film critic and author, debates streaming versus theaters and dissects awards-season picks. Short, sharp conversations on geopolitics, labor policy, and the future of cinema.