Forrest Wickman

Forrest Wickman, Slate's culture editor and a passionate bird lover, dives into the avian blunders of the 2000 film Charlie’s Angels. He explores the glaring inaccuracies of the pygmy nuthatch, a bird that doesn’t belong in its on-screen environment at all. With insights from filmmakers and bird experts, he unravels the chaos and challenges behind cinematic bird portrayals. Forrest also examines broader cultural implications, conservation efforts, and the peculiar journey of getting the bird right in movies.

Nadira Goffe, a Slate writer and Philadelphia native, discusses the gritty HBO drama Task, exploring its local accents and strong character focus. Forrest Wickman, Slate's culture editor and an avid birder, delves into the indie documentary Listers, praising its lo-fi aesthetics and emotional depth. The conversation heats up as they analyze the Jimmy Kimmel controversy, addressing government pressure on free speech and the implications of media access blackouts on democracy. Tune in for a thought-provoking blend of pop culture and pressing societal issues!

Forrest Wickman, Slate's culture editor, dives into the cinematic blunder of a bird in *Charlie's Angels* that's left birders scratching their heads for years. Guin Dill, the animal trainer, shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of wrangling birds for film. Nathan Pieplow, a birding expert, helps unravel the mystery of the wrongly identified Pygmy Nuthatch. The discussion covers Hollywood's frequent inaccuracies, the cultural impact of this peculiar mistake, and the real joy of birdwatching in today's world.