

Keep It!
Keep It!
Wherever pop culture and politics collide, Emmy-nominated TV writer Louis Virtel examines the gorgeous wreckage from his uniquely queer perspective with a rotating cast of special guest co-hosts. Each week, our “Prince of Pop Culture” is joined by the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Garfield, Connie Britton, and Sheryl Lee Ralph to unpack the latest controversies, laude character actress appreciation, and all the shade that’s fit to throw.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 29min
Project Hail Mary & The Comeback with Lisa Ann Walter & Guy Branum
Louis Virtel is joined by Guy Branum to discuss the optimistic space epic “Project Hail Mary” as well as the comeback of HBO’s “The Comeback” starring and co-created by Lisa Kudrow. Lisa Ann Walter joins to talk all things “Abbott Elementary,” “Celebrity Jeopardy” and her long-awaited stand-up special coming to Hulu this spring. They also delve into Lisa’s prep for her off-Broadway debut in “Heathers: The Musical” on April 27th.

Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 35min
The 98th Academy Awards with Guy Branum & Nina Parker
Louis Virtel is joined by Guy Branum and Nina Parker to discuss all things Oscars as they recap the 98th Academy Awards hosted by Conan O'Brien. They unpack why the Oscars can't seem to find anyone but a straight man to host as well as the political and symbolic importance of Sinners. They also analyze each of the major categories in addition to the most memorable moments from this year's broadcast including Barbara Streisand's tribute to Robert Redford which of course became very Barbara-focused.

Mar 11, 2026 • 1h 20min
Harry Styles' New Album and FX's "Love Story" with Nina Parker and Alessandro Nivola
This week pop culture commentator, Nina Parker, joins Louis Virtel to discuss the new Harry Styles album, "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally." They also share their thoughts on the FX show "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette" before Louis is joined for an interview with Alessandro Nivola who plays Calvin Klein in "Love Story."

Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 10min
Survivor 50, Bruno Mars and Hillary Duff with Nina Parker and Stellan Skarsgård
This week, Louis Virtel is joined by pop culture commentator Nina Parker to discuss the premiere of Survivor season 50 along with new music from Bruno Mars and Hillary Duff. Nina weighs in on the BAFTAs and the BBC's lackluster apology and Louis chats with Stellan Skarsgård about his Golden-Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated film Sentimental Value.

Feb 25, 2026 • 1h 7min
A24's Pillion and Black Actress Appreciation with Dewayne Perkins
This week, Louis Virtel is joined by comedian/actor Dewayne Perkins to discuss Alexander Skarsgård's new film Pillion and to recognize the definitive list of their all time favorite Black actresses. Dewayne also talks about the joy of working with Seth Rogen and Catherine O'Hara on The Studio.

Feb 18, 2026 • 1h 10min
Wuthering Heights & Netflix's ANTM Doc with Nina Parker
This week, Louis Virtel is joined by pop culture commentator Nina Parker to discuss the new Wuthering Heights film as well as the deaths of Robert Duvall, James Van Der Beek and Rev. Jesse Jackson. They also unpack Netflix’s revelatory new documentary series about the 2000s reality TV classic, America’s Next Top Model, and the shocking behavior that went on in-front-of and behind the cameras.

Feb 11, 2026 • 1h 32min
Bad Bunny Super Bowl & BHM Films with Symone & Monét X Change
This week, Louis is joined by Drag Race icon Symone to discuss Bad Bunny's halftime show and Black-led films that should live on forever. Then, Monét X Change joins to discuss her run on The Traitors and her upcoming stand-up tour. As a special treat, Monét stays for the Keep It segment and the trio discuss fake Super Bowl outrage, The Pitt, and the Diane Warren documentary.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast

Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 41min
The Grammys & Catherine O'Hara with Paula Pell & Nina Parker
This week, Louis Virtel is joined by pop culture reporter Nina Parker to discuss the Grammys, Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, Nicki Minaj, Don Lemon, and Catherine O'Hara. Louis is also joined by Paula Pell to discuss writing on SNL and her upcoming Peacock series, The Burbs.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast

Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 25min
Oscar Nominations & Mel Brooks with Dylan O'Brien & Rheeqrheeq Chainey
Dylan O'Brien, actor known for Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner, chats about his new film Send Help and working with Rachel McAdams. Rheeqrheeq Chainey, TV writer and witty pop-culture commentator, dives into Oscar nominations, Mel Brooks’ new documentary, TikTok Shop frustrations, and the Heated Rivalry fandom. Quick, funny takes and lively conversations throughout.

Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 39min
The Pitt & Traitors with Bill Skarsgård & Brandon Kyle Goodman
This week, Louis is joined by TV writer and podcaster Brandon Kyle Goodman to discuss the latest episodes of The Traitors, The Pitt, and their favorite sexually liberating movies and shows. Louis is also joined by Bill Skarsgård to discuss his new film Dead Man's Wire. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast


