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
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 18min
Lily Allen & Deliver Me From Nowhere with Justine Lupe & Kimberly Clark
This week, Louis Virtel is joined by comedian Kimberly Clark to discuss Lily Allen's new album, West End Girl, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, the TikTokkers "decentering men," and Jennifer Lawrence's press tour. Justine Lupe also joins Louis to chat about season two of Netflix's Nobody Wants This. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 15min
After the Hunt & Mr. Scorsese with Michelle Wolf and Rheeqrheeq Chainey
This week, Louis Virtel is joined by TV writer Rheeqrheeq Chainey to discuss Luca Guadagnino's After the Hunt, Apple TV's Mr. Scorsese docuseries, Netflix's gay military drama Boots, Kim Kardashian's faux fur thongs, and the current Oscar front-runners. Michelle Wolf also joins to discuss writing for late night, Barcelona's comedy scene, and her new stand-up special, The Well. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 32min
Diane Keaton & The Kiss of the Spider Woman with Kyle MacLachlan & Jon Lovett
This week, Louis is joined by Pod Save America host Jon Lovett to discuss the greats of reality TV, Diane Keaton's inimitable career, Jennifer Lopez's new movie The Kiss of the Spider Woman, Bad Bunny's halftime show announcement, and D'Angelo's passing. Kyle MacLachlan also joins to chat about his new show The Lowdown, working with David Lynch, and his best memories with Diane Keaton.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 19min
Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" and More with Brendan Scannell and Jesse Williams
This week, Louis is joined by comedian Brendan Scannell to discuss Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, as well as The Rock's A24 debut in The Smashing Machine. Jesse Williams also joins to discuss his new Amazon series, Hotel Costiera, his experience with Steve Martin, Martin Short and Meryl Streep on Only Murders in the Building, as well as his memories of the late Richard Greenberg and his the Tony-winning play, Take Me Out.
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 26min
One Battle After Another & Mariah Carey with Gillian Anderson & Jay Jurden
This week, Louis Virtel is joined by comic Jay Jurden to discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, new albums from Mariah Carey and Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj's Twitter rampage, Nicole Kidman's break-up, and the Riyadh comedy festival. Gillian Anderson also joins Louis to discuss Tron Ares, The X-Files, and A Streetcar Named Desire.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Jimmy Kimmel & Best Award Speeches with Guy Branum
This week, Louis Virtel is joined by Guy Branum to discuss Jimmy Kimmel Live being yanked off the air, the new Lilith Fair documentary, and the best speeches in entertainment history.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Emmys, Charlie Sheen, & The Roses with Jaboukie Young-White & Akilah Green
This week, Louis is joined by Ghosts writer Akilah Green to discuss the 77th Emmys, Charlie Sheen's documentary, The Roses, Nicolandria, Robert Redford, and their favorite warring couples in film. Jaboukie Young-White also joins to discuss his new film, The Threesome.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 26min
The VMAs, Man's Best Friend, and Celebrity Families with Nicholas Stoller & Mariah Smith
This week, Louis is joined by Smith Sisters Live co-host Mariah Smith to discuss the VMAs, Sabrina Carpenter’s new album Man’s Best Friend, Lady Gaga’s new music, Justin Bieber’s Swag II, the Wuthering Heights teaser, and Hollywood’s most legendary celebrity families. They’re also joined by writer/director Nicholas Stoller to discuss season 2 of the AppleTV+ comedy Platonic.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 32min
Alien: Earth & Love Island USA with Matt Smith and Ben Mandelker
This week Louis Virtel and guest co-host Ben Mandelker dive into Taylor Swift’s engagement, the Love Island USA reunion, Alien: Earth, legendary albums, Snoop Dogg’s reaction to Lightyear, and Project Runway. Matt Smith also joins to discuss his new role in Caught Stealing. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 26min
Highest 2 Lowest, And Just Like That, & Clue with Charlie Day & Taylor Hale
This week, Louis and Big Brother 24 winner Taylor Hale discuss And Just Like That, The Amazing Race, Highest 2 Lowest, the 40th anniversary of Clue, reality TV friendships, and the recent blows to film criticism.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast
