

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

May 11, 2022 • 1h 22min
“Bring the Girls!” w. Julio Torres
Ira and Louis discuss the Tony nominations, whether Elisabeth Olsen does Marvel movies (like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) for the checks, Kim Kardashian robbing Marilyn Monroe’s grave, and Lady Gaga’s Top Gun song. Plus, Julio Torres joins to discuss his new children’s book I Want to Be a Vase, Nicole Kidman, and more.Note: This episode contains mild spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ___With our constitutionally protected right to abortion under attack, abortion funds are working nonstop to make sure people can still access (and afford) abortion.Visit votesaveamerica.com/roe to learn more, donate, and take action.

May 4, 2022 • 1h 35min
“The Gilded Rage” w. Amber Ruffin
Ira and Louis discuss celebrities’ interpretations of Gilded Glamour at The Met Gala, Street Fighter characters, and Johnny Depp’s defamation trial. Plus, they revisit their gay adolescences with Heartstopper, The Real World Homecoming: New Orleans, and White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch. Also, Amber Ruffin joins to discuss late night writing for Seth Meyers versus The Amber Ruffin Show, writing the book for Some Like It Hot the musical, and more.___With our constitutionally protected right to abortion under attack, abortion funds are working nonstop to make sure people can still access (and afford) abortion.Visit votesaveamerica.com/roe to learn more, donate, and take action.

Apr 27, 2022 • 1h 22min
”Desperately Seeking Aida”
Ira, Louis, and a returning Aida discuss Janelle Monae coming out as non-binary and other genderqueer celebs, Jerrod Carmichael’s comedy special Rothaniel, Elon Musk buying Twitter, hot takes on Steve Martin’s old SNL skits, and the new season of Selling Sunset. Plus, Kiernan Shipka joins to discuss her new Roku series Swimming with Sharks, her Mad Men memories, and more.For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit

Apr 20, 2022 • 1h 36min
“Megchella” w. Alexander Skarsgård
Ira recaps Coachella for Louis, then the two discuss Gilbert Gottfried, odd Celine Dion “biopic” Aline, and flight mask mandates. Plus, Alexander Skarsgard joins to discuss The Northman, working with everyone’s favorite actresses, and more.For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit

Apr 13, 2022 • 1h 25min
"At the Movies with lra and Louis" w. Michelle Yeoh
Ira and Louis discuss their favorite films, Ira's Coachella itinerary, Spirit Halloween, and David Mamet's turn as a Fox News commentator. Plus, icon Michelle Yeoh to discuss Everything Everywhere All At Once, her roots in Hong Kong action films, and more!

Apr 6, 2022 • 1h 36min
'We Don’t Talk About Favreau' w. Sheryl Lee Ralph
The ban has finally been lifted… Ira and Louis are joined by guest host Jon Favreau to discuss the Grammys, Bruce Willis films, Sarah Palin, Elon Musk owning Twitter, and Paula Patton’s fried chicken recipe. Plus, Sheryl Lee Ralph joins to discuss Abbott Elementary, Moesha’s second life, Dreamgirls backstage stories, and more!For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit

Mar 30, 2022 • 1h 29min
'The Hand That Rocks The Oscars' w. Judith Light
Ira, Louis, and guest host Damon Young discuss the only thing that anyone is talking about after The Oscars, arbitrary anniversary celebrations, banned books, bad tweets from comedians, and more. Plus, Judith Light joins Ira and Louis to discuss her career from One Life to Live to her latest, HBO’s Julia.For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit

Mar 23, 2022 • 1h 24min
"State of thee Union" w. Gabrielle Union
Ira and Louis are joined by return guest Gabrielle Union to discuss her new film Cheaper by the Dozen and activism in Hollywood. Plus, Ira and Louis discuss their Gabrielle Union blindspots (The Honeymooners, Love & Basketball), their Oscar predictions, taking photos of celebrities, The Beach Boys, Doja Cat’s Hole cover, Kentaji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing, and more!For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit

Mar 16, 2022 • 1h 23min
'Power of the B-I-T-C-H' w. Danny Pellegrino
This week on Keep It, Louis and guest host Kyle Buchanan (author of Blood, Sweat, and Chrome) fit a lifetime of thoughts about the Oscars into 20 minutes. Then they get into their favorite art that was hell to make, which Batmen fuck, and how it's possible to not know that there are gay people in Rent. Plus, Danny Pellegrino joins Ira and Louis to discuss his book How Do I Un-Remember This?: Unfortunately True Stories, gay teen trauma, and why Rosie O'Donnell is the best in the biz.Join Louis in rewatching the 1962 Emmy Award Ceremony For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit

Mar 9, 2022 • 1h 25min
'Nora Ephron’s Pot Brownies' w. Kristin Chenoweth
Ira and Louis discuss The Batman, Madonna’s actress boot camp, Katy Perry’s Vegas residency, Beyoncé’s acting skills, and the latest drama with the Oscars. Plus, Kristin Chenoweth joins to discuss her new picture book What Will I Do With My Love Today?, attending Nora Ephron’s iconic dinner parties, and more.For a transcript of this episode visit crooked.com/keepit


