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
Jul 21, 2021 • 1h 17min
“‘Tis the Damn Leo Season” (with Rebecca Carroll)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Olivia Rodrigo’s White House visit, Leo season, bad Grindr etiquette, Space Jame 2, and their cultural blindspots: 9 TO 5 (Ira), The Simpsons (Louis), Death Becomes Her (Aida). Rebecca Carroll joins to discuss her book Surviving the White Gaze.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jul 14, 2021 • 1h 25min
“Crazy Rich Whites” (with Laci Mosley)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Gossip Girl reboot, White Lotus, Succession’s return, Emmy nominations, the “gay cold,” Juvenile’s vax ad, billionaires in space, and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s icon status. Plus, the Scam Goddess herself, Laci Mosley, joins to discuss scams (duh) and more.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jul 7, 2021 • 1h 3min
"No, No, Nolympics (with David Harbour)"
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Olympics' spree of disqualifying Black women, Bill Cosby's release from prison, Zola, Doja Cat's new album, Big Brother's 23rd season, and more. Plus, David Harbour joins to discuss Black Widow, Stranger Things, and married life with Lily Allen.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jun 30, 2021 • 1h 19min
“Free Britney or Die Hard” (with Nicco Annan)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Britney’s court appearance over her conservatorship, Lil Nas X’s BET Awards performance, Courtney Love versus Olivia Rodrigo, Fast 9, and more. Plus, Nicco Annan joins to discuss P-Valley and his guest judging stint on Legendary.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jun 23, 2021 • 1h 22min
“Mark Twain Smile” (with Brandon Taylor)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Cancer season, the Michael Costello and Chrissy Teigen drama, Sharon Stone’s tweets about Meryl Streep, Usher causing T-Pain’s depression, GET OUT knockoff KAREN, DaBaby’s defense of Tory Lanez, and more. Plus, Brandon Taylor joins to discuss his new book FILTHY ANIMALS and how to stop writing for white audiences.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jun 16, 2021 • 1h 23min
“Kardashians Keep Falling On My Head” (with Rostam)
Ira, Louis, and guest host Grace Parra discuss the end of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, celebrity tequila brands, In the Heights’ colorism critiques, Sinead O’Connor’s night with Prince, and Chrissy Teigen’s apologies for her past internet behavior. Plus, Keep It’s first guest, Rostam, returns to discuss his new album Changephobia, pop music, and more.
Jun 9, 2021 • 1h 13min
“Easy NDA” (with JP Brammer)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss celebrities asking sexual partners to sign NDAs, Bo Burnham’s new Netflix special, queer cultural recommendations for Pride, and more. Plus, JP Brammer joins to discuss his new book ¡Hola Papi!. Queer RecsMoviesBeach Rats (included with Hulu)Rafiki (included with Hulu and Amazon Prime)Naz & Maalik (included with Hulu and Amazon Prime) MusicLuther Vandross -- Never Too MuchYoung M.A. -- HerstoryVINCINT -- There Will Be Tears (out Friday)Todrick Hall -- Femuline BooksBrontez Purnell -- 100 BoyfriendsJonathan Parks-Ramage -- Yes, Daddy For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Jun 2, 2021 • 1h 14min
"Fifty Shades of Gay" (with TS Madison)
Ira and Louis discuss whether cops or the kink community belong at Pride, Mare of Easttown, Cruella, the Friends reunion, Naomi Osaka withdrawing from the French Open, Ellie Kemper's past as Veiled Prophet Queen of Love and Beauty, and more. Plus, TS Madison joins to discuss how she turned internet fame into her own reality series, The TS Madison Experience.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
May 26, 2021 • 1h 23min
“Like Sands Through the Sour Glass” (with Julianna Margulies)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album SOUR, Nikole Hannah-Jones tenure denial and the fight surrounding critical race theory, Gemini season, the return of Bennifer, and whatever the hell is going on with Taika Waititi, Rita Ora, and Tessa Thompson. Plus, Julianna Margulies joins to discuss her new memoir Sunshine Girl, as well as ER, The Good Wife, and more.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
May 19, 2021 • 1h 18min
“Some Like It Flamin’ Hot” (with Wanda Sykes)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Flamin' Hot Cheetos origin controversy, Ellen canceling her show, Israel's social media manager, the Dear Evan Hansen trailer, and racist tweets against new iCarly star Laci Mosley. Plus, Wanda Sykes joins to discuss her new sitcom The Upshaws and being a stand-up comedian versus being an actress.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/keepit. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
