

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 12, 2021 • 1h 7min
“Elon’s Journey Into Saturday Night” (with Buzzy Cohen)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Elon Musk’s appearance on Saturday Night Live, the new social media app Clubhouse, the canceled 2022 Golden Globes, Demi Lovato hunting for aliens, Eddie Redmayne in Cabaret, The Big Shot with Bethenny, and more. Plus, Louis talks to Jeopardy! champ Buzzy Cohen about guest hosting the show’s Tournament of Champions.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 5, 2021 • 1h 21min
"iCheugy" (with Jason Concepcion)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss "cheugy," the new buzz word of the moment, Billie Eilish's British Vogue interview, Justin Bieber's dreadlocks, and more. Plus, Keep It listeners call in for dating advice (including Ira's roommate Royce), and Jason Concepcion joins to discuss his new Crooked Media podcast Takeline, sports and pop culture, and Ben Affleck on Raya.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.

Apr 28, 2021 • 1h 26min
"Dude, Where's My Oscars?" (with Ed Helms)
Ira, Louis, and guest co-host Rae Sanni discuss the 93rd Academy Awards, Caitlyn Jenner's dubious run for Governor of California, Elon Musk hosting SNL, Scott Rudin's reign of terror, and more. Plus, Ed Helms joins to talk about his new film Together Together and new television series, Rutherford Falls.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.

Apr 21, 2021 • 1h 20min
“The Yog-hurt Locker” (with Bolu Babalola)
Ira, Louis, and Aida make Oscar predictions and discuss Demi Lovato’s feud with a Los Angeles yogurt shop, Colton Underwood’s coming out, and more. Plus, Bolu Babalola joins to discuss her new book Love in Color and what makes a good rom com. Vote for us for the Webby Awards!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.

Apr 14, 2021 • 1h 34min
"Where The Suburbs At" (with Ben Folds)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss DMX's legacy and how we talk about celebrities who grapple with addiction, the loss of the Arclight Cinema in Los Angeles, Lena Dunham's clothing line, and Kerry Washington's corny tweets. Rae Sanni returns with comedian Jacquis Neal to discuss their new reality TV podcast The Cast and what makes a good reality TV star. Plus, Ben Folds joins to discuss making music in the 90s versus now and his new podcast Lightning Bugs with Ben Folds.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.

Apr 7, 2021 • 1h 16min
"Shaaahh!!! Real Housewives" (with Hanif Abdurraqib)
Aida's out sick, so Ira and Louis discuss Real Housewives of Salt Lake City's Jen Shah's arrest for defrauding the elderly, seeing Godzilla vs. Kong in theaters and a return to normalcy post-pandemic, FOX's new late night show Gutfeld!, and which closeted actors Kate Winslet knows. Plus, Hanif Abdurraqib joins to discuss his latest book A Little Devil in America: In Praise of Black Performance.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.

Mar 31, 2021 • 1h 24min
“Satan Boy Summer” (with Naomi Ekperigin and Megan Gailey)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Lil Nas X’s devilish new single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” HBO’s Tina Turner doc, Ariana Grande joining The Voice, Addison Rae’s Jimmy Fallon appearance, Chet Hanks’ introduction of White Boy Summer, and more. Plus, Naomi Ekperigin and Megan Gailey join to discuss their new podcast I Love A Lifetime Movie.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.

Mar 24, 2021 • 1h 28min
“Lemon Aid” (with Cerise Castle and Don Lemon)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Asian spa shootings in Atlanta, Teen Vogue’s new editor-in-chief firing for past racist tweets, Thomas Middleditch’s sexual misconduct allegations, Bill Maher’s take on recontextualizing problematic films, and Justin Bieber featuring Martin Luther King Jr. on his latest album. Knock LA reporter Cerise Castle joins to discuss her report on deputy gangs in the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Plus, Don Lemon joins to discuss his new book This Is The Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism. Show notes:Support KNOCK.LACheck out Cerise's seriesSupport the AAPI communityFor 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.

Mar 17, 2021 • 1h 25min
"If You Like It Then You Shoulda Put An Album of the Year Grammy On It" (with Cheyenne Jackson)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, the Oscar noms and snubs, the Vatican's unsurprising take on gay marriage, JD Vance's run for office, and the painful conclusion to The Bachelor. Plus, Cheyenne Jackson joins to discuss multi-camera acting on Call Me Kat and his extensive Broadway history.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 which podcast you would like.

Mar 10, 2021 • 1h 13min
“Duchess Protection Program” (with Delroy Lindo)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Oprah’s sit down with Harry and Meghan, the WandaVision finale, ghost kitchens, and Glenn Close versus Olivia Colman round two. Plus, Delroy Lindo joins to discuss his raved about performance in Da 5 Bloods and how theatre prepares him for The Good Fight and films like Gone in 60 Seconds.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 which podcast you would like.


