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 7, 2020 • 1h 32min
“Trust the B” (with Bethenny Frankel)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Mariah Carey’s new memoir and the pleasures of its audiobook, Trump’s COVID theatrics, The Witches reboot, Drake and SZA’s unearthed relationship, and why everyone’s addicted to Emily in Paris. Plus, Bethenny Frankel joins to discuss her new podcast Just B and the business side of Real Housewives.
Sep 30, 2020 • 1h 27min
"Rock ‘N Vote” (with Brit Bennett)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss The Rock campaigning for Biden, Mark Burnett’s responsibility for Trump’s Presidency, Tory Lanez’s continued exploitation of Megan thee Stallion, Eddie Redmayne’s support of JK Rowling, and more. Plus, Brit Bennett joins to discuss her NYT best-selling novel The Vanishing Half.
Sep 23, 2020 • 1h 42min
“America’s Emmy Home Videos” (with David Chang and Zachary Quinto)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss this year’s virtual Emmy ceremony, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy, Ellen’s on-air apology, Kat McPhee donating to Republicans, racist social media algorithms, and the film Antebellum. Plus, chef David Chang joins to discuss his new memoir Eat a Peach and Zachary Quinto returns to discuss the film adaption of .
Sep 16, 2020 • 1h 26min
“About A Boycott” (with Roy Wood Jr.)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the new Oscars inclusion standards, Paris Hilton’s less than insightful new documentary, the boycotts against Mulan and Cuties, Paul Rudd’s awkward PSA on wearing masks, new Netflix docs The Social Dilemma versus Capital in the 21st Century, and more. Plus, Roy Wood Jr. joins to discuss making comedy and The Daily Show in a pandemic.
Sep 9, 2020 • 1h 15min
“Imitation of Life 2” (with June Diane Raphael)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Jessica Krug’s blackfishing scandal, Charlie Kaufman films, the Rebecca remake, Letterbox review, Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ exhausting book promo, and more. Plus, June Diane Raphael joins to discuss a decade of podcasting, watching Bravo during a pandemic, and more!
Sep 2, 2020 • 1h 25min
"Are You There God? It's Ira and Louis." (with Phillip Picardi)
In the third annual Ira and Louis Variety Hour, they discuss the socially distanced VMA ceremony, Adele's Bantu knots, Club Future Nostalgia, the NBA strike, unfollowing Shaun King, and the shocking loss of Chadwick Boseman. Plus, a conversation about finding faith as queer people with Phillip Picardi, host of the new Crooked Media podcast Unholier Than Thou.
Aug 26, 2020 • 1h 19min
“I’d Like to Buy the World on Coke” (with Ramy Youssef)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the cultural moments that led to this year’s unhinged Republican National Convention, soothing British comedies, revisiting Jerry Maguire, why not enough people are talking about Megan thee Stallion’s shooting, and whether videos of black trauma should be shared on social media. Plus, Ramy Youssef joins to discuss self-reflection via faith, depicting Muslim life through comedy, and his Emmy nominated series Ramy.Fight for Jacob Blake:
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Aug 19, 2020 • 1h 28min
“Best Creek Ever” (with Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the Democratic National Convention going digital and bipartisan, how Lovecraft Country addresses H.P. Lovecraft’s racist history, Trump’s attacks on the USPS, and more. Plus, Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy join to discuss Schitt’s Creek, decades of working together, and their most memorable roles.
Aug 12, 2020 • 1h 34min
"Fear of a WAP Planet" (with Zadie Smith and Jean Smart)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss conservative reactions to Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion’s new single “WAP,” Selling Sunset, Joe Biden selects Kamala Harris, and which celebrities have us blocked. Plus, Zadie Smith joins to discuss her new book of essays Intimations and Jean Smart joins to discuss her Emmy-nominated role in Watchmen.
Aug 5, 2020 • 1h 11min
"Black Is Queen" (with Bob the Drag Queen)
Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Beyoncé’s latest visual album Black Is King, Brandy’s return with B7 and revisiting Moesha on Netflix, the misconduct allegation at The Ellen Show, and more. Plus, Bob the Drag Queen joins to discuss mixing politics with drag and her Emmy nominated series We’re Here.
