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 20, 2020 • 1h 24min
“The Graduwhat” (with Daveed Diggs)
In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss digital commencement speeches, reflect on their own graduations, and offer advice for the Class of 2020. Also discussed: Entertainment Weekly’s puzzling Pride cover, and Nancy Pelosi’s fat shaming. Plus, Daveed Diggs joins to discuss starring in the TV adaption of Snowpiercer and Hamilton’s impending digital release.
May 13, 2020 • 1h 15min
“Roman Unloaded” (with Simone Missick)
In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Alison Roman’s critiques of Chrissy Teigen and Marie Kondo, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott’s healing Instagram live, Michelle Obama’s documentary, reactions to Adele’s weight loss, and the fleeting concept of summer. Plus, Simone Missick joins to discuss her new series All Rise and how to shoot an episode of television on Zoom.
May 6, 2020 • 1h 23min
“Les Noirs” (with André Holland)
In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss the 1955 Best Actress winners, Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood revisionist history, Mindy Kaling’s new series Never Have I Ever, Pulitzer Prize winners we’re excited for, The Daily Beast’s Michelle Obama clickbait, and more. Plus, André Holland joins to discuss theatre, Paris, and working with Damien Chazelle’s on The Eddy.
Apr 29, 2020 • 1h 24min
"#poorAF" (with Michael Arceneaux)
In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss Sondheim's 90th birthday concert, JK Simmons as a sex symbol, why Miles Teller deserves an Oscar, #blackAF, Making the Cut's winner, and more! Hot Takes returns with Ira declaring Angel a better show than Buffy. Plus, Michael Arceneaux returns to discuss his latest book of essays I Don't Want to Die Poor, how college aspirations can cripple us, reality TV, and supporting OnlyFans.
Apr 22, 2020 • 1h 15min
“Me and My Bolt Cutters” (with Alison Pill)
In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Aida, and Louis fetch their bolt cutters and discuss Fiona Apple’s new album, Mrs. America, Netflix’s new dating series Too Hot to Handle, and the Michael Jordan doc The Last Dance. Plus, Alison Pill joins to discuss Alex Garland’s trippy new sci-fi series Devs and working with icons like Judy Davis and Glenda Jackson.
Apr 15, 2020 • 1h 28min
"Gunn Crazy" (with Tim Gunn)
In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Aida, and Louis discuss Usher and The Weeknd’s respective influences on R&B, SNL and other shows recording from home, and more. Plus, Tim Gunn joins to talk his new fashion series Making the Cut.
Apr 8, 2020 • 1h 24min
"Full Barrymore Jacket" (with Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni)
In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Aida, and Louis discuss voter suppression in Wisconsin, the Sherry Pie scandal on Drag Race, and the respect Alfre Woodard deserves. In this week's Hot Takes segment, Louis thinks Emma Stone is the least deserving Oscar winner of the 21st century. Plus, Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni join to discuss American Idol, niche gay culture, Reese Witherspoon, and their new Quibi series Gayme Show.
Apr 1, 2020 • 1h 34min
"Queenpin" (with Alan Yang & Betty Gilpin)
In this week's Keep It: Home Edition, Ira, Aida, and Louis discuss how hot young Dennis Quaid was, Tippi Hendrin's acting, the never ending madness of Tiger King. Betty Gilpin joins to discuss being a gay icon, acting, and Tennessee Williams. Alan Yang joins to discuss Mandopop, Joan Chen, and his feature film debut Tigertail. Plus, in our first Hot Takes segment Aida defends choosing Solange over Beyonce (if she had to).
Mar 25, 2020 • 1h 18min
"Fun with Quarantine and Jane" (with Jane Fonda & Jeremy O. Harris)
Ira, Aida, and Louis bring you Keep It directly from their homes this week as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Activist, actress, and legend Jane Fonda joins to discuss how we can still protest the Trump administration's bailout of corporations and continue the fight for climate change from our homes. Playwright Jeremy O. Harris returns to the pod to discuss how artists are suffering from theatre closures across the country. A new segment, Keep It Civil, solves disputes among roommates under quarantine. Plus, celebrities are losing their minds, Tiger King, Animal Crossing, and more!
Mar 18, 2020 • 1h 3min
“Go the Social Distance”
In the first episode of Keep It: Social Distancing Edition, Ira, Louis, and Aida discuss how they’ve coped with not leaving their homes. Plus, the movie industry grinds to a halt, listeners share what culture they’ve consumed, Fiona Apple’s revealing New Yorker profile, and more!
