September Archives

  • Episode 116: Jeanne Darst, Gary Hustwit, and the DPD Hotline

    September 30, 2011 12:32 PM
    Episodes
    LAPL (1927)

    This week, we continue to prepare for the hour-long version of the show by serving up some new courses. You'll "overhear" a story from author Jeanne Darst, take a Chattering Class on urban design with filmmaker Gary Hustwit, and learn the number of our new dinner-party hotline. (Drunk dialing allowed.) Let us know what you think! Plus, a traumatizing joke from debut novelist Justin Torres, and a new tune from the Stepkids. Read more...

  • Episode 115: What if the DPD was an hour-long show?

    September 21, 2011 2:27 PM
    Episodes
    Image by David Heatley

    Welcome to *The Dinner Party* - a culture show that gives you everything you need to win this weekend's dinner party.. On the menu: Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan quacks us up, comedian Demetri Martin takes us on a dietary journey, and we pose our burning etiquette questions to Broadway sensation Elaine Stritch. Plus, an interview with breakout actress Greta Gerwig, poetry from Billy Collins, and lots more. Read more...

  • The LSD-25

    Kris Holechek Peters
    September 21, 2011 7:25 AM
    campari , creme de casis , sparkling wine , truffle oil , white balsamic vinegar

    In 1938, Dr. Albert Hoffman synthesized a bunch of compounds based on the fungus "ergot." His hope: to stimulate the human circulatory system. The 25th compound - LSD-25 - didn't seem to have much effect on lab animals, so he chucked it. But 5 years later, on April 19th, 1943, Hoffman was gripped by what he called a "peculiar presentiment," and made another batch...which he sampled. Read more...

  • Episode 114: Steve James, Must-See Docs, and Jens Lekman

    September 14, 2011 1:57 PM
    Episodes
    Kartemquin Films

    This week: Steve James, director of "Hoop Dreams" and "The Interrupters," interrupts our regularly scheduled programming to list some docs you'll love, even if you're doc-avoidant. Plus, Swedish singer-songwriter Jens Lekman gets up in his own grill. Much more to come as we prep for a longer, tastier DPD... stay tuned. Read more...

  • Episode 113: Gus Van Sant, Government Lunches, and Glutenny

    September 8, 2011 12:50 PM
    Episodes
    Scott Green / Sony Pictures Classics

    This week: Filmmaker Gus Van Sant gives us the silent treatment... America says Uncle... And Brendan gets the lowdown on gluten from Erin "Babycakes" McKenna. Plus, Soleil Moon Frye (a.k.a. Punky Brewster) kids around, and Feist offers up a bluesy new tune. Read more...

  • The Government Lunch

    Kris Holechek Peters
    September 8, 2011 11:54 AM
    Recipes , apple cider , applejack , cherries , cordial , lemon juice , sugar , whiskey

    This week back in 1813, prosperous meatpacker (and army supplier) Samuel Wilson of Troy, NY became known "Uncle Sam" - a moniker that ultimately spread to cartoonish proportions and came to represent the U.S. government at large. Read more...

  • Penn & Teller Predicted Our Small Talk

    Rico Gagliano
    September 2, 2011 8:02 PM
    Food , People , Small Talk

    A listener tells us the portentous comedy duo was doing "water menus" before the things even existed. Read more...

  • The Swede '67

    Kris Holechek Peters
    September 1, 2011 11:46 AM
    Recipes , champagne , elderflower schnapps , raspberries

    This week in 1967, all at once, Swedish traffic moved from the left to the right side of the road. The massive campaign surrounding "Dagen H" produced cultural touchstones like the contest-winning song "Keep to the Right, Svensson!" and underwear emblazoned with H logos. Read more...

  • Episode 112: Terry Allen, Swedish Rights, and Sissy Bounce

    September 1, 2011 10:48 AM
    Episodes
    James Bland

    This week: Musician/Artist Terry Allen re-mystifies love... Sweden gets on the right track... And tennis superstar Novak Djokovic eggs himself on. Plus, a joke from a bitter Kiwi and a bouncin' track from Big Freedia. Read more...

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Episode 116: Jeanne Darst, Gary Hustwit, and the DPD Hotline

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    About The Show

    • Hosts Rico Gagliano and Brendan Newnam

      The Dinner Party Download is a fast and funny ‘booster shot’ of news and culture designed to help you dazzle your friends and family at this weekend’s dinner party. Hosts Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam set the table every Friday. Hear what our guests are saying about us inside... more

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