Slate's Culture Gabfest

Slate's Stephen Metcalf, June Thomas and Dana Stevens discuss "Iron Man 3," Stephen Soderbergh's "State of the Cinema" address and the new Comedy Central show "Inside Amy Schumer."

Slate's Stephen Metcalf, June Thomas and Dana Stevens discuss Michael Bay's latest film "Pain and Gain," talk about morning TV with the New York Times' Brian Stelter, and ponder the Amazon's new TV show pilots.

Slate writers Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and June Thomas speak with Mason Currey about his book, "Daily Rituals," discuss the Sundance TV series "Rectify" and unpack the theories behind the camp aesthetic with Slate's Bryan Lowder.

Slate writers Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and June Thomas speak with Slate's Aisha Harris about the song "Accidental Racist," discuss Bitcoin with Slate tech writer Farhad Manjoo and then examine the new HBO series "Vice."

Slate contributors Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and June Thomas discuss the passing of Roger Ebert, National Geographic's series about the 1980's and social class in Britain.

Slate contributors Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and June Thomas discuss the Hollywood flop "Heavens Gate," Bryan Lowder's Slate story about 'gaybros' and the art of book recommendations.

Slate's Dana Stevens, June Thomas and John Swansburg discuss the Phil Spector biopic on HBO, Harmony Korine's "Spring Breakers" and the life and legacy of Lew Wallace, Civil War general and author of "Ben-Hur."

Slate's Dana Stevens, June Thomas and John Swansburg discuss the new crime drama "Top of the Lake," David Bowie's latest album and, fondly, the possible demise of the email signoff.

Slate's Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf and John Swansburg discuss History Channel's "The Bible," the results of VITA count and the death of the American pun.

Slate writers Dana Stevens, David Haglund and Forrest Wickman are joined by Mark Harris to discuss his piece for GQ on the leading man, Amanda Palmer's TED talk on crowdfunding and the PBS documentary "Makers: The Women Who Make America."