Exploring Cultural Conversations with Wesley Morris

Each week, listeners can engage with conversations that delve into the multifaceted nature of culture. Critic Wesley Morris invites writers, artists, and friends to discuss current cultural moments. Episodes are released every Thursday, offering fresh perspectives on cultural phenomena. Available on podcast apps and YouTube, these discussions are noted for their personal and insightful nature.

Highlights of Recent Discussions

Wesley Morris, along with Ligaya Mishan, has recently dissected the highlights from the anticipated 2026 “Best Restaurants in NYC” list. As they cherry-pick standout locations, they provide insights into New York City’s vibrant culinary scene. The video production credits include Jeremy Rocklin, Amy Marino, Daniele Sarti, Jadzia Erskine, John White, and Felice Leon, with acknowledgment to The New York Times.

In another episode, Wesley Morris and Jason Zinoman assessed the state of late-night television amidst the absence of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” This conversation touches on the effects seen in shows like “Saturday Night Live.” Video efforts were contributed by Jeremy Rocklin, Amy Marino, Felice Leon, Janelle Anderson, and Austin Mitchell, credited by The New York Times.

Exploring the trend of boss-centric narratives, Wesley Morris critiques “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” This discussion highlights the imbalance as bosses dominate screen time over workers. Produced by Jeremy Rocklin, Amy Marino, Daniele Sarti, Jika Gonzalez, John White, and Felice Leon, with credit to The New York Times and Macall Polay/20th Century Studios via Associated Press.

Wesley Morris collaborated with “Popcast” hosts Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli, and Times Magazine editor Sasha Weiss, to discuss the construction of the “Greatest Songwriters” list. Video contributions included Jeremy Rocklin, Eddie Costas, Alfredo Chiarappa, Daniele Sarti, Andrew Smith, Dave Mayers, Thomas Trudeau, Janelle Anderson, and Felice Leon, with imagery by Stefan Ruiz.

Reflecting on the 98th Academy Awards, Wesley Morris and Sasha Weiss recounted noteworthy elements of the event. The video was crafted by Jeremy Rocklin, Jamie Hefetz, Andrew Smith, Jika Gonzalez, and Felice Leon, with illustration credit to The New York Times; photo by Nina Westervelt for The New York Times.

Additional Discussions

Wesley Morris, alongside film curator Eric Hynes, reviewed the film “Michael” and explored alternative approaches to a Michael Jackson biopic. Video production was managed by Jeremy Rocklin, Mark Zemel, David Herr, John White, Austin Mitchell, Felice Leon, Alfredo Chiarappa, Lauren Pruitt, and Andrew Smith; with photo illustration by The New York Times and photo by Glen Wilson/Lionsgate, via Associated Press.

In discussions with Gina Cherelus, Wesley Morris analyzed “The Drama” and its depiction of Zendaya. This conversation was compiled by contributors including Janelle Anderson, Felice Leon, Lisa Tobin, Jeremy Rocklin, Amy Marino, Alfredo Chiarappa, and Daniele Sarti, with photo by A24.

Wesley Morris examined FX’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” offering commentary on its genre blending. Video credits are given to Amy Marino, Pat Gunther, Alfredo Chiarappa, Daniele Sarti, Austin Mitchell, and Felice Leon.

Finally, Morris discusses why Harry Styles’s latest album is an ideal spring soundtrack. The video was produced by Amy Marino, Pat Gunther, Alfredo Chiarappa, Daniele Sarti, Austin Mitchell, and Felice Leon, with photo illustration by The New York Times and photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision, via Associated Press.