A Candid Conversation on Philosophy and Culture

Naomi Fry, a well-known critic and podcast host, recently found herself in a candid moment during a recording session. “This is such a horrible thing to say, and I’m sure many listeners might not appreciate this,” she began, her voice tinged with hesitation. Her co-hosts, fellow critics Vinson Cunningham and Alexandra Schwartz, leaned in closer across the small, round table in a bustling recording studio located in Manhattan.

With a playful tone, Fry continued, “I don’t like … philosophy?” It was as if she was seeking permission to voice her opinion. The instant she spoke those words, Cunningham and Schwartz erupted in laughter. Soon, Fry joined in, laughter echoing around the room.

“I thought you were going to say something like, ‘I think humans shouldn’t exist,’” Cunningham quipped, a grin spreading across his face.

“It feels rather philistine to admit,” Fry responded, her expression a mix of amusement and embarrassment.

Schwartz chimed in, adding, “Everyone is aware of our biases. Just give us a well-crafted novel, and weave the philosophy in with it. We adore a good story!”

“Exactly! I love stories,” Fry exclaimed, her enthusiasm reignited. “Can you share a juicy piece of gossip with me?”

“Can we dive into the details of Jeremy Bentham’s love life?” Schwartz suggested, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let’s go there!”

In a dimly lit control room adjacent to the studio, Steven Valentino, the executive producer of audio at Condé Nast, chuckled along with the co-hosts. They were recording an episode last month of “Critics at Large,” the weekly pop culture podcast produced by The New Yorker. Valentino had conceptualized the show after coming across the transcript of an engaging article for the magazine’s website, where Fry, Cunningham, and Schwartz passionately debated the current state of sex scenes in film and television.