Let's Talk About Cats

Mary is joined by resident cat critic Ruby (age 6) to review cats up for adoption in the New York City area. If you like soccer, Beverly Cleary, or cats who “never give up" we may just have the pet for you. Plus: strong opinions about cat names, and a star rating system that goes beyond infinity.

All cats were available for adoption at the time we recorded. Here are the shelters and rescue organizations we mention:

• Animal Kin...

When guitarist Steve Selvidge isn’t touring with The Hold Steady, he’s home in Memphis with his extremely chill Maine Coon, Kumar, who likes to help assemble pedalboards. We investigate Memphis’s feline history, and Mary admits to almost getting carried away with this episode’s Quiz prize. Then Steve tells us about being a “lifelong cat nerd,” despite an early traumatic experience with some tomcats in heat. Plus: Introducing Steve ...

Alvin Ailey company member Patrick Coker was clueless about cats until he met Marnie—and he’s got the funniest new cat dad story we’ve ever heard. Naturally, Mary puts him to the test with a dance-themed Cat Quiz, which leads to a shocking revelation about a decades-long hoax. Then Patrick explains how Marnie (a gifted dancer in her own right) has inspired his craft, and why everyone should dance, even those of us with zero coordin...

Comedian, author, nurse, and ex-nun Kelli Dunham inherited her late partner’s cat. That’s actually not the most unusual thing Mary gets into in this episode: There’s a mixup at a livestock auction, plans for a cat cafe comedy tour, litter as penance, and tips for houseboat living. Mary and Kelli also delve into the harsh reality of grief, and Kelli explains how accepting care—and caring for a cat—can help with healing. Plus: Finall...

Reyhan Harmanci, Gimlet Media’s new deputy head of programming, joins Mary to brainstorm a hypothetical cat media project involving GoPros and tiny billboards. Then we discuss cat journalism, audacious cat escapes, what it’s like navigating career changes in this unpredictable world, and how wrangling cats and wrangling babies is similar but also different. Plus: A brief survey of early 20th century cat magazines. 

This epi...

Writer/actor/tea drinker Mara Wilson tries to figure out if that’s an actual BBC episode plot description or a thing Mary just made up. Then we debate the biggest question facing Silicon Valley: Should there be a separate Twitter just for cat content? Plus: Mara’s best nap ever, cat sunburns, why spring is the worst, and cats in LA vs cats in NYC. Also, for you Night Vale fans, we finally get the real scoop about Khoshekh’s name.

Allure’s deputy digital director Sam Escobar is a beauty expert who uses makeup as a form of creative expression. Mary tried eyeliner once. This opens up a lively conversation about differing views on beauty, the pressures and pleasures of self-presentation, and our moms’ Clinique habits. We also talk about cats! Obviously! Sam makes the case for adopting FIV+ kitties and reveals what people really see when they look at Rorschach. ...

Mary invites Louise Hung, writer/producer at The Order of the Good Death, for a seasonally appropriate conversation about death, black cats, and why so many people fear them both. Spoiler alert, we're pro-black cats (especially Louise's companions, Dorothy and Agatha). We also discuss the death positive movement, mourning pets, and getting comfortable with spooky stuff. Plus: A Japanese cat funeral, a death-themed Cat Quiz, and a s...

DJ, video blogger, and cultural critic Jay Smooth helps Mary unpack one of hip-hop’s biggest mysteries: Why doesn’t Missy Elliott have a cat? Then we learn about Wallace, who’s been a source of positivity through times of change and who is a cultural critic in his own right (specifically, he likes all kinds of music but dislikes Jay’s broadcast voice). Plus: Growing up in NYC, and cats vs. racism.

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Stoya is a celebrated author, advice columnist, pornographer, model, and actress, but her most important job is caring for Widget and Pixel, who have finally forgiven her for driving them cross country (we think). Mary reports on a study that proves cats know their names, which begs the question: do cats know they exist? Plus: Treat parties, cat/lady stereotypes, and an especially entertaining Cat Quiz based on the title of Stoya’s...

Musician Chris Barron found international success with his band Spin Doctors, but a rare medical condition nearly ended his career… twice. Mary learns how Marley guided him during that terrifying time, why Ruthie Toots had to join Chris' family, and how cats help break creative blocks and remind us that life is worth living. Plus: We identify the greatest cat songs ever written, Mary opens up about her awkward teen years, and Chris...

Embroidery artist and writer Eboni Hogan joins Mary to talk cats, kids, and the problem with competitive poetry. Mary administers a high-stakes Cat Quiz about #artsandcats and saves the day by keeping people from eating a cheezy cat snack. Plus: The joy of hiding in the bathroom, and surprising insight about cat-turtle dynamics.

Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! 

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Journalist Evan Ratliff co-hosts the Longform Podcast, but how much does he know about cats and things that are long? We debate the ethics of feline forensic science, then Evan discusses his relationship with former Vine star Henry, who may be a lot smarter than he looks. Also: Awl nostalgia, why international criminals don’t have cats, and the single most horrifying story ever told on this show.

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Broadway star and author Al Silber kicks off our second season with the incredible true story of the time her late father visited her as a cat. We also debate cats as crime solvers, pay tribute to Angela Lansbury, and find out how the Union Square Petco helped bring Al and Tati together. Plus: How much do you know about cats and musicals (but not Cats the musical)? 

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New episodes return 9/17! Upcoming guests include Stoya, Alexandra Silber, Evan Ratliff, Jay Smooth, Mara Wilson, Eboni Hogan, and more. The Cat Quiz is back and the prizes are better than ever! We’ll resolve feline quandaries in the Hot Topic debate and convince catless celebrities to change their ways in Hey, You Need A Cat! And, of course, we’ll have revealing conversations about how cats have shaped our lives, from the silly to...

Attention, LTAC campers: Today we’re brushing up on the most interesting cat facts we learned in season 1, covering everything from history to continental philosophy to travel tips. If you listen to the end, you’ll qualify for your Casual Conversation Starters badge!

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The rumors are true—full episodes return in S...

Hey LTAC campers! Today’s agenda: Taking a look back at some of the weirdest cat behavior we heard about in season one, plus an exclusive update from Steve, the Brooklyn cat with dreams of making it big as an experimental musician. After that, we’re making lanyards.

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Get excited—full episodes return in September!

It’s our season finale, and what a stellar way to wrap! Holly Frey hosts a bunch of podcasts (including perennial fave Stuff You Missed In History Class) and has a herd of cats. We put her to the test with a very futuristic Cat Quiz, then defy the limits of the space-time continuum to chat with Jane Addams in Hey, You Need A Cat! We also discuss which historical figures our cats are (can you guess which glamorous Old Hollywood star...

Chef Fany Gerson’s paletas, ice creams, and other Mexican-inspired treats are some of the best in town. When she’s not running her shop, La Newyorkina, and writing James Beard-nominated cookbooks, she’s home with her new baby and Leonard (aka Terremoto), the cat she didn’t intend to have. We find out how THAT happened in what may be the strangest cat acquisition story we’ve ever heard. We also talk cat-kid dynamics, optimism, oatme...