Let's Talk About Cats

We’re taking a short break in January, but we’ll be back in February! In the meantime, resident cat expert Julian (age 5) is here to tell you everything he knows about cats and how to care for them. What do different meows mean? What’s the one thing you should never let a cat have? And what can you do if your cat is afraid of her squeaky mouse toy? Plus: A not-so-subtle suggestion for Mary about getting another cat.Last chance to save 15% on Grendel’s favorite interactive puzzles. Go to CatAmazing.com/CatTalk now—offer ends Jan. 7!Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 Kind NYWashington Heights Cat ColonyThis just in, Ajax got adopted! But there are more great cats at Cat Castle NYC.CLAWS NJChance At Life Cat Rescue (NJ)East Harlem Kitty RescueGo to CatAmazing.com/CatTalk to get 15% off interactive puzzles and condos. Offer ends Jan. 7!Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 & Steve, the cat-human supergroup the world has been waiting for.This episode is brought to you by our friends at Cat Amazing. Go to CatAmazing.com/CatTalk to get 15% off their interactive puzzles and condos!Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 coordination. Plus: What really happens at professional dance auditions.Exclusive discount for LTAC listeners: Get 15% off interactive puzzles and condos at CatAmazing.com/CatTalk!Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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: Finally, an outlet for Mary’s Catholic jokes. She’s been saving them.Get 15% off Grendel’s favorite interactive toys and condos at CatAmazing.com/CatTalk!Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 episode is brought to you by Cat Amazing, makers of award-winning interactive treat-hunt puzzles. I’m telling you, Grendel is obsessed with hers. Go to CatAmazing.com/CatTalk and get 15% off your purchase!Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Go to catamazing.com/cattalk and get 15% off their award-winning (and Grendel-approved) interactive puzzles and modular condos!Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. Plus: Cat vs. red lipstick, a messy true story. Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 startling statistic about Halloween costumes for cats.Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 book, “Philosophy, Pussycats, and Porn.”Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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’s pottery past resurfaces with a ceramics-themed Cat Quiz.Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Poet and Embroidery Artist Eboni Hogan joins Mary to talk cats, kids, and being a cool girl. (Duh: All girls are cool girls.) Mary tests her with her knowledge of arts and cats, wins her heart, and saves the day by keeping everyone from eating a cheezy cat snack. Plus: the showdown of patience: kids vs. pets. And we all know the pets win.Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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)? Get complete show notes and a transcript of this episode at our website! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 the profound. Subscribe now!Know a cat who deserves a shoutout? Email shouts@letstalkaboutcats.com with the cat’s name, city/state, and whatever message you’d like included. Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!The rumors are true—full episodes return in September!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Let’s Talk (More) About Cats!Get excited—full episodes return in September!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 is Grendel’s doppelgänger?) and why it’s okay for everything around us to change—except cats. For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!Hey, we’re taking a little break, but we’ll be back soon! In the meantime, we’d love to know what you thought about season 1. Leave a review or drop a note: hi@letstalkaboutcats.com.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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, oatmeal, and more. Plus! An extra-sweet Cat Quiz, and Fany invents an exciting new dessert inspired by Leonard. For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!If you’re reading this far down, you probably like the show, so please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!Xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Atlantic's Adam Serwer takes a break from cogent political analysis to talk about his most loyal co-workers, The Garfields—Butters, Burns, Eggsy, and Benne. Then we put his love of Italian food and felines to the test in the Cat Quiz, where Mary definitely pronounces some things incorrectly! Plus: a serious debate about cats on surfaces. Finally, we get the lowdown on Adam’s international cat acquisition strategy, how cats help when your job involves staring into the abyss, and what the last pure things on the internet are. Also! Helpful tips for cat tourism in Rome.For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!Hey—if you like the show, tell someone! An easy way to do this is by leaving a nice rating and review on Apple Podcasts. No actual human contact required!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Recorded live at The Greene Space in NYC! One lucky audience member joins comedian Carmen Lagala for a Cat Quiz about performing cats, and our bandleader/musical guest Leslie Goshko performs an incredibly catchy song about Tater’s journey from Florida to New York. In the Hot Topic debate, Carmen and writer/producer Muna Mire decide if the phrase “let the cat out of the bag” is canceled or not. Then Muna tells us all about Simone, who loves fast food and might have mystical powers. Plus: Since it’s a safe space, Carmen tries out a new cat joke and Mary explains some of her most elaborate cat theories!For more from this episode, including exclusive charts & data about the cats of New York Public Radio, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why make resolutions when you could talk about cats? Heidi Vanderlee (The Chris Gethard Show, Early Riser, Shark Party Media) spent the last morning of 2018 reflecting on her aging Maine coons and how taking care of them has changed her life both personally and professionally. There’s also a fact-packed Cat-Shark Quiz, and a new segment called Oh, Fur Sharing!, in which we try to decipher a tweet about an incident involving a cat, a squirrel, and a bed. Producer Lizzie says this one sounds like we were hanging out in our pajamas—kinda chill, kinda cozy—but we were in fact fully clothed. You don’t have to be, though! Get into some sweats, get under a blanket, and enjoy!For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!What has 19 5-star ratings on Apple Podcasts and wants even more 5-star ratings on Apple podcasts? This podcast. This one right here.xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The multi-talented Shane O’Neill a.k.a. Shane Shane (comedian, musician, host, video maker, facial hair advocate) stops by for a conversation about creativity, community, and cats. We persuade the legendary Sandra Bernhard to get a cat in Hey, You Need A Cat!, and Shane reveals some ~inside intel~ about her dogwalker. Then it’s time to focus on the real star of the show: Wanda, who survived Hurricane Katrina and rode a bus to Wisconsin, where she and Shane fell in love at first sight. But when Shane moved to New York and fell in love with a guy who didn’t like cats, would Wanda win him over? (Spoiler alert: Duh.) Plus! Find out how Shane almost murdered Lil Bub!For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!Your 5-star ratings and reviews are the only applause we’ll ever get, so start clapping (leaving ratings and reviews)!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Grab those helmets—today’s guest is Gotham Girls Roller Derby superstar Carnage Electra! We get the scoop about her cat Steve, from his early days as a Brooklyn street tough to his current life as an aspiring musician. Plus, some insight about what cats and derby players have in common, and why so many women who are drawn to such an intense physical sport are also drawn to such soft furry creatures. We also put Carnage to the test with a Cat Quiz about former Pussycat Doll Carmen Electra, her derby alter ego namesake. HEY HI WE’RE BACK, HAPPY 2019!For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!Leave us a nice rating and review—start the new year off right by putting more ~positivity~ into the universe!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Late Show writer Ariel Dumas got her comedy start at Second City, so naturally we put her to the test with a Chicago-themed Cat Quiz. Plus, a brand-new segment in which we convince Keanu Reeves to get a cat! Then, we hear all about Boy Kitty and Girl Kitty: from the hours they spent watching Fox News for Ariel’s job at The Colbert Report to their taste in cat furniture. We also discuss the Amazing Acro-Cats Late Show performance that went very wrong—or very right—and why it meant so much to both of us.For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!Leave us a nice rating and review—I’m sure Keanu would want you to!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Comedian, writer, TV producer (Girl Code, After After Party) and all-around delightful human Sachi Ezura joins us for “How Much Do You Know About Cats In Scripted Television Comedy Since 2013?” and a debate about cat code and consent. Then she shares the story of three cats: Corn, who passed away last summer; Magoo, who was briefly an only cat; and saucy little Pudding, who is Magoo’s new companion. Plus! Raising cats as a feminist act, and why cats are good for crying on.For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter!Leave us a nice rating and review—every star you give is a tear we don’t shed!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ana Marie Cox, host of With Friends Like These, stopped by the day after the midterm elections to take a break from politics and discuss her cats Luke and Leia. They’ve played a big role in her journey to sobriety, and we get into a candid conversation about why cats make great sponsors and how scooping the litter box is a reason to stay alive. Also! A Cat Quiz with one of the wackiest questions we’ve had yet (it harks back to the Clinton administration), a debate about cats’ governing abilities, and a call for investment in feline spycraft.If you or someone you know is struggling, cats are great, but don’t forget the folks at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are there for you too.For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter (if you want)!Leave a nice rating and review—we appreciate it, and we appreciate you!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of our favorite couples, the hosts of Couples Therapy, has a couple of cats that they love—and have anxiety about. Today we tackle a special therapy-themed Cat Quiz and decide what to do if you fall in love with someone who’s allergic to cats. Plus! A shocking secret from the early days of Naomi and Andy’s relationship, some v. deep philosophy talk, and bad news for Mary’s cat sitter.For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter (if you want)!Leave a nice rating and review—it’s good for our serotonin levels!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Curbed NY editor Amy Plitt knows cats, and she knows New York City. But will she prevail in a surprisingly difficult round of Cat Food or NYC Delicacy? We also engage in a debate about cat cafes, make a case for cat unions and suggest a revision for New York’s city seal. Then we learn about Stella, Amy’s ride-or-die, the one constant she’s had in this mercurial metropolis. Boyfriends, apartments, and jobs have come and gone—but Stella’s been there through it all. For more about this episode and a complete transcript, visit our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter (if you want)!Leave a nice rating and review—it helps people find the show and makes us feel better about ourselves!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Warning: there’s a bad pun in this episode. It is not Claudia Restrepo’s fault! You know her from BuzzFeed’s Pero Like, and today she tells us all about Oscar, who—like so many other residents of La La Land—is handsome, talented, and difficult. Claudia also lets us in on the peculiar challenges of working among dog people, learning to let go when Oscar heads outside, and breaking up—and finding new love—with an incorrigible cat in the picture. Plus! Can You Tell The Difference Between Dog Things And Cat Things? and a debate about a news story that claims the internet prefers dogs to cats. We’ll be the judge of that!For more about this episode and a complete transcript, go to our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter (if you want)!Leave us a nice rating and review if you are so inclined—it helps the show and our self-esteem!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Daily Show’s Dulcé Sloan is in a long-distance relationship with Queen Esther and Miracle, who live with her mom in Georgia. Lots of feelings in this one, from the miracle of Miracle’s survival to the reason Dulcé doesn’t FaceTime her babies. But there’s also a whole lot of love, the kind that’ll make you hug your cat while you listen. Plus laughs, of course! We play How Much Do You Know About The News That Matters Most: Cat News? (Special Non-Depressing Edition) and settle a very important question: how many cats is too many, anyway?For more about this episode and a complete transcript, go to our website!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter (if you want)!Leave us a nice rating and review if you are so inclined—it helps the show and our self-esteem!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

He edits The New York Times Styles section and co-founded The Awl, but Choire Sicha is here to talk about his three cats, his burgeoning career as a cat training expert, the art of cat obituaries and why he advises young people to pee on things. Plus! Actual New York Times Cat Headline or Fake News?, a rousing debate about cat-themed clothing and a prize that may have changed Choire’s life... forever.For more about this episode and a complete transcript, go here!Socialize with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!Sign up for our newsletter (if you want)!Leave us a nice rating and review if you are so inclined—it helps the show and our self-esteem!xoxo, LTAC HQ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

You saw the title. We talk about cats—and other things, but mostly cats. Noted cat lady and Comedy Central veteran Mary Phillips-Sandy is joined by fellow noted cat people for a fast-paced, off-kilter show that includes a themed cat quiz, a hot topic debate, and of course, hard-hitting personal questions about the guest’s cat(s). Upcoming eps feature Choire Sicha, Dulcé Sloan, Carmen Lagala, Naomi Ekperigin & Andy Beckerman and MORE! Enjoy it even if you’re allergic! Subscribe right this second. First three episodes drop Tuesday, November 13. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.