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On this week’s episode, our critics discuss Clear History, the new HBO feature film starring Larry David. In Clear History, David plays essentially the same self-parodying, disgruntled master of pettiness he plays in Curb Your Enthusiasm, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Next, the gabbers take on the issue of sexism and the dearth of women in philosophy. University of Sheffield philosopher Jennifer Saul lends her expertise to the discussion. Lastly, it’s Summer Strut time! The 2013 Summer Strut Playlist is here—you can stop walking down the street in that melancholic earbud cocoon and emerge as the strutting, fully metamorphosized rock star you were always destined to be.

Here are links to some of the things we discussed this week:

• Clear History on HBO.
• Director Greg Mottola.
• Curb Your Enthusiasm.
• Willa Paskin’s review of the film, for Slate.
• Our guest, philosopher Jennifer Saul.
• The blog What Is It Like to Be a Woman in Philosophy?
• The Colin McGinn resignation in the Chronicle of Higher Education.
• Philosopher Judith Butler.

The Summer Strut favorites talked about on this week’s show include:

• Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.”
• Camera Obscura’s “French Navy.”
• The Very Best’s “Julia.”
• Robyn’s “Hang With Me.”
• Ruby and the Party Gang’s “Ruby’s Surprise Party.”
• YACHT’s “Psychic City.”
• Laura Mvula’s “Green Garden.”
• Quinteto Ternura’s “Leao de Bronze.”
• Passion Pit’s “Carried Away.”

Strut along to the Summer Strut 2013 playlist on Spotify:

And here's a text version of the Summer Strut 2013 list.

Endorsements:

Dana: John Oliver on Charlie Rose and hosting the Daily Show.

Julia: “The Wire” by HAIM.

Stephen: Greg Mottola’s The Daytrippers, and Wilco, Nick Lowe, and Mavis Staples covering “The Weight.”

Outro: Wilco, Nick Lowe, and Mavis Staples play The Band’s “The Weight.”

You can email us at culturefest@slate.com.

This podcast was produced by Dan Pashman. Our intern is Sam McDougle.

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