Critics at Large | The New Yorker Episode: I Need a Critic: May 2025 Edition
Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In the highly anticipated May 2025 edition of Critics at Large’s "I Need a Critic" segment, The New Yorker’s seasoned critics—Nomi Frye, Alex Schwartz, and Vincent Cunningham—resume their beloved advice hotline. This episode delves into listeners' cultural dilemmas and questions, providing insightful recommendations across literature, film, television, and more. The hosts also celebrate The New Yorker’s centenary, highlighting their contributions to the magazine’s legacy.

Celebrating a Century: The New Yorker Turns 100

Nomi Frye kicks off the episode by announcing The New Yorker’s 100th anniversary, featuring special themed issues throughout the year. She mentions standout contributions from the hosts:

• Vincent Cunningham penned a piece on the New York Post titled "Why I Love to Love It."
• Alex Schwartz wrote a commentary on New York’s wonders and introduced a portfolio by photographer Gillian Lobb.
• Nomi Frye encourages listeners to explore the centennial issue and subscribe to The New Yorker for the full array of content.

Listener Advisory Segments

The core of the episode features the trio addressing listener-submitted questions. Each segment is thoughtfully timed, with notable quotes highlighted for emphasis.

1. Emily's Reading Conundrum

Timestamp: [06:57]
Caller: Emily
Question: Struggles with reading complex literary fiction and seeks recommendations for quality, fast-paced books.

Responses:

• Nomi Frye suggests genre fiction, specifically noir authors like Jim Thompson and Raymond Chandler, emphasizing their engaging plots and concise narratives.
  “They will keep you glued to your seat, to the page, but they also won't be like, whatever, shitty airport books.” — [09:03]

• Alex Schwartz recommends short stories, citing Lori Moore and Edgar Allan Poe, advocating for manageable reading sessions akin to watching a movie.
  “Go short. There are some great short stories out there that pack everything you're looking for into a small space.” — [08:20]

• Vincent Cunningham advises biographies and memoirs for their straightforward narratives and engaging real-life stories.
  “When I really don't feel like reading or I don't feel like, you know, dealing with a complex text, I go biography or memoir.” — [10:08]

2. Chuck's View on Fatherhood in Media

Timestamp: [10:32]
Caller: Chuck
Question: Seeks examples of fatherhood depicted positively in contemporary media, moving beyond the Homer Simpson archetype.

Responses:

• Alex Schwartz recommends Roald Dahl’s Danny, the Champion of the World, highlighting the strong, loving relationship between a father and son.
  “Danny idolizes his father, and his father also thinks his son is truly fantastic.” — [14:38]

• Vincent Cunningham suggests Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead novels, focusing on the deep, meaningful communication between father and son through letter writing.
  “It's a distillation of what parenthood is about, which is transmission of not only values, but experiences.” — [12:53]

• Nomi Frye points to Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade, which portrays a single father’s heartfelt but imperfect efforts to support his teenage daughter.
  “He can't really help her, but the father tries.” — [12:22]

3. Lily's Guilt Over Unread Books

Timestamp: [14:38]
Caller: Lily from Athens, Greece
Question: Feels guilty about not reading all the books she purchases each year and seeks ways to alleviate this guilt.

Responses:

• Vincent Cunningham emphasizes viewing her book collection as a personal library that reflects her interests and desires, rather than a checklist.
  “These books that you own are as much for the future as much as they are for you in the moment.” — [17:21]

• Nomi Frye advises letting go of the "optimizing mindset" and appreciating the value of what she has already read.
  “Why not try to think about all that you are already getting from the books that you are already reading?” — [16:11]

• Alex Schwartz offers a "tough love" approach, encouraging Lily to accept her reading pace and prioritize enjoyment over quantity.
  “Snap right out of it... Who cares? In the end, you gotta just say, here I am.” — [16:53]

4. Andy's Binge-Watching While Eating

Timestamp: [18:06]
Caller: Andy
Question: Seeks TV show recommendations to watch while eating, transitioning from informational YouTube content to more fictional entertainment.

Responses:

• Alex Schwartz recommends Midnight Diner, a Japanese series available on Netflix, which combines engaging character stories with visually appealing cooking scenes.
  “It's comforting, it's delicious, it's wonderful. It will make you feel less alone.” — [18:59]

• Vincent Cunningham humorously opposes watching food-related shows while eating to avoid conflicting appetites but nonetheless supports the recommendation.
  “The risk there... is the opening up of a gap between the enjoyment that I'm having with my food and the potential enjoyment that is being portrayed on screen.” — [21:02]

5. Clara's Search for Existential Media

Timestamp: [23:03]
Caller: Clara
Question: Looks for media that explore self-centered existentialism and existential narcissism, particularly in the context of mid-20s anxieties about mediocrity.

Responses:

• Nomi Frye recommends Gustave Flaubert’s Sentimental Education, highlighting the protagonist’s personal struggles amidst the backdrop of societal upheaval.
  “Frederic is thinking of himself and his love life, which is messed up.” — [25:07]

• Alex Schwartz suggests George Eliot’s Middlemarch, emphasizing its exploration of personal growth and the unexpected paths life can take.
  “Life is long and full of surprises... read Middlemarch. Enjoy those amazing characters.” — [26:08]

6. Mary on Good vs. Bad Acting

Timestamp: [27:43]
Caller: Mary
Question: Seeks to understand the hallmarks of good acting and how to discern it from poor performances.

Responses:

• Alex Schwartz explains that perceptions of good acting are subjective and culturally influenced, emphasizing that good acting should evoke genuine emotion.
  “Good acting excites you.” — [28:23]

• Vincent Cunningham highlights the integration of artistry and the actor’s ability to convey more than just the script, using Kara Young as an example of dynamic performance.
  “She can look at the text and decide, make a lot of interesting choices that just change your conception of what the play or the thing even was.” — [30:57]

7. Flora’s Quest for Morality Without Religion

Timestamp: [30:58]
Caller: Flora
Question: As a non-religious individual seeking moral frameworks, Flora requests recommendations on ethical systems detached from religious contexts.

Responses:

• Nomi Frye draws parallels between Charles Schulz’s Peanuts and moral communities, emphasizing the consistent behavior and problem-solving among the characters.
  “It's a place where things get worked out between the characters.” — [32:43]

• Vincent Cunningham recommends the film Reformed by Paul Schrader, which explores a pastor’s moral crisis juxtaposed with environmental activism.
  “It’s a really great film and I recommend it wholeheartedly.” — [34:43]

8. Hillary’s Integration of Pop Culture in Sermons

Timestamp: [35:25]
Caller: Hillary
Question: As a Unitarian Universalist minister, Hillary struggles with incorporating pop culture into her sermons amidst a world filled with suffering and anxiety.

Responses:

• Vincent Cunningham suggests leveraging pop culture irrespective of its emotional tone, citing Melek Thomas who successfully integrated rapper Glorilla’s lyrics into his sermons.
  “Pop culture can be mined regardless of emotional valence... read the signs of the times in whatever way they can.” — [37:16]

9. George’s Emotional Media for Therapy

Timestamp: [38:42]
Caller: George from the Netherlands
Question: Seeks media that can assist in processing emotions during therapy, aiming for content that allows expression without being overwhelmingly tragic.

Responses:

• Vincent Cunningham recommends the television show I’m Sorry, starring Pamela Adlon, for its authentic portrayal of family relationships and emotional depth without being excessively bleak.
  “It is a beautiful archive of family relationships... you will cry if you allow yourself to.” — [39:35]

10. Monica’s Need for Life-Affirming Poetry and Music

Timestamp: [40:47]
Caller: Monica
Question: Desires recommendations for life-affirming poetry collections or lyrically dense music albums to find emotional upliftment.

Responses:

• Alex Schwartz recommends Sharon Olds’ Odes, praising its linguistic beauty and celebration of everyday life, alongside TJ Douglas’ album Dying, which offers poignant and comforting music.
  “Embrace it, and I hope more people discover and love this album.” — [41:50]

Hosts' Personal Dilemmas and Recommendations

In addition to assisting listeners, the hosts share their own cultural preferences and dilemmas:

• Alex Schwartz seeks music to aid his writing process, recommending Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso for his non-distracting lyrical content.

  “He is singing in Brazilian Portuguese. So you're not distracted by knowing what he's singing about.” — [50:13]

• Nomi Frye grapples with finding suitable music to accompany her writing, sharing a mutual love for Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Beach Boys.
  “I love it so much... I just bought the David Crosby autobiography from 1988.” — [51:53]

• Vincent Cunningham discusses his challenges with writing accompanied by music and suggests tunes that flow seamlessly without causing distraction.

  “I used to listen to stuff that I knew so well that it would just kind of slip through my brain.” — [51:18]

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Nomi Frye and Alex Schwartz reflect on the value of community through shared cultural experiences and the importance of connecting with listeners. They express gratitude towards their audience for engaging with the "I Need a Critic" segment and encourage continued participation through voice memos.

Nomi Frye concludes with a teaser for the next episode focused on the Pope, while also promoting The New Yorker’s other podcasts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Success for us means that we will solve those deeper issues, but to share art with somebody is to offer somebody a companion.” — Vincent Cunningham [03:15]

• “Good acting excites you.” — Alex Schwartz [28:23]

• “We have all of these characters that are living together... it's a place where things get worked out between the characters.” — Nomi Frye [32:43]

• “Snap right out of it. Snap right out of it... Who cares? In the end, you gotta just say, here I am.” — Alex Schwartz [16:53]

Final Thoughts

This Critics at Large episode exemplifies The New Yorker’s commitment to fostering thoughtful discourse around contemporary cultural issues. By addressing a diverse array of listener questions, the hosts provide nuanced recommendations that resonate on personal and societal levels. Whether grappling with literary choices, navigating moral frameworks, or seeking emotional catharsis, listeners are guided with expertise and empathy, cementing Critics at Large as an indispensable cultural companion.