logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2019
59m 45s

Why the $120,000 Banana Is the New Mona ...

VANITY FAIR
About this episode

Does the $120,000 sale of a banana duct-taped to a wall at Art Basel signify the decline of capitalism, or is just really clever P.R.? Stefan Simchowitz, the notorious art dealer, joins Nick to not only defend the banana, but to (genuinely) argue that it may be the greatest work of art since the Mona Lisa. Stick around to hear Nick and Stefan discuss an egg, consumerism, and the collective banality of social media.

Up next
May 21
An Explosive Report, Then a Bombshell Diagnosis: The "Original Sin" Authors on Biden's 2024 Decision
On this episode, executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone sit down with CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson, authors of the bombshell political book, “Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.” ... Show More
37m 20s
May 14
Department of Offense: Inside Pete Hegseth’s Bombastic, Chaotic Tenure
The scandal-scarred Defense Secretary is hanging on—but for how long? On this episode, Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, discuss Pete Hegseth’s pugilistic style and tumultuous tenure atop the D ... Show More
30m 51s
Apr 30
Inside Sam Altman's Quest to Make AI "Run Like Water"
Sam Altman didn’t want to be the subject of a biography, suggesting the AI revolution is about more than one person, says Keach Hagey, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of “The Optimist.” But on this episode, host and Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with ... Show More
39m 51s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2022
FT Weekend: What Warhol’s Marilyn tells us about the art market
Last month, Andy Warhol's "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" sold for $195mn, making it the second most expensive piece of art to sell at auction, ever. And as prices keep going up, the art market — auction houses, gallerists, dealers, collectors — want to keep it that way. On the heels of ... Show More
34m 2s
Jan 2020
Short Stuff: The Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa is a captivating work of art. But why? We'll try and figure it out in today's short stuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
13m 20s
Dec 2021
The Art of Money Laundering
Who can put a price on art? Every year, anonymous buyers and sellers across the planet move works of fine art for millions of dollars, with no questions asked. It's a playground of the well-off -- and, it turns out, one of the best places in the world to launder dirty money. In t ... Show More
58m 57s
Mar 2023
Why Are Bananas So Cheap?
On this episode of Our American Stories, if you think of the quintessential American fruit, it would probably have to be the apple. But apples are not our cheapest fruit—bananas are! But why? Here’s the History Guy with the story of the banana. Support the show (https://www.ouram ... Show More
10m 49s
Jun 2023
Maurizio Cattelan - The man who taped a banana to a wall
In 2019, a banana taped to a wall and selling for $120,000 made headlines and caused controversy. But do you know WHO was behind this peculiar act? This episode delves into the world of artist Maurizio Cattelan, the art world's prankster and court jester. He masterfully uses humo ... Show More
33m 20s
May 2022
Short Stuff: Artificial Banana Flavor
In the Watermelon episode, Chuck and Josh stumbled into a bit of little-known history about why artificial banana flavor doesn’t taste like bananas. Turns out it does; it just tastes like a banana you’ve probably never eaten.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
12m 49s
Oct 2017
Are Bananas Going Extinct?
From monkey lifehacks, to Victorian shame about bananas to why slipping on a peel became the go-to gag, Will and Mango are ready to dish on the Cavendish. Featuring the International Banana Club’s Top Banana, Ken Bannister. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpo ... Show More
41m 58s