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The following podcast contains explicit language.

I'm Stephen Metcalfe, and this is the Slate Culture Gab Fest.

Why did you give me that bag of Skittles edition?

It's Wednesday, October 24th, 2012.

On today's program, Free to Be You and Me turns 40.

We're joined by Slate's own Dan Cois for that segment,

and then presidential debates and their inevitable Saturday Night Live parodies.

And finally, in case you needed any evidence that we don't live in an ungendered reality,

there's he texted.com. Joining me today is Slate's deputy editor Julia Turner. Hello, Julia.

Hi, Steve. Julia, you're looking very relaxed this morning. I'm feeling recumbent today.

Well, you're recumbent, that's why.

But it's making me uncomfortable.

You just wait.

I'm going to make some smooth points from my reclined position.

You have the look of a velvet assassin right now.

And, of course, Dana Stevens, Slate's film critic.

Hey, Dana.

Hey, Steve.

There's a land that I see where the children are free.

...