Behind the Mic of Your Favorite Nerd’s Favorite Podcast

Plus: Zendaya’s Best Red-Carpet Looks From the ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Premieres

View in browser | Update preferences August 10, 2026 I was a huge Game of Thrones fan—as was the style at the time—but have fallen off on watching HBO’s various spin-off series. (When everyday life resembles the Red Wedding, who needs to spend more time in Westeros?) Now, though, I’m wondering if it’s worth catching up on House of the Dragon, which aired its third-season finale last night, just so I can follow the conversation on The Midnight Boys, a raucous nerdcore podcast that’s become appointment listening for hordes of fans. Today, Daniel Strauss explains the show’s unique appeal while sitting down with its quartet of hosts, none of whom have married their own uncle or called for their dead father’s best friend’s decapitation…yet. Elsewhere, Elise Taylor sits down with George McNally, of the Balthazar McNallys, and I am back on my bullshit (a.k.a. complaining, this time about the indignity of waiting in line). More tomorrow! HILLARY BUSIS, FEATURES EDITOR How The Midnight Boys Became Your Favorite Nerd’s Favorite Podcast BY DANIEL STRAUSS Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, Charles Holmes, and Steve Ahlman on attracting a following for their House of the Dragon recaps—and their show’s fan-driven, unapologetically Black sensibility... Read more Why this ad? Get more as a subscriber Exclusive offer with Vanity Fair: Subscribe to get 1-month free START YOUR FREE TRIAL From the Magazine DINING Family Style: George McNally—Son of Keith—Takes Tribeca BY ELISE TAYLOR The McNally name has given New York some of its all-time favorite restaurants, including Balthazar and Minetta Tavern. Can George McNally, 23, capture that magic with his new spot, Faux?... Read more Why this ad? Nominated for Oblivion It’s Time to Get Out of Line: Queue Culture Has Gotten Out of Control BY HILLARY BUSIS The waiting is not the hardest, or the coolest, or the funnest part... Read more In Case You Missed It Taylor Swift Silently Shuts Down Donald Trump Videos from the president and the White House that used Swift’s music have gone mysteriously quiet. Zendaya’s Best Red-Carpet Looks From Her Spider-Man: Brand New Day Press Tour Once again, the actor and stylist Law Roach spun up some gorgeous red-carpet moments. MORE FROM VANITY FAIR HOLLYWOOD ARTS & CULTURE POLITICS STYLE ROYALS This e-mail was sent to you by VANITY FAIR. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2026. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.