The Fifth Column Football, Billy Joel, Van Halen, and the Fact-Checkable Life (w/ Chuck Klosterman) - Members Only #296
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Jan 20, 2026 
Chuck Klosterman, a renowned author and cultural critic, dives deep into the intersection of football and pop culture. He reveals how music documentaries, like those on Billy Joel, reshape fan perceptions. The discussion touches on obsessive fandom, including a Japanese Jimmy Page impersonator, and the quirky economics of Morrissey cover bands. Klosterman also shares insights on why he chose football for his latest book, highlighting its perfect alignment with televised entertainment through strategic pacing. Tune in for a blend of humor and keen observations!
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Rush Doc's Archival Surprise
- Chuck recalls watching the Rush documentary and finding unexpected archival footage that deepened his sympathy.
- He describes how home videos and old tapes made the band's story more human and compelling.
Kindle Singles' Limited Experiment
- Packaging old essays as cheap Kindle singles helped niche research but failed commercially.
- The experiment showed digital bundling can aid focused reading even if it won't replace traditional books.
Becoming Jimmy Page In Japan
- Chuck describes the documentary Mr. Jimmy about a Japanese man who becomes obsessed with Jimmy Page.
- He recounts Jimmy Page attending a show and the emotional payoff of that obsession being acknowledged.
