Aisha Harris

Aisha Harris, an arts journalist and pop culture enthusiast, and Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, dive into the Oscar-nominated film 'Conclave.' They discuss its thrilling take on the papal selection process and its humorous yet poignant commentary on the Catholic Church. The duo critiques the film’s depth in character development and reflects on how it balances tradition with modernity. Expect insights on themes of faith, ambition, and engaging storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Aisha Harris, pop culture critic and co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, dives deep into the complexities of media literacy. She discusses the varying interpretations of Ryan Coogler's film 'Sinners,' questioning if we are experiencing a media literacy crisis. The conversation explores the 'bean soup problem,' revealing how personal biases shape our understanding of narratives. Aisha also examines how societal contexts influence perceptions of art, emphasizing the challenges posed by social media in grasping complex stories.

Aisha Harris, co-host of Pop Culture Happy Hour, dives into the chilling yet captivating world of women’s internal struggles as depicted in recent films. They dissect how movies like 'The Substance' and 'Nosferatu' artistically manifest themes of self-loathing and societal pressure. Harris highlights the impact of beauty standards on women’s self-image and explores the emotional isolation faced by female characters. The conversation reveals the tension between desire and shame, shedding light on the quest for self-acceptance in a world filled with grotesque expectations.

Aisha Harris, NPR culture critic, discusses the movie American Fiction as a satire of what the publishing industry wants from Black authors. The conversation explores the portrayal of blackness in American fiction, the value of intimate family dramas, and the tension over a successful book written by Centaur Golden. The episode also touches on the diversity in award season and the attention received by black stories in American fiction.

Aisha Harris and Stephen Thompson, hosts of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, dive into the world of 'best of' lists that spark both joy and outrage. They discuss the recent backlash against Rolling Stone’s greatest singers list, tackling the exclusion of icons like Celine Dion. The conversation explores the complexities of rankings, the need for inclusivity, and how these lists influence audience choices. They also examine the evolving cultural canon and the role of these rankings in shaping our appreciation of art and cinema.