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Amanda Hess

Critic at large for the Culture section of The New York Times, known for her writing on pop culture and cultural criticism.

Top 10 podcasts with Amanda Hess

Ranked by the Snipd community
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84 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 52min

The Test

Amanda Hess, a New York Times critic and author of 'Second Life, Having a Child in the Digital Age', dives into her emotional journey through pregnancy in the digital era. She reflects on the anxiety and obsessive information-seeking triggered by medical events. Hess discusses the blend of superstitions and technology, revealing how pregnancy trackers shape our experiences. She candidly navigates the fear of genetic disorders and the quest for acceptance, ultimately shedding light on the joys and struggles of motherhood amidst uncertainty.
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75 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 28min

How a Skeptical Critic Came to Love Bad Christmas Movies

Amanda Hess, a critic at large for The New York Times, unexpectedly discovers a love for Hallmark Christmas movies. She shares how these corny films became a source of comfort and nostalgia during tough times. Discussing their predictable narratives and heartwarming themes, Hess reflects on her journey from skepticism to genuine affection. The conversation also touches on the contrast between traditional Hallmark charm and the more risqué Netflix offerings, highlighting the cultural significance of these holiday favorites.
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69 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 26min

Hidden ways technology can influence your parenting decisions

Amanda Hess, a critic at large for the New York Times and author of *Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age*, dives into the complex relationship between technology and parenting. She discusses the overwhelming influence of pregnancy apps and smart baby monitors, and how these tools can both help and hinder parent-child connections. Hess highlights the importance of mindful tech use, encouraging parents to critically assess online information while maintaining authentic relationships with their children.
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38 snips
May 8, 2025 • 46min

Having A Child In The Digital Age

In this engaging conversation, journalist Amanda Hess, author of Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age, reveals the deep impact of technology on her experience of pregnancy after learning her child had an abnormality. Hess discusses the emotional rollercoaster of navigating pregnancy apps and online forums, while critiquing their unrealistic portrayals of motherhood. She also addresses the inequalities in access to reproductive technologies and the implications of surveillance in parenting, emphasizing the need for genuine human connections amidst digital chaos.
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33 snips
May 24, 2025 • 48min

Best Of: Education & A.I. / Having A Child In The Digital Age

In this insightful conversation, tech reporter Kashmir Hill delves into the transformative role of AI in education, discussing its benefits and ethical dilemmas, particularly around academic integrity. Amanda Hess, a cultural critic and author, shares her experiences navigating motherhood in a tech-saturated world, exploring how digital tools shape parenting and emotional challenges during pregnancy. Both guests offer a thought-provoking examination of how technology intertwines with daily life and personal experiences in today's digital landscape.
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24 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 8min

Momfluencers, Baby Gadgets, and the Perils of Parenting in The Digital Age

Amanda Hess, a longtime New York Times internet culture critic and author of 'Second Life', dives into the complexities of parenting in a tech-saturated world. She questions the need for surveillance tools and fancy gadgets in managing children’s lives. Tackling the influence of momfluencers, she discusses how technology can redefine childhood experiences. Hess offers insights on the emotional toll of raising kids in a digital age and advocates for prioritizing community over online advice in parenting.
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22 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 31min

Having a Child in the Digital Age

Amanda Hess, author of 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age,' dives into the landscape of modern parenthood and technology. She discusses how apps and social media have transformed pregnancy, from empowerment tools to sources of anxiety. The conversation reveals the commodification of personal data and the emotional toll on expectant parents navigating health uncertainties. Hess also critiques the reliance on gadgets like the SNOO bassinet while emphasizing the need for communal support in a society often dismissive of caregiving.
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10 snips
May 11, 2025 • 37min

TBD | Online and Pregnant

Amanda Hess, a critic at The New York Times and author of 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age,' delves into the complexities of pregnancy in the digital era. She shares her personal experiences with anxiety, isolation, and the overwhelming amount of contradictory online advice. The conversation highlights how technology influences personal health milestones, including the emotional nuances of using apps designed primarily by men. Hess also addresses the impact of eugenics on prenatal testing and advocates for a more inclusive approach to maternal healthcare.
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9 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 26min

Hidden ways technology can influence your parenting decisions

Amanda Hess, a Critic at Large for the New York Times and author of 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age,' dives into the complex relationship between technology and parenting. She discusses how pregnancy tracking apps and smart baby monitors shape our experiences but may also create barriers between parents and their children. Hess critiques data-driven advertising's influence on parenting choices and highlights the emotional struggles that arise when navigating realistic expectations versus online portrayals of parenthood.
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8 snips
May 19, 2025 • 12min

Having a child in a digital economy

Amanda Hess, a journalist and internet culture writer for the New York Times, shares her insights on motherhood in a digital world. She reveals how technology influences pregnancy, starting with period-tracking apps like Flo Health. Hess discusses the emotional rollercoaster of facing unexpected medical challenges while navigating digital tools. She highlights the contrast between clinical data and real-life parenting experiences, while also addressing critical concerns about data privacy in fertility apps. Her experiences offer a candid look at parenthood in the age of technology.

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