Emily Nussbaum

Emily Nussbaum, a television critic and cultural analyst, shares insightful anecdotes about TiVo’s revolutionary impact on TV. She discusses how the ability to pause and rewind changed viewing behaviors, making television less ephemeral. The conversation delves into TiVo's quirky features, like the Peanut remote and personalized recommendations, while highlighting its struggles with market success despite cultural significance. They explore TiVo's legal battles and the company's eventual decline, pondering what might have been if it adapted to change better.

Join Diana Buttu, a human rights lawyer and former peace negotiator, as she discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She highlights how the portrayal of starvation is impacting global conversations about Palestinian statehood. Media critic Oren Persico examines the Israeli media's treatment of the crisis, revealing complex narratives and the challenges faced by local journalists. Emily Nussbaum delves into the legacy of Gertrude Berg, the first sitcom creator, uncovering her influential role and the forgotten history of early television comedy.

Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Emily Nussbaum, a staff writer for The New Yorker and author of 'Cue the Sun: The Invention of Reality TV', explores the surprising origins of reality TV. She reveals that its roots trace back to 1940s radio and the intriguing influence of Allen Funt's Candid Camera. Topics include the ethical dilemmas surrounding the genre, the psychological engagement of viewers with reality-based pranks, and how catchy theme songs helped mold public acceptance of this now ubiquitous format.

Emily Nussbaum, a television critic for The New Yorker, dives into the fascinating story of Gertrude Berg, the pioneer behind the sitcom. They explore how Berg crafted the character of Molly Goldberg to redefine stereotypes of Jewish mothers. Nussbaum highlights the show's politically charged themes during the Depression and its bold transition to television. The discussion also touches on the impact of the Red Scare on Berg’s legacy and the erasure of her contributions from TV history, drawing eerie parallels to today's media landscape.

Emily Nussbaum, author of "Cue the Sun: The Invention of Reality TV," provides a captivating analysis of reality television's evolution. She reveals how her love for Big Brother sparked a deep exploration of the genre's impact on society. Nussbaum discusses the ethical quandaries of early shows like Candid Microphone, and how the genre has influenced perceptions of privacy and authenticity. The conversation also dives into reality TV's surprising role in shaping political landscapes, particularly through Trump's rise via The Apprentice.

Ari Saperstein previews the U.S. gymnastics trials with Simone Biles aiming for the Olympics. Emily Nussbaum discusses the history of reality TV. Topics include debate breakdown, election speculation, accountability updates, sports news, and reality TV insights.

Margo Price moved to Nashville from rural Illinois at the age of nineteen. After struggling for years to break through in the country-music scene, she found success with her 2016 release “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,” widely considered one of the best albums of the year. Since then, she’s established herself as one of music’s new stars, an artist in the outlaw-country lineage—and a free spirit not afraid to speak frankly. Price talks with the staff writer Emily Nussbaum, who is well known as a television critic and is also a fan of country music, about her fourth studio album, “Strays.” It was released earlier this year, around the same time as her memoir, “Maybe We’ll Make It,” which discusses her years of struggle before establishing herself as an artist. They also discussed Price’s drug use—she speaks proudly of using psilocybin and her stance in favor of gun control in the wake of a school shooting in Nashville.

Emily Nussbaum, a New Yorker staff writer and reality TV expert, dives deep into the fascinating world of reality television. She discusses the evolution of the genre, tracing its roots from early radio to iconic shows like 'Queer Eye'. Nussbaum reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of popular series and explores contestant struggles, including exploitation in shows like 'Love Is Blind'. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas viewers face while consuming these often-manipulative programs, challenging perceptions of authenticity in modern entertainment.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Pulitzer Prize winner Emily Nussbaum explores the birth and evolution of reality TV. She reveals how landmark shows like 'An American Family' transformed ordinary people into public figures. Delving into the complexities of authenticity versus fabrication, she highlights the intricate dynamics between cast members and producers. Nussbaum also reflects on reality TV's profound influence on American culture and politics, revealing unexpected societal repercussions while providing insights from her book 'Cue the Sun!'

Emily Nussbaum, author of 'Cue the Sun: The Invention of Reality TV,' dives into the twisted world of reality television, revealing how producers manipulate real-life dramas for maximum entertainment. The conversation touches on the ethical issues faced by cast members, including emotional exploitation and misleading edits. The hosts also explore the fascinating discovery of Lucy, an ancient ancestor, discussing her hairlessness and its implications for human evolution. Expect humor interwoven with profound insights about both our past and present in entertainment!