Glen Weldon

Join Glen Weldon, author of 'Superman: An Unauthorized Biography' and host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, as he delves into Superman's political legacy and cultural significance. Glen discusses how the Man of Steel has mirrored America’s values and societal changes for over 85 years. He analyzes reactions to the latest movie, addressing audience fatigue with superhero narratives and the ongoing debates surrounding the character's immigrant identity. Additionally, he explores the complex relationship between Superman's creators and corporate ownership, shedding light on the evolution of the superhero genre.

Glen Weldon, NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour host and pop-culture critic, teams up with author Garth Greenwell, who shares how Giovanni's Room has influenced his writing. They explore Baldwin's powerful prose, the complexity of love and identity in 1950s Paris, and the book's cultural impact on queer narratives. The discussion dives into Baldwin's unique storytelling, challenges of adaptation, and the ways Giovanni's Room resonates with modern readers. Greenwell highlights the dignity Baldwin offers to queer lives, making this classic relevant today.

Glenn Weldon, host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, and Ingu Kang, TV critic at The Washington Post, dive into the HBO Max miniseries Station Eleven, adapted from Emily St. John Mandel's novel. They explore its haunting themes of pandemics and resilience, drawing eerie parallels to modern life. The discussion highlights character transformations, the interplay of community and trauma, and the balance of humor and depth in storytelling. They also examine how art and theater serve as vital elements in shaping the narrative.