Sean Illing talks with Stuart Jeffries, journalist and author of Everything, All the Time, Everywhere, about why postmodernism is so hard to define, and why — as Jeffries argues — it's still a very active presence in our culture and politics today. They discuss whether our desire should be understood as subversive or as a tool of capitalism, how postmodernism is inextricably linked with neoliberalism, and how to navigate our current culture of ubiquitous consumption and entertainment. What should we watch on TV: Boris Johnson's resignation speech, or the reality show Love Is Blind?Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews Writer, VoxGuest: Stuart Jeffries, author; feature writer, The GuardianReferences:  Everything, All the Time, Everywhere: How We Became Postmodern by Stuart Jeffries (Verso; 2021) "The post-truth prophets" by Sean Illing (Vox; Nov. 16, 2019) The Postmodern Condition by Jean-François Lyotard (Univ. of Minnesota Press; 1979, tr. 1984) Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard (Univ. of Michigan Press; 1981, tr. 1983) Postmodernism: Style and Subversion, 1970–1990 (exhibition catalog, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK; Sept. 24, 2011 – Jan. 15, 2012) "Postmodernism: from the cutting edge to the museum" by Hari Kunzru (The Guardian; Sept. 15, 2011) "You're sayin' a foot massage don't mean nothin', and I'm sayin' it does" by James Wood (Guardian Supplement; Nov. 19, 1994) Enjoyed this episode? Rate Vox Conversations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Vox Conversations by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.Support Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Patrick Boyd Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Damian Thompson, a papal expert, dives into the intersection of art and Vatican politics, revealing the intrigue of succession. Paola Romero shares insights on Venezuelan politics, spotlighting Maria Corina Machado's fight against Nicolás Maduro. Stuart Jeffries reflects on the perpetual nature of war, while Ysenda Maxtone Graham humorously critiques the evolution of party bags. Nicholas Farrell explores the emotional chaos of football fandom in Italy, highlighting the cultural clashes within a family divided by team loyalties.

Esther Leslie and Stuart Jeffries discuss Walter Benjamin's life and literary works, including themes of city life, sexuality, work, gambling, and fortune-telling. They explore Benjamin's imaginative writing and fascination with letter writing, his optimistic perspective on technology, and his thoughts on the culture industries in Germany and Hollywood. They also discuss self-performance, the impact of social media, and analyze Benjamin's essay on the storyteller in relation to social media. Lastly, they delve into the liberatory possibilities of radio during the Weimar era.