Susan Strasser

Susan Strasser, a historian specializing in consumer culture, dives deep into the origins of our shopping habits. She reveals how the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a shift from craftsmanship to mass branding, shaping modern consumerism. The discussion covers the emotional ties we have with shopping, the powerful impact of advertising, and the hidden environmental costs of disposable goods. Strasser argues that shopping can unlock creativity, while hosts reflect on their own experiences at TJ Maxx, highlighting both community connections and the pitfalls of impulse buying.

In this engaging discussion, award-winning historian Susan Strasser teams up with poet Marcia E. Cole, who advocates for literacy through the arts. They tackle the complex history of lynching in the U.S., emphasizing the need for curiosity to confront uncomfortable truths. The duo explores how art can shape our understanding of historical violence and the importance of remembering past injustices to avert their recurrence. They also share compelling analogies that highlight curiosity's transformative power in understanding both history and contemporary society.