Willa Paskin, host of the Decoder Ring podcast, delves into the fascinating history of Tupperware, revealing its rise from a simple kitchen item to a cultural phenomenon. She highlights the revolutionary sales tactics of the Tupperware Party, which transformed social events and empowered women. Paskin also reflects on the colorful Tupperware Jubilee and the internal conflicts that shaped the brand’s trajectory. Ultimately, she discusses the factors behind Tupperware's decline, linking it to shifts in society and modern marketing.

Willa Paskin, a journalist and host of Slate’s Decoder Ring podcast, discusses the ambitious task of rebranding Barbie as a feminist icon. She shares insights from her conversation with director Greta Gerwig about capturing Barbie's evolution while addressing stereotypes. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of balancing artistic vision with corporate interests and critiques surrounding the film's portrayal of capitalism. Throughout, Paskin reflects on Barbie's cultural significance and the reception of her new identity.

Willa Paskin, host of the Decoder Ring podcast, dives into the cultural phenomenon of 'The Dress,' which became a viral sensation debating its colors. She discusses how this controversy highlights deep psychological insights into perception and cognition. Paskin explores the interplay of social media and individual interpretation, revealing how factors like light conditions and personal beliefs shape our understanding of color. The conversation also touches on the importance of cognitive empathy in navigating differing perspectives in our increasingly polarized world.

Willa Paskin discusses the origins and evolution of Barbie, the success of a Barbie movie, and future plans for the franchise. Gabe Sherman examines a scandal at Horace Mann, an elite private school, involving racist social media pages, a teacher's controversial novel, and the influence of wealthy parents in college admissions.

Willa Paskin (of Slate's Decoder Ring) brings Sarah back to 2005, when Tom Cruise jumping on a couch became the talk of the town. We will return to Amityville (part 3 of 3) next time!  Here's where to find Willa:Decoder RingSupport us:Bonus Episodes on PatreonDonate on PaypalBuy cute merchTom Cruise on the couch notesOprah episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=930BhfJxFxUTom Cruise Kills Oprah meme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRbhE3GRiUEAmy Nicholson's revelatory piece reframing Tom Cruise and the couch jump: https://www.laweekly.com/how-youtube-and-internet-journalism-destroyed-tom-cruise-our-last-real-movie-star/Rich Juzwiak piece on the meaning of the couch jump: https://www.gawker.com/5912665/gone-and-back-tom-cruises-couch-jumping-rememberedNew York Times hand wringing about the event: https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/02/movies/how-personal-is-too-personal-for-a-star-like-tom-cruise.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/22/fashion/sundaystyles/i-love-you-with-all-my-hype.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/19/opinion/two-top-guns-shoot-blanks.htmlA few other interesting, what it all meant pieces:https://www.laineygossip.com/looking-back-on-tom-cruise-maniacal-couch-jumping-on-oprah-fifteen-years-later/66337https://www.theringer.com/tv/2018/8/1/17631658/tom-cruise-oprah-couch-jumpWhere else to find us:Sarah's other show, You Are Good [YWA co-founder] Mike's other show, Maintenance PhaseLinks:https://slate.com/podcasts/decoder-ringhttp://patreon.com/yourewrongabouthttps://www.teepublic.com/stores/youre-wrong-abouthttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/yourewrongaboutpodhttps://www.podpage.com/you-are-goodhttp://maintenancephase.comSupport the show