Life and Art from FT Weekend

FT's US media correspondent Anna Nicolau talks about music executives' concerns that Olivia Rodrigo could be the last pop superstar. They discuss Rodrigo's rise to fame, her impact on culture, and industry trends like TikTok. They explore the evolution of pop superstars and the challenges faced by artists and labels in the changing music landscape.

Music critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney and life-long Swiftie Taylor Nicole Rogers discuss Taylor Swift’s new album, debating the best and worst songs, the impact of Swift's personal life on her music, and their predictions for her next steps in the industry. They also express desires for more rap beef and summer pop hits while embracing the beauty of spring in New York City.

Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja, known for her vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine, shares spring feast inspiration and tips for using seasonal veggies like ramps and artichokes. She discusses her upbringing in a household of global cooks blending Italian-American and Indonesian cuisines, and emphasizes the importance of fresh herbs in culinary creations.

Kirsten Dunst, a renowned photojournalist, discusses her role in the film 'Civil War' depicting a divided US. The podcast delves into the movie's portrayal of war, journalistic ethics, and political critique. Analysis includes the impact of violence on society, belief in journalism, and unique movie endings at iconic landmarks.

Welcome to the final episode in our special four-part series on design. Brands are everywhere and sometimes feel so omnipresent that it’s hard to know what counts as one. So we’ve invited designer, educator and Design Matters podcast host Debbie Millman to help us make sense of brands. At its core, Debbie says, branding is the process of manufacturing meaning to come up with a shared symbol. And it’s something we’ve been doing for thousands of years. Today, Debbie and Lilah discuss the history of branding and its relationship with design, and the relatively recent phenomenon of ‘personal brands’. Debbie also shares insights from nearly two decades hosting Design Matters.-------We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap and we’re on X @lifeandartpod. You can email the show at lifeandart@ft.com.-------Links (all FT links get you past the paywall): – Lilah recommends Debbie’s interview with cartoonist Lynda Barry: https://www.designmattersmedia.com/podcast/2019/lynda-barry – Here are the latest episodes of Design Matters: https://www.designmattersmedia.com/ – Debbie has written seven books. Here’s Brand Thinking: https://www.debbiemillman.com/brand-thinking -------The FT Weekend Festival is coming back, and will be in Washington, DC, on May 4! To book tickets, go to ft.com/festival-us and use our exclusive discount code: weekendpodcast. -------Special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial, are here: http://ft.com/lifeandart------Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam GiovincoRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FT's foreign editor, Alec Russell, shares insights on processing bad news by reflecting on historical conflicts like the Rwandan genocide and Yugoslavia war. He discusses finding hope in seeking justice amidst global crises, navigating social media's influence, and maintaining a positive outlook during challenging times.

Fashion experts Jo Ellison and Rob Armstrong dissect 'The Devil Wears Prada' film, discussing its accuracy in portraying the fashion industry, office politics, and power dynamics. They explore the impact of the movie on social media, analyze fashion evolution in the film, and share personal anecdotes and celebrity encounters. The podcast offers insights into the cultural legacy and enduring relevance of this Y2K fashion fairy tale.

Designer Jonathan Adler, known for classic yet eccentric style, discusses developing personal design aesthetic. Emphasis on embracing bold colors, showcasing personality, and constant reimagination in home decor. Insightful journey from pottery to design, highlighting importance of authenticity and confidence in design choices. Concludes with acknowledgements and special offers for listeners.

Director and co-writer Rose Glass discusses her film 'Love Lies Bleeding,' a blend of crime, romance, thriller, dark comedy, and surreal elements. She shares insights on the creative process and the challenges of getting the film made. The podcast explores themes of ambition, motivation, and the complex relationship between bodies and minds in storytelling.

FT's music critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney chats with Lilah and Taylor about Beyonce's Cowboy Carter album, featuring discussions on Black country artists, collaborations with Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Post Malone, and Beyonce's career arc in the music industry.