It's Been a Minute

Odette Yousef, NPR's domestic extremism correspondent, and Gene Demby, co-host of Code Switch, dive deep into alarming trends of Nazi rhetoric within political circles. They discuss leaked chats featuring disturbing pro-Nazi messages and analyze whether these instances are growing more common or dismissed as 'jokes.' The conversation covers the role of social media in normalizing hate, the GOP's connections to extremism, and the need for genuine accountability and community norms to combat this dangerous ideology.

Carly Olson, an architecture and design journalist, shares her insights on hosting memorable dinner parties. She discusses the decline of formal dining rooms and how modern home design influences our gatherings. Carly emphasizes the joy of connecting over simple meals to combat loneliness. The conversation also touches on the pressure of social media, urging hosts to focus on authenticity rather than perfection. Tips for creating an inviting atmosphere, like using personal aesthetics and thoughtful details, make for an engaging and practical discussion.

Journalist and tech activist Cory Doctorow dives into the decline of the internet and introduces his concept of 'enshittification.' He explains how platforms like Facebook initially provide value before locking users in and then exploiting them. Doctorow discusses the impacts on publishers and advertisers, alongside the rise of techno-feudalism where companies extract rent. He advocates for antitrust measures to dismantle concentrated power and introduces the idea of a la carte platforms to empower users by allowing them to choose what they keep.

Ann Powers, an NPR music critic, and Stephen Thompson, host of NPR Music, dive into the marketing tactics behind Taylor Swift's latest album, exploring the thin line between fan service and exploitation. They discuss how Swift's multiple album variants spark debate, why she faces scrutiny, and the impact of extreme fame on artist-perception. The duo also reflects on the music industry's economics, vinyl's revival, and the balancing act between artistic integrity and commercial success—all while reconsidering the motives that drive fans to collect.

In this engaging discussion, novelist Brandon Taylor delves into the complexities of creating art amid internal and external criticism. He shares insights from his book, 'Minor Black Figures,' highlighting characters grappling with online judgment and self-doubt. Brandon explores the double consciousness artists face in a social media-driven world, the impact of audience expectations on creativity, and the nuanced conversation around race and representation in art. He also reflects on faith, grace, and the importance of mutual support in overcoming creative paralysis.

Aisha Harris, co-host of Pop Culture Happy Hour and a savvy culture critic, joins Brittany to dive into Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's latest film, The Smashing Machine. They unpack the film's premise, featuring the gritty world of MMA and its cultural roots. The team debates The Rock's casting and his transformation claims, questioning if the film feels like a vanity project. They also explore the standout soundtrack and how it enhances the film's authenticity before comparing The Rock to fellow wrestlers-turned-actors like Dave Bautista and John Cena.

This week, B.A. Parker, co-host of NPR's Code Switch, Dr. Kendra Calhoun, a linguistics scholar, and TikTok creator Christian Devine dive deep into the world of 'algospeak.' They discuss how creators use coded language to bypass algorithm suppression, revealing examples like 'unalive' and 'orange.' Calhoun highlights how past platform moderation drove self-censorship, while Devine shares his experiences with shadow banning. Together, they explore the impact of these linguistic innovations on marginalized voices navigating TikTok's complex environment.

Kathryn Palmer, a higher education reporter for Inside Higher Ed, joins the conversation about shifting views on college's value. They discuss a sharp decline in public perception, with only 35% seeing it as crucial today. Kathryn explores rising costs, student debt, and the impact of politics on these attitudes. The guests emphasize the importance of aligning degrees with careers through practical support and internships while advocating for community colleges to meet local job demands, offering a fresh perspective on education's evolving role.

Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, an author and researcher on economic inequality, and Ofranama Biu, a chief economist, explore the alarming rise in Black women's unemployment, now at 6.7%. They pinpoint systemic issues and highlight how Black women serve as economic bellwethers. Discussing occupational crowding and unique workplace barriers, they emphasize the lasting impacts of job losses on this demographic, debunking myths about motivation. Their conversation concludes with insightful policy solutions and practical tips for empowerment.

Shirley Li, a culture staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the shifting landscape of global cinema. She discusses how Hollywood struggles post-2020 while China's vibrant film industry thrives, notably with the blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2'. Shirley reveals changing audience appetites, the impact of streaming, and how franchises from other cultures are rising to challenge Hollywood. With insights on why American films may resonate less internationally, she explores what tools Hollywood might use to adapt to this new competition.