It's Been a Minute

Join Andrew Limbong, host of NPR's Book of the Day, and cultural critic Princess Weekes as they dive into the modern misinterpretations of classic literature. They discuss Trump's ironic Gatsby-themed party and what that reveals about our reading culture. Explore how personal biases shape our understanding of texts, from Lolita to Wuthering Heights. They also tackle the influence of online communities like BookTok and emphasize the importance of deeper literary engagement. It's a thought-provoking conversation on how we read—and misread—great books.

Jonquilyn Hill, a cultural commentator at Vox, teams up with Shelly McKenzie, author of "Getting Physical." They dive into the booming fitness trend, discussing how exercise transformed from a health taboo to a cultural touchstone. Jonquilyn highlights the role of control amid uncertainty, while Shelly emphasizes limitations, like genetics. They explore why younger generations are embracing fitness, the impact of social media, and how exercise acts as a social signal. The conversation links political messaging to fitness ideals, painting a complex picture of modern health culture.

Nicholas Ensley Mitchell, a professor at the University of Kansas, dives into the evolving role of the term 'fascism' in American culture. He explores how Black Americans historically resisted fascism and connects Jim Crow laws to this concept. The conversation highlights the political implications of labeling figures like Trump as fascist and questions whether the term is losing its meaning. Mitchell also reflects on contemporary threats to democracy and suggests that cultural upheaval may better capture today's climate than the term 'fascism' itself.

Bilal Qureshi, a writer and critic focused on music and culture, and Michelle Santiago Cortés, an expert on race and Latinidad, delve into Rosalía's transformative musical journey. They discuss her new album, Lux, and the 'church girl era' while exploring the complexities of cultural appropriation and identity in music. The conversation covers the blurred lines of Latinidad, fans' concerns about shifts toward Afro-Caribbean styles, and how the music industry shapes artists' images. Together, they reflect on the ethics of artistry versus cultural representation.

David Figlio, a professor of economics, and Kathy Do, an education research scientist from UCLA, dive into the implications of school cell phone bans. They discuss how phones, while integral to student connection and learning, can also distract and create inequities. The guests present a fascinating study showing that banning phones improved test scores and attendance but raised disciplinary issues, particularly for Black students. They explore the tension between the need for parental contact during crises and the benefits of phone-free classrooms for engagement and focus.

Lex McMenamin, Head of Teen Vogue's politics section, dives into how young people view socialism today. He explores the impact of COVID and financial pressures on youth perspectives on economic issues. Lex discusses how polls show rising financial insecurity and distrust in corporate politics influence youth alignment with socialist ideas. He highlights campus protests and political radicalization as key factors shaping this movement. Lex also examines the tension between progressive values and the Democratic establishment, particularly in local elections.

Maggie Dickinson, an associate professor and author, and Poonam Gupta, a research associate at the Urban Institute, delve into the complexities of hunger in America. They discuss the implications of potential SNAP funding lapses as Thanksgiving approaches, highlighting who suffers most from hunger. The duo counters the stigma surrounding SNAP recipients, explaining that many are children or disabled. They also explore the political motivations behind SNAP criticism and how hunger is often a result of policy choices, rather than individual failure.

Brittany Luse, a journalist and cultural commentator, joins forces with Sam Sanders, former host and creator at NPR, and Tre’Vell Anderson, a movie reviewer and podcaster. Together, they dive into their all-time favorite spooky films, discussing the cultural significance of horror classics like 'Get Out' and 'Jaws.' Brittany defends the campiness of 'Saw,' while Tre’Vell pokes fun at 'Scary Movie.' They playfully theorize who in their friend group would survive a horror flick and throw out some hot takes on pop culture, including a bold suggestion for Taylor Swift!

Join Neda Ulaby, NPR arts and entertainment reporter, and Marcus Jones, IndieWire awards editor, as they explore the complexities of male friendships in contemporary films. They discuss how movies reflect men's struggles with loneliness and emotional expression. With insights on rejection and the emotional labor often handled by women, they analyze themes from recent films and how societal expectations shape these portrayals. Tune in for a compelling look at what makes friendships work—or fail—among men.

Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR political correspondent, and Morgan Jerkins, a prominent writer and editor, tackle the evolving perceptions of capitalism in contemporary culture. They delve into how recent political movements and financial crises have shifted public opinion, particularly among millennials. Jerkins analyzes how film and media portray wealth, contrasting aspirational narratives with recent critical depictions. They explore the intersection of capitalism with race and slavery, emphasizing the complexities of wealth in today's society.