Last weekend, former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by federal immigration authorities. The move was an escalation in the Trump administration's crackdown on dissent, and it has people wondering: isn't this against the constitution?Brittany is joined by Chenjerai Kumanyika, a journalism professor at NYU, and Rick Perlstein, a historian of conservatism. Together, they talk about America's love/hate relationship with the First Amendment, and what ICE's arrest of a lawful permanent resident could mean for America's culture of protest.Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content. Join NPR+ today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What does it even mean to be trans? That's the first question Torrey Peters asks readers in her new book, Stag Dance, and it's the question that Brittany and Torrey everyone should be asking themselves right now.Stag Dance is a collection of four novellas that poke into the dark corners of gender, delving into taboo topics and investigating the line between trans and cis. Brittany sits down with Torrey to discuss Stag Dance, what makes a transition, and the raised stakes for trans people in the current political climate.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Joining the discussion is Rachel Handler, a Vulture features writer known for her sharp insights on celebrity culture. She delves into the changing landscape of fame, questioning who qualifies as a real celebrity today. The conversation highlights the disillusionment surrounding exorbitant ticket prices and the commercialization of celebrity personas. Rachel also explores the emotional investment of fans and the humorous absurdity of celebrities showcasing their lavish lifestyles on social media, leaving listeners pondering the future of fame.

Last weekend, the Academy Award for Best Documentary went to a film that still lacks a U.S. distribution deal. 'No Other Land' is a powerful look at Palestine's southern West Bank, and has received widespread acclaim. So what's holding it back from being seen in theaters across America?Brittany is joined by B.A. Parker, co-host of NPR's Code Switch, and professor and television producer Dr. Maytha Alhassen. Together they look at why one of the most critically-praised movies of the year seems to be experiencing a kind of soft censorship. Plus, in honor of Lady Gaga's new album Mayhem, Brittany shares her favorite Gaga moments.Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content. Join NPR+ today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Imani Barbarin, a prominent disability advocate and TikTok content creator, discusses the troubling resurgence of the R-word and its implications for society. She highlights how ableism can manifest in everyday language and influences policies affecting marginalized communities. Imani also delves into the euphemism treadmill, stressing the need for direct dialogue with disabled voices. The conversation uncovers the intersections between disability and racism in public discourse, urging for accountability and a compassionate understanding of language's impact.

Dr. Jeremy Nobel, a primary care physician and public health advocate from Harvard, dives into the pressing issue of loneliness and offers innovative insights from his project, UnLonely. He shares five essential tips to combat isolation, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creative expression. The conversation highlights how curiosity can forge connections, while tackling the unique loneliness faced by marginalized groups. Listeners are encouraged to engage authentically and foster genuine relationships to enrich their lives.

President Trump is calling for the end of the U.S. Department of Education, but so have other Republicans since the day it was formed in 1979. So why do Republicans hate it enough to lambast it, but love it enough to keep it around?Brittany is joined by NPR's education correspondent Cory Turner and author Josephine Riesman to talk about Trump's pick for education secretary, former WWE CEO Linda McMahon. And how Trump and McMahon are using the WWE playbook to reshape the American public education system.For more on this topic check out Cory's latest piece for NPR, Republicans' love/hate relationship with the Education Department, and Josie's investigation into the WWE, Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America.Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content. Join NPR+ today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Aisha Harris, co-host of Pop Culture Happy Hour, dives into the chilling yet captivating world of women’s internal struggles as depicted in recent films. They dissect how movies like 'The Substance' and 'Nosferatu' artistically manifest themes of self-loathing and societal pressure. Harris highlights the impact of beauty standards on women’s self-image and explores the emotional isolation faced by female characters. The conversation reveals the tension between desire and shame, shedding light on the quest for self-acceptance in a world filled with grotesque expectations.

This week features Sam Pressler, a community and social connection researcher at the University of Virginia, and Vauhini Vara, a veteran tech reporter and author. They explore the paradox of technology in combating loneliness. Discussion centers on how social media often hinders authentic connections while new apps like Meeno and Peoplehood attempt to forge relationships. The conversation critiques individual tech solutions and emphasizes the importance of community building for genuine connections, questioning if tech is part of the solution or part of the problem.

Jay Wortham, a writer for the New York Times Magazine, delves into the tensions between the arts and politics, especially since the Trump administration took over institutions like the Kennedy Center. He discusses how artists are severing ties with cultural centers, the role of grassroots movements, and the shift towards new platforms like TikTok for artistic expression. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of America's artistic identity amidst these political changes, highlighting a growing skepticism towards authority.