It's Been a Minute
NPR
Want in on a secret? Your likes and dislikes didn't develop by accident. There are subtle and not-so-subtle forces around you, shaping what you think, how you act, and even who you think you are. Brittany Luse is here to break the spell and help you feel wiser in a society that makes things blurry.THE BEST POP CULTURE PODCAST AWARD WINNER AT THE 2025 SIGNAL AWARDSIt’s Been A Minute with Brittany Luse is the best podcast for understanding what’s going on in culture right now, and helps you consume it smarter. From how politics influences pop culture to how identity influences tech or health, Brittany makes the picture clearer for you every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.It’s Been A Minute reaches millions of people every week. Join the community and conversation today.If you can't get enough, try It's Been a Minute Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/itsbeenaminute
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 19min
How Christianity got popular again
Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, a reporter for Christianity Today and expert in contemporary Christian music, dives into the recent surge of Christian artists on the Billboard charts. She explains how this revival stems from worship music's appeal and its clean, radio-friendly sound. The conversation touches on the historical crossover moments in CCM, the megachurch influence on worship production, and the industry's revenue streams. Kelsey also explores how cultural shifts, including the quest for deeper meaning and conservative ties, are driving audiences towards this music.
Dec 22, 2025 • 20min
The not-so-secret lives of Mormon women
Join Jana Riess, a senior columnist at Religious News Service and author of The Next Mormons, as she explores the intriguing lives of Mormon women. They discuss how early Mormon mommy blogging laid the groundwork for today's influencer culture. Jana explains the cultural push for public sharing within the community and how journaling became intertwined with lifestyle blogging. The podcast dives into the appeal of the 'tradwife' aesthetic, analyzing its nostalgic roots and the complexities of modern femininity in a digitally driven world.
Dec 19, 2025 • 15min
The embarrassing truth of dating men
Hazel Sills, NPR Music editor and cultural commentator, explores the rise of heteropessimism in modern pop music. She highlights how artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Summer Walker reflect the weariness of dating men through catchy tunes. While contrasting these themes with 90s girl power, she discusses the emotional labor women face in relationships. Hazel notes that today’s songs boldly demand change, signaling a cultural shift. Dive into the evolving conversation around love and expectations in contemporary dating!
Dec 17, 2025 • 21min
The real meaning of "6 7"
Sanidhya Sharma, an NPR intern and reporter, dives into the explosive '6 7' meme phenomenon that has captivated youth culture. He shares insights from interviews with students and experts, exploring how this seemingly nonsensical trend disrupts classrooms. Discover how the allure of meaninglessness fosters creativity and bonding among kids. Sanidhya also examines the generational gap in meme interpretation and discusses how online spaces have become vital social hubs for today's youth.
Dec 15, 2025 • 29min
The Winners & Losers of 2025
Join Sam Sanders, a savvy public radio journalist and host at KCRW, and Tre'vell Anderson, a culture journalist and co-host of The Seated podcast, as they dissect the highs and lows of 2025. They debate nominees for the Word of the Year, highlighting the cultural impact of terms like 'slop' and 'clock it.' The conversation gets heated over villains of the year, with billionaires taking the dubious crown due to their questionable antics. They also celebrate feel-good moments that shone bright, like 'One of Them Days,' and discuss unexpected cultural twists, culminating in Katy Perry's astonishing year.
Dec 12, 2025 • 20min
The secret to Heated Rivarly's success
Join pop culture commentator Glen Weldon and TV critic Michelle Ghanem as they dive into HBO Max's beloved series, Heated Rivalry. They explore the significance of its bold portrayals of gay romance and the unexpected fanbase among straight women and gay men. The duo discusses how explicit sex scenes become instrumental for character development, while also tackling issues of fetishization and representation in queer storytelling. With insights on audience demand for authentic intimacy and the influence of female authorship, this conversation is both playful and poignant.
Dec 10, 2025 • 19min
That friend's wedding is too dang expensive…
Join Annie Joy Williams, an Assistant Editor at The Atlantic, and Allyson Rees, a Senior Analyst at WGSN, as they tackle the hefty costs of attending weddings. They reveal shocking statistics about guest spending and the debt incurred by 31% of attendees. The duo discusses escalating expenses from bachelor/bachelorette parties to destination weddings, and the pressures of social media on extravagant expectations. They also share tips on setting boundaries and making budget-friendly choices, all while navigating friendship dynamics.
Dec 8, 2025 • 21min
Do kids need a dad? Ask single moms.
Pallavi Gogoi, NPR's Chief Business Editor with a focus on economic and social trends, teams up with Danielle Elliott, a freelance science writer and single mother, to explore the evolving landscape of single motherhood in America. They discuss why many women are choosing to parent solo, challenging stereotypes of single moms. Insights on the joys and challenges of solo parenting emerge, including the importance of building a supportive community. They also tackle concerns about the absence of a father figure and celebrate the empowerment found in these unique family dynamics.
Dec 5, 2025 • 18min
Woke is BACK! ...really?
Joining the discussion are Constance Grady, a senior correspondent on Vox's culture team, and Tyler Austin Harper, a staff writer at The Atlantic. They explore whether 'woke' is experiencing a revival with topics like its evolution since 2010, the impact of the pandemic, and how brands like Target and Starbucks respond to cultural shifts. They dive into criticisms of performative activism and the emerging concept of 'Dark Woke.' Ultimately, they ponder the cultural relevance of wokeness today and the nostalgia for a unified progressive narrative.
11 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 20min
The social etiquette of sharing location
Gina Cherelus, a styles reporter for The New York Times known for her insights on dating culture, and Tatum Hunter, an Internet culture reporter at The Washington Post, dive into the complex world of location sharing. They discuss how this norm impacts relationships, the balance between convenience and privacy, and how Gen Z navigates safety anxieties. Exploring the emotional implications, they also touch on corporate data collection and advice for gracefully setting boundaries on sharing. The conversation unpacks the fine line between intimacy and surveillance.
