It's Been a Minute

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.

In this insightful conversation, journalist P.E. Moskowitz, author of *Breaking Awake*, explores the rising popularity of ketamine as a party drug. They discuss how low doses can alleviate social anxiety, making it appealing in club settings. P.E. and historian Benjamin Breen reveal the cultural shift in ketamine’s image from a solitary experience to a social, therapeutic one. They also address the growing recreational use, potential health risks, and why some are opting for ketamine over alcohol, painting a complex picture of modern mental health strategies.

This week features EJ Dickson, a senior writer for The Cut, known for her insights on youth podcasters, and Jordan-Marie Smith, a producer at NPR with a focus on Gen Z media habits. They dive into the burgeoning world of teen-led podcasts, discussing how these creators are shaping political discourse and culture. Key topics include the commercialization of youth media, parental concerns, and the skills teens gain from podcasting. They also explore the diversity of political voices within this ecosystem and the importance of media literacy for young audiences.

Evan Halper, a business and energy reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the surprising impact of AI on the environment and energy bills. He reveals how demand for data centers is driving up energy costs and potentially harming local communities. The discussion highlights the trade-offs of repurposing old coal sites for tech infrastructure and questions the authenticity of claims about clean energy usage. Evan also explores the implications for climate goals, urging listeners to weigh the benefits and costs of AI in their daily lives.

Join Bob Smietana, a national writer for Religion News Service and expert on Christian history, as he delves into the fascinating world of rapture beliefs and their modern implications. He discusses the recent rapture prediction and its viral reactions, tying it to cultural anxieties around climate change and societal upheaval. Bob also explores the allure of rapture narratives, revealing how they resonate with marginalized communities and shape broader worldviews, including political movements and community trust.

Dr. Kimmie Ng, co-director at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, focuses on the alarming rise of colorectal cancer in young people. She discusses environmental factors and lifestyle influences potentially contributing to this trend. The conversation dives into the cultural shame surrounding bowel health, which hinders open dialogue and timely diagnoses. Laurie Abraham shares her personal struggles with the stigma attached to colon cancer, emphasizing the need for increased funding and awareness. They advocate for breaking this taboo through candid conversations and better education.

Bobby Allyn, an NPR correspondent specializing in technology and policy, joins the conversation to explore the complex relationship between AI and trust. They dive into the chaos caused by Grok's MechaHitler mistake and discuss how AI's learning process can inherit biases. Allyn emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in AI development. The chat also tackles the practical risks of AI in workplaces and how surveillance practices are evolving, raising questions about societal impacts driven by technology.

Abdallah Fayyad, a policy correspondent at Vox, dives into the political maneuvers behind Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in cities with declining crime rates. He discusses the strong rhetoric and racialized fears fueling this decision, linking it to immigration issues and election optics. The conversation also highlights local resistance to militarized policing, exploring alternative violence-prevention strategies. Fayyad’s insights shed light on the broader implications of such contentious tactics in urban environments.

Molly Webster, a senior correspondent at Radiolab, dives into the often-taboo topic of menopause. She and her co-hosts explore why this natural phase is rarely discussed and highlight the importance of early conversations about it. They draw fascinating parallels between human experiences and those of orca matriarchs. Together, they encourage redefining menopause as a time of opportunity and adventure, rather than an end. The discussion promotes open dialogue and celebrates the potential joys of life after reproduction.

Chloe Veltman, an NPR Culture Desk correspondent, dives into the intriguing world of the AI digital afterlife industry. She discusses how 'deadbots' use digital footprints to mimic lost loved ones, raising ethical and legal concerns. The conversation highlights the potential for commercialization, including advertising through these digital avatars. Veltman explores the emotional motivations behind these technologies and their impact on our perceptions of grief and loss. Are we ready for a world where AI keeps our memories alive, or does it risk crossing an ethical line?