It's Been a Minute

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.

Dive into a hilarious exploration of life’s struggles with Keke Palmer and SZA in their new film. The hosts discuss the challenges of gentrification, friendship, and financial woes, all wrapped in comedic chaos. They highlight the importance of audience reactions and shared laughter as coping mechanisms. You’ll hear insights on navigating ambition and reality from a compelling narrative set in South LA. Tune in for a lively chat about how humor can brighten even the toughest times!

Allie Volpe, a senior reporter at Vox, and Harris Sockel, a writer at Medium, delve into the complex narrative of men’s loneliness. They discuss how recent statistics reveal that both men and women experience loneliness almost equally, questioning why men are often singled out. The conversation critiques the oversimplification of loneliness, pointing towards deeper societal issues affecting men's emotional connections. They also highlight the importance of nurturing deep friendships and challenging traditional perceptions of male bonding.

Skyrocketing egg prices are linked to the avian flu crisis, raising food safety concerns. Experts delve into historical food safety measures and advocate for stronger legislation. The discussion emphasizes safe handling practices amidst public indifference. A playful trivia segment explores the intertwining of Valentine's Day and consumer spending, adding a humorous touch. Insights into America's booming candy market reveal its substantial revenue growth, sparking a light-hearted conversation about personal candy cravings.

RaMell Ross, director of the Oscar-nominated adaptation of Colson Whitehead's "The Nickel Boys," discusses his innovative visual storytelling that sheds light on Black experiences during the Civil Rights era. The conversation covers the film's unique first-person perspective, emphasizing Black subjectivity and resilience. Ross challenges the stereotype of trauma in Black narratives, illustrating moments of beauty amid hardship. He highlights cinema's crucial role in representation and the need for diverse stories that move beyond violence.

Join Kate Gawlik, an Associate Professor and parental burnout researcher, as she dives into the acute loneliness faced by mothers today. Discover how societal norms perpetuate isolation and the surprising links between loneliness and cultural factors like airplanes and TikTok. Gawlik, along with expert insights from Jessica Grose, examines the emotional challenges of motherhood and proposes ways to foster supportive connections. Their candid discussions reveal essential strategies for alleviating the loneliness that so many moms experience.