Who will win today's cage match?Welcome to The Smackdown! For the last few weeks Brittany has been hosting debates in cities and regions across the United States to find out who and what are the most influential things from those places. This episode Brittany lands in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and debates with KOSU's Jacob Littlebear and Kuma Roberts, co-hosts of Focus: Black Oklahoma. There will be winners. There will be losers. There will be surprises.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Following the false allegations against the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, the city received over 30 bomb threats, saw school closures and even the cancellation of a celebration for diversity in arts and culture. Host Brittany Luse talks to NPR Immigration correspondent Jasmine Garsd about what she's learned from her reporting in the region and how all this could tie into a larger Midwest identity crisis.Then, Brittany is joined by Danzy Senna, author of Colored Television, to talk about how she's seen biracial representation change over the last three decades, and what it means to be in the "Not Like Us" era. They dig into her latest novel and its perspective on racial profiteering.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Who will win today's cage match?Welcome to The Smackdown! For the next several weeks Brittany is hosting debates in cities and regions across the United States to find out who and what are the most influential things from those places. This episode Brittany lands in Miami, Florida, and debates with WLRN reporter Wilkine Brutus and The Miami Herald's C. Isaiah Smalls II. There will be winners. There will be losers. There will be surprises.This discussion features excerpts from the NPR Music's Louder Than A Riot. Hear more from Sidney Madden's interview with Trina here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On Monday, the embattled rap mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs was arrested and charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. He's been denied bail twice, and is facing a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Host Brittany Luse is joined by NPR Music editor Sidney Madden and legal affairs reporter Meghann Cuniff to understand what this indictment means for Combs and if this could be the beginning of a #MeToo movement in hip-hop.Then, Brittany is joined by Tony Tulathimutte, author of Rejection, to talk about a rising culture around rejection, his book and why online life can enable rejections to curdle inside us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Who will win today's cage match?Welcome to The Smackdown! For the next several weeks Brittany is hosting debates in cities and regions across the United States to find out who and what are the most influential things from those places. This episode Brittany lands in New Orleans, Louisiana, and debates with Gulf States Newsroom health equity reporter Drew Hawkins and writer & editor Ko Bragg. There will be winners. There will be losers. There will be surprises.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Luke Winkie is a staff writer at Slate, known for his cultural commentary, and Kat Tenbarge is a tech and culture reporter for NBC News. Together, they explore how political candidates, including Kamala Harris, are shaping their images through fashion and social media. The influence of celebrity endorsements, like Taylor Swift's, on voter perception is dissected, highlighting the power of influencers in modern politics. They discuss the strategic use of podcasts by political figures to engage younger voters and question the implications of this trend.

Joseph King, a sports and culture reporter, and Cody Short, a culture reporter, dive into a lively debate on Birmingham's cultural heavyweights like Gucci Mane and Angela Davis. They unpack the profound impacts of hip hop and the civil rights movement, while also shedding light on the lesser-known inventor Mary Anderson. The conversation takes a cosmic turn as they explore Sun Ra’s influence on Afrofuturism. Tune in for an engaging blend of history, culture, and a celebration of Birmingham's vibrant community.

Karin Klein, an education reporter and author focused on alternative paths to success, discusses Gen Z's disillusionment with traditional education. They explore how the pandemic and AI influence have led students to question the purpose of high school. Klein advocates for schools to adapt to new career pathways beyond college. Later, Richard E. Ocejo, author of "Sixty Miles Upriver," joins to discuss the rebranding of gentrification in small cities, revealing the socio-economic impacts on long-term residents amidst the influx of newcomers.

Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, both reporters from New Hampshire Public Radio, engage in a lively debate about the cultural influences of Concord, New Hampshire. They trace the evolution of video games from arcades to personal consoles. The discussion highlights significant artifacts like the Abbott and Downing stagecoach, while emphasizing the roles of Horace Greeley in journalism and Robert Frost in literature. The hosts also touch on the literary contributions of Harriet E. Wilson, celebrating overlooked figures in American storytelling.

Kelsey McKinney, a writer from Defector, and Dr. Mel Stanfill, author of *Fandom is Ugly*, dive into the complexities of celebrity culture and the intense scrutiny pop stars face, particularly concerning gender dynamics. They discuss Chappell Roan's experiences with obsessive fans and the misunderstandings surrounding celebrity status. The conversation shifts to MrBeast, the YouTube sensation, exploring his viral charity videos and how they redefine philanthropy amid a perceived 'generosity crisis' in traditional charitable giving.