It's Been a Minute

Michelle Santiago Cortes, a journalist focused on technology and culture, joins Tara Isabella Burton, an author and religion expert, to dissect the strange intersection of tech and eternal life. They delve into Bryan Johnson’s wild 'Don’t Die' movement and his controversial methods. The discussion crosses into the philosophical, pondering how our obsession with longevity and AI fosters new spiritual dimensions. Expect insights on societal equity in health, the commodification of life, and what it truly means to be human in a tech-driven future.

Join historian Kellie Carter Jackson, a co-host of You Get a Podcast, as she discusses the immense impact of Oprah Winfrey on public health narratives. They explore how The Oprah Winfrey Show transformed wellness into a cultural phenomenon, shaping public perception and giving rise to influential figures like Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz. Kellie dives into Oprah's role in mixing celebrity, media, and politics, while critiquing the often-overlooked systemic issues within the self-help movement and the idea of the American hustle.

The discussion dives into the surprising overlap between sports and political discourse, emphasizing figures like Stephen A. Smith. Sports media has transformed, becoming a platform for political commentary leading up to the 2028 election. The hosts explore the cultural impact of athletes engaging in politics, alongside lively trivia about current events. The conversation takes a whimsical turn into space travel, highlighting the fun and absurdities of space tourism, from costs to dining options. It's a blend of sports, politics, and a splash of cosmic curiosity!

Lily Hu, a Yale philosophy professor researching social science and race, joins Miles Klee, a culture writer for Rolling Stone, to dissect the troubling revival of pseudosciences like phrenology and physiognomy. They dive into how these outdated beliefs are resurfacing through social media, fostering harmful stereotypes and racism. The duo discusses the dangerous implications of biological determinism and its ties to historical ideologies, including connections to modern narratives around gender and immigration enforcement.

Maria Godoy, NPR's senior science and health editor, and Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News senior reporter, tackle the alarming resurgence of measles due to anti-vaccine rhetoric. They discuss the devastating consequences of vaccine hesitancy, illustrated by a recent outbreak in Texas. The duo delves into the influence of misinformation, examining parental fears linked to autism and alternative medicine. Their insights highlight the urgent need for accurate information to safeguard public health and combat the growing anti-vaccine sentiment.

The discussion kicks off with quirky recession indicators like lipstick sales that hint at economic shifts. The hosts analyze how consumer behavior trends indicate growing caution as people opt for affordable products. They delve into the impact of tariffs on American buying habits, especially in fast fashion. The conversation also touches on America's reliance on international supply chains and the fading of domestic manufacturing. Finally, a fun quiz reveals insights into American preferences for books versus television while engaging listeners in the cultural conversation.

Andrea Long Chu, a Pulitzer-winning critic and author of 'Authority', dives into the depths of art and criticism. She reflects on art as a 'fossil record' of desire, challenging traditional notions of authority in criticism. The conversation touches on the intersections of identity and commerce using Yellowstone as a lens, while also questioning the current state and purpose of criticism. Andrea advocates for a shift towards a more inclusive and collaborative approach in critiquing art, highlighting the need for diverse voices in the discourse.

Andrea Love, a biomedical scientist dedicated to debunking health misinformation, joins the conversation with Derek Beres to explore the rise of crunchy conservatism. They discuss how once-liberal health movements have shifted to embrace conspiracy theories and pseudoscience. The dialogue reveals the dangers of unqualified wellness influencers and the implications of diminished FDA oversight. With a focus on the intersection of health anxieties and conservative ideologies, they highlight how disinformation can lead to serious public health consequences.

Explore how baby names reveal family history and reflect current politics in America. Discover the naming trends among Generation Alpha, contrasting red and blue state favorites like Oakleigh and Santino. Delve into the societal implications of names, including the evolving identity and the renaming of landmarks. Enjoy a lively trivia challenge on current events and a fun quiz on the Forbes billionaire list, all while discussing the quirky side of extreme wealth and its impact on today's culture.

Wailin Wong, a savvy reporter from NPR's "The Indicator," dives into the evolving world of fashion and economic policy. She discusses how rising tariffs on imports are reshaping the fast fashion landscape and disproportionately impacting women due to biased pricing. The conversation also covers the growing trend of secondhand shopping as consumers seek sustainable alternatives, while addressing the challenges small businesses face. Wong raises thought-provoking questions about the future of fashion consumption amid these economic shifts.