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
Sep 22, 2023 • 37min
The WNBA's coming out story; plus, the dangers of sports betting
This year, the WNBA had its most-watched regular season in 21 years, but what went into creating this new moment of visibility for the league? Host Brittany Luse is joined by Katie Barnes, author of Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates to unpack the league's initial 'Barbie girl' image, the trailblazers who pushed the WNBA to become the first professional sports league to celebrate Pride, and what it means for an athlete to 'authentically' express themselves.Then, we explore the growth of sports betting. Sports betting went from a somewhat shameful hobby to something that is fully mainstream - with billions of dollars in bets placed. Dr. Timothy Fong, an addiction specialist, joins Brittany to talk about the associated risks with the growth of sports betting.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Sep 19, 2023 • 19min
The year concert etiquette went to trash and why
Exploring incidents of fan violence at concerts and the lack of concert etiquette. Discussion on disruptions during concerts, excessive phone use, and fan entitlement. The podcast also explores the concept of fan entitlement and its impact on the concert experience. Possible solutions for improving concert experiences are discussed including boycotting, supporting smaller artists, live streaming concerts, and using holograms for a more comfortable and accessible concert experience.
Sep 15, 2023 • 31min
Is capitalism in its flop era?
The podcast discusses the rise of discussions around capitalism in pop culture, politics, and culture. It explores moments of realization about capitalism's influence, the questioning of capitalism in a changing culture, concerns about home ownership and the impact of capitalism, the divisiveness and rage in American politics, and the current dissatisfaction with the capitalist system.
Sep 12, 2023 • 24min
Rock and roll's pioneer is a queer, Southern Black man
When you think of rockstar royalty, a queer, Southern Black man normally doesn't come to mind. But director Lisa Cortés wants us all to reconsider that thought. Her documentary, Little Richard: I Am Everything, takes viewers through the life and legacy of one of the most influential men in music - Little Richard.From the bawdy roots of his hit song, "Tutti Frutti," to teaching Mick Jagger how to work a crowd, Little Richard's impact spans generations. Host Brittany Luse and director Lisa Cortes talk about the documentary, Little Richard's struggles with own identity, and the queer influence on rock and roll.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Sep 8, 2023 • 35min
The Photo of the Year; plus, whose RICO is it anyway?
When former President Donald Trump's mugshot was released, pundits immediately searched for meaning. Was it defiant? Was it embarrassing? Turns out what we see in that image could change over time. Brittany Luse is joined by Vanessa Friedman, senior fashion critic for the New York Times, to talk about the cultural meaning of infamous mugshots and their resounding impact on us.Then, we welcome Emory law professor emeritus Morgan Cloud to talk about the legal tool that's taking pop culture by storm: the RICO charge. We explore what the act was originally intended to do, and the role of the RICO reboot in several big pop culture cases today, from rapper Young Thug to fashion retailer SHEIN.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Sep 5, 2023 • 15min
20 years of pumpkin spice power
It's been 20 years since Starbucks debuted the first pumpkin spice latte in 2003. Since then, it's become a cultural phenomenon greater than itself: it's shorthand for fall, for basicness, for femininity, and even for white culture. Why did the PSL become so powerful — and how do food trends garner so much meaning? Host Brittany Luse chats with Suzy Badaracco, food trend forecaster and founder of Culinary Tides, to discuss the $500 million dollar industry, and how little miss pumpkin spice has held on to her cultural power.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Sep 2, 2023 • 40min
Luther Vandross and Samara Joy sing across generations
Renowned singer Luther Vandross's impact on music and why his name isn't often in conversation with other greats. Grammy award-winning Samara Joy talks about her album and creating timeless music.
Aug 29, 2023 • 19min
'All The Things She Said': queer anthem or problematic queerbait?
Lena Katina and Julia Volkova, members of t.A.T.u., discuss the controversy surrounding their hit song "All The Things She Said" and its portrayal of queer love. They explore the impact of the song as an anthem for queer women and its place in the queerbaiting debate. Additionally, they analyze the influence of music videos featuring same-sex relationships, addressing both their intention and effect on queer viewers. The discussion also delves into personal experiences and reflections on romantic relationships before coming out, highlighting the role of media in shaping perceptions. Finally, they reflect on the progress made in queer representation and emphasize the need for continued progress.
Aug 25, 2023 • 47min
Skincare is dewy diet culture; plus, how to have the "Fat Talk"
Beauty reporter, Jessica Defino, questions the consumerism behind skincare and discusses the rise of celebrity beauty lines. They explore the concept of 'good skin' and the marketing strategies of Kim Kardashian's skincare line. Virgina Sole-Smith emphasizes the importance of challenging fatphobia and having conversations about fatness with children. They discuss the relationship between body size, health, and privilege. The speakers challenge societal expectations around healthy eating and address concerns about nutrition. They also explore the tactics used by famous people in Hollywood to promote their projects, with a focus on Jennifer Aniston's recent remarks.
Aug 22, 2023 • 16min
Why we don't trust the 'vanilla girl'
Forbes staff writer Steffi Cao discusses the rise of 'clean girl' and 'vanilla girl' aesthetics on TikTok, examining their political implications and promotion of white femininity. They explore the associations and exclusivity of the 'vanilla girl' aesthetic, question why white women embrace these beauty standards, and discuss the co-opting of East Asian culture by white society. They also touch on cyclical cultural appropriation and the impact of trends on minority communities.
