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
Nov 28, 2025 • 20min
Why some families stop speaking
Join Whitney Goodman, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Kui Mwai, a culture journalist, as they explore the complex world of family estrangement. They discuss how factors like emotional neglect and abuse drive adult children to cut ties with parents. The guests delve into how the pandemic and social media have influenced relationship dynamics and boundary-setting. Plus, they examine the intersection of culture and estrangement, particularly in Black and immigrant families, and how therapy has elevated expectations for family respect.
Nov 26, 2025 • 18min
Dreading family conflict? Here's some advice.
Marielle Segarra, host of NPR's Life Kit, shares her expertise on navigating family conflicts during the holidays. She discusses the importance of setting clear intentions before gatherings and offers practical strategies like redefining boundaries and using humor to deflect tension. Experts advise on avoiding unnecessary confrontations, utilizing polite exits, and even meditating between relatives. Strategies are sprinkled throughout to ensure family gatherings remain joyful rather than contentious, emphasizing care and understanding amidst inevitable disagreements.
Nov 24, 2025 • 19min
Kids are expensive. Do they have to be?
Jessica Calarco, a sociology professor focusing on family policy, and Elliot Haspel, a senior fellow analyzing childcare economics, dive into the skyrocketing costs of childcare, equating them to rent. They explore the historical context, including WWII's childcare programs and how governmental policies have shaped perceptions of care. Market failures and cultural distrust complicate the issue, while the guests argue that better childcare is key to stronger communities and gender equity in the workforce. They highlight the urgent need for systemic change to improve access and affordability.
Nov 21, 2025 • 19min
Do you want out of The Cult of Homeownership?
Join NPR's Scott Horsley, a veteran economics correspondent, and Raina Cohen, a producer and author, as they delve into the evolving landscape of homeownership. They challenge the traditional view of the American Dream, critiquing the proposed 50-year mortgage as an inadequate remedy for affordability. Discover the rising trend of co-buying among friends and its cultural implications. Plus, they explore how shifting demographics are reshaping adult milestones and why concepts of stability and security in housing are being redefined.
Nov 19, 2025 • 23min
Crime is down. Why don't people feel safe?
Nicole Lewis, engagement editor at The Marshall Project, and Lex McMenamin, a writer and editor, dive into the complex perceptions of safety. They explore the difference between feeling unsafe and being unsafe, arguing that rhetoric often misrepresents real threats. Lex critiques the false sense of security created by tech and discusses how marginalized groups, like trans individuals, are wrongly portrayed as dangers. They advocate for community practices that foster real safety and suggest systemic reforms to ensure everyone feels secure.
Nov 17, 2025 • 18min
The fear & shame of modern parenting
Cynthia Wang, a Clinical Professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School, and Karen Leick, author of 'Parents, Media and Panic Through the Years,' explore the intricate fears and shames that shape modern parenting. They discuss how parental identity intertwines with child success, creating pressure-filled environments. The conversation dives into historical media panics affecting mothers, and how these narratives influence parenting styles. Finally, they share insights on discerning real vs. manipulative fears, urging parents to engage and communicate with their children.
Nov 14, 2025 • 20min
Have we lost the art of reading?
Join Andrew Limbong, host of NPR's Book of the Day, and cultural critic Princess Weekes as they dive into the modern misinterpretations of classic literature. They discuss Trump's ironic Gatsby-themed party and what that reveals about our reading culture. Explore how personal biases shape our understanding of texts, from Lolita to Wuthering Heights. They also tackle the influence of online communities like BookTok and emphasize the importance of deeper literary engagement. It's a thought-provoking conversation on how we read—and misread—great books.
Nov 12, 2025 • 21min
Exercise is more important than ever
Jonquilyn Hill, a cultural commentator at Vox, teams up with Shelly McKenzie, author of "Getting Physical." They dive into the booming fitness trend, discussing how exercise transformed from a health taboo to a cultural touchstone. Jonquilyn highlights the role of control amid uncertainty, while Shelly emphasizes limitations, like genetics. They explore why younger generations are embracing fitness, the impact of social media, and how exercise acts as a social signal. The conversation links political messaging to fitness ideals, painting a complex picture of modern health culture.
Nov 10, 2025 • 21min
How 'Fascism' became a meme
Nicholas Ensley Mitchell, a professor at the University of Kansas, dives into the evolving role of the term 'fascism' in American culture. He explores how Black Americans historically resisted fascism and connects Jim Crow laws to this concept. The conversation highlights the political implications of labeling figures like Trump as fascist and questions whether the term is losing its meaning. Mitchell also reflects on contemporary threats to democracy and suggests that cultural upheaval may better capture today's climate than the term 'fascism' itself.
Nov 7, 2025 • 22min
Rosalía & the evolving definition of Latinidad
Bilal Qureshi, a writer and critic focused on music and culture, and Michelle Santiago Cortés, an expert on race and Latinidad, delve into Rosalía's transformative musical journey. They discuss her new album, Lux, and the 'church girl era' while exploring the complexities of cultural appropriation and identity in music. The conversation covers the blurred lines of Latinidad, fans' concerns about shifts toward Afro-Caribbean styles, and how the music industry shapes artists' images. Together, they reflect on the ethics of artistry versus cultural representation.
