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Tara Isabella Burton, an insightful author and cultural commentator, teams up with Rebecca Jennings, a features writer for New York Magazine, to dive into the fascinating world of manifestation. They discuss the surge of this belief system post-2020 and its prevalence on social media platforms like TikTok. The conversation touches on how manifestation blurs the lines between personal identity and societal expectations, and raises important questions about individualism versus empathy in today's digital age. Is manifesting making us less aware of our humanity?

Rachel Wolfe, an economics reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into why American women are increasingly skeptical about marriage. She reveals that only 34% of single women are seeking romance compared to 54% of single men. Alongside Minda Honey, author of "The Heartbreak Years," they unpack the impact of personal ambitions and shifting dating norms on women’s views. They explore how cultural and political divides are reshaping relationship expectations and highlight the growing independence of women in today’s dynamic social landscape.

Jamie Hood, author of the groundbreaking book *Trauma Plot*, challenges conventional narratives around sexual violence. She argues for new language surrounding trauma, emphasizing empowerment and accountability in stories. The conversation critiques the romanticization of pain, advocating for diverse storytelling that reflects individual strength without trauma. Jamie explores how trauma impacts identity and self-worth, while pushing for narratives that move beyond traditional formats. It's a powerful discussion about reclaiming voices and redefining experiences.

Maxim Tvorun-Dunn, a PhD candidate at the University of Tokyo, and Emma Goldberg, a business reporter at the New York Times, dive into the intriguing synergy between tech elites and psychedelics. They discuss how these substances are gaining traction among Silicon Valley leaders as tools for self-optimization and spiritual exploration. The conversation also highlights the commercialization of psychedelics, contrasting traditional practices with corporate interest, and raises critical questions about access and ethical implications in this burgeoning industry.

Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR's health policy correspondent, dives into the controversial topic of poppers, a popular party substance within the queer community. She discusses a recent claim of FDA raids on producers, sparking concerns about governmental overreach. The conversation examines the cultural significance of poppers and the misconceptions tied to their use, particularly around HIV/AIDS. With humor and critical insights, they address how regulatory actions affect LGBTQ+ identities and the importance of social connections amidst adversity.

After the Supreme Court banned affirmative action in higher education, there was legitimate worry that Black and Hispanic students would be overlooked or otherwise shut out of college admissions. But the enrollment numbers are showing something different. In some cases, even without the aid of race-based decision making, Black and Hispanic enrollment either stayed the same or increased. What does the data tell about the decisions admissions offices are making when thinking about demographics of their student body? And what does that process mean for future culture clashes about diversity and inclusion? NPR's Elissa Nadworny and labor economist Zach Bleemer join the show to get into the enigmatic world of college admissions and why higher education is still pushing for diversity in an anti-DEI minefield.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Rina Raphael, author of "The Gospel of Wellness," dives into the fascinating intersection of wellness and spirituality. She explores how the $6 trillion wellness industry serves as a new spiritual outlet for many Americans who seek meaning outside organized religion. Topics include the parallels between wellness and traditional religious practices, the risks of individualism in wellness approaches, and the rise of conspirituality. Raphael challenges listeners to reflect on the commercialization of self-care and its impact on community well-being.

Last weekend, former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by federal immigration authorities. The move was an escalation in the Trump administration's crackdown on dissent, and it has people wondering: isn't this against the constitution?Brittany is joined by Chenjerai Kumanyika, a journalism professor at NYU, and Rick Perlstein, a historian of conservatism. Together, they talk about America's love/hate relationship with the First Amendment, and what ICE's arrest of a lawful permanent resident could mean for America's culture of protest.Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content. Join NPR+ today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What does it even mean to be trans? That's the first question Torrey Peters asks readers in her new book, Stag Dance, and it's the question that everyone should be asking themselves right now.Stag Dance is a collection of four novellas that poke into the dark corners of gender, delving into taboo topics and investigating the line between trans and cis. Brittany sits down with Torrey to discuss Stag Dance, what makes a transition, and the raised stakes for trans people in the current political climate.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Joining the discussion is Rachel Handler, a Vulture features writer known for her sharp insights on celebrity culture. She delves into the changing landscape of fame, questioning who qualifies as a real celebrity today. The conversation highlights the disillusionment surrounding exorbitant ticket prices and the commercialization of celebrity personas. Rachel also explores the emotional investment of fans and the humorous absurdity of celebrities showcasing their lavish lifestyles on social media, leaving listeners pondering the future of fame.