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
11 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 23min
Should teens have political opinions?
This week features EJ Dickson, a senior writer for The Cut, known for her insights on youth podcasters, and Jordan-Marie Smith, a producer at NPR with a focus on Gen Z media habits. They dive into the burgeoning world of teen-led podcasts, discussing how these creators are shaping political discourse and culture. Key topics include the commercialization of youth media, parental concerns, and the skills teens gain from podcasting. They also explore the diversity of political voices within this ecosystem and the importance of media literacy for young audiences.
9 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 20min
How AI impacts the environment (and your energy bill)
Evan Halper, a business and energy reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the surprising impact of AI on the environment and energy bills. He reveals how demand for data centers is driving up energy costs and potentially harming local communities. The discussion highlights the trade-offs of repurposing old coal sites for tech infrastructure and questions the authenticity of claims about clean energy usage. Evan also explores the implications for climate goals, urging listeners to weigh the benefits and costs of AI in their daily lives.
8 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 18min
The Rapture was a bust, but it still feels like doomsday.
Join Bob Smietana, a national writer for Religion News Service and expert on Christian history, as he delves into the fascinating world of rapture beliefs and their modern implications. He discusses the recent rapture prediction and its viral reactions, tying it to cultural anxieties around climate change and societal upheaval. Bob also explores the allure of rapture narratives, revealing how they resonate with marginalized communities and shape broader worldviews, including political movements and community trust.
11 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 20min
The cancer quietly killing young people
Dr. Kimmie Ng, co-director at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, focuses on the alarming rise of colorectal cancer in young people. She discusses environmental factors and lifestyle influences potentially contributing to this trend. The conversation dives into the cultural shame surrounding bowel health, which hinders open dialogue and timely diagnoses. Laurie Abraham shares her personal struggles with the stigma attached to colon cancer, emphasizing the need for increased funding and awareness. They advocate for breaking this taboo through candid conversations and better education.
11 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 19min
Can you trust AI search results?
Bobby Allyn, an NPR correspondent specializing in technology and policy, joins the conversation to explore the complex relationship between AI and trust. They dive into the chaos caused by Grok's MechaHitler mistake and discuss how AI's learning process can inherit biases. Allyn emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in AI development. The chat also tackles the practical risks of AI in workplaces and how surveillance practices are evolving, raising questions about societal impacts driven by technology.
7 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 20min
Trump lost the battle. Will he win the "war?"
Abdallah Fayyad, a policy correspondent at Vox, dives into the political maneuvers behind Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in cities with declining crime rates. He discusses the strong rhetoric and racialized fears fueling this decision, linking it to immigration issues and election optics. The conversation also highlights local resistance to militarized policing, exploring alternative violence-prevention strategies. Fayyad’s insights shed light on the broader implications of such contentious tactics in urban environments.
20 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 21min
The key to thriving later in life: menopause
Molly Webster, a senior correspondent at Radiolab, dives into the often-taboo topic of menopause. She and her co-hosts explore why this natural phase is rarely discussed and highlight the importance of early conversations about it. They draw fascinating parallels between human experiences and those of orca matriarchs. Together, they encourage redefining menopause as a time of opportunity and adventure, rather than an end. The discussion promotes open dialogue and celebrates the potential joys of life after reproduction.
9 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 19min
AI can keep you alive forever. Should it?
Chloe Veltman, an NPR Culture Desk correspondent, dives into the intriguing world of the AI digital afterlife industry. She discusses how 'deadbots' use digital footprints to mimic lost loved ones, raising ethical and legal concerns. The conversation highlights the potential for commercialization, including advertising through these digital avatars. Veltman explores the emotional motivations behind these technologies and their impact on our perceptions of grief and loss. Are we ready for a world where AI keeps our memories alive, or does it risk crossing an ethical line?
14 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 24min
How do we talk about Charlie Kirk?
Abené Clayton, a gun violence reporter for The Guardian, dives into the fallout from Charlie Kirk's assassination and the wider implications for political discourse in America. The discussion reveals how differing reactions to violence reflect a polarized society. Clayton highlights the normalization of violent rhetoric in politics and the often-invisible realities of everyday gun violence. The conversation also touches on the tensions around gun ownership and the cultural narratives shaping public perceptions of freedom and safety.
9 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 16min
Is he a good guy? Or is he manipulating you?
James Factora, a staff writer at Them, dives into the phenomenon of the 'performative male,' discussing how these men may seem progressive but often embody gender manipulation. Alongside Manny Fidel, they dissect the nuances between authenticity and performance in modern masculinity. The conversation reveals how societal expectations shape male identity today and critiques the pressures of gender policing. They also highlight the importance of non-judgmental support in navigating evolving perceptions of gender identity.
