It's Been a Minute

Ayesha Rascoe, NPR's Weekend Edition host, joins the lively discussion on pop culture moments from 2024. They dive into the significance of the word 'crash out' and its cultural ramifications. The trio explores the infamous rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and reflect on a shocking assassination attempt on a former president. They also spotlight viral star Dr. Rachel Gunn and her breakdancing controversy. Lastly, they poke fun at major flops like the Cybertruck and celebrate the unexpected diva: Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo!

The announcement of John Krasinski as the Sexiest Man Alive sparks a lively debate about Hollywood's beauty standards. Guests explore the disconnect between traditional sexiness and the internet's cravings for unconventional figures. They delve into shifting cultural perceptions, from the allure of 'hot daddies' to the evolving definition of 'daddy' in pop culture. Social media's impact on attractiveness is also examined, with trends like 'short kings' signaling a change in what people find appealing. It's a fun and insightful look at modern desirability!

In this discussion, Jenna McLaughlin, an NPR cybersecurity correspondent, and Faiza Patel from the Brennan Center for Justice tackle the pervasive nature of surveillance in today’s society. They explore how our daily routines—tracked by drones, TikTok, and other technologies—raise serious privacy concerns. Andrew Limbong brings a fresh perspective, diving into the latest literary trends, such as the rise of memoirs and works reflecting on money, enriching the conversation with recommendations for engaging reads.

Whitney Goodman, a licensed marriage and family therapist and host of the "Calling Home" podcast, dives into the increasingly common phenomenon of adult children going no contact with their parents. She discusses the cultural shifts around family dynamics, emphasizing emotional immaturity and neglect as key reasons for estrangement. The conversation explores how personal freedom and self-discovery can arise from these difficult decisions, particularly in the context of changing expectations and social media's role in shaping modern family relationships.

Luigi Mangione is alleged to have shot and killed United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and even before he was identified, the reaction to the shooter was far different than other instances of gun violence. Today on It's Been A Minute, guest host Gene Demby talks with The Guardian's Abené Clayton about why Mangione is being praised by some, and why his alleged actions won't do much to fix the healthcare industry.And later on the show, a conversation with Dr. Laurie Santos, psychology professor at Yale and host of the podcast, The Happiness Lab, on the surprising science of how gratitude can affect our brains.Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content by joining NPR+ today: https://plus.npr.org/Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

As cuffing season heats up, the conversation dives into the perplexing phenomenon known as 'The Ick.' Guests discuss how sudden aversions in dating may be less about the partner and more about personal insecurities. They analyze listener anecdotes to distinguish between quirky habits and genuine dealbreakers. Insights into queer women's experiences reveal how emotional responses differ across contexts. Ultimately, the discussion encourages self-reflection on societal influences shaping our dating perceptions.

When TikTok user, Slim Kim, posted a video expressing how much she loves 'being skinny,' she set off a wave of internet discourse. What's the line between loving your body and dog-whistling fatphobia? This week, host Brittany Luse is joined by authors Emma Specter and Kate Manne to find out: what's so wrong with loving being skinny?Then, Brittany goes on a field trip to the Anime NYC convention. She and IBAM producer Alexis Williams venture out to find out how generations of Black folks have found comfort, confidence, and fandom in the genre.Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content by joining NPR+ today: https://plus.npr.org/Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's cuffing season: the time of year where the weather cools down and folks look for a warm body to cuddle up with. But we're getting into some of the less warm and fuzzy aspects of dating. This week – a lot of us have seen how explosive breakup stories have been on social media. From Reesa Teesa's "Who TF did I marry..." to Spritely's breakup song, these posts have been drawing gasps and gaining traction. But is it harmless fun, or an invasion of privacy?To find out, Brittany is joined by Molly McPherson, crisis PR expert, and Rebecca Jennings, senior correspondent at Vox. They get into what people actually get out of breakup posting - and discuss their theories of poster's etiquette.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's cuffing season: the time of year where the weather cools down and folks look for a warm body to cuddle up with. But we're getting into some of the less warm and fuzzy aspects of dating. For the next few weeks, we're kicking off cuffing season with some of the big questions about dating in our culture right now.This week – the song "Looking for a Man in Finance" went super viral on TikTok this year, and yeah, it's fun. But does it speak to people's broader desires to find someone who's more than comfortable financially? Host Brittany Luse is joined by Wailin Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, and Reema Khrais, host of Marketplace's This Is Uncomfortable. They discuss what people are really looking for from a man in finance... and whether dating up in class is even possible. Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content by joining NPR+ today: https://plus.npr.org/Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Gretchen Sisson, the author of 'Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood,' shares her expertise on the often overlooked experiences of birth parents in adoption. She discusses the complexities of open adoptions and the emotional weight carried by birth mothers. The conversation challenges societal narratives that dictate who deserves to be a parent, diving into the legal hurdles surrounding open adoptions and the societal perceptions influencing these decisions. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of grief, choice, and the politics of motherhood.