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
Jul 7, 2020 • 25min
Chelsea Handler On White Privilege
Last year, comedian Chelsea Handler made a documentary on Netflix called, Hello Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea, where she explored the idea of white privilege. Which happens to be a thing that a lot of people are talking about again... right now, in 2020.Sam talks to Chelsea about what she's learned since then, her latest book — Life Will Be the Death of Me...and You Too! -- and coming to terms with both her own white privilege during the protests... and herself, in therapy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jul 3, 2020 • 37min
Summer Pop Culture Recs, Plus A Visit With Kirk Franklin
It's summer without a lot of the usual summer fun because, you know, pandemic. But we've got music and TV recommendations to keep you company. Joining Sam are All Things Considered co-host Audie Cornish and Code Switch co-host Gene Demby to chat about their TV picks — Netflix's Bojack Horseman and HBO's I May Destroy You — and to play a special summer songs version of Who Said That. Then, Sam chats with gospel musician, songwriter and author Kirk Franklin about how his music and faith are a balm for these turbulent times.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 30, 2020 • 25min
Nicole Byer On How To Love Yourself
Ever wonder what it would be like to take hundreds of photos of yourself for a giant coffee table book ... wearing only a bikini? Comedian Nicole Byer has. And did, for her new book: #VeryFat #VeryBrave: The Fat Girl's Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini.Sam talks to the "Nailed It" Netflix host about what it was like to make the book, what it taught her about her body, and why the store Lane Bryant touches a nerve.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 26, 2020 • 35min
How Much Have Facebook And Twitter Changed Since 2016?
How much has Big Tech changed since the 2016 election? Sam is joined by Washington Post tech reporters Elizabeth Dwoskin and Tony Romm. They chat about Facebook and Twitter and how their platforms and views on free speech have evolved since the last presidential election. Sam also chats with Washington Post columnist and satirist Alexandra Petri about her book of essays Nothing Is Wrong and Here Is Why and how she uses humor to uncover bigger truths.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 23, 2020 • 29min
Tracee Ellis Ross Is Thriving, Not Surviving
Tracee Ellis Ross, renowned for her roles in 'Girlfriends' and 'Black-ish,' shares her journey as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur. She discusses overcoming Black stereotypes, finding joy amidst turmoil, and her vibrant singing role in 'The High Note' alongside her mother, Diana Ross. Tracee emphasizes the importance of Black ownership in media, critiques industry cycles regarding Black narratives, and celebrates age and reinvention in her career. Plus, she humorously reveals her rap alter ego, T-Murda!
Jun 19, 2020 • 38min
Supreme Court Protects Rights For DACA And LGBTQ Workers
What does it all mean when so much change happens at the same time? This week, the Supreme Court protected the rights of two marginalized groups — DACA recipients and LGBTQ workers — and protests against police brutality continued around the world. Sam chats about the Supreme Court with Slate's Mark Joseph Stern, then checks in with Tobore Oweh, a DACA recipient who is hopeful yet realistic about her status. After that, Sam calls across the pond to UK writer Candice Carty-Williams about the Black Lives Matter protests near her.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 16, 2020 • 32min
James McBride on Race, Religion and Why He's Hopeful
James McBride is the National Award-winning author of The Good Lord Bird and the best-selling memoir, The Color of Water. His latest book is Deacon King Kong, which is set against the backdrop of 1960s Brooklyn and tells the story of how one man's decision upended an entire neighborhood. Sam talks to McBride about race, religion and community, the parallels he sees to the world we're living in today, and why he's still optimistic, despite protests and a pandemic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 12, 2020 • 34min
Lessons About Racism from 'Cops' and 'Gone With The Wind'
The killing of George Floyd has inspired global protests against police brutality, and it seems like everyone has something to say, including the entertainment industry. Sam's joined by NPR television critic Eric Deggans and Tonya Mosley, co-host of NPR/WBUR's Here & Now and host of the KQED podcast Truth Be Told. They talk about the cancellation of the long-running reality TV show Cops, the removal of Gone With the Wind from HBO Max, and what it all says about this moment. After that, Sam chats with Rev. Jacqui Lewis, senior minister at Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan, and Rev. angel Kyodo williams, a Zen priest. They talk about what Black people and white people should be doing differently now and give Sam a bit of sermon.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 9, 2020 • 27min
Trump v Nixon on Race: Why 2020 Isn't Quite 1968
2020 is '68 all over again. But not the '68 you think. Yes, 1968 also saw protests, racial divisions and political polarization. Adam Serwer covers politics for The Atlantic, and he says you can certainly draw comparisons between Trump and Nixon – in that Trump is actually a backlash to the policies that came out of 1968. But Serwer says 1868 is a better point of comparison – it was a moment of hope, when white Republicans had been fighting for black rights for years, before ultimately abandoning them to pursue white voters. Serwer sees Americans coming together in this moment, as they have in the past, but as a student of history, he says the backlash always comes eventually.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 5, 2020 • 41min
Not Just Another Protest
There is so much to unpack in this current moment. Sam has a candid conversation with Aunt Betty about how history has shaped her view of the current protests, and he walks around downtown Los Angeles to get the perspective of people he meets. Sam also talks to BuzzFeed News reporter Melissa Segura on her recent reporting about police unions and what they mean for reform, and Morning Edition executive producer Kenya Young about being a black parent during this time.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
