It's Been a Minute

Join Jason DeRose, NPR's Religion Correspondent based in Rome, as he delves into the fascinating realm of the Catholic Church's future following Pope Francis' passing. The conversation unveils insights into how the Conclave works and the buzz around potential candidates, including the excitement for a Filipino pope. They also explore Pope Francis' legacy and the significance of humility in leadership. Packed with engaging trivia, this dialogue offers a lively blend of culture and faith that resonates beyond the Vatican walls.

Margaret Cirino, NPR's Life Kit producer and fashion enthusiast, explores the resurgence of the 'office siren' aesthetic, blending allure with professionalism. She discusses how social media, especially TikTok, plays a role in redefining office wear and its connection to personal identity. The conversation also touches on the historical evolution of business fashion and its cultural implications, highlighting how trends shift from workplace to nightlife during economic challenges.

Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist and Harvard lecturer, dives into the alarming rise of muscle dysmorphia among men. He discusses how societal pressures and social media fuel the use of steroids as young men chase an ideal body that feels just out of reach. Olivardia emphasizes the overlooked struggles men face with body image issues and eating disorders. He calls for a shift in the narrative, advocating for emotional resilience and healthier body image ideals beyond physical appearance.

Manvir Singh, an assistant professor of anthropology at UC Davis, discusses the surge in adult ADHD diagnoses linked to social media trends. He and culture journalist Kelli Maria Korducki explore how platforms like TikTok influence personal identities and perceptions of ADHD. They delve into misdiagnoses exacerbated during the pandemic and critique the limitations of the current diagnostic systems. The conversation also touches on the role of online communities in shaping awareness and navigating the complexities of mental health categorizations.

Michelle Santiago Cortes, a journalist focused on technology and culture, joins Tara Isabella Burton, an author and religion expert, to dissect the strange intersection of tech and eternal life. They delve into Bryan Johnson’s wild 'Don’t Die' movement and his controversial methods. The discussion crosses into the philosophical, pondering how our obsession with longevity and AI fosters new spiritual dimensions. Expect insights on societal equity in health, the commodification of life, and what it truly means to be human in a tech-driven future.

Join historian Kellie Carter Jackson, a co-host of You Get a Podcast, as she discusses the immense impact of Oprah Winfrey on public health narratives. They explore how The Oprah Winfrey Show transformed wellness into a cultural phenomenon, shaping public perception and giving rise to influential figures like Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz. Kellie dives into Oprah's role in mixing celebrity, media, and politics, while critiquing the often-overlooked systemic issues within the self-help movement and the idea of the American hustle.

The discussion dives into the surprising overlap between sports and political discourse, emphasizing figures like Stephen A. Smith. Sports media has transformed, becoming a platform for political commentary leading up to the 2028 election. The hosts explore the cultural impact of athletes engaging in politics, alongside lively trivia about current events. The conversation takes a whimsical turn into space travel, highlighting the fun and absurdities of space tourism, from costs to dining options. It's a blend of sports, politics, and a splash of cosmic curiosity!

Lily Hu, a Yale philosophy professor researching social science and race, joins Miles Klee, a culture writer for Rolling Stone, to dissect the troubling revival of pseudosciences like phrenology and physiognomy. They dive into how these outdated beliefs are resurfacing through social media, fostering harmful stereotypes and racism. The duo discusses the dangerous implications of biological determinism and its ties to historical ideologies, including connections to modern narratives around gender and immigration enforcement.

Maria Godoy, NPR's senior science and health editor, and Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News senior reporter, tackle the alarming resurgence of measles due to anti-vaccine rhetoric. They discuss the devastating consequences of vaccine hesitancy, illustrated by a recent outbreak in Texas. The duo delves into the influence of misinformation, examining parental fears linked to autism and alternative medicine. Their insights highlight the urgent need for accurate information to safeguard public health and combat the growing anti-vaccine sentiment.

The discussion kicks off with quirky recession indicators like lipstick sales that hint at economic shifts. The hosts analyze how consumer behavior trends indicate growing caution as people opt for affordable products. They delve into the impact of tariffs on American buying habits, especially in fast fashion. The conversation also touches on America's reliance on international supply chains and the fading of domestic manufacturing. Finally, a fun quiz reveals insights into American preferences for books versus television while engaging listeners in the cultural conversation.