Culture Study Podcast

Is there something in your life that you do — with some sort of regularity, and without direct compensation — that you find tremendously satisfying? Something you do just because you like it? CONGRATS, YOU HAVE A HOBBY. And here at Culture Study, we love to talk about hobbies — how to find them, how to keep them, and how to deal with the seemingly ceaseless push to monetize them. Listeners have been asking for a hobby episode for years, so for the New Year, we asked two great hobbyists — Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu, of the beloved podcast Forever35 — to come on and answer all your hobby questions, including: How do I find time to hobby when I'm a parent? How do I figure out my hobbies now that I finally have time to myself? How do I keep myself from BUYING ALL THE STUFF every time I find a new hobby? How do I keep a hobby from becoming a chore? We can't wait to hear your own thoughts on these questions in the comments. ALSO GUESS WHAT, WE HAVE VERY GOOD EPISODES TRANSCRIPTS NOW! They come out within 24 hours of the pod, so you just have to be a little patient and then come back and click here. We pay an actual human for help with these, so thank you for either being a paid subscriber or listening to the ads that make this model possible!If you're a paid subscriber and haven't yet set up your subscriber RSS feed in your podcast player, here's the EXTREMELY easy how-to.And if you're having any other issues with your Patreon subscription — please get in touch! Email me at annehelenpetersen @ gmail OR submit a request to Patreon Support. Thank you for making the switch with us — the podcast in particular is much more at home here!Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's Episode!If you’re in the market for a beautiful new sofa, dining table or bed, head over to Article.com and explore the optionsGo to wildalaskan.com/CULTURE for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafoodSave 20% on comfortable, supportive undergarments at honeylove.com/CULTUREGive the gift of softness this holiday season with Lola Blankets. For a limited time, our listeners are getting a huge 40% OFF their entire order at LolaBlankets.com by using code CULTURE at checkoutShow Notes:Go listen to Forever35!! And follow Doree on Instagram and Elise on InstagramRead Doree's tennis newsletter, CourtdateI love Doree's celebration post from nationals: Listen to Elise's previous appearance on the podcast talking all about "Sephora Teens" Read my post about The Unexpected Benefits of Starting a Small-Scale Dahlia Farm with Your FriendsDoree's IVF podcastWe're currently looking for your questions for future episodes about:'90s Movie SoundtracksHow incel culture and slang pops up in the mainstreamHow we think about the morality of money and taxes — who should pay taxes, who shouldn't, who "deserves" money, who doesn't, how we came to decide that religious organizations shouldn't pay taxes (and how that belief is changing), SO MUCHHow to process all the STUFF accumulated from relatives (we have a really helpful organizer with a bunch of mental health training for this one!)The State of The CHAIN RESTAURANT — and chain restaurant supply chain!!! (I'm so excited for this one)Anything you need advice or want musings on for the AAA segment. You can ask about anything, it’s literally the name of the segmentAs always, you can submit your questions (and ideas for future eps) hereFor this week’s discussion: TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOBBY! Or tell us how you've made your hobby a joyful part of your life.

In this playful bonus episode, the hosts create quirky categories to reflect on the past year. They discuss their favorite Internet dog and the TikTok videos that brought them to tears. Listeners are invited to join the fun and submit their own categories. A standout moment features a book recommendation that the hosts want everyone to read. It’s all about lighthearted banter and delightful surprises, perfect for those seeking a whimsical break from the usual end-of-year lists.

Ifeoma Ozoma, an advocate and eldest-daughter commentator with a background in tech policy, dives into the complexities of being an eldest daughter. She and the host explore how familial roles shape identity, especially within immigrant families. They tackle themes like parentification, the pressures of managing expectations, and the impact of societal norms on eldest daughters. Ifeoma also shares her journey in founding Niños and Neighbors, a local political action committee focused on family issues, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries for future generations.

Amy Choi, writer and co-founder of The Mashup Americans, dives into the vibrant world of Korean pop culture. She explains the cultural phenomenon of 'Big Korean Energy' and its recent explosion in the West. The conversation touches on Korean literature’s rise in American book clubs, the nuances of K-beauty, and the careful political undertones of the Hallyu wave. They also navigate the complexities of cultural appropriation in fandom, arguing that dressing as K-pop characters isn’t equivalent to yellowface, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

Join journalist Ryan Goldberg, an expert on urban nature and author of Bird City, as he dives into the enchanting world of birding. He shares the story of his 'spark bird' that ignited his passion and discusses the surprising diversity of birds in cities like New York. Delve into how birding surged during the pandemic and the rise of inclusive, youth-driven birding clubs. Ryan also explores how technology, like the Merlin app, is reshaping the birding experience while emphasizing its role in enhancing mindfulness and community connections.

Jen Hewett, a printmaker and textile artist, shares her journey navigating the creative business world. She dives into the realities of running a small business, discussing the importance of sustainability and avoiding burnout. Jen comments on the challenges of balancing creativity with business strategies, like hiring help to reclaim artistic time. She also touches on the significance of valuing her expertise and the economic hurdles small owners face. With insights on promoting without social media, Jen emphasizes authenticity over trends in art.

In this enlightening discussion, Sarah Marshall, a talented podcaster and author known for her work on You're Wrong About and The Devil You Know, dives into the roots of moral and cultural panics. She explores the origins of the satanic panic and how media influences perceptions of fear. Sarah expertly distinguishes moral panics from conspiracy theories, linking them to societal changes and backlash against movements like feminism. The conversation also touches on contemporary issues, including fears around trans identities and the impact of screens on parenting.

Leigh Bardugo, bestselling author known for her hit series like Shadow and Bone, joins the chat to explore the intricacies of fantasy and YA literature. She shares insights on how genre shapes identities for teen readers and the importance of immersive worlds. Bardugo discusses her new picture book, touching on themes of grief and cultural heritage. The conversation dives into the role of complex emotions in YA, the marketing of romances, and why female-targeted fantasy often includes difficult subjects. It's a thought-provoking look at storytelling's power.

Audie Cornish, a journalist and broadcaster known for her work on CNN This Morning and The Assignment, joins to dissect the cultural layers of *Love Is Blind*. She explores how the show's format compresses modern dating, making it uniquely binge-worthy. Audie highlights the ethical concerns of casting contestants with serious life issues and analyzes the evolving dynamics of gender roles across seasons. She also reflects on how the show mirrors post-pandemic cultural shifts and the impact of performative identities on reality TV.

Amanda Uhle, memoirist and author of "Destroy This House," shares her experiences growing up in a hoarding household. She discusses the emotional complexities behind hoarding, from personal identity to familial chaos. Amanda contrasts collectors with hoarders, highlighting how the former find joy while the latter can feel disrupted by possessions. They also explore the societal perceptions of hoarding beyond poverty narratives, the impacts of shame, and practical strategies for setting boundaries with loved ones. Amanda's insights shed light on the thin line between collecting and hoarding.