Culture Study Podcast

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.

Avery Trufelman, creator and host of the podcast Articles of Interest, dives into the fascinating evolution of outdoor gear in American wardrobes. She explores how military design influences performance clothing and everyday fashion. Avery discusses the cultural significance of GORPcore and why certain brands like Carhartt become symbols of status. The conversation also touches on sizing inequalities in outdoor gear and the unexpected rise of the Patagonia vest in Silicon Valley. It's a captivating journey through style, function, and identity!

Daniel Penny, a journalist and host of Non-Toxic, delves into the explosive connection between the manosphere and climate change denial. He explains how ideals of virility and control fuel anti-environmental sentiments. Penny examines the gendering of nature and how male socialization transforms climate anxiety into anger and conspiracy. He discusses petromasculinity's impact on identity, the fear surrounding electric vehicles, and the politicization of climate action, which many misinterpret as a threat to their liberties.

FIRST OFF — PLEASE TAKE OUR MEMBERSHIP SURVEY!!The podcast only works because of your questions (and episode ideas!) and we want more of them (and your ideas about bonus episodes, pricing, etc.) It’ll take five minutes tops, and really helps us figure out the future of the entire Culture Study extended universe. Thank you ahead of time, and just click here to take it.Baseball is so romantic!! There is SO MUCH RITUAL! It’s beautiful, it’s meditative, it’s the very best thing to listen to on the radio. And I’m so glad that we convinced Ali Liebegott [Mets Fan] to come join Melody [Royals Fan] and me [Mariners / Twins fan] to answer all of your questions about baseball culture (and there were SO MANY OF THEM). We talk about how to respond to people who say it’s boring; we talk about the changes in the game over the last two years (and how casual and opposite-of-casual fans feel about it); we talk about MR MET and Homer Hankies and Dadness and being a queer fan of baseball and how long a game should be (Ali says: forever). It’s just a really delightful conversation, and I’m so excited for you to join it.Thanks to the sponsors of today’s episode!It’s Graza’s annual sitewide sale! Time to stock up on olive oil for the year. Discounts are automatically applied at checkout; no code needed.Head to Ollie.com/CULTURE, tell them all about your dog, and use code CULTURE to get 60% off your Welcome Kit when you subscribe todayHead to moshlife.com/CULTURE to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on the Best sellers Trial Pack or the NEW plant-based trial packStop putting off those doctors appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/CULTURE to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Show Notes:Subscribe to Ali’s newsletter, it’s the fucking best!Ali’s piece about Opening Day that moves me endlesslyAli’s piece on her tattoos (including Mr. Met)Ali’s glorious paintings available for sale (you can’t buy Mr. Met but you can buy this portrait of the ‘86 MetsFollow Ali on InstagramWe’re currently looking for your questions for future episodes about:Running a Small Business — and How to Make It Sustainable & Survivable (with Jen Hewett!)All things Love is Blind with Audie CornishDifferent Modalities of Hanging Out (aka, best ways to hang out with different people) with Mary HK ChoiWhat an actually family-friendly society would look like (with Elliot Haspel)An ADULT HOBBIES crossover episode with Forever35!The sociology of NAMESAnything you need advice or want musings on for the AAA segment. You can ask about anything, it’s literally the name of the segment!As always, you can submit them (and ideas for future eps) hereFor this week’s discussion: There’s so much we didn’t even have time to cover, so consider this a free for all!

Ash Brandon, a middle school librarian and creator known as The Gamer Educator, explores the complexities of screen time in relationships. He argues for a shift from viewing screens as morally bad towards practical management strategies. Ash emphasizes empowering kids with digital skills rather than fear and restriction. They discuss personal phone management tips, the unique emotional responses to phone vs. book usage, and how screens can accommodate disabilities. Overall, it's a candid conversation about cultivating healthier screen habits within families.

Jen Hatmaker, an influential author and former evangelical figure, dives deep into her transformative journey in midlife. She candidly discusses her divorce and how it became a platform for critiquing patriarchal structures and purity culture. Jen also reflects on the cultural shifts alongside her personal upheaval, from her changing stance on LGBTQ inclusion to the consequences of speaking out. The conversation touches on motherhood's identity challenge, financial constraints in career reinventions, and the importance of rest, making for a thought-provoking exploration of reinvention.

Join chef and cookbook author Evan Kleiman as he dives into the fascinating world of food trends. He unpacks the rise of Nashville hot chicken and why every restaurant must have a Brussels sprouts dish. Discover how food reflects cultural values and societal shifts, from the evolution of comfort foods to the burgeoning popularity of tinned fish. With insights on marketing strategies and nostalgic flavors, Evan makes food culture compelling and relatable, ensuring you'll feel inspired to explore new culinary delights!

In this engaging discussion, Adam Aleksic, a linguist and creator behind the popular Etymology Nerd platforms, explores how algorithms are reshaping our language. He delves into the rise of internet slang and the influence of social media on communication, including how phrases like 'Let's Go Brandon' evolve through digital culture. Aleksic highlights the tension between authenticity and marketing in modern advertising, while reflecting on how these linguistic changes affect cultural identity and personal expression in today's digital age.

Join Amy Odell, author of the biography 'Gwyneth', as she dives deep into the layers of Gwyneth Paltrow's complex celebrity persona. They discuss the thin line between Paltrow's relatable attempts and her aloof image. The impact of her wellness narratives versus traditional health discourse is explored, alongside her recent courtroom drama that stirred public fascination. Additionally, they critique how celebrity culture shapes body image perceptions and the challenges faced in balancing personal beliefs with public expectations.

Maris Kreizman, an avid reader and book critic known for her essay collection 'I Want to Burn This Place Down,' joins for a lively discussion on expanding literary horizons. They explore the emotional connections with books found in indie bookstores, share recommendations across genres, and dive into themes of comfort in literature. Kreizman highlights contemporary works and captivating narratives, encouraging listeners to reignite their reading passion with a new stack of must-reads.