Vanessa Zoltan, a non-denominational chaplain and Harvard Divinity School teacher, shares insights on spiritual care for the non-religious. She discusses the growing number of 'Nones' seeking community and care outside traditional religions. The conversation tackles the importance of creating inclusive support systems and the role of rituals in fostering emotional well-being. Zoltan highlights how spiritual care can bridge the gap for individuals navigating a secular world, addressing both personal challenges and community building.

Join writer and runner Raziq Rauf, known for his newsletter "Running Sucks," as he tackles the quirks of running culture. Together, they explore why marathoners are so persuasive, the intimidating vibe of running clubs, and how running can be a double-edged sword of joy and pressure. Raziq sheds light on the camaraderie among runners, the role of apps like Strava in building connections, and the relationship between running and academia. It's a frank discussion about the ups and downs of hitting the pavement.

Lilah Raptopolous, a culture journalist at the Financial Times, joins the discussion on Meghan Markle's lifestyle show, delving into its impact and viewer reception. They explore the complexities of Meghan's public image compared to Kate Middleton's, examining the roles of race, gender, and wealth in media portrayals. They critically analyze the show's production choices and authenticity in celebrity culture. A rich dialogue unfolds around navigating personal narrative amidst public scrutiny, while offering insights into the viewers' emotional connections with the content.

In this lively discussion, Caroline O’Donoghue, author of 'The Rachel Incident' and host of 'Sentimental Garbage,' dives into the fascinating theme of 'Irishification' in pop culture. She humorously navigates the complexities of Irish identity, highlighting the impact of figures like Paul Mescal and shows such as 'Derry Girls.' The conversation also explores the nuances of Irish pronunciation and cultural crossover, along with reflections on nostalgia and the evolving narratives of Irish heritage in modern media. Caroline's wit shines, making it an engaging listen!

If you’re a historical romance person, all I need to say is: Sarah MacLean is here, and she is answering all the questions. If you’re not a historical romance person, I’ll spell it out a little more: Sarah MacLean is one of the most popular writers of historical romance today — and she’s also the cohost of the incredibly popular podcast Fated Mates. She’s a very good pod conversationalist, which is one of many reasons we wanted to have her on the show (that and I knew it would make Melody faint if she said yes). We talk about how the conventions and constrictions of the historical genre allow for feminist play and provocation, how historicals handle virginity, why author’s first books are so often the most compelling, and so, SO much more. If you’re a longtime fan (of the genre, of Sarah), you’re going to absolutely love this; if not, we’ve got so many recommendations for starting points. I hope you enjoy this one as much as we enjoyed recording it! Join the ranks of paid subscribers and get bonus content, access to the discussion threads, ad-free episodes, and the knowledge that you're supporting an indie pod trying to make its way in the world. If you're already a subscriber-- thank you! Join us in the discussion thread for this episode! Got a question or idea for a future episode? Let us know here. To hear more, visit culturestudypod.substack.com

Dana Miranda, a financial educator and author, teams up with Melody Rowell, an advocate of mindful money management who has experienced Dave Ramsey's methods firsthand. They demystify the myths of budget culture, challenge traditional financial narratives, and discuss the psychological aspects of spending. The duo contrasts rigid budgeting with personalized financial strategies, addressing systemic issues over individual blame. They also reframe debt as a resource and highlight the importance of community support in navigating financial challenges.

I love old movies — but I didn’t always! In fact, I needed many years of directed classwork to fall in love with them. But if you’re not in the mood to pause your life and take on significant graduate debt, THERE ARE STILL OPTIONS, and Margaret H. Willison and I are here to offer them. In this episode, we offer specific suggestions to listeners based on short lists of their (recent) film favs, talk about “aesthetic friction” and how to overcome it, strongly invite you to put your phone in the other room, and travel all over film history in a very earnest attempt to help you find your own entry point into the expansive mansion that is “old movies,” broadly defined. Join the ranks of paid subscribers and get bonus content, access to the discussion threads, ad-free episodes, and the knowledge that you're supporting an indie pod trying to make its way in the world. If you're already a subscriber-- thank you! Join us in the discussion thread for this episode! Got a question or idea for a future episode? Let us know here. To hear more, visit culturestudypod.substack.com

Phil Maciak, a TV critic at The New Republic and an expert on dad culture, explores the quirks of fatherhood and style. He discusses what defines dad culture, from pleated shorts to sentimental 'dad hats.' The conversation delves into non-traditional family roles and the impact of media on parenting norms. Maciak also highlights how masculinity is evolving alongside diverse identities. They even debate whether Bandit from 'Bluey' represents the ideal dad. Get ready to rethink what it means to be a father!

Joel Anderson, a renowned host at The Ringer and expert on celebrity feuds, dives deep into the juicy world of music rivalries. He traces the intense clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, dissecting its origins and the powerful often commercialized narrative behind it. The conversation contrasts the theatrical feuds of reality TV stars like Lauren Conrad and Heidi and Spencer with genuine hip-hop conflicts. Anderson highlights how these public battles shape artists' identities and societal perceptions, offering fascinating insights into the cultural implications of celebrity dynamics.

Pooja Lakshmin MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of "Real Self-Care," dives deep into the pitfalls of commodified self-care. She critiques superficial solutions peddled to mothers and professionals alike while emphasizing personal agency amidst systemic pressures. Pooja highlights the evolving nature of self-care, especially for Gen Z, and addresses the struggle against perfectionism in personal and professional life. Tune in for insights on celebrating achievements authentically and navigating wellness in a corporate landscape.