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

What makes something ~Dad~? Is it pleated Dockers? A worn baseball cap? Asking (again) if you’ve checked your oil? Incompetency in the domestic sphere paired with competency outside of it? I’ve long loved thinking through both the serious and the ridiculous of Dad Culture, and for today’s episode, we have an actual scholar of it (Phil Maciak, currently hard at work on a Dad Culture book) to unpack the history and theory of Dadness, including: do you have to be a dad to be part of Dad Culture (no) is Dad Culture just white middle-class boomer dads (also no) and is Bandit from Bluey too good of a Dad (maybe). Listen on, and let’s Dad It Up. 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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit culturestudypod.substack.com/subscribe

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.

Heather Hansman, author of Powder Days and a contributing editor at Outside Magazine, dives deep into the changing landscape of skiing culture. She reflects on her nostalgic childhood experiences contrasted with today’s elite ski culture shaped by wealth and accessibility issues. The conversation tackles the socioeconomic divide in ski towns, the rise of mountain camping, and the impacts of climate change on skiing. Hansman emphasizes the need for community support and the rich emotional ties many have to this beloved winter sport.

Heather Cox and Jessica Morgan, co-founders of the iconic celebrity gossip blog Go Fug Yourself, dive deep into the wild evolution of celebrity culture. They explore how social media has reshaped celebrity images and paved the way for influencers, while nostalgically reflecting on the vibrant gossip landscape of the 2000s. They discuss the challenges of distinguishing truth from sensationalism in modern gossip and the authenticity crisis celebrities face today. This insightful conversation is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the current state and future of celebrity discourse.

In this engaging discussion, Kelsey Vlamis, a Senior Reporter at Business Insider, unpacks the evolving world of thrifting. She reminisces about the tactile experience of vintage finds and contrasts it with today's fast fashion crisis. The conversation dives into the rising prices of thrifted goods despite increasing donations, explores the emotional complexity of decluttering, and highlights the generational shift in consumer attitudes towards sustainable shopping. Kelsey even presents a thrifting mystery—can listeners help solve it?

Ash Compton is a licensed psychotherapist and cultural theorist, while Rachel Monroe is a writer at The New Yorker and co-host of Bad Therapist. They dive into the rise of therapy speak, exploring its evolution and influence on culture, especially via social media. The discussion critiques how therapeutic language can be misused, oversimplifying complex emotions. They also examine the implications of therapeutic terms in personal relationships and the workplace, raising vital questions about authenticity and meaningful communication in our fast-paced world.

Youngna Park, a writer with a focus on children's toys and modern parenting, shares her insights on the world of kids' toys. She dives into the nostalgia of toys from the past, like My Little Ponies, and discusses the societal pressures tied to toy selection. The conversation highlights the enduring appeal of wooden toys and critiques the aesthetics of children's playthings in relation to class. Park also explores the dynamics of gift-giving and how economic factors shape children's play experiences. Get ready to rethink your toy choices!

In this engaging conversation, Adib Khorram, an award-winning author celebrated for his queer fiction, dives into the vibrant world of queer romance. He discusses the nuances of queer narratives, the impact of upbringing on love, and the importance of diverse representation. Khorram also addresses the controversy surrounding queer romance written by straight authors and the surge in popularity of MM plots. Listeners will find insightful recommendations and a call for authenticity, making this a must-listen for anyone curious about queer literature.