Culture Study Podcast

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!Show Notes:If you don’t already: listen to Sarah MacLean’s ridiculously good podcast Fated Mates, co-hosted with romance critic Jen ProkopFollow Sarah on InstagramPre-order These Summer Storms here and read more about it here (Melody got an ARC and can attest that it’s a great time!!)I also appreciate how Sarah’s website divides up all her mini-series in a way that I can track them clearly; we talk at length about The Bareknuckle Bastards series (I like #2 the best) and A Scot in the Dark (that’s the one about revenge porn)Sarah mentions The Heroine’s Journey by Gail CarrigerThis is our best attempt at collecting all the recommended books!Lorraine Heath, The Earl Takes All (this is the monkey twin one!!)Meredith Duran, The Duke of the Shadows (a first novel)Erin Langston, The Finest Print (about a judge’s daughter and a printmaker)Joanna Shupe, A Notorious Vow (bad bad family) and The Duke Gets Even (Comstock laws!)Adriana Herrera, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke (the one with an abortion doctor!)Myah Ariel, When I Think of You (a debut with interesting structure, featuring former film school classmates)Louisa Darling, Don’t Let Your Dukes Grow Up to Be Scoundrels and Where Have All the Scoundrels Gone? (features a heroine who has had great sex in the past)Judith Ivory, The Proposition (reverse Pygmalion)Mark your calendars for next year’s Derek Craven Day!We’re currently looking for your questions for future episodes about:WTF is going on with contemporary/everyday men’s fashion (will Dockers make a comeback? How should we think about the business casual fleece/puffer vest? What’s going on with swimwear? HATS? I’m so excited for this one, with the great Jason Diamond)Dark Academia (as in, the literary genre)How cookbooks get made (we’re interviewing a cookbook author and their editor)Van/Skoolie/RV LifePlastic Surgery and Body Modification (with Arabelle Sicardi)PERIODS with Kate Helen Downey, host of CrampedSpiritual care for non-religious people (as in: is there a way we can think about spiritual care even for people who aren’t religious? IS THIS POSSIBLE? Take this wherever you want!)Anything 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 today’s discussion: What’s the historical romance that’s stuck with you, and how do you think of it in the context of all Sarah brings up here? Or: why can’t you get into historical romances?

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.Show Notes (Scroll Down for a List of EVERY MOVIE MENTIONED):Follow Margaret on Instagram!!Find out more about Margaret’s course on Mansfield Park hereIf you want to learn A LOT more about Pre-Code Cinema, this book is my go-to (and very accessible)A bunch of classic streaming services have challenged some of the arguments in this piece, but it’s a decent overview re: the disappearance of classic film from NetflixIf you want to go deep on screwballs and the comedy of remarriageMy Scandals of Classic Hollywood on Warren Beatty lives onEVERY MOVIE MENTIONED AND WHERE TO FIND IT(as best as Melody could figure out) (recs for checking the local library are implicit)Vertigo (1958) - rentPaper Moon (1973) - Paramount+Badlands (1974) - rentTokyo Story (1953) - MaxAn Autumn Afternoon (1962) - MaxGosford Park (2001) - rentWhat’s Up, Doc? (1972) - rentBringing Up Baby (1938) - rentThe Lady Eve (1941) - Criterion, rentSylvia Scarlett (1935) - rentNow, Voyager (1942) - Tubi, TCM, rentSullivan’s Travels (1941) - rentThe Palm Beach Story (1942) - rentThe Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1944 ) - rentShampoo (1975) - rentTo Be or Not To Be (1942) - Max, CriterionBorn Yesterday (1950) - rentThe Philadelphia Story (1940) - Tubi, rentButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) - Tubi, rentNorth by Northwest (1959) - Criterion, Tubi, TCM, rentForeign Correspondent (1940) - Max, Criterion, Tubi, rentSingin’ in the Rain (1952) - Max, rentMagnolia (1999) - Paramount+, rentMcCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) - rentCabaret (1972) - Tubi, rentNew York, New York (1977) - not available for streaming :(Broadcast News (1987) - Starz, rentDesk Set (1957) - rentThe Conversation (1974) - Paramount+, Criterion, rentEvil Under the Sun (1982) - Prime, rentDouble Indemnity (1944) - rentThe Third Man (1949) - rentKind Hearts and Coronets (1949) - rentThe Shop Around the Corner (1940) - rentHoliday (1938) - rentShadow of a Doubt (1943) - Criterion, rentThe Women (1939) - rentAll About Eve (1950) - rentFunny Face (1957) - rentBarefoot in the Park (1967) - rentCharade (1963) - Prime, rentAnatomy of a Murder (1959) - rentRear Window (1954) - Criterion, rentWe’re currently looking for your questions for future episodes about:Dark AcademiaHow cookbooks get madeVan/Skoolie/RV LifeSpiritual care for non-religious peopleAnything you need advice or want musings on for the AAA segment. You can ask about anything, it’s literally the name of the segment!You can submit them (and ideas for future eps) hereFor today’s discussion: What suggestions did we miss? Which suggestions do you endorse? Share the old movie love!

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.