Culture Study Podcast

Alyssa Morris, author of the newsletter 'Romancing the Phone,' specializes in BookTok trends and the romance genre. She uncovers the vibrant world of BookTok, where creativity meets community, reshaping reading culture and marketing strategies. The discussion dives into the rise of influencer-led book clubs, the impact of social media on publishing dynamics, and the democratization of author fame. Morris also highlights how genres like romance are celebrated on these platforms, challenging societal stigma and fostering inclusivity in literature.

Nicholas Quah, a prominent staff writer at Vulture and expert in the podcasting landscape, dives into the current state of the medium. He discusses the rise and fall of podcasting, analyzing shifts since the pandemic. The conversation explores contrasting advertising strategies between large networks and independent creators, as well as the nuances of monetization through platforms like Patreon. Quah also addresses the delicate balance of authenticity versus polish in content creation, emphasizing how editing shapes audience engagement.

Dr. Stacy Wentworth, a board-certified radiation oncologist and author of Cancer Culture, dives into the oddities surrounding cancer discourse. She analyzes why society creates bizarre narratives around cancer and its treatment. The conversation sheds light on the stigma that survivors face, the complexities of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the struggles of navigating emotional trauma post-treatment. Wentworth advocates for a more nuanced understanding of cancer, highlighting the importance of community and open dialogue in supporting patients.

Dive into hilarious rants about trivial dislikes ranging from gnomes to boarding processes on airlines. Explore the quirks of labeling romantic partners, with a focus on the term 'partner' in queer contexts. Discover strong opinions on the resurgence of mullets and the chaos of travel etiquette. Join discussions on trendy language and the cultural significance of everyday choices, all while sharing laughs over the most absurd yet relatable grievances. It's a lighthearted yet insightful exploration of our quirky social fabric.

Cristen Conger, host of the podcast Conspiracy, She Wrote, dives into the strange world of contemporary conspiracy theories. She tackles questions about the line between gossip and conspiracy, discussing wild claims involving celebrities like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. The conversation highlights the gender dynamics in conspiracy belief, particularly the historical ties to anti-Semitism and societal fears about women's safety. Conger also shares strategies for effectively engaging with those who hold these beliefs, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

Dive into the wild world of Mormon influencers navigating motherhood and sexuality with a reality show twist. Discover the surprising relationships and drama that unfold in 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.' Unpack the contrasting narratives of TikTok momfluencers versus traditional bloggers. Explore the shifting tides of female entrepreneurship and the complexities of identity within the Mormon culture. Lastly, tackle the dynamics of privilege, feminism, and how men factor into family narratives in this engaging exploration.

Trish Bendix, a writer known for her deep dive into sapphic pop music, joins to explore its vibrant history and cultural impact. The conversation highlights the evolution of queer representation in music, emphasizing influential artists and pivotal moments. They tackle JoJo Siwa's claim to create 'gay pop' and the mixed reactions she's faced. The duo celebrates resilience in sapphic identities and the growing acceptance of queer narratives in mainstream music, inviting listeners to connect with emerging artists and discussions.

This is a dream come true of an episode: we got the owners of The Ripped Bodice to talk to us about all the ins and outs of running a romance-only bookstore. We talk about everything from the genesis of their annual State of Racial Diversity in Romance Publishing Report to their fav recommendations for tweens and teens …..and how they deal with “vintage” romances in the store. I found everything about our discussion fascinating — plus, if you’re a paid subscriber, you get very good advice on how to recommend books to others!Show Notes:FOLLOW THE RIPPED BODICE ON INSTAGRAM!!!Or even better, go to one of their actual bookstores in Brooklyn or Culver CityIf you can’t get to LA or Brooklyn, here’s a Reddit thread compiling a list of more romance bookstoresThe Ripped Bodice State of Racial Diversity in Publishing ReportListen to our previous romance-specific episodes:How Romance Novels Center Marginalized JoyHow Romance Writers Rewrite Publishing’s RulesThe ACOTAR ChokeholdA fascinating piece on the use of “spicy” as a descriptor for romance novelsSome of the books and authors mentioned in this episode:Chuck TingleDon’t Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma R. AlbanThe historical romance writers Bea dealt out of her backpack as a kid: Lisa Kleypas, Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn, Lorraine Heath, Loretta ChaseJane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend by Rebecca RomneyThe Ripped Bodice’s collection of used and rare romance novelsThe Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. WoodiwissIce Planet Barbarians by Ruby DixonFor YA recs: Alexandra Bracken, Rebekah Weatherspoon, Sarah Kuhn, and Elise BryantWe’re currently looking for your questions for future episodes about:We’re still looking for questions about queer romance that aren’t related to “why are all these women writing about romance between two dudes” (which we will definitely tackle, don’t worry)Women’s Sports and/or Gender Panic in/around Women’s SportsSAPPHIC POP, SO HOT RIGHT NOW (especially want to talk about Chappell Roan but we can go in so many directions)How do people access/consume celebrity gossip these daysHow we talk and think about cancerMidwest [Dad] MasculinityWTF is going on with [insert clothing brand/website] hereGwyneth? The new Brad Pitt / George Clooney movie?We’re definitely doing a Paul Mescal episode but I’d love your ideas about who should be my co-hostStill want to do a Sydney Sweeney and Gen-Z Stardom ep!!!!!Anything you need advice or want musings on for the AAA segmentYou can submit them (and ideas for future eps) here (this is the subscriber-only form!)For today’s discussion: How did this discussion change or texture your understanding of how a romance bookstore works? Or: what are your tips for recommending books to others?

Lilah Raptopoulos, host of the podcast Life and Art, joins to explore the intricate relationship between cooking, memory, and cultural heritage. They discuss how recipes serve as a bridge to the past and reflect on family traditions while navigating today's overwhelming number of online recipes. Lilah shares insights on the evolution of personal and familial recipes, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in cooking. Listeners are encouraged to document their culinary journeys, creating personalized cookbooks as a testament to their unique experiences.

Hollywood correspondent Natalie Jarvey dives into the intricate world of reality TV, unraveling its ethics and labor issues. She discusses the emotional toll on participants, the blurred lines between reality and performance, and the impact of social media on contestants branded as villains. Jarvey also highlights the need for better support systems for reality stars and explores why these melodramas continue to captivate audiences. Plus, she offers insights on the evolution of beauty standards in shows like 'The Bachelor' and the ongoing unionization efforts.