Journalist Amanda Mull discusses the fascination with Stanley Tumblers, evolution of water bottle trends, and societal perceptions of consumption habits. The podcast explores the cultural shift towards trendy bottles, gender dynamics in design, and societal judgments on consumer behavior. Additionally, it delves into parental control fantasies over school activities, challenges of keeping water bottles clean, and the importance of hydration for children.

Delving into the captivating appeal of Kevin Bacon's Instagram, the podcast explores his relaxed charm, long-term marriage to Kyra Sedgwick, and the portrayal of rustic whiteness in social media. Analyzing celebrity imagery, discussions touch upon societal expectations, masculinity, and Gen X values. The episode offers a nuanced examination of popular culture and the allure of celebrity personas.

What does it mean to think of student loans as culture? First off, it means that we can think of them as something that’s changeable. Because as much as we’ve come to think of massive piles of debt as “just the way it is” for a broad swath of people (and more and more every year), there’s nothing inevitable about student loans. Our status quo doesn’t have to be saddling young adults (and/or their parents, and/or their grandparents) with albatrosses of debt, simply to obtain the credentials that (at least theoretically) put someone on track to financial security. But if significant student debt isn’t our status quo… what could be?Dominique Baker is one of my favorite thinkers on higher ed in general and the topic of student loans in particular — and we’re answering all your student-loan-culture questions, from “why can’t endowments just pay for all of this” to “how do I convince my beloved partner that it’s okay for us to share their student loan obligations?”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.Got a question or idea for a future episode? Let us know here. To hear more, visit culturestudypod.substack.com

Join the conversation about the popular ACOTAR series with discussions on writing quality, Feyre's painting skills, and book four mysteries. Delve into emotions towards romantic fantasy, explore 'smut' on TikTok, and analyze feminist perspectives. Discover the importance of sex scenes in romance novels and get ready for upcoming episodes on online shopping culture and the British royal family.

Butts take the spotlight in this episode as hosts delve into terminology, body shame, and evolutionary psychology myths. They explore societal perceptions, workplace struggles, and the fascination with bodies, all while providing no-nonsense advice and encouraging subscriptions for bonus content.

Delving into Bradley Cooper's desire for an Oscar, Hollywood masculinity, and his star image. Comparing his celebrity persona to Michaela Cole's authenticity. Analyzing his complex characters, celebrity relationships, and societal perceptions. Exploring power dynamics in news reporting and embracing personal interests with joy. Discussing gossip sources and podcast recommendations for entertainment enthusiasts.

Lyz Lenz, a divorce aficionado, discusses the pathologization of divorce and its effects on individuals and communities. They explore the concept of contagious divorce and its liberation potential. They also delve into the impact of social media on navigating divorce, challenge stereotypes, and emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself. The podcast promotes shifting perspectives on divorce, acceptance, and support within the community. The hosts make a plea for support and subscription to keep the podcast running.

Exploring the world of personal coaching, the podcast discusses the different types of coaches, the manipulative nature of personal coaching, the impact on personal growth, vulnerability in MLMs, benefits of life coaching, challenges of finding therapy, and the importance of holding people accountable.

Philanthropy is so weird. Celebrities: also weird. When the two collide, you get something even more bizarre. Why should we believe what Ashton Kutcher has to say about human trafficking? How did Bill Gates change the very core of his image? What does The Gilded Age teach us about philanthropy and social position? And why does giving feel more and more like shopping? Amy Schiller joins the pod to work through the tangled knot of modern philanthropy. If you like the show, it is SO INCREDIBLY HELPFUL for our fledging pod if you can share it with others. Send it to your nerdy friend or coworker who’d love it. Post it on Instagram. Follow or subscribe to the pod on your podcast app, and/or write us a quick review on iTunes.Also: we’ve made enough through subscriptions to pay Melody through early March, but without more…..we can’t keep making the show. So if you like the pod, if you want it to continue, consider subscribing today. (And if you’re already a Culture Study newsletter subscriber, you get a screaming deal).Got a question or idea for a future episode? Let us know here. This week, we’re looking for your questions for future episodes about: The romance novel boom; your thoughts and feelings on student loans; whatever Bradley Cooper's whole deal is.You can submit them (and ideas for future eps) here. To hear more, visit culturestudypod.substack.com

At some point in the last year I looked around and realized… 2000s music was EVERYWHERE. Nelly Furtado. Timbaland. Eminem. 50 Cent. MGMT. In Bama Rush videos. At sports games. In the background of TikToks of teens plaintively yearning to be 2000s teens. In weird animation videos meant for seven-year-old boys. Why THIS music, and why RIGHT NOW? Musicologist Nate Sloan— co-host of one of my favorite podcasts, Switched on Pop— has all the answers, or at least most of them. If you like the show, it is SO INCREDIBLY HELPFUL for our fledging pod if you can share it with others. Send it to your nerdy friend or coworker who’d love it. Post it on Instagram. Follow or subscribe to the pod on your podcast app, and/or write us a quick review on iTunes.Also: we’ve made enough through subscriptions to pay Melody through early March, but without more…..we can’t keep making the show. So if you like the pod, if you want it to continue, consider subscribing today. (And if you’re already a Culture Study newsletter subscriber, you get a screaming deal).Got a question or idea for a future episode? Let us know here. This week, we’re looking for your questions for future episodes about: Weird modern architecture and home design trends; your thoughts and feelings on sitting; whatever Bradley Cooper's whole deal is.You can submit them (and ideas for future eps) 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