
Culture Study Podcast
A podcast about the culture that surrounds you — with Anne Helen Petersen and a bunch of very smart co-hosts culturestudypod.substack.com
Latest episodes

5 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 52min
The Insidious Influence of Moms for Liberty
Journalist Laura Pappano talks about Moms For Liberty, revealing their censorship tactics in schools. Discussion includes their funding, organizing against them, historical context, and the battle for public education. Learn about the far-right influence, targeting school boards, and the impact on diversity in reading materials.

Apr 3, 2024 • 46min
We know sitting is bad for us. But what are we supposed to do instead?
Discussion on the negative impacts of sitting and ways to counteract it with movement breaks, exploring analogies between sitting and smoking, relaxation strategies, and embracing movement in a sedentary world. The hosts also reflect on social media platforms and podcast promotion.

41 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 54min
Come Drink From the Stanley Cup
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.

6 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 52min
The Intoxicating Ease of Kevin Bacon's Instagram
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.

4 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 53min
Student Loans Are Culture
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

7 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 44min
The ACOTAR Chokehold
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.

6 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 55min
Your Questions About Butts, Answered
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.

4 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 59min
What's Bradley Cooper's Deal?
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.

Feb 14, 2024 • 49min
Is Divorce Actually Contagious?
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.

Feb 7, 2024 • 50min
Is Personal Coaching a Scam?
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.