New Books in Popular Culture

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Sep 10, 2025 • 48min

From Stonewall to Studio 54

Nicky Siano, a legendary DJ and pioneer of the disco era, shares stories from the vibrant 1970s New York scene. He recounts his early days at David Mancuso’s Loft and how he transformed the party culture at The Gallery. Siano discusses the unifying power of music during the Stonewall riots, linking it to the activism of the queer community. He underscores the importance of disco as a refuge during the AIDS crisis and reflects on his unconventional methods that left a mark on iconic venues like Studio 54.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 14min

Dorothy Armstrong, "Threads of Empire: A History of the World in Twelve Carpets" (St. Martin's Press, 2025)

Dorothy Armstrong, a historian specializing in the material culture of South, Central, and West Asia, delves into the fascinating history embodied in carpets. She reveals how these textiles reflect power dynamics, spirituality, and cultural narratives throughout time. Armstrong discusses the stark divide between wealthy carpet consumers and the artisans who create them, highlighting women's historical struggles in the craft. From the ancient Paziric carpet to imperial Ottoman legacies, her insights weave a rich tapestry of history and artistry.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 12min

Alfred L. Martin Jr. and Taylor Cole Miller eds., "The Golden Girls: Tales from the Lanai" (Rutgers UP, 2025)

Alfred L. Martin Jr., an Associate Professor of Media Studies at the University of Miami, and Taylor Cole Miller, an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, explore the phenomenon of 'The Golden Girls.' They unpack the show’s cultural legacy and its impact on feminism and queer studies. The discussion highlights the significance of audience engagement, particularly from diverse groups like Black and queer audiences. Behind-the-scenes tales reveal the show’s playful production, making it a timeless classic in contemporary media.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 35min

Jumping Through Hoops: Performing Gender in the 19th Century Circus

Join Betsy Golden Kellem, a scholar of the unusual and Emmy-winning host, as she unveils the hidden history of daring female circus performers in the 19th century. Discover the boundary-breaking feats of women like Lavinia Warren and Annie Edson Taylor, who defied societal norms and redefined femininity in a male-dominated world. Kellem delves into the evolution of the circus as a major business and the cultural significance of these performances, highlighting the intersection between gender, history, and art in a captivating way.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 46min

Human Leadership for Humane Technology

Cornelia C. Walther, an author and senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into technology's societal impact. She shares insights from her extensive humanitarian work, highlighting digital inequality during the pandemic. Walther discusses her concept of 'Aspirational Algorithms,' which aim to enhance human capabilities rather than exploit them. The conversation touches on ethical responsibilities in AI, the importance of including diverse voices in tech development, and how to create 'prosocial' technology that genuinely connects communities.
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Sep 7, 2025 • 49min

Joelle Kidd, "Jesusland: Stories from the Upside Down World of Christian Pop Culture" (ECW Press, 2025)

Joelle Kidd, author of "Jesusland: Stories from the Upside Down World of Christian Pop Culture," reflects on her evangelical adolescence infused with early 2000s Christian pop culture. She shares humorous and poignant insights about the commercialization of faith and the rise of purity culture. Kidd discusses the exploitation of volunteer labor in Christian filmmaking and how early Christian pop influences contemporary political movements. Her compelling essays bridge personal experiences with a critique of the socio-political ramifications of evangelicalism today.
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Sep 6, 2025 • 44min

Katherine Fusco, "Hollywood's Others: Love and Limitation in the Star System" (Columbia UP, 2025)

Katherine Fusco, an Associate Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, discusses her book on Hollywood’s unconventional stars. She delves into the complex relationships between early cinema, race, and gender, highlighting how atypical stars like Lon Chaney challenged audience perceptions. Fusco explores Shirley Temple's career against the backdrop of child labor laws and analyzes how marginalized identities were navigated within the star system. Her insights reveal the limits of empathy in film and the ways the industry managed audience attachments.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 60min

Cary Baker, "Down On The Corner: Adventures in Busking & Street Music" (Jawbone Press, 2025)

Cary Baker, a veteran journalist and music publicist, delves into the world of street music in his latest book, exploring its rich history from the 1920s to today. He shares captivating anecdotes from his journey through Chicago's vibrant blues scene and discusses the cultural legacy of iconic locations like Maxwell Street. Baker highlights the resilience of street performers, the impact of legal battles on busking, and how technology is reshaping the art of street performances, blending activism with music in a uniquely compelling narrative.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 49min

Daniel Horowitz, "Bear With Me: A Cultural History of Famous Bears in America" (Duke UP, 2025)

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Horowitz, a Professor and author of "Bear With Me: A Cultural History of Famous Bears in America," explores America's deep-rooted fascination with bears. He highlights the legacy of Teddy Roosevelt's ethical choices in bear hunting and the rise of cultural icons like Smokey Bear. The conversation also touches on the evolution of tales like Goldilocks, the multifaceted symbolism of bears in modern media, and how they evoke both comfort and fear, reflecting broader societal themes.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 37min

Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson, "Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free" (Simon & Schuster, 2025)

Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson, a journalist and author, dives into the life of Claire McCardell, a revolutionary fashion designer who liberated women's wardrobes. Their conversation highlights McCardell's innovative designs, like the wrap dress and ballet flats, that prioritize comfort and style. She boldly rejected corsets and male-dominated ideals, advocating for women's autonomy in clothing choices. Dickinson also discusses McCardell's legacy as a pioneering woman owning her name in fashion, and her impact on modern styles still felt today.

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