New Books in Popular Culture

It’s The Pop Culture Professors, and we continue our analysis of the FX series Alien: Earth with episode 5, “In Space, No One…” and episode 6, “The Fly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

Inspired by leaders such as Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson, the online Manosphere has exploded in recent years. Dedicated to anti-feminism, these communities have orchestrated online campaigns of misogynistic harassment, with some individuals going as far as committing violent terrorist attacks. Although the Manosphere has become a focus point of the media, researchers and governments alike, discussions tend to either over-sensationalize the community or offer simplistic explanations for their existence. This book uses a mixture of historical and economic analysis, alongside actual Manosphere content, to delve deeper. With The Male Complaint: The Manosphere and Misogyny Online (Polity, 2025), Simon James Copland explains how the Manosphere has developed and why it appeals to so many men. He argues that the Manosphere is not an aberration, but is deeply embedded within mainstream, neoliberal, social structures. For a cohort of alienated men, the promise of community provides a space of understanding, connection and purpose. This insightful book dares to dig into the corners of incel communities and online spaces where misogyny thrives. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand, and do something about, this growing and worrying phenomenon. Simon Copland is Honorary Fellow at the Australian National University. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.