Middlebrow

Noelle Perdue, porn historian and writer, traces the evolving boundaries of obscenity. We explore the definition of porn, algorithmic influences to our desire, tradwives, old playboys and fetishes.

Dan and Brian discuss the online footprint of today’s assassins, stress addiction, Disclaimer on Apple TV, coffee shop zoom calls, Luna Luna, Dutch Bros and America’s disappearing middle taste.

Tony award-winning playwright David Adjmi (Stereophonic) explores the creative aftermath of success. We chat about the tensions between artistic authenticity, creative ambition, and the weight of accomplishment.

Dan and Brian discuss friendsgiving as a concept, the millennial concert going experience, Paul Mescal and Denzel in Gladiator 2, Sunset Blvd on Broadway, Hauser and Wirth's restaurant and Rafa’s retirement.

Dan and Brian discuss being personality hires for a J.Crew campaign, juggalo aesthetics, unicycle guys, becoming Joe Rogan of the left, virtual queues and the genius of Christian Marclay’s ‘The Clock’. 

Designer and NYU media studies professor Ruby Thelot investigates the cultural dynamics of online spaces. Through his research, we discuss the act of being online, forms of gatekeeping, the Drake academic symposium and ways to become a better hater.

Dan and Brian discuss halloween costume effort, diversifying racism, Sean Baker’s Anora, the truth about Blue Zones, Malcolm Gladwell-isms, testosterone replacement therapy and Hey Dude shoes.

Joss Fong, co-creator and host of the popular YouTube series "Howtown," brings her digital storytelling expertise from her time as a founding member of Vox’s video team to dissect the evolving landscape of online media. We dive into generational divides, the challenges of public-facing creativity, ways to measure happiness and other possible “how do they know” explorations.

Award-winning journalist Bianca Bosker, author of the NYT bestseller "Get the Picture," immersed herself in New York's fine art world to understand its enduring appeal. We explore her findings, covering art literacy, market politics, artificial scarcity, and ways to disrupt the industry.

Gen Z workforce, Adam Neumann deja vu, Vampire Weekend concert report, partiful, industry parties and the agony and ecstasy of Megalopolis