The Culture We Deserve Obligatory Best and Worst of the Year Episode
Jan 1, 2026
Nico and Jessa dive deep into the best and worst cultural moments of the year. They tackle everything from a masculinity crisis to AI’s encroachment on culture. Their discussion covers the overproduction of content, the commodification of bodies, and the challenges facing museums. As they dissect films and books, they highlight standout works like 'One Fight' and Jessa's path-breaking book on masculinity. Tune in for sharp critiques and hopeful artistic reflections that promise better cultural futures ahead!
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Episode notes
Brazil's Secret Agent Resonated Deeply
- Jessa named The Secret Agent (Brazil) her top film and compared it favorably to PTA for humane depictions under authoritarianism.
- She praised director Kleber Mendonça Filho's focus on ordinary people rather than polished stars.
Watch Ken Burns’ History Series
- Watch Ken Burns' The American Revolution to understand fresh public history framing.
- Give documentary work attention; it can reshape mainstream perspectives and deserves viewing despite length.
Take Debates Into Popular Spaces
- Cultural arguments reach broader audiences when framed for mainstream outlets beyond academic spaces.
- Nico argues shifting debates into widely consumed platforms matters more than isolated elite conversations.