It's Been a Minute
NPR
Want in on a secret? Your likes and dislikes didn't develop by accident. There are subtle and not-so-subtle forces around you, shaping what you think, how you act, and even who you think you are. Brittany Luse is here to break the spell and help you feel wiser in a society that makes things blurry.THE BEST POP CULTURE PODCAST AWARD WINNER AT THE 2025 SIGNAL AWARDSIt’s Been A Minute with Brittany Luse is the best podcast for understanding what’s going on in culture right now, and helps you consume it smarter. From how politics influences pop culture to how identity influences tech or health, Brittany makes the picture clearer for you every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.It’s Been A Minute reaches millions of people every week. Join the community and conversation today.If you can't get enough, try It's Been a Minute Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/itsbeenaminute
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 13, 2026 • 19min
You can break the cycle of overthinking
Brandon Taylor, novelist and essayist who writes on race, identity, and art, talks about creative paralysis and how worry about reception can block work. He examines social media’s role in producing a watched self. He discusses race grifts, faith and vocation, and why offering grace matters more than proving you’re right.
11 snips
May 12, 2026 • 38min
Progressive women are fed up & fighting back (feat. IHIP News)
Angie “Pumps” Sullivan, a former evangelical turned progressive commentator, and Jennifer Welch, a podcaster-turned-progressive voice, discuss shaking up political media. They share how personal grievances became sharp political commentary. They talk about women reshaping politics, why many can’t let go of Trump, and how Democrats should listen to progressive women.
May 11, 2026 • 28min
Is your data getting colonized?
Ulises Mejias, a professor and author on data colonialism, and Regine Cabato, a Philippine-based journalist who reports on AI labor. They unpack the human labor behind AI, data annotation work in the Philippines, low pay and harms of moderation, outsourcing dynamics tied to colonial history, and debates over consent, transparency, and responsible AI.
9 snips
May 8, 2026 • 23min
People say America doesn't have a monarchy. They're wrong.
MJ Corey, author and cultural critic known for Deconstructing the Kardashians, compares American dynasties. She explores media savvy that built the Kennedys and Kardashians. She breaks down family branding, PR architects, and who holds cultural centrality. She examines public versus private strategies and what these families reveal about America.
16 snips
May 6, 2026 • 17min
How to survive a millennial midlife crisis
Sara Srygley, a demographer who studies population trends, and Alex Abad-Santos, a culture and politics reporter, explore what midlife looks like for millennials. They discuss how economic instability, shifting priorities like mental health, and job reinvention reshape midlife. The conversation also covers inequality, changing milestones, and reframing midlife as a new chapter.
May 5, 2026 • 28min
Was that the worst MET Gala ever?
Shelton Boyd-Griffith, culture writer who highlights bodies and representation, and Marjon Carlos, culture critic who analyzes fashion and tech influence, break down the Met Gala’s most talked-about moments. They call out standout looks, the night’s muted energy, tech billionaire sponsorship drama, and how the red carpet did or did not reflect the museum’s themes.
May 4, 2026 • 18min
Tonight's MET Gala is the most controversial yet
Marjon Carlos, cultural critic and podcast host, and Shelton Boyd-Griffith, culture writer, weigh in on the MET Gala controversy. They debate billionaire sponsorship and its effect on fashion’s image. They discuss boycott optics, political stakes like the mayor’s refusal, and how themes about bodies can feel performative. They also highlight who might steal the red carpet spotlight.
20 snips
May 1, 2026 • 26min
Inside the Michael Jackson legacy industrial complex
Aisha Harris, critic and NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour co-host who analyzes film and media narratives, breaks down the new Michael Jackson biopic. She critiques its family-shaped hagiography. She discusses child stardom’s effects, how estates shape legacies, and why biopics often avoid hard truths. The conversation probes nostalgia, money, and our reluctance to reckon with complicated cultural figures.
7 snips
Apr 29, 2026 • 13min
The worrisome return of the R-Word
Imani Barbarin, disability advocate and creator of Crutches and Spice, offers sharp commentary on ableism and cultural trends. She explores the recent resurgence of a harmful slur and why such language keeps returning. Short, clear conversations connect words to policy, historical insults, and broader social harms.
8 snips
Apr 28, 2026 • 44min
American fashion isn't as liberal as you think
Robin Givhan, Pulitzer Prize–winning fashion critic who examines fashion, politics, and public perception. She explores how First Ladies’ looks shape public narratives. She questions whether American fashion is trending conservative or just following money. She discusses tech influence, designers’ choices, and the cultural stakes of a single beauty ideal.
