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
Jan 19, 2026 • 29min
Black women in their 30s: Then vs. Now
Brittany Luse, host of NPR's culture podcast and essayist, dives deep into the lasting impact of Terry McMillan's "Waiting to Exhale". She shares how the book mirrors conversations from her childhood and discusses its role as a cultural blueprint for shows like "Sex and the City". The group examines the complexities of Black women's lives in the 90s, critiques of McMillan's work, and the ongoing pressures surrounding dating and financial status. Ultimately, Brittany emphasizes how the novel remains a vital reflection of middle-class Black women's experiences today.
9 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 17min
The difference between losing weight & being "healthy"
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson, Chair of Africana Studies at Wellesley College, and Dr. Mara Gordon, a family physician and NPR columnist, tackle the complexities of obesity and diet culture. They explore how Oprah Winfrey's weight narrative shapes societal attitudes towards thinness as a status symbol. The conversation dives into the benefits of GLP-1 medications but highlights persistent fatphobia. They argue for a more nuanced understanding of health that prioritizes individual experiences over societal pressures.
4 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 20min
Protest is going viral on TikTok
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, an NPR Music reporter known for her insights on music trends, explores the resurgence of folk protest music on TikTok. She highlights artists like Jensen McRae and Jesse Welles, discussing how their timely, folk-inspired songs resonate with today’s political climate. Isabella also examines the revival's roots, the appeal of simple music on social platforms, and the moral dilemmas artists face. Ultimately, she questions whether this viral music can spur real-world change, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
Jan 12, 2026 • 23min
Will Renee Good's death be a turning point?
Abené Clayton, a lead reporter for The Guardian's 'Guns and Lies in America' series, dives deep into the implications of Renee Good's tragic death at the hands of ICE. She analyzes how this incident impacts the dialogue around state violence and compares it to historical events, like the National Guard shootings. Abené also critiques political rhetoric that clouds understanding and addresses issues of race in media narratives. Her insights challenge listeners to reconsider how gun violence is framed within national discussions.
10 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 21min
Peptides & the pursuit of the "perfect" body
Jasmine Sun, an independent journalist covering Silicon Valley culture, and Karen Maschke, a bioethicist and editor-in-chief at the Hastings Center, delve into the intriguing world of off-market peptides. They discuss the allure of these unregulated injectables for quick fixes beyond weight loss, the impact of tech culture on biohacking trends, and ethical concerns surrounding such practices. The conversation raises questions about technological shortcuts, human identity, and societal implications, revealing a complex interplay between innovation and ethics.
Jan 7, 2026 • 17min
Enough is enough. Is it time to leave America?
Join journalist Scaachi Koul, known for her sharp commentary on gender and culture, alongside Constance Grady from Vox, as they dive into the changing sentiments of young American women. They explore a Gallup poll revealing that 40% are considering leaving the U.S. due to declining institutional confidence and unmet expectations. The conversation highlights what makes other countries appealing for women, from healthcare to safety, while discussing the challenges and fantasies of expat life. Their insights paint a revealing picture of discontent and hope for the future.
7 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 20min
Feeling depressed? Build a SAD routine.
Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, a clinical professor and pioneer of light therapy, joins Brittany to explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They delve into how light therapy improves mood and energy, and discuss the benefits of morning movement and exercise in winter. Dr. Rosenthal shares routines that include meditation and nutrition tips to boost well-being. They emphasize the importance of real social connections over social media, and encourage embracing winter rituals to foster community and combat isolation.
8 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 23min
2026 Predictions: Beyoncé retires, AI busts, Democrats lift weights
Bobby Allyn, an NPR tech correspondent, and Danielle Kurtzleben, a political correspondent, join the conversation about what to expect in 2026. They delve into the potential retirement of Beyoncé and her musical legacy. Danielle discusses a strategic shift in the Democratic Party towards more masculine candidates, while Bobby warns about the risky bubble surrounding AI investments. They also highlight the dangers of AI-generated misinformation impacting elections and the emergence of prediction markets influencing political outcomes.
12 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 18min
Beware the Wellness Industrial Complex!
Alyssa Bereznak is a wellness journalist who dives into the trends reshaping our relationship with health, while Rina Raphael, author of 'The Gospel of Wellness,' critiques consumer culture surrounding self-care. They explore wellness as a $6 trillion industry and discuss how it fills spiritual gaps left by religion. The conversation touches on the deconstruction of wellness into a form of religion, the pitfalls of individualism versus community care, and the appropriation of cultural practices for self-improvement.
Dec 29, 2025 • 15min
The privilege of being "skinny"
Emma Specter, a culture writer exploring media and identity, and Kate Manne, a philosophy professor focused on ethics, dive into the heated debate sparked by influencer Slim Kim's viral TikTok. They discuss how society's idealization of thinness creates privilege and reinforces beauty standards. Emma highlights the backlash against body positivity, while Kate connects societal pressures to political shifts. Together, they advocate for solidarity and stress that the fixation on body ideals distracts from bigger issues of bodily autonomy.
