New Books in Popular Culture
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 23, 2025 • 42min
Jim Cullen, "1980: America's Pivotal Year" (Rutgers UP, 2022)
Cultural historian Jim Cullen discusses his book, which explores how 1980 was a crucial turning point in America. He delves into the political landscape, contrasting Jimmy Carter's struggles with Ronald Reagan's rise. Cullen also highlights how popular culture—films, music, and TV—reflected shifting ideologies, from Lennon and Springsteen to the escapism of shows like Dallas. He examines the mall bookstore revolution and how neoliberalism entered the mainstream, connecting these themes to today's cultural context while teasing his future work on Billy Joel and Springsteen.
Nov 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
Michael Brown, "Eyeliner’s Buy Now" (Bloomsbury 2025)
Michael Brown, a music curator at the Alexander Turnbull Library, dives into the fascinating world of vaporwave and Eyeliner's album, BUY NOW. He explores Luke Rowell’s unique journey from Lower Hutt's tech-infused childhood to his DIY music distribution. The discussion illuminates the cultural influences shaping Rowell's work, including the rise of internet music scenes and the post-2008 disillusionment. Brown also highlights the catchy slap-bass motifs and the album's critique of consumerism, positioning it as a standout in the new age of digital artistry.
Nov 22, 2025 • 45min
Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, "Videotape" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, a scholar of media and popular culture, delves into her book, Videotape, exploring the cultural and technological evolution of videotapes. She shares fascinating insights into how VHS transformed entertainment and privacy. The discussion touches on the impact of VCRs on media consumption, the legal battles over fair use, and unintended consequences like DRM. Oana also examines videotape's role in Eastern Europe, its influence on societal changes, and nostalgic connections to today's viewing habits.
Nov 17, 2025 • 49min
Lester D. Friedman, "Citizen Spielberg" (U of Illinois Press, 2022)
In this engaging discussion, Lester D. Friedman, an esteemed professor and author, dives into the cinematic legacy of Steven Spielberg. He refutes the notion of Spielberg as merely a purveyor of spectacle, portraying him instead as a profound artist whose films often explore themes of family and morality. Friedman reflects on how Spielberg's work has evolved, from critiques of technology in Jurassic Park to the poignant storytelling in Schindler's List. He also highlights the socio-economic themes in West Side Story and shares insights on Spielberg's artistic vision that continues to resonate.
Nov 17, 2025 • 40min
Michelle McSweeney, "OK" (Bloomsbury, 2023)
Michelle McSweeney, a linguist and data scientist, dives into the fascinating story of the word 'OK.' She traces its origins from a playful 1839 newspaper abbreviation to a global staple of communication. The discussion highlights how technological advancements—from telegraphs to television—shaped the word's evolution. McSweeney also explores the intersection of language and identity in the digital age, revealing how 'OK' became more than just a word, including its controversial uses today. Her insights shed light on our ongoing relationship with language and technology.
Nov 17, 2025 • 39min
Doug MacCash, "Mardi Gras Beads" (Louisiana UP, 2022)
Doug MacCash, a seasoned New Orleans arts journalist, shares insights from his book on Mardi Gras beads. He explores the fascinating history of these vibrant tokens, tracing their origins to the 1870s and discussing their evolution from glass to modern plastic. MacCash reveals quirky anecdotes, such as the strange journey of radioactive glass beads, and the geopolitical implications tied to their production. He also reflects on family traditions around Mardi Gras and the emotional resurgence of parades after the pandemic, highlighting the cultural significance of this cherished celebration.
Nov 16, 2025 • 1h 14min
Páraic Kerrigan, "LGBTQ Visibility, Media and Sexuality in Ireland" (Routledge, 2020)
Páraic Kerrigan, an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin, dives into the evolution of LGBTQ visibility in Irish media. He discusses how crucial events like Declan Flynn's murder sparked activism and shaped media representation. The conversation covers significant moments from the 1970s through the 2000s, including activism linked to the AIDS crisis and the media-savvy strategies utilized during the pivotal 1988 Late Late Show debate. Kerrigan also touches on the impact of the Celtic Tiger and post-decriminalization shifts in queer representation.
Nov 16, 2025 • 29min
Pluribus Episode 3 Analysis: The Amazonification of Everything
The hosts dive into the third episode of Pluribus, exploring individuality in the age of late-stage capitalism. They examine how the show critiques on-demand culture and emphasizes algorithmic influence on desires. From supermarket scenes to the ironic portrayal of consumer identity, they highlight the tension between convenience and true independence. The depiction of characters who resemble chatbots underscores emotional commodification and societal anxieties. Ultimately, they reflect on the show as a mirror of our collective struggle with assimilation in a tech-driven world.
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 11min
Caroline Jack, "Business as Usual: How Sponsored Media Sold American Capitalism in the Twentieth Century" (U Chicago Press, 2024)
Caroline Jack, an Associate Professor of Communication at UC San Diego, explores how sponsored economic education media shaped American capitalism. She delves into the role of ephemeral materials like pamphlets and PSAs, funded by corporations to promote ideals of free enterprise disguised as public service. Jack discusses the tension between education and commercial interests, the rise of promotional nationalism, and how these narratives continue to influence contemporary perceptions of corporate responsibility. Plus, she highlights instances of public resistance to these campaigns.
Nov 12, 2025 • 32min
Sophie Bishop, "Influencer Creep: How Optimization, Authenticity, and Self-Branding Transform Creative Culture" (U California Press, 2025)
Sophie Bishop, an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds and author of "Influencer Creep," explores how influencers are reshaping the arts. She discusses the unstable nature of platform economies for creators and how both artists and influencers adapt their work to maximize visibility. Sophie dives into strategies for maintaining authenticity, including personal storytelling and emotional engagement. Additionally, she examines the challenges posed by brand partnerships and the impact of AI and TikTok on creative practices, highlighting the evolving landscape of cultural production.
