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.
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
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 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
James Brown's War on Disco
Alice Echols, a prominent historian and author of "Hot Stuff: Disco and the Remaking of American Culture," delves into the intricate role of disco in 1970s society. She discusses how disco transcended its musical roots to reflect racial and sexual politics, challenging the notion of it being "politically empty." Echols contrasts the lush sounds of disco with James Brown's tight funk, highlighting disco's ties to Black artistic agency. From Barry White's redefinition of Black masculinity to the complexities of interracial solidarity, this conversation reveals disco's profound cultural significance.
Nov 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
James Trefil and Shobita Satyapal, "Supermassive: Black Holes at the Beginning and End of the Universe" (Smithsonian Books, 2025)
Shobita Satyapal, a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at George Mason University, teams up with physicist James Trefil to discuss the captivating world of black holes. They dive into the history of these cosmic phenomena, exploring how supermassive black holes form, their role in galaxy evolution, and even their connections to stars and elements. Satyapal highlights groundbreaking discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope and explains fascinating concepts like spaghettification and the black hole information paradox. Prepare to be intrigued by the mysteries of the universe!
Nov 7, 2025 • 42min
Julie Fette, "Gender by the Book: 21st-Century French Children's Literature" (Routledge, 2025)
Julie Fette, an Associate Professor of French at Rice University and author of "Gender by the Book", dives into the complex world of gender representations in 21st-century French children's literature. She discusses how libraries and book clubs impact what children read, revealing that 80% of sampled books still contain gender stereotypes. Fette also explores the influence of French universalism on literature and why publishers often prioritize male-centric content, fearing to alienate boy readers. However, she highlights the emergence of progressive publishers offering more equitable stories for children.
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
Marcus Chown, "A Crack in Everything: How Black Holes Came in from the Cold and Took Cosmic Centre Stage" (Apollo, 2025)
Marcus Chown, a former radio astronomer and science writer, dives into the fascinating world of black holes in his new book. He shares how these cosmic enigmas transitioned from theoretical oddities to central figures in our understanding of the universe. Chown recounts pivotal discoveries, like the identification of Cygnus X-1, and explains the common misconceptions surrounding black holes. He also discusses how gravitational waves are reshaping our understanding of these entities, making black holes a key focus in modern astrophysics.
10 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
Springsteen’s "Nebraska" as a Political, Sonic, and Personal Document
Explore the profound layers of Bruce Springsteen's 1982 album, Nebraska, as hosts discuss its emotional depth and political context. Delve into the timeless quality of its lo-fi sound and the hauntingly personal narratives within. Hear contrasting first impressions from a lifelong fan and a newcomer. Discover parallels to film and American mythology, alongside themes of debt, guilt, and fatherhood. The discussion touches on Springsteen's inspirations while analyzing the stark beauty of the album's instrumentation and lyrical poignancy.
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
Springsteen’s "Nebraska" as a Political, Sonic, and Personal Document
The podcast dives into Bruce Springsteen's 1982 album Nebraska, exploring its rich personal and political layers. One host shares a lifelong appreciation, while the other confronts it as a newcomer. They discuss the lo-fi recording's historical context, capturing the anxieties of early 80s America. Key themes include the moral dilemmas in songs like 'Highway Patrolman' and the haunting imagery of 'My Father's House.' The discussion reflects on how the album's timeless sound continues to influence artists today.
Nov 3, 2025 • 28min
Rebecca van Laer, "Cat" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Rebecca van Laer, an ex-academic with a PhD from Brown, shares insights from her upcoming book, Cat. She humorously navigates the complexities of human-cat relationships, discussing the appeal of cats’ independence against the structured roles of dog ownership. Van Laer also challenges stereotypes like the 'crazy cat lady' and explores how cats subtly influence ideas about work and affection. With a mix of memoir and cultural commentary, she encourages listeners to appreciate the autonomy of feline companionship.
Nov 2, 2025 • 51min
Michael Maniates, "The Living-Green Myth" (Polity Press, 2025)
Michael F. Maniates, a leading scholar in environmental politics, discusses his book, The Living-Green Myth. He challenges the notion that individual green choices can drive systemic change, calling it 'utter nonsense.' Maniates delves into the origins of lifestyle environmentalism and critiques its depoliticizing effect. He emphasizes the power of collective action over consumer-focused change and advocates for institutional reforms. Additionally, he highlights the need for structural changes that simplify sustainable living, pushing back against the myths that hinder genuine progress.
Oct 31, 2025 • 45min
Tamar Mitts, "Safe Havens for Hate: The Challenge of Moderating Online Extremism" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Tamar Mitts, an Associate Professor at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs, dives into the challenges of content moderation and online extremism. She discusses how varying moderation standards across social media platforms create safe havens for hate groups like Islamic State and QAnon. Mitts explores how extremist actors manipulate platform rules, the impact on user radicalization and echo chambers, and the tension between censorship and free speech. Her insights highlight the need for unified moderation to combat these complex issues.
Oct 29, 2025 • 34min
Brian Baker, "The Road" (Akashic Books, 2025)
Brian Baker, a veteran punk-rock guitarist from bands like Minor Threat and Bad Religion, shares insights from his photography collection, The Road. He discusses how his cell phone has influenced his artistic practice, capturing both iconic rock moments and the mundane aspects of touring. Baker reveals that the book's images are intentionally left without captions to invite interpretation, much like song lyrics. He also highlights standout photos, including a memorable backstage shot, and shares plans for upcoming book events and tours.
