Buy to own: the resurgence of physical media

Love Island vs Reality

Jul 7, 202635 minSummary

The hosts explore why Love Island USA has evolved beyond mere reality television to become a mirror of modern dating culture. They discuss how the show’s unique format, which features a wry, observant editing style, captures genuine human connections and the complex dynamics that emerge when individuals are filmed daily. The conversation highlights how this season has drawn a broader audience, including straight men, which has significantly shifted the online discourse. A central theme of the discussion is the increasingly insidious nature of how some male contestants interact with their partners, with the hosts identifying patterns of behavior reminiscent of manosphere or red-pill ideologies. The episode examines the struggle of navigating relationships in a world where traditional roles are dissolving. The guests analyze specific contestant dynamics to illustrate how these power plays, characterized by building partners up only to break them down, reflect the broader challenges of heterosexual dating today. Ultimately, the hosts suggest that while the show can be chaotic, it serves as a valuable, albeit intense, space for witnessing the real-time negotiations of what it means to be wanted, rather than needed, in contemporary relationships.

How to enter your Sporty Spice era

Jul 6, 202621 minSummary

In this episode of It's Been a Minute, host Brittney Luse explores her recent deep dive into the world of sports, reflecting on how her newfound enthusiasm for games and tournaments has surprisingly aligned with her passion for reality television, specifically Love Island. Joined by guest Kelsey McKinney, a writer and co-owner of Defector, Luse discusses the unique similarities between the two formats. They argue that both sports and reality shows offer a communal "liturgy" of daily engagement, where fans form deep emotional connections to the personalities and narratives of the participants, regardless of their athletic or romantic goals. The conversation delves into the often arbitrary, gendered boundaries society places on these interests, noting that both sports and reality TV are frequently dismissed based on outdated stereotypes. McKinney and Luse emphasize that both spheres serve as powerful catalysts for connection and shared joy, allowing strangers to bond through mutual fandom. By examining the way we "adopt" players or competitors as favorites, they highlight how these viewing experiences foster community. Ultimately, the episode serves as a lighthearted invitation for listeners to embrace their own interests, break down cultural silos, and find camaraderie in the things they love.

To be or not to be a parent

Jul 3, 202626 minSummary

The choice to become a parent is one of the most significant and complex decisions a person can make. In this episode, the hosts explore the nuances of the baby decision with clinical social worker and psychotherapist Merle Bombardieri. Rather than viewing parenthood as a default life path, the conversation emphasizes the importance of making an intentional choice to avoid future regret or resentment. Bombardieri shares practical exercises—such as the chair dialogue and the knapsack visualization—designed to help individuals uncover their true desires and values. The discussion addresses common anxieties, including concerns about climate change, loss of identity, and the fear of aging without children. Importantly, the episode dispels myths about the lonely only child and offers guidance for couples who find themselves on opposite sides of the spectrum. Whether addressing single parenthood by choice or navigating shifting desires within a long-term relationship, the key takeaway is that there is no perfect, regret-free choice. Instead, the process is about understanding one's own priorities, respecting the validity of changing one's mind, and ultimately making the decision that feels most authentic to one's own life.

How World Cup fans reflect America back at us

Jul 1, 202621 minSummary

In this episode of It’s Been a Minute, host Brittany Luse sits down with NPR correspondents Jasmine Gars and Juliana Kim to discuss how the current World Cup is reflecting the United States back to both its citizens and international visitors. While the tournament has been marked by viral moments of cultural exchange—such as international fans embracing American staples like Bucky’s, Waffle House, and ranch dressing—the hosts explore the deeper, often contradictory, reality of the current American political climate. The conversation highlights the tension between the outward hospitality shown to fans and the country’s increasingly isolationist and restrictive immigration policies. The guests point out that while many tourists have been surprised by the genuine warmth of the American public, systemic barriers continue to prevent many international officials, photographers, and fans from entering the country. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the elitism and high costs associated with FIFA’s management of the event, which many feel detaches the sport from its accessible, global roots. Ultimately, the episode serves as a nuanced reflection on how Americans are attempting to reconcile their identity as a welcoming nation with the harsher political realities occurring simultaneously.

Has the internet killed social etiquette?

Jun 30, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of It’s Been a Minute, host Britt Lenehan sits down with Wired senior writer Jason Parham to explore how persistent screen usage has reshaped human etiquette, both online and in real life. The discussion dives into the concept of screen maxing—a trend where individuals spend excessive hours daily on their devices—and how this behavior has fundamentally altered how people communicate. Lenehan and Parham examine how the digital landscape often encourages users to adopt scripted language and prioritize performative main-character energy over genuine connection. The conversation highlights a growing sense of entitlement to other people’s attention and personal histories, noting that the internet often lacks the grace and empathy found in physical interactions. They further discuss the antisocial tendencies fostered by online platforms, where the desire for engagement often leads to a lack of accountability. As a potential remedy, the pair advocates for setting stricter personal boundaries, such as disabling notifications and reclaiming anonymity, to foster a healthier relationship with technology. Ultimately, the episode serves as a thoughtful reflection on how society might restore more meaningful, human-centric interactions in an increasingly digitized world.

The safety and power of knowing your neighbors

Jun 29, 202632 minSummary

This episode of It’s Been a Minute explores the declining state of neighborly connections in America and the profound impact of cultivating relationships with those living nearby. Host Brittany Luse discusses the loneliness epidemic, noting that Americans are increasingly isolated and less likely to trust their neighbors than in previous decades. The episode highlights how physical design, the rise of digital entertainment, and a cultural shift toward prioritizing privacy and autonomy have contributed to this distancing. Through the story of producer Katie Montalion, who transformed her own social life from isolation to a vibrant community of neighbors, listeners gain insight into practical strategies for building connection. Montalion shares how she moved past social anxiety and the fear of intrusion by intentionally taking small, actionable steps—even using a spreadsheet—to invite neighbors into her life. The discussion also examines the concept of collective efficacy, explaining that when neighbors share bonds, they gain the power to improve their environment, support one another in times of crisis, and foster a shared sense of destiny. Ultimately, the episode encourages a cultural shift toward hospitality, suggesting that breaking down social barriers is essential for collective well-being.

Boundaries, bodies, and better sex

Jun 24, 202624 minSummary

In this episode of It’s Been a Minute, host Brittany Lewis explores the evolving landscape of sexual health, moving away from fear-based narratives toward a model centered on confidence, communication, and pleasure. Joined by Dr. Lisha McKinley Beach and Dr. Jasmine Abrams, the conversation examines the complexities of practicing safer sex, emphasizing that true sexual well-being encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health. A core focus of the discussion is the role of trust in sexual decision-making. The guests explain how trust acts as both a gateway to intimacy and a significant barrier, as many individuals face stigma or accusations of betrayal when initiating necessary conversations about testing or protection. The experts also address the disparities in public health outreach, specifically highlighting the failure to adequately inform women—and particularly Black women—about preventative tools like PrEP. By critiquing narrow marketing and social stereotypes, the hosts advocate for a broader, more inclusive approach to health education. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to reclaim their sexual agency, suggesting that by combining medical knowledge with open communication, everyone can navigate their sexual lives with greater safety, autonomy, and fulfillment.

What do we owe our parents?

Jun 23, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of It's Been a Minute, host Brittany Luse explores the evolving and often fraught dynamics between adult children and their aging parents. Joined by Washington Post columnist Carolyn Hax and clinical psychologist Dr. Alexandra Solomon, the discussion unpacks the cultural shift away from traditional, hierarchical family structures—where children were expected to provide unquestioning care—toward more democratic, individualistic relationships. The guests address the emotional turmoil of caring for parents who may have been abusive or distant, emphasizing that the path forward requires navigating guilt, setting boundaries, and, in some cases, finding closure. Dr. Solomon highlights the importance of "contextualizing" parents by understanding their own limitations, while Hax underscores the necessity of making caregiving decisions rooted in one’s own conscience rather than external duty. The conversation also touches on the complexities of sibling dynamics and the "sandwich generation" experience. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to hold space for paradox: acknowledging that while parents may have had profound limitations, adult children can still choose to act with integrity and compassion without sacrificing their own mental health.

So you've changed. Will it stick?

Jun 22, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of It’s Been a Minute, host Brittany Luse explores the complex and often mysterious nature of personal transformation. She is joined by Benoit Denizet-Lewis, an associate professor at Emerson College and author of You’ve Changed: The Promise and Price of Self-Transformation, to discuss why people change, how those changes are perceived by others, and whether we truly have control over our identities. The conversation examines the intersection of internal growth and external judgment, noting that personal change is rarely a private matter. Through his research, which includes stories of political party switchers, former bullies who became Buddhists, and individuals in the parole system, Denizet-Lewis highlights how modern society—particularly via social media—demands performative evidence of change. They discuss the tension between the human desire for self-improvement and the pressures of cultural politics, noting that our transformations are often interpreted by others as either authentic progress or performative grifting. Ultimately, the episode offers a nuanced look at the fluidity of identity, suggesting that while we may lack the total agency to remake ourselves entirely, we remain deeply embedded in communities that shape, challenge, and ultimately validate our evolution.

What does freedom actually look like?

Jun 19, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of It's Been a Minute Plus, host Brittany Luse and guest Dr. Kelly Carter Jackson, chair of Africana Studies at Wellesley College, explore the complex meaning of freedom in America. Against the backdrop of Juneteenth and the upcoming Fourth of July, the conversation delves into the historical and cultural tensions between these two holidays. While Independence Day often celebrates a narrow definition of American liberty, Juneteenth serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for true liberation. The discussion highlights the insights of Frederick Douglass to draw parallels between the political volatility of the 1850s and the challenges of the present day, specifically regarding civil rights and political representation. Dr. Carter Jackson argues that the Reconstruction era offers a more profound model for understanding American progress than the Revolution, noting that the period's advancements were met with violent "Redemption" efforts that echo contemporary political polarization. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to reject the idea that equality is a zero-sum game and emphasizes that cultivating joy and community, especially for Black Americans, remains a powerful and necessary act of resistance.