Olivia Rodrigo's new album "Guts" offers a compelling perspective on early adult uncertainty, societal expectations of young women, and the craft of songwriting. We take a deep dive into the art and persona of this chart-bestriding performer.
The UConn PopCast is proud to be sponsored by the University of Connecticut Humanities Institute. Learn about our MA ... Show More
Yesterday
Adrienne Domasin ed., "The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: The Last of Us" (Playstory Press, 2025)
The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: The Last of Us (Playstory Press, 2025) explores the psychological themes at the heart of The Last of Us franchise. Authors from media, culture, and fandom studies explore how trauma, grief, morality, survival, and revenge shape the story’s character ... Show More
15m 54s
Yesterday
Jim Cullen, "1980: America's Pivotal Year" (Rutgers UP, 2022)
1980 was a turning point in American history. When the year began, it was still very much the 1970s, with Jimmy Carter in the White House, a sluggish economy marked by high inflation, and the disco still riding the airwaves. When it ended, Ronald Reagan won the presidency in a la ... Show More
41m 44s
Nov 22
Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, "Videotape" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Over the span of a single decade, VHS technology changed the relationship between privacy and entertainment, pried open the closed societies behind the Iron Curtain, and then sank back into oblivion. Its meteoric rise and fall encapsulated the dynamics of the '80s and foreshadowe ... Show More
44m 53s
Aug 2024
The Poetry of Modern Storytelling, with Olivia Gatwood
A poet, performer, novelist and screenwriter, Olivia Gatwood has received international recognition for her writing, which has focused on topics including coming of age, feminism, gendered violence and true crime. Her debut novel is Whoever You Are, Honey, a dark and brilliant st ... Show More
38m 46s
Sep 10
Make Oversharing Your Superpower with Tefi Pessoa
What happens when two professional oversharers get together? Pure magic... and a little chaos. JVN is joined by the incomparable Tefi Pessoa — culture commentator, internet big sister, and now host of her brand-new podcast Tefi Talks. Come for the tea, stay for the wisdom, and le ... Show More
53m 2s
Aug 6
Claire McCardell: The Girl Who Defied Dior, Part I
Called the "designer's designer," Claire McCardell turned the American fashion industry on its head starting in the 1930s with her fresh modern take on sportswear. This week we examine her career and legacy in a two-part episode from 2022. For additional reading, check out Elizab ... Show More
39m 50s
Dec 2024
Go-Getters: Helena Rubinstein
Helena Rubinstein (1872-1965) was a Polish-American businesswoman, art collector, and philanthropist. She was the founder of Helena Rubinstein Incorporated cosmetics company, which made her one of the world’s richest women. For Further Reading: Helena Rubinstein The Color of Mone ... Show More
6m 3s
May 2023
Gigi Gorgeous Has A Message For Everyone
Gigi Gorgeous - model, YouTube star, and transgender activist - joins Clea and Joanna to talk about her new book “The T Guide: Our Trans Experiences and Celebration of Gender Expression – Man, Woman, Nonbinary, and Beyond.” They chat about Gigi’s experience transitioning, her top ... Show More
45m 2s
Sep 11
Presenting: The C-Word
With every episode, Lena Dunham and Alissa Bennett take you on a historical deep dive into the life of a woman society dismissed by calling her mad, sad, or just plain bad: Lindsay Lohan, Judy Garland, Winona Ryder, Mariah Carey, Lil Kim and many more. Join them for a rich, hilar ... Show More
2m 33s
Jul 2024
Danielle Antoinette Hidalgo, "Dance Music Spaces: Clubs, Clubbers, and DJs Navigating Authenticity, Branding, and Commercialism" (Lexington, 2023)
In Dance Music Spaces: Clubs, Clubbers, and DJs Navigating Authenticity, Branding, and Commercialism (Lexington Books, 2022), Danielle Antoinette Hidalgo examines the production of physical and digital spaces in dance music, and how the players—clubs, clubbers, and DJs—use authen ... Show More
53m 34s