This is well thought out podcast but, the episode on divorce was very disappointing. Staying with your spouse and working on your marriage during tough times can lead to a more rewarding and fulfilling relationship in the long run. Advocating divorce is irresponsible.

I really enjoy this podcast and especially loved the episode about Meghan Markle. After having reflected on this topic for quite some time, I couldn’t quite get to why I so disliked her Netflix show, but after this conversation, I felt like I was a lot closer. In addition, it was fun getting to the point with the host and her guest. Please create more episodes like this!

Some of the advice in the “you don’t need a budget” episode was downright irresponsible. Consider the credit card interest you pay as part of the price of the product and it doesn’t matter if other people get a better “deal”? Financial independence is overrated? Take out student loans to pay for plane tickets to attend weddings? Citi bank must love you guys. In the current moment, where people are drowning in debt for things as dumb as a pizza through Klarna and Afterpay and the like, I think this episode was basically propaganda telling the lower classes not to care about their own financial exploitation.

So many of the episodes are things I’ve wondered about. I refer to this podcast all. the. time. and it’s at the top of my list.

… the guests actually get to speak!! I have noticed that, more than any other podcast I listen to that interviews experts, AHP actually makes the space for her guest to speak more than anyone else. And that is not by accident. She is smart and thoughtful, and being raised as a female, she just GETS IT when she knows how much we want to hear what her guests have to say. She has learned what the ebb and flow should be to hit that sweet spot. I may not be 100% interested in every topic, but I listen to 100% of the episodes as I truly appreciate her interview skills and the Q & A format. Other male hosts could learn a thing or a two (or a hundred) from AHP and her producer Melody!! #loyalfan&Substacksubscriber

This podcast covers a wide range of interesting topics that I really want to get into, but the audio and production quality is SO BAD, it’s painful. It actually sometimes sounds like it’s recorded in an iPhone in a car, with barely any edits to make the whole thing tighter. Such a waste!

I really enjoy this podcast, despite my curmudgeony credentials as a literary and cultural studies PhD. I find it funny that most profs don’t like the content—gatekeeping at its finest. Great convos, mostly light but smart conversation about cultural phenomena. I like that Anne foregrounds intersectionality in her analysis and considers factors such as race, gender, and class in her analysis.

This episode made me realize this is NOT the podcast for me nor are you the people I would feel safe around. You have this pathological need to be “woke” and accepting even if nothing you stand for makes sense.

I felt the guest on the momtok episode came in with a little bias. She seemed constantly to be in defense of Mormonism itself and have far too much grace for the religion than the women who engage with their religion in a feeble attempt or not try to deconstruct the ways their religion has been harmful to women. Also the claim that people have an interest in Mormonism because its eroticized and not because of its harmful roots such as fundamentalism, racism and predatory practices. I found it strange that the concern with momtok is whether or not they’re Mormon enough and not be understanding why they’re idea of Mormonism looks the way it does and that’s probably because of it’s harmful rhetoric around women. Also the bit around the prosperity gospel is completely cleaned up to make the religion look as though it’s to benefit people in crisis or the family unit😭 that’s just not true, and then compares it to other denominations of Christianity and their relationship with the prosperity gospel as if Christian’s relationship with the prosperity gospel is wrong and Mormons relationship with it is “complicated” ITS THE SAME. Sorry but I just found this to be bias reporting

Great episode but the guest got Naomi Wolf and Naomi Klein confused! (The Feminine Draw of Contemporary Conspiracy Theories)

This is a theory-savvy podcast that still knows how to have fun. The episode on nostalgia was thoughtful, funny and, at times, quite moving. Anne knows how to work in the theory and concepts from her academic background without losing the plot. Would love to hear her take on topics like red-pill culture, hip-hop culture, pro sports.

Cultish and centric in its own way. Echo and Narcissus in one venue. Topics are mildly interesting and often circle back to host’s insults thrown at people exercising freedom of speech. Anyone can create content for themselves and others. Some will be good or interesting and much won’t but it’s not for AP to tell them they’re unworthy while she begs for subscribers. No joy here, elitist little cherry picking community gatherer. You were better when you were employed and now you’re just another brand of mean girl. Stay on your island AP you don’t represent the best or encourage it. Don’t ever teach you’ll be awful…

Long time reader of Anne’s articles so was super excited for her Pod. The topics are always so interesting. I’ve listened to most episodes and am always left unsatisfied. I’m usually hoping for terry gross/fresh air level of insight but disappointed that it ends up being a discussion based on personal experiences and anecdotes with someone familiar with the topic but isn’t exactly an expert or researcher- if that makes sense. I’ll keep checking back and hoping it gets better!

This podcast reminds me of conversations with my girlfriends. In fact will sometimes use the episodes as talking points. Thank you AHP!

I am a disgruntled professor AND I look forward to receiving this treat of a podcast in my feed every week. I’ve been a big AHP fan for a long time, and this is a wonderful extension of her brand. Her guests are well chosen and the takes are hot, timely and researched. Like and subscribe ASAP!

The only kind of podcast I want to listen to is smart friends talking with each other about things they are passionate about. My friends and I always joke about how we need to make a podcast of our conversations about the things we have strong feelings about.

Love this podcast so much. I always look forward to listening. Like having a really refreshing, nuanced, smart pop culture convo with a friend!

I love this podcast. It’s well researched and delivered by super intelligent people, while in a tone like I’m having a gossip session with friends. I appreciate learning about how seemingly insignificant parts of our society are actually really important parts of culture.

This podcast is really good. I love the various topics and how the pod explores trends and cultural impact and, often, how all this impacts women’s liberation. If you like intelligent, intellectual, and funny conversations - this is for you too!

Found he by accident at buzzfeed and have subscribed to her substack and podcasts ever since. She sees our world so clearly, and it’s always fun to listen to her and her guests thoughts! Anne Helen = chief millennial thought leader? Food for thought.

AHP is so endlessly thoughtful and curious, she is in my dream blunt rotation. I love listening to this podcast’s conversations, they help me understand the world better and see it differently. AHP asks the questions that stretch my perspective. When I don’t have time for her newsletter, this podcast is the best supplement!

It’s like the best kind of deep dive with a smart friend. If you’re not sure where to start, listen to Big Jeans Feelings.

This is the only podcast I pay to subscribe to. Such insightful and intellectual conversations about culture and society with great guests.

Came for the Whitman tie-in, stayed for the thoughtful explorations of the world we live in. Side bonus: sometimes helps me follow what my teenage kids are talking about!

I can’t stop telling my friends and family about all of Anne Helen Petersen’s work. I love the fun and criticality she brings to her culture writing.

Love the balance of smart, playful and funny and the topics range from things I’m already curious about to things I never knew I wanted to know about. I recommend to all of my smart, cool friends and everyone agrees !!!

I really enjoy this podcast because it keeps me up to date with pop culture. I’m a Gen X mom to a Gen Alpha kid. I cannot have her knowing I’m not cool. 😎😂

This is my favorite new Podcast! Amazing host and guests. Relatable topics, talking about everyday culture subjects… It feels like I’m talking to my smartest friends about lighthearted topics that can get very deep. Also as a WA native who grew up on an island… how could I not be drawn to this?!

I never really listened to podcasts. Then came Culture Study. I listen to every episode, usually the day it comes out. I subscribe. I read AHP’s newsletter. Somehow this podcast changed everything for me. Even when I don’t think I’ll be interested in a given topic, AHP’s approach to the world at large and anything in specific draws me in. Give it a go!

Pop culture podcasts can quickly turn base… this is not that podcast! Love the research that goes into this show!

I really enjoy this pod and topics. It warms my sociologist heart. My only very minor complaint is that the topics are repetitive with similar podcasts and unfortunately often even include the same guest hosts. Maybe that’s intentional or a coincidence? I’m still going to listen though.

Thoughtful, informed, fun conversations about the current events that aren’t “the news” but still affect daily life! For me, anyway. Reading other comments it seems that the topics or guests clearly aren’t for everyone, but personally it always hits the nail on the head.

Admittedly, I’m old, a boomer. And very interested in culture and technology. Just discovered this podcast and very interested in the topics. But distracted by the 20+ “likes” in less then 2 minutes. It’s, like, almost unlistenable. I’ll keep trying.

At this point, my nearest and dearest are probably tired of me starting sentences with “well, my favorite culture writer, AHP, recently had a piece on this” but it’s true! Any weird little internet rabbit hole you’ve gone down, AHP went deeper and has some thoughts and I love hearing every single one of them. This is a fun, easy-listening podcast that expertly balances a relaxed tone with a rigorous investigation of this wild thing we call life (on the internet). She’s just the best!

This pod is a can’t miss for me! I love talking about the weird facets of what’s happening in our world, and this podcast delivers!

Couldn’t stand that living on a remote island in a house she OWNS while freelancing and working from home was being referred to as a lifestyle not aligned with wealth. That is an incredibly privileged lifestyle! Privilege is fine as long as you acknowledge it and don’t try to make yourself seem relatable and working class.

Thought this podcast would be cool but then you start listening and all they focus on is how horrible Christianity is. Bizarre…

Just your typical group of miserable college professors who like to blame the white man for all their problems

I’ve loved Can’t Even and Out of Office and really enjoyed a lot of Work Appropriate. I can’t say that I’ve enjoyed this pod much. The guests are often just other Substack writers and the conversations feel like opinions presented as fact. I don’t think Anne challenges enough of the guests responses. This isn’t to say everything needs to turn into an argument but some of the guests are sharing what is essentially just anecdotes. I actually think an episode about the culture of substance would be interesting because I feel like so many writers on there are in desperately need an editor The good ones: The clothing episodes, good reads and christian rock were all interesting The bad ones: The divorce episode (Lyz Lenz seemed drunk) the jeans episode (Virginia Sole Smith is unbearable to listen to) and the Taylor Swifts ones Everything else is just kinda in the middle

I can’t believe this host is an author. She says like way too much and it’s so annoying.

I love this pod and its host. AHP is so thoughtful and knowledgeable, she is a true joy to listen to! Even when the topic doesn’t pull me in, the discussion is always interesting, informative and well done 👍🏻

Love this podcast! I have always enjoyed AHP’s writing, and she often features guests I follow as well. But I want to note what the lovely Margaret H.W. said about Travis Kelce’s tweets is inaccurate. They were not adorable in any way. They were actually extremely fatphobic and misogynistic. Also, the latest episode guest says “p*rn addiction” is not real…. The continued misinformation from guests is making this podcast significantly less enjoyable.

Culture Study is one of those podcasts that makes you feel like you’re having coffee talk with friends. AHP’s guests are well spoken and come from a great depth of knowledge.

Honestly

Remember when you were an English major, and there were always a couple annoying students who hadn’t done the reading, but would always react based on preconceived “vibes”? If you liked listening to those people talk, you will love this podcast.

I truly love the creators’ approach and diverse guests. I highly recommend!

I just recently discovered this podcast and and am enjoying catching up with all the episodes. It is clear that everyone is having a lot of fun.

By way of the Podcast description I fully expected the Stanley episode to have much more discussion about actual problems the Stanley trend is rooted in (the reason Americans “need” to drink so much water). It ended up to basically be a promotional episode for the ridiculous sippy cups, overflowing with vocal fry and self-promotion. I can’t imagine paying actual money to listen to this Podcast.

Wait, if only 6 podcasters make a lot of money podcasting, is podcasting an MLM?

I’m a big fan of Anne Helen’s writing, but I agree with the reviewer who said this podcast undercuts her brand. The episodes I’ve listened to feel two-dimensional in a way I’ve found surprising. The Taylor Swift ep (I’m a HUGE T Swift fan) made no mention of whiteness as a feature of her appeal and the majority of her American audience, and the divorce episode felt like such a thin slice of divorce experience (those that were mutual or at least partially wanted by the woman, and those where women bounced back after a couple of years emotionally and financially). Maybe it’s the therapist in me, but I am struggling to find a real depth of human experience here. I’ll keep listening because I do so want to like this show.