Lifestyle

Bowen Yang thinks being present is overrated : Pop Culture Happy Hour

Published

3 days ago

July 4, 2024

Press Room

Bowen Yang thinks being present is overrated : Pop Culture Happy Hour

Bowen Yang on Wild Card.

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Mike Coppola/Getty

Bowen Yang on Wild Card.

Mike Coppola/Getty

The Pop Culture Happy Hour team is off today, so we’re bringing you an episode of the NPR podcast Wild Card with Rachel Martin. This episode is an interview with Bowen Yang. He is the first Chinese American cast member on SNL, the co-host the podcast Las Culturistas, and he starred in the rom-com Fire Island. He talks to Rachel about living too much in the present, hard truths from Tina Fey, and why the afterlife should have a rollercoaster.

Liz Metzger produced the encore version of this episode.

Lifestyle

It's Been a Minute

Published

16 mins ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

Has it been a minute since you heard a thought-provoking conversation about culture? Brittany Luse wants to help. Each week, she takes the things everyone’s talking about and, in conversation with her favorite creators, tastemakers, and experts, gives you new ways to think about them. Beyond the obvious takes. Because culture doesn’t happen by accident.

If you can’t get enough, try It’s Been a Minute Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/itsbeenaminute

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Lifestyle

Sam Worthington Remembers Late Producer Jon Landau with 'Avatar' Reference

Published

50 mins ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

Sam Worthington‘s showing love for the late, great producer Jon Landau … lauding his leadership abilities — and, referring to their hit movie “Avatar.”

The actor shared a statement with Deadline early Sunday in honor of producer Jon Landau who passed away Saturday … saying JL was a passionate producer who led with humor, strength and compassion.

Sam Worthington avatar Jon Landau

And, Worthington’s honoring him through what they made together too … writing, “The People say all energy is borrowed and someday you have to give it back. I see you, Jon.” The Na’vi — the main alien tribe from their hit movies “Avatar” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” — are also known as “The People.”

ICYMI … Jon’s family announced his passing yesterday in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter after a battle with cancer.

Landau was a Hollywood-producing legend known for hit films like “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” and “Dick Tracy” before partnering with James Cameron for “Titanic.”

The two struck up a yearslong friendship that saw them produce movies together like “Solaris,” “Alita: Battle Angel” and, of course, “Avatar.”

James Cameron jon landau

Cameron also paid tribute to Landau … also applauding him for his humor and positive attitude — and, saying “A part of myself has been torn away” following his death.

He’s survived by his wife, Julie, his sons Jamie and Jodie and numerous extended family members. He was 63.

RIP

Lifestyle

Defining 2024 so far; plus, why brands 'de-woked' : It's Been a Minute

Published

7 hours ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

Defining 2024 so far; plus, why brands 'de-woked' : It's Been a Minute

Dia Dipasupil; Neilson Barnard; Antony Jones; Arnold Jerocki; Emma McIntyre; Saul Loeb / AFP; Brandon Bell; Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Megan Thee Stallion. Zendaya. Kendrick Lamar. President Joe Biden. Former president Donald Trump. Taylor Swift. BeyoncÃ©. Chappell Roan.

Dia Dipasupil; Neilson Barnard; Antony Jones; Arnold Jerocki; Emma McIntyre; Saul Loeb / AFP; Brandon Bell; Kevin Winter/Getty Images

It is the first week of July, which means we are officially halfway through the year. And what a year it’s been! Brittany sat down with NPR Politics reporter Elena Moore and co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour Stephen Thompson, to take stock of what’s happened so far in 2024.

Then, remember when brands had consciences? Like when Gushers said Black Lives Matter or Pepsi made that Kendall Jenner ad? However, in the past few years brands seem to have shied away from “woke” politics. And if advertising reflects culture, what does that say about our culture now? Brittany sits down with Michael Serazio, professor of communication at Boston University – who specializes in the study of advertising – to uncover the what’s at the root of the reversal.

This episode was produced by Barton Girdwood and Liam McBain with support from Alexis Williams. It was edited by Jessica Placzek. Our VP of programming is Yolanda Sangweni.