Culture Crash: How Backrooms Turned An Internet Nightmare Into A Hit Movie
What started as a single eerie image online has become a full-fledged horror phenomenon. This week - we review the breakout movie hit Backrooms.
Viewpoints Explained: The Mental Health Warning Signs We Overlook In Men
Men account for nearly 80 percent of suicide deaths in America. We look at the crisis behind the numbers.
No Driver, No Problem: Inside The Rise Of Waymo
Driverless cars are no longer a futuristic experiment but are already picking up passengers in cities across the country. We look at how the fast expanding rideshare company Waymo works| why some people trust it more than human drivers and the questions that remain as autonomous vehicles become part of everyday life.
After Miranda: One Mother’s Journey Living With Loss
After the sudden death of her daughter, journalist Danielle Crittenden found herself questioning nearly everything she thought she knew about grief. We explore what loss and grief look like when it doesn’t follow any sort of timeline.
Culture Crash: “Breaking Bad” & The Lost Art Of The Great Ending
We revisit Breaking Bad and why its final season still feels so sharp years later.
Viewpoints Explained: Why Couples Therapy Isn’t Just For Crisis Anymore
Some couples are starting therapy before there’s a crisis, using it to find out what they really need to know before committing to a lifetime together.
The New Rules Of Political Comedy
Political comedy used to feel like a shared national pressure valve, but it feels far more fractured now. This story looks at how satire is changing in Trump’s second term and why the freedom to mock people in power still matters beyond the punchline.
Why Plastic Keeps Winning Even When We Want Less
Plastic may feel like a problem of personal habits, but this story pulls the lens back to the industry that keeps making more of it. Journalist Beth Gardiner explains how disposable plastic became one of Big Oil’s biggest future bets and why so much of the cost lands far from the companies that profit from it.
Culture Crash: From Viral Videos To Box Office Horror
We discuss how online comedians and YouTube creators are turning built-in fanbases into box office success.
Viewpoints Explained: Why Venus Doesn’t Look Its Age
Venus looks almost frozen in time, but scientists say the planet may be quietly remaking itself. New research suggests volcanic activity is reshaping its surface from below, giving Earth’s hostile twin an unusually young face.
The Hidden Forces Behind The Words We Use
Words like “rizz” and “unalive” may sound like internet throwaways, but they demonstrate how quickly social media is reshaping language. We’re joined by linguist Adam Aleksic who breaks down how slang spreads online, why emojis still matter and how algorithms are changing the way we communicate.
Building More, But Building Better?
What if the best building practices go against the urban norm? This week, we look at how architects and developers are rethinking modern construction through natural materials, healthier spaces and designs that account for their long-term impact on both people and the environment.
Culture Crash: Are Movie Franchises Killing Creativity?
Is the Hollywood ‘franchise machine’ the downfall of great movies? We discuss if directors should balance their blockbuster hits with smaller indie pieces.
Viewpoints Explained: How Worried Should You Be About Hantavirus?
Cases of hantavirus are on the rise – is this the start of another pandemic? Here’s everything you need to know about the rare infection.
No Shade, No Standard: America’s Heat Safety Gap
As extreme heat intensifies, outdoor and factory workers are facing risks their jobs were never built to handle. With protections still varying by state, advocates are pushing for updated national standards on shade, water, rest and retaliation-free reporting.
Money Anxiety: From Family Lessons To The Money Habits We Lean On
Money decisions are rarely just about math. Financial expert Lev Mandel explains how early family lessons, anxiety and repeated habits can shape the way people view money and approach these conversations, and why understanding those patterns can help build a healthier relationship with finances over time.
Culture Crash: Christopher Nolan Takes On The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is already stirring debate over how ancient stories should sound on screen. We review his latest Hollywood blockbuster.
Viewpoints Explained: What To Know Before You Buy Matcha
Matcha’s rise in the U.S. has turned a centuries-old tea tradition into a café staple and Gen Z favorite. We look at what’s fueling the boom and why not every green latte is the same quality.
After Live Nation And Ticketmaster’s Trial, Will Concerts Be Cheaper?
Concert tickets have skyrocketed in recent years, with Live Nation and Ticketmaster facing growing scrutiny over their control of the live music business. We look at the recent antitrust verdict against the companies and what it could mean for artists, independent venues and millions of fans across the U.S.
When Guilt Gets Rebranded As Innocence
Edgar Smith was convicted of murder, but from prison, he built a powerful case for his own innocence. We speak with writer and author Sarah Weinman about how his story captured public attention and why so many people wanted to believe him.
Culture Crash: The Evolution Of Singer-Songwriter Noah Kahan
We review Noah Kahan’s latest album that leans into a fuller sound while continuing his introspective songwriting style.
Viewpoints Explained: A Big Shift Inside The Global Oil Alliance
The United Arab Emirates departure from OPEC signals a shift in how global oil production is coordinated, potentially making energy markets less predictable over time.
Protein Overload: What’s Behind Our Latest Food Obsession?
Protein has become the dominant signal of “healthy” today with everyone seemingly focused on how to increase their daily protein intake. However, experts say most Americans are already getting enough through a balanced and diverse diet. We delve into the massive shift towards protein-everything and how marketing is reshaping what we think we need.
White Collar Crime: Big Losses, Minimal Punishment
The financial impact of America’s white-collar crime dwarfs that of street level offenses, yet these cases are less visible and often less punished. We examine some of the structural reasons behind this big gap in enforcement.
