Arts

Chappell Roan performs at Justin Tranter And GLAAD Present "BEYOND" Spirit Day Concert on Oct. 19, 2022, in Los Angeles.

'Wait Wait' for May 11, 2024: With Not My Job guest Chappell Roan

8:49am May 11, 2024

With the release of her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Chappell Roan became a queer pop icon. Her hit songs include "Hot To Go!" but what does she know about to-go food?

Arts

Thanks, mom. Love, NPR

8:11am May 11, 2024

by Scott Simon

We take a moment to thank our mothers for all they've done, all they do, and all they continue to do. You can't thank a mom enough, but we can surely try.

Books
Arts

'Women and Children First' is a tale about how actions and choices affect others

8:00am May 11, 2024

by Kristen Martin

The puzzle of a girl's death propels Alina Grabowski's debut novel but, really, it's less about the mystery and more about how our actions impact each other, especially when we think we lack agency.

Zendaya at the 2024 Met Gala in New York City. The actress is one of many celebrities whose name has appeared this week on social media "block" lists for not speaking out publicly about the conflict in Gaza.

Arts

The Met Gala has fueled backlash against stars who are silent about the Gaza conflict

5:31am May 11, 2024

by Chloe Veltman

A fast-growing social media campaign to block stars for not speaking out escalated this week after the star-studded New York event.

What 'Pop Culture Happy Hour' thinks of Jerry Seinfeld's Pop-Tart movie 'Unfrosted'

6:09pm May 10, 2024

The Netflix movie Unfrosted tells a made-up version of Pop-Tarts' origin story. It hasn't been received favorably, including by NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts.

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Kristen Lovell, co-director of 'The Stroll,' knows sex work is real work

6:09pm May 10, 2024

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Kristen Lovell, co-director of the HBO documentary The Stroll. It's the story of the trans women who worked the streets of the Meatpacking District in New York City.

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If you love Vanderpump Rules you will love Brian Moylan's recaps of the show. Above, Scheana Shay, left, Ariana Madix and Lala Kent.

Arts

What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing and reading

5:00pm May 10, 2024

Each week, Pop Culture Happy Hour guests and hosts share what's bringing them joy. This week: Vanderpump Rules recaps, the book The Worst Ronin, and a duet by Pavarotti and Celine Dion.

"It warms my heart to know that little Black kids out there will be like, 'Oh, I can be The Doctor,'" Ncuti Gatwa says. "It feels like a huge, lovely responsibility."

Arts

New 'Doctor Who' star Ncuti Gatwa feels 'sad' for critics of show's diversity

4:54pm May 10, 2024

by Eric Deggans

Gatwa is the first Black man and the first person born outside the U.K. to play The Doctor. He's candid about how his own life has influenced his take on the role — and about his critics.

Arts

Can Netflix build a factory for appointment TV?

4:00pm May 10, 2024

by Eric Deggans

The streamer has tried to create an avalanche of appointment television this week. We analyze whether it succeeded.

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Brian Wilson, performing in Los Angeles in 2015.

Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys is being placed under a legal conservatorship

3:07pm May 10, 2024

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge approved the conservatorship Thursday, noting that Brian Wilson suffers from "a major cognitive disorder." Wilson has agreed to the conservatorship.