It's Been a Minute - podcast cover

It's Been a Minute

Want in on a secret? Your likes and dislikes didn't develop by accident. There are subtle and not-so-subtle forces around you, shaping what you think, how you act, and even who you think you are. Brittany Luse is here to break the spell and help you feel wiser in a society that makes things blurry.

THE BEST POP CULTURE PODCAST AWARD WINNER AT THE 2025 SIGNAL AWARDS

It’s Been A Minute with Brittany Luse is the best podcast for understanding what’s going on in culture right now, and helps you consume it smarter. From how politics influences pop culture to how identity influences tech or health, Brittany makes the picture clearer for you every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.It’s Been A Minute reaches millions of people every week. Join the community and conversation today.

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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Episodes

Weekly Wrap: "It Is Written."

Sam esta bailando with Pop Culture Happy Hour host Linda Holmes (@lindaholmes) and NPR Politics Podcast host and congressional correspondent Scott Detrow (@scottdetrow). Catch up on the week's news: the World Cup, Trump administration immigration policy, and diversity in film criticism. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship ...

Jun 13, 201849 min

The Stars of 'Vida'

Sam chats with the two leads of the STARZ show 'Vida,' Melissa Barrera and Mishel Prada. They play two sisters who return home to their old east Los Angeles neighborhood after their mother's death. There, they have to grapple with family drama, gentrification, racism, and finding their identity. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenaMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast spo...

Jun 12, 201846 min

Weekly Wrap: "Look Over There."

We gon' be alright with Sam and these two guests this week: Morning Edition and Up First host Steve Inskeep and CNN Politics Senior Writer Juana Summers. The real Puerto Rico death toll, insulin prices, and baked beans, plus trade talk with Soumaya Keynes of The Economist . Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. ...

Jun 08, 201849 min

Free Speech vs. Hate Speech

Roseanne's tweet. NFL players kneeling. The President blocking people on Twitter. These stories are all about the same thing: what is free speech? Who gets to decide? And what happens when one person's speech makes another person feel unsafe? Sam talks to Nadine Strossen, a law professor and former president of the American Civil Liberties Union, about her new book, Hate: Why We Should Resist It With Free Speech, Not Censorship. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...

Jun 05, 201842 min

Live in Chicago with Samantha Irby

Here's a break from the news: Comedian and author Samantha Irby joins Sam live on stage at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music in partnership with WBEZ. Her recently re-published book is called "Meaty." Plus special guest Jennifer White drops by to dish about two famous Chicagoans — the subjects of WBEZ's "Making Obama" and "Making Oprah" podcasts. Back with our regular weekly wrap next Friday. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship ...

Jun 01, 201850 min

Comedian and "Opposition" Host Jordan Klepper

The comedian talks to Sam about running his own show, lampooing fringe news, and why the nicest parts of him are from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Email samsanders@npr.org or tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

May 29, 201839 min

Weekly Wrap: "On Bended Knee."

Sam is struck by two guests this week: Los Angeles Times reporter Laura Nelson, and senior writer at ESPN's "The Undefeated," Clinton Yates. They cover new NFL rules, Ramadan, North Korea, and lynx. Or lynxes. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 25, 201843 min

BØRNS: Glam, Sunshine, and 'Electric Love'

Sam talks to singer Garrett Clark Borns in his Los Angeles studio on going from small town Michigan to playing at Coachella - TWICE. BØRNS' new album, Blue Madonna, is out now. Email samsanders@npr.org or tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 22, 201829 min

Weekly Wrap: "Just Say It."

Sam's right over here with NPR reporters Vanessa Romo and Brakkton Booker wrapping up the week in news: one year into the Mueller investigation, the royal wedding, and upcoming Supreme Court decisions on gerrymandering. Plus, the best things that happened to listeners all week. Tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels or email samsanders@npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Priva...

May 18, 201846 min

How Ruth Bader Ginsburg Became 'Notorious RBG'

In 'RBG,' filmmakers Julie Cohen and Betsy West chronicle the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. NPR's legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg joins the conversation with Sam, Betsy, and Julie. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 15, 201843 min

Weekly Wrap: "Where's My Money?"

Sam's voice takes you there this week, with NPR Editor Arezou Rezvani and Los Angeles Times national correspondent Matt Pearce. Plus, the Iran Nuclear Deal, wage stagnation, and 'This Is America.' Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 11, 201842 min

Jimmy O. Yang on 'Silicon Valley' and 'How To American'

The comedian and actor talks to Sam about his immigrant experience and making it in Hollywood, which he writes about in a new book, "How To American: An Immigrant's Guide To Disappointing Your Parents." Jimmy stars as immigrant programmer Jìan-Yáng on the HBO comedy "Silicon Valley." Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship pre...

May 08, 201852 min

Weekly Wrap: "Check The Tape."

Sam lets the sunshine in with NPR Code Switch correspondent Karen Grigsby Bates (@karenbates) and NPR Embedded producer and reporter Tom Dreisbach (@TomDreisbach). Also Rudy Giuliani, the Broadway musical "Hair," meatballs, and a call to Puerto Rico. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 04, 201841 min

The Political 'Circus' of 2018

Political strategists Mark McKinnon and Mike Murphy join Sam to talk about the 2018 midterms and Mark's Showtime series 'The Circus,' which he co-hosts. Mike is a Republican who's worked for John McCain, Jeb Bush, and Mitt Romney. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. Tickets for our May 15 show in Chicago are at wbez.org/events. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponso...

May 01, 201853 min

Weekly Wrap: "He Is Perfect."

Kanye's tweets, Emmanuel Macron's state visit, and Bill Cosby's guilty verdict, plus latest on Facebook and user privacy. From member station KQED in San Francisco, NPR Silicon Valley correspondent Aarti Shahani (@aarti411) and KQED senior editor Tonya Mosley (@TonyaMosley) join Sam to talk about the week that was. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to man...

Apr 27, 201841 min

Meg Wolitzer on "The Female Persuasion"

Wolitzer's new novel is about women, misogyny, ambition, death, and the disillusionment of growing older. It's on virtually every must-read list this year, and feels so perfectly forged for the current moment that the Washington Post called Meg 'the novelist we need right now.' Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferenc...

Apr 24, 201855 min

Weekly Wrap: "Who's In Charge?"

That Philadelphia Starbucks, Bey-chella, Nikki Haley, and a spotlight on Cuba and its new president. NPR Reporter and Codeswitch host Shereen Marisol Meraji (@RadioMirage) and Morning Edition producer Justin Richmond (@JustJRichmond) join Sam to talk about the week that was. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences....

Apr 20, 201848 min

D'Arcy Carden From 'The Good Place'

Actress and comedian D'Arcy Carden plays Janet - the AI personal assistant - on NBC's 'The Good Place.' But she still makes time to perform at the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre in Los Angeles, where Sam got a chance to see her perform. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 17, 201848 min

Weekly Wrap: "On The Edge."

Facebook, Syria, Michael Cohen, and voters. NPR's Sarah McCammon (@sarahmccammon) is in for Sam, and she's joined by All Things Considered host Mary Louise Kelly (@NPRKelly) and NPR political correspondent Asma Khalid (@asmamk) to talk about the week that was. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Po...

Apr 13, 201840 min

'This Is Us' Star Chrissy Metz

Chrissy Metz currently plays Kate on the hit NBC show 'This Is Us.' But for years, she was an agent doing auditions on the side, just trying to catch a break. And in her new memoir, 'This Is Me: Loving the Person You are Today,' Chrissy relays the lessons she learned along the way, with some humor and grace sprinkled in. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and ...

Apr 10, 201840 min

Weekly Wrap: "Been Here Before."

A migrant caravan, Scott Pruitt, James Brown, edible glitter, and 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' NPR 'Embedded' host Kelly McEvers (@kellymcevers) and Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery (@WesleyLowery) join Sam to talk about the week that was, plus an in depth look at police shootings of unarmed people. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podc...

Apr 06, 201845 min

Tim Robbins on HBO's 'Here and Now'

The Oscar-winning actor stars in a new HBO drama that follows one multicultural family's struggle to navigate American life post-election-2016. Tim also talks about his work in the theater, and why he'll never get tired of talking about 'The Shawshank Redemption.' Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privac...

Apr 03, 201834 min

Weekly Wrap: "The Long Shadow."

Hacking for bitcoin, Stormy Daniels, privacy on Facebook, and sliceable ketchup. NPR Business Reporter Alina Selyukh (alinaselyukh) and Vanessa Romo (@vanromo), reporter for NPR's The Two-Way blog, join Sam to talk about the week that was. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 30, 201845 min

Zach Braff and Alex Blumberg on 'Alex, Inc.'

Zach Braff's character in the new ABC sitcom 'Alex, Inc.' is based on Alex Blumberg, who founded the podcast company Gimlet Media, and chronicled it in the podcast 'Start Up'. They talk to Sam about how the new TV show came to be. Follow @zachbraff, @abexlumberg, and @Gimletmedia. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship prefer...

Mar 27, 201844 min

Weekly Wrap: "Data. Data. Data."

Cambridge Analytica, sanctuary cities, Blockbuster, and the Backstreet Boys. New York Times immigration reporter Caitlin Dickerson (@itscaitlinhd) and David Greene (@nprgreene), host of NPR's Morning Edition and Up First, join Sam to talk about the week that was. Plus, a call to a listener in Finland, and the best things that happened to listeners all week. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use ...

Mar 23, 201848 min

Jennifer Palmieri On 2016 And Lessons For The First 'Madam President'

Hillary Clinton's former Communications Director dishes about the 2016 campaign and its aftermath in a new book written as an open letter to the future first female president, "Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to Women Who Will Run The World." Jennifer Palmieri (@jmpalmieri) talks to Sam about the rigors of the campaign, how voters responded to Hillary Clinton's candidacy, crying at work, working in the Obama White House, and a confrontational post-election meeting with Kellyanne Conway. Ema...

Mar 20, 201843 min

Weekly Wrap: "Epic Eye Roll."

The revolving door at the White House, an irritated Chinese reporter, "norms- engineering," and an unexpected guest at a pro-hockey game. NPR's Invisibilia hosts Alix Spiegel (@aspiegelnpr) and Hanna Rosin (@HannaRosin) join Sam to talk about the week that was. Plus a call to a mom in Newtown, Connecticut, along with the best things that happened to listeners all week. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org and tweet @NPRItsBeenAMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collect...

Mar 16, 201839 min

Momofuku Chef David Chang's 'Ugly Delicious' Food

Fried butterball potatoes. Tapioca lo mein. Crispy pork belly. Those are just a few of the items on the menu at majordōmo, the new restaurant from chef David Chang of Momofuku fame. Sam met up with David at majordōmo in Los Angeles, where they talked food, racial identity, and his new Netflix show, 'Ugly Delicious.' Email the show at samsanders@npr.org or tweet @NPRItsBeenaMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to man...

Mar 13, 201836 min

Weekly Wrap: "It's All Connected."

Tariffs, day-cares, and laughing Alexas. Senior early childhood reporter for KPCC Priska Neely (@priskaneely) and NPR Business Correspondent Sonari Glinton (@Sonari) join Sam to talk news and culture of the week. Plus a call to a gun owner in Orlando, FL, and the best things that happened to our listeners all week. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org or tweet @NPRItsBeenaMin with feels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to mana...

Mar 09, 201841 min

'Atlanta' Star Brian Tyree Henry

He plays Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles on FX's Atlanta . He's also starred in the original Broadway cast of The Book of Mormon and HBO's Vice Principal s, and earned an Emmy nomination for his guest-starring role on NBC's This Is Us . Sam talks to Brian about his path to acting, the success of Atlanta , the city of Atlanta, show creator Donald Glover, how his mother figures into the character of Paper Boi, and his good friend Sterling K. Brown. Email the show at samsanders@npr.org or tweet @NPRItsBee...

Mar 06, 201846 min
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