Popcast

The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in popular music criticism, trends and news. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

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Episodes

Answering Your Pop Music Questions: Taylor Swift, Geese, The Beatles & More

This Popcast mailbag episode delves into a wide array of listener questions, sparking debates on contemporary music trends and artist impact. Discussions range from the ethical implications and future of AI in music, to the evolving landscape of female rap and the decline of traditional pop-rap collaborations. The hosts also tackle questions about musical evolution beyond The Beatles, the current status of "big voice" singers, and the ever-present generational divide in music taste, addressing critiques of their own past takes while enjoying international snacks.

Jun 18, 2026•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 571

How Slayyyter Became 2026’s Breakout Pop Star

Slayyyter, who became one of the year's breakout stars with the release of her third studio album “Worst Girl in America” and a viral Coachella set, sat down with Joe and Jon to discuss her slow-simmer career arc, why preexisting pop-star formats didn’t hang well on her shoulders, and how mainstream pop classics and forgotten pop detritus can be equally influential. - Watch the episode here . Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via you...

Jun 12, 2026•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 570

M.I.A. on MAGA, the Kid Cudi Tour & Bipartisan Cancellation

Two decades on from the ecstatic electronic pop and rap that made her one of the most significant, ear-opening stars in music, the Sri Lankan-British singer M.I.A. returned in April with “M.I.7,” her seventh album and first in four years, documenting her latest swerve, this time toward born-again Christianity. Last week, she sued Kid Cudi for breach of contract after being removed from his tour in May following her onstage comments about “illegal” immigrants. Before filing her lawsuit, she sat d...

Jun 05, 2026•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 569

RIP ‘Euphoria’: Creator Sam Levinson Explains Why This Is The End

Sam Levinson, the writer, director and creator of “Euphoria,” sat down with Joe and Jon to explain why he felt it was time to end HBO’s juggernaut series. With its third season in seven years, “Euphoria” concluded a thrilling, provocative and tumultuous run with a cast of the defining young actors of the 2020s: Zendaya, who won two Emmys for her portrayal of Rue, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer and more. In this wide-ranging conversation, Levinson, himself a former addict, described...

Jun 01, 2026•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 568

Olivia Rodrigo Interview! New Album Details, Babydoll Dresses & Speaking Out Politically

Olivia Rodrigo sat down with Joe and Jon for her first in-depth conversation about her new album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” out June 12. She discussed the many ways her creative process intersects with the extracurricular noise of pop superstardom, whether its managing relationship drama; being targeted for the way she dresses; accusations of pilfering songwriting gestures from Taylor Swift, her onetime idol; or her willingness to speak up about political and social causes in ...

May 29, 2026•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 567

Breaking Down Drake's 3 New Albums (LIVE! Reactions)

On this special live episode, Joe and Jon react to Drake's new albums – "Iceman," "Habibti" and "Maid of Honour." They unpack the rapper’s decision to release 43 tracks at once, the bars aimed at Kendrick Lamar and other adversaries and the strongest moments of sonic experimentation across the three projects. Watch the episode here . Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate...

May 18, 2026•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 566

Cannonball: Debating Our ‘30 Greatest Songwriters’ List

On this week's episode of "Cannonball," Jon and Joe sit down with Wesley Morris and Sasha Weiss to discuss how The New York Times Magazine's 30 Greatest Songwriters list came together. They rehash their biggest debates from the process, react to the perceived snubs, engage with reader comments and share some of their personal regrets. - Watch the video episode here. - Read the full list here . Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via yo...

May 07, 2026•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 565

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