Popcast - podcast cover

Popcast

The New York Timeswww.nytimes.com
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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

Episodes

Remembering Sly Stone & Brian Wilson

A wide-ranging conversation about two pop visionaries whose lives, careers and legacies only grew more complex over time.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 13, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 531

Addison Rae Interview! From $20 TikToks to Pop’s Most Promising Prospect

An in-depth chat with the onetime social media superstar, who has re-emerged as the most surprising rookie pop star of the year.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 03, 20251 hr 26 minEp. 530

What It's Like at the Diddy Trial

Now entering its third week, the complex case can only be experienced directly by those at the courthouse each day. Our reporters break it down.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 28, 202544 minEp. 529

Jeff Goldblum Interview! A Winding, Musical Journey With the Wizard of Screen and Self

In a wide-ranging chat, the actor and musician discusses his immutable public persona, recent pop-culture surge and singing with Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Scarlett Johansson.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 22, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 528

Theo Von, Andrew Schulz, Joe Rogan: A ‘Manosphere’ Just Asking Questions

A conversation about the comedians and podcasters who have created a new media mainstream for actors, musicians and politicians.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 06, 202548 minEp. 527

‘Sinners,’ the Blues and Fighting for Artistic Control

Unpacking the Ryan Coogler movie “Sinners,” starring Michael B. Jordan, and its relationship to music, genre and gatekeeping, with guests Wesley Morris, Reggie Ugwu and James Thomas.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 28, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 526

13 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Big Hits Right Now

A tour of the more surprising — and kind of anonymous — corners of the current Billboard Hot 100.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 18, 202556 minEp. 525

Doechii! NewJeans! Ye! Answering Your Listener Mailbag Questions

Addressing some of the most urgent pop topics of the moment, including Doechii’s rise and NewJeans’ struggle, in the return of the Popcast mailbag.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 07, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 524

Bon Iver Interview! How Justin Vernon Got Happy (It Took a Lot of Work)

A conversation with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon about how the band’s surprise success led to unexpected opportunities, then emotional depletion, and now a new album of reinvention, “Sable, Fable.”Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 26, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 523

Is Playboi Carti Rap’s Next — or Last — Superstar?

After nearly five years of building hype, the Atlanta rapper’s 30-song third album, “Music,” has finally arrived. Let’s discuss.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 20, 202556 minEp. 522

Lady Gaga Sells ‘Mayhem’ Hard. But Does It Work?

Discussing the pop star’s latest “return to form” album and whether her aggressive promotion of it adds up to anything new.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 15, 202545 minEp. 521

The Oscars’ Best (and Worst!) Music Moments

From "Wicked" to Doja Cat, how the Academy Awards incorporated music into its 97th annual ceremony on Sunday, in ways both smooth and bumpy.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 04, 202537 minEp. 520

RZA Interview! How He Got Wu-Tang Clan Back Together for a Final Tour

In an exclusive interview, RZA reveals that his pathbreaking New York rap group, which has rarely performed as a full unit, is hitting the road for the last time. Plus: ODB memories, quitting the Rage Against the Machine tour & getting banned from radio in the '90s.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Feb 24, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 519

Drake’s Careful Comeback + New Music Round-Up (The Weeknd, Central Cee, Oklou & More)

A survey of the biggest and best albums released recently, including Drake and PartyNextDoor's “Some Sexy Songs 4 U," the Weeknd's “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” Central Cee’s “Can’t Rush Greatness,” Oklou’s “Choke Enough” and other recommendations.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Feb 20, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 518

Kendrick Lamar’s Drake-centric Super Bowl Halftime Show: Instant Postgame Analysis!

Breaking down the Super Bowl halftime performance, including the surprise cameos and tactical deployment of "Not Like Us," in an emergency podcast immediately after the show.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Feb 10, 202530 minEp. 517

Why We (Still) Think the Grammys Are Good Now

Big wins for Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Chappell Roan. Standout performances from Doechii and Sabrina Carpenter. A conversation about why the 2025 awards worked. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Feb 04, 202551 minEp. 516

Are the Grammys … Good Now? Beyoncé, Chappell, Billie, Kendrick & Taylor Face Off

Previewing the major categories and making our personal picks of who will win vs. who should win at the surprisingly relevant (!) Grammy Awards on Sunday.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jan 30, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 515

The Bob Dylan-Timothée Chalamet Connection

A conversation about “A Complete Unknown” and the power of celebrity.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jan 17, 202550 minEp. 514

Popcast Live! Counting Down Our Favorite Music Moments of 2024

A final look back at some of our favorite characters, trends and micro-moments of 2024, recorded live at S.O.B.’s in New York in December. Plus: IRL listener mailbag!Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jan 10, 20251 hr 29 minEp. 513

Debating the Best Albums of the Year: Charli! Mk.gee! MJ!

A conversation about how peak pop stars are thinking of LPs in an increasingly singles-driven landscape. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Dec 25, 202456 minEp. 510

André 3000 Interview & Surprise Newsroom Performance!

After a wide-ranging conversation, the rapper-turned-flutist improvised with his band in the newsroom of The New York Times.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Dec 21, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 511

The Messy Modern Music Business, According to Larry Jackson

An interview with the record label veteran and Gamma founder, who has worked closely with Whitney Houston, Drake, Chief Keef and Lana Del Rey.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Dec 13, 20241 hr 46 minEp. 509

Is the Real ‘Wicked’ Movie the Press Tour?

A conversation about the musical’s transfer from stage to screen, and the lead actresses who are bringing new narratives to their roles. Guest: Joe CoscarelliUnlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Dec 07, 202455 minEp. 508

Kendrick Lamar’s Never-Ending Battles

The Los Angeles rapper returns with his (surprise) sixth album, itching to escape his Drake drama, but still benefiting from it. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Nov 28, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 507

How Will Popular Culture Change in Trump’s Second Term?

His first term was marked by backlash and protest. But the president-elect has found new streams of embrace and approval. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Nov 20, 202452 minEp. 506

Remembering Quincy Jones, a Bridge Between Genres and Generations

A conversation about his long and unique footprint in music, and how he discussed it later in his career. Guest: David Marchese.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Nov 11, 202444 minEp. 505

‘Love Is Blind’ Resets, ‘Survivor’ Stalls: A Reality TV Check-in

A palate-cleanse conversation about the state of legacy reality franchises, and what might come next for them. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Nov 05, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 504

Yeat’s Chart Topper and Rage Rap’s New Wave

A conversation about the mysterious rapper’s rise and the impact of hip-hop’s splintering. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Nov 01, 202450 minEp. 503
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