Working Theory Podcast

Working Theory

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Society & Culture
Weekly

Yeah, it really is that deep. A podcast about what small things reveal about very big things—across culture, whatever that means: trends, micro-trends, music, film, nooks and crannies of the internet, and everything in between. workingtheorypod.substack.com

Aug 28

Loose Threads

Well, that’s that! Thank you all for tuning in to Working Theory over the last few months. I’ve had so much fun using this podcast as a way to slow down and unpack the “tiny” yet very revealing shifts happening in culture. While I’ll be taking an indefinite break from hosting the pod, don’t worry—the “working theory” hat is very much staying on. To close things out, I’m sharing a collection of “loose thread” ideas I haven’t been able to stop thinking about, from AI and taste to wellness fatigue, femtech, Ozempic’s impact on fashion, and why so many young people seem to be getting married. Enjoy, and I hope to see you again soon! Love, Steph xx This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com
Aug 10

What the World Cup Taught Me—as a Non-Soccer Fan

I went into this World Cup as someone who honestly doesn’t care much for soccer. But over the course of 39 days, it became impossible for me not to get pulled in. I went to watch four matches, discussed the games with friends and coworkers, texted my dad about them from across the world, and began paying attention to everything happening around the sport. This episode explores what stood out to me as an outsider looking in—from American soft power and Adidas vs. Nike to the role of social media virality—and how I (finally!) came to understand why the World Cup means so much to so many people. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com
Jul 31

The Gap Comeback

Gap was once one of America’s most iconic brands, but by the 2010s it had become synonymous with endless sales and uninspiring basics. So how did it become cool again in 2026? In this episode, I trace Gap’s comeback under CEO Richard Dickson and examine how the brand rebuilt its cultural relevance through a strategy it calls “fashiontainment.” Under this new approach, Gap is positioning itself as entertainment through viral dance campaigns, celebrity styling at the Met Gala, and collaborations with trendy brands. Gap’s revival offers a fascinating case study in how heritage brands can gets their spark back. By drawing on decades of brand equity and the emotional connection consumers formed with the brand years ago, Gap is reinventing itself with a modern understanding of culture. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com
Jul 24

Inside Summer? Young People Don't Hit the Clubs Anymore

Going out used to be a rite of passage. Now, more and more young people would rather stay home, wake up early for Pilates, or host a dinner party than spend the night at a club. In this episode, I explore why Gen Z has become such an “inside generation.” There are several potential culprits: wellness culture, the sober curious movement, dating burnout/voluntary celibacy, $20 cocktails (diabolical...), and our obsession with protecting our peace, among other reasons. In this episode, I unpack the cultural shifts that are changing the way we socialize. I also reflect on whether all this self-optimization has made us a little too attached to our routines. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is leave the house and see what happens! Subscribe for more! New episodes every Thursday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe on Substack for written notes on culture and to get new episodes delivered straight to your inbox. Have ideas, questions, or something you want me to dig into? Send them my way at workingtheorypod@gmail.com or message me on Substack! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com
Jul 17

Can I Pull You For a Chat? Red Pill in the Villa

Love Island USA Season 8 has officially ended, and after finally becoming a devoted watcher this summer, I’m breaking down what the show reveals about our culture more broadly. From KC and Corbin’s red-pill-adjacent language to the homosocial bonds that prioritize other men’s approval over the emotional needs of the women they’re coupled with, Love Island is a microcosm of today’s gender dynamics and dating culture. Fair warning: spoilers ahead. And as always... MelaniEEEEEE! Subscribe for more! New episodes every Thursday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe on Substack for written notes on culture and to get new episodes delivered straight to your inbox. Have ideas, questions, or something you want me to dig into? Send them my way at workingtheorypod@gmail.com or message me on Substack! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com
Jul 10

The Rise of Wearable Health

Everyone seems to own an Oura Ring these days, and that’s only one part of the equation. From Apple Watches and Whoop bands to emerging hormone trackers, wearable devices are becoming an everyday part of how we understand our bodies. In this episode, I explore why wearable health has taken off and what it reveals about broader cultural shifts in wellness. As people become more health-literate, we’re increasingly drawn to holistic health practices that treat the body as an interconnected system. Wearables fit perfectly into that mindset, offering continuous data on everything, like sleep, stress, recovery, and activity. That said, more information doesn’t always mean better self-understanding. I also reflect on my own experience with data fatigue after wearing an Oura Ring and why relying too heavily on metrics can sometimes cloud our assessment of our bodies. Finally, the health wearables industry is only growing. Excitingly, there is a growing focus on women’s health and hormone-tracking technology—hooray, something to celebrate! Subscribe for more! New episodes every Thursday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe on Substack for written notes on culture and to get new episodes delivered straight to your inbox. Have ideas, questions, or something you want me to dig into? Send them my way at workingtheorypod@gmail.com or message me on Substack! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com
Jul 2

The Clip Economy

When was the last time you read an article from start to finish? Or listened to an entire podcast episode? Instead of consuming long-form content, we are increasingly gravitating toward short clips extracted from longer pieces—and, in many cases, abandoning those longer works altogether. Known as the “clip economy,” I explore how the dominance of short-form video is transforming the media industry. Legacy media organizations like The New York Times are adapting to these changing habits by embracing TikTok-style vertical videos. They’re also recognizing the growing influence of personality-driven content: reporters are building audiences around their own identities rather than relying solely on institutional credibility. Even Spotify now puts its editors on camera for New Music Friday. As institutions start to behave like creators, and TikTok-style vertical videos continue to dominate, I ask: What does this mean for the future of media? Subscribe for more! New episodes every Thursday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe on Substack for written notes on culture and to get new episodes delivered straight to your inbox. Have ideas, questions, or something you want me to dig into? Send them my way at workingtheorypod@gmail.com or message me on Substack! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com
Jun 25

The Death of Rainbow Capitalism?

Usually, by June 1st, my feed is already flooded with corporate rainbow logos and Pride collections (they’re never very cute, sorry to say). That isn’t quite the case this year. At a moment when queer and trans rights are increasingly under attack, corporate support for the LGBTQ+ community has noticeably declined. In this episode, I explore why corporations have pulled back. Perhaps, for better or for worse, we’re finally witnessing the death of rainbow capitalism. At the same time, parts of queer culture have become more mainstream than ever. Think: people adopting queer language and humor (why does everyoneee know what “DL trade” is?), Heated Rivalry, etc etc. As generic Pride campaigns are exposed for their performativity, the brands that still resonate are engaging with queer culture in more culturally fluent ways. Finally, I reflect on how I’ll be celebrating Pride this year—and why supporting queer community matters far more than buying a polyester rainbow T-shirt! Subscribe for more! New episodes every Thursday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe on Substack for written notes on culture and to get new episodes delivered straight to your inbox. Have ideas, questions, or something you want me to dig into? Send them my way at workingtheorypod@gmail.com or message me on Substack! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com

Yeah, it really is that deep. A podcast about what small things reveal about very big things—across culture, whatever that means: trends, micro-trends, music, film, nooks and crannies of the internet, and everything in between. workingtheorypod.substack.com

Creator

Working Theory
Years Active

2026
Episodes

21
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Working Theory
Show Website

Working Theory Podcast