51 episodes

Fearless, sophisticated culture criticism for all generations. Nothing is off-limits, nothing dumbed down. With American culture on the rocks, we're split into fake "wars" about everything from avocados to bicycles to medical masks. It's time we took a critical lens to every facet of our shared experience. And that's what Virginia Heffernan is prepared to do.

This Is Critical Stitcher & Virginia Heffernan

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 152 Ratings

Fearless, sophisticated culture criticism for all generations. Nothing is off-limits, nothing dumbed down. With American culture on the rocks, we're split into fake "wars" about everything from avocados to bicycles to medical masks. It's time we took a critical lens to every facet of our shared experience. And that's what Virginia Heffernan is prepared to do.

    Why Bother with Critical Theory at All?

    Why Bother with Critical Theory at All?

    Over the last year, right-wing agitators have turned the academic discipline of Critical Race Theory into the hottest-button issue facing schools. Their anti-intellectual arguments can be maddening. But, paradoxically, the outsized blowback to CRT makes a strong case for it, and for critical theory of all kinds. Victor Ray, sociologist and author of the new book On Critical Race Theory, joins Virginia for a deep dive into both the CRT panic and what the theory actually is.

    • 40 min
    Home-Buying Needs a Gut Renovation

    Home-Buying Needs a Gut Renovation

    Homeownership has been synonymous with the American Dream since the New Deal. But after the 2008 financial crisis, millions of low-cost "starter houses" were bought for a song by private equity giants who use them as financial instruments rather than places to live. So what's a homebuyer to do? Journalist Aaron Glantz, author of Homewreckers, joins Virginia to analyze whether there's still hope for ordinary homebuyers.

    • 29 min
    Our Bodies, Our Climate: How Heat Affects Humans

    Our Bodies, Our Climate: How Heat Affects Humans

    As heat waves rip across the globe, many climate pessimists are calling this "the coolest summer of the rest of our lives." Umair Irfan, climate reporter at Vox, joins Virginia to talk about the real impacts of extreme heat on humans, and the moral obligation we have to solve this problem — with resources that already exist.

    • 30 min
    The Twisted Road to Wellville

    The Twisted Road to Wellville

    The $4.4 Trillion (with a T!) wellness industry has captured the minds, bodies, and wallets of many women. But what are we actually paying for? Longtime scholar of the fitness landscape Rina Rapheal, author of the new book The Gospel of Wellness, joins Virginia to try to understand our winding and often demoralizing quest to feel "better."

    • 29 min
    When Our Organs Are Under Surveillance: Privacy After Roe

    When Our Organs Are Under Surveillance: Privacy After Roe

    In the wake of Dobbs, the conversation about digital privacy — and how abortion seekers can protect their data from law enforcement — has exploded. But what's actually important to online security, and what is a red herring? Cindy Cohn, Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, joins Virginia to get to the bottom of what individuals can do to keep their most personal data safe.

    • 30 min
    How to Change a Mind

    How to Change a Mind

    In a time when people are more dug in than ever on partisan beliefs about the world, is it ever possible to change anybody's mind? Science journalist David McRaney, author of the new book How Minds Change, says yes. He and Virginia investigate the psychology of how we come by our beliefs — and the tried-and-true methods social scientists recommend using to change peoples' minds — even on hot-button issues.

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
152 Ratings

152 Ratings

jpbmcnulty ,

99% Sure!

99.999% sure that this is one of the best podcasts available!!!
Always a bright spot in my week.
I learn a lot and get to think constructively every time I listen.

Wopsey ,

Defying Digital Hate

Just listened to this on my walk this morning. It was refreshing & brings me hope there are those who are combating this. I think it has ruined our society. Imran Ahmed is to be commended! And you, Virginia, I’m so sorry for all the hate flung at you! Hang in there Sister!!

phelpstimore ,

Thank you!

This is genuinely my favorite podcast

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

This American Life
This American Life
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Wishbone Production
The Viall Files
Nick Viall
Shawn Ryan Show
Shawn Ryan | Cumulus Podcast Network
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

You Might Also Like