Normal and What’s Making Us Happy

There’s always something new to watch, read, or listen to, and it can be overwhelming to sort through it all. That’s where Pop Culture Happy Hour comes in. Produced by NPR, this lively conversation is hosted by arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris, who are joined each week by a rotating cast of insightful guests. They don’t just deliver hot takes; they gather around a virtual table to share genuine, often differing, reactions to everything from blockbuster films and buzzy TV shows to the latest books, video games, and music. What you’ll hear in this podcast is the kind of thoughtful, engaging discussion that happens among friends who are deeply knowledgeable about entertainment. Released four days a week, each episode feels like dropping in on a smart, funny chat that helps you decide what’s worth your time and why. It’s a space that celebrates both the highbrow and the happily lowbrow corners of the pop culture universe, making sense of the endless stream of new releases with warmth and critical curiosity. Tuning in is less about getting a simple recommendation and more about joining a nuanced conversation that enriches how you experience the stories and art all around us.