Posted inNPR

The ugly truth of America’s expensive homes

Do you feel poor every time you turn on Bravo television?

You’re not alone – the beautiful homes of the rich and famous showcased on reality TV shows from Keeping Up with the Kardashians to the Real Housewives of Atlanta are meant to be something of a fantasy for audiences everywhere. But what are the housing realities behind the glitz and glamour? And how are your favorite reality TV stars shaping your own ideas of home and stability? To find out, Brittany is joined by Jack Balderrama Morley, author of Dream Facades: The Cruel Architecture of Reality TV, and Liam Dillon, staff writer at Politico who covers housing in California.

Want more about cultural deep dives into Reality TV?

Check out these episodes:

Is this the end of reality TV?
The molten center of ‘The Real Housewives’ multiverse

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Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluse

For handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.

Posted inNPR

The best & worst of culture in 2026…so far.

We have officially wrapped Quarter 1 of 2026. That means it’s time to gather the pop culture C-suite and take stock of the best and worst of culture this year…so far.

Host Brittany Luse is your Pop Culture CEO, and she’s joined by esteemed members of the C-suite, Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, co-hosts of the Eating for Free podcast, to recap the last three months in an official Pop Culture Quarterly Review. What have been the major cultural achievements and setbacks so far this year? And in the Pop Culture Boardroom, who will emerge as the MVP?

Want more bird’s eye views of pop culture? Check out these episodes.
The Best & Worst Moments of 2025
2026 Predictions: Beyoncé retires, AI busts, Democrats lift weights

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Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluse

For handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.

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