Middlebrow

Designer and NYU media studies professor Ruby Thelot investigates the cultural dynamics of online spaces. Through his research, we discuss the act of being online, forms of gatekeeping, the Drake academic symposium and ways to become a better hater.

Dan and Brian discuss halloween costume effort, diversifying racism, Sean Baker’s Anora, the truth about Blue Zones, Malcolm Gladwell-isms, testosterone replacement therapy and Hey Dude shoes.

Joss Fong, co-creator and host of the popular YouTube series "Howtown," brings her digital storytelling expertise from her time as a founding member of Vox’s video team to dissect the evolving landscape of online media. We dive into generational divides, the challenges of public-facing creativity, ways to measure happiness and other possible “how do they know” explorations.

Award-winning journalist Bianca Bosker, author of the NYT bestseller "Get the Picture," immersed herself in New York's fine art world to understand its enduring appeal. We explore her findings, covering art literacy, market politics, artificial scarcity, and ways to disrupt the industry.

Gen Z workforce, Adam Neumann deja vu, Vampire Weekend concert report, partiful, industry parties and the agony and ecstasy of Megalopolis 

Chilling at a $60M dollar home, classical music, Mk.gee at Terminal 5, Hudson NY as a concept, the appeal of ugly art and reading aptitude in decline

Andrew Yang jump scare, GQ behind the scenes, menswear inside job, gym culture and wellness tips that actually work

Politico drama, journalism twitter, romantasy novels, Mr. Beast evil guide to success, Substack writers and follow-unfollow etiquette  

Fashion's coolness index, Stereophonic, a Jeff Bezos sighting, secret Uniqlo ad, elevated street food and panel culture

Founder Mode, “museum” experiences, college dorm room designers, Job on Broadway and therapy content

Male vs. female gaze celebrity, US Open aesthetics, corporate bowl lunches, Burning Man art and health optimization

LA’s hotness distortion field, calculated risks, selling “mcm” furniture, Pete Wells, dining out in NY and the Ryan Reynolds multiverse

Tennis court justice, fashion devours film, a Brian Eno doc and some fire Japanese woodblock prints at the Brooklyn Museum