A Grand Unified Theory of Cultural Stagnation

A Grand Unified Theory of Cultural Stagnation

One of my favorite theories about the modern world is the idea that culture is "stuck." Whether the decline of ornamentation in modern architecture, or the fact that every corporate logo looks the same now, or the fact that Gen Z's favorite television was all made in the 1990s and 2000s, or the sequel fetish in Hollywood, or the theory that old music is eating new music on Spotify, the evidence of cultural stagnation abounds. But is there one grand theory that explains all of it? The psychologist and writer Adam Mastroianni thinks so. He joins Derek to discuss. If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Adam Mastroianni Producers: Devon Baroldi Links:https://www.slowboring.com/p/the-hidden-cause-of-cultural-stagnationhttps://www.experimental-history.com/p/the-decline-of-deviancehttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/whither-tartariahttps://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/12/america-innovation-film-science-business/620858/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/12/america-really-running-out-original-ideas/621055/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025/11/blank-space-book-excerpt-culture/685037/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The Omicron Variant: So, How Bad Is It?

The Omicron Variant: So, How Bad Is It?

Dr. Peter Hotez talks to Derek about what we know about the new COVID-19 variant (a little), what we don't know (a lot), and when we'll know more. Host: Derek Thompson Guests: Dr. Peter Hotez Producer: Devon Manze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30 Nov 202134min

Buy or Sell Pandemic Trends: Peloton, Movie Theaters, Masks, and More!

Buy or Sell Pandemic Trends: Peloton, Movie Theaters, Masks, and More!

The Atlantic's Amanda Mull joins the podcast to debate Derek about which COVID-19–related cultural trends will thrive or fade in the 2020s. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Amanda Mull Producer: Devon Manze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 Nov 202148min

We Have to Talk About Inflation

We Have to Talk About Inflation

Our first Economic Roundtable discusses rising prices, the Great Resignation, labor shortages, the supply chain mess, Joe Biden’s puking approval numbers, and what the White House can do to turn things around.  Host: Derek Thompson Guests: Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson  Producer: Devon Manze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 Nov 202147min

The Future Is Going to Be Weird As Hell

The Future Is Going to Be Weird As Hell

In our first episode, The New York Times’s Kevin Roose joins the show to walk Derek through the metaverse, crypto, NFTs, and the maybe-BS or maybe-brilliant future of technology. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Kevin Roose Producer: Devon Manze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Nov 202147min

Introducing Plain English with Derek Thompson

Introducing Plain English with Derek Thompson

Longtime Atlantic writer Derek Thompson breaks down your weekly headlines in his new podcast, ‘Plain English.’ From tech to politics to culture, Derek and his expert guests cut through the noise surrounding the news and tackle the big questions that matter to you. ‘Plain English’ launches November 16, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday and Friday. Host: Derek Thompson Producer: Devon Manze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Nov 202138s

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