A Grand Unified Theory of Cultural Stagnation

Plain English with Derek Thompson

The Ringer

News Commentary, News

4.8 • 1.8K Ratings

🗓️ 25 November 2025

⏱️ 57 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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 [email protected]. 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

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	If you're a fan of the inner workings of Hollywood, then check out my podcast, The Town, on the Ringer Podcast Network.
0:05.6	My name's Matt Bellany. I'm founding partner at Puck and the writer of the What I'm Hearing newsletter.
0:10.4	And with my show, The Town, I bring you the inside conversation about money and power in Hollywood.
0:15.1	Every week, we've got three short episodes featuring real Hollywood insiders to tell you what people in town are actually talking about.
0:21.7	We'll cover everything from why your favorite show was canceled overnight, which streamer is on
0:26.0	the brink of collapse, and which executive is on the hot seat. Disney, Netflix, who's up, down,
0:31.3	and who will never eat lunch in this town again? Follow the town on Spotify or wherever you get your
0:36.1	podcast.
0:39.6	Hey, Harry.
0:40.7	Hello mate.
0:41.5	Got any tips for the football?
0:42.7	Your best bet is to head over to bet Victor.
0:44.9	They're giving new customers a terrific welcome offer.
0:47.7	If you bet a minimum of £10, they'll give you £30 in three bets.
0:51.6	Oh, that's a steal of a deal.
0:53.2	It's a good darn deal that'll make you squirrel for real.
0:56.3	Neil?
0:57.1	My name's not Neil.
0:58.1	I know, but it rhymed.
1:00.0	Listen to Harry and make your best bet on the football at Bet Victor.
1:03.3	18 plus opt in and bet on any football marketing at odds of evens or greater no, cash out seven-day expiry terms and conditions apply at gamble orware.org.
1:10.8	Today, stuck culture. cash out seven-day expiry terms and conditions apply at gamblerware.org.
	...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 8 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from The Ringer, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of The Ringer and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.