Popcast

Sam Levinson, the writer, director and creator of “Euphoria,” sat down with Joe and Jon to explain why he felt it was time to end HBO’s juggernaut series. With its third season in seven years, “Euphoria” concluded a thrilling, provocative and tumultuous run with a cast of the defining young actors of the 2020s: Zendaya, who won two Emmys for her portrayal of Rue, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer and more. In this wide-ranging conversation, Levinson, himself a former addict, described staying true to his vision, his approach to shooting sensitive subject matter and the limits of empathy.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

Olivia Rodrigo sat down with Joe and Jon for her first in-depth conversation about her new album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” out June 12. She discussed the many ways her creative process intersects with the extracurricular noise of pop superstardom, whether its managing relationship drama; being targeted for the way she dresses; accusations of pilfering songwriting gestures from Taylor Swift, her onetime idol; or her willingness to speak up about political and social causes in a way many of her peers won’t.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

On this special live episode, Joe and Jon react to Drake's new albums – "Iceman," "Habibti" and "Maid of Honour." They unpack the rapper’s decision to release 43 tracks at once, the bars aimed at Kendrick Lamar and other adversaries and the strongest moments of sonic experimentation across the three projects.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

On this week's episode of "Cannonball," Jon and Joe sit down with Wesley Morris and Sasha Weiss to discuss how The New York Times Magazine's 30 Greatest Songwriters list came together. They rehash their biggest debates from the process, react to the perceived snubs, engage with reader comments and share some of their personal regrets.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

Using excerpts from Swift's new songwriting chat with Joe, he and Jon go deep on the exclusive interview, which is available in full at NYTimes.com/Taylor-Swift.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

A lively conversation with the Oscar-winning actress about her role as a Taylor Swift-Lady Gaga hybrid pop singer (with songs by Charli XCX and twigs, who makes an interview cameo!) in the new A24 film “Mother Mary,” plus: “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and how Hathaway shook off her old, awkward self. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

Following smash hits like “Whats Poppin,” “First Class” and “Lovin on Me,” the Louisville musician is making a true pivot to intimate, hand-played R&B on his fourth album. In this exclusive interview, Harlow talks race, ego and the rules he instituted while recording “Monica.”

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2026

Everywhere you turn, online or on TV, there’s Druski. In what may be the comedian's most revealing interview to date, he explains how his Atlanta upbringing led him to a unique galaxy of collaborators — Justin Bieber, Timothée Chalamet, Kai Cenat, Drake, Kevin Hart and corporate America — and how they fit into his future.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2026

The country superstar Luke Combs sits down with Joe and Jon ahead of the release of his sixth album, “The Way I Am.” Combs opens up about his journey to Nashville success (including “healthy competition” with Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan) and his mission to make huge hits again after spending the past couple years away from the spotlight.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2026

On Sunday night, Bad Bunny performed a detail-packed Super Bowl halftime show that celebrated Latino heritage and featured appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Immediately after the show, Jon and Joe went live on YouTube to share their real-time reactions and answer questions from the audience. How did the halftime show land — sonically and politically?

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2026

As the Grammys came to a close, Joe and Jon couldn’t wait to discuss the night’s biggest moments. On this special episode, recorded live on Instagram immediately after the ceremony, Popcast breaks down Bad Bunny’s album of the year win, Justin Bieber’s striking performance, political statements spread throughout the show and more. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2026

This year's awards, airing Sunday, propose a few different ideas about the state of contemporary pop. Here’s who we prefer among the major nominees. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2026

In an intimate, exclusive sit-down, the rapper and actor reflects on how the chaotic eight years since his previous album led to his new release, “Don’t Be Dumb.” Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2026

The 22-year-old rage-pop phenom and his father John Herndon, of the post-rock band Tortoise, chatted with Popcast about songwriting, nepotism and what they’ve taught each other. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2026

Jon and Joe count down their respective personal favorites of the year, including some unexpected rapping, an inescapable TikTok meme, a major tour and a sublime bridge in a breakup song. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2025

The leading stars of the Dominican genre discuss their paths to selling out stadiums and the lingering feeling that they haven’t received their due amid the Latin music boom. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

From Sydney Sweeney to Taylor Swift and YoungBoy Never Broke Again, a conversation with the columnist Ross Douthat about how culture is reacting to a second Trump administration. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Breaking down the story lines to watch from the new slate of nominees going into February’s big show. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2025

More than a decade after achieving viral fame as a teenage rapper outside of Stockholm, Yung Lean is back with new music, a new film and some hard-won clarity. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2025

The experimental Spanish pop star on why (and how) she pushed herself to use 13 languages on her new album “Lux,” a labor of love exploring the feminine divine and the brutalities of romance. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

The singer and songwriter on her reign as one of music’s most idiosyncratic, spiritual figures and where her creative impulses are headed next. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

A conversation about the casual virtuosity of D’Angelo’s too-brief career with a pair of journalists who each interviewed him twice. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

Our team of Swift experts debate her blockbuster new album and take questions about its themes and controversies. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

For a rapid-response episode, Jon and Joe journey track-by-track through the pop star’s new album, assessing the highs, lows and hot gossip. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2025

The Paramore frontwoman goes deep on how the drama and evolution of her beloved, long-running band — now independent after two decades on a major label — has shaped her third solo release, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” and what might come next. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

The superstar singer-songwriter discusses overcoming personal and professional turmoil ahead of his new album, “Play.” Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2025

Is there a universally agreed-upon song of the summer? These days, not really! So we asked some notable cultural figures for their personal favorites. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

The cult rapper, who broke out at 16, discusses his new album, his relationship with Tyler, the Creator and how he cut his own path around fame and into fatherhood. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

The singer’s twelfth album is being teased as a pivot back to pop bangers. We break down why (and why she announced it the way she did). Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

The Dallas M.C. traces his journey from high school football star to petty criminal to country music’s go-to collaborator, ahead of a new album featuring Luke Combs, Shaboozey, Jelly Roll and Ella Langley. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

The polarizing rapper-turned-singer discusses making rock legends into fans, blowing up his life, the harrowing abuse that shaped him and his latest musical pivot, "Lost Americana." Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

The singer discusses returning to the spotlight following a successful debut, an ambient detour and some recent controversy.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

Discussing the era-defining pop singer’s most idiosyncratic and musically adventurous release to date.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

The beloved pop singer’s new album once again ponders whether being famous and obsessed over is all it’s cracked up to be.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

A conversation, immediately following the jury's decision on Wednesday, about how and why the music mogul was acquitted of the most serious charges at his sex trafficking trial.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

The duo of brothers discuss “Let God Sort Em Out,” its first album since 2009, and all the drama along the way.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

A wide-ranging conversation about two pop visionaries whose lives, careers and legacies only grew more complex over time.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

An in-depth chat with the onetime social media superstar, who has re-emerged as the most surprising rookie pop star of the year.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Now entering its third week, the complex case can only be experienced directly by those at the courthouse each day. Our reporters break it down.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

In a wide-ranging chat, the actor and musician discusses his immutable public persona, recent pop-culture surge and singing with Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Scarlett Johansson.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

A conversation about the comedians and podcasters who have created a new media mainstream for actors, musicians and politicians.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Unpacking the Ryan Coogler movie “Sinners,” starring Michael B. Jordan, and its relationship to music, genre and gatekeeping, with guests Wesley Morris, Reggie Ugwu and James Thomas.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

A tour of the more surprising — and kind of anonymous — corners of the current Billboard Hot 100.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Addressing some of the most urgent pop topics of the moment, including Doechii’s rise and NewJeans’ struggle, in the return of the Popcast mailbag.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

A conversation with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon about how the band’s surprise success led to unexpected opportunities, then emotional depletion, and now a new album of reinvention, “Sable, Fable.”Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

After nearly five years of building hype, the Atlanta rapper’s 30-song third album, “Music,” has finally arrived. Let’s discuss.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

Discussing the pop star’s latest “return to form” album and whether her aggressive promotion of it adds up to anything new.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

From "Wicked" to Doja Cat, how the Academy Awards incorporated music into its 97th annual ceremony on Sunday, in ways both smooth and bumpy.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

In an exclusive interview, RZA reveals that his pathbreaking New York rap group, which has rarely performed as a full unit, is hitting the road for the last time. Plus: ODB memories, quitting the Rage Against the Machine tour & getting banned from radio in the '90s.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2025

A survey of the biggest and best albums released recently, including Drake and PartyNextDoor's “Some Sexy Songs 4 U," the Weeknd's “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” Central Cee’s “Can’t Rush Greatness,” Oklou’s “Choke Enough” and other recommendations.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025