Popcast

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The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in popular music criticism, trends and news.

The New York Times


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 531 EPISODES

    3.9 from 1,071 ratings Listeners of Popcast that love the show mention: popcast, john c, pop music, nyt, pedro, best music, critics, albums, music podcast, rap, aka, hip, considered, would love to hear, box, criticism, artists, discussing, expect, rock.


    Ivy Insights

    The Popcast podcast is an exceptional show that sets the standard for how music podcasts should be done. The hosts and guests are incredibly intelligent and possess a deep understanding of the current music landscape and all its intricacies. What sets this podcast apart is that their conversations are far from dry and dull. They manage to bring life and excitement to their discussions while still providing valuable insights. Despite some negative reviews that dismiss any critical views of things they like, such as the recent Jason Aldean episode, it's important not to pay attention to such ignorance as it only reflects a hatred towards analysis. This podcast offers a great opportunity to learn, gain different perspectives, and have fun at the same time with people who truly know what they're talking about.

    One of the best aspects of The Popcast is the thoughtful and layered conversations that take place with knowledgeable guests. These discussions provide valuable insights into various topics within the music industry. Additionally, Deluxe episodes offer a more lighthearted and fun approach, making them perfect for keeping up with trending topics in an entertaining way. Listening to this podcast feels like hanging out with your own group of music critic friends who bring awesome vibes.

    While there may be negative reviews from individuals upset that the host doesn't share their love for certain artists or songs, it's important to embrace bold opinions even if you don't agree with them. The diversity of perspectives presented on this podcast allows listeners to broaden their horizons and discover new artists they might not have encountered otherwise. The takes from Jon and his guests are always interesting, even when they differ significantly from one's own opinions.

    In conclusion, The Popcast is an amazing podcast for music lovers who are eager to engage in discussions about music on a deeper level. Jon Caramanica is an exceptional host who brings intelligence, prescience, empathy, kindness, and joyfulness to every episode. This show provides fresh perspectives on music, introduces listeners to new artists, and creates a space for critical analysis and entertaining conversations. The Popcast is truly a gift and a must-listen.



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    Latest episodes from Popcast

    Addison Rae Interview! From $20 TikToks to Pop's Most Promising Prospect

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 85:48


    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.

    What It's Like at the Diddy Trial

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 43:45


    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.

    Jeff Goldblum Interview! A Winding, Musical Journey With the Wizard of Screen and Self

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 66:02


    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.

    Theo Von, Andrew Schulz, Joe Rogan: A ‘Manosphere' Just Asking Questions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 47:42


    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.

    ‘Sinners,' the Blues and Fighting for Artistic Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 65:59


    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.

    13 Songs You Didn't Know Were Big Hits Right Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 56:16


    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.

    Doechii! NewJeans! Ye! Answering Your Listener Mailbag Questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 70:13


    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.

    Bon Iver Interview! How Justin Vernon Got Happy (It Took a Lot of Work)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 77:22


    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.

    Is Playboi Carti Rap's Next — or Last — Superstar?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 55:36


    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.

    Lady Gaga Sells ‘Mayhem' Hard. But Does It Work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 45:19


    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.

    The Oscars' Best (and Worst!) Music Moments

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 37:16


    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.

    RZA Interview! How He Got Wu-Tang Clan Back Together for a Final Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 79:31


    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.

    Drake's Careful Comeback + New Music Round-Up (The Weeknd, Central Cee, Oklou & More)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 61:13


    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.

    Kendrick Lamar's Drake-centric Super Bowl Halftime Show: Instant Postgame Analysis!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 30:27


    Breaking down the Super Bowl halftime performance, including the surprise cameos and tactical deployment of "Not Like Us," in an emergency podcast immediately after the show.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.

    Why We (Still) Think the Grammys Are Good Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 50:45


    Big wins for Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Chappell Roan. Standout performances from Doechii and Sabrina Carpenter. A conversation about why the 2025 awards worked. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.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.

    Are the Grammys … Good Now? Beyoncé, Chappell, Billie, Kendrick & Taylor Face Off

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 80:53


    Previewing the major categories and making our personal picks of who will win vs. who should win at the surprisingly relevant (!) Grammy Awards on Sunday.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.

    The Dylan-Chalamet Connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 49:47


    A conversation about “A Complete Unknown” and the power of celebrity.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.

    Popcast Live! Counting Down Our Favorite Music Moments of 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 88:30


    A final look back at some of our favorite characters, trends and micro-moments of 2024, recorded live at S.O.B.'s in New York in December. Plus: IRL listener 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.

    Bad Bunny Interview! His ‘Most Puerto Rican' Album Yet, Trump Rally Response & L.A. Celeb Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 60:42


    Upon the release of his new album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” the world-conquering Latin superstar discusses why it's filled with traditional sounds and rhythms from his homeland.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.

    Charli! Mk.gee! MJ! Debating the Best Albums of the Year.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 55:47


    A conversation about how peak pop stars are thinking of LPs in an increasingly singles-driven landscape. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.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.

    André 3000 Interview & Surprise Newsroom Performance!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 83:41


    After a wide-ranging conversation, the rapper-turned-flutist improvised with his band in the newsroom of The New York Times.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.

    The Messy Modern Music Business, According to Larry Jackson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 106:04


    An interview with the record label veteran and Gamma founder, who has worked closely with Whitney Houston, Drake, Chief Keef and Lana Del Rey.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.

    Is the Real ‘Wicked' Movie the Press Tour?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 55:28


    A conversation about the musical's transfer from stage to screen, and the lead actresses who are bringing new narratives to their roles. Guest: Joe CoscarelliUnlock 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.

    Kendrick Lamar's Never-Ending Battles

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 62:37


    The Los Angeles rapper returns with his (surprise) sixth album, itching to escape his Drake drama, but still benefiting from it. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. 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.

    How Will Popular Culture Change in Trump's Second Term?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 51:54


    His first term was marked by backlash and protest. But the president-elect has found new streams of embrace and approval. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.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.

    Remembering Quincy Jones, a Bridge Between Genres and Generations

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 43:32


    A conversation about his long and unique footprint in music, and how he discussed it later in his career. Guest: David Marchese.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.

    ‘Love Is Blind' Resets, ‘Survivor' Stalls: A Reality TV Check-in

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 75:21


    A palate-cleanse conversation about the state of legacy reality franchises, and what might come next for them. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.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.

    Yeat's Chart Topper and Rage Rap's New Wave

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 50:19


    A conversation about the mysterious rapper's rise and the impact of hip-hop's splintering. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. 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.

    Chappell Roan's Rocket-Ship Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 47:49


    The pop star's ascent has tested the boundaries of contemporary pop, and may create a template for a next generation. Guest: Teen Vogue's P. Claire Dodson.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.

    It's Touring Season: Chappell, Sabrina and Mk.gee Hit the Stage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 63:55


    A roundup of some of the biggest and most impactful shows on the road this fall, and how live performances can shift the audience's perception of an artist. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. Soon, you'll need a subscription to keep full access to this show, and to other New York Times podcasts, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Don't miss out on exploring all of our shows, featuring everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts.

    The Cases Against Sean Combs

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 63:19


    A discussion of the accusations the music mogul faces, the court of public opinion and how the entertainment press covers morally complicated figures. Guests: Ben Sisario, Julia Jacobs and Joe Coscarelli.  Soon, you'll need a subscription to keep full access to this show, and to other New York Times podcasts, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Don't miss out on exploring all of our shows, featuring everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts.

    John Summit Interview! Accountant Turned EDM Superstar on Texting Exes & Not Getting Into Clubs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 57:27


    The dance music DJ and producer John Summit speaks on the return of EDM and his rise, from working as an accountant and spinning at underground parties to headlining Madison Square Garden and festivals around the world.

    How Trump and Harris Are Courting Pop Stars (Very Differently)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 40:51


    A discussion about the ways in which musicians and social media stars, both mainstream and more obscure, have figured into the current presidential campaign.

    Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl, Sabrina Carpenter on Top

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 70:30


    Plus: A conversation about the career of Rich Homie Quan, who died last week.

    21 Questions With Action Bronson (Deluxe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 30:58


    The rapper and gourmand answers our rapid-fire questionnaire covering the music of his childhood, how he manages stress, his go-to bodega order and more.

    Who Is Eminem for in 2024?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 61:07


    A conversation about the Detroit rapper's long and unlikely career as his 12th studio album reaches No. 1. Guests: Jayson Buford and Rob Markman.

    We Ranked Every Taylor Swift Album! (Deluxe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 106:50


    Two longtime chroniclers of Swift's career list their favorites — and least favorites — of the singer's 11 original studio albums so far.

    Will There Ever Be Another Global Pop Icon? (Deluxe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 38:55


    In a moment of success for newcomers like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, is there still a path to becoming a true cross-platform pop superstar?

    Charli XCX's ‘Brat' Breakthrough

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 54:48


    The pop songwriter's sixth album is in some ways her most daring release yet. Improbably, it also yielded her best opening week. Guest host: Lindsay Zoladz. Guests: Shaad D'Souza and Meaghan Garvey.

    What's an Aging Rapper to Do? Eminem, Drake, J. Cole (& Will Smith!) Adapt (Deluxe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 74:21


    New songs from Eminem, Drake and J. Cole — plus Will Smith's post-Slap “Bad Boys” comeback — demonstrate different paths for maturing (or not).

    Julia Fox Interview! on Charli XCX, ‘It Girl' Songs & Kanye Lessons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 54:21


    The actress, writer and downtown New York icon discusses her post-Kanye career, what it's like to see her past go viral and the history of “It Girl” pop songs.

    How A.I. Has Changed Music, and What's Coming Next

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 58:50


    Artificial intelligence has become the dominant disrupter to music creation and distribution. And it's only getting started. Guests: Bloomberg's Rachel Metz and Billboard's Kristin Robinson.

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