New Year, New Cultural Landscape

The Power of Lipstick: An Interview with Eileen G'Sell

We’re thrilled to share our conversation with cultural critic Eileen G’Sell [https://english.wustl.edu/people/eileen-gsell] on her first book of nonfiction: Lipstick. [https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/lipstick-9798765135617/] We discuss the many meanings behind the iconic object and how attitudes towards lipstick are shaped by time, culture, and, of course, the TV, films, and music videos we grew up with. Get full access to Together, Alone at www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe [https://www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Melancholy Magic of the Before Sunrise Trilogy

In this episode, Arielle and Gabe speak with Andrew Bertaina, the DC-based author and professor, whose most recent book, Ethan Hawke & Me, explores his love for the Richard Linklater trilogy and how his appreciation for the Before films has expanded with time and new life experiences. We talk about the unique power of the films we grew up with and why revisiting films can be just as impactful as watching them for the first time. Links: Buy the book [https://www.barrelhousemag.com/books/ethan-hawke-me-andrew-bertaina] Andrew’s website [https://andrewbertaina.com/] The Theory of Receptivity and Some Thoughts on Ethan Hawke’s Face by Michelle Orange [https://therumpus.net/2009/03/13/fade-to-orange-the-theory-of-receptivity-and-some-thoughts-on-ethan-hawkes-face/] Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Together, Alone at www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe [https://www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Can Great TV Encourage Connection?

In this episode, Arielle and Gabe discuss Derek Thompson’s article, “The Anti-Social Century” [https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091/] and what it means to watch TV in a time of increased loneliness. We discuss online discourse, fractured viewing patterns, doomscrolling, the joys of discussing the TV shows we love, the power of small talk, and strategies for how we can engage video content in more meaningful ways. Get full access to Together, Alone at www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe [https://www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

New Year, New Cultural Landscape

Arielle and Gabe discuss how streaming culture, social media, and the shift back to movie theaters, shaped how they experienced art and culture in 2024. Tune is for our top TV shows and films of the past year and what we are most excited to see in 2025, as well as some glimpses into what Together, Alone will tackle in the new year. Get full access to Together, Alone at www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe [https://www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Saying Hello to Metamodernism

In this episode, Arielle and Gabe speak with Greg Dember, the Seattle-based author and musician, whose recently released book Say Hello to Metamodernism: Understanding Today’s Culture of Ironesty, Felt Experience and Empathic Reflexivity explores how culture that combines the ironic and the sincere has been captivating us for the past twenty years. We talk about the unique power of the “dramedy” and why shows like The Bear have been so successful in making us laugh and cry, as well as what the future holds for tenderhearted musicians, artists, and writers. Links: Buy the book [https://amzn.to/4eeuHLN] Greg Dember's Website [https://whatismetamodern.com] YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIsMetamodern] What is this? A crossover episode? Arielle's conversation with Greg and Linda about Bojack Horseman [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBJahpKomEY] Notes on Metamodernism article by Timotheus Vermeulen and Robin van den Akker [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3402/jac.v2i0.5677#d1e400] Get full access to Together, Alone at www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe [https://www.watchingtogetheralone.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]