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Why Things Become Popular, with Chuck Klosterman

September 29, 2026 · 1 h 29 min

Show notes

What makes a hit a hit? Why do some bands make it while others fade into obscurity? Chuck Klosterman’s new book imagines an alternate history of 20th century music and uses it to explore why some things become popular and just how much culture depends on chance.

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Host: Derek Thompson
Guest: Chuck Klosterman
Producer: Devon Baroldi
Additional Production Support: Ben Glicksman

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All episodes of Plain English with Derek Thompson

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