Pop Culture

A short history of the American tradition of competitive eating

5:08pm July 04, 2023

The 4th of July traditional hotdog eating contest got us thinking about why food and the holiday are so intertwined. Some experts have gone deep on the subject of competitive eating.

Do you you keep ketchup in the fridge or cupboard? We're here for the debate

4:10pm July 04, 2023

Fridge or cupboard: Where do you keep your ketchup? Dr. Melvin N. Kramer, the president of a group that consults on food safety, joined NPR to bring science to this condiment conundrum.

The celebratory hot dogs await their impending doom.

Arts

How force-feeding ourselves hot dogs became a 'sacred American ritual'

9:42am July 04, 2023

Competitive eating has found a particular foothold in the American zeitgeist — even becoming entwined with ideals like patriotism.

National

Joseph Pedott, man behind the ch-ch-ch Chia Pet, dies at 91

5:29pm July 03, 2023

Joseph Pedott, the advertising executive who popularized the Chia Pet, died June 22 at age 91.

Queue Listen Now

The history of competitive eating contests

5:33pm July 01, 2023

Competitive eaters descend on Washington, D.C., to battle for a spot to compete in Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest on July Fourth in Coney Island, N.Y. What is the history of such events?

The excellent summer movie season is what's making Chris Klimek happy this week. Above, a digitally de-aged Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

Arts

What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing and listening

5:00am July 01, 2023

Each week, guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Lady Audaci-Tea, a summer of good movies and Hair Plugs & Heartache.

Bob the Drag Queen takes offense at YOUR offense

5:08pm June 30, 2023

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Bob the Drag Queen, tracing the thread of his career before and after winning RuPaul's Drag Race.

We met Bob the Drag Queen on a sunny day in New York recently.

Arts

An afternoon with Bob the Drag Queen

5:00am June 30, 2023

Bob the Drag Queen knows the world of drag is getting politicized. But as he prepares his next moves on stage and screen, he makes no apologies for expressing his signature flair.

A dress worn by actress Carrie Fisher in the 1977 film Star Wars is one of 1,400 items up for sale at a live auction of film and TV memorabilia in Los Angeles this week.

An original Princess Leia dress, expected to fetch $2 million at auction, went unsold

9:57pm June 28, 2023

by Emily Olson

Film crews thought the gown, worn by Carrie Fisher's character, had been destroyed after the production wrapped.

Ryan Seacrest will become the host of the famous Wheel of Fortune game show in 2024. He's seen here at this year's Academy Awards in Hollywood.

Arts

Ryan Seacrest will be the new host of 'Wheel of Fortune'

2:35pm June 27, 2023

by Bill Chappell

"I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," Ryan Seacrest said.