The Gist: Celebrity worship with Timothy Caulfield, and Bobby Jindal’s running for president.

Let’s Talk About Why We Talk About Kardashians

Let’s Talk About Why We Talk About Kardashians

A daily news and culture podcast with Mike Pesca.
June 24 2015 6:25 PM

Why Humankind Needs Kardashians

Like it or not, the influence of celebrity culture on our lives is profound, and possibly hardwired.

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Does increased access to celebrity lives increase their power over us? Above, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian hold power over us.

Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for DuJour Magazine

Listen to Episode 284 of Slate’s The Gist:

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Is there a relationship between celebrity worship and a lack of social mobility? Today on The Gist, we explore the allure of celebrity with professor Timothy Caulfield. He’s the author of Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?: How the Famous Sell Us Elixirs of Health, Beauty & Happiness. Plus, Bobby Jindal makes a special announcement and his son knows just what to say.

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Mike Pesca is the host of the Slate daily podcast The Gist. He also contributes reports and commentary to NPR.