How we choose ‘What’s Making Us Happy’ (NPR+)
Sep 13, 2026 · 11m
Summary
In this bonus episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus, hosts Glenn Weldon and Linda Holmes discuss their decision-making process for the "What Is Making Us Happy" segment. They explain how they prioritize smaller, accessible recommendations over cultural wallpaper and navigate the challenge of avoiding overlap with upcoming show topics. The conversation also touches on the "Zaxxon Rule" regarding logistical accessibility and how involving diverse voices helps reflect a broader cultural spectrum rather than dictating specific tastes.
Topics discussed
Introduction and mailbag setup
Linda's strategy for choosing recommendations
Glenn's criteria and the 'corny' tone
The challenge of work-related content overlap
Harvesting genuine enjoyment and accessibility
The Zaxxon rule and logistical accessibility
Navigating personal niche interests
The value of diverse voices in curation
Building trust through specific recommendations
Supporting smaller projects and closing thoughts
Call to action and credits
Listen ad-free on Castria