The Most American Episode of The Daily, Ever.
Jul 5, 2026 · 43m
Summary
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, New York Times journalists share the most American thing on their beat. Contributors highlight diverse cultural touchstones, from Aaron Copland’s *Rodeo* and *Survivor* to M&Ms and *There Will Be Blood*. The episode explores how these works reflect national themes like competition, innovation, and complex social realities.
Topics discussed
Apple Card Sponsorship
Introduction: The Most American Thing Challenge
Classical Music: Aaron Copland's Rodeo
Fashion: Leggings and Sports Bras
Horror Movies: Jordan Peele's Get Out
Technology: Amazon Prime
Rollercoasters: The Beast at Kings Island
TV: Survivor and American Society
Productivity Culture
Sports: Winter Olympics
Nonfiction: Paved Paradise and Suburbs
Science: Robert Goddard and Rocketry
Internet Culture: Bama Rush
Sponsorship Breaks
Food: The History of M&Ms
Literature: August Wilson's Century Cycle
Film: There Will Be Blood
Video Games: Grand Theft Auto
Comedy: The Underdog Resentment
Sponsorship Breaks
Art: The Statue of Liberty
Poetry: Walt Whitman's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry
Dance: Martha Graham and Jerome Robbins
Pop Music: Forgiato Blow and American Identity
Outro and Credits
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