Next week on the podcast, I am excited to welcome Ross Benes to the show for the first time! Ross is a talented writer and expert on the world of pop culture and entertainment. In April, Ross will be releasing a new book- "1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times." I have been able to read the book and I was blown away by what I learned. I thought I knew more than the average person about pop culture in the 1990s, but the thoroughness with which Ross has researched and explored the year 1999 is fascinating.
Here is some information about the upcoming release of his latest work:
The book:
Many of the strangest features of culture in 1999 predicted and influenced American life today. This wild ride through pop culture uncovers the connections between the kayfabe of WWE and the theatrics of politics, between the faddish obsession with Beanie Babies and with NFTs, between faithful fans and political loyalists, between violent video games and society’s scapegoats, and much more. 1999 is not just a nostalgic look at the past. It is also a window into our contentious present
Why it matters:
Cultural symbolism is not limited to Shakespeare’s inferences or Gatsby’s longing for the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock or whatever meaning pretentious listeners extract from Beethoven’s symphonies. You learn just as much about the human condition, if not more, by paying close attention to popular retrograde amusements. And that’s the bottom line
Bio:
Ross Benes is the award-winning author of The Sex Effect and Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold. He's written for Esquire, Entertainment Weekly, Robot Butt, and Rolling Stone. He's regularly interviewed by Marketplace, Bloomberg TV, and the LA Times about his entertainment industry analysis.
A big thank you to Ross Benes for sharing information about his impressive career and upcoming book, as well as several photos!
