‘Nunmania,’ the Woke Pope, and Gen-Z's Loneliness Content

‘Nunmania,’ the Woke Pope, and Gen-Z's Loneliness Content

From Engagement Party by CNN Podcasts

June 26, 2026 · 42 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the resurgence of Catholicism in pop culture and explores themes of loneliness among Gen-Z.

From pop stars like Rosalía and Lilly Allen in habits to nuns blessing Spurs players and praise for the “woke Pope,” Catholicism is in, and everywhere. But is it just about the aesthetics? Plus, why are people celebrating having no friends in their TikTok videos? And are those adorable videos of World Cup fans delighting in America’s air conditioning, oversized servings and ranch dressing for real? About the show: Welcome to Audie Cornish and Ari Shapiro’s Engagement Party, where the hot takes are the smart takes. After years of working side by side, Audie and Ari have made it official with their pop culture video podcast. Party hopping between what you're watching, reading and scrolling, these longtime friends unpack what matters in our endless feeds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Audie Cornish, Ari Shapiro

Topics covered

  • Catholicism
  • pop culture
  • Gen-Z loneliness
  • TikTok
  • friendship
  • World Cup
  • aesthetics

Keywords

  • Catholicism
  • Gen-Z
  • loneliness
  • TikTok
  • pop culture
  • World Cup
  • aesthetics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Spurs

Places: America

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