Consumption Is Eating Art

Consumption Is Eating Art

From Pantsuit Politics by Sarah & Beth

May 22, 2026 · 51 min · Season 11 · Episode 40

About this episode

The episode explores how popular consensus is manufactured in art and media, touching on various cultural topics and personal reflections.

Beth’s daughter, Ellen, asked why our books aren’t on the bestseller list, and honestly? Great question, Ellen. That one question opens up the whole can of worms today: how popular consensus gets manufactured — from the mysterious black box of the New York Times bestseller list to music catalogs being protected like the financial assets they literally are, to the Vulture piece that confirmed what I’ve suspected for a while now, which is that nothing on your social media feed is actually organic. We also wade into the Michael Jackson biopic, which I have real feelings about, and we end in a much better place, talking about songs that have nothing to do with romantic love. I am warning you now that I cannot discuss Brandi Carlile without crying, so just be ready for that. — Sarah Topics Discussed Cultural Consensus and Its Impact Art, Trust, and Marketing in the Digital Age Outside of Politics: Nonlove Songs Ready to go deeper? Visit ⁠⁠our website⁠⁠ for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Beth, Sarah

Topics covered

  • Cultural Consensus
  • Art
  • Trust
  • Marketing in the Digital Age
  • Nonlove Songs

Keywords

  • bestseller list
  • social media
  • music catalogs
  • Michael Jackson
  • Brandi Carlile
  • nonlove songs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Times, Vulture

Books & works: Michael Jackson biopic, Brandi Carlile

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