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Critical Minded

by Critical Minded

Arts and culture criticism in the United States has never been more endangered, and this is especially true for critics of color. On the Critical Minded Podcast, you’ll hear directly from critics themselves about the conditions and challenges they face – from the difficulty of making a living in a shrinking publishing landscape, to widespread exclusionary practices that keep critics of color from enjoying the same opportunities and prestige as their white peers. Critics also weigh in on the increased influence of social media, online fandoms, and AI, and how they are changing the way we understand and experience culture. Based on a series of research reports, including national surveys and in-depth interviews, the Critical Minded Podcast presents an unprecedented portrait of our rapidly changing moment from some of our most astute cultural voices. ABOUT CRITICAL MINDED Critical Minded is a grantmaking and learning initiative whose work is focused on resourcing and raising the visibility of critics and writers through direct support to publications and individuals, research, and convening. Launched from a national convening of critics in 2017, Critical Minded emerged from the belief that engaging critically with the ideas and images that surround us is a prerequisite for transforming our cultural landscape and preserving democracy. https://criticalminded.org/reports/

Latest episodes

Showing 7 · updated from the feed

What does it mean to be a music critic today?

Welcome to the second season of the Critical Minded podcast, as we welcome the latest Critical Minded report, Beautiful Struggles: Pop Music Critics of Color and the Crit

Aug 24
48 min

Unpacking the Myth of Critics v. Artists

In this final episode, host Steven Vargas brings playwright Larissa Fasthorse, Latino Theatre Company Artistic Director José Luis Valenzuela, playwright & critic Amanda L

Apr 14 2025
33 min

The Future of Theater Criticism

With some guidance from our report, “Topdogs and Underdogs,” today’s critics offer some insight into how we can work to create a more diverse landscape. Host Steven Varg

Apr 7 2025
31 min

What Does It Take to Be a New Critic Today?

Entering a career as a critic today takes more than a good resume. The next generation of writers faces the aftermath of a global pandemic, a volatile job market and low

Mar 24 2025
30 min

A Day in the Life of a Critic

Culture criticism may sound glamorous, but being a critic takes resilience, a lot of writing and (in most cases) a day job. Host Steven Vargas speaks with freelancer Bri

Mar 17 2025
35 min

The State of Criticism for Writers of Color

Arts & culture criticism in the U.S. has never seemed as endangered as it does now. This is especially true for critics of color. Join host Steven Vargas, Washington Post

Mar 10 2025
29 min

Welcome to the Critical Minded Podcast

Welcome to the Critical Minded podcast!  This inaugural season of the Critical Minded podcast looks at the organization’s new report, "Topdogs and Underdogs: Critics of

Mar 3 2025
2 min

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