I’m an author, critic, and co-host of NPR’s hit podcast Pop Culture Happy Hour, where we gab about — you guessed it — all things pop culture. Previously, I worked as a writer and editor at The New York Times and Slate Magazine, where I covered everything from the creation of an American Girl doll to Dolly Parton to the Exonerated Five. From 2016-2018, I was the creator and host of the film and TV podcast Represent, which featured interviews with creatives like Barry Jenkins and Greta Gerwig.

My debut book WANNABE: RECKONINGS WITH THE POP CULTURE THAT SHAPES ME, a collection of original essays, is available now via Harper One.

Over the years, you might have seen me pop up on your screen as a commentator on a Netflix or CNN docuseries, or on PBS, MSNBC, BBC, and more. I’ve also brought my expertise to universities, including UT-Austin and Smith College, as well as festivals and conferences like Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, and Comic Con.

My obsessions — er, interests — include, but definitely aren’t limited to: Disney movies, old movies, viral internet memes, musical theater, Carly Rae Jepsen, ’90s R&B/rom-coms/teen comedies/action movies, Judy at Carnegie Hall, my dogs Lucy and Liz Lemon, and trying to make ‘fetch’ happen.

I was born and raised in Connecticut, and earned my B.A. in theatre from Northwestern University and my M.A. in cinema studies from New York University. I’m currently based in the Bay Area.

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For speaking engagements, please contact Kate DesRosier at kate@gotham-artists.com; for literary requests, please reach out to Alia Hanna Habib at ahabib@thegernertco.com.