Music Popcast

Tracks by Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and more have dominated this summer — or at least attempted to.

What can pop stars get away with? Plus: the deaths of Sinead O’Connor and Angus Cloud.

A conversation about her unlikely pop fame, complex relationship to stardom and powerful, signature music. Guests: Alfred Soto and Amanda Hess.

Peso Pluma, Ice Spice, Skrillex, 100 gecs and more.

After the country star’s “Try That in a Small Town” video was criticized as offensive, right-wing support sent the song to No. 2 on the singles chart. Guests: The Tennessean's Marcus K. Dowling; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Amanda Marie Martinez

Plus: Violent J in our 50 Rappers, 50 Stories project, new songs and new snacks.

A look at how we assembled a sweeping collection of personal narratives, and the threads that tie them together. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Elena Bergeron and Keith Murphy.

Plus: Music from Troye Sivan and Militarie Gun (as performed by Post Malone).

Plus: Lil Uzi Vert’s new No. 1 “Pink Tape,” and Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City.”

How the Chicago rap veteran reinvented himself, and became a star largely in the shadows. Guest: Fake Shore Drive's Andrew Barber.