Peter York's Culture Wars House Party
Peter York's Culture Wars House Party
Podcast Description
“PETER YORK’S CULTURE WARS HOUSE PARTY” podcast is all about Peter’s cultural preoccupations which range from how political Culture Wars are waged, to the reputational currency of clever celebrities, to the best sources of suede loafers in St James’s. He’ll be hosting people he admires and people he wants to argue with and people who like to natter about the correct placement of buttons.Peter York is the author of “Dead Cat – Culture Wars and how not to lose them.” However, his influence extends back to the 1970s, where he pioneered the role of ‘style editor’ at Harpers and Queen magazine, alongside co-author Ann Barr. Together, they penned the era-defining sensation, “The Official Sloane Ranger’s Handbook,” which became the bestselling trade book of the 1980s.Throughout the decades, Peter has continued to leave his mark on the cultural landscape. He’s authored numerous books and presented several TV programs, including the nostalgic gem “Peter York’s Eighties” in the 1990s.More recently, Peter has shifted towards more serious subjects, tackling issues such as “The War Against the BBC,” co-authored with Professor Patrick Barwise, and the thought-provoking “Authenticity is a Con.”Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of Peter York and his enduring contributions to cultural discourse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores a variety of cultural issues including the dynamics of culture wars, the power of celebrity influence, and social commentary on political issues. Episodes include discussions on QAnon with Gabriel Gatehouse, identity politics and risks of far-right governance with James O'Brien, and insights on the Trump presidency with Michael Wolff, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone.

“PETER YORK’S CULTURE WARS HOUSE PARTY” podcast is all about Peter’s cultural preoccupations which range from how political Culture Wars are waged, to the reputational currency of clever celebrities, to the best sources of suede loafers in St James’s. He’ll be hosting people he admires and people he wants to argue with and people who like to natter about the correct placement of buttons.
Peter York is the author of “Dead Cat – Culture Wars and how not to lose them.” However, his influence extends back to the 1970s, where he pioneered the role of ‘style editor’ at Harpers and Queen magazine, alongside co-author Ann Barr. Together, they penned the era-defining sensation, “The Official Sloane Ranger’s Handbook,” which became the bestselling trade book of the 1980s.
Throughout the decades, Peter has continued to leave his mark on the cultural landscape. He’s authored numerous books and presented several TV programs, including the nostalgic gem “Peter York’s Eighties” in the 1990s.
More recently, Peter has shifted towards more serious subjects, tackling issues such as “The War Against the BBC,” co-authored with Professor Patrick Barwise, and the thought-provoking “Authenticity is a Con.”
Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of Peter York and his enduring contributions to cultural discourse.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thomas Frank, American author of What's the Matter with Kansas?, has a new book, The Creative Con, and a provocative question: what is creativity, and how did it become a political statement? Thomas argues that an idea that gained popularity in the late '40s has been used ”as a kind of cover for a really ugly political project.”
We ask who the creatives are, who gets left out when they're celebrated, and what happens to their jobs. Did all that creativity and innovation make America any more innovative or productive? Is America more cultured, or has it become culturally stagnant? And will AI make the country as productive as it once was?
We also look at why Elon Musk, in Thomas's words, ”puts all that in the shade” when it comes to Gilded Age inequality, why creativity and innovation get used ”willy nilly,” how a tax cut in 1978 started a long run of tax cuts in the name of innovation, and why Thomas calls one decision ”a blunder of historical magnitude.”
Then there's Barack Obama, who Thomas once believed in, and the ”magic process” of innovation that none of us really understand. What became of the word under Trump? And why are IQ theorists and eugenicists making a comeback?
Please do check out my latest book, A Dead Cat On Your Table – available online and in all good book shops.
@peteryork.bsky.social
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.