Pop Culture Happy Hour is what happens when smart people who genuinely love pop culture sit down to talk about it without being jerks. It's NPR, so you get professionalism and insight, but the hosts have real personality and aren't afraid to champion a trashy reality show alongside a Criterion Collection film.

For parents, this is gold if you want to stay current on what's actually worth watching—or understand why your teen is obsessed with something you don't get. The hosts are generous critics who assume good faith and explore multiple perspectives, which is refreshing in an era of hot takes and snark.

Just keep it in your own earbuds. This isn't for kids, and that's fine—not everything needs to be. It's your smart friend at book club who's seen everything and can tell you what's actually good versus what's just getting buzz.