We found a machine in the woods called the Questionator 5000 which was evidently engineered to generate infinite very silly questions and Nate, Johnny, and Fin have dedicated their LIVES to answering them all one by one by one.
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Nate Chappell Podcasts
A podcast all about the making and meaning of popular music. Musicologist Nate Sloan & songwriter Charlie Harding pull back the curtain on how pop hits work magic on our ears & our culture. From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Anjelah Johnson-Reyes starts each day with gratitude. When you remind yourself of what you’re grateful for and say it out loud, you’re not only speaking good into the world, but good into yourself. Each episode, Anjelah and her guest will recount the things that they are grateful for and dive deep into how those gratitudes affect their lives. We all have a lot to be grateful for, but there’s always that one thing that can set you off, make you mad, and give you a bad attitude. Or as Anjelah ...
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If you had to open a very specific food cart that only served fruit salads, what punny name would you give it? What animal that is too small to ride would you most like to shrink yourself down to ride? When is the first time you remember feeling humiliated?
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From Rejection to Emmy Nomination: Funjelah EP 37 w/ Pati Jinich
1:25:33
1:25:33
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1:25:33Pati Jinich is an award-winning chef, bestselling author, host of Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana, and our incredible guest on this week's episode of Funjelah! Once a policy writer for a think tank, Pati realized she could make a bigger impact through food. Her PBS show Pati's Mexican Table became her gateway, and she's been sharing the beauty of…
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Five years ago, Charli XCX released the track "party 4 u," a melancholic ode to throwing a function for that one specific person. Now, in 2025, the song has gotten a renewed life – motivated by a foolproof cocktail of TikTok trends, the Billboard Hot 100, and a post-Brat Summer clamor for Charli. It's rare for pop songs like this to get a second wi…
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808: The drum machine that changed music forever (Twenty Thousand Hertz)
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27:48
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27:48The 808 is arguably the most iconic drum machine ever made. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve definitely heard it. It’s in dozens of hit songs -- from Usher to Marvin Gaye, Talking Heads to The Beastie Boys -- and its sounds have quietly cemented themselves in the cultural lexicon. In this episode, we try to understand how that happened and …
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Could you win a state-wide 2nd Grade art competition without being caught? If you had to make a softer spin-off show to “The Floor is Lava”, what non hazardous but unpleasant substance would you make the floor?
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Give Robert De Niro Cheese and You’ll Succeed: Funjelah EP 36 w/ Nick Varano
1:22:19
1:22:19
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1:22:19On this week's episode, Anjelah chats with her good friend Nick Varano - aka her Boston Godfather - aka the legend behind iconic restaurants like Strega. Nick’s built his whole empire on one simple idea: treat everyone like a celebrity. He shares how the Sopranos cast set the tone on opening night, but credits his amazing staff for making it the pl…
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Chartbreakers: Lorde & Drake reboot, Worship Pop, and the shortest song ever
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52:27
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52:27What happens when worship anthems climb the charts alongside soul revivals and nostalgia-driven comebacks? The May 2025 Billboard charts reveal a fascinating musical landscape where Drake performs a strategic reset after his epic battle with Kendrick, worship-adjacent pop dominates the mainstream, and The Marias reject conventional song structures …
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This week on Funjelah, it’s all about moms. Anjelah and Danielle are celebrating Mother’s Day by sharing stories about their own moms, grandmas, and the incredible women in their lives who’ve felt like moms. From the qualities they admire to their favorite memories, they reflect on the joy, laughter, and even the bittersweet moments—especially the …
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‘Sinners’ summons the demons of American music
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38:53We rarely cover movies here at Switched On Pop. But after seeing Ryan Coogler's new vampire musical Sinners, we knew we had to make an exception. The movie is an ode to Black music. Throughout its over two hour runtime, the film pays tribute to the blues: nodding to the musicians, instruments, and melodies that make it a foundational genre in the A…
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If you could add one more ingredient to the classic s’more, what, if anything, would you add? On a scale of 1 to 1000, how surprised would you be if you found out bigfoot was real? If you flipped a spatula into the air and caught it, how many times could you flip it?
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This week on Funjelah, the team is recording from Jacksonville, FL—because tour life! And that just so happens to be the topic this week. Anjelah, Mal, and Danielle sit down to swap some of their wildest road stories, from stalker situations and tour bus living to total on-stage flops. Oh, and that one time there was a full-blown brawl in a comedy …
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Eurovision feast: Poison Cake, Milkshake Man, and Espresso Macchiato (featuring Tommy Cash)
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42:53
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42:53It's that time of year again: Eurovision Song Contest is upon us. And with the competition comes a tradition at Switched On Pop, where Charlie and Nate look at the songs (and countries) that have the best odds to take home the title. This year, we have an ode to the sauna, soaring operatics, and a feast of food-themed tunes – including the Estonian…
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Put your headphones on for TikTok's Addison Rae
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55:02Despite TikTok defining this decade's music landscape, the app hasn't spawned a bonafide pop superstar – yet. 24-year-old Addison Rae is trying to be the first. She's already had cosigns from Arca, Charli XCX, and Benny Blanco; critical acclaim from outlets like Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Elle; and is cultivating a fervent fanbase with a slew of…
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What is your favorite thing about squirrels?
30:13
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30:13-What is your all-time favorite video game to watch someone else play? -If you were being drafted for a one-way mission to Mars, what would be your best excuse to get out of it? -What is your favorite thing about squirrels? HELL YEAH!
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Christina P is Grateful for Her Cat
1:27:14
1:27:14
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1:27:14This week on Funjelah, Anjelah chats with Christina P. about how her breast cancer diagnosis changed her outlook on life, family, and faith. Christina shared how getting a cat, starting a garden, and slowing down helped her heal and feel closer to God. She says her marriage is stronger than ever and she’s more grateful for her kids and the simple t…
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Live at the Gamma Ray! 4/21/25! We're joined by Australian Cleverman Bryce Baker, comedian Esteban Touma, and musicians of Seasaw Meg Golz and Eve Wilczewski! And we solved all the problems. Plus we fixed autism!
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Christy Carlson Romano is Grateful for Skincare
1:16:50
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1:16:50Christy Carlson Romano joins Funjelah this week to talk skincare and survival. She shares her love for trying all things beauty and tells the unbelievable story of when she was shot in the face—including how she first told her kids she fell on a rock before the real story made national news. She and Anjelah bond over their husbands defending them i…
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Generation Taylor: Gracie, Maisie, Phoebe (with Jensen McRae)
1:05:29
1:05:29
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1:05:29Taylor Swift isn't just a world-conquering pop star at the top of her game, her approach to songwriting has also proven massively influential for an up-and-coming generation of singer-songwriters. Gracie Abrams, Maisie Peters, and Phoebe Bridgers—all of whom opened for Swift during her Eras Tour—each owe a debt to Swift's hyperspecific lyrics, mini…
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If you could change the color of your entire eyeball, what would you change it to? What was the last animal you touched that wasn't a pet? If you could replace your hair with one substance, what would it be? Find our next show dates and deets at https://gammaray.bar/shows/!
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Holly Holm is Grateful for Her Faith
1:08:47
1:08:47
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1:08:47On this episode of Funjelah, Anjelah chats with MMA fighter and boxing champ Holly Holm. Known as "The Preacher’s Daughter," Holly talks about growing up in a faithful, competitive family and staying grounded with the same coach and close, driven friends. She shares her gratitude for her career, family, and strong support system—and even teaches An…
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Specialized platforms and social media have empowered musicians to tap into niche audiences, igniting a quiet revolution in the music industry. Despite the dominance of viral hits, a new wave of artists, labels and businesses are redefining success by building dedicated fanbases with focused, niche strategies. This conversation, live from SXSW, fea…
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What animal's feet would you be most interested in replacing your feet with for three weeks? What is something you find satisfying to peel? If you could fly, how would you like that to work? Next show: April 21! TICKIES HERE!!
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On this episode, Danielle and Anjelah dive into the real issues—like why Danielle hasn’t put Anjelah on her Instagram Close Friends, whether it's ever okay to wear open-toed shoes with gnarly toenails (spoiler: it’s not), and the hotly debated crime of mixing Nike and Adidas in one outfit. Plus, Danielle gets mad about having too many amazing singl…
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Miley Cyrus just released three singles from her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful. Inspired by Pink Floyd's The Wall—specifically the 1982 feature film based on the album—Cyrus is not just sharing new music but a whole visual album, each song accompanied by a music video shot by director Panos Cosmatos. We last heard from Cyrus in 2023 with …
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We're moving to Wednesdays! And not because I didn't edit this week's episode - I DID! But now it's next week's. Think of it like frickin' time travel! Also, a duet of the song "Idiot" featuring Fin Hammond and Dr. Karl Soddentrauser. NJOY
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Lyndsay Rush is Grateful for Mouth Tape
1:13:40
1:13:40
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1:13:40On this episode of Funjelah, Lyndsay Rush—better known as Mary Oliver’s Drunk Cousin —reveals that all the greatest moments of her life started with an Instagram DM. She shares the journey behind her debut poetry book, A Bit Much, and her hilariously clever cottage cheese marketing campaign. Hot takes this week include car seat warmers being way to…
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Chappell Roan is giving country... and hair metal?
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31:33
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31:33Why was Chappell Roan's band dressed like an 80s hair metal act during her Grammy performance? The answer unlocks the surprising secret behind her #1 country hit "The Giver." This musical detective story connects glam rock aesthetics to modern country through an unexpected lineage involving AC/DC's producer, Shania Twain's revolution, and men who i…
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Well, we had a great show this month but did NOT record it, except in our collective memories. And man, was it funny. And you can hear our memories too! Along with some VERY dramatic reenactments! Our next show is 4/21 at Gamma Ray Bar! Show up!
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Cortney LaCorte is Grateful for her Godmother
1:11:23
1:11:23
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1:11:23From cheese boards to social media stardom, Cortney LaCorte shares how a hosting lesson with her godmother at 15 years old shaped her future. Now known as the "Cheese Gal," she gives Anjelah three simple tips for effortless hosting—even when guests arrive unexpectedly! They bond over their favorite cheeses, childhood make-believe names, and the lit…
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Writing The Who’s ‘My Generation' With Pete Townshend
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54:12The Who's "My Generation" wasn't born from inspiration—it was commissioned. In a rare interview, Pete Townshend reveals how six fans at London's Goldhawk Club in 1965 directly asked him to write an anthem for their post-war generation. This conversation uncovers how a simple request transformed into rock's definitive youth statement, complete with …
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"Who Cares?: The Johnny Fisher Story" ANIIVERSARY RE-RUN
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25:14
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25:14We're re-presenting to you our very first tiny baby episode, because our SQ is about to turn 3!! Who's a big guy, huh? Who's a big good guy? Yes you are! Yes you are! Celebrate our birthday on 4/21 at Gamma Ray Bar! With Eve and Meg from Seasaw, Esteban Touma, and the beef from underneath, Bryce Baker!…
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Amanda Shaw is Grateful for New Orleans
1:13:10
1:13:10
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1:13:10Growing up in New Orleans, surrounded by music and festivals, Amanda Shaw fell in love with the fiddle after seeing a musician play violin on TV. She started performing traditional Cajun folk songs at Fais Do-Do’s and knew she was finding success when she appeared on the local morning news. Music has taken her through some wild experiences—includin…
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In 2022, Lady Gaga embarked on The Chromatica Ball – a stadium tour featuring a stage that Gaga herself referred to as her "museum of brutality." Three years later, this idea of a brutalist enshrining of all things Monster can come to represent her new studio album MAYHEM. Over the course of fourteen tracks, Gaga is "unafraid to reference or not re…
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The Questionator forgot about Daylight Saving Time, so that means no questions! So they turned to their old friends at verywellmind.com for a list of 50 great first date questions! And now Johnny, Fin and I are a throuple! Speaking of which, our next show is on Monday! Tickies HERE!
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Tarryn Feldman is Grateful for Her Health
1:18:24
1:18:24
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1:18:24Anjelah is in the studio this week with celebrity makeup artist Tarryn Feldman. As Tarryn prepares to welcome her first child, they bond over everything from the give-and-take of relationships to the magic of dry brushing before a shower. And of course, no baby talk is complete without a deep dive into the irresistible scent of a newborn’s head. Yo…
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How Missy Elliott and Timbaland Freaked the World
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36:27When the song “Get Ur Freak On” hit radio in 2001, it set the world of popular music on fire. Missy Elliott and Timbaland’s first crossover hit sounded nothing like the chart-topping bluesy rock of Aerosmith or Lenny Kravitz, or the smooth R&B of Joe or Jagged Edge. It was a song that compelled you to dance - literally, with Missy issuing repeat co…
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If you could create a new category for the Oscars, what would it be? Best Podcast? Hahaha. Jkjkj. Seriously though, this was a fun one. The Butthead Buddies are back to talk about performative sleeping, chic chapeaus, and Hollyweird Gossip! Our next show is COMING UP! And Fin's going to skorp in over the internet!! Get tickies HERE!…
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Aaron Weber is Grateful for His In-Laws
1:17:01
1:17:01
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1:17:01Aaron Weber is having a moment! So Anjelah was grateful he could stop by the Funjelah studio to tell us about how much he's ticked off about no one supporting him in his maditude over Nashville traffic. Fortunately his gratitudes about his in-laws and maturing as a sports fan seem to put him at ease. Tune in for another episode full of laughter, an…
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It may be hard to believe it in this technology-driven day and age, but one of the most pervasive sounds in popular music came about when a computer STOPPED working. In 2005, artist and innovator Imogen Heap released "Hide and Seek," a mysterious and emotional song featuring just her voice and a digital harmonizer. In this episode, Nate and Reanna …
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If you had to spend one night in a chain restaurant, which would you pick? The boys are back at it, freaking everybody out, talking about chain restaurants, preferred smells, and folding maps. Less boring than it sounds!! Our next show is on St. Patty's Day! Get tickies HERE!
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Fortune Feimster is Grateful for Her Home
1:12:05
1:12:05
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1:12:05Fortune and Anjelah, aka Text Besties, aka Texties - the only way to stay in touch when you're both touring comedians! Now they're in the Funjelah studio catching up things like going to the club when they'd rather be at a nice dinner, what it was like when Fortune worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and gratitude for a safe home, being alive, and f…
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The Umbrella Effect: How Rihanna’s Breakout Hit Changed Pop Music Forever
37:24
37:24
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37:24In 2007, a 19-year-old Barbadian pop singer released the lead single off her third album. By doing so, she didn't just give us a timeless, undeniable banger -- she changed the way pop music is made, and became the global superstar that we know Rihanna to be today. In this episode we go back in time to unearth the origins of "Umbrella," and how the …
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This was such a fun show! Featuring Rachel Seizer, Brendon Panke, and Joe Thompson! And a brand new game we invented called JOLO! Next one is on March 17th! St. Patty's Day!
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Gianmarco Soresi is Grateful for Physical Fitness
1:33:32
1:33:32
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1:33:32Leading his own podcast, The Downside, through the lense of cynicism, Gianmarco Soresi is quite the opposite of Anjelah. But sticking to her belief that gratitude is the foundation of life, Gianmarco found some things to be grateful for afterall. Including his rent controlled New York City apartment and free upgrades on Delta. Watch and listen this…
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Tate McRae's billions of streams and perfectly crafted hits can feel almost algorithmic, like an AI trained on 20 years of pop music. In anticipation of McRae’s third album So Close to What, out this Friday, we dissect McRae’s "SimplePop" formula, from her strategic, indescript vocal delivery to expert "vibe snatching" of Y2K sounds. Through single…
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It's curtains for you! Or drapes, I'm not sure. Those funky SQ boys are at it again, talking all sorts of nonsense about blinds, berries, and tv church. Our next live show at Gamma Ray Bar is on MONDAY FEB 17!! GET TICKIES HERE!
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Anjelah and Manny are Grateful for Each Other
1:45:16
1:45:16
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1:45:16Is this a lovey dovey Valentine's Day episode or actual real life marriage counseling? Anjelah and Manny do a little bit of both and Danielle ends up being the therapist. Tune in for talkaments, trivia, and true love on this weeks special Valentine's episode of Funjelah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
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In last month's episode predicting the coming year in pop, one of the team's predictions was that trance music – the ethereal, dreamy subgenre of electronic music popular around the turn of the century – would make a comeback on the charts in 2025. And even though we're less than two months into the year, we're already seeing the tides of nostalgia…
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LeeAnn Kreischer is Grateful She Can Climb a Tree
1:21:50
1:21:50
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1:21:50LeeAnn Kreischer was once a high school cheerleader who drove tow trucks for her dad's company. Now she's the woman behind her husband, Bert Kreischer, and his entire empire including all his podcasts, producing his specials, managing his tours and many other incredible things. Amongst being grateful for the ability to climb a tree at 54, she is al…
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How Spotify hacked our ears (and our data)
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53:46Behind Spotify's promise of infinite music lies a carefully engineered system that shapes not just what we hear, but how music itself gets made. Journalist Liz Pelly's explosive new book "Mood Machine" rips away the curtain on streaming's biggest player, revealing how its algorithms and backroom deals dictate the soundtrack to our lives. With major…
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