How Actual Play Podcasts Led to the Golden Age of Tabletop RPGs

All of the concerts in the NPR Music series are great, but these six are guaranteed to get you moving and grooving.

People who share protagonists’ identities shouldn’t only author books. Their feedback can vastly improve how books represent marginalized groups.

Before Elvis ever took the stage, this woman was combining gospel, blues and jazz to pioneer the genre we all know today.

On their latest album, the band embraces the complexities of divorce and heartbreak with a radical vulnerability that enchants every listener.

The open letter against ‘cancel culture’ was mostly signed by people with enormous influence — those who least need to worry about ‘cancellation.’

Rather than indulge in empty symbolism and stale motives, Swift’s eighth album reminds listeners why they fell in love with her work back in the early 2000s.

The album was leaked just days before its planned release, but this PR disaster paved the way for other big-name artists to turn out early releases.

The psychological realism of Laura van den Berg’s second book parallels the isolation many are feeling during the pandemic.

‘Songs for Carmella: Lullabies and Sing-Alongs’ challenges societal expectations of the role of women in the workplace and at home.

After receiving harsh criticism from her colleagues, the former columnist speaks of the grim consequences for people that go against the grain.

In her new book, Samantha Mabry shows readers that vulnerability and independence are not mutually exclusive.

Instead of villainizing technology just because it’s trendy, Cal Newport makes a compelling case for satisfaction that runs deeper than pings and pixels.

In her memoir, Carmen Maria Machado documents her experiences in an abusive queer relationship, telling a story that often goes untold.

100 gecs’ latest release is a remix album that features artists like Charlie XCX, Fall Out Boy and Kero Kero Bonito.

The podcast takes a conspiracy theory seriously to reveal how the CIA has influenced art in the past — and could very well still be doing so.

Hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat not only recount compelling tales of heinous crimes, but offer important advice for staying alive.

The musician pairs the melancholy with the joyful aspects of life, creating a balance of carefree nostalgia.

Will the real Lady A please stand up? Lady Antebellum renamed themselves to shed racist connotations, but didn’t realize their chosen moniker was taken.

Whether they’re playing D&D or giving terrible (but funny!) advice, these five on-going series remind us how important sharing a laugh with our family members can be.

The concept provides an artistic and powerful way to engage in social change by coaxing our imagination to connect us to the voices of the past.

Now more than ever, people are calling on brands to step up. The culture magazine took another step in the right direction by having Dario Calmese shoot their cover.

You know who Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley are, so now it’s time to learn about the artists behind some of their greatest hits, Charles Singleton and Rose Marie McCoy.

Like any piece of historical fiction, the musical takes some artistic license, but fans are now wondering if the show has gone too far.

This calmer style of electronic music is the genre’s answer to the heavy bass and loud synths of EDM.

Even before the pandemic, connecting with others was never easy. Here are stories stressing the complexity and worthiness of human interaction in all kinds of situations and relationships.

Creating your own show might sound daunting, but it can be a simple process if you follow these suggestions.

The artist’s simple rhythms, addictive melodies and evocative lyrics have converged into a masterful EP that demonstrates his songwriting and production genius.

With videos ranging from book reviews to bookshelf tours to group reads, this online community is more than just a virtual book club.

The musician’s latest release is apathy in musical form, and not in a good way.

If you’re into electronic dance music, you know artists like Calvin Harris and Flume. But do you know the names of the vocalists featured in their songs?

The philosopher’s theories of the ‘studium’ and the ‘punctum’ explains why we prefer certain creative works over others.

There’s no shame in dropping a book that you have no desire to read.

Queen Bey is back with a new visual album that aims to uplift Black culture, but not everyone is excited about it.

Want to get even more from your reading experience? Let your ears in on the fun.

Khalil Gibran Muhammad’s exploration of African Americans during the Progressive Era unveils the prejudice behind evidence of Black criminality.

Check out Politico’s podcast to hear diverse and empowering messages from women in business and politics.

Whether you want to be a prestigious journalist or write the next bestselling fantasy novel, these tips will help you build a following.

Asexuality and aromanticism are seemingly impossible to find in mainstream pop culture, but what if we look beyond the labels?

Whether your goal is to cut back on wasted screen time, increase your cultural knowledge, or learn self-patience, this app is a necessity.

Using beautiful melodies, catchy beats and lyrics that stick with you, this music reflects the struggles of these tumultuous times.

This exercise is one of the best ways to help authors overcome feeling stuck. Following certain guidelines of the practice will ensure success.

With virtual music festivals and concerts on the rise, these up-and-comers are starting to gain traction as fans tune in to their livestreams.

The self-proclaimed ‘one man boy band’ has kept busy by making music and advocating for mental health amidst the global pandemic.

In her book ‘Sweet Remedies,’ herbalist and apothecary Dawn Combs spills the beans on honey-based drinks and confectionery.

The famous country singer, who has been called the Great Unifier, has a diverse group of fans because of her all-encompassing love for humanity.

‘Such a Fun Age’ and ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ illustrate that just avoiding overt racism isn’t enough to combat white supremacy on a systemic level.

On her commanding second album, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter writes about the fears that come with depression and a life of touring.

Ryan Tedder’s band has been releasing versatile hits for nearly two decades, but they still remain under the radar.

It is more important than ever to remember the teachings of renowned Black feminist scholar as we consider empathy in our own communities.

The graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier captures the struggle of being diagnosed — and living with — a chronic illness.

Amy Poehler, Hope Jahren and James Comey reveal that although success seems bright and shiny from the outside, the journey there is often bumpy.

Though Robin DiAngelo’s book clearly comes from a well-meaning place, does the book undermine the possibility for working-class solidarity across races?

The Washington D.C. trio puts catchy piano melodies at the center of their sound, and wears their love of Queen on their sleeves.

So, you want to make music? The first steps don’t have to be hard or pricey when you know where to start.

So-called ‘portal fantasy’ reveals the awe, fear and transformative power of traveling to another world — one that might be appealing in our present dystopia.

Just because the author has revealed her transphobia doesn’t mean fans have to completely abandon the the franchise. Instead, they can reclaim it.

The Minneapolis-born country-folk artist uses his music to create narratives worth sharing.

Alan Moore’s comics explored a character’s psyche that continues to resonate with contemporary politics, albeit for the wrong reasons.

The ‘Divergent’ author’s newest novel revitalizes the tired ‘chosen one’ trope by weaving a compelling narrative about what happens to heroes after saving the world.

Whether it’s with their happy music or their inspiring lyrics, these songs will help keep you afloat through all of life’s stresses.

They are often essential community institutions, and their continued survival during the pandemic is now more important than ever.

In light of the chaos coming out of Washington D.C. today, this book is the perfect read to cure your woes.

Susan Choi’s novel defies conventional wisdom about fiction and intentionally creates characters that are hard to relate to — making a unique, compelling read in the process.

Saeed Jones’ memoir is an honest and striking coming-of-age story about the Black queer experience and fighting to become yourself.

The video-sharing app uses a variety of different types of sounds and phrases, but just where exactly did these catchy snippets come from?

The Hulu miniseries uses everyday scenes to take on an all too persistent problem in the fight for racial equality.

Beth O’Leary’s debut novel, which features a very unusual living arrangement, makes the case for the genre as possessing real emotional depth.

Whether you’re strapped for time, want to learn more about the environment or have the need to comprehend how the mind works, there’s something for you.

Julie Berry mixes the gods of Ancient Greece with romance and World War I, all in a novel that portrays the violence of white supremacy. 

In this memoir, the comedian uses his personal experiences in South Africa and the U.S. to outline the fundamental irrationality behind racism — and why it continues to flourish.

Almost everything magical in the fantasy series relies on the use of animals in some shape or form. Is it even possible for a vegan to live in this world, and would they even want to?

American pop culture has been defined by black excellence for decades. From Gordon Parks to Aaliyah, black artists continue to influence the new generation.

The Mason family left an imprint on the West Hollywood queer scene with their shop. Years later, members of the community talk of its unwavering relevance.

During times like these, creatives have way too much time on their hands. One result: killer web comics with deadly serious undertones.

Once a cherished author, the ‘Harry Potter’ writer has fallen from grace due to her continued ignorance regarding trans and other members of the queer community.

For fans who just finished the series, leaving the world they’ve come to love just isn’t an option. Fortunately, they don’t have to.

Written on a prison typewriter, the novel tells the story of a young man who falls in love, joins the war and robs banks to pay for heroin  — a tale not unlike the author’s own life.

Acting as an anthem for protests around the world, the rap duo’s latest album is far from the first time the group has encouraged social change.

At first glance, ‘The Hunger Games’ prequel has flat characters and a dull Hunger Games. However, is Suzanne Collins just challenging readers to reflect on how they view violence in entertainment?

While country music has grown overproduced and glamorous, this young, gritty musician embodies the traditions that built the genre.

Eric Cervini’s historical opus describes how homophobia within American law enforcement bears a striking resemblance to racist policing practices.

This wildly popular, binge-worthy web comic takes the myth of Hades and Persephone and sticks it into today’s world.

Throughout Perfume Genius’ latest album, Mike Hadreas embraces emotional excess and channels it into one of the best indie pop efforts of the year.

All good things must come to an end. By constantly amending their works, authors like J.K. Rowling risk ruining their books — and stunting the growth of young fan fiction writers.

In attempts to combat the lack of diversity, writers from non-marginalized communities often miss the mark when writing about groups they don’t identify with.

With her new album, many listeners had hoped the artist would create music that cemented her genius. Instead, fans were left underwhelmed.

Suzanne Collins’ new prequel to the ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy investigates the origins of the series’s central villain, President Snow, without justifying his hunger for power.

Virtual concerts are proving popular as major players in the musical world work hard to find new ways to engage their fans despite the need for social distancing.

As June begins and protests over racial injustice continue, it’s important to make space for queer black literature.

One of the most visionary acts in electronic music is back with a new release that renews and alters elements of their previous work.

Boasting poetic lyrics and lighter melodies, the Brooklyn native’s latest album is a concept record exploring what it means to have everything.

The acclaimed novelist writes that, much like writing, running requires deliberate practice, even when you don’t feel completely passionate about it.

The actor and musician’s fourth studio album shows just how much he has matured both musically and creatively throughout his career.

Framed as a series of letters to her daughters, the star comedian uses her book to explore life experiences, inequality and her culture with her trademark vulgar hilarity.

In a bold statement about the absurdity of the current music industry, this musical duo takes their sound to satirical extremes.

Fans of Korean idols and idol groups are organizing around the world to crash alt-right Twitter hashtags and boost black activism on YouTube.

Published in 2017, Paul Butler’s book equips supporters of Black Lives Matter with one more important resource to curb racism in law enforcement.

Using the small publishing platform, the ‘After’ author was able to make a name for herself — and at the same time, raise the possibility that others could do the same.

Some say that the release runs a little long, but its experimentation, as well as lyrics that are both sentimental and politically charged, make it something memorable.