The Most American Episode of The Daily, Ever.
7/5/202643 min
In celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday, we posed a simple question to some of our favorite critics, columnists and editors across the New York Times newsroom, people who write about books, movies, TV shows, science, sports, wellness and food. We asked: What’s the most American thing on your beat?
On today’s episode, we present their answers. Happy Birthday, America!
On Today’s Episode
Joshua Barone, culture editor, on “Rodeo,” composed by Aaron Copland
Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic, on workout gear
Erik Piepenburg, culture writer, on the movie “Get Out”
Kevin Roose, technology columnist, on Amazon Prime
Mekado Murphy, culture editor, on the roller coaster The Beast
James Poniewozik, chief television critic, on “Survivor”
Jancee Dunn, wellness writer, on productivity and sleep
Elena Bergeron, culture editor, on U.S. hockey
Jennifer Szalai, editor at the Book Review, on “Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World” by Henry Grabar
Bill Wasik, science editor, on liquid rocket fuel
Madison Malone Kircher, internet culture reporter, on Bama Rush
Kim Severson, food reporter, on M&M’s
M.J. Franklin, editor at the Book Review, on “The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois” by Honorée Fanon Jeffers
Helen Shaw, chief theater critic, on “The Century Cycle” by August Wilson
Alissa Wilkinson, film critic, on the movie “There Will Be Blood”
Zachary Small, culture reporter, on Grand Theft Auto
Elisabeth Vincentelli, culture reporter, on demolition derbies
Jason Zinoman, critic at large, on the song “Political Science” by Randy Newman
Jason Farago, critic at large, on the Statue of Liberty
A.O. Scott, critic at large, on “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” by Walt Whitman (featuring a reading by Jeffrey Wright)
Gia Kourlas, dance critic, on “Stars and Stripes” by George Balanchine and “Appalachian Spring” by Martha Graham
Jon Caramanica, pop music critic, on “Trump Trump Baby” by Forgiato Blow
Photo credit: The New York Times
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSpeaker 10:00
Christine, have you ever bought something and thought, "Wow, this product actually made my life better"?
Speaker 20:05
Totally, and usually I find those products through Wirecutter.
Speaker 10:08
Yeah, but you work here.
Speaker 20:09
We both do. We're the hosts of The Wirecutter Show from The New York Times.
Speaker 10:12
It's our job to research, test, and vet products, and then recommend our favorites.
Speaker 20:17
We'll talk to members of our team of 140 journalists to bring you the very best product recommendations in every category that will actually make your life better.
Speaker 10:25
The Wirecutter Show.
Speaker 20:26
Available wherever you get podcasts.
Michael Barbaro· Host0:28
[upbeat music] From The New York Times, I'm Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily on Sunday. Today, in celebration of America's 250th birthday, we posed a simple question to some of our favorite colleagues from across the newsroom, people who write about books, movies, TV shows, science, sports, wellness, food. We asked them all, "What is the most American thing on your beat?" Some of their answers will surprise you.
M. J. Franklin· Guest1:11
I would say that the TV show that most encapsulates America for me is CBS' Survivor.
Michael Barbaro· Host1:18
Some might make you angry.
Jason Zinoman· Guest1:20
There's no better choice than Grand Theft Auto.
Michael Barbaro· Host1:23
Some might make you think a little bit differently.
Jennifer Szalai· Guest1:26
All of these urgent issues are tied to the American