Best Placement Theory Podcasts (2025)

1
Pounding Beers in a Shed, and Other Dispatches from the War on Free Speech 27:49

3d ago27:49

27:49

Last episode we discussed the campaign to overturn the Supreme Court decision that protects reporters’ ability to criticize and investigate people in power. But even with that decision still in place, reporter David Enrich has discovered a shocking wave of legal attacks that is being waged on journalists in towns and cities across the country. Thes…

1
Freedom of the press is great, until you're the target 41:26

4d ago41:26

41:26

For decades, a Supreme Court decision called New York Times vs Sullivan was widely beloved by people across the political spectrum. Hailed as a decision that gives the first amendment teeth and sets our country apart, as a place that prizes free speech. But recently, right under our noses, some of the same people who once sang Times v Sullivan's pr…

1
The masterpiece Prince documentary Netflix won’t let you see. 48:42

11d ago48:42

48:42

The best documentary filmmaker in America spent nearly five years of his life making a nine-hour masterpiece for Netflix. It will never see the light of day. After a nasty estate battle, the series won't be released. No one will ever see it. In his first sit-down interview about this scandal, the filmmaker Ezra Edelman seeks catharsis – if not clos…

1
Social skills hacks that actually work: Etiquette vs social anxiety 33:42

21d ago33:42

33:42

If you suffer from social anxiety, you might think that the old money, high society types you see effortlessly navigayting cocktail parties were simply born with a socializing superpower, or that they learned it in boarding school, and that it's too late for you, but that's not true. In this calming yet cheeky episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki…

1
He quit journalism to fight authoritarianism. How’s that going? 25:39

25d ago25:39

25:39

Last year, we did an episode with Barton Gellman, who talked about the war games he was running with high-level military leaders and government officials to prepare for a second Trump term. A bunch of you have been asking us to have Barton back, to find out what he’s doing, now that the second Trump term is here. So we called him up. Barton works a…

1
The rise of the Nouveau Pauvre: Status in the age of economic instability and inequity 39:27

28d ago39:27

39:27

When your host, Auntie Kiki, says she’s an “ex rich person” and espouses the label of “nouveau pauvre,” you may be left wondering whether that means she’s fabulously wealthy or delightfully destitute, or somewhere in between. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore our society’s love-hate relationship with wealth, performat…

1
A Rant or a Slant: When Should Reporters Speak From the Heart? 41:15

1M ago41:15

41:15

It’s easy to get frustrated with the charade reporters are supposed to keep up, where they pretend they don’t have opinions or feelings or any kind of human thoughts about a story they’re telling. Plenty of journalists have been trying to break out of that charade. But the decision to do that: it can be a fraught one, with real implications. Dana B…

1
Do you want to be on Question Everything? 1:35

1M ago1:35

1:35

Do you have questions for us? If so, we want to talk to you! If you have thoughts about Question Everything, critiques of our episodes, or anything you're curious about, that we're covering, or not covering…please tell us. We want to set up some conversations between listeners and Brian and our staff for an upcoming episode. Write to us at hey@plac…

1
The ultimate guide to old money style garden parties and outdoor entertaining 50:45

1M ago50:45

50:45

Is there anything more elegant and romantic than a garden party? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dishes on the secrets of hosting the perfect old money garden party, because it takes a bit of behind the scenes preparation to exude effortless charm. From phrasing the invitations, to selecting the right garden party dress code to mas…

1
A Teen, a Reporter, and a Grand Jury Leak (Over BBQ) 34:34

1M ago34:34

34:34

Journalists jailed for an article they published. In America. How did this happen? Brian tells the story of a reporting trip he took to Alabama, where two small-town journalists had been locked up, which led to one of the most honest - and surprising - conversations about journalism he’s had in a long time. Sign up for our newsletter to see some st…

1
Unbothered & Elegant: Let's discuss Mel Robbins' “Let Them” theory 29:45

1M ago29:45

29:45

Whether it’s at a cocktail party, on the tennis court, or around the dinner table, Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory is the pop culture, pop psychology self-help phenomenon on everybody’s lips. But what does it really mean, and how does one apply it to living an authentic, elegant life on one’s own terms? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki A…

1
Welcome to the nouveau pauvre club: a glam life, on a budget 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

If you have always felt you have more taste than money...that you aspire to elegance and refinement, but are on a restricted budget...that you would be absolutely darling at spending oodles of cash, but for now you're making do with less...Welcome to the club! You're not poor, you're nouveau pauvre, my darling. Nouveau pauvre is an offshoot of old …

1
The News is Coming from Under the Desk… on TikTok (live from On Air Fest) 52:18

2M ago52:18

52:18

As trust in traditional journalism plummets, social media content creator V Spehar of Under the Desk News is ascendant, with over 3.4 million TikTok followers. But recently, V found themself in a public dustup with NPR over, in part, how the outlet had classified V in an interview. In this special episode of Question Everything–largely recorded liv…

1
Behind closed doors: the secret world of private clubs 41:44

2M ago41:44

41:44

You're either in, or you're out...and who wants to be on the outside looking in? For many people, the words "welcome to the club" are music to their ears and the fear of being blackballed looms large, because, as the advertaisement famously states, membership has its priviledges. It's a basic human evolutionary need to feel that one belongs, and be…

1
Not Like Us: How Billionaires Think 40:04

2M ago40:04

40:04

As billionaires hoard more control over our politics, it seems more important than ever to ask: What makes them tick? Four reporters gather after hours at a wine shop to discuss – over drinks – what they’ve learned from covering billionaires for years, and how it can help us hoi polloi make sense of what the ultra-rich are doing right now. Featurin…

1
Nautical but nice: mastering the fisherman aesthetic 32:12

2M ago32:12

32:12

The fisherman aesthetic is having a moment, to put it mildly, but those with old money sensibilities have been living with it for generations, sporting weathered knits, salt-washed trousers, and perfectly battered Barbours at their seaside second homes long before even coastal grandmother was just a twinkle in the internet's eye. In this episode of…

1
Ski and Après Ski: Etiquette on and off the slopes 31:55

2M ago31:55

31:55

Strap on your ski boots and grab a hot toddy—Kiki Astor is taking you to the slopes! In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, we’re diving into the refined (and sometimes ridiculous) world of ski and après-ski etiquette. Whether you're navigating the chairlift like a seasoned Aspen regular, mastering the art of looking effortlessly chic in Gstaad, or …

1
And The Award Goes To...The Circuit Court of The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit In and For Okeechobee County, Florida 37:46

2M ago37:46

37:46

Ben Smith tells the story of the strange controversy over a journalism award that’s been going down in a Florida courthouse. Ben is Editor-in-Chief of Semafor and co-host of the Mixed Signals podcast. He used to be The New York Times media columnist and was founding editor-in-chief of Buzzfeed News. Sign up for our newsletter to read the lengthy li…

1
How to be charming 28:57

3M ago28:57

28:57

If you regret not having gone to charm school, here is your opportunity to learn the crucial social skills you might have worried you were lacking. First off: curtseying is less important than you might have thought, but there are some crucial ingredients in charm, and they are easier to combine than you might have feared. Social anxiety is no matc…

1
Live a big, beautiful, elegant rich life...on a budget! 40:59

3M ago40:59

40:59

Here’s the thing about wealth: it can go up and down. Even old money families tend to lose their fortunes after three generations. The stock market, the economy, your relationships, and your health can all change on a dime...which is why knowing how to still have a rich, happy, fabulous life without two nickels to rub together is the most valuable …

1
A reporter? A spy? Or something else? Israel arrests its first American journalist. 58:22

3M ago58:22

58:22

Locked up, alone, accused of being a spy, reporter Jeremy Loffredo has to defend the fact that he’s a journalist. To the Israeli courts. And then…to our reporter. Part two of our special series about Jeremy Loffredo, who in October became the first American journalist arrested by Israel. If you haven't listened to part one, check that out first in …

1
Real romance tips... from a romance writer? 35:00

3M ago35:00

35:00

Most of us were raised on Disney-fied takes of princes and princesses, and even if we scoff at that stuff as adults, we still dream of a happily ever after. The romance readers among us may be ashamed to admit that we fantacize about a love like the one we read about in our novels, but let's be real: everyone wants a happy ending. That prince, that…

1
FOMO, JOMO, and the etiquette of invitations 54:48

3M ago54:48

54:48

Did you ever receive an invitation and promptly contact the host or hostess and inquire about further details, including what you should wear? You may worry that Auntie Kiki will label this behavior as rude, but in reality, if the invitation was not clear enough, that is the hosts' fault, not yours. In this fascinating episode of the Awkward Etique…

1
Blindfolded And Arrested On Assignment In Israel 58:05

3M ago58:05

58:05

Just a few months ago, Israel did something it has never done before. It arrested an American journalist. His name is Jeremy Loffredo. This is his story. Part one of a special, two-part series. “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
The art of art collecting...on a budget 47:20

4M ago47:20

47:20

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, and to celebrate the launch of her latest book, Art, Love, and Other Miracles, set in the international art world including galleries in Roma Norte, CDMX, and Art Basel Miami, romance author, ex rich person, and art enthusiast Kiki Astor delves into the fascinating world of art collecting, offering practical ti…

1
Timeless or Tired? The Old Money Aesthetic in 2025 43:34

4M ago43:34

43:34

New Year, New You... So is the Old Money Aesthetic Out? How does one reconcile reinvention and tradition? In this first of the New Year episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore the tension between tradition and reinvention in the ever-evolving world of the old money aesthetic. Kiki talks about her New Year's resolutions and goals, a…

1
When Hollywood Tells The Truth: with Tom McCarthy, Antonio Campos, Tina Satter, and Tobias Lindholm. 49:49

4M ago49:49

49:49

Four Hollywood directors gather after hours at a wine shop to drink and commiserate about the perils – and power – that come when you’re straddling fact and fiction. With behind the scenes stories about documentary romance, regret, and pirates. Featuring Tom McCarthy, who won an Oscar for Spotlight; Antonio Campos, creator of The Staircase for HBO;…

1
Can AI tell us what stories to look out for? A live experiment. 31:38

5M ago31:38

31:38

Our team at Question Everything has been playing around with a new technology that sucks up tons of social media posts, and then uses AI to figure out what ideas are forming in the shadows of the internet before they hit the mainstream. Brian interviews a journalist who uses this tech, to see what conversations are brewing right now that we might w…

1
Bitter bloodlines: How to resolve family feuds elegantly 31:05

5M ago31:05

31:05

Old Money isn’t always old harmony. In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your host Kiki Astor, aka Auntie Kiki, begins by delving into a famous Astor family feud that led to the creation of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Using this dramatic historical anectote full of rivalry, egos, and its unlikely legacy as a jumping-off point, Kiki expl…

1
Getting Ready to Interview Trump: An Exercise 40:41

5M ago40:41

40:41

We hire a freelancer to research every comment Donald Trump has made about the press. He ends up telling his wrestling buddy about the assignment, and using it to see if he can get him to trust in journalism. You can find more work by Sam Eagan here. “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your ad choice…

1
What is true wealth? It may be more attainable than you think 36:10

5M ago36:10

36:10

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore what it truly means to live a rich life, far beyond the balance in your bank account. Kiki delves into the essence of true wealth through the lens of the old money lifestyle, uncovering how timeless values, understated luxury, and intentional living can elevate your daily experience. …

1
These books will make you look richer, smarter, and more popular 48:39

6M ago48:39

48:39

Sometimes it's not the clothes that make the man. It's not which model of Barbour jacket you have chosen, or where you get your tweed suit. What is between your ears is much more important than the Rolex watch on your wrist or the Stubbs and Wooton slippers on your feet. As AUntie Kiki says, education is often free. Obviously, much of this come thr…

1
Special Election-Eve Episode: The Story of a Story Untold 20:46

6M ago20:46

20:46

A special election-eve episode from Brian: Ruminations on a story that never was, and a late night conversation with the source he was supposed to make it about. “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy KCRW & Placement Theory

1
Modern manners? Which etiquette rules are outdated, and why 45:52

6M ago45:52

45:52

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, hostess Kiki Astor dives into the fascinating world of etiquette and manners, exploring which traditional etiquette rules may now feel outdated and why. From rigid social scripts to the nuances of dining decorum, Kiki examines how changing societal values, cultural shifts, and modern social skills are transform…

1
What's in a name? Trending vs "old money" baby names, name history and etiquette 54:52

6M ago54:52

54:52

What's in a Name? Our moniker might be our most important attribute, influencing how we succeed and how we are perceived. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dives into the delightful—and sometimes awkward—world of names. Starting with the hottest naming trends for 2025, sourced from Nameberry, Kiki explores how some baby names go in a…

1
When To Call A Thing What It Is 39:48

6M ago39:48

39:48

Did you hear us on This American Life? Keep listening as Brian stops doomscrolling and starts doom-living. He brings two journalists he saw duking it out on Twitter into a studio, where they debate how to report on lies and racism in the Trump era. Then he finds a journalist who’s putting their big theoretical questions into practice – at a persona…

1
Awkward but necessary: addressing microaggressions 34:28

6M ago34:28

34:28

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, your hostess, etiquette maven and romance author Kiki Astor, dives deep into the world of microaggressions—those subtle, often unintentional comments and actions that can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Although they may seem small, microaggressions accumulate, leading to emotional distre…

1
Chic Gatherings: The secrets to affordable "old money" style entertaining 35:21

7M ago35:21

35:21

Have you been wanting to entertain at home, but you are intimidated? Have you been thinking of repaying your friends in kind for dinner invitations or jaunts aboard their yachts, but you can't afford an evening in a restaurant? In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, romance author and amateur etiquette expert Kiki Astor will inspire you …

1
Can Journalism Save a Marriage? (featured on This American Life) 32:42

7M ago32:42

32:42

A married couple finds themselves fighting miserably over the news. So they set out on a quest for the seemingly impossible: to find a news source that both a self-admitted “bleeding heart liberal” and a Trump supporter can trust. Check out Tangle News here. “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your a…

1
Old Money Aesthetic and fashion etiquette for Fall/Winter 44:01

7M ago44:01

44:01

Winter is coming! Some of you dread this turning of the seasons, and some of you celebrate it. Those of you who love winter, admit it- it's all about the fashion, isn't it? But with more layers come more problems and questions: how does one layer? Which socks are we suposed to be wearing? Can I wear trendy chocolate brown with black? Which shoes ar…

1
What is good taste, and how do you cultivate it? 43:02

7M ago43:02

43:02

In this enlightening episode, your Auntie Kiki steps out of her romance novelist slippers and leans into her identity as an etiquette coach and amateur social anthropologist. With a rich background in old money society, interior decorating, fashion, and history, Kiki Astor explores the essence of good taste and how to cultivate it in today’s world.…

1
The Journalist and the Firefighter: How Predicting January 6 Led a Top Reporter to Quit Journalism 41:33

7M ago41:33

41:33

How one of the most accomplished reporters of our time, Barton Gellman, lost his confidence in journalism. Sign up for our newsletter to hear the one outtake from the interview that Brian wished he could get into the episode, but couldn’t. “Question Everything” is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me…

1
Old Money vs New Money: Navigating Class & Etiquette in Modern Society 45:34

7M ago45:34

45:34

In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your host Kiki Astor ,etiquette maven and romance author, dives deep into the enduring tension between old money and new money, exploring the historical roots and modern-day dynamics of wealth, class, and social status. From feudal societies where aristocratic lineage dictated power, to the Industri…

1
Oops! The most awkward, cringe-worthy social slip-ups, and how to recover from them 33:39

7M ago33:39

33:39

It's hard not to dwell on embarrassing public slip-ups, but according to psychologists, etiquette experts, and social anthropologists, moving on elegantly is more important than you might think. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we’re diving into the issue of the most awkward and cringy of all: those embarrassing public faux pas…

1
If you're leading a library in 2024, you are leading it for the first time! A conversation with Tony Zanders 33:05

8M ago33:05

33:05

In this episode, Jaime McCowan, CEO, CAVAL, interviews Tony Zanders, Founder and CEO of Skilltype, about his journey from Silicon Valley to the library world. Tony shares his transition from working in tech to tackling challenges in the library profession, including skill gaps, leadership, and technology adoption. They discuss Tony's experience fou…

1
Journalists Question Everything: Ira Glass, Zoe Chace, Jonathan Eig, Astead Herndon 52:09

8M ago52:09

52:09

Brian puts four journalists together in a room, gives them drinks, and starts rolling tape. Their only instructions: show up with questions for each other and be ready to talk candidly about the challenges in their jobs. Foremost on their minds: Why do people even share their stories with journalists in the first place? You can watch this whole epi…

1
S-Town Host Brian Reed Meets His Harshest Critic 49:23

8M ago49:23

49:23

Brian talks to a fellow journalist who called his most well-known work “morally indefensible.” You can read Gay Alcorn’s column here. Subscribe to our newsletter to read Gay’s full reaction to this episode. You can listen to S-Town here. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help by dialing 988 or clicking here. “Question Every…

1
High Seas, High Drama: Yacht Etiquette, Style, and Scandals (Yachting part 2) 1:02:59

8M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

Set sail into luxury and high society with this cheeky episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor! If you love aspirational travel, the old money aesthetic, and juicy scandals at sea, this is the perfect listen. In this episode, Kiki Astor, etiquette maven and author of Low Season in St. Tropez—a romance novel about a yacht interior designer, obv…

1
Yachts, Part 1: Tradition, Style, and Etiquette on the High Seas 41:54

8M ago41:54

41:54

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we're pulling back the velvet rope to reveal the hidden world of yachting—the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. Join your Auntie Kiki, your trusted guide through the nuances of high society, as she uncovers thehistory of recreational yachting, spills the secrets behind yacht naming convention…

1
Question Everything is out now! 2:24

8M ago2:24

2:24

Journalist Brian Reed of S-Town is questioning everything, even his own work. Season premiere Sept 12. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy KCRW & Placement Theory

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Placement Theory Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide