Episode

The best depictions of the American dream

Podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour
Published: Jun 30, 2026
Duration seconds: 2004
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Canonical source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/30/nx-s1-5872268/the-american-dream-according-to-the-wire-apollo-13-and-more
Audio: https://tracking.swap.fm/track/XvDEoI11TR00olTUO8US/prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510282/npr.simplecastaudio.com/f75261d2-0860-4d61-91c1-a78a2b997ff2/episodes/1074cf0f-2d69-4319-a45f-abe488b7082e/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=f75261d2-0860-4d61-91c1-a78a2b997ff2&awEpisodeId=1074cf0f-2d69-4319-a45f-abe488b7082e&feed=QGMNw0q1&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5872268&p=510282&d=2004&size=32065895
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Summary

America turns 250 this year. So for this special birthday, we discuss our picks for what pieces of pop culture best depict the American dream, including The Wire , Apollo 13 , Grey Gardens , and the spiritual successor to Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” If you like want more episodes like this one, check out: How we handle spoilers Our 15th anniversary time capsule We rewatch the movies we loved as teens Pop culture that changed our minds Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support Pop Culture Happy Hour+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy