How to Stay Relevant

Pop Culture Edition

Author

Cara Gray
March 05, 2025

In partnership with

Dear Friends,

As we transition into our Third Act, one of the most common concerns I hear from clients is the fear of losing touch or becoming irrelevant. As I tuned into the Oscars Red Carpet and televised Awards Ceremony on Sunday, I realized that one of the reasons I watch awards shows is for that very mission - to stay relevant. Why is this important? Keep reading đź‘€.

Today, we’re diving into a fun and engaging way to stay connected with the world around us: pop culture.

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What is Pop Culture?

Pop culture, short for popular culture, encompasses the ideas, perspectives, attitudes, images, and other phenomena within the mainstream of a given culture.

It includes:

• Entertainment (movies, TV shows, music, books)
• Fashion and trends
• Social media and internet phenomena
• Current events and news
• Sports and sporting events
• Technology and gadgets

Why Staying Relevant Matters

1. Social Connection: Shared cultural references create bonds across generations.
2. Mental Agility: Engaging with new trends keeps our minds sharp and adaptable.
3. Grandchild-Approved: It’s a great way to relate to younger family members.
4. Conversation Starter: Pop culture knowledge provides common ground in social situations.

How to Keep Up with Pop Culture

1. Watch Award Shows: As I did on Sunday with the Oscars, these events offer a snapshot of current trends in entertainment. I also find the Grammys, Emmys and even MTV Music Awards to be helpful.
2. Subscribe to Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max or Disney+ offer current shows and movies.
3. Follow Social Media Trends: Create accounts on platforms like TikTok or Instagram to observe viral content. 🔥 Hot Tip: You don’t have to post yourself - you can just consume.
4. Listen to Popular Podcasts: Many discuss current events and pop culture phenomena.
5. Read Entertainment News: Websites like Variety or Entertainment Weekly keep you informed.
6. Explore Music Streaming: Services like Spotify offer curated playlists of current hits.
7. Attend Local Events: Concerts, film festivals, or sports games connect you to live culture.
8. Play Popular Video Games: Even if you’re not a gamer, understanding major titles helps relate to younger generations.
9. Use Pop Culture Apps: Try Goodreads for books, Letterboxd for movies, or sports apps for game updates.
10. Have “Culture Nights” with Friends: Take turns introducing each other to new shows, music, or trends.

Following Substack accounts is one of my favorite ways to keep up with popular culture. I especially love using the Substack App on my iPad (much better user experience!). Here’s a list of some Substack accounts, one podcast (there are a lot of others!) and some other online magazines for you to check out 👀 This list is not at all comprehensive, but it’s a good starting point.

1. Pop Culture Happy Hour
• Description: This podcast offers insights and conversations about the latest in movies, TV, books, and music. It’s a great way to get a curated take on current trends. • Link to Pop Culture Happy Hour
2. Too Much TV Newsletter
• Description: Your Daily TV Talking Points. A free daily rundown of all the television and streaming news you need to know today.
• Link to Too Much TV Newsletter
3. The Ringer
• Description: A hub for pop culture analysis and commentary, covering everything from sports to movies to music. It’s a perfect blend for those who enjoy a wide range of cultural topics.
• Link to The Ringer
4. Ministry of Pop Culture
• Description: Five award-winning authors go deep on movies, TV and culture. Saved a seat on the couch for you.
• Link to Ministry of Pop Culture
5. The Athletic
• Description: While primarily focused on sports, The Athletic provides in-depth coverage that intersects with pop culture, exploring the broader cultural impact of sports events and personalities.
• Link to The Athletic
6. Hung Up
• Description: Essays, interviews, recommendations, reviews, gossip, line readings, Tree Paine lore, and way-too-close reads.
• Link to Hung Up
7. The New Yorker
• Description: While not exclusively about pop culture, The New Yorker frequently features articles on current entertainment trends, literary critiques, and cultural commentary worth following.
• Link to The New Yorker
8. The Cut
• Description: This publication focuses on fashion, style, and entertainment, offering insights into how these elements intersect with pop culture.
• Link to The Cut
9. Vulture
• Description: A division of New York Magazine, Vulture covers the latest in movies, TV shows, music, and more—perfect for staying on top of trends.
• Link to Vulture
10. The Culture Study
• Description: This newsletter by Anne Helen Petersen explores the intersections of culture, identity, and society, providing thoughtful analyses of contemporary trends.
• Link to The Culture Study

💡 Remember, the goal isn’t to become an expert in all things pop culture, but to find joy in discovery and connection. Start with areas that genuinely interest you and expand from there.

Now for the self-promotion portion of this newsletter!

I am being featured on LinkedIn LIVE on Thursday, March 6th (tomorrow) at 10 am CST. The host is Ariel Serber of Lions Financial. Please register and join us!

I was featured on the first Member Spotlight from the Exit Planning Institute, Chicago Chapter. Big thanks to them for the press! The interview is around 17 minutes long - have a watch đź“ş đź‘€

And finally, I released a new episode of the Act Three podcast last week. If you haven’t had a listen, you should. John Graham has lived an extraordinary life and continues to live with a ton of purpose!

Finding Purpose through Service and Courage with John Graham

Act Three · Episode

Stay tuned for weekly content about travel, health, relationships, identity, spirituality, doing good and starting a new venture as it relates to your third act/the next chapter in your life ✨

Please subscribe and forward this newsletter to others who are thinking about planning their third act. Thanks for your support 🙏.

Warm regards,

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara