About the Podcast
“More Than You Think!” is a podcast that explores the deeper layers of pop culture, uncovering how today’s trends connect with the political, economic, and social climate shaping our world. Each episode dives into the ways music, media, and cultural moments reflect — and influence — the society we live in.
About the Host
Hi, I’m Valerie! I’m a student at NC State pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, and a minor in entrepreneurship. I’m from Charlotte and have lived in NC my entire life. I love all things pop culture and enjoy spending my leisure time listening to new music, watching every film and TV show I possibly can, and keeping up with current events and internet trends.
Podcast Episodes
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A Whole Lotta Nothing!
In this episode, we discuss how a new form of social media marketing is actually just mass brainwashing! It’s unethical, hard to spot, and it rids us of our options. Sound Effects Used: Sound Effect by Alexander Jauk from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by DRAGON-STUDIO from Pixabay View the episode…
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Yet Another Feminist Episode!
In this episode, we discuss how the backlash against women of color being cast in “unexpected” roles is a direct result of the unchecked power that white men still have. View the episode transcript. More Than You Think! is a podcast produced by WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2, student-run radio from NC State University. Like what…
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World Cup? Everybody Jump!
In this sweet 16th episode of “More Than You Think!” we discuss how the USA hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a chance for America to unite. Sound effects used: Sound Effect by u_jfkxueyart from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay…
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BROKE Island!
In this episode of “More Thank You Think!” we discuss how the hit show, “Love Island,” can thank inflation and the decline of third spaces for its success. Sound Effects Used: https://www.myinstants.com/en/instant/lil-jon-whaaat-74021/?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share Sound Effect by Adhi Mahadi from Pixabay Sound Effect by Bithuh from Pixabay Sound Effect by Sandro Lima from Pixabay Sound Effect by…
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#THEDRESS
In this episode of More Than You Think! we discuss the implications behind Olivia Rodrigo’s recent wardrobe choices, and why the criticisms of those choices are both relevant and valid. View the episode transcript. More Than You Think! is a podcast produced by WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2, student-run radio from NC State University. Like what…
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The Real Hail Mary Is The Friends We Made Along The Way!
In this 13th episode of “More Than You Think!” we talk about the new film, “Project Hail Mary,” and discuss why the current political and social climate of the world has heightened the impact of the film’s message. Sound effects used: Sound Effect by DRAGON-STUDIO from Pixabay Sound Effect by Neo Theone from Pixabay Sound…
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Nothing Is, In Fact, Gnarly
In this episode of “More Than You Think!” we discuss how companies like Coachella, Live Nation, and Hybe are destroying the artistry of music and ruining the live music experience for real fans. Sound effects used: Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by DRAGON-STUDIO from Pixabay Sound…
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Girl I’m Bored… Let’s Eat Some Protein!
In this episode of “More Than You Think!” we discuss why ignoring the drastic weight loss of our favorite female celebrities is even more harmful and less feminist than staying silent about women’s bodies. Sound effects used: Sound Effect by Universfield from Pixabay Sound Effect by u_7xr5ffk4oq from Pixabay Sound Effect by LAGZ Jackson from…
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Nevermind… we ARE at war!
In the TENTH episode of “More Than You Think!” we discuss how war can have different effects on art and pop culture by looking at recent examples from the 2026 Oscars and the 1970’s hippie movement. View the episode transcript. More Than You Think! is a podcast produced by WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2, student-run radio…
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Recession Indicator!
In this episode, we discuss how the current revival of clubbing culture and loud clubbing music is actually indicating a future recession. We tie this theory in with the pre-depression “roaring 20’s,” and joke about how Harry Styles predicted the whole thing. Sound effects used: Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community…
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WE ARE Marty Supreme
In a capitalist, corporate economy that shames innovation and ridicules creativity, Gen Z struggles to find ways to balance fulfillment with career success. In this episode, we discuss the new film, “Marty Supreme,” and how relevant it is to young adults in todays society. Bibliography: Parker, Kim, et al. Key Milestones for Young Adults Today…
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Remakes and Sequels!
In this episode, we talk about how creativity under the control of economic gain has decreased the quality of Disney movie in recent years. Sound effects used: 11575 male group booing.wav by Robinhood76 — https://freesound.org/s/687017/ — License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Sound Effect by Bithuh from Pixabay Sound Effect by aPebble from Pixabay Sound Effect by…
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Christmas Classics!
In this episode of “More Than You Think!” we discuss how the economy determines whether a new Christmas song will stand the test of time. Sound effects used: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/christmas-holidays-medium-266638/ Sound Effect by Alexander Jauk from Pixabay Sound Effect by Otto from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by aPebble from Pixabay Sound…
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Whimsy!
In the fifth episode of “More Than You Think!” we talk about how current cultural events show where America’s youth is headed, both morally and intellectually. Sound effects used in this podcast: Sound Effect by DRAGON-STUDIO from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by Martha Whitehouse from Pixabay Sound Effect by Benjamin…
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American, Enough!
In this episode, we discuss how the controversy surround Bad Bunny’s upcoming half-time show performance has caused racism and languagism to peak throughout the nation. Sound effects used in this episode: Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by Adhi Mahadi from Pixabay Sound Effect by LoLa Joy from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community…
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Bellies Up!
In this episode, we discuss how the hit show, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” perfectly coincides with the nation’s declining birth rate and represent current cultural attitude surrounding women’s rights. Sound effects used: Sound Effect by Mykelu from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Sound Effect by Bithuh from Pixabay Sound Effect by freesound_community…
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Feminism and Philosophy!
In this episode, we analyzed the political and social correlations between Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, gender, and NC State. We also predict entertainment industry practices that will be condemned in the future. Most importantly, we added more sound effects. Sound effect citations: Sound Effect by Driken Stan from Pixabay Sound Effect by Bithuh from Pixabay…
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Summer Recap!
More Than You Think is a podcast that explores the deeper layers of pop culture, uncovering how today’s trends connect with the political, economic, and social climate shaping our world. Each episode dives into the ways music, media, and cultural moments reflect — and influence — the society we live in. In this episode, our…