# Why Things Become Popular, with Chuck Klosterman

An episode of [Plain English with Derek Thompson](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1594471023), 29 Sep 2026, 1 h 29 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/GLT9570603179.mp3

What makes a hit a hit? Why do some bands make it while others fade into obscurity? Chuck Klosterman’s new book imagines an alternate history of 20th century music and uses it to explore why some things become popular and just how much culture depends on chance. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PlainEnglishwithDerekThompson If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Chuck Klosterman Producer: Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Ben Glicksman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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