Épisodes

  • “Sold Out in Seconds: Sneakers, Resale, and the SNKRS Economy”
    Jan 23 2026

    Sold Out in Seconds: Sneakers, Resale, and the SNKRS Economy

    Sneaker culture didn’t start as a market — it started as a movement.

    In this episode of The Cost of Culture, host Christopher Harrison explores how sneakers went from personal expression to financial assets, and how the Nike SNKRS app transformed buying shoes into a system built on gamification, scarcity, and psychological engagement.

    From the rise of resell culture to the emotional experience of taking an L, this episode breaks down how access replaced community, and how culture became something you compete for instead of share.

    This isn’t just about sneakers.
    It’s about what happens when passion becomes profit.

    Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
    Follow the show on Instagram: @therealcostofculture
    Host: @free_minded_805

    Pair of Thieves
    Pair or Thieves makes basics-underwear, socks, and tees-built for comfort, fit, and everyday wear.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening to The Cost of Culture.

    If this episode made you stop and think, make sure you follow and subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations.

    New episodes explore music, fashion, tech, trends, and the moments shaping how we live—and what they’re actually costing us.

    You can find The Cost of Culture on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    If you want to support the show:

    • Leave a rating or review
    • Share this episode with someone who’s part of the culture
    • Follow along for clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content

    Because culture isn’t free.

    And the question is always—
    what are we really paying for?

    Voir plus Voir moins
    12 min
  • “The Odds Are Never Neutral: Sports Betting & the Price of the Game”
    Jan 16 2026

    🎧 EPISODE 3 — The Odds Are Never Neutral

    Sports betting is no longer on the sidelines — it’s part of the game.

    From live odds during broadcasts to betting apps in the stands, gambling has reshaped how sports are played, watched, and experienced. In this episode of The Cost of Culture, we break down how sports betting affects the integrity of the game, the mental health of players, and the relationship fans have with sports.

    We explore how money changes pressure, loyalty, and trust — and why the house always seems to win.

    Because when every play becomes a bet, the real question isn’t who won the game…
    it’s who really wins.

    🎙️ Hosted by Christopher

    🧦 Sponsored by Pair of Thieves — use code BC-ChristopherH368 for 15% off your first order

    Keep the Mic On — Support The Cost of Culture

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961274/support

    Pair of Thieves
    Pair or Thieves makes basics-underwear, socks, and tees-built for comfort, fit, and everyday wear.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening to The Cost of Culture.

    If this episode made you stop and think, make sure you follow and subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations.

    New episodes explore music, fashion, tech, trends, and the moments shaping how we live—and what they’re actually costing us.

    You can find The Cost of Culture on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    If you want to support the show:

    • Leave a rating or review
    • Share this episode with someone who’s part of the culture
    • Follow along for clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content

    Because culture isn’t free.

    And the question is always—
    what are we really paying for?

    Voir plus Voir moins
    9 min
  • "The Rise of AI Influencers & The Price of “Perfect” Culture"
    Jan 9 2026

    AI influencers are everywhere — landing major brand deals, dominating timelines, and reshaping what “influence” even means. But behind the perfectly curated images and flawless personalities lies a much bigger question: what is this really costing the culture?

    In Episode 2 of The Cost of Culture, Christopher breaks down the rapid rise of AI influencers and how they’re changing the creator economy in real time. From brands choosing digital perfection over real people, to creators losing opportunities, to audiences struggling to tell what’s real anymore — this episode explores the business, the backlash, and the future of authenticity in culture.

    We talk about:

    • Why brands are betting big on AI influencers
    • How real creators are being replaced — or forced to adapt
    • The cultural consequences of perfection-driven influence
    • What happens next as AI and human creativity collide

    Plus, a quick shoutout to today’s sponsor, Pair of Thieves — use code BC-ChristopherH368 for 15% off your first order.

    🎧 Tap in and join the conversation — because culture always has a cost

    Pair of Thieves
    Pair or Thieves makes basics-underwear, socks, and tees-built for comfort, fit, and everyday wear.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening to The Cost of Culture.

    If this episode made you stop and think, make sure you follow and subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations.

    New episodes explore music, fashion, tech, trends, and the moments shaping how we live—and what they’re actually costing us.

    You can find The Cost of Culture on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    If you want to support the show:

    • Leave a rating or review
    • Share this episode with someone who’s part of the culture
    • Follow along for clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content

    Because culture isn’t free.

    And the question is always—
    what are we really paying for?

    Voir plus Voir moins
    5 min
  • What Are We Really Paying For? (Pilot)
    Jan 7 2026

    Culture is everywhere—but nothing about it is free.

    In this pilot episode of The Cost of Culture, we break down what it really costs to stay plugged in, relevant, and “in the know.” From trends that move faster than we can process, to the pressure of always keeping up, this episode sets the foundation for the conversations to come.

    We’re not here to cancel culture or glorify it—we’re here to question it.

    What are we trading for attention?
    What does relevance actually cost?
    And when does participation start to feel like pressure?

    This pilot episode introduces the mission of the podcast: to look at music, fashion, tech, hype, and internet culture through a more honest lens—and ask whether what we’re consuming is worth what it’s costing us.

    Pair of Thieves Promo Code

    BC-ChristopherH368 for 15% off your first order

    Comfy Tees….Socks….and Undies @Pairofthieves.com or use the mobile app on The App Store or Google Play Store.

    Thank you 🙌🏾

    Pair of Thieves
    Pair or Thieves makes basics-underwear, socks, and tees-built for comfort, fit, and everyday wear.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening to The Cost of Culture.

    If this episode made you stop and think, make sure you follow and subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations.

    New episodes explore music, fashion, tech, trends, and the moments shaping how we live—and what they’re actually costing us.

    You can find The Cost of Culture on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    If you want to support the show:

    • Leave a rating or review
    • Share this episode with someone who’s part of the culture
    • Follow along for clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content

    Because culture isn’t free.

    And the question is always—
    what are we really paying for?

    Voir plus Voir moins
    4 min