You Didn’t Hear This From Me: (Mostly) True Notes on Gossip with Kelsey McKinney

It’s no secret that society is consumed with the concept of “gossip”—is it good, bad, or somewhere in between? Kelsey McKinney, host of the massively popular Normal Gossip podcast, joins Chicago Humanities to explore our obsession with gossip, weaving together journalism, cultural criticism, and personal stories. McKinney’s newest book You Didn’t Hear This From Me considers the murkiness of everyday storytelling. Why is gossip considered a sin and how can we better recognize when gossip is being weaponized against the oppressed? Why do we think we’re entitled to every detail of a celebrity’s personal life because they are a public figure? And how do we even define “gossip,” anyway? She dishes on the art of eavesdropping and dives deep into how pop culture has changed the way that we look at hearsay. With wit and honesty, McKinney unmasks what we’re actually searching for when we demand to know the truth—and how much the truth really matters in the first place.

Join us early for a free pop-up experience complete with interactive components, knick-knacks, and, of course, plenty of gossip. (A bar will also be available on-site!) This will take place from 6:00pm–7:00pm in the Paradiso room, located just off the main atrium upon entry.