She ultimately decided to accelerate the album’s release, and wisely so — “Future Nostalgia” is an up-tempo, optimistic balm that is a stark contrast to, and maybe a relief from, the coronavirus-addled state of the world.

On this week’s Popcast, a conversation about Dua Lipa’s resuscitation of mainstream dance-pop, especially of the European variety; how to communicate with your faithful while not being able to leave the house; and the value of choosing to feel good when everything around seems bad. (Also, a cooking tip!)