Straight to the Comments

Before we return in December with our Christmas specials, enjoy a re-run of our most popular episode of 2023, 'When the Mask Skips: The Case of James Corden & Ellen.' We introduce the episode with the latest news about James Corden's new SiriusXM radio job and break down some of the online reactions. Also, we ask why have we seen the downfall of so many TV presenters this year. Can even TV's new relatable faces like Drew Barrymore and Kelly Clarkson live up to their everywoman magic? Join us as we go Straight to the Comments.   Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them to us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.

In this week’s mini, we’re talking reboots and “cosy murder mysteries”. A massively popular genre, but can rebooting classics ever really capture the magic, and is this a place for AI to be put to use? We're also shimmying down the rabbit hole of Celebrity baby names, and what people are saying about Rihanna’s latest baby name: creative and cool or something that the kids will regret later on? Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them to us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.    

Last week, Justin Timberlake apparently turned off the comments on his Instagram because of the "hateful, disgusting things people were saying". The once golden boy has become the target of one of the biggest backlashes we've seen since starting the podcast. With the release of Britney Spears' book, 'The Woman in Me,' we're investigating why he's facing this reckoning. Did the superstar have it too good for too long? Did he really claw his way to mega-stardom at the expense of others, including his *NSYNC bandmates and Janet Jackson? Or is there more to this controversy? Join us as we go Straight to the Comments. Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them to us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

Today in our mini-episode, we are talking about the rise of AI girlfriends and the idea of creating a "dream partner" that fulfills all desires.  We explore how these virtual partners are being promoted primarily as adult entertainment and their potential long-term effects on both men and women.   That’s not all, we are also talking about Sarah turning the big 4-0 and how life can begin again at this age.   

The comment sections have been bubbling for years with claims that certain celebrities are secretly witches and are embracing the dark arts. But why? In this episode, we explore the modern-day concept of witches, from the rise of WitchTok to Emma Watson celebrating her 'coven.' Why are so many powerful women, from JLo, Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks to Kylie, accused of being involved in witchcraft and Illuminati activities? Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them to us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

This week's mini tackles 'the most important story ever,' which involves David Grush and allegations of government cover-ups. We also go into the recent fallout between the Sounds Like A Cult podcast hosts, Amanda Montell and Isa Medina. What caused Amanda to sue her co-host for half a million dollars?  And last but certainly not least, we explore the prospect of a Tom Cruise theme park… Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them to us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

Join us as we delve into the dark side of comments in our Halloween specials throughout October. Today, we explore the incredible rise of Jenna Ortega, from her role in the classic slasher franchise Scream to her viral performance in Tim Burton's Wednesday. Vogue has called Ortega the ultimate 'new-age goth girl,' but is this revival merely about fashion, or does it hint at something more sinister? On the other end of the spectrum, we explore the allure of the Horror Vixen, with Kim Kardashian's debut in American Horror Story's 'Delicate'. Will this be her breakthrough role like Lady Gaga's? What do the 'rules of horror' reveal about society's view of women? And what dark secrets lie in the appeal of horror? We also discuss our love for 90s Gothic and Horror films and tv shows, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Addams Family, Beetlejuice, and why Hollywood loves Halloween. Full episode transcript here. Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them to us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This week in our mini-episode, Sarah tries to guess the comments to a big ongoing story. Then, we answer your questions, including Florence Pugh's daring red-carpet fashion choices and reminisce about the 90s trend of see-through dresses (remember that Kate Moss dress?). We also talk about overpaid stars and what Kim Kardashian's next career move could be… Join us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and a review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

This week, we are talking about the breakup of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner and the PR wars that started even before the divorce papers were filed. The media started publishing an onslaught of rumours from “sources” close to Jonas, painting him as the victim in the relationship, and Turner as a runaway mother and wannabe party-girl. But not everyone is buying it. On social media some commenters have pushed back by calling out misogyny and mum-shaming in the media narratives surrounding the Game of Thrones star. Even the women on the view accused the Jonas camp of deliberate “spin” and a “smear” campaign. So today we’re going to be asking - why do we frame relationship breakups as a winner and a loser? In PR terms, why do celebrities play the victim? And why are we no longer buying it so easily? Click here for the full episode transcript. Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them to us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Introducing "Straight to the Comments Minis," our new series of bite-sized episodes that will drop in between our regular deep-dive episodes. Join us this week as we go back to 80s and 90s school and talk stationery, school uniforms, and whether Sarah actually was in a school or a secret monastery. Also, Lisa tries to guess from some comments, which story Sarah is talking about in our “out of context” guessing game and she gets it all wrong. Plus, we make our crazy celebrity predictions. Want to be featured in our next episode? We don't want this to be a one-sided conversation. We want to hear from you! DM us on Instagram, and your comment or question could be featured in our next mini-episode, coming your way in two weeks' time. Join us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

Dive into the world of Trophy Wives with us this week. From the iconic Krystal Carrington in Dynasty to TikTok's latest obsession with #TrophyWifeGoals, we're unpacking the concept and asking the question: Is it ever ok to call someone a Trophy Wife? We go through lots of reactions to Kevin Costner's divorce drama with his estranged "trophy" second wife, Christine Baumgartner. We'll uncover their intense battles over child support, prenuptial agreements, and jaw-dropping plastic surgery expenses. Next, we go into Kanye West's recent trip to Italy alongside his rumoured wife, Bianca Censori. Their fashion choices and behaviour have sent shockwaves through the world, sparking speculation about the "Gold Digger" rapper’s history of dressing his partners like "fashion dolls," including Amber Rose, Kim Kardashian, and Julia Fox. We ask, who is using who? Join us as we go Straight to the Comments.   Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them to us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ Click here for the full episode transcript. If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and review on Apple. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.

The idea of being a “Karen” has become a major phenomenon in the last few years. From viral videos, halloween costumes, a movie, and themed diners it has become a term that is widely used. In this episode we’re trying to untangle - what does it really mean to be called a Karen? And why are so many people fixated on viral videos showcasing Karen behaviour?   Since it first emerged, the Karen meme seems to have morphed and taken on a life of its own. So much so that content creators appear to be deliberately going out off their way to find strangers to film and publish on social media to meet the demand for these ‘payback’ videos. But has this Karen Hunting now become a sport? Has Karen started to become a catch-all term thrown at women for any disagreement? And is it ever ok to ask for the manager? Join us as we go Straight to the Comments.   CAN WE GET YOUR FEEDBACK?   Could you spare a few minutes to provide us with some feedback on the podcast? It is completely anonymous and would really help us in shaping the future of the show. You can take the survey here: https://forms.gle/yTvy3kPbMEV1eCiC9   Thank you!   Follow us on Instagram for news and behind-the-scenes @s2tcpodcast Click here for the full episode transcript If you like the show, please rate or review it and don't forget to share it. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Ariana Grande was recently called “not a girl’s girl” by Lily Jay, the estranged wife of her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, after finding herself embroiled in the middle of their messy breakup. But what is a girl’s girl or a woman’s woman? What is it about some women that rubs other women up the wrong way? And is it just jealousy? This week we’re diving into the current backlash towards Ariana, and the ongoing accusations that Megan Fox doesn’t appeal to women. We’re going to be breaking down the terms thrown at women such as homewrecker, man-eater, mean girl, temptress and pick me girl. And looking at why some women are disliked by the sisterhood. Is it because they are too beautiful, too sexy, or because they can’t be trusted? And how does this show up in the workplace? As usual join as we debate these concepts, reference 90s cinema and go Straight to the Comments.  Click here for the full episode transcript Follow us on Instagram for news and behind-the-scenes @s2tcpodcast If you like the show, please rate or review it and don't forget to share it. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

Today, we are undressing the layers of Barbie glitter and hype to explore what is really going on with her monumental comeback. Is this Barbie revival the nostalgic tonic we need, or simply a last-ditch attempt to resuscitate the Barbie brand from a bygone era? Can she ever really be a feminist icon? We talk about Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken, Margot Robbie's casting as Barbie, and the influence of "Legally Blonde," "Sex and the City," and even "Playboy" on the Barbie brand. We'll also be examining the curvy and diverse Barbies, and asking how inclusive they really are? And finally we’ll be sharing your own Barbie confessions as you reveal your personal stories with the iconic doll - and who could forget Sindy?   Click here for the full transcript. Follow us on Instagram for news and behind-the-scenes @s2tcpodcast If you like the show, please rate or review it and don't forget to share it. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.    

Today, we're diving into the world of blind gossip. Rumours that keep you guessing, but never reveal the subject's true identity. During last week’s anonymous BBC sex pic scandal a frenzy of online speculation included a range of well-known names, including Gary Lineker and Jeremy Vine, until Huw Edwards was publicly named. We’re also going to be looking at other anonymous accusations such as Ulrika Jonsson and John Leslie.  Plus, we discuss the phenomenal rise of Gossip Blinds on social media, such as Deux Moi and Crazy Days and Nights, and their constant speculation about stars like Henry Cavill and Anna Kendrick. What we want to know is if blind gossip is just a modern-day tool for exposing corruption and bringing down powerful people? Or has it become a modern form of witch-hunt that possesses the power to ruin lives without accountability or due process?   Full transcript here: https://www.straighttothecommentspodcast.com/post/are-gossip-blinds-dangerous-from-hollywood-secrets-to-bbc-scandals Follow us on Instagram for news and behind-the-scenes @s2tcpodcast If you like the show, please rate or review it and don't forget to share it. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

The world was gripped when OceanGate’s Titan submersible went missing on its descent to visit the Titanic wreck. Fuelled by relentless 24/7 news coverage, the internet went into overdrive with mocking memes and ‘eat the rich’ jokes at the expense of the 5 wealthy passengers, while a full-scale rescue mission was under way.  With billions of views online, the Titan became the subject of what people were describing as "disaster voyeurism," with even calls for the Titanic film director James Cameron to make the film adaptation. But why are we so obsessed with these global disaster stories? Are all disasters created equal? And have these tragedies become a form of entertainment? Join us this week as we discuss the fascination with tragedy and what role dark humour can play in our own life in dealing with profound trauma and grief. Full transcript here: https://www.straighttothecommentspodcast.com/post/the-dark-allure-of-tragedy-the-case-of-the-titan-disaster Follow us on Instagram for news and behind-the-scenes @s2tcpodcast If you like the show, please rate or review it and don't forget to share it. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.

And we're back! This week, we're exploring the increasingly blurred lines between entertainment and porn, diving into the critical reactions surrounding HBO's show, "The Idol," and the controversial social media app, OnlyFans. The Idol, featuring Lily Rose Depp and The Weeknd, and directed by Sam Levinson, has been promoted by HBO as a "revelatory take on the cult of the music industry." Yet all the internet is talking about is that the show seems to perpetuate a toxic male fantasy, raising questions about the true motivations of HBO and the creators. Is it genuine artistic expression or blatant sexual exploitation of women? Meanwhile, the online gossip surrounding models and actresses funding their lifestyles through OnlyFans adds to the ongoing debate: When does entertainment cross the line into porn? Join us as we navigate erotic thrillers, bad acting, cult classics and the real world impact of screen and digital sex. P.S. If you love 90s erotic films or are curious about this era, we highly recommend checking out the podcast "You Must Remember This" and specifically the "Erotic 90s" season. It was a brilliant resource during our research for this episode. http://www.youmustrememberthispodcast.com/   Full transcript here: https://www.straighttothecommentspodcast.com/post/entertainment-or-porn-from-hbo-s-the-idol-to-onlyfans Follow us on Instagram for news and behind-the-scenes @s2tcpodcast If you like the show, please rate or review it and don't forget to share it. This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

Today in Part 2 of our Straight to the Comments Bonus Special, we explore the dark side of social media and the growing trend of hate scrolling. From how Lizzo has been pushed to the edge with more Twitter put-downs to the media storm around Phillip Schofield. We also discuss how we handled our own mini-online backlash to one of our episodes. We ask why is there so much hostility online? Why do people feel the need to be right at all costs? And what is the psychology behind a pile-on? Plus, we can't ignore the reactions around Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet's rumoured relationship and why people think they are an “odd pair”. Click here for the full transcript. Do you have stories or comments you would like us to analyse in Season 2? Then please DM us at our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ Or email us through our website: https://www.straighttothecommentspodcast.com/contactus This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.    

Season 2 of Straight to the Comments is returning on June 22nd. In the meantime, we have prepared two special bonus episodes, and today we're excited to share Part 1 with you. Join us as we discuss why we started the podcast and reflect on some of the issues covered in Season 1, including fat-shaming and ageing. We also share our personal stories of living abroad—Sarah in rural Australia and Cape Town, and Lisa in Oslo, Norway. And discuss how we have confronted self doubt and discovered the power of second acts. Tomorrow, in Part 2, we will dive deep into the world of online mobs and comment culture. We touch on the scandal that rocked This Morning, how Lizzo wants to quit social media, and the reactions to new couple sighting - Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet. We even go straight to the comments about ourselves and this podcast. Click here for the full transcript. Do you have stories or comments you would like us to analyse in Season 2? Then please DM us at our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ Or email us through our website: https://www.straighttothecommentspodcast.com/contactus This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.  

While we're taking a short break, we're excited to introduce you to another podcast we know you're going to love - In the year 2000, Teen People magazine's publisher said, "We make celebrities real, and real teens celebrities." The magazine (a spinoff of People) saw their readers as influencers. They scouted them as models, printed their poetry and selfies, and gave young journalists some of their first professional bylines. Teen People printed their teenage contributors' full names, ages and locations, making many of them easy to find online today. Where are they now? Join your host, Anna Soper, as she tracks down the real teens of Teen People magazine! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts - www.podfollow.com/1520420594 Find out more about Anna www.annasoper.ca/teen-people