Best Pop Apologists Podcasts (2025)

1
273: Did Prince William say WTF to Meghan Using her HRH? + Italy Travel Recs ft. Travel Photographer Natalie Obradovich 1:25:40

17h ago1:25:40

1:25:40

While Chanler is off honeymooning, Lauren is joined by one of her closest friends and the chicest blonde she knows — Elizabeth. The duo dive deep into royal chaos, from Meghan Markle's HRH mess to Prince William's fury, and break down the Walton Goggins and Amy Lou Wood drama. They also tackle the shocking story of a ring-copying sister-in-law, Jor…

1
Debating Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively feat. Pop Apologists and What I Will Say 1:00:30

17d ago1:00:30

1:00:30

This week, Cam from What I Will Say joins me to chat with the Pop Apologists in a spirited episode: Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively. Together we chat about the latest lawsuits between them, the "he said, she said" narrative, and what we think is in store for both of them in the future. Treat yourself this winter without the luxury price tag. Go to …

1
Does Chaos and Conflict in Society Explain Some Americans’ Turn to a Political Strongman? 33:35

19h ago33:35

33:35

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at a recent quote from Charles Koch and consider whether in the current moment, we are witnessing a shift in Americans values on things like free markets, and whether the chaos and conflict in our society may be the cause. The guys illustrate the point through at a recent story about a potential executive o…

1
Lady Gaga: The Rumors, the Romance, the Real Story 1:19:27

3d ago1:19:27

1:19:27

In this episode of Fluently Forward, the focus is on the enigmatic pop icon, Lady Gaga. We dive into Lady Gaga's early life, dating history, rumors that have always been surrounding her, blind items and more. 03:27 Lady Gaga's Early Life and Musical Beginnings20:29 Lady Gaga's Acting Career and Versatility26:16 Lady Gaga's Dating History38:18 A Sta…

1
Are US Sports League Drafts Anti American Values? 19:31

7d ago19:31

19:31

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider why so many Americans so say the care about freedom and free markets embrace sports league drafts, which operate to take away players freedom to choose where to live and work and to negotiate a salary. Is the NFL Draft Illegal? (Sports Lawyers Association)By James Keys, Tunde Ogunlana

1
272: The Death of John O’Keefe & the Trial of Karen Read Part 2 58:29

7d ago58:29

58:29

Lauren and Chan dive into everything we know so far from Karen Read’s retrial — prosecution and defense strategy, courtroom drama, and key witness moments. It’s all on the table. 00:00 – 08:00 Wedding Week Catch-Up 08:01 – 10:59 Case Background & Legal Overview 11:00 – 12:59 Media Impact & Public Perception 13:00 – 15:59 Jury Insights & Legal Strat…

1
271: The Death of John O’Keefe & the Trial of Karen Read Part 1 1:08:19

7d ago1:08:19

1:08:19

In light of Karen Read’s retrial, Lauren and Chandler revisit her first trial from 2024. They walk through the full timeline, key evidence, legal strategies, and the emerging controversies surrounding law enforcement’s role in the investigation. 00:00 – 03:00 Intro, Format & Re-Release Context 03:01 – 05:00 Who Were John O’Keefe and Karen Read? 05:…

1
The Death of Virginia Giuffre: Epstein’s Most Vocal Victim 23:27

8d ago23:27

23:27

This week, we’re diving into the shocking and heartbreaking news of Virginia Giuffre’s death - one of the most vocal and courageous survivors to speak out against Jeffrey Epstein. While mainstream headlines have been relatively quiet, many online are calling her death suspicious… and they have reason to.…

1
Culture Series: “How Capitalism Works and How it Fails,” aka "Talking to My Daughter about the Economy: A Brief History of Capitalism" a Book by Yanis Varoufakis 46:34

8d ago46:34

46:34

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at some of the more intriguing topics in Yanis Varoufakis’ book “Talking to My daughter About the Economy - A Brief History of Capitalism,” which is alternatively titled “How Capitalism Works and How it Fails.” This book, which was first published in 2013, details the rise of market societies and how things…

1
The Psychology of Likable Celebrities: Who Has It & Who Fakes It feat. Sabrina Bendory 1:22:30

10d ago1:22:30

1:22:30

This week Sabrina Bendory joins me to talk about the MOST likable celebrities. From Conan O'Brien to Emma Stone and Keke Palmer and more, we discuss why some celebrities are universally liked by almost everyone, why they're so well liked, and how we as normal folk can look to them for inspiration and find ways to also be our most likable selves. Tr…

1
Can I Be a B*tch for a Second? (feat. Normal Gossip's Kelsey McKinney) 1:40:08

10d ago1:40:08

1:40:08

This week, Kate unpacks the art, science, and history of gossip with Kelsey McKinney (from the beloved podcast Normal Gossip and author of NYT bestselling book You Didn't Hear This From Me). They explore a variety of angles for this topic, such as how dismissing gossip as "women's talk" has historically been a tool of patriarchal control, religious…

1
270: Trust Issues, Money Drama, & How to Keep the Spark Alive 1:03:30

15d ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Marriage is magical… but also occasionally maddening. In this episode, we welcome licensed marriage and family therapist Aly Bullock, to spill her wisdom on making love last long after the honeymoon. 💥 [00:02:10] We kick it off with the most-asked question about long-term relationships—and a fresh perspective you probably haven’t heard before. 💃 [0…

1
Fluently Fixed - Anxious Friendships feat. Rebecca Ore 59:08

15d ago59:08

59:08

For this week's Fluently Fixed, we're joined by Rebecca Ore who works to help anxious overthinkers in their relationships. Together we discuss anxious attachment in friendships, how our thoughts impact our feelings so directly, and how to deal with friendship problems that are making us anxious. Treat yourself this winter without the luxury price t…

1
What’s Driving the American System Off a Cliff; also, the Spiky Age Curve for Adult Humans 55:49

15d ago55:49

55:49

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the extent to which the framework of the United States government, as expressed in the Constitution, is falling, and how a failure to heed George Washington’s warning is driving it off the cliff (01:52). The guys also react to the new research that suggests that adult humans don’t age linearly but rather have …

1
E.T. Phone Holmes 1:41:48

18d ago1:41:48

1:41:48

This week, Kate delves into Katy Perry's career decline, but not before being wrongly accused of a crime she didn’t commit, and the exchange unfolds in real time for listeners. She also reviews how space is, like, shockingly close, and how Blue Origin girl bossed too close to the moon and may have landed on earth, but the faux feminist PR machine d…

1
269: Katy Perry Went to Space. We Have Thoughts. 1:03:32

21d ago1:03:32

1:03:32

[00:00–02:00] 🚀 Was this really a “medium news week”? The girls dive into the headline that sent them — literally — into orbit. [02:00–06:00] 🌌 Katy Perry returns from space and says she’s “never felt more connected to love.” The commentary that follows? Unhinged perfection. [13:00–17:00] 💇‍♀️ Dyson Airwrap: myth or miracle? Lauren enters her hair …

1
If U Seek Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins Affair Rumors 25:09

22d ago25:09

25:09

Today we’re diving into internet whispers: the alleged affair between British darling Aimee Lou Wood and silver fox Walton Goggins. Is there any truth to it, or is this just another case of fanfiction gone rogue? Treat yourself this winter without the luxury price tag. Go to Quince.com/fluently for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!…

1
Could Spending at Brothels Predict When a Recession is Coming? also, the New Old Diet Trick that Can Save Your Metabolism 50:33

22d ago50:33

50:33

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider whether nontraditional economic measures like the brothels spending or beer sales may be able to tell us more about where the economy is going than the stock market (01:02). The guys also look at some new research into a small diet tweak that could match the health and weight loss benefits of intermittent fast…

1
Mark Zuckerberg: Scandals, Secrets, Bunker Rumors and more 1:17:22

24d ago1:17:22

1:17:22

This week, we’re diving deep into the uncanny valley that is Mark Zuckerberg. From the creation of Facebook in a Harvard dorm room to rumors of underground bunkers, crushing on Kim Kardashian, and that bizarre sunscreen photo - we’re unpacking the internet’s wildest theories and juiciest gossip about the man behind Meta. Check out https://www.squar…

1
Mousewater Blondes (feat. Nora McInerny) 1:34:18

25d ago1:34:18

1:34:18

This week, Kate and (esteemed author/podcaster/friend) Nora McInerny answer a few Katelilah voicemails in between meandering conversations about spatial awareness, nostalgia, White Lotus, childhood friendships, Jersey Mikes, modern teenagers, the experience of trying on shoes in a store, and so much more! Enjoy! Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, O…

1
268: Blake Lively’s Donut Shop Controversy, White Lotus Finale, & a Bold Taylor Swift Prediction 55:31

28d ago55:31

55:31

Lauren and Chan chat about the countdown to Chan’s wedding and take a stroll down memory lane (0:47). They discuss the backlash over Blake Lively’s time at a donut shop (8:51), the White Lotus finale (15:03), Lauren’s suspicions about Taylor and Travis (30:18), Sydney Sweeney’s breakup + potential new romance (32:27), Meghan Markle’s new podcast “C…

1
In the Face of a Measles Outbreak, will RFK Jr.’s Flip Flop on the Vaccine Help? also, Caffeine Consumption May Be Reaching Alarming, and Potentially Deadly, Levels 52:39

29d ago52:39

52:39

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the ongoing measles outbreak in the southwest United States and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s apparent about face on the importance of the measles vaccine (01:22). The guys also consider whether the rise in caffeine consumption, whether through energy drinks or coffee and tea products, and the deaths that seem to be …

1
In Defense of Meghan Markle (and a Royal Reality Check) feat. Amanda Matta 1:17:15

1M ago1:17:15

1:17:15

Royal gossip dominates headlines, but how much of it is actually true? This week, I’m joined by royal expert Amanda Matta to unpack the narratives around Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, and the monarchy as a whole. We talk about the media’s obsession with pitting women against each other, the burden of tradition, and why Meghan’s story has been so t…

1
267: Celeb Interiors, Budget-Friendly Design, and Making Your Home YOU 1:17:18

1M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Lauren and Chan are joined by Olivia Snow of Mother’s Daughter Design (@mothersdaughterdesign on Instagram) to chat about all things interior design. They dive into discussing their favorite celebrity homes, as well as a celebrity home that has them puzzled: Emma Chamberlain’s LA house (7:52), Gigi Hadid’s New York apartment (11:57) Emma Roberts’ L…

1
Lisa: From Blackpink to White Lotus 33:31

1M ago33:31

33:31

Lisa is known worldwide as the magnetic rapper and dancer from BLACKPINK, but what happens when a global pop star steps into the surreal, chaotic universe of The White Lotus? In this episode, we dive into the casting of Lisa as "Mook" — a mysterious, stylish new character shaking things up in the White Lotus universe. We explore what this role says…

1
Culture Series: “The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium,” a Book by Martin Gurri 41:36

1M ago41:36

41:36

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss a few things that stood out in Martin Gurri’s 2014 book “The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium,” which looks at how digital technology has ushered into a new era of information access altered the power balance between the public and elite institutions in societies around the…

1
White Lotus Season 3: Blind Items, Fun Facts and more 1:16:01

1M ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Pack your bags—we're heading to Thailand! In this episode, we dive into everything we know (and everything we think we know) about White Lotus Season 3. From juicy blind items to confirmed facts and behind-the-scenes tidbits about the cast and crew, we're unpacking all the intrigue surrounding HBO's most luxurious, chaotic vacation. Make progress t…

1
Throwback: White Lotus Season 2 51:48

1M ago51:48

51:48

For the folks who were asking where my past White Lotus episode is - here you go! Last year (or was it 2 years ago?) we covered White Lotus season 2, blind items about the cast, and more! Make progress towards a better financial future with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/FORWARD. Treat yourself this winter without the luxury pri…

1
Tim Leatherman (feat. Sami Sage) 1:54:20

1M ago1:54:20

1:54:20

This week, Sami Sage is back on the podcast (friend and co-founder of Betches Media), and she and Kate meander through a variety of topics, like searching for purpose in your 20s, Hermes/Birkin appointment culture, the democracy debacle, their fav designer/mid-range handbags, and Sami's go-to leather influencer. After Sami gives some hot takes abou…

1
Throwback: Diving into Benny Blanco 1:04:42

1M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Join us for a throwback episode from a year ago all about Benny Blanco - back when he was Selena Gomez's boyfriend...and now he's her fiance and collaborator! Make progress towards a better financial future with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/FORWARD. Treat yourself this winter without the luxury price tag. Go to Quince.com/flue…

1
266: Meghan Sussex’s ShopMy, Ballerina Farm’s PR Policies, & Shocking Ryan Reynolds News 1:00:56

1M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Lauren and Chan chat about whether there was any shade from Gwyneth toward Meghan Sussex as well as a continued plea to Meghan (15:30), Hannah Neeleman’s interview with Tatler magazine (22:48), Gisele Bündchen’s gorgeous life with Joaquim Valente (31:11), new realizations about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s alarming parenting choices on the De…

1
Fluently Fixed - Anxiously Attached, Creepy Coworker, Jealous of Youth and more 28:39

1M ago28:39

28:39

Check out this week's Fluently Fixed episode, and drop in your own questions in the Google form! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd69udAJ9kDUwJKJJwWjX54et2Mo75io9BPRrNJSnNEz4t9Q/viewform Make progress towards a better financial future with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/FORWARD. Treat yourself this winter without the l…

1
What’s Behind the Trend of Young Men Struggling with Romantic Relationships? also, Hitler Apologist Attitudes Popping Up on the Political Right 53:27

1M ago53:27

53:27

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana react to the numbers that suggest that young men are having a tough time holding down romantic relationships, at least relative to historic trends (01:16). The guys also try to make sense of the rise in what look like apologist attitudes and conversations about Hitler and the Nazi’s we have seen recently coming from fi…

1
Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez & the Copy-Paste Conspiracy 1:14:25

1M ago1:14:25

1:14:25

In this episode, we're diving deep into one of pop culture’s most dissected dynamics: the internet-fueled theory that Hailey Bieber has copied Selena Gomez—from tattoos and fashion to relationships and mannerisms. Is it all coincidence, curated admiration, or something more? We unpack the timeline, the TikTok theories, and the media’s role in fanni…

1
Poppi Culture (soda billionaires, influencer beverage investors, and the Alex Alix of it all) 1:58:19

2M ago1:58:19

1:58:19

This week, we're deep diving PepsiCo's $1.95 billion acquisition of the prebiotic soda brand Poppi, discussing the shift towards health-conscious beverages and their potentially misleading claims, and digging into influencer-adjacent beverage drama like cheater brands, "vending machine gate" and rumors about if the investments of Alex Cooper and Al…

1
265: Taylor & Donna’s Healing Journey + Botox Horror Stories ft. Arielle Lorre 1:03:17

2M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Lauren and Chan chat about Kim and Kanye’s latest battle (6:27), Meghan Markle’s new podcast (14:17) as well as her St. Patrick’s Day snafu (19:45), Taylor Swift’s latest easter eggs (26:34), and Donna Kelce’s surprising Instagram post (28:40). Lauren and Chan are then joined by the one and only Arielle Lorre to share the intense amount of work tha…

1
Fluently Fixed - Self Discipline at Home, Distant from Friends, Jealous of Partner's Ex, and more 29:42

2M ago29:42

29:42

Check out this week's Fluently Fixed episode, and drop in your own questions in the Google form! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd69udAJ9kDUwJKJJwWjX54et2Mo75io9BPRrNJSnNEz4t9Q/viewform Blog post referenced in today's episode: https://www.fluentlyforward.com/home4/ripping-the-band-aid-off-and-stalking-your-boyfriends-ex-girlfriend Make p…

1
The Idea that Covid-19 Originated in a Lab Continues to Gain Credibility; also, Why Firing Low Performing Workers Fails to Boost Productivity 49:53

2M ago49:53

49:53

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the growing consensus that appears to be forming that the Covid-19 virus originated from scientific research and was accidentally released from a lab in Wuhan, China (01:25). The guys also break down the overwhelming evidence that firing employees deemed as low performing doesn’t work boost overall produ…

1
Why Is There a Hollywood Bachelor Shortage? feat. We Met At Acme 48:31

2M ago48:31

48:31

It feels like every Hollywood heartthrob is either married, in a long-term relationship, or just… missing from the dating scene altogether. Gone are the days of a single George Clooney or Leonardo DiCaprio making headlines for their bachelor antics. So what happened? In this episode with Lindsey from We Met At Acme, we break down why the pool of el…

1
264: Meghan Sussex Drama, Blake Attends SXSW, Justin's "Toxic Positivity," & more! 48:11

2M ago48:11

48:11

Lauren and Chan are chatting all about the latest celebrity and reality tv happenings. They dive into Blake Lively’s Another Simple Favor premiere at SXSW (4:24), Nick Viall’s reaction to Justin Baldoni on Juicy Scoop (8:33), the newest allegations about Justin Baldoni (11:06), Blake and Ryan wanting to protect their texts (16:59), Thomas Markle’s …

1
Fluently Fixed - Sensory Issues, Friend Comparison, Rotting Too Much and more 38:22

2M ago38:22

38:22

Check out this week's Fluently Fixed episode, and drop in your own questions in the Google form! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd69udAJ9kDUwJKJJwWjX54et2Mo75io9BPRrNJSnNEz4t9Q/viewform Make progress towards a better financial future with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/FORWARD. Treat yourself this winter without the l…

1
As Competition Picks Up in the Global AI Development Race, Is the US Positioned to Continue to Lead? 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the ongoing global AI development race and consider in light of its recent development technologies like DeepSeek and Manus, whether China may be poised to overwhelm the US from a capability standpoint. New Chinese AI agent draws DeepSeek comparison (Axios) The west is already losing the AI arms race (Th…

1
Doechii and the Book That Unlocked Her Creative Power 58:46

2M ago58:46

58:46

Doechii is one of the most dynamic artists in music today—but behind her bold artistry lies a creative journey fueled by self-discovery, discipline, and The Artist’s Way. In this episode, we dive into Doechii’s rise from Tampa to the top of the charts, her fearless approach to music and identity, and how Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way helped her …

1
Flower Sprinkle Nation (With Love, Meghan Review) 1:44:52

2M ago1:44:52

1:44:52

This week, Kate reviews Meghan Markle (Sussex?)'s new show: With Love, Meghan. Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here! Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH! Because Amika loves Be There in Five listeners as much as we love them, they’re giving you a one-time use code for 20% off your first order through the end of…

1
263: Meghan Markle & the History of Influencers ft. Taylor Lorenz 52:19

2M ago52:19

52:19

Lauren and Chan are joined by Taylor Lorenz to discuss all things related to internet culture. They dive into the following: The Socialite Rank (3:32), the social media ecosystem (11:33), parasocial relationships (14:35), aspirational content (20:18), mommy bloggers (28:33), the birth of influencer marketing (33:04), viral content shaping societal…

1
Fluently Fixed - Friend was Red Pilled, Boyfriend is too Close to his Sister, and more 23:35

2M ago23:35

23:35

Check out this week's Fluently Fixed episode, and drop in your own questions in the Google form! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd69udAJ9kDUwJKJJwWjX54et2Mo75io9BPRrNJSnNEz4t9Q/viewform Make progress towards a better financial future with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/FORWARD. Treat yourself this winter without the l…

1
With the Rich Increasingly Propping Up the US Economy, the Path to Prosperity Narrows; also, News Fatigue is Society’s IRL Frankenstein Monster 56:25

2M ago56:25

56:25

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider what it means that the US economy continues to become more and more reliant on spending by the top 10% of earners, and discuss how this is the exact opposite of how the US built to largest middle class in the history of the world in the 20th century (01:15). The guys also take a look at the concept of news fat…

1
We Used to Be Swifties…What Happened? Feat. Kelli Williams and Emily Rose 1:02:43

2M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Once upon a time, we were die-hard Swifties—memorizing every lyric, defending her online, and eagerly awaiting each new album drop. But somewhere along the way, something changed. In this episode with Kelli Williams and Emily Rose, we’re unpacking why our love for Taylor Swift faded, what shifted in our perspective, and the critiques that ultimatel…

1
Pop Apologists (feat. Lauren Atkinson & Chanler Bledsoe) 1:34:56

2M ago1:34:56

1:34:56

This week, Kate is joined by the Pop Apologists, sisters Lauren Atkinson and Chandler Bledsoe to discuss a variety of pop culture-adjacent topics, e.g., their fascination with Mormonism in media, the Lisa Barlow paradox, the rise of Salt Lake City as a cultural moment, and how growing up in a conservative environment shaped their reality TV obsessi…

1
262: Jenny Slate Enters the Blake Lively Vortex ft. Kate Kennedy 57:25

2M ago57:25

57:25

Lauren and Chan are joined by Kate Kennedy from the Be There in Five podcast to chat about all the things living rent-free in their minds. They discuss Jenny Slate’s It Ends With Us HR complaint and why Justin Baldoni’s communication style may be the issue (2:32). They dive into Ballerina Farm and which publication Lauren thinks should be featuring…

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