Straight Up: After Hours with Vlad & Kelly

News doesn’t always have to be so serious. Straight Up is where the week’s biggest cultural stories get the attention they deserve. Every week, Vlad and Kelly ditch the anchor desk to break down the story the internet can’t stop talking about—with a new cocktail recipe to match the mood. Whether the week’s been a disaster or a delight, you’ll have everything you need for your weekend group chat, and something worth drinking while you catch up at happy hour. New episodes every Friday.

Latest Episodes:

Why Is Everyone Talking About Jennifer Lawrence’s Face? Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

The internet can’t stop talking about Jennifer Lawrence’s face, and Vlad and Kelly want to know why.

Joined by Dr. David Cangello, Vlad and Kelly are breaking down the rise of the bleph and the “Instagram face,” and why Hollywood stars increasingly look…exactly. the. same.

When does self-improvement become self-erasure? And perhaps the bigger question: Is any of this actually our business?

The Secret Story Of Crowning The Sexiest Man Alive Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

It started in 1985 with Mel Gibson (by accident), and it has been starting arguments ever since. People Magazine Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Triggs reveals how the Sexiest Man Alive is chosen and what tea she can spill on past winners. Then Vlad and Kelly zoom out: like James Bond, every winner is a mirror of his era, so what does crowning Noah Wyle tell us about 2026 and what it means to be a sexy man?

Sponsored by Casamigos.

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Our cocktail this week is:

Freezer Door Margaritas:

Serves 8

• 375 mL Casamigos Blanco Tequila (half a 750 mL bottle)

• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes), plus wedges for serving

• ¼ cup orange liqueur

• 1 oz cup simple syrup

• Small pinch of salt

Instructions: combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain and serve. Or place in a bottle in the freezer for later!

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Before you shake up anything at home, a quick reminder from us: please drink responsibly. And remember, our recipes can be tweaked to make a great mocktail too.

Why Are We All So Thirsty For Reality TV Again? Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

Dancing With the Stars is breaking voting records even after 35 seasons, cringe Love Is Blind clips are breaking the internet, and Love Island is still breaking hearts week after week... It seems we are having a reality TV renaissance. But what's behind it?
Are we yearning for people to be “real” and "messy" in an online world so otherwise polished? Or are we falling for a trap? Is reality TV the furthest thing from reality of all?
Vlad and Kelly are breaking it down in the very first episode of Straight Up.
Sponsored by Ketel One Vodka. We love a good cocktail on this show, but please drink responsibly: this content is for listeners 21 and over, so know your limits, enjoy in moderation, and always plan a safe ride home.