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Latest Episodes:

Indian Matchmaking and the Rebirth of the Music Video Aug 24, 2022

Show notes

We’re kicking it off this week with a rundown of a big win for HBO Max (House of the Dragon, we’re looking at you) and a whole lot of cringe. A plantation wedding, Bennifer? Really?

Then, it’s a conversation with The Juggernaut’s Ishani Nath about Indian Matchmaking, and why she says the Netflix show about arranged marriages is still a hate watch. We get into what the series gets right, what it’s still getting wrong in season two, and why Sima from Mumbai fires up so many feelings.

And finally, the VMAs are right around the corner. But who even watches music videos any more? We talked to Rolling Stone writer Claire Shaffer about the rise, fall, and rebirth of the medium — from the big-budget heyday of Michael Jackson’s ’80s to the boy bound countdowns of TRL to today’s YouTube-ready viral sensations.

You’ll hear from:

Ishani Nath, culture editor for The Juggernaut

Claire Shaffer, freelance writer for Rolling Stone

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong and producer Alaisha Key. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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Jennette McCurdy Speaks, Serena Retires As the GOAT Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

First, it’s the Pop Five: Megan Thee Stallion’s new album “Traumazine” is just what the hot girls need as we transition into fall. Rihanna’s boo A$AP Rocky might be in big trouble, and Real Housewife Kathy Hilton is facing backlash from Lizzo fans. And we’re getting nostalgic over Brandy’s “Cinderella” turning 25.

Next, Jennette McCurdy’s new memoir is making us rethink some of our childhood faves. We Skimm (in under four minutes) what we’re learning about the era at Nickelodeon that brought us "iCarly."

And since we’re looking back, we’re celebrating the GOAT: Serena Williams. The tennis phenom recently announced that she’s retiring, so we talked to a writer about Serena’s career, legacy, and lasting impact on women’s sports.

You’ll hear from:

Sabrina Razack, PhD candidate who studies and writes about the intersection of sports, gender, and race

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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Tired of Swiping? You May Have Dating App Fatigue Aug 09, 2022

Show notes

First up, say goodbye to #Kete, folks. Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson called it quits after just nine months of dating. Get the rundown on the biggest breakup of the summer and Kanye’s reaction.

Plus, find out why Megan Thee Stallion’s boo Pardi seems a little upset with The Rock? And did a couple really find love in the Popeye’s parking lot?

We quickly break it all down in this week’s Pop Five stories.

Then, we Skimm (in under four minutes) what the heck is going on with the Warner Bros. Discovery merger that killed "Batgirl" — and how this new marriage may affect your streaming options.

And since we kinda have relationships on the brain, we’re diving deeper into dating app fatigue. (Yes, it’s a real thing!)

We spoke with a reporter who’s done research on the topic to understand what it is, what the signs are, and what you can do if you’re tired of swiping.

You’ll hear from:

Jessica Klein, contributing reporter for the BBC

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Why Are We So Obsessed with Astrology? Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

All hail Queen Bey! The “Renaissance” is here, and the house listening party started last weekend along with the drama. But this act one wasn’t the only thing dominating pop culture news.

Did you hear that Taylor Swift’s is also topping the charts? But this time it isn’t for music. It’s for her terrible private jet CO2 emissions.

And after eight weeks of not being able to turn away from Love Island UK, we finally have this seasons’ winners.

What else is on our radar? Check out this week’s Pop Five stories.

Then, we dive into one of the biggest trends Millennials and Gen Z are obsessed with: astrology.

We speak with a journalist to find out why. And we chatted with an astrologer to get the breakdown on what it’s all supposed to mean. Plus, don’t miss our host getting her chart read!

You’ll hear from:

Kirah Tabourn, creative, astrologer, and host of The Strology Show podcast

Elizabeth Gulino, senior writer at Refinery29

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TV, Fashion, and 2000s Trends with Our Fave Celebs Jul 26, 2022

Show notes

From Kid Cudi walking off the stage at Rolling Loud to a weepy Bennifer in Paris, a lot has been going on in pop culture news. So we’re starting off by breaking down our Pop Five — the top five moments we can’t stop talking about. And after, we have convos with Angelica Ross, Tan France, and Christina Milian.

So find out the reason Desus and Mero are calling it quits and why Sesame Place is being called out for racial discrimination.

Then, San Diego ComicCon gave “Black Panther” fans what they’ve been waiting for. The “Wakanda Forever” trailer dropped and everyone’s in their feelings.

But what really had Twitter chirping? A viral tweet comparing the careers of Keke Palmer and Zendaya — and citing colorism. And the “Nope” star quickly shut the conversation down in a way only she could.

And keeping with stars that we stan, today, check out a few moments that didn’t make it on previous episodes — and some of our favorite interviews.

You’ll hear from:

Angelica Ross, actress, singer, and TransTech founder

Tan France, host of Netflix’s “Queer Eye”

Christina Milian, actress and singer

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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BBLs Are Dangerous. Why Are They So Popular? Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

Having a big butt hasn’t always been popular. But now, it seems like everyone wants to be a member of the big booty club. Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and even Madonna have all been suspected of having work done to make their backsides bigger.

But it isn’t just famous people who are bending over backwards to get the derrière they desire. Regular women are also looking for ways to plump up their bottoms.

While some are opting for butt implants or injections, many are turning to another surgical procedure: the Brazilian Butt Lift, aka the BBL.

We talked to a board certified emergency physician and a reporter about the BBL: what it is, why it can be so dangerous — and why so many people are getting it anyway.

You’ll hear from:

Dr. Uché Blackstock, board certified emergency physician and founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity

Ruth Etiesit Samuel, culture reporter at HuffPost

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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Our Ultimate Summer 2022 TV and Movie Guide Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

We’ve finally settled into the summer season — meaning warmer days, more three-day weekends, and sneaking in some beach time before Labor Day. But if you’re trying to stay cool inside or you have some time to kill (thanks, flight delays), you’re going to need something to watch. And we’ve got you covered.

Today, we called up some of our favorite media critics and a bunch of our savvy fellow Skimm’rs for their must-see recommendations. Whether you need weekend binges, movies worth seeing in theaters, or hidden gems to add to your queue, enjoy our ultimate summer TV and movie guide. And yes, we’ve got the full list right here for you.

What to binge on a long weekend:

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon Prime Video)
Ms. Marvel (Disney+)
Money Heist Korea (Netflix)
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
Love Island UK (Hulu)
Heartstopper (Netflix)
Joe Pera Talks With You (HBO Max)
I Love That For You (Showtime)
The Upshaws (Netflix)

Movies to see IRL:

Nope (July 22)
Mr. Malcolm’s List (In Theaters Now)
Top Gun: Maverick (In Theaters Now)
Elvis (In Theaters Now)
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (In Theaters Now)
Everything Everywhere All At Once (In Select Theaters Now)

Hidden gems that are getting overlooked:

Savage Beauty (Netflix)
The Janes (HBO Max)
Ziwe (Showtime)
The Man Who Fell to Earth (Showtime)
Barry (HBO Max)
What We Do in the Shadows (FX/Hulu)
Everything is Trash (Freeform/Hulu)
Irma Vepp (HBO Max)

You’ll hear from:

Bethonie Butler, TV and pop culture reporter for The Washington Post

Lakshmi Gandhi, freelance journalist and co-founder of The Lakshmi and Asha Show

Kamaron McNair, finance writer at theSkimm

Kristen Lindell, loyalty program manager at theSkimm

Nina Moll, senior associate, client services at theSkimm

Michelle Simon, senior director, client services and planning at theSkimm

Rachel Klein, executive producer, video at theSkimm

Rachel Levin, social media producer at theSkimm

Alaisha Key, audio producer, culture at theSkimm

Andrew Callaway, senior audio engineer at theSkimm

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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Why is Brittney Griner Still in Russia? Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Last week, the trial for WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner began in Russia. Griner was taken into custody on drug charges back in February, and her detention has been extended four times.

Unfortunately, things aren’t looking good for the Phoenix Mercury star. The trial resumes July 7 and could take several months. She could also face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

While so many questions remain about Griner’s future and release, there’s one that keeps popping up: what she was doing over there? Simply put, better pay.

About half of the WNBA’s athletes play overseas during the offseason, and Griner's situation may make some of them think twice about claiming additional income, especially as war rages between Russia and Ukraine.

Today, we revisit a conversation with sports journalist Meredith Cash on what’s happening with Griner and how it may affect other WNBA players.

You’ll hear from:

Meredith Cash, sports reporter for Insider

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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Beyoncé, Drake, and the Evolution of House Music Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

From the trailer for “Hocus Pocus 2” giving us major nostalgia to the backlash surrounding the chart topping “Elvis” biopic, there’s a lot going on in pop culture this week. So we’re breaking down the top five moments we can’t stop talking about — and revisiting a few others.

Find out the latest in the Brittney Griner case and what happened at the BET Awards without Lil Nas X.

Then, last week’s Verzuz between Omarion and Mario brought up old drama with the “Post to Be” singer and his former B2K group members.

But the thing that we’re stuck on is Beyoncé’s summer anthem "Break My Soul." The new dance ballad along with Drake’s recent album “Honestly, Nevermind” has fans asking if house music is making a comeback. The answer: It never went away.

Today, we explore the history and evolution of the house sound with a music and culture journalist and historian. We’ll give you a playlist that you’ll want to dance to all summer long.

You’ll hear from:

Naima Cochrane, music and culture journalist and historian

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin.

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‘Fire Island’ and a New Era of Queer Representation Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

Do you remember when the only queer characters on TV seemed to be sassy, gay best friends?

Queer representation in pop culture is changing. With shows and movies like “The Bold Type,” Tom Swift,” “P-Valley,” and “Fire Island,” we’re seeing more depth and range when it comes to LGBTQ+ characters and storylines.

We’re also seeing more queer representation in other mediums like books, cartoons, anime, and manga.

This Pride Month, we’ve been talking about the importance of telling diverse queer stories. And today, we called up some old and new friends of the podcast to talk about the evolution we’re seeing on the page and screen. (Bonus: Get some new reccos to watch and read!)

Plus, find out how Beyoncé and Drake are bringing house music back.

You’ll hear from:

Torian Miller, actor and star in Hulu’s “Fire Island”

Blair Imani, activist, author, and creator of Smarter in Seconds

Daric L. Cottingham, freelance culture and entertainment journalist

Briana Lawrence, fandom editor at The Mary Sue

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway, Elie McAfee-Hahn, and Ko Takasugi-Czernowin. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin.

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