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Latest Episodes:

Why Lizzo, the Beyhive, and Lil Nas X Are All Upset Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

First up, we’ve got questions: Who’s the new addition to the list of EGOT legends? Which ex-husband tried to crash Brittney’s wedding? Who thought “Squid Game” should be a reality show? Why is the Beyhive upset with Saucy Santana, Twitter upset with Lizzo, and everybody upset with Amy Schumer for the tampon shortage?

But the big question this week: Why wasn’t Lil Nas X nominated for a 2022 BET Award?

Lil Nas X had one of the biggest albums of 2021. “Montero” climbed the charts, and so did its popular singles like “Industry Baby” — along with music videos that still have us talking. Plus, the album was critically acclaimed and nominated for multiple awards.

So, it’s not surprising that Lil Nas X tweeted about being snubbed when BET Award nominations were announced. But he’s not just calling out the network. He says he’s also pointing out the larger issue of homophobia in the Black community. And his tweets have Twitter divided. But why?

We talked to two reporters about the snub, the response to Lil Nas X calling out BET, and homophobia within hip hop.

You’ll hear from:

Daric Cottingham, freelance culture and entertainment journalist

Clyde McGrady, reporter for The Washington Post

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

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Heard vs. Depp and a Conversation with Angelica Ross Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

First up, we break down the latest in pop culture news from the weekend’s most-talked about breakup — ahem, Lori Harvey and Michael B. Jordan — to the Depp vs. Heard verdict.
Then, we kick off Pride Month with a conversation with an icon.

Within the last decade, there’s been a huge shift in trans representation in Hollywood. From “Orange is the New Black” to “Pose,” we’ve seen more diverse storylines that explore queer and trans experiences than ever before. And we’ve been introduced to some of our new favorite actors, like the multitalented Angelica Ross.

Ross lip-synced her way into our hearts as Candy on FX’s “Pose,” and starred in the last few seasons of “American Horror Story.”

Today, we chat with the actress, singer, and TransTech founder about trans representation on screen, her iconic TV roles, how she’s breaking barriers in the tech field, and what’s next on her Hollywood wishlist.

You’ll hear from:

Angelica Ross, actress, singer, and TransTech founder

Emily Yahr, entertainment reporter for The Washington Post

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

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Another Look at Rap Lyrics on Trial May 31, 2022

Show notes

A few weeks ago, rappers Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 of their YSL crew members were charged in a Georgia RICO case. And prosecutors are arguing that YSL is actually a criminal gang instead of a record label.

One of the things they plan to use to prove that: Young Thug’s rap lyrics.

Violent lyrics show up in a lot of music genres. But when it comes to rap and hip hop, it’s not unusual for those lyrics to be used in court as evidence to convict artists of crimes. But is it a violation of first amendment rights?

Today, we look back at the history of rap lyrics on trial, and talk to a media attorney about RICO cases and a New York bill that would make it harder for artists’ words to be used against them.

Plus, what’s #Swedengate, why art museums had a bad weekend, and the two TV show premieres bringing us all the ’80s vibes.

You’ll hear from:

J. Christopher Hamilton, entertainment attorney, author and professor

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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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Is Diet Culture Making Us Sick? May 24, 2022

Show notes

When model Lori Harvey took to TikTok earlier this month to detail her weight-loss diet, the backlash was swift. That’s because, as plenty of dietitians pointed out, the 1,200 calorie-per-day plan she shared was just not enough food for most full-grown humans.

But Harvey’s not alone. We’re bombarded with stories about how people are losing weight — from Kim Kardashian’s met-gala dress diet to influencers and #FitFam posts pushing restrictive eating and excessive exercise. At the same time, messages about body positivity are pushing us to love the skin we’re in.

Today, we’re taking a long, hard look at diet culture — why it has such a grip on us, and how we can make sure we’re taking care of our own physical and mental health in the face of an onslaught of questionable advice.

Plus, Rihanna’s baby announcement, the big Deux Moi reveal, and the TV finales that have us in tears…or not.

You’ll hear from:

Patience Owunwanne, registered dietitian

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. With 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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‘Percy Jackson’ and ‘Doctor Who’ Fans Are Mad — But Why? May 17, 2022

Show notes

It’s a huge week for music and TV. We have questions — and answers.

First up: Kendrick Lamar’s new album dropped, but does it live up to the hype?
Next: Who won Eurovision, and who tried to cheat by hacking the results?
Then: What happened at the Billboard Music Awards, and why are people talking about Cara Delevingne, Doja Cat, and Travis Scott?

But the question of the week: Why are folks so mad at the latest casting news?

Since Disney+ announced it was adapting the popular YA series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” into a show, fans have been eager to see who would play the main characters.

In April, fans learned Walter Scobell landed the role of demigod Percy Jackson, and they celebrated. But last week, it was announced that Leah Jeffries would play the role

Annabeth Chase, and some fans weren’t exactly thrilled — despite author Rick Riordan choosing Jeffries to play a character he created.

Jeffries is Black and in the book it’s implied that Annabeth is white. And angry fans made their feelings known by getting the 12-year-old star’s TikTok banned.

Unfortunately, Jeffries isn’t the only actor getting mixed fan reactions. BBC announced that “Sex Education” star Ncuti Gatwa will take on the title of the Doctor in the next season of “Doctor Who.” Many fans and even showrunner Russell T. Davies say they can’t wait to see what Gatwa does with the role, but others are criticizing the series for what they say is a “woke” casting decision.

Why are diverse casting decisions so controversial, especially with fictional shows? We talked with someone who studies and writes about fandom about the backlash.

You’ll hear from:

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 and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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Is Netflix Losing the Streaming Wars? May 10, 2022

Show notes

So much is trending in pop culture news. We have questions — and answers.

First up: Rapper Young Thug was indicted with 27 other members of his crew for gang related charges.
Then: What’s the latest in the Johnny Depp. v. Amber Heard trial? We’ll catch you up on the highlights since Heard took the stand.
And: Why were people mad at Kim Kardashian for wearing the iconic Marilyn Monroe dress to the Met Gala? A fashion historian gives us the tea.
Next: What does being “wrongfully detained” mean in the case of WNBA star Brittney Griner? We called up a sports reporter to explain.

But our biggest question of the week: What’s going on at Netflix? Lately, things don't look too great over at the streaming giant. Last month, the company announced it’s lost 200,000 subscribers this year, and expects to lose more. Its stock continues to drop, costing the company billions.

The prices for subscriptions have gone up, and there’s also been real talk about a crackdown on password sharing — meaning no more using ex’s account.

And just two weeks ago, Netflix layed off a number of employees — including many women of color — from their fan site Tudum, and others on their marketing team.

The streaming giant has long been ahead of the game, but is it finally falling behind the competition in the streaming wars?

We chat with two reporters who break down what all of these changes at Netflix mean for our queues and our wallets.

You’ll hear from:

Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, award-winning fashion historian, curator, and journalist

Meredith Cash, sports reporter for Insider

Rani Molla, senior data reporter at Recode

Dawn Chmielewski, U.S. entertainment business correspondent at Reuters and co-author of "Binge Times"

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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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A Brief History of AAPI Characters on Screen May 03, 2022

Show notes

From “Everything Everywhere All At Once” to “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” more Asian American stories have made it to the mainstream in the last few years.

But it isn’t just the big screen that’s changing. Recently, more TV shows representing the experiences of Americans with East Asian and South Asian backgrounds are popping up on our small screens.

We’ve definitely come a long way from 1994’s “All-American Girl” — one of the first primetime sitcoms to feature an Asian American family. Since then, we’ve had shows that have ditched the stereotypical portrayals and best friend or sidekick roles. And shows like “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Kim’s Convenience,” and “Never Have I Ever” are showing audiences a more realistic view of what it’s like to grow up as an Asian American.

Today, we're kicking off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by exploring the evolution of the lived experience of first- and second-generation Asian Americans on TV.

And we interviewed a few culture critics to get their takes on the shift in AAPI representation and where we go from here.

You’ll hear from:

Natasha Jung, founder of Cold Tea Collective

Sharon Kwon, psychotherapist, social worker, writer, and mental health advocate

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

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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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Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Cardi B and Celeb Defamation Suits Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

It seems like celebs can’t stay out of court these days. Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Nene Leakes is suing Bravo for what she says was a racist work environment. Megan The Stallion has an ongoing felony assault case against Torey Lanez. Kardashian friend-turned-foe Blac Chyna is suing the family for allegedly ruining her reality television career. And a few months ago, Cardi B won a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Tasha K.

But the case that everyone seems to be talking about is Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard. Depp is suing Heard for defamation, and she’s countersuing for the same thing.

Today, we'll get into the details of Depp vs. Heard and Cardi B vs. Tasha K — and explain why we may see more cases like theirs in the future.

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Bad Jokes, Classic Sitcoms, and Convos We’re Still Thinking About Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

Each week, we have incredible conversations with smart culture critics and experts about the biggest pop culture stories, but we don’t get to include every moment.

Today, we’re going back to interviews that stuck with us — and sharing moments that didn’t make it into the show before. Like the story comedian Hari Kondabolu told us about an unforgettable encounter at a comedy show that taught him a valuable lesson.

And check out our deep dive into Black TV sitcoms with Shadow & Act editor Trey Mangum, where we talked about representation and the new wave of binge-worthy shows. One to add to your queue: Peacock’s “Fresh Prince” reboot “Bel-Air.”

You’ll hear from:

Hari Kondabolu, standup comedian and writer

Trey Mangum, managing editor at Shadow & Act

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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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Shein, Zara, and the Fast Fashion Trap Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

It seems like everyone is obsessed with fast fashion, and social media has been huge in helping brands like SHEIN, Zara and other online retailers show up in your Instagram, Facebook and TikTok feeds.

Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny these brands have changed many people's relationship with clothing. Shopping is cheaper, sizing is seemingly more inclusive, and being trendy is more accessible than ever. SHEIN even landed a spot on TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2022 list for its impact.

But before you hit check out on your cart, know this: there are some real environmental costs to buying these uber cheap clothes. Ahead of Earth Day, we’re returning to one of our favorite episodes to share the three questions you should be asking yourself to see if that $20 top is really worth the cost.

You’ll hear from:

Aja Barber, writer, stylist, fashion consultant and author of “Consumed: The Need for Collective Change”

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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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