Straight to the Comments (Straight to the Comments)

Do you find yourself jumping Straight to the Comments of celeb gossip only to wonder why online threads are so addictive? Join Lisa and Sarah, two longtime friends, as they dissect online comments, discuss pop culture and examine how it impacts their own lives. Straight to the Comments dives head first into both the comedic value and deeper meaning of gossip and why we can’t get enough.

This is Gossip without the Guilt.

Hosted by 2 Brits abroad, Lisa Williams, a communications consultant living in Oslo, and Sarah Illingworth, a psychology graduate and writer living in Cape Town.

Follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

This series is produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Pedro Pascal is riding a career-high with The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, but it is his newfound status as the "Internet's Daddy" and even “Cool Slutty Daddy” that has everyone talking. From playful memes to increasingly graphic thirst tweets, it seems all that anyone, including the mainstream media, wants to discuss with him - becoming the go-to question on red carpets or in interviews.

In this week’s episode, we are discussing where does appreciating male sexuality end and objectification begin? Actors such as Paul Mescal, Kit Harrington and Brad Pitt have all spoken out about being uncomfortable being labelled a “hunk” or a “sex symbol”. Yet Buzzfeed’s male celebrities read thirst tweets series is massively popular. So is the open sexualisation of male celebrities any different to sexualising women? And is there a double standard? Join us as dive deep into the comments.

Episode transcript here.

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.

Cougar, MILF, or even a tragic singleton like 'Bridget Jones', today, we are looking at all the comments used to describe older women when it comes to love and dating.

Sam Taylor-Johnson, in the promotion of her new Amy Winehouse film, is facing renewed scrutiny over her marriage to Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is 23 years her junior. We talk about the internet's intense fascination with their relationship.

We also examine the concept of 'unlucky in love Kylie,' even as she is riding a career high. We wonder why this label of romantic misfortune persists and if it is part of the idea of the female 'Oscar Love Curse'?

Lastly, we explore the stories of women like Drew Barrymore, Linda Evangelista and Enya, who have all said they have 'had it' with romantic relationships.

Join us as we discuss why older women often face so much scrutiny in their search for love or their choice to live without it. And are we ready to move past labels such as 'cougar' and 'spinster'?

 

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.

As James Corden says goodbye to the Late Late Show, we take a look at the recent spate of controversies he’s found himself in. From the Balthazar restaurant incident to accusations of obnoxious and demeaning behaviour, we look behind his ‘cheeky chappy’ public persona to the avalanche of comments online.   Similarly, Ellen, who built her brand on kindness, faced accusations of creating a toxic work environment and being the “meanest person alive”, leading to her daytime talk show being cancelled. So is it a case that their nice “masks” have slipped? Or are they simply casualties of society's unforgiving standards of scrutiny and 24/7 call-out culture? And can they come back from these scandals?   Episode transcript here.   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.

From her iconic Union Jack dress and Girl Power persona to her current all-white dress code and role as the “devoted wife”, today we are exploring the online reactions to Geri Halliwell’s transformation.

Has she really abandoned her working class roots by “marrying up”, or is this just part of growing up and evolving? And are commenters justified in questioning her authenticity and “girl power” values, based on rumours she may have ‘stolen’ her husband?

We also touch on what Saltburn has to say about class, and discuss the trend of roughing up your “backstory” to tap into mass appeal and acceptance as an artist.

Join us as we go straight to comments and discuss the complicated topic of class in the UK today

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.

Welcome back to Season 3's first Mini! We're kicking things off with our comment guessing game, a topic that we believe will stir up strong emotions among Gen Xers (and perhaps even millennials). Then, we'll dive into Justin Timberlake's no-apology stance on the Britney Spears drama and explore the phenomenon of apology tours. Finally, we'll wrap it all up with our crazy celebrity predictions. 

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.

 

For over a decade, Gwyneth Paltrow has been the spokeswoman for ‘wellness’ at the helm of her $250 million dollar empire - Goop.

However she regularly finds herself under accusations of monetising pseudoscience, misinformation and quackery. Recent controversies, including the ‘Almond mum’ backlash, and ‘ski trial of the century’, have reignited these conversations

So what is wellness? Is it empowering or exploitative? And where does Goop fall on this spectrum?

Join us on a journey through $2000 rainbow healing mats, the "that girl phenomenon," and whether Gwyneth Paltrow's constant scrutiny is justified or a modern-day witch trial.

Episode transcript here.

Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast

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.

Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com for more information.

We've all come across online stories speculating whether a celebrity is pregnant or not based on her clothing choices, or how she is holding her bag, but have you ever wondered why we as a society are so obsessed with fertility and "baby bumps"?

In this episode, we’re diving into the online comments and analysing the reactions to all things ‘bump’. From Rihanna’s recent Super Bowl pregnancy reveal, to Paris Hilton’s surrogacy announcement, and Beyonce’s fake pregnancy conspiracy, we’re examining whether society defines a woman’s value based on her maternal status. And asking how do we view women who choose childlessness?

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion. 

Episode transcript here.

Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast

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.

Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com for more information.

Today, we are exploring the "celebrification" of criminals in the age of social media, particularly that of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Anna Delvey. Gypsy Rose Blanchard, recently released from prison for the murder of her mother, and Anna Delvey, a con-artist currently under house arrest in New York, have become prime examples of how criminals can now capitalise on their notoriety in the digital era.

Whereas historically, a criminal might be jailed, do their time, and disappear from the public radar, now they can brazenly evade the law and even flaunt their lifestyle on social media, like the Tindler Swindler.

So why are we so captivated by certain crimes? And is it ok for people to profit from their conviction? Let’s go straight to the comments to find out.

 

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.

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.

 

The internet is filled to the brim with comments on every topic imaginable. So, this week, we are spinning the wheel and seeing where we end up in the internet's famous platform, Reddit, with our very own “Reddit Roulette”.

To us, Reddit is still a bit of a mystery, and we were curious to discover why it is considered the most influential yet least known internet forum. With every spin, we will explore a new group comment thread from ‘Am I the Asshole’ to ‘Ask me Anything’, and uncover the site where people come to confess, share their deepest, darkest desires/fears, and also laugh. Is it a modern-day church, a therapist, or a dark threat to women? Join us as we throw the dice and see where we end up.

Trigger warning: We do discuss some banned forums related to sexual abuse.

 

Episode transcript here.

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.

Credit for the roulette sound to Yle Archives.

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.

 

 

This week we're caught up in Oscars fever and diving into the comments about this year's awards. After last year's drama, we are reviewing the most talked about moments and asking, have the Oscars finally recaptured their magic?

We discuss the comeback four - Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis - and why everyone in the online multiverse is catching emotions seeing outsiders win. Plus we will be looking at some odd viral moments, including that awkward Hugh Grant and Ashely Graham interview. Then asking why have the Oscars been in a death spiral?

Get your popcorn ready and join us on the champagne carpet for a very special Straight to the Comments.

Episode transcript here.

Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast

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.

Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com for more information.

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.

 

Happy New Year! It’s almost the end of 2023, and we are talking today about our predictions for 2024. Will we see a rise in deepfake content? Will Barbie dominate Oppenheimer at the Oscars? Will it be the end of superhero films? What happened to Brie Larson? We also discuss what we cannot wait to see in 2024. Plus, possibly the worst idea for a music festival ever.

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 episode we’re jumping into the conversations people have about bigger bodies and exploring how women such as Lizzo, Adele and Rebel Wilson have been caught in the glare of fat-shaming. From the body positivity movement to accusations of promoting obesity, join us as we discuss why so many of us have such strong emotional reactions to fat, and ask are bigger bodies finally acceptable?

Episode transcript here.

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast

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.

Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com for more information.

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.

 

 

Since Oprah brought self-help and therapy speak into the mainstream, more and more people have been talking about “speaking my truth” over telling the truth. From Prince Harry to Britney Spears, the celebrity memoir has often been sold as the chance to read their “personal truths”. But what does this really mean? And are there different types of truth? 

When Hasan Minhaj was called out by the New Yorker for lying, he defended himself by claiming “emotional truths” were more important than facts. Then, just last month, The Guardian wrote an exposé, ‘Uncovering the Higher Truth of Jay Shetty,’ about Shetty’s alleged misrepresentation of his backstory in his climb to stardom.

Today we are asking, has the rise of therapy speak brought us all self-awareness, or is it now being weaponised? And can anything be emotionally true if it significantly varies from the actual facts?

Join us as we go straight to the comments to see if we can handle the (many) truths...

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.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is back with the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Today, we are examining the mixed (putting it mildly) reactions to her launch, particularly the responses to The Cut’s Instagram post, questioning the timing of her launch. Did Meghan really deliberately time her launch to divert attention from Kate Middleton? What exactly is her new brand and who is her target audience?

Also, Sarah tries to guess which company is stalking Lisa online (maybe even you?). Get ready to find out about Temu, supposedly the fastest growing company in the world, which no one seems to know much about.

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.

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 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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Jennifer Lopez is undeniably a megastar - she sings, she dances, she acts and has multiple product lines. But a big part of her story has been her very public love life. The rekindling of her romance with Ben Affleck has been touted as a perfect example of the long awaited ‘happy ever after’. However, not everyone is buying it, especially as this isn’t the first time the self-confessed ‘love addict’ has been what they call ‘loved up’.   This week, as JLo promotes her latest film The Mother at the same time as Affleck promotes Air, we’re looking at the way celebrities and Hollywood itself use the idea of 'soulmates' and 'romantic bliss' to sell us products. And asking is there such a thing as “the one”? Why are we so keen to buy into it? And do the media love to build up Hollywood love stories just to tear them apart later? Let's go Straight to the Comments.   This is the last full episode of our first season, and we’ve loved every minute of it! But don’t worry we’ll be back in mid-June with fortnightly episodes! In the meantime look out for some bonus episodes we’ll be dropping during our break.   Full transcript here.  

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 discussing the internet's relentless speculation surrounding Kate Middleton's recent surgery announcement. From genuine concern to mind-bending conspiracy theories, we explore the reactions to this news.

We also investigate the trend of celebrities, like Selena Gomez, openly discussing their medical issues. On the flip side, we delve into Jamie Foxx's decision to keep his health matters private, leading to significant medical speculation, even claims of cloning.

We ask: Why do some people leap to conspiracy theories when details are kept private? Is it a case of frustration or genuine concern for transparency? Should celebrities feel compelled to share all their health information with the public? 

Let's 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.

 

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'Tis the season for Instagram-perfect Christmas posts, and today we're focusing on Kate Hudson and Kim Kardashian, who love to showcase their picture-perfect holiday celebrations. But why do their extravagant displays often spark comments calling them out of touch and vain? 

Join us in this episode as we unravel the allure of conspicuous consumption during Christmas, exploring the deeper meaning behind the festive season and questioning whether the pursuit of perfection on social media reflects the true spirit of Christmas.

Show links:

Spending coach Paige Pritchard: https://instagram.com/overcoming_overspending?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==

 

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.

 

 

A year on since we did our "Fatshaming" episode featuring Adele, Rebel Wilson, and Lizzo, we find the three women are once again the centre of attention due to discussions about their weight. With Lizzo announcing she is "quitting" due to body-shaming and Rebel claiming in her new memoir "Rebel Rising" that Adele "hates her" because they were both plus-sized women in the entertainment industry, we dive into the online reactions to these unfolding stories.

But first, we start with our comment guessing game, which involves Sons of Anarchy and Angelina Jolie.

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.

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.

In the last episode of Season 3, we bring back Reddit Roulette (from Season 1, episode 10) - our mashup of all things Reddit and Chatroulette . We spin the wheel to discuss who the a****** is in a relationship conflict, as well as discussing trauma dumping, how to navigate financial disparity in relationships, and the big topic of boundaries. Are they always healthy, or are they sometimes misused to manipulate and control?

We also review this season, and cover some of the topics we’ve been asked about, but not managed to include so far, including Kate Beckinsale, and crystal baths.

 

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.

 

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.

We have a jam-packed, tinsel-draped Christmas bonanza episode for you today. We're talking about the cult of Taylor Swift, why Swedish fans were left cold by Beyoncé, and Madonna's big tour comeback. We also have an update on Alice Evans, who recently stated she might have to work at Starbucks to make ends meet after her divorce from Ioan Gruffudd. Plus, we discuss the reactions to Zac Efron getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which were all about his new face. We ask why are good looking men getting cosmetic surgery?

Grab a drink or mince pie as it's tiiiiiiime to 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.

 

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.

 

After the online storm over Madonna’s “new face” at the Grammys, we’re discussing whether the accusations of ageism and misogyny levelled by Madonna are true. Amid this backlash she’s been compared to stars who have been deemed to be ageing gracefully, such as Helen Mirren, Emma Thompson and Jamie Lee Curtis. But what do people actually mean when they talk about ageing gracefully? And do women become invisible once they turn 45?

In today’s episode, we are tackling botox and plastic surgery, the Acting your Age Campaign and the underrepresentation of older women on screen, and even ageism in the workplace, as we look at what it means for women to age publicly. 

Episode transcript here.

Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast

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.

Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com for more information.

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.

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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.

New York Magazine declared 2022 the Year of the Nepo Baby. But what exactly is a Nepo Baby? Is this really a new phenomenon? And why are we suddenly so obsessed with them?

Welcome to episode 1 of Straight to the Comments, where we have reviewed many many comments relating to Nepo Babies to try to discover where the fascination comes from and what it means for us all. From the celebrity children taking over HBO, to giving jobs to family and friends at work - join us as we take our first wild ride into the comments.

Episode transcript here.

Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast

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.

Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com for more information.

It seems that everyone loves a celebrity break-up, and the messier the better. But why are we so fascinated by celebrity relationships and taking sides? In this episode we’re going to be looking at the reactions to Alice Evans and Jennifer Aniston’s respective breakups and asking is there such a thing as the right kind of wronged woman?

Episode transcript here.

Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast

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.

Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com for more information.

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.

 

 

Right in time for International Women’s Day and our one year anniversary, the Daily Mail launches a new podcast, called "Straight to the Comments!" - fronted by 2 young male presenters. We go into it in today’s episode.

Plus, we have our comments guessing game about a funny topic and discuss the importance of Women’s Day in 2024. How much has changed in the past year? How much more needs to be done? And does it really make a difference?

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.

 

Our recent trip to Sarah's hometown in the historic city of York had us under its spell in more ways than one. Whilst wandering through its charming cobblestone streets, we noticed a real change in tourism. 

From the medieval street in York now overrun by Harry Potter themed shops, to accusations of Edinburgh becoming ‘Disney Town’, we’re discussing whether the effect of Hollywood on historic locations has gone too far.

We’re also looking at how Instagram and Social Media are influencing our travel choices and if the impact is positive or negative. From visiting iconic locations made famous by The Holiday and Notting Hill, to the rise of instagrammable backdrops for businesses such as the fake flower wall, join us as we talk cream tea breakfasts, Dracula pilgrimages, and try to work out what a Ghost Merchant actually is?

Episode transcript here.

Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/

Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast

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.

Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com for more information.

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.

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.

 

When Damian Hurley released his debut film, "Strictly Confidential," people were shocked that he directed raunchy scenes starring his own mother, Elizabeth Hurley. From critics labelling their relationship as "disturbing" to others dismissing them as mere "publicity hounds," we dissect some of the fierce responses to this erotic thriller and reflect on the discomfort it evokes.

In our guessing game, we go into the wild comments around boundaries.

 

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.

 

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.