A sports podcast that does what theSkimm does best: provide championship takes and breakdowns of the biggest stories and controversies you care about most. Finally, there’s a show dedicated to treating sports like the bingeable reality TV they actually are.
Tue, April 01, 2025
LeBron is not holding back anymore on all his foes. Caroline and Blake take a chance to react to their favorite details from his latest ESPN interview. Meanwhile, March Madness is (mostly) a snoozefest and we know why. Turns out it has something to do with…chalk? In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The controversial Torpedo bat that has the Yankees playing better than ever The Women’s Final Four and Paige Buecker’s eye-popping statline Whether the Tush Push is about to be banned in the NFL Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton appear in public for the first time together A major win for American figure skating by 19-year-old Alysa Liu Morgan Wallen is an April Fool (and so is the guy who rubs banana peels on his face) Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 25, 2025
Blake and Caroline predicted a Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton hard launch, but Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump? Not on our bingo cards. Several couples made their relationships IG official this week, and there might be a potential power couple budding between JuJu Watkins and Jayden Daniels. That is, unless Jayden’s mom can help it. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Which famous athlete took credit for connecting Trinity and Ben Lindsey Vonn's triumphant milestone How many billions women’s sports will generate in revenue this year The women college hoopers opening up about their mental health struggles March Madness drama that has nothing to do with on-the-court action Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 18, 2025
Before Simone and Suni came Shawn Johnson, the Olympic gold medalist who shot to fame during the Olympics 17 years ago. Yup, we feel old too. Shawn joins Blake and Caroline in the studio to talk about fans literally crawling under bathroom stalls to get her autograph, why she couldn’t go back to high school, and her biggest piece of advice to teenaged athletes on the brink of stardom. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: March Madness 101 and how to fill out your bracket The Cowboys player beefing with his former teammate Why Blake has secondhand embarrassment over the WAGs drama in San Francisco The return of Ted Lasso (with a much-appreciated twist) A 14 year-old just took the field in a NWSL game (and Shawn has some words of wisdom to share) Shawn’s Instagram: @shawnjohnson Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 11, 2025
Last week Blake and Caroline wondered which sports league would take the lead on supporting players’ families, and the Women’s Tennis Association said “allow me.” The WTA clinched a historic win for its players who are now eligible for 12-months of maternity leave, grants for fertility treatment, and more. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Yay or nay: the PDA between Kylie and Timothée Chalamet Why LeBron gave lip readers everywhere something to chew on after scolding Stephen A. Smith The one caveat behind a massive donation to all competing US Olympic athletes Why recent NFL trades could lead to uniting Ciara and Norman + justice for gingers Josh Allen’s new salary breakdown to the seconds (try not to cry) Our Send Its of the week including Bill Belichick’s youthful rebrand, the highdiver who’s celebrating – not shaming – her cellulite, and Grandma Kitty, Steph Curry’s no. 1 fan Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 04, 2025
Commentators nationwide took a hard look in the mirror when LeBron called out the “weird energy” in sports media, where coverage of NBA players is nothing but negative. Seattle Storm player Lexie Brown joins us in the studio to chat about how that negativity led her to delete her Twitter, how she trained her brain to always see the positive, and why she finally took her own mental health seriously, thanks in part to a partnership with Love, Your Mind. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why one NFL team’s treatment of families was deemed “almost disrespectful” Whether Travis will keep giving Swifties a reason to pay attention to the NFL Who Simone Biles gave a heartwarming shout out to Our top Send Its of the week, including Coco Gauff and Timothée Chalamet matching at the Oscars, Serena trading tennis for basketball, and Paul George’s retirement from podcasting Follow Lexie: @lexiebrown Lexie’s podcast: Full Circle Love, Your Mind resources: loveyourmindtoday.org Love, Your Mind IG: @love_yourmind Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 25, 2025
It’s 2025, so why do we have to tell people to stop stalking women in sports? On the heels of tennis player Emma Raducanu and track star Gabby Thomas sharing their stalking stories, Blake and Caroline discuss why women athletes are at higher risk for harassment, the role social media plays, and how leagues can do better to protect them. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Blake and Caroline’s strong feelings about the Yankees’ controversial beard-ban Who Napheesa Collier gave half of her Unrivaled 1v1 prize money to Whether JJ Watt will come out of retirement for…an English goalkeeper? A preview of the NFL’s sorority rush week, AKA: the Combine Justin Bieber getting feisty on the ice in a celeb hockey game Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 18, 2025
The NBA hoped to get fans to care about the All Star Game this year and…it seriously backfired. After only 42 minutes of game time during the 3-hour broadcast, fans were left scratching their heads at the new format, the constant stoppages, and Kevin Hart’s (bad) jokes. Blake and Caroline look to the NHL’s 4 Nations for inspiration on how the ballers can make next year better. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why the NBA revamped the All-Star game format, and why fans still hated it Wemby and Chris Paul exploiting a loophole in the skills challenge How the list of the top-100 highest paid athletes in 2024 includes zero women Women’s college hoops heating up with No. 7 UCONN’s win over No. 4 USC Our top “Send Its” of the week including Saquon pulling a ball boy into the Eagles parade, Lebron ditching the All Star game to work out with his daughter, and the three-peat winner of the dunk contest Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 11, 2025
While the actual Super Bowl game might’ve been boring, Blake and Caroline found plenty to talk about: like Jalen Hurts winning the MVP, Travis Kelce’s post-game walk of shame, and whether or not the Eagles are poised to become a dynasty. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why this was a Super Bowl for haters of all kinds Decoding Kendrick’s halftime performance How many times Taylor Swift was shown during the game (hint: not a lot) The women who won the Super Bowl, including the first Black woman coach and Jalen Hurts’ management team Our top Send Its for the week, including Bradley Cooper’s side hustle, Nike’s first commercial in almost 30 years, and a rapid fire round of fashion police Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 04, 2025
It’s Super Bowl week, but the drama in the sports world never stops. Luka Doncic got caught up in what many experts are dubbing the “worst trade in NBA history” while A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo hard launched their relationship at the South Carolina alumna’s jersey retirement. After covering big headlines of the week, Caroline and Blake share Super Bowl rituals plus what they’ve got their eye on as the big game approaches. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why Mavericks’ fans haven’t slept since Luka Doncic’s trade to the Lakers Caitlin Clark (potentially) having the fastest jersey retirement since leaving Iowa Why Blake and Caroline are butting heads when it comes to Super Bowl watch habits WTF prop bets actually are and which ones you should care about Lily’s reactions to what’s on our Super Bowl bingo cards, including how often Taylor Swift will appear on the broadcast and who Kendrick Lamar is bringing out during his halftime show Lily’s Instagram: @sportsish Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 28, 2025
It’s official - the Chiefs and Eagles are Super Bowl-bound. Caroline and Blake break down the controversial fourth-down review that may have cost the Bills an AFC Championship, plus other takeaways from this past weekend’s games. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs potentially reaching a new milestone Tom Brady’s on-air confession about Nick Foles, aka Big D*ck Nick An American triumph at the Aussie Open Naomi Girma’s historic transfer to Chelsea FC Empire State Building, Caroline’s certified op The Knicks’ new sideline sweetie, Timothée Chalamet Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 21, 2025
While many NFL fans were swapping conspiracy theories about refs helping the Chiefs get a win, Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark cozied up in their private skybox. Don’t worry, Taylor didn’t give anything for TikTok lip-readers to call her on as she whispered secrets to her new bestie. Blake and Caroline discuss what she might’ve been saying in the weekend's most widely memed moment. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Ryan Reynolds invested in another football club while battling a $400 million lawsuit from Justin Baldoni Coco Gauff’s RIP message to TikTok, plus the role the app has played in elevating athletes in pop culture Caroline casts the four remaining playoff teams as the hot jock, boy-next-door, bully, and shy girl Brittany Mahomes bounced back to the sidelines after giving birth just days before Saquon Barkley is having a moment and Alex Cooper was there Our favorite Send Its of the week including Ilona Maher’s broken nose, Josh Allen’s Golden Retriever Energy on full display, and the Lions dirty dancing in the end zone Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 14, 2025
Travis Kelce might’ve spilled the beans on when Swifties can expect “Reputation: Taylor’s Version” during his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Plus, if you ever wanted to rep your favorite NFL team à la Taylor Swift, now’s your chance thanks to the launch of “Off Season” by Kristin Juszcyzk. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: How the Cardinals pulled through for the Rams in the wake of the California wildfires Baby Names: Mahomes and Kelces edition What we know about the man charged with stalking Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis Wii Sports meets the Australian Open, while Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula dedicate their wins to LA firefighters What Caroline and Blake think Eagles’ wide receiver AJ Brown should’ve been reading instead of “Inner Excellence” The Commanders are heading to the playoffs for the first time in how long? Caroline’s vibe check on Deion Sanders as a potential Cowboys coaching hire and Mike Vrabel taking over with the Pats Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 07, 2025
The NFL regular season has come to close, which means the real games are about to begin: it’s head coach recoupling season. Caroline and guest co-host Claudia Rupcich tackle all the head coaching vacancies, Love Island-style. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Super Bowl predictions and the best round-one playoff matchups Why Jimmy Butler and Tyreek Hill are both trying to get out of Miami What’s going on with the Fox Sports sexual misconduct lawsuit Caitlin Clark knows why NBA ratings are down Simone Biles receiving another well-deserved award College Football Playoff predictions before the much-anticipated semifinals Our top Send It moments of the week, including Zendaya’s major red carpet reveal (looks like Tashi’s taken), the Golden Globes x NFL crossover moment, and a High School Musical celebration on the gridiron Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Claudia’s Instagram: @claudiarupcich theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 17, 2024
Joe Burrow is the latest high-profile NFL player whose home was burglarized this season. But what should’ve been a good old fashioned burglary exploded when the internet found out that Olivia Ponton made a 911 call reporting the incident, not to be confused with Olivia Holzmacher, his college sweetheart. Caroline and Blake wonder whether JB and OG Olivia split up (his pre-season bleach job is damning evidence) and dive into a Reddit conspiracy theory about Ponton’s potential motives. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Who’s salty over Caitlin Clark winning TIME’s “Athlete of the Year” Why the Heisman winner’s fiancée hijacked the headlines surrounding the award ceremony Bella Hadid winning the “Rookie of the Year” title in horsing around The diva player among the 49ers, why Josh Allen’s bound to be MVP, and Patrick Mahomes playing hairdresser for his wife The top athletes and moments winning “The Wellies” in our inaugural end-of-year awards segment Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 10, 2024
Pink puffers? In. Pencil stache? Out. This past weekend, Timothée Chalamet sported both as he won over skeptics with his impressive College GameDay calls. Caroline was colored impressed, and Blake lost her Timmy-ick which has been brewing since “Little Women” tanked his stock. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Caroline explaining the new College Football Playoff format to Blake like she’s five The jaw-dropping price tag on the WNBA’s most anticipated season-opening game Comparing Juan Soto’s record signing with the Mets to the salaries of LeBron, Tom Brady, and the entire WNBA Whether the Chiefs can continue squeezing out Ws or if they’re wearing down What one Giants player allegedly did to distract the Saints (shoutout OnlyFans) Bill Belichick’s ploy to make the NFL jealous, and whether TB thinks it’ll work Our favorite Send It moments of the week, including yet another dance from the celly king, the Grinch dancing with Lions’ cheerleaders, and Boise State taking trolling to a whole new atmosphere thanks to Google Earth Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 03, 2024
Rivalry week in college football resulted in more than a few squabbles, and now the fun police are telling us to plant our school flag somewhere else. Caroline shares her thoughts on the weekend’s biggest brawl between Ohio State and Michigan, her alma mater. You can probably guess which side Hendy is taking. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The wild comment Josh Allen’s ex made over his engagement to Hailee Steinfeld (and how she tried to take it back) Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s dirty hit on Trevor Lawrence, and a lesson on how not to apologize after you hurt someone Debates on whether Travis Kelce stole Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s mojo, and if Taylor Swift is secretly casting spells to help the Chiefs win every close game A lesson in poor clock management ft. the Chicago Bears, with a side of head-coach-firing Our favorite Send Its of the week, including the ASU coach who gave his staffers bonuses out of his own pocket, the mullet-like quality behind Donna Kelce’s pants, and the Team USA lacrosse player who’s part…shark? PS: Leave us a review on your preferred podcast app. We’d love to know what you think of the show. Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 26, 2024
There’s a snitchuation in the Sixers’ locker room. In an emergency meeting after losing to Miami, Joel Embiid caught the Heat from his teammates. All was fine until the locker room chat leaked to ESPN. Now, Embiid is on a snitch hunt in a case similar to the Snooki and J-Woww letter from Jersey Shore. Blake and Caroline also dive deep into the one person the Internet thinks it might be. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: NFL teams and players as Thanksgiving dishes, in a segment we’re calling “It’s Giving” Placing bets on whether Jerry Jones will put the damn curtains up at this Thursday’s Cowboys’ game Why Kendrick Lamar called out Lil Wayne on his new album (yes, it has to do with sports) The Giants getting roasted by their own players, why everyone loves Saquon Barkley right now, and Baker Mayfield slaying from multiple angles with NFL Analyst, Mina Kimes Send Its for this week, including how Jason Kelce’s daughters reacting to their new baby sibling, a 46-mile Chappell Roan running path in San Francisco, and Simone Biles’s husband hitting her signature move after a fumble Mina’s Instagram: @minakimes Mina’s Show: The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny (her dog) Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 19, 2024
This past weekend, 60 million viewers tuned in to watch the Tyson-Paul fight. As a bonus that literally no one asked for, viewers also caught a view of Mike Tyson’s butt cheeks. Blake and Caroline chat about how Netflix fumbled the bag with its streaming capabilities, and predict whether the streamer will get its act together in time for Beyonce’s NFL Christmas Day performance. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The Princess of Genovia’s clash with OG Anunoby at the Knicks game last week Marta’s jaw-dropping goal that clinched the Pride’s spot in the NWSL finals A roundup of WNBA news in our feeds this week, including the Dallas Wings’ first draft pick, athletes investing in new WNBA franchises, and an investigation into the Seattle Storm coaching staff Why Caroline’s excited for an inevitable Chiefs-Bills rematch, and why next week’s Thanksgiving game is bound to be a dud Our top “Send It” moments this week: thousands wish a 100-year-old superfan happy b-day, the $800K bag secured on College GameDay, and the volleyball player who left us in tears PS: Leave us a review on your preferred podcast app. We’d love to know what you think of the show. Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 12, 2024
This week, we let the liquor talk. Caroline flexes her pop culture knowledge by breaking down why Brianna Chickenfry got the support of Boston Bruins players after her highly publicized split from country star Zach Bryan. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: How divine intervention played into the Saints snapping their losing streak The beef between NBA stars Jaylen Brown and Giannis Antetokoumpo The Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight and why Blake and Caroline will not be tuning in live The Ringer’s Nora Princiotti on Taylor Swift’s impact on the NFL, what Jerry Jones needs to do about the glaring problem inside AT&T Stadium, and why the Lions are poised for a playoff run in the NFC The top “Send It” moments of the week, including the Oxford Police Department instructing Ole Miss students where to put the goalposts after their upset win over Georgia, LeBron breaking his own record, and breakdancer Raygun in… the NFL? Nora’s Instagram: @noraprinciotti Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 05, 2024
This episode features a major theme: men behaving badly. Between the election, time change, and Halloweekend, players, fans, and coaches all found a way to make headlines this week. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Blake and Caroline’s marathon cheering recap Why Joel Embiid got physical with journalist Marcus Hayes in the 76ers locker room A shocking viewership stat about the World Series and NCAA women’s basketball NFL plays of the week including Garrett Wilson’s one-handed TD and Saquon Barkley’s Simone Biles-esque backwards hurdle How Aaron Rodgers and Gwyneth Paltrow are more alike than we thought Caroline’s takes on Puka Nacua and Brian Branch’s ejections in week 10 Our favorite “Send It” moments of the week, including a wiener dog who stormed the field, the Pistons taking the subway, and the most subtle trash-talking from a Lions fan at Lambeau Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 29, 2024
Shaquille O’Neal’s appearance on Angel Reese’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel”, served as a reminder for everyone but especially men: never comment on women’s bodies, period. Blake and Caroline share their thoughts on his uncomfy comments. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Hendy’s Halloween plans (working) and Blake’s latest visit to the University of Michigan Why people are losing their sh*t over the Dwayne Wade statue, and why Blake believes it serves as a lesson in confidence Rating Anthony Edwards’ trash-talking against Bronny Jr., plus whether Bronny can break thru Lebron’s legacy New York Road Runners upcoming marathon with insights about the race from the org’s SVP of Strategic Partnerships, Christine Burke NFL Week 8 highlights including the insane hail mary from the Washington Commanders, Trevon Diggs getting feisty with a reporter, and Anthony Richardson pulling out from his game because he was … tired? Our favorite “Send It” moments of the week, including Giannis’s press conference costume, the Uncrustable Craze feeding the NFL, and Ilona Maher latest viral TikTok. Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 22, 2024
Blake and Caroline react to the New York Liberty’s insane OT win over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals. Meanwhile, the NBA season kicks off today and the people can’t help but wonder: will Lebron and Bronny Jr. take the court together in their first regular season game? In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: WTF the “Sports Equinox” is and when it’s happening The theatrical albeit botched fake injury of one Alabama Crimson Tide player The problematic response from Myles Garrett after Browns QB Deshaun Watson finally tapped out due to injury The unlikely key to the Chiefs’ clinching their 6-0 record (hint: no athletic skills required) The relatable Real Housewives-esque tagline of Stefon Diggs Our favorite “Send It” moments from this week, including the adorable dog on the WNBA sidelines, ScarJo trolling the Mets, and Tom Brady’s…hologram? Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 15, 2024
The Cowboys had their most devastating loss yet after Sabrina Carpenter wore a Cowboys sweatshirt. It deepened rumors that Sabrina cast a hex on several sports teams after donning their merch, leading Blake and Caroline to question: is Sabrina a teenage witch? In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The WAGs who made our favorite touchdown celebration of the week Why Donte DiVicenzo and Rick Brunson were beefing on the court after the Knicks and T-wolves pre-season game The woman who just became the NHL’s first female coach Several health updates coming out of NFL week 6 including: Jim Harbaugh’s 2-0 heart arrhythmia record, the broken leg that’s likely to cost Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson his season, and Tua’s post-concussion return ft. Megan Gailey Why Eagles coach Nick Sirianni is apologizing to fans after his team…won? Who Megan is rooting for in the WNBA and MLB playoffs Listen to Megan’s show “Sports, Bitches” wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to follow her on all socials: Megan’s Instagram: @bettermegangailey Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 08, 2024
It finally happened. In a preseason game over the weekend, Lebron James and his son Bronny Jr. made NBA history as the first father-son duo to play in a game together. TBD on how the regular season actually rolls out. For this week’s Tuesday Morning Quarterback, Caroline and Blake invite TikToker and podcast host Annie Agar to chat about the breaking news out of the Jets, major diva wide receivers, and speculation about several failing QBs. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Travis Kelce’s real boo who he recently spent $70K on Savannah James’ 2K character of choice (sorry, Lebron) Coco Gauff’s stunning win over Karolina Muchova at the China Open Guest Annie Agar’s takes on sitting rookie QBs, what the Browns’ front office needs to do to salvage the team, and the iconic moments from the Raven and Falcons wins Amanda’s comeback to discuss the Liberty’s chances in the finals Four viral moments of the week you need to send to your sports-loving group chats Listen to "The Offensive Line with Annie Agar" wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to follow her on all socials: Annie Agar IG/TikTok: @annieagar5 Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 01, 2024
In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Baker Mayfield calling out Tom Brady for girl bossing too close to the sun Why UNLV star quarterback Matt Sluka is sitting out the season in the name of securing the bag How Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, is changing the game for women athletes Guest Erin Foley’s takes on the stats we’re thinking about in Week 4 of the NFL: Patrick Mahomes’ 12-0 record, Jayden Daniels’ 82.1% completion rate, and more Why some WNBA players are calling out Indiana Fever fans How to engage in friendly chirping on the sidelines of a WNBA game ft. Spike Lee What Caitlin Clark remembers most from her rookie season (hint: it has nothing to do with her broken records) Listen to Erin’s show, Herlights, wherever you get your podcasts, and give her a follow on IG @erinkfoley. Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 24, 2024
Favorite after favorite fumbled the bag in week 3 of the NFL season, leaving sports journalists wondering: is this the year of the upsets? NFL insider Caroline Hendershot joins Amanda and Blake to give her POV and to share a special announcement you won’t want to miss. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why true crime fans everywhere are rejoicing in the to get Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal back The 120th L the White Sox took this week and how their social media team is responding Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani’s inauguration as the president of the 50/50 club The record sale price on Caitlin Clark’s rookie card (hint: it’s higher than her salary) A’ja Wilson’s league MVP three-peat, plus a WNBA playoffs preview by Amanda NFL headlines including Raiders’ coach making “business decisions”, Bryce Young’s benching, and a milestone for women in the NFL What Amanda, Blake, and Caroline are stiff arming this week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 17, 2024
Apparently if you say “injuries” three times in the mirror, Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season will appear. Amanda and Blake tackle the injury stories squashing the hopes and dreams of fantasy football leaguers everywhere. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe’s response to when an “intimate moment” was captured on his Instagram Live WNBA player Caitlin Clark’s explanation as to why she liked Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris Tom Brady’s victory lap over Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in English football What it’ll take for Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to retire after his latest concussion How many flags were thrown after five athletes were hit with the illegal hip drop tackle (spoiler alert: 0) In or out: guardian caps on NFL player’s helmets A nod to A’ja Wilson who became the first WNBA player to score 1000 points in a season Fantasy Football legend Matthew Berry’s advice on how to maximize your chances this season, plus his roasting of Blake’s celebrity Skybox draft pick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 10, 2024
Week 1 of the NFL season is in the books, and Amanda is joined by special guest-host Claudia Rupcich of theSkimm to break it all down. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll cover: Tom Brady’s awkward debut as the highest paid commentator in sports A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo (seemingly) having their relationship spoiled by the mayor Steph Curry and Klay Thompson’s viral WNBA moment The controversial arrest of Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill prior to Sunday’s game Aaron Rodgers’ disappointing MNF performance This year’s selection for the Super Bowl halftime show All the famous faces seen at the US Open final (we’re looking at you Taylor Swift) Alex Morgan’s illustrious career comes to a close Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 03, 2024
Football is back, and so are Amanda and Blake (fresh off their post-Olympics mini vacation). They’re ready to bring you weekly episodes about the sports stories dominating your feeds. Between major sporting events like the US Open and the kickoff of the NFL season, there’s a lot to get to this week. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll cover: Whether Tom Brady’s Youtube career sparks joy or gives us the ick (spoiler: kinda both?) The power of AI in sports via Yahoo Fantasy Football’s unsolicited roast of Amanda’s team The BBC sports commentator who is seeing his doctor instead of taking full accountability for sending sexually explicit texts to his coworkers Why some are calling the Paralympics TikTok account “edgy” A quick Skimm of the NFL rule changes for kickoffs and hip-drop tackles, plus a preview of this weekend’s games Why this year’s US Open feels like Fashion Week 2.0 with a side of tennis and Honey Deuces Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Wed, August 28, 2024
Are you ready for a podcast in a league of its own? theSkimm presents Well Played, a podcast dedicated to treating the sports world like the bingeable reality TV it actually is. Well Played is available now, with new episodes starting Tuesday, September 3rd, just in time for the 2024 NFL season. Be sure to subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you’re listening. Game on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 13, 2024
We’re pouring one out for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the last episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. From the most heartwarming moments to the most memeable ones, Amanda and Blake settle the score on the most iconic outcomes of the Games, plus what’s to come in the Los Angeles Games in 2028 (yes, we’re already talking about them). In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: An update on USA Gymnastics’ appeal against the CAS stripping Jordan Chiles of her bronze medal The moment Tom Cruise did the absolute most at the closing ceremony The buckets Team USA had to pull off to defend its Olympic winning streak in basketball Reactions to the Sha’Carri Richardson’s side-eye that dominated our feeds this weekend Track & field legend Carl Lewis’s response when the men’s team botched the 4x100m final for the 5th straight time A comprehensive list of Amanda’s award-winning Olympics moments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, August 08, 2024
Sunday marks the end of the Olympics, and the vibes are big time sad. The US still has time to clinch more medals with team sports and track wrapping up this weekend, and the debut of the sport we’ve all been waiting for: breaking. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: If Simone Biles is responsible for taming the internet bullies coming for McKayla Skinner Why India’s woman wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, was disqualified and how much agency athletes have over their well-being This week’s track and field gold wins by Gabby Thomas, Cole Hocker, and Quincy Hall The offensive trio leading the USWNT to the gold medal match against Brazil this weekend The history behind biting Olympic gold medals, plus the secret ingredient in this year’s medals (hint: it might be making one Parisian landmark structurally less sound) Amanda’s (potentially?) hot take on proposing at the Games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 06, 2024
We’re over halfway through the Paris Olympics and back with our fourth episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. After learning about the pair of Czech exes that slayed the tennis doubles competition, listeners learn that Amanda has a Hallmark rom-com in the works about the famed Olympic couple. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The bulge that prevented a French pole vaulter from winning (yes, that bulge) More poo problems in the Seine and its effects on athletes Why, in her expert track & field opinion, Amanda believes both Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson won the 100m race Sha’carri Richardson’s first Olympic medal, plus the famed Jamaican athletes who bowed out of the 200m this week How Simone Biles torched reporters after copping her final medal of these games The bullying of Algerian women’s boxer, Imane Khelif Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, August 01, 2024
We are seven days into the 2024 Paris Olympics and back for another episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. Amanda and Blake chat about the MyKayla who decided to go after the US women’s gymnastics team. Rest assured, McKayla Maroney had nothing to do with it. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The *chefs kiss* TikToks Suni Lee and Simone Biles executed after winning the team all-around gold medal, plus how protecting their physical and mental health paid off for the gymnasts so far The emotional moment the US women’s rugby sevens team took home the bronze How rugby player and social media queen, Ilona Maher, managed to recruit Jason Kelce to be the no. 1 fan of the team à la Flavor Flav If “boundary king” Stephen Nedoroscik will have his second Clark Kent moment on the pommel horse this weekend One theory on why Olympic swimmers are breaking less world records this year Whether Amanda and Blake would stay in the Olympic Village or flee to a bourgeois hotel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 30, 2024
We’re back with our second episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. Amanda and Blake dive into their thoughts on the opening ceremony. As it turns out, they worried too much about unsightly denim outfits and not enough about the potential for inclement weather that fell upon athletes stuck on boats. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The cheating scandal shaking up the Canadian women’s soccer team The iconic viral swimmer who took over our feeds this weekend (no, not Katie Ledecky) Whether Simone Biles will be hampered by her injury, and the bittersweet moment watching Suni Lee qualify for the team all-around finals The lore behind the “Boundary King” who scored the men’s US gymnastics team its first medal since 2008 Team USA literally towering over Team Japan in women’s basketball, plus what Diana Taurasi said to reporters about playing basketball at her age A convo with Canadian high diver Molly Carlson on her experience plunging in the Seine PS: Like what you hear? Subscribe to Well Played on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you’re listening now. Be sure to rate the show 5-stars too. We’ll be back in your feed on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, July 25, 2024
In the first ever episode of Well Played, presented by theSkimm, hosts Amanda Duberman and Blake Lew-Merwin preview the biggest Olympic stories dominating your feeds ahead of the opening ceremony kicking off the games tomorrow. In this episode of Well Played, we cover: Swimming in the river Seine: yay or nay? Team USA denim outfits, and the singular reason Amanda is all about them How the opening ceremony looks different this year (spoiler alert: it’s floating) What to expect from the US women’s soccer team with former USWNT member, Sam Mewis Why we’re hyped for the return of the GOAT, Simone Biles How the Olympics are becoming more inclusive for mom athletes with guest Allyson Felix Subscribe to Well Played on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you’re listening now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Tue, July 16, 2024
Just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, theSkimm is launching a new podcast dedicated to treating the sports world like the bingeable reality TV it actually is. Well Played debuts Thursday, July 25th, just in time for the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics. Be sure to subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you’re listening.
Tue, September 27, 2022
Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Pop Cultured. In the last year, we’ve done some memorable pop culture deep dives (think: Queen Bey’s “Renaissance” and the history of house music) and broken down some of the biggest stories in the news (like: the Oscar’s slap and Serena retiring as the GOAT). We’ve also had some amazing conversations along the way. So, it’s only right that we end the show the way it began: talking about why these stories matter. TV, movies, fashion, sports, and just about everything we consume can be pop culture, and looking at it can tell us a lot about what’s going on in society. Today, we take a look back at some of our favorite moments on the show — from Dwyane Wade totally flubbing questions about his wife Gabrielle Union to that time Bridget got an astrology reading that told her when she’ll find love. Then, we chat with some of our favorite show guests on why pop culture is important to them — and the world. You’ll hear from: Sabrina Razack , PhD candidate who studies and writes about the intersection of sports, gender, and race. Find Sabrina’s curriculum at teachbeyondaboundary.com . Sharon Kwon , psychotherapist, social worker, writer, and mental health advocate. Learn more about Sharon’s practice at sharonkwon.com . Daric L. Cottingham , freelance culture and entertainment journalist. Check out Daric’s work at dariccott.com . Bethonie Butler , TV and pop culture reporter for The Washington Post . Read Bethonie’s latest articles for washingtonpost.com . Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe to theSkimm’s other podcasts (Skimm This and 9 to 5ish), and leave us reviews wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 30, 2022
Don’t know about you, but we’re still processing everything that went down at the VMAs — from that totally weird Johnny Depp appearance (can we call it that?) to Lizzo responding to haters. Again. We’re also going to break down the Olivia Wilde–Shia LaBeouf beef, the Euphoria season three drama, and the latest thing to fall out of Chris Rock's mouth. And finally, with all eyes on NASA this week, we’re going back to one of our favorite episodes of this show, where we dug into our pop culture obsession with space. You’ll hear from: Dr. Teasel Muir Harmony , curator of the Apollo Spacecraft Collection, professor at Georgetown University and author of Apollo to the Moon: A History in 50 Objects. Swapna Krishna , journalist covering space, tech, and pop culture at outlets such as Engadget, StarTrek.com, The Verge, and more. Co-host of the podcast Desi Geek Girls . Eric Kohn , New York–based Executive Editor & Chief Critic at IndieWire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 24, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 16, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 09, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 02, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 26, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 19, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 12, 2022
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
Tue, July 05, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 28, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 21, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 14, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 07, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 31, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 24, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 17, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 10, 2022
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" Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 03, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 26, 2022
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 19, 2022
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 Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 12, 2022
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 ” Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 05, 2022
When one of the most successful Black actors in Hollywood slaps one of the most famous Black comedians on international television, it's bound to spark conversations. One debate that keeps coming up is whether or not Chris Rock should have even made that “G.I. Jane” joke aimed at Jada Pinkett Smith, who has publicly spoken about her struggles with alopecia. But it feels like we've been having this discussion about comedy — and where we draw the line — a lot lately. Plenty of comedians have come under fire recently, like Dave Chapelle for his comments about trans people in his specials and Joe Rogan for frequently dropping the N word on his podcast. So is there a line comedians shouldn’t cross with their jokes? If so, where is it? And is it ever OK to punch down? This week, we unpack our evolving relationship with standup and how the industry is changing — and isn’t. We get some help from a culture writer , and from a comedian who understands the difference between a punch and a punchline. And while you’re here, we want to hear from you! Help us bring you the stories you want us to cover by checking out this quick listener survey . You’ll hear from: Aja Romano , culture staff writer at Vox Hari Kondabolu , standup comedian and writer Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 29, 2022
Everything that happened at the Academy Awards still has us reeling — especially the moment that stole the show, when Will Smith walked onstage and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. People have a lot of opinions. So we talked to the creator of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag, April Reign, about what happened and the social media storm that followed. And while the Oscars are still trending, awards season isn’t over yet. This Sunday, the 2022 Grammy Awards air on CBS, and the music world is supplying its own brand of drama. Kanye West is banned from performing. Drake withdrew his Grammy noms. And some of the requirements for Grammy nominations and voting have changed. But what does any of this mean? To break down the controversies and get a quick look at contenders in the top categories, we speak with a few writers who give us their thoughts on what to expect at the Grammys. And while you’re here, we want to hear from you! Help us bring you the stories you want us to cover by checking out this quick listener survey . You’ll hear from: April Reign , creator of #OscarsSoWhite hashtag and co-founder of She Will Rise Allison Hussey , staff writer at Pitchfork Oris Aigbokhaevbolo , film and music critic Joey Guerra , music critic at the Houston Chronicle Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 22, 2022
This Sunday, the 2022 Academy Awards air on ABC. But before you can gaze at the Oscars red carpet and settle in front of the TV with hosts Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes, you probably need to get up to speed on the nominated films. We’ve got you covered. We talked with a writer at Vulture to get the lowdown on all the buzz, plus what to watch, what we can't stop talking about, what has us scratching our heads and what you might want to put at the back of the streaming queue. We even added in our own picks, so take advantage before the big night. Then, we continue our Women’s History Month celebration. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on women directing the action: female directors like Domme Shi, Nia DaCosta, Chloé Zhao and Janet Mock, who are making their marks on the big and small screens. Celebrate more wins from women by heading to theSkimm’s website for a timeline of amazing women who are breaking the rules and busting up barriers. And to help us bring you the stories you want to hear throughout the year, fill out this quick listener survey . You’ll hear from: Nate Jones , writer at Vulture Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 15, 2022
Last month, WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was detained in Russia on alleged drug charges. And if you’re wondering what she was doing over there — simply put, better pay. The Phoenix Mercury star plays with the EuroLeague team UMMC Ekaterinburg, and makes around four times her current $227,900 WNBA salary. NBA players can make millions of dollars here in the states. WNBA players at the top of their game like Griner make much less. That’s a huge problem. Since about half of the WNBA’s athletes play overseas during the offseason, Griner’s situation may make some of them think twice about claiming additional income, especially as war rages between Russia and Ukraine. To learn more about what’s happening with Griner and how it may affect other WNBA players, we talk to sports journalist Meredith Cash. And all month long, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting cool women we think you should know. Today, check out female athletes that are changing the game in men’s sports including: Katie Sowers , the first openly gay person to coach in a Super Bowl Natalie Nakase , the NBA’s first woman coach Rachel Balkovec , the first woman manager of minor-league baseball team, Tampa Tarpons Celebrate their wins by checking out theSkimm’s website for a timeline of amazing women who are breaking the rules and busting up barriers. And to help us bring you the stories you want to hear throughout the year, fill out this quick listener survey . You’ll hear from: Meredith Cash , sports reporter for Insider Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 08, 2022
People all over the world have watched in horror as Russia continues to invade Ukraine. But the war isn’t just being fought on the ground. It’s also being waged across social media. For the past few weeks, our timelines have been flooded with memes about the conflict. But as we’re processing what some say could be the next World War III, the backlash to what's being posted on all sides has been swift. And there’s been backlash to the backlash. So it has many questioning: is it OK that we’re memeing our way through war? Today, we take a look at how memes have been used throughout the conflict and talk to a professor to help us understand how we use memes in times of trauma. Then, on this International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting some incredible women who are breaking boundaries in their fields — starting with women writers. Find out how comic book writer G. Willow Wilson's work is helping change the Marvel universe, how author Tomi Adeyemi is expanding the fantasy genre within book publishing and how Quinta Brunson is redefining success with her hit TV show “Abbot Elementary.” All month long, we’ll be highlighting cool women we think you should know. And to help us bring you the stories you want to hear throughout the year, fill out this quick listener survey . You’ll hear from: Jessica Myrick, professor of communications at Penn State University Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 01, 2022
On Sunday, “Euphoria” finally lowered the curtain on its drama-filled sophomore season, and fans and critics have a lot to say — and not just about Fexi, the Maddy-Cassie showdown or the HBO Max outage that almost caused a Twitter riot. Despite its popularity, the show has been under fire all season long, especially as it zeroed in on the unraveling of Zendaya's character, Rue. After season two premiered, D.A.R.E. accused the series of glamorizing addiction and teenage drug use. But the debate on whether or not TV shows correctly portray addiction — especially when it comes to teens — is something we've been wrestling with for decades. We’re diving into how drug use has shown up on television through the years and what this season of “Euphoria” got right — and wrong — about addiction. You’ll hear from: Lexi McMenamin , news and politics editor at Teen Vogue Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 22, 2022
Since the breakup of Kimye, it seems like we’ve been keeping up with the Kardashians more than ever. We’re watching made-for-TV type drama unfold IRL, and you can’t go on social media without seeing the rapper going viral. But not all fans are here for the spectacle. Some say that the way Ye’s talking about his ex and her new boyfriend are abusive and triggering, while others are questioning his current mental health status. And others say it’s all a publicity stunt for his new “jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy”' Netflix doc or the “Donda 2” album release. Whatever’s going on, it’s complicated. And if we’re talking about it, are we part of the problem? We’re asking an expert. Next, we close out Black History Month by highlighting a golden era of Black TV – the ’90s and the early 2000s. We speak with Trey Mangum of Shadow & Act about his favorite Black sitcoms and how they influenced generations of TV watchers . You’ll hear from: Dr. Maia Niguel Hoskin , writer, activist and Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Clinical at Loyola Marymount University. Trey Mangum , managing editor at Shadow & Act Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 15, 2022
Dating is hard. It’s even harder now that dating apps and social media have entered the chat — or rather, our relationships. And everywhere you turn, there are new standards on what it means to be Facebook or IG official. Ten years ago, you’d ask Dear Abby all of your questions, read Cosmo, or watch a talk show. Now, people are turning to dating influencers online — and finding they have both good and bad advice to give. And whether you’re talking, dating, in a successful relationship, or trying to achieve couple goals, everybody’s swiping right trying to figure out what’s what. We talked to sex and relationship expert Shan Boodram to help us figure out some of the new rules. Then, we celebrate Black History Month with Glory Edim, founder of Well Read Black Girl to highlight some amazing Black authors. Find out her top three book recommendations to put on your reading list. You’ll hear from: Shan Boodram , sex and relationship expert and author Glory Edim , founder of Well Read Black Girl and podcast host Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Note: A previous version of this episode included elements from an interview that have since been removed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 08, 2022
Even if you don’t watch Bravo’s “Real Housewives,” you know about the franchise built around ridiculously rich women and over-the-top drama. Recently, fans uncovered six months’ worth of racist social media posts from “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Jennie Nguyen. And in a surprising and unusual move, Bravo fired Nguyen and publicly acknowledged the decision via social media. But with all of the scandalous moments that have gone down on screen, does it really surprise us when the Housewives behave badly off screen? Right now, the network seems to be going through something of a reckoning around racist comments and other bad behavior on its shows, many of which thrive on the drama of the rich elite getting messy on camera. We can’t help but wonder: what does Nguyen’s firing mean for other Housewives and the future of the franchise? You’ll hear from: Alex Abad-Santos , senior culture reporter at Vox Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 02, 2022
When Carrie Underwood sings about taking a Louisville slugger to the headlights of a cheating ex’s car, does anybody assume she actually did it? What about when Johnny Cash said he shot a man in Reno? Violent lyrics show up in a lot of music. But when it comes to rap and hip hop, it’s not unusual for those lyrics to show up in court. Prosecutors continue to use them as evidence to convict artists of crimes. A bill in New York, which has the backing of Jay-Z, Killer Mike and other rappers, would make it harder for artists’ words to be used against them in a criminal case. We take a look at the history of rap lyrics on trial, and talk to a media attorney about what would change under the new law. Then, we throw it back to the early aughts with 2000s queen Christina Milian, who joined us for a game of “This or That.” See if you can guess what trends she’d bring back. You’ll hear from: J Christopher Hamilton , entertainment attorney, author and professor Christina Milian , actress and singer Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 25, 2022
We’re all a little obsessed with “Buffy.” The demon-hunting, vampire-slaying heroine captured our attention in the late 90s — along with the man behind the series, Joss Whedon. His Whedonverse of hits includes everything from “Angel,” “Firefly” and “Dollhouse” to the DC and Marvel universes. But in recent years, the person we thought of as a feminist icon in Hollywood has been accused of toxic and inappropriate behavior. Recently, he addressed the various allegations in a Vulture article , and he admitted many things that we can’t unread. Now that we know what we know, should we look at the Whedonverse differently? Then, we remember Andre Leon Talley, the cape-wearing fashion icon who taught us about style. You’ll hear from: Caroline Framke , chief TV critic for Variety. Robin Givhan , senior critic at large for the Washington Post . Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 18, 2022
Season two of “Euphoria” is here, and episode one broke HBO records with 2.4 million viewers tuning in to watch. So, yeah — we’re obsessed with the high school drama, which stars actress and Disney alum Zendaya as teen addict Rue. Known for its gritty — and often uncomfortable — storylines portraying drugs, sex and addiction, “Euphoria” is the latest in a long list of shows pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable to see when watching teenage characters. And that has us asking the question: who are teen dramas actually for? You’ll hear from: Bethonie Butler , TV and pop culture reporter for the Washington Post . Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 11, 2022
Last week, a new season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” kicked off. The show has opened doors for many drag performers to sashay their way into mainstream culture and educate us on the art of drag. One of the most famous queens to grace the show’s stage: Shangela Laquifah Wadley (aka D.J. Pierce, when out of drag) — after RuPaul, one of the most influential drag performers in America. We talk with Shangela about the history of drag, how it’s evolved, and how she’s using her spotlight — and her HBO show, “We’re Here” — to expand our ideas about who does drag and who it’s for. You’ll hear from: Shangela (aka D.J. Pierce), American drag Queen, reality TV star and actor Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 04, 2022
We're kicking off 2022 right with a mini episode! We chatted with the one and only Cynthia Erivo. You know her as an award-winning actress and singer, but one thing you may not know is that she’s super serious about her wellness and exercise routine (she’s even part owner of a new workout wear line). And we play a little musical game that's all about getting pumped up! Can you guess what’s on our workout playlist? And speaking of wellness, check out the How to Skimm Your Life Challenge . It’s all about getting happy, and each day you’ll get a prompt that aims to help you get joy out of your daily routine. You’ll hear from: Cynthia Erivo, award-winning actress, singer and part-owner of Omorpho Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 28, 2021
It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over. But before we ring in the new year, let’s take a look back at all of the stories that entertained us — the things we watched, the celeb moments we couldn’t stop talking about, the music that topped our Spotify Wrapped lists and the industry shakeups that we’ll still be talking about next year. Can you guess what made our list? And stay tuned, because we also talk with Tan France from “Queer Eye” about fashion, his fave iconic style moments and the Now Me campaign he’s working on. You’ll hear from: Tan France of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Special thanks to Alex Carr and Ciara Long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 21, 2021
“Insecure” made us laugh, cry, yell and argue with strangers on Twitter for five years, but now it's time to say goodbye. Issa Rae’s award-winning series broke the mold and portrayed young Black people as more than stereotypes — signaling to Hollywood that creators can tell their authentic stories and be successful. But what will the show's cultural impact mean for the next generation of creatives? You’ll hear from: Taryn Finley , editor HuffPost Black Voices and senior culture reporter who contributed to “Inside the ‘Insecure’ World" Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 14, 2021
"The Bachelorette’s" Michelle Young is making "Bachelor" nation history. For the first time since the franchise premiered in 2002, the man who'll soon be handed that final rose is guaranteed to be a man of color. It may seem like reality dating shows are making some slow progress on diversity. But why aren’t they keeping up with our IRL views on love and relationships? You’ll hear from: Bethonie Butler , TV and pop culture reporter for the Washington Post . Joanna Weiss , Editor-in-Chief of Experience magazine and contributing editor to POLITICO Magazine Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 07, 2021
Meghan Markle won the latest battle in her privacy lawsuit with British tabloid The Mail on Sunday over its printing a private letter written to her father back in 2019. And the Duchess of Sussex is calling for changes to the tabloid industry. But could this ruling in the UK courts affect how the media covers celebrities? Then, we remember famed designer and style icon Virgil Abloh, and explore the impact of his life and death. You’ll hear from: K.J. Yossman , international correspondent at Variety and former entertainment lawyer David Dennis Jr. , senior writer at The Undefeated Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 30, 2021
The Colin Kaepernick Netflix series "Colin in Black & White" opened with a controversial scene comparing NFL tryouts to chattel slavery. It upset some people. For others, it sparked a conversation about systemic racism within the NFL. But the Kaepernick series also highlights racism present in three major American sports — football, baseball, and basketball. So we’re digging into the series’ big question: Why are sports so racist? You’ll hear from: Rhiannon Walker, sports journalist who's written for ESPN’s The Undefeated and covers the Washington football team for The Athletic Sabrina Razack , PhD candidate who studies and writes about the intersection of sports, gender, and race Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 23, 2021
From Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday to after-Christmas sales, more and more brands are selling 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. But before you hit check out on your cart, learn the three questions you should be asking yourself to see if it’s really worth the cost. Plus, we talk with basketball legend Dwyane Wade about his latest memoir — and we quiz him on his style knowledge. You’ll hear from: Aja Barber , writer, stylist, fashion consultant and author of “ Consumed: The Need for Collective Change ” Dwyane Wade , NBA megastar, author and businessman Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 16, 2021
What was supposed to be a celebration of music and the city of Houston turned deadly at Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival earlier this month. Ten people died after a crowd surge, and hundreds more were injured. Inevitably, people are looking for someone to blame — and Travis Scott is the most obvious target. But it’s more complicated than you might think. You’ll hear from: Joey Guerra , music critic for the Houston Chronicle J. Christopher Hamilton , entertainment attorney, author and professor at Syracuse University Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 09, 2021
For years, the #FreeBritney movement has put a spotlight on the conservatorship pop princess Britney Spears has been living under for more than a decade. In a scathing testimony earlier this year, Spears made it clear that she wants out of the legal arrangement. This week, a judge may deliver a decision about the conservatorship that could change Britney Spears’ future and the way we think about disability rights. You’ll hear from: Bianca Betancourt , culture editor for Harper's Bazaar Brittany Spanos , senior writer for Rollingstone Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 02, 2021
Reggaeton superstar J Balvín is in hot water over the video for his song "Perra." Critics say its portrayal of Afro-Latino people as dogs is racist and demeaning. J Balvín apologized and removed the video, but the controversy is stirring up a debate about long-standing racism and colorism in Latinx entertainment. After that, we’ve got all the details on a royal wedding that’s sparked protests in Japan. You’ll hear from: Isabela Raygoza - Latin music curator for Soundcloud. Freelance music critic. Michelle Lee ,The Washington Post's Tokyo bureau chief, covering Japan and the Koreas . Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 26, 2021
There’s a lot happening at Netflix. Its South Korean show “Squid Game” became a surprise hit, and then it sparked controversy with a Dave Chappelle special many of its own employees called out as transphobic. “The Closer” and “Squid Game” might not seem to have much in common — other than being the most talked about things on Netflix right now. But they both represent big swings for the world’s biggest streaming platform, and it’s not clear if they’re going to be home runs. You’ll hear from: Zoe Schiffer , senior reporter at The Verge covering labor and workplace organizing. Sharon Kwon , therapist, psychiatric social worker, writer, & mental health advocate. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 19, 2021
Our obsession with space travel has always gone hand in hand with pop culture. And now that space is more accessible than ever, Hollywood has its sights set on a new, way more expansive studio. You’ll hear from: Dr. Teasel Muir Harmony , curator of the Apollo Spacecraft Collection, professor at Georgetown University and author of Apollo to the Moon: A History in 50 Objects . Swapna Krishna , journalist covering space, tech, and pop culture at outlets such as Engadget, StarTrek.com, The Verge, and more. Co-host of the podcast Desi Geek Girls . Eric Kohn , New York–based Executive Editor & Chief Critic at IndieWire. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 12, 2021
Nicki Minaj still has the kind of starpower that can hijack a news cycle with a few tweets. Has she been using it to silence the voice of a woman her husband was arrested for assaulting? You’ll hear from: Dr. Jameta Barlow , community health psychologist and an assistant professor of writing at The George Washington University Carmen Alvarez, the bookstagrammer behind the @tomesandtextiles Instagram page. She recommends “ Gods of Jade and Shadow ” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Donna Johnson, the bookstagrammer behind the @thisbrownegirlread s community and Instagram page. She recommends “Daughters of the Stone ” by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa. Check out more of theSkimm’s Hispanic Heritage Month book recs here . Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key, with special help from Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 08, 2021
A PSA for the pop-culture obsessed: If you’re wading into this sea of TikTok videos, internet outrage, and celebrity news, you’re gonna want to bring us along. Welcome to Pop Cultured with theSkimm — the show that breaks down the stories you can’t stop thinking about. Coming October 12, with fresh episodes every Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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