Factually! with Adam Conover

Hollywood's Toxic Underbelly with Maureen Ryan

Aug 23, 2023

Maureen Ryan, author and journalist, joins Adam Conover to discuss Hollywood's toxic underbelly, exposing its abusive working environments. They delve into the cycle of abuse and accountability, highlighting the need for change in the entertainment industry. The conversation also uncovers the challenges of reporting on high profile individuals and the toxic culture within comedy spaces.

01:08:34

Episode guests

Maureen Ryan

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Hollywood's toxic working environment persists despite the industry's claim of progressiveness.

Powerful individuals in Hollywood often operate with impunity, perpetuating abuse and toxic work environments.

The entertainment industry needs meaningful reporting systems and collective action to address abuse and promote change.

Deep dives

Toxicity and Racism in Hollywood

Hollywood's narrative of itself as a place of decent, thoughtful liberalism is often fake or a lie. The working environment in Hollywood is toxic, racist, and emotionally abusive. Exploitative behavior and the silencing of victims persist despite movements like #MeToo. The industry lacks self-correction and fails to address systemic issues.

Introduction

3min

Unveiling the Harsh Realities of Hollywood

25min

Reporting on High Profile Individuals in the Entertainment Industry

7min

Discussing Workplace Toxicity in the Comedy Industry

4min

The Chaotic World of Comedy Clubs

6min

Toxic Culture in Comedy Spaces

23min

Exploring Hollywood's Toxic Underbelly and the Need for Change

3min

The entertainment industry is frequently called out for posturing as politically enlightened and progressive, yet beneath this veneer lies a troubling history of toxic, racist, and emotionally abusive working environments. This conduct would be deemed unacceptable in other sectors, so why does Hollywood often turn a blind eye? More crucially, what measures can be taken to address it? In this episode, Adam is joined by author and journalist Maureen Ryan to discuss the cycle of abuse and accountability, and the best course for remedying the ugly underbelly of show business. Find Maureen's book at factuallypod.com/books

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover

SEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/

SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:

» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/factually-with-adam-conover/id1463460577

» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fK8WJw4ffMc2NWydBlDyJ

About

Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating

premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to

achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our

shows at https://www.headgum.com.

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum