The podcast explores the hosts' experiences on a cruise, including a traumatic trip for Rider and a fun-filled adventure for Danielle. They discuss the allure and discomfort of cruises, misleading charity cruises, conflicting feelings about the industry, the illusion of freedom, and inequalities on board. The chapter also includes sponsor ads for various products and services.
The "Sail with the Stars" cruise highlighted the challenges of privacy and constant socializing in the entertainment industry.
Danielle Fishel had an enjoyable experience on the cruise, finding opportunities for fun and connection without feeling the pressures of fame.
The deceptive practices of the cruise organization, with false claims about charity donations and the inequality on the cruise ship, were discussed.
Deep dives
Sale with the Stars Cruise: Writer Strong's Traumatic Experience
Writer Strong shares his traumatic experience on the Sale with the Stars Cruise, where teen celebrities and their families were invited on an all-expense-paid cruise. Writer felt uncomfortable being constantly on and having people pay for access to him. He spent most of his time in his cabin, searching for quiet moments and finding a few friends to hang out with. The pressure to be social and constantly entertaining was overwhelming for him. The cruises were meant for charity, and Writer auctioned off a collection of movies he made as a kid, which ended up being the most expensive item ever auctioned on the cruise.
Enjoyment and Fun on the Sale with the Stars Cruise for Danielle Fishel
For Danielle Fishel, the Sale with the Stars Cruise was an incredibly enjoyable experience. She had a blast hanging out with her friends, having big group hangs, and finding quiet moments to share private stories. There were no salacious activities, just innocent fun and lots of dancing. Danielle didn't feel the pressures that Writer did and cherished the opportunity to let loose and have a great time on the cruise.
A Personal and Charitable Lesson in Balancing Privacy and Sharing
The Sale with the Stars Cruise was a unique experience for both Writer Strong and Danielle Fishel, highlighting the challenges of balancing privacy and sharing in the entertainment industry. While Writer grappled with discomfort and the pressures of constant socializing, Danielle embraced the opportunities for fun and connection. The auctioning off of personal childhood movies prompted conflicting emotions for both of them, as they navigated the charitable aspect of the event alongside the personal attachment to those memories.
The Pressure to Perform and the Loss of Privacy
The podcast discusses the pressure and loss of privacy experienced by a 15-year-old who did not want to be famous but was thrust into the spotlight. They talk about bringing a friend along on a cruise to provide support, only for the friend to prioritize her own enjoyment and dancing with celebrities, which left the main speaker feeling alone and unsupported.
Questions of Charity and Inequality on the Cruise
The podcast explores the deceptive practices of the cruise organization, as they claimed that the money from the cruise ticket sales would go towards charity, but it was later revealed that only the money from the silent auction actually went towards any cause. The discussion also delves into the uncomfortable reality of the cruise ship's inequality, with privileged cruise-goers throwing money for locals to dive and the disconnection between tourists and the places they visit.
It was casually mentioned on the podcast that Rider has some past trauma associated with cruises, and now it’s finally time to find out why.
We hear the tale of the high seas when a 16-year-old Rider Strong took part in the “Sail with the Stars” cruise, with handfuls of other teen heartthrobs, but it wasn’t quite the enchanted voyage he had hoped for.
But on the other hand, a 14-year-old Danielle was ALSO onboard this Teen Beat cruise ship and had a much different experience joining her ideal “fancy cult.” Dancing with hot guys and a buffet? Sign her up!
These are the stories you can only hear from your very own port of call on Pod Meets World!