The Polyester Podcast

Explore the dark side of social media, where online superiority and irony become toxic traits. Listen as contemporary artists like Ethel Cain and Halsey navigate this tricky landscape, confronting ridicule and the pitfalls of becoming a public spectacle. Delve into the ethics of candid photography and how digital interactions often lead to desensitization toward public shaming. The discussion also touches on the shifting dynamics of criticism in music and the emotional weight carried by artists in today's hyper-connected world.

Sabrina Carpenter faces criticism for her provocative stage outfits, igniting a debate on the sexualization of young women in the industry. The conversation dives into how cultural infantilization contributes to the double standards affecting female artists. The hosts examine the term 'pedobaiting' and its implications, while exploring the societal backlash against women's sexual expression. This discussion highlights the urgent need for a shift in perceptions and the importance of supporting women in defining their own narratives.

Tavi Gevinson, a writer, actor, and producer known for her early influence in fashion and her Audible Original series, joins the conversation this week. She dives into the differences in influencer culture, exploring class dynamics and the fading relevance of traditional media. Tavi reflects on her adaptation of Edith Wharton's "Glimpses of the Moon," discussing authenticity in modern narratives. The talk also touches on art, fandom, and how women are reshaping success in the digital landscape amidst evolving cultural expectations.

Is it cynical to question if podcasts are being recorded just to get viral social media clips? And is it ironic that we're saying that on OUR podcast?This week, hosts Ione and Gina delve into the murky ethics of posing questions around sex work and marriage to self promote, the need for having a definite opinion over admitting nuance and whether we're all individualising theory far too much.Support our work and become a Polyester Podcast member <3Order Ione's book, Poor Little Sick Girls, here!A statement by journalists: We condemn Israel's killing of journalists in Gaza and urge integrity in Western media coverage of Israel's atrocities against Palestinians.Have an opinion and want to be featured on an upcoming episode? We want to hear from YOU! Leave a review, send us your thoughts on this episode to ione@polyesterzine.com, or drop us a DM on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode dives into the recent turmoil surrounding The Last Dinner Party and the complex safety issues at live shows. It explores the unchecked behavior of fandoms, highlighted by Billie Eilish's team facing abuse over her new music video. The hosts discuss the shift from idolization to criticism in celebrity culture, particularly affecting marginalized groups. They also reflect on how social media blurs the line between passionate support and harmful trolling, revealing the darker side of modern fandom.

Has the internet killed our sense of self? Why are the advertising campaigns for films, albums and books lauded more than the art itself? And can everyone leave Sally Rooney alone already? This week Ione and Gina are dissecting how creativity and marketing became so intertwined - as well as how social media made Mad Men of us all.Support our work and become a Polyester Podcast member <3Order Ione's book, Poor Little Sick Girls, here!A statement by journalists: We condemn Israel's killing of journalists in Gaza and urge integrity in Western media coverage of Israel's atrocities against Palestinians.Have an opinion and want to be featured on an upcoming episode? We want to hear from YOU! Leave a review, send us your thoughts on this episode to ione@polyesterzine.com, or drop us a DM on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we've partnered with MUBI to bring you an extra special live episode from HOME Manchester to dig into The Substance - Coralie Fargeat’s flamboyant body horror that provocatively lambasts beauty standards with killer performances from legends Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. Ione and Gina look at the film's use of the male gaze, the meta commentary of the casting as well as the inherent value of embracing being a gross girl.Support our work and become a Polyester Podcast member <3Order Ione's book, Poor Little Sick Girls, here!A statement by journalists: We condemn Israel's killing of journalists in Gaza and urge integrity in Western media coverage of Israel's atrocities against Palestinians.Have an opinion and want to be featured on an upcoming episode? We want to hear from YOU! Leave a review, send us your thoughts on this episode to ione@polyesterzine.com, or drop us a DM on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Polyester Podcast is back after a couple of episodes break so our hosts could go on holidays and for this extra special episode Ione and Gina are digging into all of the discourse we missed in the past month.We're giving our two cents on the burning topics that have plagued our feeds recently, like is Taylor Swift supporting Kamala Harris genuinely? Why won't the Harry Potter franchise die already? Who the hell is Nikocado Avocado and can everyone please be normal about Chappell Roan for once?Support our work and become a Polyester Podcast member <3Order Ione's book, Poor Little Sick Girls, here!A statement by journalists: We condemn Israel's killing of journalists in Gaza and urge integrity in Western media coverage of Israel's atrocities against Palestinians.Have an opinion and want to be featured on an upcoming episode? We want to hear from YOU! Leave a review, send us your thoughts on this episode to ione@polyesterzine.com, or drop us a DM on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our feeds have been overrun with a new celeb squabble as the press rollout for the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's 'It Ends With Us' goes absolutely tits up. Both TikTok and X users have spent the last week picking apart the behind the scenes drama between producer and star Blake Lively and producer, director and star Justin Baldoni.Is Blake giving feminism a bad name? Was Justin's vision steamrollered by Ryan Reynolds? And why has Justin hired Johnny Depp’s crisis PR? In this week's episode, Ione and Gina get stuck into the nuances (or lack thereof) of the latest Hollywood spat to captivate our feeds. Support our work and become a Polyester Podcast member <3Order Ione's book, Poor Little Sick Girls, here!A statement by journalists: We condemn Israel's killing of journalists in Gaza and urge integrity in Western media coverage of Israel's atrocities against Palestinians.Have an opinion and want to be featured on an upcoming episode? We want to hear from YOU! Leave a review, send us your thoughts on this episode to ione@polyesterzine.com, or drop us a DM on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts explore the alarming shift from liberal spirituality to extreme ideologies among female hippies. They dissect the concept of divine femininity and its contradictions with societal expectations. The discussion also highlights the controversial links between influencers like Grimes and far-right ideologies, including the unsettling resurgence of eugenics. Additionally, they analyze how online personas interact with conspiracy theories, showcasing the absurdity and complexity of modern feminism.