Pop Apologists

This week the gals dive into the premiere of The Golden Bachelor, including all their thoughts on the tan-skinned, 71 year old hunk Gerry and his bevy of ABC beauties. Listen along as Lauren and Chan debrief on who they think is the frontrunner and which moment made them CRINGE. They also get into all things RHONY, including their thoughts on Jenna , Brynn, and Erin. Finally they discuss Taylor attending Travis's game in NY and Kyle's chat with paparazzi at LAX. To support the show, consider subscribing on Patreon, where you can get a bonus episode of Pop Apologists every Friday! Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lauren and Chan are taking listeners on a deep dive that covers the rise and fall of Ruby Franke, the Utah mommy vlogger behind the former YouTube channel 8 Passengers. Before they get into the deep dive, special guests Courtney Grow and Kyle DeFord join Chan for an emergency Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce debrief, as this couple could be the uniting force that this country so desperately needs.  Lauren and Chan chat about the early days of 8 Passengers, which had 2.8 million subscribers at its peak. Subscribers would watch Ruby give parenting advice and glimpses into her family's life.  There were definite warning signs of abuse going on behind the scenes, and Lauren and Chan discuss specific instances where it was clear that all was not well with this family.  When Ruby and her business partner/counselor Jodi Hildebrant were arrested in August 2023, former 8 Passengers fans were horrified to learn of the abuses that the Franke children had endured and were also left with many questions.  The gals discuss two people who have been victimized by Jodi Hildebrandt, which shows the damage that can be done when someone exercises tyrannical power over another. They also discuss the lingering million dollar question: Where was the father Kevin Franke when his children were enduring such abusive conditions? Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lauren and Chan kick off this week's episode with some criticism toward those who seem to have a little too much luxury in their DNA, the Dubrow children. It seems they have left their nouveau riche nest before gaining some life skills, and the gals have some thoughts about it. Lauren and Chan then dissect Olivia Rodrigo's new album Guts and the songs that are allegedly about Taylor Swift. They chat about Taylor and Olivia's falling out with the release of her first album Sour, and why Taylor's actions may have been especially devastating to Olivia.  The gals chatted about the ever relatable Meghan Markle and her perfectly photographed visit to In-N-Out. Lauren and Chan finished the episode with a follow up discussion of Danny Masterson's sentencing, and their utter disgust with Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis for providing character statements. Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SHOP THE "LUXURY IS IN MY DNA" MERCH DROP HERE! On today's episode, the gals are breaking down the contentious divorce proceedings of Kevin Costner and his soon to be ex-wife Christine, as well as the trouble in paradise for Chanler's favorite boy bander, Joe Jonas and his wife Sophie Turner.  Lauren and Chan dive into Kevin Costner's first divorce, where ex-wife, Cindy Silva, made out like a bandit in their divorce proceedings. This explains why Kevin had an ironclad prenup with second wife Christine, which leaves her with very little in comparison. Despite her most tearful and dramatic efforts at gaining Judge sympathy and claiming their children are so used to living in luxury that it's "in their DNA at this point" she was not granted her request of $249,000 a month in child support.  Christine is now living a nightmare, complete with a luxury 4-bedroom Montecito rental where her children have to share a bathroom with nary an ocean view in sight. The gals don't know how she is going to get by on her $60,000 a month child support payment and are sending their thoughts and prayers. Lauren and Chan also discuss all the evidence that indicates a split between Chan's adolescent love Joe Jonas and wife Sophie Turner is imminent. They go through the timeline of the couple's relationship as well as the warning signs that divorce could be looming.  Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN! This week on Patreon, we celebrate Chan getting a well deserved promotion at work! At Lauren's insistence, Chan marked the occasion by treating herself to some quiet luxury from 5th Avenue. We briefly consider changing the name of the podcast to "Liquor Talk" after becoming Morgan Wallen fans. This idea is quickly scrapped after making two very important important considerations. Chan just finished Jessica Simpson's memoir Open Book, and we have some thoughts about Jessica and John Mayer's on and off relationship in the early 2000's. We discuss what we would really like to see on RHONY instead of the fake nonsense drama that is continually featured on Real Housewives. Finally, we share our opinions about the Kardashian's and Jenners's "evolving aesthetics" and why we feel rage over their years of gaslighting everyone. Tap below to hear it all: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN! Head to casitajewelry.com to get any piece of jewelry 30% off during the month of August using code POPAPOLOGISTS The Pop Apologists $500 shopping spree giveaway is open until August 15! To enter, post a link to your favorite Pop Apologists episode, why you love the podcast on your Instagram stories, and tag @popapologists Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lauren and Chan chat about another misstep by the Montecito Markles, as reports have come out detailing one of the more recent examples of the couple's entitled behavior, this time being their request to join President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill on AIR FORCE ONE following the Queen's funeral. Their requests were declined, as one cannot just hitch a ride with the President, Sussexes or not. This blunder serves as a reminder that maybe the Bidens are not as Team Sussex as the Markles might hope, despite Meghan thinking that Dr. Jill had sent her cloaked messages of support in the form of Oscar De La Renta fashion choices. The gals then dive into the persistent rumors that there is trouble in paradise for Harry and Meghan on both the financial and relationship fronts. As most of their business deals have not panned out, and they have not become Oprah-level dignitaries, they seem to be at a crossroads. Lauren and Chan eagerly await the return of Meghan's Instagram and are ready to click on her Reward Style links, should that blessed day ever come. They leave the road from Montecito and take a much darker road to Gilgo Beach, where Chan leads a deep dive on the Gilgo Beach Murders and the recent arrest of Rex Heuermann, a married father of two and *gasp* architect. From being an unsolved case that plagued Long Island, learn how investigators cracked the cold case using cell phone data, new DNA testing, and a major tip from the "handler" of one of the murder victims. This case is absolutely horrifying, and serves as a chilling reminder that there are people out there who have secret double lives.  The Pop Apologists $500 shopping spree giveaway is open until August 15! To enter, post a link to your favorite Pop Apologists episode, why you love the podcast on your Instagram stories, and tag @popapologists.  Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The gals give their thoughts on Raquel Leviss going back to her birth name of Rachel, and why it might do her some to good to lay low for another 3-6 months before returning to the scene as wholesome Rachel. Lauren tells Chan about a recent drunken night where she and Kagen watched the 2020 Taylor Swift documentary on Netflix. In a moment of true marital bliss, Kagen saw the light and suggested that he and Lauren go to one of Taylor's concerts. It was quite possibly the easiest "yes!" of Lauren's life, second only to saying yes to Kagen's marriage proposal. Lauren and Chan dig into the newest season of The Kardashians, specifically Kim and Kourtney's feud that reached a fever pitch after Kourtney's wedding. The gals discuss why Kim feels an extra level of competition with Kourtney and why she can't take joy in Kourtney's happiness. Lauren and Chan aren't fighting over Italian weddings and Dolce and Gabbana campaigns, but they can relate to the sister strife that comes when when they both want to have their own identities and individual brands. Regardless, Lauren and Chan agree that family is their top priority, which doesn't always seem to be the case for the Kardashians when they get a fantastic business opportunity. Finally, Lauren and Chan discuss the mysterious case of Carlee Russell, the woman who disappeared without a trace after allegedly seeing a toddler wandering on the side of the highway, only to return home 48 hours later. Mainstream media is giving one set of facts, but the detectives at TikTok are painting an entirely different picture. The $500 shopping spree giveaway is open until August 15th! Enter by posting an Instagram story that tags @popapologists and contains a link to your favorite episode of the podcast.  Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode starts off with a bang with the gals revisiting two separate concerts they have ruined for their mother Deb, including the worst thing Chan has ever done at the tender age of 16. The gravity of injustice Chan put her mother through during what should have been an evening of joy still renders her speechless 11 years later.  After watching Titanic with her husband, Kagen, Lauren is worried that her marriage has also hit an iceberg and is now sinking, since Kagen is convinced that Lauren wouldn't jump off a life boat and go back to the Titanic for him, a la Rose and Jack.  The gals talk about their hall passes, what needs to happen for the hall pass to be green lit (hint: it's very different for men and women), and whether Chan's hall pass was accidentally used last year.  Their favorite grifters are the subject of a scathing Wall Street Journal article called Harry and Meghan Produce a Royal Flop: Themselves. They discuss some truly tacky behavior from H&M, and issue yet another plea for the type of content the people are actually interested in seeing from the Sussexes. The gals give their thoughts on Taylor Swift declining Meghan Markle's handwritten invitation to appear on the Archetypes podcast through a representative and why Taylor's loyalties likely lie across the pond with Prince William.  Finally, Lauren and Chan weigh in on Taylor Swift's plea to Swifties to leave John Mayer alone and immediately plays the song Dear John during her concert in preparation for Speak Now (Taylor's version) coming out next month.  Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. To support the show on Patreon and access our 100+ bonus episodes, including our Royal's Deep Dive, click here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lauren talks her newfound love for TikTok, and why its users are a unique brand of unhinged. Hear some of their favorite comments from their TikTok videos. The gals also give an assessment on a review that calls them Pick Me Girls and even break out Urban Dictionary to consider the accusation. They then discuss the inception of Kim Kardashian's launch into fame with supporting players Ray J and Kris Jenner. The narrative accepted by many versus the alleged facts are very different and darker than they originally thought. Lauren & Chan also break down Kanye West's problematic, misogynistic 46th birthday party, and Chan gives her family friendly hopes for his next birthday celebration. Finally, hear all their thoughts on Tom Girardi's mental competence and Erica's role in the deceit.  MERCH IS HERE! Click here to check out our limited drop of Work Soft hoodies and hats. Get yours before they're gone! To support the show on Patreon and access our 100+ bonus episodes, including our Royal's Deep Dive, click here! Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lauren shares her philosophy on why she sold her wedding dress and why it's time to normalize selling wedding dresses. Chan discusses adventures in camping as a New York City resident. After hearing Lauren's unshackled thoughts on the Vanderpump Rules reunion part two last week, it's Chan's turn to give her take. The gals get into Taylor Swift and Matty Healy's breakup and the purpose they believe Matty played in Taylor's life. They discuss Natalie Portman's husband, Benjamin Millipied, having an affair with a 25 year old climate activist and discuss some hard truths about men who have character and fidelity flaws. Finally, they cover upcoming travel mini episodes and the two podcasts that they are loving right now! ***If you love this podcast, please hit follow or subscribe! Share your favorite episodes on your Instagram stories! Help us grow! MERCH IS HERE! Click here to check out our limited drop of Work Soft hoodies and hats. Get yours before they're gone! To support the show on Patreon and access our 100+ bonus episodes, including our Royal's Deep Dive, click here! Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.