Eating For Free

In the final episode of our series on James Cameron's latest aesthetic monstrosity, Avatar 2, we talk about the impact on the film industry of shooting four "billion dollar movie sequels" at once, the terrifying prospects of Weta's 3D technologies, and more! Links: James Cameron Praises 'Avatar 2' Nearing $2 Billion: 'Enough With Streaming Already! I'm Tired of Sitting on My A–' [Variety] Will 'Avatar' Sequels Get Less Expensive as the Franchise Continues? [Variety] 'Avatar 2' soars past 'Top Gun' with $1.5 billion to become highest-grossing film of 2022, and it's already the 10th biggest movie ever [CNBC] Avatar 2 took forever because James Cameron had to make sure Avatar 4 was ready to shoot [Polygon] Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang, & Jon Landau Talk 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' IMAX, 3D, and Future Sequels [Collider] Edie Falco Shot 'Avatar 2' So Long Ago That She Thought It Had Already Been Released and "Didn't Do Very Well" [THR] Sigourney Weaver, 73, talks teen character in 'Avatar 2': Older actors are 'extraordinary' [USA Today] James Cameron's old comments prompt Native American boycott of new 'Avatar' sequel [LA Times] About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

James Cameron's Avatar series promises to haunt us for another decade, after disappearing into the jungles of Pandora since 2009. In our first series of the year, we look at the making of James Cameron's $2 billion sex dream phantasmagoria nightmare horror fest featuring suburban heterosexual Americans cosplaying as blue people! Links: 'Avatar 2' Needs $2 Billion to Turn a Profit. James Cameron Says [Variety] 'Avatar: The Way of Water' Rules Over New Year's, Global Gross Hits $1.38 Billion [Variety] 'Minds Will Be Blown': James Cameron Tells Robert Rodriguez Why 'Avatar 2' Is 'Dangerous' and the Key Advice Guillermo Del Toro Gave Him [Variety] James Cameron opens up about his long-awaited (and awaited) Avatar sequel [EW] Avatar 2 took forever because James Cameron had to make sure Avatar 4 was ready to shoot [Polygon] Avatar 3 Will Feature A Villainous Na'vi Fire Nation Called The 'Ash People' [20 Minutes] James Cameron Reveals the Low Point of the 13-Year Journey to Finish 'Avatar: The Way of Water' [Collider] Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang, & Jon Landau Talk 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' IMAX, 3D, and Future Sequels [Collider] Edie Falco Shot 'Avatar 2' So Long Ago That She Thought It Had Already Been Released and "Didn't Do Very Well" [THR] Sigourney Weaver, 73, talks teen character in 'Avatar 2': Older actors are 'extraordinary' [USA Today] James Cameron's old comments prompt Native American boycott of new 'Avatar' sequel [LA Times] About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

2022 was a monumentally horrible, terrible, no good, evil, despicable, heinous, apocalyptic year in pop culture history. Everything happening everywhere all at once all the time! Links: Jimmy Fallon, Justin Bieber, Serena Williams, and her Reddit cofounder husband among the celebs being sued over Bored Ape NFT promotions [Fortune] MrBeast is inspiration of soon-to-open Airbnb [Reflector] MrBeast Scores Hans Zimmer to Soundtrack Latest YouTube Video [THR] Chip and Joanna Gaines Sued by Literary Agent for Breach of Contract [WSJ] Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde Are 'Taking a Break' After Nearly 2 Years Together: Sources [People] Olivia Wilde Is Getting Backlash After People Actually Watched "Don't Worry Darling" And Learned The Truth About Those "Female Pleasure" Sex Scenes [Buzzfeed News] Olivia Wilde 'Still Pretty Hurt' Over Harry Styles Split -- But He 'Isn't Too Broken Up' About It, Source Says [ET] How Harry Styles became an even bigger star – and the one we needed the most – in 2022 - Music, empathy, live shows, acting – it all added up to a banner year when our world felt unaccepting [Salon] The Try Guys Are Ready to Put Scandal Behind Them With Live Fan Event (Exclusive) [THR] People Think The Try Guys Editors Deserve A Raise After Expertly Removing Ned Fulmer From Their Pre-Recorded Videos [Buzzfeed News] Lea Michele might be latest 'it' girl to get controversial cosmetic surgery [NYP] Lea Michele and Darren Criss Break Out Their Christmas Hits on "Carpool Karaoke" [PopSugar] 'Funny Girl' With Lea Michele Breaks a Broadway Box Office Record [Variety] Jimmy Fallon, Justin Bieber, Serena Williams, and her Reddit cofounder husband among the celebs being sued over Bored Ape NFT promotions [Fortune] About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

Once upon a time, a Hallmark CEO scandalously quit his job after pulling a wedding ad for a gay couple. Now he's back (alongside Candace Cameron Bure) with a mission to save America...one Lori Loughlin Christian Christmas movie at a time! Over the last two weeks, we dove deep into Great American Family, former Hallmark CEO's new Christian family network that streams almost exclusively Christmas movies! Link: Hallmark Exec Bill Abbott Out [Hollywood Reporter] [Jan 22, 2020] Preview: Great American Family CEO Wants Post-Jail Lori Loughlin to Be a Face of the Network: 'She's America's Sweetheart' [Variety] Bill Abbott Renames GAC Family as Great American Family [Next TV] July 19, 2022 BILL ABBOTT WANTS GAC FAMILY TO BE A PLACE SAFE FROM 'DARK SITUATIONS, VIOLENCE, SEXUAL SITUATIONS' [Movie Guide] Hallmark vs. Great American Family: Who's Winning the Holiday Movie War? [Decider] About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

Once upon a time, a Hallmark CEO scandalously quit his job after pulling a wedding ad for a gay couple. Now he's back (alongside Candace Cameron Bure) with a mission to save America...one Lori Loughlin Christian Christmas movie at a time! Over the next two weeks, we'll dive deep into Great American Family, former Hallmark CEO's new Christian family network that streams almost exclusively Christmas movies! Links: How Great American Family and Candace Cameron Bure are angling for Hallmark's holiday movie crown [USA Today, Oct 31] Hallmark Channel Chief Bill Abbott Stepping Down In Wake Of Ad Controversy [Deadline] Candace Cameron Bure Says Great American Family Projects Will Focus on 'Traditional Marriage' [People, November 15] Neal Bledsoe Exits Great American Family in Support of LGBTQ Community After Candace Cameron Bure Drama [Variety, December 5] Danica McKellar weighs in on co-star's exit after Candace Cameron Bure's comments on 'traditional marriage' [Fox News] What Is Great American Family? Everything to Know About Hallmark and Lifetime's Holiday Movie Competitor [Variety] From [Parade] About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

In the final installment of our series on Balenciaga, we look past the right wing fundamentalist conspiracy theories and instead explore the haunting images of photographer Gabriele Galimberti. Through our investigation into his work and legacy, we ask: Where will all the good art go when Christian nationalists tighten their grip on the media and artistic reproduction? We also would like to preface that this episode concerns frank and serious discussions about sexual assault and gun violence. Links: 'Pedophiles' banner hung in front of Texas Balenciaga store after controversial ad campaign [CHRON] Balenciaga drops $25M suit against producers of controversial campaign [Page Six] As Balenciaga faces backlash over its bondage-themed campaign featuring children, FEMAIL reveals its controversial history - from fetish masks to bizarre horror-themed ads [Daily Mail] Where's Kering As Apologies From Balenciaga And Demna Fall Flat? [Forbes] No, This Is Not a 'Human Skin Jacket' from Balenciaga [Snopes] No, This Isn't a Real Photo of Balenciaga Stylist Lotta Volkova [Snopes] Gabriele Galimberti Website About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

In our new two part series, we seek to unpack the controversy around Balenciaga, and the malicious fascist forces whipping up a 24/7 moral panic news cycle concerning the brand's latest campaign photos. Who stands to benefit from the outrage, and who might lose everything? We also would like to preface that this episode concerns frank and serious discussions about sexual assault, trafficking, and the like. We do not take these discussions lightly, nor do we wish to downplay the legitimacy or importance of these discussions. Links: Balenciaga says it's sorry for holiday ads depicting children holding teddy bears in bondage gear [Fortune] Balenciaga 'BDSM teddy bear' photographer speaks out amid backlash [NY Post] After teddy bear backlash, Balenciaga announces lawsuit for separate ad [Washington Post] Kim Kardashian 're-evaluating' Balenciaga relationship over child images [Washington Post] When High Fashion and QAnon Collide [NYT] Kanye West on Balenciaga campaign scandal: 'All celebrities are controlled' [Page Six] About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

Content warning for this episode: we talk about domestic violence, abuse, and harm to children. We will give verbal warnings in the episode before those segments. Brad Pitt and Emily Ratajkowski have been in the headlines recently for their brief romantic outings, however the narrative Page Six and other tabloids report may not be the whole story. Violence and abuse allegation about Pitt recently revealed in court documents directly oppose Ratajkowski's reputation as a feminist author and content creator. Links: Emily Ratajkowski, Brad Pitt, 11/16/2022 Emrata latest video [TikTok] Brad Pitt and Emily Ratajkowski 'Have Had a Few Dates': 'There Is an Attraction' (Source) [October 3] [People] Emily Ratajkowski, Sebastian Bear-McClard planning to divorce amid cheating claims [July 15, 2022] [Page Six] Emily Ratajkowski and Sebastian Bear-McClard Split After 4 Years of Marriage: Source [July 18, 2022] [People] Brad Pitt allegedly 'choked,' hit 'frightened' kids in Angelina Jolie plane fight [October 4, 2022] [Page Six] Brad Pitt calls Angelina Jolie's latest plane allegations 'completely untrue' [October 5, 2022] [Page Six] Emily Ratajkowski, Freer Now Than Ever, Gets Candid on TikTok, Britney Spears and What Her New Podcast Has in Common With Joe Rogan's [Variety] Emily Ratajkowski kisses mystery man on NYC date night amid Brad Pitt rumors [Page Six] Emily Ratajkowski Spotted Passionately Kissing New Man After Being Linked to Brad Pitt [People] Here's Where Brad Pitt and Emily Ratajkowski Stand After Her Date Night With Orazio Rispo [E!] cursed Twitter link [Twitter] About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

Which celebrities ate Rick Caruso's assh*le during an extremely spooky L.A. mayoral race? We dive deep into Hollywood's election meddling in the city of angels... and everywhere else! Most notably: Pennsylvania's hotly debated Senate race between global eating disorder merchant Dr. Oz and local "guys being dudes" hero John Fetterman! As always, there's a darker story hidden beneath the flurry of election headlines this week. A story of gentrification, of property developers and pigs, of celebrities and their twisted financial investments. Let's dig in! Links: Oprah rejects her protégé Dr. Oz and backs Democrat John Fetterman in Pa. senate race [NPR] Mehmet Oz Responds to Oprah's Endorsement of Opponent John Fetterman: 'She and I Have Different Politics' (Video) [Yahoo] Inside the Star-Studded Rivalry Dividing Los Angeles (Oct. 24) [Town and Country] Karen Bass Rolls Out More Celebrity Endorsers in Race for L.A. Mayor [Variety] Chris Pratt joins celebrities to endorse Rick Caruso for LA mayor [NYP] Tweets: Who Are Celebrities Endorsing for LA Mayor [LA Mag] The L.A. mayor's race has rich celebrities backing a pro-police billionaire [MSNBC] NBC News About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson

Mr. Beast is a person who quickly transformed the Youtube industry with extreme acts of philanthropy and millions of dollars wasted on frivolous acts of torture on random people. Specifically those most desperate for money! But is he the generous Willy Wonka figure he's made himself out to be, or is there more to the story? Links: 'A cashier leaked he was going to be buying people's groceries and they all just showed': Rumors of MrBeast showing up at grocery store lead to chaos [Daily Dot] TikTok of Chaos [TikTok] ANIMAL INSTINCTS Chaos as shoppers clear shelves and fill BAGS with food amid fake rumors YouTuber MrBeast was set to pay for EVERYTHING [The Sun] How I Gave Away $1,000,000 How MrBeast spends $48,000,000 a year on videos Giving A Random Homeless Man $10,000 Giving $100,000 To A Homeless Person Homeless Man Buys A Lamborghini MrBeast said he turned down $1 billion deal for his YouTube channel and associated companies [Insider] Scoop: YouTube mega-star MrBeast seeks 10-figure valuation [Axios] Night Media: [Talent Page] Matthew Beem (CLICK THIS LINK) Link - Night Ventures (Venture Capital Firm) Is MrBeast actually worth $1.5 billion? [TechCrunch] YouTube star MrBeast created a real-life 'Squid Game' set and had people compete for $456,000 [Insider] YouTube star MrBeast said he spends up to $8 million a month on making elaborate videos and promoting his food businesses [Insider] MrBeast's 'Real Life Squid Game' and the price of viral stunts [TechCrunch] YouTube giant MrBeast considering a White House run in 20 years [The Hill] MrBeast recreated Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, featuring a toilet made of cake, a dessert contest judged by Gordon Ramsay, and a 'chocolate waterfall' [Insider] YouTube star MrBeast says he doesn't 'really need money' because he only cares about making videos: 'In the last 20 days I've only left the studio once' [Insider] FaZe Clan, Jeffree Star, and MrBeast received coronavirus relief loans [Mashable] About: Hosted by journalists Joan Summers and Matthew Lawson, Eating For Free is a weekly podcast that explores gossip and power in the pop culture landscape: Where it comes from, who wields it, and who suffers at the hands of it. Find out the stories behind the stories, as together they look beyond the headlines of troublesome YouTubers or scandal-ridden A-Listers, and delve deep into the inner workings of Hollywood's favorite pastime. The truth, they've found, is definitely stranger than any gossip. You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. Or buy our merch! Any personal, business, or general inquires can be sent to eatingforfreepodcast@gmail.com Joan Summers: Twitter: @laracroftbarbie Matthew Lawson: Twitter: @_matthewlawson