Judd Legum, investigative journalist and founder of the Popular Information newsletter, dives into the eerie world of 'Pass It On' billboards featuring stars like Dolly Parton and Whoopi Goldberg. He questions the true intent behind these ads, unraveling a hidden agenda masked as positivity. The conversation explores the complexities of celebrity endorsements and political contradictions, revealing how ultra-wealthy backers influence philanthropy and public messaging. Legum critiques the oversimplified rags-to-riches narrative and its societal implications.

Brandie Posey, a journalist, comic, and pop culture enthusiast, joins the fun to dissect the epic feud between Vin Diesel and The Rock. They humorously explore the real names behind the personas and how astrology reveals their contrasting energies. The conversation digs into Diesel's surprising twin and reflects on the dynamics of masculinity and family within the Fast and Furious franchise. Additionally, they highlight celebrity rivalries and their influence on Hollywood, blending insightful commentary with laughs along the way.

Broadway actor Sara Jean Ford and musicologist Dr. Lynda Paul discuss the infamous musical 'Cats,' exploring its commercial success, unconventional elements, and the rigorous demands on performers. They delve into the creation of the show, the significance of T.S. Eliot's poems, and the hidden meanings within the characters. The podcast also examines the music of 'Cats,' its emotional resonance, and its impact on audiences, touching on human connection and memories.

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker welcomes Emma Gray @emmaladyrose (Love to See It podcast, Rich Text newsletter). How much did “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member and Erika Jayne know about her husband, Tom Girardi’s alleged frauds? Tess and Erika sort through the saga of this fallen power couple. Read the LA Times invetsigative piece on Tom and Erika, written by Matt Hamilton and Harriet Ryan here.   Watch the doc "The Housewife and the Hustler" on Hulu.  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod    Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill.    Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d.   Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod   Follow Tess’s other podcasts Lady to Lady and Toxic: The Britney Spears Story wherever you get your pods.    Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show!   

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker unpacks a question that’s been nagging her since the ‘90s: Did someone put dirty jokes into classic Disney movies? How? And why? The search for the truth leads Tess to a place she didn't see coming.    Guests include Liz Climo (“The Simpsons,” children’s book author & illustrator), Mike Hollingsworth (“Bo Jack Horseman,” “Tuca and Bertie”), Tom Sito (“The Little Mermaid,” “Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?”, “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast”), Brenda Chapman (“Brave,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast”). Featuring an Animation Guild oral history from Ann Guenther (“Sleeping Beauty,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Robin Hood,” “The Rescuers.”)    Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod    Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill.   Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d.   Abigail Keel was a consulting producer on this episode.    Clearance Counsel is  Dale Nelson and Jacqueline Swett at Donaldson Callif Perez, LLP   Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod   Follow Tess’s other podcasts Lady to Lady and Toxic wherever you get your pods.    Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show!   

Comic Danielle Perez talks about Lindsay Lohan's impact on the kombucha industry, from her party girl phase to innovative product ideas. They also discuss Lohan's career, legal troubles, and humorous mishaps, reshaping perceptions of the actress and kombucha beverages.

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker unpacks the alleged fraudulent actions behind the 2010 hit movie “The Blind Side.”  Guests on this episode are Craig Vail, close friend of Michael Oher and Kellie Carter-Jackson @kcarterjackson, Historian, Award Winning Author, Chair of Africana, Wellesley College.  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Insstagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Emma Klein. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Abigail Keel was a consulting producer on this episode.  Clearance Counsel is Dale Nelson and Jacqueline Swett at Donaldson Callif Perez, LLP Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts Lady to Lady and Toxic wherever you get your pods.    Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show!   

Journalist Babs Gray joins Tess Barker to unravel the mysteries surrounding Brittany Murphy's untimely death. Topics include toxic relationships, deceptive Hollywood scams, and suspicions of foul play, as they explore the dark and intriguing circumstances surrounding the actress's passing.

Former 'The Bachelor' contestant, Sydney Lotuaco, discusses the disturbing realities of reality TV, including stalking incidents and unethical production practices. The podcast delves into the psychological profiling of contestants, legal entanglements in Bachelor Nation, and the aftermath of scandal involving Cassie and Colton.

Investigative journalist and pop star advocate (#FreeBritney),Tess Barker is back on the entertainment beat. In each episode, Tess delves into the annals of pop culture history. She indulges in one of her favorite hobbies - sifting through court documents. She interviews people who actually lived through this pop culture trivia, and unpacks the details with experts. Tess's obsessevive and sometimes comedic reporting style uncovers the truth behind pop culture's most mysterious stories -- things we got wrong the first time around, and things that were intentionally hidden from us.