An Acquired Taste Podcast

In this Labor Day special, Kathleen and Bethany talk to two people with very different jobs in the television industry! Stephanie Mulka, a former intern of ours, is serving up some truth about the heart-wrenching and scary details on what it's like being a true-crime reporter for Oxygen Network. How does she sleep at night?! Then, Kristin Brutout, a friend from Kathleen's book club, tells us what it's like to develop reality television shows from the ground up! Have you ever wanted to be a reality TV personality? Kristin is dishing all the deets on how to be the next big unscripted star! PLUS... we find out some shocking details about how reality shows actually make it to TV and what special qualities the networks are looking for in a show. PS. What's your job? PPS. Like our snappy jingle? ----------------- Follow Stephanie Mulka! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotmulka/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/truecrimebuzz Cool video!: https://www.oxygen.com/crime-time/truth-behind-joyce-mitchells-relationship-prisoners-escape?fbclid=IwAR2tef_NltwMG_QIBZ86fv3tGJRatD_jDYZQCih2jKdGPVBzqn3hqTu_TTc Oxygen Network: https://www.instagram.com/oxygen/ ----------------- To pitch your reality show idea to Kristin Brutout, email us with the subject line: REALITY SHOW! (AnAcquiredTastePodcast@gmail.com) ----------------- Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  ----------------- Please support the companies that support us!  Rothy’s - Rothy’s shoes are seamlessly knit with thread made from plastic water bottles, so they’re ultra-comfortable as soon as you slip them on. Check out all the amazing shoes and bags available right now at Rothys.com/TASTE   Best Fiends - Best Fiends has thousands of levels already, with new levels, events, and characters added every month. It’s hours of fun right at your fingertips—and you can even play offline! With over 100 million downloads and tons of five-star reviews, Best Fiends is a must-play! Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play. That’s FRIENDS without the R – Best Fiends!  Raycon - For a limited time, get 15% off your order of Raycon wireless earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/taste! 

Who’s losing their mind from home? *raises hand* If you feel like you’ve officially gone insane during this pandemic, Bethany is right there with you. She’s brought along some really helpful suggestions on how to ground yourself and get your brain to stop spinning into Anxiety Town, population: You. Then, Kathleen is doing another installment of Weird News Roundup! Get caught up on the UFO news you missed. ---------- Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  ---------- Please support the companies that support us!  Truvani - Get a Protein Powder gift pack, including a full-sized bag, for a full 50% off, PLUS FREE gifts from Truvani! To get the full Protein Powder gift pack for just $29.99 plus free gifts, text TASTE to 64-000. Ring - Ring is on a mission to make neighborhoods safer. Get a special offer on the Ring Welcome Kit when you go to Ring.com/TASTE  The Welcome Kit includes the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Chime Pro. It’s all you need to start building custom security for your home today.  Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants - If you’re out of clean loungewear, mix things up by changing into Betabrand’s Dress Pant Yoga Pants. They’re as comfortable as your PJs and their professional style will make you feel like you actually got dressed for the day. Right now, our listeners can get 25% off their first order when you go to Betabrand.com/TASTE  FightCamp - FightCamp brings the boxing gym to you, with a mix of cardio and conditioning for a full-body workout. FightCamp offers flexible financing for as low as 0% APR! And right now as a limited time offer: you can try FightCamp for 30 days with their money-back guarantee. Just go to JoinFightCamp.com/TASTE!  ---------- BETHANY’S SOURCES: - https://tinybuddha.com/blog/a-first-aid-kit-for-when-life-falls-apart/ - https://www.wakeupcloud.com/my-life-is-falling-apart/ KATHLEEN’S SOURCES: - https://www.space.com/ufo-sightings-pentagon-task-force.html - https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/ben--jerrys-flavour-graveyard-22556795 - https://www.benjerry.co.uk/flavours/flavour-graveyard - https://www.foxnews.com/world/chocolate-snow-dusts-swiss-town-after-factory-malfunction - https://www.foxnews.com/health/poop-transplant-cures-man-drunkenness-disease - https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2020/08/20/Australian-familys-lottery-numbers-pay-off-after-50-years/2491597958369/ - https://www.livescience.com/fox-steals-100-shoes.html - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/emperor-penguin-poop-satellites-space-hidden-colonies-melting-antarctica-climate-change/ - https://news.sky.com/story/japan-see-through-public-toilets-open-in-tokyo-parks-12052362 - https://www.gauzy.com/smart-glass-everything-you-want-to-know/ - https://www.smartglassinternational.com/products-services/privacy-glass-how-does-it-work/#:~:text=When%20the%20electrical%20supply%20is,Glass%20becomes%20opaque%20(private).

Happy new week, friends! This week’s bonus is a listener email from “Persephone” aka “Adele” aka “Not her real name” who has been in a committed relationship for four years. The problem? She very much wants to get married, whereas her boyfriend is much less enthusiastic about the idea. His excuse? He doesn’t want the financial entanglements, and he’s also against the “traditional” expectations of society (aka college, dating, marriage, kids). Should Adele stay in an otherwise happy relationship, or are his excuses total crap and it's time to bounce? Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  Please support the companies that support us!  “Ruined” Podcast - Ruined is a new horror movie podcast hosted by Halle Kiefer and Alison where Halle "ruins" horror movies for Alison, who is too afraid to watch them herself but is dying to know everything about the plot. Check out Ruined wherever you get your podcasts!

Food and exercise are touchy subjects, especially when you’re trying to help your partner get healthier. But how do you talk to someone about this stuff when they have already a history of disordered eating and low self-esteem? Kathleen’s beloved Peloton has recently become the center of a big disagreement in her home, but it goes much deeper than just an exercise bike. Then, you know that prickly feeling you get when you just KNOW someone is looking at you? It’s not in your head! (Or, rather, it is….) Bethany talks about the creepy phenomenon of “Gaze Detection” and how it works! --------- Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  ---------- Please support the companies that support us!  Fight Camp - FightCamp brings the boxing gym to you, with a mix of cardio and conditioning for a full-body workout. FightCamp offers flexible financing for as low as 0% APR! And right now as a limited time offer, you can try FightCamp for 30 days with their money-back guarantee, just go to JoinFightCamp.com/TASTE  Native - Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on odor protection! Make the switch to Native today by going to NativeDeo.com/TASTE or use promo code TASTE at checkout to get 20% off your first order! Raycon - Now’s the time to get the latest and greatest from Raycon. Get 15% off your order of Raycon wireless earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/TASTE!  Liquid IV - One serving of Liquid I.V provides the same hydration as drinking 2-3 bottles of water alone. Liquid I.V. is available nationwide at Costco and Target. Or you can get 25% off when you go to LIQUIDIV.COM and use code TASTE at checkout.  BETHANY’S SOURCES: -https://www.cracked.com/article_28318_yes3B-you-can-sense-when-someones-watching-you.html -https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-narcissus-in-all-us/201102/how-you-know-eyes-are-watching-you -https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-narcissus-in-all-us/201102/how-you-know-eyes-are-watching-you -https://bigthink.com/philip-perry/why-is-it-you-can-sense-when-someones-staring-at-you KATHLEEN’S SOURCES: -https://aaptiv.com/magazine/significant-other-talk-about-working-out -https://www.verywellfit.com/getting-your-spouse-to-exercise-3976912 -https://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/a19541212/ask-partner-lose-weight-relationship/ -https://www.everydayhealth.com/weight-pictures/the-dos-and-donts-of-talking-to-a-loved-one-about-weight-loss.aspx -https://www.verywellfit.com/should-i-lose-weight-to-save-my-marriage-3495473

Did you know that chewing tobacco served a purpose beyond injecting cowboys with that sweet sweet nicotine? And how often DID people in the Wild West shower, anyway? Kathleen is feeling some hygiene kinship with our frontier ancestors, so she fills everyone in on the real grooming habits from the Wild West. Then, Bethany has been struggling for awhile with a very specific kind of hangup: the fear of what life will look like if she’s actually successful at her current goals. Have you struggled with this? And how do you fix it? Plus, Bethany and Kathleen are AWFUL at role-playing. You’ll be uncomfortable. You’re welcome. -------- Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  -------- Please support the companies that support us!  Talkspace - Change is always a constant, but these days, it feels like there’s something new to grapple with every day. We may be adjusting to this “new normal,” but it’s still stressful. And it’s important to talk about it — and seek support. Talkspace online therapy is here to give you that support. To match with your perfect therapist, go to Talkspace.com or download the app. Make sure to use the code TASTE to get $100 off your first month and show your support for the show.  Athena Club - Athena Club offers safe and sustainable self-care essentials all in one spot, including their incredible $9 Athena Club Razor Kit! Sign up today and you’ll get 15% off your first order! Just go to AthenaClub.com and use promo code TASTE! Anastasia Beverly Hills - Brows are more essential than ever. With everyone working at home, there are a few beauty musts and one of them is definitely brows! Go to AnastasiaBeverlyHills.com today and use promo code TASTE to get 15% off your first order.    --------- BETHANY’S SOURCES: - https://psychologyforphotographers.com/fear-of-success-symptoms - https://psychologyforphotographers.com/fear-of-success-solutions - https://lonerwolf.com/fear-of-success/ - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah_complex KATHLEEN’S SOURCES: - https://www.nps.gov/alpo/planyourvisit/upload/newspaper2010.pdf - https://yourdailysportfix.com/wild-west-hygiene-habits-dd/ - https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-old-west - https://www.yourmarketgarden.org/make-homemade-soaps-herbs-plants/

Both Kathleen and Bethany are firmly seated on the Struggle Bus today, but they left room for you! Hop on as they help a Tastebud figure out how to (or even if she SHOULD) flirt with her dream guy on Instagram. Did we mention that he’s a famous news anchor? Then, the name “Karen” has become a meme in the most unflattering way. How do real Karens feel about this? Bethany and Kathleen talk with a Karen who has some thoughts... -------- Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  -------- Please support the companies that support us!  Brüush - This is the electric toothbrush that Kathleen and Bethany are literally texting each other about! Brüush has advanced features you’ll love—like 6 unique cleaning modes, smart timer with quad-pacer, 4-week battery life, magnetic USB-powered charging station, and sleek carrying case for easy traveling. Get 15% off your Brüush kit when you visit bruush.com and use promo code TASTE! -------- NOTES: “English Heritage’s” creepy Pigeon Pie episode (WATCH TO THE END FOR THE INSIDE OF THE PIE REVEAL IT’S AWFUL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8tj1uy1Gk 

Money is tight and conversations about money are stressful (and confusing)! But as Bethany and Kathleen have both figured out, ignoring money conversations doesn’t make anything easier. If you’ve always wanted to learn more about putting away for retirement, how to start investing money, or just how to start tackling your student loan debt, Shannon McLay has you covered. Shannon answers your money questions, explains confusing financial terms, and plays a rousing game of “How’d These Celebrities Blow Their Money?”  ---------- Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  ---------- Please support the companies that support us!  Best Fiends - Play the game that Kathleen and Bethany are obsessed with! It’s a unique and exciting puzzle game unlike other games out there. With over 100 million downloads and tons of five-star reviews, Best Fiends is a must-play! Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play. That’s FRIENDS without the R – Best Fiends! Betabrand’s Dress Pant Yoga Pants - For the busy women out there who want to look great but don’t have time to deal with uncomfortable clothing, enter Betabrand! Right now, our listeners can get 25% off their first order when you go to Betabrand.com/taste Feetures - See why Feetures has quickly become the #1 running sock in America. For listeners of An Acquired Taste, you can receive $10 off your first pair of Feetures by going to feetures.com and using our code TASTE.  Anastasia Beverly Hills - Create beautiful brows with Anastasia Beverly Hills, the #1 US Brow Brand. Go to AnastasiaBeverlyHills.com today and use promo code TASTE to get 15% off your first order! ------ Follow Shannon McLay! Instagram: @theshannonmclay Twitter: @theshannonmclay https://financialgym.com Podcast: Martinis And Your Money - https://martinisandyourmoney.com/

Have you ever had a loved one totally call you out for being a jerk? Kathleen’s husband just did this and she's is actually glad he did it! What was the issue? Plus, Bethany is inspired by a new podcast to fall back into the rabbit hole that is Ghost Adventures, and she’s teaching the class Zak Bagans 101. ALSO, watermelon juice is coming out of someone's rear-end! Wanna know who? Here's a hint: She has two cats.  -------- Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  -------- Please support the companies that support us!  Anastasia Beverly Hills - Create beautiful brows with Anastasia Beverly Hills, the #1 US Brow Brand. The first name in brows for over 30 years for naturally beautiful, fuller-looking brows. Go to AnastasiaBeverlyHills.com today and use promo code TASTE to get 15% off your first order.  Thrive Market - Thrive Market delivers organic, sustainable groceries right to your door! Go to ThriveMarket.com/TASTE. Join today and you’ll get a FREE gift of your choosing, up to $22 in value! Legacy Box - Get started future-proofing your memories today so you can gather the family and begin the trip down memory lane. Go to Legacybox.com/TASTE to get an incredible 40% OFF your first order. Rothy’s - Rothy’s has kept over 50 million single-use plastic bottles out of landfills and transformed them into their signature thread—which is then knit into beautiful, sustainable products. Check out all the amazing shoes and bags available right now at Rothys.com/TASTE! -------- Bethany's Source: - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Adventures - The Paranormal Channel, “Nick Groff on leaving Ghost Adventures and the origins of the show” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzhOBuK8gGI - https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Ghost_Adventures - https://www.teepublic.com/mask/8711614-zak-bagans-nametag-shirt?feed_sku=8711614D54V - https://twitter.com/reaperfashion?lang=en - https://www.teepublic.com/hoodie/2750684-ghost-adventures-lotr?feed_sku=2750684D4V - https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/3664762-ghost-adventures-cat - https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/10269728-its-zak-thing-you-wouldnt-understand - https://www.redbubble.com/i/sticker/Zak-mission-to-Aaron-by-MattisMatt83/35783755.EJUG5 - https://www.redbubble.com/i/sticker/Zak-with-a-skeleton-on-a-boat-by-MackenzieDucatt/27274214.EJUG5 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demon_House - https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/jan/27/a-wheel-y-big-show/ - Zak and Meredith Bagans on “Wheel of Fortune,” (February 2, 1998) - - https://stonetapetheory.tumblr.com/post/163790719796/at-long-last-here-it-is-folks-a-blond - https://paranormalhuntress.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/men-of-the-paranormal-february-zak-bagans/ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyLzBrSRxpk - https://loudwire.com/ghost-adventures-host-zak-bagans-lords-of-acid-praga-khan-necrofusion-disc/ - Zak Bagans vs. Praga Khan: “Room 20” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIuY96IhZPE - https://www.discogs.com/Zak-Bagans-Vs-Praga-Khan-Necrofusion/release/4588045 Kathleen's Sources: - https://parade.com/709919/lindsaylowe/13-funny-judge-judy-quotes-for-her-birthday-um-is-not-an-answer/ - https://www.biography.com/news/judge-judy-quotes - https://www.talkspace.com/blog/friend-taking-advantage-of-you/ - https://www.wikihow.com/Know-when-People-Are-Taking-Advantage-of-You - https://www.success.com/secret-to-a-happy-marriage-put-your-spouse-first/ - https://www.paeats.com/feature/ten-facts-you-never-knew-about-watermelon/

It’s Bethany’s turn to lay out all of the big and hilariously small things that are happening in her life right now. (Did anyone else trip UP the stairs this weekend?) Then, Kathleen’s been spending a lot of time on “life hack” accounts like 5 Minute Crafts, and she’s brought along a ton of ingenious ideas and shady shortcuts. Who knew there was so much demand for cooking a hot dog with nothing but a Pringles can?? ------ Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast ------ Please support the companies that support us! Liquid IV - Liquid I.V. is available nationwide at Costco and Target. Or you can get 25% off when you go to LIQUIDIV.COM and use code TASTE at checkout. Raycon - Now’s the time to get the latest and greatest from Raycon. Get 15% off your order at BuyRaycon.com/taste! Purple - Experience the next evolution of sleep. Go to Purple.com/taste and use promo code TASTE. For a limited time you’ll get $150 off any Purple mattress order of $1500 or more! Terms apply. Best Fiends - Best Fiends has thousands of levels already, with new levels, events, and characters added every month. It’s hours of fun right at your fingertips—and you can even play offline!  With over 100 million downloads and tons of five-star reviews, Best Fiends is a must-play! Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play. That’s FRIENDS without the R – Best Fiends!  ------ Kathleen's Sources: https://www.instagram.com/5.min.crafts https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/techniques/food-hacks   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GawHzpq9UKY   https://www.allcreated.com/vintage-cooking-tips/   https://www.gofoodservice.com/blog/kitchen-hacks   https://www.buzzfeed.com/karlaagis/crazy-kitchen-hacks   https://tipnut.com/cookery-1940s/   https://rainbootsandapronstrings.com/handy-pam-spray-alternative-uses/

Have you ever felt like so much is happening at once, your brain can’t get anything done? Kathleen is having that kind of week, so she’s laying out all of the big (and hilariously small) things that are going on in her life right now. (For example, she’s accidentally getting an old Texas woman’s grocery receipts…) Then, Bethany digs into the mysterious story of a handful of American and Canadian diplomats who suffered brain damage after hearing strange noises in Havana, Cuba! Plus, the ladies have a fun announcement, Bethany debuts a new movie game, and the class hears your voicemails! ---------- Check out our merch! —> https://store.dftba.com/collections/an-acquired-taste-podcast  ---------- Please support the companies that support us!  Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants - For the busy women out there who want to look great, but don’t have time to deal with uncomfortable clothing, enter Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants! Right now, our listeners can get 25% off their first order when you go to Betabrand.com/taste  Talkspace - The bottom line is that we all need to talk sometimes and Talkspace wants to give more people the support we deserve at a price we can afford. Get $100 off your first month on Talkspace! To match with your perfect therapist, go to Talkspace.com or download the app, and use the code TASTE to get $100 off your first month and show your support for the show.  Anastasia Beverly Hills - Create beautiful brows with Anastasia Beverly Hills, the #1 US Brow Brand. Trust the first name in brows for over 30 years for naturally beautiful, fuller-looking brows. Go to AnastasiaBeverlyHills.com and use promo code TASTE to get 15% off your first order! ThirdLove - ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now they're offering our listeners 15% off your first order! Go to THIRDLOVE.com/TASTE now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!  ---------- BETHANY’S SOURCES: - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana_syndrome - https://apnews.com/88bb914f8b284088bce48e54f6736d84 - https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-07/s-hs070920.php - https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-find-what-caused-havana-syndrome-that-affected-diplomats-in-cuba-and-it-wasnt-sonic-weapons/ - https://oncubanews.com/en/cuba/is-there-a-havana-syndrome/ - https://scitechdaily.com/shell-shock-a-new-study-on-havana-syndrome-with-a-stunning-conclusion/ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOdXVye-4X0 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgbnZG85IRo - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_auditory_effect - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_psychogenic_illness KATHLEEN’S SOURCES: - https://www.instagram.com/p/CCY-_HSnBZv/