First things first, BOSTON we hope you have your tickets to come see us Wednesday, June 25th at Laugh Boston. Tix here ! This week on the pod the King of Kansas City is here to discuss all the wild historical things that happened on the day we recorded this. Brace yourselves because it goes from Anne Frank to OJ Simpson FAST. We discuss some of our earliest attempts at being funny (don't cancel us), cursive writing, and the Christmas where every 14-year-old boy got a Structure sweater and a gold...
Jun 23, 2025•51 min•Ep. 36
My cousin in Christ Molly McAleer is in the house to talk about the Revolutionary War, Karen Read, and if anyone is switching cell phone providers in 2025. We get into Turtle Boy, what happened when I discovered the fifth wave of Beatles fans, and I invite Molly to be a city planner. Come see us June 25th and June 26th in Boston! Tix here ! Get this full conversation on Pateron . See the playground where it all went down. Follow Mollz...
Jun 13, 2025•47 min•Ep. 35
Road trips, cannibalism, and coming to terms with the stories we tell—this week on the pod, I welcome journalist and author E.A. Hanks to talk about her memoir The 10, a powerful deep dive into family, loss, and the messy contradictions of America. We covered everything from growing up with famous parents (yes, those Hanks) to the truths she uncovered while driving the full stretch of Interstate 10. E.A. opens up about writing through trauma, confronting history, and what she found at the inters...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 34
Unions are on the line with the Trump Administration and we need to chat. This week on the pod I welcome Teacher Pay with K, a high school math teacher and president of her local union to discuss all the ways in which these structures support teachers, students, and well everyone. Digressions include my storied high school math career, phones in school, and Pete Davidson, union kid at heart? Come to my live shows!!! May 8th in LA and June 25th in Boston, tix here. Follow Teacher Pay with K on IG...
May 01, 2025•48 min•Ep. 33
Once upon a time you would toggle between MTV and VH1 they way we toggle between TikTok and Instagram. While much is said about the impact of MTV there is considerably less about her cool, older cousin VH1. This week on Oddly Specific my friends Emilie Begin and Margaux Poupard from the Old Millennials podcast stop by to talk about their new series that covers everything from Behind the Music to Best Week Ever. Digressions include, AOL, the Century City Mall, and where the hell are kids suppose ...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 32
With tariffs on the rise and the stock market plummeting it's a precarious time for wallets. Most Americans are looking for deal but are dollar stores the solution or do they cause more pain then they are worth? This week on Oddly Specific Meredith welcomes Kennedy Smith, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance whose work on the impact of dollar stores on communities will blow your mind. We also look at some ways cities like Tulsa are curbing the practices of these stores alon...
Apr 10, 2025•38 min•Ep. 31
Subscribe to the Patreon Come see us live in LA or Boston Follow my pal Mary Mahoney on Substack and IG The incomparable historian Mary Mahoney (Dolls of Our Lives) is on the pod today to talk all things American Girl, Titanic, and using books as medicine (not in a MAHA way). We unpack how we reflect on national tragedies, the impact of spending your childhood with Greatest Gen grandparents, and why I'm still looking for some justice for my boy Carson Daly. PLUS why were Jane Austen novels label...
Apr 03, 2025•53 min•Ep. 30
Mia Chard, a TikTok content creator and mental health advocate joins me for an honest conversation about loneliness, dating, and the impact of social media on relationships. Together we chat about the cultural influences that make us who we are, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity in connecting with others. Mia's story resonates with many who have experienced similar feelings of loneliness and the pressure of societal expectations regarding relationships. Follow Mia Come to the L...
Mar 26, 2025•46 min•Ep. 29
Show Notes: When wildfires, hurricanes, and other billion-dollar disasters strike, private equity firms aren’t just watching—they’re cashing in. From buying up disaster recovery companies to profiting off the fossil fuel investments that fuel climate change, these firms have turned catastrophe into a business model. But how does private equity work, and what exactly do private equity firms do? In this episode of Oddly Specific, we talk to Azani Creeks, senior research and campaign coordinator at...
Mar 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 28
Mads Mitch knows a thing or two about going viral on the internet. Her "How hard can it be boys do it" gained a life of its own during the 2024 election season catching the attention of the Harris campaign and spinning off a successful merch line. But there is SO much more that happens behind the scenes of content creation and together we break down what inspires Mads to create, how she navigates the misogyny, and what makes us both true oldest daughters/oldest sisters. Follow Mads Mitch Subscri...
Mar 12, 2025•41 min•Ep. 27
I have got my friend and NYT bestseller Stefanie Wilder-Taylor is in the house for a FUN bonus episode. We talk about our bad ex-boyfriends, Stefanie's career in tv including working in reality tv, quitting drinking, and how this bad b changed my life before I even met her. PLUS we spill on an opportunity to work with us later this month. Follow Stefanie! Take our workshop, sign up here ! Subscribe to the Patreon...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min•Ep. 26
This week we welcome our pop culture king Blakely Thornton to the pod to talk about Kimberly Noel's Criminal Justice Era. We discuss how the Kardashians have evolved, Kim's journey from Paris Hilton's closet to the White House, and of course a few moments with Kris. Together we unpack how celebrities impact social issues and the nearly impossible task of fixing deep problems in the justice system. Check out the episode on Private Equity in prisons with Bianca Tylek Follow Blakely!! on ig Follow ...
Mar 04, 2025•40 min•Ep. 25
Fresh off the Eagles win I'm joined by journalist and New York Times best selling author Jo Piazza for a conversation about tradwives, mom influencers, and our changing media landscape. We dig into Jo's own stint as a mom influencer, her writing process, and the economy of internet content creation. Jo will be back for a special book club episode of her forthcoming book, Everyone Is Lying To You, pre-order it here . Follow Jo on social! Subscribe to my Patreon !...
Feb 26, 2025•38 min•Ep. 24
Since time immemorial we have documented our families lives, but over the years birth announcements have evolved from placing a note in the newspaper (we used to do that!!) to filming pregnancy announcements for your family vlog channel in a Target bathroom. But does family vlogging blur the lines on our children's privacy? What are the long term implications of making your daughter's first period into content? This week I welcome Fortesa Latifi, a journalist who is currently writing a book abou...
Feb 18, 2025•44 min•Ep. 23
What's the deal with TikTok? No seriously, what's the deal with it? This week I invite on social strategist and friend of the pod Vienna DeGiacomo from Good Story Branding to unpack the latest on the TikTok ban. We get into our predictions for the future of the app and what platforms and strategies we are recommending and implementing ourselves. It's a candid conversation on all the behind the scenes of content creation that unfortunately is often gatekept. If you're a creator, brand, or just cr...
Feb 11, 2025•53 min•Ep. 22
Welcome to 2025 and welcome back to Oddly Specific. This week we welcome Dr. JonPaul Higgins, Ed.D. Dr. JonPaul is an award winning educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader and media critic who examines the intersections of identity, gender and race in entertainment. They share their experience growing up Jehovah Witness, and their path to leaving. We also spend time chatting about their upcoming book, Black Fat Femme: How to Love Yourself by Unveiling the Powe...
Jan 07, 2025•56 min•Ep. 21
Private Equity be damned! We need to talk about Christmas sometimes. Meredith welcomes Jenny Chalikian and Erin Judge to the pod this week to discuss their fantastic new comedy album (take that PETE DAVIDSON!!) and their monthly show at LA hot spot The Ripped Bodice. We then get to the meat of an unspoken Christmas tinged beef that Jenny and I have had without even knowing it. It takes us from the heart of Medford Square, to the California Gold Rush, to the southern streets of Savannah Georgia. ...
Dec 11, 2024•49 min•Ep. 20
Pets! If you don't have one you probably know one. In this episode of my podcast, I sit down with Michael Fenne from the Private Equity Stakeholder Project to unpack the growing trend of private equity in veterinary practices—how it affects costs, quality of care, and the future of independent vets. PLUS Michael breaks down what the upcoming Trump administration could mean for private equity regulations. Follow PESP https://www.instagram.com/pestakeholder/ Read Michael Fenne's research on PE in ...
Nov 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 19
It's a two for here at Oddly Specific, first my friend Rob Schulte of Vanderpump Robs joins us to discuss his new podcast about Laguna Beach, a Crocs ban that's SWEEPING the nation (read: 12 schools), and how despite limited internet access Rob and I both knew that weird rumor about Gwen Stefani and Moby in middle school. Then we welcome on Bianca Tylek, Founder and CEO of Worth Rises a leading organization dedicated to dismantling the prison industry. They discuss the $80 billion prison system,...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 18
In this episode of Oddly Specific, I’m joined by fan favorite Kiki Monique, aka The Talk of Shame, to discuss the notorious Menendez brothers case. We explore the trial's historical context, the media's portrayal of Lyle and Erik, and the complexities of abuse and crime. Together, we delve into the justice system's role in their case, recent developments regarding their potential resentencing, and what their story reveals about broader societal issues. Kiki shares her insights on media influence...
Oct 30, 2024•36 min•Ep. 17
In this episode of Oddly Specific, I welcome personal stylist Jamie Lewis, founder of JBL Styles. We dive into Jamie's journey from luxury fashion to personal styling, discussing the challenges she faced while building her business during COVID-19 and the realities of entrepreneurship. Jamie shares valuable insights on common wardrobe mistakes, the pros and cons of fast fashion, and the importance of strategic shopping. We also explore post-COVID fashion trends and the significance of the 'third...
Oct 24, 2024•37 min•Ep. 16
There is something about New York Mayor Eric Adams. On this episode of Oddly Specific, Meredith is joined by the iconic Kiki Monique aka The Talk of Shame to delve into the complexities surrounding New York Mayor Eric Adams. They explore his background, political ambitions, and the controversies that have arisen during his tenure, including his recent indictments. The conversation also touches on cultural differences between New York and LA, the culinary landscape, and the nature of political co...
Oct 08, 2024•54 min•Ep. 15
In this episode, I’m joined by Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey to address a crisis that’s been weighing heavily on my mind—how private equity is wreaking havoc on our healthcare system. We’ll explore the fallout from the collapse of Steward Healthcare, a private equity-backed hospital chain that’s left thousands of Massachusetts residents without essential care. Senator Markey and I discuss the heartbreaking stories of staff and patients caught in the crossfire, the urgent need for legislative a...
Sep 26, 2024•25 min•Ep. 14
If you have ever watched tv Nell Scovell has made you laugh. The creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch (TGIF HIVE!), and writer on The Simpsons, Late Night with David Letterman, Charmed, and SO many more Nell paved the way for women breaking into the male dominated world of Hollywood. This week on the pod Nell joins us to discuss her hilarious and honest memoir, Just the Funny Parts that chronicles her experiences in Hollywood, her best writing tips (you need these trust me! I needed them trust m...
Sep 10, 2024•47 min•Ep. 13
You know Billie Lee from her breakout role in the hit Bravo tv series Vandepump Rules, but there is so much more to her than what you saw on the screen. Billie joins me today to chat about her fantastic new book, Why Are You So Sensitive? Navigating Everyday, Unintended Microaggressions. We discuss what microaggressions are and Billie shares how they impacted her experience in the reality tv world. We also admit to making them ourselves, because they happen, and how we can all do better to take ...
Aug 28, 2024•39 min•Ep. 12
Once upon a time Bob Costas arrived at the Olympic bright eyed and bushy tailed only to be faced with the reality of an eye infection that launched a million Facebook posts. We have Meredith Constant in the house to chat all things Bob, Blake Lively, and bad Royal Family PR. Digressions include the Medford Boat Club, Tim Walz, and Texas politics. We will be back real soon with a private equity episode but in the meantime enjoy two Merediths making it happen. Please consider leaving a review for ...
Aug 21, 2024•43 min•Ep. 11
It's a bonus episode at Oddly Specific with comedian Juli Polise. A Jersey princess by birth and LA queen by choice Juli is making her own damn box (Thomas Markle) in the HollyWEIRD comedy scene. Learn about life with a famous influncer mom, why I'm envious of her First Holy Communion fit, and why you should come see us THIS Saturday, August 17th at the Crow in Santa Monica. Buy tix to Laughaholics!! Follow Juli on TikTok and IG Juli...
Aug 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 10
Once upon a time 55 land owning white guys decided how our country was going to vote and it wasn't a great plan. This week on Oddly Specific we welcome Kristin Foster and Jaylon Lambert from Get Loud Arkansas on to the podcast to talk about voting access in Arkansas and how their state has valuable lessons we should all be listening to. Digressions include, my Dad's fear of data mining (VALID), Jessica Simpson: Child Breadwinner, and would James Madison been allowed to rent a car? Linking ya up ...
Jul 31, 2024•47 min•Ep. 9
One of the questions I often get is, what can we do to push back against private equity? My guest this week Brendan Ballou has more than a few concrete ideas. We discuss his book Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America, the PE nursing home crisis, the waiver I had to get to pass college math, and SO much more. Follow Brendan on X Buy Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/when-private-equity-takes-over-nursing-homes-mortality-rates-jump Fo...
Jul 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 8
There are two things that are hot this summer, the concerning temperatures bearing down on the United States, and the WNBA. Both things many have tried to tell you about for years. This week on a surprise drop of Oddly Specific I welcome Shanteona Keys, a WNBA analyst, and host of my new favorite podcast Genuinely Curious. We chat alllll things WNBA, the Olympic selection, the Cailtin Clark of it all, and sound off on the fantastic fashion that is happening. We will be back in about a week with ...
Jul 02, 2024•54 min•Ep. 7
