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theSkimm•www.theskimm.com

A sports podcast that does what theSkimm does best: provide championship takes and breakdowns of the biggest stories you care about most. Finally, there’s a show dedicated to treating sports like the bingeable reality TV they actually are.

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Episodes

Is Travis Scott to Blame for the Astroworld Tragedy?

What was supposed to be a celebration of music and the city of Houston turned deadly at Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival earlier this month. Ten people died after a crowd surge, and hundreds more were injured. Inevitably, people are looking for someone to blame — and Travis Scott is the most obvious target. But it’s more complicated than you might think. You’ll hear from: Joey Guerra, music critic for the Houston Chronicle J. Christopher Hamilton, entertainment attorney, author and professor a...

Nov 16, 2021•35 min

Will Britney Spears Finally Be Free?

For years, the #FreeBritney movement has put a spotlight on the conservatorship pop princess Britney Spears has been living under for more than a decade. In a scathing testimony earlier this year, Spears made it clear that she wants out of the legal arrangement. This week, a judge may deliver a decision about the conservatorship that could change Britney Spears’ future and the way we think about disability rights. You’ll hear from: Bianca Betancourt, culture editor for Harper's Bazaar Brittany S...

Nov 09, 2021•33 min

What J Balvín’s "Perra" Tells Us About Racism in Reggaeton

Reggaeton superstar J Balvín is in hot water over the video for his song "Perra." Critics say its portrayal of Afro-Latino people as dogs is racist and demeaning. J Balvín apologized and removed the video, but the controversy is stirring up a debate about long-standing racism and colorism in Latinx entertainment. After that, we’ve got all the details on a royal wedding that’s sparked protests in Japan. You’ll hear from: Isabela Raygoza - Latin music curator for Soundcloud. Freelance music critic...

Nov 02, 2021•29 min

What’s Going On at Netflix

There’s a lot happening at Netflix. Its South Korean show “Squid Game” became a surprise hit, and then it sparked controversy with a Dave Chappelle special many of its own employees called out as transphobic. “The Closer” and “Squid Game” might not seem to have much in common — other than being the most talked about things on Netflix right now. But they both represent big swings for the world’s biggest streaming platform, and it’s not clear if they’re going to be home runs. You’ll hear from: Zoe...

Oct 26, 2021•35 min

Why We're Still Obsessed with Space

Our obsession with space travel has always gone hand in hand with pop culture. And now that space is more accessible than ever, Hollywood has its sights set on a new, way more expansive studio. You’ll hear from: Dr. Teasel Muir Harmony, curator of the Apollo Spacecraft Collection, professor at Georgetown University and author of Apollo to the Moon: A History in 50 Objects. Swapna Krishna, journalist covering space, tech, and pop culture at outlets such as Engadget, StarTrek.com, The Verge, and m...

Oct 19, 2021•34 min

The Unravelling of Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj still has the kind of starpower that can hijack a news cycle with a few tweets. Has she been using it to silence the voice of a woman her husband was arrested for assaulting? You’ll hear from: Dr. Jameta Barlow, community health psychologist and an assistant professor of writing at The George Washington University Carmen Alvarez, the bookstagrammer behind the @tomesandtextiles Instagram page. She recommends “Gods of Jade and Shadow” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Donna Johnson, the booksta...

Oct 12, 2021•40 min

Coming soon: Pop Cultured with theSkimm

A PSA for the pop-culture obsessed: If you’re wading into this sea of TikTok videos, internet outrage, and celebrity news, you’re gonna want to bring us along. Welcome to Pop Cultured with theSkimm — the show that breaks down the stories you can’t stop thinking about. Coming October 12, with fresh episodes every Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 08, 2021•2 min

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