Straight to the Comments
Straight to the Comments
Do you find yourself jumping Straight to the Comments only to wonder why online threads are so addictive? Join Lisa and Sarah, two longtime friends, as they dissect online comments, discuss pop culture and examine how it impacts their own lives. Straight to the Comments dives head first into both the comedic value and deeper meaning of gossip and why we can’t get enough. This is Gossip without the Guilt. Hosted by 2 Brits abroad, Lisa Williams, a communications consultant living in Oslo, and Sarah Illingworth, a psychology graduate and writer living in Cape Town. Produced by Emily Crosby Media. Fo...
The Return of Reddit Roulette: Secret Money & Trauma Dumping
In the last episode of Season 3, we bring back Reddit Roulette (from Season 1, episode 10) - our mashup of all things Reddit and Chatroulette . We spin the wheel to discuss who the a****** is in a relationship conflict, as well as discussing trauma dumping, how to navigate financial disparity in relationships, and the big topic of boundaries. Are they always healthy, or are they sometimes misused to manipulate and control? We also review this season, and cover some of the topics we’ve been asked
Apr 25, 2024 • 47:50
Elizabeth and Damian Hurley, boundaries and naughty cats
When Damian Hurley released his debut film, "Strictly Confidential," people were shocked that he directed raunchy scenes starring his own mother, Elizabeth Hurley. From critics labelling their relationship as "disturbing" to others dismissing them as mere "publicity hounds," we dissect some of the fierce responses to this erotic thriller and reflect on the discomfort it evokes. In our guessing game, we go into the wild comments around boundaries. Questions for us or comments you want us to rev
Apr 18, 2024 • 25:22
Love, as an older woman: Sam Taylor-Johnson, Kylie Minogue and Drew Barrymore
Cougar, MILF, or even a tragic singleton like 'Bridget Jones', today, we are looking at all the comments used to describe older women when it comes to love and dating. Sam Taylor-Johnson, in the promotion of her new Amy Winehouse film, is facing renewed scrutiny over her marriage to Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is 23 years her junior. We talk about the internet's intense fascination with their relationship. We also examine the concept of 'unlucky in love Kylie,' even as she is riding a career high.
Apr 11, 2024 • 56:34
Rebel's Revelations, Wino Forever and Lizzo Quits?
A year on since we did our "Fatshaming" episode featuring Adele, Rebel Wilson, and Lizzo, we find the three women are once again the centre of attention due to discussions about their weight. With Lizzo announcing she is "quitting" due to body-shaming and Rebel claiming in her new memoir "Rebel Rising" that Adele "hates her" because they were both plus-sized women in the entertainment industry, we dive into the online reactions to these unfolding stories. But first, we start with our comment gue
Apr 4, 2024 • 35:20
“My Emotional Truth”: The Case of Hasan Minhaj, Prince Harry and Jay Shetty
Since Oprah brought self-help and therapy speak into the mainstream, more and more people have been talking about “speaking my truth” over telling the truth. From Prince Harry to Britney Spears, the celebrity memoir has often been sold as the chance to read their “personal truths”. But what does this really mean? And are there different types of truth? When Hasan Minhaj was called out by the New Yorker for lying, he defended himself by claiming “emotional truths” were more important than facts.
Mar 28, 2024 • 50:05
Meghan Markle’s new brand launch and is Temu stalking us all?
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is back with the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Today, we are examining the mixed (putting it mildly) reactions to her launch, particularly the responses to The Cut’s Instagram post, questioning the timing of her launch. Did Meghan really deliberately time her launch to divert attention from Kate Middleton? What exactly is her new brand and who is her target audience? Also, Sarah tries to guess which company is stalking Lisa online (maybe
Mar 21, 2024 • 31:37
Who do you think you are? The transformation of Geri Halliwell
From her iconic Union Jack dress and Girl Power persona to her current all-white dress code and role as the “devoted wife”, today we are exploring the online reactions to Geri Halliwell’s transformation. Has she really abandoned her working class roots by “marrying up”, or is this just part of growing up and evolving? And are commenters justified in questioning her authenticity and “girl power” values, based on rumours she may have ‘stolen’ her husband? We also touch on what Saltburn has to say
Mar 14, 2024 • 45:15
Our situation with the Daily Mail, plus comments about International Women’s Day
Right in time for International Women’s Day and our one year anniversary, the Daily Mail launches a new podcast, called "Straight to the Comments!" - fronted by 2 young male presenters. We go into it in today’s episode. Plus, we have our comments guessing game about a funny topic and discuss the importance of Women’s Day in 2024. How much has changed in the past year? How much more needs to be done? And does it really make a difference? Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love
Mar 7, 2024 • 30:25
Health Conspiracy Theories: Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez & Jamie Foxx
Today, we are discussing the internet's relentless speculation surrounding Kate Middleton's recent surgery announcement. From genuine concern to mind-bending conspiracy theories, we explore the reactions to this news. We also investigate the trend of celebrities, like Selena Gomez, openly discussing their medical issues. On the flip side, we delve into Jamie Foxx's decision to keep his health matters private, leading to significant medical speculation, even claims of cloning. We ask: Why do some
Feb 29, 2024 • 43:52
Jodie Foster vs Gen Z, Plato and Justin Timberlake's no-apology
Welcome back to Season 3's first Mini! We're kicking things off with our comment guessing game, a topic that we believe will stir up strong emotions among Gen Xers (and perhaps even millennials). Then, we'll dive into Justin Timberlake's no-apology stance on the Britney Spears drama and explore the phenomenon of apology tours. Finally, we'll wrap it all up with our crazy celebrity predictions. Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing sto
Feb 22, 2024 • 25:24
Criminals as Celebrities: Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Anna Delvey
Today, we are exploring the "celebrification" of criminals in the age of social media, particularly that of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Anna Delvey. Gypsy Rose Blanchard, recently released from prison for the murder of her mother, and Anna Delvey, a con-artist currently under house arrest in New York, have become prime examples of how criminals can now capitalise on their notoriety in the digital era. Whereas historically, a criminal might be jailed, do their time, and disappear from the public rad
Feb 15, 2024 • 51:03
Our 2024 Predictions
Happy New Year! It’s almost the end of 2023, and we are talking today about our predictions for 2024. Will we see a rise in deepfake content? Will Barbie dominate Oppenheimer at the Oscars? Will it be the end of superhero films? What happened to Brie Larson? We also discuss what we cannot wait to see in 2024. Plus, possibly the worst idea for a music festival ever. Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stories you have found. Send them
Dec 28, 2023 • 29:40
Christmas Special: Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Madonna, Alice Evans and Zac Efron
We have a jam-packed, tinsel-draped Christmas bonanza episode for you today. We're talking about the cult of Taylor Swift, why Swedish fans were left cold by Beyoncé, and Madonna's big tour comeback. We also have an update on Alice Evans, who recently stated she might have to work at Starbucks to make ends meet after her divorce from Ioan Gruffudd. Plus, we discuss the reactions to Zac Efron getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which were all about his new face. We ask why are good lo
Dec 21, 2023 • 42:30
Conspicuous Consumption at Christmas: From Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian
'Tis the season for Instagram-perfect Christmas posts, and today we're focusing on Kate Hudson and Kim Kardashian, who love to showcase their picture-perfect holiday celebrations. But why do their extravagant displays often spark comments calling them out of touch and vain? Join us in this episode as we unravel the allure of conspicuous consumption during Christmas, exploring the deeper meaning behind the festive season and questioning whether the pursuit of perfection on social media reflects
Dec 14, 2023 • 46:27
Update: The Case of James Corden & Ellen plus Drew Barrymore and Kelly Clarkson
Before we return in December with our Christmas specials, enjoy a re-run of our most popular episode of 2023, 'When the Mask Skips: The Case of James Corden & Ellen.' We introduce the episode with the latest news about James Corden's new SiriusXM radio job and break down some of the online reactions. Also, we ask why have we seen the downfall of so many TV presenters this year. Can even TV's new relatable faces like Drew Barrymore and Kelly Clarkson live up to their everywoman magic? Join us
Nov 16, 2023 • 1:04:41
Cosy Murder, Riot Rose, and a Government Run by Ocean’s 11.
In this week’s mini, we’re talking reboots and “cosy murder mysteries”. A massively popular genre, but can rebooting classics ever really capture the magic, and is this a place for AI to be put to use? We're also shimmying down the rabbit hole of Celebrity baby names, and what people are saying about Rihanna’s latest baby name: creative and cool or something that the kids will regret later on? Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing stor
Nov 9, 2023 • 20:10
The Dark Side of a Former Golden Boy: Justin Timberlake
Last week, Justin Timberlake apparently turned off the comments on his Instagram because of the "hateful, disgusting things people were saying". The once golden boy has become the target of one of the biggest backlashes we've seen since starting the podcast. With the release of Britney Spears' book, 'The Woman in Me,' we're investigating why he's facing this reckoning. Did the superstar have it too good for too long? Did he really claw his way to mega-stardom at the expense of others
Nov 2, 2023 • 42:08
The Rise of AI Girlfriends, Your 40s and a Christmas Fantasy
Today in our mini-episode, we are talking about the rise of AI girlfriends and the idea of creating a "dream partner" that fulfills all desires. We explore how these virtual partners are being promoted primarily as adult entertainment and their potential long-term effects on both men and women. That’s not all, we are also talking about Sarah turning the big 4-0 and how life can begin again at this age.
Oct 26, 2023 • 17:52
Celebrity Witch Accusations: From Emma Watson to Beyoncé
The comment sections have been bubbling for years with claims that certain celebrities are secretly witches and are embracing the dark arts. But why? In this episode, we explore the modern-day concept of witches, from the rise of WitchTok to Emma Watson celebrating her 'coven.' Why are so many powerful women, from JLo, Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks to Kylie, accused of being involved in witchcraft and Illuminati activities? Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your quest
Oct 19, 2023 • 40:53
Classified information, lawsuits and Tom Cruise
This week's mini tackles 'the most important story ever,' which involves David Grush and allegations of government cover-ups. We also go into the recent fallout between the Sounds Like A Cult podcast hosts, Amanda Montell and Isa Medina. What caused Amanda to sue her co-host for half a million dollars? And last but certainly not least, we explore the prospect of a Tom Cruise theme park… Questions for us or comments you want us to review? We love answering your questions and analysing st
Oct 12, 2023 • 23:08
Goth Girl vs. Scream Queens: From Jenna Ortega to Kim Kardashian
Join us as we delve into the dark side of comments in our Halloween specials throughout October. Today, we explore the incredible rise of Jenna Ortega, from her role in the classic slasher franchise Scream to her viral performance in Tim Burton's Wednesday. Vogue has called Ortega the ultimate 'new-age goth girl,' but is this revival merely about fashion, or does it hint at something more sinister? On the other end of the spectrum, we explore the allure of the Horror Vixen, with Kim Kardashian's
Oct 5, 2023 • 42:28
Florence Pugh’s sheer dress backlash and is the BBC worth it?
This week in our mini-episode, Sarah tries to guess the comments to a big ongoing story. Then, we answer your questions, including Florence Pugh's daring red-carpet fashion choices and reminisce about the 90s trend of see-through dresses (remember that Kate Moss dress?). We also talk about overpaid stars and what Kim Kardashian's next career move could be… Join us over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5* review on Spotify and a review
Sep 28, 2023 • 18:42
Playing the Victim: The Case of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
This week, we are talking about the breakup of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner and the PR wars that started even before the divorce papers were filed. The media started publishing an onslaught of rumours from “sources” close to Jonas, painting him as the victim in the relationship, and Turner as a runaway mother and wannabe party-girl. But not everyone is buying it. On social media some commenters have pushed back by calling out misogyny and mum-shaming in the media narratives surrounding the Game o
Sep 21, 2023 • 35:16
Introducing our Minis! School Stationery, Elon Musk and Etiquette
Introducing "Straight to the Comments Minis," our new series of bite-sized episodes that will drop in between our regular deep-dive episodes. Join us this week as we go back to 80s and 90s school and talk stationery, school uniforms, and whether Sarah actually was in a school or a secret monastery. Also, Lisa tries to guess from some comments, which story Sarah is talking about in our “out of context” guessing game and she gets it all wrong. Plus, we make our crazy celebrity predictions. Want to
Sep 14, 2023 • 18:24
Trophy Wives: The Case of Kevin Costner and Kanye West
Dive into the world of Trophy Wives with us this week. From the iconic Krystal Carrington in Dynasty to TikTok's latest obsession with #TrophyWifeGoals, we're unpacking the concept and asking the question: Is it ever ok to call someone a Trophy Wife? We go through lots of reactions to Kevin Costner's divorce drama with his estranged "trophy" second wife, Christine Baumgartner. We'll uncover their intense battles over child support, prenuptial agreements, and jaw-dropping plastic surgery expenses
Sep 7, 2023 • 42:45
The Case of Karen Hunting
The idea of being a “Karen” has become a major phenomenon in the last few years. From viral videos, halloween costumes, a movie, and themed diners it has become a term that is widely used. In this episode we’re trying to untangle - what does it really mean to be called a Karen? And why are so many people fixated on viral videos showcasing Karen behaviour? Since it first emerged, the Karen meme seems to have morphed and taken on a life of its own. So much so that content creators appear to
Aug 25, 2023 • 46:21
Not a Woman’s Woman? The Case of Ariana Grande and Megan Fox
Ariana Grande was recently called “not a girl’s girl” by Lily Jay, the estranged wife of her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, after finding herself embroiled in the middle of their messy breakup. But what is a girl’s girl or a woman’s woman? What is it about some women that rubs other women up the wrong way? And is it just jealousy? This week we’re diving into the current backlash towards Ariana, and the ongoing accusations that Megan Fox doesn’t appeal to women. We’re going to be breaking down the
Aug 10, 2023 • 40:23
Barbie: The Nostalgia We Need or Another Agenda?
Today, we are undressing the layers of Barbie glitter and hype to explore what is really going on with her monumental comeback. Is this Barbie revival the nostalgic tonic we need, or simply a last-ditch attempt to resuscitate the Barbie brand from a bygone era? Can she ever really be a feminist icon? We talk about Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken, Margot Robbie's casting as Barbie, and the influence of "Legally Blonde," "Sex and the City," and even "Playboy" on the Barbie brand. We'll also be exa
Jul 27, 2023 • 47:17
Are Gossip Blinds Dangerous? From Hollywood Secrets to BBC Scandals
Today, we're diving into the world of blind gossip. Rumours that keep you guessing, but never reveal the subject's true identity. During last week’s anonymous BBC sex pic scandal a frenzy of online speculation included a range of well-known names, including Gary Lineker and Jeremy Vine, until Huw Edwards was publicly named. We’re also going to be looking at other anonymous accusations such as Ulrika Jonsson and John Leslie. Plus, we discuss the phenomenal rise of Gossip Blinds on social media,
Jul 20, 2023 • 42:04
The Dark Allure of Tragedy: The Case of the Titan Sub Disaster
The world was gripped when OceanGate’s Titan submersible went missing on its descent to visit the Titanic wreck. Fuelled by relentless 24/7 news coverage, the internet went into overdrive with mocking memes and ‘eat the rich’ jokes at the expense of the 5 wealthy passengers, while a full-scale rescue mission was under way. With billions of views online, the Titan became the subject of what people were describing as "disaster voyeurism," with even calls for the Titanic film director James Camero
Jul 6, 2023 • 37:21
Entertainment or Porn? From HBO’s The Idol to OnlyFans
And we're back! This week, we're exploring the increasingly blurred lines between entertainment and porn, diving into the critical reactions surrounding HBO's show, "The Idol," and the controversial social media app, OnlyFans. The Idol, featuring Lily Rose Depp and The Weeknd, and directed by Sam Levinson, has been promoted by HBO as a "revelatory take on the cult of the music industry." Yet all the internet is talking about is that the show seems to perpetuate a toxic male fantasy, raising ques
Jun 22, 2023 • 48:18
Bonus episode 2: Online Mobs and Hate Scrolling - Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby and Lizzo
Today in Part 2 of our Straight to the Comments Bonus Special, we explore the dark side of social media and the growing trend of hate scrolling. From how Lizzo has been pushed to the edge with more Twitter put-downs to the media storm around Phillip Schofield. We also discuss how we handled our own mini-online backlash to one of our episodes. We ask why is there so much hostility online? Why do people feel the need to be right at all costs? And what is the psychology behind a pile-on? Plus, we c
Jun 9, 2023 • 34:44
Bonus episode 1: Living Abroad and The Power of Second Acts
Season 2 of Straight to the Comments is returning on June 22nd. In the meantime, we have prepared two special bonus episodes, and today we're excited to share Part 1 with you. Join us as we discuss why we started the podcast and reflect on some of the issues covered in Season 1, including fat-shaming and ageing. We also share our personal stories of living abroad—Sarah in rural Australia and Cape Town, and Lisa in Oslo, Norway. And discuss how we have confronted self doubt and discovered the pow
Jun 8, 2023 • 48:57
Introducing Teen People, a podcast by Anna Soper
While we're taking a short break, we're excited to introduce you to another podcast we know you're going to love - In the year 2000, Teen People magazine's publisher said, "We make celebrities real, and real teens celebrities." The magazine (a spinoff of People) saw their readers as influencers. They scouted them as models, printed their poetry and selfies, and gave young journalists some of their first professional bylines. Teen People printed their teenage contributors' full names, ages and lo
May 25, 2023 • 1:48
JLo and ’The One’: The Case of Selling the Romantic Ideal
Jennifer Lopez is undeniably a megastar - she sings, she dances, she acts and has multiple product lines. But a big part of her story has been her very public love life. The rekindling of her romance with Ben Affleck has been touted as a perfect example of the long awaited ‘happy ever after’. However, not everyone is buying it, especially as this isn’t the first time the self-confessed ‘love addict’ has been what they call ‘loved up’. This week, as JLo promotes her latest film The Mother
May 18, 2023 • 48:39
Pedro Pascal as the Internet’s ‘Daddy’: Harmless Fun or Going Too Far?
Pedro Pascal is riding a career-high with The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, but it is his newfound status as the "Internet's Daddy" and even “Cool Slutty Daddy” that has everyone talking. From playful memes to increasingly graphic thirst tweets, it seems all that anyone, including the mainstream media, wants to discuss with him - becoming the go-to question on red carpets or in interviews. In this week’s episode, we are discussing where does appreciating male sexuality end and objectification
May 11, 2023 • 44:37
Reddit Roulette: Exploring Online Secrecy and Confessions
The internet is filled to the brim with comments on every topic imaginable. So, this week, we are spinning the wheel and seeing where we end up in the internet's famous platform, Reddit, with our very own “Reddit Roulette”. To us, Reddit is still a bit of a mystery, and we were curious to discover why it is considered the most influential yet least known internet forum. With every spin, we will explore a new group comment thread from ‘Am I the Asshole’ to ‘Ask me Anything’, and uncover the site
May 4, 2023 • 47:07
When the Mask Slips: The Case of James Corden and Ellen
As James Corden says goodbye to the Late Late Show, we take a look at the recent spate of controversies he’s found himself in. From the Balthazar restaurant incident to accusations of obnoxious and demeaning behaviour, we look behind his ‘cheeky chappy’ public persona to the avalanche of comments online. Similarly, Ellen, who built her brand on kindness, faced accusations of creating a toxic work environment and being the “meanest person alive”, leading to her daytime talk show being cance
Apr 27, 2023 • 50:24
Magic or Mayhem? How Harry Potter, Hollywood and Instagram Are Changing Historic Places
Our recent trip to Sarah's hometown in the historic city of York had us under its spell in more ways than one. Whilst wandering through its charming cobblestone streets, we noticed a real change in tourism. From the medieval street in York now overrun by Harry Potter themed shops, to accusations of Edinburgh becoming ‘Disney Town’, we’re discussing whether the effect of Hollywood on historic locations has gone too far. We’re also looking at how Instagram and Social Media are influencing our tra
Apr 19, 2023 • 48:02
Wellness or Quackery? The Case of Gwyneth & Goop
For over a decade, Gwyneth Paltrow has been the spokeswoman for ‘wellness’ at the helm of her $250 million dollar empire - Goop. However she regularly finds herself under accusations of monetising pseudoscience, misinformation and quackery. Recent controversies, including the ‘Almond mum’ backlash, and ‘ski trial of the century’, have reignited these conversations So what is wellness? Is it empowering or exploitative? And where does Goop fall on this spectrum? Join us on a journey through $2000
Apr 6, 2023 • 50:41
The Business of Baby Bumps: From Rihanna to Paris Hilton
We've all come across online stories speculating whether a celebrity is pregnant or not based on her clothing choices, or how she is holding her bag, but have you ever wondered why we as a society are so obsessed with fertility and "baby bumps"? In this episode, we’re diving into the online comments and analysing the reactions to all things ‘bump’. From Rihanna’s recent Super Bowl pregnancy reveal, to Paris Hilton’s surrogacy announcement, and Beyonce’s fake pregnancy conspiracy, we’re examining
Mar 29, 2023 • 39:58
I’m Not Sorry: The Case of Madonna and Women Ageing
After the online storm over Madonna’s “new face” at the Grammys, we’re discussing whether the accusations of ageism and misogyny levelled by Madonna are true. Amid this backlash she’s been compared to stars who have been deemed to be ageing gracefully, such as Helen Mirren, Emma Thompson and Jamie Lee Curtis. But what do people actually mean when they talk about ageing gracefully? And do women become invisible once they turn 45? In today’s episode, we are tackling botox and plastic surgery, the
Mar 23, 2023 • 41:37
Oscars 2023: All the Comments, Everywhere, All at Once
This week we're caught up in Oscars fever and diving into the comments about this year's awards. After last year's drama, we are reviewing the most talked about moments and asking, have the Oscars finally recaptured their magic? We discuss the comeback four - Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis - and why everyone in the online multiverse is catching emotions seeing outsiders win. Plus we will be looking at some odd viral moments, including that awkward Hugh Grant and Ash
Mar 16, 2023 • 37:01
Fat Shaming: The Case of Lizzo, Adele and Rebel Wilson
In this episode we’re jumping into the conversations people have about bigger bodies and exploring how women such as Lizzo, Adele and Rebel Wilson have been caught in the glare of fat-shaming. From the body positivity movement to accusations of promoting obesity, join us as we discuss why so many of us have such strong emotional reactions to fat, and ask are bigger bodies finally acceptable? Episode transcript here. Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ Website: Podcast
Mar 9, 2023 • 45:34
The Right Kind of Wronged Woman: The Case of Alice Evans and Jennifer Aniston
It seems that everyone loves a celebrity break-up, and the messier the better. But why are we so fascinated by celebrity relationships and taking sides? In this episode we’re going to be looking at the reactions to Alice Evans and Jennifer Aniston’s respective breakups and asking is there such a thing as the right kind of wronged woman? Episode transcript here. Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2tcpodcast/ Website: Podcast | Straight To The Comments Podcast If you like the show
Mar 2, 2023 • 49:03
The Outcry Over Nepo Babies: From Lily-Rose Depp to Corporate Life
New York Magazine declared 2022 the Year of the Nepo Baby. But what exactly is a Nepo Baby? Is this really a new phenomenon? And why are we suddenly so obsessed with them? Welcome to episode 1 of Straight to the Comments, where we have reviewed many many comments relating to Nepo Babies to try to discover where the fascination comes from and what it means for us all. From the celebrity children taking over HBO, to giving jobs to family and friends at work - join us as we take our first wild ride
Mar 2, 2023 • 41:16