Low Culture Boil

In this ep Amber talks to Rax about her sobriety and her new collection of essays Sloppy Or: Doing It All Wrong PREORDER IT NOW! Like before you finish this sentence. They catch up as usual, get resentful about resentments and there is a special guest at the very end, because she woke up from her nap early. Look out for Amber's next gripe zone about her daughter hogging the mic.

Gay Florida novelist Kristen Arnett joins Rax and Amber to talk about retirement communities in the Sunshine State, of which there are 8 in Kristen's immediate vicinity alone! What are the environmental and social impacts of importing seniors by the thousands to live on island time in Florida? Also, what the hell is "NYPD Pizza"?

In this ep Amber and Rax talk about the 2017 animated film The Boss Baby. But before that they talk about baby botox, how music is a drug and everything that has ever happened to them. PS: I'm sorry it took me (Amber) forever to edit this one.

In this whirlwind ep Rax and Amber talk to Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya about construction, revenge and boos baby. They also eventually get to talk about Kayla's piece for Autostraddle "We Went to Every Dyke Bar in NYC in One Day" that she wrote with Drew Burnett Gregory and which we highly recommend! If you listen to the whole ep you will get to hear about all the lesbian bars they visited and the Shyamalan-like twist at the end, they were the lesbian bars all along, no it's not that, but it kinda is. Also, if you listen to the end, you will hear the insistent babbles of Amber's baby. Remember, bars are about the people you are in them with and feminism is about pissing wherever you want.

Josh Gondelman (comedian, friend of the pod, and official Boston correspondent) joins us once again to talk about Boston's finest, Ben Affleck. Why is he so grim and does it have anything to do with that incredible phoenix tattoo?

Don't call it a comeback, actually you totally can, that's what it is. Amber and Rax are back to talk about the most important cultural event happening right now, that's right, we're talking about Red Lobster filing for bankruptcy. We just had to come back from hiatus to look into this because something about the headlines smelled...shrimpy. Of course before we get to that we spend about half the podcast catching up, and after we spend a third of the podcast griping, so you get like a quarter or something (we don't do math) of Red Lobster content. Which is all you really need because it's a story as old as time. But if you want to read more about it we (Rax) read these articles, Amber read Rax's outline: The forgotten racial history of Red Lobster - Nathaniel Meyersohn for CNN Red Lobster, an American Seafood Institution, Files for Bankruptcy - Ali Watkins for NYT Red Lobster and Waffles - Jordan Lebeau, NYT The Fishy Death of Red Lobster - Emily Stewart, Business Insider If Red Lobster dies, part of me will, too - John Semley, Toronto Star

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Rax and author Elyssa Maxx Goodman discuss drag from 17th century kabuki theater to RuPaul's Drag Race and pandemic-born Zoom drag shows, all as told in Elyssa's forthcoming book "Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York"! The book comes out on 9/12 and is a must-read for anyone who loves, duh, glitter and concrete.

Amber and Rax chat about another 90s classic, Rugrats! This weird looking show about babies getting into shenanigans was the first cartoon with truly multigenerational appeal. It first aired in 1991 and we're here to say, it still slaps. Shoutout to listener Rachel Feingersh for the topic suggestion! Sources: The Oral History Of 'Nicktoons', Part III: Exploring The Multigenerational Appeal Of 'Rugrats' (Caseen Gaines and Mathew Klickstein, Decider, 2016) Talk About a Baby Boom (Paul Brownfield, LA Times, 1998) When Grownups Let Children Have a Say (Laurie Midflin, NYT, 1997) 'Rugrats' Creative Force (Rugrats Writers, LA Times, 1996) You Dumb Babies! (Mimi Swartz, The New Yorker, 1998)

Amber and Rax talk about one of their favorites, Eve Babitz. The LA Woman, the groupie, the muse, the artist, the author and ultimately the star. IYKYK, if you don't, listen. Info for this ep comes from: The "Sex and Rage" of Eve Babitz (Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 2017) Eve Babitz, a Hedonist With a Notebook, is Dead at 78 (Penelope Green, NYT, 2021) How Eve Babitz Saw Herself (Kevin Dettmar, The Atlantic, 2022) and of course Hollywood's Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A. by Lili Anolik, 2019

Rax and Amber dive into RV history and culture, touching on the development of the National Parks Service and the USPS along the way. We wouldn't even have the Margaritaville RV Resort if not for the Postal Service!

Amber and Rax (btw love how we write these in the 3rd person like we have a fancy producer, it's just us) anyway, Amber and Rax (definitely not us) talked about the Goosebumps books series and it's superstar author R.L. Stine. The series is known for getting boys into reading, and being despised by adults and critics, which is how you knew it was cool. Listener beware, you're in for a scare, not really, just some fun facts and opinions on children's books. Amber got most of the information in today's pod from this book! What's So Scary About R. L. Stine (Patrick Stones, 1998) Also some good stuff in these articles and interviews: Proposed Goosebumps Ban is Misguided (Coney Kingrey, Biz Journals, 1997) Giving 11 Year Olds Nightmares Since 1992 (Katy Waldman, Slate, 2012) R.L. Stine Explains How He Managed to Publish One Goosebumps Book a Month (Ryan Buxton, Huffington Post, 2014) 'I Never Wanted To Be Scary': An Interview With R L Stine (Chris Plante, The Verge, 2015) R.L. Stine's Top 13 Writing Tips (Bobby Powers, Writing Cooperative, 2021)

Rax and Amber sort of can't believe they've never talked about Goop before, so here it is! Tune in to learn about some of Goop's most insane recommendations, among other things.

In this ep Amber and Rax talk about the video rental store that killed all other video rental stores, Blockbuster. We look back now with nostalgia at the time when we went to a physical Blockbuster before it was ruined by Netflix, but we forget that they were once the bad guy taking out independent video rental stores. We forget that Netflix was once the new kid on the block taking down big bad Blockbuster and their late fees. So the question is, now that Netflix is the big bad guy, who's going to take them out? Maybe it will be NPC tiktoks streamers? Probably not that, but something new will come and Netflix needs to remember that history repeats itself. Oh, for all you article heads, here are the pieces we referenced: Viral TikTok NPC Streamer Pinkydoll Doesn't Care What You Think (Samantha Coke, Motherboard, July 17 2023) https://www.vice.com/en/article/4a3ny9/viral-tiktok-npc-streamer-pinkydoll-doesnt-care-what-you-think Why Hit Movies AreCalled Blockbusters (Olivia B Waxman, Time Magazine, 2020) https://time.com/5776406/blockbuster-meaning/ Blockbuster: The Rise and Fall of the Movie Rental Store and What Happened to the Brand (Frank Olito and Alex Bitter, Business Insider, April 24 2023) https://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-of-blockbuster?amp Is Blockbuster Video About To Make A Comeback? (Stuart Heritage, The Guardian Mar 23 2023) https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/mar/23/is-blockbuster-video-about-to-make-a-comeback

We're baaaaaack! Amber and Rax catch up after a much needed break and chat about the most American foods they can think of. First they chat about the food of the gods, ambrosia salad, you might know it as green stuff or even watergate salad. How did we start mixing cool whip with fruit and coconut and why is it so gooood?! We also chat about micorwave cooking for singles, equally American. Rax wrote a piece for slate where she cooked a holiday meal in the microwave and learned the magic of how to adjust the levels. And for you article heads here are the pieces we read for to learn about fluff salad: Claudia McNeilly, Why ambrosia salad is the forgotten holiday dish that deserves our attention, National Post Jenny McGruther, Fresh Ambrosia Salad, Nourished Kitchen Mrs. Barringer (no first name), Dixie Cookery or How I Managed My Table For 12 Years Ellen Gutoskey, Jell-O Journalism: Investigating the Origins of Watergate Salad, Mental Floss

Rax and Sean KB of the Antifada host another episode of Sean and Rax's Movie Corner Or Whatever We Decide To Call It, this time about the History Channel's flagship reality TV program "Alone."

In today's installment of Sean And Rax's Movie Corner Or Whatever We Decide To Call It, Rax talks to the Antifada's Sean KB about every media goober's favorite prestige dramedy, Succession! Plus, an announcement!

Amber made Rax watch one of the worst movies of all time, Mac and Me and she was not happy about it. So Amber told her the story of how this product placement ET rip off was made. Brought to you by the same producer as Karate Kid! It was supposed to be for the children, it ended up being for nobody but Paul Rudd.

Rax and Amber dive into the insane history of America's favorite blonde with the help of M. Lord's Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll. If you've ever wondered whether there's a real psychopathic reason that Barbie doesn't have nipples, tune in!

Amber & Rax did a special video episode to talk about the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards. They both agree there should be more slaps and less beige carpet at The Oscars. They also talk about the history of the awards ceremony and how it was made to keep Hollywood talent from unionizing. Check out the youtube video here!

Rax talks to Amber about the classic 90s TV show, Unsolved Mysteries, which is basically Rescue 911 minus the rescue. They solved all the mysteries, the husband did it. Well, they didn't solve the UFO ones, still waiting for the government on that. Around here we like our mysteries solved and our FOs identified. Get on it, government! They also talk about the true crime genre and how they are not pivoting but probably should.

Amber chats with Mallory Young (creator of Dirt Children) about their first ever Monster Jam. They loved it, immediately considered themselves experts and will now teach you all about it. It's pretty simple, Monster Jam is basically gymnastics or horse dancing, but with trucks. Also, Monster Mutt is the best truck to ever exist.

Waffle House rules, both as a restaurant and as a hub for insane crimes that people wouldn't dare commit anywhere else. Rax and Amber share their hash brown orders and discuss Waffle House's FEMA readiness and diner-themed record label in today's free episode.

Thank you to the listeners who suggested Riverdale! We love it! The fashion, the bold lips, and the DRAMA. Also, we would kill for a malt at Pop's Diner. Did you know in an alternate universe it could have starred Louis CK as an Archie from the future? Yeah, thank god that didn't happen. Speaking of God, before we get into Riverdale we talk about Amber's experience going to church last week and how mushrooms should take over human civilization.

This ep is a real treat! Come hear about the classic British Carry On films, they made 31 of them so they must be great! Phoebe Roy and Milo Edwards, our UK correspondents, and hosts of Masters of Our Domain Pod, came on LCB to help us understand these bawdy films. We focused on Carry On Camping, the movie where 90 year olds play 40 year olds and 40 year olds play teenagers, it's a romp!

Come listen to our podcast, where we talk about how we don't get why podcasts are so popular for the first 10 mins! After we get over that hurdle we talk about Baywatch, the most popular show in the world in the 90s. Honestly, this should still be the most popular show in the world, it is action packed, full of butt montages and super dumb, we love it!

We can't believe we haven't covered Mac & Cheese before! The dish that finally opened Rax's cold child heart to cheese. Amber and Rax finally get into it, and they are in person so they wear their best Mac outfits. Check out the YouTube vid (https://youtu.be/vstTLgtbpPk) to see what that means. We talk about the history, the ways to eat it and foot doctors. CORRECTION: Matt likes his Kraft without milk, not without butter.

Amber is joined by Tony Boswell of Minion Death Cult and Matt Christman of Chapo Trap House to talk about Minions, the famous little yellow guys! Why do they have those goggles? Why are right wing boomers obsessed with them? Can we harness their power for good? Who are their creator's lawyers? If we learned anything in this ep it's that Pierre Coffin needs better lawyers.

Join Rax and Amber in telling the tale of those eight crazy nights that are Hanukkah/Chanukkah/Khanike/but not Hanuka, ever, because that's just plain bad vibes!

From high class luncheons to working class lunch counters, there is no denying, the PB&J is for boss bitches. It was invented by Julia Davis Chandler, though nobody gives her the credit she deserves. We also have John Harvey Kellogg to thank, for telling women they shouldn't eat meat products or masturbate. No matter which way you slice it, the PB&J has a rich and creamy history.

Amber and Rax talk about the social network that connects and divides thanksgiving tables everywhere, Facebook. Why is Facebook beef so juicy? Are boomers' minds safe on the internet? And what do zoomers do to humiliate themselves now that they don't need to tell their aunts when "it's complicated"?

The girls are joined by prodigal father Jake Aron (now of American Prestige) and friend of the pod Summer Nazif (of Twitter and Ramadan soap operas episode fame) to discuss the fascinating train wreck that is Netflix's Dubai Bling. Have you ever considered having another baby so your husband will buy you a house with more closets? This show might be for you!

The one where we chat about piercing history and how a lot of it was made up by a BDSM "practitioner" who went by the name Doug Malloy. Even if his stories were false, he had a true impact on the perception of piercing in modern western culture. If you want to learn more about the true history of piercing and how to safely get pierced, definitely check out The Piercing Bible: The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing by Elayne Angel.

Is tanning addiction real? Is it possible to spray-tan without looking like one of those guys who ate too many carrots? How do you get a tan stomach? No, seriously, how, because Rax and Amber never cracked it as lifelong tanning devotees, and now they want to pivot to "tan stomachs with belly button rings," the as-yet-undefeated best look ever devised.

To celebrate the end of spooky season Amber and Rax talked about one of their favorite all time favorite authors, Shirley Jackson. In fact, one of Rax and Amber's first conversations was about Jackson and what a great writer she is. They talk about her overly critical mom and her literary critic husband, both who trapped her in roles she didn't fit in. They also talked about email spam, which is a new fun way to write for revenge.

Rax and Amber are joined by British Trash Correspondent Phoebe Roy (of 10,000 Posts Pod and Masters of Our Domain) to talk about THEE British action hero, Jason Statham, from his diving career to Phoebe's theory that he's secretly Jewish.

Amber and Rax dive into the world of alternative, substitute, clone, plant based and nut milks. Mmmmm nut milk. Despite what you may think these milks have been around for centuries. But there are definitely milk trends, listen to hear us get into it, and also Panera for some reason!

Obviously, Rax and Amber both love Vin Diesel, but did you know he's more than just the bald noggin behind all of cinema history's most deep-voiced line reads? From his first acting job at age 7 to the struggles of being known for an action hero's physique, we dive into all things Vin, including where the name comes from.

If you ever find yourself in Northern Georgia and want a fun and trippy experience check out Babyland General Hospital where the Cabbage Patch Kids are born. In this episode Amber talks to two of her best friends, and Babyland General Hospital experts, Betsy Ures and Jake Ures. Betsy has been going since she was a child, she shared the experience with Jake and now they are sharing it with you!

In this episode we cover a listener suggestion, Sorority Rush. Amber admits to Rax that she joined a sorority in college, before you judge her, she was looking for sisters after moving away from hers, she didn't know how to survive with just one closet. Don't worry, she deactivated after a year, yes that is the official terminiology. They cover door stacks, outfit checks and the viral bama rush tiktok vids.

In which Rax and Amber are patently NOT embarrassed to admit that they were both horrendously jealous of Amanda Bynes for getting to do the Amanda Show. It's gross, loud, and still impressively funny today — and it was created by Nickelodeon's most infamous monster, Dan Schneider. Listen to our thoughts and fond memories plus an extra-special Gripe Zone!

Our British trash correspondent, Phoebe Roy (host of 10K Posts Pod and Masters of Our Domain), comes on to talk about Razzle Magazine, the British softcore magazine published by Paul Raymond. Razzle focuses on submissions from reader's wives and promises spreads like "Sing for Your Slapper: Jodies got a right set of lungs on her!" or "Candy, I'm ever so Randy!" Amber bought a used copy of Razzle off the internet and reads pieces of it to a very upset Rax, while Phoebe tries to translate.

In this special bonus episode, now UNLOCKED, Amber talks to Matt Christman (host of Chapo Trap House) about the newest dating reality show FBoy Island. The show that keeps trying and failing to prove wrong that old adage "nice guys finish last." Does it fail because women really prefer fboys or does the particular type of woman who would go on a reality dating show called "FBoy Island" prefer fboys? Also, is Matt an fboy or nice guy? Listen to find out!

Amber got her ears pierced at Claire's with a fake ID...as an adult? From the history of America's shittiest ear piercing emporium to its implications for how we shop, the girls talk all things Claire's — including the tchotchkes they always wanted but never got to buy as children.

Amber and Rax talk about THE blonde bombshell, hollywood icon ANGELYNE. She is back in the spotlight, where she belongs, because of the new miniseries about her life, which she refuses to watch. The girls talk about the article the series is based on, the very fucked up article by Gary Baum that doxxed her. They also talk about what Angelyne was famous for, how you could be famous and private in the 80s, and what they see in the pink rorschach test. Lastly they have a very long ga ga ga ga griiiiiiiipe zone!!!

You probably think TGI Friday's was founded in Tampa by some guy who didn't know dick about the restaurant industry, right? You wrong idiot! It was founded in Manhattan by some guy who didn't know dick about the restaurant industry! Join Rax and Amber on a deep dive into America's first ever singles bar (?!). Thanks to Nicola Twilley at Edible Geography for her interview with Alan Stillman, from which we got most of our quotes!

Rax and Amber are joined by Phoebe Roy (host of 10K Posts Pod and Masters of Our Domain) to talk about The Queen of Pop and Reinvention, the one, the many, Madonna. We talk about how, even though Madonna might not be the best singer or dancer, she is pure charisma. Also, she is the best singer to dance with female family members to. Lastly, we hear Phoebe's brilliant take on celebrities and sort of unintentionally end on a ga ga ga ga gripe zooooone!

JERRY! JERRY! JERRY! JERRY! Amber and Rax talk about THE tv show we all watched when we were faking being sick, Jerry Springer, the first place we saw pixelated boobs in all their glory. Did you know Jerry hosted a radio show in college, was a partner in a law firm, the mayor of Cincinnati and a news anchor before the show? As an anchor his tagline was "Take care of yourself, and each other." What turned this good boy lawyer into the host of the most salacious talk show of the 90s and early aughts? "Check" out this episode to find out!

Why do people hate rats so much? (Don't say the plague! Don't say the tails!) Rax and Amber do a deep dive into the history, biological function, and heroism of their favorite super-smart rodents. Pairs nicely with a glass of Bonus 63: Rats With Wings, our deep dive into pigeons!

Bimbos: vanguard of socialist feminism, or retrograde scourge? We're as sick of the conversation as you are, but when some girlboss wrote a gross op-ed about bimbos, even we learned to read so we could scream about it (shrilly). I can't believe it worked out so that episode 69 was the bimbo one???