Well Played

Last week, the trial for WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner began in Russia. Griner was taken into custody on drug charges back in February, and her detention has been extended four times. Unfortunately, things aren’t looking good for the Phoenix Mercury star. The trial resumes July 7 and could take several months. She could also face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. While so many questions remain about Griner’s future and release, there’s one that keeps popping up: what she was doing over there? Simply put, better pay. About half of the WNBA’s athletes play overseas during the offseason, and Griner's situation may make some of them think twice about claiming additional income, especially as war rages between Russia and Ukraine. Today, we revisit a conversation with sports journalist Meredith Cash on what’s happening with Griner and how it may affect other WNBA players. You’ll hear from: Meredith Cash, sports reporter for Insider Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the trailer for “Hocus Pocus 2” giving us major nostalgia to the backlash surrounding the chart topping “Elvis” biopic, there’s a lot going on in pop culture this week. So we’re breaking down the top five moments we can’t stop talking about — and revisiting a few others. Find out the latest in the Brittney Griner case and what happened at the BET Awards without Lil Nas X. Then, last week’s Verzuz between Omarion and Mario brought up old drama with the “Post to Be” singer and his former B2K group members. But the thing that we’re stuck on is Beyoncé’s summer anthem "Break My Soul." The new dance ballad along with Drake’s recent album “Honestly, Nevermind” has fans asking if house music is making a comeback. The answer: It never went away. Today, we explore the history and evolution of the house sound with a music and culture journalist and historian. We’ll give you a playlist that you’ll want to dance to all summer long. You’ll hear from: Naima Cochrane, music and culture journalist and historian Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you remember when the only queer characters on TV seemed to be sassy, gay best friends? Queer representation in pop culture is changing. With shows and movies like “The Bold Type,” Tom Swift,” “P-Valley,” and “Fire Island,” we’re seeing more depth and range when it comes to LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. We’re also seeing more queer representation in other mediums like books, cartoons, anime, and manga. This Pride Month, we’ve been talking about the importance of telling diverse queer stories. And today, we called up some old and new friends of the podcast to talk about the evolution we’re seeing on the page and screen. (Bonus: Get some new reccos to watch and read!) Plus, find out how Beyoncé and Drake are bringing house music back. You’ll hear from: Torian Miller, actor and star in Hulu’s “Fire Island” Blair Imani, activist, author, and creator of Smarter in Seconds Daric L. Cottingham, freelance culture and entertainment journalist Briana Lawrence, fandom editor at The Mary Sue Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway, Elie McAfee-Hahn, and Ko Takasugi-Czernowin. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up, we’ve got questions: Who’s the new addition to the list of EGOT legends? Which ex-husband tried to crash Brittney’s wedding? Who thought “Squid Game” should be a reality show? Why is the Beyhive upset with Saucy Santana, Twitter upset with Lizzo, and everybody upset with Amy Schumer for the tampon shortage? But the big question this week: Why wasn’t Lil Nas X nominated for a 2022 BET Award? Lil Nas X had one of the biggest albums of 2021. “Montero” climbed the charts, and so did its popular singles like “Industry Baby” — along with music videos that still have us talking. Plus, the album was critically acclaimed and nominated for multiple awards. So, it’s not surprising that Lil Nas X tweeted about being snubbed when BET Award nominations were announced. But he’s not just calling out the network. He says he’s also pointing out the larger issue of homophobia in the Black community. And his tweets have Twitter divided. But why? We talked to two reporters about the snub, the response to Lil Nas X calling out BET, and homophobia within hip hop. You’ll hear from: Daric Cottingham, freelance culture and entertainment journalist Clyde McGrady, reporter for The Washington Post Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up, we break down the latest in pop culture news from the weekend’s most-talked about breakup — ahem, Lori Harvey and Michael B. Jordan — to the Depp vs. Heard verdict. Then, we kick off Pride Month with a conversation with an icon. Within the last decade, there’s been a huge shift in trans representation in Hollywood. From “Orange is the New Black” to “Pose,” we’ve seen more diverse storylines that explore queer and trans experiences than ever before. And we’ve been introduced to some of our new favorite actors, like the multitalented Angelica Ross. Ross lip-synced her way into our hearts as Candy on FX’s “Pose,” and starred in the last few seasons of “American Horror Story.” Today, we chat with the actress, singer, and TransTech founder about trans representation on screen, her iconic TV roles, how she’s breaking barriers in the tech field, and what’s next on her Hollywood wishlist. You’ll hear from: Angelica Ross, actress, singer, and TransTech founder Emily Yahr, entertainment reporter for The Washington Post Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn and Ko Takasugi-Czernowin. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few weeks ago, rappers Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 of their YSL crew members were charged in a Georgia RICO case. And prosecutors are arguing that YSL is actually a criminal gang instead of a record label. One of the things they plan to use to prove that: Young Thug’s rap lyrics. Violent lyrics show up in a lot of music genres. But when it comes to rap and hip hop, it’s not unusual for those lyrics to be used in court as evidence to convict artists of crimes. But is it a violation of first amendment rights? Today, we look back at the history of rap lyrics on trial, and talk to a media attorney about RICO cases and a New York bill that would make it harder for artists’ words to be used against them. Plus, what’s #Swedengate, why art museums had a bad weekend, and the two TV show premieres bringing us all the ’80s vibes. You’ll hear from: J. Christopher Hamilton, entertainment attorney, author and professor Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When model Lori Harvey took to TikTok earlier this month to detail her weight-loss diet, the backlash was swift. That’s because, as plenty of dietitians pointed out, the 1,200 calorie-per-day plan she shared was just not enough food for most full-grown humans. But Harvey’s not alone. We’re bombarded with stories about how people are losing weight — from Kim Kardashian’s met-gala dress diet to influencers and #FitFam posts pushing restrictive eating and excessive exercise. At the same time, messages about body positivity are pushing us to love the skin we’re in. Today, we’re taking a long, hard look at diet culture — why it has such a grip on us, and how we can make sure we’re taking care of our own physical and mental health in the face of an onslaught of questionable advice. Plus, Rihanna’s baby announcement, the big Deux Moi reveal, and the TV finales that have us in tears…or not. You’ll hear from: Patience Owunwanne, registered dietitian Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. With production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a huge week for music and TV. We have questions — and answers. First up: Kendrick Lamar’s new album dropped, but does it live up to the hype? Next: Who won Eurovision, and who tried to cheat by hacking the results? Then: What happened at the Billboard Music Awards, and why are people talking about Cara Delevingne, Doja Cat, and Travis Scott? But the question of the week: Why are folks so mad at the latest casting news? Since Disney+ announced it was adapting the popular YA series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” into a show, fans have been eager to see who would play the main characters. In April, fans learned Walter Scobell landed the role of demigod Percy Jackson, and they celebrated. But last week, it was announced that Leah Jeffries would play the role Annabeth Chase, and some fans weren’t exactly thrilled — despite author Rick Riordan choosing Jeffries to play a character he created. Jeffries is Black and in the book it’s implied that Annabeth is white. And angry fans made their feelings known by getting the 12-year-old star’s TikTok banned. Unfortunately, Jeffries isn’t the only actor getting mixed fan reactions. BBC announced that “Sex Education” star Ncuti Gatwa will take on the title of the Doctor in the next season of “Doctor Who.” Many fans and even showrunner Russell T. Davies say they can’t wait to see what Gatwa does with the role, but others are criticizing the series for what they say is a “woke” casting decision. Why are diverse casting decisions so controversial, especially with fictional shows? We talked with someone who studies and writes about fandom about the backlash. You’ll hear from: Briana Lawrence, fandom editor at The Mary Sue Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So much is trending in pop culture news. We have questions — and answers. First up: Rapper Young Thug was indicted with 27 other members of his crew for gang related charges. Then: What’s the latest in the Johnny Depp. v. Amber Heard trial? We’ll catch you up on the highlights since Heard took the stand. And: Why were people mad at Kim Kardashian for wearing the iconic Marilyn Monroe dress to the Met Gala? A fashion historian gives us the tea. Next: What does being “wrongfully detained” mean in the case of WNBA star Brittney Griner? We called up a sports reporter to explain. But our biggest question of the week: What’s going on at Netflix? Lately, things don't look too great over at the streaming giant. Last month, the company announced it’s lost 200,000 subscribers this year, and expects to lose more. Its stock continues to drop, costing the company billions. The prices for subscriptions have gone up, and there’s also been real talk about a crackdown on password sharing — meaning no more using ex’s account. And just two weeks ago, Netflix layed off a number of employees — including many women of color — from their fan site Tudum, and others on their marketing team. The streaming giant has long been ahead of the game, but is it finally falling behind the competition in the streaming wars? We chat with two reporters who break down what all of these changes at Netflix mean for our queues and our wallets. You’ll hear from: Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, award-winning fashion historian, curator, and journalist Meredith Cash, sports reporter for Insider Rani Molla, senior data reporter at Recode Dawn Chmielewski, U.S. entertainment business correspondent at Reuters and co-author of "Binge Times" Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From “Everything Everywhere All At Once” to “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” more Asian American stories have made it to the mainstream in the last few years. But it isn’t just the big screen that’s changing. Recently, more TV shows representing the experiences of Americans with East Asian and South Asian backgrounds are popping up on our small screens. We’ve definitely come a long way from 1994’s “All-American Girl” — one of the first primetime sitcoms to feature an Asian American family. Since then, we’ve had shows that have ditched the stereotypical portrayals and best friend or sidekick roles. And shows like “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Kim’s Convenience,” and “Never Have I Ever” are showing audiences a more realistic view of what it’s like to grow up as an Asian American. Today, we're kicking off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by exploring the evolution of the lived experience of first- and second-generation Asian Americans on TV. And we interviewed a few culture critics to get their takes on the shift in AAPI representation and where we go from here. You’ll hear from: Natasha Jung, founder of Cold Tea Collective Sharon Kwon, psychotherapist, social worker, writer, and mental health advocate Lakshmi Gandhi, freelance journalist and co-founder of The Lakshmi and Asha Show Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems like celebs can’t stay out of court these days. Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Nene Leakes is suing Bravo for what she says was a racist work environment. Megan The Stallion has an ongoing felony assault case against Torey Lanez. Kardashian friend-turned-foe Blac Chyna is suing the family for allegedly ruining her reality television career. And a few months ago, Cardi B won a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Tasha K. But the case that everyone seems to be talking about is Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard. Depp is suing Heard for defamation, and she’s countersuing for the same thing. Today, we'll get into the details of Depp vs. Heard and Cardi B vs. Tasha K — and explain why we may see more cases like theirs in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week, we have incredible conversations with smart culture critics and experts about the biggest pop culture stories, but we don’t get to include every moment. Today, we’re going back to interviews that stuck with us — and sharing moments that didn’t make it into the show before. Like the story comedian Hari Kondabolu told us about an unforgettable encounter at a comedy show that taught him a valuable lesson. And check out our deep dive into Black TV sitcoms with Shadow & Act editor Trey Mangum, where we talked about representation and the new wave of binge-worthy shows. One to add to your queue: Peacock’s “Fresh Prince” reboot “Bel-Air.” You’ll hear from: Hari Kondabolu, standup comedian and writer Trey Mangum, managing editor at Shadow & Act Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems like everyone is obsessed with fast fashion, and social media has been huge in helping brands like SHEIN, Zara and other online retailers show up in your Instagram, Facebook and TikTok feeds. Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny these brands have changed many people's relationship with clothing. Shopping is cheaper, sizing is seemingly more inclusive, and being trendy is more accessible than ever. SHEIN even landed a spot on TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2022 list for its impact. But before you hit check out on your cart, know this: there are some real environmental costs to buying these uber cheap clothes. Ahead of Earth Day, we’re returning to one of our favorite episodes to share the three questions you should be asking yourself to see if that $20 top is really worth the cost. You’ll hear from: Aja Barber, writer, stylist, fashion consultant and author of “Consumed: The Need for Collective Change” Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When one of the most successful Black actors in Hollywood slaps one of the most famous Black comedians on international television, it's bound to spark conversations. One debate that keeps coming up is whether or not Chris Rock should have even made that “G.I. Jane” joke aimed at Jada Pinkett Smith, who has publicly spoken about her struggles with alopecia. But it feels like we've been having this discussion about comedy — and where we draw the line — a lot lately. Plenty of comedians have come under fire recently, like Dave Chapelle for his comments about trans people in his specials and Joe Rogan for frequently dropping the N word on his podcast. So is there a line comedians shouldn’t cross with their jokes? If so, where is it? And is it ever OK to punch down? This week, we unpack our evolving relationship with standup and how the industry is changing — and isn’t. We get some help from a culture writer, and from a comedian who understands the difference between a punch and a punchline. And while you’re here, we want to hear from you! Help us bring you the stories you want us to cover by checking out this quick listener survey. You’ll hear from: Aja Romano, culture staff writer at Vox Hari Kondabolu, standup comedian and writer Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything that happened at the Academy Awards still has us reeling — especially the moment that stole the show, when Will Smith walked onstage and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. People have a lot of opinions. So we talked to the creator of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag, April Reign, about what happened and the social media storm that followed. And while the Oscars are still trending, awards season isn’t over yet. This Sunday, the 2022 Grammy Awards air on CBS, and the music world is supplying its own brand of drama. Kanye West is banned from performing. Drake withdrew his Grammy noms. And some of the requirements for Grammy nominations and voting have changed. But what does any of this mean? To break down the controversies and get a quick look at contenders in the top categories, we speak with a few writers who give us their thoughts on what to expect at the Grammys. And while you’re here, we want to hear from you! Help us bring you the stories you want us to cover by checking out this quick listener survey. You’ll hear from: April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite hashtag and co-founder of She Will Rise Allison Hussey, staff writer at Pitchfork Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, film and music critic Joey Guerra, music critic at the Houston Chronicle Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Sunday, the 2022 Academy Awards air on ABC. But before you can gaze at the Oscars red carpet and settle in front of the TV with hosts Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes, you probably need to get up to speed on the nominated films. We’ve got you covered. We talked with a writer at Vulture to get the lowdown on all the buzz, plus what to watch, what we can't stop talking about, what has us scratching our heads and what you might want to put at the back of the streaming queue. We even added in our own picks, so take advantage before the big night. Then, we continue our Women’s History Month celebration. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on women directing the action: female directors like Domme Shi, Nia DaCosta, Chloé Zhao and Janet Mock, who are making their marks on the big and small screens. Celebrate more wins from women by heading to theSkimm’s website for a timeline of amazing women who are breaking the rules and busting up barriers. And to help us bring you the stories you want to hear throughout the year, fill out this quick listener survey. You’ll hear from: Nate Jones, writer at Vulture Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month, WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was detained in Russia on alleged drug charges. And if you’re wondering what she was doing over there — simply put, better pay. The Phoenix Mercury star plays with the EuroLeague team UMMC Ekaterinburg, and makes around four times her current $227,900 WNBA salary. NBA players can make millions of dollars here in the states. WNBA players at the top of their game like Griner make much less. That’s a huge problem. Since about half of the WNBA’s athletes play overseas during the offseason, Griner’s situation may make some of them think twice about claiming additional income, especially as war rages between Russia and Ukraine. To learn more about what’s happening with Griner and how it may affect other WNBA players, we talk to sports journalist Meredith Cash. And all month long, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting cool women we think you should know. Today, check out female athletes that are changing the game in men’s sports including: Katie Sowers, the first openly gay person to coach in a Super Bowl Natalie Nakase, the NBA’s first woman coach Rachel Balkovec, the first woman manager of minor-league baseball team, Tampa Tarpons Celebrate their wins by checking out theSkimm’s website for a timeline of amazing women who are breaking the rules and busting up barriers. And to help us bring you the stories you want to hear throughout the year, fill out this quick listener survey. You’ll hear from: Meredith Cash, sports reporter for Insider Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People all over the world have watched in horror as Russia continues to invade Ukraine. But the war isn’t just being fought on the ground. It’s also being waged across social media. For the past few weeks, our timelines have been flooded with memes about the conflict. But as we’re processing what some say could be the next World War III, the backlash to what's being posted on all sides has been swift. And there’s been backlash to the backlash. So it has many questioning: is it OK that we’re memeing our way through war? Today, we take a look at how memes have been used throughout the conflict and talk to a professor to help us understand how we use memes in times of trauma. Then, on this International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting some incredible women who are breaking boundaries in their fields — starting with women writers. Find out how comic book writer G. Willow Wilson's work is helping change the Marvel universe, how author Tomi Adeyemi is expanding the fantasy genre within book publishing and how Quinta Brunson is redefining success with her hit TV show “Abbot Elementary.” All month long, we’ll be highlighting cool women we think you should know. And to help us bring you the stories you want to hear throughout the year, fill out this quick listener survey. You’ll hear from: Jessica Myrick, professor of communications at Penn State University Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Sunday, “Euphoria” finally lowered the curtain on its drama-filled sophomore season, and fans and critics have a lot to say — and not just about Fexi, the Maddy-Cassie showdown or the HBO Max outage that almost caused a Twitter riot. Despite its popularity, the show has been under fire all season long, especially as it zeroed in on the unraveling of Zendaya's character, Rue. After season two premiered, D.A.R.E. accused the series of glamorizing addiction and teenage drug use. But the debate on whether or not TV shows correctly portray addiction — especially when it comes to teens — is something we've been wrestling with for decades. We’re diving into how drug use has shown up on television through the years and what this season of “Euphoria” got right — and wrong — about addiction. You’ll hear from: Lexi McMenamin, news and politics editor at Teen Vogue Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the breakup of Kimye, it seems like we’ve been keeping up with the Kardashians more than ever. We’re watching made-for-TV type drama unfold IRL, and you can’t go on social media without seeing the rapper going viral. But not all fans are here for the spectacle. Some say that the way Ye’s talking about his ex and her new boyfriend are abusive and triggering, while others are questioning his current mental health status. And others say it’s all a publicity stunt for his new “jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy”' Netflix doc or the “Donda 2” album release. Whatever’s going on, it’s complicated. And if we’re talking about it, are we part of the problem? We’re asking an expert. Next, we close out Black History Month by highlighting a golden era of Black TV – the ’90s and the early 2000s. We speak with Trey Mangum of Shadow & Act about his favorite Black sitcoms and how they influenced generations of TV watchers. You’ll hear from: Dr. Maia Niguel Hoskin, writer, activist and Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Clinical at Loyola Marymount University. Trey Mangum, managing editor at Shadow & Act Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dating is hard. It’s even harder now that dating apps and social media have entered the chat — or rather, our relationships. And everywhere you turn, there are new standards on what it means to be Facebook or IG official. Ten years ago, you’d ask Dear Abby all of your questions, read Cosmo, or watch a talk show. Now, people are turning to dating influencers online — and finding they have both good and bad advice to give. And whether you’re talking, dating, in a successful relationship, or trying to achieve couple goals, everybody’s swiping right trying to figure out what’s what. We talked to sex and relationship expert Shan Boodram to help us figure out some of the new rules. Then, we celebrate Black History Month with Glory Edim, founder of Well Read Black Girl to highlight some amazing Black authors. Find out her top three book recommendations to put on your reading list. You’ll hear from: Shan Boodram, sex and relationship expert and author Glory Edim, founder of Well Read Black Girl and podcast host Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Note: A previous version of this episode included elements from an interview that have since been removed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even if you don’t watch Bravo’s “Real Housewives,” you know about the franchise built around ridiculously rich women and over-the-top drama. Recently, fans uncovered six months’ worth of racist social media posts from “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Jennie Nguyen. And in a surprising and unusual move, Bravo fired Nguyen and publicly acknowledged the decision via social media. But with all of the scandalous moments that have gone down on screen, does it really surprise us when the Housewives behave badly off screen? Right now, the network seems to be going through something of a reckoning around racist comments and other bad behavior on its shows, many of which thrive on the drama of the rich elite getting messy on camera. We can’t help but wonder: what does Nguyen’s firing mean for other Housewives and the future of the franchise? You’ll hear from: Alex Abad-Santos, senior culture reporter at Vox Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Carrie Underwood sings about taking a Louisville slugger to the headlights of a cheating ex’s car, does anybody assume she actually did it? What about when Johnny Cash said he shot a man in Reno? Violent lyrics show up in a lot of music. But when it comes to rap and hip hop, it’s not unusual for those lyrics to show up in court. Prosecutors continue to use them as evidence to convict artists of crimes. A bill in New York, which has the backing of Jay-Z, Killer Mike and other rappers, would make it harder for artists’ words to be used against them in a criminal case. We take a look at the history of rap lyrics on trial, and talk to a media attorney about what would change under the new law. Then, we throw it back to the early aughts with 2000s queen Christina Milian, who joined us for a game of “This or That.” See if you can guess what trends she’d bring back. You’ll hear from: J Christopher Hamilton, entertainment attorney, author and professor Christina Milian, actress and singer Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re all a little obsessed with “Buffy.” The demon-hunting, vampire-slaying heroine captured our attention in the late 90s — along with the man behind the series, Joss Whedon. His Whedonverse of hits includes everything from “Angel,” “Firefly” and “Dollhouse” to the DC and Marvel universes. But in recent years, the person we thought of as a feminist icon in Hollywood has been accused of toxic and inappropriate behavior. Recently, he addressed the various allegations in a Vulture article, and he admitted many things that we can’t unread. Now that we know what we know, should we look at the Whedonverse differently? Then, we remember Andre Leon Talley, the cape-wearing fashion icon who taught us about style. You’ll hear from: Caroline Framke, chief TV critic for Variety. Robin Givhan, senior critic at large for the Washington Post. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season two of “Euphoria” is here, and episode one broke HBO records with 2.4 million viewers tuning in to watch. So, yeah — we’re obsessed with the high school drama, which stars actress and Disney alum Zendaya as teen addict Rue. Known for its gritty — and often uncomfortable — storylines portraying drugs, sex and addiction, “Euphoria” is the latest in a long list of shows pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable to see when watching teenage characters. And that has us asking the question: who are teen dramas actually for? You’ll hear from: Bethonie Butler, TV and pop culture reporter for the Washington Post. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, a new season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” kicked off. The show has opened doors for many drag performers to sashay their way into mainstream culture and educate us on the art of drag. One of the most famous queens to grace the show’s stage: Shangela Laquifah Wadley (aka D.J. Pierce, when out of drag) — after RuPaul, one of the most influential drag performers in America. We talk with Shangela about the history of drag, how it’s evolved, and how she’s using her spotlight — and her HBO show, “We’re Here” — to expand our ideas about who does drag and who it’s for. You’ll hear from: Shangela (aka D.J. Pierce), American drag Queen, reality TV star and actor Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're kicking off 2022 right with a mini episode! We chatted with the one and only Cynthia Erivo. You know her as an award-winning actress and singer, but one thing you may not know is that she’s super serious about her wellness and exercise routine (she’s even part owner of a new workout wear line). And we play a little musical game that's all about getting pumped up! Can you guess what’s on our workout playlist? And speaking of wellness, check out the How to Skimm Your Life Challenge. It’s all about getting happy, and each day you’ll get a prompt that aims to help you get joy out of your daily routine. You’ll hear from: Cynthia Erivo, award-winning actress, singer and part-owner of Omorpho Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over. But before we ring in the new year, let’s take a look back at all of the stories that entertained us — the things we watched, the celeb moments we couldn’t stop talking about, the music that topped our Spotify Wrapped lists and the industry shakeups that we’ll still be talking about next year. Can you guess what made our list? And stay tuned, because we also talk with Tan France from “Queer Eye” about fashion, his fave iconic style moments and the Now Me campaign he’s working on. You’ll hear from: Tan France of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Special thanks to Alex Carr and Ciara Long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Insecure” made us laugh, cry, yell and argue with strangers on Twitter for five years, but now it's time to say goodbye. Issa Rae’s award-winning series broke the mold and portrayed young Black people as more than stereotypes — signaling to Hollywood that creators can tell their authentic stories and be successful. But what will the show's cultural impact mean for the next generation of creatives? You’ll hear from: Taryn Finley, editor HuffPost Black Voices and senior culture reporter who contributed to “Inside the ‘Insecure’ World" Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Bachelorette’s" Michelle Young is making "Bachelor" nation history. For the first time since the franchise premiered in 2002, the man who'll soon be handed that final rose is guaranteed to be a man of color. It may seem like reality dating shows are making some slow progress on diversity. But why aren’t they keeping up with our IRL views on love and relationships? You’ll hear from: Bethonie Butler, TV and pop culture reporter for the Washington Post. Joanna Weiss, Editor-in-Chief of Experience magazine and contributing editor to POLITICO Magazine Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan Markle won the latest battle in her privacy lawsuit with British tabloid The Mail on Sunday over its printing a private letter written to her father back in 2019. And the Duchess of Sussex is calling for changes to the tabloid industry. But could this ruling in the UK courts affect how the media covers celebrities? Then, we remember famed designer and style icon Virgil Abloh, and explore the impact of his life and death. You’ll hear from: K.J. Yossman, international correspondent at Variety and former entertainment lawyer David Dennis Jr., senior writer at The Undefeated Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Colin Kaepernick Netflix series "Colin in Black & White" opened with a controversial scene comparing NFL tryouts to chattel slavery. It upset some people. For others, it sparked a conversation about systemic racism within the NFL. But the Kaepernick series also highlights racism present in three major American sports — football, baseball, and basketball. So we’re digging into the series’ big question: Why are sports so racist? You’ll hear from: Rhiannon Walker, sports journalist who's written for ESPN’s The Undefeated and covers the Washington football team for The Athletic Sabrina Razack, PhD candidate who studies and writes about the intersection of sports, gender, and race Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday to after-Christmas sales, more and more brands are selling fast fashion. And social media has been huge in helping brands like SHEIN, Zara and other online retailers show up in your Instagram, Facebook and TikTok feeds. But before you hit check out on your cart, learn the three questions you should be asking yourself to see if it’s really worth the cost. Plus, we talk with basketball legend Dwyane Wade about his latest memoir — and we quiz him on his style knowledge. You’ll hear from: Aja Barber, writer, stylist, fashion consultant and author of “Consumed: The Need for Collective Change” Dwyane Wade, NBA megastar, author and businessman Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 at Syracuse University Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Spanos, senior writer for Rollingstone Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Michelle Lee,The Washington Post's Tokyo bureau chief, covering Japan and the Koreas. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Schiffer, senior reporter at The Verge covering labor and workplace organizing. Sharon Kwon, therapist, psychiatric social worker, writer, & mental health advocate. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 more. Co-host of the podcast Desi Geek Girls. Eric Kohn, New York–based Executive Editor & Chief Critic at IndieWire. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 bookstagrammer behind the @thisbrownegirlreads community and Instagram page. She recommends “Daughters of the Stone” by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa. Check out more of theSkimm’s Hispanic Heritage Month book recs here. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key, with special help from Luke Vargas, and Ciara Long. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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