Afleveringen
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Long before pop stars built entire careers around reinvention, Madonna was changing the rules in real time. In this episode, we trace her journey from a broke dancer arriving in New York City with a lot of religious trauma and just a few dollars to becoming the best selling female recording artist of all time.
Along the way, we unpack the controversies that made headlines, the reinventions that reshaped pop culture, her groundbreaking advocacy during the AIDS crisis, and the ambition that inspired generations of artists, from Britney Spears to Taylor Swift.
Love her or hate her, modern pop stardom wouldn't exist without Madonna.
Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire Donald
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Link to Truth or Dare documentary
Listen to Tess's best of Madonna playlist here
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RE-RELEASE: Join us in this MUCH requested nostalgic episode as we delve into the enchanting world of American Girl Dolls, exploring their rich history and the cultural impact they've had since their inception in 1986 by founder Pleasant Howard . We’ll trace the journey from the original dolls—each representing a different era in American history (THEY ARE RAMMIES)—to the diverse characters that reflect contemporary society.
Discover how these beloved dolls not only sparked a passion for history in young girls but also fostered conversations about identity, diversity, and empowerment.
ALSO SURPRISE: Enjoy two 90s quizzes to take at home!
Created and produced by Claire Donald & Tess Bellomo
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In honor of America's 250th birthday and American Icons month (in a cool, liberal way), we're celebrating the trailblazers who helped shape the country, and few reached greater heights than Sally Ride. This week, we're telling the story of the physicist who became the first American woman in space, broke through one of the world's most exclusive boys' clubs, and inspired generations of girls to dream bigger.But behind the headlines was a woman who fiercely guarded her private life. For nearly three decades, Sally shared her life with her partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, a relationship the public didn't learn about until after Sally's death. We explore why she chose privacy, what it meant to be a gay woman navigating fame in the 1980s and '90s, and how her legacy extends far beyond her historic spaceflight.From NASA missions and media scrutiny to quiet courage and lasting impact, this is the story of an American icon whose influence is still reaching for the stars.Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire DonaldMerch, shop our outfits and check out our socials hereWant three bonus eps a month for just $7.99?? We talk personal lives, pop culture and more!ā TRY NUULY HERE! ā Code RAM for $28 dollars your first month!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Everybody knows RuPaul. But the story of how he became RuPaul? It's even better than you think.
This week, we're following his journey from a kid in San Diego to discovering drag in Atlanta, creating his unforgettable glamazon persona in New York, overcoming addiction, and building the empire that is RuPaul's Drag Race.
We also unpack the lessons that have defined his life: identity, resilience, chosen family, and the radical act of believing in yourself before the world does. Whether you're a Drag Race superfan or simply curious about the man behind the icon, this episode is a celebration of one of the most influential cultural figures of our time.
Sources: The House of Hidden Meanings, NPR, Vanity Fair, Vulture, A&E Biography, Wikipedia
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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We're BACK! This Pride Month, we're diving into the extraordinary life and legacy of Harvey Milk, the camera shop owner turned activist who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States.
Long before rainbow logos and corporate Pride campaigns, Harvey Milk was fighting for visibility, representation, and equality at a time when being openly gay could cost you your job, your family, and your safety. From his childhood on Long Island to becoming the unofficial "Mayor of Castro Street" in San Francisco, Milk transformed personal authenticity into political power, encouraging LGBTQ+ people everywhere to step into the light and be seen.
In this episode, we explore Milk's rise to political office, his role in defeating California's anti-gay Briggs Initiative, his famous call for people to come out, and the tragic assassinations of both Milk and Mayor George Moscone.
We also unpack the "Twinkie Defense," the White Night Riots, and why Harvey Milk's message that "hope will never be silent"continues to resonate today.
Thank you to our guest, Chris DeRosa, for joining us! Check him out here and make sure to listen to our episode of Fixing Famous People
Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire Donald
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Sources include: History.com, Wikipedia, Milk (The Movie) The Times Of Harvey Milk Documentary (1984)
If you are an LGBTQIA+ listener and are struggling, please know that you are not alone and support is available.
The Trevor Project provides free, confidential crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people 24/7:
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: START to 678-678
Chat online: thetrevorproject.org/get-help
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis:
Call or Text: 988
LGBT National Help Center offers confidential peer support and local resources:
National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
Visit: lgbthotline.org
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RE-RELEASE FOR PRIDE: This week's episode is on a fashion industry icon and trailblazer, André Leon Talley. From his early years growing up in the Jim Crow-era South to his rise to prominence as a fashion journalist and Vogue's first African-American male creative director. Join us as we dish on everything from his infamous caftans and his time at Vogue magazine to his juicy stories of Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld...we spill it all.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and eating disorders
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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RE-RELEASE for Pride Month! We dive deep into the life and work of Frida Kahlo, the fearless woman who endured pain, tragedy, and even a tumultuous love life. We'll explore how her self-portraits captured both her physical and emotional pain, and how her work challenged the dominant artistic traditions of her time. From her early struggles as a young artist to her rise as a feminist icon, Claire and Tess cover all the juicy details of Frida's life. This is Frida Kahlo, a queer, feminist icon!.
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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RE-RELEASE EPISODE: We're kicking off pride month with the king of Bravo and the king of our hearts, Andy Cohen. We know Andy as the father of the Real Housewives but in this episode we find out about his idyllic childhood in St. Louis, MO and how his love of soap operas were unknowingly prepping him for all things Housewives. We talk about Andy's extensive career as a producer/journalist at CBS before rising the ranks at Bravo and we delve into the personal life of Andy Cohen and the challenges he has faced along the way. From navigating his identity as an openly gay man in the media industry to becoming a father through surrogacy, we explore the impact of his personal experiences on his career and the broader cultural landscape. This is Andy Cohen.
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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This week, we unravel the myth of Coco Chanel, the woman who revolutionized women’s fashion, built one of the most powerful luxury empires in history, and carefully crafted herself into a feminist icon. But behind the pearls, perfume, and little black dresses was a much darker story.
From poverty and ambition to affairs with powerful men, antisemitism, Nazi collaboration allegations, and the reinvention of her own legacy, we explore how Coco Chanel became both a symbol of female freedom and one of fashion’s most controversial figures.
Was she a visionary? A social climber? A survivor? A villain? Maybe all four.
Grab a cigarette and your tweed blazer, because this one is messy.
Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire Donald
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Sources: Chanel Unbuttoned BBC, Wikipedia
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This week, we’re discussing the extraordinary history of Christian Dior and the designer who reshaped fashion forever.
From the devastation of post WW2 Paris to the revolutionary debut of the “New Look” in 1947, Christian Dior created a vision of glamour, femininity, and fantasy that transformed the fashion industry forver. We explore Dior’s early life, World War II, couture during occupation, the rise of the House of Dior, the evolution of luxury branding, and the legacy that still defines fashion today.
From couture salons to celebrity campaigns, this is the story of how Christian Dior became CHRISTIAN DIOR.
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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SOURCES: Vogue , Vogue on Christian Dior , The New Look, Wikipedia , Glam Observer , Time, The Independent
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Before Calvin Klein, underwear was something your mom bought in a three pack. After him? It was a personality.
This week, we’re getting into the story of Calvin Klein, how a kid from the Bronx turned “clean and simple” into one of the most powerful fashion brands in the world. We’re talking jeans that made millions in a week, ads that changed culture, and the women who defined the look (and the vibe).
Plus: the Kelly Rector influence, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s quiet takeover of the aesthetic, and the business missteps that almost took the whole empire down.
Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire Donald
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This week, we’re diving into the history of the Met Gala, from its origins as a high-society fundraiser to the global spectacle it is today. We break down how the event transformed under icons like Diana Vreeland and Anna Wintour, and how it became fashion’s biggest (and most chaotic) night.Of course, we had to get into the drama. From the infamous Solange–Jay-Z elevator incident to celebs getting caught breaking the rules, we’re unpacking the night's biggest scandalsWe also share our favorite looks of all time, plus why this year’s Met Gala is sparking so much conversation, and controversy, across fashion and pop culture.Whether you watch for the fashion, the history, or the chaos…this is your ultimate guide to the Met Gala!
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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Sources: Vogue, The First Monday in May , Time, NYTimes, Wikipedia
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Before Marilyn, there was Jean. In this episode, we dive into the dazzling, and devastating, life of Jean Harlow, Hollywood’s original platinum blonde bombshell. (Wait until you hear how she achieved this look and you'll say thank you to your hair dresser next time..)
From her meteoric rise to stardom to the image that redefined beauty, Harlow was truly to “dye” for. But behind the peroxide glow was a story of pressure, scandal, and a life cut far too short. Glamour, grit, and a legacy that still shines, this is Jean Harlow like you’ve never heard before.
Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire Donald
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River Phoenix was everything Hollywood wanted: talented, magnetic, and deeply beloved. So how did it all go so wrong?
Joined by friend of the pod Hannah Aaron Brown, we unpack the life and tragic death of River Phoenix, from his unconventional upbringing and rapid rise to fame, to the pressures, people, and environment that surrounded him in his final years.
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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Anna Nicole Smith: A woman who went from small-town Texas to Playboy Playmate, Guess model, and reality TV star , becoming one of the most famous women in the world along the way.
But behind the blonde bombshell image was a more complicated story: a whirlwind marriage to an 89-year-old oil tycoon, a never-ending legal battle over his fortune, and a media frenzy that turned her life into spectacle.
This week, we’re diving into the rise, the chaos, and the tragedy of Anna Nicole Smith- a woman that was built up by Hollywood only to relish in watching her fall.
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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Sources: Buzzfeed , Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me, New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, Interview Magazine, People Magazine, You're Wrong About
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Brittany Murphy was one of the most beloved stars of the 2000s: funny, talented, and endlessly watchable. So when she died suddenly at just 32, the story shocked Hollywood.
But the more you look into it… the more questions there are.
In today’s episode, we’re breaking down Brittany Murphy’s rise to fame, the intense scrutiny she faced, and the details surrounding her death, from official reports to the rumors that followed. What was really going on behind the scenes? Did her husband, Simon really have something to do with it? And why does her story still feel unresolved?
TW: this story contains many conversations around eating disorders.
Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire Donald
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Josephine Baker: a woman who escaped poverty, danced her way to fame, became the most famous woman in Paris, and then, plot twist, served as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II.
And when the war ended, she didn’t slow down, she took that same power into the fight for civil rights, refusing to play by America’s rules.
A story that sounds like fiction, but Josephine Baker did all of that, and more.
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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Sources: New Yorker, https://glreview.org/article/article-959/, PBS , CIA.gov, Vogue, Ebony, Biography.com, Harpers Bazaar , Wikipedia
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For most of human history, childbirth belonged to women. Midwives guided mothers through labor, cared for newborns, and held generations of medical knowledge within their communities. But over time, birth moved from homes to hospitals, and from the hands of women to the authority of male physicians.
In this episode, we explore the hidden history of childbirth, the rise of modern gynecology, and the women whose bodies shaped the field but whose names were nearly erased from it.
At the center of this story are three enslaved women in the 1840s American South: Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy. Suffering from a devastating childbirth injury, they were subjected to years of experimental surgeries by physician J. Marion Sims, procedures performed without anesthesia or the ability to consent. Sims would later be celebrated as the “father of modern gynecology,” but the medical advancements credited to him were built on the pain, endurance, and forced labor of these women.
We also trace the overlooked legacy of Black midwives, who for generations were the backbone of maternal healthcare in the United States. Once trusted community leaders and healers, they were gradually pushed out of medicine as childbirth became increasingly medicalized and controlled by white male physicians.
Trigger Warning: This section of the episode addresses scientific experimentation on enslaved women and violation of their bodies.
Created and produced by Tess Bellomo and Claire Donald
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HAPPY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH!
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This week we’re diving into the story of Shonda Rhimes, the woman who completely changed television. Before Rhimes, network TV rarely centered complicated women, diverse casts, or stories about power, ambition, sexuality, and work told from a female perspective. From Grey’s Anatomy to Scandal to Bridgerton, Rhimes built an empire by telling the kinds of stories about women that television had long ignored. We talk about her early life, how she broke into Hollywood, the rise of Shondaland, and how she reshaped what television looks like, and who gets to be the main character. This is Shonda Rhimes!
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo
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Sources: Television Academy , Vice, Wbur, Oprah.com, Theboar.org, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Wikipedia, Call Her Daddy
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Before she was a pop girl, a tabloid headline, or the blueprint for millennial style, Hilary Duff was just a kid from Texas with a big dream and a head voice that would become weirdly controversial.
This week on Right Answers Mostly, we’re diving into the full Hilary Duff story: from early auditions to becoming Disney Channel’s most relatable star on Lizzie McGuire. We talk about the cultural earthquake of Metamorphosis, the chaos of early 2000s tabloid culture, public breakups, and why she was constantly compared to women she was never trying to be.
But more than that, we explore why Hilary always felt different. She wasn’t the strongest singer. She wasn’t the most provocative. She didn’t reinvent pop music. And yet...she endured.
From A Cinderella Story to her pop reinventions, to quietly building a stable career in shows like Younger, Hilary carved out something radical: longevity without spectacle. While other young women were chewed up by fame, she chose steadiness.
We unpack the sexism around her voice, the pressure on teen girls to be “effortlessly exceptional,” and why Hilary Duff’s greatest strength might be that she always let us see her trying. Not perfect, but just trying.
Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire Donald
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Sources include: The Twisted World of Hilary Duff Deep Dive, Wikipedia & People
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