In this episode, Sadie and Stauney cover a mix of current and nostalgic pop culture moments. They start with Olivia Rodrigo’s new song, then get into Coachella again, comparing Lana Del Rey’s minimal performance style with the expectations placed on artists like Justin Bieber. They also revisit Janet. by Janet Jackson and Homecoming by Beyoncé, talking through their cultural impact. A look back at The Devil Wears Prada leads into a conversation about how women are portrayed in media and how that’s changed over time. They wrap up by zooming out to broader cultural trends and what they reveal about how audiences think, respond, and evolve.

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In this episode, Sadie and Stauney trace its evolution from Pearl Jam’s anti-Ticketmaster rebellion to the glittering, influencer-filled spectacle it is today. Along the way, they unpack the performances that defined the desert stage—from Beyonce's boundary-pushing performance to the wildly different energies of Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber.

We also discuss why some performances feel effortless while others are picked apart, and try to answer the question of whether or not we are holding women to a higher standard on one of the biggest stages in the world. From iconic moments to uncomfortable questions, this episode breaks down the festival that somehow manages to be both a launchpad and a microscope for modern pop culture.

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In this episode, Sadie and Stauney explore the moral dilemma of loving art created by deeply flawed or even abusive individuals, asking whether it’s truly possible—or ethical—to separate the art from the artist. Drawing on insights from Claire Dederer’s Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma, they unpack how fandom, overconsumption, and social media intensify our emotional ties to creators, often blurring the line between admiration and complicity. The conversation challenges simplistic ideas of guilt, innocence, and “canceling,” while examining how gender biases, cultural myths like the “suffering artist,” and systems of wealth and power shape who gets forgiven and who doesn’t. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to confront their own values and boundaries, offering a nuanced, honest look at the contradictions of modern fandom and the personal ethics behind what—and who—we choose to support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.