Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

What do stoned monkeys, influencer diplomacy, and Katy Perry in a space suit have in common? Honestly... more than you'd think.

This week on Easily Entertained, Maddy dives into the chaos and curiosity that is the current pop culture landscape:

🐒 The Stoned Ape Theory — Did human consciousness start with psychedelic monkeys? We investigate (lightly, humorously, and with a healthy dose of skepticism).
🥤 Influencer attempts contact with the most isolated tribe on Earth... armed with a Coca-Cola — You can't make this up.
🎡 Coachella in its flop era? Long lines, influencer campsites with rugs and potted cacti, and a vibe shift you could feel through the dust.
🚀 Blue Origin’s latest space flex — Jeff Bezos, Katy Perry, and other billionaires go on an 11-minute joyride... and yes, the internet has thoughts.
📉 Recession Pop is real — Why nostalgic, emotionally-charged bops are on the rise again, and what they have in common with the music of 2008.
👀 Headlines & hot takes: Diddy updates, Russell Brand’s charges, and why Mexico said “absolutely not” to Fyre Fest 2.

Let’s explore the weird, the wild, and the what the hell is happening of it all.

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

Pop Culture News Nuggets: Awards Recap, Festival Lineups & Gypsy Rose Goes on Tour?

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

01/18/24 • 43 min

This week, we're covering the marathon of an awards season including Critic's Choice Awards and The Emmys but mostly the entertaining internet moments throughout the shows...like the food served to the celebs & awkward moments.
Coachella 2024 lineup is out and host Maddy McClain has a bone to pick about it. Followed by the latest TikTok saga and the world's longest cruise on Royal Caribbean that many are following along like a reality TV show. Can't blame 'em!
Gypsy Rose has been all over headlines & social media after her release from prison and we're feeling conflicted about it...whether you know the story or not, come listen to the latest updates and it's similarity to another case: Maya Kowalski.
TLDR - prepare to be entertained, homies. Cheers! Follow on IG @easilyentertainedpod

07:14 Critics Choice Awards Recap

12:57 Emmys Recap

17:02 Music Festival Lineups: Coachella vs Bonnaroo

22:38 The World's Longest Cruise: A TikTok Reality Show

29:22 The Gypsy Rose Blanchard Case

36:02 The Maya Kowalski Story
Sources mentioned/used:
- Emmys 2024 Winners & Losers (New York Times)
- Critics Choice Awards (EW.com)
- World's Longest Cruise (CNN Travel)
- Gypsy Rose Blanchard - People Cover Story

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

New Year, Same Chaos: 2023 Superlatives, Golden Globes Drama & Concerning Airplane Stories

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

01/11/24 • 55 min

We are BACK, homies. This week we cover the latest news in this New Year including Alaska Airlines' terrifying Boeing mishap and contrastingly, the wild fun fact about those celebrating the new year in NYC...the more you know.
The 2024 Golden Globes made headlines for quite a few reasons and we're here to talk all about it. From comedian Jo Koy's hosting gig & monologue that didn't appear to really...read the audience right. The internet stirred up potential drama between none other than Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner & Timothee Chalamet. Sounds like a fever dream.
Host Maddy McClain covers the Golden Globes winners as well as upcoming awards show nominees for SAG Awards, Emmys and finally...
Easily Entertained's very own 2023 Superlatives: Most Unexpected Couple, Best Album Released in 2023, Most Unexpected Cancellation & Reality TV Scandal of the Year.
4:01 Golden Globes 2024: The Drama and the Winners

08:22 Airplane Incidents: A Terrifying Start to the Year

15:04 Golden Globes 2024: The Host Controversy

22:52 Golden Globes 2024: Winners and Losers

30:21 SAG Awards

32:14 2023 SUPERLATIVES

Cheers homies!!! Follow on IG @easilyentertained & TikTok @maddyiseasilyentertained 🪩🤠
Sources mentioned/used:
- Alaska Airlines Plane Door Incident (Slate)
- Alaka Airlines Teenage Passenger (CBS News)
- Golden Globes 2024 (Variety)
- Jo Koy Golden Globes Monologue (CBS News, YouTube video)
- Oxford's 2023 Word of the Year
- Biggest Celebrity Controversies 2023 (Today)

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

Pop Culture News Nuggets: Royal Family's Shady Photos, Oscars 2024 & Queer Eye Exposé

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

03/13/24 • 48 min

In this episode, your fave host Maddy McClain dishes the latest in pop culture news and the entertainment world.
We kick things off with a rundown of the Oscars - you know, who won what and all the juicy bits. Then, we dive into some intriguing gossip about Kate Middleton's mysterious "disappearance" and get into the nitty-gritty of the drama rocking Netflix's Queer Eye following a revealing article by The Rolling Stone.
Don't think we forgot about Bravo - yep, there's lawsuit drama there too. Maddy also spills the beans on Ariana Grande's latest album drop and hints at some exciting new music on the horizon, including a surprise announcement from Kanye West's daughter! Plus, we chat about the SXSW festival and wrap up with some personal musings on getting older but staying cool. Stick around for some predictions on Love is Blind and The Bachelor to keep your reality TV needs satisfied. Hit follow and subscribe to keep up with all the pop culture chaos!

04:36 Oscars Recap: Highlights and Surprises

10:55 Queer Eye Drama Unveiled

17:53 The Mystery of Kate Middleton's Disappearance

29:46 Bravo's Reality TV Legal Battles

39:44 Ariana Grande's New Album and More Music News

47:33 Wrapping Up and What's Next
Resources / Sources Used:
- Oscars 2024 Best & Worst Moments (The New York Times)
- Oscars 1974 Streaker video (YouTube)
- Inside the Tensions & Tumult at Queer Eye (Rolling Stone)
- A Timeline of the Drama Surrounding the Princess of Wales (Vogue)
- Where is Kate Middleton? (Vox)
- Dark Secrets, Psychological Warefare & Others at Bravo... (The New York Times)
- Vanderpump Raquel Leviss Sues Costars Ariana Madix & Tom Sandoval (The Rolling Stone)

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

Drake Leaks, Elmo & All Things Grammys with Musician Cohost Matt Blankenship Jr!

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

02/08/24 • 56 min

This was a doozy of an episode homies. Join host Maddy McClain and guest cohost (and brother / musician of @TheSometimesIsland) Matt Blankenship Jr for your entertainment news breakdown. There's a CHEEKY piece of news that is NSFW to begin with, so please skip to minute 12 if you'd rather avoid :) One that has to do with our good friend Drake.
Elmo's X/Twitter account lead to the internet dumping on the Sesame Street social media account and people are wearing Apple's new Vision Pro headset to courtside NBA games...
And of course, we cover all things Grammys 2024 including first-time award winner, Miley Cyrus, Killer Mike's arrest and album announcements. Among other things, all with a musician's perspective!
Enjoy homies, cheers! Follow on IG @easilyentertainedpod 😜
Sources / articles mentioned:
- Apple Vision Pro (The New York Times)
- Elmo How Are You Doing Twitter (Hollywood Reporter)
- Jay Z Grammy Award Speech (YouTube)
- Grammys 2024 Complete List (The New York Times)
- Stiff Person Syndrome (Yale Medicine)
- Killer Mike Grammys Arrest (Variety)

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

Vanderpump, Oscars Snubs, Bachelor Recap & Most Common Jobs in Bach Nation

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

01/24/24 • 41 min

In this week's episode, host Maddy McClain discusses an array of pop culture topics including the new season of The Bachelor, Oscar nominations & snubs, an upcoming Vanderpump Rules spinoff, and Kim Kardashian's controversial Balenciaga ambassadorship.
We'll chat one of TikTok's favorite new phrases, the Burnt Toast Theory, coupled with a an example of her own burnt toast. From most common Bachelor jobs to those most likely to make it to the end (a la The Hustle, Hubspot's newsletter)...we're covering it all!
Cheers & enjoy homies! 🤠 Follow on IG @easilyentertainedpod & TikTok @maddyiseasilyentertained
09:48 Pop Culture Updates: Oscar Nominations, The Valley, Vanderpump Rules, Kim K

25:34 The Bachelor Contestant Analysis

38:04 Job Statistics of Bachelor Contestants
Sources mentioned / used:
- Bachelor / Bachelorette jobs & profession stats (The Hustle)
- Oscars Nominations 2024 (The New York Times)
- The Valley, a Vanderpump Rules Spinoff (People)
- Ryan Gosling's Oscars Statement (CNN)

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

It's Not That Serious: Pop Culture News & Bachelor Recapping with Guest Cohost, Caroline Sandall!

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

02/21/24 • 89 min

A very special and very fun episode this week, catching you up on all things Bachelor Nation with host Maddy McClain's very best childhood friend, Caroline Sandall! Say VERY one more time :)
The Bachelor franchise has been resusitated with Joey as the leading man and we give our very candid thoughts on episodes 1-5, leading up to the Montreal trip. Everything from our top 4 picks for Joey to the best Bachelorettes in franchise history...to the drama on camera & off.
Host Maddy McClain covers the pop culture news of the week and provides an astrology tidbit because she can't help herself. Hear that and so much more this week on Easily Entertained!
Cheers homies! Follow on IG @easilyentertainedpod
Resources/Sources mentioned:
- Why Astrologers Are Rejoicing (Today)
- How Tom Sandoval Became the Most Hated Man in America (The New York Times)
- Nick Viall & Patti Stanger's New Show (Variety)
- Bachelor Recap: Disrespectful Drama (Vulture)
- The Bachelor's Maria Georgas Recalls Nearly Dying in Car Accident (Y! News)

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

Super Bowl Breakdown, Country Music Takeover & My Worst Date Ever

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

02/16/24 • 53 min

Happy Valentine's Week, homies! This episode we're covering everything the Super Bowl gifted us with this week, largely from a pop culture standpoint (NFL has you covered on the dirty deets). We're talking the strangest Super Bowl prop bets including the infamous Drake Curse, commercials, halftime performance and yes, Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift.
Bach Nation news regarding the Golden variety is shared and discuss why host Maddy McClain thinks this may be the last season of Vanderpump Rules. And in honor of the day of love, Maddy giving us a storytime treat of her very worst date ever...that happens to take place in a stadium.
Cheers homies! Follow on IG @easilyentertainedpod and share with a friend 🤠
Resources/Sources:
- Nickelodeon Super Bowl broadcast (The Guardian)
- The Weirdest and Silliest Super Bowl 2024 Prop Bets (The Athletic)
- Super Bowl 2024 Coverage (The New York Times)
- Drake Wins $2.3M To Give Away to Lucky Fan (People)
- Beyonce Announces New Album, Part II (Pitchfork)

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

Rap Queen Beefin' & Power Couple Chiefin': Nicki & Megan Diss Tracks, Taylor & Travis Kelce 101 + Más

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

02/01/24 • 52 min

This week, we're covering the Mean Girls reboot, Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's epic pop culture crossover in which dads, brads and chads are colliding with universal swifties and girlies n’ the gays...bringing a whole bunch of unlikely cast of characters together under one giant football dome/roof (while also essentially being crowned America's homecoming king & queen). Not to mention Taylor Swift's recent legal scares with a stalker and deepfake photos.
Host Maddy McClain breaks down the ongoing controversy between rappers Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion and the very questionable diss tracks, internet rants & low blows between the two.
We're covering all things new in pop culture to help you choose your next binge or Spotify playlist inspo.
As always, cheers & enjoy homies! 🤠 Follow on IG @easilyentertainedpod & TikTok @maddyiseasilyentertained

00:38 Review of the New Mean Girls Reboot

07:51 Elon Musk's Neuralink and Twitter X

12:14 New Releases in Music, TV, and Movies

18:53 Deep Dive into Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey's Relationship

22:55 Travis Kelsey's Reality TV Dating Show

25:36 Exes Commenting on Taylor Swift's Relationship

30:42 Parasocial Relationships and the Metaverse

36:21 Taylor Swift's Stalker and Deepfake Scandal

39:54 Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion's Beef

Sources mentioned/used:
- The Travis Kelce Reality TV Dating Show He Doesn’t Want You to See (Vanity Fair)
- Taylor Swift's Stalker Arrested in NYC (USA Today)
- Taylor Swift Fake Nude Deepfake Goes Viral on X (NBC News)
- Why Britney Publicly Supported Justin Timberlake's New Single (People)
- Super Bowl 2024 Guide - 49ers vs. Chiefs (Time)
- Nicki Minaj Megan Thee Stallion Beef Explained (Washington Post)

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below:

Love (is Blind)'s Spots: Offscreen Drama, Political Divides & Shocking Allegations

Easily Entertained with Maddy McClain

03/13/25 • 44 min

Love Is Blind Season 8 Reunion: Drama, Politics, and Social Experiments
In this episode of Easily Entertained, host Maddy McClain delves into the highly anticipated 'Love Is Blind' Season 8 finale and reunion. Maddy dissects the show's drama-filled relationships, including the entanglements and conflicts among contestants like Alex, Madison, Mason, Meg, Ben, Sarah, Joey, Monica, Virginia, and Devin. Even details that weren't shown on TV... thanks to a social media blackhole your trusty host dove into headfirst.

She explores how politics and social issues infiltrate reality TV and the psychological aspects that make such shows captivating. Maddy also touches on controversies and legal challenges surrounding the show, a tragic LIB Argentina legal case, social media's impact on contestants, and what the future holds for 'Love Is Blind.'

Enjoy homies! @easilyentertainedpod on IG, @maddyiseasilyentertained on TikTok for more.

01:30 Love is Blind Season 8 Finale and Reunion
03:08 The Alex, Madison, Mason, and Meg Drama
11:42 Ben and Sarah's Political Divide
18:45 Virginia and Devin's Messy Breakup
23:29 Joey and Monica's Shocking Revelations
28:46 Dave and Lauren's Amicable Reunion
32:29 Daniel and Taylor: The Happy Couple
36:58 Legal Issues and Future Seasons

Sources:

Love is Blind Argentina Contestant Arrested Daily Mail

Timeline of Lawsuits & Allegations Against Love is Blind MarieClaire

All the links you could possibly need HERE :) But also below: