Into It: A Vulture Podcast with Sam Sanders

Comedian Hasan Minhaj admitted to making up biographical stories involving racism and Islamophobia in his standup specials. Sam asks our BFF, comedian Jay Jurden, what the line is between comedic embellishment and lying, and how the revelations will affect other marginalized performers. Also this week, will one more teacup ride stem Disney’s streaming losses? Sam and Jay discuss Disney’s $60 billion bet on its theme parks, whether Taylor Swift’s latest puzzle stunt shows us that Swifties are getting a little old, and what American Horror Story could look like with an all-Black cast.

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Who had the song of the summer? Sam chats with Switched on Pop's Charlie Harding and Reanna Cruz about whose song (and album) is in the running: Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, Lizzo, or Kate Bush? We also ask Vibe Check co-hosts and friends of the show Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford if they're into J.Lo cutting dancers based on their astrological sign. And we hear about the culture that's haunting us: DJ Khaled is a "God Did" wind-up toy.

Send us your culturegeist. What specific thing in the culture has been haunting you for days, weeks, or even years? Send us a short voice memo at [email protected].

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Some celebrities are born into financial safety. Others have to post sponcon. Sam chats with writer Kelsey McKinney about Sydney Sweeney's Instagram and what it means to have (or not have) family money in Hollywood. We also hold a celebrity liquor taste test with the staff of Vulture, which involves moderate to heavy drinking during a workday. And we hear about the culture that's haunting us: Singing "Somewhere That's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors at karaoke hits a little different when you're an adult living in New York.

We'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] with any questions, comments, or ideas.

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This week, Drew Barrymore announced her daytime TV talk show would return despite the ongoing Hollywood strikes. That prompted a public outcry and a rescinded invitation to host the National Book Awards. Drew seems to be getting the most flack, but she isn't the only TV host coming back this fall. Sam checks in with Vox's Alex Abad-Santos and Rebecca Jennings about the latest on the writers' and actors' strikes and where the celebrities are turning now that the red carpets are off-limits. We also discuss the highs and lows of the VMAs, how to spot a drunk white woman dancing, and if we really need Beyoncé and Taylor Swift beat reporters.

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What led podcaster and Spotify executive Bill Simmons to call Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "grifters" following the news that Spotify wouldn't continue its reportedly $20 million deal with the couple? Sam asks Vulture critics Kathryn VanArendonk and Nicholas Quah whether the era of huge celebrity content deals is over.

We also get into the improbably good second season of FX's The Bear and why it's so hard to make a beloved show even better.

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