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Pop Mystery Pod

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Tess Barker

Investigative journalist and pop culture junkie Tess Barker, dives into the pop culture moments that have puzzled her for years. This addictive, informative and revelatory show dives features the deep research and first person reporting that helped her launch the #FreeBritney movement while co-hosting Britney's Gram. Each episode unpacks a moment in celebrity news that was misunderstood or intentionally covered up at the time. Part true crime, part comedy, part deconstructing pop culture trivia, the show shines light on the dark corners in the entertainment capital of the world.

#24

What Dan Aykroyd Knows About Aliens (With CJ Sullivan)

Aliens: their existence seems kind of inevitable, right? So why are they such a fringe topic? They’re not, to legendary comedian Dan Aykroyd, who has spent his entire life studying alien encounters. This SNL founding member has a lot to say about extraterrestrials, and Tess brings on comedian CJ Sullivan (@<a href= "https://www.instagram.com/cj_sullivan_was_taken/">cjsullivanwastaken</a>) to sift through what Dan Aykroyd knows, and what the government is (and isn’t) telling us. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

14 Nov 2024

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:00

14 Nov 2024

#23

The Crow

Brandon Lee was supposed to have a long and successful film career. Instead, he died in a freak shooting accident on the set of his breakout film “The Crow.” He was shot by a blank. So how was that shot fatal? Tess talks with professional armorer <a href= "https://moviegunguy.com/WP/">Mike Tristano</a> about how and why this horrific tragedy occurred. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter,</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

07 Nov 2024

39 MINS

39:19

07 Nov 2024

#22

The Mobster in Home Alone 2 (Minisode)

Happy Halloween! We don't talk much about the woman buried at Donald Trump's golf course, huh? This strange and alarming story has been on Tess' mind for a couple years, and the week ahead of election day seems as good a time as any to get into it. Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker Produced by Tyler Hill Theme song by Rick Wood ... Read more

31 Oct 2024

15 MINS

15:38

31 Oct 2024

#21

The Hitman Who Was Woody Harrelson's Dad (with River Butcher)

Woody Harrelson is a huge movie star. His dad Charles Harrelson was a storied hit man with a fascinating life. The two Harrelsons shared a lot, including the spotlight in twisted various ways. Joining Tess to talk through this strange noir father son story is comedian River Butcher <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rivbutcher/?hl=en">@rivbutcher </a> Listen to the “Son of a Hitman” podcast by Jason Cavanaugh <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/1TFCQbI94uvSlSV6Vi0zve">here.</a> Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

24 Oct 2024

59 MINS

59:52

24 Oct 2024

#20

Free Winona

In 2001, Winona Ryder was arrested for shoplifting clothes at Saks 5th Avenue. This resulted in the creation of a wildly trendy garment - the Free Winona t-shirt. The iconic tee was designed by Billy T <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/yquetradingpost/?hl=en">@yquetradingpost</a>. Why was the Free Winona fad such a big deal? And why was Winona’s relatively petty theft treated like the crime of the century? Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter,</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

17 Oct 2024

54 MINS

54:03

17 Oct 2024

#19

We Are The World (with Lizzy Cooperman)

In the ‘80s, a gaggle of pop stars pulled an all-nighter to record “We Are the World.” This fever dream of a supergroup hit changed the course of self-serious mega collaborations forever. Comic, writer, and actor Lizzy Cooperman @<a href= "https://www.instagram.com/lizzycooperman/?hl=en">lizzycooperman</a> joins host Tess Barker to unpack this beautiful and enigmatic moment. Watch <a href= "https://www.netflix.com/title/81720500">“The Greatest Night in Pop”</a> on Netflix. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

10 Oct 2024

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:51

10 Oct 2024

#18

Pop Mystery Pod Presents: Burn This Podcast

Special feed drop! Tess has a stand up album coming out! Brandie Posey, creator of Burn This Records and Tess’s “<a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/ge/podcast/lady-to-lady/id578706812">Lady to Lady” </a> co-host is here with an episode of her podcast <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/7ftLh8ESgmKhKZYozeu89U">“Burn This Podcast”</a> talking to Tess about her album and playing some tracks! “Live from My Birthday Week” is available for purchase or stream everywhere starting 10/4/24. <a href= "https://linktr.ee/burnthisrecords?lt_utm_source=lt_admin_share_link#417482045"> Grab Tess’ album here</a>! ... Read more

03 Oct 2024

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:05

03 Oct 2024

#17

The Gerbil Up Richard Gere's Butt

How did leading man Richard Gere become the subject of one of the most enduring and absurd rumors of all time? Investigative journalist takes a deep and twisted dive into how and why this story spread before the internet existed? Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter,</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

26 Sep 2024

39 MINS

39:42

26 Sep 2024

#16

The Internet Versus A Missing Song (with Josh Chapdelaine)

There’s something so unsettling about hearing a melody you can’t quite place. Thankfully, the internet is full of “lost media” detectives who sometimes have amazing success at identifying unknown fragments of visual and audio art. Josh Chapdelaine (@ [JoshChapdelaine] (https://x.com/joshchapdelaine) ) joins host Tess Barker to discuss the mystery at the heart of his documentary podcast <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/35qGbMjPqXsfuoblZW5bnN">“Everyone Knows That: The Search for Ulterior Motives.” </a> Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

19 Sep 2024

58 MINS

58:59

19 Sep 2024

#15

The Melissa Who Isn't Avril Lavigne (with Cristen Conger)

Avril Lavigne is a grunge pop icon. Or is she? For years, a conspiracy theory has been circulating that the real Avril died shortly after becoming famous, and was replaced by a body double. Joining Tess Barker in this rabbit hole is podcaster [Cristen Conger] (https://www.instagram.com/unladylikemedia/) host of “<a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/4Z1xAOdDQXaG4hFB0A99bS">Conspiracy, She Wrote,</a>” and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unladylike/id1333193523">“Unladylike.”</a> Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

12 Sep 2024

51 MINS

51:50

12 Sep 2024

#14

The Strange Disappearance of the Buffalo Jills

Ten years ago, Buffalo’s beloved NFL cheerleading squad disbanded abruptly. The dismantling of the Buffalo Jills has left this die-hard sports community pointing fingers. Who is really to blame for the disappearance of the Bill’s cheer squad, and why has it still not returned to Buffalo? Tess interviews former Jills cheerleaders Erin Oliver and Lonna Rich (<a href= "https://www.instagram.com/glitteryhippie/?hl=en">@glitteryhippie</a>) about the unexpected history of the Buffalo Jills’ fight for fair working conditions. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter,</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

03 Sep 2024

54 MINS

54:38

03 Sep 2024

#13

The Blimp Fraud That Built the Backstreet Boys (with Dave Holmes)

Backstreet Boys. Nsync. It’s hard to overstate how larger than life these groups were in the late ‘90s and ‘00s. While millions of girls screamed over these boy bands, though, the guys in the groups were getting royally screwed by the guy who built them: Lou Pearlman. The fraud goes so deep, and gets so weird. Writer and podcaster Dave Holmes <a href= "https://x.com/DaveHolmes">@daveholmes</a> of the <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homophilia/id1267538496">Homophilia</a>, <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-killed-the-video-star-the-story-of-mtv/id1738048424"> Who Killed the Video Star</a>, and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waiting-for-impact/id1586375955"> Waiting for Impact</a> podcasts joins journalist and pop culture junkie Tess Barker for a dive into this strange and shocking story. Looking for video docs about Lou Pearlman? Check out “<a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcCRs0Ic3FI">The Boy Band Con</a>” and “<a href= "https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/dirty-pop-documentary-lou-pearlman">Dirty Pop</a>.” Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

27 Aug 2024

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:55

27 Aug 2024

#12

The Jerry Springer Crisis Actors

For better or (more likely) worse, “The Jerry Springer Show” changed television as we know it. Were the guests on this trainwreck real? Or fakers? Investigative journalists Tess Barker parses through Jerry Springer’s improbable life for clues as to how genuine the guests on his show were. Tess is joined by comics Doug Stanhope <a href= "https://x.com/DougStanhope">@dougstanhop</a>e and Terrence Newman <a href= "https://x.com/MayorOfEchoPark">@mayorofechopark</a>, who have wild first-hand insights into the veracity of this iconic show. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter,</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

20 Aug 2024

43 MINS

43:30

20 Aug 2024

#11

All of Lisa Vanderpump's Fires (with Haley Solar)

Darlings, it’s a Vanderpump mystery! Lisa Vanderpump is an OG Housewife and the ruler of her own Bravo empire. She’s also been the victim of many, many fires. Fashion designer and VPR expert [Haley Solar] (https://www.haleysolar.com/) <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/haleysolar/?hl=en">@HaleySolar</a> joins investigative journalist and pop culture junkie Tess Barker to chat through the house of smoke and mirrors that is Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

06 Aug 2024

1 HR 16 MINS

1:16:29

06 Aug 2024

#10

The Dark Truth Behind Those "Pass It On" Billboards

There’s something unsettling about those “Pass It On” billboards that feature celebrities like Dolly Parton, Whoopi Goldberg, and William Shatner. These ads don’t seem to be selling anything except abstractly positive concepts like perseverance and resilience. But what’s really going on here? Investigative journalist and pop culture junkie uncovers the dark truth behind these seemingly banal signs. Featuring [Judd Legum] (https://popular.info/) of the Popular Information newsletter. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter,</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

30 Jul 2024

42 MINS

42:30

30 Jul 2024

#9

Vin Diesel vs The Rock (with Brandie Posey)

Grab your can of nos, cause we’re revving things up! Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker welcomes Brandie Posey <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/brandazzle/?hl=en">@brandazzle</a> (Lady to Lady, Burn This Records, Picture This!) to talk through the real-life soap opera that is The Rock’s feud with Vin Diesel. Beefs don’t get much beefier than this. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

18 Jul 2024

1 HR 19 MINS

1:19:49

18 Jul 2024

#8

Cats: Crime of the Century?

“Cats” is a musical so ridiculous that it often drives people to anger. So why has this absurd show made so much money, and how does it keep taunting us all with its reemergence into culture? Jellicle journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker is on the case. Featuring interviews with actor <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/sweetford/?hl=en">Sara Jean Ford</a> (On Broadway: “Phantom of the Opera; “Finian’s Rainbow;” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying;” “Cats:” ) and musicologist and dramaturg <a href= "https://tdps.yale.edu/people/lynda-paul">Dr. Lynda Paul</a> (professor, Yale University; PhD music history/ethnomusicology/performance studies). Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter,</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Abigail Keel was a consulting producer on this episode. Special thanks to voice actors <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/seantgreen/">Sean Green</a> and <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/babs_gray/?hl=en">Babs Gray.</a> Clearance Counsel is Dale Nelson and Jacqueline Swett at Donaldson Callif Perez, LLP Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

11 Jul 2024

38 MINS

38:57

11 Jul 2024

#7

What Did Erika Jayne Know? (with Emma Gray)

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker welcomes Emma Gray <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/emmaladyrose/?hl=en">@emmaladyrose</a> ( [Love to See It] (https://www.lovetoseeitpod.com/) podcast, [Rich Text] (https://claireandemma.substack.com/) newsletter). How much did “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member and Erika Jayne know about her husband, Tom Girardi’s alleged frauds? Tess and Erika sort through the saga of this fallen power couple. Read the LA Times invetsigative piece on Tom and Erika, written by Matt Hamilton and Harriet Ryan <a href= "https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-17/tom-girardi-erika-jayne-rhobh-divorce"> here</a>. Watch the doc <a href= "https://www.hulu.com/series/the-housewife-and-the-hustler-4976b6a6-f055-449e-a260-17a80c5b3c62"> "The Housewife and the Hustler"</a> on Hulu. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/?hl=en">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "http://patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://ladytoladycomedy.com/">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic: The Britney Spears Story</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

27 Jun 2024

1 HR 14 MINS

1:14:32

27 Jun 2024

#6

Dirty Disney

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker unpacks a question that’s been nagging her since the ‘90s: Did someone put dirty jokes into classic Disney movies? How? And why? The search for the truth leads Tess to a place she didn't see coming. Guests include <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/lizclimo/?hl=en">Liz Climo</a> (“The Simpsons,” children’s book author & illustrator), <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/hollingsworth_cartoons/">Mike Hollingsworth</a> (“Bo Jack Horseman,” “Tuca and Bertie”), <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tom-Sito/author/B001JS9O9U?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true"> Tom Sito</a> (“The Little Mermaid,” “Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?”, “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast”), <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0152312/">Brenda Chapman</a> (“Brave,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast”). Featuring an Animation Guild oral history from <a href= "https://animationguild.org/oral_history/ann-guenther/">Ann Guenther</a> (“Sleeping Beauty,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Robin Hood,” “The Rescuers.”) Follow Pop Mystery Pod on <a href= "https://x.com/popmysterypod">Twitter,</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, and [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@popmysterypod) @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Abigail Keel was a consulting producer on this episode. Clearance Counsel is Dale Nelson and Jacqueline Swett at Donaldson Callif Perez, LLP Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts Lady to Lady and Toxic wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

20 Jun 2024

47 MINS

47:38

20 Jun 2024

#5

Lindsay Lohan and the Kombucha Industry (with Danielle Perez)

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker invites Danielle Perez @divadelux (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dicks! The Musical, Spiderverse) onto the show for chat through the surprising way Lindsay Lohan’s party girl phase changed the kombucha industry forever. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Insstagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPod Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lady-to-lady/id578706812">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473?see-all=reviews"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

13 Jun 2024

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:43

13 Jun 2024

#4

The Blind Side Lie

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker unpacks the alleged fraudulent actions behind the 2010 hit movie “The Blind Side.” Guests on this episode are Craig Vail, close friend of Michael Oher and Kellie Carter-Jackson @<a href= "https://x.com/kcarterjackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">kcarterjackson</a>, Historian, Award Winning Author, Chair of Africana, Wellesley College. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Insstagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Emma Klein. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Abigail Keel was a consulting producer on this episode. Clearance Counsel is Dale Nelson and Jacqueline Swett at Donaldson Callif Perez, LLP Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://www.exactlyrightmedia.com/lady-to-lady">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

06 Jun 2024

45 MINS

45:29

06 Jun 2024

#3

Brittany Murphy's House (with Babs Gray)

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker invites Babs Gray <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/babs_gray">@babs_gray</a>, her Britney’s Gram and Lady to Lady cohost onto the show for chat through the confounding case of Brittany Murphy’s untimely death. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Insstagram, and TikTok <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod">@popmysterypod</a> Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Emma Klein. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/Rickw00d">@Rickw00d</a>. Find "What Happened, Brittant Murphy" on Max. Check out the full convo with Julianne Kaye about Britney Spears selling her house on We Need to Talk About Britney <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-need-to-talk-about-britney/id1409394887"> here</a>. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts Lady to Lady and Toxic wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

30 May 2024

1 HR 11 MINS

1:11:47

30 May 2024

#2

The Bachelor Stalker

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker delves into the underbelly of “The Bachelor” franchise. She uncovers exclusive information about the show’s inner workings. Guests include former contestant Sydney Lotuaco <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/sydneylotuaco/">@sydneylotuaco</a> and Steve Carbone <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/realitysteve/">@realitysteve</a>. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/popmysterypod/">@popmysterypod</a> Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/tesstifybarker/">@tesstifybarker</a>. Produced by Emma Klein. Theme song by Rick Wood <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/Rickw00d/">@Rickw00d</a>. Abigail Keel was a consulting producer on this episode. Clearance Counsel is Jacqueline Swett at Donaldson Callif Perez, LLP Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/PopMysteryPod">patreon.com/PopMysteryPod</a> Follow Tess’s other podcasts <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lady-to-lady/id578706812">Lady to Lady</a> and <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-the-britney-spears-story/id1565880473"> Toxic</a> wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! ... Read more

22 May 2024

49 MINS

49:53

22 May 2024

#1

Welcome to Pop Mystery Pod

Investigative journalist and pop star advocate (#FreeBritney),Tess Barker is back on the entertainment beat. In each episode, Tess delves into the annals of pop culture history. She indulges in one of her favorite hobbies - sifting through court documents. She interviews people who actually lived through this pop culture trivia, and unpacks the details with experts. Tess's obsessevive and sometimes comedic reporting style uncovers the truth behind pop culture's most mysterious stories -- things we got wrong the first time around, and things that were intentionally hidden from us. ... Read more

16 May 2024

02 MINS

02:01

16 May 2024

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#24