Infamous Podcast Episode Summary: "Justin Bieber Is Standing on Business"

Release Date: August 14, 2025

In this compelling episode of Infamous, hosted by Natalie Robehmed and Vanessa Grigoriadis, with insights from special guest Joe Coscarelli, the rise, fall, and resurgence of global pop sensation Justin Bieber are meticulously examined. The discussion delves deep into Bieber's journey from a teenage heartthrob to a mature artist grappling with the complexities of fame.

1. Introduction to Justin Bieber's Journey

Vanessa Grigoriadis kicks off the episode by reminiscing about her first encounter with Justin Bieber:

“I first met Justin Bieber when he was 16 years old. I interviewed him for his first cover of Rolling Stone and I was insanely excited about it.” [00:15]

She provides a heartfelt background on Bieber’s upbringing, highlighting his mother's traumatic past and the pivotal role she played in his early life. This sets the stage for understanding the pressures Bieber faced from a young age.

2. Early Rise to Fame

Joe Coscarelli echoes Vanessa's sentiments, framing Bieber as the modern incarnation of iconic teen pop acts:

“Justin Bieber was Teen Pop version 3.0, 4.0, depending on how you count the Jackson 5 and the Monkees and the Beatlemania...” [02:17]

He discusses Bieber's discovery by Scooter Braun through YouTube covers, emphasizing the strategic launch of his career with hit songs like "Baby." Coscarelli underscores the significance of Bieber’s collaborations with top-tier writers like The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, which catapulted him into stardom.

3. Navigating Child Stardom and Public Image

Vanessa shares an anecdote from her early interview experience with Bieber, illustrating his youthful demeanor and Canadian pride:

“I remember him having a lot of Canadian pride... ‘I love Canada. I don't want to be here.’” [04:31]

The conversation highlights the challenges Bieber faced as a child star, including media scrutiny and personal behavior issues reminiscent of other young celebrities like Aaron Carter.

Joe Coscarelli adds depth to this narrative:

“It's a timeless tale of child stardom... he really blooms as a musician.” [08:09]

He draws parallels between Bieber’s struggles and those of past child stars, emphasizing the systemic pressures that can lead to personal turmoil.

4. The Influence and Downfall of Scooter Braun

The dynamic between Bieber and his manager, Scooter Braun, is scrutinized as a pivotal factor in Bieber's career trajectory. Vanessa and Joe discuss how Braun's management initially helped shape Bieber's image but eventually led to friction:

“Bieber starts acting out... they start having problems and aren't talking for a while. There's a crisis.” [10:03]

Joe reflects on Braun's role in maintaining Bieber's marketability while managing his personal struggles, highlighting the delicate balance required in managing a young superstar.

5. Musical Evolution and Resurgence

The conversation shifts to Bieber's musical transformation, particularly with his albums "Purpose" and "Justice." Joe Coscarelli praises Bieber's ability to reinvent himself:

“These producers really use his voice as an instrument and kind of pitch it up, make it into this dolphin-like sound that really hits.” [16:00]

Vanessa adds her perspective on Bieber's lyrical maturity:

“Even though the lyrics are never quite incredible... they are huge hits and so incredibly catchy.” [16:02]

This period marks Bieber's comeback, with critically acclaimed music that reestablished his relevance in the pop industry.

6. Recent Developments and Challenges (2025)

Moving towards the present day, the episode addresses Bieber’s recent activities and controversies, including his departure from Scooter Braun's management and the sale of his music rights:

“Reports are sweeping the Internet that Justin Bieber has fired longtime manager Scooter Braun...” [23:35]

Vanessa discusses Bieber's strained relationship with fame and the paparazzi:

“He hates the paparazzi. They're like stalkers with a camera.” [23:39]

Joe Coscarelli elaborates on the overwhelming nature of Bieber's fame:

“It gets so big, it's such an overwhelming amount of fame...” [24:11]

The hosts explore Bieber's recent behavioral changes, fueled by personal and professional pressures, and his attempts to find peace amidst chaos.

7. The "Swag" Album and Future Prospects

In a surprising turn, Bieber releases a new album titled "Swag," which is lauded by the hosts as his best work in years. Natalie Robehmed expresses her enthusiasm:

“I think it's really good. It's his best album in years. I can't stop singing 'Uconn'.” [31:53]

Joe Coscarelli highlights the album's blend of mainstream appeal with underground influences:

“He's collaborating with both rap and indie underground artists... making it a coherent package for a mass audience.” [32:37]

The hosts speculate on Bieber's future, contemplating whether he will continue his ascent in the pop world or pivot towards a more independent artistic path.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with reflections on Bieber's ongoing struggle with fame and his quest for personal fulfillment. Vanessa remarks on Bieber's potential paths forward:

“He's going to be somebody that we are watching for... I am really interested in how his relationship with religion continues.” [34:01]

Joe Coscarelli adds:

“There's gossip... he's trying to find peace and freedom.” [29:42]

The discussion encapsulates Bieber's complex relationship with fame, his artistic evolution, and the personal challenges that continue to shape his public persona.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Coscarelli on Bieber's discovery and potential:

  “He was giving him a hit of this quality, like, that meant something. Like, even at the time... we’re gonna be with this kid for a while.” [02:17]

• Vanessa Grigoriadis on Bieber's stance on fame:

  “He told me he hated photographers... I think he was almost 17.” [23:35]

• Joe Coscarelli on the overwhelming nature of fame:

  “It’s such a overwhelming amount of fame that I think... it becomes the main battle and subject matter of his life.” [24:11]

• Natalie Robehmed on the "Swag" album:

  “It's his best album in years. I can't stop singing 'Uconn'.” [31:53]

Conclusion

This episode of Infamous provides an in-depth exploration of Justin Bieber's tumultuous journey through fame, personal struggles, and artistic reinvention. Through insightful commentary and personal anecdotes, Vanessa Grigoriadis, Natalie Robehmed, and Joe Coscarelli paint a nuanced portrait of one of the most enduring figures in modern pop culture.

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