On the Media Podcast Summary: "SPECIAL OFFER! ONLY 50 LEFT!!!"

Release Date: October 19, 2022
Hosts: Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger
Produced by: WNYC Studios

Exclusive Lipstick Offer for Members

In this special episode of On the Media, hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger introduce an exclusive offer for their listeners. Katya, the show's executive producer, announces a limited release of 50 exclusive Poppy King lipsticks available to members who donate to the show. This unique collaboration aims to provide members with a special gift while supporting the podcast.

The Origin Story of Exclusive Lipsticks

Brooke Gladstone delves into the fascinating origin story behind the exclusive lipsticks, featuring an interview with renowned lipstick designer, Poppy King.

Poppy King Shares Her Unified Theory of Lipstick

Poppy King, the creative force behind the lipstick brand "Poppy," discusses her unique approach to lipstick design. She explains, “My theory is that unlike other makeup, you know, mascara blush, which conceals, corrects, or enhances, lipstick is very much about who you are on the inside” (02:14). King emphasizes that lipstick serves as a gateway to one's inner self and the messages individuals convey to the world.

Personal Journey and Inspiration

King shares a deeply personal story about her relationship with lipstick, linking it to her experiences of trauma and empowerment. Reflecting on her childhood, she recounts, “I went into a sort of fantasy world that for me was about glamour” (03:39). The tragic loss of her father at a young age led her to seek solace and strength through the act of wearing lipstick, which she describes as connecting her to an “inner source of power” (05:27).

Glamour and Trauma: A Symbiotic Relationship

King explores the interplay between glamour and trauma, drawing parallels to iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe. She states, “the darker my world got, the more I just wanted to be a superhero” (05:27). For King, glamour is not merely about beauty but serves as a form of armor and self-expression, allowing her to navigate and present her inner strength to the world.

The Creation Process: Inspired by Media and Culture

King elucidates her creative process, highlighting how media sources such as public radio and publications like The New Yorker inspire her lipstick designs. She provides an example: “A while ago, I think it was Radiolab... I ended up doing a lip gloss called the Big Bang Theory” (07:08). This particular lip gloss was inspired by a Radiolab episode about the Big Bang, symbolizing the expansive and dynamic nature of the universe.

Future Design Aspirations

Looking ahead, King expresses her desire to create lipsticks inspired by historical moments, such as the year 1913. She mentions, “I would really love to do one around 1913” (08:22), indicating her continual pursuit of blending cultural narratives with her art.

Collaboration with On the Media

The episode highlights how King's collaboration with On the Media came to fruition. Initially a fan of the show, King describes her interaction with WNYC's membership services as pivotal: “I was so excited when somebody reached out to me from WNYC” (08:43). This connection led to the creation of exclusive lipstick editions tailored to resonate with the podcast's themes.

Inspiration from On the Media Content

King discusses a specific instance where a post-election essay deeply influenced her work. She relates, “I was one of those people that was in... surprise that we got here” (09:59), drawing inspiration from the show's exploration of societal and political undercurrents. This reflection inspired her to design a lipstick named "Primal Scream," symbolizing the raw emotional responses to political events.

Connection Between Lipstick and Reality

King makes a profound connection between lipstick and personal reality, stating, “there is something about the act of wearing lipstick that is a very powerful act of being present for yourself in the world” (11:16). This philosophy underscores her belief in lipstick as a tool for self-expression and empowerment.

Supporting On the Media

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support On the Media by donating $12 a month in exchange for the exclusive Poppy King lipsticks. Brook and Poppy encourage listeners to contribute, emphasizing the limited availability of these unique, collaboratively designed lipsticks.

Notable Quotes

• Poppy King: “My theory is that unlike other makeup, you know, mascara blush, which conceals, corrects, or enhances, lipstick is very much about who you are on the inside.” (02:14)

• Poppy King: “When I put on that dark blood red lip suit that my mother used to wear, it felt like it connected me to an inner source of power.” (04:00)

• Poppy King: “Public radio for me is pretty much where my best lipstick ideas come from.” (07:28)

• Poppy King: “There is something about the act of wearing lipstick that is a very powerful act of being present for yourself in the world.” (11:16)

Conclusion

This special episode of On the Media offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the intersection of personal narrative, cultural commentary, and creative expression through the lens of lipstick design. Poppy King's collaboration not only provides a unique product for supporters but also deepens the show's exploration of how personal and political narratives shape our perceptions and expressions.

For more information or to take advantage of the limited lipstick offer, visit onthemedia.org or text "lipstick" to 70101.