Pop Apologists Podcast: Episode 269 Summary
Title: Katy Perry Went to Space. We Have Thoughts.
Host: Lauren & Chandler
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Podcast: PodcastOne – Pop Apologists
Description: A podcast by two sisters who care about celebrities as much as their family.
1. Introduction to Katy Perry’s Space Voyage
[00:00 – 02:21]
Lauren and Chandler kick off the episode by discussing the recent news of Katy Perry embarking on an 11-minute space flight with Blue Origin. Lauren highlights the all-female spaceship, which included Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez.
Lauren: "The first all-female spaceship went to space and safely landed back on Earth. And it included none other than our favorite Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Alive Girl 1, Lauren Sanchez."
[00:47]
2. Critique of the Space Mission’s Messaging
The hosts delve into the commercialization of space travel, criticizing the high cost and questioning the philanthropic motives behind the mission.
Chandler: "Let me just tell everyone, if you can't afford a billion-dollar Blue Origin ticket, there are cheaper ways. ... I'll just leave it $20."
[04:01]
Lauren echoes this sentiment, labeling the trip as a "vanity ride" and a marketing ploy for Blue Origin, devoid of any substantial philanthropic value.
Lauren: "It's a vanity ride and it's marketing for Blue Origin. That's completely correct."
[08:28]
3. Analysis of Katy Perry’s Post-Flight Statements
The conversation shifts to Katy Perry's remarks following her space journey, focusing on her expressions of love and connection.
Lauren: "Katie ... I feel super connected to love. ... You never know how much love is inside of you until the day you launch."
[03:26 – 03:36]
Chandler criticizes these statements as being out of touch and serving as a distraction from the actual experience of space travel.
Chandler: "Until you spend $400,000 on this 11-minute journey, you'll never know all the love that you have."
[12:32]
4. Deconstruction of the Space Flight’s Impact and Authenticity
Lauren and Chandler argue that the mission lacks genuine scientific or altruistic intent, emphasizing its role in promoting celebrity image rather than advancing STEM or meaningful causes.
Chandler: "This is really just an ultra-wealthy person's like wanderlust activity."
[08:28]
Lauren: "Why are you distracting me with this acapella tune? I don't want to hear it."
[06:14]
They further discuss the absence of a philanthropic angle, labeling the mission as an excess of celebrity-driven commercialization.
5. Em Rada’s Response and Broader Implications
Em Rada weighs in with critical points about the space mission, highlighting the environmental and societal costs overshadowed by celebrity antics.
Lauren: "Look at the state of the world and think about how many resources went into putting these women into space for what? For what?"
[10:14]
6. Final Thoughts on the Mission’s Authenticity and Future Implications
The hosts conclude their critique by reiterating the superficiality of the mission and expressing concern over its misleading narrative.
Chandler: "It’s actually really setting women up."
[12:32]
Lauren: "She's calling us all poor."
[12:21]
They question the authenticity of the mission's messaging and its impact on public perception of love and belonging.
Notable Quotes
- Lauren [03:26]: "You never know how much love you have inside of you until the day you launch."
- Chandler [12:32]: "Until you spend $400,000 on this 11-minute journey, you'll never know all the love that you have."
- Lauren [08:28]: "It's a vanity ride and it's marketing for Blue Origin."
- Chandler [10:14]: "It's actually really setting women up."
Conclusion
In this episode, Lauren and Chandler provide a critical examination of Katy Perry’s brief space trip with Blue Origin, arguing that it serves more as a self-promotional endeavor than a meaningful advancement in space exploration or philanthropy. They highlight concerns over commercialization, the high costs involved, and the misleading narratives about love and self-discovery propagated by celebrity-driven missions.
For those interested in celebrity culture and its intersection with major ventures like space travel, this episode offers a sharp and engaging critique, complete with insightful commentary and memorable quotes.
Note: Advertisements, personal anecdotes, and non-content segments have been excluded to focus on the core discussion about Katy Perry’s space journey.