290: Did Taylor Steal "With Love, Meghan’s" S2 Thunder? + the Young Exec Who Stole 1M to Fund Luxury Lifestyle

Summary

Pop Apologists – Episode 290: Did Taylor Steal "With Love, Meghan’s" S2 Thunder? + The Young Exec Who Stole $1M to Fund Luxury Lifestyle

Podcast by: PodcastOne
Hosts: Lauren & Chandler
Release Date: August 20, 2025

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Main Theme / Purpose

In this episode, sisters Lauren and Chandler dive into a mix of celebrity dramas and pop culture headlines, focusing on how Taylor Swift’s album announcement overshadowed Meghan Markle’s new Netflix project. The episode also unpacks the wild story of a Food52 executive accused of embezzling company funds to fuel a luxury lifestyle, and touches on viral moments involving famous couples, new book deals, and a cringeworthy celebrity interview. The hosts bring their trademark playful, skeptical, and irreverent commentary throughout.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Milestone Birthdays & The End of Clubbing (02:34–06:41)

• Chandler shares it’s her last week in her twenties, excited to embrace her 30s:

  “I feel like I’ve been 30 since I was, like, 12. …I am not necessarily an old soul in the sense that I have a lot of wisdom, but an old soul in the sense that I’m geriatric in my tastes, my desires, my energy levels.” (03:59 – Chandler)

• The sisters discuss no longer feeling FOMO about late nights or partying:

  “Once you’re in a stable relationship, why would you want to be out past 11pm doing anything but watching a TV show?” (06:07 – Chandler)

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2. Did Taylor Swift Steal Meghan Markle’s Thunder? (06:41–13:23)

Meghan Markle’s "With Love, Meghan" Season 2 Trailer vs. Taylor Swift’s Album Announcement

• Meghan reportedly upset her season 2 trailer was overshadowed by Taylor Swift’s album rollout.
  • “A source claimed that Megan thought her trailer would own the news cycle. They added: Then Taylor’s announcement came in like a wrecking ball.” (07:40 – Host 1)
• Lauren and Chandler note Meghan’s content feels repetitive and didn’t deserve attention regardless of Taylor:

  “It is literally the exact same thing as the first season. There’s nothing newsworthy to discuss.” (08:09 – Lauren) “It’s literally copy paste, season one. Shooby dooby doo… Girl, get real. We live in an attention economy, and her trailer would be considered boring even during a slow news week.” (09:07 – Chandler)

• The sisters mock the “ice cream parlor music” and the lack of drama:

  “If we’re not going to get ass cheek, which we would love, why don’t we just get you throwing back some cocktails with Gwyneth? …Talk about the first time you and Harry hooked up… Give us something here that would dominate the news cycle.” (12:41 – Host 1)

• Both agree Meghan needs to dial up the spice or surprise factor.

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3. Internet Couples: The “Dark Truth” About Pookie & Jet (15:16–24:46)

Pookie & Jet’s Social Media Romance Scrutinized

• The Daily Mail attempts to uncover a sinister side to viral couple Pookie and Jet, but the hosts agree it's a "nothing burger."

  “People are trying to throw stones. …I love their content and just ride for them.” (16:47 – Host 1) “If a man talked to me like that, I would keel over… I’m grossed out by the ‘she looks like a princess’ talk.” (18:55 – Chandler)

• They mock a “tell-all” based on internet rumors and praise Jet’s TED Talk as unnecessary:

  “‘Campbell and I don’t stand out because we scale tall buildings. We merely love out loud…’ What a guy.” (21:49 – Chandler, quoting Jet)

• Consensus: They're caricatures, not role models—fun to watch, but over the top and driven by performative capitalism.

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4. Margaret Qualley’s Awkward Interview About Taylor Swift (24:46–29:18)

Anatomy of a PR Flub

• Margaret Qualley (married to Taylor’s producer Jack Antonoff) seems caught off-guard when asked about Taylor Swift’s album on national TV.

  “[Margaret] should have just been gracious and said, ‘Unfortunately, I know nothing. I wish I had an Easter egg for you. But we are so excited to hear the music.’” (25:54 – Host 1)

• The sisters dissect her nervous laughter and read into potential “bad blood,” referencing past awards show footage to speculate on her relationship with Taylor.

  “I sensed from that video a real dislike. …That plus the [awkward response] just kind of betrays something.” (27:48 – Host 1)

• They joke about media training and etiquette for celebrity spouses.

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5. K-Fed’s Britney Spears Tell-All Book & Exes’ Reactions (31:43–36:44)

Shocking Memoir News & Commentary

• K-Fed (Kevin Federline) announces a “transparent” tell-all book about his life with Britney Spears.

  “This book is going to be on the Barnes & Noble clearance shelf by Christmas. I will be buying it full price for the sake of the podcast.” (32:15 – Chandler)

• The hosts call the book exploitative, especially as a financial move after child support ran out:

  “He is now trying to exploit their relationship financially and… expose her in order to make money. It is just so the opposite of what a man should do, and I just find it to be…I see the cover of this book and it honestly makes me want to dry heave.” (33:02 – Host 1)

• Sam, Britney’s ex, hilariously shades K-Fed:

  “Can’t wait for this book about how to be a professional father. It’ll be the first book where they teach you how to be a professional father.” (34:00 – Host 1, paraphrasing Sam)

• Both hosts agree K-Fed is unworthy of sympathy for being a “majority caretaker,” noting his dubious past.

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6. Leonardo DiCaprio Feels 32 at Age 50 (36:44–38:30)

Ageless Mindset…or Red Flag?

• Leo says he “feels 32” despite turning 50.

  “Doesn’t everyone say, ‘Oh, in my head I’m still 21 or 27 or 17 or whatever.’” (37:31 – Host 1)

• Jokes about Leo’s younger girlfriend preferences.

  “It’s giving like Epstein. Oh, I don’t like it. It’s gross.” (39:08 – Chandler)

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7. Meghan & Harry’s Netflix “First Look” Deal – Real Win or PR Spin? (39:08–46:07)

Sussexes’ Streaming Pivot

• Meghan and Harry move from a major Netflix contract to a much smaller first-look deal.

  “In their book, this is a slight win, and they hope people think that this is really like, another major deal. But unfortunately for the Sussexes, it’s…really not.” (40:20 – Host 1)

• They brainstorm hypothetical projects for the couple, suggesting everything from children’s story hours to wildlife consciousness-raising:

  “She should just start a program where she reads to children. Like children’s stories.” (43:30 – Host 1) “Megan wants a message in whatever she does, so it needs to be something with an altruistic angle.” (43:13 – Chandler)

• The hosts gently roast Meghan’s conservative style and speculate that her on-screen presence needs more authenticity or excitement for people to care.

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8. The Food52 Executive Who Stole $1M to Fund a Luxe Lifestyle (48:43–64:22)

True-Crime Deep Dive: Shannon Muldoon Case

• Shannon Muldoon, Food52’s Studio52 head, embezzled at least $270,000 (likely up to $1M) by submitting fraudulent expenses for luxury fashion, flights, and wellness retreats.

  “Her clothes started getting better. Her nail art was crazy. She got a lot of Botox. You could just tell she was going through a transformation.” (52:00 – Chandler, reading a coworker quote)

• She flaunted her newfound wealth on social media, buying from The Row, Chanel, Net-a-Porter, and living lavishly despite a mid-level corporate salary.
• Shannon covered her tracks by coding personal spending as business “props,” and even replied (from medical leave!) to internal Slack threads questioning suspicious expenses.

  “These are suspicious if you ask me. Looks like it was def. Not a real charge because it’s charged and then refunded, question mark.” (55:45 – Chandler, as Shannon)

• The hosts marvel at her brazenness, poor company oversight, and limited punishment (five years’ probation, little restitution):

  “She kind of did get away with it. Oh no, she absolutely did. She absolutely got away with this. Five years probation. She must have hired a very good attorney…” (64:08 – Chandler)

• Lauren shares her own (tiny) petty-cash panic, contrasting normal guilt to the scammer “gene.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Meghan’s] trailer would be considered boring even during a slow news week. Like, no, I don’t make the rules.” (09:07 – Chandler)
• “Even Taylor Swift is showing more ass cheek these days… Megan, you’re missing. You’re not reading the room.” (12:26 – Chandler)
• “I walked up to the prettiest girl in the bar. Wine bar in Philadelphia.” (19:41 – Host 1, impersonating Jet)
• “They are caricatures… If you’re having a good day, you might see that he’s so funny and lovable… Or you might be like, this guy is annoying and he’s the worst.” (20:09 – Chandler, on Pookie & Jet)
• “This book is going to be on the Barnes & Noble clearance shelf by Christmas. I will be buying it full price for the sake of the podcast.” (32:15 – Chandler, about K-Fed)
• “I see the cover of this book and it honestly makes me want to dry heave with how gross I think he is.” (33:02 – Host 1)
• “Leo says, ‘32’… It’s giving like Epstein. Oh, I don’t like it. It’s gross.” (39:08 – Chandler)
• “You just know that she was so beside herself.” (56:10 – Host 1, on Shannon Muldoon during her fraud unravelling)
• “Can you imagine the work chat that was lighting up when all of this came to light and the schadenfreude going on between those co workers?” (63:14 – Host 1)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Meghan Markle’s Trailer & Taylor Swift’s Album: 06:41–13:23
• Pookie & Jet’s Viral Romance Dissected: 15:16–24:46
• Margaret Qualley’s Awkward Taylor Swift Interview: 24:46–29:18
• K-Fed’s Tell-All Book & Celebrity Exes’ Quips: 31:43–36:44
• Leonardo DiCaprio’s Age Comments: 36:44–38:30
• Meghan & Harry Netflix Update & Celebrity Reality-TV Pitching: 39:08–46:07
• Food52 Embezzlement Scandal Deep Dive: 48:43–64:22

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Tone & Style

The sisters’ tone remains lighthearted, snarky, and gossipy, mixing pop culture expertise with playful self-deprecation and millennial skepticism. They encourage irreverent takes but circle back to empathetic perspectives on certain issues, prioritizing entertainment with a wink toward more serious themes.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• You’ll get insider-y, humorous breakdowns of why Meghan Markle’s Netflix push fizzled and Taylor Swift always wins the news cycle.
• The Food52 fraud story provides a peek into both petty workplace drama and the mechanics of corporate theft—with hilarious asides.
• The show is filled with speculative but clever commentary on how celebrities could be more interesting, accompanied by witty quips and a sense of candor that feels like a group chat with friends.

Recommended for: Pop culture die-hards, fans of internet drama, listeners who love a shady deep-dive, and anyone wondering what makes a news story “pop” in the age of viral media.

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Transcript

[Lauren]

You guys, are you sleeping on the great selection that is contained within your local Macy's? I know Kagan and I were about a year ago, but we had to do some shopping and we went to our local mall and we went to Macy's. There are so many brands at such incredible prices. It's not as expensive as you'd think. Kagan fell in love with these polo Ralph Lauren pants that are now his go to's. I know whenever he's running low, exactly the fit and size to restock him in. And I always go to Macy's because they have the best price. You guys, Macy's has so many brands that we all love. They have Mango, they have Mango, they have Levi's, they have Calvin Klein. Go to Macy's. They have free people. Also, the sales are crazy. The sales are always so good and the prices are impeccable. If you are sleeping on Macy's as you plan your fall wardrobe, it is a huge mistake.

[Host 1]

Huge.

[Lauren]

You can snag great deals on fall shoes and outerwear. So it's a great time to refresh everything. Shop now@macy's.com or in store your fall closet. It will. Thank you.

[Host 1]

All right, you guys, today is a very exciting episode. We have a full kind of deep dive on the Food52 executive who scammed the company or defrauded the company out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[Chandler]

We also talk about Meghan Markle. You know, what this new Netflix deal means. Also, why she felt so snubbed by Taylor Swift. Why Taylor Swift, you know, so stole her moment in the sun.

[Host 1]

Indeed. We discuss Sam Agassi, Britney Spears's ex husband, the remark he made about K. Fed's forthcoming tell all about Britney Spears and his marriage and the past 20 years.

[Chandler]

We also touch on Leonardo DiCaprio's comment about feeling 32. Good for him. And Margaret Qualley's kind of, you know, media blunder when asked about the Taylor.

[Host 1]

Swift album, her gaffe on national television that I think gave away a lot. So it's a fun episode, everyone enjoy. This episode of Pop Apologist is brought to you by booking.combooking. yeah. From vacation rentals to hotels across the U.S. booking.com has the ideal summer stay.

[Lauren]

For absolutely anyone, even those who might.

[Host 1]

Seem impossible to please. Find exactly what you're booking for booking.combooking. yeah.

[Lauren]

Book today on the site or in the app.

[Chandler]

Well, well, well.

[Host 1]

Welcome back to another episode of Pop.

[Chandler]

Apologists, a podcast between two sisters. Two, you know, blondes finding their way in the world discussing, you know, all things celebrity gossip and pop culture.

[Host 1]

Chandler, that was a gorgeous intro. Should we play that at the beginning of every episode so people really know what they're in for?

[Chandler]

Here I was just thinking about how mortifying it was that I just referred to us as two blondes finding us, finding their way in the world. But, you know, where's the lie?

[Host 1]

Where's the lie? Because we. Where is the lie? One blonde. By the way, everyone who is very close to a seminal birthday, can we discuss for just a quick second, Everyone.

[Chandler]

It'S my last week in my twenties and I am spending it doing exactly what I want to be doing, which is recording this podcast. Going out to several cute dinners this week with friends.

[Host 1]

So fun.

[Chandler]

Got a cute, cute breakfast on my birthday with you, Lauren. I planned a lot of fun things for myself and I'm just, I'm excited to be 30. I'm excited for this new decade, this.

[Host 1]

New era, this new decade. You know, it was so funny as I saw this TikTok this morning that was like, I just turned 29, which is old, but next year I'll be 30, which is young. And I do think there is something fun about being in the beginning part of a decade. It's like, I mean, 30 isn't even.

[Chandler]

Early 30s, it's barely 30.

[Host 1]

It's just like so fresh, you know?

[Chandler]

Girl, I feel like I've been 30 since I was like 12. I love talking to my parents, friends. I always felt found them to be endlessly interesting. I just, I feel like I am not necessarily an old soul in the sense that I have like a lot of wisdom, but an old soul in the sense that I'm geriatric in my tastes, my desires, my energy levels. Not that 30 is geriatric.

[Host 1]

Yeah, I was gonna say it started out really good.

[Chandler]

I think that, I think that word is funny. But I like, I don't. I never even partied really in my twenties. So like now I can just like, I. I can fully embrace who I've always been, which is just like old, just. No, just like a low key homebody.

[Host 1]

Who'S, you know, who just enjoys the simple things. That's true. It's like you're not gonna have this voice in your head that's like, I'm 28 years old. Why am I not down to go meet everyone at 1am to go stand in line in the cold to get into a packed club. You're not. That voice is gonna be fully like silenced come Friday.

[Chandler]

A crisis. I literally have every single year around my birthday is, do I plan a party? And how can the party end at 11pm in a cool, I'm young and fresh and hip and energetic way?

[Host 1]

Kind of.

[Chandler]

I never want to go out and dance late into the night. And I never really want to, like, go out, out, out. I want to go out, and I wanted to end at. I want to be in the uber home at 11:45 at the latest.

[Host 1]

I need to tread lightly when I say the following thing. It was a. It was a big realization for me when I realized, because I also hate going out and staying out super late is. But what I realized at some point in my. In my life was that people who were doing that generally were not just going off adrenaline to enjoy that experience. And that is, I think, what's literally required to enjoy a 2am dance sesh.

[Chandler]

100% the truth. And I think, okay, you're either, yeah, indulging in something else, or you are trying to meet somebody and you're going off of the high of, like, I'm.

[Host 1]

With this guy I just met.

[Chandler]

We're gonna, you know, have this amazing night on the town. And now that you know, once you're in, like, a stable relationship, it's like, why would you and your significant other want to be out past 11pm Doing anything but watching a TV show? Like, why? That's the only thing I want to do past 11pm in my life is watch TV with Ben.

[Host 1]

No, I want to. I want to be tucking in and I want to see a great sleep score when I wake up. That, to me, is an impeccable evening, and I hope we achieve it on your. On your 30th birthday. So excited for you to enter this new decade. Okay, well, let's dive right in. Chandler, what should we start with?

[Chandler]

I want to talk about With Love Megan, Season 2, and how the proper amount of critical acclaim was stolen from.

[Host 1]

Her by Taylor Swift, everyone. So Megan Markle blames Taylor Swift, reportedly for stealing the spotlight with her viral video. Okay, so Taylor Swift's album announcement on the New Heights podcast reportedly has overshadowed Meghan's Netflix push and the brunette. And Montecito was not happy about it. According to a recent report, the Duchess of Sussex expected the second season of With Love Megan to command the news cycle following its Tuesday release. Instead, Taylor Swift's the Life of a Showgirl reveal dominated online conversation. I mean, this is true. Did you. Did you feel like you saw much about the trailer dropping?

[Chandler]

I didn't. I didn't. I didn't watch the trailer until, like, this morning. In preparing for this episode.

[Host 1]

Right. A source claimed that Megan thought her trailer would own the news cycle. They added. Then Taylor's announcement came in like a wrecking ball. Megan's convinced it wasn't just bad luck.

[Chandler]

Owning the news cycle is an interesting choice of words, but, you know, I just have to be honest with everyone. Sorry to Hurricane Aaron, sorry to Shannon Muldoon, and sorry to Meghan Markle, but there was nothing that was going to stop TS12 from becoming full blown national international news.

[Host 1]

No. And this is the other thing I want to say. You're so correct, Chandler. But beyond that, there's a reason why Megan's trailer for With Love Megan has not dominated the news cycle. And it's because it is literally the exact same thing as the first season. In this new trailer. There's nothing. There's nothing newsworthy to discuss. I am watching her discuss as she's slicing bread how we can find joy in showing up for people or there are new ways to find joy and show love for others. Okay, She's. She's arranging flowers. She's wrapping presents with a beautiful bow in the garden. She's laughing and making a cocktail. She's with the. The blonde, you know, not yet, girl. She's with Christina Tosi. She's back with the makeup artist. There's just not a whole lot to actually say.

[Chandler]

It's literally copy paste, season one. Shooby dooby doo. It's some old timey song. Shoot a boo doo Shooby dooby doo. Here's a shot of sourdough bread. Shooby dooby doo. Here's a shot of Megan Mar laughing. Girl, get real. Like, we literally, we live in an attention economy, and her trailer would be considered boring even during like a slow news week. Like, no, I don't make the rules.

[Host 1]

At the beginning of the trailer, she's in this beige cashmere cardigan and she looks at the camera with like a devilish look and she goes, should we put on some music? And then they show a record playing. And you're right. It's like, it's. What's that. What's that style of music called.

[Chandler]

Prohibition era music? I'm thinking about cars that are half horse. No, it's like, no, it's like a swing dancing music.

[Host 1]

No, it's being Crosby. It's Ella Fitzgerald. It's like, it's just always. She plays the same type of music every single time. And it's like, girl, like, let's diversify at least in the music taste, because it's just so. So it's the same music that Ballerina Farm plays on all her videos. I love the idea of spending time together.

[Chandler]

That actually wasn't the right song that I was singing, but. Sorry, everyone, but no, it's literally the Motown.

[Host 1]

It's Motown. Isn't that what that is?

[Chandler]

Maybe. I don't know. I honestly don't know. We're not music. We're not music official people. But oh, my gosh, it's literally. It's like that music. Her saying some vanilla ass thing about friendship or, you know, joy. I actually think there was a spicy moment that we got. So I think they're turning it up just ever so slightly because did you notice when they're doing the ceramics and she's kind of holding it.

[Host 1]

Oh, okay.

[Chandler]

I was like, I don't know what we're doing here. And it's like a little, like, it's a little bit of like an innuendo, I think. I think.

[Host 1]

Oh, that's so funny. I, you know, to the pure, all is pure. And I didn't catch that. I did. I did find where she made the joke about the ham because the guy was like, I think everyone should have this in their home. And it was a. One of those huge, like Iberica, you know, Spanish hams that they, that they have, you know, in Spain.

[Chandler]

And what does she say?

[Host 1]

You're so worldly and sophisticated. And anyway, she goes, you do. And it was actually kind of funny. So I thought that was a charming. A charming part of it. But yeah, I found the music type. It's oldies, like soul music. That's her. That is her flavor even.

[Chandler]

No, soul. It's like, it's literally like, it's. It's ice cream parlor music.

[Host 1]

It is ice cream parlor at lunch. Or it's ice cream parlor with more of a romantic overtone when Jerry and.

[Chandler]

Teresa are sharing a milkshake.

[Host 1]

Okay. That is the only type of music she listens to.

[Chandler]

It's like jukebox.

[Host 1]

It is full jukebox. That is Chandler. You hit the nail on the head. That is perfect. And Megan, that's the reason we're not all floored by this, this trailer. You know, we got some.

[Chandler]

We gotta get something new. We got to get something new here. Even Taylor Swift is showing more ass cheek these days. Like, she knows that she needs to get our attention. And Megan, you're missing. You're not reading the room.

[Host 1]

No.

[Chandler]

And if we're not going to get.

[Host 1]

Asked cheek which we would love. Why don't we just get you throwing back some cocktails with Gwyneth? Just do a mixology episode. Okay. And why don't you talk about the first time you and Harry hooked up? Okay. That would.

[Chandler]

That the first time you got drunk.

[Host 1]

What about Chandler? The first time her and Kate got in a fight? Like, let's just give us something here that would get our attention, that would dominate the news cycle. But we've seen. We have seen the very rudimentary kitchen skill set and we have seen the Loro Piana sweaters. We need something else to sink our teeth into.

[Chandler]

You'd think that the editors would be like, okay, maybe let's turn up the heat a little bit on this trailer. Like, we've got another chance with season two. Nope.

[Host 1]

Right. Well, I think that the problem is that they just filmed it all at the same time.

[Chandler]

Yeah, but they could cut together a spicier trailer. I don't know. Editing, you do a lot with an edit.

[Host 1]

It's true, but I just don't know. Like, I just don't think that there were conversations about fights you got into with Kate Middleton that hit the cutting room floor. Sure.

[Chandler]

I just. I was just surprised to see that it's like literally copy paste of season one.

[Host 1]

We will be recapping it. We'll do probably a segment on an episode, maybe a full episode recapping the season. So I hope there's honestly even enough content for that. That is all I ask for.

[Chandler]

Truly.

[Lauren]

You guys, are you sleeping on the great selection that is contained within your local Macy's? I know Kagan and I were about a year ago, but we had to do some shopping and we went to our local mall and we went to Macy's. And there are so many brands at such incredible prices. It's not as expensive as you'd think. Kagan fell in love with these polo Ralph Lauren pants that are now his go tos. I know whenever he's running low, exactly the fit and size to restock him in. And I always go to Macy's because they have the best prices. You guys, Macy's has so many brands that we all love. They have Mango, they have Mango, they have Levi's, they have Calvin Klein. Go to Macy's. They have free people. Also, the sales are crazy. The sales are always so good and the prices are impeccable. If you are sleeping on Macy's as you plan your fall wardrobe, it is a huge mistake.

[Host 1]

Huge.

[Lauren]

You can snag great deals on fall shoes and outerwear so it's a great time to refresh everything. Shop now@macy's.com or in store. Your fall closet will thank you.

[Chandler]

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[Host 1]

Okay. Yeah. I mean, people are trying to throw stones. I was sick to my stomach when I saw this, this article title, because, as you know, I love Pookie and Jet. I love Pookie and Jet. I love my Pookie sweatshirt. I might have two of them. I love their content, and I just ride for them. I really do. And when I thought that maybe there was going to be this, like, dark, sinister, actual reality and Pookie and Jet aren't what it seems, which is just a great American couple, I was floored.

[Chandler]

Chandler, are you teeing this up to. I feel like you got something else to say. Well, yeah, gleefully say that.

[Host 1]

What Lauren Let me. Let me just read through a few items from this article. So it says Pookie is looking absolutely fire tonight was the simple compliment first spoken in a strong Southern drawl by investment baker Jet Puckett to his stunning wife Campbell two years ago that set them both on the chorus of tick tock stardom. Campbell, a glamorous and softly spoken former air hostess, had already established a modest online following by sharing lifestyle and fashion content. But as soon as she introduced the Internet to her wealthy chino wearing husband, Jet, TikTok couldn't get enough. The pair began posting videos showing off their outfits, during which Jet lavished praise on Campbell, whom he affectionately nicknames Pookie. And I've since racked up millions of views and 1.5 million followers. However, as Pookie and Jets fame has grown, so too is scrutiny of their relationship. One industry source told me, the couple know what they're doing. It's inherently performative. They are not realistic. They're social media influencers. Who knows what goes viral. They've generated characters for their brand, and it's worked a treat for them. It actually sets a very unrealistic expectation, especially with young women who want to get married someday. And so the article basically the. When you, you know, I was reading this article, I'm like trying to find what's the sinister, what's the bomb they're going to drop about Pookie and Jet.

[Chandler]

This is when I knew this was a nothing burger because it says, meanwhile, Jet's line of work has come under fire as well. One social media user commented on one of their videos. I wish more people understood the damage that private equity does to this country. And I was like, okay, where we are scraping at the bottom of the barrel right now. Okay. There's actually no dark truth. I have my own opinions about Pookie and Jet. I do not, like, fall over myself, you know, with love and adoration for them. I'm quite grossed out by Jet because I think if a man talked to me like that, I would keel over. Not, not from, you know, not from Glee, but I just, I'm. I'm grossed out by. I'm icked out by like, the she looks like a princess talk. I can't even do a Jet impression, but looks like a princess, talks like a princess, sleeps like a princess. I don't want to be anyone's princess.

[Host 1]

I walked up to the prettiest girl in the bar.

[Chandler]

Wine bar in Philadelphia.

[Host 1]

That's not how I thought you would.

[Chandler]

Do a good Jet impression.

[Host 1]

I know Considering your Jerry is so good. I need to work on it. I mean, I don't. I don't look at Pookie and Jett as the pinnacle of romance. They're not Brad and Gwyneth for me. Okay. It's just. I think they're fun content creators, and whenever I watch one of their reels, I'm, like, tickled by it. Like, I think it's funny. Like, I think it's over the top and hilarious.

[Chandler]

They are caricatures, and he is a caricature. And if. If you're having a good day, you might see that. It's just like, he's so funny and lovable. And if, you know. And if you know you're having a day that's, like, maybe a little bit more annoyed, you might be like, this guy is annoying and he's the worst. But I. I don't think they're insidious. They're just. They're just caricatures.

[Host 1]

No. And. Okay, so the. The part of the article where they're like, really? I think exposing Pookie and Jet is this part where it says that an anonymous social media user claimed that he ordered Pookie to have breast surgery, maintaining a thin physique and wearing tight clothing, although there is no evidence of these stipulations. Wait, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Daily Mail has written an article based on some Trolls hate fiction comment. That is. That is the source. No, it's an anonymous social media user who is. You know, all those hate comments, they're literally just jealous projections. People like to fill in the gaps in their brain with narratives about influencers or whoever in order to make themselves feel better about their lives. And it's just absolutely hilarious to me that that. That is what spawned this entire article. Is it an. It's not even actually someone with a hand with a handle. It's literally a ghost account. An anonymous social media user.

[Chandler]

Yeah, I mean, I. This whole article is a nothing burger. I do want to just quickly say one thing, which is, I don't want a TED Talk from jet, but we got one anyway. Okay. And can I just. Can I just read you the excerpt here that just made me roll my eyes?

[Host 1]

Please do.

[Chandler]

In a TED Talk from June, Jet reveals Campbell and I don't stand out because we scale tall buildings. We merely love out loud. I learned it from my late grandfather, who loved my grandmother out loud for over 60 years. He was the most masculine man I've ever known, and he taught me, you can be a man and still openly express love and affection for your wife. What a guy. You can still be a man and love your wife out loud, out loud.

[Host 1]

I mean, talk about a nothing burger. Listen, I like Pookie and Jets reels. I'm not watching the TED Talk. Okay. I'm not. I'm not buying what they're selling necessarily. I just think that they make delightful content. Also. You just know that they got an email from their PR people that was like, we have an opportunity for. For. For one of you to do TedX and Chattanooga. It's this lot on this day, and we think it'll be a good social media moment.

[Chandler]

Yes.

[Host 1]

You know, here are the ideas of what you could talk about. Like the idea that Jett is doing some sort of, like, that he is basically a one man think take on how to love a woman is kind of hilarious. And we just have to take it for what it is.

[Chandler]

Yeah. You know, I don't love them. They're just social media caricatures to me. And, you know, you can take it or leave it.

[Host 1]

Do you watch any of their content?

[Chandler]

I come across it and sometimes I'll watch it, but I like. I don't care about, like, the Hermes, like, unboxing.

[Host 1]

I mean, I actually do like watching her videos about basically anything, but I just. I think they're funny. Like, they had a. They had a video over the weekend where they're making Hugo spritzes in the Jacuzzi. Okay. And then they were just talking about how it's Hugo spritz summer. And she was like. She was like, Hugo's. She's like Saint Germain's. Saint Germain goes back to the Romans and jets. Like, Pookie. I don't think they had St. Germain in the Roman times. I think they had aqueducts and they had hot baths, but I don't think St. Germain was part of it. I mean, they're just funny. They're just cute and charming.

[Chandler]

Some of it is totally funny. And a lot of it when it's like, I'm going to the, you know, Charleston, you know, Hermes store to pick up a new Kelly Birkin. Those two bags are one for Pookie. It's just like. It's obnoxious. Like, that's not. It's not my. I like other types of social media caricatures.

[Host 1]

They are 100% over the top. Consumerism, capitalism potentially at its worst in terms of the $8,000 Hermes baby outfits and blankets and toys and whatever. I'm not into that side of it. I just find their Their vibe to be fun. Okay. And we probably should move on.

[Chandler]

I would take no pleasure in hearing that, you know, Jett was actually a bad guy and was, you know, maybe stepping. I don't. I don't want anything to be wrong in their marriage. It's just the way they love out loud is not the way I like to consume loving around.

[Host 1]

And I don't even. I actually don't want that. That relationship experience either.

[Chandler]

Like, I think it's a little.

[Host 1]

A little much and be kind of ingratiating for me, but it's fun to watch. Okay. Moving on, though. I mean, so much to get into. Chandler, I want to talk to you about the Margaret Quaily interview. So, Margaret Qualy, who is married to Jack Antonoff, she appeared a noticeably uncomfortable everyone when asked if she knew the details about Taylor's forthcoming record, the Life of a Showgirl, which is set to be released on August 3rd. So I'm just going to go ahead and play this clip you mentioned.

[Interviewer]

Your husband, Jack, of course, is. Has produced for. With Taylor for years. Perhaps you heard she's got a new album that's coming out. Can you tell us anything about it?

[Host 1]

I don't know anything, but we'll all be excited to listen to music.

[Interviewer]

Okay. All right.

[Host 1]

Okay. I mean, I know my thoughts on this. I'm interested for your thoughts.

[Chandler]

I think if she would have just stopped after she said, I don't know anything, but we'll all be excited to listen to the music, that would have been one thing. But it's the laughing afterwards and the. That, I think. Yes. That reveals her true thoughts.

[Host 1]

Yes. And I think it goes beyond, in my opinion, her just being annoyed that she's being asked about Taylor Swift in an interview. Let me just say, before we even get to. Before we dig deeper, Chandler, I think that she really should have just been gracious and she should have said, unfortunately, I know nothing. I wish I had an Easter egg for you. But we are so excited to hear the music. Like, she should have just been super nice about it.

[Chandler]

I'll make it even easier. She could have said, I don't know anything, but we'll all be so excited to listen to the music.

[Host 1]

I'm not saying she needs to say that. I just think if she really just wanted to give a great interview and seem really gracious, she should have just been warm and really excited and nice about it.

[Chandler]

Well, I guess, like, if there's writing on the wall that maybe, you know, Jack Antonoff is upset that he's not working on this album or that, like, maybe things aren't amazing between the Antonoffs, the Quailies, and, you know, and the Swifts. She could have just said that exact same thing that she said, but just with a different tone of voice. It was all in her tone.

[Host 1]

It was all in the tone. And you know what it reminded me of? It reminded me of the Grammys where Taylor is sitting with Margaret, Jack and Lana. And do you remember how she gets, like, very kind of toasted at that Grammys? It's the Grammys where she announced Tortured Poets.

[Chandler]

Yeah, because, like, doesn't she go up on stage? She makes Lana come up on stage.

[Host 1]

That.

[Chandler]

That Grammys moment. Is that what you're talking about?

[Host 1]

Not that moment, but there is video footage her being kind of like roughhousing with Jack at the table. Oh, yes. Do you remember this? And Margaret is like, having none of it. Like, Margaret is just very clearly not into Taylor.

[Chandler]

Yeah, but like, then they're out at dinner together. I don't know. I feel like there's a friendship there. Like, I feel like Margaret is quite like. I feel like she's a part of the friendship dynamic there. I don't think that, like, Margaret just tolerates her, in my opinion.

[Host 1]

I don't. I don't want to just pit people against each other and create fake drama. I really don't. I just. I sensed. I just sensed from that video a real dislike. And maybe she was just put off because Taylor was kind of drunk and being a little obnoxious, as we all can get sometimes. So it's, you know, totally fair game. And it's totally fine to be annoyed that someone's boisterous or whatever, but it just. I don't know, that plus the. Okay, it just kind of betrays something.

[Chandler]

Oh, I mean, I think this. She's on a TV show, okay. That's. It's different when you're on a TV show, you know, on national tv, what is this, Good Morning America or something? And you're giving this type of response that you know is going to be everywhere. Like, you should have more media training to know what you're. To know how to react in a way that you like, you know, basically you're like, she knows she's going to, like, start shit by reacting this way, but versus the Grammys, where you know, she's just being filmed without herself. Her really knowing. You know, she probably knows she's being filmed, but it's. It's less on it. Less on that stage, if you will.

[Host 1]

I completely agree. Being on national television, giving an interview, you kind of know to be on your best behavior, being filmed with a reaction that you don't even realize someone's filming you. That's totally different. So what I think when we go back to the interview, she's either young and immature and she just was annoyed that she wasn't being asked about herself, or there's animosity there.

[Chandler]

Right? Yeah, I. I think. I think it's pretty damning, to be honest with you. This episode of Pop Apologists is brought to you by Booking.com Booking. Yeah. From vacation rentals to hotels across the US, Booking.com has the ideal stay for anyone, even those who might seem impossible to please. Whether you're booking for yourself, your partner, your sleep light rise, early mom, or your high maintenance group chat, you can find exactly what you're booking for on book. Lately, Ben and I have just been craving little escapes from the city. Something romantic and quiet just for us. But we also want to stay more than just a couple of days, so we need space to actually get some work done. For me, that means a quiet spot to record the pod without background chaos. For him, strong wi fi is a must. And then come the dreamy details. A bathtub, soft lighting for golden hour selfies, a king bed with crisp hotel sheets, and yes, a cozy nook for late night snacks. If I can find my perfect stay on booking.com anyone can find exactly what you're booking for booking.com booking. Yeah. Book today. On the site or in the app. Okay. Tell me I'm not the only one who's ever typed how to be less stressed into Google at 2am Same. And then you end up trying everything. Gratitude lists, cold showers, deleting Instagram off your phone only to feel still stressed. That's why therapy was a game changer for me. It's not just for people going through huge life crises. It's for anyone who wants to actually learn coping skills, set boundaries, or just stop spiraling over literally everything. Better help makes it super easy. You can match with a therapist online. Switch if you don't vibe and do sessions from your couch. Plus, they've got over 30,000 therapists, and sessions have an average rating of 4.9 stars. Which is kind of wild. As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Talk it out with BetterHelp, our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com popapologists that's better. H E L p.com popapologists okay, let's just briefly talk about the K Fed book that's coming out this fall. Everyone, K Fed is releasing a tell all. And I know that everyone has just been begging for a K Fed tell all. I mean, I know that Lauren and I have been complaining about some slow news weeks and the heavens opened up.

[Host 1]

Oh yeah.

[Chandler]

So Kay Fed is releasing this tell all and he said that this book is extremely intimate and transparent. I achieved my biggest dreams, dealt with crushing heartbreak and endured constant ridicule all while becoming the father my children needed as they experienced non stop emotional turbulence. I'm gonna say one thing really quick. This book is going to be on the Barnes and Noble clearance shelf by Christmas. I will be buying October. I will be buying it full price for the sake of the podcast so that I can read it and tell you all about it.

[Host 1]

Yeah, we will be, you know, taking that L. But it's all for the sake of the show and the listeners because I know you all are dying for us to deep dive and recap K Fed's experience. I mean, I am interested to see what this says, obviously, because there's going to be, there's going to be some juice here. I'm sure he signed an NDA, but he's still going to be, I'm sure, leaking some information. I find this to be despicable. Let me tell you all something. As the daughter of a divorce attorney. Chandler is also the daughter of a divorce attorney because we are sisters. We know something which is that when you get a divorce, you are expected to become self sustaining once kids are in school. That's what the court expects. Chen, did you know that?

[Chandler]

I believe I did.

[Host 1]

And to me, the fact that he just has been cashing Britney Spears checks and the second those run out, he's now, he is now trying to exploit their relationship financially and you know, write this tell all to expose her in order to make money. It is just so the opposite of what a man should do and I just find it to be, I don't know, I see the COVID of this book and it honestly makes me want to dry heave with how gross I think he is.

[Chandler]

Also, K Fed has like gone on to have more children like post Britney. So it's like not only he didn't become like self sustaining even as he continued to like create new family units.

[Host 1]

Yeah, I, I really feel like. Did you actually, did you, do you already read what Sam said?

[Chandler]

No. So let's get into what Sam said.

[Host 1]

Yeah. So Sam, her Ex husband. Everyone will all remember she was married to the young. I think he was a dancer from. In her music video. Yes, Very attractive. And they had a brief marriage, kind of a longer relationship. But Sam, he gave a quote and he basically said, you know, can't wait for this book about how to be a professional father. It'll be the first book where I guess they teach you. Someone teaches you how to be a professional father. Clearly a dig at K Fed. Just living off the doll and Britney's doll. Yeah, exactly. Off of Britney's, you know, child support. And I kind of love that energy. I kind of love that Sam, clearly he rides for Britney. He's very loyal. I heard him on Heather McDonald's podcast. He literally said nothing.

[Chandler]

Okay.

[Host 1]

She tried to ask, and she tried to ask, what's the phrase like ten ways till Tuesday about Britney Spears and tried to gain any insight. And it was just the most polished. Talk about someone who could teach Margaret Quailey about media training. He literally gave nothing but the most kind of nice way. I just, I appreciate this energy, you know.

[Chandler]

You know, it's funny, I started off reading this thinking, oh, here's another. Here's two men trying to, you know, profit off of Britney. But I hearing that from you, I've changed my tune a little bit. And I do think, like, if I was Britney, I would be appreciative of Sam kind of, you know, talking a little to, to the paparazzi on my behalf.

[Host 1]

Absolutely, absolutely. It's. I think he's a class act in my opinion. So Godspeed to K Fed. It'll be tough for him when I'm sure this book is a dud.

[Chandler]

I just also, I think Kayfed sometimes gets like praise for the fact that he's like a dad. But I'm just gonna say, just because you're a dad who like takes care of your children because you're like, you know, the majority caretaker of your children, that doesn't make you a good man. Okay, like, to quote Bravo historian, the bar is in hell. He like, cheated on his like, wife, Shar Jackson, like, while she was pregnant with his second kid. I think it was. Was it with Britney? I can't. I think it might have been. I think Shar Jackson is who he was married.

[Host 1]

I think that does track that he already had like a girlfriend pregnant when he started dating Brittany.

[Chandler]

Yeah, like, K fit is not a good guy. Don't get it twisted.

[Host 1]

Also, why, of course he's going to be a full time dad when in order to, you know, get the child support that he wanted. He needs to have the kids full time. I don't know. It's just like men always get the most credit for doing the least. Least when.

[Chandler]

At least.

[Host 1]

Especially when it comes to like child care and being.

[Chandler]

Yes.

[Host 1]

Being parents. It is. Yeah. Anyway, okay, let's also get into really quick some Leonardo DiCaprio news, everyone. So Leo has turned 50 and he says that he feels 32. I mean, that's basically the headline. Leo feels 32 even though he is 50. I mean, thrilling information, basically.

[Chandler]

He was interviewed by Paul Thomas Anderson. And you know, Paul, PTA says, you're going to answer as quickly as you can. If you didn't know how old you are now. If you didn't know how old you are, how old are you right now? And he responds, 32.

[Host 1]

I mean, this is a nothing burger in terms of news to me. Doesn't everyone say, oh, in my head I'm still 21 or, yeah, 27 or 17 or whatever. I always, I felt like, I feel like internally 52. Like, I kind of always been like, I think I skew older?

[Chandler]

Actually, I am much older mentally than I am physically.

[Host 1]

At least for now. At least until you hit 30 on Friday.

[Chandler]

Yeah, exactly. No, I mean, I just, it's only funny because he, you know, famously only dates women who are extremely young for his image.

[Host 1]

You know what's funny in the article, they're like, this might shed some light on his, his predisposition for very young women. It's like, well, he could also date 32 year olds if he feels 32. You know, that would, that might actually track.

[Chandler]

What is this article? I know this might shed some light. You know, let's give the guy a break.

[Host 1]

It just reminds me of this time when I was 27 and I was being encouraged to date a 60 year old. And I'm going to leave it at that in terms of context, close. And the person encouraging me to do this was like, but internally he still feels like a young guy. And it's like, well, that doesn't matter. He's literally not. So it, it literally is so immaterial to me that he feels like he is still my age because he's not at all.

[Chandler]

Actually, all of these, like, all of these things are just giving. Like, age is just a, it's just a mentality. It's giving like Epstein. Oh, I don't like it.

[Host 1]

It's gross. Okay, well, another piece of Meghan Markle news that I do think is interesting. So everyone, their Netflix deal has not exactly been renewed, but the relationship is not over. So Harry and Meghan had a big announcement. They've extended their deal with Netflix, but only as a first look deal for film and television projects. So basically, Netflix, instead of giving them some big new contract where they're going to produce all this content together and cutting them a fat check, they cut them a very, very, very small check in proportion to what they got originally with Netflix. So that Netflix can essentially be given the first right of refusal to any of their film or TV projects. So if they want. If they want to do a cooking show or a. Whatever they want to do, Netflix gets to see if they want to be the people, you know, to produce it and to have it on their platform. I think in their book, this is a slight win, and I think they hope people think that this is really like, another major deal. But unfortunately for the Sussexes, it's. It's really not.

[Chandler]

So, you know, I'm just so glad that Netflix is going to have the rights to the hot chocolate psychopath show that Harry. Harry wanted to do it. If you'll remember. Harry was going to write share hot chocolate.

[Host 1]

He wanted to.

[Chandler]

People who consider themselves to be psychopaths.

[Host 1]

He wanted to. Yeah, he wanted to have, like, dessert with people who.

[Chandler]

I swear it wasn't coffee, because he doesn't like coffee. It was like hot chocolate.

[Host 1]

I think it was hot chocolate. Yeah. He wanted to have some sort of dessert with people who were considered to be sociopaths. And I think he wanted to do it with Trump. He wanted to with Putin. He wanted to with his brother. No, I'm just kidding. And, yeah, Netflix was like, well, we're gonna have to have people then claim, you know, take on the moniker, the title sociopath. That's gonna be dicey. You know, all sorts of ways that this was going to be a problem. I just wonder after they were given all of those ideas and they had Megan's animated series, Pearl, that never came to fruition, that was going to be, you know, a saccharine, cloying animated series for children.

[Chandler]

Why feminism? About feminism.

[Host 1]

Oh, God. Remember why they even want, like, they should say, we want a deal where we don't have to look at these ideas. How much can we pay you to never see an idea from you two again?

[Chandler]

Do you have any predictions about what their. What their new. What. What a new venture or a new show could be for from them? Like, we've done cooking and sort of, you know, hosting that type of thing. What. What could be next for For Megan and Harry, is it. Could she be, like, helping estranged family members come back together with, you know, the perfect. That's not charcuterie.

[Host 1]

Like, what I could going.

[Chandler]

Is she gonna be, like, going to luxury hotels?

[Host 1]

I feel like she should have just pretended to be, like, super into animals and in ecology because I feel like if she tried to do, like a nature program because she wants to do things that's very. That are very pg.

[Chandler]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Like a nature programming could have been great for them.

[Chandler]

Totally.

[Host 1]

Like, really go all in on the Africa interest.

[Chandler]

Let's. Let's travel to, you know, different parts of the world and show animals that are going extinct and bring awareness. Awareness to these animals just look good.

[Host 1]

While they're doing it.

[Chandler]

Totally, totally.

[Host 1]

And Harry can, like, wear his wellies or whatever.

[Chandler]

Right, right.

[Host 1]

And I feel like it's a big win. Win. So Harry and Megan, if you want that idea, you know, you. The problem is, is that requires some serious boots on the ground. That requires exiting Montecito.

[Chandler]

Right.

[Host 1]

That's going to take some real work.

[Chandler]

Right, right. You can't just like, go down the road to a test kitchen and film for a half a day.

[Host 1]

Yeah, exactly. I kind of wonder what. What. I mean, what do you think? What do you think that they could be good at?

[Chandler]

I don't know. I, like, Megan wants a message in whatever she does, so it needs to be something with like an altruistic angle. And once again, in our attention economy, people don't want that.

[Host 1]

Oh, my gosh. You know what they should do?

[Chandler]

What?

[Host 1]

You know what she should do? She should just start a program where she reads to children. Like children's stories.

[Chandler]

Like a Miss Rachel Channel or something. Like, she's like.

[Host 1]

Yes. Like, where she's just like, literally reading books.

[Chandler]

No, children, you can't wear Lori Piano.

[Host 1]

I always remember because it's not piano. No, it's not the instrument. So it's. So that's Lauro Piana. I've never bought anything. I can't afford it. It's such a tongue twister.

[Chandler]

I all. I've only seen it. The only. The closest I've gotten is when I've been going down the elevator at Bergdorf's and it's open onto a floor with, like, the. With the name, you know, like, above one of the racks. It's the closest I've been to.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Chandler]

Lauren Piana.

[Host 1]

No, Lauro Piana.

[Chandler]

Lauro Piana. Yeah.

[Host 1]

I just avert my eyes because I know I'm just gonna see like a, you know, a cable knit sweater that's $3,000 that looks like it should be in Emily Gilmore's closet.

[Chandler]

And I.

[Host 1]

So I'm not interested. And I can't afford it.

[Chandler]

You can pair it with some Zara pants.

[Host 1]

She's so approachable. Wait, Okay. I mean, I think she could do something. Here's the thing about her style of dressing. If we're being completely candid, a lot of people like this style. Yeah, A lot of people love, like, a conservative, very kind of traditional look. And I think she could just go all in on that. Like, and I actually think she'd be good. Could be good in, like, the fashion beauty space. There's a lot of basic bitches out there that want to completely. Meghan Markle. They want to wear the white button down, the neutral, the neutrals, the camel tote. I mean, Godspeed to them. Good luck. I tried to. I tried to win in this arena, and I just came out looking like a Bank of America employee. But a lot of people are playing this game, okay? They're out on the field.

[Chandler]

She could do, like a. Oh, shoot. What was that show with, like, Stacy and what's his Face? It was like, makeover show, but it.

[Host 1]

Should be really nice. Extreme home makeover?

[Chandler]

No, no, no. There was like, a show.

[Host 1]

Oh, like a styling show.

[Chandler]

Yeah, it was like a styling show where they would, like, redo your closet. They give you all new clothes, redo your hairstyle, but it was kind of mean. But Megan could do, like, a really nice version of that. Like, I don't.

[Host 1]

I'm not interested in seeing other people, though, so. So I feel like I would like to just watch her go shopping. I would watch. I'd like to watch her try on stuff. I would like to watch her, like, in her closet, just chatting, sipping a cocktail, putting together outfits. Like Heather Dubrow's World, her YouTube channel. She used to have, like. She used to kind of like, chat in her closet. That could be fun.

[Chandler]

What if Megan did, like, let's go around, like, a diner's dives and drive ins types of type of situation, but instead she just goes around to, like, different farm to table restaurants. I could see that.

[Host 1]

And what happens?

[Chandler]

Here's the thing, Lauren. Nothing is ever going to happen in any of these shows.

[Host 1]

That's true.

[Chandler]

It's really about the backdrop. And I would be curious to see her in another backdrop.

[Host 1]

I know this is, like a. Would be a niche interest for me, but I would love to just see her do, like, hotel reviews, like, go stay at a great hotel and like, tell me if it's truly excellent or not.

[Chandler]

She would never say anything mean or not good. Like don't do. I think it would be way too syrupy so you wouldn't actually get like a great review out of something.

[Host 1]

That's true. And she wouldn't want to seem like a snob so she wouldn't be like, the pool needed to be retiled and it ruined half my experience so I wouldn't get the alpha I need.

[Chandler]

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[Host 1]

Okay, well everyone, if you have ideas on what Megan could do next, please leave it in the comments, please.

[Chandler]

Sure.

[Host 1]

Megan's listening and she would love. She would love this think tank which we really have here as two sisters and all of our listeners together.

[Chandler]

So I want to talk about the Food52 executive who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the company. So she basically ran brand partnerships for Food52. She ran like the Studio52 arm, they produced a bunch of content for Food52. Okay. And it, this story is just crazy because it just, I don't know, I, I, I can totally see how this happens, but I also am just so floored by the brazenness of Shannon Muldoon.

[Host 1]

Yeah, so she was, she ran Studio 52, which is basically, like you said, where they make all of their content and it's where they did all of their brand partnerships. So she was able, I think, to get away with, you know, expensing all this stuff that was for her under the guise that it was clothing and products and things that were bought in order to produce content with various, like, influencers and content creators.

[Chandler]

Right, right. So I'm just going to give everyone a high level, like, you know, look at the facts. So between 2021 and 2023, Shannon stole more than $270,000 from Food52, including $126,000 worth of luxury clothing from Net A Porter and more than $17,000 worth of flights on Delta. And this is all, like, according to court documents because she's, you know, being prosecuted by the law, but they actually estimate that the amount is, like, much greater. But this is really the only, like, this is how much they've been able to, like, uncover the receipts for.

[Host 1]

It's interesting, too, because you hear basically her co workers at the time talk about it, and they say, you know, she would send us links and to Gucci jackets she wanted to get, and she was very brazen. Right. So she would constantly be traveling, and we'd see her in Malibu at a wellness retreat. We'd see her in. Where was it? Like, in Costa Rica. We'd see her in just in all of these, like, glamorous locations at beautiful hotels. And we would just be like, how is this happening? Like, someone said that they would frequently ask her where something like they thought her clothes were cute. So it'd say, oh, where's that from? And they just said the number of times she said the row was like, like unfathomable.

[Chandler]

So she was like an Instagram person. So her co workers were seeing all of this, like, unfold on Instagram, and like you said, you know, sort of scratching their heads about how does she have so much money? I think, too, like, you know, your coworkers kind of know how much money you make, because you all kind of make the same type of money or at least, you know, like, what's, what salary band you're in.

[Host 1]

I mean, that, that's really the heart of it, right, is like when you're all kind of making between, I don't know, 75,000 and $250,000, which I'm gu 99 of the people who work there made, you know, and especially when half of that gets taken away in taxes and you live in New York, it's expensive to live in New York City. You're basically just getting by in New York City, I think, just in, in different, on, on slightly different planes. But you're not, you're not buying seven thousand dollar jackets, going to all these, on all these vacations. You're not shopping at the Row constantly. You're not doing all of that on a normal corporate salary. That's just not happening.

[Chandler]

You're absolutely not living on that much money. And I want to read some of these quotes from co workers. Okay? So they said her clothes started getting better. Her nail art was crazy. She got a lot of Botox. You could just tell she was going through a transformation. So, you know, she's, she's glammed up. And I love the, the call out here about her nail art being crazy because nail art is very expensive. I know this is someone who spent way too much money on nail art to, you know, know that it is mad expensive. And it's half the reason why I started doing it myself. And I just, I just love that they were like clocking all that. So it goes on to say, you know, she often worked remote despite her job being primarily in studio. And so she would be beaming into zoom calls from a beach bungalow with a Chanel clip in her hair. Like buying a clip for your hair. That Chanel is just like, that is just stupid money. And you know, they were just saying that she was very brazen with her purchases. So basically she was able to do this because she had this corporate card that she could just use for business related purchases, which is a, you know, quite a loose, you know, interpretation according to Shannon, because, you know, she would buy props that were just like expensive clothing and then food and beverages at the nicest restaurants and authorized travel, which is all the Delta flights she bought herself.

[Host 1]

I mean, so much to say here. The first is, where was the accounting team the first time she submitted an expense report, Right. And why was it not flagged that there were these that, you know, okay, if we're looking at $270,000 on, at a minimum, right, for two years, that would be about 20 grand a month in extra expenses that were fraudulent. And any, you know, the person approving the report should have, should have been able to clearly see that there was some egregious spending going on.

[Chandler]

Well, I, I read that, you know, they were like, as long as everything was categorized that it was and it was in budget, like, I don't think that she was like getting flagged for budget being like over budget all the time. I think that she was properly coding. She was coding things as like, this is a prop or whatever, this is food and beverage research, or, you know, I'm making up these categories. But I actually think she was being quite smart about it. She wasn't just like, you know, overspending every single month and getting flagged and they just like, you know, didn't care. I. In fact, there's one little story that kind of goes into her being very cunning. At a certain point, the wheels start coming off the bus and she posts on her close friends, like, about her medical experience. And I. And then she goes on medical leave at the company. Okay. And this is when I think the company starts taking a closer look into all these expenses that she's racked up.

[Host 1]

Up.

[Chandler]

And so one of her colleagues were doing her expenses for her and they noted in the Slack channel that they couldn't account for charges on Shannon's card that were to the stalker or that were to the sneaker reseller. StockX. Okay. Do you know StockX?

[Host 1]

Yeah, it's like they sell those really chic sneakers.

[Chandler]

Yeah, yeah, they sell like all types of really expensive. Sometimes they're not as expensive, but just like sneaker reseller. Okay. I don't know why you need to buy sneakers for Food52, but whatever. But basically. So they're in Slack and they're like, you know, we. Why do we have this fifteen hundred dollar charge? And Shannon literally chimes in from medical leave on Slack and she says, these are suspicious if you ask me. Looks like it was def. Not a real charge because it's charged and then refunded, question mark. And so she's literally like trying to cover her tracks. Oh, and she also like mentioned that she was in touch with someone from accounting, like with the company. And so it's like she's kind of doing like just enough to make sure that people know that. Oh, that's so weird. That definitely looks like it's a fraudulent charge. But then I think people were also.

[Host 1]

Like, why are you chiming in for.

[Chandler]

Medical leave to clear this up if this is all above board? Like, if I was on medical leave, I'd be like, you guys figure it out.

[Host 1]

Well, and that's the thing is, if you're on medical leave and you have done nothing wrong, it doesn't matter if you apply or not, because, you know, you should be busy taking care of your own health. But it's like, well, it'll get sorted out. They'll. We'll figure it out when I get back. But clearly she was sweating over those messages.

[Chandler]

Right.

[Host 1]

And it's. It said that everything was starting to hit the fan for her, basically, like she was sensing that she was going to be caught and that's why she went on medical leave. And so you just know that she was just so beside herself.

[Chandler]

But. What? No, but I actually don't think she was really. No, because she bought, like, a flight to Mexico with the company card. And so. So I guess I don't want to skip ahead, but I'll just, you know, kind of tell everyone what happens. She asked for more time off while she's on medical leave, and they deny that. So then she comes back and then she's terminated. And, you know, colleagues were told that she'd been fired for misuse of company funds. Three months later, she was on a flight to Mexico she had paid for on the company card when she was still at Food52. Like. Like, she clearly wasn't that worried about it because she was. She then took a flight that she had, you know, bought.

[Host 1]

Right.

[Chandler]

With the company card. You know, and I think this is interesting. One of her colleagues said, you know, she basically walked away with all of the clothing and all of, like, the memories of all the fun things she got to do.

[Host 1]

Yeah, I mean, it's true, but she is now being, you know, the Federal District of New York is going after her and what. What was her. But you know what? She only got convicted of five years of probation.

[Chandler]

Yeah. Okay, so, okay, so a few more details here. You know, as the story sort of, you know, as hits the fan for Shannon. So she leaves Food52 and, like, after kind of telling her work that she has this, like, health condition, I think she said that she had Ms. She then ran the New York Marathon. But she did block a lot of her co workers. But some of them could still see. I don't know if they had, like, burner accounts or other people. You know, people find out everything on Instagram. Doesn't matter how many people you block. But yeah, she, like, ran the New York City Marathon and moved to LA and got a job at Substack and just kind of pretended like nothing ever happened. But the situation was brought to the attention of Manhattan, district of the Manhattan District Attorney's office, who then, like, started preparing a case against her, which is kind of crazy. Like, you do this thing with your company and you, you fraud them. But you start over.

[Host 1]

You know, she, she gets hired at Substack, but then it's like, sorry, can we just record scratch? You do this thing. You fraud them? No, Chandler. She stole hundreds of thousands of dollars. Let me tell you a story, Chandler. When I spent money I shouldn't have on a company card, and the amount of sweat I had over this purchase. Internal crisis. Is this stealing? Is this appropriate? Like, am I going to get in trouble? Basically, I was told to go up to New Newport beach to procure some things for my boss. And I was an executive assistant. Long story short, I didn't have my card on me. This was the days before Apple pay. And after, after probably 30 minutes of internal debate, I decided that I was going to, yes, purchase a nice latte on the company card for myself. This was not an approved purchase. I didn't have my own expense, you know, expense report. And I just decided to make the plunge and get the caffeination I felt I needed. And I really like, to this day I'm even nervous that I shouldn't be telling the story and that I could get in trouble. So the idea that this person spent hundreds of thousands of dollars with the company card, she knew this was illegal. And I just, I don't understand people who don't have that, like, internal sense of panic if they're doing something wrong.

[Chandler]

So many things to say about everything. You've just, you've just, you know, let slip. First of all, just, just, let's just address Lauren's panic right now. Let me just tell you, I actually think that totally could have been a, like a fine expense. You were like on a company errand and you were, you needed food. If I'm on a business trip, if I'm on a work trip, my company pays for the food while I'm on this business trip. So I don't think you're gonna get in trouble. So did you ever get in trouble? Did anyone ever.

[Host 1]

No, this was not, this was not noticed. Discuss who did the expense reporting? Moi.

[Chandler]

Yeah. So I was able to just put.

[Host 1]

That under food and beverage.

[Chandler]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

But technically I didn't have. I wasn't supposed to be. Anyway.

[Chandler]

It was not a sanctioned person, I think.

[Host 1]

And I probably am going to jail.

[Chandler]

I think it's completely fine.

[Host 1]

New York should come after me.

[Chandler]

The district attorney of Manhattan should absolutely come after you. After they're done with Shannon, they should come after Lauren. No, I. I found this interesting comment about it about, like, finance departments and whatnot, you know, in the. In these corporate settings. But they said talking to someone with a company card, honestly, you would not believe the amount of waste in a large company, especially one that brings in a lot of money on a Friday alone. We found a $19,000 payroll error. A couple weeks later, our AP department discovered they paid over $250,000 to a fake vendor scamming us. For the most part, their job isn't to investigate unless they're asked to. Just, like. Like, you know, how her manager. Because at a certain point, her manager, she gets a new manager. And so another big part of the story really quick is that Food52 has a lot of, like, turnover, and they, at one point, are laying people off. Like, they're constantly trying to, like, restructure and restrategize, figure out how to become more profitable. Well, they actually just needed to, like, fire Shannon, and they could have been profitable if she was spending all their money. But anyway, she gets a new boss, and her new boss is, like, going over her expenses. And he asks, he or she. I really don't remember their gender. He, she, or they ask.

[Host 1]

Thank you.

[Chandler]

You know, hey, do we return our clothing after a shoot? What's the process there? And they're like, we don't have a budget for clothing on a shoot.

[Host 1]

This is Food52.

[Chandler]

Yeah, this is Food52. We're not high. You know, we're not buying the clothing for the shoots, which is very normal to not, you know, to be, like, to talent, come in, whatever you want to wear, or, like, please wear something like this or to return some stuff. Anyway, so it just goes to show there was really not proper oversight happening. And there can be so much waste, like this person was saying. And, like, it's. It would be too much for any one company to investigate every single charge. I just really can't imagine, like, what mental state I have to be in to. To just think that I wouldn't get caught, that, like, this wouldn't catch up to me in some way. I mean, to be buying expensive designer clothing with your company card and then keeping those items, apparently, too, she was telling people, like, there was a couple different stories about her upbringing. And I don't know, it sounds like she may be, you know, spinning other lies in her life.

[Host 1]

Well, I think she's just clearly like the, like, Anna or whatever her name is, the girl who was the Big scammer. Like, there are just certain people who are pathological liars and who, who just have a certain level of brazenness. It's like, it's truly, I think, like a genetic brain disorder that these people have where they're so comfortable being scammers.

[Chandler]

One genius thing that she did is that she would buy lunches. Like, she was very generous with it. So I think that made everyone else kind of like down for it. They were like, I don't have to figure out how she's getting away with this, but like, I know that if I'm, you know, getting invited to dinner with her, she's gonna pay. And so, like, maybe that made some of her jealous colleagues, like less, less inclined to tell on her.

[Host 1]

Can you imagine the work chat that was lighting up when all of this came to light and the schadenfreude going on between those, those co workers. Like, that would be a kind of dopamine surge I only, I only hope to experience.

[Chandler]

Oh, truly. Okay, one, one thing I'm gonna leave you with is just this, this statement from, from the investigation that says the $270,000 in unauthorized purchases is a very conservative estimate as to Ms. Malden's theft. Our investigation showed additional authorized purchases from other luxury clothing brands, furniture companies, and other travel related charges. So it's just like, I think they could. They estimate that it could be like up to $1 million, which is just.

[Host 1]

That is insane. Also, if she's. If she stole up to that amount and she got only five years probation, on some level that it's.

[Chandler]

She kind of did get away with it. Oh no, she absolutely did. She absolutely got away with this. Five years probation. She must have hired a very good attorney and she's, I think, repaid 15 grand. She hasn't even paid back all her Delta flights.

[Host 1]

Okay. I mean, anything else you want to before we sign off today on the stunning episode. No, just another.

[Chandler]

Another action packed episode between the. You and I.

[Host 1]

Between the two of us, indeed. Okay, everyone. Love you so much. Thank you for being our dear listeners and we'll catch you next time.

[Lauren]

Bye.

[Chandler]

Bye.

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[Host 1]

The.

[Kaitlin Bristow]

Single line I'm Kaitlin Bristow, host of off the Vine Podcast where I get real, maybe a little too real sometimes with my friends and celeb guests from Bachelor Franchise and beyond. I'm talking guests like Jonathan Van Ness.

[Host 1]

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[Kaitlin Bristow]

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[Host 1]

Just like in this like business jacket. Like I would love some tacos.

[Kaitlin Bristow]

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[Lauren]

You guys, Are you sleeping on the great selection that is contained within your local Macy's? I know Kagan and I were about a year ago, but we had to do some shopping and we went to our local mall and we went to Macy's. There are so many brands at such incredible prices. It's not as expensive as you'd think. Kagan fell in love with these polo Ralph Lauren pants that are now his go to's. I know whenever he's running low exactly the fit and size to restock him in and I always go to Macy's because they have the best prices. You guys, Macy's has so many brands that we all love. They have Mango, they have Mango, they have Levi's, they have Calvin Klein. Go to Macy's. They have free people. Also, the sales are crazy. The sales are always so good and the prices are impeccable. If you're sleeping on Macy's as you plan your fall wardrobe, it is a huge mistake.

[Host 1]

Huge.

[Lauren]

You can snag great deals on fall shoes and outerwear, so it's a great time to refresh everything. Shop now@macy's.com or in store. Your fall closet will thank you.