Pop Apologists, Episode 292: Pamela & Liam's "PR Romance," Kris & Corey Donezo? + Taylor Skipped Selena's Bach?

Date: September 3, 2025
Hosts: Lauren and Chandler
Podcast: Pop Apologists

Overview

This lively episode from Pop Apologists—hosted by sisters Lauren and Chandler—dives into the juiciest recent celebrity news: the truth behind Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson's rumored romance, speculation over Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble's relationship, Taylor Swift's priorities regarding Selena Gomez's bachelorette party, and a detailed, highly personal analysis of Taylor Swift's engagement to Travis Kelce. The sisters bring their trademark irreverence, humor, and personal connection to all things celebrity, blending hot takes with emotional (and sometimes hilarious) reactions. The second half is dominated by their unfiltered response to the Taylor-Travis engagement, which the sisters describe as "the biggest day since the Big Bang."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. "With Love, Megan" Reality Show Review

[01:50–05:09]

• Lauren discusses binge-watching "With Love, Megan," finding it boring but occasionally charming—especially the episode featuring chef José Andrés.
• Main critique: The show lacks dynamism. Lauren suggests, “Netflix, if you're listening...all Megan needs is a very energetic, charismatic, funny cohost. That's what she needs” [04:06].
• Chandler agrees, noting the show is “one note”—Megan needs a “foil,” ideally a "gay bestie," for balance.

2. Pamela Anderson & Liam Neeson: PR Romance Debunked

[05:17–10:27]

• New reports claim Pamela and Liam’s flirtatious press for Naked Gun is all PR, with a "PR bake off" cooked up by the studio (Paramount).
• Chandler and Lauren are shocked, initially believing in their chemistry:

  “Why give us something good and then take it away so swiftly? ...I thought I was witnessing real love” — Chandler [08:26]

• Lauren wonders whether this PR reveal is itself a meta-PR move:

  "The PR stunt is saying it's a PR stunt." [07:33]

• They reflect on Liam Neeson's integrity, doubting he’d participate in a PR relationship post the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson.

3. Upcoming Deep Dive Poll

[10:36–11:35]

• The sisters float ideas for their next deep-dive segment, letting listeners vote on Spotify. Options:
  • Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson’s love story (“maybe too vintage?”)
  • Nepo babies special
  • Julia Roberts’ life and loves

4. Couple Content & TikTok Critique

[13:35–19:13]

• Lauren expresses disdain for viral “prank my husband” social content, particularly ex-OC actor’s Luke’s account filled with repetitive fake pranks.
• Chandler agrees:

  “I just can't imagine anything worse than role-playing with Ben all day with the camera out.” [16:01]

• They joke that the “depths of Dante’s inferno” would be making a living off staged skits with loved ones and shudder at the idea of exes seeing such content.

5. Beauty-Culture Cautionary Tale

[19:22–24:05]

• A viral TikTok story is discussed: a woman’s face badly burned by a chemical peel from celebrity esthetician Sonia Dakar—raising concerns about trusting providers and choosing highly trained professionals for cosmetic procedures.

6. Brittany Mahomes’ Birthday, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez’s Bach

[24:05–26:54]

• News: Taylor Swift attended Brittany Mahomes’ birthday in Nashville but not Selena Gomez’s bachelorette in Cabo.
• The sisters puzzle over reasons—distance, security, potentially not wanting to upstage Selena, or multiple parties.
• Charming appreciation for Selena’s “chill” and “normal” themed bachelorette.

7. Kris Jenner & Corey Gamble: Over?

[26:54–32:21]

• Reports of Kris and Corey battling over money as they possibly split, with Corey allegedly demanding payment for being Kris’s "protector," “business partner,” and “love slave.”
• Lauren is deeply skeptical of Corey’s claim:

  "No one knew who Corey Gamble was until he became Kris Jenner's love slave, ostensibly." [29:53]

• They mock the idea that Corey is “the glue” of the Kardashian family and recall Kanye’s bizarre theory of Corey as a “plant.”
• Lauren notes Corey almost certainly signed an NDA, rendering blackmail threats hollow.

SPECIAL SEGMENT: Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement Deep Dive

This episode pivots sharply into all-out Swiftie celebration as the sisters break down and emotionally react to Taylor Swift’s engagement announcement—a raw, joyful, and meme-ready podcast moment.

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engaged! (The "Biggest Day Since the Big Bang")

Setting & Initial Emotional Reactions

• The sisters reveal their genuine, tearful responses to the news, with Lauren’s reaction caught on video and widely shared among fans.
• Memorable moment:

  “Honestly, it's...I think it would be very similar, if not more impressive than witnessing Jesus leave the tomb after having seen him be crucified. And I think that's understating matters.” — Lauren [43:43]

Engagement Timeline Analysis

[48:29–57:28]

• Timeline: The proposal happened right after filming the New Heights podcast at Travis’s home in Kansas City. Taylor was reportedly getting “a little antsy,” eager for the proposal—“just like the rest of us.”

  “She wanted that BFD on her finger. And you remember the craving. It's like a bodily urge.” [53:04]

• Ed Kelsey (Travis’s dad) is cited as confirming details.

The Ring Discussion

[66:45–72:31]

• Ring specifics: Vintage old mine cut diamond, likely 8 carats, designed by Kindred Lubeck; estimated at $850k.
• Lauren proudly notes, “She designed this ring.” [68:02]
• Both marvel that Taylor chose a “refined,” non-flashy style—“not the biggest ring in the room...the most special ring for her.” [72:12]
• Minor critiques: Taylor’s choice of shoes for the photos ("dreadful" platform heels) and the jokey caption (“He's bigger than a high school gym teacher...")—Chandler initially dislikes the latter, but Lauren defends the down-to-earth, demure approach.

Cultural Impact & Celebrity Reactions

[76:45–77:40]

• The news’ seismic reach: World leaders even react—Donald Trump wishes them well during a Cabinet meeting:

  “I wish 'em a lot of love. I think he's a great player... she's a terrific person.” [76:21]

• Social media goes wild; 27 million likes on the engagement post.

Broader Relationship Reflection

• The hosts reflect on why Travis is Taylor’s ideal partner, contrasting him with past “dark, brooding” boyfriends: “Sometimes you need someone to balance you out instead of someone who's going to heighten your neurosis.” [60:00]
• Lauren:

  “She just wanted someone who want. She didn't. She doesn't need money. She Just wants someone who loves her company.” [64:25]

• Chandler and Lauren reassure listeners struggling with their own search for love:

  “I don't want to leave out the girlies who are still finding love in their...last half of their 30s or 40s or any time of life.” — Lauren [78:00]

Swiftie Social Commentary & Humor

• The sisters poke fun at the Gaylor Swift conspiracy theories blown apart by the engagement, reading direct quotes from Reddit:

  "What if she's really not queer at all? ...It feels like everything I believed about her could collapse overnight." [86:08]

• They joke about “check on the Gaylors in your life” amidst the engagement fallout.

8. "With Love, Megan" Season 2: (Un)enthusiastic Recap

[89:30–107:47]

• Forced to review Season 2 while wanting only to bask in Swiftie news, the sisters find little to recommend.
• Criticisms include “contrived” crafts, “mid” food, and lack of authenticity:

  "No, I mean…I think AI would do a better job. There is just something so inauthentic to me about it, and I can't tell if I'm just like, if my eyes are muddy." — Lauren [92:25]

• Presence of crafts and forced DIYs called out as uninspired and ultimately destined for the trash.
• Only redeeming guest: Tan France, who brings much-needed warmth and energy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “For a man who didn’t love for so long after his wife tragically passed away, he’s gonna like break that type of celibacy for a PR stunt, right?” — Chandler on Liam Neeson [09:53]
• “I would rather be on death row than doing this shit.” — Lauren, on couple ‘prank content’ [16:04]
• “You can duplicate the recipe, but the sauce won’t taste the same.” — Lauren (on copycat influencer couples) [17:19]
• “She like needs someone to react to and clutch her pearls at because she's not going to get drunk on camera. Okay. She's not going to curse.” — Lauren, on Megan Markle's Netflix show [04:21]
• “It was the biggest day since the big bang. And honestly, this is a bigger day.” — Lauren, Taylor Swift engagement reaction [35:14]
• “If people don’t know, this person is not just a close personal friend. This person is me. This person is you. This person represents all of humanity.” — Lauren, about Taylor [41:53]
• “I think it would be very similar, if not more impressive than witnessing Jesus leave the tomb...” — Lauren [43:43]
• “She’s very… she’s very dick whipped, everyone. And she always has been. So apologies to the gaylords.” — Lauren, debunking Gaylor theories [88:17]

Important Timestamps

• 01:50–05:09 – With Love, Megan Review
• 05:17–10:27 – Pamela Anderson & Liam Neeson PR Stunt
• 10:36–11:35 – Deep Dive Poll Options
• 13:35–19:13 – Couple Content, TikTok Critique
• 19:22–24:05 – Chemical Peel Skincare Warning
• 24:05–26:54 – Brittany Mahomes' Party, Taylor & Selena Discussion
• 26:54–32:21 – Kris Jenner & Corey Gamble Drama
• 35:14–79:48 – Taylor Swift Engagement Analysis, Reaction, & Breakdown
• 89:30–107:47 – With Love, Megan Season 2 Recap

Tone & Format

The sisters maintain their blend of affectionate, self-aware fangirling and wry skepticism about celebrity culture—see their deadpan takedowns of influencer content and meta-commentary on their own obsessions. Their reverent, almost spiritual celebration of Taylor Swift’s engagement (filled with jokes about national holidays and biblical events) is matched only by the joyful, occasionally weepy tone that will feel deeply validating to fellow Swifties.

Takeaway

Episode 292 offers a vivid cross-section of pop culture discourse: skeptical about contrived PR, mindful of wellness risks, astute (but playful) about influencer culture, and, above all, deeply invested in the personal happiness of Taylor Swift. The hosts’ mix of humor, emotional insight, and sheer delight make this a quintessential Pop Apologists outing—giving listeners both the inside scoop and the cathartic “we were all there” fandom moment of a generation.