Podcast Summary: Pop Apologists - "Revisiting David Foster’s Lovers"

Release Date: November 27, 2024

Hosts: Lauren (Speaker A) and Chandler (Speaker B)

Overview: In this compelling episode of Pop Apologists, sisters Lauren and Chandler delve deep into the personal and professional life of renowned music producer David Foster. Skipping the usual new content, they revisit their extensive archive to present a thorough examination of David Foster’s relationships, particularly focusing on his marriages, the impact on his family, and his public persona. The hosts provide an unfiltered and critical perspective, enriched with personal insights and notable quotes from interviews and media appearances.

1. Introduction

Lauren and Chandler introduce the episode by explaining their decision to highlight past episodes during the holiday weeks. They set the stage for a critical analysis of David Foster, emphasizing their intent to explore his “crimes against women” rather than his professional accolades.

[00:24] B: "There's quite a catalog and we need to resurface some of our best work."

2. David Foster: A Brief Biography

The hosts provide a succinct biography of David Foster, covering his Canadian origins, impressive Grammy accolades, and collaborations with numerous high-profile artists.

[07:13] B: "David Foster was born in November in Canada. Did you know he was Canadian?"

Foster's extensive work with artists like Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and Josh Groban is highlighted, establishing his significant influence in the music industry.

3. Marriages and Family Dynamics

David Foster's personal life is a focal point, particularly his five marriages and the resulting complex family tree. The hosts outline his relationships and children, both biological and stepchildren, emphasizing the turbulence and emotional strain within the family.

[09:22] A: "Or is he like this. He is like this."

They discuss his children from various marriages, including Allison Jones, Amy Foster, Sarah, Aaron, Jordan, and Ren, as well as his stepchildren Brandon and Brody Jenner, and the Hadid siblings Gigi, Bella, and Anwar.

4. Impact on His Children

Lauren and Chandler explore the profound emotional and financial impact David Foster's actions have had on his children. They cite Sarah Foster’s reflections on her father's favoritism towards his stepchildren, leading to feelings of neglect and resentment.

[21:03] A: "Well, first of all, they hate Yolanda."

The hosts discuss how Foster's behavior, particularly his tendency to “run” from problematic relationships, has left lasting scars on his daughters, contributing to their struggles with trust and relationships.

5. Yolanda Hadid and Reality TV

Focusing on Foster's marriage to Yolanda Hadid, the hosts examine how reality TV participation affected their relationship. They critique Foster's apparent lack of empathy during Yolanda's battle with Lyme disease, suggesting that his primary concern was the impact on his lifestyle rather than Yolanda’s wellbeing.

[32:18] A: "But he's just kind of always known that he was into her and wants her."

[33:42] C: "You know, I don't think she was faking Lyme disease."

The hosts debate the authenticity of Yolanda’s illness and its role in their eventual divorce, highlighting differing perspectives within the family regarding Yolanda's health struggles.

6. Relationship with Katherine McPhee

Lauren and Chandler analyze Foster’s relationship with Katherine McPhee, noting the significant age gap and the power dynamics involved. They express discomfort with the mentorship-turned-romantic relationship, questioning the ethical implications of such a union.

[36:21] B: "It's gross to me, the fact that he kind of always was into her and made it known to her."

[44:16] B: "Like, here's the thing. These are consenting adults. People are allowed to do whatever they want."

The hosts discuss how this relationship further exemplifies Foster's pattern of prioritizing his desires over the emotional wellbeing of his partners.

7. Public Image and Controversies

The episode scrutinizes Foster’s public persona, contrasting his professional success with his personal shortcomings. The hosts highlight instances where Foster’s comments reflect a disrespectful attitude towards women, reinforcing negative perceptions.

[36:14] C: "We met 17, almost 18 years ago when I was a little chubby and cheerful contestant on American Idol."

[36:26] B: "You were fat."

Lauren condemns Foster’s public remarks about Katherine’s past appearance, arguing that it showcases his disrespectful and objectifying behavior towards women.

8. Conclusion

Lauren and Chandler wrap up the episode by reiterating their critical stance on David Foster’s personal life, emphasizing the lasting negative effects on his family. They express a desire to uncover more truths about Foster’s relationships and the internal family dynamics that remain hidden from the public eye.

[50:30] A: "This was Chandler, the deep dive, the walkthrough I really needed of David Foster and the women and children he left for other women."

[50:30] B: "Thank you so much for leading us through it. So interesting."

The hosts affirm their commitment to truth-telling and hint at future discussions to further explore unresolved aspects of Foster’s life and relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• Chandler: "I think this Reddit comment is pretty astute. It says, David likes young, flawless women..." [35:16]

• Lauren: "He actually has zero interest sticking with someone during the hard times. I mean, that's saying that when things get tough, you're gone. That's insane." [11:54]

• Sarah Foster: "Our dad was raising other Children. He wasn't raising us, he was raising Brandon and Brody." [21:03]

• Yolanda Hadid (audio clip): "I got sick and, you know, the shell of the woman I used to be." [33:55]

Conclusion: This episode of Pop Apologists presents a detailed and critical examination of David Foster’s personal relationships and their repercussions on his family. Through a combination of factual recounting and incisive commentary, Lauren and Chandler offer listeners an in-depth look at the complexities and controversies surrounding one of Hollywood’s most influential music producers.