A Couple of Brain Cells

This week Kyle and Amelia talk about the rapid rise and fall of Ruby Franke including her arrest and sentencing.

WARNING: This episode contains talk of harm to children.

See more from this week and keep up with us here:

https://linktr.ee/acoupleofbraincells

Sources:

Lambert, Olly. “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke.” Hulu. 

“Ruby Franke.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Franke

“Jodi Hildebrandt.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodi_Hildebrandt

This week Kyle and Amelia revisit Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson's whirlwind romance.

See more from this episode and keep up with us here:

https://linktr.ee/acoupleofbraincells

Sources:

Hurtado, Alexandra. “Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson’s Relationship: A Look Back.” People Magazine, https://people.com/music/pete-davidson-ariana-grande-relationship-timeline/

“Roast of Justin Bieber - Pete Davidson - Comparing Fathers - Uncensored.” Youtube, Uploaded by Comedy Central, March 20, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOKVHvjQ1Gc 

“Ariana Grande.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariana_Grande

“Pete Davidson.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Davidson

TMZ Staff, “Ariana Grande and Mac Miller Split.” TMZ, https://www.tmz.com/2018/05/09/ariana-grande-mac-miller-split-breakup/

“Pete Davidson: A Complete Dating History,” celebdeepdives.com, https://celebdeepdives.com/2022/01/24/pete-davidson-a-comprehensive-deep-dive-into-his-entire-dating-history/

Haskell, Rob. “Ariana Grande on Grief and Growing Up.” Vogue, https://www.vogue.com/article/ariana-grande-cover-august-2019 

This week Kyle and Amelia dip their toes into the vast world of BookTok. Specifically, they discuss the major controversy around the "Queen of BookTok," Kierra Lewis.

See more and keep up with us here:

https://linktr.ee/acoupleofbraincells

Sources:

TikTok. “The Power of BookTok: Why TikTok’s Book Community Is Driving A New Era In Publishing.” Forbes Magazine, https://www.forbes.com/sites/tiktok/2025/04/21/the-power-of-booktok-why-tiktoks-book-community-is-driving-a-new-era-in-publishing/

Simon, Scott. “A surprising genre of romance novels is gaining popularity.” NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/06/08/nx-s1-4977771/a-surprising-genre-of-romance-novels-is-gaining-popularity

"How BookTok's thirst invaded a family's life: the drama between Seattle Kraken and romance readers." Youtube, Uploaded by readwithcindy, August 7, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6ZpCqQAfZ8&t=1485s

Kierra Lewis's entire TikTok Page. https://www.tiktok.com/@kierralewis75?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

This week Kyle and Amelia go full nerd to discuss the legacy of the television show, Game of Thrones.

See more from this week on our social media:

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Sources:

“A Game of Thrones.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Game_of_Thrones

“George R.R. Martin.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_R._R._Martin

Macdonald, Fiona. “Who inspired the Game of Thrones Creator?” BBC, https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20140826-who-inspired-george-rr-martin

“Game of Thrones.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_of_Thrones#cite_note-54

Grossman, Lev. “The American Tolkien,” TIME, https://web.archive.org/web/20081229125934/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1129596%2C00.html

Grubbs, Jefferson. “‘Game of Thrones’ Had a Tough Path To The Screen.” Bustle, https://www.bustle.com/articles/138322-how-did-game-of-thrones-become-a-tv-show-george-rr-martin-tried-to-write-an 

“Pilot (Game of Thrones).” Game of Thrones Wiki, Fandom.com, https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Pilot_(Game_of_Thrones)

“How the Game of Thrones Ending Forces the Viewer to Re-contextualize the Entire Story,” Medium.com, https://wethrones.medium.com/how-the-game-of-thrones-ending-forces-the-viewer-to-re-contextualize-the-entire-story-d63bf11cab3e

Wired Staff, “Game of Thrones’ Biggest Losers Were the Fans.” Wired, https://www.wired.com/story/game-of-thrones-finale-disappointment/

In this longer episode, Kyle and Amelia discuss some of the biggest scandals to come out of The Bachelor and what those scandals say about the franchise as a whole.

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Sources:

Strause, Jackie. "The Bachelor Franchise Controversies: A Timeline of Bad Behavior and Scandal." The Hollywood Reporter, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bachelor-scandals-a-timeline-paradise-lincoln-adim-1120729/

Jacob, Arushi, Turkeltaub, Payton, and French, Kennedy. "Biggest Bachelor Nation Scandals: From Taylor Frankie Paul's Domestic Violence Video to Firing Chris Harrison Over Racist Remarks." Variety, https://variety.com/lists/bachelor-bachelorette-scandals-taylor-frankie-paul-chris-harrison/abc-cancels-taylor-frankie-pauls-bachelorette-season-after-domestic-violence-video-surfaces/

Konopka Alonzo, Michelle. "Scandals and Controversies That Hit Bachelor Nation Like a Wrecking Ball." The List, https://www.thelist.com/2135659/scandals-controversies-hit-bachelor-nation-hard/

"The Bachelor (American TV series)." Wikipedia, Wikimedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bachelor_(American_TV_series)

Russian, Ale and Beard, Lanford. "Bachelor in Paradise Suspends Production Over Alleged 'Misconduct' - Find Out What Happened." People Magazine, https://people.com/tv/bachelor-in-paradise-suspends-production-over-alleged-misconduct/

Strause, Jackie. "Bachelor in Paradise Star Says Scandal Wouldn't Have Happened If He Were White." The Hollywood Reporter, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/demario-jackson-interview-what-happened-at-bachelor-paradise-1030267/

TMZ Staff. "The Bachelorette Star DeMario Jackson; 2 Women Sue For Sexual Assault." TMZ, https://www.tmz.com/2022/09/20/bachelorette-demario-jackson-sue-sexual-assault-bachelor-in-paradise/?adid=social-twa

"Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. Breaks Up With Becca." Youtube, Uploaded by tvtymes, March 6, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qJG9FPxw14

Schmidt, Mackenzie and Tracy, Brianne. "Bachelor Nation Dans Buy Hilarious Anti-Arie Billboards That Say What Viewers Are Thinking." People Magazine, https://people.com/home/bachelor-fans-buy-hilarious-anti-arie-luyendyk-jr-billboards/

"Tha Bachelorette (Season 14)." Bachelor Nation Wiki, Fandom.com. https://bachelor-nation.fandom.com/wiki/The_Bachelorette_(Season_14)

"Colton Underwood." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colton_Underwood

Wagmeister, Elizabeth. "Inside 'Bachelorette' Star Hannah Brown's N-Word Controversy." Variety, https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/hannah-brown-n-word-controversy-1234609829/

"The Bachelor (American TV series) season 25." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bachelor_(American_TV_series)_season_25

"Chris Harrison & Rachel Lindsay Talk 'Bachelor' Contestant Rachael Kirkconnell." Youtube, Uploaded by extratv, February 9, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hmY1gSAuRk

Patten, Dominic. "Chris Harrison Exits 'Bachelor' Franchise; Rose Withers on 19-Year Run As Hose After Racism Controversy." Deadline, https://deadline.com/2021/06/chris-harrison-leaving-the-bachelor-franchise-controversy-1234771200/

This week Kyle and Amelia talk all things Colleen Ballinger and of course the mess that is her famous ukulele video.

Keep up with us and see visuals from the episodes here:

https://linktr.ee/acoupleofbraincells

Sources:

Jones, CT. "Fans Built Her An Internet Empire. Now They're Tearing It Down." Rolling Stone, https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/colleen-ballinger-miranda-sings-youtube-fans-allegations-1234774947/

Mendez, Moises "What to Know About the Controversy Around YouTuber Colleen Ballinger." Time Magazine, https://time.com/6286635/colleen-ballinger-allegations-controversy/

Korto Quioh, April. "on 'cancel culture,' accountability, and being in the writers' room with Miranda Sings." You Owe Me An Apology, Substack.com, https://youowemeanapology.substack.com/p/on-cancel-culture-accountability

"Miranda Sings First Video." YouTube, Uploaded by First Vids, May 7, 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGw-hHsxgsc

"HOW TO USE A DADDY SADDLE!" YouTube, Uploaded by Miranda Sings, February 17, 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVfm-oynNyA

"Adele - Hello (by Miranda Sings)." YouTube, Uploaded by Miranda Sings, October 29, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Tfq1hfkP0

"colleen ballinger, stop lying" YouTube, Uploaded by Adam McIntyre, April 28, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=969KK_Kj38A&t=58s

"addressing everything." YouTube, Uploaded by Colleen Vlogs, May 12, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5AsmKUSaQg&t=456s

"colleen." YouTube, Uploaded by blndsundoll4mj, July 23, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj3D_XRowC8&t=49s

"I was right about colleen ballinger." YouTube, Uploaded by Adam McIntyre, June 4, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC88nVkj-2U&t=2830s

"JAMES BREAKS MIRANDA." YouTube, Uploaded by CheeseyBabyLoue, August 20, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5GMvWzH2IY&t=428s

"hi." YouTube, Uploaded by Colleen Vlogs, June 28, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceKMnyMYIMo (THE UKULELE VIDEO)

"fall vlog." YouTube, Uploaded by Colleen Vlogs, November 18, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y68rdlC0bls

"EXCLUSIVE: Colleen Ballinger tells her side." YouTube, Uploaded by Tea Time w/ Raven & Miranda, November 13, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtBiQn3L_M0&t=1469s

Thank you for listening <3

This week Kyle and Amelia cover the drama between Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, and Sabrina Carpenter!

Keep up with us and see visuals from the episodes here:

https://linktr.ee/acoupleofbraincells

Sources:

Dodd, Sophie. "Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett's Relationship Timeline." People Magazine, https://people.com/music/olivia-rodrigo-joshua-bassett-relationship-timeline/

Gulla, Emily . "Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett's rumored relationship timeline." Cosmopolitan Magazine, https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a40752395/olivia-rodrigo-joshua-bassett-relationship-timeline/

"chronically online girl explains Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, & Joshua Bassett lore." Youtube, Uploaded by Nicole Rafiee, January 22, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB7AlgEEOFY

"Joshua Bassett Opens Up About Music, Life, and His 2021..." Youtube, Uploaded by Zach Sang Show, December 22, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu9qMVIOAlQ

"Olivia Rodrigo." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_Rodrigo

"Sabrina Carpenter." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabrina_Carpenter

"Joshua Bassett" Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Bassett

This week Kyle and Amelia cover the drama surrounding the production of the film Don't Worry Darling!

Follow us on socials!

Sources:

Bendlin, Karli. “A Complete Timeline of the ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Drama.” People Magazine, people.com/movies/dont-worry-darling-drama-timeline/

Logan, Elizabeth. "Don't Worry Darling: A Timeline of All the Drama." Glamour Magazine, https://www.glamour.com/story/dont-worry-darling-a-timeline-of-all-the-drama

D'Alessandro, Anthony and Patten, Dominic. "Olivia Wilde CinemaCon Envelope Mystery: It Was Jason Sudeikis Legal Documents." Deadline, https://deadline.com/2022/04/olivia-wilde-cinemacon-jason-sudeikis-legal-documents-ted-lasso-1235011446/

Lee, Chris. "Don't Worry, Darling, It's Judgement Day." Vulture, https://www.vulture.com/2022/09/can-dont-worry-darling-recover-from-the-bad-press.html

Lavietes, Matt. "Shia LaBeouf says 'gay people are scary to me' while claiming homophobia led to Mardi Gras arrest." NBC News, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/shia-labeouf-says-gay-people-are-scary-rcna261156

Gacute, Angilene. "Shia LeBeouf and FKA Twigs' Relationship: What to Know After They Settled Sexual Abuse Lawsuit." OK! Magazine, https://okmagazine.com/p/shia-labeouf-fka-twigs-relationship-timeline/

Fleming Jr, Mike. "Hot Auction Update: 18 Offers On 'Don't Worry Darling' With 'Booksmart's' Olivia Wilde to Star, Direct." Deadline, https://deadline.com/2019/07/olivia-wilde-booksmart-dont-worry-darling-auction-hot-spec-script-1202657914/

"The moment Olivia Wilde was served custody papers at CinemaCon (full video)." Youtube, Uploaded by MovieClips and Mashups, May 2, 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSndGZDgCus

Welcome to the first episode of A Couple Of Brain Cells!

This week Kyle and Amelia talk about the chaos of TanaCon.

Sources:

"Tanacon: A Chaotic Piece of Internet Lore." Youtube, Uploaded by Ashley Norton, 23 October 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jxG2zjHq_M&list=PLhK71jjRUau_8ENKAlmNDf7hEhYoqzzJ5&index=1

"The Truth About Tanacon." Youtube, Uploaded by shane, 28 June 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xFtIsyRvNE&list=PLhK71jjRUau_8ENKAlmNDf7hEhYoqzzJ5&index=2

"Tanacon: The Biggest Failure in Youtube History." Youtube, Uploaded by SunnyV2, 22 July 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAWHIRTMZ1c&list=PLhK71jjRUau_8ENKAlmNDf7hEhYoqzzJ5&index=3

"Why I Won't Be Attending Vidicon 2018: A Rant." Youtube, Uploaded by Tana Mongeau, 2 April 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3plE3msC7g&list=PLhK71jjRUau_8ENKAlmNDf7hEhYoqzzJ5&index=7

"Tanacon: The good, the bad, and the ugly." Youtube, Uploaded by Tana Mongeau, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQyCZNmDG3s&list=PLhK71jjRUau_8ENKAlmNDf7hEhYoqzzJ5&index=8

"Tana Mongeau reflects on TanaCon." Youtube, Uploaded by Fear& Clips, 20 September 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQyCZNmDG3s&list=PLhK71jjRUau_8ENKAlmNDf7hEhYoqzzJ5&index=8

"TanaCon Shut Down? (Day 1)." Youtube, Uploaded By Swell Entertainment, 22 June 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoqovqsctaU&list=PLhK71jjRUau_8ENKAlmNDf7hEhYoqzzJ5&index=9

"I Tried Going To TanaCon So You Don't Have To." Youtube, Uploaded by Swell Entertainment,

"Woman Claims there Wasn't Food or Water Available at Tanacon; Event Organizer Denies It." Youtube, Uploaded by Dr. Phil, 22 May 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN_D11AYAyM&list=PLhK71jjRUau_8ENKAlmNDf7hEhYoqzzJ5&index=10

"I GOT BANGED WITH A TOOTHBRUSH: STORYTIME." Youtube, Uploaded by Tana Mongeau, 31 December 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oeZGvT34cg&t=870s

"HAIRDRESSER FROM HELL?" Youtube, Uploaded by Tana Mongeau, 15 May 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpPb46MQ3x4&t=225s