Eating For Free

What does the Australian ministry, a charismatic Evangalical church, neoliberal tech companies, and the state of late-capitalism all have in common? Yes girls and gays, it's the beginning of our ongoing mini-series / extensive deep-dive covering the wild and disturbing world of the newly emerging megachurch: Hillsong. Starting as an independent Pentecostal branch off the long-standing Australian institution, Hillsong spread across multiple countries and continents bringing in now over a 100,000 members each week, plus half a million online, watching and engaging in their radical and new-wave form of religious and spiritual practice. From their record-breaking Christian-rock albums to the multiple independent college programs and pricey-stage productions, Hillsong is a vast network of contemporary Instagram-ready entertainment venues veiled under the promises of the Spirit and the Gifts of God. Our series begins with a background and context of their ministries' inner-workings, plus explanations for how their brand grew to such large numbers, and why their glitzy celebrity connections have brought their beliefs into the American consciousness. We will over the next few weeks roll out the inevitable part two and three, continuing on with our research into who exactly works and funds the church, and the terrifying scandals connected to it, and why celebrities seem unable to talk about it. It's gonna be a ride, so strap in!

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at [email protected]!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)!

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram.
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram.

Part 1, Part 3, Part 4

Links:

• Frank Houston (Wiki)
• Brian Houston (Wiki)
• Hillsong's Brian Houston Rejects Being a Prosperity Gospel Preacher (Hallels)
• 'You Need More Money' (Amazon Reviews)
• Brett Sengstock Speaks Out Against Hillsong and Frank Houston (The Guardian)
• 60 Minutes Interview With Victim of Founder's Father (YouTube)

Wow, we officially made it to our 100th episode! Somehow having successfully kept this show together after 18 months, Joan and Matt want to celebrate this monumental occasion doing what they know best, reporting from the absolute edge of the internet! We talk Stranger Things spon-con and what it means for Netflix at-large, the state of YouTube consumer flexing and it’s effects on our children, the infamous Goopster that’s now being investigated by Gwyneth Paltrow for her husband’s psychotic-Instagram engagement, Disney’s decade-long plan to takeover Hollywood, Marianne Williamson’s blizzard Instagram post about Neon Genesis Evangelion, and much more! Stay tuned for part two in our four-part Hillsong miniseries with fantastic boots-on-the-ground coverage of a Hillsong LA service by one of our listeners!

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at [email protected]!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)! 

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram.
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram.

Links:

• The Psychological Impact of Seeing YouTubers Spend Millions (Wired)
• Disney Won. Now What? (BuzzFeedNews)
• Dylan Hafertepen Seen on Scruff (Twitter)
• Literally Just A Bunch Of Tweets from Marianne Williamson (BuzzFeed)
• Why Stranger Things is perfect for product promo (Vox)
• The Instagrammer Whose Viral Proposal Was Pitched To Brands Is Facing An Internal Review At Her Job At Goop (Buzzfeed News)
• Amazon Staggering After ‘Late Night’ Flop, Bob Berney Exit (Variety)
• Marianne Williamson's new campaign strategy: critical reads of Neon Genesis Evangelion (AV Club)
• Katharine McPhee Told Paparazzi Which Yacht Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner Were Honeymooning On (HUFFPO)

What does the Australian ministry, a charismatic Evengalical church, neoliberal tech companies, and the state of late-capitalism all have in common? Yes girls and gays, it's the beginning of our ongoing mini-series / extensive deep-dive covering the wild and disturbing world of the newly emerging megachurch: Hillsong. Starting as an independent Pentecostal branch off the long-standing Australian institution, Hillsong spread across multiple countries and continents bringing in now over a 100,000 members each week, plus half a million online, watching and engaging in their radical and new-wave form of religious and spiritual practice. From their record-breaking Christian-rock albums to the multiple independent college programs and pricey-stage productions, Hillsong is a vast network of contemporary Instagram-ready entertainment venues veiled under the promises of the Spirit and the Gifts of God. Our series begins with a background and context of their ministries' inner-workings, plus explanations for how their brand grew to such large numbers, and why their glitzy celebrity connections have brought their beliefs into the American consciousness. We will over the next few weeks roll out the inevitable part two and three, continuing on with our research into who exactly works and funds the church, and the terrifying scandals connected to it, and why celebrities seem unable to talk about it. It's gonna be a ride, so strap in!

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at [email protected]!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)!

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram.
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram.

Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Article Links:

• Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Wears Supreme And Is Friends With Justin Bieber (HBO, Vice)
• The Evangelical Charismatic Movement (Wikipedia)
• Organizational Structure (Wikipedia)
• Hillsong Expansion Timeline (Hillsong Annual Report 2018)
• How Hillsong Church conquered the music industry in God's name (The Fader)
• How Hillsong and Other Churches Use Effective Marketing and Branding Strategies (Faithfully)
• How Hillsong Crafts Compelling Digital Marketing Campaigns (Hillsong)
• Inside the Hillsong Church's money-making machine (The Sidney Morning Herald)

Oh, is it the end of pride month yet? Nope! Well… as we continue our crusade through this cursed-capitalist-hell-scape we still find solace in what we know best, old-fashioned Hollywood gossip! We talk Chip and Jo’s continued efforts to gentrifying Waco, TX, Taco Bell’s new pop-hotel in the Palm Desert, Jake Paul and Tana Mongeau’s spon-con engagement, Nicki Minaj’s development with her ‘soulmate’ and what it means for the barbs, Janet Jackson’s comments on Micheal Jackson, Porsha Williams’ new efforts for an entertaining storyline, and brief comments about E. Jean Carroll’s piece in The Cut about Donald Trump. Also, Matt says something that makes Joan walks out of the studio, and a good story follows—dive in!

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at [email protected]!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)! 

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram.
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram.

Links:

• Jake Paul bought his fellow YouTuber 'girlfriend' Tana Mongeau a $124,000 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen for her 21st birthday (Insider)
• Nicki Minaj Says She's About to Marry Her 'Soulmate' (Complex)
• Taco Bell's pop-up hotel (USA Today)
• Janet Jackson says Michael Jackson’s legacy will live on despite abuse claims (PageSix)
• PORSHA'S FRIENDS SAW NASTY SPLIT FROM BABY DADDY COMING: 'NO ONE IS SURPRISED' (RadarOnline)
• Donald Trump assaulted me in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room 23 years ago. But he’s not alone on the list of awful men in my life (The Cut)
• Being fixed up! Chip and Joanna Gaines will spend $10.4MILLION expanding their Magnolia Market retail village in Texas that will include a new whiffle ball field and a relocated church (Daily Mail)
• The Clooneys hang with the Obamas in Lake Como, Italy (Page Six)
• Sunny Hostin slams Bethenny Frankel over drug accusations (Page Six)
• Bethenny Frankel has ‘met her match’ in Sunny Hostin (Page Six)
• Bella Thorne says she taught herself how to read and count Us Weekly
• Janet Jackson says Michael Jackson’s legacy will live on despite abuse claims  (The Times of London)

So, we attempted a more mindful and contextual conversation about Out's advertorial shift in recent weeks in tomorrow's episode. After the topic lasted 30 minutes, we decided to cut it from the episode and move it to a Friday release since we missed an episode entirely on Tuesday. We feel like it's a discussion that warrants its own standalone episode. It wasn't a "fun" or "dishy" conversation. It wasn't exciting. And it certainly didn't feel good! We attempted levity and fairness, but our stance cannot be obscured behind the fear that we would be seen as attacking the most prominent queer outlet in modern culture: we fully reject the presence of corporations at Pride, and consistently seek to move past the basic notion that there cannot be "ethical consumption under late capitalism.” Just wanted to give this heads up ahead of time. I hope our conversation on the matter isn't the definitive statement, but simply an opinion on the much larger shift our communities have undertaken as corporations realize the profitability of "LGBTQ+ identities."

Links:

• On pinkwashing (The Outline)
• On Out's editorial shift (Vice)

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at [email protected]!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)! 

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram.
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram.

In the middle of pride month Joan and Matt accelerate out of the capitalist hell-scape that is the ever-expanding force of corporate sponsorship exploiting The Gay Agenda. We talk about our consistent efforts to de-platform Alyssa Milano, Biden’s visit to Stonewall, spiral into a topic we decided to save for tomorrow’s impromptu-deep-dive, get into BuzzFeed’s continued efforts to unionize, see an update from James Charles post-Tati drama, mention the The Daily Beast’s expose on Max Landis, talk Netflix’s new ‘Prank Encounters’ show, and Facebook’s emerging Crypto-currency! Also stay tuned Friday for our mini deep-dive on Out.com and the state of corporate-pride sponsorship, and our upcoming YouTube mini series next month! Lots to come girls and gays, you won’t wanna miss it! 

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at [email protected]!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)! 

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram.
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram.

 Article Links:

• Drake's $350k Settlement to Alleged Sexual Assault Victim Subject of Complaint Filed by Woman Against Attorney (The Blast)
• Facebook Plans Global Financial System Based on Cryptocurrency (The Guardian)
• Joe Biden visits historic Stonewall Inn gay bar (NBC)
• Netflix Is Defending Its New Prank Show With The "Stranger Things" Actor That's Drawing Backlash (BuzzFeed)
• Actress Alyssa Milano holds off on 2020 presidential endorsement (NY Post)
• BuzzFeed Staffers Walk Off the Job as Union Fight Escalates (Splinter)
• James Charles Back on YouTube Following 'Incredibly Toxic' Drama Involving Tati Westbrook (ET Online)
• Gaten Matarazzo's cool new Netflix prank show is all about screwing with people trying to find work (AV Club)
• Eight Women Accuse Hollywood Filmmaker Max Landis of Emotional and Sexual Abuse: ‘We’re Not People to Him’ (Daily Beast)

It's time, girls and gays, for our anti-capitalist happy hour! We take your emails and hotline tips to discuss updates, questions, and insightful feedback on our recent episodes. We follow up on our Patreon-exclusive preachers n' sneakers deep-dive, talk in length about the holes and other information regarding the GOOP/Wellness industry that we missed in our recent coverage, and read some (informative!) rants by our most dedicated listeners. Pour a glass of wine, roll a swisher, and settle in!

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at [email protected]!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)!

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram.
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram.

Links:

• Anti-LGBT Pastor Stars in New Show on Oprah's Network (Advocate)

From Kylie Jenner’s "Handmaid's Tale" party to Amazon’s state-wide survellience system, we enter our second week of pride month with a bang! We talk Lisa Vanderpump’s big decision, ASMR icon LifeWithMak’s recent demonetization, JoJo Siwa’s asbestos outbreak, Jonathan Van Ness’ coming-out spon-con, and much more! Our listener letter happy hour also drops this Thursday, so leave us any tips and gossip on our brand new hotline! Call anytime, any day of the week, at 1-810-EAT-FREE. Unless you state otherwise, we may just play it on the show!

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at [email protected]!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)! 

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram.
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram.

Links: 

• Britney Spears accuses paparazzi of altering images of her (Video) (Page Six)
• JoJo Siwa's Tween Make Up Kit Recalled From Claire's After Asbestos Found In It (People)
• Andy Cohen wishes Lisa Vanderpump attended ‘RHOBH’ reunion (Video) (Page Six)
• Everything to know about Kylie Jenner’s BFF Stassie (VIDEO!) (Page Six) (VIDEO)
• 'Queer Eye''s Jonathan Van Ness: “I’m Nonbinary” (OUT)
• Lisa Vanderpump Officially Quits Real Housewives (Newsweek)
• YouTube decides that homophobic harassment does not violate its policies (Verge)
• ASMR Teen “Life With MaK” Is Quitting YouTube Because Her Videos Keep Getting Removed For Being “Inappropriate” (BuzzFeed)
• Ring Is Using Its Customers’ Doorbell Camera Video For Ads. It Says It's Allowed To (BuzzFeed)
• Kylie Jenner and Sofia Richie Dress Up in Gilead’s Finest for ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Themed Party (The Blast)
• Queer Eye Ads:
• • https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVFs7egPUE/
  • https://www.instagram.com/p/ByPu6bWgdQa/
  • https://www.instagram.com/p/ByJQmQyHCAt/
  • https://www.instagram.com/p/ByAzbb-nx2y/
  • https://www.instagram.com/p/BxS_QBYF9_t/
  • https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTHbIHH25I/
  • https://www.instagram.com/p/BxN8nwGg6BR/

Get ready for the final part in our vitamin/Instagram diet/GOOP deep dive! We quickly summarize where we ended last week's show, continuing on debunking the myths regarding detoxing, cleansing, and single-use health aids. We then deconstruct how the effects of the weight-loss supplement industry cause real pain and suffering in the communities their targeting—ending on GOOP and thereby Gwyneth Paltrow's crusade to spread misinformation and exploit the American public for millions. From vagina-inserted jade eggs to $125 creams and serums, peloton workout routines and 'medical mediums', the void from which we investigate becomes ever greater and consumes us into a downward spiral of mania and helplessness—come join us!

Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare!

Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)!

Do you have a tip for us? Want to leave some feedback? Need to get any questions off your chest? Send us an email at [email protected]!

• Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram, [email protected].
• Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram

Links:

• Why You Can't Detox Your Body (The Guardian, 2014)
• Influencers Are Giving Inaccurate Dietary Advice At Alarming Levels (Bustle)
• The Dangers of Diet Pills And Vitamins That Harm Women (Refinery29)
• Wellness, Womanhood, and the West: How Goop Profits From Endless Illness (Stassa Edwards, Jezebel. 04/28/2017)
• Anti-Medication Goop Summit Expert Claims AIDS Treatment Kills and GMOs Cause Depression (Hazel Cills, Jezebel, 2017)
• Woman Dies After Receiving Goop-Endorsed Bee Sting Therapy (Jezebel, Joana Rothkopf)
• Ad Industry Watchdog Group Calls Goop's Health Claims 'Unsubstantiated' and 'Misleading' (Megan Reynolds, Jezebel)
• Goop Is Finally Going to Fact-Check Its Bullshit Claims (Jezebel, Hazel Cills, August 2018)
• Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Will Pay $145,000 For Misleading Customers About That Vagina Egg (Buzzfeed News, Sept. 2018)
• The Subtle Class Wars of Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Lab (Megan Reynolds, Jezebel)
• Gwyneth Paltrow and Netflix Seal Deal as Goop Expands Original Content (Variety)