High Low Brow

Send us Fan Mail

Join us as we discuss our recent visit to the Toronto After Dark Film Festival and offer insights on two nail-biting thrillers - 'Suitable Flesh' and 'It's a Wonderful Knife.' But that's just the tip of the iceberg. We're also putting a spotlight on seasonal depression,  and Ama's sharing her journey reading Britney Spears new memoir, The Woman In Me.

We are chuffed to welcome our guest this week, Lisa Whittington Hill, publisher of This Magazine and author of the new book,  'Girls, Interrupted: How Pop Culture Is Failing Women,' into today's chat! Together, we venture into the jarring world of media treatment meted out to celebrities like Britney Spears, Amber Heard, and Paris Hilton.  Lisa's expert insights on how pop culture has been failing women is an eye-opening discussion. Brace yourselves as we dive further into controversial documentaries, celebrity scandals, and gender bias in pop culture. 

Don't forget to leave us a rating on the episode and we'll see you again in 2 weeks! 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we're recapping some of the captivating shows we've been watching including newly premiered House of Villains and season five of  Love is Blind. Then, we finally finished Vanderpump Rules and of course, we need to update you all on our thoughts.

Join us as we dissect the most cunning villains, and break down what makes House of Villians the show we've all been waiting for (spoiler: Spencer Pratt makes an appearance!) and why Osmarosa has been and always will be the number one reality TV villain.

Then we discuss the hot mess that is known as Love is Blind, season 5. We'll examine the complex dynamics of the couples, the heartwarming connections, and, of course: how Izzy doesn't own plates. 

Then we finally update you all on all things VPR where the drama never stops. We'll serve up piping-hot takes on the rumored hookup between Katie and Max, dissect the intriguing relationship of Ariana and Tom Sandoval, and celebrate the undeniable force that is Lala - who 100% should be on House of Villians. 

Get ready for a hearty dose of pop culture, laughter, and lively conversation - you don't want to miss out on this episode!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Get ready for an exhilarating ride as we take you on an unforgettable weekend getaway to celebrate our anniversary and a very special birthday in Niagara Falls, Ontario!

We share some hilarious moments from the trip and recap the Voss Events show, "Night of the Living Drag" hosted by Yvie Oddly and including performances by Tayce, Denali, Angeria, Jorgeous, Icesis Couture, and Plastique Tiara of RuPaul's Drag Race.

Then we share some of the highs and lows of Toronto's very own Just for Laughs festival which boasts some of North America's funniest comedians. We had the honour of checking out the delectable Nicole Byer, the chaotic Patti Harrison, the quietly hilarious Ron Funches, the relatable Michelle Buteau, and the anxious lil' guy Deanne Smith.

And of course, it would not be an episode of High Low Brow if we didn't tell you where we were in the process of our beloved Vanderpump Rules! We'll catch you up on the shocking divorce of Tom and Katie, and some juicy updates on the upcoming season 10. So settle in and get prepared for a whirlwind of laughter, insights, and 35 minutes of banter. 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wondered what a fresh take on the American teen sex comedy genre could look like? Wondered how an artist like Lil Nas X has transcended genres and continued to defy expectations. This week's episode of High Low Brow is a roller-coaster ride of emotions, revelations, and hearty discussions.

Our first discussion reflection on the brand-new film directed by Emma Seligman, Bottoms. We share comparisons to other popular teen comedies. Plus, we dissect its unique portrayal of sexuality and dive into the humoristic brilliance that is Bottoms, which is a beautiful portrayal of weird awkward gays.

Then Ama shares about the two films she saw during the Toronto International Film Festival including Origin, a film directed by Ava DuVernay and adapted from Isabel Wilkerson’s life, as she digs into the nuance of discrimination while writing what would become her New York Times bestselling book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.

Then, Ama shares their thoughts on the life and struggles of Little Nas X in the intimate documentary Long Live Montero. On its most basic level, the film captures the rapper during the height of their fame as they plan their first tour and what it means to be a Black, gay star in America right now.

Finally, we catch you all up on where we're at with Vanderpump Rules (spoiler: we're on season 9!!!) and analyze the controversial moments that polarized audiences, and look ahead to catching up to the most recent season. 

Don't forget to tune into our next episode on Sunday, October 1st! 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

For years now, the fashion industry has had a problem. While the media has asked us to embrace beauty at every size, it feels like the fashion industry still has yet to catch up.  Join us as we dissect the politics of size in fashion, unearthing the biases that impact how plus-sized individuals express themselves. We'll spotlight the tokenization of fat people in the fashion industry; we'll share our longing for a world where all sizes are celebrated and have a candid conversation on what it means to create plus-size collections for all bodies.

Our guest, Lydia Okello, is joining us on the podcast this week; they are a non-binary, unapologetic plus-size fashion and lifestyle creator based out of Vancouver, Canada. You may know them from their Instagram handle, StyleIsStyle, or have read some of their work in Vogue or Fashion Canada, where they have discussed everything from plus-size fashion to sustainable plus-size fashion. 

Together we're laughing, crying, and throwing up about all things plus-size fashion. Then to bring it all together, we play a game outlining who we think our most fashionable fat cartoon characters of all time are. TBH: you'll be surprised who makes it to the end. So get comfy, open your mind, and prepare for a deep dive into the world of fashion, size, and representation. Let's celebrate beauty in every size together.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Show Notes and References!

1. The Mean Life of a ‘Midsize’ Model - The New York Times
2. ARE PLUS-SIZE WOMEN THE PROBLEM WITH PLUS-SIZE FASHION? - Fashionista
3. Unraveling The Plus Size Problem - Business of Fashion
4. What Happened to Plus Size - Vogue Business 
5. Why Plus-Size Models Just Can't Ever Win - Allure
6. What really is plus-size fashion? Experts weigh in on the costs and trends - CNN
7. The Problem with Shein and the Plus Size Community: Examining the Complexities - GarnerStyle

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

We venture into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles world for this week's episode! Hot on the heels of the film release, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, you'll hear our honest review sharing what we loved, plus we reflect on our childhood memories of the Ninja Turtles and why we believe this film will have everyone yelling, 'cowabunga dudes!'

For the second half of the episode, we focus on Vanderpump Rules. River had never seen the drama-filled reality tv show, and they were wholly engrossed. We talk about how we have binged five seasons in less than two weeks, and River shares some of their thoughts on the characters, their actions, and how Jax is not the number one guy.

As we wrap up the episode, we tease out our next episode (on Sunday, September 3rd) with special guest TikTok content creator and comedian Darcy Michaels to discuss neurodivergent representation online. So settle in and get ready for another great episode.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wondered why nobody seems to care about aliens anymore? Or why public incidents such as Mitch McConnell's alleged stroke on live TV can trigger personal trauma? Well, buckle up as we zestfully navigate these mysteries before welcoming our guest for this week: feminist culture critic, author, and anti-rape activist Roslyn Talusan to share some laughs and reflections on Stan Culture.

We discuss the evolution and impact of this phenomenon, and Roslyn shares with us her brushes with stan culture (ahem, Ariana Grande, anyone?) while delving into the darker side of fandoms and how social media plays a massive part in it.

As conversations become increasingly heated online: how are the lines blurring between politics, entertainment, and stan-dom? We use real-life examples like the Bernie Bros or try to decode right-wing politician Ron DeSantis's campaign video, which relies solely on meme culture. We explore the implications of movements like Free Britney and how celebrities often wield the power of celebrity to make their stans do whatever they want (yeah, we're talking about the BTS Army).

Listen to the full episode where Roslyn indulges us in a game where we humorously decipher literal fan base names. If it sounds unhinged, it's probably because it is. Don't forget to tune in on Sunday,  August 20th, for our next mini-episode.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Show Notes and References!

1. Why TV Can’t Quite Take a Stand on Stan Culture - The New York Times
2. The 2010s: Social Media And The Birth Of Stan Culture - NPR
3. How ‘Stan’ Culture Infiltrated Politics - Politico
4. The Art of Becoming a Stan: From One Direction to BTS - State Press
5. The Underbelly of Stan Culture: The Psychology, Legality of the Stan Experience - Essence
6. A guide to music’s biggest stans and what they stand for - Vulture
7. Internet mobs of pop-music fans have sent waves of harassment at critics. Sometimes they're fueled by the artists themselves - INSIDER

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Could the latest Barbie movie be one of the greatest cinematic surprises of the year? We certainly think so. We dive headfirst into a riveting discussion about how the Barbie film brilliantly disrupts the blonde doll's stereotypical image. From its clever marketing ploys to its unexpected political subtext to the film’s self-awareness, rip-roaring musical numbers, and a cast as colorful and vibrant as a Barbie Dreamhouse - we leave no stone unturned. Also, brace yourselves: we try not to reveal any massive spoilers, but we make no promises!

As we wrap up the episode, we tease out our next episode (on Sunday, August 6th) with special guest journalist and activist Roslyn Talusan on the show to discuss stan culture. If you’re a pop culture devotee, this episode is your golden ticket to a world of thought-provoking discussions on the do's and don'ts of being a stan.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Show Notes and References!

1. 'Barbie' review: Sometimes corporate propaganda can be fun as hell - NPR
2. ‘Barbie’ slammed by conservatives as ‘man-hating woke propaganda’ amid box office success - NY Daily News
3. Ryan Gosling’s Got This Ken-ergy, ‘If You Will’ - Vulture
4. Barbiemania: How Warner Bros. and Mattel Painted the World Pink and Created Marketing Magic - The Hollywood Reporter
5. This summer’s biggest hit? The Barbie marketing team. - VOX
6. What ‘Barbie’ Says About the Gender Wars - Politico

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Can reality television and therapy coexist? Does the intersection of the two offer a hidden path to personal growth? Buckle up, we're about to embark on a captivating journey through the complex world of therapy representation in reality TV.

Let's start off with an insider's take: journalist Ishani Nath shares her perspective after extensively researching for her Refinery 29 piece, "The Power (And Risks) Of Therapy On Reality TV" which provides a unique insight into the blurred lines of real versus edited reality. We discuss shows like The Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, and Family Karma and how the stars navigate complex situations that often serve as
the catalysts for personal growth, and help break the stigma around mental health.

Plus, look into the strategic use of therapy scenes in building character arcs (*cough Bethenny Frankel cough*) and ask the question if there are any dangers to glamorizing therapy scenes. For example: what about consent, safety, and autonomy in this context? Consider this your front-row seat to the intriguing power of therapy representation on TV and its potential to impact stigmatized communities.

So, whether you're a reality TV junkie, a therapy enthusiast, or just craving a fresh perspective, this is one conversation you won't want to miss. Don't forget to leave us your thoughts and feedback - we can't wait to hear what you think.

Don't forget to tune in on Sunday, July 23rd, for our next mini-episode which will be dedicated entirely to the Barbie movie!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Show Notes and References!

1.  Reality TV Has Been Quietly Normalizing Therapy - HuffPost
2. How Reality TV Handles Therapy Needs for Contestants - Variety
3. How Real Is Reality-TV Therapy? - The Atlantic
4. Why We Need More Reality TV Like 'Couples Therapy' and 'Couples Retreat' - Collider
5. Trial By Media Revisits Jenny Jones Show Murder: Man Killed Guest Who ID'd Him as Same-Sex Crush - People Magazine
6. Atmosphere/Nightmare 30th Anniversary Edition
7. ‘The Other Two’ Finale Was Cynical, Sentimental — and Right on Time - Variety
8. ‘The Other Two’ Ending at Max Amid HR Complaints - Hollywood Reporter

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What do Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and a Michelin Star Space dinner have in common? Lol, just this past week's news cycle. We discuss the wild world of billionaires and share our thoughts on how this is all just one "post-game" world, a la Black Mirror.
 
 From there, our conversation takes a turn to explore the controversial HBO show 'The Idol,' created by Sam Levinson and Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), discussing the all-star cast, the drama surrounding its production, and whether it's worth watching. Be sure to stick around for our thoughts on the portrayal of characters and the uncomfortable scenes that left us feeling uneasy.

Then we pivot to why we started watching the show: our favorite YouTube commentator D'Angelo Wallace.  We talk about the awesome work he has been doing, the incredible community he has built, and why if you haven't already heard of D'Angelo Wallace, why you need to start watching his videos.

As we wrap up the episode, we shift gears to discuss the importance of representation in media for queer and trans individuals. We focus exclusively on the animated series 'The Owl House,' we explore the impact of streaming networks pulling programming targeted at these communities and emphasize the need to support shows that offer diverse representation. Hear about our own experiences with representation and the power it can have to help younger folks feel a sense of belonging.

We'll be on Sunday, July 9th for episode 7 with guest journalist, editor, and storyteller Ishani Nath to discuss reality television and therapy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Show Notes and References!

1. ‘The Idol’ Is More Toxic and Way Worse Than You’ve Heard - Rolling Stone
2. Everything ‘The Idol’ Cast Has Said About the Show’s Backlash, Controversial Sex Scenes: It’s ‘Not for Everyone’ - US Magazine
3. 'The Idol' Has a Tedros Problem - Collider
4. The era of A-list YouTube celebrities is over. Now, the people cancelling them are on top. - INSIDER
5. The rise of the video essay as art: D’Angelo Wallace - The Stanford Daily
6. The Weeknd Made a TV Show. It's a Complete Disaster. - D'Angelo Wallace
7. Mourning the Loss of The Owl House, TV’s Best Queer Kids Show - Vanity Fair
8. Commentary: Queer TV shows are disappearing fast — just when we need them more than ever
9. The Owl House Creator Addresses Sequel Rumors - Comic Books

Support the show