Midday Movies

Today we are concluding our Midday Musings series on the HBO Max docuseries, "Taylor Swift vs Scooter Braun: Bad Blood." We will review Scooter's version of events (episode 2 of the series) -- from his role as the "big brother" music manager to Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Kanye West to the Swiftie fan-army fallout he experienced as the buyer of Big Machine Records. Does he deserve all the hate? When two Goliaths fight, does David win? And who among us would be dense enough to insult Taylor Swift on the internet? Find out -- and let's get into it!

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Today we are back discussing the HBO Max documentary, “Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun: Bad Blood” (2024). In this part two, we will dissecting the events post-“Kimye”’s “Famous” drama and post-sale of Taylor Swift’s masters to Scooter Braun’s holding company. This will chart the public battle for ownership rights, Swift’s masterclass response to widespread public backlash, and her ultimate ascent to “The Man” / turbo-capitalist who brought us the economy-breaking Eras Tour. We’re discussing the silence of the Reputation era, the resurgent Lover era, and the results of Taylor’s re-recording of her body of work. The ride is still wild, so please remain seated. Let’s get into it!

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Today we are discussing the HBO Max documentary, “Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun: Bad Blood” (2024). This docuseries charts the very personal battle between artist and management team over the ownership of Taylor Swift’s music masters — representing six of the highest selling albums of all time. In this part one, we will be detailing the timeline of events that led to the sale of Swift’s music as well as the sociological context around 2010s celebrity social-media-soaked culture. We’re talking Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, the famous VMA acceptance speech scandal, Instagram wars, and the pre-Reputation era of Taylor Swift’s career. Strap in, listeners, it’s going to be a wild ride!

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Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@middaymusingspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Linktree⁠: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/middaymusingspod⁠⁠

Today we’re discussing the explosively popular Netflix docuseries, “American Nightmare.” Following the bizarre story — and devastating media aftermath — of a home invasion/kidnapping in Vallejo, CA, we are shown that the real American nightmare is not the crime itself, but the institutional response to victims of that crime. Denise Huskins and her boyfriend Aaron Quinn find themselves on the wrong end of local police, FBI, and news media spin despite all attempts to act in good faith. With lots to chew on regarding the justice system and the way Americans stay informed, this documentary will blow you away with its twists, turns, and improbability. Let’s get into it!

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Today we’re discussing our friendly northern neighbor, Canada. Having just returned from a 4-day trip to Vancouver, we’ve got loads of cultural commentary and travel advice to share. Did you know there are laws against freeways in Vancouver city limits? Have you any idea the sheer number of weddings Stanley Park can hold? And why is it that in Canada, “Dragons” can own their “Den” but in America, “Sharks” cannot own their “Tank”? It is a puzzler. Let’s get into it!

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Today we are hosting an excellent episode from the excellent podcast, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes. Enjoy! Join us for a toe-tally intriguing episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes where we dive deep into the baffling phenomenon of the Salish Sea Feet Discoveries! Since 2007, detached human feet have been washing ashore on the coasts of the Salish Sea, leaving both locals and scientists scratching their heads—and their toes.

In this gripping episode, we explore the possible explanations behind these mysterious findings, from ocean currents to sneaker buoyancy. We'll also discuss how urban legends and sensational media have contributed to the public's fascination with this ongoing enigma.

Don't miss this opportunity to dip your toes into the science and speculation behind one of the Salish Sea's most puzzling mysteries.

Whether you're a true crime aficionado or a marine biology buff, this episode is sure to keep you on your toes!

You can always find more on our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

Today we’re unboxing a BRAND NEW expansion of Red Flags Friday (courtesy of our good friend and podcast listener) — with content exclusively for nerds! The Grim Rabbit Game’s romance and date-centered card game is catering to Star Trek and Star Wars fans, as well as the chronically online. With that in mind, our hosts sit down and ask questions about TARDISes, time machines, and Harry Potter, determining whether these terrible dates can be saved by nerdy white flags. Who is your favorite internet pet? Would you date Albus Dumbledore’s unrepentant murderer? Are magical powers enough to overlook an escort mission (on low health)? Join us for this nerd edition of the Red Flags card game!

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Today we’re discussing top sci-fi tropes in media we love as well as science fiction concepts that spark our imagination. With examples from top sci-fi short stories and Taiwanese novels, we discuss common and uncommon tropes that depict a potential, thought-provoking future. Undersea, skin-obsessed civilizations that have escaped climate catastrophe? Intergalactic civil wars that include high-stakes singing competitions? Aliens sending life-saving messages through an 8-foot tall flamingo? Whether your favorite speculative fiction piece is about utopia (“Brave New World”?) or dystopia (“Hunger Games”), there’s a lot of philosophy hidden in the crevices. We discuss top tropes and top sci-fi hits. Join us! (Authors referenced include Susanne Collins, Steven Moffat, Veronica Roth, Aldous Huxley, Alix E. Harrow, R.F. Kuang, and Catherynne M. Valente.)

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Today we’re discussing the content of Peacock’s new true crime documentary, “TikTok Star Murders.” Produced by 50 Cent, this social media documentary follows the tragic, ultimately-fatal relationship roller coaster of TikTok content creator JinnKid (Ali Abulaban) and his wife Ana. Culminating in a shocking double homicide in San Diego’s luxury Spire residences, this true story unfolds through TikTok content and damning private recordings created by the perpetrator himself. A tale of dangerous personality, social media obsession, and deteriorating mental health, viewers will be riveted by such intimate insight into an all too common category of crime. We discuss the material and mental health dangers of social media consumption (and Scarface fandom) and whether TikTok is safe for anyone.

Content warning for domestic violence, drug use, and femicide.

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Once again, we’re sharing some of the “150 Best Questions To Ask On A First Date, According to Relationship Experts” (Women’s Health Magazine, 2024). With insights from Lisa Marie Bobby, PhD., Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, PhD., and Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, we share even more of the relationship insights and effective first date questions to keep your conversations constructive and free-flowing. Discovering personality markers for new people and easing the social anxiety of initial interactions are just of few of the useful takeaways on this first date advice episode. We combine actionable relationship building tips with a lot of humor and heart, so tune into today’s episode on relation-expert-vetted first date questions!

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Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@middaymusingspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Linktree⁠: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/middaymusingspod⁠⁠