Y'all had a lot to say about whether it's really Travis Kelce who's made Taylor more open — so I'm getting into it, plus why I don't think it's that simple.

Then: how Olivia Rodrigo pulled off another masterpiece with Daisy Chain Fields, and Cardi B and Samyra's Old Navy round two, including who I think has the range to actually weigh in.

Let's get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

Daisy Chain Fields Festival:

https://www.daisychainfields.com/

Kelly Clarkson’s Final Show:

https://deadline.com/2026/08/kelly-clarkson-goodbye-daytime-talk-show-tears-final-words-1237063591/

Golden on Kellyoke:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py_P2TI-gNg

Cardi B and Samyra:

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/heres-why-cardi-bs-joke-about-her-3x-merch-isnt-funny

https://www.tiktok.com/@girlsfighting6/video/7680350974740794654?_r=1&_t=ZT-99N4FVB2lqv

Keke Palmer on Raven-Symoné:

https://www.tiktok.com/@5ivelive_/video/7679578708977405214?q=sivelive_%20raven&t=1788362546241

A.J. Alford Books on Reading Black Authors:

https://www.tiktok.com/@aj_alfordwrites/video/7678474602699443486

My take on her take:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7679988438443101453?lang=en

We Don’t Talk About Carol, by Kristen L. Berry:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771526/we-dont-talk-about-carol-by-kristen-l-berry/

The True Love Experiment, by Christina Lauren:

https://christinalaurenbooks.com/books/the-true-love-experiment/

Dolly All The Time, by Annabel Monaghan:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/769965/dolly-all-the-time-a-gma-book-club-pick-by-annabel-monaghan/

I, Medusa, by Ayana Gray:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762979/i-medusa-by-ayana-gray/

My August 5 star book recap:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7680358159424310542

Taylor's Grammy performance and hour-long interview had me completely gagged — the mashup, the vocals, the way she addressed the Showgirl backlash without ever naming it. I'm breaking it all down.

This episode is also a chance to talk about what Dolly Parton's legacy has meant to my family, beyond the music.

Plus some thoughts on a rough week in brand marketing and the news on Harry and Meghan.

Let's get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

Good Grief, by Sara Bareilles:

https://sarabareilles.lnk.to/GoodGrief

Taylor Swift - The Icon Sessions at the Grammy Museum:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9jaJtmraXA

https://www.youtube.com/live/VJ0LV0T8C1E

Remembering Dolly Parton:

https://apnews.com/live/dolly-parton-8-25-2026

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:

https://imaginationlibrary.com/

Tarte Cosmetics Contour Stick Controversy:

https://www.thecut.com/article/everything-we-know-about-tarte-cosmetics-snatch-stick-drama.html

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetopnotes/video/7670711267228699917?_r=1&_t=ZT-99D5Bpkv38P

https://www.tiktok.com/@beautymavenraven/video/7675811231277600030?_r=1&_t=ZP-99D5hDnxBTL

Calloway and Good Good:

https://www.wsj.com/cmo-today/good-good-golf-and-callaway-apologize-for-scary-ad-826702ba

Lovesac:

https://cafemom.com/news/deric-cahill-lovesac-couch-ceo-response-tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@boldfam/video/7675106751867276557?_r=1&_t=ZP-99D1q1YQUzn

Harry and Meghan moving back to the UK:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrzm6p6zxeo

All Fours:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/639464/all-fours-by-miranda-july/

Dolly All The Time:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/769965/dolly-all-the-time-a-gma-book-club-pick-by-annabel-monaghan/

Sky Full of Elephants:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/769965/dolly-all-the-time-a-gma-book-club-pick-by-annabel-monaghan/

Drew Afualo's damage control is making things worse, not better — I'm breaking down where it went wrong.

Then: Bethenny Frankel's $42 bagel and what it says about diet culture's rebrand, the BookTok drama I accidentally started this week, and why the NABJ gave Stephen A. Smith a thumbs down award.

Let's get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

Lemme Fix It! Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/@FixItpod

The Kara Goldin Show:

https://karagoldin.com/podcast/

Drew Afualo and ER Fightmaster:

https://www.them.us/entertainment/celebrity/controversy-drew-afualo-er-fightmaster

Bethenny Frankel’s Cafe in the Hamptons:

https://www.fastcompany.com/91591361/bethenny-frankel-supermodel-cafe-response-skinny-culture-back

My TikTok on BookTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7675084494814153997?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7626447009641842206

Authors of Color I’d recommend:

Kennedy Ryan:

https://kennedyryanwrites.com/

Tia Williams:

https://www.tiawilliamswrites.com/

Ashton Lattimore:

https://www.ashtonlattimore.com/

S.A. Cosby:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._A._Cosby

Tayari Jones:

https://www.tayarijones.com/

Addie E. Citchens:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addie_E._Citchens

Abby Jimenez:

https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/

R.F. Kuang:

https://www.rfkuang.com/

Elaine Chou:

https://www.elainehsiehchou.com/

NABJ Gives Stephen A. Smith Thumbs Down:

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2026-08-16/stephen-a-smith-lashes-out-after-receiving-nabj-thumbs-down-award

What I’m Reading:

The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah:

https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-great-alone/

Dominion, by Addie E. Citchens:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374609337/dominion/

The True Love Experiment, by Christina Lauren:

https://christinalaurenbooks.com/books/the-true-love-experiment/

Taylor Swift just quietly pulled her music off Trump's TikToks — the internet ran wild with a theory I had to fact-check myself.

Then: Jools LeBron's GoFundMe, a Nantucket shop's "No Influencers" sign, and the debate nobody expected to get this heated.

Let's get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

My TikTok on Ariana stepping back from visibility:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7670890040473439502?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7626447009641842206

Taylor takes her music off Trump posts:

https://www.vanityfair.com/story/taylor-swift-donald-trump-music-posts-tiktok

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/08/10/politics/taylor-swift-trump-music

Jools Lebron steps away from TikTok:

https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/08/12/jools-lebron-very-demure-tiktok-fundraiser-teeth/

No Influencers Sign in Nantucket Store:

https://www.today.com/popculture/nantucket-no-influencers-sign-controversy-explained-rcna590203

https://www.thecut.com/article/nantucket-locals-vs-influencers-paige-lorenze-dairy-boy.html

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690750/tomorrow-and-tomorrow-and-tomorrow-by-gabrielle-zevin/

This week we’re diving into Ariana Grande’s step back from visibility — her statement, the scrutiny, and why the reaction has me feeling icky.

Also, Hank Green just admitted he's over-relying on AI and BTS pulled out of the Grammys over the new "Asian pop" category - lots of thoughts on both!  Let’s get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

Ariana Grande Taking a Step Back from Visibility:

https://people.com/ariana-grande-taking-step-back-after-tour-amid-public-health-scrutiny-rep-exclusive-12032395

Ariana discussing the decision at her show in Chicago:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/04/ariana-grande-decision-to-step-back-from-visibility-chicago-petal

https://youtu.be/mkxz8zctZOs?si=71Yz6ls_qSnkh5vh

Hank Green’s AI Controversy:

https://www.vulture.com/article/hank-green-chatgpt-ai-controversy-explainer.html

BTS and the Grammys:

https://www.headlinerhub.com/bts-opts-out-of-grammys-following-new-asian-pop-category.html

Love by the Book, by Jessica George:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250282545/lovebythebook/

Yours Truly, by Abby Jimenez:

https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/yourstrulybook

Kin, by Tayari Jones:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635411/kin-oprahs-book-club-by-tayari-jones/

This week, I'm breaking down exactly why Taylor’s a far better singer than she gets credit for.

Plus, Anne Hathaway is an ally and she's not being quiet about it — her HRC speech has me feeling a way.

And that Cut article on Gen Z women financing their loser boyfriends' entire lives? We need to talk about it.

Plus a quick check-in on your World Cup halftime show comments and where things stand with Jen Hamilton.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

My take on the World Cup Halftime Show:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7665729153613843726

Anne Hathaway at the HRC:

https://www.tiktok.com/@nowthisimpact/video/7667292202774695181?_r=1&_t=ZT-98RFKHIYzVd

Taylor’s Vocals:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7666631252493061390

Jen Hamilton:

https://www.tiktok.com/@_jen_hamilton_?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Chelsea Fagan’s take on ageism:

https://www.tiktok.com/@faganchelsea/video/7667893903130938646?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7626447009641842206

The Cut Article “Call Her Mommy”:

https://www.thecut.com/article/young-women-earning-more-money-boyfriends.html

Yesteryear, by Caro Claire Burke:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/780686/yesteryear-a-gma-book-club-pick-by-caro-claire-burke/

Runner, by Ashton Lattimore:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773544/runner-by-ashton-lattimore/

While Taylor Swift and Jay-Z were busy taking over New York — her wedding, his record-breaking Yankee Stadium residency — I was in Napa Valley celebrating my 40th. I'm back with takes on both.

Plus: the World Cup halftime show, the Undone by Kate scandal, and my honest take on the new Gracie Abrams album.

Let’s go!

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

Taylor’s Wedding:

https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a71852286/taylor-swift-dior-wedding-dress-reveal-plans/

Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Residency:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougmelville/2026/07/19/jay-z-proved-he-is-still-the-king-of-new-york-and-the-numbers-back-it-up/

2026 World Cup Halftime Show:

https://youtu.be/B7hIiaXBpco?si=Vpz3faNk4Ej4VAgV

Bravo’s Summer House Cast for Season 11:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/summer-house-season-11-cast-revealed-1236646977/

Undone by Kate Scandal:

https://www.tiktok.com/@undonebykate/video/7663510118159404302?_r=1&_t=ZT-98FOx0pARnZ

https://www.tiktok.com/@malpluscats/video/7664785852693892383?_r=1&_t=ZT-98FOvbYvjp8

https://www.tiktok.com/@itsalexandermae/video/7662365071833648397?_r=1&_t=ZT-98FP2vlwKa5

https://www.tiktok.com/@lilachapmannn/video/7664056435889818910?_r=1&_t=ZT-98FP5coZPAs

Swiftologist on Gracie Abrams’ New Album:

https://www.tiktok.com/@theeswiftologist/video/7663503319519743239?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

My 5-star reads for July:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7665156183950511373?q=kj%20miller&t=1784744595281

I finally listened to Lizzo's new album start to finish — barely holding on by track 12. I'm breaking down what works, what doesn't, and why I think it’s facing a whole lot more than just marketing problems.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

Rolling Stone article on Lizzo’s album sales:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lizzo-new-album-bitch-charts-industry-1235581224/

Bitch, Album by Lizzo:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2wPyRw9iR2TQQgc8c5NCUk?si=5uDGFLzzTMC-eF2Qkngbbw

Jerome, Song by Lizzo:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3kxsEF30mM0TZWfkOv4XsS?si=d492afaed2154c71

A lot on my mind this week. The Summer House aftermath tried to serve me a victim narrative about Amanda. Monica McNutt called Taylor out at the Knicks game and I have thoughts. Your Ariana Grande comments came in heavy and I'm addressing them directly. And yes, I'm a book girl now - let’s get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

Summer House on Bravo:

https://www.bravotv.com/summer-house

West Wilson Not Returning:

https://www.tmz.com/2026/06/15/summer-house-star-west-wilson-not-returning/

Jen Hamilton’s news:

https://people.com/influencer-jen-hamilton-confirms-split-from-husband-brian-after-15-years-together-11998982

Bread Beauty post from Olamide Olowe:

https://www.tiktok.com/@olamideolowe/video/7648051185764601119?_r=1&_t=ZT-97HvDooIJiA

Mented’s Cloud Cream Skin Tint:

https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/collections/cloud-cream-skin-tint

KJ’s 5-star reads:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7650974838349253901

KJ’s Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

Ciara Miller closed out the Summer House reunion, landed a Harper's Bazaar cover, and is booked from here to Cannes. Ariana launched her tour and the internet spent more time on her body than her set list…and we need to talk about that.

Plus: Taylor's got us in our feelings, Olivia's got the Swifties on alert, and Lizzo dropped a new album that few people seem to care about.

Let's get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

I Knew It, I Knew You - By Taylor Swift:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5uPaqMMt59KGrdKIitDRqa?si=dc95b47242d849ac

Olivia Rodrigo’s Popcast Episode:

https://youtu.be/0I_tljaH9Bg?si=kRpasJmGGS8frMjg

Bitch - Album by Lizzo:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2wPyRw9iR2TQQgc8c5NCUk?si=mt-lZ4MtQs2_oNj1BiHTqA

Summer House on Bravo:

https://www.bravotv.com/summer-house

Ciara’s Cover Article with Harper’s Bazaar:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a71420915/ciara-miller-summer-house-interview-2026/