Ed Sheeran spoke out on stage, and I get into whether it really moves the needle.

Then: the new Taylor Swift clues that have Swifties convinced something's dropping at the VMAs, and Jay-Z and Colin Kaepernick's very public back-and-forth about who really sold out.

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:

Meredith Masony’s TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@thats_inappropriate/video/7684044100189965599?_r=1&_t=ZT-99mVa2LOWmU

Ed Sheeran’s Opening Speech in Philadelphia:

https://www.tiktok.com/@miraquetevi/video/7687426998360231199?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wpeWEcKdS

Ed Sheeran’s Closing Speech in Philadelphia:

https://www.tiktok.com/@bridgetgoes/video/7687462005648788749?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wpgf01tUM

The Taylor Explainer:

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetaylorexplainer

Taylor Swift’s Website:

https://www.taylorswift.com/read-my-letter/

Taylor’s videos on Spotify:

https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-09-16/taylor-swift-music-videos-catalog-spotify/

Nikki’s TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@nikkiking23/video/7688066826592341261?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wpchvQk85

The Perilous Fight, By Colin Kaepernick:

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/

Colin Kaepernick Interview with Time Magazine:

https://www.tiktok.com/@time/video/7686572560879766798?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wphD4SuHG

Iced Coffee at Job Interviews:

https://www.tiktok.com/@caitlinrecruiter/video/7686166507759455501?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wooBlnFYD

My Take on Iced Coffee at Job Interviews:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7688000241294937357

Blood Over Bright Haven, by M.L. Wang:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755073/blood-over-bright-haven-by-m-l-wang/

Ed Sheeran's tour is in chaos after dropping Macklemore, and I've got real problems with the statement he put out.

Then: Taylor's Emmys sketch with Mariska Hargitay had Swifties convinced they'd cracked a code, Sydney Sweeney's new ad backlash, Jasmine Crockett's controversial call to honor Chris Brown, and a white news poll I need your take on. 

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:

Something We Said, by Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Something-We-Said/Elizabeth-Stordeur-Pryor/9781982154509

Carrie Soto Is Back, by Taylor Jenkins Reid:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/646857/carrie-soto-is-back-by-taylor-jenkins-reid/

Strangers, by Belle Burden:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760850/strangers-by-belle-burden/

Fruit Fly, by Josh Silver:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/826827/fruit-fly-by-josh-silver/

Love You More, by Emily Giffin:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723827/love-you-more-by-emily-giffin/

Sydney Sweeny’s Novig ad:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/sep/14/ariarne-titmus-comments-sydney-sweeney-sexualising-womens-sport

Macklemore’s Statement:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DdRdsy0m2HK/?hl=en

NPR Article on Ed Sheeran’s Tour:

https://www.npr.org/2026/09/16/g-s1-143549/ed-sheeran-tour-trouble

Ed Sheeran’s Statement:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DdT-6KGAtuI/?img_index=1

Jasmine Crockett Enters Chris Brown’s Music into Congressional Record:

https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/chris-brown-backlash-jasmine-crockett-honor-response-1236341107/

Taylor Swift Emmy’s Sketch:

https://people.com/taylor-swift-makes-surprise-appearance-at-2026-emmy-awards-12121529

Taylor Easter Eggs:

https://www.tiktok.com/@almost50swifty/photo/7685772158492085534?_r=1&_t=ZT-99mVTx9eaNx

Meredith Masony’s TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@thats_inappropriate/video/7684044100189965599?_r=1&_t=ZT-99mVa2LOWmU

Taylor Jenkins Reid:

https://taylorjenkinsreid.com/

Emily Giffin:

https://www.emilygiffin.com/

John of John, by Douglas Stuart:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/John-of-John-(Oprahs-Book-Club)/Douglas-Stuart/9781668173732?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24236596044&gbraid=0AAAAADv-uEmNU4vQRfzvLdCm7FxKbKBRi&gclid=CjwKCAjw_KjVBhAHEiwAnC0N9F1QUDBors9EQSYTytmVPA4jaMUnvQ_RJ_rTL5PK88TZE4K3G1fkwRoCIfUQAvD_BwE

P!nk is the latest artist doubling down on a bad take, and I'm getting all the way into my thoughts on it.

Then: the real story behind Alix Earle and Alex Cooper's beef, now that Earle's finally addressed it on her Netflix show, plus who I think is winning the fight.

And a little on North West headlining her own concert at 13.

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 Episode on Lemme Fix It!:

https://youtu.be/QH2EPEg9XyQ?si=QV0gzqJuyr5CTeH3

Taipei Story, by R.F. Kuang:

https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/taipei-story

I Hate It Here, by Taylor Swift:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3hlGuz3loYoLfI3bpwieWq?si=834427d2ec0c4974

Macklemore’s comments on Ed Sheeran’s Tour:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5x3vjq06qo

P!nk’s response and backlash:

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/pink-responds-backlash-over-post-135443983.html

Earle Meets World:

https://www.netflix.com/title/82085057

My take on the latest Earle/Cooper beef:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7681789062889393422

North West’s Solo Show in Chicago:

https://www.xxlmag.com/north-west-debut-solo-show-chicago/

https://www.theclassicrockstation.com/2026/09/08/north-west-performs-first-solo-live-show-at-the-vic-theatre-following-canceled-tour/

Piercing On My Hand, by North West:

https://youtu.be/gIJSjrpM32s?si=RElsiwRAQDRuNzVH

Good People, by Patmeena Sabit:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777077/good-people-by-patmeena-sabit/

The Revelation of Dionne Daphne, by Mara Brock Akil:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/713565/the-revelation-of-dionne-daphne-by-mara-brock-akil/

The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/576782/the-vanishing-half-by-brit-bennett/

The Bright Years, by Sarah Damoff:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Bright-Years/Sarah-Damoff/9781668061459

Fruit Fly, by Josh Silver:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/826827/fruit-fly-by-josh-silver/

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