Queen Things

Kelly Clarkson’s toy store standoff just escalated...if you can believe it.Then: my Grammy predictions for Taylor’s chances, who I actually think should win Album, Record, and Song of the Year, plus a surprise from the country category. A little Broadway talk, and a hair extension story that’s got the internet finally agreeing on something. Let’s get into it.

***Sign Up Here for the Queen Reads Book Club!***https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606

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:

Queen Reads Book Club Sign Up Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606

The OSU Dance Team:

https://www.tiktok.com/@universeofdance/video/7597262473993014558?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7693606776189928990

My TikTok on the Grammys:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7694752113993239821?lang=en

Art of Play Interview on USA Today:

​​https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTycSpRPj/

Security Footage from Art of Play:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTycAesVA/

My TikTok about Kelly Clarkson:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7695814245757259022

Clip from Midnight:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTy3KVBeG/

Kristin’s Review of Midnight:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTyWqswgo/

$1k sew in vs. $4k sew in:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTy3KtREw/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTy3KKjPk/

A lot of men, none of them making it easy.

We’re kicking off with your Swiftologist takes, digging into Pete Davidson’s foolish Variety interview, breezing through Eminem and Kid Rock "setting politics aside" for a new song, and, frustratingly, addressing the Cornell case.

Let’s get into it. 

***Sign Up Here for the Queen Reads Book Club!***https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606

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:

Queen Reads Book Club Sign Up Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606

The Calamity Club, by Kathryn Stockett:

https://www.lemuriabooks.com/The-Calamity-Club-Kathryn-Stockett-p/9781954118812.htm

The clip i posted about the Swiftologist’s Reaction to Encore:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7691808989226519821

RJ Rokosz’s Take on The Swiftologist:

https://www.tiktok.com/@rjrokosz/video/7693237116825898271

Pete Davidson’s Interview with Variety:

https://www.tiktok.com/@varietymagazine/video/7691364891910737166?_r=1&_t=ZT-9AKb2DAxRQj

Eminem and Kid Rock:

https://www.complex.com/music/a/will-lavin/eminem-kid-rock-friendship-politics-7-sins-new-track

Jeremy Strong Interview with E! News:

https://www.tiktok.com/@enews/video/7692982237607841054?_r=1&_t=ZP-9AKcdBwu2Bj

Jack Edwards’ Video:

https://www.tiktok.com/@jack_edwards/video/7693232179605703958?_r=1&_t=ZT-9AKd4YnYqvm

I sat down and reacted to the Swiftologist's reaction to Taylor's Encore tracks…I disagree with almost everything he says, but I don't think that means what you'd think it means.

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:

The Swiftologist Reaction Video to Encore:

https://youtu.be/WAEf_KhiuyI?si=jxXRW_RzEVY0HMLz

Metacritic:

https://www.metacritic.com/

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/