Queen Things

Olivia Dean is our Best New Artist, and I can scarcely believe how right the Grammys got it.

In this episode of Queen Things, I’m still sitting with the joy of watching Olivia Dean win—her voice, her ease, her stage presence, and that unmistakable feeling that we’re witnessing the start of something truly special. 

From there, we’ve got a full pop-culture rundown. I’m talking Grammys performances that delighted me, confused me, and confirmed some long-held suspicions about who gets praised for doing the least.

I also reflect on influencer burnout, the identity wobble that comes with your twenties, when cultural commentary starts to feel less funny and more mean-spirited, and why I’m increasingly intentional about where I draw that line.

And because things feel heavy right now, I share a few small but meaningful moments that have given me hope lately.

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:

Olivia Dean Performing in 2020:

https://www.tiktok.com/@barney3000/video/7602310010172984598?_r=1&_t=ZT-93cXKDAsPr3

Mikayla’s Post:

https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylanogueira/video/7600829055474142477?_r=1&_t=ZT-93cXK3wbe7a

Real Housewives of Potomac:

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-potomac

Aubrielle Smith’s TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@aubriellesmithh/video/7602106196337626382?_r=1&_t=ZT-93cXI4s4plW

Protest at Ohio State:

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/22/three-people-arrested-while-protesting-customs-and-border-patrol-recruiters-at-ohio-state-university/

The Kelly Clarkson Show’s Final Season:

https://people.com/the-kelly-clarkson-show-ending-after-seven-seasons-11898089

KJ’s Top Three Kellyoke Performances:

Happier Than Ever:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8b4cRb6Hl4

All By Myself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao5DdGmOfzk&list=RDAo5DdGmOfzk&start_radio=1

7 Rings:

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

The Blake Lively / Taylor Swift text messages have been unsealed, and the internet has gone mad with "Taylor Swift is Over" rhetoric.

But is she? And what do these texts *actually* reveal?

I'm giving you something other creators won't...CONTEXT.

Let's dive in, shall we?

Take my survey here!

https://forms.gle/yf5XvCUGyDn9tYUZ7

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:

Link to text messages here - https://annabower.substack.com/p/i-read-taylor-swifts-texts-to-blake

Missing April 26th texts here - https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.634304/gov.uscourts.nysd.634304.1255.1.pdf 

I’m bald. And I want to talk about it.

In this episode, I share what led me to shave my head after being diagnosed with alopecia areata — the grief, the relief, the fear, and the complicated feelings that come with seeing yourself differently in the mirror.

We talk about identity, femininity, beauty standards, and what it means to navigate a very visible change as a woman who’s both deeply private and publicly online. I don’t have clean answers, just honesty about where I am, what I’m wrestling with, and how I’m learning to exist in this new version of myself.

It’s gonna be raw, reflective, (hopefully) a little funny, and very human. Thanks for being here with me.

Take my survey here!

https://forms.gle/yf5XvCUGyDn9tYUZ7

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:

My TikTok on my decision to go bald:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7594273260175461645

The Anti-Cosmetic Surgery Essay Every Woman Should Read:

https://fatherkarine.substack.com/p/the-anti-cosmetic-surgery-essay-every?r=48x4lz&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay&triedRedirect=true

My IG Post on Using Soap:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTYrTOUkn8r/

What began as an off-the-cuff observation turned into a full-blown conversation after listeners weighed in on the differences between Beyoncé’s Renaissance film and Taylor Swift’s End of an Era.

In this episode, I unpack your comments and explore what might actually be driving the contrast — race, leadership style, perfectionism, collaboration, narrative choices, or something deeper.

This isn’t about competition. It’s about power, perception, and how different women are allowed to move through the world — and be believed when they do.

Let’s talk about it.

Also!  I want to know more about you.

If you have a few minutes, take the listener survey below and tell me where you’re listening from, what you want more of, and what conversations you want this show to explore next.

Take my survey here!

https://forms.gle/yf5XvCUGyDn9tYUZ7

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:

The Art of Loving - Album by Olivia Dean:

https://open.spotify.com/album/0l8zYqoUeBYg47Gmevq9HZ?si=0Liwb4fUQBKtPHnHq2Op1Q

My TikTok on End of an Era vs. the Renaissance Documentary:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7591937416143850765

Taylor’s End of an Era Docuseries:

https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-a948a435-fdcc-4cbe-b699-85dd62fec60b

Beyoncé’s Renaissance Documentary:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance:_A_Film_by_Beyonc%C3%A9

Ashley Tisdale’s Article from The Cut:

https://www.thecut.com/article/ashley-tisdale-french-mom-group-mean-girls-parenting.html

@erica_mags TikTok about the article:

https://www.tiktok.com/@erica_mags/video/7590906583794732319?lang=en

Girl Get Up feat. SZA:

https://open.spotify.com/track/2igNvPf7RLTZG688Mx8GtU?si=5dd8d1fe96454392

Happy New Year! Beyoncé is officially a billionaire—and the internet is losing its mind. I’m unpacking whether that milestone deserves celebration, side-eying the billionaire discourse, revisiting Taylor Swift’s End of an Era, and making bold pop culture predictions for 2026.

Plus: Black News, celebrity MAGA turns, and some big personal announcements.

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:

Taylor’s End of an Era Docuseries:https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-a948a435-fdcc-4cbe-b699-85dd62fec60b

Beyoncé’s Renaissance Documentary:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance:_A_Film_by_Beyonc%C3%A9

Beyoncé Is Now a Billionaire:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattcraig/2025/12/23/beyonce-is-now-a-billionaire/

2026 Met Gala Hosts:

https://www.vogue.com/article/beyonce-nicole-kidman-venus-williams-anna-wintour-2026-met-gala

NickI Minaj and MAGA:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/22/entertainment/nicki-minaj-donald-trump-fan

All of Erica Manganelli’s Platforms:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erica_mags

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ericamags/

YouTube: ​​https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealEricaMags

In this December bonus teaser, I’m kicking things off with some housekeeping — including when Queen Things returns for Season 4. Then we dive straight into one of the most interesting conversations I’ve seen in pop culture lately: Charlie XCX’s Substack essay on the “realities” of being a pop star, and Swiftologist’s take on why pop doesn’t make icons anymore.

From authenticity to escapism, parasocial closeness to moral responsibility, I’m breaking down what we actually expect from the artists we love, and what happens when relatability becomes the whole brand. It’s messy, it’s nuanced, and yes, I have thoughts.

If you want the full episode — including my take on the Taylor/Trump discourse, Jaclyn Hill, DEI backlash, and this week’s Black News — become a Queen Things subscriber on Apple Podcasts, Patreon, or Substack. See you inside.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

Charlie XCX’s article:

https://itscharlibb.substack.com/p/the-realities-of-being-a-pop-star

The Swiftologist’s take on pop stardom:

https://youtu.be/QvOjSFqVD2Q?si=tojZiHMxhg-4VmA9

Here’s a taste of my November bonus episode!

In this teaser, I’m breaking down everything I loved (and didn’t) about Wicked: For Good: Cynthia Erivo’s show-stopping vocals, Ariana Grande’s glow-up, why some critics are reaching, and why Michelle Yeoh absolutely made sense in her role.

The full episode goes way deeper, so if you want it all, unlock the bonus feed on Apple Podcasts, Patreon, or Substack!

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok - @queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG - @kjmiller

References:

‘Wicked: For Good’: This All Could’ve Been Just One Good Movie:

https://www.npr.org/2025/11/20/nx-s1-5612585/wicked-for-good-review-ariana-grande-cynthia-erivo

In this bonus Queen Things episode, I’m breaking down some of our best listener comments and exploring what they reveal about Taylor’s love of love, her lifelong grudges, and her reputation as pop’s “Capitalist-in-Chief.”

From fan theories about “The Fate of Ophelia” to debates about her silence on social issues, I unpack why none of this surprises me—and why that’s exactly the point.

Plus, a little Black News to close us out!

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

KJ’s YouTube Video, Taylor Swift is Exactly Who You Think She Is:

https://youtu.be/vkChF5VO2yE?si=NmX4TcCTSAJ1KkZz

Doechii’s Live From The Swamp Tour:

https://www.livefromtheswamp.com/

It’s the Two Queens, Two Crowns season finale!

We’re wrapping up the season by reading your comments on the “Life of a Showgirl” episode—talking Taylor Swift’s album discourse, the lightning bolt necklace drama, and the fine line between critique and conspiracy.

Then it’s a full Black News roundup: Tyra Banks’s hot ice cream empire (yes, really), the Kehlani “Folded” challenge taking all the way over, and Rolling Stone’s top 250 songs of the 21st century (Missy Elliott at #1—we salute you!).

Stay tuned for bonus episodes while we recharge for Season 4!

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

@justwaynecreative’s post about Taylor’s album being racially coded:

https://www.tiktok.com/@justwaynecreative/video/7560093884991212855

Kylie’s new song:

https://www.eonline.com/news/1423784/kylie-jenners-music-debut-fourth-strike-with-terror-jr

Charlie XCX on SNL:

https://people.com/charli-xcx-crashes-role-model-saturday-night-live-performance-change-11828701

Tyra Banks’ Hot Ice Cream:

https://www.dailydot.com/entertainment/tyra-banks-hot-ice-cream/

Kehlani’s Folded:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFMYx1TibeQ

Some of the Folded Remixes:

https://www.vibe.com/lists/kehlani-folded-challenge-best-of-brandy-toni-braxton/

Rolling Stone’s 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-the-21st-century-1235410452/

Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl is breaking records, confusing critics, and sending the internet spiraling. 

We’re breaking down the tracks we love, unpacking the backlash (is she really a “trad wife”?), and enjoying this escape from reality.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

The Life of A Showgirl:

https://open.spotify.com/album/5HyZy1hYpNTiCLRRy4PeNc?si=A3Me4-qSTSaXxq_bqc1bKQ

Taylor Swift’s Zane Lowe Interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUZ9T-hstUI

Taylor’s Jimmy Fallon Interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qDW_ZKpvxI

Caro Burke’s Take on TLOAS:

https://www.tiktok.com/@caroclaireburkeee/video/7557727721527250190?q=caro%20burke&t=1759944113969