On this episode of The Spin Cycle Podcast, Kiara McKinney takes a critical look at Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” and Doja Cat’s “Vie,” describing both albums as aesthetically pleasing but emotionally shallow. She questions Taylor’s trad wife propaganda, addresses concerns about possible microaggressions, and discusses ongoing artist drama.

In this episode of The Spin Cycle Podcast, Kiara McKinney recaps the week’s pop culture circus: Selena Gomez’s ultra-exclusive wedding (where even the flower girls had NDAs), Cardi B’s triumphant album drop after a 7-year hiatus, and Doja Cat’s latest record—which, spoiler, is fun but about as fresh as last week’s memes. Kiara also dishes on Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s split. She wraps up by bracing herself (and us) for the incoming Taylor Swift album tsunami. Pop culture never sleeps, and neither does Kiara’s snark.

This week on The Spin Cycle, Kiara dives into the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards: why the nominations felt formulaic, how The Pit upset Severance, and the historical firsts that shook up the night. She also covers Nate Bargatze’s flat hosting performance and why award shows still managed to draw record viewership.

Then, it’s on to music: Cardi B’s long-awaited sophomore album Am I The Drama? (with a wild feature list including Janet Jackson) and Doja Cat’s Vie, produced by Jack Antonoff and Y2K. Kiara breaks down how both women are setting new standards for visuals, stagecraft, and fan connection, cementing 2025 as another year where pop spectacle drives culture.

On this episode of The Spin Cycle Podcast, Kiara dishes on the 2025 VMAs, where pop legends showed up (Mariah Carey finally got a VMA—justice!) but A-listers like Taylor and Beyoncé ghosted. She raves about Sabrina Carpenter’s fashion and album, roasts the bland “youth pastor” energy of male pop stars, and side-eyes influencer overload on the red carpet. She breaks down Gaga’s acrobatics, Ariana’s wins (and short jokes), and why Mariah still reigns supreme. If you want sharp opinions, pop culture tea, and a little existential dread about TikTokers, Kiara got you covered

.VMAs Overview and Notable Absences (00:00:30)

Kiara introduces the episode, discusses the 2025 VMAs, and mentions major stars who were absent and legends who attended.

Red Carpet Fashion Highlights (00:01:43)

Recap of standout red carpet looks, including Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, and Summer Walker’s outfits and moments.

Major Award Winners Recap (00:04:20)

Overview of key award winners: Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and others, with Kiara’s opinions on the results.

Alex Warren & Male Pop Star Critique (00:06:43)

Kiara critiques Alex Warren’s performance, discusses his background, and shares thoughts on the current state of male pop stars.

Best New Artist & Other Winners (00:10:00)

Comments on the underwhelming Best New Artist award, other notable winners, and Mariah Carey’s VMA wins.

Performance Highlights: Lady Gaga & Others (00:12:08)

Detailed breakdown of standout performances, especially Lady Gaga’s set, and mentions of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars.

Tate McRae’s Dance Performance (00:14:28)

Praise for Tate McRae’s dance-heavy medley, her stage presence, and thoughts on her vocal style.

Ozzy Osbourne Tribute & Rock Performances (00:16:46)

Recap of the Ozzy Osbourne tribute, performances by Aerosmith members and Yungblud, and thoughts on their significance.

Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Honorable Mentions (00:19:05)

Mariah Carey’s medley and award speech, Busta Rhymes’ performance, and shoutouts to other notable acts.

Influencers at the VMAs & Ariana Grande Rant (00:20:11)

Kiara’s frustration with influencer presenters and a personal rant about Ariana Grande and her family’s presence.

Sabrina Carpenter’s New Album "Man’s Best Friend" (00:22:33)

Discussion of Sabrina’s album debuting at #1, its artistic direction, and comparisons to her previous work.

Doja Cat’s Upcoming Album & Performance (00:25:03)

Announcement of Doja Cat’s new album, thoughts on her VMA performance, and excitement for her new music.

Hilary Duff’s Return to Music (00:26:06)

News about Hilary Duff signing with Atlantic Records and speculation about her upcoming music.

Closing Remarks (00:27:09)

On this episode of The Spin Cycle Podcast, host Kiara McKinney dives into pop’s new favorite trick: nostalgia stacking—the art of layering multiple eras at once. Her case study? Sabrina Carpenter’s seventh album, Man’s Best Friend.

Kiara unpacks how Sabrina fuses disco, country, and maximalist pop into something cohesive, explains why artists stuck in one lane (looking at you, Dua and Miley) risk getting left behind, and breaks down the album’s standout tracks with her signature wit.

Beyond the album, she sets the stage for the upcoming VMAs—sharing predictions, spotting potential chaos agents (Taylor, anyone?), and dissecting how TikTok continues to steer the culture.

Welcome, pop culture obsessives and casual listeners alike, to a deep-dive that’s juicier than a Beyoncé visual album and more layered than Janet Jackson’s choreography. Today, we’re breaking down the latest episode of The Spin Cycle Podcast with Kiara McKinney, where she unpacks the legacy, impact, and future of Black pop stars. If you think you know pop history, buckle up -- because we’re not just talking about catchy hooks and killer dance moves. We’re talking about cultural blueprints, industry disruption, and the cost of visibility in a world that still loves a double standard.

Let’s get into it: the holy trinity of Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, the rise of Doja Cat, and what the new generation means for the future of pop.

On this episode of The Spin Cycle, Kiara McKinney takes us on a snarky nostalgia trip, dissecting why the 90s and early 2000s are back (again) in music and pop culture. She dishes on how pop queens and rappers—past and present—have been flipping the script on sexuality, identity and politics, while dragging society’s tired double standards. She unpacks both the empowering and cringe-worthy sides of this revival, reminding us that while the world feels like a mess, at least our playlists (and sparkly hair accessories) are thriving.

On this episode of The Spin Cycle Podcast, host Kiara McKinney goes full “enough already” on Hollywood’s obsession with sequels, remakes,and franchise cash grabs dominating the 2025 film slate. She laments the creative bankruptcy of the industry, contrasting it with the innovation still thriving in music and Broadway. Kiara skewers streaming algorithms, relentless brand integrations, and soulless press tours, urging listeners to stop feeding the IP recycling machine. Her advice? Skip the nostalgia reboots and support original indie films or new musicals—because art shouldn’t just be content engineered for quarterly profits.

Introduction & Hollywood’s Situationship Problem (00:00:32) Kiara kicks things off by dragging Hollywood for its obsessive ex-calling habit — aka endless sequels — and wonders if originality has filed a restraining order.

Other Art Forms Are Out Here Thriving (00:00:32) While film is stuck in a toxic loop, music and Broadway are out here living their best lives, experimenting, and dropping bangers/plays that don’t smell like mothballs.

Hollywood’s 2025 Dating Pool (00:02:03) Personal confession: 80% of the movies coming next year are sequels or franchises. Spoiler alert — your options are Marvel, Marvel-adjacent, or nostalgia bait.

When Movies Become Walking Ads (00:03:27) Pulls back the curtain on brand deals in TV and film — because nothing says “cinematic magic” like being sold a golf club mid-scene.

The Franchise Problem & Algorithmic Clinginess (00:04:56) How streaming algorithms, SEO, and studio execs with commitment issues keep shoving the same familiar faces in our queue.

Algorithm Hacks & Soul-Free Sequels (00:06:35) Breaks down why remakes are algorithm catnip… and why they feel like your ex texting “U up?” at 2 a.m.

Press Tours on Repeat (00:07:59) Calls out the endless, soulless PR circuits — where every interview sounds the same and the main plot twist is which late-night host they bore next.

Comedy & Podcast Overexposure (00:09:13) How a stand-up special gets ruined before you even hit play thanks to 47 podcast appearances and 10,000 TikTok clips.

When Brands Steal the Show (00:10:32) Once upon a time, brands were in the background. Now they’re basically the lead actor — and they want top billing.

Music & Broadway, Our Chaos Queens (00:11:54) Shouts out the industries still giving us originality — from pop stars who color outside the lines to Broadway shows that aren’t just Mean Girls in a new outfit.

Pop & Broadway’s Risky Business (00:13:21) Celebrates the artists and productions who take big swings and get rewarded for it. Looking at you, Chappell Roan.

The Thirst for Newness (00:14:40) Yes, audiences still crave fresh ideas — when we’re actually given the chance to see them.

When Art Becomes “Content” (00:14:40) Hot take: social media, AI, and algorithms have blurred the line so much you can’t tell if you’re watching a movie or a branded TikTok.

Studios’ ROI Addiction (00:16:22) Explains why executives can’t quit their old flames — it’s all about predictable returns, even if it kills the spark.

How to Break the Cycle (00:18:01) A plea to swipe right on originality and start supporting new voices before we drown in Marvel Phase 47.

Final Provocation (00:19:23) Leaves you with one last question: Are we consuming art… or just funding the remake industrial complex?

On this episode of The Spin Cycle Podcast, Kiara plays pop music genealogist, hilariously mapping out the “family trees” of female pop stars. She sorts icons like Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, and Mariah Carey into matriarchal lineages, assigning “daughters” based on vocal chops, style, and drama. Expect snappy takes on everything from “Power Belters” to “Diary Core Girls,” a Beyoncé-is-incomparable disclaimer, and a fantasy pop family reunion seating chart. If you’ve ever wondered whether Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne are musical kin or why Britney Spears is everyone’s dance mom, this episode is your new pop culture ancestry test.

Introduction to Pop Ancestry (00:00:32)

Kiara introduces the concept of "pop ancestry" and explains her inspiration for categorizing pop artists into metaphorical family trees.

The Power Belters (00:01:41)

Discussion of Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, and Reneé Rapp as the "Power Belters" family, focusing on their vocal strength and emotional delivery.

The Technician/Vixens (00:03:01)

Christina Aguilera and Sabrina Carpenter are grouped as "Technician/Vixens," emphasizing their vocal precision and feminine, self-empowered sexuality.

The High Divas (00:04:33)

Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Adele are discussed as "High Divas," known for their operatic, gospel-influenced vocal prowess.

The Subversive Showgirls (00:06:04)

Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Chappell Roan are described as "Subversive Showgirls," noted for genre fluidity, performance art, and camp aesthetics.

The Choreographed Heartbreakers (00:08:58)

Britney Spears, Addison Rae, and Tate McRae are presented as "Choreographed Heartbreakers," focusing on dance, performance, and stylized vocals.

The Diary Core Girls (00:11:38)

Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams are grouped as "Diary Core Girls," highlighting songwriting, genre-bending, and personal lyrics.

Honorable Mentions: Pop Grandmothers and Theatrical Artists (00:14:43)

Janet Jackson, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Lana Del Rey, and Billie Eilish are discussed as influential figures and offshoots from the main families.

Beyoncé: Incomparable Icon (00:17:35)

Kiara explains why Beyoncé stands alone, with no metaphorical daughters, due to her unmatched influence and artistry.

Pop Family Reunion: The Seating Chart (00:17:59)

A playful segment imagining a pop music family reunion, assigning artists to tables based on their "family" and vibe.

Closing (00:20:23)

Kiara invites listeners to share their thoughts and feedback on the pop ancestry discussion, hinting at a possible part two.

Season 5 kicks off with a deep dive into the biggest celebrity relationship chaos making headlines in 2025. We’re spilling the tea on Zac Brown’s explosive divorce, untangling the Biebers’ financial drama, and breaking down Zach Bryan and Bri’s messy breakup. Plus, get the inside scoop on Charli XCX’s stunning wedding and what’s really happening with your favorite celebrity couples. Tune in for unfiltered hot takes, juicy details, and a no-holds-barred look at love, fame, and fallout in Hollywood’s wildest relationships.

Season 5 Introduction & Celebrity Couples Fascination (00:00:30) Kiara introduces the new season and her ongoing obsession with celebrity couples.

Zac Brown & Kendra Scott Engagement + Legal Drama (00:01:38) Covers Zac Brown’s engagement, recent divorce, and ongoing legal battles with ex-wife Kelly.

Zac Brown’s Relationship Timeline & Family Details (00:03:04) Breakdown of Zac’s marriages, children, and the rapid timeline of his new relationship.

Zac Brown & Brianna LaPaglia Social Media Feud (00:07:17) Discusses Zac and Brianna’s ongoing public feud and the mysterious “fire pit video.”

Fire Pit Video Story & Relationship Fallout (00:08:26) Details the story behind the fire pit incident and the aftermath of Zac and Brianna’s breakup.

JoJo Siwa’s New Relationship with Chris Hughes (00:12:51) Explores JoJo Siwa’s surprising relationship with a man and public reactions.

JoJo Siwa’s Dating History & Public Perception Shift (00:14:00) Covers JoJo’s recent partners, career changes, and how public opinion shifted after dating a man.

The Biebers: Relationship, Addiction, and Financial Struggles (00:19:29) Examines Justin and Hailey Bieber’s troubled marriage, addiction rumors, and financial issues.

Charli XCX & George Daniel’s Relationship Timeline (00:22:58) Celebrates Charli XCX’s wedding, recounting her relationship and collaboration history with George Daniel.