Just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, theSkimm is launching a new podcast dedicated to treating the sports world like the bingeable reality TV it actually is.

Well Played debuts Thursday, July 25th, just in time for the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics. Be sure to subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you’re listening.

Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Pop Cultured. In the last year, we’ve done some memorable pop culture deep dives (think: Queen Bey’s “Renaissance” and the history of house music) and broken down some of the biggest stories in the news (like: the Oscar’s slap and Serena retiring as the GOAT). We’ve also had some amazing conversations along the way. 

So, it’s only right that we end the show the way it began: talking about why these stories matter.

TV, movies, fashion, sports, and just about everything we consume can be pop culture, and looking at it can tell us a lot about what’s going on in society.

Today, we take a look back at some of our favorite moments on the show — from Dwyane Wade totally flubbing questions about his wife Gabrielle Union to that time Bridget got an astrology reading that told her when she’ll find love.

Then, we chat with some of our favorite show guests on why pop culture is important to them — and the world.

You’ll hear from:

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. 

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Don’t know about you, but we’re still processing everything that went down at the VMAs — from that totally weird Johnny Depp appearance (can we call it that?) to Lizzo responding to haters. Again. 

We’re also going to break down the Olivia Wilde–Shia LaBeouf beef, the Euphoria season three drama, and the latest thing to fall out of Chris Rock's mouth.

And finally, with all eyes on NASA this week, we’re going back to one of our favorite episodes of this show, where we dug into our pop culture obsession with space. 

You’ll hear from:

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We’re kicking it off this week with a rundown of a big win for HBO Max (House of the Dragon, we’re looking at you) and a whole lot of cringe. A plantation wedding, Bennifer? Really?

Then, it’s a conversation with The Juggernaut’s Ishani Nath about Indian Matchmaking, and why she says the Netflix show about arranged marriages is still a hate watch. We get into what the series gets right, what it’s still getting wrong in season two, and why Sima from Mumbai fires up so many feelings. 

And finally, the VMAs are right around the corner. But who even watches music videos any more? We talked to Rolling Stone writer Claire Shaffer about the rise, fall, and rebirth of the medium — from the big-budget heyday of Michael Jackson’s ’80s to the boy bound countdowns of TRL to today’s YouTube-ready viral sensations. 

You’ll hear from: 

Ishani Nath, culture editor for The Juggernaut

Claire Shaffer, freelance writer for Rolling Stone

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong and producer Alaisha Key. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. 

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First, it’s the Pop Five: Megan Thee Stallion’s new album “Traumazine” is just what the hot girls need as we transition into fall. Rihanna’s boo A$AP Rocky might be in big trouble, and Real Housewife Kathy Hilton is facing backlash from Lizzo fans. And we’re getting nostalgic over Brandy’s “Cinderella” turning 25. 

Next, Jennette McCurdy’s new memoir is making us rethink some of our childhood faves. We Skimm (in under four minutes) what we’re learning about the era at Nickelodeon that brought us "iCarly."

And since we’re looking back, we’re celebrating the GOAT: Serena Williams. The tennis phenom recently announced that she’s retiring, so we talked to a writer about Serena’s career, legacy, and lasting impact on women’s sports. 

You’ll hear from:

Sabrina Razack, PhD candidate who studies and writes about the intersection of sports, gender, and race                                            

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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First up, say goodbye to #Kete, folks. Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson called it quits after just nine months of dating. Get the rundown on the biggest breakup of the summer and Kanye’s reaction. 

Plus, find out why Megan Thee Stallion’s boo Pardi seems a little upset with The Rock? And did a couple really find love in the Popeye’s parking lot?

We quickly break it all down in this week’s Pop Five stories. 

Then, we Skimm (in under four minutes) what the heck is going on with the Warner Bros. Discovery merger that killed "Batgirl" — and how this new marriage may affect your streaming options.

And since we kinda have relationships on the brain, we’re diving deeper into dating app fatigue. (Yes, it’s a real thing!)

We spoke with a reporter who’s done research on the topic to understand what it is, what the signs are, and what you can do if you’re tired of swiping.

You’ll hear from:

Jessica Klein, contributing reporter for the BBC                                                

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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All hail Queen Bey! The “Renaissance” is here, and the house listening party started last weekend along with the drama. But this act one wasn’t the only thing dominating pop culture news. 

Did you hear that Taylor Swift’s is also topping the charts? But this time it isn’t for music. It’s for her terrible private jet CO2 emissions.

And after eight weeks of not being able to turn away from Love Island UK, we finally have this seasons’ winners.

What else is on our radar? Check out this week’s Pop Five stories. 

Then, we dive into one of the biggest trends Millennials and Gen Z are obsessed with: astrology.

We speak with a journalist to find out why. And we chatted with an astrologer to get the breakdown on what it’s all supposed to mean. Plus, don’t miss our host getting her chart read!

You’ll hear from:

Kirah Tabourn, creative, astrologer, and host of The Strology Show podcast                                      

Elizabeth Gulino, senior writer at Refinery29                                                   

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Additional production help from Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear. 

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From Kid Cudi walking off the stage at Rolling Loud to a weepy Bennifer in Paris, a lot has been going on in pop culture news. So we’re starting off by breaking down our Pop Five — the top five moments we can’t stop talking about. And after, we have convos with Angelica Ross, Tan France, and Christina Milian.

So find out the reason Desus and Mero are calling it quits and why Sesame Place is being called out for racial discrimination.  

Then, San Diego ComicCon gave “Black Panther” fans what they’ve been waiting for. The “Wakanda Forever” trailer dropped and everyone’s in their feelings.

But what really had Twitter chirping? A viral tweet comparing the careers of Keke Palmer and Zendaya — and citing colorism. And the “Nope” star quickly shut the conversation down in a way only she could.  

And keeping with stars that we stan, today, check out a few moments that didn’t make it on previous episodes — and some of our favorite interviews.

You’ll hear from:

Angelica Ross, actress, singer, and TransTech founder 

Tan France, host of Netflix’s “Queer Eye”  

Christina Milian, actress and singer

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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Having a big butt hasn’t always been popular. But now, it seems like everyone wants to be a member of the big booty club. Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and even Madonna have all been suspected of having work done to make their backsides bigger.

But it isn’t just famous people who are bending over backwards to get the derrière they desire. Regular women are also looking for ways to plump up their bottoms.

While some are opting for butt implants or injections, many are turning to another surgical procedure: the Brazilian Butt Lift, aka the BBL.

We talked to a board certified emergency physician and a reporter about the BBL: what it is, why it can be so dangerous — and why so many people are getting it anyway.

You’ll hear from:

Dr. Uché Blackstock, board certified emergency physician and founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity

Ruth Etiesit Samuel, culture reporter at HuffPost

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Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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We’ve finally settled into the summer season — meaning warmer days, more three-day weekends, and sneaking in some beach time before Labor Day. But if you’re trying to stay cool inside or you have some time to kill (thanks, flight delays), you’re going to need something to watch. And we’ve got you covered. 

Today, we called up some of our favorite media critics and a bunch of our savvy fellow Skimm’rs for their must-see recommendations. Whether you need weekend binges, movies worth seeing in theaters, or hidden gems to add to your queue, enjoy our ultimate summer TV and movie guide. And yes, we’ve got the full list right here for you.

What to binge on a long weekend:

Movies to see IRL:

Hidden gems that are getting overlooked:

You’ll hear from:

Bethonie Butler, TV and pop culture reporter for The Washington Post

Lakshmi Gandhi, freelance journalist and co-founder of The Lakshmi and Asha Show

Kamaron McNair, finance writer at theSkimm

Kristen Lindell, loyalty program manager at theSkimm

Nina Moll, senior associate, client services at theSkimm

Michelle Simon, senior director, client services and planning at theSkimm

Rachel Klein, executive producer, video at theSkimm

Rachel Levin, social media producer at theSkimm

Alaisha Key, audio producer, culture at theSkimm

Andrew Callaway, senior audio engineer at theSkimm

Want more Skimm? 

Skimm'd by Senior Producer and Host Bridget Armstrong. Produced by Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s senior director of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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