Pop Culture Archives - AJ Feuerman

AN OLD PERSON’S GUIDE TO SLANG: VOLUME 6

June 24, 2022 By AJ Leave a Comment

I’m a little late this year, but I’m here. Back with the annual slang glossary to help all the old folks stay fresh and cool with the latest hip lingo.

Special thanks, as always, goes out to my Facebook homies for their assistance in my very important research. If you need to review any of the previous volumes, you’ll find links to volumes 1 – 5 at the bottom.

Buckle up, kids. Here we go….

/remember: “I don’t remember.” For those of you who do not “speak” HTML, that forward slash indicates the end of something, essentially. As in “No, stop.” Isn’t it nice that HTML is creeping into our real-life everyday vocab?

Ate That: Surprisingly, it’s an indication of success. As in, “100% on that test?! You ate that, man.”

Bants: A short version of “banter.”

Based: Well, the easiest definition for me to understand was as shorthand for “based on facts,” but there’s a bunch of definitions out there. Y’all can go figure this one out.

BEC: This one totally cracked me up. It stands for “Bitch eating crackers” and almost seems like another way to cite a “Karen.” As in, “you’re just mad cause she’s a BEC.”

Bones/No Bones: We can all thank Noodles the Pug for this one. I ain’t mad about it. There’s even an adorable book about it now.

Booed Up: You are taken! Paired up with a significant other. (Congrats!) ❤️

Bozo: I am happy to say I knew this word. It’s been in my own vernacular for ages. Nice to see it making a comeback.

Cake: Has someone recently complemented your cake? Woo hoo! That means you have a great ass.

Caught in 4K: Let’s put it this way, stupid criminals are typically “caught in 4K.”

Cheugy: I think the word “cheugy” is already cheugy (out of style). I haven’t heard it in a while, but I’ve never included it before so there it is. Here is a creepy dude teaching us how to pronounce it.

Coin: I discovered a few definitions for this term however as it was originally referred to me was as a “shiny” replacement.

Cope, Cope Harder: Something to say when you want to aggravate someone who’s flailing. The example on Urban Dictionary cracked me up:

Person 1: Bro why did you cook the dog? I loved him.
Person 2: Cope harder, Bozo.

Creps: A synonym for “sneakers.”

Doing the Grown-up: Look at you two, getting it on…. “doing the grown up!” (Hopefully not in public.)

Drip/Drip So Hard: Adjective to describe your outfit- similar to swag. And if it’s real special, you drip so hard.

Dub: As in the “W” — the win. Get the dub, team.

Fit Check: This is a way of saying “check out my outfit.” It’s commonly used on social media paired with a photo of one’s outfit and used as a hashtag, #FitCheck.

Ghosting: A lot of us know this one, right? Please not that if you do this to someone while you’re dating or in a job interview process, you’re a dick.

Good Fit: A term for exclusivity. “Only good fits allowed.”

Guap: Totally thought this was gonna be short for “guapo,” which is Spanish for “handsome.” But it’s a euphemism for a lot of cash.

Hit Different: When positive expectations are exceeded. “This pizza is great, but that spaghetti hits different.” (Points for the spaghetti!)

Hot Girl Summer: How have I not included this yet? And how are we still saying this? Are we still saying this?

IWTF: “I want to fuck.” (You do?)

Key Smash: Wow. This was more information about a slang term than I ever imagined I’d find. But a “key smash” is literally that — a random smashing of the keyboard that conveys intense or overwhelming emotion. However, there is apparently an art to this skill. For the perfect key smash, you must use the “Home Keys” on your keyboard; a,s,d,f,j,k,l, as well as g and h. The typical start letters are “a” and “j” but any of them can really be used. AND, once you have perfected your key smash, you can begin throwing in letters from the other rows for a personal touch. Isn’t that exciting? Further research indicates this a staple of the LGBTQ+ community.

Living Rent Free: Admittedly, this is one of my personal faves. There’s always a lot of shit living rent free in my brain. And there is also a very needy and costly dog living rent free in my home.

Looking For the Askers: Well, obviously, I found out “askers” is people who ask questions, and I guess sometimes you gotta look for ’em.

Maskfish: Covid gave way to some new slang (i.e., “maskne”). This is when you meet someone during the Pandemic only to discover that who they truly are in subsequent interactions, sucks. Or, more literally (and perhaps more cruelly), when someone who is/was attractive with a mask on, takes it off to reveal they are… not.

No Cap: A cleaner alternative to “no shit.”

Opp: Thought this was obviously an abbreviation for “opportunity” but it is, in fact, short for “opposition.”

Pog: Does anyone remember when POGS were all the rage for about eight minutes in the 90s?! This is actually derived from that. It’s an expression of excitement. (Because I guess Pogs were…. exciting?)

QTNA: Questions that need answers.

Ratio: When a reply or comment on social media gets more likes than the original post it replied to (See also: You Fell Off).

Red Flag Emoji: STOPPIT! RUN! GO BACK! RED ALERT! Is this the internet’s “flag on the play?” I think it is. 🚩

Say Less: When you understand something so fully and clearly, you don’t need any further explanation. You might comment “I’m on it. Say less.”

Secure(d) the Bag: You did it! You got your money! (I agree that “secured the bag” sounds way cooler.)

Seethe: My research indicates this is a bit of a “Karen” response. When an annoying or self-righteous nerd rages on internet about something arbitrary, you might tell them, “Seethe more, asshole.”

Sending me: “Sending me” is the new “I’m screaming” or “I literally cant.” (See: Volume 1)

Skrrt: The act of screeching, be it in your car or when you pass a hottie on the street.

Stonks: A retort when one has made a financial faux pas. “You traded your car for a bike? Stonks.”

Studious Foo: What a compliment! You’re a responsible, studier, kid. A studious fool. (I guess the ‘L’ is extraneous.)

That’s Gas: Used as a synonym for with “fire,” “rad,” “dope,” etc.to indicate something is great. (Have we brought back “rad” yet? Let’s keep on that.)

The Blueprint: Other than being a pretty great album from Jay-Z in 2001, it refers to someone who’s so amazing and perfect, they are THE BLUEPRINT. You know who you are. 😜

Understood the Assignment: Ya nailed it. Good job.

You Fell Off: A phrase typically used on Twitter to mock someone for a bad take. Sometimes it’s used as a way to ratio (see also: ratio) the unaware victim. And this was an odd aside from Urban Dictionary that made me laugh but also cringe : “Most people using this phrase lack a strong male role model in their life and don’t know what grass feels like.”

Zaddy: I won’t even tell you what Urban Dictionary had on this. Let me just say “hot, older guy.” Personally, still creeps me out. The only Daddy I ever wanted is my father and I certainly ain’t calling anyone “Zaddy.”

OKAY, KIDS AND GROWN UPS, WHAT DID I GET WRONG? WHAT DID I MISS?

TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS SO I CAN ADD IT TO VOLUME VII.

For previous editions, click: VOLUME I // VOLUME II // VOLUME III // VOLUME IV // VOLUME V

AN OLD PERSON’S GUIDE TO SLANG: VOLUME 5

March 7, 2021 By AJ Leave a Comment

We’re back — here with the annual slang glossary to help all the old folks stay cool with the latest, hip lingo! As always, special thanks to Facebook and my friends’ teenaged kids for their assistance in my very important research.

I should add that I did consider adding terminology like “Latinx” and “Womxn” or a number of terms having to do with Gender Identity, but decided finitely that I am still in a place of learning myself and am not the person to educate anyone in those spaces. However I am happy to encourage and direct you over to Well + Good, PFLAG and Planned Parenthood for further information there.

Moving on….

And that’s on: To add further emphasis. (More on this later.)

Bet: Many uses here. It can be used in lieu of the word “okay” or “yes,” but can also be used as a response when someone challenges you, instead of saying “watch” or “we’ll see.” i.e., “Got your text. See you at the club later.” / “Bet.”

Big Mad: This feels a little self-explanatory. It means you’re pretty pissed off. The way it’s stated if a little unique, though. i.e., “I’m big mad that we got that pop quiz in class today.”

Big Yikes: A more intense version of the word “yikes” because something is so very embarrassing that another, much larger “yikes” is needed.

Bruh: This is obviously used like “bro,” but is also often used as an acknowledgement. i.e., “Mac and cheese for dinner tonight.” / “Bruh.” (Don’t ask me to explain it. I’m just here to inform.)

Bussin: Really good. Usually associated with food. Not unlike smacking, I guess?

Cap/No cap: To lie about something – but, confusingly, “no cap” means to tell the truth. i.e.,
“What you said is the biggest cap I’ve heard in a minute.”

CD9: Breaker, breaker. This one may take you back to the walkie-talkie days of your youth. If you lived that kind of youth. CD9 stands for Code 9 as in, “Can’t talk! My parents are here!”

CEO of…: Typically seen in the comments section. If you see someone nailing something? Well, they’re the CEO of THAT.

Curve: This is slang for rejecting someone romantically or sidestepping their advances. You might see it on social media or in a text as a hastag, referencing ignoring a text or come on with “#curve.”

Drop the addy: A command to give your location or address.

Drop your Snap: A command to give out your Snapchat ID.

Floof: Perhaps my favorite and most often used slang term, meaning SUPER DUPER FLUFFY! You know it when you see it. A floofy puppy is the bestest. (P.S. My scientific research, AKA my friend Ky, tells me “Floof” is also used for floofy kitties.)

Glow up: I don’t know how I’ve not included this in previous entries as it’s one I actually use, but anyway, it means when someone’s gone from ugly duckling to gorgeousness. They’ve had a glow-up.

LMIRL: Let’s meet in real life. Use with caution, kids.

Mittens: Inspired by – you guess it! – all of the Bernie Sanders memes. “Mittens” now serves as a descriptive term for something that was not quite amazing, but, not bad either. This is my favorite. Because I was among the meme obsessed. And I’ve never done this before but I’d like to dedicate this glossary entry to my friend Tara, who had a Bernie Mittens coffee mug delivered to me. It’s delightful.

Nah, fam: Simply a way to say “no, thank you.”

OP: “Open pad.” To ask if anyone have a house we can go hang out at.

Periodt: Used at the end of a sentence, it is meant to add emphasis to a point that has been made. It is often regarded as a more extreme or intense version of “period.” It is also often preceded by “and that’s on” to add further emphasis. i.e., “This is the best flick of all time, and that’s on periodt.”

Plots: The plans, the schedule, the desitantion. i.e., “What are the plots?” or “What’s the plot tonight?”

POS: Nope, this is not for “piece of shit” — if you’re around my age, your mind may have gone there. Nowadays, POS is a quick acronym for texting or messaging that means “parents over shoulder.” As in, “not the time to send that dick pic, bruh.”

Pretty sus: Pretty suspicious. You know who you are.

Protecc: The highest form of protection! Though per Urban Dictionay, it’s done “with just and gentle grace.” (Why TWO C’s, I wonder?)

Pull up: Step up and fight!

Scoop: You want me to scoop you? Pick you up in my car? HMU in the comments….

Simp: Basically, a new way to call someone a schmoozer, to describe people (typically those who identify as male) who are willing to do anything to get somebody to fall in love with them.

Sksksksk: This phrase is somewhat versatile, but is mostly a filler expression of excitement. Imagine smashing your keyboard at random because you’re so amped. It’s popular among VSCO girls (if they are still a thing?) who use it to express their joy. i.e., “Are you going to the party tonight?” / “SKSKSKSK YES!” (And insert my eye roll here.)

Smack: For us children of the 80s who attended many a D.A.R.E. lecture, Smack is a synonym for Heroin. But in this instance, it’s as “slaps” is to music – “This burger smacks.”

Tendies: Since Robin Hood recently rose in popularity, you may have spotted this term, which is gains earned from an investment. Collect your tendies, people!

Wig: Used to refer to something that is amazing, from the idea that what you saw was so amazing, your wig flew right off.

Your mom: I was not set on including this but many of the young people surveyed in my research suggested it, so there it is. We all know how this is used, right?

Emojis: This is not a slang term issue, but I am here to make you all cool and hip as older people so I must bring you this bit of tragic news as well. You see, it seems that emojis are not “it” anymore. My friend’s teenaged daughter and a recent CNN investigation found teens calling certain emojis “overused” and “bland.” Will you abide by this new vibe?

Personally, I’ve always thrived on breaking from convention. 😜👈🏻🖕🏻

OKAY, KIDS AND GROWN UPS, WHAT DID I MISS?

TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS SO I CAN ADD IT TO THE NEXT ROUND!

For previous editions, click: VOLUME I // VOLUME II // VOLUME III // VOLUME IV

Why I am Voting Yes on Prop 22

October 28, 2020 By AJ Leave a Comment

As this election season nears its peak I’m looking down the ballot with friends. We all know who we are voting for in the oval office (sidebar: has a debate ever changed your mind?), we are pretty solid on the local elections, but the state propositions can be overwhelming. Some of my friends have gone through the ballot and published voting guides like this one, and other friends have blog posts about one proposition or another. And since so many of us are freelancers I’m seeing a lot of chatter about Prop 22. Lindsay wrote a compelling argument for a “Yes on Prop 22,” and it helped me make sense of things.

First and foremost, as a freelancer myself, these app-based workers have my empathy.

As I have come to understand it, the state legislature wrote a law called “AB5,” or, Assembly Bill 5. I hate this bill. A lot of my peers and colleagues hate this bill. It made it nearly impossible to have freelance workers here in the state of California. Yet so many of us were affected by this crazy bill that one by one industries were exempted from it, but of course, no one in government loves or gets tech so there was no exemption for app based drivers.

This left the apps with only one way out: GET IT ON THE BALLOR. App based drivers like their freelance status. They enjoy the freedom to work with multiple companies in a single day, whichever day they choose. As you can imagine, I have a lot in common with app drivers in wanting – no, needing – to control my schedule.

It’s interesting that even though I’m not now, and never have been an app-based driver I feel a kinship to them and I wonder if it’s because of Covid-19, or because of our shared freelance status. I can say, with earnest, that were it not for the delivery people with Instacart and Postmates, this sheltering-at-home order would have driven me absolutely bonkers. Thank goodness for those people.

So here I am. I will be championing a YES on Prop 22.

Let’s talk about it on Twitter or Instagram with #YesOnProp22.

AN OLD PERSON’S GUIDE TO MILLENNIAL (and more!) VOCAB: VOLUME 4

February 13, 2020 By AJ Leave a Comment

THE MILLENNIAL GLOSSARY RETURNS!

Many thanks to the folks younger and/or more knowledgable than myself who contributed verbiage for this new entry into the successful millennial glossary series. With the rise of Gen Z, now, Millennials are practically left in the dust. There is so much more ground to cover! But I am still happy to bring you the fourth volume of cool and hip words:

And I oop: Can be used to express shock, surprise or embarrassment. It originated with Drag Queen Jasmine Masters. You will easily see how and why: joker123

Bang 30s: Yet again, my oldness comes into play. Why would you create a phrase that is syllabically longer than the term is stands for? This is a phrase you use to demand a fight. “Fight,” mind you, is a one syllable word but… *shrug* “Don’t talk about my mom, are you trying to bang 30s?”

Beat: This is an addendum to my previous “beat” entry in Volume 2. I had cited it as a synonym for applying makeup as well as for unattractive. However I’ve since observed it as a euphemism for anything unpleasurable. For example, “Homework is BEAT.”

Big Dick Energy: Metaphorically, it is writing a check for $50,000 without breaking a sweat because you know you got that dough in the bank. More definitively, it is an assured confidence. (See also, apparently: Pete Davidson)

Bless Up: Sigh. While I hesitate to give DJ Khaled crdit for anything, I guess he’s due here. Khaled made this famous as a term of general reverence and gratitude. For example, when your kid comes home to show off an ‘A’ on his exam, one might reply “Bless up, son.”

Bops: This one’s easy and a delight to share. It is an enjoyable song. Credible journalism has even been known to use it.

BSC: An acronym for “bat shit crazy.” (A personal fave.)

Cancel Culture: Not to be confused with “you’re canceled” (as seen in Volume 3); also known as “Call out culture” or “outrage culture.” It is a present-day form of severe, public humiliation to hold individuals and/or groups accountable for wrong actions, often on social media. The resulting punishment is that said individual and/or group is completely and firmly boycotted at infinitum, or, “cancelled.”

Come Thru: Deliberately spelled as such (jnot, “through”), 1. When you are just crushing it – for example, “Come thru and show these kids how a woman does it right!” 2. Completing an action – for example, “Hey, can you come thru with the snacks?”

Crackie: Please note I am copying and pasting this one because I find it a little offensive and won’t mess around with it… it is a Crackhead removed so far from reality that it is funny. (Is it?)

Cross Faded: Being both drunk and high at the same time.

Dead S: Shortened of “Dead serious.”

Deceased: The biggest feeling of feelings. When something is so cute, funny or wonderful, you just want to die because you cannot handle it. I see this a lot on Twitter …. and from Taylor Swift fans. (See also: “RIP,” “Dead” or “Ded.”)

Facts: An expression of agreement. For example:

“Brad Pitt was so deserving of that Oscar.”

“Facts.”

FB/LB: Follow back or like back.

Finna: An abbreviation for the phrase “fixing to.” It is typically used in place of “gonna.” If you’re finna do something, you’re going to or planning on doing it.

frfr: For real, for real. For emphasis.

Gassing: To boost someone’s ego; to hype something or someone up.

Gucci: Tis Gucci, guys. It’s so good it’s goooooo-chee. See how clever? (This has been around for a while but I somehow have missed it in previous volumes.)

Go off: I think most of us have used this in the context of ranting, right? As in, “She can really go off about that…” However in our context here, it’s a little more like gassing. It means to get hyped on something. Example: “YASSS, GURL! GO OFF!”

Hardo: No, no, dirty minds, this is not short for a “hard on.” However it is about being a dick. This is that guy or girl in school. You know, someone who tries too hard at everything. They have to be the tops to a fault. “We were late to the concert because Jim is a hardo and took 30 minutes to put in his hair gel.”

Here for it: A statement of support. Learning all this cool slang? I am here for it.

hmu: Hit me up!

Hop off: Another way to say “back up” or “get away.”

Humble Brag: It really isn’t humble at all. But it’s a way to “escape” bragging about yourself by prefacing it with this rather phony show of humility. 😉

Incel: It’s a portmanteau, really. It is a combination to mean “involuntarily celibate.” It also references the fact that stereotypically, these people – usually male – are angry losers.

JW: Just wondering.

Mickey-fickey: Well, quite simply, it’s a less-filthy way to exclaim “motherfucker.”

OK Boomer: It has a shockingly long Wikipedia entry?! But in any case is a term to mock or dismiss someone of the Baby Boomer generation (or, loosely, just an older person) who doesn’t get what you’re doing or saying.

Okurrrr: Let us all thank Cardi B for this one. She has explained that she uses it to affirm when someone is being put in their place:

Pure: The most sweet and innocent. You’ll see this on Twitter a lot, for example:

Video of Chris Evans excitedly petting two dogs to make your day better. He’s so pure. pic.twitter.com/bs3yaLb9oa

— هـ (@lokiiswhore) September 7, 2019

Slaps: If a song slaps, it’s a good bop. For example, “This song slaps!”

Stay up: A way to communicate that “you will be okay.”

Take the L: For “take the loss.” In other words, take the hit, make the sacrifice. But can also reference a failure, i.e. “I really took the L on that exam.”

Thot: Oh my word, I found two definitions here. Firstly, in the hacking world wherein “thot” is an amalgam of “three-one-two.” But more prevalent is that it is an acronym for “That hoe over there.” Sigh.

Weird flex, but ok: To “flex” means to boast or show off, so when you say this, you’re saying “well that’s a weird thing to show off but you’ve made your choice.” Know what I mean?

# # #

And that wraps up another Millennial Glossary! But do tell, what words or phrases did I miss? Volume five will be here in no time!

Need to get up to speed on the lingo of our youths? Here are the first three volumes so you can brush up:

The Inevitable 2019 Resolutions

January 2, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

It’s been a long blog-tradition of mine to establish a checklist of things to achieve in the new year. It was “33 Things in 2012” since I turned 33 that year. A couple years in, though, I changed over to “14 in 2014” so as to reduce some of the pressure.

All that’s to say that this year, I’m sticking to plain ol’ resolutions. Not so much a checklist – though some items are of that ilk. I’m aiming to be more thoughtful in this year’s effort, acknowledging that I won’t complete all of them – I never do – and that is okay.

Send cards and postcards. Just because. pussy88
See all of the Fast & Furious movies. Seriously.
Host a brunch or dinner party at home.
Read. Books. The news.
Volunteer.
Love hard. And accept love from others.
Say “no” more often.
Get dining room chairs. (Yep, I only have a table right now.)
Draw. Or sketch.
Pick up more freelance writing work.
Get better acquainted with “mute,” “block” and “unfriend.”
Attend comedy shows.
Spend money more thoughtfully. Experiences over things.
Drop 40 pounds. (I know. I’m a cliche.)
Attend some hockey games.
See some theater and concerts.
Watch (at home) more movies I’ve never seen before.
Apologize less.
Forgive myself more often.

My Podcast Obsession: Interview Podcasts

November 26, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

Guys, I’m super obsessed with podcasts. This is a complete 180 from the me of a few years ago who swore up and down that she’d never abandon morning radio. My phone is loaded, my beloved Bose Soundsport Wireless Earbuds are more-oft-than-not are around my neck, and every chance I get, I am listening. But no true crime. It’s just not for me. Though I have been known to enjoy “My Dad Wrote a Porno” or “Missing Richard Simmons,” among others, my real jam is interview podcasts. I guess I just like to listen to people have conversations about themselves…? Mostly it’s celebrities but I do occasionally mix in “real” people or political figures. So if you too are itching for more audio material to consume, I invite you to enjoy my podcast obsession: interview podcasts!

The Adam Carolla Show – As a publicist, the thing I find incredibly cool about Adam is that while he’s one of the most downloaded podcasts around, he doesn’t sit up on a throne and only host top tier celebs. Adam has room for everybody and he’s always genuinely curious in stories. Adam himself has a pretty interesting background and rise to fame, in fact, but a major part of his background is radio, which clearly helps him rise to the top here.

Armchair Expert – A lot of interview podcasts try to put a spin on their show to set them apart ad in this case, Dax goes through a lengthy interview, always interesting to me – he’s super engaged and genuine – and then he and his Producer spend the last 20-30 minutes of the episode going back over the interview and correcting mistakes or offering support or background to something that had been discussed. I also happen to love this podcast’s branding. The website, the merch, the brand — all very on point. (Tipping my hat here to my friend Ryan, who turned me onto this one.)

Awards Chatter – The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg is getting all the top tier celebs here. This podcast has been around few a few years and while I am all caught up on the last year’s worth of episodes, I’ve also been enjoying going all the way back to the beginning and listening to the old ones. Scott is just great at what he does (I say so on Twitter often, and he probably thinks I’m a little obsessed with him). I’ll be honest – he often has a Hollywood exec or expert on for the first 30 minutes to discuss something in the news and I skip through that. I just want the celebrity.

Curious with Josh Peck – Josh is still finding his legs as a podcast host and gets a wee bit rambly sometimes but he’ll get there. Maybe he’ll find a sidekick or producer to assist. He needs to do a little more background research on his guest. But he has had great guests so far and I think it’s fun to hear from someone as young as he is since most of the hosts you’re seeing here are older guys and gals.

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness – Every other week or so, “Queer Eye” star “JVN” welcomes an expert to discuss whatever topic he is curious about that week. Sometimes it’s prophetic like a deep dive on Islam, and sometimes it’s as simple as having Michelle Kwan on to talk about “what’s up with figure skating?” It’s an easy listen, about 30 minutes every time, and so enthralling because not only is Jonathan genuinely curious, he is smart. I am always impressed with the questions and information.

Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast – Gilbert (whose voice is not as annoying as you think it is, I promise) co-hosts with comedy writer Frank Santopadre. Gilbert will only have guests on he’s heard of. That’s not to say he won’t be prepared and do research, but you won’t find Zac Efron here, just to plug a movie. He’s only interested in talking to, well, the people he’s interested in. Which I kind of dig. And as a result, you get to hear from Hollywood icons that aren’t often recognized by the mainstream.

ID10T w/ Chris Hardwick – A lot of people will accuse Hardwick of talking about himself too much – and I suppose he does – but it doesn’t bother me. He’s still the world’s most accomplished fanboy and I enjoy his nerdiness and dorky enthusiasm. And stepping into my PR role for a moment, I can also tell you, having met him, he was very nice to me, very generous, and supportive of the little indie films we sent his way.

Katie Couric – I love Katie. Do you follow her on Instagram? She is a delight. She co-hosts this podcast with political journalist Brian Goldsmith and because they are both journalists, they handle celebrity guests, political figures, news-relevant discussions and more with ease. At this point, I really want to go to a happy hour with Katie so if anyone can make that happen, shoot me a note, pretty please.

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Sam Jones seems to be friends with everybody and yet, I’d never heard of him. But this podcast, like Awards Chatter, has been around for ages and I’m enjoying going back to old episodes to catch up. Who is Sam? He is a photographer and director whose portraits of Barack Obama, Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Bob Dylan, Kristen Stewart, Robert Downey Jr, Amy Adams, and Jack Nicholson have appeared on the covers of Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Esquire, GQ, Time, Entertainment Weekly and Men’s Journal. So a few things you’ve heard of, yes? Plot twist: His podcast is also a TV series.

Pretty Big Deal with Ashley Graham – My dear friend Becky got me hooked on Ashley’s Instagram. If you are not familiar, she is a famous plus sized model, totally stunning, totally unapologetic, and quite influential. When she launched her podcast, she announced a pretty impressive guest list, debuting with Kim Kardashian West, then having Amy Schumer, activist Halima Aden, Olympian Lindsey Vonn and then some. She also records her podcasts on video so you can watch them on YouTube if that’s preferable.

Recode Decode – Host Kara Swisher is highly respected; one of tech’s most prominent journalists, known for insightful reporting and a straight-shooting style. I first came across her as a keynote at BlogHer 2014 and have been a worshiper ever since. She holds nothing back in hard-hitting interviews with celebrities, influential business leaders and outspoken personalities from media, politics and more. I especially loved her interview with Mark Zuckerberg. I said so on Twitter and she responded, which made my month.

WTF with Marc Maron – Marc Maron is perhaps the Godfather of the interview podcast, if not the originator, having started podcasting long before it was deemed cool. The show launched in September 2009 in Maron’s former garage, where he even interviewed then-President Obama. I think Marc can ramble on a bit and often fast forward through his long intros, but he’s still nailing it in every interview and he’s always hilarious besides. (I’ve seen him do stand-up and it was one of the most memorable sets I’ve ever seen. And he improved the whole thing.)

Bonus Podcasts!

How Did This Get Made – Not really an interview podcast, per se. Paul, Jason and June run through bad movies with hilarious commentary but often have celebrity guests join them either in studio or at live shows. This may actually be the podcast I love the most when I’ve seen the movie they’re discussing.

Oprah’s Master Class – Also not technically an interview but it’s a nice, easy listen at about 30 minutes per, with one celebrity speaking on a challenge they overcame the whole time, minus Oprah chiming in with backstory once or twice.

Late Night With Seth Meyers – They’re really just putting the episodes in an audio format but they do add a little more interview with a Producer backstage. And I just love “A Closer Look” with Seth. I actually prefer listening to the show over watching it for some reason. (And I’m never up that late anyway.)

Honorable Mentions

The Ralph Report | Conan O’Brien Need a Friend | SCORE: The Podcast | Really Famous | Boom Time with Flula Borg

Know Your Audience

July 10, 2018 By AJ 1 Comment

“Don’t get political on your blog,” they tell me. Oh well. But it’s of any comfort, I’ll be brief. One of the first things you learn in public relations, is “know your audience.” While there’s definitely something to be said for thinking outside the box and finding a new audience, I would never, ever, in a million years, send ME this pitch:

Kavanaugh’s record as a judge and lawyer demonstrates that he is quite against a health care plan for millions, that he is opposed to corporate accountability, and would likely support a regime like Trump’s — above the law. The GOP is throwing a cocktail party because they are confident his vote would finally overturn Roe v. Wade. This man is dangerous. He is the enemy.

And as far as I’m concerned, Catherine Glenn Foster, you are an insult to your gender and you can shove it.

Know your audience.

Thanks for the pitch, Vanessa.

Happy holidays from me to you…..!

December 18, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

How I Fell in love with Roman J. Israel, Esq.

December 11, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

The other night, I took myself to see Coco. I bought a ticket, sat down with my popcorn, but felt this odd stir of claustrophobia in the back of the crowded theater, also suddenly realizing I was going to have to sit through a 20-minute Frozen short no one has reviewed favorably.

I walked out and turned the corner right into the theater showing Roman J. Israel, Esq. There were three other single people in the theater (perfect!) and I had zero clue what the movie was about — I just new from the title that Denzel Washington was playing a lawyer. I guess. And that Colin Farrell was in it and I’ll see anything with Colin Farrell in it.

So here’s the formal summary:

Roman J. Israel, Esq. is set in the underbelly of the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as a driven, idealistic defense attorney whose life is upended when his mentor, a civil rights icon, dies. When he is recruited to join a firm led by one of the legendary man’s former students – the ambitious lawyer George Pierce (Colin Farrell) – and begins a friendship with a young champion of equal rights (Carmen Ejogo), a turbulent series of events ensue that will put the activism that has defined Roman’s career to the test.

But it was more than that for me. Washington’s performance was transformative. There was no “Denzel” on the screen, there was only Roman. It was a mind-blowing portrayal of a deeply layered, intricate character. And in Roman I found an unexpected kindred spirit.

When this “turbulent series of events” commence, without spoiling anything, let’s just say Roman comes into some money. So there he is, having just endured a rather draining series of unfortunate events in his life, down-trodden and feeling so low you can just about taste it. And with his new found wealth, he goes shopping, he finds a new place to live, he enjoys some treats that he’d previously had to deprive himself of — who hasn’t had this fantasy? Who hasn’t answered the “what would I do with a million dollars” question?

And really — just totally to my utter surprise — I could feel my heart swell and tears in my eyes. I felt an incredible amount of empathy for this man. Obviously not because he was a civil rights attorney or even because he was an outcast in his small society. Not because he was poor and now rich. I felt a closeness to him because I know how debilitating and emotionally exhausting it is to face struggle after struggle — to get up time and time again and have the world smack you back down. And as a result, to fantasize about living your best life. To feel that adrenaline when just a little good fortune comes your way.

What did it boil down to? Happiness is the best drug. Contentment. A smile. A hug from someone who cares. Security. These are the things we crave at a very base level. Portrayed so well on screen by an actor who lost himself on the character, it was profoundly effective. In a year where so many films have hit me hard (Call me by Your Name, Lady Bird), that is really saying something.

Anyway, I loved this movie. Obviously. And hope you’ll all go see it. The trailer is below, though I don’t think it does the film justice. You can get tickets and find out where it’s playing here.

They Say Never Meet Your Heroes

July 24, 2017 By AJ 1 Comment

They say “never meet your heroes” because if your hero turns out to be a douchebag, where does that leave you? Devastated. Ruined. Traumatized!

As evidence, I will only briefly describe a time when I was super young and impressionable and my favorite singer was dining a couple tables away from my family. She and her famous husband were nuzzling and surrounded in protection. I approached one of her bodyguards, respectfully, and politely asked if I could ask his client for her autograph. He looked to her for consent. She leaned away from her husband, looked me up and down, and then shook her head in disgust and waved a dismissive hand at me. The bodyguard said “not tonight” and I walked away, head down, saddened this hero of mine was not all I’d hoped for.

I guess it doesn’t always go down that way — thankfully. When I was out having breakfast with my family and family-friends at Jerry’s Deli, and I was probably 11? 12? At a table nearby, my mother spotted the Lawrence brothers. Joey was at the height of his career then as a co-star on “Blossom” and I’m sure Andrew and Matthew were equally famous then but I only had eyes for the “whoa!” guy. But I was frozen solid by nerves. And so my mom took me to their table, put a hand on Joey’s shoulder and said “my daughter’s too embarassed but would you give her your autograph?”

He was very polite and sweet, even though I was mortified, and I still have that autograph somewhere in a shoebox.

I was inspired to write this post, actually, because I was telling someone the other day about the time I met, perhaps, my favorite pop idol of all time. I was helping with PR for the “American Idol” tour and recording press footage with the cast at a rehearsal. During a break, from down the hall, I heard the faint sounds of “Remix” by New Kids on the Block (it’s one of their newer singles — yes, they still record new music and yes, I enjoy it). I was informed by one of the Idols that the New Kids were rehearsing down the hall for their new tour.

I froze and my face instantly turned bright red. I was completely unable to keep my cool and maintain any professionalism. But the Idols were amused and even offered to introduce me to the guys, who’d been friendly with them. They were babies; they hardly knew who the New Kids were.

Long story short, I got my photo taken with Joey McIntyre. And if this photo doesn’t SCREAM happiness and joy and embarrassment all in one shot, I don’t know what does:

I was lucky to meet a couple of nice Joes (pun totally intended) by chance but yeah…. there are celebrities I truly NEVER want to meet. When you do what I do for a living, you hear a lot of stories — who’s cool, who’s not, who’s friendly, who’s impossible on a set. But as long as I never meet those people, I never have to know and I can go on believing they are awesome and perfect and that their talent is matched by their kindness.

And so they say, “never meet your heroes,” but it’s fun to think about, right? So I’d love to hear from you! Who are your idols of worship? Who did you meet and love? Who’s the hero you want to stay away from?