Chapter 10: Talking About Her... And She's Not Even There

Since her first hit song, Britney Spears has been a pop music icon. She’s won MTV Awards and a Grammy, millions of fans have attended her concerts, and she’s become one of the all-time best-selling musicians. However, behind the scenes, Spears has lived a life of turmoil, emotional trauma, and never-ending scrutiny in the public eye. When she bent under the strain of that pressure, Spears’s father took control of her life while exploiting her for financial gain.

The Woman in Me is Spears’s memoir of her career and private life, from the joy she’s found to the trauma she’s endured. In this guide, we’ll follow the story of Spears’s life from her small-town childhood to her struggles with stardom and the 13-year conservatorship that severely restricted her freedom. We’ll also explore the media’s portrayal of Spears throughout her career, the music industry’s treatment of women, and expert views on family dysfunction.

Dive into an electrifying new episode of "SmartLess," where laughter pairs with learning as Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and their esteemed guest Rachel Maddow weave a tapestry of witty anecdotes and profound insights. With an opening act marked by Hayes' humorous countdown, the mood is instantly light, embracing the unpredictable thrills of a Liverpool football match and the unexpected joy of celebrity encounters that unfold in Will Arnett's delightful stories.

As the episode unfolds, Maddow delves into the essence of her broadcasting technique, intermingling scripted mastery with spontaneous interviewing finesse. Discover how her voracious reading habits underpin a wealth of knowledge, employed to infuse historical depth into current affairs. While Bateman reflects on Maddow's contributions to the evolution of MSNBC, Maddow herself offers a rare peek into her life off-air, revealing her passion for "The Great British Baking Show," mixology minus vodka, and how she maintains a strict balance between her dynamic career and personal serenity. This SmartLess engagement is a treasure trove of revelations, blending intellectual rigor with the liberating spirit of genuine conversation.

You’ve seen him play a cigarette-smoking, intimacy-fearing, humor-as-a-cudgel-wielding twenty-something from a broken home trying to find love and build a meaningful career. But Matthew Perry’s role as Chandler on the iconic show Friends is a lot closer to reality than you might have imagined. In Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry shares his story of battling loneliness, health scares, and the big terrible thing: addiction. His hope is that it will help others who are also struggling with substance abuse know they are not alone in their challenges, and that, if he could get sober, they can, too.

This guide explores the evolution of three major themes throughout Perry’s life: his addiction, struggles in establishing relationships, and his search for fame. We also contextualize the events and struggles of his life within psychological theories about childhood trauma, attachment theory, and the nature of addiction and recovery.

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Catch Predators is journalist Ronan Farrow’s memoir of his experiences uncovering one of Hollywood’s biggest scandals—the decades of sexual abuse and assault by entertainment industry power broker Harvey Weinstein. Farrow overcame surveillance, intimidation, blackmail, and even the resistance of his employers at NBC to break this story. He and the women who came forward to share their experiences exposed how Weinstein was able to use his power, wealth, and influence to intimidate and silence his victims, and how the media and legal systems allowed him to operate with impunity for decades.

Dive into an electrifying new episode of "SmartLess," where laughter pairs with learning as Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and their esteemed guest Rachel Maddow weave a tapestry of witty anecdotes and profound insights. With an opening act marked by Hayes' humorous countdown, the mood is instantly light, embracing the unpredictable thrills of a Liverpool football match and the unexpected joy of celebrity encounters that unfold in Will Arnett's delightful stories.

As the episode unfolds, Maddow delves into the essence of her broadcasting technique, intermingling scripted mastery with spontaneous interviewing finesse. Discover how her voracious reading habits underpin a wealth of knowledge, employed to infuse historical depth into current affairs. While Bateman reflects on Maddow's contributions to the evolution of MSNBC, Maddow herself offers a rare peek into her life off-air, revealing her passion for "The Great British Baking Show," mixology minus vodka, and how she maintains a strict balance between her dynamic career and personal serenity. This SmartLess engagement is a treasure trove of revelations, blending intellectual rigor with the liberating spirit of genuine conversation.

Hop into a riveting dialogue with Tom Segura and Theo Von in the '2 Bears, 1 Cave' podcast, unravelling the layers of comedy, industry dynamics, and personal anecdotes. The duo tackle the perceived contradiction between maintaining "coolness" and honing comedic proficiency, challenge traditional notions with their insights into how physical attractiveness plays into comedy, and mull over the transformative effect of the internet on the entertainment landscape. They reflect on their own career trajectories beginning as stand-up comedians and transitioning into entrepreneurial roles, underscoring the importance of a solid team along the path.

Segueing into more personal musings, the hosts bring their early experiences in the industry and college memories to the fore, spinning humorous narratives on their auditions, eccentricities of friends’ lifestyles, and the unpredictable perils of the ocean. They weave promotional messages into the converation adeptly, highlighting carefully selected products and services. Closing on a thoughtful note, the hosts express gratitude for their audience while touching on societal issues and reflecting on the implications of early success, leaving listeners with insights to ponder in their own journeys.

In this milestone 200th episode of “2 Bears, 1 Cave,” Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer take listeners through a whirlwind of nostalgia, laughter, and compelling moments from their podcasting journey. As they reminisce about everything from the iconic "Fat Tom" days to an unforgettable spin class, Tom and Bert give us a glimpse into the shared history that has shaped their friendship and their show. In addition to their own escapades, they bring in tales from the road, contrasting Segura's deluxe celebrity-style tour bus experience with Kreischer’s unique travel arrangements, providing a peek behind the curtain at the realities of touring life.

Diving into heavier themes, the pair dissect the roots and effects of cancel culture with guest Kevin Leondardo, and touch upon the nation's dark chapters of civil rights violations, allowing a poignant pause from their comedic narrative. The hosts effortlessly oscillate between the personal, as they contemplate dietary changes and advocate for accessible mental health treatment, and the broad cultural spectrum, including discussions on online virality and the entertainment industry's grappling with the pandemic. Throughout the ‘Episode 200 Spectacular,’ the unmistakable dynamic of "2 Bears, 1 Cave" shines through, as Tom and Bert balance their trademark humor with insightful commentary, celebrating the depth and diversity of their podcast.

In the latest episode of PBD Podcast, host Patrick Bet-David is joined by a dynamic group of speakers, including Vincent Oshana, Tom Ellsworth, Adam Sosnick, Roger Stone, Javier Milei, and an NBC Host, navigating a labyrinth of current events, technological tussles, and political punditry. The conversation kicks off with the power struggle within OpenAI, examining the departure of co-founder Sam Altman and the consequent corporate chess moves involving tech behemoths like Microsoft. The team casts a critical eye on the resilience of industry giants during leadership tumults and segues into the pressing issue of digital parenting, spawning a discussion on safeguarding youth in the age of social media cons and cautionary tales.

The episode also traverses global political terrain, dissecting the libertarian surge in Argentina with Javier Milei’s rise to presidential power, while postulating on the reverberations of such ideologies from Brexit to Trump. U.S. politics come under scrutiny as the panel prognosticates on Democratic strategies, Republican ripostes, and the potential sway that celebrity endorsements might hold in future electoral battlegrounds. The discourse sharpens as it addresses Elon Musk’s Twitter controversy and the high-stakes game of maintaining free speech versus punitive content regulation, before confronting the part social media plays in the proliferation of antisemitism and the reformation expected in modern work life. Moreover, the episode takes a historical detour, revisiting the undying conspiracies shrouding JFK's demise, with Roger Stone injecting his own contentious theories into the mix, ending with an enticing nod to his book for those captivated by the echoes of America's past.

Join in as renowned comedian-hosts, Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer, showcase an engaging episode of the "2 Bears, 1 Cave" podcast. This in-depth conversation unravels the captivating life story of Hollywood sensation Rob Lowe. Explore Lowe's rise to stardom, from his interest in theatrical performances in his early years to his breakthrough roles in big-budget projects, cementing his place in the Hollywood hall of fame. Dive deeper into Lowe's principle contributions and his adept versatility, shining in different film genres, and delve into his poignant reflections on Hollywood, career, and inseparable cast camaraderie.

The podcast extends beyond Lowe's professional journey to explore the dynamics of his personal life. Uncover the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of his journey to sobriety, and learn about his family's tradition in acting. Furthermore, enjoy the shared passion of golf and high-end luxury watches. The episode subtly delves into Lowe's skincare routine and his exclusive product line, alongside discussions on luxury items and real estate investment strategies, providing the listeners with a well-rounded understanding of the enigmatic Hollywood star's life.

Delve into the intricacies of relationships, from romance to divorce, in this vivid episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast featuring James Sexton, a renowned divorce attorney. Through his wealth of professional experiences and unique insight, Sexton deconstructs the Subtle dynamics that shape personal relationships, shedding light on the impact of external influences like social media and exploring the controversial reaches of non-monogamy.

More than just a commentary on romance gone wrong; this episode serves as an exploration of self-improvement and resilience through tough times. With a strong emphasis on personal growth, maintaining individual identity in relationships, and fostering financial management within partnerships, Sexton provides a transformative perspective on relationships. Whether you're navigating the labyrinth of a high-stakes divorce or just seeking advice for maintaining a healthy relationship, this enlightening episode promises a comprehensive look at the multifaceted world of love, sex, and partnership.