She's in the Weeds - Pop Culture and The Female Experience
A podcast exploring the intersection of pop culture, past and present, and the female experience. Hosts Sam and Hollis are here to unpack the good, the messy, and most importantly, that which informs our ideas about feminism and being a woman. They dig deep on the millennial culture that shaped their girlhood, and the current pop culture influencing their adulthood, examining what it teaches women about self-worth, agency and identity. Join them as they share their lives, dish on reality tv, celebrity drama, and social media culture, reminisce about millennial pop culture, review 90s and 00s tv and film, and...
Ep 102: Titanic Museum, Dollywood, Greek Culture on Campuses, Hygiene Crusaders
Send us Fan Mail
Follow us on IG, TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube
Â
https://www.instagram.com/shesintheweedspod/
https://www.tiktok.com/@shesintheweedspod
https://www.youtube.com/@shesintheweedspod
Ep 101: Cornell 7, Shane Gillis, RHSLC, RHONY, Spooky Watches (TW)
Send us Fan Mail
Hey Whackers, today we're catching up on all things pop culture. We've had a couple of topic heavy episodes in the past weeks so we haven't had a chance to discuss what's been cycling through the zeitgeist. News flash, not much of it is good. That being said, we're bringing you our thoughts on the Cornell 7 (trigger warning for discussion of sexual assault) and Shane Gillis's SNL monologue. Then we're discussing a specific fallout from the Lindsay Clancy trial that we've seen popping up. We haven't spoken about the trial so as not...
Ep 100: Pop Culture Queen: What Would Dolly Do? - The Life and Work of Dolly Parton
Send us Fan Mail
It's pop culture queen of the month where we feature an iconic woman owning the spotlight and crown her queen! This week we're digging deep on the life, career, and success of the late great Dolly Parton. But first we're yapping about fall viruses and our 5k race. Next, we've got a quick circle back, surprise surprise, to our Drop Dead Gorgeous episode and then it's time to get in the weeds with our pop culture queen Dolly Parton! Sam's starting us off with the story of her early life growing up in...
Ep 99: Pop Culture Archives - Weird Girls and Class Wars in Drop Dead Gorgeous
Send us Fan Mail
Its Pop Culture Archives and today we're opening the vault on Drop Dead Gorgeous. But first Sam's bringing not one but two behavioral diseases to the table for discussion and then we're yapping about bathroom etiquette. We've got one quick circle back to the Sydney Sweeney ad and then it's time to get in the weeds with our PCA review of Drop Dead Gorgeous. Hollis is leading our discussion on easily one of our favorite 90s movies. One thing that makes this movie so interseting is that A., it flopped at the box...
Ep 98: Everything's Coming up Morality, Class, and Racial Hierarchy
Send us Fan Mail
We've got a history lesson for you today Whackers! But first we're yapping about having a case of the Thursdays, BASEketball, and being on time. Then we're giving you our thoughts on Sydney Sweeney's Novig ad, Amanda Hirsch's Polymarket Ad, and selling out in general. Then it's time to get in the weeds with a fun history lesson. Last week's discussion about infantilization got us thinking about some of the things we do that could possibly perpetuate the narrative that women are childlike and submissive and therefore not as capable as men. Due...
Ep 97: Is Society Hell Bent on Hating Adult Women? - Exploring Infantilization
Send us Fan Mail
We're digging deep on a recent article in The Cut titled, Confessions of a recovering baby woman on the enduring fantasy of being "just a girl" - and how I finally decided to get a grip and grow up, by Shannon Keating. But first, we're yapping about 20 year old hair dryers, beauty products, and the science (or lack thereof) behind hyaluronic acid. Then we've got a circle back to our conversation about the online dialogue happening between single and married women and an idea to what could possibly be the origin of some...
Ep 96: Pop Culture Archives: What Kind of Woman Deserves a Happy Ending in Practical Magic?
Send us Fan Mail
It's Pop Culture Archives where we rewatch and recap our favorite millennial movies through an adult (and often feminist) lens. In anticipation of the sequel which hits theaters tomorrow we figured it was excellent timing to queue up Practical Magic! But first, we're yapping about kids cutting their hair (ourselves included), Leah Remini joining Beverly Hills, and Carol Radziwill returning to RHONY. After a bit of housewives chit chat we're getting into a discussion about a dialogue that's happening online between single and married women which ties nicely into the themes of today's...
Ep 95: Millennial Must Haves in 90s and 00s Entertainment, Fashion, and Toys Part 2
Send us Fan Mail
It's part 2 of our millennial pop culture obsessions! But first, you know we've got a couple of circle backs and then we're yapping about the Good Good Golf ad and the Target Halloween costume. Then we're getting in the weeds on all things millennial adolescence!Â
Follow us on IG, TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube
Â
https://www.instagram.com/shesintheweedspod/
https://www.tiktok.com/@shesintheweedspod
https://www.youtube.com/@shesintheweedspod
Ep 94: Screenwriting, Investigative Journalism, and True Crime Podcasting with Heidi Dugan
Send us Fan Mail
We've got a special guest today! We're honored to be sitting down with one half of Two Moms Writing LLC, Heidi Dugan! Heidi's a long time friend of ours, a friend of the pod, a wife and mother to 2 young boys, and has been writing scripts and screen plays with her friend and writing partner, Stella Ruggiero, for over a decade. They've produced award winning scripts and currently have a film in development. We'll be discussing how Heidi got into screen writing and the behind scenes on what goes into getting a film...
Ep 93: Reality Check: Content Censorship, The Valley, Jax Taylor, RHOC, Cigarette Mom
Send us Fan Mail
Hey Whackers! We're digging deep on the Bravo TV of it all today! First we're yapping about 5ks, perimenopause, and napping. Then we get into a discussion about emerging ideas around content censorship. Then its time for a Reality Check and we're mentioning it all on The Valley Reunion, House of Stassi, RHOC, and Jax Taylor's latest antics. Next, we're getting in the weeds with our thoughts on TikTok's 50 year old cigarette mom and her recent decision to leave her husband. IYKYK and if not we'll fill you in! As always we wrap i...
Ep 92: Pop Culture Queen: Baby, This is Keke Palmer
Send us Fan Mail
It's pop culture queen of the month where we feature an iconic woman owning the spotlight and crown her queen! This week we're digging deep on the life, career, and success of Keke Palmer! But first, we're yapping about some fun new guests on the horizon, building community, and True Blood. Then we're diving into a She's in the Comments segment to air grievances about internet trolls and nefarious mother in law behavior. Next, we've got to talk about House of Stassi and episode 1 of The Valley reunion. Both were entertaining yet disappointing...
Ep 91: Reality Check: In The City Reunion, The Valley Finale, House of Stassi
Send us Fan Mail
Welcome back whackers we're back on the mics! It's a hodgepodge today as we have A LOT to catch up on! We're yapping about 52 hour train rides, road tripping with kids, and Linda Tran's purchase of She Bop Girl's Who Rock at the 2001 Scholastic Book Fair. Sam's bringing us not one but two behavioral diseases to analyze and then Hollis is sharing a circle back to the guy's girls conversation. Next, Sam's airing some grievances with George Strait, the book How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids, and the 1996 film Dazed and...
Ep 90: ICYMI: Pop Culture Archives: Must Haves in Millennial Toys and Fashion Mid 90s to Early 00s
Send us Fan Mail
A little change in programming today. We've been traveling and couldn't get it together for a live recording so we apologize. We are gearing up for a part 2 of this episode so we thought it was the perfect time to circle back! Today we're getting nostalgic and sharing our absolute must haves in toys and fashion as young girls. We're sharing everything from teen magazines to games, toys, sports, and fashion trends ranging from the mid 90s to the early 2000s. But first, Sam shares a harrowing tale of survival along with her...
Ep 89: Pop Culture Archives: The Many Faces of Feminism in Mona Lisa Smile
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we explore how feminism doesn’t always look the way we expect and how freedom of choice comes in many forms. Using the 2003 film Mona Lisa Smile as a cultural lens, we discuss societal expectations and barriers for women, and how the most important thing in the fight for equality is supporting and respecting each other’s individual paths. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about solidarity, diversity, and rethinking what feminism truly means.Â
Follow us on IG, TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube
Â
https://www.in...
Ep 88: Having Your Cake and Eating it Too with Sadie Clarke
Send us Fan Mail
We've got Bloomington's own Sadie Clarke with us today! You may know her as @sadieeatsfood giving her thorough and honest reviews of Bloomington's local eats but today you have the pleasure of getting to know her on a more personal level. We're spilling the tea on her career trajectory from working in local restaurants to launching her own social media management company and everything in between. But first we're yapping about Maternal Instinct, Tyra Banks on Project Runway, not idolizing movie stars, and as a Bloomington native we have to get Sadie's thoughts...
Ep 87: Behind the Spotlight: A Look at Gender and Racial Pay Gaps in Hollywood
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode we break down the complex pay gaps in Hollywood affecting white women and women of color. We explore how gender and racial inequalities collide to create systemic wage disparities and discuss the broader implications for the entertainment industry. But first we're yapping about hawk attacks, women supporting women, and guy's girls. Then we're circling back to our ongoing conversation on beauty standards and breaking down how our participation affects us as individuals and society as a whole with a little lesson on desirability politics. Next, it's time for a reality...
Ep 86: Danny Booko's PTSD, Olivia Wilde on CHD, and Jenny Mollen's Substack Drama
Send us Fan Mail
We're digging deep on all the things pop culture today! Tune in for discussions on Danny Booko's suffering and PTSD from being called out for his own actions, Olivia Wilde's comments on beauty culture and double standards on Call Her Daddy, and the recent drama surrounding Jenny Mollen's Instagram post about her son and the Substack article she wrote addressing it. But first, we're yapping about 90s kid show theme songs, the days of not knowing lyrics to songs, and what do you mean there were no birds in the time of the...
Ep 85: Pop Culture Queen: Mental Health and Midcentury Womanhood in the Life and Work of Sylvia Plath (Trigger Warning)
Send us Fan Mail
It's Pop Culture Queen! We're telling the story of Sylvia Plath, an ambitious and talented writer navigating life and womanhood in the 1950s. (Trigger Warning: suicidal ideation, suicide, domestic violence and abuse allegations) But first, we're yapping about vacation, Casa Bonita, and 52 hour train rides. Then we've got a quick circle back to Blake and Justin and some thoughts on the current discourse around trending bodies and the nuances of that conversation. Then we're diving into a reality check to discuss the Summer House bonus episode and the most recent drama on The...
Ep 84: The Price of Silence: Harassment, Retaliation, and the Boy's Club in Entertainment
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we're digging deep into the pervasive issue of women not being believed about sexual harassment and assault and the insidious ways the boys' club protects its own. But first, we're yapping about 7 course dinners, document preservation, horror movies, and Men in Black. Then we've got thoughts on some interesting discourse around Botox and removing wrinkles from women's faces. Naturally, we're circling back to Blake Lively (you know we love a circle back) and diving into some recent Summer House and Valley drama. Next we've got insights from the Dirty Rotten...
Ep 83: Pop Culture Archives: The Disappearance of Lauren Spierer (Part 2)
Send us Fan Mail
On this special edition episode of Pop Culture Archives, we dig deep into the disappearance of Lauren Spierer, a vibrant 20-year-old Indiana University student who vanished from our hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011 — exactly 15 years ago today. Known for her kindness, generosity, and deep Jewish faith, Lauren’s story has haunted Bloomington and beyond for over a decade.
Until recently, details available to the public pertaining to Lauren's case have been few and far between. In 2024, Shawn Cohen a journalist and one of the first on t...
Ep 82: Pop Culture Archives: The Disappearance of Lauren Spierer (Part 1)
Send us Fan Mail
On this special edition episode of Pop Culture Archives, we dig deep into the disappearance of Lauren Spierer, a vibrant 20-year-old Indiana University student who vanished from our hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011 — exactly 15 years ago today. Known for her kindness, generosity, and deep Jewish faith, Lauren’s story has haunted Bloomington and beyond for over a decade.
Until recently, details available to the public pertaining to Lauren's case have been few and far between. In 2024, Shawn Cohen a journalist and one of the first on t...
Ep 81: Pop Culture Queen: Quirky, Queer, and Self Proclaimed God Girl - The Rise of Meg Stalter
Send us Fan Mail
It's pop culture queen of the month where we highlight a iconic woman owning the spotlight and crown her queen! This week, we're digging into Meg Stalter's journey from internet fame with the 'Hi, Gay!' video to a rising comedy star with roles in Cora Bora, Hacks, and Too Much. But first we're yapping about the Aldi cart exchange, Hollis's brush with death, and her suggestion as possibly cutting bangs again. Then it's on to the latest Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni updates, their unusual settlement agreement, our main takeaways, and what...
Ep 80: Pop Culture Archives: A Look at Cultural Appropriation, Stereotypes, and Consent in Havoc (Trigger Warning)
Send us Fan Mail
It's pop culture archives and we're diving into the 2005 film Havoc to explore it's themes of cultural appropriation, rich white teen culture, gang representation, racial dynamics, sexual assault (TW), and the conversation around consent. There's a lot to unpack especially viewing the film through a post Me Too and Black Lives Matter lens. This movie attempted to convey important messages but misses the mark in so many ways. The film follows a group of wealthy white Los Angeles teenagers who spend their days imitating gang lifestyle and forming a crew they call the...
Ep 79: Confidence or Illusion? Examining the Future of Beauty Culture with Smart Mirrors
Send us Fan Mail
We're sharing our thoughts on the future of beauty culture with the newest innovation hitting the market. The smart mirror. We're wondering is this real confidence or is this marketing that preys on the insecurities of women? Is this individualized beauty tailored to your face or is AI generating the same face for all of us? Is this creating more joy and satisfaction for women or is it keeping us distracted and focused on one thing? We've got some thoughts and we're sure you do too! But first, we're yapping about hump day...
Ep 78: Examining Self Worth, Women's Health, and Beauty Culture in Famesick: A Memoir
Send us Fan Mail
Today we're exploring themes of self-worth (especially as it pertains to chronic illness and our perception of the physical female body), identity, mental health, relationship dynamics, and beauty culture in a discussion about Lena Dunham's new book Famesick. We'll be sharing some thoughts on her interviews with the New York Times and other media outlets as well as discussing some insights from her book. Hollis has been reading the book so there may be some light spoilers but we won't be getting into too many details so you can still enjoy if you...
Ep 77: Pop Culture Queen: The Reign of Teyana Taylor
Send us Fan Mail
It's pop culture queen of the month where we feature an iconic woman owning the spotlight and crown her queen! But first we're yapping about our voices, jumping out of airplanes into war, and becoming the family matriarchs. Next, Hollis is filling us in on the latest nonsense from Russel Brand and Usher and we've got thoughts. It's all really giving women don't matter and we prefer not to hear from them again. What do you think? Then it's time for a quick reality check where we dish on the latest bravo tv...
Ep 76: Reality Check: Double Standards in Parenting, Pick Me Girls, and Bravo TV Drama
Send us Fan Mail
We're discussing double standards in parenting, the social construct of pick me girls, and digging into a reality check to dish on the latest Bravo TV drama. But, first we're debriefing Hollis's birthday celebration and sharing some embarrassing cell phone faux pas moments. Next, we're reminiscing about Bob and Tom. RIP Bob. Tell me your an 80s baby without telling me your an 80s baby. Then we're discussing Emma Grede's comment in the Wall Street Journal about being a 3 hour mom. We expect mothers to do it all, do it all perfectly, and...
Ep 75: A Male Perspective on Friendship, Not Subscribing to Societal Standards, and Dating in Your 50s with Zach Smith
Send us Fan Mail
We're joined today by our dear friend and guest Zach Smith as he shares his perspective on male friendship, not subscribing to societal standards of marriage and children for happiness, and what it's like dating in your 50s. Join us as we get in the weeds with Zach and dig deep on what best friendship looks like between adult men. Do they talk about the hard stuff? Do they tell each other they love each other? Are they communicating on multiple platforms at all times? Are they starting hypothetical businesses and fantasizing about...
Ep 74: Pop Culture Archives: Impossible Romances and Illicit Relationships in Never Been Kissed
Send us Fan Mail
It's pop culture archives where we open the vault and explore characters and themes from some our favorite millennial movies, tv shows, and pop culture phenomenons. This week we're discussing one of our favorites, Never Been Kissed! We're bringing you some fun facts, dishing on the scenes and one liners we love, and diving into some of the movie's heavier themes of impossible romance standards, illicit flirting and relationships, and romanticizing underage girls being consumed by the adult male gaze. But first, we're yapping about no longer being a marijuana podcast, Wheel of...
Ep 73: "Difficult Women": Discrimination, Career Challenges, and Double Standards in the Hollywood Spotlight
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we dive into the "difficult" label often affixed to ambitious and assertive women in Hollywood. We explore the discrimination and career challenges they face when speaking up for themselves and others and the glaring double standard compared to men's experiences. But first, we've got an exciting opening segment! We're doing a live taste test for a fun local collaboration with Pizza X and content creator Sadie Clarke @sadieeatsfood on IG. Tune in for the review! Then we're yapping about Helen Hunt, The Dinosaurs, and Taylor Frankie Paul. We have a...
Ep 72: Pop Culture Queen: Scott Galloway and Margaret Atwood on Worthless Fathers and Bad Feminists
Send us Fan Mail
It's pop culture queen of the month where we feature an iconic woman owning the spotlight and crown her queen! But first we're yapping about potty training, women's history month, and our 6 degrees of separation from a new RHONY housewife. Then we need to talk about Scott Galloway's latest remarks on paternity leave and the role of fathers in an newborn's life. We're sharing our thoughts on Scott's original remarks in an interview he conducted on his podcast with Derek Thompson and his response to the backlash. Next, we're crowning Margaret Atwood as...
Ep 71: Pop Culture Archives: Power Dynamics and Toxic Body Culture in Center Stage
Send us Fan Mail
Happy Wednesday Whackers and welcome back to another pop culture archives episode where we review and discuss some of our favorite movies, shows, and pop culture phenomenons of yesteryear. First up we're yapping about Hollis's trip to Mexico, The Great Barrier Reef, and arachnophobia. Then its on to daylight savings time, the struggles of parenting, and how much peer pressure influences our lives. Next we're laughing at "It's a lion OMG it's a lion." (IYKYK), Sam's sharing her excitement for an upcoming horror film, and Hollis finally started watching Stranger Things! Then it's...
Ep 70: Strong Women: Building Muscle As A Gateway to Empowerment And Agency with Katie Shedd
Send us Fan Mail
Today we're joined by our friend, fitness coach, and strength trainer Katie Shedd! She's joining us for the entire episode as we yap about small batch artisanal sourdough vs big bread, the year of the fire horse, Brandi Glanville's long awaited answer to her health problems and facial disfiguration, and a TikTok video regarding Sydney Sweeney and the larger conversation about male attention as currency in which Sam shares a vulnerable, and as it turns out very relatable, personal story. Then it's time to get in the weeds with all things Katie and...
Ep 69: ICYMI: We Saw a Psychic! A She's in the Weeds Psychic Reading
Send us Fan Mail
Happy Wednesday Weed Whackers! Welcome back!
Sam's fallen victim to the kindergarten cesspool and lost her voice and Hollis is en route to beautiful Mexico for a long overdue vacation so join us as we venture down podcast memory lane.Â
February 2026 marked one year since we had our very first psychic reading so we thought it would be fun to release the episode again for anyone who missed it or who might not remember. We'll be sharing an update on the reading and where the psychic's predictions stand today o...
Ep 68: Pop Culture Queen: Catherine O'hara - Trailblazing Woman, Comedic Legend, Cultural Icon
Send us Fan Mail
Hey Whackers! Welcome back to your favorite female hosted pop culture podcast! We've got a light fun episode for you today and quite frankly we needed it and so do you! First up, we're yapping about sick kids, vintage shopping, and some data on why so many young people might be choosing to stay single for longer. Then we're reminiscing on some Boomer slang we used as kids and whether or not we need to bring it back! Next up, we're debating a recent story surrounding a TikTok food creator and sharing what...
Ep 67: Millennial Slang: The Words and Phrases That Raised Us
Send us Fan Mail
Happy Wednesday Whackers and welcome back! We've got a jam packed episode for you today. First, we're yapping about self reflection, charity galas, and the Olympics. Then we're sharing some thoughts on recent social media posts surrounding the death of James Van Der Beek, may he rest in peace. Next up we're circling back to our review of Fast Times of Ridgemont High, the never ending It Ends With Us lawsuit, and Michelle Obama. Then we're discussing a Valentine's Day statistic that might surprise you and sharing our thoughts on the Super Bowl...
Ep 66: Pop Culture Archives: 80s Teen Culture, Romantic Pursuits, and High School Friendship in Fast Times At Ridgemont High
Send us Fan Mail
Happy Wednesday Weed Whackers and welcome back! We've got a fun and perhaps educational episode for you today. First up, we're yapping about meeting our fans in the wild, concert going, and Irish goodbyes. Next, you know we have to talk a little bit about the files. Feel free to skip ahead if you've reached your file consumption limit. It's hard to even know what to say or what to focus on but one thing we are definitely interested in following is the female response to all of this. So far we've seen...
Ep 65: Healing, Hope, and Advocacy After Trauma: A recap of Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart
Send us Fan Mail
Happy Hump Day Whackers and welcome back!
FWIW: Somehow our input source defaulted to our computer mics so it's not our best audio. It may not be noticeable to all listeners but we take quality seriously so we apologize if it's less than ideal.Â
Today we're yapping about snowpocalypse, the state of the country, therapy, and the ultimate form of self care. Next Sam's taking umbrage with HBO and their GOT collaborations. If you have seen A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms you likely know what we are talking a...
Ep 64: Pop Culture Queen: Michelle Obama - First Lady, Fashion Icon, Dedicated Advocate for Girls and Women
Send us Fan Mail
Happy Hump Day and welcome back to another riveting episode! Today we're yapping about the Tooth Fairy, immune systems, and the state of Arkansas. Next, Sam's got a circle back to last week's weeds topic (surprise surprise) and Hollis shares some thoughts on the Posh family feud. Then Sam's sharing an update on the ongoing Black Lively and Justin Baldoni legal saga including what Jenny Slate had to say about Justin and whether or not we think it will move forward to trial. Then it's time to get in the weeds and it's...
Ep 63: Are Today's Young Men in Crisis?: A Discussion on Scott Galloway's Interview with Anderson Cooper
Send us Fan Mail
On today's episode we're yapping about swearing, practicing what we preach, and imposter syndrome. Next, we've got HUGE news and we're officially claiming Dayna Kathan of Disrespectfully podcast, a friend of the pod, as they say in the biz! Then we're sharing some public restroom safety tips, reviews on mushroom coffee, and wondering just how much we're being monitored online and whether or not we're okay with it depending on the situation. Then it's time to get in the weeds with a divisive topic and we'd love to hear your thoughts. Today we're...