Happy last episode of 2023! Today, we debrief about the best, worst and most unexpected books we've read this year. We bring six books each to the table and discuss. Obvi, these are just our own opinions and we hope this doesn't deter you from any titles or authors.

Katie Zhou created our fab cover art and India Raine is our wonderful editor and composer of our jingle. Email us at cultureclubmail@gmail.com, find us on Instagram @cultureclubpod, or on our personal accounts @jasmineeskye and @yemagz.

This is a DM Podcast. 

See you in 2024,
Jas & Mags xo

Happy last episode of 2023! Today, we debrief about the best, worst and most unexpected books we've read this year. We bring six books each to the table and discuss. Obvi, these are just our own opinions and we hope this doesn't deter you from any titles or authors.
Katie Zhou created our fab cover art and India Raine is our wonderful editor and composer of our jingle. Email us at cultureclubmail@gmail.com, find us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cultureclubpod/">@cultureclubpod</a>, or on our personal accounts <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jasmineeskye/">@jasmineeskye</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yemagz/">@yemagz</a>.
This is a DM Podcast. 
See you in 2024, Jas &amp; Mags xo

Welcome to Culture Club. A weekly podcast brought to you by Jasmine Wallis and Maggie Zhou where two 20-something media-slashies chat about pop culture, current affairs, the internet and our lives.

A DM Podcast

Welcome to Culture Club. A weekly podcast brought to you by Jasmine Wallis and Maggie Zhou where two 20-something media-slashies chat about pop culture, current affairs, the internet and our lives.
A <a href="https://diamantina.com.au">DM Podcast</a>

Culture Club.

Welcome to Culture Club. A weekly podcast brought to you by Jasmine Wallis and Maggie Zhou where two 20-something media-slashies chat about pop culture, current affairs, the internet and our lives.
<a href="https://diamantina.com.au">A DM Podcast</a>

The Best & Worst Books We Read This Year

Disclaimer: We had a few technical problems when recording this episode - SO sorry dear listeners! 

Taylor's dropped a double album in The Tortured Poet's Department. We discuss our thoughts on it as well as some of the mixed reviews. We reference ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ review: a rare misstep by Laura Molloy for NME and Premature Evaluation: Taylor Swift The Tortured Poets Departmentby Tom Breihan for Stereogum.

Next, Coachella was back in California last week. We discuss how the vibes seemed "back" for the first time in years and reference this TikTok by user Worsegirlfriend and Are Coachella Outfits Becoming More … Normal? in The Cut by Danya Issawi. 

Lana Del Rey was also performing at this year's Coachella but some of the commentary around her weight was concerning. We discuss the internet moment and reference this article Is Lana Del Rey "Back", Or Has Her Body Just Changed? by Alexandra Pauly. 

After this, we chat about why people can't leave Sydney Sweeney alone – including other women. 

In recommendations, Jas watched the movie, Challengers (by Luca Guadagnino) while Maggie enjoyed the book Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli. 

See you next time bbys. xo

Disclaimer: We had a few technical problems when recording this episode - SO sorry dear listeners! 
Taylor's dropped a double album in The Tortured Poet's Department. We discuss our thoughts on it as well as some of the mixed reviews. We reference ‘<a href="https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/taylor-swift-the-tortured-poets-department-lyrics-tracklist-3619454 ">The Tortured Poets Department’ review: a rare misstep</a> by Laura Molloy for NME and <a href="https://www.stereogum.com/2260059/premature-evaluation-taylor-swift-the-tortured-poets-department/reviews/premature-evaluation/">Premature Evaluation: Taylor Swift The Tortured Poets Department</a> by Tom Breihan for Stereogum.
Next, Coachella was back in California last week. We discuss how the vibes seemed "back" for the first time in years and reference <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@worsegirlfriend/video/7358534452965887238?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7288513133026428434">this TikTok</a> by user Worsegirlfriend and <a href="https://www.thecut.com/article/are-coachella-outfits-becoming-more-normal.html">Are Coachella Outfits Becoming More … Normal?</a> in The Cut by Danya Issawi. 
Lana Del Rey was also performing at this year's Coachella but some of the commentary around her weight was concerning. We discuss the internet moment and reference this article <a href="https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/lana-del-rey-coachella-body-shaming-weight/ ">Is Lana Del Rey "Back", Or Has Her Body Just Changed?</a> by Alexandra Pauly. 
After this, we chat about why people can't leave <a href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/62402/1/immaculate-bodily-autonomy-nun-horror-sydney-sweeney-boobs">Sydney Sweeney</a> alone – including other women. 
In recommendations, Jas watched the movie, Challengers (by Luca Guadagnino) while Maggie enjoyed the book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198385439-allow-me-to-introduce-myself">Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli. </a>
See you next time bbys. xo

Crying At The Gym

Hi pals, 

To kick this week's ep off, we discuss the news that Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art has been ordered to allow “persons who do not identify as ladies” entry to its Ladies Lounge art installation after losing a legal battle.

Next, is late-stage capitalism eroding what we expect from our friendships?  

TikTok user Amelia Montooth started a conversation on the app recently after stating that we should all be participating in the ‘small favour’ economy more. 

A follow up to that conversation was user Fagan Chelsea who made a video saying the ‘constant venmoing each other culture to be a little dystopian’. We share our thoughts on these conversations and discuss how capitalism is changing our relationships. 

The other day, Maggie made this TikTok about the commodification of love on social media. It hit a nerve and received hundreds of thousands of views. We chat about her video and her new piece for Refinery29 Au titled 'What's The Cost Of Commodifying Love On Social Media?'. 

Next, we use Rebecca Jennings' Vox piece 'Everyone's A Sell Out Now' to discuss the way artists have to be marketers first and creatives second. We reference our editor's band Reckless Coast.

Do you need an authenticity coach? This is the question author Diana Reid posed in ELLE Australia recently. We discuss the article and concepts surrounding it. 

We have two podcast recommendations today; Broadly Relevant and Who Screwed Millenials?

Thank you to Radical Yes for sponsoring this episode. Remember, we’ve got an exclusive discount code for our listeners. Use CULTURECLUB25 to get $25 off Radical Yes’ New Arrivals. And, have a read on how to choose the perfect pair of investment boots, by Maggie.

Katie Zhou created our fab cover art and India Raine is our wonderful editor and composer of our jingle. Email us at cultureclubmail@gmail.com, find us on Instagram @cultureclubpod, or on our personal accounts @jasmineeskye and @yemagz.

This is a DM Podcast.

Hi pals, 
To kick this week's ep off, we discuss the news that Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art has been ordered to allow “persons who do not identify as ladies” entry to its <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/mar/20/artist-behind-monas-ladies-only-lounge-absolutely-delighted-man-is-suing-for-gender-discrimination">Ladies Lounge art installation</a> after losing a legal battle.
Next, is late-stage capitalism eroding what we expect from our friendships?  
TikTok user <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ameliamontooth/video/7351557773450022186?_r=1&amp;_t=8l6DISbduR6">Amelia Montooth</a> started a conversation on the app recently after stating that we should all be participating in the ‘small favour’ economy more. 
A follow up to that conversation was user <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@faganchelsea/video/7351887641786305825?_r=1&amp;_t=8l6DUYv6bgo">Fagan Chelsea</a> who made a video saying the ‘constant venmoing each other culture to be a little dystopian’. We share our thoughts on these conversations and discuss how capitalism is changing our relationships. 
The other day, Maggie made <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@maggie_zhou/video/7353106075236715794">this TikTok</a> about the commodification of love on social media. It hit a nerve and received hundreds of thousands of views. We chat about her video and her new piece for Refinery29 Au titled '<a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/commodification-relationships-social-media">What's The Cost Of Commodifying Love On Social Media?</a>'. 
Next, we use Rebecca Jennings' Vox piece '<a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/2024/2/1/24056883/tiktok-self-promotion-artist-career-how-to-build-following">Everyone's A Sell Out Now</a>' to discuss the way artists have to be marketers first and creatives second. We reference our editor's band <a href="https://www.instagram.com/recklesscoast/">Reckless Coast</a>.
Do you need an authenticity coach? This is the question author Diana Reid posed in <a href="https://www.elle.com.au/culture/authenticity-paradox-diana-reid/">ELLE Australia</a> recently. We discuss the article and concepts surrounding it. 
We have two podcast recommendations today; <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/broadly-relevant/id1734090477">Broadly Relevant</a> and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/introducing-who-screwed-millennials/id1482061243?i=1000649325935">Who Screwed Millenials?</a>
Thank you to <a href="https://radicalyes.com.au/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRh7GEENsvtgqYb41pi_J8za6i1EqnuTtNbqWc3RMdSL_4A_6MZC_mRBoCYesQAvD_BwE">Radical Yes</a> for sponsoring this episode. Remember, we’ve got an exclusive discount code for our listeners. Use CULTURECLUB25 to get $25 off <a href="https://radicalyes.com.au/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRh7GEENsvtgqYb41pi_J8za6i1EqnuTtNbqWc3RMdSL_4A_6MZC_mRBoCYesQAvD_BwE">Radical Yes</a>’ New Arrivals. And, have a read on how to <a href="https://radicalyes.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-perfect-pair-of-investment-boots">choose the perfect pair of investment boots</a>, by Maggie. Katie Zhou created our fab cover art and India Raine is our wonderful editor and composer of our jingle. Email us at cultureclubmail@gmail.com, find us on Instagram @cultureclubpod, or on our personal accounts @jasmineeskye and @yemagz. This is a DM Podcast.

Capitalism Is Making Us Worse Friends

This week’s episode kicks off with some local news. The Inspired Unemployed team has found themselves in the headlines as a “practical joke” on a feminist panel didn’t land. 

During this segment, we reference a TikTok from Culture Club listener, Maybelline San Juan who was in the audience when the comedy dup hijacked the talk. 

Next, Billie Eilish has gotten a few Swifties up in arms over her comments around vinyl packaging and multiple drops. We reference this Billboard article titled Why Billie Eilish Insists On Sustainability In Her Career by Lyndsey Havens. 

Jojo Siwa has had one of the most famous “rebrands” of all time over the past few weeks and we need to talk about it. The former child star has gone mega viral after teasing her new “grown up” single Karma. 

We discuss our thoughts on her shedding her child star status and read from this Vulture article Is JoJo Siwa’s ‘Karma’ a Flop or a Flop? by Rebecca Alter and Jason P. Frank. 

Stand-up comedian Stef Dag was interviewed on the TikTok account Subway Takes and sparked an internet discourse around the “Candid Girlfriend”. We chat about the many (many) takes that came from the 90 second clip. 

In recommendations, Maggie loved an essay by Gladys Lai for Vogue Australia titled I stopped wearing make-up. Now, my feelings about beauty are more complicated than ever and Jas devoured The Work by Bri Lee. 

This week’s episode kicks off with some local news. The Inspired Unemployed team has found themselves in the headlines as a “practical joke” on a <a href="https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/the-inspired-unemployed-feminist-event-sydney/">feminist panel</a> didn’t land. 
During this segment, we reference a TikTok from Culture Club listener, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@definitelymaybelline/video/7353930459786546448?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7288513133026428434">Maybelline San Juan</a> who was in the audience when the comedy dup hijacked the talk. 
Next, Billie Eilish has gotten a few Swifties up in arms over her comments around vinyl packaging and multiple drops. We reference this Billboard article titled <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-sustainability-eco-friendly-initiatives-mom-1235642455/#:~:text=Why%20Billie%20Eilish%20Insists%20on,element%20of%20the%20artist's%20business.">Why Billie Eilish Insists On Sustainability In Her Career</a> by Lyndsey Havens. 
Jojo Siwa has had one of the most famous “rebrands” of all time over the past few weeks and we need to talk about it. The former child star has gone mega viral after teasing her new “grown up” single Karma. 
We discuss our thoughts on her shedding her child star status and read from this Vulture article <a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/jojo-siwa-karma-bop-or-flop.html">Is JoJo Siwa’s ‘Karma’ a Flop or a Flop?</a> by <a href="https://www.vulture.com/author/rebecca-alter/">Rebecca Alter</a> and <a href="https://www.vulture.com/author/jason-p.-frank/">Jason P. Frank</a>. 
Stand-up comedian Stef Dag was interviewed on the TikTok account <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@subwaytakes?lang=en">Subway Takes</a> and sparked an internet discourse around the <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/aglover/candid-girlfriend-tiktok-explainer-reactions">“Candid Girlfriend”</a>. We chat about the many (many) takes that came from the 90 second clip. 
In recommendations, Maggie loved an essay by Gladys Lai for Vogue Australia titled <a href="https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/features/not-wearing-makeup/news-story/3ca2be551cc901df5d3b5e7037cb09bb">I stopped wearing make-up. Now, my feelings about beauty are more complicated than ever</a> and Jas devoured <a href="https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Bri-Lee-The-Work-9781761069390">The Work</a> by Bri Lee.

The Best & Worst Books We Read This Year

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