Dana Plato was a beloved child star in the 80s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, but her good girl on-screen persona was spoiled by rumors that she was partaking in the bad behavior trifecta: sex, drugs, and alcohol. The public was quick to forget about her after she was written off the show...until years later, when she made headlines for robbing a video store. Lena and Alissa discuss child stars, motherhood and addiction, and talk about how their approach to the podcast has changed throughout its run.

This episode was first published on 10/13/2022.

Belle Gibson was one of the original wellness influencers. She documented her unconventional cancer recovery process—consisting largely of restrictive eating and herbal remedies—for a growing cadre of loyal followers. She furthered her empire by developing a popular wellness app and a book. But it was all a lie. She was never afflicted with the cancer that defined her public identity. This week, Lena and Alissa unpack Belle’s big lie, the toxic undercurrents of internet wellness culture, and the many pitfalls of building a life online.

This episode was first published on 10/06/2022.

Maila Nurmi was known for her role as Vampira, the original glamour ghoul, late-night horror host, and proto-goth sex symbol who would inspire the on-screen look of modern-day Morticia Addams. Despite her lasting impact on 1950s America, and on culture at large, few people remember her today. In this episode, Lena and Alissa discuss her artistry, her sharp tongue and scathing disses, and her involvement with Hollywood greats like Orson Welles, Marlon Brando, Elvis Presley, and— most infamously—James Dean.

This episode was first published on 09/29/2022.