Editorial note: We’ve experienced a tech glitch! If you already listened to this week’s episode, thank you. If you haven’t, it’s a banger. Here’s a 45-minute preview that did not update (for mysterious reasons) on our APPLE feed, so we’re re-pubbing it with fingers crossed.
The Oscars were surprisingly good this year. We discuss the most moving moments, including the teary comeback of Brendan Fraser, the resilience of Ke Huy Kwan, the art-school weirdos who became the big winners, The Daniels, and why Lady Gaga is the Real Deal. Also discussed: The Carpenters (pro or con?), the tricky business of the American Dream, the argument for cultural appropriation, should Sarah do Ozempic, and how tall is Salma Hayek? Hint: Sarah-size.
In the bonus episode: Mysterious allegations against Michael Irvin prompt Sarah to talk about that time he stabbed his Dallas Cowboys’ teammate in the neck, why it’s hard to write about the dark side of sports, plus the notorious Jerry Jones and the NFL force field. Matt Taibbi testifies before Congress, enrages some journalists, becomes a hero to others. MILF Manor has a quality twist coming our way.
Also: Send us your letters! smokeempodcast@gmail.com. We’ll read the best listener letters and answer salient questions in an upcoming episode.
Ever wonder what you’re missing without premium Episode Notes? A LOT! A tease:
Is this the sexiest woman in Hollywood?
“Scissorgate: Remembering when Michael Irvin nearly stabbed a teammate to death,” a story about the opening anecdote of Boys Will Be Boys (The Versed)
“Cowboys 'The Last Dance': Inside The Infamous 'White House',” by Richie Whitt (Sports Illustrated)
“Woman Recants Rape Tale,” 1997 story about Irvin allegation from LA Times archives
This journalist was in somebody’s hot box, with apologies to his wife:
Outro song: “We’ve Only Just Begun” by the Carpenters
63. The Oscars of Inclusion, Ozempic, and the American Dream