Straight Up

The pop culture podcast with no filter, brought to you by besties and journalists Kathleen and Ellie. New episodes out every Thursday!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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256 episodes
Updated Thursday
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Episodes256

Newest first

Nov 17, 2022 · 1 hr 21 min
Roman Kemp: life as an A-list radio presenter, from cleaning toilets to celeb parents
Hello darlings, this week's fabulous Straight Up guest is the radio presenter and DJ Roman Kemp, who has just released a memoir, Are You Really Ok?, and who opened up to us about everything from his lifelong struggle with mental health and losing his best friend to suicide, to his surreal celebrity upbringing as son to Martin Kemp (Spandeau Ballet) and Shirlie Kemp (Wham!). It's a very inspiring chat that also peels back the layers of one of the UK's most famous faces, with Roman admitting that he actually hates attention so much he can't even stand friends singing him Happy Birthday. Plus, Roman talks about his difficult years spent in the fashion industry, and reveals what it's really like to work in radio, from disaster interviews to dealing with trolling. Oh, and his extraordinary Harry Styles impression is NOT to be missed! Enjoy! Get Roman's book Are You Really Ok? here and follow him on IG at @romankemp A huge thank you also to our partners for this episode: Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Black Cow, the world's first sustainably made pure milk vodka that is made by a dairy farmer in West Dorset, which we enjoyed in our extraordinarily delish cocktails with Roman. While chatting, we drank the ready to drink Negroni, a smooth, delicious, absolutely pitch-perfect take on the classic. Get your negronis (and some seriously excellent strawberry vodka) at blackcow.co.uk. Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 10, 2022 · 1 hr 8 min
Britney’s shocking family history, Matthew Perry’s memoir and celeb couple age gaps
Hi lovely listeners, this week’s episode is absolutely brimming with recommendations spanning everything from romantic autumn minibreaks to the memoir everyone’s been talking about – did you know that Matthew Perry (Chandler from Friends) almost died from drug addiction and once dumped Julia Roberts? We also deep dive into the sordid affairs of Britney Spears’s late grandfather, who, according to an incredibly juicy new New York Magazine article, is horribly relevant when it comes to questioning why Britney’s dad put his daughter in a conservatorship. Speaking of sordid things, there's a new serial killer film on Netflix starring Eddie Redmayne that's based on a true story – Ellie gives her verdict. Plus, we debate our fave Julia Roberts film after Kathleen reviews her new romcom Ticket to Paradise and we assess the controversy around Billie Eilish’s boyfriend. Dig in and let us know what you think! Recommendations Il Palazzo Experimental, Venice Osteria alle Testiere, Venice Al Covo, Venice House of Spears article in NY Mag Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry The Good Nurse, Netflix The Peripheral, Amazon Prime Louis Theroux interviews Judi Dench, BBC Popbitch newsletter The Playlist, Netflix Ready Player One, Amazon Prime Vanity Fair, Apple TV Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 3, 2022 · 1 hr 8 min
Tove Lo: female pleasure, narcissism and monogamy
Gorgeous ones, are you ready for one saucy lil episode from none other than the extraordinary, Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling star Tove Lo? And we really do mean saucy: Tove might just be one of the most sexually liberated women in pop, with a vagina tattoo on her arm, a history of flashing her lucky fans at gigs, and lyrics to make a grown man blush. Not only did the Swedish pop queen open up about her marriage, being queer, living communally in LA with her husband and friends, freedom and female pleasure, she even shares a cheeky sex tip. Plus, expanding on some of the themes in her amazing new album Dirt Femme, we dig right into the pressures and contradictions around motherhood, womanhood, and romantic love, from ambivalence around having children, to being a "floating free spirit" by nature. Tove was also very inspiring about her experiences navigating the music industry as a woman who won’t take any shit, from body image struggles to lewd music execs and disbelievers who told her she was too ‘intelligent’ to make it as a musician. And of course, it wouldn’t be Straight Up without some highly nosy questions about fame, and what she gets up to when she isn’t being famous, from her favourite cocktail to her must-watch TV. A huge thank you also to our partners for this episode: Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Dame, the world’s first climate positive period brand, making products that are both healthier for you and the planet and which has already saved hundreds of millions of pieces of plastic from going into landfill. This female founded green brand is changing the game with its amazing products including the reusable tampon applicator, tampons and reusable pads – and we are never going back. Enjoy 25 per cent off Dame products with the exclusive code UP25 at wearedame.co Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 27, 2022 · 46 min
The dark side of superyachts, Stormzy’s heartbreak, Draco’s memoir and House of Dragon sex scenes
Hi angels! This episode is an absolute cultural smorgasbord (yes that is the first time we’ve used that word), covering everything from what real life luxury hotel concierge think of hilarious super rich satire The White Lotus and crew members revealing the 1%’s wildest demands in light of superyacht comedy Triangle of Sadness, to the tea from Stormzy’s Louis Theroux interview and Piers Morgan’s car crash Kanye interrogation. Plus! Why you need to watch Netflix’s creepiest drama The Watcher (inspired by real events) and why House of Dragon is so deliciously feminist. And finally, all the juiciest behind-the-scenes intel from the memoir of Tom Felton (aka Draco Malfoy) about what it was like to grow up as one of Hollywood’s most hated characters. Come to chat to us in our DMs on @straightuppod, and see you next week! <3 Recommendations Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman White Lotus S2 Triangle of Sadness Below Deck Louis Theroux interviews Stormzy The Watcher Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast with John Legend House of the Dragon Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 20, 2022 · 1 hr 25 min
Caggie Dunlop: sobriety, self-worth and the chaos of her Saturn's Return
Hello gorgeous ones, this week’s guest is the wonderful podcaster, musician and author Caggie Dunlop, whose dulcet tones some of you might already have heard on her own podcast Saturn Returns, which makes sense of our chaotic lives using astrology and amazing interviews with experts across everything from dream therapy to tarot. Caggie tells us all about how she became sober-curious after realising she had an addictive personality and was using alcohol as a way of masking vulnerability, and dives deep into what she calls her “cosmic coming of age” after her life fell apart in unpredictable ways. She also reveals how her stint in reality show Made in Chelsea contributed to self-destructive behaviour, with producers “puppeteering” her life. But, she tells us she fought against a “victim mentality” and has now reshaped her life around authenticity, spirituality and self-kindness. And excitingly, not only has she just launched the sixth season of her very successful podcast, next year she will release a new book, Saturn Returns, and release an EP. You can pre-order the book here. She was full of the most brilliant insight and life advice – we hope you come away from this chat as energised and inspired as we did. Enjoy huns! And please leave us a review, and send this episode to a friend. Please do hop into our DMs @straightuppod to let us know what you think! Thank you SO much to our two amazing partners for this episode. First, Q Acoustics, where you can get the best quality, affordable speakers that will transform the way you listen to music AND watch films on your TV. Try the super sexy M20s. Second, Grubby, the UK’s first 100% plant-based, vegan recipe boxes, which not only taste banging, but have six portions of veg in every box and take just 30 mins to whip up after work for a super healthy meal. Use the exclusive and mouth-watering discount code STRAIGHTUP for a 50% off on your first box, and 20% on your next three! Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 13, 2022 · 35 min
Industry, 2022's funniest film and true crime’s morality problem
Get ready for another cultural debrief gang, because this week our guest once again cancelled at the last minute. Celebs, ey? Don’t fear however, hunnies, because to make up for it we have an extra fast-paced and fun one for you all. First up, we chat Industry, the HBO drama about young, ruthless bankers that has arrived on BBC iPlayer for a second season. As big fans of the first season, we just have to ask: why are the characters suddenly so predictable? Why is Harper so unlikable? And why have they gone so hard on the sex scenes? The New Statesman called it “ porn posing as prestige TV” and we think they’ve got a point (although that’s not to say we didn’t really quite enjoy it). Then, Ellie fills Kathleen in on Triangle of Sadness, the new, absolutely hilarious, pitch-black comedy from celebrated Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund about a yacht that sinks, leaving the super-rich survivors – including a fashion model celebrity couple – trapped on an island. It’s Östlund’s English language feature film debut and El’s is calling it the funniest thing she’s seen this year. Finally, we turn our attention to the murky world of true-crime, as Netflix’s Dahmer, a dramatisation of the life and crimes of serial killer Jeffery Dahmer, continues to stir up controversy. Is the genre as morally indefensible as the journalist Anna Leszkiewicz argues? Recommendations discussed: Industry S2 on BBC iPlayer How my friends struck gold with a TV show about badly behaved city boys by Ed Cumming for The Telegraph Triangle of Sadness Force Majeure Kiss the Ground on Netflix (the Woody Harrrelson climate doc – NOT Mud, sorry guys, ha) Dhamer on Netflix The Staircase on HBO Serial S01 E13: Adnan is Out Abolish True Crime By Anna Leszkiewicz for New Statesman What Makes a Murderer on Channel 4 Enjoy, leave us a review, and please do hop into our DMs @straightuppod to let us know what you think! Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 8, 2022 · 53 min
Kanye vs the world and what the Kardashians did next
Sorry for the late episode this week hunnies… the kitten ate our homework. Ok, not quite – though Kathleen does have a new kitten – but actually we had our celeb guest reschedule last minute. And, instead of leaving you all in the lurch (because obv you can’t get through the weekend without us), we did recorded a spontaneous deep dive into the topic EVERYONE is talking about this week: Kanye’s disastrous Paris fashion week, in which he wore and presented a White Lives Matter T-Shirt. And then, because Kathleen is actually a Kardashian academic (ok, not really, but almost), we thought we would also treat you to a thorough dissection of the Kardashian Klan: from Kimye's twisted mythology (ft an excellent The New Yorker piece on why their trajectory is modelled on The Incredibles by @Kardashian_Kolloqium's MJ Corey) to Kourtney’s work ethic and Khloe’s body positivity. Plus, important questions: is Kim a good role model? Is money her main motivator? Are Kanye & her in a secret business partnership? And was her relationship with Pete scripted by Hulu? Dive in! Enjoy, leave us a review, and hop into our DMs @straightuppod to let us know what you think of the whole wild saga. We'd love to know! Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 29, 2022 · 50 min
Blonde's 'torture porn', female envy, and a hot new restaurant drama
Hey huns! Autumn is finally upon us so we recorded this among plenty of scented candles and some steaming mugs of tea, while sinking our teeth into yet MORE controversy, this time about much-talked about new Marilyn Monroe film, Blonde, which has been accused of 'torture porn' and exploiting Marilyn's life. Ellie went to see the film on Sunday and gives us the DL, while we both give our verdict on Don't Worry Darling, having seen it after our blow-by-blow account of all the drama last week. And guess what... there's yet more drama!! Kathleen also shares her top Manchester tips having just spent a weekend there, from the luxurious but affordable Dakota Hotel two minutes from the main station, to the incredible, ultra-trendy Spanish spot Canto and the rooftop cocktail heaven for sprawling city views. Plus, why you all need to watch the best-written show of 2022: The Bear, about a f**ed up chef in the hottest white T-shirt you will ever see on a man, and his heart-warming attempts to rescue his late brother's bankrupt Chicago sandwich shop. We may have gone off on a tangent (as always) and ended up discussing a strange chef who once gave Kathleen a VERY inappropriate Secret Santa present. Finally, what is it about women and jealousy? Why do we covet each other's 'lot' so much, and why don't men? These are the questions prompted by Anna Hope's book Expectation, and we get deep into our own personal jealousies and what they mean. Enjoy, leave us a review, and hop into our DMs to let us know what you thought of DWD and Blonde. We'd love to know! Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 22, 2022 · 54 min
Don’t Worry Darling drama, freaky premonitions and our obsession with status
Darlings, you won’t believe how juicy this episode is. Tomorrow sees the release of the film the world has been talking about for weeks on end: Don’t Worry Darling, the psychological drama fronted by none other than Harry Styles. But unfortunately for poor Hazza, and the film’s excellent director Olivia Wilde, everyone seems a lot more interested in the behind-the-scenes – from on-set feuds to sex and #spitgate – than what’s actually on screen. So, we’ve put our sleuthing hats on and taken you through every step! Also in this week’s episode, Kathleen recommends Will Storr’s excellent new book The Status Game, and explains why our obsession with status helps us live longer (yep, really), while Ellie dives into the freaky history of the Evening Standard’s Premonitions Bureau, after reading an also excellent book by Sam Knight. Please leave us a review or hop into our DMs to let us know what you think! Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 15, 2022 · 1 hr 26 min
Amber Rose Gill: romance, representation and the truth about reality TV
This week we’re rolling out the red carpet for queen of the internet Amber Rose Gill, the 2019 Love Island winner turned TV personality, podcaster, content creator and now debut author, with romance novel Until I Met You having been published by saucy fiction titans Mills & Boon earlier this summer. We had the best time over at her place drinking Ginger Strawberry Cow cocktails courtesy of our fab partner Black Cow, covering everything from her childhood in Newcastle, choosing beauty over uni and being approached by Love Island, to finding her purpose, navigating the public eye (including *those* Jack Grealish headlines and her recent “coming out” tweet), the importance of representation, reiki, property, owning being an “average” influencer and why women get cancelled more than men. Not to mention, of course, the juiciest behind the scenes look at Love Island, from how it’s actually all filmed and why for Amber it was really just a fun free holiday, to what she spent her prize money on and the therapy provided afterwards. We also dig deep into the problem with the reality TV bimbo stereotype and the quarter life crisis, as well as laughing like loons about red flags, the ick-factor, and why Amber is not a girl boss! Please leave us a little review on Apple or Spotify, and do DM us with any feedback or thoughts on our brand new Insta @straightuppod A huge thank you also to our partners for this episode: Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Dame, the world’s first climate positive period brand, making products that are both healthier for you and the planet and which has already saved hundreds of millions of pieces of plastic from going into landfill. This female founded green brand is changing the game with its amazing products including the reusable tampon applicator, tampons and reusable pads – and we are never going back. Enjoy 25 per cent off Dame products with the exclusive code UP25 at wearedame.co Black Cow, the world's first pure milk vodka that is made by a dairy farmer in West Dorset, which we enjoyed in our extraordinarily delish cocktails with Amber at her place. While chatting we drank tall, refreshing Strawberry Ginger Cows, which use the all-new Black Cow + English Strawberries vodka – made from wonky strawbs, because Black Cow care about sustainability – and all three of us are now obsessed. Get your bottle (and some serious excellent Cheddar cheese) at blackcow.co.uk. Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 8, 2022 · 50 min
Funny women and the fall of Armie Hammer
Hi angels! We're so happy to be back with another cultural debrief for you all, covering the absolutely wild new doc on controversial Hollywood actor Armie Hammer, House of Hammer; an original debut story collection by 80-year-old Jane Campbell, Cat Brushing; Sharon Horgan's brilliant new Apple TV show, Bad Sisters; the best erotic novel, Insatiable, by Daisy Buchanan; and finally House of Dragon (the Game of Thrones prequel). We also chat about why men don’t find women funny, murderous dreams, polyamory, and what we've been up to recently – from Lost Village festival to a v v special proposal! Please leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. Don't forget that you can still redeem your 50% off your first Grubby vegan recipe box with the code STRAIGHTUP . Thank you so much to our amazing partner Grubby for their delicious boxes packed with more than 6 vegetables, we still cannot stop thinking about the onion bhaji burger we made earlier... Thank you also to our longtime sponsor Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 18, 2022 · 43 min
Inside the sex lives of Gen Z, J Lo's divisive documentary and our new Netflix binge
Ladies and gents, check your prudery at the door, because we have one hell of a cheeky little episode for you this week, jam-packed with stories about sex, sex and...more sex. First up, a peek behind the curtain of what it's really like to be dating as a Gen Z in London right now, from vows of celibacy to sex positive sex parties and Feeld threesomes, as Ellie reveals alllll the juicy research she recently did for a Vogue article on whether young people are in the grips of a "sex recession". Then Kathleen gives us the lowdown on her favourite racy show right now, Uncoupled, which fans of Sex and the City are going to absolutely love – though does it revisit the same problematic tropes as And Just Like That? Plus, the brilliant book no one is talking about but absolutely should be: Trouble, by Marise Gaughan, who writes viscerally about the sexually destructive behaviour she experienced in the wake of her father's suicide, which included sleeping with older men for money. Ok, then the Netflix J Lo documentary Halftime isn't about sex at all, but it DID prompt a very lively discussion between us about J Lo's motivations: cynical branding or pure hearted sob story? And finally we both vent our ancient millennial bafflement at the "ironic" trends sweeping fashion right now, from Ketamine chic to coastal grandma. Ps: we are now taking a two week break as we go off and record with some amazing new guests, but we'll be back on September 8th, so don't go anywhere! Please leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. Don't forget that you can still redeem your 50% off your first Grubby vegan recipe box with the code STRAIGHTUP . Thank you so much to our amazing partner Grubby for their delicious boxes packed with more than 6 vegetables, we still cannot stop thinking about the onion bhaji burger we made earlier... Thank you also to our longtime sponsor Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 11, 2022 · 1 hr 30 min
Aitch: fame, relationships and next stop Hollywood
Yes huns, you read that correctly, we have got Aitch, man of the moment and one of the UK’s most adored musicians, on the show! We had Aitch over for some daiquiris (his fave) at our home at BRXTN Studios ahead of his debut album Close to Home coming out next Friday, and had one of our most mad, most chaotic chats yet which reveals a whole new unseen side to Aitch that will have you obsessed with him on a whole new level. It’s not often rappers really talk about how much fame has really affected them, but here Aitch reveals the highs and lows of becoming one of the world’s most recognisable stars, whilst also explaining why he tries hard never to complain about fame (until we made him, soz). We get deep on everything from privacy (his blue eyes give him away every time) and relationships (you won’t believe what some fans send his mum…) to the weirdest things he reads about himself on the internet and the misconceptions he wants to correct. PLUS what does Aitch get up to when he’s not being famous? He talks all about his fave restaurants, his secret nerdy love for one particular film franchise, and why he’s destined for Hollywood. And finally, this week we hit him with one particularly weird Straight Up SOS, which involves Kathleen and her dog’s balls. You'll have to hear it for yourself. Thank you SO much to our two amazing partners for this episode. First, Q Acoustics, where you can get the best quality, affordable speakers that will transform the way you listen to music AND watch films on your TV. Try the super sexy M20s. Second, Grubby, the UK’s first 100% plant-based, vegan recipe boxes, which not only taste banging, but have six portions of veg in every box and take just 30 mins to whip up after work for a super healthy meal. Use the exclusive and mouth-watering discount code STRAIGHTUP for a 50% off on your first box, and 20% on your next three! Leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. We’ll see you same time same place next week! Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 4, 2022 · 48 min
Magic mushrooms, Crawdads' controversy and this summer's hottest book
We've got another culture fix for you this week gang, from why LSD and magic mushrooms are good for you (they could have even stopped the Vietnam war!) to the novel everyone is talking about, and Hollywood's latest controversy. Have you seen or read Where The Crawdad's Sing? Well hunnies, strap in for a wild ride covering the unfortunate miscasting of Daisy Edgar Jones, the real-life murder allegations surrounding the publication, and, in all honesty, the quite frankly sickening corniness of the tweeting eagle. Also, the novel of 2022, I'm Sorry You Felt That Way, by British author Rebecca Wait and how we much we loved it – despite it being fairly triggering to say the least. We hope you enjoy and please do let us know if you have any recommendations for us, we absolutely love to hear from you and would ask that you please keep the fans art coming. Leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. We’ll see you same time same place next week! Thank you to our longtime sponsor Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 28, 2022 · 1 hr 20 min
The Vamps' Brad: What it’s like to front one of the world’s biggest boy bands
This week’s guest might just be our most favourite ever, not least because he carried our mics for us after this interview – how cute is that?! You guys are going to LOVE Bradley Simpson, frontman of The Vamps, as much as we do, as we dig deep in this wide-ranging chat covering everything from what it was like to become famous as a teenager in one of the biggest bands in British pop history (fun fact: they were the first band to headline the 02 Arena five nights in a row), to their frustration with female fans getting a bad rep, the wildest thing their fans have ever done and how he really struggled with the band going on a break. The Vamps embark on a 10 year anniversary tour later this year and so we looked back on some of Brad’s fave tour moments:, from the advice they were given by Taylor Swift’s mum when they supported Taylor back in 2014, to how living on the road for the best part of a decade has shaped him and the other boys. Plus Brad revealed why, for all four members, The Vamps will always be “the mothership” — no matter their solo projects. We also talk about his bar, his upcoming gin and the last time he had a little bit too much to drink (let’s just say it was a mortifying model-filled LA gig), having no “Plan B”, how toxic the music industry can be (especially for teenage artists) and why having a manager who was also a guardian was the best thing that ever happened to the band. Plus, what it was like to go on Celebrity First Dates and what he’s currently looking for in a life partner (not to mention the juicy details on his recent house renovation). As you’ll hear here, Brad called this the most interesting interview he’s ever done! Just sayin’, gang... Enjoy! Leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. We’ll see you same time same place next week! Thank you to our longtime sponsor Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 21, 2022 · 57 min
Emma Watson, Brooklyn Beckham, Sienna Miller: What it's really like to be a celebrity journalist Pt III
As promised gang, we've got a third instalment of our chat covering what it's really like to be a celebrity journalist – there were, after all, just too many hilarious, ridiculous stories (and actual analysis!) left out of the first two parts. From liaising with celebs directly via text to today’s thorny issue of copy approval, we look at how celeb journalism has changed since we burst onto the scene in 2015 as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed interns, starting with our first ever interviews, and the time El harassed Emma Watson with a cat (yes you read that right), all the way to stans, cancel culture and why writers are so scared these days. Expect trademark absurdity covering what it’s like to direct Brooklyn Beckham’s attempt at reading cue cards, interviewing Burna Boy while he has a pina colada in one hand and an unidentified lady friend in the other, buying Sienna Miller a sea bass on behalf of Vogue, the worst day of our professional lives, being trolled by Nicki Minaj's entire fandom, spying the fear in One Directioners' eyes and being told you're intense by none other than Wiley (LOL), having turned up an interview after a rather disorientating introductory spliff experience. As always, time totally ran away with us while we were recording this episode, so keep your eyes peeled for the fourth and final part! You asked, and we shall deliver. Leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. See you next Thursday! Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 14, 2022 · 59 min
James Bay: tackling misconceptions from mental health to the Met Gala
It’s another glorious sunny Thursday and we have singer songwriter extraordinaire James Bay in the house! He has a brand new album out, Leap, which is all about his journey overcoming imposter syndrome and mental health struggles – despite his eight billion streams. He opened up to us about how he was affected by the more toxic aspects of fame and social media, and *cuteness overload* how his partner Lucy, whom he has been with since they were both 16 and with whom he now has a baby daughter, has been his North star throughout. No, you’re crying. It wasn’t just the deep stuff though, as we also got all the goss on what it’s like to attend the Met Gala and speak to our Queen and Saviour Beyonce, the one thing James takes on tour (clue: he got the inspo from Mick Jagger), and his favourite restaurant in London. Plus, we ask James to set the record straight on one thing that’s been bugging him, and whether he has ever had therapy. He was such a charismatic guest, we hope you feel as charmed as we were! Leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. We’ll see you same time same place next week! Thank you to our longtime sponsor Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 7, 2022 · 34 min
Inside our best friend baecation, from beach reads to cocktail chaos
Hello gorgeous listeners, this week we’re taking you to the Maldives! And, guys, it’s not just any private island hotel, it’s The Standard, our absolute fave for fun with friends, strong cocktails and enticing dancefloors (if you’ve not yet been to the Kings Cross outpost then consider this your PSA). Recently we took ourselves away for a best friend baecation and we feel it is our public duty to tell you all about it. For one, it’s really quite affordable, as far as the Maldives goes – this isn’t a trip to save for your honeymoon, nor is it one you need a lover for! We had the BEST time together and we’re going to share every juicy detail about this gorgeous, once-in-a-lifetime, Instagram-perfect trip, including how to save your £, the food, the fish and allllllll the fun. Plus, our beach reads, Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason and At The Table by Claire Powell, not to mention our plane picks: these two gals spent the entire 24 hour journey watching House of Gucci and J Lo’s Marry Me. Heaven! Leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. See you next Thursday! Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 30, 2022 · 1 hr 15 min
Krept: fan madness, fatherhood fails and a £15m baby business
Hi huns! This week we caught up with one of the UK's best-loved rappers and one of our fave musicians Krept, half of duo Krept & Konan, to talk about his incredible journey from making chart-topping rap songs to launching his game-changing baby skincare range Nala's Baby, stocked across 400 Boots stores and valued at £15m. Yep, rappers do babycare! Named after his ADORABLE two-year-old daughter Nala, the business is in partnership with his co-parent, influencer Sasha Ellese Gilbert, who became concerned about how toxic so much of the babycare on the market was while she was pregnant. Amazingly it is now the first 0 rated clean baby skincare range on cosmetics ratings app @thinkdirty and the products are so good even adults are lathering themselves with them... (yes, those adults are us...) We interviewed Krept quite a few times while working at GQ together so it was so nice to look back on his success and chat all about how his life has changed over the years. He made us laugh so much with his hilarious stories about Nala playing dead and one memorable poo explosion, plus we were left speechless at some of his wildest showbiz moments. We also asked him for advice on how to go into business with a friend, and got him to spill the beans on everything from the weirdest thing he's read about himself on the internet to the biggest misconception about him and what it's like to date as a single parent. Catch our lifestyle recommendations at the start too, from the books we've been reading to fun nights out in London and Ibiza, and let us know what you think! Leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. See you next Thursday! Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Thank you to our longtime sponsor Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 23, 2022 · 1 hr 8 min
Naomi Campbell, Richard Branson, Lady Gaga: What it's really like to be a celebrity journalist Pt II
Back by popular demand, this week we embarrass ourselves once again by sharing more of our juiciest stories about the fame game, from the time we accidentally made a top Hollywood actor cry and how one wilts in Naomi Campbell's presence, to herding Richard Branson around Soho Farmhouse and how you navigate a phone call from Lady Gaga. There's also plenty of intel on how the celebrity machine actually works, including getting kicked out of Netflix press junkets (and what that even is), what publicists do and what glitzy press trips are like, wrangling ridiculous freebies, stalking stories, and just generally laughing until we cry. You’re going to love all this hilarious gossip hunnies, we ran out of time recording it all for you so promise to bring you a part three later this season! If you haven't head Part I, then just scroll on back a bit and take a listen too. Let us know what you think of the new episode and don’t be shy, leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod. See you next Thursday! Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Kathleen’s IG: @kathleen.m.johnston Ellie’s IG: @elliehalls1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.