Episode 18: Clean and dirty secrets of celebrity weight loss

Tired of celebrities telling us tall tales of eating “whatever they want”? So am I. And so, apparently, was a loyal listener, who wrote in recently asking about how stars really shed the pounds. The result: An interview with Mark MacDonald, the guy who got Chelsea Handler ready for her Shape magazine cover. MacDonald dishes nutrient-rich info about the smart and not-so-smart ways celebs stay slim in one of my most revealing Fame Fatale Q&As to date. (Hint: The smart celebs don't completely starve themselves before a shoot. But they do dry up.)

Also!: 

• What happens when a TV series star shows up to work high or hung over? I found out for you, with the aid of a person who has seen many a high and hungover actor. 
• Those folksy folks who appear for 3 seconds each in the opening titles of True Blood? They made (blood) bank off of that brief bit of work. Find out exactly how much.
• Baby Vegas.

It’s all here. Take a listen. Head to iTunes and vote it up. Subscribe. Tell a little buddy.

Episode 17: Giant robot invasion!

Seen Pacific Rim? You know, the arthouse movie about mechanical men coming to terms with alienation in the modern world through the redemptive power of boat-throwing? Right. That Pacific Rim.

Apparently some of you think that the movie is a ripoff of other mega-robot flicks. If you are one of those people, then my special guest, Adi Tantimedh of Bleeding Cool, would like a word with you. Allow him to school you on the long, loooooonnnng history of massive mechas, courtesy of my latest podcast. By the end of his segment, you will know your testujins from your Transformers. And, coincidentally, the world will be forever free from invading aliens.

Also in this episode:

•  Guest co-host Lawrence Yee of TMZ’s TooFab explains why American Horror Story is scary-smart when it comes to Emmy strategy.

•  Mr. Yee brings his mad red-carpet skills into the Cage Match arena, but is soundly defeated by an 87-year-old former sitcom star. It’s kind of sad.

•  Plus! Your obligatory royal baby question, answered!

It’s all here in Episode 17. Plus, a handy infographic for all your robotic-history needs!

Episode 16: Simon Prebble, the voice of audiobooks

He’s been called the “audio heartthrob” and the “master of romance,” and now he’s mine. Allllll mine. At least, for the next 38 minutes or so. I speak of Simon Prebble, arguably the most in-demand voice actor in the world of audiobooks, and the man whose mesmerizing British baritone made me a fan of novels ranging from Raven’s Gate to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. 

Thanks to one of you loyal listeners, Prebble is also the featured interview in my latest podcast, which focuses on the underhanded, low-down, seedy world of recorded books.

Actually, there isn’t anything particularly seedy or low-down about the world of recorded books. But if Prebble were to read that sentence out loud, it would sound awesome. Know what else sounds awesome? When Prebble offers a dramatic reading of a Tweet by Katy Perry.

Which he does. Just for you.

By the way, how long does it take to record an unabridged novel about fairies, anyway? And what does it pay? Or, maybe the better phrase would be, what does it not pay? Here, Prebble offers all the dish, and in the same voice he used to win his Audie Award!

Also in this episode: All about Vocaloids. If you’re Japanese, you have to know what those are, or you lose your prefecture citizenship. But, because I have listeners living outside the Harajuku District, it’s about time I explained Vocaloids to the rest of you. 

Plus! Exclusive insight from music industry insider and Nerd-Out podcast co-host Lisa Jenkins.

Episode 15: Marc Maron

Let’s just say you’re one of those talky people who likes to put on a show. You know: in a barn, on a stage, over those new-fangled webby inter-tubes.

Now just hold on there, future Oprah Jr. Turns out that, by merely doing that last thing–putting your face up to a USB mic and spewing your electrifying thoughts in podcast form–you’re opening yourself up to legal harassment and possibly even a lawsuit. That includes me. And, if you have a podcast, that includes you, too. 

Where is this fuckery coming from? Turns out, it’s a single company, which insists it holds a patent affecting pretty much every podcaster out there.

A loyal listener of mine has heard rumors about this accused patent troll, and wrote in expressing deep concern. So I looked into it, and got more answers for you, courtesy of IP attorney Peter Toren and none other than Marc Maron, host of one of the most amazeballs podcasts ever.

So there’s that.

Also in this episode!:

• Why you should stop worrying about Armie Hammer forthwith, featuring the always-plugged-in casting director Bonnie Gillespie.
• Why you should stop worrying about record labels forthwith, starring the fabulous music industry insider and fellow endangered podcaster Tom DeSavia.
• And I actually, just might, um, lose a Cage Match. Against Baby Vegas, of all people. Let’s never speak of that again.

So hit that there play button already!

Episode 14: Jackpot in the box

Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp are not the only actors who are richer than you. Know who else is probably richer than you? Flo. From those Progressive Insurance Commercials. The voice of the E-Trade baby. The Can-You-Hear-Me-Now guy who sold us Verizon wireless service for years. Those people make six figures a year or possibly more; the ex-Verizon actor Paul Marcarelli, bought and sold a $1.2 million New York apartment during the height of his fame.

But you, loyal listeners, wanted even more knowledge about your favorite commercial actors and how they live. So! For my 14th Fame Fatale podcast episode, I tracked down an actress so successful she’s got four spots running right now. And, just for me, she dishes on life as an ad queen. How many homes in the Maldives does Annie the Jack in the Box social media intern own? Well, none. But right now, she doesn’t really have to seek out any more work unless she wants to.

Plus!

• Why Paula Deen is a crispy, buttery, southern-fried bigot, but still not as bad as Lance Armstrong
• Why Kim Kardashian’s baby girl, North West, got to home before she was fully cooked
• And! A raging celebrity-sighting Cage Match, featuring me versus me in a slugfest to the near death!

Episode 13: Jesus H. Krypton!

That new Superman movie is Christ-tastic, isn’t it, kids? That’s a rhetorical question. Empirically speaking, Man of Steel has to be the most religiously pushy piece of moviemaking since Battlefield Earth. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. 

Listen in to Episode 13 of my Fame Fatale podcast to learn just how Christian our friend from Krypton has gotten, plus hear some insight on this topic from the fabulous Siike Donnelly, host of Up, Up and Away, and a resident DC comics expert at the iconic Golden Apple in Los Angeles.

Plus! 

• Would you pay $50 to see World War Z? What if it came with, um, a limited edition poster? And is this the future of movie ticket prices?
• Which highfalutin movie director had a highfalutin lunch just a few feet from me and managed to walk away unharmed?
• Is Will Smith’s career over because of After Earth? Do you want it to be?

And, back and badder then ever... Baby Vegas.

Episode 12: Pretty little writers room

Another edition of my podcast is here! If you’re a fan of episodic drama, rejoice. Rejoice all over again if you like shows such as Pretty Little Liars, because our new installment of The Fame Fatale features an in-depth interview with one of the show writers! One of you wrote in asking how such shows get plotted out, and I got the answer for you, and so much more.

Plus!

• Are there lies printed on celebrity death certificates? It’s not a dumb question, and I explain why, with the help of crack wills and estates attorney Irwin Feinberg.
• Want an Oscar? Be prepared to shell out...and butter up a critic or two. I have the dish on the Academy Award submission rules. If you’re a small-budget filmmaker, or merely unconnected, then you’re already at a disadvantage.
• Can we live without Game of Thrones? The Nerd-Out co-host Lisa Jenkins and I discuss the relative bad-assery of Tywin Lannister vs. budding murderer Arya Stark. It’s how we say goodbye to Season 3 of HBO’s best current show.

Episode 11: How to scrub Google like a dirty celeb

We’re pleased to announce the 11th episode of The Fame Fatale! This particular edition is fed by conspiracy-minded readers eager to know whether stars are secretly manipulating the Intertubes with occult online reputation-scrubbing techniques. The answer is yes, and it's called "Google suppression." And, per usual, I have proof. You won’t want to miss my interview with veteran PR consultant and Reputation.com vice chairman Howard Bragman. Does he name names? Yep. Yep, boy howdy, he does.

Also! People are concerned about Portia de Rossi, which, in my world, means that people want to know if de Rossi has done something to her face. I ran some photos past friendly neighborhood plastic surgeon-to-the-stars Dr. Brent Moelleken. Short answer: Vegans rejoice.

And, oh! Hey! Did you catch that fabulous wedding on Game of Thrones? Wasn’t it romantic? You don’t think anybody’s bought those crazy kids a chip-n-dip yet, do you? Because mine’s in the mail. Co-host Lisa Jenkins (one half of The Nerd Out podcast) and I break down this game-changer of an episode. I even manage to find something negative to say. Please don’t slice my throat in my sleep.

Episode 10: How stars buy fake friends

Nearly two weeks after I first revealed that LeAnn Rimes probably bought 100,000 new friends on Twitter, you kids are still all a-scandalized. And a-curious about exactly what 100,000 fake Twitter friends can do for a girl these days.

No problem! In my latest podcast, I wrangled a special guest: Lisa Jenkins, an expert on celebrities and social media. I made her sit in a chair and drink champagne and answer your follow-up questions on this very topic. 

Jenkins also co-hosts her own podcast, The Nerd Out, about all things dweebgirl. It’s a must-listen. Not that you’re going anywhere right now, because my new podcast needs your immediate attention. Otherwise you’ll miss still more occult Hollywood knowledge dished up just for you—including answers on why Famke Janssen sounds like Katharine Hepburn all of a sudden, and why you just may be richer than your favorite video game heroine.

Plus, we deliver an epic cage match lorded over by the dark prince of celebrity stalking: Longtime listener Clint!

Episode 9: Cloak & digital—the secret world of 'aesthetic enhancement'

It’s finally here—an episode that was a month in the making! After much cloak-and-dagger intrigue, I am thrilled to bring you the ninth installment of The Fame Fatale, featuring a brand-new, top-secret source we shall call... Deep Pixel. 

Deep Pixel’s job is so hush-hush, so sensitive, that Hollywood’s elite would really, really rather he not speak to me. But he did anyway. And you’ll be glad he did.

Also in this week’s show: What’s next for St. Angelina of Jolie; why Mad Men and Breaking Bad are better shows than Community, you know, empirically speaking; and the return of the infamous Cage Match, in which Baby Vegas tries to sell me on the importance of That Dude From The Mindy Project...and fails.

You won’t want to miss that. Or, at least, you won’t want to miss Deep Pixel. The Cage Match thing is a little subjective.

Episode 8: Blake Shelton, shill of beans

This week’s episode of The Fame Fatale has nothing to do with Angelina Jolie or her brave decision to share her recent medical journey. But, ha, made you look.

Oh wow: You’re scowling. Don’t get all mad, girl. Why so cold, baby? I brought a present for you, shorty. No, actually, three: Behold, my latest installment, featuring three solid answers to three of your questions about the inner machinations of entertainment and celebrity, including:

• Why Blake Shelton suddenly became the John the Baptist of lattés 
• Why Jennifer Lawrence gets to stay at a resort even when she’s working 
• Whether you need to see Gatsby or not

Plus! I impart one terribly sad blind item that also has nothing to do with Angelina Jolie... and Baby Vegas makes a big, big mistake by comparing himself to a film legend. To my face. Humiliation ensues.

Episode 7: Nerd rage over Star Trek

Just how much truth can I pack into a single, half-hour-and-change podcast episode? Let’s see here: In this brand-new dispatch, I tackle questions from you—yes! you!—about:

• The next Star Trek picture, and why Bulgaria and Malaysia get to see Alice Eve in her underwear before you do. 
• Lindsay Lohan, and why we allegedly have to allege so many allegations every time we talk about her. 
• M. Night Shyamalan, undying zombie director! Why does he keep getting work? Would you believe it may have something to do with the French.

Plus! This week’s very, very special co-host is none other than comedian Guy Branum, a writer for Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell...and the face of No More Mr. Nice Gay. Only Guy can brave a run-in with both The Leggy Kardashian and The Baldwin Who Loves Jesus, and live to tell about it. Which he does. Right here. On my show.

Episode 6: How to feel about Gwyneth

Never let it be said that I can’t do a classy podcast. I can talk about the future of American culture any old time I want, let it be known. For example, on this brand-new episode of The Fame Fatale, I delve into the future of film funding with the help of actress, producer and director Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, co-founder of Blanc Biehn Productions and director of the upcoming sci-fi spooker The Night Visitor. (Wanna be a part of a cool Kickstarter that has nothing to do with Zach Braff or Veronica Mars? Donate to The Night Visitor! Before the aliens steal you away! Or just learn how to fund your own $5 million picture by listening to Blanc-Biehn.)

Do you fear I’ve grown too highbrow? Chillax. I also answer a reader question about why so many people seem to hate Gwyneth Paltrow (or...do we?). Plus, of course, fresh celebrity sightings, plenty of Baby Vegaz, and--just for you Jon Hamm fans--I bring in a guy who actually lived the Mad Men life and can pitch you on what’s accurate on the show, and what isn’t. 

That man? My dad.

Episode 5: Your horrible baby could win an Emmy

Well, looky here: Five whole weeks into my new podcast venture and you’re still just as hungry as ever for Hollywood inside dish. Lucky for you, I’m actually a cyborg with titanium-tipped hands who has no need for sleep and who can type and type without her fingers ever getting all bloody. (Think creatures like me don’t exist? How else could Rihanna keep on Instagramming topless photos of herself 24 hours a day without rest or nourishment? It ain’t the vitamin B-12 shots.)

This week, you asked much of me. And I gave so much more unto you: The inner mechanisms of Nicki Minaj’s business dealings; the chances of House of Cards (or your bossy baby) winning an Emmy in the next year; not one, not two, but three celebrity sightings; and a blind item that’ll almost--almost--make you feel sorry for the TV actors.

Plus! Major news that your morning coffee is not going to want to miss, especially if it likes enjoys being sipped from Fame Fatale travel mugs.

And for those who missed her...Ande is back!

Episode 4: Porntrepreneurs and mystery drunks

This week a loyal listener wrote in asking about what porn pays these days for a lady. (I’ve already told you what a guy charges, in case you’re looking for sensible investments in the film industry.) So I found out, of course, courtesy of Joanna Angel, a porn entrepreneur, font of information, and owner of Burning Angel.

In short: Just masturbating on camera can pay like $200. Which is about $200 more than I’m making typing this up. And you know that you’re jerking off just reading this, you cheapskate.

Anyhoo: Pornonomics with Joanna Angel. You’re welcome.

Also featured in this week's podcast: The drunken antics of one of the sexiest men on TV; why Netflix-subscribing Game of Thrones fans are being treated like Theon Greyjoy this season; and why all the gay actors don’t just come out already.

Episode 3: Sweat glands of the rich and famous

Celebrity armpits--definitely not just like us.

Off-the-rack humans like you and I may sometimes perspire like the animals we are, but the elegantly bespoke Hollywood A-lister is made of fancier material. Celebrities wouldn't be caught dead looking all salty, moist, and plebeian in the underarm region. How do they stay so dry under constant heat and pressure of pap flashes and award-show klieg lights? In this week’s podcast, I blow the lid off the whole Celebrity Non-Perspiration Conspiracy. You asked why stars never seem to sweat--at least, not when the cameras are on--and I found out. I have your answer right here, along with a surprising beauty tip that just might keep you from reaching for the waxing strips.

And as if that weren't enough, I work up a gentle sweat (a glow, really) predicting the future of that poor, misunderstood shaggy hipster dude from Girls (no, the other shaggy hipster dude from Girls); judging the criminal trial of Michael Jackson, Gentleman Corpse; and exposing an A-list blind item you’ve got to hear to believe.

Plus, if you’ve missed Ande, good news! We’ve got her right here.

Episode 2: Halle Berry wants to drink your blood

So this week, a fan wrote in asking about Halle Berry. By fan I mean a fan of mine, not of Halle Berry, because, come on: Being a fan of Halle Berry just makes no sense.

The fan wanted to know what’s really going on with Halle’s amazingly age-defying face: Does she sprinkle her kale chips with uranium? Drink the blood of virgins? Was she bitten by a radioactive Nicole Kidman? I found out. And really, seriously, the answer may surprise you. Because it kinda surprised me.

Also: I dish out on a blind item that’s fresh, juicy, and packed with not one, but TWO A-list actors and one A-list director. And thousands of dollars.

Plus: Kim Kardashian. And not in a nice way.

Have you not subscribed to the podcast yet? What’s wrong with you? Don’t you care about Halle Berry’s forehead?

Episode 1: Lindsay Lohan's cushy hell

You asked! I recorded!

Here it is: The inaugural episode of The Fame Fatale, featuring fiendishly researched responses on the stuff you said mattered most to you this week: (1) Lindsay Lohan's five-star rehab, (2) Lindsay Lohan's bazillionaire friends, and (3) whether your favorite TV star is doing crystal meth.

In this first 'cast, I dig deep, way deep, into all of the above topics, plus: insight on the biz from naked Rosario Dawson! Random movie stars at Bed Bath & Beyond! Sound effects that didn't cost me anything!

And, because you all have no taste: Baby Vegas!