This week, Kate is joined by the Pop Apologists, sisters Lauren Atkinson and Chandler Bledsoe to discuss a variety of pop culture-adjacent topics, e.g., their fascination with Mormonism in media, the Lisa Barlow paradox, the rise of Salt Lake City as a cultural moment, and how growing up in a conservative environment shaped their reality TV obsession. After that, the trio unpacks the Meghan Markle discourse, the internet's obsession with Kate Middleton’s whereabouts in 2024, and what really went down during the height of the royal conspiracy rabbit hole that briefly took over their life. Plus, the moral dilemma of running a gossip podcast in the digital age, Taylor Swift’s style choices, and why every millennial woman’s 2008 iPod playlist was basically a personality test. Somewhere in there, they also reminisce about their most unhinged heartbreak antics, from fake Facebook boyfriends to the universal fantasy of running into your ex looking hotter than ever. Enjoy!

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here!

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Because amika loves Be There in Five listeners as much as we love them, they’re giving you a one-time use code for 20% off your first order. Just go to loveamika.com/bethereinfive and use code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout.

We have a special deal for our audience: Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/BETHEREINFIVE when you use our code: BETHEREINFIVE. That’s a savings of fifteen dollars! This code is only available to our listeners. To get started, just go to Apostrophe.com/BETHEREINFIVE and click Get Started, then use our code BETHEREINFIVE at sign up and you’ll get your first visit for only five dollars! Thank you Apostrophe for sponsoring this episode.

Stress less, sleep more, and live better with Calm. For listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/BETHEREINFIVE. Go to calm.com/BETHEREINFIVE for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.

You’re going to love Hungryroot as much as I do. Take advantage of this exclusive offer: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/bethereinfive and use code bethereinfive. That’s Hungryroot.com/bethereinfive, code bethereinfive to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

Start HyaCera to support your glow without compromising on clean science. HyaCera from Ritual is a clinically-proven skin supplement you can actually trust. Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BETHEREINFIVE.

Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/BETHEREINFIVE today. That’s RocketMoney.com/BETHEREINFIVE.

This week, Kate welcomes Chelsea Anderson, the creator behind viral Instagram and TikTok accounts (@chelsea_explains and @chelseaexplainsitall, respectively). Chelsea shares some of the tips that contributed to her meteoric rise, like clever hacks and insights for parents and babysitters alike—and how this is actually not all that related to her day job. They delve into her unique ability to remember childhood thoughts and feelings, which helps her create engaging content for kids. She shares some of her hacks on air, including dealing with bedtime routines and how to soothe kids' tantrums. They also talk shop as crafters, rank TS albums, and other classic millennial childhood nostalgia that helps shape Chelsea’s outlook, and how her intentional yet easy ideas come to life, from her babysitting hacks to gift-giving and party-hosting. Enjoy!

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here (now in paperback!)

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Get 40% off your purchase at cozyearth.com/BETHEREINFIVE or use my code BETHEREINFIVE. When you check out, if you see a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about it right here. Don’t wait comfort like this is calling your name. Stay Cozy All Winter Long with Cozy Earth.

You’re going to love Hungryroot as much as I do. Take advantage of this exclusive offer: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/bethereinfive and use code bethereinfive. That’s Hungryroot.com/bethereinfive, code bethereinfive to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

Embrace your ritual with extraordinary hydration from Liquid I.V. Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to LIQUID-IV.COM and use code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. That’s 20% off your first order when you shop better hydration today using promo code BETHEREINFIVE at LIQUID-IV.COM.

Treat yourself to clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. And right now we have a special discount just for our listeners. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BETHEREINFIVE at OSEAMalibu.com.

Upgrade how you see the world and how the world sees you. Go to paireyewear.com and use code BTIF for 15% off your first pair. And support the show by mentioning Be There in Five sent you in your post checkout survey!

This week (in honor of Galentine's Day), Kate reflects on the sentimental and chaotic rituals of getting ready with girlfriends before going out (or out-out). She explores the excitement and economics of the going-out top/designer denim combo, the deeper connections forged at pregames, the cultural pressures and beauty standards of the mid-2000s, and shares memories of bonding over makeup, clothes, and shared anticipation. In the second half, listeners sent in their going out anecdotes, revealing how these pre-games were often more meaningful than the nights that followed. Enjoy!

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here (now in paperback!)

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Take control of your hormonal health with Allara Health and get 25% off your first month of personalized, expert care by visiting allarahealth.com/BETHEREINFIVE today. Allara is redefining women’s health with expert care for your unique journey. Get started with Allara Health’s compassion-first expert care today with 25% off your first month when you go to allarahealth.com/BETHEREINFIVE.

Because amika loves Be There in Five listeners as much as we love them, they’re giving you a one-time use code for 20% off your first order. Just go to loveamika.com/bethereinfive and use code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. 

Go to helixsleep.com/bethereinfive for 27% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Dream Pillows with Mattress Purchase + Free Bedding Bundle (2 Dream Pillows, Sheet Set, and Mattress Protector) with any Luxe or Elite Mattress Order.

Start HyaCera to support your glow without compromising on clean science. HyaCera from Ritual is a clinically-proven skin supplement you can actually trust. Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BETHEREINFIVE.

Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/BETHEREINFIVE today.

Shop SKIMS best intimates including the Fits Everybody Collection and more at SKIMS.com and SKIMS stores. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

This week, Kate and her sister give One in a Millennial one last hurrah in honor of its paperback release by sharing some more behind-the-scenes nostalgia and adding context from their two millennial lives that shaped how the book came to be. Kelly asks Kate questions relating to lots of never-before-shared details, e.g. the metaphorical significance of opening the book inside a shopping mall, examples of cut chapters and concepts, honoring their mutual experiences being routinely friend-zoned, revisiting her tendency to sob through Back in the Daybed, opening up about the haunting irony of her audiobook recording experience, and so much more! Enjoy :)

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here (now out in paperback, too!)

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Thank you to our exclusive partner for today's episode, Amika!

Because Amika loves Be There in Five listeners as much as we love them, they’re giving you a one-time use code for 20% off your first order. Just go to loveamika.com/bethereinfive and use code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. That’s LOVE a-m-i-k-a DOT com SLASH bethereinfive, code BETHEREINFIVE to get 20% off your first order.

This week, Kate’s sisters-in-law are back on the pod for a lighthearted convo about a variety of topics in the second half of the episode, like following up on some One Hit Mumbler news, discussing golf course misogyny, what we’d choose as our grift of choice if we lean into the swindler’s economy, the dark side of chocolate, trend fatigue, 90s chain letters, etc. Kate opens by touching on a topic that they discuss later in the ep, in terms of struggling to navigate parenting and self-care in the Information Age when you can find a strong opinion arguing for or against anything ever at a given time, making it hard to know what to prioritize, what’s a legitimate problem, and what’s just the algorithm fear-mongering. She also reviews some things she’s tried in a quest for self-care in the New Year, from a standing desk to neck ‘tox to investigating the influencer-beloved PreNuvo scan. She also briefly rants about feeling slightly trolled by “75 Hard” New Year’s resolutions and questions why we’re supposed to admire people overcoming elective adversity, which likely won’t go over well. Enjoy!

Be There in Five listeners get $300 off the price of a Prenuvo whole body scan at prenuvo.com/KATEKENNEDY

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book (available in paperback Tues 1.28), One in a Millennial here!

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Stress less, sleep more, and live better with Calm. For listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/BETHEREINFIVE.

You’re going to love Hungryroot as much as I do. Take advantage of this exclusive offer: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/bethereinfive and use code bethereinfive. 

Show off new sides of yourself this year. Go to paireyewear.com and use code BTIF for 15% off your first pair. And support the show by mentioning that Be There in Five sent you in your post-checkout survey!

Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to

RocketMoney.com/BETHEREINFIVE today.

Shop SKIMS best intimates including the Fits Everybody Collection and more at SKIMS.com and SKIMS stores. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

This week, Kate reviews the PR “smear campaign” half of the complex legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, delving into the concept of astroturfing, its relevance to Amber Heard and Meghan Markle, and details the “he said/she said” of the PR warfare detailed in the lawsuits. Then, Kate interviews attorney/former litigator Alex Mack for some legal insights/clarifications about the case to ensure she’s not entirely off base when reading through so much legal paperwork. Tune in to thoroughly examine text exchanges, press strategies, and discussions about the potential implications of sophisticated systems that manipulate online sentiment. Enjoy!

Alex interview starts at 1:07

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In-person volunteer opps

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here!

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Thank you to AllModern for furnishing Kate's Season 2 Studio! AllModern has the best of modern furniture and decor all in one place. With styles from Scandi and mid-century, to minimalist and maximalist, every design is hand-vetted for quality by their team of experts. Plus they have fast + free shipping! Check out allmodern.com; you'll find Kate's bookshelves here and her new rug here!

Take control of your hormonal health with Allara Health and get 25% off your first month of personalized, expert care by visiting allarahealth.com/BETHEREINFIVE today. Allara is redefining women’s health with expert care for your unique journey. Get started with Allara Health’s compassion-first expert care today with 25% off your first month when you go to allarahealth.com/BETHEREINFIVE. 

We have a special deal for our audience: Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/BETHEREINFIVE when you use our code: BETHEREINFIVE. That’s a savings of fifteen dollars! This code is only available to our listeners. To get started, just go to Apostrophe.com/BETHEREINFIVE and click Get Started, then use our code BETHEREINFIVE at sign up and you’ll get your first visit for only five dollars! Thank you Apostrophe for sponsoring this episode.

Reset your routine with convenient, mouthwatering meals crafted with local ingredients by award-winning chefs. Go to cookunity.com/BETHEREINFIVE or enter code BETHEREINFIVE before checkout for 50% off your first week. That’s 50% off your first week by using code BETHEREINFIVE or going to COOKUNITY.COM/BETHEREINFIVE.

Embrace your ritual with extraordinary hydration from Liquid I.V. Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to LIQUID-IV.COM and use code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. That’s 20% off your first order when you shop better hydration today using promo code BETHEREINFIVE at LIQUID-IV.COM.

Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/BETHEREINFIVE today.

This week, we kick off 2025 with a classic BTI5 deep dive, investigating the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni controversy surrounding the film It Ends with Us. Kate unravels layers of legal filings, allegations of workplace harassment, and claims of PR warfare, and examines the charges from both sides. She also delves into the intricacies of their respective lawsuits, the timeline, and the broader issues at stake with media manipulation and astroturfing. Come back for part 2 when she dives more into the PR side. Enjoy!

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here!

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Thank you to AllModern for furnishing Kate's Season 2 Studio! AllModern has the best of modern furniture and decor all in one place. With styles from Scandi and mid-century, to minimalist and maximalist, every design is hand-vetted for quality by their team of experts. Plus they have fast + free shipping! Check out allmodern.com; you'll find Kate's bookshelves here and her new rug here!

Visit cozyearth.com and use my exclusive 40% off code BETHEREINFIVE. If you get a post purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from this podcast! A better year starts with better sleep—wrap yourself in Cozy Earth.

Stress less, sleep more, and live better with Calm. For listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/BETHEREINFIVE. Go to calm.com/BETHEREINFIVE for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.

Go to helixsleep.com/bethereinfive for 25% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Dream Pillows with Mattress Purchase + Free Bedding Bundle (2 Dream Pillows, Sheet Set, and Mattress Protector) with any Luxe or Elite Mattress Order.

You’re going to love Hungryroot as much as I do. Take advantage of this exclusive offer: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/bethereinfive and use code bethereinfive.

Give your skin a New Year glow-up with clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. And right now we have a special discount just for our listeners. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BETHEREINFIVE at OSEAMalibu.com.

Start HyaCera to support your glow without compromising on clean science. HyaCera from Ritual is a clinically-proven skin supplement you can actually trust. Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BETHEREINFIVE.

This week, Kate recaps some of 2024’s least notable micro-trends, goes through her embarrassing purchases from the Tiktok shop, admits some of her shameful habits in the spirit of the “we listen and we don’t judge” trend, contemplates the vibe of Taylor Swift being thrown a Taylor Swift-themed party, discusses her concern for when lyrics about someone being blue border on a HIPAA violation, then reviews Pinterest Predicts for 2025’s forecasted trends, but not before taking United Airlines and Nabisco to task in the name of spreadable cheese. Happiest Holidays to you and yours, we’ll be back and Beth-er than ever in 2025!

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here!

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Thank you to AllModern for furnishing Kate's Season 2 Studio! AllModern has the best of modern furniture and decor all in one place. With styles from Scandi and mid-century, to minimalist and maximalist, every design is hand-vetted for quality by their team of experts. Plus they have fast + free shipping! Check out allmodern.com; you'll find Kate's bookshelves here and her new rug here!

Save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get $35-off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. This deal is exclusive to listeners, so get yours now in time for the holidays! Terms and conditions apply.

20% off + 2 FREE pillows for all mattress orders at HelixSleep.com/bethereinfive.

MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to MASTERCLASS.com/BETHEREINFIVE for the current offer.

Get matching pairs for the family, stuff a stocking, or gift a Pair to yourself. Save 15% with code BTIF at paireyewear.com. And support the show by mentioning Be There in Five in your post-checkout survey!

In this episode, Kate provides personal reflections about the past 21 months of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour fanfare, online and IRL, then reads listener-submitted stories about major moments and memories associated with the tour. Sweet, sentimental, and sometimes sad, but a beautiful reminder of how pop culture and fangirls are so much *more* than meets the cat-eye. Enjoy!

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here!

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Thank you to AllModern for furnishing Kate's Season 2 Studio! AllModern has the best of modern furniture and decor all in one place. With styles from Scandi and mid-century, to minimalist and maximalist, every design is hand-vetted for quality by their team of experts. Plus they have fast + free shipping! Check out allmodern.com; you'll find Kate's bookshelves here and rug here!

Save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get $35-off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. This deal is exclusive to listeners, so get yours now in time for the holidays! Terms and conditions apply.

Stress less, sleep more, and live better with Calm. For listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/BETHEREINFIVE. Go to calm.com/BETHEREINFIVE for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.

Want your Cozy Earth pajamas by Christmas? Order by December 13 for free shipping! Missed it? You can still get expedited shipping until December 20 to ensure it arrives in time. Don’t wait—head to cozyearth.com/BETHEREINFIVE and use my exclusive 40% off code BETHEREINFIVE to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. If you get a post-purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from this podcast! Wrap the Ones You Love in Luxury with Cozy Earth.

MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to MASTERCLASS.com/BETHEREINFIVE for the current offer.

Give the gift of glow this holiday season with clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. And right now we have a special discount just for our listeners. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BETHEREINFIVE at OSEAMalibu.com.

Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/BETHEREINFIVE. Start Ritual or add HyaCera to your subscription today.

This week, Kate begins by recapping her experience seeing Wicked twice and shares her favorite Easter eggs, then answers listener voicemails that are a combination of nostalgic pop culture, millennial travel icons, and a witchy women’s studies lesson. In this episode, Kate reassures listeners that when America decides, it’s not always on our side, as evidenced by many years of questionable voting behavior from the majority that brought us the Soul Patrol on American Idol. Then she pilots something she’ll never do again called Bethtern Civ, where she explores the medieval demonizing of folk magic and pagan rituals later referred to as ‘witchcraft’ in the context of it being in opposition to the Christianization of the West. Lastly, she snorkels millennial queen/icon/legend, Samantha Brown: Travel Guide, and Kate shares how Sam's sensible haircut and can-do attitude at waterparks inspired her modern love for hotels and resorts. Enjoy!

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here!

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Thank you to AllModern for furnishing Kate's Season 2 Studio! AllModern has the best of modern furniture and decor all in one place. With styles from Scandi and mid-century, to minimalist and maximalist, every design is hand-vetted for quality by their team of experts. Plus they have fast + free shipping! Check out allmodern.com; you'll find Kate's bookshelves here and her new rug here!

For a limited time, visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. This exclusive Black Friday Cyber Monday deal is their best of the year, so don’t miss out! Terms and conditions apply.

This weekend only, I can offer you an exclusive 45% off discount code. This code is the best discount you’ll find for Cozy Earth year-round! Visit cozyearth.com/BETHEREINFIVE and code BETHEREINFIVE to get the best products for your loved ones this holiday season. Don’t miss out! Wrap the Ones You Love in Luxury with Cozy Earth!

25% off Sitewide + a FREE Bedding Bundle (2 Dream Pillows, Sheet Set, and Mattress Protector) with any Luxe or Elite mattress order at HelixSleep.com/BeThereInFive.

To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/BETHEREINFIVE. Don’t miss out on this limited time offer! Uncommon Goods. We’re all out of the ordinary.

An episode full of fun, fandom, and frisson where Kate and her guest, Caroline Moss, discuss their hot takes about Broadway musicals, but pepper in plenty of tangents from Babysitter’s Club to The Beets (from Doug) and beyond. The majority of this episode is in honor of this weekend’s long-awaited premiere of Wicked, and they talk through some Wicked lore, detail their favorite Elphabas, and walk through brain-scratching clips of different pre-approved riffs Elphie can use for her final “battle cry” in Defying Gravity. They also share their mutual fascination with Wicked, the complexities of Broadway casting and performances, and their favorite Broadway shows and songs. From vocal endurance to the atmosphere and experience of live musicals, they cover it all (including sharing their favorite clips from iconic songs). And don’t let the theater kid vibes scare you if you aren’t into musicals—this episode is for the theater fanatics and the average theater admirer alike. They’ve got a few pop culture and nostalgic rabbit holes to go down as well. Don’t worry, by the end they sing a duet because they cannot help themselves. Enjoy!

Enjoy! 

Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here!

Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH!

Thank you to AllModern for furnishing Kate's Season 2 Studio! AllModern has the best of modern furniture and decor all in one place. With styles from Scandi and mid-century, to minimalist and maximalist, every design is hand-vetted for quality by their team of experts. Plus they have fast + free shipping! Check out allmodern.com; you'll find Kate's bookshelves here and her new rug here!

Visit cozyearth.com/BETHEREINFIVE and use my exclusive 40% off code BETHEREINFIVE to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. If you get a post purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from this podcast! Wrap the Ones You Love in Luxury with Cozy Earth.

For understated luxury at its best this fall, shop the must-have pairs of the season and receive 20% off your purchase with code BETHEREINFIVE at marcfisherfootwear.com.

MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to MASTERCLASS.com/BETHEREINFIVE for the current offer. 

Give the gift of glow this holiday season with clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. And right now we have a special discount just for our listeners. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BETHEREINFIVE at OSEAMalibu.com.

Get matching pairs for the little ones, stuff a stocking, or gift a Pair to yourself during Pair’s sitewide holiday sale. Go to paireyewear.com and shop the Holiday sale to save 20% sitewide. And support the show by mentioning that Be There in Five sent you in your post-checkout survey!

To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/BETHEREINFIVE. Don’t miss out on this limited time offer! Uncommon Goods. We’re all out of the ordinary.

Tags (Episode Tracker doc):

Caroline Moss, Gee Thanks Just Bought It, Interview, Guest, Musicals, Wicked, Idina Menzel, Ariana Grande, Laguna Beach