Celebrity Book Club: Britney Spears with Eve Lindley, Part 1
Added 2024-03-01 05:52:23 +0000 UTC(Part one of four!!!)
This month celebrity correspondent Eve Lindley came by to tell us about Britney Spears' memoir The Woman in Me. In this episode we get into Britney's family history, her childhood, her years of searching for stardom, and her life until the eve of "...Baby One More Time."
This is an exploration of Britney, of girlhood, of fame, of art, and of everything else we could fit in. And, at a certain point, talking about Britney turns into talking about the care we want to offer each other and ourselves. So please take good care out there. We're pretty sure it's what Britney wants for us.
A content warning--in this episode we talk about mental health struggles, and a part of the story around minute 22 involves suicide.
Comments
As a fellow people pleaser, the description of her putting on shows then hiding really struck a chord with me. I didnt have any performance skills, but I definitely hid and read books to avoid being a target of whatever my dad was upset about. Perhaps the performance was "happy family". We all go to church or school functions and pretend to be happy, pious, or whatever to not make my dad mad or embarrassed. He was dfinitely the 'children are seen and not heard' sort.
Mary Lappin
2024-09-02 08:23:12 +0000 UTCI know I'm super late to this episode, but I finally got around to reading the book and wanted to wait. I love how well Sarah and Eve complement each other. They insightfully add to each other's commentary, which makes this feel like less of a "book report" and more like friends talking about a book over brunch!
Wedge Wegman
2024-08-14 22:43:16 +0000 UTCI love Eve Lindley!
Wedge Wegman
2024-08-14 22:38:13 +0000 UTCCan... Can anyone actually see how many times a particular patreon subscriber has personally listened to each episode? I'm starting to feel self conscious about it.
Heidi Webster
2024-06-11 06:33:11 +0000 UTCI liked the Dad talk but it also made me really miss my own dad (he died in 2021).
Sam
2024-04-24 01:49:07 +0000 UTCWhere is part 3 and 4???? Please please pretty please we need it.
Pauline Angeli
2024-04-17 03:12:25 +0000 UTCAnd NO devices that can handle the Carolyn episodes.
ES
2024-03-23 02:30:35 +0000 UTCI am once again begging you to level your audio better. You can probably see from my comment history how long it’s taking me to get through this episode, because I’m hard of hearing, and I don’t have many audio devices in my house that can even play it such that Eve is audible but Sarah’s voice doesn’t hurt my ears.
ES
2024-03-23 02:15:26 +0000 UTCThank you for making this for parts! I could not survive with any less!!!
Elise Loeb
2024-03-21 04:09:54 +0000 UTCI love her. She died so young. :(
Jennifer Valenti
2024-03-17 04:26:00 +0000 UTCLove all the moments when the the two of you each burst out laughing! This is a great episode!! Love when Eve is on!!
Sue Hare
2024-03-14 17:46:11 +0000 UTCMe too!!!
Sue Hare
2024-03-14 17:45:02 +0000 UTCSame!
Amanda Blake
2024-03-13 15:57:13 +0000 UTCI’m glad I’m not the only one who has delayed their reading of Britney’s memoir because my poor brain can’t handle it at the moment…and I bought it as soon as it went on sale! I know as soon as I start reading it I’m going to want to physically fight her dad, the music industry, the papz, lol…
Amanda Blake
2024-03-13 15:55:49 +0000 UTCYes, me too! I was so excited when I saw her name!
ES
2024-03-13 15:49:51 +0000 UTCI’m assuming the “Britney vs USSR” thing was just a joke, but I genuinely would love an episode on Alexy Navalny. I don’t think I’m wrong about him, but I definitely don’t know as much about him as I would like to, and especially in light of his death, I think this is the podcast with the right amount of empathy to tell his story in the way I would most enjoy hearing it.
ES
2024-03-13 15:49:07 +0000 UTCThis is a very very good episode
Sarah Fentem
2024-03-12 18:03:19 +0000 UTCThe longer I listen to the show the more dubious I become about fame and celebrity, especially for kids. Maybe we *shouldn't* have child stars.
Beth Zyglowicz
2024-03-12 15:03:01 +0000 UTCOh man. I feel like when I was a kid listening to her music she seemed so old, but listening to this it's shocking how young she was. They started pushing her talent at 8? Eight?! She was a baby.
Beth Zyglowicz
2024-03-12 15:02:10 +0000 UTCWHOOOOOOOOOO ISSSSSS IIIIIIIIITTTTT??!!!!
Hope Maze
2024-03-12 12:10:28 +0000 UTCYou've mentioned the Edinburgh Fringe Festival twice in this episode. I'm reading a lot into this, so to be clear, and I feel I'm speaking on behalf of everyone here in Edinburgh, we would love for you to bring the show here for the Festival. All my hopes are up. Thank you. x
Nadine
2024-03-12 11:38:55 +0000 UTCI loveeeeee this
Lucy Grimshaw
2024-03-12 06:20:57 +0000 UTCI love when Eve Lindley is on the show!
Rose
2024-03-12 04:53:53 +0000 UTCI was just about to comment this same thing! I literally paused the ep and reminded so I could write what she said down
Eleanor
2024-03-10 12:35:39 +0000 UTCI remember Star Search featuring both adult and child categories. I remember the stand up comedy category and the inexplicable "spokesmodel" category. And I think Ruthless was sort of a spoof of multiple cannonic Broadway/Hollywood stories including The Bad Seed. It was an all female cast, which was sort of cool. I am so glad this book is being featured and these two are so freaking fun to listen to.
Lauren A Jennings
2024-03-09 03:04:55 +0000 UTCSarah, the way you described why you liked your father being away - you put it into words perfectly. I relate soo much to this and it took me decades to notice I was doing way better and being far more authentic when I wasn‘t around my father. Thank you for being so honest and for describing this in a was that makes me understand my story a bit better. 🤍
Chiara
2024-03-08 07:58:23 +0000 UTCRE: Cabinets for hiding in -- I put a couple of bookcases and an armoire across one wall, with enough space between them and the wall for a secret futon/hidey hole. Accessible via the backless armoire. Adult- sized hiding cabinets are attainable after a trip to IKEA and an afternoon of assembly!
Eli
2024-03-08 03:28:29 +0000 UTCSame!
Isabella
2024-03-07 21:20:25 +0000 UTCok so i looked into britneys natal chart, after yall said there were so many car accidents in her life i wondered if she had any significant placements in the 3rd house- and she does! she has a 3rd house stellium, 3rd house represents siblings, extended family, neighbors and short distance travel. i wont go too much into detail here, but if anyone is interested in the astrology of it all it's quite fascinating!
S~
2024-03-07 21:19:35 +0000 UTCEve and Sarah talking about a misunderstood female pop star is the greatest gift. Love this first part, very excited for the rest! (Also every time the mickey mouse club auditions came up all I could think of is Jessica Simpsons book where she is also there but doesn't get on the show.)
Cattlin
2024-03-07 12:53:46 +0000 UTCThe Oops i did it again tour was my first real concert and it was incredible, she’s such an icon ✨
michelle pendergrass
2024-03-05 14:39:09 +0000 UTCI was OBSESSED with Britney from the ages of 7-11. I used to do that thing where I would loop the bottom of my shirt through the neckhole so I could look like her in the baby one more time video - my mom wasn’t a fan 😂😂
michelle pendergrass
2024-03-05 14:37:23 +0000 UTCThank you for this! Like Sarah, I was very curious about Britney’s book but no capacity to read it. Love Eve and love hearing both your takes. Can’t wait for the rest of the episodes!
EMILY DISALLE
2024-03-04 23:35:18 +0000 UTC1) This was a fantastic episode. Thank you! 2) I just texted a friend "Blair and Sarah love me and want me to be happy" when I saw your new podcast episode come out. Rough day, perfect pick me up.
kathleen costello
2024-03-04 23:19:44 +0000 UTCTalking about nepotism and following your parents careers, it's so much easier to enter a world that you're familiar with! Ex. I know so many people who became academics/ were interested in being profs with no idea on how it exploits you/what experience you need to gain as a grad students, vs friends who are children of academics, and have built in advisors for parents
Julia Scott Lenz
2024-03-04 19:37:03 +0000 UTCAnd to be fair it may not have been Genuwine I was extremely doped up
Jess Gray
2024-03-04 19:22:20 +0000 UTCI read this when I was on bed rest post hysterectomy, and on heavy pain meds. So there’s a section where Michell Williams as Brit as Justin Timberlake approaches Genuwine and in my drug addled haze I developed this theory that it wasn’t actually him but another wrapper who just didn’t have to heart to call Justin Timberlake and his dreads locks racist to his face… and now I share that with all of you
Jess Gray
2024-03-04 19:17:36 +0000 UTCI just wanted to point out that Jamie’s dad, who put two wives in mental hospitals, was I believe a cop or sheriff. So I imagine it was very easy to have them committed and I imagine the threat of being recommitted after release loomed large. I also think Star Search must be a good generational marker. Because I very distinctly remember watching it with my cousins. Lol.
Jenice Anderson
2024-03-04 01:06:18 +0000 UTCif i could cry i would be sobbing
Bjork surfin the net
2024-03-03 21:59:53 +0000 UTCI cannot separate Ed McMan and Vince McMan in my mind. I was very confused as to why as professional wrestling was hosting a children's talent competition
Ash
2024-03-03 20:36:43 +0000 UTCCame to this thread for this. I remember the first time I saw Bobbie Brown, model/makeup artist on the show!
Callie Michaels
2024-03-03 19:06:07 +0000 UTCStrongly agree! When ppl say someone is of their time, im always like “im pretty sure at least some of the ppl they harassed understood this was gross.” Wrong is more of a social thought but gross/abhorrent are more body words to me. Also i loveddd the crossover episode element, i felt rly smart haha
Rez Watson
2024-03-03 18:56:32 +0000 UTCYay I love the Eve Lindley episodes!! Can't wait for the next episodes
Kira London-Nadeau
2024-03-03 03:36:46 +0000 UTCit’s so so sad to me how uncommon it is to hear about loving and supportive dads, especially from queer femme presenting folk. I lost my dad in 2020 and he was my biggest cheerleader and supported and cherished me so deeply! we were such good friends and I miss him so much and it was just a nice moment to hear from Eve. I wish everyone had the kind of love we both had from their dads 💞
Christina Gleason
2024-03-03 01:23:11 +0000 UTCThis anecdote really seems to track with the Ed McMahon that Aubrey taught us about via his diet book on MP. He was gross, but nobody called it out because most men at the time were the same, and it was considered ‘normal’. But subjecting a 10 yo girl to this type of “banter” on national tv and thinking it’s fine? GROSS
Jen Turner
2024-03-03 00:49:51 +0000 UTCI love when you do celebrity book club, and having Eve join you for this one is even more exciting! Gotta tell you, Sarah, when you talked about your relationship with your father I burst into tears because this is exactly what I’ve gone through with mine. He changed the energy so much whenever he walked in the door that it was always a huge relief when he was away, like we could all take a collective exhale. I wish this hadn’t been either of our experiences, and that we’d had dads more like Eve’s, but it helps to know I’m not alone.
Jen Turner
2024-03-03 00:45:20 +0000 UTCThank you! I have taken your advice as binding arbitration and, one hour in, I have zero regrets :).
Daphné Yogi
2024-03-03 00:23:35 +0000 UTC💗 I love when Eve is on the show 💗
Katie Crowley
2024-03-02 20:44:10 +0000 UTCI’m from jersey and live in Louisiana and Louisiana has THE worst driving I have ever seen. Four big car accidents does not surprise me, sadly.
Jeanie
2024-03-02 18:15:10 +0000 UTCThe prevalence of mental health care as means of punishment and control of southern women never ceases to amaze me. It’s in my family too.
Laura Patterson
2024-03-02 17:56:17 +0000 UTCi loved hearing the story about britney’s first kiss for many reasons but mostly because JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE was playing in the background for mine lmao
Sarah Helsley
2024-03-02 17:04:59 +0000 UTCNO! NO! I started to hear the music come in at the end and I started to scream NO because I didn't want this to end! Cannot wait for the next episode.
MHW
2024-03-02 16:09:13 +0000 UTCUgh, I enjoyed this so much. I’m listening while aggressively trying to make myself Rest and Recharge and it’s lovely.
Alex Thomasson Lee
2024-03-02 14:51:09 +0000 UTCAlso my diva star is Laura Branigan. No one ever talks about her :(
Angelle Bonnecarrere
2024-03-02 14:03:18 +0000 UTCI'm prob the 40th person to say this but Star Search had adults too. Looking back it was a much more problematic America's Got Talent
Angelle Bonnecarrere
2024-03-02 14:02:42 +0000 UTCAnytime is good. Spoilers won't ruin it at all 💜
Nicole Wagner
2024-03-02 12:46:23 +0000 UTCCan we get Bimbo Summit tshirts PLEASE
Theresa Baughman
2024-03-02 04:15:24 +0000 UTCThis was so enjoyable. I listened to the whole book a few months ago and I still gasped at the dramatic moments.
Janice O
2024-03-02 02:46:17 +0000 UTCSo you recommend that I listen before the next episode? :)
Daphné Yogi
2024-03-02 01:24:44 +0000 UTCI’m so excited for this series of episodes! I listened to the aduio book of The Woman In Me and loved it. Eve’s retelling is perfection!!
Rebekah Egge
2024-03-02 00:48:59 +0000 UTCI recommend the audio version narrated by Michelle Williams. 4ish hours well spent
Nicole Wagner
2024-03-01 22:26:03 +0000 UTCI've listened to the first episode and have not read the book yet. Should I do so?
Daphné Yogi
2024-03-01 22:24:55 +0000 UTCEXACTLY!!!
Heidi
2024-03-01 21:59:10 +0000 UTCThose were so good! 🔥
Heidi
2024-03-01 21:58:51 +0000 UTCsame, literally one of my favorite books YWA covered
Gabby Finan
2024-03-01 21:17:06 +0000 UTCRe: Jamie's intense relationship with athletics, there's a part in the book where Britney talks about how Jamie's dad seriously pushed him to be a good athlete, which felt abusive to me. It was another one of those cyclical things for me.
Rachel Wilhoyte
2024-03-01 21:09:53 +0000 UTCSo happy there are three more parts! I love your and Eve’s discussions.
Jen Leedom
2024-03-01 20:44:43 +0000 UTCCan't stop laughing at the Cher impressions. My partner has you to thank for how I will constantly be saying "French fried pertaters...mmhmm" as Cher for the foreseeable future.
Cymantha B
2024-03-01 19:32:53 +0000 UTC♥️
Abby LaMarre
2024-03-01 19:07:11 +0000 UTCI’m so happy when Sarah has Eve Lindley on. I love their dynamic and I adore Eve. I can’t wait for her queer rodeo movie to come out! (It’s called National Anthem and it’s coming out in July 🤠🌈)
Mads
2024-03-01 18:37:30 +0000 UTCSo Good!
Robyne Lloyd Davies
2024-03-01 18:36:05 +0000 UTCRe: the Ed McMahon bit. She writes that afterwards she was (1) confused and (2) she says it made her break out in tears. This was significant to me because adults that aren't able to see this as problematic will claim that kids dont understand so they dont have objections. I felt this story disproved this interpretation and for this reason that detail felt important to me. <3
Rez Watson
2024-03-01 17:20:51 +0000 UTCas someone from louisiana, can confirm our roads are shit. also, atv riding is quite common down here; i know at least 2 ppl who were lucky to survive atv accidents.
Nina VanHeeswijk
2024-03-01 16:51:58 +0000 UTCwould like to note about Sarah’s comment a few minutes in where she says offhandedly that nobody cares what she has to say — Sarah, we ALL care what you have to say! that’s why we’re here lol
alexa 🌼
2024-03-01 16:01:01 +0000 UTCJust so you know, you now *must* do a Fringe Festival short play of Natalie Portman and Britney Spears in understudy purgatory— I’m ready to buy tickets
Leah
2024-03-01 15:54:51 +0000 UTCI miss my Dad too.
Lindsey Townsend
2024-03-01 15:42:37 +0000 UTC4! Yes. So excited for a deep dive into this. I read her memoir and loved it.
Raelee Grimm
2024-03-01 15:32:51 +0000 UTCI loved this episode so much! What a wonderful dive into this book. Thank you! Eve is always a pleasure to learn from. I do want to tell everyone that Star Search was a talent show for adults as well as children, and one of its categories was “Spokesmodel.” Bananas show. I watched it all the time.
Liz Fenton
2024-03-01 14:29:48 +0000 UTCI **adored** Britney's book and am feeling quite righteous about this podcast covering it. YES!!
Nicole Wagner
2024-03-01 13:32:13 +0000 UTCI LOVE Eve Lindley so much you will never know!
MHW
2024-03-01 13:00:40 +0000 UTCTravelling home from Swansea listening to this excellent episode being punctuated by announcements in Welsh which is a surreal experience! Love the podcast, love you guys.
Dave Hyde
2024-03-01 11:28:52 +0000 UTCWow, that part with your parent who is loving sometimes and then you constantly "put on a show" to avoid them abusing you again, and then you blame yourself so much more when their attitude towards you inevitably shifts.. Like 🎯🎯🎯. I feel like I just finished a therapy session. Thank you so much for this Eve + Sarah, I can't wait for the next one!
Judith
2024-03-01 11:16:52 +0000 UTC100% agree. This is a job for Sarah. & Eve, of course!!
Natalie Riggs
2024-03-01 10:47:28 +0000 UTC4 parts!? 😭 This is truly a dream. Thank you.
Natalie Riggs
2024-03-01 10:44:44 +0000 UTCME TOOOO! I checked everyday if it was already online!
AlettaSchuurman
2024-03-01 09:43:43 +0000 UTCAlso: I think that Britney was pushed to sing in the baby voice because Christina did the deep belting gig. My source is just a video on YouTube but sounds like something that could've happened.
Lisa Verhelst
2024-03-01 09:20:06 +0000 UTCI love this. 🌸 I listened to the audiobook and Britney does a little narration in the beginning, it's so great. I wanted to talk about this book but no friends of mine read it. So yes I'm joining this book club.
Lisa Verhelst
2024-03-01 09:18:22 +0000 UTCI am BEYOND excited for this!
Kiki
2024-03-01 09:02:16 +0000 UTCI unexpectedly loved the eps you did on Jessica Simpson, so really glad you’re doing this too!
Frankie
2024-03-01 06:55:36 +0000 UTCI never thought i would hear Britney on your podcast! So excited, you’re one of the few people i trust to talk about her
Jake Kelly
2024-03-01 06:02:45 +0000 UTCI’m so excited!
Lauren Kenny
2024-03-01 05:57:24 +0000 UTCOh my god YES
Agustina Montes
2024-03-01 05:56:04 +0000 UTC
