What's Your Issue?

NXIVM & Stan Culture with Amanda Montell from Sounds Like a Cult 28.05.2026 1h 7min

In today's episode, Troy and Dara are talkin' cults with two-time NYT best-selling author and podcaster, Amanda Montell! We compare NXIVM vs the Manson Family, Jared Leto's budding cult, and the stan CULTure of Taylor Swift, Heated Rivalry, and Britney Spears. Follow Amanda on Instagram Check out her podcasts: Sounds Like a Cult and Magical Overthinkers Buy her books! Cultish, The Age of Magical Overthinking, and Wordslut Listen or Watch ad-free on Patreon Follow us on Instagram @whatsyourissueshow @TroyJeanSpears & @Daralaine The article we discussed in this episode: The Horny Holy Man by Vanessa Grigoriadis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2000s Perfume, OG Urban Decay, & Real World Las Vegas 26.05.2026 1h 2min

If you miss our original episode format, you're going to love this week's bonus episode, where we discuss a few more pages from ELLEgirl's Holiday 2002 issue! We cover some 2000s fashion trends, our favorite vintage fragrances, OG Urban Decay makeup, and The Real World: Las Vegas. To read along with us, watch the video episode on Youtube. Watch or listen ad-free on Patreon Follow us on Instagram @whatsyourissueshow Send us your old magazines! WYI Podcast 1920 Hillhurst Avenue Unit #V815 Los Angeles, CA 90027 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ELLEgirl: Mandy Moore & Kelly Osbourne 21.05.2026 1h 13min

"Everyone knows Mandy Moore and Kelly Osbourne are totally good friends. But do they ever drive each other crazy? Steal each other's clothes? Go hunting for boys? We gave them a list of our most burning questions, and they interviewed each other." This week, we cover the iconic but underappreciated ELLEgirl magazine and the Holiday 2002 issue with cover girls Mandy and Kelly! Read the article here WATCH AD-FREE on Patreon Follow on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Evolution of Christina Aguilera 14.05.2026 1h 57min

This week, we're doing a supersized episode covering three Xtina Aguilera Rolling Stone profiles, including one that's been scrubbed from the internet (but of course, we found it and it's linked below). 1999 - The Christina Aguilera Story (So Far) by Anthony Bozza 2000 - Christina Aguilera: The Hit Girl by Neil Strauss 2002 - Has Anyone Seen Christina? Inside the Dirty Mind of a Pop Princess by Chris Heath Relevant viewing: Wendy Williams Discusses Meeting Christina Aguilera Watch on Youtube @whatsyourissuepodcast or ad-free on Patreon Follow on instagram @whatsyourissueshow, @troymceady, and @daralaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Wintour and Vogue in the 90s 07.05.2026 1h 9min

"Amid a blizzard of gossip about an affair and the defection of a key protegee, Vogue's ice queen suddenly seems vulnerable. But for Anna Wintour, maybe that's not all bad—she's just as powerful without the sunglasses." This week's issue is New York Magazine from September 20th, 1999, with Anna Wintour profile "Summer of Her Discontent" by Kevin Gray. Watch this episode on Youtube Watch or listen ad-free on Patreon @WhatsYourIssuePodcast Follow us on Instagram @whatsyourissueshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lindsay Lohan Listener Questions 01.05.2026 1h 26min

In today's bonus episode, Dara and Troy answer Patreon subscriber questions about Lindsay Lohan and The Canyons. We chat about what our ideal Lilo comeback looks like, how starring in Disney movies might have hurt more than they helped her career, our favorite fashion moments, and more! Subscribe on Patreon to listen ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Lopez's Infamous Movieline Interview 30.04.2026 1h 18min

"Beautiful and bodacious Jennifer Lopez is full of surprises, not the least of which are raging talent and a two-million dollar price tag. Here, the actress who seems to have burst out of nowhere into stardom explains why she gets roles Sandra Bullock doesn't, describes how Wesley Snipes wouldn't give it a rest, and reveals that Oliver Stone smells like 'spicy lavender.'" This week's issue is Movieline from Feb. 1998 with Jennifer Lopez. THE WOW, written by Stephen Rebello, is one of Troy's favorite Hollywood profiles of all time, and for good reason... A 27 year old JLo, post SELENA but pre superstardom, talks SO MUCH shhh throughout the interview. This is a must read! Watch on Youtube @whatsyourissuepodcast Follow us on instagram @Whatsyourissueshow Ad-free on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lizzie Grubman and the 90s NYC PR Girls 24.04.2026 59min

This week, Troy and Dara cover Vanessa Grigoriadis’s iconic piece “Welcome to the Dollhouse” also known as "Power Girls" from the December 7th, 1998 issue of New York Magazine. This article is a MUST READ!!! It oozes NYC high society. It's the precursor to Sex and the City. The breeding ground for RHONY. It has Lizzie Grubman!!! (which is to say, it has EVERYTHING). Follow us on Instagram @whatsyourissueshow Listen ad-free on Patreon Watch video episodes on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Bieber, Coachella, GQ 2012 & 2021 17.04.2026 1h 23min

This week it's Bieberchella on What's Your Issue?! Troy and Dara discuss Justin Bieber's Coachella performance and two of his GQ profile's: June 2012's Man Up, Bieber by Drew Magary, and May 2021's The Redemption of Justin Bieber by Zach Baron Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollywood's Drug Problem: US Weekly 2007 09.04.2026 1h 3min

"Who's using? It's not just who you think. Inside the dark world destroying the lives of today's top stars." - US Weekly: March 27th, 2007 This week, Troy and Dara discuss Jennifer Aniston's drug confession, Paris Hilton's signature hairline braid, Charlize Theron's apple bong, River Phoenix's death as a Hollywood turning point, and more! To see the magazine pages referenced in today's episode, visit our instagram @whatsyourissueshow or watch our video episode on YouTube! Follow @troyjeanspears and @daralaine on instagram And listen ad-free on patreon @whatsyourissue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer House: Amanda Batula for Marie Claire 02.04.2026 1h 37min

Yes, we're talking about Summer House, too... In this week's episode, Troy and Dara discuss the Marie Claire Amanda Batula profile by Emma Childs. We're talkin' Scandoval vs. Scamanda, how to correctly watch reality tv, why Kyle and Amanda deserve each other (derogatory), toxic straight boomer spouses, the psychological bro-file of a f*ckboi raised by a liberal mother (West Wilson), and why this might just be the best thing that could have happened Ciara Miller. To listen ad-free, subscribe to our patreon: @whatsyourissue Follow us on instagram: @whatsyourissueshow @troyjeanspears @daralaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'90s-2000s Nightlife: Limelight and Les Deux 20.03.2026 1h 23min

Troy and Dara dive into '90s and early 2000s club culture, breaking down the articles: W Magazine’s “The Scandalous History of Les Deux, Hollywood’s Infamous Nightclub” by Jake Flanagan and Vanity Fair’s “'In the Limelight' Walks Through the Clubs of New York City’s ’90s” by Dan Adler. They also get into the time Britney Spears tried to get a job as a cocktail waitress, Lindsay Lohan snubbing Lily Allen, gal about town Mischa Barton, the downfall of Big Brother villain and Les Deux owner Mike “Boogie” Malin, and what killed nightlife culture as we knew it. Listen ad-free on Patreon Follow on Instagram @whatsyourissueshow Follow Troy @troyjeanspears Follow Dara @daralaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lindsay Lohan and the Production of The Canyons 13.03.2026 1h 10min

This week, Troy and Dara dive into one of their all-time favorite pieces of journalism: the New York Times Magazine article “Here Is What Happens When You Cast Lindsay Lohan in Your Movie” by Stephen Rodrick. The 2013 story chronicles the chaotic three-week shoot of The Canyons—the low-budget erotic thriller written by Bret Easton Ellis, directed by Paul Schrader, and starring Lindsay Lohan and James Deen. “We don’t have to save her,” Schrader said. “We just have to get her through three weeks in July.” A month later, Schrader would be standing naked in a Malibu bedroom, missing his dogs and trying to coax Lohan out of her robe. Turns out three weeks can be a very long time. We also touch on: x17's 7/27/2012 blog post about the Lindsay Lohan and Lady Gaga Sleepover What It Was Like to Make The Canyons, A Producer's Tale by Braxton Pope for Vanity Fair 2012 James Deen Profile by Amanda Hess for Good Magazine James Deen was Never a Feminist Idol by Amanda Hess for Slate.com NOTE: Due to some technical difficulties, this episode is audio-only Listen ad-free on patreon.com/whatsyourissue Follow on instagram: @Whatsyourissueshow @troyjeanspears @daralaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Magazine: If Madonna Were President 12.03.2026 48min

In today's bonus episode, we're getting more in-depth with JFK Jr's art pop, George Magazine. We discuss the history of the mag, the article, "If I Were President" written by Madonna, plus the many iconique celebrity covers from its 1995-2001 run. To see the photos we reference and the full Madonna article, check out our instagram @whatsyourissueshow. We also talk about: Vogue's "Meet George: An Oral History of JFK Jr.’s Political Magazine Launch" The Hollywood Reporter's "John F. Kennedy Jr. and George Magazine: A Story of Politics, Love and Loss, 20 Years Later" And of course, we couldn't help but talk a leeeetle bit about FX's Love Story... Listen ad-free on Patreon.com/whatsyourissue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carolyn Bessette, JFK Jr., and Vanity Fair 06.03.2026 1h 34min

Today, Troy and Dara cover "Secrets and Lies", an excerpt from the book The Kennedy Curse: Why Tragedy Has Haunted America's First Family for 150 Years, by Edward Klein, which ran in the August 2003 issue of Vanity Fair magazine. The excerpt talks about the more salacious aspects of Caroly Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr.'s relationship. Troy and Dara also discuss the FX show LOVE STORY, Carolyn and John's fashion, Carole Radziwill, and more. To watch/listen ad-free, subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/whatsyourissue Follow us instagram @whatsyourissueshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Advice Column: Religious Cults & Making/Ghosting Friends 27.02.2026 56min

It's a What's Your Issue? Advice Column bonus episode! Troy and Dara answer listener questions that touch on convincing a family member to leave a religious cult, making friends, and recovering from the grief of a best friend ghosting you. Want to submit your issue for a future bonus episode? Go to our instagram profile to find a link to our anonymous google form @whatsyourissueshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heated Rivalry and Pillion 26.02.2026 1h 12min

It's a gay fantasia because Troy and Dara are talkin' Heated Rivalry and Pillion! They discuss the Vulture article, Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys by E. Alex Young, and How Pillion Perfected the Sub Dom Rom Com by Nathan Tavares for GQ. It's fan fic, Heated Rivalry obsessions, straight girls in gay bars, Alexander Skarsgard, Polly Pocket dommy mommy, and somehow... The Artist's Way. Video on Spotify Ad-free on Patreon.com/whatsyourissue Instagram: @whatsyourissueshow @TroyJeanSpears @DaraLaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oprah Magazine September 2009 20.02.2026 1h 20min

This week, Troy and Dara talk about the woman who raised them... Oprah. They're measuring time in Oprah hair styles, discussing the Avengers (Suze Orman, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, et al.), episodes lost to the Winfrey vault, and Troy details another daytime talk show live taping experience. Watch this episode on Spotify Subscribe on Patreon for ad-free and bonus eps Follow on Insta @whatsyourissueshow @troyjeanspears @daralaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi and Spencer (Our First Time Podcasting Together) 19.02.2026 1h 21min

In today's bonus episode, we travel back in time and behind a paywall to the very first time Troy and Dara podcasted together. This episode was recorded back in 2020 for a patreon episode of Troy's podcast, The Smush Room. They deep dive into the lives of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, including their relationship dynamics on The Hills, Heidi's family dynamics, plastic surgery, and more. For a companion piece, listen to the recent What's Your Issue? patreon episode where Troy and Dara discuss Heidi's infamous People magazine cover to see if they totally contradict themselves 6 years later. To listen to other Smush Room/Dunzo episodes, subscribe to Troy's Patreon (where he has some brand new episodes up, including a 3-part series about Britney Spears' deep cut songs). Follow on Instagram @whatsyourissueshow @daralaine @troyjeanspears Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Barrymore for Interview Magazine 12.02.2026 1h 19min

This week's listener-suggested issue is Interview Magazine from July 1992 with cover girl (emphasis on GIRL) Drew Barrymore. Troy and Dara discuss the controversial photoshoot by Bruce Webber, Drew's career revival at 17, her lolita era, and how the adults in her life failed her. Plus, why Drew is the true definition of a manic pixie dream girl, erotic thrillers, and Troy's experience seeing a live taping of Drew's talk show. Interview Magazine article This episode is full of pics, so watch on Spotify or Patreon! -- Listen to our latest Patreon bonus episode about Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise, and Scientology Follow us on Insta: @whatsyourissueshow Follow Troy @troyjeanspears Follow Dara @daralaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices