Cyndi Lauper: She's So Unusual | 284

Closing out another fabulous Pride Month, we’re taking a look at someone who’s always been a friend and ally to the LGBTQ+ community - Cyndi Lauper. Born in New York, in the early 50s, Cyndi feels out-of-step with her surroundings. Raised in a home with an abusive stepfather, she escapes and sets out on her own. But to do what? After failing in a series of unfulfilling odd jobs, Cyndi decides to follow her first love - music. After a shaky start with a couple of failed bands, Cyndi goes solo. Thanks to that one-of-a-kind voice of hers, and unique technicolor appearance (just in time for advent of MTV), Cyndi Lauper’s singing career reaches the stratosphere. But life at the top of the record biz just isn’t enough for her. She realizes there are way more important things to fight for - her integrity as an artist, and disenfranchised people everywhere. Turns out, these were the “true colors” of the girl who just wanted to have fun. In turn - she cemented her legacy forever.You can follow Brooke and Aricia on socials at @brookesiffrinn and @ariciaskidmorewilliamss. And check out the brand new Even the Rich merch store at www.eventherich.com.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Rich on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-rich/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are we about to say goodbye to yet another Hollywood couple? For weeks, we’ve heard rumors that Katy Perry and fiancé Orlando Bloom aren’t living their “Teenage Dream” anymore. Now sources say that Orlando’s excited to live la vida single. After that, we have the latest details on the shocking and tragic passing of TV chef, Anne Burrell, including what officials are saying about the pills they found in her home. And finally - wrapping things up with something much lighter - Anna Camp has found love with new girlfriend, Jade Whipkey. But now the “Pitch Perfect” star is catching strays online over dating a woman 18 years her junior.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raised in a house that is nothing like the TV sitcom families she loves, Rosie O’Donnell has to grow up fast. She has to deal with an abusive father, and the heartbreak of losing her mom way too soon. But somehow, her grit, determination, and natural humor lands her on a comedy club stage when she’s just a teen. After polishing her act on the road, Rosie gains national attention on the 80s TV talent show, “Star Search.” And she’s off and running. After stealing scenes in “A League of Their Own,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “The Flintstones,” she revolutionizes daytime television with her own feel-good talk show and is dubbed “The Queen of Nice.” But never one afraid to speak her mind, Rosie goes on to voice her opinions on “The View,” which lands her in a very public battle with the current sitting President of the United States. Throughout her life, Rosie’s always tried to stick up for what she feels is right, including LGBTQ+ rights. Which is why she’s getting her flowers from us during Pride Month!You can follow Brooke and Aricia on socials at @brookesiffrinn and @ariciaskidmorewilliamss. And check out the brand new Even the Rich merch store at www.eventherich.com.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Rich on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-rich/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen to Liberty Lost: In Evangelical homes across the United States, sex outside of marriage is a sin against God. So, when Abbi becomes pregnant at 16, her devout parents hide her away at the Liberty Godparent Home, a little-known facility for pregnant teens on the campus of Liberty University. The Home says it helps girls decide what comes next – whether that’s parenting their babies or placing them for adoption. But inside the facility, the girls hear a different message: God wants their babies to go to more “deserving” Christian couples. Some girls will find the strength to fight back. Others will have no choice but to give in. And some, like Abbi, will turn their grief into resistance – and take a stand against the system before more mothers lose their children to adoptions they never wanted.  From Wondery, host and reporter T. J. Raphael tells a startling true story of young love, coercion, and defiance – and the dangerous resurgence of maternity homes in post-Roe America.Listen to Liberty Lost: Wondery.fm/LibertyLost_See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing our celebration of Pride Month, today we’ve got another fabulous queer icon for you. Oscar-nominated actor Elliot Page has crammed a whole lot of life into his 38 years. After gaining traction in Canada as an accomplished child actor, Elliot makes the leap into the American mainstream with critically acclaimed performances in movies like “Hard Candy,” “Juno,” and “Inception.” But behind all that splashy Hollywood success, Elliot is hiding a big secret. One that could potentially derail his career. But eventually, he makes a huge, brave leap and comes out as a trans. Even though this bold announcement of his identity is not met with open arms everywhere - he does becomes a hero and advocate for the trans community. Oh, and he’s still one hell of an actor.You can follow Brooke and Aricia on socials at @brookesiffrinn and @ariciaskidmorewilliamss. And check out the brand new Even the Rich merch store at www.eventherich.com.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Rich on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-rich/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richies, we didn’t see this coming. Blake Lively just scored a huge court win. She and her former “It Ends with Us” director/co-star Justin Baldoni have been in a bitter legal battle since January. But just this week, a judge dismissed Justin’s multi-million dollar suit against Blake, husband Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times. After we break down that legal decision, we’re filling you in on the (maybe one-sided) feud between Broadway icons Audra McDonald and Patti LuPone…and how that beef maybe got some airtime on Sunday’s Tony Awards. And speaking of feuds, we have the latest on the bad blood that’s allegedly boiling between members of the Beckham Bunch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RuPaul is born feeling like an outsider. Rejection by his father and peers makes him doubt whether he’ll ever fit in. But instead of conforming, he doubles down and becomes a gender-bending punk musician.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Rich on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-rich/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inspired by Wondery’s hit podcast Against the Odds—learn how to survive whatever nature can throw at you through gut-twisting true stories of survival on the brinkHow to Survive Against the Odds places you at the center of fifteen real life-or-death scenarios. Each story explores the physiological responses of the human body under unbearable conditions, how to counteract them, and strategies for survival from doctors and psychologists. Through these tales, we see the grit, willpower, and know-how needed to navigate out of a host of merciless situations.This invaluable survival guide includes tips on how to endure being:ADRIFT AT SEA: Learn how to cure turtle meat, procure potable water, and survive on a life raft.MAULED BY A BEAR: Black bears? Fight back. Grizzly bears? Play dead. Polar bears? Start praying. You’ll learn how to triage wounds using the MARCH method and how to spot the difference between a bear’s bluff charge and an actual attack.BURIED BY AN EARTHQUAKE: Find out how to survive the initial crush, maintain your sanity if trapped under the rubble, and “think away your hunger.”And so much more!This might just be the most important book you’ll ever read. Armed with the information in How to Survive Against the Odds and when faced with similar threats, you may also find that you have what it takes to defy death and live to tell your story.Order your copy of HOW TO SURVIVE AGAINST THE ODDS now at Wondery.fm/survivalguidebook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richies, for Pride Month we bring you a true hero to - and champion of - the queer community. A filmmaker who brings an oddball sensibility and counter-culture vibe to the mainstream. Director John Waters has been marching to the beat of his own drum since he was little boy, doing twisted puppet shows at birthday parties and drawing with black crayons. Born and raised in a Baltimore suburb, John knows early on that he’s different. And he embraces it. His early films like “Pink Flamingos” are so deliberately gross and funny that they earn him the nickname “The Pope of Trash.” But behind the shock value is a real artist. He eases his way into the mainstream flicks like “Polyester” and then “Hairspray.” John Waters’ lasting film legacy is to embrace and celebrate society’s weirdos.You can follow Brooke and Aricia on socials at @brookesiffrinn and @ariciaskidmorewilliamss. And check out the brand new Even the Rich merch store at www.eventherich.com.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Rich on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-rich/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lot of the time, award shows can be fun, exciting, star-studded events. And sometimes...they’re like this year’s American Music Awards. First off, tons of the A-list nominees didn’t even bother showing up. And then, for a couple of stars who did show up, things got weird onstage. Shaboozey gave his co-presenter Megan Moroney some serious side-eye that people are still talking about. After we dissect the AMAs, we have an update on Miley Cyrus. In a very revealing interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, she opens up about new music, sobriety, and the medical condition that makes singing a serious challenge. And to cap it all off, we have the latest on what Hugh Jackman’s ex is saying about his “betrayal.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.