E6: Spice Capitalism

Goodbye, our friends. We have reached the end of the season, and the end of the Spice Girls as we knew them. This episode sees the now four girls working on their last album as a group while pursuing their solo careers (in and out of music). In other words: it's the unraveling of the Spice Girls.

Is the queen real? Why did a murderer call the girls the antichrist? In this penultimate episode, we not only ask these hard questions but finally reach the height of Spice Girls drama: Geri's departure.

Was "Girl Power" a sham? In this episode, we talk about the men behind and around the Spice Girls including, randomly, Nelson Mandela? And of course, we talk about the man they kicked to the curb: Simon Fuller, and the consequences of that decision.

Is Spice World even a good movie? JK it's obviously a masterpiece... depending on who you ask. We debate this topic as well as learn so so many fun facts about how this movie came to be, and remember our favourite and most formative scenes. Mixed by Lukus Benoit 

The girls start feeling the pressure as they work on their second album, film not one but TWO movies, do performances and press, and of course maintain their merch empire. In this episode we learn about the hidden meanings behind "Stop" and "Too Much" and get into the behind the scenes of this surprisingly dark period in Spice history. CW: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders and depression.

We've been waiting to dive into this topic! As 6 girls who grew up in the 90s, Spice merch is inextricably linked to our memories of the band and our first baby steps into consumerism. We reminisce on our childhood treasures as well as discuss products we never knew existed (but wish we did!). And of course, we dig into the choice to make merch such a key part of the Spice Girls' and Fuller's strategy.

Let's talk about scandals! We've touched on a few, but this episode hones in on the ones that made the girls especially grateful they had brought in reinforcements when it comes to the media. We also discuss the release of the singles and videos for Mama and Who Do You Think You Are. CW: This episode contains mention of eating disorders

How much of a role did the media play in the Spice Girls' success? More than you might think. In this episode we talk about a series of would-be misses that turned into hits - including a declaration of affection for noted villain Margaret Thatcher, the debut of the ICONIC Union Jack dress, and more nipples.

In this episode, we become VJs and discuss the release and videos of the singles "Wannabe", "Say You'll Be There", and "2 Become 1". We deep dive into the hidden meaning of 2 Become 1 and also talk about nipples.... a lot. Have we mentioned this podcast is for adult audiences only?  

This time we talk about the girls' ascent to fame, how they got their names, and what "Girl Power" even means. This period is marked by issues long left in society's past: sexism, fatphobia, racism, and classism! Yay! Have a listen!