Ep 111 - Love in an Elevator

This week Josh and Sean discuss the recent midterm election results in the USA including the impressive results for Abdul El-Sayed, James Talarico, and Gina Hinojosa. Are these victories really meaningful or is the political system too far gone?Sean shares his fascination of the classic song, Love Hurts. This timeless sad love song has been covered by many artists including Cher, Roy Orbison, Gram Parsons, Nazareth, and even Jason Donovan but who did it best?The episode also features a quick visit to Josh’s Plant Corner as we learn the complexities of the amaryllis family and Sean quickly touches on the life and career of Patsy Kensit.Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #midterms #JamesTalarico #PatsyKensit #plants #AbdulElSayed #GinaHinojosa #EmmerdaleAbout the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodeMark Read from A1 Instagram:www.instagram.com/markreadofficial/Catherine’s Originals Chocolate:catherinesoriginals.com/Moo Free Chocolate:https://www.moofreechocolates.comLove Hurts, performed by Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUr9X3mic_UJust Be Kind Vegan Pet Food (use code FATGAYVEGAN):justbekind.co.ukTheme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by  Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Introduction and Monetization Challenges03:02 A1 Boy Band: A Nostalgic Dive05:57 Midterm Elections: A Political Landscape12:03 Historic Wins in US Politics15:04 The Intersection of Capitalism and Democracy16:58 Vegan Chocolate Wars: Small Brands vs. Giants22:49 Legal Battles in the Food Industry23:41 The Shift Towards Plant-Based Diets25:52 Protests and Cultural Backlash28:44 Trans Rights and Societal Change31:57 The Evolution of Popular Music37:44 Celebrity Culture and Its Impact43:51 Josh's Plant Corner: Amaryllis and Its Significance46:44 Outro

This week Josh and Sean talk about the outrageous cost of using a laundrette in London in 2026. £18 to wash and dry one load of washing? When did this become the way of the worldSean gets everyone up to speed with pop culture news including the new Blondie song written by Johnny Marr, Chappell Roan collaborating with other pop stars, Hedwig and the Angry Inch film reflection tour hitting the UK, and Madonna’s lacklustre album rollout.The episode also features a quick visit to Josh’s Plant Corner and you can give your opinion on which plants look good on the pod!Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #horsecarriageban #NewYorkCity #Blondie #Madonna #Hedwig #londonmusic About the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodePerivale Pigeon Rescue Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/perivale.pigeons.and.pooch/Perivale Pigeon Rescue PayPal Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/perivalepigeonrescueNYCLASS Campaigning for the ban of horse-drawn carriages in NYC:https://nyclass.orgOlivia Rodrigo/Chappell Roan duet:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsZauX8gwxoTheme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by  Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 The Cost of Living Crisis07:02 Updates on Personal Anecdotes09:37 Pop Culture News and Celebrity Deaths13:37 Animal Rights and Activism18:45 New Music Releases and Nostalgia21:15 Madonna's Latest Album: A Critical Review22:56 The Chaos of Promotion: Who's to Blame?25:16 The Changing Landscape of Music Promotion28:43 The Evolution of Music Production32:31 Josh's Plant Corner: An Interactive Segment34:52 Fan Recognition: Do Artists Remember Their Fans?41:44 Concert Experiences: Reflections on Live Music45:21 Outro

This week Josh and Sean talk about You Can See Everything, the Nathan Fielder documentary about convicted fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. Josh digs into his reaction to the film and why he believes it is an important part of pop culture history.Josh also gives us the recap of his recent trip to Nashville, the Smoky Mountains and Dollywood, as well as the special trek to visit the Dolly Parton truck stop. Did he spend a lot of money? Oh, yes!The episode also features news of music legend Alanis Morissette preparing to release a festive album set to feature guest appearances from Steve Martin, Martin Short, and TRANS Voices.Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #Dollywood #DollyParton #ElizabethHolmes #tiramisu #AlanisMorissette #VeganFood #NashvilleAbout the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodeHalloween Dog Social:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/all-treat-no-trick-tickets-2003315325065Theme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Introduction and Late Arrival02:59 Exploring Vegan Delights and Culinary Adventures05:50 Documentary Insights: The Rise and Fall of Theranos11:54 Experiencing Dollywood: A Theme Park Adventure20:53 Dolly Parton's Impact and Legacy23:54 Merchandise and Visitor Experience at Dollywood25:00 Reflections on Travel and Nature30:39 Cultural Observations and Political Climate39:27 Alanis Morissette's Holiday Album Discussion47:00 Outro

This week Josh and Sean talk about the frustration of relying on public transportation in London, from non-stop roadworks to buses that reach scorching temperatures in summer. How does London’s public transport system stack up against other cities including Mexico City and Brisbane?The duo also discuss the reality of what happens to our digital footprints when we die. How easy is it for your next of kin to take ownership of your online content and when will Facebook eventually have more accounts for deceased users than living?The episode also features another instalment of Josh’s Plant Corner! This week Josh talks about his love for palms, in particular Chamaedorea also known as parlour palm.Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #palms #plants #gardening #Brisbane #London #TransportForLondon #MexicoCityAbout the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodeGuardian article on bus journeys around the world:https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2026/sep/23/london-buses-in-terminal-decline-why-public-transport-in-global-cities-is-slowing-to-a-crawl-visualisedScience Alert article about dead users’ data: https://www.sciencealert.com/in-50-years-there-could-be-more-dead-people-on-facebook-than-living-onesFundraising Dinner at Unity Diner:https://www.surgesanctuary.org/shop/p/octobersanctuarysupperclubTheme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Introduction and Chit Chat02:47 Public Transport Woes in London05:38 The State of Buses and Infrastructure08:41 Comparative Analysis of Global Bus Systems11:53 Cycling in Urban Environments14:38 Digital Footprint After Death20:49 Digital Legacy and Ownership28:38 Data Privacy and Control33:42 Horticulture and Plant Enthusiasm46:14 Outro

This week Josh and Sean jump back into one of their most-discussed topics, sharing experiences and thoughts about GLP-1s.The duo share their thoughts on the cost and convenience of the tablet variant of Wegovy and how it stacks up against the injection pens. Are they as affective? Are the tablets better than the pens?The episode also finds Sean sharing his experiences of using a CPAP machine and if he would ever consider the new under tongue implant developed to help people living with obstructive sleep apnea.Josh and Sean also chat about upcoming gigs and music tours, including their surprise at discovering that legacy acts including Kylie Minogue and Tears For Fears opening for Harry Styles on his current tour.Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #CurrentAffairs #GLP1 #Mounjaro #CPAP #Wegovy #HarryStyles #KylieAbout the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodeKath & Kim AFL Grand Final Performance:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Envv51jTcvcFundraising Dinner at Unity Diner:https://www.surgesanctuary.org/shop/p/octobersanctuarysupperclubTheme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:03 Art, Inspiration, and Class Dynamics04:54 Harry Styles and Nostalgia Acts07:55 The CPAP Experience and Alternatives11:02 Innovative Sleep Apnea Solutions16:55 Cultural Commentary and Drag Race UK22:04 Sean's Weight Journey Update25:43 The Impact of Medication on Eating Patterns28:26 Exploring New Medication Options31:47 The Cost of Weight Loss Drugs33:42 The NHS and Access to Weight Loss Drugs35:55 The Emotional Struggles of Weight Management38:53 The Debate on Weight Loss and Health39:51 Concluding Thoughts and Future Updates46:32 Outro

This week Josh and Sean give their views and critiques on Madonna’s much-discussed performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, including the guest appearances by Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX. Opinions are mixed!The duo also discuss the history and impact of Australian pub rock following on from Sean seeing Hoodoo Gurus in concert this week at Electric Ballroom in Camden, 38 years after he first saw them live in Brisbane!The episode also features Josh’s Plant Corner during which he explains his appreciation of the Jubaea chilensis palm and his desire to promote this rare plant species in the UK.Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #Madonna #Australia #PubRock #HoodooGurus #horticulture #SabrinaCarpenter #CharliXCX #VMAsAbout the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodeJubaea chilensis palm fruiting in North London:https://www.instagram.com/p/DdCx1zajPoW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Location of the palm on Google Maps:https://maps.app.goo.gl/vKfLKxAmjwa9droH9Four Course Vegan Supper Club at Dauns Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classic-dauns-vegan-supper-club-tickets-1999718801767Fundraising Dinner at Unity Diner:https://www.surgesanctuary.org/shop/p/octobersanctuarysupperclubTheme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by  Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Jurassic Park and AI in Hollywood05:55 The Impact of AI on Creativity10:50 Exploring Australian Pub Rock22:03 Nostalgia and Concert Experiences23:28 The Legacy of Bands: Commitment vs. Circumstance26:30 Britpop Bands: A Legacy Assessment27:28 Madonna's VMAs Performance: A Mixed Reception33:24 The Evolution of Madonna: Artistic Pressure and Public Expectation34:25 Josh's Plant Corner: Exciting Updates and Future Plans39:17 Upcoming Adventures: Dollywood and Beyond46:46 Outro

This week Josh and Sean are talking a LOT about Lady Gaga.The duo discuss the recent onslaught of news about Gaga including her AI tech company Outer Bio, her super fan Kirill Nguyen being released from prison, and the advertising campaign with Japanese convenience chain Family Mart.The episode also features Josh’s Plant Corner, a new segment in which he shares insights from the world of horticulture! This week’s topic is bulbs.Josh and Sean also chat about Kylie Minogue performing at the AFL Grand Final and music superstar Cyndi Lauper releasing a long lost song after 40 years.Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #CyndiLauper #GagaDaily #OuterBio #FamilyMart #KylieAbout the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodePitchfork interview with Kirill Nguyen:https://pitchfork.com/story/how-the-founder-of-lady-gaga-biggest-fan-site-ended-up-in-prison/New Cyndi Lauper song, The River Cried:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlIEXppriM8Kylie’s AFL Halftime Performance at the MCG:https://youtu.be/dQWkCaLjwCE?si=vLknVgEskyDTeUfZPhoto and video of Josh’s Nerine flower:https://www.instagram.com/p/DdyXNUWEXGK/?img_index=1What The Fuck Is Going On Podcast with Paul Holden:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-193-with-paul-holden-pt-1-the-mcsweeney-project/id1573424189?i=1000790873826Four Course Vegan Supper Club at Dauns Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classic-dauns-vegan-supper-club-tickets-1999718801767Theme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Introduction and Gratitude02:50 Lady Gaga's Unusual Advertising Campaign05:51 The Intersection of Celebrity and Marketing08:46 Gaga's Fan's Remarkable Story11:51 Cyndi Lauper's New Release14:57 Kylie Minogue's Performance at AFL Grand Final22:04 Kylie Minogue's Halftime Show Review26:05 The Evolution of Halftime Shows29:21 Josh's Plant Corner29:58 Heated Rivalry: A Surprising Recommendation32:00 Navigating Controversial Topics39:12 The Complexity of Public Opinion40:27 Celebrities and Social Responsibility47:05 Outro

This week Josh and Sean take on a topic that has dominated the Internet for the past few weeks.The duo share their thoughts on the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran in light of Macklemore being removed as the opening act for a portion of the English performer’s Loop Tour in the USA.The episode touches on the problematic influence of billionaire mogul Robert Kraft which resulted in Seattle rapper Macklemore being made a scapegoat for speaking up against the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people.Josh and Sean also consider the actions of other performers who withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and what impact this whole affair will have on the legacy of artists like Sheeran and Pink.Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #CurrentAffairs #EdSheeran #Pink #Macklemore #tellmewhereimgoingwrong #Gaza #IsraelAbout the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodeFour Course Vegan Supper Club at Dauns Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classic-dauns-vegan-supper-club-tickets-1999718801767Theme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by  Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics02:48 Beard Care and Personal Grooming05:51 AI Concerns and Public Discourse08:55 Celebrity Struggles with Addiction11:43 Isolation in Addiction Recovery14:49 Pop Culture and Celebrity News17:52 Botanical Discoveries and Plant Enthusiasm22:38 The Magic of Live Performances23:41 Controversy in the Music Industry25:44 The Fallout of Macklemore's Statements29:44 The Response from Ed Sheeran and Pink33:36 Solidarity Among Artists37:50 The Bigger Picture: Genocide and Responsibility42:00 Concluding Thoughts on Music and Activism46:59 Outro

This week Josh and Sean dive head first into online rumours that Lady Gaga is now a mother.Breaking news from gossip sites claimed that Gaga and her partner Michael Polansky are proud parents of a recently-born baby. Josh and Sean join in the wild speculation about when the international superstar could possibly have found time to have a child… and if it’s any of their business!The episode also touches on the recent rise in interest about AI and chatbots, especially in light of ex-Anthropic employee Jacob Coxon sharing concerns about AI potentially being harmful to the entire human species.Josh and Sean weigh up if they think we are really in danger from AI or if the scaremongering is all part of a plan to raise more capital and investment.Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #CurrentAffairs #JacobCoxon #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Anthropic #LadyGaga #MichaelPolansky  #tellmewhereimgoingwrongAbout the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodeBlack Box: The Chatbots Podcast:https://www.theguardian.com/technology/series/blackboxFour Course Vegan Supper Club at Dauns Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classic-dauns-vegan-supper-club-tickets-1999718801767Theme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Introduction and Chaos02:34 Carry On Films and British Comedy05:23 Lady Gaga's Surprise Baby11:30 AI and the Future of Humanity17:41 The Dangers of AI and Human Connection22:08 The Intersection of AI and Human Relationships23:31 The Potential Dangers of AI Technology25:40 The Inevitable Downfall: AI and Society27:52 AI in Healthcare: Boon or Bane?30:21 The Economic Impact of AI on Employment32:28 The AI Hype: Investment and Fear-Mongering35:16 The Political Implications of AI37:21 The Reality of AI Capabilities38:28 Personal Reflections and Health Concerns46:18 Outro

This week Josh and Sean share their staggering lack of knowledge when it comes to feminist activist, Gloria Steinem.When it comes to discussing facts about Steinem following her death, Josh and Sean prove little else apart from the fact that Sean knows that she was the stepmother of Christian Bale and founded Ms. magazine.Sean rants about his pet peeve when it comes to the general population not understanding how elevators work. You need to push the up button when you want to call a lift to take you up, people!The episode also checks in on the pair as they continue to come to terms with the sad death of music, movie, and philanthropic megastar Dolly Parton. Will Josh have processed enough grief in order to visit Dollywood next month?Enjoy the ride!#podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #CurrentAffairs #GloriaSteinem #DollyParton #feminism #elevators #tellmewhereimgoingwrong About the HostsJosh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here:https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan Mentioned in this episodeTeen Jesus and the Jean Teasers cover All The Things She Said on Like A Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3yZft2BNTA&list=RDZ3yZft2BNTA&start_radio=1Four-Course Vegan Supper Club at Dauns Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classic-dauns-vegan-supper-club-tickets-1999718801767Theme MusicOur theme music is the song Empty Seat by Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95gChapters00:00 Introduction and Wordle Discussion01:57 Processing Grief: Dolly Parton's Impact04:58 Dolly Fest: A Celebration of Life08:05 Miley Cyrus and Modern Music Trends11:06 Concert Experiences: Teen Jesus and the Gene Teasers13:57 Social Norms at Concerts17:12 Cultural Reflections on Music and Media21:00 Elevator Etiquette and Everyday Frustrations23:05 Elevator Etiquette and Digital Literacy34:26 The Impact of Technology on Human Behaviour44:00 Remembering Gloria Steinem: A Complex Legacy46:30 Outro