English from all angles. A 9-minute unusual podcast to improve your English. Enlarge your vocabulary, practice phrasal verbs and learn expressions as you improve your listening and speaking skills.
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Do you find yourself jumping Straight to the Comments only to wonder why online threads are so addictive? Join Lisa and Sarah, two longtime friends, as they dissect online comments, discuss pop culture and examine how it impacts their own lives. Straight to the Comments dives head first into both the comedic value and deeper meaning of gossip and why we can’t get enough. This is Gossip without the Guilt. Hosted by 2 Brits abroad, Lisa Williams, a communications consultant living in Oslo, and ...
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Is it fate? Is it destiny? Is it karma? Or is it simply luck? Do you believe in luck? What makes you lucky? Do have a lucky charm? What about jinxes? Are you really ready to improve your pronunciation? Well, then here we go….By Drew Crosby
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Why am I asking you to repeat this? Because by doing so you’ll improve your grammar, listening comprehension and pronunciation. Give it a shot.By Drew Crosby
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It’s time for action, as opposed to lounging around. It’s time for action, as opposed to loafing around. It’s time for action, as opposed to lazing around. You get the idea: “as opposed to” means “rather than” and we use it a lot in English. So, tune in and take advantage of this podcast, as opposed to missing your opportunity to improve your Engli…
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1
The Return of Reddit Roulette: Secret Money & Trauma Dumping
47:50
47:50
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In the last episode of Season 3, we bring back Reddit Roulette (from Season 1, episode 10) - our mashup of all things Reddit and Chatroulette . We spin the wheel to discuss who the a****** is in a relationship conflict, as well as discussing trauma dumping, how to navigate financial disparity in relationships, and the big topic of boundaries. Are t…
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Elizabeth and Damian Hurley, boundaries and naughty cats
25:22
25:22
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25:22
When Damian Hurley released his debut film, "Strictly Confidential," people were shocked that he directed raunchy scenes starring his own mother, Elizabeth Hurley. From critics labelling their relationship as "disturbing" to others dismissing them as mere "publicity hounds," we dissect some of the fierce responses to this erotic thriller and reflec…
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Love, as an older woman: Sam Taylor-Johnson, Kylie Minogue and Drew Barrymore
56:34
56:34
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Cougar, MILF, or even a tragic singleton like 'Bridget Jones', today, we are looking at all the comments used to describe older women when it comes to love and dating. Sam Taylor-Johnson, in the promotion of her new Amy Winehouse film, is facing renewed scrutiny over her marriage to Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is 23 years her junior. We talk about th…
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With fewer complications and less distraction, the 70’s were pretty simple, weren’t they? Are they coming back? Tune in to find out more while you improve your English.By Drew Crosby
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Rebel's Revelations, Wino Forever and Lizzo Quits?
35:20
35:20
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A year on since we did our "Fatshaming" episode featuring Adele, Rebel Wilson, and Lizzo, we find the three women are once again the centre of attention due to discussions about their weight. With Lizzo announcing she is "quitting" due to body-shaming and Rebel claiming in her new memoir "Rebel Rising" that Adele "hates her" because they were both …
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“My Emotional Truth”: The Case of Hasan Minhaj, Prince Harry and Jay Shetty
50:05
50:05
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Since Oprah brought self-help and therapy speak into the mainstream, more and more people have been talking about “speaking my truth” over telling the truth. From Prince Harry to Britney Spears, the celebrity memoir has often been sold as the chance to read their “personal truths”. But what does this really mean? And are there different types of tr…
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Meghan Markle’s new brand launch and is Temu stalking us all?
31:37
31:37
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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is back with the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Today, we are examining the mixed (putting it mildly) reactions to her launch, particularly the responses to The Cut’s Instagram post, questioning the timing of her launch. Did Meghan really deliberately time her launch to divert attention from …
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Who do you think you are? The transformation of Geri Halliwell
45:15
45:15
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From her iconic Union Jack dress and Girl Power persona to her current all-white dress code and role as the “devoted wife”, today we are exploring the online reactions to Geri Halliwell’s transformation. Has she really abandoned her working class roots by “marrying up”, or is this just part of growing up and evolving? And are commenters justified i…
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Spring-cleaning means deep cleaning those areas that you don’t clean on a regular basis. Hard-to-reach areas. Under the carpets. Beneath the couch. And now is the time to do it. As usual, in this podcast you’ll learn tons…expressions, pronunciation and speaking tips and new concepts and vocabulary. Don’t miss it!…
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Our situation with the Daily Mail, plus comments about International Women’s Day
30:25
30:25
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Right in time for International Women’s Day and our one year anniversary, the Daily Mail launches a new podcast, called "Straight to the Comments!" - fronted by 2 young male presenters. We go into it in today’s episode. Plus, we have our comments guessing game about a funny topic and discuss the importance of Women’s Day in 2024. How much has chang…
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Health Conspiracy Theories: Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez & Jamie Foxx
43:52
43:52
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Today, we are discussing the internet's relentless speculation surrounding Kate Middleton's recent surgery announcement. From genuine concern to mind-bending conspiracy theories, we explore the reactions to this news. We also investigate the trend of celebrities, like Selena Gomez, openly discussing their medical issues. On the flip side, we delve …
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Jodie Foster vs Gen Z, Plato and Justin Timberlake's no-apology
25:24
25:24
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Welcome back to Season 3's first Mini! We're kicking things off with our comment guessing game, a topic that we believe will stir up strong emotions among Gen Xers (and perhaps even millennials). Then, we'll dive into Justin Timberlake's no-apology stance on the Britney Spears drama and explore the phenomenon of apology tours. Finally, we'll wrap i…
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It’s February, the month of love, and this year it has 29 days, making it a leap year. In this episode, Drew discusses silent letters, steak doneness (yes, “doneness” is a word!) and taking leaps of faith.By Drew Crosby
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Criminals as Celebrities: Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Anna Delvey
51:03
51:03
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Today, we are exploring the "celebrification" of criminals in the age of social media, particularly that of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Anna Delvey. Gypsy Rose Blanchard, recently released from prison for the murder of her mother, and Anna Delvey, a con-artist currently under house arrest in New York, have become prime examples of how criminals can no…
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When it comes to expressions and new vocabulary, this episode is chock-full. You’ll learn “step up to the plate,” “taunting,” “go out on a limb”, “ill will”… And as regular listeners know, the key to speaking English better is by imitating Drew. Give it a shot!By Drew Crosby
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Decorations: Putting Them Up and Taking Them Down. EP 160
9:47
9:47
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Are you ready to improve your speaking and pronunciation? All you have to do is imitate Drew. Try it and you’ll see – it really does work! In this episode, Drew discusses one of his favorite Christmas decorations: popcorn garland.By Drew Crosby
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Happy New Year! It’s almost the end of 2023, and we are talking today about our predictions for 2024. Will we see a rise in deepfake content? Will Barbie dominate Oppenheimer at the Oscars? Will it be the end of superhero films? What happened to Brie Larson? We also discuss what we cannot wait to see in 2024. Plus, possibly the worst idea for a mus…
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Christmas Special: Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Madonna, Alice Evans and Zac Efron
42:30
42:30
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42:30
We have a jam-packed, tinsel-draped Christmas bonanza episode for you today. We're talking about the cult of Taylor Swift, why Swedish fans were left cold by Beyoncé, and Madonna's big tour comeback. We also have an update on Alice Evans, who recently stated she might have to work at Starbucks to make ends meet after her divorce from Ioan Gruffudd.…
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The economy isn’t creating any new jobs because consumers aren’t spending any money. Consumers aren’t spending any money because the economy isn’t creating any new jobs. Ah, the vicious circle. Tune in for more! Also, how easy is it for you to tell time in English? Check it out.By Drew Crosby
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Conspicuous Consumption at Christmas: From Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian
46:27
46:27
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'Tis the season for Instagram-perfect Christmas posts, and today we're focusing on Kate Hudson and Kim Kardashian, who love to showcase their picture-perfect holiday celebrations. But why do their extravagant displays often spark comments calling them out of touch and vain? Join us in this episode as we unravel the allure of conspicuous consumption…
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Dough, through, rough, tough…Check your pronunciation of these words and include a new one into your vocabulary arsenal: trough. We also review “would” and “used to” for describing repeated actions in the past. Don’t miss it!By Drew Crosby
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Update: The Case of James Corden & Ellen plus Drew Barrymore and Kelly Clarkson
1:04:41
1:04:41
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Before we return in December with our Christmas specials, enjoy a re-run of our most popular episode of 2023, 'When the Mask Skips: The Case of James Corden & Ellen.' We introduce the episode with the latest news about James Corden's new SiriusXM radio job and break down some of the online reactions. Also, we ask why have we seen the downfall of so…
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Cosy Murder, Riot Rose, and a Government Run by Ocean’s 11.
20:10
20:10
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In this week’s mini, we’re talking reboots and “cosy murder mysteries”. A massively popular genre, but can rebooting classics ever really capture the magic, and is this a place for AI to be put to use? We're also shimmying down the rabbit hole of Celebrity baby names, and what people are saying about Rihanna’s latest baby name: creative and cool or…
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Hundreds of thousands of people affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl left their homes in search of a better life, and Route 66 promised to take them to a land of opportunity and prosperity. Learn about the Mother Road that runs from Chicago to LA, as you practice -and improve- your English.…
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The Dark Side of a Former Golden Boy: Justin Timberlake
42:08
42:08
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42:08
Last week, Justin Timberlake apparently turned off the comments on his Instagram because of the "hateful, disgusting things people were saying". The once golden boy has become the target of one of the biggest backlashes we've seen since starting the podcast. With the release of Britney Spears' book, 'The Woman in Me,' we're investigating why he's f…
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The Rise of AI Girlfriends, Your 40s and a Christmas Fantasy
17:52
17:52
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Today in our mini-episode, we are talking about the rise of AI girlfriends and the idea of creating a "dream partner" that fulfills all desires. We explore how these virtual partners are being promoted primarily as adult entertainment and their potential long-term effects on both men and women. That’s not all, we are also talking about Sarah turnin…
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What are the top 10 must-see movies? Well, that’s very subjective, but Drew gives you Roger Ebert’s version right here. Check it out. Are you a big Breaking Bad fan? What are some of the series’ iconic sites in Albuquerque? You’ll find out…By Drew Crosby
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Celebrity Witch Accusations: From Emma Watson to Beyoncé
40:53
40:53
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The comment sections have been bubbling for years with claims that certain celebrities are secretly witches and are embracing the dark arts. But why? In this episode, we explore the modern-day concept of witches, from the rise of WitchTok to Emma Watson celebrating her 'coven.' Why are so many powerful women, from JLo, Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks to Kyli…
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Classified information, lawsuits and Tom Cruise
23:08
23:08
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This week's mini tackles 'the most important story ever,' which involves David Grush and allegations of government cover-ups. We also go into the recent fallout between the Sounds Like A Cult podcast hosts, Amanda Montell and Isa Medina. What caused Amanda to sue her co-host for half a million dollars? And last but certainly not least, we explore t…
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Goth Girl vs. Scream Queens: From Jenna Ortega to Kim Kardashian
42:28
42:28
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42:28
Join us as we delve into the dark side of comments in our Halloween specials throughout October. Today, we explore the incredible rise of Jenna Ortega, from her role in the classic slasher franchise Scream to her viral performance in Tim Burton's Wednesday. Vogue has called Ortega the ultimate 'new-age goth girl,' but is this revival merely about f…
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Florence Pugh’s sheer dress backlash and is the BBC worth it?
18:42
18:42
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This week in our mini-episode, Sarah tries to guess the comments to a big ongoing story. Then, we answer your questions, including Florence Pugh's daring red-carpet fashion choices and reminisce about the 90s trend of see-through dresses (remember that Kate Moss dress?). We also talk about overpaid stars and what Kim Kardashian's next career move c…
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Are you ready to put your listening comprehension into high gear? If so, tune in to hear more about Drew’s Route 66 adventure. Lafayette Square in St. Louis, the Cherokee Nation in Vinita, coffee beans in Clinton, barbecue in Amarillo, biscuits and gravy in Tucumcari…The story continues.By Drew Crosby
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Playing the Victim: The Case of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
35:16
35:16
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This week, we are talking about the breakup of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner and the PR wars that started even before the divorce papers were filed. The media started publishing an onslaught of rumours from “sources” close to Jonas, painting him as the victim in the relationship, and Turner as a runaway mother and wannabe party-girl. But not everyone…
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Introducing our Minis! School Stationery, Elon Musk and Etiquette
18:24
18:24
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Introducing "Straight to the Comments Minis," our new series of bite-sized episodes that will drop in between our regular deep-dive episodes. Join us this week as we go back to 80s and 90s school and talk stationery, school uniforms, and whether Sarah actually was in a school or a secret monastery. Also, Lisa tries to guess from some comments, whic…
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Stops along Drew’s Route 66 trip included: Chicago, St. Louis, Joplin, Clinton, Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Kingman, Las Vegas and Santa Monica. In this episode, he shares highlights from his road trip from beginning to end. So, get your kicks with this, the first “chapter” of his experiences on what John Steinbeck dubbed the “Mother Road.”…
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Trophy Wives: The Case of Kevin Costner and Kanye West
42:45
42:45
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Dive into the world of Trophy Wives with us this week. From the iconic Krystal Carrington in Dynasty to TikTok's latest obsession with #TrophyWifeGoals, we're unpacking the concept and asking the question: Is it ever ok to call someone a Trophy Wife? We go through lots of reactions to Kevin Costner's divorce drama with his estranged "trophy" second…
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The idea of being a “Karen” has become a major phenomenon in the last few years. From viral videos, halloween costumes, a movie, and themed diners it has become a term that is widely used. In this episode we’re trying to untangle - what does it really mean to be called a Karen? And why are so many people fixated on viral videos showcasing Karen beh…
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Not a Woman’s Woman? The Case of Ariana Grande and Megan Fox
40:23
40:23
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Ariana Grande was recently called “not a girl’s girl” by Lily Jay, the estranged wife of her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, after finding herself embroiled in the middle of their messy breakup. But what is a girl’s girl or a woman’s woman? What is it about some women that rubs other women up the wrong way? And is it just jealousy? This week we’re div…
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Barbie: The Nostalgia We Need or Another Agenda?
47:17
47:17
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Today, we are undressing the layers of Barbie glitter and hype to explore what is really going on with her monumental comeback. Is this Barbie revival the nostalgic tonic we need, or simply a last-ditch attempt to resuscitate the Barbie brand from a bygone era? Can she ever really be a feminist icon? We talk about Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken, M…
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Are Gossip Blinds Dangerous? From Hollywood Secrets to BBC Scandals
42:04
42:04
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Today, we're diving into the world of blind gossip. Rumours that keep you guessing, but never reveal the subject's true identity. During last week’s anonymous BBC sex pic scandal a frenzy of online speculation included a range of well-known names, including Gary Lineker and Jeremy Vine, until Huw Edwards was publicly named. We’re also going to be l…
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Your English will get much better if you listen to Crosby’s 9. Let that sink in. Wait! What does “let that sink in” mean? Tune in and find out. By the way, what is “sync” short for? What is “decaf” short for? And “info”? What does NASA stand for? And GPS? Short for vs. stand for…check it out in this episode.…
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The Dark Allure of Tragedy: The Case of the Titan Sub Disaster
37:21
37:21
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The world was gripped when OceanGate’s Titan submersible went missing on its descent to visit the Titanic wreck. Fuelled by relentless 24/7 news coverage, the internet went into overdrive with mocking memes and ‘eat the rich’ jokes at the expense of the 5 wealthy passengers, while a full-scale rescue mission was under way. With billions of views on…
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Entertainment or Porn? From HBO’s The Idol to OnlyFans
48:18
48:18
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And we're back! This week, we're exploring the increasingly blurred lines between entertainment and porn, diving into the critical reactions surrounding HBO's show, "The Idol," and the controversial social media app, OnlyFans. The Idol, featuring Lily Rose Depp and The Weeknd, and directed by Sam Levinson, has been promoted by HBO as a "revelatory …
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Here’s a phrasal verb you need to start using: to cut out. Question: What would happen if you cut out sugar? What would the consequences be? Tune in and find out! Drew also explains the expression, “no shirt, no shoes, no service,” among others.By Drew Crosby
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By now, you’re surely good at recognizing all the “difficult” letters in English. Listen to this podcast and test yourself. Also, tune in for a simple tip on how to sound more like a native English speaker by using the interrogative structure for emphasis. And there’s practice on the conditional.By Drew Crosby
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JLo and ’The One’: The Case of Selling the Romantic Ideal
48:39
48:39
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Jennifer Lopez is undeniably a megastar - she sings, she dances, she acts and has multiple product lines. But a big part of her story has been her very public love life. The rekindling of her romance with Ben Affleck has been touted as a perfect example of the long awaited ‘happy ever after’. However, not everyone is buying it, especially as this i…
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Pedro Pascal as the Internet’s ‘Daddy’: Harmless Fun or Going Too Far?
44:37
44:37
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Pedro Pascal is riding a career-high with The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, but it is his newfound status as the "Internet's Daddy" and even “Cool Slutty Daddy” that has everyone talking. From playful memes to increasingly graphic thirst tweets, it seems all that anyone, including the mainstream media, wants to discuss with him - becoming the go-…
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