Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke takes a look at two companies that have made a stir with the public for very different reasons.
First, we have American Eagle’s GOOD GENES campaign with Sydney Sweeney that has been a lightning rod across social media. Lots of hand wringing over the campaign and choice of words and people calling for Sydney Sweeney’s head. CALM DOWN EVERYONE! In an uproar that mainly lived in TikTok and then bled out on Twitter, Brooke gives a look into some of the reactions and explains why. This was ALL so avoidable. But also, CALM DOWN EVERYONE.
Then, we look at the company at the center of KISS CAMGATE and that is Astronomer. They hired Chris Martin’s consciously uncoupled ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow as “temporary spokesperson” for a tongue in cheek video that definitely raised more awareness of the brand but PERHAPS wasn’t in the best of taste? The Internet is divided!
And lastly, the ‘90s are BACK. From Oasis to the Backstreet Boys to Justin Timberlake and some fashion moments…we are back, baby.
This week’s newsletter:
https://popculturemondays.com/2025/07/28/the-brand-campaigns-edition/
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!