Best Tommy Lenk Podcasts (2025)

1
The Framing of Pee-Wee Herman (with Erin Lampart) 1:21:55

Play Pause

7d ago1:21:55

1:21:55

It was a place where everyone was welcome: “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.” This magical fever dream of a show impacted an entire generation of people. It also made such a big star of its creator, Paul Reubens, that when Reubens was arrested after being targeted by Florida police, his reputation had a far way to fall. Joining Tess to talk though the genius o…

1
THE Dress (with Jamie Loftus) 1:02:47

14d ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Was it white and gold or blue and black? The important thing is, when “The Dress” took over the internet for a glorious week in 2015, the internet was still fun. Joining Tess to talk through the historic and fascinating phenomenon of The Dress, and what it says about today’s internet is Jamie Loftus @jamiechristsuperstar (The Bechdel Cast, My Year …

1
The Mysterious Death of Kim Porter 36:28

21d ago36:28

36:28

Sean Diddy Combs’ long-time partner and co-parent died at the young age of 47. At the time, her death was ruled the result of pneumonia, but insiders have expressed suspicions around why Porter really died. Given what’s been alleged about Combs in recent years, Tess unpacks the facts and rumors around Porter’s life and death. Follow Pop Mystery Pod…

1
Why We’re Still Seeing So Many “Stories” About the Lively/Baldoni Case 25:27

28d ago25:27

25:27

It’s been half a year since anything meaningful happened in the Baldoni/Lively case. So why do we keep seeing headlines about it? Tess has some ideas. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw0…

1
The Sean Diddy Combs Trial - Bombshells So Far 26:45

1M ago26:45

26:45

As we cross what appears to be the midpoint of Sean Diddy Combs’ federal trial, Tess rounds up highlights from witnesses like Cassie Ventura and Kid Cudi, and assesses the prosecution and defense’s strategies thus far. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tes…

1
The Dinosaur Movie Whoopi Goldberg Made Under Duress (with Tom Lenk) 1:13:13

1M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Making a dinosaur buddy cop movie is all fun and games, until you’re Whoopi Goldberg and you actually have to shoot this thing with sworn enemies. Joining Tess on this bonkers journey that sent Tess into the courthouse archives is the hilarious Tom Lenk @tommylenk (“Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Tilda Swinton Answ…

1
Patti LuPone Loses It (with Paul Caiola) 1:06:12

2M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

There’s only one Patti LuPone. Which is why the s**t hit the gold plated fan when Andrew Llyod Webber tried to have two Norma Desmonds. Tess is joined by Paul Caiola, one of the hosts of “That Aged Well,” (@thatagedwell) as the two of them dissect the fascinating and high drama turns of Patti Lupone’s “Sunset Blvd,” firing, and the antics that foll…

1
Tommy Boy is Hamlet (with Lisa Chanoux) 1:26:40

2M ago1:26:40

1:26:40

To be, or not to be? Aye, there’s the central question at the heart of the classic work “Tommy Boy” the 1995 broad comedy starring the late Chris Farley. This movie is more than a work of staggering childish genius. It is also a sophisticated adaptation of “Hamlet,” as in, the Shakespeare one. Joining Tess for a close reading of “Tommy Boy” through…

1
Cassidy Ventura: The One That Got Away 40:46

2M ago40:46

40:46

The landslide of allegations against Sean Diddy Combs was started by a singular person - R&B singer Cassie Ventura. Cassie’s allegations formed the framework for the federal case against Sean Combs, which is set to kick off May 5, 2025. Tess takes a deep look into Cassie’s harrowing escape and the surprising stories Cassie’s intersects with. Follow…

1
Selena, Yolanda, and the Room Where It Happened (with Vanessa Gonzalez) 1:19:54

2M ago1:19:54

1:19:54

Selena Quintanilla was 23 years old, and well on her way to becoming an international megastar when she was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldivar, the president of her fan club. Though a biopic starring Jennifer Lopez paints a fairly simple picture of this tragic death, the truth appears less black and white. Only two people really know how and Selen…

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It Takes Two (Episodes) - The Olsen Twins Return (With Guy Branum) 51:58

3M ago51:58

51:58

If there is such a thing as the typical college experience, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, the two most famous child star twins of all time, were probably never going to have it. Nevertheless, they persisted…kind of. Joining Tess to talk through the Olsen twins transition to otherworldly fashion icons is writer, actor, and comic Guy Branum. See Guy’s …

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The Olsen Twins: The Origin Story (With Guy Branum) 53:03

3M ago53:03

53:03

The Olsen twins are endlessly fascinating celebrities. They were selected for stardom before they could walk. They’re both an inspirational story and I cautionary tale. They’re just so important. Joining Tess to talk through the wild mystery that is the Olsen twins existence is writer, actor, and comic Guy Branum. See Guy’s new one-person show “Fru…

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The Mall in Barbra Streisand’s Basement (with Chelsea Devantez) 1:18:14

3M ago1:18:14

1:18:14

Forget skeletons in the closet. Barbra Streisand has a mall. In her basement. Like, a real one. Joining Tess to tour this fascinating and unhinged corner of American architecture is writer, director, and podcaster Chelsea Devantez. Chelsea’s memoir “I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This, But I’m Going to Anyway,” is out now. Her podcast “Glamorous Trash”…

1
Jojo Siwa and Unhappy Pop Star Campers (with Jade Catta-Preta) 1:19:34

3M ago1:19:34

1:19:34

Before she was proclaiming she’d invented “gay pop,” child dance phenom-turned heavily costumed try-hard helmed a junior girl group called XOMG. The group claimed to offer aspiring pop stars as young as 8 years old a line into their show biz dreams. Some claim what followed was a candy-flavored nightmare. Joining Tess to talk through Jojo’s turn as…

1
Sean Diddy Combs: An Alleged Surprise Attack 41:27

4M ago41:27

41:27

“Plaintiff would pay for her statement regarding Tupac.” In this chilling line from an assault case filed against Sean Diddy Combs, legal representatives for Ashley Parham, an alleged victim’s of Sean Combs synopsize what is a shocking and brutal claim of sexual assault by Combs. Parham’s story is deeply disturbing. It also provides telling insight…

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Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni: It Ends Here (For Now) 43:20

5M ago43:20

43:20

Cameras wrap on “It Ends With Us.” Now, the real battle begins. After Blake Lively alleges that she’s been harassed while filming this movie, her attempts at wrestling back agency stall out. Ultimately, Lively is able to get back some power…but at what cost? And who is really making her pay? Tess has sifted through the many legal filings in this ca…

1
Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni: The Beginning 41:21

5M ago41:21

41:21

Betrayal. Gaslighting. Things not being what they seem. These are themes in the movie “It Ends With Us,” but they could also describe the dramatic and seemingly constantly escalating conflict between actor and fashionista Blake Lively and her co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Tess has sifted through the many wordy legal filings and blurry screen…

1
The Beef That Made Billions: Taylor Swift, Kanye West, and Scooter Braun (With Amber Kenny) 1:27:07

6M ago1:27:07

1:27:07

You don’t have to be a Swiftie to know there’s bad blood between Taylor Swift, Kanye West, and Scooter Braun. What exactly went down between these three powerful and strong personalities? Who was really in the wrong here, and how did Kanye taking the mic from Taylor at the VMAs lead to the re-recorded albums known as “Taylor’s Version?” Joining Tes…

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Diddy, Biggie, and Tupac (with Wynter Mitchell Rohrbaugh) 1:34:27

7M ago1:34:27

1:34:27

Few murders have rocked the music world like the untimely deaths of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur. Neither slain rapper has ever had their killer brought to justice. Recent allegations against Sean Diddy Combs, the producer who have Biggie Smalls his start, have forced questions about Diddy’s involvement in this dark and violent tale. Joining Tess…

1
The Babe Vegetarians 43:28

7M ago43:28

43:28

A sweet movie about a talking pig turned a whole new generation of children into vegetarians. Those children often remained vegetarians into adulthood, and played a role in transforming the plant-based food industry. How did “Babe” make such a lasting impact on kids, and why were so many of those ‘90s babes girls? Joining Tess to talk through this …

1
The Bromance of Dennis Rodman and Kim Jong Un (With Megan Koester) 1:06:14

7M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

So this actually happened: one of the most unpredictable and eccentric NBA players of all time put the entire United States (and maybe the whole world) at risk when he found himself cozying up to one of the world’s most notorious dictators. Joining Tess to talk through this strange and hilarious story is writer, actor, and comedian Megan Koester (@…

1
Minisode: Some Thoughts On Britney and the Biopic 19:47

7M ago19:47

19:47

While we’re all lining up to see “Wicked,” Tess has some thoughts on a different upcoming Jon Chu movie musical – the Britney Spears biopic. Britney herself has said on Instagram that this movie, which was optioned from the book “A Woman in Me,” is not actually a biopic. So what is really going on here? Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram,…

1
Madonna and the Kabbalah Craze (with Rachel Fisher and Desi Jedeikin) 1:38:59

7M ago1:38:59

1:38:59

There was a moment in history where it seemed like every celeb was dabbling in Kabbalah - the secretive spiritual practice that set up camp at the bottom of Beverly Hills. Madonna and her many famous friends were all wearing red bracelets and talking about awareness and balance, but for all the press Kabbalah got, Kabbalah’s darker side was pushed …

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What Dan Aykroyd Knows About Aliens (With CJ Sullivan) 1:01:59

8M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Aliens: their existence seems kind of inevitable, right? So why are they such a fringe topic? They’re not, to legendary comedian Dan Aykroyd, who has spent his entire life studying alien encounters. This SNL founding member has a lot to say about extraterrestrials, and Tess brings on comedian CJ Sullivan (@cjsullivanwastaken) to sift through what D…

1
The Crow 39:18

8M ago39:18

39:18

Brandon Lee was supposed to have a long and successful film career. Instead, he died in a freak shooting accident on the set of his breakout film “The Crow.” He was shot by a blank. So how was that shot fatal? Tess talks with professional armorer Mike Tristano about how and why this horrific tragedy occurred. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Inst…

1
The Mobster in Home Alone 2 (Minisode) 15:37

8M ago15:37

15:37

Happy Halloween! We don't talk much about the woman buried at Donald Trump's golf course, huh? This strange and alarming story has been on Tess' mind for a couple years, and the week ahead of election day seems as good a time as any to get into it. Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker Produced by Tyler Hill Theme song by Rick Wood…

1
The Hitman Who Was Woody Harrelson's Dad (with River Butcher) 59:51

8M ago59:51

59:51

Woody Harrelson is a huge movie star. His dad Charles Harrelson was a storied hit man with a fascinating life. The two Harrelsons shared a lot, including the spotlight in twisted various ways. Joining Tess to talk through this strange noir father son story is comedian River Butcher @rivbutcher Listen to the “Son of a Hitman” podcast by Jason Cavana…

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Free Winona 54:02

9M ago54:02

54:02

In 2001, Winona Ryder was arrested for shoplifting clothes at Saks 5th Avenue. This resulted in the creation of a wildly trendy garment - the Free Winona t-shirt. The iconic tee was designed by Billy T @yquetradingpost. Why was the Free Winona fad such a big deal? And why was Winona’s relatively petty theft treated like the crime of the century? Fo…

1
We Are The World (with Lizzy Cooperman) 1:03:50

9M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

In the ‘80s, a gaggle of pop stars pulled an all-nighter to record “We Are the World.” This fever dream of a supergroup hit changed the course of self-serious mega collaborations forever. Comic, writer, and actor Lizzy Cooperman @lizzycooperman joins host Tess Barker to unpack this beautiful and enigmatic moment. Watch “The Greatest Night in Pop” o…

1
Pop Mystery Pod Presents: Burn This Podcast 1:06:04

9M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

Special feed drop! Tess has a stand up album coming out! Brandie Posey, creator of Burn This Records and Tess’s “Lady to Lady” co-host is here with an episode of her podcast “Burn This Podcast” talking to Tess about her album and playing some tracks! “Live from My Birthday Week” is available for purchase or stream everywhere starting 10/4/24. Grab …

1
The Gerbil Up Richard Gere's Butt 39:41

9M ago39:41

39:41

How did leading man Richard Gere become the subject of one of the most enduring and absurd rumors of all time? Investigative journalist takes a deep and twisted dive into how and why this story spread before the internet existed? Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess …

1
The Internet Versus A Missing Song (with Josh Chapdelaine) 58:58

10M ago58:58

58:58

There’s something so unsettling about hearing a melody you can’t quite place. Thankfully, the internet is full of “lost media” detectives who sometimes have amazing success at identifying unknown fragments of visual and audio art. Josh Chapdelaine (@JoshChapdelaine) joins host Tess Barker to discuss the mystery at the heart of his documentary podca…

1
The Melissa Who Isn't Avril Lavigne (with Cristen Conger) 51:49

10M ago51:49

51:49

Avril Lavigne is a grunge pop icon. Or is she? For years, a conspiracy theory has been circulating that the real Avril died shortly after becoming famous, and was replaced by a body double. Joining Tess Barker in this rabbit hole is podcaster Cristen Conger host of “Conspiracy, She Wrote,” and “Unladylike.” Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instag…

1
The Strange Disappearance of the Buffalo Jills 54:37

10M ago54:37

54:37

Ten years ago, Buffalo’s beloved NFL cheerleading squad disbanded abruptly. The dismantling of the Buffalo Jills has left this die-hard sports community pointing fingers. Who is really to blame for the disappearance of the Bill’s cheer squad, and why has it still not returned to Buffalo? Tess interviews former Jills cheerleaders Erin Oliver and Lon…

1
The Blimp Fraud That Built the Backstreet Boys (with Dave Holmes) 1:02:54

10M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Backstreet Boys. Nsync. It’s hard to overstate how larger than life these groups were in the late ‘90s and ‘00s. While millions of girls screamed over these boy bands, though, the guys in the groups were getting royally screwed by the guy who built them: Lou Pearlman. The fraud goes so deep, and gets so weird. Writer and podcaster Dave Holmes @dave…

1
The Jerry Springer Crisis Actors 43:29

11M ago43:29

43:29

For better or (more likely) worse, “The Jerry Springer Show” changed television as we know it. Were the guests on this trainwreck real? Or fakers? Investigative journalists Tess Barker parses through Jerry Springer’s improbable life for clues as to how genuine the guests on his show were. Tess is joined by comics Doug Stanhope @dougstanhope and Ter…

1
All of Lisa Vanderpump's Fires (with Haley Solar) 1:16:28

11M ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Darlings, it’s a Vanderpump mystery! Lisa Vanderpump is an OG Housewife and the ruler of her own Bravo empire. She’s also been the victim of many, many fires. Fashion designer and VPR expert Haley Solar @HaleySolar joins investigative journalist and pop culture junkie Tess Barker to chat through the house of smoke and mirrors that is Lisa Vanderpum…

1
The Dark Truth Behind Those "Pass It On" Billboards 42:29

11M ago42:29

42:29

There’s something unsettling about those “Pass It On” billboards that feature celebrities like Dolly Parton, Whoopi Goldberg, and William Shatner. These ads don’t seem to be selling anything except abstractly positive concepts like perseverance and resilience. But what’s really going on here? Investigative journalist and pop culture junkie uncovers…

1
Vin Diesel vs The Rock (with Brandie Posey) 1:19:48

12M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

Grab your can of nos, cause we’re revving things up! Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker welcomes Brandie Posey @brandazzle (Lady to Lady, Burn This Records, Picture This!) to talk through the real-life soap opera that is The Rock’s feud with Vin Diesel. Beefs don’t get much beefier than this. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, In…

1
Cats: Crime of the Century? 38:56

12M ago38:56

38:56

“Cats” is a musical so ridiculous that it often drives people to anger. So why has this absurd show made so much money, and how does it keep taunting us all with its reemergence into culture? Jellicle journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker is on the case. Featuring interviews with actor Sara Jean Ford (On Broadway: “Phantom of the Op…

1
What Did Erika Jayne Know? (with Emma Gray) 1:14:31

1y ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker welcomes Emma Gray @emmaladyrose (Love to See It podcast, Rich Text newsletter). How much did “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member and Erika Jayne know about her husband, Tom Girardi’s alleged frauds? Tess and Erika sort through the saga of this fallen power couple. Read the LA Times i…

1
Dirty Disney 47:37

1y ago47:37

47:37

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker unpacks a question that’s been nagging her since the ‘90s: Did someone put dirty jokes into classic Disney movies? How? And why? The search for the truth leads Tess to a place she didn't see coming. Guests include Liz Climo (“The Simpsons,” children’s book author & illustrator), Mike Hollingswor…

1
Lindsay Lohan and the Kombucha Industry (with Danielle Perez) 1:05:42

1y ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker invites Danielle Perez @divadelux (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dicks! The Musical, Spiderverse) onto the show for chat through the surprising way Lindsay Lohan’s party girl phase changed the kombucha industry forever. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Insstagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop Mystery…

1
The Blind Side Lie 45:28

1y ago45:28

45:28

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker unpacks the alleged fraudulent actions behind the 2010 hit movie “The Blind Side.” Guests on this episode are Craig Vail, close friend of Michael Oher and Kellie Carter-Jackson @kcarterjackson, Historian, Award Winning Author, Chair of Africana, Wellesley College. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitt…

1
Brittany Murphy's House (with Babs Gray) 1:11:46

1y ago1:11:46

1:11:46

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker invites Babs Gray @babs_gray, her Britney’s Gram and Lady to Lady cohost onto the show for chat through the confounding case of Brittany Murphy’s untimely death. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Insstagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesst…

1
The Bachelor Stalker 49:52

1y ago49:52

49:52

Journalist, comic, and pop culture junkie Tess Barker delves into the underbelly of “The Bachelor” franchise. She uncovers exclusive information about the show’s inner workings. Guests include former contestant Sydney Lotuaco @sydneylotuaco and Steve Carbone @realitysteve. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop …

1
Welcome to Pop Mystery Pod 2:00

1y ago2:00

2:00

Investigative journalist and pop star advocate (#FreeBritney),Tess Barker is back on the entertainment beat. In each episode, Tess delves into the annals of pop culture history. She indulges in one of her favorite hobbies - sifting through court documents. She interviews people who actually lived through this pop culture trivia, and unpacks the det…