You Can Call Me, Karen

Manni, Steph, Karen
  • 4.8 (19)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

 90s nostalgia. Early 2000s chaos. One of them is actually named Karen. You Can Call Me Karen is the pop culture podcast for anyone who grew up on reality TV, survived the early internet, and still has opinions about all of it.

  1. 15h ago

    Alanis Morissette and Pure Feminine Rage

    Remember when Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill took over the ’90s? This week on You Can Call Me Karen, Karen, Stephanie, and Manikka revisit the music, memories, and cultural impact of one of the decade’s most iconic alternative rock albums. From the unforgettable energy of “You Oughta Know,” “Ironic,” “You Learn,” and “Hand in My Pocket” to the raw emotion and feminist themes behind Alanis’s music, the hosts explore why her songs connected so deeply with a generation of women. They also discuss her early pop-star days, the stories behind her music, and the nostalgia of listening to an entire album from beginning to end—including those hidden bonus tracks that made ’90s CDs so special. Before diving into Alanis, the hosts tackle their latest Who You Calling Karen? discussion, calling out misogynistic online comments, the double standards surrounding women’s opinions, and the way sports culture can excuse or overlook serious issues involving men. It’s an episode full of ’90s memories, alternative rock nostalgia, candid conversations about feminism and the patriarchy, and plenty of laughs along the way. What did Jagged Little Pill mean to you? Tell us your favorite Alanis song in the comments! Timeline Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back & ’90s Nostalgia 01:45 Friendship Stories & The Karen of the Week 05:00 Misogyny, Online Hate & Double Standards 08:00 Why Does Football Get a Free Pass? 15:00 Alanis Morissette’s Pop-Star Beginnings 18:00 Jagged Little Pill & Feminine Rage 23:00 “You Oughta Know” & the Stories Behind the Music 27:00 The Raw Emotion Behind an Iconic Album 35:00 Alanis Beyond Jagged Little Pill & the ’90s Music Quiz 48:00 Secret Tracks, Feminism & Alanis’s Lasting Legacy Subscribe to You Can Call Me Karen for more nostalgia, pop culture, social commentary, and everything in between Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youcancallmekaren_pod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouCanCallMeKaren Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/you-can-call-me-karen/id1772363740 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GQ4PcB1iIMxNpjlA1HfiZ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yccmkpod Substack: https://yccmk.substack.com/ Credits As always, a huge thank you to: Steve Olszewski for the artwork and images Calid B and **SJ Fadeaway** for the musical mixing and production * **Malvina Reynolds** (writer) and **Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP)** (publisher) for the song *"Little Boxes"* Thank you for supporting independent podcasting and the You Can Call Me Karen community.

    Alanis Morissette and Pure Feminine Rage

  2. Sep 22

    Who Really Gets to Be a DCC? Favoritism, Netflix, and the Reality TV Machine

    What really determines who gets picked for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders? In this episode of You Can Call Me Karen, we're back together in person and diving into DCC, Netflix reality TV, casting, storytelling, and the way women's sports are portrayed online. We start with America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and question some of the show's biggest storytelling choices. Why do incredibly talented dancers get cut? Is DCC judging based purely on dance ability, or are personality, appearance, media presence, and other factors part of the equation? We also discuss whether Netflix may be thinking beyond the current season when it decides which dancers become major characters on the show—and how reality TV can shape our perception of the people we're watching. From there, the conversation expands into women's sports and the WNBA, including the intense online debates surrounding women's basketball, social media reactions, and the way attention can sometimes overshadow the actual achievements of female athletes. It's a conversation about reality TV, fandom, women's sports, social media, media narratives, and who gets to control the story. And, as always, there are plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and a little chaos along the way. 🎧 New episodes of You Can Call Me Karen cover pop culture, nostalgia, reality TV, social commentary, and the things that make us ask: Are we the Karens? Timeline Chapters 00:00 We Finally Record Together Again 03:00 Karen Stories & Behind-the-Scenes Chaos 08:30 We're Talking DCC Again 16:00 Reality TV Spoilers & Why Timing Matters 22:00 Who Really Gets Picked for DCC? 29:00 Talent vs. Personality, Appearance & “The It Factor” 36:00 Is Netflix Creating the Next Season's Storylines? 44:00 DCC, Football & the Role of Women's Visibility 53:00 The WNBA, Online Controversy & Women's Sports 59:00 Why Can't Women Just Have Their Moment? Reference: Sports gossips Show / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-sweethearts-season-3-on-netflix-reveals-the/id1769969236?i=1000774171325 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youcancallmekaren_pod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouCanCallMeKaren Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/you-can-call-me-karen/id1772363740 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GQ4PcB1iIMxNpjlA1HfiZ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yccmkpod Substack: https://yccmk.substack.com/ Huge Thanks to: Steve Olszewski for the artwork and images William P. for the video editing Calid B and **SJ Fadeaway** for the musical mixing and production * **Malvina Reynolds** (writer) and **Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP)** (publisher) for the song *"Little Boxes"* Thank you for supporting independent podcasting and the You Can Call Me Karen community

    Who Really Gets to Be a DCC? Favoritism, Netflix, and the Reality TV Machine

  3. Sep 9

    Dark Side of DCC Fame

    Who gets to decide who's a “real” Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader—and who's only there for fame We are back from our summer break!! In this episode of You Can Call Me Karen, we're diving back into Netflix's America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and taking a closer look at Season 3's biggest themes. This time, the conversation goes far beyond dance and tryouts. We talk about influencer culture, social media fame, money, labor, beauty standards, and the show's obsession with whether the women are there “for the right reasons.” Why are dancers criticized for wanting to build their personal brands when professional athletes do the same thing? Why does the show seem suspicious of women who want to turn their visibility into financial opportunities? And if Netflix chooses which dancers become the stars of the series, how much control do the dancers really have over their own narrative? We also get into the economics of being a DCC, including the discussion around low pay, multiple jobs, brand deals, and the enormous amount of aesthetic and emotional labor expected from the cheerleaders. Then things get even deeper: cheerleading, patriarchy, “tradwife” culture, Reddit, Netflix's storytelling, and whether the real villain of the season might actually be the system itself. And, of course, we couldn't finish without making our predictions for next season—including who might return, who could become the next antagonist, and what happens when social media becomes part of the DCC machine. Reference: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-sweethearts-season-3-on-netflix-reveals-the/id1769969236?i=1000774171325 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youcancallmekaren_pod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouCanCallMeKaren Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/you-can-call-me-karen/id1772363740 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GQ4PcB1iIMxNpjlA1HfiZ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yccmkpod Substack: https://yccmk.substack.com/ As always, a huge thank you to: Steve Olszewski for the artwork and images William P. for the video editing Calid B and SJ Fadeaway for the musical mixing and production * Malvina Reynolds (writer) and Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP) (publisher) for the song "Little Boxes" Thank you for supporting independent podcasting and the You Can Call Me Karen community.

    Dark Side of DCC Fame

  4. Aug 7

    I Won a Trip to TRL?

    Before TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and viral trends, there was TRL. In this episode of You Can Call Me Karen, we're taking a nostalgic trip back to MTV's Total Request Live (TRL)—the countdown show that defined an entire generation. Hosted by Carson Daly, TRL wasn't just a music show; it was a daily event that influenced pop culture, launched careers, and determined which artists dominated the charts. We revisit the unforgettable era of Britney Spears, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Blink-182, Eminem, Limp Bizkit, Destiny's Child, and more, while sharing our favorite memories of rushing home after school to catch the latest countdown. Before diving into TRL nostalgia, we also share a hilarious Karen of the Week story about airport etiquette, boarding groups, and why traveling seems to bring out everyone's inner Karen. If you grew up in the late '90s or early 2000s, this episode is a nostalgic ride through one of MTV's greatest eras. YCCMK is covering 90s nostalgia, pop culture, movies, music, reality TV, and everything in between. + References The Punk Rock MBA - The Rise & Fall of TRL (From Korn to Britney Spears) https://youtu.be/MryKhN7KmDc Instagram - TRL Tuesday July 7, 2001 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DafQakIh-dw/?igsh=MWRheWQ4NGZ6M283ag== Destiny’s Child performs “Lose My Breath” - November 8, 2004 https://youtu.be/XiCd_cJzAao Destiny’s Child - Bonus performance “Soldier” https://youtu.be/tzBRWSW74F4 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youcancallmekaren_pod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouCanCallMeKaren Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/you-can-call-me-karen/id1772363740 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GQ4PcB1iIMxNpjlA1HfiZ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yccmkpod Substack: https://yccmk.substack.com/ Credits + CTA on socials follow us: on Instagram + Youtube (@youcancallmekaren) TikTok (@YCCMKPod) Substack @YCCMK As always - a big thank you to Steve Olszewski for the art and images, Calid B and SJ Fadeaway for the musical mixings, and huge credit to Malvina Reynolds (writer) and Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP) (publisher) of the song “Little Boxes

    I Won a Trip to TRL?

  5. Jul 21

    Is Tonya Harding America's Most Misunderstood Athlete?

    For decades, Tonya Harding has been remembered for one of the biggest scandals in sports history. But is the story we all grew up believing actually true? In this episode of You Can Call Me Karen, we revisit the infamous Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan controversy through a modern lens. We unpack how the media shaped public opinion, why Tonya became one of America's most misunderstood athletes, and how classism, abuse, and sensationalized headlines influenced the way the world saw her. We also explore Tonya's incredible achievements as a figure skater, the challenges she faced growing up, the lasting impact of the attack on Nancy Kerrigan, and whether history has judged her fairly. This isn't just a story about sports—it's a conversation about media narratives, public perception, and how complex people are often reduced to a single headline. Whether you remember watching the 1994 Winter Olympics live or you're discovering this story for the first time, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the most talked-about moments in pop culture and sports history. References https://www.thebeliever.net/remote-control/ https://open.spotify.com/episode/6L1kt3hEjxhXwlZK6LKjzS 🎧 New episodes every week covering 90s nostalgia, pop culture, true stories, and the moments that shaped a generation. Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youcancallmekaren_pod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouCanCallMeKaren Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/you-can-call-me-karen/id1772363740 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GQ4PcB1iIMxNpjlA1HfiZ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yccmkpod Substack: https://yccmk.substack.com/ A huge thank you to: Steve Olszewski — Artwork & Images Calid B & SJ Fadeaway — Musical Mixing & Production Malvina Reynolds (writer) and Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP) (publisher) for the song "Little Boxes" Thank you for supporting the You Can Call Me Karen community.

  6. Jul 13

    Before Love Island, There Was MTV's Singled Out

    Before Love Island, Love Is Blind, and The Bachelor, there was MTV's Singled Out. In this episode of You Can Call Me Karen, we're diving into one of the most iconic—and chaotic—dating shows of the 90s. Hosted by Jenny McCarthy and Chris Hardwick, Singled Out wasn't just entertaining; it helped shape the blueprint for today's reality dating television. We compare the show's outrageous format with modern dating series like Love Island, discuss whether reality TV is now more about entertainment than finding love, and explore how social media has completely changed what audiences expect from contestants and hosts. Along the way, we revisit unforgettable 90s pop culture moments, including Boy Meets World, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, Jenny McCarthy's rise on MTV, and why the internet has transformed fame forever. If you grew up watching MTV after school or remember the golden era of 90s television, this episode is a nostalgic trip you won't want to miss. 🎧 New episodes every week covering nostalgia, pop culture, social commentary, and everything in between. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singled_Out https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Singled_Out https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Series/SingledOut https://alchetron.com/Singled-Out Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youcancallmekaren_pod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouCanCallMeKaren Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/you-can-call-me-karen/id1772363740 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GQ4PcB1iIMxNpjlA1HfiZ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yccmkpod Substack: https://yccmk.substack.com/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a fellow 90s kid. New episodes drop every week covering nostalgia, pop culture, social commentary, and everything in between. 🙏 Credits As always, a huge thank you to: Steve Olszewski** for the artwork and images William P.** for the video editing Calid B** and SJ Fadeaway for the musical mixing and production Malvina Reynolds** (writer) and Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP) (publisher) for the song "Little Boxes"* Thank you for supporting independent podcasting and the You Can Call Me Karen community.

    Before Love Island, There Was MTV's Singled Out

  7. Jun 22

    The Boy Band War That Divided A Generation

    NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys: The Boy Band Battle That Defined a  Were you Team NSYNC or Team Backstreet Boys? In this nostalgic episode of You Can Call Me Karen, we're revisiting one of the biggest pop culture rivalries of the late 90s and early 2000s. From TRL countdown battles and teen magazine posters to sold-out concerts and unforgettable music videos, we take a deep dive into the boy band phenomenon that defined a generation. We discuss the origins of both groups, their connections through the Mickey Mouse Club, the influence of Lou Pearlman, the rise of MTV's TRL, and why fans were so fiercely loyal to their favorite group. Along the way, we share our personal memories, favorite songs, embarrassing fan moments, and whether either group still holds up today. Whether you were screaming for Justin Timberlake, crushing on Nick Carter, or just enjoying the music, this episode is a fun trip back to the golden era of boy bands. 🎧 New episodes every week covering nostalgia, pop culture, social commentary, and everything in between. ## 📱 Follow Us Instagram & YouTube: https://www.@youcancallmekaren TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yccmkpod Substack: https://yccmk.substack.com/  🎧 Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a fellow 90s kid. New episodes drop every week covering nostalgia, pop culture, social commentary, and everything in between.  🙏 Credits As always, a huge thank you to: * Steve Olszewski for the artwork and images * William P. for the video editing * Calid B and SJ Fadeaway for the musical mixing and production * Malvina Reynolds (writer) and Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP) (publisher) for the song "Little Boxes" Thank you for supporting independent podcasting and the You Can Call Me Karen community.

    The Boy Band War That Divided A Generation

  8. Jun 11

    The Movie That Defined an Entire Generation And We Didn't Realize It! EP41

    "As if!" Nearly 30 years later, Clueless is still one of the most iconic teen comedies ever made — but is it actually much more than that? In this episode, we revisit Amy Heckerling's 1995 classic and unpack what Cher Horowitz, Beverly Hills fashion, and era-defining slang actually say about growing up, social status, dating culture, and the decade that shaped us. We get into the film's cultural legacy, the language that crept into everyday life, the symbolism hiding in plain sight, and why new generations keep finding their way back to it. Whether you're a longtime fan or somehow watching it for the first time — this one's for you. REFERENCES GradeSaver — Clueless Study Guide & Analysis Baylor Lariat — Clueless Epitomizes the 90s Babbel — The Language of Clueless Journal Dialogue — Postmodern Visual Dynamics in Clueless FOLLOW US Instagram & YouTube: @youcancallmekaren TikTok: @yccmkpod Substack: yccmk.substack.com CREDITS Artwork by Steve Olszewski · Music by Calid B & SJ Fadeaway · "Little Boxes" written by Malvina Reynolds, published by Schroder Music Co. (ASCAP)

    The Movie That Defined an Entire Generation And We Didn't Realize It! EP41
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4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

 90s nostalgia. Early 2000s chaos. One of them is actually named Karen. You Can Call Me Karen is the pop culture podcast for anyone who grew up on reality TV, survived the early internet, and still has opinions about all of it.

Information

  • Creator
    Manni, Steph, Karen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Manni, Steph, Karen
  • Show Website
    You Can Call Me, Karen