Some people call them flacks. Other people call them liars. But if you're in the public eye and suddenly have an image problem, you'll call them your best friend.
AI Summary
Josh and Chuck dive deep into the world of publicists and their complicated relationship with the media in this episode of Stuff You Should Know. They explore what publicists actually do, from crafting the perfect email subject line to managing celebrity crises at 3 AM, and discuss the essential skills needed to succeed in this relationship-driven field. The hosts also examine the ethics of the profession, including when publicists might need to "stretch the truth," and share insights about getting started in publicity work without needing a college degree.
Movies Discussed
America's Sweethearts
"That movie, America's Sweethearts. Did you ever see that with John Cusack? — Chuck brings up this romantic comedy as an example of a movie featuring a publicist character played by Billy Crystal."
— Chuck
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
"I finally saw Dr. Strangelove. Oh, really? Great movie. — Josh mentions finally seeing this Stanley Kubrick film and praises Peter Sellers' performance in it."
— Chuck
Friends
"Who's also on Friends? She played Phoebe's half-brother Giovanni Robisi, played his girlfriend or wife. — Josh mentions that the same actress also appeared on Friends as the girlfriend/wife of Phoebe's half-brother."
— Josh
Hey Dude
"stars of the cult classic show, Hey Dude — Referenced multiple times in podcast ads as a 90s Nickelodeon show that the hosts are using as a jumping off point for 90s nostalgia."
Poltergeist
"Do you remember AOL Instant Messenger and the dial-up sound like poltergeist? — Referenced in a podcast ad comparing the dial-up internet sound to something from this horror movie."
Seinfeld
"best portrayal of a publicist is on Seinfeld — Josh cites this as having the best portrayal of a publicist, specifically mentioning an episode where Jerry's publicist causes problems."
— Josh
That '70s Show
"The mom from that 70s show, remember she played Seinfeld's publicist? — Josh explains that the actress who played Kitty on That '70s Show also appeared on Seinfeld as Jerry's publicist."
— Josh
The Mouse That Roared
"for the premiere of The Mouse That Roared, the great Peter Sellers movie — Mentioned as an example of a publicity stunt by Jim Moran, who opened a fake embassy for the movie's premiere."
— Chuck
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