Episode Details

What drives our global obsession with the personal lives of the famous? In this episode of pplpod, we dissect "celebrity culture"—a phenomenon fueled by consumer interests where individuals transform their fame into product brands. We trace the history of stardom, from the "nouveaux riches" seeking publicity in the 1890s to the "manufactured" celebrities of the reality TV era,.

Join us as we explore how the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube has democratized fame, giving birth to "microcelebrities" and influencers who foster deep, emotional ties with their audiences,. We also analyze the increasing collision of Hollywood and Washington, looking at how figures like Donald Trump and "The Squad" have blurred the lines between political office and celebrity status,. Finally, we discuss the dark side of the industry, including the psychological toll of the paparazzi and the public’s thirst for scandal over talent,.