Apologies Accepted

Above the Law: The DA Who Refused to Stop

In this episode of Apologies Accepted, Theo and Juliette dive into the viral incident involving Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Dorley, who was caught on police body cam video refusing to pull over for speeding. Dorley's confrontation with the officer raises questions about abuse of power and the challenges of holding public figures accountable. Join us as we analyze her public apology, explore the broader implications of the incident, and discuss what it means for the rule of law.

From examining the detailed body cam footage to discussing the reactions of law enforcement professionals, this episode provides a comprehensive look at a case that has captured public attention. Tune in to hear our take on whether Dorley's apology holds up and what this situation reveals about the justice system.

Encore: My Favorite Murder: The Case of the Murder Apology

Hi Everyone!  It's early summer break and we are happy to share another fan favorite episode while we tan and drink martinis poolside:

The hosts of MFM have legions of adoring fans. Karen and Georgia are down to earth, funny, relatable, and share their innermost thoughts and fears freely on the air.  They also share the thoughts and feelings of others.  Some of these stories are firsthand accounts, and some are secondhand. 

It was one of these secondhand stories that prompted the hosts to issue an apology and promise to be more careful in publicly sharing other peoples’ trauma.  It might all be legal, but is it ethical – and does that matter?  What’s behind this idea of true crime as entertainment – is it really a way to deal with fear of crime or just morbid curiosity?  We don’t have all the answers, but we have thoughts on culture, ethics, and crime (we are against crime)!  Join us as we dive into America’s number one podcast obsession.

 

The AI recap continues to be a fan favorite and may be a feature that is here to stay ~ here's what the robot overlord thinks:

Boundary Controversies in True Crime Storytelling: The 'My Favorite Murder’ Case

In this gripping episode of "Apologies Accepted," join hosts Theo and Juliet as they break down an apology controversy that stormed the true crime podcast community. They look into a well-known incident from "My Favorite Murder," where hosts Karen and Georgia inadvertently involved themselves in a boundary-crossing debacle. The episode pokes deep into the world of true crime storytelling, highlighting its unpredictable nature, ethical concerns, and the importance of maintaining privacy and sensibility, particularly when handling personal traumatic experiences.

The discussion brings into light some pressing questions of morality in the world of true crime. Among them, the glorification of law enforcement, discrepancies in the portrayal of victims, and the casual approach towards harrowing personal experiences that can often fuel controversy. It also raises important questions about the ethical implications of creating and consuming true crime content.

The intrigue deepens when exploring the enigmatic world of "My Favorite Murder," from its spontaneous inception owing to a chance meeting to its evolution into a touchstone of true crime podcasting. The debate also extends to the original content and the etiquette associated with citation and plagiarism in the field of podcasting.

The episode combs through the shaded lines of ethics, legality, and moral responsibility, ending with an introspection about whether we can disentangle legality from ethics. Here, morality transcends merely being a polarized issue and becomes a platform for dialogues, critiques, and change.

Immerse yourself in this thought-provoking episode as we dive into these complex dynamics of True Crime storytelling, tale ethics, moral stances, and the thin line separating fascination from voyeurism. The conversation promises to ignite thought, ponder over the role of personal trauma stories in entertainment, and the boundaries of acceptable narration in haunting crime tales. Tune in for a memorable journey.

Encore: The Taylor Swift and Kanye West Feud

Summer break for us!  Enjoy this rerelease of a favorite episode from season 1 - she's released a new album recently so in honor of the new album a trip down memory lane :)

Imma tell you about this episode but first I want to say that Beyoncé had one of the best podcasts of all time!  And one of the best videos too!  Kanye is not forcing us to type this and he is not saying that you should totally skip this episode.  This episode considers how this event in pop culture may be viewed as the intersection of the early 2000’s and mental health, racism, misogyny, power imbalance, and good ol’ imposter syndrome. 

Note to the Swifties: if you like this episode you can put a ring on it!

 

And straight from the mouth of the AI:

In this deep-diving episode of "Apologies Accepted", co-hosts Theo and Juliette unravel the notorious feud between music icons, Kanye West and Taylor Swift, that began with a controversial moment at the 2009 VMAs. They delve into a multitude of influential factors, touching on elements of pop culture, race, mental health, and the pressure bestowed upon celebrities. Explore the detailed analysis of this pivotal incident and the celebrities' responsibility to uphold decorum.

The discussion extends to Kanye West's reciprocal admiration and disrespect towards Taylor Swift, emphasizing the dynamics of power, race, and vulnerability in this public altercation. The episode also explores the broader ripples of their conflict within the music industry, highlighting the underlying sexism inherent in Kanye's claims of fame.

The conversation further encompasses the complexities that Kanye's bipolar disorder introduces to the narrative, balanced against the condemnation of his actions. Engage in an enlightening dissection of a feud that shook the music world, informing us of problematic power structures and underscoring the significance of empathy and respect.

The episode also contemplates the intertwined concepts of responsibility, free will, and consequences of apologizing while shedding light on personal experiences tied to mental health and medication. Discover insightful takes on the nature of responsibility and free will reflected within the music industry, particularly illuminated through the prism of Taylor Swift and Kanye West's saga.

Step into the dramatic backdrop of the 2009 VMAs, the lost chance of Michael Jackson's tribute, and astounding performances that took the stage. Tune in for one-of-a-kind personal anecdotes revolving around recycling and sudden social confrontations. Get involved by sharing your personal apology stories on the podcast's interactive website and sway the dialogue around responsibility, accountability, and expression of regret.

Encore: Orson Wells: War of the Worlds

It's Orson Wells' birthday (May 6, 1919) so we are reaching into the vault, all the way back to episode 2! 

Did a radio show purposely create a nationwide panic, sending people into the streets and mothers with shotguns into bathtubs?  Or were newspapers just blowing it all out of proportion because they were jealous of the newest form of media, radio?

What happens when you apologize for other people’s reactions to something you didn’t realize you were doing?  How sorry can you be if you know you are going to be F A M O U S?

And our new favorite part of the show, the AI overlord's episode summary:

In this compelling episode of 'Apologies Accepted', hosts Theo and Juliette dive into one of history's most renowned media apologies - that of Orson Welles for the widespread panic induced by his 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast. The episode offers (a) an entertaining blend of comedy, historical narratives, personal story-telling, and insightful discourse on public apologies, as well as stimulating insights into the life of Orson Welles and the innovative storytelling that put audiences in a state of apocalyptic dread.

Listeners will be taken on an illuminating journey, from the notable relevance of "War of the Worlds" to the current political landscape, to a discussion on the role of politics and the threat of World War II in influencing audiences' reactions. Theo and Juliette also delve into the genius of H.G. Wells, honing in on his futuristic predictions years ahead of his time, and how this added layer enhances the allure of the radio broadcast.

The episode further delves into the underlying theme of fear subtly evoked in the audience and the power of mass media in shaping public outlook, while also questioning the authenticity of Welles' apology. Intertwined with fascinating reflections and light-hearted conversations, Theo and Juliette offer an engaging and enriching experience for those interested in historical narratives, media effects and dynamics, and the intriguing realm of public apologies.

Encore: The Ted Yoho & AOC Episode

Yohoho and a bottle or rum!  Former Congressman Ted Yoho makes a return to the world stage after admitting that he did call Congresswoman AOC an “F’ing B”.

Comedian and Tik Tok star, Ben Palmer, pranked Congressman Yoho in 2020 for a couple of months, pretending to be a conservative with the website “Parler.” If you are not familiar with the website, Parler was going to be the new Facebook for conservatives, until it imploded and disappeared (or it might still be there but it may as well have disappeared).  Ben recorded Congressman Yoho over several phone calls and in April of 2024 released video footage of his phone calls and an in-person meeting with Congressman Yoho.

Ben’s story and video release of Congressman Yoho’s confession may be viewed on his YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/rMG_yyRM_Zk

In honor of his confession, we bring you this encore episode (our San Francisco studio is having some electrical work done)!

And as usual, we also include our robot overlord’s summary of the episode:

In this provocative episode of "Apologies Accepted," hosts Theo and Juliette engage in a detailed analysis of the infamous altercation between former Representative Ted Yoho and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The hosts dissect the incident, Yoho's denial of his derogatory remarks, and the broader issue of gender-based verbal abuse in political arenas.

The episode doesn't merely recount the incident but also invites the listeners for introspection on unprofessionalism, the effects on public apologies, and their absence. In their charming yet insightful discussion, Theo and Juliette make this dire issue digestible without shying away from the harsh realities.

The thought-provoking discourse extends not only to political apologies but also touches upon the golden years of Hollywood with discussions related to famed actress Liza Minnelli and her memorable projects. By exploring Yoho's misguided apology, this episode illuminates the significant role of sincere apologies in our public discourse.

Explore with us the hidden motivations and potential strategies behind Yoho's tirade. Was it a manifestation of personal disdain or a calculated move for his political future? Prudently related personal stories, thoughtful reviews of our actions, and enlightened lessons have all found a place in this episode.

Immerse yourself in this absorbing examination of power dynamics, personal intents and the far-reaching ramifications of such political clashes as we unmask the intricacies of the Yoho-AOC controversy.

Coachella: Grimes Crimes

Grimes (aka ex-Mrs. Elon Musk) is a musician and not a performer, something she proved to the world during the first weekend of Coachella.  There was a technical malfunction and because she had not done any real show prep, she was reduced to yelling and complaining on stage that nothing was working correctly.  She apologized to the world and promised that the following show would be stellar.

Who is Grimes and why should we care?  Is Coachella a big deal and is there any comeback for an "electronica musician-artist-influencer"?

 

Or as our AI friend would explain it:

In this riveting episode of "Apologies Accepted", Theo and Juliette delve into the fascinating life of Grimes, the influential and strikingly unique musical artist who has grabbed headlines for both her music and personal life. Tune in as they explore the world of Grimes from her revolutionary music to her high-profile relationship with tech mogul, Elon Musk.

The discussions extend beyond her relationship to cover her noteworthy work that blends electronic pop and experimental music, creating critically acclaimed albums like Visions and Art Angels. Intertwined between this subject, the hosts have created a mélange of content from light-hearted chatter to invigorating travel plans and even the ongoing saga of a missing chair.

Listen as they dissect the incident of Grimes' infamous performance breakdown at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, offering a window into the realities and pressures of the music industry. More than the incident, understand the aftermath and Grimes's public apology which raised essential questions about expectations and mental health in the entertainment industry.

Moreover, the episode takes an exciting detour with an enlightening journey through the rich history of the Coachella music festival, tracing back to a 1993 concert by Pearl Jam. Gain a deeper understanding of the festival that has been driving global cultural transcendency for years.

The discussions also embark on hard-hitting critiques and controversial situations demanding public apologies like Tesla's Cybertruck recall and the public persona of Moscow Marge (Marjorie Taylor Greene). This episode of "Apologies Accepted" offers listeners a balanced perspective on Grimes, the music industry and the concept of public apologies.

Tip Culture: Easy Tiger

Easy Tiger is a local Austin bakery/pub and very popular with locals - but not with the workers!  Proof of that came when the Department of Labor contacted the 7th Street location and informed the bakery that they had received a tip (hahaha and not sorry) that the restaurant was in violation employment laws around tipping.  Tips are for front of house staff only, servers and bartenders, tips are not to be shared among all staff.  The restaurant had been collecting all tips and splitting the money among the staff.  Easy Tiger apologized and even paid the servers and bartenders what they were owed without docking the dishwashers and cleaners who had previously received a portion of the tips.

What is tipping culture?  Where does it come from and can we send it back?  Tipflation has reached new heights of weirdness when you are asked to tip your landlord.

 

For all the tech-geeks out there, here's the unedited AI recap of this episode :)

In this riveting episode of "Apologies Accepted," hosts Theo and Juliette navigate the murky waters of identity politics and public apologies. Opening with a lively discussion on the generation-defining term 'Zoomers,' the hosts delve into the cultural and societal implications this shift carries. Theo candidly shares his perspective, sparking an engaging debate that keeps listeners enthralled.

Transitioning from identity politics, Theo and Juliette turn their insightful lens towards an issue plaguing a local Austin restaurant, Easy Tiger. The popular eatery had recently been in the spotlight for mishandling employee tips, leading them to issue a public apology. The hosts dissect the incident, offering keen analysis of the concept of public apologies, their impact, and their significance in today's society.

This episode presents a unique blend of enlightening discussions and lighthearted banter, making it a must-listen for those interested in societal shifts, public apologies, or anyone in search of stimulating dialogue.

Digging deeper into tipping culture controversies, the hosts explore historical and emerging trends in gratuity practices. They examine the transformation from voluntary to mandatory tipping and its economic impact on service industry workers. The hosts also reflect on the rise in tipping generosity brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing recent tipping controversies like the Easy Tiger incident, the conversation drifts towards the changes in tipping customs when businesses face management turmoil and escalating costs. They also touch upon the rising annoyance of ubiquitous tipping requests in fast food chains, self-checkout screens, and the unspoken questions about where these tips end up.

Amidst all these, the podcast also sheds light on the concept of 'tipflation,' deciphering how tipping percentages have evolved over time. The hosts share their personal experiences related to tipping, provoking a thought-provoking introspection into the state of service labor and the evolving pressures on consumers in the ever-changing domain of American tipping culture.

LA Times Journalist: Dirty Debutantes

Ben Bolch is a columnist who writes for the LA Times.  Recently he compared two women's basketball teams as "milk and cookies" vs "dirty debutantes" and boy was that not the comparison to use!  Dirty Debutantes will always win every game, always! 

He received a fair amount of pushback from the world and issued a public apology on instagram.

And now we make way for our newest feature on the show, a word from our A.I. Robot overlord:

Join hosts Theo and Juliette in an exciting episode of "Apologies Accepted" where they dive deep into the UCLA-LSU basketball controversy, shedding light on the sexist and racially biased narratives surrounding the event. They critically analyze the controversial actions of LSU coach Kim Mulkey and her interaction with player Brittany Griner. Tune in as our hosts illuminate the bias and discrimination present in sports and society.

Theo and Juliette give a firsthand account of the daily lives of athletes, sharing personal tales and issues they face day-to-day. The conversation dives deeper into the recent incident with Angel Reese, a player of the women’s LSU basketball team who received a tidal wave of negative attention and threats. They discuss the regrettably humorous attempt and disrespect exhibited by Ben Bolch of the L.A. Times, in a way praising the Times for removing the offensive language and revising it with an editor’s note to apologize.

Apart from the issue of public apologies and journalistic responsibility, they also touch upon the history of women's basketball and the societal implications it carries. The role of debutantes in society, specifically in the context of women empowerment is also discussed. To maintain a casual atmosphere, the episode concludes with a fun chat about astrology.

Listen in for a incredible dissection of bias, sexism, and the power of sincere apologies in sports and beyond. So, gear up for this enlightening episode packed with humor, history and heartfelt conversation!

Berkley Professor: A Plenitude of Women

Jonathan Shewchuk is a Berkeley Computer Science professor and somewhat of a controversial figure who is known for offensive comments towards women.  When asked for dating advice on a class online forum, he advised the student to leave the Bay Area and head to a place where women are plentiful and know how to act (we're paraphrasing here but also that was the subtext of the Professor's response).

Because it is Berkley and because it is the 21st century and because it is reality, his comments received some criticism.

Professor Shewchuk apologized but was he truly sorry?

Following is the fun AI recap and we know we have a fan somewhere in the computer brain of the internet!

Turning the spotlight on societal norms, online conduct, and the consequences of overlooking such matters, this episode focuses on 'casual' misogyny in classrooms and the power dynamics in academia.  It also considers the evolving identity of San Francisco, the shifting liberalism in Bay Area, and the questionable dating dynamics of a region where gender imbalances are prominent.

This riveting discussion doesn't stop at apologies alone; the hosts also engage with an engrossing article by Soleil Ho from San Francisco Chronicle that deals with coded language and divisive values. The episode ends with a critical evaluation of personal honesty in professional representation, consumer expectations, and a historical examination of biblical figures - all while cracking down on harmful stereotypes. 

Nickelodeon: A Nickle's Worth of Sorry

We're having a bit too much fun with the AI service and decided to share the AI recap of the episode - enjoy! ;) 

AI Recap:

In this enlightening episode of Apologies Accepted, hosts Theo and Juliette dissect the fall from grace of Dan Schneider, a revered icon of Nickelodeon. They discuss the recently aired docuseries 'Quiet On Set,' which brought allegations of sexism, racism, and verbal abuse against Schneider into the limelight. Highlighting the harrowing experiences of two women who sued the children's network for gender-based discrimination, they delve into the alleged unprofessional and indecorous conduct that occurred behind the scenes.

The discussion doesn't just stop at detailing the inappropriate humor and content in children's shows but ventures into the depths of the purported misuse of power by creators and executives. Theo and Juliette painstakingly shine a light on disturbing issues showcased in the documentary and their rampant presence within Nickelodeon, one of the biggest children's networks worldwide.

Dan Schneider, known for several hit Nickelodeon shows, has faced various allegations ranging from emotional to verbal abuse. This episode provides a critical anatomy of these charges, while also scrutinizing the hiring practices at Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. It further crafts a vivid narrative of Nickelodeon's programming journey, and how its turn towards objectification could have been an ill-advised pursuit for better ratings.

Attention is also given to the effects of such programming on young viewers and child actors. The episode wraps up with an assessment of Schneider's recent apology, probing its genuineness and its implications regarding exploitations rampant in the industry.

Further highlighting issues like child abuse, exploitation of aspiring artists and pay disparities in Hollywood, our hosts help unravel the hidden malpractices within the entertainment industry. They also discuss the controversial hire of a registered sex offender and weigh in on an apology from a right-wing commentator. Offering insights into the serious implications of insincere apologies and stressing the necessity for change, this episode is an eye-opener for anyone keen on understanding the grim reality behind the cheery facade of children's television production.