Controlled Chaos with Liz & Aly
Controlled Chaos with Liz & Aly is more than just a podcast; it’s like that dreamy 30-minute dirty martini with a friend you’ve been longing for all week…the conversations you wish you had time for. Liz, the writer, and Aly, the publicist, are your quintessential 40-something besties who dive headfirst into all things pop culture. We chat about motherhood and relationships, hot stories taking over your newsfeed, and of course the latest gripping true crime mysteries. So, tune in, and let us be those gals who say what you’re always thinking – we’re raw, funny, and unapologetically spicy. This is ”Controlled Chaos” – your much-needed weekly pop culture juice. Drink up!
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Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
Somehow we go from ‘snake breath’ celebrities to pee-pee teepees and AI price gouging in one episode. Welcome to Controlled Chaos.
In this one, Liz and Aly start with unhinged iPhone screenshots as time capsules and spiral into their long-running theory of which celebrities clearly have bad breath—Mark Ruffalo in 13 Going on 30, Jon Voight in Anaconda, and the Dawson’s Creek grandma all get dragged into the “snake breath” hall of fame.
Then things get heavy. They unpack the devastating Rob Reiner family tragedy and mental illness, and what happens to kids growing up in the shadow of a wildly successful parent. That leads into a bigger conversation about addiction, privilege, mental health, and when to trust professionals vs. your gut as a parent.
From there, the episode zooms out to the world:
The antisemitic Hanukkah attack in Bondi, Australia, gun laws, and why “it almost never happens there” actually matters
Trump’s reaction to Rob Reiner’s murder vs. his response to Charlie Kirk’s killing — and the gaslighting double standards that make you feel insane
AI dynamic pricing on Instacart, airlines, Uber, Black Friday “deals,” and whether algorithms are quietly charging you more based on your behavior
Why “personalized pricing” sounds cute but is basically AI-powered price gouging
To balance the doom, Liz and Aly celebrate Dick Van Dyke turning 100 and his secret...you'll have to listen to find out!
And because it’s Controlled Chaos, we also somehow fit in:
The Amy Schumer divorce, the seven-year itch, and motherhood-career resentment
The Housemaid: the book vs. the movie, Sydney Sweeney vs. Amanda Seyfried, and why some actors disappear into a role and others don’t
Wicked casting (Ariana Grande vs. Amanda Seyfried as Glinda)
50 Cent’s record-breaking tour, Travis Scott, and the new era of “docu-revenge” on public figures
It’s grief, gun laws, AI scams, swinging pee-pees, and the quest to be a little more Dick Van Dyke and a little less rage goblin—aka peak Controlled Chaos.
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Liz and Aly are back in full gossip-meets-tech mode. This week’s Controlled Chaos covers:
The It Ends With Us tension between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, plus the leaked private comments everyone’s dissecting
Why Brendan Sklenar (aka our new obsession) is about to break out in The Housemaid — the cult-favorite thriller by Rita McFadden
Waymo’s driverless cars and why they might actually save humanity instead of ruin it
Fran Drescher and the AI Godfather on how we’re creating our own extinction
P.T. Anderson’s mysterious new film One Battle After Another and why it will sweep the Oscar's.
Smart chaos. Sharp takes. No filters. Remember, we're not robots.
Keywords: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, It Ends With Us, Brendan Sklenar, The Housemaid, Rita McFadden, Waymo, AI Godfather, Fran Drescher, PT Anderson, One Battle After Another, pop culture podcast
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
After a year-long hiatus, Controlled Chaos with Liz and Aly is back and as chaotic as ever! Oh, hi...we're not robots either.
We're diving right back in as if we never left. From Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s confusing situationship (yes, we're jealous) to Meghan Markle schmoozing at Kris Jenner’s 70th, the girls unpack Hollywood’s weirdest headlines, celebrity facelifts, and why AI might actually be replacing us (and dating us). Pop culture meets existential dread, and it’s glorious.
Keywords: Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Meghan Markle, Kris Jenner, celebrity gossip podcast, pop culture news, The Olsen Twins, AI girlfriends, Tilly Norwood, Controlled Chaos
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
This week we dive right into the thick of current celebrity dramas that have everyone talking. First up, Diddy's recent arrest has the world buzzing. Every day we learn new information about the case and he's currently on suicide watch? He's not gonna last! Then, the controversy around Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds in the aftermath of "It Ends With Us"—what does the future hold for the sequel, and how does this impact their status as a power couple? And of course, we can't ignore JLo and Ben; spotted kissing post-breakup, what's really going on with these two and why do we still care? Join us as we peel back the layers of these captivating stories, wondering aloud—why are we so intrigued? Tune in and let's get into it!
If you liked this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gKzExy4K
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grig9PDa
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
In this chilling episode, we delve into the dark saga of Chad and Lori Daybell, the infamous 'Doomsday Couple' whose twisted beliefs led to a series of heinous crimes including the tragic murder of Lori's children, JJ and Tylee, found buried in Chad's backyard. We explore their connection to the LDS Church and the scandals within this religious community. Who are Chad and Lori Daybell, and what propelled them down such a destructive path? From the disappearance of her children to their bizarre apocalyptic beliefs, we unravel the intricate web of lies and deceit. Join us as we dissect the disturbing jail calls, the fanaticism, and the tragic consequences of their actions, shedding light on the broader implications of religious extremism. The poor children!
If you liked this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gKzExy4K
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grig9PDa
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
In this episode, we discuss the complex narrative surrounding Kevin Spacey, focusing on the fresh wave of scrutiny brought on by a new documentary - Kevin Spacey Unmasked. As allegations of sexual misconduct thrust him into the #MeToo spotlight more than a decade ago (alongside figures like Harvey Weinstein), we explore the layers of public reaction, legal battles, and media portrayal that have shaped his story. Was the treatment of Spacey just within the broader context of the MeToo movement? Can or should there be a path to redemption for him, and what does forgiveness look like in such polarized times? Join us as we dissect the intersection of celebrity and accountability and hear our take on whether Kevin Spacey has served his time and should be accepted back into Hollywood.
If you liked this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gKzExy4K
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grig9PDa
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
In this episode, we delve into the deeply troubled and complex world of the Carter family. With three out of five children tragically lost to drug overdoses, the Carter legacy is marked by a series of heartbreaks that extend beyond addiction to financial turmoil, allegations of abuse, and unresolved accusations. We explore the controversies surrounding Backstreet Boys frontman Nick Carter, questioning the dichotomy between his public persona as a beloved Backstreet Boy and the serious allegations against him. How has fan loyalty impacted the public perception of Nick? Moreover, we examine the role of the Carter parents in the tragic outcomes of their children. Join us as we unpack the layers of fame, tragedy, and accountability in a family that has somehow avoided the harsh limelight for decades.
If you liked this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gKzExy4K
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grig9PDa
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Dive into the rollercoaster world of Hollywood's most talked-about couples and divorces as we explore the latest chapters in the lives of Bennifer and Brangelina. From Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's renewed romance and split rumors to the ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny surrounding Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, we dissect what could have gone wrong, what might be going right, and the buzzing speculations of splits and lawsuits. Join us for an in-depth look at these iconic couples, the pressures they face, and the media frenzy that follows their every move.
If you liked this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gKzExy4K
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grig9PDa
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
In this episode, we're not lawyers, just two frustrated gals trying to make sense of the often perplexing world of celebrity sex crimes and legal battles. Why does justice seem to swing wildly from one case to another? We discuss the recent acquittal of Kevin Spacey alongside Danny Masterson's 30-year sentence, exploring the muddled differences between criminal and civil suits, and why statutes of limitations vary so drastically. This is our take on the confusing inconsistencies in how celebrities are treated by the law. Join us as we seek clarity in the chaos of headline-grabbing court cases.
If you liked this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gKzExy4K
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grig9PDa
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
In this episode, we dissect the popular concept of the Five Love Languages and if they truly capture the complexity of human affection. We'll explore potential gaps in the theory, its undeniable role in fostering better communication, and whether a crucial aspect of love remains unaddressed. In the end, we all crave a deeper understanding of each other.
If you liked this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Apple: https://lnkd.in/gKzExy4K
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grig9PDa