Telling the Bees

Tell the Bees

Josh Lora (@tellthebeees) of TikTok and Substack analyzes media, books, reality television, and culture through a sociological lens.

TV & Film

Available Episodes

3 of 3

American Cheating and Gossip's Alt-Right Pipeline (+ The White Lotus 303/Love is Blind 809-811)
This week, I talk about the Oscars and the implications of ageism in Hollywood. I give two Buffy episode recommendations in honor of Michelle Trachtenberg, then transition into a discussion on American Cheating, exploring how societal norms shape perceptions of infidelity among celebrities. I then analyze the influence of gossip culture and its ability to lead individuals towards the alt-right. Finally, I end with an analysis of the political dynamics presented in both the latest episode of The White Lotus and the current season of Love is Blind.Chapters:00:00 | Oscars Reflections and Cultural Commentary02:42 | The Substance: Ageism and Beauty in Hollywood05:18 | American Cheating: A Cultural Analysis11:08 | Gossip and the Alt-Right Pipeline27:58 | Political Tensions in The White Lotus35:23 | Love is Blind42:25 | Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsThe Oscar Goes To Sue: https://www.vulture.com/article/demi-moore-lost-the-best-actress-oscar-to-mikey-madison.htmlInputs and Outputs:https://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/inputs-and-outputsBad Behavior: https://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/bad-behaviorConspiracy Theories:https://www.vox.com/21558524/conspiracy-theories-2020-qanon-covid-conspiracies-whyThe Man Who Gossiped Too Much:https://www.vulture.com/article/enty-lawyer-crazy-days-and-nights-john-nelson.html
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43:54
The Politics of Ugliness (+ The White Lotus 302/Love is Blind 807-809)
This week, I break down some discourse on Black TikTok. Is it ever alright to call someone ugly? I discuss a recent book review about what it means to be ugly and two books I love that delve deep into ugliness and low self esteem. I then move onto The White Lotus and theory culture and the weirdness around Rick. Finally, I end with Love is Blind, where Virgina invokes the Should Your Partner Be Your Best Friend debate, and I discuss the digital panopticon of dating today. Chapters:00:58 | The Politics of Ugliness09:06| Literary Reflections on Ugliness12:53 | The Pretty Problem17:17| The White Lotus: Theory Culture30:24 | Love is Blind33:15 | LIB & Should Your Partner Be Your Best Friend?47:37| LIB & Digital Surveillance and Dating Culturehttps://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/the-pretty-problemhttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/08/style/who-is-a-rodent-man.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/well/family/husband-wife-best-friend.htmlhttps://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/antisocial-goods
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50:34
Love is Blind S8/The White Lotus 301- Identity is a Prison
Love is Blind season 8 introduces us to Minnesota's manic pixie epidemic. On The White Lotus, a new crop of monsters arrives to Thailand to terrorize the staff. I analyze the multiple depictions of American masculinity, the eternal quest to discover or invent the self, and living with the consequences of one's actions.Chapters: 00:00 | Intro 02:44 | Love is Blind Season 8 Overview 08:11 | Cultural Reflections and Diversity Issues 15:58 | Insecurity + Attachment Styles 21:16 | Final Thoughts 32:50 | Exploring Wellness on The White Lotus Season 3 34:55 | The Dynamics of American Privilege and Masculinity 37:49 | Character Analysis: The Ratliffs and Their Spiritual Journeys 40:07 | Friendship and Rivalry Among the Longtime Friends 42:33 | Identity and Self-Discovery
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48:02