Beyond The Game With Jamal Merrell

Author Jeneva Rose joins Kail on Barely Famous to discuss her new horror novella collection, Sometimes I Scare Myself, the inspiration behind her darkest stories, and how becoming a mom changed the way she experiences fear. Jeneva opens up about navigating postpartum anxiety while writing , processing grief through fiction, and why her stories often explore the complicated sides of human nature. She also shares the real life experience with a medium that inspired one of her stories, how she crafts the twists readers never see coming, and why she believes authors should be free to explore different genres. Follow Jeneva on Instagram and Tik Tok! For full video episodes head to patreon.com/kaillowry

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses postpartum psychosis, maternal mental health, suicide, infanticide, child loss, and 9/11. Kail sits down with bestselling author Jodi Picoult for her second appearance on Barely Famous to discuss her 30th novel, Hollow Bones. From the inspiration behind the story and its unexpected connection to My Sister’s Keeper to the extensive research that brings her novels to life, Jodi shares the real-life stories, personal experiences, and surprising details woven into her latest release. They dive into postpartum psychosis and the gaps in maternal healthcare, the importance of preserving stories of loss, book bans and the fight for the freedom to read, and what it takes to write fiction that challenges readers to see the world differently. Plus, Jodi opens up about her research process, the realities of publishing, and her upcoming novel exploring AI companions and chatbots. For more information on how to contact your state reps check out Jodi's website here Get Hollow Bones here For full video episodes head to patreon.com/kaillowry

This week on Barely Famous, Kail sits down with Christy Carlson Romano to talk about growing up in the spotlight, becoming the breadwinner for her family, and the complicated relationship with her career that shaped so much of her life. Christy gets candid about child stardom, burnout, financial mistakes, setting boundaries, and the experiences behind her new memoir, Once Upon a Trainwreck: The Fall and Rise of a Child Star. She also shares the terrifying story of being accidentally shot in the face with birdshot while clay shooting, how close she came to losing her vision, and how the experience changed her perspective on faith and motherhood. Plus, Christy and Kail compare the pressures of child stars and reality stars, finding partners who understand life in entertainment, and learning when to say no. Get Christy's Memoir Once Upon a Trainwreck: The Fall and Rise of a Child Star here Follow Christy on Instagram For full video episodes head to patreon.com/kaillowry To vote for Barely Famous Podcast in the Signal Awards click here

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, rape, consent, and the Cornell 7 case. Some of the discussion may be upsetting or triggering for listeners. This week on Barely Famous, Kail sits down with Kayla for a conversation that covers everything from a very unfortunate red-carpet wardrobe malfunction to wedding planning, family, adoption, grief, and some deeply personal life experiences. Kayla opens up about her adoption story, reconnecting with her biological siblings, searching for answers about her biological family, and the complicated emotions that came with finally finding her biological mother. She also shares how the losses and difficult family circumstances she experienced this year have shaped the way she’s processing grief and moving forward. Later, Kail and Kayla discuss the Cornell 7 case and the broader conversation surrounding sexual assault, consent, accountability, and the responsibility of bystanders and institutions when they know someone is being harmed, and why they believe conversations about consent and educating young people are so important. For more of Kayla follow her on Instagram For full video episodes head to patreon.com/kaillowry

Kail is back in real time with Ike for a life update that covers everything from tonsillectomy recovery and adjusting to life with celiac disease to their latest trip to Salem. Kail opens up about the emotional side of going gluten-free, why having supportive people around her has made such a difference, and how she’s been spending her time off social media Mid-recording the trailer for her new show, Crashing Out with Kail, has officially dropped. She and Ike talk about filming together, some of Kail’s biggest crash-out moments, and what the experience has been like behind the scenes. Plus, they get into true crime, Kail’s latest obsessions, Ike answers listener questions about his career and whether marriage is in their future, and a viral TikTok sparks a bigger conversation about parenting, relationships, and the invisible mental load. Get Kail’s word search book here For full video episodes head to patreon.com/kaillowry