Ep 113 - Thinking Out Loud About Gaza

This week Josh and Sean take on a topic that has dominated the Internet for the past few weeks. The duo share their thoughts on the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran in light of Macklemore being removed as the opening act for a portion of the English performer’s Loop Tour in the USA. The episode touches on the problematic influence of billionaire mogul Robert Kraft which resulted in Seattle rapper Macklemore being made a scapegoat for speaking up against the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people. Josh and Sean also consider the actions of other performers who withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and what impact this whole affair will have on the legacy of artists like Sheeran and Pink. Enjoy the ride! #podcast #popculture #LGBTQ #CurrentAffairs #EdSheeran #Pink #Macklemore #tellmewhereimgoingwrong #Gaza #Israel **About the Hosts** Josh Leuner is a London-based singer and plant-geek. Find out more about him here: https://linktr.ee/joshandthejumpstarts  Sean O’Callaghan is an award-winning blogger and published author. Find out more about him here: https://linktr.ee/fatgayvegan  Mentioned in this episode Four Course Vegan Supper Club at Dauns Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classic-dauns-vegan-supper-club-tickets-1999718801767 **Theme Music** Our theme music is the song Empty Seat by  Josh and The Jumpstarts   -  Stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KxOAKJFWCoSWBMA99QEax?si=3Q\_SjkQKTVuXANcrxmh95g **Chapters** 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics 02:48 Beard Care and Personal Grooming 05:51 AI Concerns and Public Discourse 08:55 Celebrity Struggles with Addiction 11:43 Isolation in Addiction Recovery 14:49 Pop Culture and Celebrity News 17:52 Botanical Discoveries and Plant Enthusiasm 22:38 The Magic of Live Performances 23:41 Controversy in the Music Industry 25:44 The Fallout of Macklemore's Statements 29:44 The Response from Ed Sheeran and Pink 33:36 Solidarity Among Artists 37:50 The Bigger Picture: Genocide and Responsibility 42:00 Concluding Thoughts on Music and Activism 46:59 Outro