Former Neighbours star Jordy Lucas is joined by reality TV producer, Alexandria Funnell to spill the tea on what it's REALLY like to work in showbiz.
From reality TV to soaps & everything in between, join us as we take a hilarious and unfiltered look at the scandals, absurdities, and unforgettable moments from behind the scenes of Australian TV.
Because when it comes to the world of television, truth is often stranger than fiction.
It ain’t always pretty. It ain’t always fair, but "That's Showbiz, Baby!"
This podcast is brought to you by It's All Her
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former Neighbours star Jordy Lucas is joined by reality TV producer, Alexandria Funnell to spill the tea on what it's REALLY like to work in showbiz.
From reality TV to soaps & everything in between, join us as we take a hilarious and unfiltered look at the scandals, absurdities, and unforgettable moments from behind the scenes of Australian TV.
Because when it comes to the world of television, truth is often stranger than fiction.
It ain’t always pretty. It ain’t always fair, but "That's Showbiz, Baby!"
This podcast is brought to you by It's All Her
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jordy & Alex recount their night at the Downton Abbey premiere, including a run-in with Smooth FM staff and spotting showbiz icon Patti Newton. They also discuss the upcoming John Farnham musical "Whispering Jack," which Jordy is DESPERATE to be a part of.
Alex has pitched an online series, 'Homo & a Gay' to the internet & the response has been overwhelming, with some big names reaching out to be involved.
Alex queries is Trump would like TSB, we discuss Snoop Dogg's problematic behaviour & it seems that Alex was right about Jojo Siwa & Chris Hughes...for now.
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This week on TSB, Alex & Jordy discuss the decline and eventual end of "Neighbours." They explore the show's ratings drop, the move from Channel Ten to digital channel Peach, and the costs of producing drama in the streaming era.
We touch on Channel Ten's financial struggles, its acquisition by Skydance, and whether the return of "Big Brother" can help save the networks identity.
Alex reveals the Survivor AU juice she's been sitting on and we question whether a past contestant can become a successful host. Do you think David Genat is up to the task of filling the shoes of JLP?
Speaking of new hosts, Sam Armytage is about to hit screens on 9's reimagining of Golden Bachelor & there's already rumours swirling about her & THE BACH HIMSELF. Not going to lie, watching the host & leading man fall for eachother would make for DELICIOUS TV.
We move on to discuss Ellen DeGeneres’ reputation, workplace allegations, and the culture behind her show. We discuss conspiracy theories involving Ellen Degeneres that may have contributed to her downfall, including the most BIZARRE video of her former partner, Anne Hesch seemingly UNZIPPING herself from a body bag?!
But what can we really believe when when we get our info online, where ANYONE can say ANYTHING? All we know for sure is the higher the pedestal, the greater the fall...
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Jordy & Alex are BACK from a short break & boy, do they have some yapping to do.
Whilst recovering in hospital, Jordy binged watched Netflix doco 'Fit for Television', & shows tge unethical treatment of contestants, extreme weight-loss demands, and lasting health impacts. The conversation shifts to modern weight loss trends, including the controversy over GLP-1 injections and celebrity endorsements, highlighting societal judgments and the complexities of influencer culture. It's all a mix of blurred lines between personal choice, advertising, and ethics in today’s media landscape & we honestly don't know where we sit on it all.
We have a laugh over a drunken Logies mishap & Jordy shares how Neighbours icon, Stefan Dennis slipped through our fingers as a TSB guest. But don't worry guys! We're working away behind the scenes to try & get some Ramsay St alum in the hotseat to celebrate the final ep later this year.
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Alex & Jordy attended the Melbourne premiere of "Naked Gun" & we HAVE to talk about the SNOWMAN. Alex is convinced that the rumored Liam Neeson–Pam Anderson romance is all PR but Jordy wants to believe it's real. What are your thoughts?
We then dive into Taylor Swift’s appearance Travis Kelce's pod & her new albums tagline which is delightfully similar to the name of this very podcast. Naturally, Jordy thinks we should be first choice for any Australian media around the album, but Alex doesn't think she's worthy.
Alex accidentally spoiled the results of "MasterChef Australia" but they'll never guess who her source was & Jordy brings a show & tell album from her past to share with the class.
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These 2 bitter old hags have been out & have thoughts to share on Nikki Glaser's Australian tour as well as the Dolly Parton musical, Here You Come Again.
In an unexpected turn of events, Alex now has BEEF with The Project socials after they UNFOLLOWED her on Instagram (rude). The universe continues to serve bullshit on a silver platter to Alex as two ex-MAFS men have made contact on Bumble & Instagram alike. We seriously can't make this up...
Speaking of MAFS, we both agree that contestants should NOT be invited to The Logies...or on our podcast (with the exception of Evelyn). In our opinion, The Logies is a sacred event for Australian television. No unhinged reality contestants should be allowed to roam free among TV royalty on their night of nights, okay?
We discuss the price that comes with fame and how much we're willing to pay. Jordy reminisces on the HUGE price she paid for turning down a job in America but don't worry, she has no regrets & wouldn't rather be anywhere else than with our showbies.
Finally, Jordy is wanting to act again & we're taking you on the ride. Who knows what (if anything) will happen, but she's posted about it on socials, so at least has to make an attempt. STAY TUNED!
Join us LIVE on socials this SUNDAY as we tune into The Logies from Alex' house! We'll be frocked up with a wine in hand, ready to commentate from the comfort of Alex' couch.
Listen to our LOGIES BUMPER EP on ACAST / APPLE / SPOTIFY
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Back from a 2 week hiaitus, Jordy & Alex sit down to discuss Ten News Plus, the seemingly unpopular replacement of The Project. We read out your feedback, which critiques the serious (and aggressive?!) tone, lack of host chemistry, and poor ratings.
We discuss GEN-Z/influencer culture after overhearing some eye opening conversations at the Barbie Malibu Cafe in Chadstone & question whether over-exposing yourself on the internet = talent.
Also on the agenda: celebrity weddings, the changing nature of fame in the digital age, highlighting how social media and built-in audiences now shape success in entertainment and publishing.
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This week we discuss the latest entertainment news, including updates on the Alex V Lizzo feud, our mission to get Mark Holden on the pod and some listener feedback (SPOILER ALERT: we're running ads & you need to SUCK IT UP PRINCESS!)
We review season 2 of America's Sweethearts, the Netflix docu-series focussing on the Dallas Cowboys Chearleaders & celebrate the 400% pay increase for THE LADIES!!!
We also explore the idea of celebrity authenticity (is that an oxymoron?), public scrutiny and question what constitutes online bullying. Should influencers be prepared for some level of scrutiny if they share their lives online? Where is the line between opinion and hate? Jordy & Alex certainly have different views on trolls and how we tackle the issue, but one thing we can agree on is that being nasty is supremely UNCOOL. So play nice, okay?
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The Project has been axed and in a cruel twist, the hosts & crew must show up on the desk till June 27th. Jordy relives a similar experience of having to shoot for 6 weeks at Neighbours, knowing she was being written out... AWKWARD.
Alex sheds a tear for her former workplace before we reminisce on some of the more memorable moments from The Projects' 16 years on our screens.
We've got an update on Jojo Siwa and Chris Hughes' relationship and it appears as though Jordy may have to eat her words. Is this relationship real or a PR stunt?
Jordy recounts the time she was hounded by papparazzi in Hollywood and we've unearthed the footage, thanks to Getty. Exactly why the paps were stalking her on the streets of LA is still a mystery.
Finally, as if beef with Lizzo wasn't enough, Alex' feathers have been ruffled after content thieves refused to credit (AND TAG) her as their source. The lesson to be learned is, don't listen to other pods for showbiz news, just come straight to us.
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Do you remember where you were when Mark Holden dressed up like a clown & proceeded to have a meltdown on Dancing With The Stars? Alex does, because she WAS THERE. Hear what happened behind the scenes and the aftermath of what has to be the most uncomfortable Australian television of all time.
We also cover:
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Jordy & Alex have secured tickets for the Usher concert and delve into potential controversies surrounding him. Are his live shows one giant freak off? Will he be cancelled before landing in Australia and most importantly...WHERE THE HELL IS HIS WIFE?!?!
Alex has found herself in an online stoush with none other than Lizzo herself & we're conviced she's gaslighting us?! Hear the flashback tale that started it all PLUS behind the scenes tea from Lizzo's appearance on The Project and THAT photoshoot in Channel 10.
We talk about why it's RIDIC to defend celebs online and why we've become completely descencitised to drama and trolling.
Following her online feud with Abbie Chatfield, Clementine Ford made the interesting choice to appear on Piers Morgan and it was nothing less than car crash viewing. We discuss the feminist rivalry between Abbie & Clementine and why we sometimes need to admit we are JEALOUS.
Content creator, Jamie Azzopardi is receiving backlash online after Australian Fashion Week and all we can say is the general public LOVE a pile on don't we?! Jordy shares her experience seeing Azzopardi at Melbourne Fashion Festival and the DM Jamie sent her that was really not cool.
As if Alex' week wasn't good enough, she gets to finish off the ep with a 'told you so' moment regarding MAFS contestants, Billy & Sierrah. Spoiler alert: Alex was, and always is right (according to us at least)
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CW: This episode contains discussion of mental health, suicide, sexuality & adult themes. If you or someone you know needs help, please call LIFELINE 13 11 14
It's Alex's birthday (month) and she's had some exciting matches on the apps as a special treat. Have you ever matched with a celebrity? We want to hear about it!
Continuing the birthday joy, Jordy makes Alex relive her trauma from her days working in post-production. So, which was the bigger pressure cooker: MAFS or Masterchef? Listen to find out.
We discuss Jock Zonfrillo's passing, why his wife may have given their story to Channel 7 and question why we feel the need to know things that are absolutely NONE of our business.
We compile a list of jobs that tend to be filled by failed actors, feel free to reach out to make an addition and end the show covering the ongoing Jojo Siwa/Chris Hughes saga. Has Jojo found her match or is she just experiencing her first f**k boy? Only time will tell...
CW: This episode contains discussion of mental health, suicide, sexuality & adult themes. If you or someone you know needs help, please call LIFELINE 13 11 14
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In this ep we recap our chaotic Titanic VR experience, which Alex was absolutely not mentally prepared for. You can't think Titanic without hearing "My Heart Will Go On", but unfortunately all Jordy hears is the years of butchered renditions from her days in singing comp circuts.
Tommy Littles' Comedy Festival Show left Jordy feeling nervy but Alex has bigger fish to fry after LITERALLY inserting herself into another comedian's show the night before.
Jordy feels vindicated after SNL have shown themselves to be as UNFUNNY as she accused them of being weeks ago #justiceforAmyLou. We then move on to questioning why so many people opt for the biggest, birghtest, whitest veneers. Or as we're now calling them, Turkey Teeth.
Alex has some major BTS tea from Love Triangle involving problematic ex-MAFS contestant, Kangaroo Mike, and offers him some sound advice for self improvement.
We finish off by losing any self respect we had left by literally BEGGING you to rate, review and subscribe to TSB. Seriously, pls. We're even giving away 1 x $120 Stan voucher to the best review we receive from now till September 30th 2025.
Stay up to date on socials, @thatsshowbizbaby.pod
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Hear about Jordy's dramatic last day on "Neighbours", and how a few chance encounters kept these two agents of chaos in touch over the years.
We somehow get into discussions about cruises, pondering the age-old question: Is it a vacation or just a floating buffet with a side of seasickness? Meanwhile, our quest to snag high-profile guests like Tom Gleeson and Dave Hughes for the podcast continues. Jordy thinks it's a lost cause, Alex still has hope.
Jordy reveals she 'got in trouble' for commenting to the Daily Mail in what could have been the pettyist display from a talent manager EVER.
Commentary on reality TV relationships and breakups ensues with Jordy thinking it is utterly BIZARRE for couples to be collaborating on a social media break up post.
We analyse manipulative behaviors in relationships, particulary those we've seen in the last few weeks of MAFS,
Finally, Alex shares her advice & encourages a healthy dose of self-awareness and reflection for potential reality show contestants.
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Thanks to our friends at LiSTNR & studio manager Jade Murray
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To merch or not to merch? That is the question of the day...Jordy refuses to produce cheap "tat" that will end up as landfill, while Alex is planning a TEMU order as we speak.
Doing things 'on the cheap' is just one of the criticisms being hurled at former MAFS contestant, Ella May Ding at present, so naturally we dissect her rise through reality TV and why we should all be rejecting hustle culture. #girlboss
It's been reported that 2025 contestant, Carina has spent around $27,000 on hair, makeup and outfits for the season. Is this a smart career investment or a diva moment? Because we respect both tbh. Do you think Channel 9/Endemol should have to foot the bill for the contestants to appear a certain way?
Jordy and Alex discuss the premiere of 'Sam Pang Tonight' and throwback to comments made by Rove on the pod last year about the future of live TV in Australia.
We reminisce on iconic Australian TVCs, where the actors are now and if they're receiving royalties. Jordy shares her experience working on ads as a younger actor and whether she'd ever get back into the game today.
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Studio Producer: Jade Murray
Links:
Thanks to our friends at LiSTNR for supporting TSB.
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This week, Alex reveals her long standing (one-sided) rivalry with Seb Costello. The news comes after the Channel Nine reporter received backlash for chasing a disgraced businessman into a women's restroom and ultimately, leaving the network. Despite starting heavy on Costello chat, this is not an endorsement for the Costello Family.
Jordy shares how she embarrassed herself in front of ex-Matilda's goal keeper, Lydia Williams this week at an IWD event, WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE INFLUENCER INJURIES?!
We highlight the double standards in media, particularly regarding figures like Ben Cousins, who continue to receive platforms despite past violent behavior. Whereas all Meghan Markle has to do is make a rainbow fruit platter and the entire internet is up in arms.
Alex has matched with Tim from MAFS...AGAIN! Our trusty ex-post producer also delivers a MASSIVE spoiler involving Paul & Carina.
We finish off with our take on the so-called legal case against Endemol & Channel 9 and question who we can really trust in this whole fiasco.
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CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses domestic violence & addiction
Would you humiliate your partner for $500? This is the ethical dilemma Jordy was faced with this week and, of course, needs to discuss with the class. Alex reminds us that humiliation is a kink for some and she's got the (literal) receipts to prove it.
We discuss the enabling behaviors surrounding celebrities, after Jordy watched 'Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy' on Stan. Just where is the balance of personal responsibility and the industry's role in supporting struggling celebrities? Can we blame producers for doing everything in their power to appease talent? Or do celebs need to take more accountability?
Speaking of accountability, Alex shares her thoughts on who may have been responsible for Adrian getting on MAFS, despite being historically accused of DV. We speculate on how the show will change in 2026 in response to public outcry and online criticism...oh, and an ongoing police investigation after Paul punched a hole in a wall.
But just like COVID, we know that MAFS will adapt and mutate into a stronger variant that will continue to infect the population.
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This week on TSB, Alex and Jordy have intel straight from Neighbours HQ, after the show was axed...again. Is this REALLY the end for Australia's longest running soap? Only time will tell...
Alex addresses the theme song controversy of HBO's "White Lotus" and Jordy critiques wellness influencers, after watching Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix.
The debate continues as to whether SNL is funny, and for some reason, Jordy has been WRONGLY ACCUSED of supporting MAGA. After clearing that up, she throws herself right back in the sh*tter by admitting she loves Big Bang Theory.
The ep ends with our weekly LOL at MAFS contestants and a whinge about the stupid comments we read on social media. Moral of the story? If you've got trauma, DO NOT ENTER SKYE SUITES!!!
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TIMESTAMPS:
Discussion on the cancellation of the Australian soap opera "Neighbours" and its impact on the cast, crew & renewal confusion (00:00:30)
Theme Song Controversy of White Lotus (00:07:53)
Backlash over the new theme song for "White Lotus" in season three.
Belle Gibson Documentary (00:10:16)
Skepticism Towards Wellness Influencers (00:11:10)
Discussion on the skepticism surrounding wellness claims and the influence of figures like Belle Gibson.
Jordy's Viral TikTok criticising SNL (00:15:27)
Subjectivity of Comedy (00:16:26)
Insider Insights on SNL (00:18:12)
Speculation on the politics within the "SNL" writers' room affecting the quality of sketches.
Discussion on the reality TV contestants signing contracts and the implications of their choices.
Mental Health and Reality Shows (00:24:11)
The speakers address mental health issues related to contestants on reality TV and their responsibilities.
Contestants Going Rogue (00:27:30)
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Ever had a celebrity encounter but not realised till after the fact? You won't believe who was in Alex' F45 class this week...
We discuss the infamous photo ranking challenge on MAFS and why Jordy believes that sometimes telling a lie is better than the truth. Alex reveals what really happens in the editing suites when post-producing episodes containing sensitive subjects and which contestant put the whole team of producers 'off' with his off remarks when it comes to ethnicity.
An interview with a Brisbane radio show has us reminiscing about "Couch time", which was, according to some, TV's lowest point, but that doesn't stop us from flogging the dead horse and pitching a reboot.
Of course, we can't end the ep without a LOL at the last week of MAFS, the batch!t contestants and the Reddit live thread that is possibly more entertaining than the first two combined.
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In a delightful turn of events, Alex went viral last week after sharing her online dating history with Tim, the front runner for MAFS #1 villain in 2025. Keen to be known as more than just one of Tim's bitches, Alex reminded the internet that she's also an ex- post-producer WITH a podcast - and boy, did the people flock?!
We share (with permission) war stories sent in from women who have had the displeasure of encountering Tim, and Alex drops a bomb that Katie may not be as innocent as she appears.
Then, as promised, Jordy puts Alex in the hot seat and demands answers to a handful of the BTS questions we received throughout the week:
Stay tuned for our next episode where we'll be delving deeper into the ethics (or lackthereofof) surrounding reality TV at large.
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