The Renner Files
36 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 127 ratingsThe Renner Files is a new kind of true crime podcast… one that’s not about true crime at all. Instead it’s about Jeremy Renner’s ill-fated app. Why did Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Renner ever have an app? What did it do? Who made it? Who used it? And why did it shake the internet to its core? Hosts Caroline Goldfarb and Sarah Ramos set out to investigate the mystery of the app, but got so much more in return. The Renner Files tells a larger story: one about the dangerous side of celebrity fandom, the ethics of audience exploitation, the celebrity influencer complex, and the destructive power of ironic internet comedy.
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Episodes
The Battle of the Trolls
October 28, 2020 07:10 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBSarah and Caroline lay out a thrilling timeline of the beleaguered app’s final days, and the internal battle between Jeremy’s hardcore fans and the internet trolls who wanted nothing more than to destroy the app. Why did trolls flood the app with fake celebrity accounts, ranging from beloved character actor Richard Kind to accused murderer OJ Simpson? And why was ironic internet comedy too strong a foe for Jeremy Renner to vanquish? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Priv...
The Jeremy Renner App Lives
October 21, 2020 07:30 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBOur hosts will dive into the functionality (or as it turns out, dysfunctionality) of the app itself, and discover that from its inception, the app was marred by critical technical glitches and a pay-for-play model that sparked a digital class war between Jeremy’s devoted fans. The episode features interviews with devoted users of the app, technology journalists, and even an ex-EscapeX employee. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/pr...
The Truth about EscapeX
October 14, 2020 07:30 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBTurns out Jeremy Renner’s ill-fated app was developed by ESCAPEX, a mysterious Singapore-based app developer. Jeremy’s instagram-like app was based on a template they mostly used for Bollywood and Indonesian celebrities (and inexplicably, the late Bob Marley). So why did Jeremy Renner get involved? Our hosts will unpack how the downsides of traditional social media might have driven Jeremy to the promised utopia of a standalone app. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Pri...
The Herstory of Celebrity Apps
October 07, 2020 06:00 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBTo better contextualize the K-hole that is the Jeremy Renner app, our hosts take a detour into the fascinating HERstory of Celebrity Apps. Sarah and Caroline investigate who makes celebrity apps, who makes money from them, and which ones are successful. From William Shatner’s poetry app Shatoetry, to Tom Hanks’ typewriter simulation app Hanxwriter, and all the fascinating celebrity apps in between (The Rock’s alarm clock app The Rock Clock). Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/bra...
Renner-ssance Man
September 30, 2020 07:05 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBJeremy Renner is more than an actor turned app owner: it turns out he’s a multi-million dollar house flipper AND an adult contemporary rock musician. Sarah and Caroline unpack Jeremy’s diverse array of side projects and find themselves tangled in more mysteries. How did he get his start flipping 24 million dollar mansions? Why did Jeep come to fund a Jeremy Renner music video? And why, for the love of God, does director Taika Waititi have a cameo in said video? Advertising Inquiries: https:...
Who Is Jeremy Renner?
September 23, 2020 06:59 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBIn order to understand the app, Sarah and Caroline first need to understand the man. Episode 1 is part psychological study, part retrospective of Jeremy’s acting career: from his earliest roles in 7-11 commercials, to his breakout role as Jeffrey Dahmer, all the way up to his appearances in 3 separate huge movie franchises. Most shockingly, we uncover shocking secrets about Jeremy’s role in a 2003 Bravo Reality Show that’s been completely wiped from the internet. Featuring interviews with gu...
Coming Soon: The Renner Files
September 05, 2020 05:50 - 2 minutes - 2.25 MBThe Renner Files is a new kind of true crime podcast… one that’s not about true crime at all. Instead it’s about Jeremy Renner’s ill-fated app. In this unauthorized podcast, hosts Sarah and Caroline are entering the Renner-verse, and time will only tell if they’ll ever be the same. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Champagne Burps (With Vanessa Chester & Max Silvestri)
March 03, 2017 08:19 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBIn our finale episode, Caroline and her old pals Vanessa Chester & Max Silvestri discuss 15 year old Maddox Jolie-Pitt’s executive producer credit on his mom’s movie, Lindsay Lohan’s chronic insta spiral, Rob Lowe for Sketchers & the epic return of the Breyer’s Gelatos Indulgences Suite at the Independent Spirit Awards. It’s amazing and we love you guys!
Waterfalls by Destiny’s Child (with Lauren Collins & Ben Lewis)
February 17, 2017 05:42 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBThis week, Caroline and guests Lauren Collins and Ben Lewis get wet listening to Ansel Elgort’s new single, get hungry looking at star-studded pics from the Applegate Bacon Lounge at Sundance, and get scared by Melissa Joan Hart’s facemask selfie.
Tear, Eat, Go! (With Sam Lansky)
January 27, 2017 10:14 - 1 hour - 255 MBThis week, Caroline and writer Sam Lansky get shook and shaken by discussing the trailer for the Britney Spears Lifetime movie, dissecting Candace Cameron Burre’s savage Starkist tuna commercial, and seriously contemplating buying tickets to Pitbull's Bahamas cruise.
Reba Lip Kit (With Gaby Dunn & Jeff Stern)
January 06, 2017 07:41 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBTighten your sphincters and let Caroline take you and guests Gaby Dunn & Jeff Stern on a trip to SanrioLand via Katy Perry’s InstaStory, do a line by line analysis of Lindsay Lohan’s poetry, and buy some men’s capris at JohnMalkovich.com.
Daddy Issues Christmas (With Benji Aflalo and Dylan Gelula)
December 23, 2016 08:04 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBThis week, Caroline celebrates Christmas with two fellow Jews, comedian Benji Aflalo and actress Dylan Gelula, by talking Seth Macfarlane's A-listers only Holiday party, the fictional May-December romance between Bieber and Mariah Carey, and having a Harry Connick Jr. listening party
Thank You Means Fuck You (With Jon Millstein and Vanessa Chester)
December 09, 2016 07:11 - 1 hour - 81.2 MBIn a very, very bomb episode, Caroline chats with writer Jon Millstein (Funny or Die) and 00's icon Vanessa Chester (Harriet the Spy, The Lost World: Jurassic Park) about Anthony Hopkins’ permanent Las Vegas art exhibit, 11 year old Cruz Beckham’s Christmas single, and the amazing instagram account of Iggy Pop’s bird Biggy Pop.
Stand With Maggiano's (With Amina Munir & Jeff Stern)
November 26, 2016 16:16 - 1 hour - 76 MBIn this epic episode, Caroline talks to her BFFs Amina Munir and Jeff Stern about Miss Piggy's new endorsement deal, Tony Bennett's savagery, and, of course, Kristen Cavalleri's paper towel hustle.
Fireside Chat
November 11, 2016 08:01 - 4 minutes - 2.97 MBThis week, Caroline just didn’t feel like talking about celebrities grasping for attention and endorsement deals. Instead, she addresses all of her favorite listeners from the heart, hoping to start a discussion and provide community for women, POC, Muslims, immigrants, non-binary bbs and anyone who feels endangered or scared by the prospect of Trump’s America.
Rock the Vote (With Mitchell Sunderland)
October 28, 2016 06:37 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBIn this episode, Caroline & her fave guest, Broadly's Mitchell Sunderland, discuss Howie Mandel's penis size, Cindy McCain's Instagram, & how good the D has to be to get ScarJo to open a French popcorn store.
Happy Oatober (With Eli Olsberg)
October 14, 2016 06:34 - 1 hour - 172 MBThis week, Caroline and comedian Eli Olsberg discuss a new line of paper towels designed by Alyssa Milano, Justin Bieber’s questionable Amsterdam disguise, and Katie Holmes’ new gig as the spokesperson for the oat industry.
Twitter Vicious (With Rightor Doyle & Holland Roden)
September 30, 2016 06:33 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBThis week Caroline talks with self-described sexpert Rightor Doyle and actress Holland Roden about Megan Fox's new business endeavor, Debra Messing's savage photo retouching, and an unmissable Kevin Bacon/Britney Spears collaboration.
Rita Ora And Mother Teresa (with Mitchell Sunderland And Matthew Hays)
September 16, 2016 10:36 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBThis week, Caroline invites Broadly writer and tea-spiller Mitchell Sunderland and sexy, hairy comedian Matthew Hays to discuss Michael Chiklis’ new rock album, Jeffrey Katzenberg at Burning Man, and Kirstie Alley’s deep love for Skrillex.
A Spectacular Honor (With Gabe Liedman & Armen Weitzman)
September 02, 2016 07:58 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBCaroline invites famous actor Armen Weitzman and Gabe Liedman, the most posi comic around, to a fab live show. They talk about Jennifer Aniston's battle with Chronic Dry Eyes, Hailey Baldwin de-throning Rosie Statham as Ugg Ambassador, and the creative direction of Barbra Streisand's latest duet album.
Orlando Bloom's Windsock (With Sam Fishell)
August 19, 2016 09:07 - 1 hour - 53.5 MBThis week, Caroline and her old friend Sam Fishell discuss Orlando Bloom's gorgeous uncut penis, Nick Cannon's side hustle as the C.O.O. of RadioShack, and what could make The Rock call Vin Diesel a "candy ass."
Ibiza Babies (with Debby Ryan and Louis Virtel)
August 05, 2016 08:06 - 1 hour - 179 MBThis week, Caroline invites actress Debby Ryan and writer Louis Virtel to discuss Shaq's new career as a DJ, Gary Busey's Vine account, and Ariana Grande's flawless hair architecture.
Khloe vs. Chloe (with Jake Fogelnest & Tavi Gevinson)
July 22, 2016 06:17 - 1 hour - 177 MBThis week, Caroline invites showbiz heavyweight Jake Fogelnest and multi-hyphenate Tavi Gevinson to discuss Cher's feud with Kate Hudson's sweatpants company, Glenn Close slaying the national anthem, and Chex Mix's new spokesperson Nick Carter.
Carpe Diem (With Arielle Kebbel & Max Silvestri)
July 08, 2016 05:40 - 1 hour - 164 MBIn a patriotic episode, Caroline talks to comedian Max Silvestri and actress Arielle Kebbel about Ludacris's July 4 performance at Gitmo, why Kaley Cuoco's dog walker disrespected the American flag, and how much Candace Bergen's new painted bag enterprise is worth.
Pulling a Scott Disick (With Curly Velasquez)
June 24, 2016 05:36 - 1 hour - 149 MBThis week, Caroline is live from The Virgil with Buzzfeed’s Curly Velasquez. They discuss the intensity of Jared Leto’s Snapchat, why Carrie Underwood’s clothing line is sold exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and whether or not they wish Bella Thorne shared more with her fans about her recent colonoscopy.
Sneakernight (With Lindsey Weber & Max Ehrich)
June 10, 2016 07:16 - 1 hour - 99.7 MBThis week Caroline talks to actor/singer/dancer Max Ehrich and writer Lindsey Weber about important things. Like Megan Fox’s thoughts on string theory, if a baby raccoon is endangering Hilary Duff, and how JK Simmons put #oldmancranking on the map.
Kendra Wilkinson's & Dr. Drew's Music Careers (With Brittany Snow & Gabe Delahaye)
May 27, 2016 05:54 - 1 hour - 150 MBIn another perfect episode, Caroline consults Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect) and Gabe Delahaye (Videogum) on whether or not Mariah Carey is capable of writing a screenplay, Sharon Stone’s net worth, and the moral implications of Ashley Benson encouraging teens to wear Crocs to prom.
A Very Special Perez Christmas
May 13, 2016 07:11 - 54 minutes - 124 MBThis week Caroline gets up close and personal with self-described “dinosaur of the internet” Perez Hilton. They chat the glam af Angry Birds Cannes premiere, Jon Bon Jovi’s bottled pasta sauce, Adrian Brody’s fish-themed art show “Hooked,” and the fact that Perez wishes he could literally carry a baby to term. Enjoy!
Stevie Wonder Blind Truthers (With Ian Harding & Max Winkler)
April 29, 2016 06:59 - 59 minutes - 137 MBThis week on the podcast, Caroline talks Pamela Anderson’s new stand-up career and Nick Carter’s freaky celeb endorsement. In an all new #SPOTLIGHTBUTFORTHIS, Caroline and her guests Max Winkler (Ceremony) and Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars) investigate what could possibly be behind Andy Cohen’s confusing, basically abstract impressionist work with Excedrin for #themigrainexperience.
LIVE (With Sarah Ramos, Max Silvestri & Jon Perlman, M.D.)
April 22, 2016 06:10 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThis week Caroline bestows Bella Thorne with the first ever Thirst Trap Achievement Award and asks famed plastic surgeon Dr. Jon Perlman what procedures we all need to get to look like Bella Hadid. Caroline and her guests Sarah Ramos (Parenthood) and Max Silvestri (Big Terrific) break down their trip to Au Fudge, Jessica Biel’s upscale Chuck E Cheese.
Italy's Got Spacey (With Jeffery Self & Faye Orlove)
April 15, 2016 05:47 - 1 hour - 122 MBThis week, Caroline questions Lady Gaga's dad's moral compass, looks at Jonathan Cheban's mom's Insta, and wonders if credit card debt caused Kevin Spacey to be a judge on Italy’s Got Talent. Along for the ride are YA novelist Jeffery Self (Drag Teen) and feminist internet artist Faye Orlove.
Lid Tints & LiLo’s Dubsmashes (with Demi Adejuyegbe and Matthew Bennett)
April 01, 2016 09:16 - 1 hour - 58 MBThis week our expert Matthew Bennett (Victorious) and plebe Demi Adejuyegbe (Gilmore Guys) join Caroline in a hot and heavy goss sesh where we answer all of your hard hitting celeb questions: Can Dr. Drew belt the National Anthem? Is McDreamy a whipped husband shilling his wife’s lid tints (also wtf is a lid tint?)? Why is Lilo dubsmashing her own movies? Would you sleep in Michelle Williams’ bedding line? All these answered and more on THIS WEEK HAD ME LIKE.
LIVE (with Esther Povitsky, Brendan Scannell & Lauren Collins)
March 18, 2016 10:16 - 1 hour - 56 MBYaaaass!! Our first live show! This week Caroline is LIVE from Bar Lubitsch in LA with returning expert Esther Povitsky and new plebe Brendan Scannell. They breakdown the truth behind Richard Simmon’s disappearance and the conspiracy that is Breyer’s Gelato Indulgences. With flawless celebrity guest Lauren Collins (aka Paige from Degrassi) and an apology (!!!) from SJP’s son Wilkie after their ongoing Instagram feud, this episode is lit AF.
Allegedly (with Johnny Simmons & Mitchell Sunderland)
March 11, 2016 12:09 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBThis week Caroline brings together our beautiful plebe, actor Johnny Simmons, and brilliant pop culture expert, writer Mitchell Sunderland and the three break down Kim K's thirsty nude selfie and ensuing clapback, who the fuck Chloe Grace Moretz is, and question the dick size of Mickey Rourke, Stephen Tyler, and America's fave Donald Trump.
Japanese Potatoes & Sexy Baby Women (with Esther Povitsky & David Gelb)
February 26, 2016 14:28 - 46 minutes - 43 MBThis week Caroline invites comedian Esther Povitsky and esteemed director David Gelb to unpack the deep meaning behind thirst traps, Olivia Munn’s beauty secrets, and Jessica Simpson pimping out her toddler on social media.
Evian Bottles & Johnny Depp's Teeth (with Sarah Ramos & Matt Spicer)
February 12, 2016 09:32 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBFirst show! This week Caroline sits with bestie Sarah Ramos and her boyfriend Matt Spicer as they break down the hot mess that was the Superbowl (Cookie Lyons, we're looking at you) to whether or not OJ did it (because Precious is questioning and so are we). High key we may need some guidance from Tori Spelling's new Psychic Hotline.