Ever wonder why Showgirls still has us hooked, decades after its epic flop? Renee Olstead, a name that’s been lighting up both mainstream and adult entertainment, just dropped a two-hour verbal autopsy of Paul Verhoeven’s 1995 trainwreck-turned-cult-classic on The Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast. And let me tell you, it’s a ride.
Renee Olstead Unpacks Showgirls’ Glorious Mess
Olstead, who’s juggled roles in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, a music career spanning jazz to country, and now reigns as Penthouse Pet of the Year, isn’t just here for the glitz. She’s a therapist specializing in the adult industry, which gives her a razor-sharp lens on Showgirls—a film that’s equal parts striptease and social commentary. Joined by hosts A.J. Ditty, Josh Boerman, and Brian Alford, she dives headfirst into the movie’s absurdity, its accidental feminist vibes, and why it’s still sparking debates.
Why Showgirls Still Haunts Us
Showgirls was a box-office bomb, raking in just $20 million against a $45 million budget. Critics tore it apart—Roger Ebert called it “vulgar” and “incoherent.” Yet, it’s become a cult phenomenon, with midnight screenings and drag shows keeping its spirit alive. Olstead and the podcast crew dig into why: the unhinged screenplay by Joe Eszterhas, those bizarre VH1 edits that turned explicit scenes into surreal fever dreams, and Elizabeth Berkley’s all-in performance as Nomi Malone. It’s a film that dares you to look away but knows you won’t.
“I had so much fun chatting with A.J., Josh, and Brian about this gloriously campy disasterpiece. The time completely flew by.”
– Renee Olstead
Feminist Flop or Hidden Gem?
Is Showgirls a misogynistic mess or a sly critique of exploitation? Olstead leans into this debate with gusto. She points out how Nomi’s raw ambition and unapologetic sexuality clash with Vegas’s sleazy power dynamics, creating a feminist Rorschach test. The podcast crew argues the film’s over-the-top style—think pool sex scenes and cartoonish villainy—might just be Verhoeven’s way of holding a mirror to the industry’s excesses. Olstead, with her adult industry expertise, brings a fresh angle, noting how the film’s chaos reflects real tensions performers face.
Olstead’s Unique Lens
What makes this episode pop is Renee Olstead herself. She’s not just a guest spouting hot takes. Her work as a therapist for adult entertainers gives her insight into the power plays and vulnerabilities Showgirls dramatizes. She connects Nomi’s story to the real-world grind of performers navigating fame, exploitation, and self-worth. Plus, her infectious enthusiasm—she calls the podcast a “wildly specific” blast—makes the two-hour runtime feel like a quickie.
- Key topics covered: Eszterhas’s unhinged script, VH1’s sanitized edits, Berkley’s polarizing performance.
- Why listen: Olstead’s blend of industry savvy and campy love for the film.
Where to Catch It
Ready to dive into this deliciously unfiltered convo? The episode, titled “Showgirls, featuring Renee Olstead,” is live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and iHeart. It’s a must for anyone obsessed with Showgirls or just craving a smart, funny take on a film that’s as divisive as it is iconic. Olstead’s perspective, paired with the hosts’ wit, makes this a podcast you’ll want to replay.
So, what’s the verdict? Is Showgirls a misunderstood masterpiece or a glorious disaster? Olstead and the crew don’t fully agree—and that’s the fun of it. Grab your headphones and find out where you land.
