The Mel K Show
The Mel K Show
Mel K
Mourning Manhattan: AJ Benza on Fame, Celebrity, & Decay | 10-16-26
40 minutes Posted Oct 16, 2026 at 11:00 pm.
Welcome & Introduction
AJ Benza — Early Career & 90s NYC
Vogue Party & Nightclub Origins
Move to LA & E! Opportunity
The Rise of Social Media & Losing ’Earned’ Stardom
Influencers in Film — Baywatch Example
Auditions Then vs Now
Politics & Ideological Alignment in Hollywood
Sponsor Break — Beverly Hills Precious Metals
’Friend of Abe’ & Hollywood Homogenization
Cultural Concerns & ’Controlled Demolition’
Sponsor Break — Satellite Phone Store
Cancel Culture, MeToo & Harvey Weinstein
Sexualization, OnlyFans & Public Discourse
Ageism & Casting Decisions
Epstein & Broader Scandals
Trump, New York Nostalgia & Anecdotes
Podcasting, Platforms & Where to Find AJ
Closing Remarks & Sign-off
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40:21
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Show notes
Mel K and journalist and podcast host A.J. Benza revisit 1990s New York and discuss how Hollywood, celebrity journalism and the entertainment business have changed. Their conversation covers social media, the path into acting and filmmaking, industry culture, and Benza's experiences and podcast work.
A.J. Benza’s books:Fame, Ain't It a Bitch: Confessions of a Reformed Gossip Columnisthttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0786867531?tag=melodykaufman-20 (affiliate)'74 and Sunnyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1476738785?tag=melodykaufman-20 (affiliate)
Find A.J. Benza:Fame Is a Bitch on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aj-benza-fame-is-a-bitch/id1254131606Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/FameIsABitch
More of A.J.’s television work:Case Closed with A.J. Benza (REELZ): https://www.reelz.com/show/case-closed/High Stakes Poker (PokerGO): https://www.pokergo.com/
Mel K's books:Infiltration Instead of Invasion:https://amzn.to/4AyVcXMAmericans Anonymous:https://amzn.to/3TijHYNAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Explore The Mel K Show's partner offers:https://themelkshow.com/partners/Gold and silver consultation: https://melkgold.com/ - mention MELK.(Partner promotion)
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