Podcasts

Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson: The Romance We’re Willing into Existence

From red carpets to red swimsuits, from action films to heartfelt comebacks, today’s podcast is all about two of the most surprising stars caught in a swirl of romance rumours: Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson.  In this episode, Ciara Doherty dives into the cultural fascination with celebrity couples we want to be real - whether or not they actually are. What is it about Pam and Liam that has us collectively rooting for their romance, without a shred of official confirmation? What makes them such an oddly perfect pairing in the public imagination? And what does that say about us?  Ciara is joined by pop culture connoisseur Sarina Bellissimo to unpack it all—from Pamela Anderson’s remarkable evolution from ‘90s bombshell to feminist icon, to Liam Neeson’s transformation from intense dramatic actor to action hero to, now, comedy lead in the upcoming Naked Gun reboot. Together, they explore why these two stars, with their private lives, past heartbreaks, and quiet strength, have become the subjects of a kind of wishful cultural matchmaking.  They also reflect on how Pamela Anderson has reclaimed her narrative through her critically acclaimed Netflix documentary and memoir, and how her recent red carpet appearance - bare-faced, natural, radiant - sparked a global conversation about ageing, authenticity, and the changing role of women in Hollywood. Liam’s enduring appeal is also under the microscope: his humility, his grief, his strength—and why so many fans yearn to see him find joy again.  Also in this episode:  – The early days of Pamela’s fame and the global phenomenon of Baywatch  – The tabloid era that tried to reduce her to a caricature  – Her modern-day renaissance with The Last Showgirl and Naked Gun  – The psychology behind our obsession with celebrity couples  – Why imagining certain romances brings us hope, not just gossip  – What makes a famous pairing “click” with the public  Whether Liam and Pamela are truly Hollywood’s next great couple or simply the fantasy pairing of the year, Ciara and Sarina explore what their story - real or imagined - says about resilience, reinvention, and how we project our hopes onto the lives of stars we feel we know.    Follow Sarina on Instagram @sarinabellissimo, and subscribe now to Newstalk Daily for fresh, smart takes on the stories lighting up our timelines and headlines - Monday to Friday, every morning in your feed.  see more