Miss Cleo and the Art of Illusion (Episode 151)

<p>Ever wondered if a TV psychic was the real deal or just a marketing genius? Join us as we take a hilarious yet insightful journey through the life of Miss Cleo, the unforgettable TV psychic whose commercials became late-night legends. From her start as Uri Del Harris in Los Angeles to becoming the voice of the Psychic Readers Network, we unravel the enigma of Miss Cleo. Was she truly clairvoyant, or did she master the art of 'fake-it-till-you-make-it'? Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through her colorful past, complete with humorous anecdotes and the fascinating backstory many never knew.<br /><br />Step into the realm where personal storytelling mingles with deception and reality blurs with performance. We draw curious connections between public personas like Miss Cleo and Anna Nicole Smith, exploring their motivations to create elaborate yet sometimes fictitious narratives. With lighthearted humor, we navigate the Seattle theater roots of Miss Cleo's journey, exposing how a character created for a play morphed into a cultural icon. Listen as we compare Miss Cleo's memorable role to the likes of Progressive's Flo and other iconic commercial figures, while pondering the comforting allure these personas provide amidst their ethical pitfalls.<br /><br />Relive the nostalgia of the 90s as we uncover the psychic industry's quirky charm and its darker underbelly. From the parody sketches that kept us laughing to the legal scandals that left us questioning, Miss Cleo's legacy is one of both laughter and controversy. Discover the truth behind the infamous Psychic Readers Network and the shady practices that left countless callers with skyrocketing phone bills. Despite the scandal, Miss Cleo remained a fascinating figure in pop culture, reflecting broader themes of identity and deception. Tune in for a ride filled with humor, insight, and a nod to the infamous world of TV psychics.</p><p><a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1846653/open_sms" target="_blank">Send us a message!</a></p><p>Support the show</p><p><b>Death in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof and Ben Kissel.</b><br /><br />New episodes every week!<br /><br />https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment</p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>