Hi, I'm Carly Mallenbaum. The only one, as far as I know. Welcome to my site!
​
Below is a collection of stories and columns that I've written as a journalist in the Life section of USA TODAY. Bonus: Some pieces include videos that I've hosted.
Why I'm conflicted when it comes to speaking negatively about female action heroes.
CAN I CRITIQUE CAPT. MARVEL?
Artists are letting their brushes, spray paint and digital drawings speak of racial reckoning.
STORIES BEHIND ART ACTIVISM
COVID-19: I GOTTA RUN
An essay about why I Must Keep Running (so long as it's legal).
Don't cry that "Avengers: Endgame" is over; smile that we got to appreciate Cap's backside.
THE BEST END IN THE GAME
I didn't realize it 15 years ago, but the Nicholas Sparks film romanticizes toxic relationships.
"THE NOTEBOOK" IS AWFUL
How I tried to fix bad dreams brought on by the coronavirus age.
DOES LUCID DREAMING WORK?
FIRST-TIME GLOBES GUEST
The highs and lows of attending the boozy Golden Globe Awards and arriving too early.
ACADEMY AWARDS CARPET
Before he swept the 2020 Oscars, Bong Joon-Ho told me about why he felt lucky.
THAT TIME I BECAME A DEMON
I became part of a haunted house and scared many people. My mom wasn't pleased.
"GLOW": FEMINIST BIO-DOME
The Netflix showrunners and star Betty Gilpin discuss making TV in the #MeToo era.
'BETWEEN 2 FERNS' INTERVIEW
Zach Galifianakis became the vulnerable interviewee betwixt greenery.
MAGIC DRINKING SHROOMS?
I went to a place called the Shroom Room for this story.
SCENE-STEALING SPORK
Get to know (and learn to make) Forky, the new "Toy Story 4" character.
INSIDE A CANNABIS CAFE
We met "Flowers Hosts" and learned the rules behind LA's first weed restaurant.
OAT MILK IS HOT RIGHT NOW
I got so invested in this piece I made my own oat milk. It wasn't great.
ELASTIGIRL IS "THICC"
Her non-Disney Princess bodytype is a step forward for inclusion in animation.
"BLOCKBUSTER" MOVIE MAGIC
A report from the '90s "Captain Marvel" set, with Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson.
MY "NINJA WARRIOR" FAILURE
I thought it would be tough. I also thought I'd last more than ten seconds on the course.
"SAVED BY THE BELL" FOOD
A satisfying meal of burger, fries and nostalgia at this LA pop-up diner.
VANDERWAAL BACKSTAGE
I've interviewed singer/songwriter Grace VanderWaal several times over the years.
A BUTT-SPRITZING TOILET?
This isn't a load of crap: The bidet is finally making a splash in the U.S.
I DID THE "CREED 2" WORKOUT
Michael B. Jordan's trainer said I didn't look strong, but I showed him! And almost fainted.
A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE?
I tried the celebrity wellness trend to see what all the fuss is about.
MEET "THE POST" WRITER
Liz Hannah talks about finding success with help from women in powerful Hollywood roles.
OFFERMAN & POEHLER ON SET
The former "Parks & Rec" co-stars riff on the set of their competition show, "Making It."
INCLUSION RIDER IN USE
Netflix's "First Match" used one before Frances McDormand made the term popular.
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
Female stunt performers from "Marvel Universe Live" teach me their superhero moves.
This fashion trend piece, about millennials ditching underwire, has over 1M page views.
GOING BRA-LESS IS IN
MARGOT ROBBIE SIT-DOWN
She talks about her "formal" name, perfectly-shaped head for acting and new Tarantino film.
I CRIED ON THE CARPET
It happened at the Emmys when Mandy Patinkin whispered my favorite movie line.