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Pop Rocket

Pop culture discussion with Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson
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A high-octane weekly discussion of the pop culture we all love to love.

Join host Guy Branum and panelists Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler for smart, funny, sometimes sweary chat about everything great in entertainment.

Combining comic, journalistic, academic and digital media expertise, the Pop Rocket team will keep you up-to-date on what's most exciting in pop culture this week.

MaximumFun.org

May 24, 2019

**Warning - this episode contains lots of tears**

For the final episode of Pop Rocket, the panel convene to give listeners one last All About, one last Jam, and they look back at the past four and a half years, and all the various milestones they’ve shared with one another and their listeners while doing the show--marriages, deaths, birth, book deals, finding a new home, and so many other memories. It’s raw. It’s wonderful. In addition, we’ll hear phone calls from listeners and friends of the show about what Pop Rocket meant to them. Plus, Guy shares the best abortion joke he’s ever heard.

Lastly, Wynter and Karen reveal their new, upcoming podcast, and how you can stay in touch with them beyond Pop Rocket.

ALL ABOUTS
Margaret: Broad City series finale
Karen: Gentleman Jack
Wynter Veep
Guy: Long Shot

That's My Jam

Margaret: George Harrison-If Not for You

Karen: The Postal Service - Such Great Heights

Guy: Christine Anu, David Hobson - Now Until the Break of Day

Wynter: Sid Vicious - My Way

 

Announcement
Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh have a new podcast in the works called Waiting to X-hale

 

 

Waiting to X-hale Podcast

 

Waiting to X-hale is a brand new woman-of-color driven podcast hosted by Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Karen Tongson, revisiting the pop culture and transformative social issues that defined Generation X. Our discussions, debates, and instructional interludes will let you see your favorite (and least favorite) aspects of GenX culture in a way that sheds new light on both then, and now. A special preview episode is dropping in early June with regular episodes recurring after Karen returns from her book tour in July.

For more information, sign up for the Waiting to X-hale newsletter, and follow the show on Twitter:
@waiting2xhalepd

With Guy BranumKaren TongsonMargaret WapplerWynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh

Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

 

May 17, 2019

**Angelenos: Tonight (May 17th) at 7pm Guy and Karen will have a conversation about Why Karen Carpenter Matters at Book Soup in West Hollywood.**

In this penultimate episode, the Pop Rocket panel seeks guidance from The Oracle of LA, Amanda Yates Garcia. Each panelist pulls a card from the Oracle’s tarot deck, and gets an individual reading. What’s next for everyone? The answer’s in the cards.

Also, Karen Tongson tells us about her phone call with Elizabeth Warren this week. Presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren called Karen Tongson on the phone. Personally. Listen to hear how it went down.

If you were as impressed with Amanda’s reading as the panel was, you can subscribe to her podcast
Strange Magic.

Lastly, if anyone wants to ask the panelists for advice--about anything!--you’ve got less than 24 hours to call and leave a message with Guy’s mom: (530) 237-4108

That's My Jam

Margaret: Weyes Blood (Natalie Mering) -A Lot’s Gonna Change

Guy: Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut to the Feeling

Karen:
Vampire Weekend (wth Danielle Haim) - We Belong Together
Song: IN: 1:38 - Fade 2:19

Amanda:
Alice Coltrane -Govinda Jai Jai

With Guy BranumKaren TongsonMargaret WapplerWynter Mitchell-RohrbaughAmanda Yates Garcia,
The Oracle of LA

Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

May 10, 2019

This is the first of our three final episodes, and we’re joined by screenwriter Guinevere Turner (American Psycho,Go Fish) whose latest film Charlie Says just came out today, May 10th. As “budding cult-ologist” MagWaps notes, “if you think you’ve heard everything on the Mansons, trust me, this movie takes a different view.”

Having grown up in a cult, Guinevere was able to draw from her experiences and insight to tell the story from the point of view of the women who were targeted and groomed by Manson, and killed for him. It’s a fascinating discussion.

Plus, the panel convened once again to vote on another Pop Rocket Seal of Approval. The final three nominees were Sandra Oh, Toni Collette and Catherine O’Hara.

There are two more Pop Rocket episodes to go in its nearly five-year run. If you’d like to share with the panelists what this show meant to you, or tell them about your favorite episodes, you can call Guy’s mom and leave a message at: (530) 237-4108

You can also email poprocketpodcast@gmail.com a recording of your message made with your phone’s voice memo app.

If you haven’t already, please make sure to follow all four panelists on social media. You can find their Twitter handles below.

That's My Jam

Margaret: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Guy: John Cale - Paris 1919

Karen: Heart - Never

Wynter: Tame Impala - Borderline

Guinevere: King Princess - 1950

With Guy BranumKaren TongsonMargaret WapplerWynter Mitchell-RohrbaughGuinevere Turner

Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Apr 26, 2019

First off, you're welcome Game of Thrones fans. This is a super-sized Pop Rocket loaded with theories, speculation, and yes, even love. While Wynter and Karen were away, Margaret and Guy tapped two die-hard fans for a full-on discussion of the series and their thoughts now that the first two of the last six episodes have aired. Assembled in the studio this week:

Guy "I've read all the George R.R. Martin books in the series" Branum

Sarah "I'm in a viewing group with a gaggle of lesbians and their gaybies" Kessler

Laura "I prepared delicious direwolf-shaped crackers" Krafft

Margaret "I host GoT viewing parties at my house" Wappler

This episode will reveal which Game of Thrones character Guy has dressed up for--TWICE!--for Halloween. Sarah finds one GoT character extremely annoying, and it's not Bran. Laura pines for a Winterfell man she fears will die in the next episode, and Margaret is pretty sure she knows who will take the throne.

This was a raucous, expansive conversation that will both delight and frustrate Game of Thrones fans.

All Abouts
Margaret: The podcast Going Through It hosted by Ann Friedman

Guy: Chasten Buttigieg’s Twitter account

Sarah:
Dr. Pimple Popper, now on Hulu

Laura: The FX show What We Do in the Shadows

That's My Jam

Guy: Lizzo - Better in Color
Margaret: FKA Twigs - Cellophane
Sarah: Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way
Laura: Stone Roses - Fool’s Gold

With Guy BranumMargaret WapplerSarah KesslerLaura Krafft

Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Apr 20, 2019

This week Wynter and Karen chat with Ellington Wells, a comedian and writer on Comedy Central’s brand new sketch show The New Negroes with Open Mike Eagle and Baron Vaughn. The panel takes a look at how black sketch comedy has involved and Wells tell us what Robert Townsend TV special inspired Vaughn to create a show with a similar sensibility.

All Abouts

Wynter: No Good Nick
Karen: Season 4 of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Ellington: Britney's Gram podcast special episode

That's My Jam

Ellington: Ava Max - Sweet But Psycho

Guy: BTS (방탄소년단) IDOL (Feat. Nicki Minaj)

Wynter: Nat King Cole - Harlem Blues

Karen: An Luu - Pourquoi tu me fous plus des coups?

With Karen TongsonEllington WellsWynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh

Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Apr 12, 2019

**ANNOUNCEMENT: The nomination process is now open for the next Pop Rocket Seal of Approval. This quarter we’re looking for veterans with a large body of work who have been underappreciated and haven’t received the acclaim that their body of work and stellar character deserve. If you want to submit a name, you must call and leave a message on Guy’s mom’s voicemail to tell us who you’d like to nominate and why. That number is: 530-237-4108**

This week we’re joined by food writer Tien Nguyen whose love of food is only rivaled by her admiration of Sandra Oh, an Asian woman with amazing hair. We talk about Oh, her hair and why Killing Eve is killing it for the panel. Why is this show unlike any other in the spy genre? The panel has a lot of insight on this. Also, Wynter admits she was wrong for not embracing the show sooner.

All Abouts

Karen: Survivor Season 38: Edge of Extinction

Wynter: Wynter is all about Joe Bob Brigg’s show The Last Drive-In on Shudder

Tien: Kim-Joy’s new cookbook Baking with Kim-Joy

 

That's My Jam

Karen: Weyes Blood’s “A Lot’s Gonna Change”

Wynter: Moon Boots - Keep the Faith

Tien: Aretha Franklin - Jumpin’ Jack Flash

With Karen Tongson, , Wynter Mitchell-RohrbaughTien Nguyen

Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Apr 5, 2019

Take a trip down memory lane with Wynter, Karen and Margaret as they revisit 1991 in music. If you’ve ever been curious what song was playing when Karen experienced her first same sex kiss, tune in. If you grew up in the nineties, this episode will bring you back to that moment in time. If you spent your formative years in the aughts, and want to experience the 90s vicariously through Pop Rocket, the panel goes into great detail about what makes 1991 such a pivotal epoch, giving us grunge, new jack swing, schmaltzy ballads and music fans that could embrace Nirvana, Boys II Men, C+C Music Factory and REM at once.

As an added bonus, we created a Pop Rocket 1991 Mixtape that you can listen to on Spotify.

All Abouts

Margaret is on thatPen15 tip, and reliving those awkward middle school years via Maya and Anna

Karen is all about the season three episode of This Is Us, entitled R & B

Wynter has fallen hard for
Celine Dion after attending an event with the Québécoise chanteuse to promote her new album and tour

That's My Jam

Karen: Cathy Dennis - Too Many Walls

Wynter: Tame Impala - Patience

Margaret: Billie Eilish - Bad Guy

Karen TongsonMargaret WapplerWynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh

Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Mar 28, 2019

Pop Rocket’s come early this week! Alonso Duralde guest hosts for this, our second week of the MaxFunDrive. The deadline for supporting this show is fast upon us, so if you haven’t yet become a new or upgrading member, do it now! Go to our donation page.

You can donate while listening to this special Thursday edition of the show. This episode has something for everyone--sapphic sisters, metal heads, Hallmark Channel enthusiasts and, of course, horror buffs.

One note of caution: There are spoilers, so if you haven’t yet seen Us, and you want to see it before learning about any of its twists and turns, you should skip the discussion. If you HAVE seen it, brace yourself for the in-depth discussion. Does this movie live up to its hype? Is the symbolism in the movie effective? Why does Wynter think she has to watch it again? These questions, and more, will be answered.

All Abouts

Margaret is all about Amanda Deibert's defense of Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill, in response to a negative article in Jezebel

Karen is all about
Scary Spice Mel B's confession that she hooked up with Ginger Spice, Geri Halliwell

Alonso is all about Hallmark hiring the hosts of the Hallmark podcast
The Bubbly Sesh

Wynter is all about the Netflix Mötley Crüe biopic The Dirt

That's My Jam
Margaret: James Blake - Power On

Karen: Mel C. and Northern Star (feat. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes) - Never Be the Same Again

Alonso: XTC - The Wheel and the Maypole

Wynter: Lil Nas X - Old Town Road

Mar 23, 2019

It’s the first live episode of Pop Rocket. Professor Karen Tongson invited the panel to give a lesson on why pop culture matters, with a focus on the past decade. You’ll learn what pop culture of the 2010s will last, and what culture won’t be remembered. Plus we’ll hear from some of Karen’s students, including a special jam brought to the show by Clayton. You won’t want to miss this must-listen episode!

All Abouts

Margaret: Out for Blood

Karen: Shrill

Wynter: The Fox-Disney merger

That's My Jam

Margaret: Lizzo - Cuz I Luv You

Clayton: 4 Non Blondes - What’s Up

Wynter: Beyonce feat. Frank Ocean - Superpower

Karen: Guy BranumKaren TongsonMargaret WapplerWynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh

Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Mar 16, 2019

In honor of Women’s History Month, the panel lives vicariously through women who sought revenge, from Lorena Gallo (formerly Bobbit), to Thelma & Louise. They touch on their favorite films centered around women seeking revenge...or, perhaps more accurately, justice.

All Abouts

Margaret: Uncover: Escaping NXIVM

Karen: “Operation Varsity Blues”, aka the college admissions scandal

Wynter: Free Solo

Guy: Zumbo’s Just Desserts

That's My Jam

Margaret: Pistol Annies - Got My Name Changed Back

Guy: Carly Rae Jepsen - Now That I Found You

Wynter: Work - Charlotte Day Wilson

Karen: Cate le Bon’s - I Just Wanna Be Good

With Guy BranumKaren TongsonMargaret WapplerWynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh

Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Mar 9, 2019

When she was 17, Dame Angela Lansbury quit her job at a department store to take a part in a movie, as 17-year-olds are wont to do. She played a young maid to Ingrid Bergman’s character in Gaslight, a film that garnered seven Oscar nominations and two wins, including one for Best Actress for Bergman. It’s the typical tale of a young actress trying to make it big and having to struggle, role after role after role after role, to hold her own on screen with the most celebrated actors in the world, on Oscar-winning film after Oscar-winning film.

She’s now 93 years old and has been in the business for nearly eight decades, dominating the big screen, the small screen and the stage.

For this episode of Pop Rocket, we felt it important to give Dame Lansbury’s career a discussion worthy of the legend that she is, and we couldn’t do it by ourselves. We needed to bring in the biggest Fangelas we could find outside of her immediate family: April Wolfe and S.A. Smythe, two individuals that get positively giddy noting which Murder She Wrote episodes comment on on colonialism and the prison industrial complex.

You guys, this is such a great episode, and that’s not even including everyone’s All Abouts!

Mar 2, 2019

Matt Rogers joins us to help tidy up the Oscars. The 91-year-old institution has gotten a bit cluttered, so the Pop Rocket panel applies the KonMari Method to the Academy Awards. We’ll keep everything that sparks joy, and the rest will be dropped off at an Out of the Closet in a Hefty bag. Will the short film and animated short categories survive? What about song and dance numbers? Find out.

Let us know if you agree with the panel, or take issue by sharing your thoughts in the comments section below.

All Abouts

Guy remembers his friend and beloved comedian Brody Stevens, who died by suicide last week.

Wynter is all about Kind Hearts & Coronets.

Margaret wants everyone to take a moment to appreciate actress and wordsmith Dame Emma Thompson for her recent letter to Skydance detailing why she will not work with John Lasseter.

Karen Tongson is NOT about the speculation that Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are boffing. And for everyone going gaga over their duet, she reminds us of another live performance with off the charts chemistry, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond at the 1980 Grammys singing
You Don't Bring Me Flowers

Matt Rogers, the self-described “roller coaster bitch” is all about Hagrid Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride that’s coming to Disneyworld.

Feb 23, 2019

We’ve got a SCREAMINGLY great episode this week as the wonderful Tananarive Due joins us in studio for a deep cinematic dive into the world of black horror. Tananarive Due is the UCLA lecturer whose class on Get Out--The Sunken Place--was crashed by non-student Jordan Peele . She is also the executive producer of Shudder’s very first original documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror.

The panel cover A LOT of ground. For horror buffs and cinephiles alike, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN.

All Abouts
Margaret Wappler - The Bodyguard on Netflix

Karen Tongson -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLkEpO3k514 on Hulu

Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh - Lorena on Amazon Prime

14:00 Tananarive Due - The Passage on Fox

Jams
Karen - Lion - You've Got a Woman

Tananarive - Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock - It Takes Two

Wynter - James Brown - Living In America

Margaret - Orion Sun - Stretch

With 

Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh

Karen Tongson

Margaret Wappler
Tananarive Due

Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108.

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Feb 16, 2019

Are you ready for the 64th most electrifying show in Hollywood? Well get ready because it’s here, in your podcatcher: The Fifth Annual Pop Tart Awards! The panel comes together to recognize the best of the best in TV, film and everything else entertaining. What will take home the Warm Blanket Award for fuzzy comfort entertainment? Who delivered the best performance of the year? Could the panelists find consensus on the best album of the year? Barely. Plus, a bona fide celebrity makes a cameo that...Will. Blow. Your. Mind. And if not, it will at least make you smile. Lastly, we encourage any and all winners of a Pop Tart to call in with your acceptance speech. Note, however, that if your speech runs long, we'll have to play you off with music. If you received an award, call us at: 530-237-4108. 

Feb 9, 2019

On this week’s show, the panel play catch up. Each panelist was assigned to watch one film from this past year they missed when it was still in theaters. At the behest of Guy, Margaret watched Can You Ever Forgive Me. Karen Tongson was assigned Roma, but decided she wanted to check out Support the Girls, so Wynter was tapped for Roma instead. Lastly, both Wynter and Karen wanted to talk to Guy about A Simple Favor.

Each panelist reported back. Who thought Roma was too slow? Did Margaret show enough love for her pick? And what did Karen appreciate most about the breastaurant drama?

**Spoiler Alert**
If you haven't seen Roma, you may want to skip that part of the discussion.

All Abouts

Margaret - Velvet Buzzsaw

Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh - Russian Doll

Guy Branum - Season 5 of Schitt’s Creek

Karen Tongson - Showtime’s Black Monday

That's My Jam

Karen Tongson - Sylvan Esso - PARAD(w/me)E

Margaret Wappler - 
Maggie Rogers - Alaska

Guy Branum - Liam Payne - Strip That Down

Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh - Sampha - Treasure

Jan 19, 2019

Once again we’re firing on all cylinders this week! It’s an ultra-packed show covering everything from The Masked Singer, Surviving R. Kelly,
MATANGI / MAYA / M.I.A. and the need to move beyond moralistic posturing in critiquing comedy.

The panel get into a lively discussion of Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up on Netflix show. One panelist loves it, one panelist thinks it’s “sinister”, and a panelist named Guy is so obsessed with one of the families featured on the show he couldn’t stop talking about them.

All Abouts
Margaret shares her thoughts on the heartbreaking and disturbing six-part series Surviving R. Kelly

Guy is all about the 1998 film The Opposite of Sex, and explains how Terry Gross’ recent conversation with Kevin Hart made him appreciate it more.

Wynter is all about the M.I.A. documentary.

And Karen loves the new reality singing competition show The Masked Singer.

Jan 12, 2019

The ENTIRE PANEL is back together for a jam-packed episode! They talk Golden Globes, Bandersnatch and react to some of the commercial jingles you beautiful listeners sang to us on the Pop Rocket voicemail line.

All Abouts

Wynter, fresh off a romantic holiday trip to Paris, is all about the Louis Vuitton Foundation's Basquiat exhibition

Guy is all about Can You Ever Forgive Me

Margaret is all about Regina King's Golden Globes speech

Karen thinks everyone should check out the new Aussie show Instant Hotel on Netflix

That's My Jam

Margaret: Sleater Kinney - Oh!

Guy: Lizzo - Juice

Karen: Mitski - Nobody

Wynter: Listener Temple’s rendition of Attorney Hal Cook’s commercial jingle from Little Rock, Arkansas

With Guy BranumKaren TongsonMargaret WapplerWynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh
Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Jul 18, 2018

***Warning - this episode contains major spoilers***

This week, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler are joined by Bay Area comedian and two-time Emmy winning writer Kevin Avery. He was head writer on Totally Biased w/ Kamau Bell, staff writer on Last Week Tonight w/ John Oliver and writer on The Jim Jeffries Show. The gang is deep diving into Boots Riley's new movie Sorry to Bother You. Guy, Kevin and Margaret discover that, like Sorry to Bother You's Cassius Green, they all worked as telemarketers. Plus Guy reveals the film's best actor and Kevin tells us about the time he asked Boots for help on a short film.

All Abouts


Margaret is all about Bhad Bhabie- a troubled Florida teen turned rapper based off of a performance on Dr. Phil where she was a guest with her mom. There's this really smart analysis of the Bhad Bhabie phenomenon in the NY Times by Jamie Lauren Keiles who breaks down what she means for the entertainment industry.

Kevin is all about not being about Drake's latest song and the dance challenge it spawned that's sweeping the nation: In My Feelings. The challenge even got Will Smith dancing on a bridge.

Guy is all about the hard-working, talented, and badass Korean-Canadian actress Sandra Oh, who has had to work twice as hard to get half as far in entertainment. She's finally getting her due as the first woman of Asian descent to be nominated for an Emmy in the category of lead actress for Killing Eve.

With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, and Kevin Avery.

That's My Jam:

Margaret - The Coup - 5 Million Ways to Kill a C.E.O.

Kevin- Justin Timberlake - Higher Higher.

Guy - Years & Years - All For You.

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

May 17, 2018

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Andrew Ti are joined by British actor and comedian Humphrey Ker. The gang takes a look at the biggest transatlantic pairing of the year: The Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Humphrey is all about Eurovision, the global music competition that showcases some of the best singing--and host banter--in the world. Margaret is all about the podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones, which tells the history of country music, warts and all. Guy is all about The Party, a movie he was certain he would hate, but it flipped his expectations in the best possible way. Andrew is all about the cancellation and swift revival of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

The panel will discuss the upcoming Royal Wedding, why this sort of extravaganza captures the attention of a global audience and why it was worth a Lifetime TV movie.

With Guy BranumMargaret WapplerAndrew Ti and Humphrey Ker.

Apr 5, 2018

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson watched the Roseanne reboot and they have feelings about it. Strong feelings.

Margaret Wappler is all about Glynn Washington’s podcast Heaven’s Gate which features interviews and stories of surviving members of the deadly cult. The final season of The Americans
kicked off last week with the episode Dead Hand and Karen savors the way it used music. Guy is all about the Netflix show On the Block.

With the Roseanne reboot smashing all kinds of viewing records, the panel weighs in on what it is about the show that gives it such a broad appeal. They also look at why Roseanne is problematic and why the show’s take on gender non-conformity may not be as culturally relevant as the show’s setting would have audiences believe.

With
Guy Branum
Karen Tongson
Margaret Wappler

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Vacationer - Magnetism

Karen Tongson - Indigo Girls - Everything’s Alright

Guy Branum - Dem Beats - Todrick Hall

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Mar 22, 2018

This week, Guy, Karen, Wynter and Margaret bare their souls and confess their problematic faves. Not sure what that means? Don’t worry. They break it down.

Wynter Mitchell is all about Cynthia Nixon running for governor of New York. Margaret Wappler is all about Nina Riggs’ memoir The Bright Hour. Karen’s digging CBS All Access’ The Good Fight, and Guy has just discovered The Supersizers Go

With Karen TongsonGuy BranumMargaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell.


That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Led Zeppelin - Good Times Bad Times
Karen Tongson - Tove Styrke - I Changed My Mind

Guy Branum - Topsy Turvy - Three Little Maids (The Mikado)

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Mar 14, 2018

This week, Guy, Karen, Wynter and Margaret tackle A Wrinkle in Time and time travel tropes in TV and film.

Margaret Wappler is all about the New York Times publishing the obituaries they overlooked going back to 1851, people like Ida B. Wells and countless others. Karen is all about defending her Pinoy brother Bruno Mars from YouTuber and activist Seren Sensei, who thinks Mars appropriates black culture. Guy Branum comes late to the Insecure party, but he’s seen the light and apologizes to everyone who insisted he should watch the show. Wynter is all about Hypothetical, the OJ Simpson special that, for whatever reason, recently aired.

Margaret and Karen both saw A Wrinkle in Time and share their thoughts on the film. Then the gang delve into time travel, and make some profound realizations. If you want to hear about Outlander or Doctor Who, sorry. But if you want to hear their thoughts on Time Traveler’s WifeBill & Ted’s Excellent AdventureBack to the FutureQuantum LeapThe Arrival and lots of other titles, you’ll be in luck!

With Karen TongsonGuy BranumMargaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Teena Marie - Deja Vu
Karen Tongson - Tracey Thorn - Dancefloor
Wynter Mitchell - James Bay - Pink Lemonade
Guy Branum - The 5th Dimension - Aquarius

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Mar 8, 2018

It’s another fun-filled Pop Rocket. This week, special guest Chris Schleicher is all about the Best Documentary Short Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405; Margaret Wappler is all up in season three of Unreal; Karen Tongson wanted to be about Unreal, but Wappler stole her thunder so Karen tells us about the new show Good Girls, and Guy Branum is all about the Great White Way, fresh off his trip to New York with his niece.

Then the gang delve into Oscar talk, sharing tips on how to guess the most wins on the ballot, how they each watched the awards show and all the hot takes they have. There’s just the right balance of reverence and cattiness.

With Karen TongsonGuy BranumMargaret Wappler and Chris Schleicher.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Sufjan Stevens - Visions of Gideon
Karen Tongson - Jackson Brown - Somebody’s Baby
Guy Branum - from Don’t Even Know It - Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Chris Schleicher - BeBe Zahara Benet - Drag Up Your Life

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Feb 28, 2018

Karen Tongson takes over hosting duties and is joined by special guest Tavia Nyong'o to discuss Black Panther! The gang chats about the impact the soundtrack had on them, afro-futurism/afro-centrism as part of the storytelling, and "double consciousness." Plus, Margaret talks Monica Lewinsky, Karen just finished watching Ugly Delicious, Tavia has some thoughts on the reboot of Heathers, and Wynter discusses GQ's article on Brendan Fraser.

And producer Christian comes into the studio for a very special announcement and his very first jam.

With Karen TongsonWynter MitchellMargaret Wappler and Tavia Nyong'o.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Ella Jenkins - Who's Gonna Be Your Man?
Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell- Janelle Monae - Make Me Feel
Tavia Nyong'o - MeShell Ndegeocello - Waterfalls
Christian Duenas - Frank Ocean - White Ferrari

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Farewell Rocketeers! It's been a blast getting to know you all on the Facebook and on Twitter. I'm gonna miss you so much!
Christian Dueñas

Feb 22, 2018

This week, Guy and the gang talk about their favorite first ladies and lady presidents in movies and TV. Is there a fictional first lady that ISN'T some kind of commentary on Hillary? What kind of media would we like to see about the Obamas? When will Melania spill the tea? Plus, Margaret's baby makes his first podcast appearance, Wynter discusses Chris Rock's Netflix special, Guy talks Queer Eye, and the panel has a conversation on Parkland and Emma Gonzalez' speech on gun control.

With Guy BranumWynter MitchellKaren Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Tammy Wynette - Stand By Your Man
Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell- Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA - All the Stars
Guy Branum - Angela Lansbury in The Manchurian Candidate

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

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