Karen Tongson takes over hosting duties this week and film critic Dave White joins the panel to discuss all things Valentine's Day. Who are our favorite TV couples? Are rom coms over? What couple do our panelists aspire to be like? Plus, Karen talks the Winter Olympics, Dave tells us about his new favorite chef, and Wynter has a few more words on Versace.
With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Dave White.
That's My Jam:
Karen Tongson - The Shins - Heartworms (Flipped)
Wynter Mitchell - Justin Timberlake - Filthy
Dave White - Trina - Pull Over
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.
This week, Guy and the gang discuss different representations of their respective careers in pop culture. How accurately is stand up comedy portrayed in Seinfeld? Are the lives of archaeology professors anywhere near as interesting as Indiana Jones'? Does ER do a good job of showing the process of having a baby? Plus, Karen talks The Alienist, Margaret gets into more podcasts, and Guy is in love with One Day at a Time.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - First Aid Kit - America
Karen Tongson - Matthew Wilder - Break My Stride
Guy Branum - The comedy of Bob Smith
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.
This week, Louis Virtel takes over hosting duties to talk about The Post and journalism movies with Margaret and special guest April Wolfe! What kind of stories would the gang like to see in the future? Is Broadcast News secretly creepy?
Plus, Louis LOVES awards season, April talks SNL, and Margaret discusses Kesha's Grammy performance and her legal feud with Dr. Luke.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, April Wolfe and Margaret Wappler.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - Rayvn Lenae - Sticky
April Wolfe - Tweak Bird - Whorses
Louis Virtel - Colonel Adams - I'm Not Gonna Let You
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.
This week, Guy and the gang discuss The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. How amazing is Penelope Cruz' performance? How "true" is this true crime story and does it matter? Plus, Guy is getting into faith-based comedy, Wynter is watching even more stand up comedy, Margaret has some thoughts on The Chi, and Karen discusses The Hollywood Reporter's feature on Ellen Pompeo.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - The Mountain Goats - Wear Black
Karen Tongson - Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good
Wynter Mitchell - Gary Numan - M.E.
Guy Branum - Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week the panel weighs in on call out culture. This episode was recorded shortly after the an article about a woman's date with Aziz Ansari came out. They examine the origins of call out culture, and its impact on the culture at large. It's a rich and nuanced conversation.
Plus, Karen's All About is Season 15 of Top Chef Colorado, and Guy gives Karen half of his "all about" time so he can share his Top Chef thoughts. Guy's spends the other half of his time telling us about a video reel that played at the gay male wedding he attended this past weekend. For anyone thinking of introducing such a reel at his or her own wedding, Guy's got some opinions on it.
Wynter Mitchell's all about Tom Segura's new Netflix comedy special.
That's My Jam:
Karen Tongson - The Cranberries - Linger
Wynter Mitchell - The Cranberries - Ode to My Family
Guy Branum - The Sauce Podcast
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson,
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;.
It's that time of the year again! Guy and the gang and special guest Louis Virtel go over the very best of 2017 pop culture in this super-sized episode! Who will take the coveted Tart d'Or this year? Plus, the gang deliberates over categories suggested by listeners.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and Louis Virtel.
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.
This week, Guy and the gang talk about awards season and give some Oscar predictions! How will awards shows change in the #metoo era? Are we all tired of obvious Oscar bait? WHY DO THE GRAMMYS EXIST?! Plus, Karen catches up on Downton Abbey, Wynter discusses Black Mirror, Margaret loves Amazon's Rose Parade show, and Guy argues on Facebook about Call Me By Your Name.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - Jonny Greenwood - House of Woodcock
Karen Tongson - Japanese Breakfast - Machinist
Wynter Mitchell - ABBA - Happy New Year
Guy Branum - Curtiss Maldoon - Sepheryn (Ray of Light)
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, Guy Branum and the gang discuss their favorite "so bad it's good" movies, tv, and music. How was Small Wonder a real thing? What's the difference between schlock, schmatlz, and just straight up bad? Plus, Wynter has a few words on 45 in the Hall of Presidents, Karen just watched Masterminds, Margaret takes a 1 second video, and Guy loves Beatriz at Dinner.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
Karen Tongson - Wham - Last Christmas
Wynter Mitchell - Bjork - Arisen my Senses
Guy Branum - Lou Bega - Mambo No 5
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, Guy and the gang talk about the film I, Tonya. Was Margot Robbie the best choice to portray Tonya Harding? Is the movie maybe just a bit too Oscar bait-y? All that, plus Guy talks Marvelous Ms. Maisel (again), Karen loves The Big Family Cooking Showdown, Wynter discusses Omarosa, and Margaret gets into sex therapy podcasts.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - St. Vincent - Pills
Karen Tongson - General Public - Never You Done That
Wynter Mitchell - Beck - Wow
Guy Branum - Lizzo - Truth Hurts
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, Guy and the gang talk about Hanukkah and their favorite representations of the Festival of Lights in pop culture. Plus, Margaret discusses "Cat Person" Karen watched ALL of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Wynter and Guy can't stop talking about The Crown episode 8.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - Darlene Love - Christmastime for the Jews
Karen Tongson - Fiddler on the Roof - Do You Love Me
Wynter Mitchell - Giraffage and Matosic - Slowly
Guy Branum - Matisyahu - Miracle
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
Guy and Margaret make their triumphant returns and what better way to celebrate than a discussion on the best and worst reunions in pop culture! Why do TV reunions feel so special and do they ever live up to the hype? What reunions are we dying to see happen? Plus, Guy talks Lady Bird, Margaret's jam makes everyone a little misty eyed, and Karen has a few stories to share about Barbra Streisand.
With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.
Margaret Wappler - LCD Soundsystem - Oh Baby
Karen Tongson - Skeeter Davis - The End of the World
Guy Branum - Bette Midler - Hello Dolly!
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
It's Louis Virtel's last week guest hosting Pop Rocket and so we let him choose today's topic. Louis decided to have the panelists create their own covens and fill it with 5 of the raddest living women. Which of the panelists feels Chrissy Teigen is their spirit animal? Who believes Jane Curtin really represents their soul? Tune in and find out! Plus, Dave wants to dive into sad Christmas, Karen gets into true crime, Wynter's Gotta Have It, and Louis can't help but love Call Me By Your Name.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Dave White.
That’s My Jam:
Dave White - The Partridge Family - I Can Feel Your Heartbeat
Karen Tongson - Mel C - Suddenly Monday
Wynter Mitchell - Teen Titans Go! Cast - Work on an Episode
Louis Virtel - Boy Krazy - That's What Love Can Do
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
Happy Thanksgiving, Rocketeers (if you live in the US)! This week, the gang sit down and open up the Pop Rocket mailbag to answer a few of your questions. There's relationship advice, feminist awakenings, dog discussions, and everything in between!
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.
That’s My Jam:
Alonso Duralde - Pearl Bailey - Five Pound Box of Money
Karen Tongson - The Psychedelic Furs - Ghost in You
Wynter Mitchell - Spice Girls - Too Much
Louis Virtel - Laura Nyro - Wedding Bell Blues
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
Louis and the gang sit down with writer and host of the Smart Mouth podcast, Katherine Spiers, to talk about Thanksgiving traditions and trade a couple of great (and terrible) Thanksgiving stories. Plus, Wynter loves Bruno Mars, Karen talks fried chicken, Katherine needs more Lady Dynamite in her life, Louis declared Rosie O'Donnell the greatest talk show host, and Dave can't deal with Oprah's Favorite Things.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Dave White and special guest Katherine Spiers
That’s My Jam:
Dave White - N.E.R.D - Lemon
Karen Tongson - Train - Drops of Jupiter
Wynter Mitchell - Joji - Pills
Louis Virtel - Jody Watley - I'm the One You Need
Katherine Spiers - George Benson - Give Me the Night
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, Louis, Karen and film critic Dave White sit down to discuss faux prestige (or faux-tige) movies and television. What exactly makes something faux-tige? Karen breaks it down for us. Plus, Louis talks about the time he asked Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell some hard questions, Karen brings in some more Stranger Things..things, and Dave can't stand any of the Bad Moms.
With Louis Virtel, Karen Tongson and Dave White.
That’s My Jam:
Dave White - Bikini Kill - New Radio
Karen Tongson- Icicle Works - Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly)
Louis Virtel- Olivia Newton-John - Make a Move on Me
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, the gang talks about THAT actor. Is his career through? Has Kevin come out of the closet in the worst possible way? Plus, a spoiler-free discussion on Stranger Things season 2, Louis reviews 3 classic movies, and Alonso is ready for the Hallmark Christmas movie onslaught.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, and Alonso Duralde.
That’s My Jam:
Alonso Duralde - Cheryl Lynn - Star Love
Wynter Mitchell - Beck - Seventh Heaven
Louis Virtel - Rufus ft. Chaka Khan - Do You Love What You Feel
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, it's Pop Rocket's Halloween Spooktacular! Louis and the gang talk about the things that scared them as children. Aliens, Muppets, weird logo jingles, and everything in between. Louis finally gives us some moderns jams, Karen tells us a spooky Halloween story, Wynter has a few words for Justin Timberlake, and Alonso discusses Harvey Fierstein's infamous Barbara Walters interview.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.
That’s My Jam:
Alonso Duralde - Hayley Kiyoko - Feelings
Karen Tongson - Etta James - One for My Baby and One More for the Road
Wynter Mitchell - Janet Jackson - You
Louis Virtel - Alice Merton - No Roots
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, Louis and the gang sit down to discuss celebrities and death. What deaths affected them the most? Does every newspaper really have an obit for Tom Hanks ready to go? Plus, Alonso gets back into Riverdale, Karen has beef with Klingons, Wynter tells us about her journey with Spencer Pratt, and Louis has some concerns about the new Mamma Mia.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.
That’s My Jam:
Alonso Duralde - Bleu - DDBDD
Karen Tongson - St. Vincent - Pills
Wynter Mitchell - Da Brat - That's What I'm Looking For
Louis Virtel - Klymaxx - The Men All Pause
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, Louis and the gang sit down to discuss athletes and protests in the wide world of sports throughout the years. The 1968 Olympics, Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime show, Colin Kaepernick, even Louis' high school, the panel covers it all. Plus, Louis rediscovers Project Runway, Karen started watching 90's House, Alonso can't get enough cupcakes, and a lengthy discussion on the ongoing Weinstein debacle.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.
That’s My Jam:
Alonso Duralde - Prince - Good Love
Karen Tongson - Yaz - Only You
Wynter Mitchell - Alt-J - Hunger of the Pine
Louis Virtel - Baby - I Want It All
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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.
This week, Louis and the gang chat about dystopias and how the future is the worst. They chat about the weirdly prescient Back to the Future 2, Octavia Butler's Parable series, and why utopias are so boring. Karen tells us how she stayed calm during an active shooter scare at USC, Wynter is all about the newest season of You're the Worst, Alonso needs you to listen to KEOM, and Louis can't wait for the First Wives Club TV show.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.
That’s My Jam:
Alonso Duralde - Bruce Springsteen - Viva Las Vegas
Karen Tongson - Color Me Badd - All 4 Love
Wynter Mitchell - Tom Petty - I Won't Back Down
Louis Virtel - Half the Way - Crystal Gale
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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 and Casey O'Brienfor MaximumFun.org.
This week, Louis and the gang talk about biopics and what makes them great. They discuss Battle of the Sexes, Billie Jean King's haircut, Selena, and what biopics NEED to be made already. Plus, Alonso is in love with Bojack Horseman, Karen thinks you should give Transparent season 4 a chance, Wynter talks up Lady Gaga's documentary, and Louis wants more genuine "73 Question" interviews like Tracee Ellis Ross.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.
That’s My Jam:
Alonso Duralde - Curtis Mayfield - Don't Worry If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go
Karen Tongson - Melissa Etheridge - I'm the Only One
Wynter Mitchell - Debbie Deb - Funky Lil Beat
Louis Virtel - Teena Marie - Behind the Groove
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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 and Casey O'Brienfor MaximumFun.org.
This week, we reside in Paris, France and it's our annual Fall TV preview! Louis, Karen and Alonso give us the lowdown on all the new shows they're excited about (Star Trek: Discovery, Will & Grace, 9JKL, 90's House), the shows they don't really want to see (Young Sheldon, Dynasty), and returning faves (The Good Wife, Grey's Anatomy, American Housewife, This Is Us).
Plus, Margaret Wappler calls in to tell us about the pop culture she's been taking in since she's become a mom (hey Silas!) Alonso can't stop talking about Ex Libris Karen is all about the sapphic/sapphic-adjacent content on the Emmy's, and Louis reads a bit of Olivia de Havilland's letter to Ryan Murphy.
That’s My Jam:
Karen Tongson - The Carpenters - Maybe It's You
Alonso Duralde - Liza Minnelli - Don't Drop Bombs
Louis Virtel - The Dixie Chicks - Don't Let Me Die in Florida
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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 and Casey O'Brienfor MaximumFun.org.
This week on Pop Rocket, comedian, writer and performer Louis Virtel sits in for Guy while he is away. Louis and the gang discuss 9/11 and the immediate and long term impacts it had on pop culture. Have we yet to chronicle 9/11 in a meaningful way? How has new consumption changed since 2001?
Plus, Wynter discusses the new season of American Horror Story, Karen is rewatching The L-Word, Louis can't stop watching British game shows, and Alonso wants to let us all know that Episodes is still on and still pretty great.
With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.
That’s My Jam:
Alonso Duralde - Roger Joseph Manning Jr. - Too Late for Us Now
Karen Tongson - Earth, Wind and Fire - In The Stone
Wynter Mitchell- 24hrs - What You Like
Louis Virtel - Fergie - You Already Know
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
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 and Casey O'Brien for MaximumFun.org.
At long last, it's the Pop Rocket Summer Jam! Guy, Karen, Wynter and Alonso each pitch their favorite songs, yet only one song can be named Song of the Summer. Will it be Selena Gomez's Bad Liar"? or "Despacito", featuring her ex's vocals? This episode is loaded with songs and strong opinions.
Plus, Alonso is all about the Hallmark Drama channel, Wynter is keeping a close eye on Taylor and Katy, and Guy finally threw in the towel and watched NBC's "This Is Us". He's now convinced one of the actors on the show can survive a nuclear attack.
Summer jam contenders:
Alonso - Amelia Airhorn - Miracle
Wynter - Calvin Harris - Feels
Karen - Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut To The Feeling
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.
Superfan Beth made a Spotyify playlist featuring EVERY song nominated for Summer Jam.
We also made a Spotify playlist for the songs we talked about during this episode.
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 and Casey O'Brien for MaximumFun.org.
This week on Pop Rocket Karen hosts and the gang is joined by film critic Dave White as they remember the life and death of Princess Diana. The crew trades stories of where they were when they first learned the news of her death, as well as what Princess Diana meant to each of them. Wynter details Princess Diana as the trendy jet-setter, while Karen explains the lasting effects of the People's Princess on the throne and the world at large. Dave reveals what he learned from the most recent Princess Diana documentary, the conspiracy filled TLC docu-drama, Princess Diana: Tragedy of Treason?. Plus, the gang discusses Queen Elizabeth's salty relationship with Princess Di.
This week Karen is all about the recent GQ article by Rachel KaadziI Ghansah, A Most American Terrorist: The Making of Dylann Roof. While Wynter is all about the Ryan Reynold's vehicle The Hitman's Bodyguard. Plus, Dave recommends another Michael Almereyda film, the soulful, futuristic drama Marjorie Prime.
With Wynter Mitchell, Dave White, and Karen Tongson.
Jams:
Dave - Earth is a Cage - The Body & Full of Hell
Wynter - Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve
Karen - Last Chance On The Stairway - Duran Duran
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy August Spotify playlist.
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 and Casey O'Brien for MaximumFun.org.