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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

Aug 23, 2017

This week on Pop Rocket Karen hosts and the gang goes back to school. It's that time of year again and the crew looks back on the quintessential school movies that taught them about life. Wynter shares her desire to have a Sixteen Candles high school experience, and Alonso discusses his relation to Tom Cruise in the film Risky Business. The gang also dives into adult education, discussing the films and TV where adults go back to school. Karen shares with us the lessons learned from Will Smith's character in the film Six Degrees of Separation. Plus, the crew explores the current lack of value placed upon education and how that may be the death knell for future classic movies about the school experience.

This week Karen reveals some *SPOILERS* for the show Insecure and is also all about it. While Alonso is all about Netflix's The Defenders. Plus, Wynter gets her popcorn ready as she is all about Taylor Swift's social media scrubbing and her ongoing feud with Katy Perry.

With Wynter MitchellAlonso Duralde, and Karen Tongson.

Jams:

Alonso - Axolotl - The Veils
Wynter - Mediate - INXS
Karen - Haim - Little of Your Love

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.

Aug 16, 2017

This week on Pop Rocket Guy and the gang are joined by film critic Dave White as they do some serious netflix-ing and chilling. The group dives deep on their favorite titles available on the platform, and also discuss the highs and lows of cutting the cable cord. Guy dissects the reasons behind Shonda Rhimes jumping from the ABC ship, and Dave discusses his need from Netflix for more sugary reality TV shows, like Chasing Cameron. The gang compares and contrasts all the streaming services from Hulu to Crackle. Plus we also discover that Guy has a great affinity for the theme song to the Patti Lupone vehicle Life Goes On .

Guy and Karen have a semi-shared What We're All About in discussing their love for Difficult People. But Guy is all about a lot this week as he also shares his passion for Big Brother. Dave and Alonso are both all about documentaries, but they couldn't more different films. Alonso talks about the new Ferguson documentary Whose Streets?, and Dave is all about Escapes, a film chronicling the life of Blade Runner writer and actor Hampton Fancher.

With Dave WhiteAlonso DuraldeKaren Tongson, and Guy Branum.

Jams:

Alonso - The Summer Knows - Laura Fygi
Dave - Polegnala e Todora - Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares
Karen - Matthew Morrison - You've Got to Be Carefully Taught

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.

Aug 9, 2017

This week on Pop Rocket Karen hosts and the gang considers unpopular pop culture opinions. Sparked by a conversation in the Pop Rocket Facebook group, the panel talks about the opinions that they hold that run counter to the collective cultural narrative. In this episode no opinion is too unpopular to air, not even one concerning the Queen Bey herself. We learn about Wynter's love for Desus & Mero, and Karen tells us about the drama in Kentucky surrounding the bourbon heiress Hollis Bulleit who is claiming her family is shafting her since she came out. Plus, Wynter throws down the gauntlet when it comes to the song of the summer, and Karen serves us music that pays tribute to Margaret Wappler.

With Wynter MitchellAlonso Duralde, and Karen Tongson.

Jams:

Alonso - In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening - Rosemary Clooney
Wynter - Creature Comfort - Arcade Fire
Karen - Haley - Big Thief

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Aug 2, 2017

This week, we are joined by film critic and host of the Linoleum Knife podcast Alonso Duralde! Alonso will be with us for the next couple of months while Margaret is on maternity leave, bringing his particular knowledge of film and the industry to the show. But this week: Girls Trip. The movie stars Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifah, and breakout star Tiffany Haddish. They discuss Tiffany Haddish's hilarious performance in this movie, but does Hollywood know what to do with her next? They talk about the role of blackness and black female friendship in this movie, and why it's important more of these films get made. And finally, and probably most importantly, they talk about the role that black hair plays in the movie, and what each of the character's hair styles tells you about their personality.

Guy is all about The Beaverton, which is Canada's answer to The Onion News Network, and Wynter is all about the Jason Bateman led Netflix series Ozark. Plus, Karen catches up on Queen Sugarand Alonso is still watching Degrassi. Plus, we hear what each of the panelists is listening to this week.

With Guy BranumWynter MitchellAlonso Duralde, and Karen Tongson.

Jams:

Guy - Cars That Go Boom - L'Trimm
Alonso - Better The Devil You Know - Kylie Mynogue
Wynter - Idolize Me - Yellow Alex
Karen - Way Back - TLCand

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Jul 26, 2017

It’s a very special episode of Pop Rocket. We throw Margaret Wappler a baby shower before she takes an extended leave of absence to become a mother. There were games, tears, laughter, joy and even a guest appearance by One Bad Mother’s Biz Ellis.

 

The gang talk about their favorite lullabies, share what tv shows affected them the most as a child, and Margaret reveals how she would stage her pregnant photo shoot. Plus, Karen brings in an old school Summer Jam, Guy and Margaret are still gaga for Game of Thrones (no spoilers), and Wynter is in love with Ready Player One.

 

We all love you and wish you the best, Margaret!

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler

That's My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - REM - Untitled (Track 11)

Karen Tongson - Flo Rida - My House

Wynter Mitchell - Brandy - Baby

Guy Branum - Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry

 

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Other Links:

Charlotte: no no no

Ready Player One trailer

Cindy Crawford on W Magazine

Jul 19, 2017

This week the gang talks about body diversity, and fatness in particular, in the media. The idea for this show came from a thread in the Pop Rocket Facebook group, and because there were so many varying opinions on the topic, they knew that they had to cover it on the show. The gang gets real about their personal experiences with weight, and how that has affected how they see weight in the media. They talk about how race, class, and weight intersect, and how the media moralizes fat people in order to make them redeemable in the media consumers mind. They also talk about weight in the age of Instagram, the Kardashians, and unattainable body standards, which Wynter thinks is worse now than ever. Karen pseudo-recommends the new Naomi Watts led Netflix series Gypsy, Wynter talks about the new Marti Noxon film To The Bone and Guy and Margaret talk about the return of Game of Thrones. Plus we hear what the panel is listening to this week.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, and Karen Tongson.

Jams:

Wynter Mitchell - Calvin Harris feat. Future and Khalid
Margaret Wappler - Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place on Earth
Karen Tongson - Icona Pop - Girls Girls
Guy Branum - Olivia Gatwood - Ode to the Women on Long Island

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Jul 12, 2017

**This episode contains spoilers**

This week Guy, Margaret, and Wynter talk about The Big Sick, the new romantic comedy from Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani which tells the story of how they met and fell in love. Because because the film is based in tragedy, with Emily falling into a coma in the middle of the film, some people are hesitant to call it a romantic comedy. But not our panel! They discuss how the usual tropes of a romantic comedy get flipped around, and how those changes allow for a more candid and interesting story. They also discuss why brown men falling for white women on screen is problematic, but maybe not in the case of The Big Sick. Guy talks about why he's all about this season of Big Brother, and Wynter tells us why we should forget about all of the other iterations of Peter Parker and go see the Tom Holland led Spider-Man: Homecoming. Plus, the "Song of the Summer" thread is live in the Facebook group and the panelists aren't too happy with the nominations.

With Guy BranumWynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler

Jams:

Guy Branum - Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber - Despacito
Margaret Wappler - Toro Y Moi - Girl Like You
Wynter Mitchell - Rockell - In A Dream

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.

Other Links:
I'm Tired of Watching Brown Me Fall In Love With White Women Onscreen

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Jul 3, 2017

The gang's all here (in a special early episode) to celebrate artists who have declared their independence from the man! We're talking Lemonade, Thelma and Louise, Sofia Coppola, Salman Rushdie, and more! Plus, Guy has a special surprise Jam for you Rocketeers, Wynter can't get enough of Claws, Karen's Dying Up Here, and Margaret talks Kerry Washington in Confirmation

With Guy BranumWynter MitchellKaren Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Cat Powers - Lived in Bars
Karen Tongson - The Killers - The Man
Wynter Mitchell - Ice Cube - My Summer Vacation
Guy Branum - Katy Perry - Firework

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Jun 28, 2017

Hello Rocketeers! Charge up your Kindles, rewind your audiobook cassette tapes, or dust off your book and come join Guy, Karen, and Margaret for the annual Pop Rocket Summer Book Club Special! This week, the gang discuss Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower. They also take some of YOUR questions and comments from the Pop Rocket Facebook group. Plus, Karen is super into Ken dolls, Margaret is in full summertime jam mode, and Guy has a few words on The Beguiled.

With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler

That's My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - The Magic Numbers - Love Me Like You

Karen Tongson - SWV - Right Here (Human Nature Remix)

Guy Branum - Ricky Martin - Vente Pa' Ca

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Jun 21, 2017

This week, the gang sits down with LA Times film critic, Tre'vell Anderson to talk about the LGBTQ film festival, Outfest! Guy, Margaret, and Karen discuss the documentary Chavela, Wynter gives her take on the sci-fi horror(?) film Rift, and Tre'vell talks about the Ferguson documentary Whose Streets.

Plus, a special announcement for you Rocketeers! We're opening up Jumbotrons for Pop Rocket. If you ever wanted to have YOUR message read on the show, well now is your chance! Just go to maximumfun.org/jumbotron and click on Pop Rocket.

Next week is the Pop Rocket Summer Book Club episode so if you haven't purchased your copy of Parable of the Sower, you can get it HERE

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and special guest Tre'vell Anderson.

That's My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Imperial Teen - Our Time

Guy Branum - The Walker Brothers - The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore

Wynter Mitchell - Katy Perry - Tsunami

Karen Tongson - Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut to the Feeling

Tre'vell Anderson - Todrick Hall ft. Bob the Drag Queen - Wrong Bitch

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Jun 14, 2017

This week on Pop Rocket, the gang talks about the lazy hazy days of summer. The amount of content that is released during the spring months slows down as summer moves on. But what shows did we miss when we were devouring the big springtime hits like The Handmaid's Tale, Big Little Lies and Master of None? Guy talks about the Oprah network soap opera Greenleaf, and his obsession with past seasons of Survivor. Margaret is diving into the true crime genre and watching The Keepers, a 7 part docuseries on Netflix. Karen's love of everything 80's comes through in her recommendation of AMC's Halt and Catch Fire. At the top of the show, Margaret brings up the latest Bill Maher controversy, and the panel have a conversation about gender, race, and the inability for some comedians to create respectful content in 2017. Plus, we get some solid jam recommendations from the gang, just in time for summer.

Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler

Jams:

Margaret Wappler - Inara George - Genius
Karen Tongson - Erasure - Chains of Love
Guy Branum - Little Mix - Shout Out To My Ex

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.

Other Links:
Symone Sanders and Ice Cube on Real Time with Bill Maher

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Jun 7, 2017

Margaret takes over hosting duties this week and is joined by film critic/Pop Rocket's Fifth Beatle April Wolfe to talk about Wonder Woman! What did the film do so right? Is this record-breaking film a sign that DC is finally turning around? Plus, the gang takes some of your questions from the official Pop Rocket Facebook group. Don't worry, Rocketeers, this discussion is SPOILER FREE!

By the way, Pop Rocket's Summer Book club is underway! If you still need to buy a copy of Parable of the Sower, click HERE to get it on Amazon.

With Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and guest April Wolfe.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Marika Hackman - My Lover Cindy
Karen Tongson - k.d. lang - Summerfling
Wynter Mitchell - Missy Elliott - 4 My People
April Wolfe - Look Blue Go Purple - I Don't Want You Anyway

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

May 31, 2017

Guy, Wynter, and Karen are once again joined by film critic Dave White to talk about medical dramas! How accurate was Doogie Howser? How is the Nurse's Ball on General Hospital a real thing? Was Scrubs secretly genius? Plus, Dave tells us why Getting On was such an important show in his life, Guy tries to defend DNCE again, Wynter is semi-confident she can become a doctor, and Karen reminds us why ER was worth watching even in the later seasons.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, and guest Dave White.

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

May 24, 2017

On a special mini episode, the gang is joined by film critic Dave White to talk about films that memorialize war, soldiers, and veterans. We get history lesson from Karen about the origins of Memorial Day, and how it spread across America eventually becoming a national holiday. The gang talk about the huge responsibility war films have, in both their messaging and cinematography, and how some miss the mark. Wynter tells us why she doesn't watch war movies, and the panel talks about the one war comedy that was able to pull it off (just barely). And in lieu of all abouts and jams, Dave tells us about a four hour black and white art house film that we must not miss (he promises that it is very watchable).

You can catch Dave on his podcast Linoleum Knife and read his film reviews on The Wrap.

With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Dave White.

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.

Other Links:
Beau Travail
Gallipoli
Heaven & Earth
Ran
Lawrence of Arabia

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

May 17, 2017

This week, Karen takes over as host as the gang discusses Summer Blockbusters. They are joined by film critic and writer Alonso Duralde to discuss which summer films they're most excited for, which ones they aren't, and which ones just shouldn't have been made. Margaret tells us what she expects from the perfect Summer blockbuster. We find out what the logistics are for a hit film's international release, and the gang takes on the DC versus Marvel movie debate. Plus the panel discusses summer releases that don't have explosions and muscles but rather heart and wit.

We are treated to some awesome recommendations from the gang, from season two of Master of None (watch out for a few tiny spoilers!) to a biography of Harvey Kurtzman, the creator of Mad Magazine. And as always, the gang tells us what their jam of the week is.

With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and Alonso Duralde.

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.

Other Links:
Yacht Rock
Harvey Kurtzman: The Man Who Created Mad and Revolutionized Humor in America

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

May 10, 2017

This week, we have the gang back together plus celebrity journalist and novelist Abby Stern to talk the evolution and the current disintegration of celebrity journalism. We get a historical outline of celebrity journalism, from Hedda Hopper and Louis B. Mayer to TMZ and Instagram influencers. The gang explores the symbiotic relationship between celebrities and the press, and how that has evolved over time. We find out where each of our panelists' "do not report" line is when covering celebrities, and which era they think is best for celebrity journalism. We get a postmortem from Wynter regarding Phaedra's dramatic exit from Real Housewives of Atlanta and the jealousy of the French people that Margaret feels after their latest election. Karen tells us about why she loves May sweeps and Guy gives us a reason to stop being mad at Susan Sarandon.

Abby's brand new book According To A Source, which will be released May 23rd, can be pre-ordered now!

With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and Abby Stern.

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.

Other Links:
Phaedra's Fall From Grace
Guardian article on the French media not reporting on the Macron leaks

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

May 3, 2017

This week we have an all ladies episode of Pop Rocket! Karen is hosting, and the gang is talking about the new Hulu series of Margaret Atwood's 1985 classic novel The Handmaid's Tale. Margaret tells us about the differences between the series and the book. They explore whether or not Offred's internal dialogue works when portrayed as voice over, and whether the racial make-up of the show was intentional. Does the music work, and does the show reflect anything from our current political climate? Margaret's all about is relishing in the dismantling of Fox News by the hands of its key contributors and Wynter talks about Netflix's Dear White People. Plus, the panel shares some light, vintage jams to help cleanse our palates after a particularly heavy discussion.

Reacd Margaret's interview with Margaret Atwood for the Los Angeles Times and don't forget to listen to Guy's interview with Atwood on Bullseye from 2015.

Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and Wynter Mitchell

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.

Other Links:
The Smarthmouth Podcast

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Apr 27, 2017

This week, the gang (minus Guy) is joined by Gerrick Kennedy, music writer at the Los Angeles Times, to discuss the best album releases of 2017. For the first time in 33 years, there are no women in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100's chart. The gang discusses whether they think this is a fluke or a trend, how they think streaming services affect the numbers, and what this means for women musicians of color. They discuss the importance of the new Kendrick Lamar album D.A.M.N. and about early contestants for "The Song of the Summer" title. They talk about whether they think Ed Sheeran is creepy and why Harry Styles is a #HeForShe hero. Then, in lieu of jams and because Coachella just kicked off the start to the music festival season, the panel tells us about their dream music festivals-where they would be, who would be playing, and how much they would cost. All of this, plus each panelist tells us what they're all about.

Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Gerrick Kennedy

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.

Other Links:
Phil Elverum Pitchfork Piece by Jayson Greene
Here Lies Love
Ed Sheeran's Rolling Stone cover story
No Women in Hot 100's top 10 For The First Time in 33 years

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Apr 19, 2017

This week, the Pop Rocket panel has some extra help to talk about the 5 years and 6 seasons of Girls that ended this past Sunday from the New York based comedy duo Las Culturistas. As you can imagine, the gang has a lot to say during this post mortem. They talk about whether we got closure from the final episode, and whether Lena should have just stopped at the penultimate episode. Did the producers of Girls do enough to deal with the lack of racial diversity on the show over the 5 years? What role did nudity and sex play on show, and why was it so refreshing? Was Elijah used as a trophy and crutch or seen as a peer by Hannah? And did we think that this was a genuinely funny show? All of these questions will be answered, plus Bowen and Wynter are all about new video games, and Matt can't stop listening to the new Gaga. In lieu of jams this week, we get a master class in the signature segment on the Las Culturistas podcast, "I Don't Think So Honey"-- things get rowdy.

We also want to thank everyone who donated during the MaxFun Drive this year, and give a particular shoutout to those who donated on our shows behalf. Tweet at us if you made a donation to us and didn't receive your voicemail from Karen Tongson.

If you will be in the Los Angeles area this Friday, April 21st, make sure to check out Matt and Bowen's improv group Pop Roulette at UCB Sunset at 10:30 p.m.

Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Bowen Yang, and Matt Rogers

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Apr 12, 2017

On this week's Pop Rocket, Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell and Karen Tongson are joined by LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe 

for a deep dive into the French horror film Raw by director Julia Ducournau. The movie centers on Justine, a young vegetarian who, along with her sister, is studying to become a veterinarian. When Justine is pressured to eat a rabbit's kidney at a party, that act unleashes all her carnal desires, such as the desire to eat people. When Raw screened in Los Angeles, theaters handed out barf bags to moviegoers because some people can't handle the graphic realism. In this episode, you'll find out why April considers this to be one of the best horror movies of all time. Karen Tongson impresses with a quick history lesson on French veterinary science, and Guy and Wynter explore the ways fear of female sexuality plays such a core role in horror films.

Also in this episode, April's all about the Anne Hathaway film "Colossal", Wynter's all about that Pepsi ad, Guy's all about Shit Town and Karen thinks folks should get into season three of "Grace & Frankie". Plus, the gang shares their favorite jams, but this week Guy's jam isn't a song. It's the horrific footage of the United passenger getting dragged through the plane.

It's a jam-packed episode. Enjoy!

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and April Wolfe.

That’s My Jam:

April Wolfe - Kleenex/ Liliput - Hitch-Hike
Karen Tongson - Lionel Richie - You Are
Wynter Mitchell - Iggy Azalea - Mo Bounce

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Apr 6, 2017

In honor of the premier of Guy Branum's new truTV show, the gang is talking about game shows this week! Karen reminisces about the implicit corniness of 70's and 80's game shows, Wynter talks about the accessibility differences between quiz shows like Jeopardy and Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, and Margaret tells us about the time she was on The Price is Right. Plus, we learn about Wynter's new obsession with ASMR-adjacent Youtube click-holes, and Guy tells us why he was stunned by the latest episodes of Feud, Girls, and the gang discuss the series finale of Big Little Lies. Finally, the gang tell us which tracks they can't stop listening to.

**There are many plot revealing spoilers in this episode, particularly about the series finale of Big Little Lies**

Rocketeers, don't forget to tune into Guy Branum's NEW tv program called Talk Show The Game Show every Wednesdy at 10/9c on truTV, with a premier date of April 5th!

Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler

Jams:

Margaret Wappler - Sit Down - James
Wynter Mitchell - That's What I Like - Bruno Mars
Karen Tongson - Maggie Rogers - Alaska
Guy Branum - Conceptual Jam - Donate to Maximum Fun!

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.

Other Links:
Michael Larson on Press Your Luck
James - Laid
That Poppy

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Mar 30, 2017

This week the gang is here to talk about the year 1997 in music and culture. There are a surprising number of 20 year old infallible pop hits that were influenced by a number of factors; the internet, CD-R's, Princess Diana passing, the death of Gianni Versace, the 24-hour news cycle, and of course Tupac and Biggies deaths. Wynter and Karen make it clear that they had the best 1997 as they were living in the city of possibilities (San Francisco), Margaret tells us why she doesn't know any Spice Girls songs, and we find out which panelist played sax in a ska band. Plus, in lieu of jams, we hear from each of the panelists what podcasts they are listening to lately.

And remember, if you haven't yet become a member or upgraded your membership, please do it before the end of #MaxFunDrive. Margaret Wappler has vowed to send every new person that joins a denim jacket w/ a celebrity inside, Karen Tongson will eat weird vending machine food for you and Guy Branum will share his family's fruit cobbler recipe. And his family is from Arkansas!  

Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler

Podcast Recommendations:

Margaret Wappler - Baby Geniuses
Karen Tongson - Minority Korner
Guy Branum - Las Culturistasr

We made a special playlist with all of the songs we talked about in this week's episode (plus some other gems).

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Mar 24, 2017

This week we have a bonus Pop Rocket episode for all of you Rocketeers!
Jesse Thorn, our boss and creator of Pop Rocket, interviewed Guy for Pop Rocket's sister show Bullseye with Jesse Thorn about his new truTV show Talk Show the Game Show. Although the Bullseye interview won't air for a couple of weeks, Jesse wanted to release this episode to you, our beloved listeners, as a thank you for your continued support.
As I'm sure you know by now, it is the MaxFun Drive, the 2 weeks out of the year where we ask you, our listeners, to give back in whatever way possible. You can go to the MaxFun website to donate at whatever level you can. You can also pick up some awesome thank you gifts, among which is the INCREDIBLE Pop Rocket enamel pin designed by Megan Lynn Kott. We really can't make this show without you and we so appreciate anything that you can give. Make sure to make some noise about your contribution to Maximum Fun by using the hashtag #MaxFunDrive.

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Mar 22, 2017

Guy, Wynter, and Karen are joined by comedian and actress Tara Jepsen to examine Hollywood’s depiction of lady love on the big screen, and TV. The panel delves into what gets them all hot and bothered, and what just gets them bothered. Plus, Tara throws down for her sapphic sister Rachel Maddow, Guy discusses the wonder that is Throwing Shade the TV show, Wynter reports back from SXSW, and Karen is all about drunk Asians on Fresh Off the Boat. But there’s more!, Pop Rocket debuts our newest segment, 4 Questions, with our first guest Lisa Loeb! It's a jam-packed show, Rocketeers!

It's MaxFunDrive folks! If you enjoy listening to Pop Rocket, why don't you join the Maximum Fun family and become a donor. We'd really appreciate it.

But there’s more! Pop Rocket debuts our newest segment, 4 Questions, with our first guest Lisa Loeb! Everyone should check out her new album Feel What U Feel. It's a jam-packed show, Rocketeers!

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, and guest Tara Jepsen

That's My Jam:

Tara Jepsen - Herb Alpert - Spanish Flea

Karen Tongson - Maria Katindig Dykes - Triste

Wynter Mitchell - Drake - Teenage Fever

Guy Branum - Las Culturistas Podcast

Lisa Loeb feat. Craig Robinson - Feel What U 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 and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Mar 15, 2017

This week, Guy and Margaret are joined by the host of My Favorite Murder, Karen Kilgariff, as well as LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe to talk FX's Feud, the Ryan Murphy miniseries Guy describes as "the most important story in the gay canon". Also, GUY BRANUM KNOWS WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN GAME OF THRONES SEASON SEVEN!!! Like, for real. No joke.

With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Kilgariff, and April Wolfe.

That's My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Elliott Smith - Say Yes

Karen Kilgariff - Rihanna - Desperado

April Wolfe - Orties - Putes Que Toutes Les Poutes

Guy Branum - Nicki Minaj - No Frauds

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 Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

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