This week, Guy, Wynter, Margaret, and Karen talk about Jordan Peele's newest horror film Get Out*. They discuss the racial and political implications of the film, Wynter contextualizes the role of black people within the horror genre, and the gang discuss their favorite scenes from the movie. As always,the panel tells us what they are all about this week. Karen talks about 45 eating America's meat of choice with ketchup, Margaret recommends a mémoire and Wynter talks about Feud. Plus Guy keeps us up to date on his latest obsession with Calypso, and the rest of the gang provide their latest jams.
*Please note that this episode is rife with spoilers, so if you haven't seen the movie yet, please keep this in mind!
With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler,
Jams:
Guy Branum - Calypso Rose - Leave Me Alone
Margaret Wappler - Sharon Van Etton - End of the World
Wynter Mitchell - Phonte - Something
Karen Tongson - Go West - King of Wishful Thinking
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:
Key and Peele's "Shining" Sketch
Helen Rosner "Actually, How Donald Trump Eats His Steak Does Matter"
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. After the craziness of the Oscars on Sunday, we needed to calm down and talk about our favorite Facebook discussions from the official Pop Rocket Facebook group! Guy, Karen, Margaret, and special guest Chris Schleicher are here to talk about traumatizing movie scenes, TV shows that made them cry, and films that are better than the books they're based on. Plus, perhaps the best Jams so far in the history of Pop Rocket (imho)!
By the way, if you want to hear the panel's thoughts on the 2017 Oscars ceremony, check out our bonus episode released earlier this week!
With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and special guest Chris Schleicher.
That's My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - Intro - Mica Levi (from "Jackie")
Karen Tongson - Hello Stranger - Barbara Lewis
Chris Schleicher - Ne Me Quitte Pas - Michel Legrand (from "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg")
Guy Branum - Someone in the Crowd - Justin Hurwitz (from "La La Land")
Each week we'll add everyone's jams to this handy Spotify playlist
You can let us know what you think of the Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
This week Guy has returned from New York and the gang is back together to talk about legal dramas! They talk about the new CBS All-Access series The Good Fight, their favorite legal dramas of all time, and they get real about which TV or movie lawyer they would want to represent them in court. Wynter talks about her love for true crime, Margaret tells us what The Accused got right, and Karen talks about a Barbara Streisand classic. Plus we learn why Guy is currently obsessed with Calypso music and which documentaries you should be seeing this weekend. As with every week, we find out what the panel is all about and why jams they cannot stop listening to.
Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler
Jams:
Margaret Wappler - Room 29 - Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzalez
Wynter Mitchell - I Feel It Comin' - The Weeknd
Karen Tongson - It Ain't Me - Kygo, Selena Gomez
Guy Branum - No Wuk For Carnival - Lord Kitchener
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:
James Baldwin on the Dick Cavett Show
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.
This week, Guy is in New York but not to fear! Margaret Wappler fills in as host with Wynter Mitchell and Karen Tongson to talk about music’s biggest night, The Grammys. They talk about everything, from the production to the performances to the winners and almost more importantly, the losers. Music critic for outlets like Slate, NPR, and Pitchfork Chris Molanphy pops in to provide context about The Grammys and to deliver his opinion on the results. Plus the panelists share what they’re all about this week, and what they can’t stop listening to.
Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, and Chris Molanphy
Jams:
Margaret Wappler - Kourosh Yaghmaei - Leila
Wynter Mitchell - Bambaata - Unconditional
Karen Tongson - Prince - Starfish and Coffee
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:
Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamond - You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
Vic Berger- Donald Trump’s Huge Announcement
Vic Berger - Jim Bakkers Buckets
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
Guest host Jordan Morris sits down with Karen, Margaret, and Guy to talk about their favorite topics brought up in the official Pop Rocket Facebook group! They talk chicken nuggets, indie comic books, and Beyonce’s pregnancy photos. Guy chats about Mary Tyler Moore, Karen can’t get enough K Stew and Jordan loves Jen Kirkman’s newest Netflix special. And of course, some jams to top it all off.
With Jordan Morris, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, and Karen Tongson
That's My Jam:
Jordan Morris - Pigeon John - She's Loud
Margaret Wappler - Cherry Glazerr - Told You I'd be with the Guys
Guy Branum - Kids in the Hall - Buddy Cole Sketch
Karen Tongson - Team Dresch - Freewheel
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
Jordan Morris sits in for Guy and is joined by Margaret, Wynter, and Karen to talk about the Oscar nominations announced last week. Guy Branum calls in to discuss Annette Bening’s performance in 20th Century Women. All that, plus everyone’s jams. It's a jam-packed show this week, friends.
With Jordan Morris, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson, and Wynter Mitchell
That's My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - Laura Marling - Soothing
Karen Tongson - india.arie - Heart of the Matter
Wynter Mitchell - Thundercat - Show Me the Way
Jordan Morris - Masked Intruders - Crime Spree
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 on Twitter, we're @PopRocket
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
This week, Jordan Morris fills in for Guy Branum while he’s away filming his new Tru TV program, Talk Show The Game Show. The gang talks about what pop culture from their childhood has withstood the test of time (and political and social advances) and what hasn’t. Margaret brings up late 90’s bands that make her smile and some that make her cringe. Wynter talks about why horror films from her childhood still hold up, and Karen discusses the manifestation of her baby feminism in relation to Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda. We find out what the panel is all about this week, and what jams they are listening to. **PLUs** Guy Branum calls in to tell us about his new show and what show he’s all about (*hint* Rita Moreno features heavily in this segment).
With Jordan Morris, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler
Jams:
Jordan Morris - 1988 Crystal Light National Aerobic Opening
1979 World Disco Dancing Finals
Margaret Wappler - Goldfrapp - Anymore
Wynter Mitchell - Sampha - No One Knows Me (Like The Piano)
Karen Tongson - Donny Hathaway - Someday We’ll All Be Free
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:
Key & Peele - Aerobics Meltdown
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
It’s finally 2017, Rocketeers! Guy, Wynter, and Karen sit down to discuss their new year resolutions for pop culture. Should we be watching less Housewives and more musicals? Who is reupping their subscription to THR this year? What kind of books should we try to read this year? Plus, the gang remember George Michael, Carrie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds.
That’s My Jam:
Guy Branum - Good Morning
Wynter Mitchell - Love is a Losing Game
Karen Tongson - If You Were There
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, and Karen Tongson
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
It's that time of year again! Guy, Wynter, Karen, and Margaret are all dressed in their most fabulous attire to award Pop Tarts to the greatest things in pop culture. Movies, music, artists, even iTunes reviewer names. Plus, who will take the coveted Tart d'Or this year? All that and more in this jam-packed episode of Pop Rocket.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, and Karen Tongson
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
This episode, Guy and Margaret are joined by two very special guests to talk about Netflix’s most expensive series to date, The Crown. They talk about Queen Elizabeth II, her sister Margaret, whether Prince Phillip is hot or not, and who has played the best Elizabeth on screen. And as always, the panel discuss what they’re all about this week and what their latest jams are.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - Playing Elevator
Guy Branum - Am I The Same Girl
Chris Schleicher - Camelot Finale
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 ourFacebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.
This week, Guy sits down with Margaret and special guests Danielle Radford of the Maximum Fun podcast Tights and Fights and Andrew Ti of Earwolf's Yo, Is This Racist? to talk about Monsters of all kinds. We find out what monsters scare them them the most, what kind of monster would characterize today's society the most, and why zombies are so scary.
With
Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Danielle Radford, and Andrew Ti.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - Everybody Knows
Danielle Radford - Daddy Lessons
Andrew Ti - Classic Man (Chopped and Screwed)
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.
This week, the gang tries to get rid of some of the anxiety surrounding this week's election by discussing their favorite dumb comedies. They discuss everything from Judd Apatow to the demise of Adam Sandler, whether physical comedy can be smart, and why so many comedies are tied to “The College Experience”. Guy proposes a theory to explain why Troop Beverly Hills has a longer shelf life than Down And Out In Beverly Hills and Wynter talks about why she loves Mike Judge.
That’s My Jam:
Margaret Wappler - At Last and Unsatisfied
Oliver Wang - Somebody Kill Me Please
Wynter Mitchell - Heaven Is A Place On Earth
Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart
Wynter takes over hosting duties and is joined by Margaret and Oliver for a discussion on all things Westworld! Plus, Story Editor Charles Yu calls in to give us some details on the process behind creating the show. Margaret talks about The Electric Grandmother (yes this is real), Wynter wants to know exactly how much $40,000 can get you in Westworld, and Oliver welcomes back basketball.
With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, and Margaret Wappler
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
Guy, Margaret and Oliver are talking tricks and treats (pop culture hoaxes and candy) this week on Pop Rocket’s second annual Spooktacular! Why are memoir hoaxes always the juiciest? Where do we draw the line between hoax and just straight up lies? Why are Snickers candy bars so fancy? Plus, Guy has a new Halloween/bar mitzvah song to share, Margaret talks A Million Little Pieces, and Oliver can’t stand Reese’s. Also, Producer Christian comes in for his millennial minute and talks horror videogames! I hear he’s a super chill dude.
With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, and Oliver Wang
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
Oliver takes over hosting duties and is joined by Margaret and the always lovely Karen Tongson to talk about celebrity pets! Does that mean pets of celebrities or pets that are themselves celebrities? Well, why not both? Cats from Outer Space, Bubbles, talking dog movies, YouTube cat conventions…it’s all here. Plus, Margaret adores Dolly Parton, Karen has a few thoughts on Pitch, and Oliver tells us why baseball is one the most fascinating sports on TV right now.
With Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler, and guest Karen Tongson
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
Guy, Margaret, and Wynter are joined by writer and host of The Gilmore Guys podcast, Demi Adejuyigbe to talk about Atlanta on FX! How long should this show go for? What makes this show really shine? What’s with the Justin Beiber episode?! Plus, Demi tells us what it’s like to write on The Good Place, Wynter is excited for Westworld, Margaret doesn’t get Bruno Mars, and Guy talks about one of the biggest arguments he and Demi had over Macklemore.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, and guest Demi Adejuyigbe
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
Margaret takes over hosting duties this week in a special supersized episode of Pop Rocket! She's joined by author Jade Chang, LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe, and host of Pop Rocket’s sister show Bullseye, Jesse Thorn to talk about documentaries! Plus, Margaret talks to Jade about her new book, The Wangs vs. The World. Jesse talks about the Golden State Warriors, April has a few words to say on The Handmaiden, and Margaret reviews the Anthony Weiner documentary.
With Margaret Wappler and guests, Jesse Thorn, Jade Chang, and April Wolfe
Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org
This week, the Pop Rocket gang gives out pop culture and life advice to listeners! We learn what movie and dish pairs well with getting to third base, how to deal with breakups, and why DVR privileges should never be abused. Plus, we get a special question from a very lovely Rocketeer with a new lease on life. Get the tissues ready, it gets a little emotional. Wynter finds the last great Vine song, Margaret tells us about her OK Cupid alter ego, Oliver tells us how he deals with his daughter’s creative goals, and Guy explains how writing mean Yelp reviews can help with stress.
With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Oliver Wang, and Wynter Mitchell
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org
The gang is here to talk about the 2016 Emmy’s and prominent pop culture come-backs! Why does Veep get so much love? Do we even care about the Emmy’s anymore? Why can Drew Barrymore make a comeback but not Lindsay? All of these questions, and more are answered on this week’s Pop Rocket!
With Oliver Wang, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler.
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.
Guy, Wynter, and Oliver are joined by Fifth Beatle and all around lovely person Karen Tongson to talk about the 2000’s in pop culture! What movies, trends and music will live on through the ages? How in the world did Crash win Best Picture over Brokeback Mountain? Plus, Wynter professes her love for Ludacris, Karen gives her thoughts on Hey Ya, Guy talks about his experience at an anime convention, and Oliver is touched by Allen Iverson’s Hall of Fame speech.
With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, and guest Karen Tongson
Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org
Wynter takes over hosting duties this week and is joined by comedian and writer Sara Benincasa to talk about fall TV shows! Atlanta, Frequency, Designated Survivor, and more! What’s going to make it to season 2 and what will fall flat on its dumb face? Plus, Oliver is finally able to talk about Stranger Things, Sara is surprised by Joe Swanberg’s hotness, and Wynter has a few words to say on Rob Lowe’s roast.
With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, and special guest, Sara Benincasa
Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org
It’s finally going to happen, people. Many songs enter, but only one jam can be crowned the Song of the Summer. Guy, Oliver, Margaret, and Wynter bring their picks and some suggestions from the Facebook group and discuss what really makes a summer jam. Writer and analyst Chris Molanphy comes in with hard data to see what is objectively the Song of the Summer. Sia, Calvin Harris, DNCE, Lizzo, and so many more are brought into the fight. Who wins? The answer may shock you.
With Guy Branum, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and guest, Chris Molanphy
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org
Margaret is back you guys! She takes over hosting duties and is joined by Oliver and Wynter to go through the mailbag and answer YOUR questions from the Facebook group and Twitter. The gang discuss good baby making songs, Harry Potter, time travel, and more! Plus, Margaret has some travel stories, Wynter mourns the death of Gawker, Oliver just can’t get enough Frank Ocean, and producer Christian just can’t take all the sex talk in the studio.
With Margaret Wappler, Oliver Wang, and Wynter Mitchell
Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org
Guy, Wynter, and Oliver are joined by academic and Pop Rocket’s fifth Beatle, Karen Tongson to talk about vacations in pop culture! The gang has some suggestions on how to pass the time on a plane, train, and/or automobile. What’s the difference between a vacation and travel movie? Why are ABC show families always taking vacations? Karen talks about her trip to the Philippines and Vietnam, Oliver and Wynter aren’t too sure about The Get Down, and Guy is slowly losing hope in finding a truly amazing Jam that is deserving of the Song of the Summer crown.
Our regular host Margaret Wappler thinks it would be pretty cool of you to buy her new book Neon Green. Get it HERE or at your local independent bookstore. Check her website for tour dates.
With Guy Branum, Oliver Wang, Wynter Mitchell, and guest Karen Tongson
Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org