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Pop Rocket

Pop culture discussion with Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson
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Now displaying: Page 6

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

Dec 21, 2016

On this week’s episode, Guy sits down with the newly assembled Pop Rocket gang and welcomes Karen Tongson to the team! In honor of her arrival, they discuss reboots; and the conversation gets heated! We find out the differences between reboots, remakes, and reimaginings. We also find out what everyone’s favorite reboot is, who has done it best, and why Americans aren’t good at making versions of British shows. And we find out, as we do every week, what everyone’s current jam is, and what they’re all about.

 

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Your Best American Girl

Guy Branum - Christmas Is Coming

Wynter Mitchell - Randy

Karen Tongson - Babe



Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlistYou can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.

Other Links:

Ricki Lake’s Roach Dress

Randy Rainbow Interviews Donald

One Day At A Time

Produced by Christian DueñasKara Hart, and Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org

Dec 14, 2016

This week, Margaret hosts a very bittersweet episode with the whole gang present (Guy via phone). This is Oliver Wang’s last show as a co-host, and the gang is talking about pop culture farewells. They talk about the departure of which characters affected them most growing up, good and bad series finale’s, and the most recent pop culture departures that really got to them. And later, Guy joins the conversation to talk about their latest jams and to say his own farewell.  

P.S. because this show is about **farewells** please note that there will be many spoilers

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler Ragged Wood

Oliver Wang Always In My Heart

Wynter Mitchell A Solid Wall Of Sound

Guy Branum Adventures in Paradise

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

Dec 8, 2016

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 BranumAm I The Same Girl

Chris SchleicherCamelot Finale

Karen Tongson - All Time Low

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.

Dec 1, 2016

This is our 100th episode! In honor of this, Guy, Margaret (via skype), Oliver, and Wynter talk about pop culture families as a way of paying tribute to the Pop Rocket family that has formed over the past two years.  Guy finds out which pop culture family the gang wishes they were a part of, and which TV and movie families represented their own. Then, they talk about the best pop culture families composed of friends (**Spoiler: Friends isn’t one of them**). Then, as always, we find out what the panel’s current Jams are and what their individual pop culture obsessions are.

 

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Plastic

Oliver Wang - Better Things

Wynter Mitchell - Looking Up Through You

Guy Branum - The Andy Cohen Diaries

 

 
 

 

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

Nov 23, 2016

 This week, Guy sits down comedians Solomon Georgio, Kara Klenk, and Riley Silverman to talk everything cooking shows. Who is everyone’s favorite celebrity chef? Who is the panel’s least favorite? Why do they like Top Chef more than Chopped? And who is Fanny Cradock and can she be the British grandmother I never knew I needed? All of this plus everyone’s latest jams and pop culture “All About’s”.

With Guy Branum, Solomon GeorgioKara Klenk, and Riley Silverman.

 

That’s My Jam:

Guy Branum - Come Sail Away

Solomon Georgio - Side to Side

Kara Klenk - Just Like Fire

Riley Silverman - Heaven On Their Minds 

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 https://twitter.com/PopRocket @PopRocket on Twitter.

Other Links:

Fanny Cradock’s Christmas cooking special

Mini Food

Drew Droege as Chloë Sevigny

 

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

Nov 16, 2016

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 BranumMargaret 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.

Nov 9, 2016

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

Guy Branum - Daddy Lessons

 

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

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart

Nov 2, 2016

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

Oct 26, 2016

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

Oct 19, 2016

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

Oct 12, 2016

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

Oct 5, 2016

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

Sep 28, 2016

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

Sep 21, 2016

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

Sep 14, 2016

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

Sep 7, 2016

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

Aug 31, 2016

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

 

Aug 24, 2016

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

 

Aug 17, 2016

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

Aug 10, 2016

Oliver takes over hosting duties today and is joined by Wynter and special guests, comedian (and writer for MaxFun podcast International Waters!) Riley Silverman and Editor in Chief of Birth.Movies.Death, Devin Faraci. This week, the gang talks about this summer’s blockbusters with a focus on DC and Marvel movies! Is Suicide Squad a beautiful trainwreck or just a trainwreck-y trainwreck? Why does Marvel seem to be killing it at the box office and with critics while DC struggles to do either? Who in the world wanted another Independence Day movie? All that, plus, Oliver finds a new weird Olympic sport to obsess over, Wynter brings in some more KCRW-esque Jams, Riley has a few words to say on Rio de Janiero, and Devin still holds hope for one final potential summer blockbuster.  

NOTE: Mild Harry Potter spoilers from 03:35-07:01 YOU’VE BEEN WARNED, NERDS!

Hey, you! Margaret Wappler’s book is out now! Treat yourself tonight and get Neon Green HERE or at your local independent bookstore. Check her website for tour dates.

With Oliver Wang, Wynter Mitchell, and special guests, Riley Silverman and Devin Faraci.

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Aug 3, 2016

Guy and Wynter are joined by two special guests, host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour Linda Holmes and television producer Clinton Trucks to discuss the Netflix series Stranger Things! Linda is pretty pumped for the Splash remake, Clint talks about his first D&D experiences, and Guy and Wynter finally find some common ground in a Jam.

Hey! Margaret Wappler's new book, Neon Green, is out now. Go get it! Find it at your local independent bookstore or grab it HERE. She's also on tour to promote it. Check her website for dates and see if she's coming around to your town.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, and special guests, Linda Holmes and Clinton Trucks

Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Jul 27, 2016

Guy, Oliver, and Wynter are joined by special guest, comedian and actress Melissa Villaseñor to talk about reality competition shows! Is Shark Tank any good? Are we still allowed to like The Apprentice? How “real” are these reality shows anyway? Also, Guy has a few words to say on Star Trek, Melissa talks about her AGT experience, Wynter is a huge fan of this year’s Comic-Con, and Oliver gives us a preview of his special “kitchen sink” mix for donors.

Regular host Margaret Wappler’s book is available now and is currently on tour! Find it at your local independent bookstore or buy it HERE. Check her website for tour dates.

The search for the Song of the Summer is still underway. Look for the official thread on the Pop Rocket Facebook group and submit your pick!

With Guy Branum, Oliver Wang, Wynter Mitchell, and guest Melissa Villaseñor

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Jul 20, 2016

The Pop Rocket gang (well, most of them) went to go see the new Ghostbusters this weekend and are here to tell you all about it! Is Leslie Jones the next big movie star? How amazing is Kate McKinnon? Where was Rick Moranis in this whole thing? Plus, Margaret puts on her tin foil hat and discusses her theory about Kimye and Taylor's latest feud. Oliver talks about his latest DJ gig, Guy explains why Ghostbusters is getting so much criticism from certain internet communities, and Wynter closes with a Bustin' remix.

Hey! Margaret's new book, Neon Green, is out now! She's going on a book tour soon! Check HERE to see if she's coming around to your town. You could also buy her book HERE.

The search for the Song of the Summer still rages on, folks. Look for the official thread on the Pop Rocket Facebook group and send in your submissions.

With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and Oliver Wang

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Jul 13, 2016

Rocketeers, it's been a very strange couple of weeks. The gang all come together to talk about the recent events in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Falcon Heights. This week, Guy, Oliver, Margaret, and Wynter escape reality for just a bit and talk about all things fantasy. Wynter and Guy just can't agree on Summer Jams, Oliver discusses his first Choose Your Own Adventure book, and Margaret tries to draw the line b sci-fi and fantasy.

You guys, Margaret's book, Neon Green, is out NOW! Pick it up HERE.

Time is running out for the search for the Song of the Summer. Look for the official thread on the Facebook page and send in your submission so Guy and Wynter can berate your choices on the show.

With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and Oliver Wang

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Jul 6, 2016

Guy, Margaret, and Oliver are joined by special guest, comedian and writer Jonathan Rowell to talk about Mexico and Canada's pop culture. Sabado Gigante, Walter Mercado, You Can't Do That On Television, Porky's and so much more! Plus, The Pop Rocket Book Club talks all about Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel.

With Guy Branum, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler, and special guest Jonathan Rowell

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

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