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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: 2017

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 27, 2017

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 BranumWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Dec 20, 2017

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 BranumWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Dec 13, 2017

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 BranumWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Dec 6, 2017

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 BranumKaren 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.

Nov 29, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Nov 22, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Nov 16, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren TongsonDave 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.

Nov 8, 2017

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 VirtelKaren 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.

Nov 1, 2017

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 VirtelWynter 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.

Oct 25, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Oct 18, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Oct 11, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Oct 4, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Sep 27, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Sep 20, 2017

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.

Sep 13, 2017

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 VirtelWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Sep 6, 2017

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 BranumWynter MitchellKaren 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.

Aug 30, 2017

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 MitchellDave 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.

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.

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