Pop Rocket
228 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1.5K ratingsPop culture discussion with Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson
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Episodes
Ep. 176: Baby Got Books w/ Mallory O'Meara
May 23, 2018 22:54 - 59 minutes - 82 MBThis week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by novelist Mallory O’Meara, host of the Max Fun Podcast Reading Glasses. The gang will discuss books and reading habits. Mallory is all about is all about the book Text Me When You Get Home, which looks into the myth that women aren’t meant to be friends with other women. Margaret is all about the podcast The Habitat, which tracks people as they live out a simulated mission on Mars to learn that no matter which planet y...
Ep. 175: A Royal Good Time: Englishman Humphrey Ker Joins Pop Rocket to Talk Meghan & Harry
May 17, 2018 01:15 - 56 minutes - 78.5 MBThis week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Andrew Ti are joined by British actor and comedian Humphrey Ker. The gang takes a look at the biggest transatlantic pairing of the year: The Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Humphrey is all about Eurovision, the global music competition that showcases some of the best singing--and host banter--in the world. Margaret is all about the podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones, which tells the history of country music, warts and all. Guy ...
Ep. 174: Bad Moms
May 09, 2018 18:24 - 59 minutes - 82.5 MBGuy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Andrew Ti are joined by novelist Edan Lepucki. Together, they’ll take a look at our favorite bad moms, and grapple with how they're portrayed in popular culture. It turns out that being in the golden age of television could also mean the golden age of the portrayal of matriarchy in pop culture. Edan is all about the novel Blue Bird Blue Bird by Attica Locke, which she says is filled with the best kind of thriller tropes. Margaret is all about the Netflix s...
Ep. 173: The Rogue Robots of Westworld...and Beyond
May 03, 2018 00:17 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBThis week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler are joined by Andrew Ti, host of the “Yo, Is This Racist?” podcast. They take a look at HBO’s West World. Season Two just got started and the team is fairly certain it will be just as complicated as the first. Karen is all about Alexis Bledel in Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, even though it puts a character she cares about though even more difficulties. Margaret and Guy are all about Michelle Wolf’s routine at The White House Correspon...
#172: In Praise of the Pope of Washington
April 25, 2018 19:25 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MBThis week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler discuss the finale of the Shonda Rhimes led show, Scandal. The ABC series wrapped up last week and it stirred up all sorts of thoughts from the team on the female anti-heroes on television. Karen is all about the upcoming Pixar short Bao, which she says is an important addition to Asian representation in popular media (which, let’s face it, is limited). Margaret is all about a recent article about parents raising their children as “Th...
Pop Rocket #171: SHHHHHHHHHHH...a quiet place
April 18, 2018 18:23 - 56 minutes - 78.5 MBThis week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell are joined by Riley Silverman. She’s the lead writer of the Max Fun podcast, International Waters. They discuss A Quiet Place, John Krasinski’s horror film about a family trying to survive a post-apocalyptic world where monsters kill anything that makes a sound. Karen is all about the video for Janelle Monáe’s new music video for the track PYNK, which she says may have established her as a force in queer performance and art. Guy and...
#170: The Cult Episode
April 11, 2018 22:53 - 1 hour - 103 MBThis week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell are joined by LA-based artist Akina Cox to discuss the Netflix documentary series Wild Wild Country and cults in pop culture. Karen Tongson is all about Killing Eve on BBC America, which features the return to TV of the beloved Sandra Oh. Wynter is all about The Zen Diaries of Gary Shandling on HBO, Judd Apatow’s love letter to one of the best and most complex comics in history. Akina is all about Ron Chernow’s bio...
Seeing the World Through Roseanne-Colored Lenses
April 05, 2018 00:16 - 1 hour - 90 MBThis week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson watched the Roseanne reboot and they have feelings about it. Strong feelings. Margaret Wappler is all about Glynn Washington’s podcast Heaven’s Gate which features interviews and stories of surviving members of the deadly cult. The final season of The Americans kicked off last week with the episode Dead Hand and Karen savors the way it used music. Guy is all about the Netflix show On the Block. With the Roseanne reboot smashing a...
Pop Rocket Ep. 168: On the Couch w/ Megan Auster-Rosen
March 28, 2018 23:18 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBThis week, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler are joined by clinical psychologist and actress Megan Auster-Rosen to discuss therapy in film and television shows. Margaret Wappler is all about High Maintenance on HBO and the show’s weed dealer/confidant The Guy. Megan is all about Parkland student, Emma Gonzalez and her six minutes of silence, dedicated to the victims of the shooting at Stoneland Douglas High School. Karen is all about the NBC drama, Rise, even though it falls into some unf...
Problematic Faves
March 22, 2018 02:55 - 1 hour - 58 MBThis week, Guy, Karen, Wynter and Margaret bare their souls and confess their problematic faves. Not sure what that means? Don’t worry. They break it down. Wynter Mitchell is all about Cynthia Nixon running for governor of New York. Margaret Wappler is all about Nina Riggs’ memoir The Bright Hour. Karen’s digging CBS All Access’ The Good Fight, and Guy has just discovered The Supersizers Go With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell. That’s My Jam: Margaret ...
An Excellent Adventure in Time Travel
March 14, 2018 21:59 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBThis week, Guy, Karen, Wynter and Margaret tackle A Wrinkle in Time and time travel tropes in TV and film. Margaret Wappler is all about the New York Times publishing the obituaries they overlooked going back to 1851, people like Ida B. Wells and countless others. Karen is all about defending her Pinoy brother Bruno Mars from YouTuber and activist Seren Sensei, who thinks Mars appropriates black culture. Guy Branum comes late to the Insecure party, but he’s seen the light and apologizes to...
A Nonagenarian Named Oscar w/ Chris Schleicher
March 08, 2018 04:34 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBIt’s another fun-filled Pop Rocket. This week, special guest Chris Schleicher is all about the Best Documentary Short Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405; Margaret Wappler is all up in season three of Unreal; Karen Tongson wanted to be about Unreal, but Wappler stole her thunder so Karen tells us about the new show Good Girls, and Guy Branum is all about the Great White Way, fresh off his trip to New York with his niece. Then the gang delve into Oscar talk, sharing tips on how to guess the ...
Wakanda Forever with Tavia Nyong'o
February 28, 2018 21:38 - 1 hour - 32.6 MBKaren Tongson takes over hosting duties and is joined by special guest Tavia Nyong'o to discuss Black Panther! The gang chats about the impact the soundtrack had on them, afro-futurism/afro-centrism as part of the storytelling, and "double consciousness." Plus, Margaret talks Monica Lewinsky, Karen just finished watching Ugly Delicious, Tavia has some thoughts on the reboot of Heathers, and Wynter discusses GQ's article on Brendan Fraser. And producer Christian comes into the studio for a ...
Hail to the Matriarchy
February 22, 2018 01:03 - 59 minutes - 27.5 MBThis week, Guy and the gang talk about their favorite first ladies and lady presidents in movies and TV. Is there a fictional first lady that ISN'T some kind of commentary on Hillary? What kind of media would we like to see about the Obamas? When will Melania spill the tea? Plus, Margaret's baby makes his first podcast appearance, Wynter discusses Chris Rock's Netflix special, Guy talks Queer Eye, and the panel has a conversation on Parkland and Emma Gonzalez' speech on gun control. With G...
Pop Rocket is for Lovers with Dave White
February 14, 2018 22:36 - 1 hour - 30.2 MBKaren Tongson takes over hosting duties this week and film critic Dave White joins the panel to discuss all things Valentine's Day. Who are our favorite TV couples? Are rom coms over? What couple do our panelists aspire to be like? Plus, Karen talks the Winter Olympics, Dave tells us about his new favorite chef, and Wynter has a few more words on Versace. With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Dave White. That's My Jam: Karen Tongson - The Shins - Heartworms (Flipped) Wynter Mitchel...
That's What I Do!
February 07, 2018 22:25 - 56 minutes - 26.1 MBThis week, Guy and the gang discuss different representations of their respective careers in pop culture. How accurately is stand up comedy portrayed in Seinfeld? Are the lives of archaeology professors anywhere near as interesting as Indiana Jones'? Does ER do a good job of showing the process of having a baby? Plus, Karen talks The Alienist, Margaret gets into more podcasts, and Guy is in love with One Day at a Time. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. ...
The Fourth Estate in Film
January 31, 2018 19:37 - 59 minutes - 27.2 MBThis week, Louis Virtel takes over hosting duties to talk about The Post and journalism movies with Margaret and special guest April Wolfe! What kind of stories would the gang like to see in the future? Is Broadcast News secretly creepy? Plus, Louis LOVES awards season, April talks SNL, and Margaret discusses Kesha's Grammy performance and her legal feud with Dr. Luke. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, April Wolfe and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Rayvn Lenae ...
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
January 24, 2018 19:48 - 1 hour - 29.3 MBThis week, Guy and the gang discuss The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. How amazing is Penelope Cruz' performance? How "true" is this true crime story and does it matter? Plus, Guy is getting into faith-based comedy, Wynter is watching even more stand up comedy, Margaret has some thoughts on The Chi, and Karen discusses The Hollywood Reporter's feature on Ellen Pompeo. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret W...
Call Out Culture
January 18, 2018 01:55 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBThis week the panel weighs in on call out culture. This episode was recorded shortly after the an article about a woman's date with Aziz Ansari came out. They examine the origins of call out culture, and its impact on the culture at large. It's a rich and nuanced conversation. Plus, Karen's All About is Season 15 of Top Chef Colorado, and Guy gives Karen half of his "all about" time so he can share his Top Chef thoughts. Guy's spends the other half of his time telling us about a video reel...
The Third Annual Pop Tart Awards
January 11, 2018 01:21 - 1 hour - 38.3 MBIt's that time of the year again! Guy and the gang and special guest Louis Virtel go over the very best of 2017 pop culture in this super-sized episode! Who will take the coveted Tart d'Or this year? Plus, the gang deliberates over categories suggested by listeners. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and Louis Virtel. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christi...
The Endless Red Carpet
January 04, 2018 00:28 - 1 hour - 29.3 MBThis week, Guy and the gang talk about awards season and give some Oscar predictions! How will awards shows change in the #metoo era? Are we all tired of obvious Oscar bait? WHY DO THE GRAMMYS EXIST?! Plus, Karen catches up on Downton Abbey, Wynter discusses Black Mirror, Margaret loves Amazon's Rose Parade show, and Guy argues on Facebook about Call Me By Your Name. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Jonny Greenwood ...
The Best of the Worst
December 27, 2017 19:32 - 51 minutes - 23.8 MBThis week, Guy Branum and the gang discuss their favorite "so bad it's good" movies, tv, and music. How was Small Wonder a real thing? What's the difference between schlock, schmatlz, and just straight up bad? Plus, Wynter has a few words on 45 in the Hall of Presidents, Karen just watched Masterminds, Margaret takes a 1 second video, and Guy loves Beatriz at Dinner. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Rupert Holmes - E...
I, Tonya
December 20, 2017 22:05 - 51 minutes - 23.5 MBThis week, Guy and the gang talk about the film I, Tonya. Was Margot Robbie the best choice to portray Tonya Harding? Is the movie maybe just a bit too Oscar bait-y? All that, plus Guy talks Marvelous Ms. Maisel (again), Karen loves The Big Family Cooking Showdown, Wynter discusses Omarosa, and Margaret gets into sex therapy podcasts. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - St. Vincent - Pills Karen Tongson - General Publ...
Hanukkah is a Holiday Too
December 13, 2017 20:17 - 52 minutes - 24.1 MBThis week, Guy and the gang talk about Hanukkah and their favorite representations of the Festival of Lights in pop culture. Plus, Margaret discusses "Cat Person" Karen watched ALL of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Wynter and Guy can't stop talking about The Crown episode 8. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Darlene Love - Christmastime for the Jews Karen Tongson - Fiddler on the Roof - Do You Love Me Wynter Mitchell -...
The Gang is Back Together
December 06, 2017 18:33 - 59 minutes - 27.2 MBGuy and Margaret make their triumphant returns and what better way to celebrate than a discussion on the best and worst reunions in pop culture! Why do TV reunions feel so special and do they ever live up to the hype? What reunions are we dying to see happen? Plus, Guy talks Lady Bird, Margaret's jam makes everyone a little misty eyed, and Karen has a few stories to share about Barbra Streisand. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. Margaret Wappler - LCD Soundsystem - Oh ...
Who's in Your Coven?
November 29, 2017 20:46 - 1 hour - 31.6 MBIt'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....
Once More into the Mailbag
November 22, 2017 21:34 - 57 minutes - 26.3 MBHappy Thanksgiving, Rocketeers (if you live in the US)! This week, the gang sit down and open up the Pop Rocket mailbag to answer a few of your questions. There's relationship advice, feminist awakenings, dog discussions, and everything in between! With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Pearl Bailey - Five Pound Box of Money Karen Tongson - The Psychedelic Furs - Ghost in You Wynter Mitchell - Spice Girls - Too Much Loui...
Thanksgiving with Katherine Spiers
November 16, 2017 00:24 - 1 hour - 29.1 MBLouis and the gang sit down with writer and host of the Smart Mouth podcast, Katherine Spiers, to talk about Thanksgiving traditions and trade a couple of great (and terrible) Thanksgiving stories. Plus, Wynter loves Bruno Mars, Karen talks fried chicken, Katherine needs more Lady Dynamite in her life, Louis declared Rosie O'Donnell the greatest talk show host, and Dave can't deal with Oprah's Favorite Things. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Dave White and special guest ...
Faux-tige Fatigue with Dave White
November 08, 2017 20:21 - 57 minutes - 26.3 MBThis week, Louis, Karen and film critic Dave White sit down to discuss faux prestige (or faux-tige) movies and television. What exactly makes something faux-tige? Karen breaks it down for us. Plus, Louis talks about the time he asked Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell some hard questions, Karen brings in some more Stranger Things..things, and Dave can't stand any of the Bad Moms. With Louis Virtel, Karen Tongson and Dave White. That’s My Jam: Dave White - Bikini Kill - New Radio Karen Tongso...
The Unusual Suspect
November 01, 2017 19:17 - 50 minutes - 23.2 MBThis week, the gang talks about THAT actor. Is his career through? Has Kevin come out of the closet in the worst possible way? Plus, a spoiler-free discussion on Stranger Things season 2, Louis reviews 3 classic movies, and Alonso is ready for the Hallmark Christmas movie onslaught. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Cheryl Lynn - Star Love Wynter Mitchell - Beck - Seventh Heaven Louis Virtel - Rufus ft. Chaka Khan - Do You Love Wh...
Monsters Under The Bed
October 25, 2017 22:50 - 59 minutes - 27.3 MBThis week, it's Pop Rocket's Halloween Spooktacular! Louis and the gang talk about the things that scared them as children. Aliens, Muppets, weird logo jingles, and everything in between. Louis finally gives us some moderns jams, Karen tells us a spooky Halloween story, Wynter has a few words for Justin Timberlake, and Alonso discusses Harvey Fierstein's infamous Barbara Walters interview. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Dural...
Gone But Not Forgotten
October 18, 2017 23:25 - 55 minutes - 25.5 MBThis week, Louis and the gang sit down to discuss celebrities and death. What deaths affected them the most? Does every newspaper really have an obit for Tom Hanks ready to go? Plus, Alonso gets back into Riverdale, Karen has beef with Klingons, Wynter tells us about her journey with Spencer Pratt, and Louis has some concerns about the new Mamma Mia. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Bleu - DDBDD Karen Tongson - St....
When Athletes Become Activists
October 11, 2017 21:52 - 56 minutes - 25.9 MBThis week, Louis and the gang sit down to discuss athletes and protests in the wide world of sports throughout the years. The 1968 Olympics, Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime show, Colin Kaepernick, even Louis' high school, the panel covers it all. Plus, Louis rediscovers Project Runway, Karen started watching 90's House, Alonso can't get enough cupcakes, and a lengthy discussion on the ongoing Weinstein debacle. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My...
It's the End of the World!
October 04, 2017 18:53 - 1 hour - 29 MBThis week, Louis and the gang chat about dystopias and how the future is the worst. They chat about the weirdly prescient Back to the Future 2, Octavia Butler's Parable series, and why utopias are so boring. Karen tells us how she stayed calm during an active shooter scare at USC, Wynter is all about the newest season of You're the Worst, Alonso needs you to listen to KEOM, and Louis can't wait for the First Wives Club TV show. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso D...
Biopics
September 27, 2017 21:06 - 59 minutes - 27.2 MBThis week, Louis and the gang talk about biopics and what makes them great. They discuss Battle of the Sexes, Billie Jean King's haircut, Selena, and what biopics NEED to be made already. Plus, Alonso is in love with Bojack Horseman, Karen thinks you should give Transparent season 4 a chance, Wynter talks up Lady Gaga's documentary, and Louis wants more genuine "73 Question" interviews like Tracee Ellis Ross. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My...
Fall TV Preview 2017
September 20, 2017 19:23 - 1 hour - 28.4 MBThis 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!) A...
Remembering 9/11 with Louis Virtel
September 13, 2017 19:13 - 52 minutes - 24.2 MBThis 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 ...
Summer Jams 2017
September 06, 2017 22:45 - 1 hour - 29.7 MBAt 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 th...
Remembering Princess Diana with Dave White
August 30, 2017 23:27 - 59 minutes - 27.3 MBThis 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 Pr...
Back To School
August 23, 2017 21:49 - 55 minutes - 25.7 MBThis 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 Smit...
Netflix and Chill with Dave White
August 16, 2017 22:51 - 59 minutes - 27.5 MBThis 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 fro...
Unpopular Opinions
August 09, 2017 23:43 - 57 minutes - 26.1 MBThis 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 ...
Girls Trip with Alonso Duralde
August 02, 2017 22:31 - 57 minutes - 26.3 MBThis 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 ...
We're Podcasting for Two!
July 26, 2017 19:23 - 1 hour - 34.9 MBIt’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 ...
The Fat Episode
July 19, 2017 23:54 - 59 minutes - 27.4 MBThis 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...
The Big Sick
July 12, 2017 22:24 - 52 minutes - 24.1 MB**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 al...
Declarations of Independence
July 03, 2017 21:51 - 52 minutes - 24.2 MBThe 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 Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Cat Powers - Li...
The Pop Rocket Summer 2017 Book Club
June 28, 2017 19:22 - 1 hour - 28.5 MBHello 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 Tongs...
Outfest with Tre'vell Anderson
June 21, 2017 18:21 - 53 minutes - 24.6 MBThis 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 maxi...
Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer
June 14, 2017 19:36 - 58 minutes - 27 MBThis 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 docu...