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Pop Rocket

228 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1.5K ratings

Pop culture discussion with Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson

Philosophy Society & Culture Comedy comedy comment discussion journalism journalist maxfun maximumfun media music sociology
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Episodes

Wonder Woman with April Wolfe

June 07, 2017 18:48 - 59 minutes - 27.3 MB

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

Medical Dramas with Dave White

May 31, 2017 20:37 - 1 hour - 28.3 MB

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

Memorial Day Special with Dave White

May 24, 2017 22:56 - 52 minutes - 23.9 MB

On a special mini episode, the gang is joined by film critic Dave White to talk about films that memorialize war, soldiers, and veterans. We get history lesson from Karen about the origins of Memorial Day, and how it spread across America eventually becoming a national holiday. The gang talk about the huge responsibility war films have, in both their messaging and cinematography, and how some miss the mark. Wynter tells us why she doesn't watch war movies, and the panel talks about the one w...

2017 Summer Blockbusters with Alonso Duralde

May 17, 2017 23:25 - 59 minutes - 27.2 MB

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

Celebrity Journalism

May 10, 2017 23:26 - 1 hour - 28.9 MB

This week, we have the gang back together plus celebrity journalist and novelist Abby Stern to talk the evolution and the current disintegration of celebrity journalism. We get a historical outline of celebrity journalism, from Hedda Hopper and Louis B. Mayer to TMZ and Instagram influencers. The gang explores the symbiotic relationship between celebrities and the press, and how that has evolved over time. We find out where each of our panelists' "do not report" line is when covering celebri...

The Handmaid's Tale

May 03, 2017 21:08 - 1 hour - 28.6 MB

This week we have an all ladies episode of Pop Rocket! Karen is hosting, and the gang is talking about the new Hulu series of Margaret Atwood's 1985 classic novel The Handmaid's Tale. Margaret tells us about the differences between the series and the book. They explore whether or not Offred's internal dialogue works when portrayed as voice over, and whether the racial make-up of the show was intentional. Does the music work, and does the show reflect anything from our current political clim...

Kendrick! Lorde! Gaga! The 2017 Music Special with Gerrick Kennedy

April 27, 2017 00:39 - 1 hour - 28.3 MB

This week, the gang (minus Guy) is joined by Gerrick Kennedy, music writer at the Los Angeles Times, to discuss the best album releases of 2017. For the first time in 33 years, there are no women in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100's chart. The gang discusses whether they think this is a fluke or a trend, how they think streaming services affect the numbers, and what this means for women musicians of color. They discuss the importance of the new Kendrick Lamar album D.A.M.N. and about ea...

The End of Girls with Las Culturistas

April 19, 2017 23:11 - 1 hour - 28.9 MB

This week, the Pop Rocket panel has some extra help to talk about the 5 years and 6 seasons of Girls that ended this past Sunday from the New York based comedy duo Las Culturistas. As you can imagine, the gang has a lot to say during this post mortem. They talk about whether we got closure from the final episode, and whether Lena should have just stopped at the penultimate episode. Did the producers of Girls do enough to deal with the lack of racial diversity on the show over the 5 years? W...

Pop Rocket Likes It Raw with April Wolfe

April 12, 2017 18:44 - 1 hour - 28.4 MB

On this week's Pop Rocket, Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell and Karen Tongson are joined by LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe  for a deep dive into the French horror film Raw by director Julia Ducournau. The movie centers on Justine, a young vegetarian who, along with her sister, is studying to become a veterinarian. When Justine is pressured to eat a rabbit's kidney at a party, that act unleashes all her carnal desires, such as the desire to eat people. When Raw screened in Los Angeles, theate...

Game Shows

April 06, 2017 00:23 - 1 hour - 28.2 MB

In honor of the premier of Guy Branum's new truTV show, the gang is talking about game shows this week! Karen reminisces about the implicit corniness of 70's and 80's game shows, Wynter talks about the accessibility differences between quiz shows like Jeopardy and Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, and Margaret tells us about the time she was on The Price is Right. Plus, we learn about Wynter's new obsession with ASMR-adjacent Youtube click-holes, and Guy tells us why he was stunned by the l...

1997 in Music

March 30, 2017 01:05 - 1 hour - 29.9 MB

This week the gang is here to talk about the year 1997 in music and culture. There are a surprising number of 20 year old infallible pop hits that were influenced by a number of factors; the internet, CD-R's, Princess Diana passing, the death of Gianni Versace, the 24-hour news cycle, and of course Tupac and Biggies deaths. Wynter and Karen make it clear that they had the best 1997 as they were living in the city of possibilities (San Francisco), Margaret tells us why she doesn't know any Sp...

Bonus! Jesse Thorn Interviews Guy

March 24, 2017 22:47 - 55 minutes - 25.7 MB

This week we have a bonus Pop Rocket episode for all of you Rocketeers! Jesse Thorn, our boss and creator of Pop Rocket, interviewed Guy for Pop Rocket's sister show Bullseye with Jesse Thorn about his new truTV show Talk Show the Game Show. Although the Bullseye interview won't air for a couple of weeks, Jesse wanted to release this episode to you, our beloved listeners, as a thank you for your continued support. As I'm sure you know by now, it is the MaxFun Drive, the 2 weeks out of the...

Ladies Loving Ladies

March 22, 2017 21:33 - 1 hour - 32.1 MB

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

FX's Feud with Karen Kilgariff and April Wolfe

March 15, 2017 21:22 - 59 minutes - 27.4 MB

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

Get Out

March 09, 2017 00:33 - 1 hour - 35 MB

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 kee...

Facebook Grab Bag with Chris Schleicher

March 02, 2017 00:33 - 55 minutes - 25.5 MB

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...

Oscars Special with Chris Schleicher

February 28, 2017 19:58 - 43 minutes - 20 MB

This is a rush edition of Pop Rocket focusing on The Oscars. Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and special guest Chris Schleicher waste no time in dishing on cinema's biggest night. They skip the "all abouts" and jams and get right to the WTF of it all--the best picture debacle, Casey Affleck and Brie Larson, bad hair, bad clapping and Hacksaw Ridge. Plus, we'll get to the bottom of why Margaret Wappler wants to be Taraji P. Henson's eyebrows when she grows up.   Guy Branum exp...

Legal Dramas

February 23, 2017 01:53 - 58 minutes - 26.7 MB

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 mus...

The Grammys

February 16, 2017 00:43 - 57 minutes - 26.5 MB

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 a...

Facebook Free for All!

February 08, 2017 22:26 - 59 minutes - 27.3 MB

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 Mor...

Oscar 2017 Snubs and Predictions

February 02, 2017 02:12 - 54 minutes - 24.8 MB

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 Mit...

Revisiting Childhood

January 25, 2017 20:14 - 58 minutes - 26.7 MB

  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...

Inauguration with Jordan Morris

January 19, 2017 01:50 - 56 minutes - 26 MB

This episode, Jordan Morris of @midnight and Jordan Jesse Go! sits in for Guy while he is away. Jordan and the gang discuss the upcoming Inauguration, the President elect’s difficulty in securing entertainment, and the different media choices that people from different parts of the country consume. They talk about the red/blue divide in terms of the reality TV choices of particular zip codes around the country. Karen tells us why she’s all about "Blackish” this week, and Wynter sets the reco...

2017 Pop Culture Resolutions

January 05, 2017 00:08 - 53 minutes - 24.4 MB

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 Br...

The Second Annual Pop Tart Awards

December 28, 2016 18:48 - 1 hour - 30.5 MB

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

Reboots

December 21, 2016 23:00 - 49 minutes - 22.7 MB

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 the...

Farewell

December 14, 2016 21:42 - 57 minutes - 26.3 MB

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...

The Crown with Karen Tongson and Chris Schleicher

December 08, 2016 01:06 - 55 minutes - 19 MB

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...

Pop Culture Families

December 01, 2016 01:26 - 58 minutes - 20.2 MB

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 ...

Cooking Shows

November 23, 2016 19:53 - 52 minutes - 18.2 MB

 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 Georgio, Kara Klenk, and Riley Silverman.   That’s My Jam: Guy ...

Monsters

November 16, 2016 22:43 - 54 minutes - 18.7 MB

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 ...

Super Dumb Comedies

November 09, 2016 21:04 - 50 minutes - 17.3 MB

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: ...

Westworld with Story Editor Charles Yu

November 02, 2016 22:40 - 1 hour - 34.4 MB

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 fo...

Tricks and Treats!

October 26, 2016 17:51 - 1 hour - 29.4 MB

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 vid...

Celebrity Pets with Karen Tongson

October 19, 2016 17:16 - 1 hour - 27.8 MB

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...

Atlanta on FX with Demi Adejuyigbe

October 12, 2016 21:47 - 1 hour - 32.4 MB

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 W...

Debut Novels and Documentaries with Jade Chang, Jesse Thorn, and April Wolfe

October 05, 2016 23:22 - 1 hour - 45.8 MB

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 an...

Dear Pop Rocket...

September 28, 2016 19:56 - 1 hour - 30.9 MB

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...

Emmy's and Pop Culture Comebacks

September 21, 2016 19:54 - 1 hour - 28.3 MB

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. 

The 2000's in Pop Culture with Karen Tongson

September 14, 2016 18:42 - 1 hour - 30.2 MB

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 Mitche...

Fall TV Preview with Sara Benincasa

September 07, 2016 19:52 - 1 hour - 28.9 MB

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 b...

Searching for the Song of the Summer with Chris Molanphy

August 31, 2016 17:46 - 1 hour - 38.5 MB

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, O...

Rummaging Through the Mailbag Again

August 24, 2016 17:36 - 1 hour - 29.4 MB

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 ...

Vacations and Travel with Karen Tongson

August 17, 2016 17:37 - 57 minutes - 26.4 MB

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 ...

Summer Blockbusters with Devin Faraci and Riley Silverman

August 10, 2016 17:40 - 1 hour - 28.7 MB

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?...

Stranger Things with Linda Holmes and Clinton Trucks

August 03, 2016 17:18 - 55 minutes - 25.6 MB

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 prom...

Reality Competition Shows with Melissa Villaseñor

July 27, 2016 17:34 - 48 minutes - 22.4 MB

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 i...

Who You Gonna Call?

July 20, 2016 18:38 - 1 hour - 31.1 MB

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...

Fantasy Movies, Shows, and Books

July 13, 2016 20:56 - 1 hour - 31.6 MB

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 ...

Mexico and Canada's Pop Culture

July 06, 2016 19:20 - 1 hour - 32.7 MB

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

Guests

Karen Tongson
8 Episodes
Dave White
6 Episodes
April Wolfe
5 Episodes
Alonso Duralde
3 Episodes
Linda Holmes
3 Episodes
Jesse Thorn
2 Episodes
Jordan Morris
2 Episodes
Louis Virtel
2 Episodes
Ricky Carmona
2 Episodes
Andrew Ti
1 Episode
ann friedman
1 Episode
Hal Lublin
1 Episode
Lindy West
1 Episode
Matt Bellassai
1 Episode
Monica Lewinsky
1 Episode
Paul Gilmartin
1 Episode
Riley Silverman
1 Episode
Sarah Lane
1 Episode
Tananarive Due
1 Episode

Books

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