Pop's And Pop Culture
75 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago -Over the Riverdale and through the woods to Thistle House we go! Join hosts Maya and Luke as they cover their favorite stories from the world of pop culture and dissect one of the wildest shows on TV. Every Wednesday, they will break down an episode of Riverdale starting from the series premiere. Every Sunday, they will discuss all things pop culture from celebrity scandals to the latest box office hits.
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Episodes
Chapter Eighty-Two: Back to School
March 07, 2021 22:11 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBMaya and Luke have returned to discuss what happens when unqualified kids in their 20s return to their privatized high school as teachers...and it's a whole lot of strange decisions. I mean, Archie's wearing a sweatshirt that looks like it says "ERROTIC," Veronica's husband is awkardly sitting in on class, Jughead is *still* a grumpy writer, and Betty is going full-steam with the latest potential murder in Riverdale—her sister's. Lot's to discuss & lots to think about. ...
Chapter Eighty-Two: Back to School
March 07, 2021 22:11 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBMaya and Luke have returned to discuss what happens when unqualified kids in their 20s return to their privatized high school as teachers...and it's a whole lot of strange decisions. I mean, Archie's wearing a sweatshirt that looks like it says "ERROTIC," Veronica's husband is awkardly sitting in on class, Jughead is *still* a grumpy writer, and Betty is going full-steam with the latest potential murder in Riverdale—her sister's. Lot's to discuss & lots to think about.
Chapter Eighty-One: The Homecoming (Riverdale S05:E05)
February 21, 2021 22:21 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBMaya and Luke are back again with a recap and discourse on the the latest from Riverdale, now our second episode post-time jump. Barchies have FINALLY gotten the shower sex scene they've been waiting for, we get an appearance from our favorite twins who are growing up so fast, school board meetings, faux-FBI drug raids, debt collectors, and the beginnings of this season's mystery.
Chapter Eighty-One: The Homecoming (Riverdale S05:E05)
February 21, 2021 22:21 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBMaya and Luke are back again with a recap and discourse on the the latest from Riverdale, now our second episode post-time jump. Barchies have FINALLY gotten the shower sex scene they've been waiting for, we get an appearance from our favorite twins who are growing up so fast, school board meetings, faux-FBI drug raids, debt collectors, and the beginnings of this season's mystery.
Before and After the Time Jump (Riverdale S02:E03/04)
February 14, 2021 22:17 - 52 minutes - 36 MBMaya and Luke are back, here to break down the two latests episodes of Riverdale - before and after the time jump. The main four have all gone their separate ways, with their fair share of strange romantic relationships, taxing professional careers, and new trauma, but they are all back to save Riverdale, which has fallen into disrepair over the past seven years. So, of course, there's a lot to talk about.
Before and After the Time Jump (Riverdale S02:E03/04)
February 14, 2021 22:17 - 52 minutes - 36 MBMaya and Luke are back, here to break down the two latests episodes of Riverdale - before and after the time jump. The main four have all gone their separate ways, with their fair share of strange romantic relationships, taxing professional careers, and new trauma, but they are all back to save Riverdale, which has fallen into disrepair over the past seven years. So, of course, there's a lot to talk about.
Riverdale S05:E02 & Golden Globe Nomination Reactions
February 03, 2021 19:24 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBThis week we have a lot to cover. We begin with our reactions to the Golden Globe nominations announcements (03:12), we give our thoughts on Bughead stans being voted the second-worst group on Twitter (29:30), and then it's time to jump into S05:E02 of Riverdale (31:00). Archie is beating things up (AGAIN!), Cheryl is Zooming/poisoning her family members, Veronica is plotting for a hostile takeover of Lodge industries, and Betty and Jughead are doing what they do best—finally getting to the b...
Riverdale S05:E02 & Golden Globe Nomination Reactions
February 03, 2021 19:24 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBThis week we have a lot to cover. We begin with our reactions to the Golden Globe nominations announcements (03:12), we give our thoughts on Bughead stans being voted the second-worst group on Twitter (29:30), and then it's time to jump into S05:E02 of Riverdale (31:00). Archie is beating things up (AGAIN!), Cheryl is Zooming/poisoning her family members, Veronica is plotting for a hostile takeover of Lodge industries, and Betty and Jughead are doing what they do best—finally...
Barchie vs. Bughead...Season 5 Riverdale Premiere
January 24, 2021 21:43 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBOver the past two weeks, tensions in the Riverdale fandom have been rising over the everlasting question: Which ship is endgame, Barchie or Bughead? Hosts Maya and Luke defend themselves after their Twitter controversy, talk about the unknown fan pretending to be Lili Reinhart in an interview with Seventeen, and then dive into the season premiere of Season 5. Maybe we've been so distracting discussing Archie's love life, that we've missed the newest ship...Kaonica!
Barchie vs. Bughead...Season 5 Riverdale Premiere
January 24, 2021 21:43 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBOver the past two weeks, tensions in the Riverdale fandom have been rising over the everlasting question: Which ship is endgame, Barchie or Bughead? Hosts Maya and Luke defend themselves after their Twitter controversy, talk about the unknown fan pretending to be Lili Reinhart in an interview with Seventeen, and then dive into the season premiere of Season 5. Maybe we've been so distracting discussing Archie's love life, that we've missed the newest ship...Kaonica!
Our Favorites from 2020
January 03, 2021 17:39 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBMaya and Luke are back to take a look at 2020 - the music, TV, movies, and niche internet content that has been getting them through the pandemic. Listen for their top five movies/TV shows/podcasts (03:00) with honorable mentions (20:47), top five music artists (26:04) with honorable mentions (41:30), favorite rewatch/reread (44:21), favorite new internet obsession (52:17), biggest pop culture disappointment (56:35). And looking forward to 2021, Maya and Luke discuss what they're looking forw...
Our Favorites from 2020
January 03, 2021 17:39 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBMaya and Luke are back to take a look at 2020 - the music, TV, movies, and niche internet content that has been getting them through the pandemic. Listen for their top five movies/TV shows/podcasts (03:00) with honorable mentions (20:47), top five music artists (26:04) with honorable mentions (41:30), favorite rewatch/reread (44:21), favorite new internet obsession (52:17), biggest pop culture disappointment (56:35). And looking forward to 2021, Maya and Luke discuss what the...
Riverdale Season 5 Trailer Reaction...We're Back!
December 14, 2020 03:57 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBSeason 2 is here! After a many-month hiatus, the podcast is back and better than ever - switching gears on the Riverdale recaps. Maya and Luke dive into the newly released Season 5 trailer and discuss their latest music, TV, YouTube, and TikTok obsessions from over the break, including conversations on Miley Cryus' rebrand, how dumb it was to "cancel" the D'Amelio sisters, and Shawn Mendes' latest late night interviews to promote his new album.
Riverdale Season 5 Trailer Reaction...We're Back!
December 14, 2020 03:57 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBSeason 2 is here! After a many-month hiatus, the podcast is back and better than ever - switching gears on the Riverdale recaps. Maya and Luke dive into the newly released Season 5 trailer and discuss their latest music, TV, YouTube, and TikTok obsessions from over the break, including conversations on Miley Cryus' rebrand, how dumb it was to "cancel" the D'Amelio sisters, and Shawn Mendes' latest late night interviews to promote his new album.
Chapter Sixteen: The Watcher in the Woods
August 17, 2020 16:31 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBThe hosts return to discuss S02:E03 of Riverdale, now deep into the frustrations that this second season has to offer. Of course, Archie is being stupid—but now he is being fueled by a new friendship with Hiram Lodge (which is NEVER good). Meanwhile, Jughead is off at his new school, learning things about Jingle Jangle, the new drug in town, the Black Hood has finally been given a name, Polly is out of the picture, Cheryl clearly has nothing to do, and Kevin is finally given ...
Chapter Sixteen: The Watcher in the Woods
August 17, 2020 16:31 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBThe hosts return to discuss S02:E03 of Riverdale, now deep into the frustrations that this second season has to offer. Of course, Archie is being stupid—but now he is being fueled by a new friendship with Hiram Lodge (which is NEVER good). Meanwhile, Jughead is off at his new school, learning things about Jingle Jangle, the new drug in town, the Black Hood has finally been given a name, Polly is out of the picture, Cheryl clearly has nothing to do, and Kevin is finally given the justice his c...
Chapter Fifteen: Nighthawks
August 10, 2020 19:32 - 1 hour - 54.3 MBMaya and Luke pick back up in Riverdale to discuss the latest teenage drama. This episode is backed with familial blackmail, mob-style loyalty, suspicious gang lawyers, and more shady business dealings. We get a musical number - despite a lack of logistical logic. We get our first look at "new Reggie." And we're annoyed at Archie, so is anything really new?
Chapter Fifteen: Nighthawks
August 10, 2020 19:32 - 1 hour - 54.3 MBMaya and Luke pick back up in Riverdale to discuss the latest teenage drama. This episode is backed with familial blackmail, mob-style loyalty, suspicious gang lawyers, and more shady business dealings. We get a musical number - despite a lack of logistical logic. We get our first look at "new Reggie." And we're annoyed at Archie, so is anything really new?
Pop Culture Digest & The Kissing Booth 2
August 05, 2020 23:30 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBJoin Maya and Luke as they break down the last week in wild pop culture. First they give an update on Taylor Swift and the *many* records she broke this week. They then turn to the latest controversy with Ellen, ask the question on everyone's mind - will TikTok really be deleted? - and discuss the strange turn of events on the set of 'The Bachelorette.' Then it's time to talk about 'The Kissing Booth 2,' the latest Netflix teen rom-com. The film is a mess - lackluster attempts at diversity, c...
Pop Culture Digest & The Kissing Booth 2
August 05, 2020 23:30 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBJoin Maya and Luke as they break down the last week in wild pop culture. First they give an update on Taylor Swift and the *many* records she broke this week. They then turn to the latest controversy with Ellen, ask the question on everyone's mind - will TikTok really be deleted? - and discuss the strange turn of events on the set of 'The Bachelorette.' Then it's time to talk about 'The Kissing Booth 2,' the latest Netflix teen rom-com. The film is a mess - lackluster attempt...
'folklore' & Taylor Swift
July 27, 2020 20:26 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBOn Friday, Taylor Swift surprised the world with the impromptu release of her 8th studio album, 'folklore.' Maya and Luke, who consider themselves fans of Swift, are joined by two more special guests for a long winded discussion about the addition to her extensive catalogue—first thoughts, immediate favorites (and least favorites), album theories, and speculation on what's next for the iconic star.
'folklore' & Taylor Swift (with Madeline King & Abigail Segel)
July 27, 2020 20:26 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBOn Friday, Taylor Swift surprised the world with the impromptu release of her 8th studio album, 'folklore.' Maya and Luke, who consider themselves fans of Swift, are joined by two more special guests for a long-winded discussion about the addition to her extensive catalogue—first thoughts, immediate favorites (and least favorites), album theories, and speculation on what's next for the iconic star.
'folklore' & Taylor Swift (with Madeline King & Abigail Segel)
July 27, 2020 20:26 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBOn Friday, Taylor Swift surprised the world with the impromptu release of her 8th studio album, 'folklore.' Maya and Luke, who consider themselves fans of Swift, are joined by two more special guests for a long-winded discussion about the addition to her extensive catalogue—first thoughts, immediate favorites (and least favorites), album theories, and speculation on what's next for the iconic star.
Chapter Fourteen: A Kiss Before Dying
July 23, 2020 21:04 - 1 hour - 53 MBSeason 2 has begun, and Maya and Luke are here to talk about it all. They dive into the first episode and they get a taste of the wild Riverdale that is to come. Archie is in full grief mode - so we excuse of few of his questionable decisions - and love is in the air. Betty and Jughead are full detective mode again, and it's literally been days since the last investigation wrapped up. Veronica has a lot on her plate - from steamy showers and HIRAM IS HERE. And there's a lot o...
Chapter Fourteen: A Kiss Before Dying
July 23, 2020 21:04 - 1 hour - 53 MBSeason 2 has begun, and Maya and Luke are here to talk about it all. They dive into the first episode and they get a taste of the wild Riverdale that is to come. Archie is in full grief mode - so we excuse of few of his questionable decisions - and love is in the air. Betty and Jughead are full detective mode again, and it's literally been days since the last investigation wrapped up. Veronica has a lot on her plate - from steamy showers and HIRAM IS HERE. And there's a lot of other things to...
A Bit About Podcasting
July 15, 2020 23:24 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBMaya and Luke take one more week off and instead look back on the past three months of pocasting - because they're sorta experts now. They give advice for anyone looking to start their own podcast, share some funny stories from process, and reflect on how they've grown since the beginning. It's causual...and also a fun listen!
A Bit About Podcasting
July 15, 2020 23:24 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBMaya and Luke take one more week off and instead look back on the past three months of pocasting - because they're sorta experts now. They give advice for anyone looking to start their own podcast, share some funny stories from process, and reflect on how they've grown since the beginning. It's causual...and also a fun listen!
Season One Recap
July 08, 2020 22:59 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBMaya and Luke briefly take a break from new Riverdale episodes to look back at the season as a whole. Luke attempts a 60 second recap, they sort the main characters into Hogwarts houses, discuss every possible relationship combonation, give their final thoughts on Season 1, and discuss what they are excited (and not excited) to get into with Season 2.
Season One Recap
July 08, 2020 22:59 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBMaya and Luke briefly take a break from new Riverdale episodes to look back at the season as a whole. Luke attempts a 60 second recap, they sort the main characters into Hogwarts houses, discuss every possible relationship combonation, give their final thoughts on Season 1, and discuss what they are excited (and not excited) to get into with Season 2.
Chapter Thirteen: The Sweet Hereafter
July 01, 2020 20:39 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBIt's the final episode of the journey that's been season one of Riverdale. Hosts Maya and Luke discuss the culmination of the teen-led investigative work. But that's not the only drama of this episode: we get into Cheryl's reaction to the revelation that her father murdered her brother, Jughead's relocation to the ominous Southside High, a very compelling musical performance and speech at the Jubilee, and of course, the cliffhanger of a century *enter the Black Hood*.
Chapter Thirteen: The Sweet Hereafter
July 01, 2020 20:39 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBIt's the final episode of the journey that's been season one of Riverdale. Hosts Maya and Luke discuss the culmination of the teen-led investigative work. But that's not the only drama of this episode: we get into Cheryl's reaction to the revelation that her father murdered her brother, Jughead's relocation to the ominous Southside High, a very compelling musical performance and speech at the Jubilee, and of course, the cliffhanger of a century *enter the Black Hood*. ...
Love, Victor
June 28, 2020 20:57 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBLast week, Hulu dropped the first season of the "Love, Simon" spinoff show, "Love, Victor." Maya and Luke have not discussed their thoughts prior to taping - but they have THOUGHTS!
Love, Victor
June 28, 2020 20:57 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBLast week, Hulu dropped the first season of the "Love, Simon" spinoff show, "Love, Victor." Maya and Luke have not discussed their thoughts prior to taping - but they have THOUGHTS!
Chapter Twelve: Anatomy of a Murder
June 24, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MBMaya and Luke are here to talk about S01:E12 of Riverdale, and what a wild ride it is! They, of course, pick right back up with FP's confession to murder—but it's clearly more complicated than that. The hosts discuss overreaching principals, revelations of incest (but not twincest), questionable parenting, Nancy Drew detective skills, what was first a fake relationship to get information from the sheriff that turned out to be crucial to a teenager-led murder investigation, an...
Chapter Twelve: Anatomy of a Murder
June 24, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MBMaya and Luke are here to talk about S01:E12 of Riverdale, and what a wild ride it is! They, of course, pick right back up with FP's confession to murder—but it's clearly more complicated than that. The hosts discuss overreaching principals, revelations of incest (but not twincest), questionable parenting, Nancy Drew detective skills, what was first a fake relationship to get information from the sheriff that turned out to be crucial to a teenager-led murder investigation, and the real man be...
Chapter Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again
June 17, 2020 23:32 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBThe hosts return to recap the eleventh chapter of the CW's Riverdale. And this time, the homecoming dance (and maybe a football game) is all of the rage. But the gang is a bit preoccupied with a murder investigation — and, of course, Alice has managed to manipulate Archie and Veronica to do their bidding against Betty's will. Meanwhile, Jughead is feeling a bit more sentimental than usual (so sweet), and Cheryl is up to some shady things that just don't make sense, which I guess makes sense f...
Chapter Eleven: To Riverdale and Back Again
June 17, 2020 23:32 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBThe hosts return to recap the eleventh chapter of the CW's Riverdale. And this time, the homecoming dance (and maybe a football game) is all of the rage. But the gang is a bit preoccupied with a murder investigation — and, of course, Alice has managed to manipulate Archie and Veronica to do their bidding against Betty's will. Meanwhile, Jughead is feeling a bit more sentimental than usual (so sweet), and Cheryl is up to some shady things that just don't make sense, which I gu...
The Latest With J.K. Rowling & Bachelor Nation
June 14, 2020 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBThey haven't done a pop culture episode in a while, but Maya and Luke have now returned to discuss a bit of the Internet controversy from the past few weeks. They begin with J.K. Rowling—once beloved, now digging her heels in with statements about the trans movement that nobody asked for. Then we move into the latest with Bachelor Nation, the franchise that is trying to make up for their overwhelmingly white history by bringing some diversity to the show, but only after petitions and a potent...
The Latest With J.K. Rowling & Bachelor Nation
June 14, 2020 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBThey haven't done a pop culture episode in a while, but Maya and Luke have now returned to discuss a bit of the Internet controversy from the past few weeks. They begin with J.K. Rowling—once beloved, now digging her heels in with statements about the trans movement that nobody asked for. Then we move into the latest with Bachelor Nation, the franchise that is trying to make up for their overwhelmingly white history by bringing some diversity to the show, but only after petit...
Chapter Ten: The Lost Weekend
June 11, 2020 00:57 - 1 hour - 53.3 MBMaya and Luke, here again to discuss CW's teen drama "Riverdale," this time going into the most teen drama-esk episode yet. They talk about Archie—emotionally tied up in his parent's divorce and turning to alcohol, Betty—grappling with her inner-darkness as she is confronted by a figure of her past, Veronica—caught in the middle of her shady father's legal battles, Jughead—the birthday boy who has to learn to let people in, and Cheryl who, as always, is looking for revenge. T...
Chapter Ten: The Lost Weekend
June 11, 2020 00:57 - 1 hour - 53.3 MBMaya and Luke, here again to discuss CW's teen drama "Riverdale," this time going into the most teen drama-esk episode yet. They talk about Archie—emotionally tied up in his parent's divorce and turning to alcohol, Betty—grappling with her inner-darkness as she is confronted by a figure of her past, Veronica—caught in the middle of her shady father's legal battles, Jughead—the birthday boy who has to learn to let people in, and Cheryl who, as always, is looking for revenge. This culmination o...
Chapter Nine: La Grande Illusion
June 03, 2020 21:36 - 1 hour - 51.6 MBJoin Maya and Luke as they dive into S01:E09 of Riverdale. They cover all of the new developments with the Blossom Empire, including the sacred tree-tapping (?), a fancy banquet, and the family's strange obsession with Archie Andrews. They also get into Veronica's latest attempt to erase her past while still grappling with her father's actions, ongoing feuding between Cooper parents, sweet moments from Bughead, and poor Fred Andrews who cannot catch a break.
Chapter Nine: La Grande Illusion
June 03, 2020 21:36 - 1 hour - 51.6 MBJoin Maya and Luke as they dive into S01:E09 of Riverdale. They cover all of the new developments with the Blossom Empire, including the sacred tree-tapping (?), a fancy banquet, and the family's strange obsession with Archie Andrews. They also get into Veronica's latest attempt to erase her past while still grappling with her father's actions, ongoing feuding between Cooper parents, sweet moments from Bughead, and poor Fred Andrews who cannot catch a break.
Chapter Eight: The Outsiders
May 27, 2020 21:48 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBThe podcast is back from a brief hiatus, and ready to dive into a new episode of your favorite teen drama. We pick back up in Riverdale, where the kids are planning the most contentious baby shower of the century. But that's not all! Maya and Luke discuss more shady dealings (potentially caused by the Southside Serpents), a new side of Alice Cooper, the same old crap from Archie Andrews, a ton of new couple annoucements, and FP's increasingly-complicated connection to the mur...
Chapter Eight: The Outsiders
May 27, 2020 21:48 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBThe podcast is back from a brief hiatus, and ready to dive into a new episode of your favorite teen drama. We pick back up in Riverdale, where the kids are planning the most contentious baby shower of the century. But that's not all! Maya and Luke discuss more shady dealings (potentially caused by the Southside Serpents), a new side of Alice Cooper, the same old crap from Archie Andrews, a ton of new couple annoucements, and FP's increasingly-complicated connection to the murder of Jason Blos...
Pop Culture Digest & Listen To Your Heart (with Abigail Segel)
May 20, 2020 12:56 - 1 hour - 59 MBHosts Maya and Luke are joined by their first special guest of the podcast - Abigail! Together, they begin by getting into Harry Styles' juicy music video for 'Watermelon Sugar,' discuss Taylor Swift's 'City of Lover' concert video, and then transition to the eventful week it has been in Bachelor Nation. They start their conversation with Hannah B's controversy on Instagram Live including the response from other Bachelor contestants (or lack thereof), and then it is time to f...
Pop Culture Digest & Listen To Your Heart (with Abigail Segel)
May 20, 2020 12:56 - 1 hour - 59 MBHosts Maya and Luke are joined by their first special guest of the podcast - Abigail! Together, they begin by getting into Harry Styles' juicy music video for 'Watermelon Sugar,' discuss Taylor Swift's 'City of Lover' concert video, and then transition to the eventful week it has been in Bachelor Nation. They start their conversation with Hannah B's controversy on Instagram Live including the response from other Bachelor contestants (or lack thereof), and then it is time to finally break down...
Chapter Seven: In a Lonely Place
May 13, 2020 20:36 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBThe hosts return to discuss S01:E07 of Riverdale, "Chapter Seven: In a Lonely Place!" They finally get to discuss the latest in neglegent parents from this show - FP Jones, and his shady background. They continue to adore Bughead, get into Veronica's retail therapy tatics, and the ongoing tensions between the Blossom and Cooper families.
Chapter Seven: In a Lonely Place
May 13, 2020 20:36 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBThe hosts return to discuss S01:E07 of Riverdale, "Chapter Seven: In a Lonely Place!" They finally get to discuss the latest in neglegent parents from this show - FP Jones, and his shady background. They continue to adore Bughead, get into Veronica's retail therapy tatics, and the ongoing tensions between the Blossom and Cooper families.
Pop Culture Digest, 'Too Hot To Handle' Reunion, & 'Dead to Me' Season 2
May 10, 2020 20:24 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBJoin the hosts this week as they struggle their way through the corners of the internet. They start with even more baby announcements, this time from Elon Musk and Rupert Grint (strange and possible illegal names included). They discuss Chrissy Teigen's latest Twitter feud and Katy Perry's latest music announcement (with all of the Taylor Swift rumors). The hosts then return to the trash TV hit 'Too Hot to Handle' and debate whether the reunion episode was really ever necessary. And finally, ...