Pop Rocket

**Warning - this episode contains lots of tears** For the final episode of Pop Rocket, the panel convene to give listeners one last All About, one last Jam, and they look back at the past four and a half years, and all the various milestones they’ve shared with one another and their listeners while doing[...]

**Angelenos: Tonight (May 17th) at 7pm Guy and Karen will have a conversation about Why Karen Carpenter Matters at Book Soup in West Hollywood.** In this penultimate episode, the Pop Rocket panel seeks guidance from The Oracle of LA, Amanda Yates Garcia. Each panelist pulls a card from the Oracle’s tarot deck, and gets an individual reading. What’s next[...]

This is the first of our three final episodes, and we’re joined by screenwriter Guinevere Turner (American Psycho,Go Fish) whose latest film Charlie Says just came out today, May 10th. As “budding cult-ologist” MagWaps notes, “if you think you’ve heard everything on the Mansons, trust me, this movie takes a different view.” Having grown up in a cult,[...]

First off, you're welcome Game of Thrones fans. This is a super-sized Pop Rocket loaded with theories, speculation, and yes, even love. While Wynter and Karen were away, Margaret and Guy tapped two die-hard fans for a full-on discussion of the series and their thoughts now that the first two of the last six episodes[...]

This week Wynter and Karen chat with Ellington Wells, a comedian and writer on Comedy Central’s brand new sketch show The New Negroes with Open Mike Eagle and Baron Vaughn. The panel takes a look at how black sketch comedy has involved and Wells tell us what Robert Townsend TV special inspired Vaughn to create a show[...]

**ANNOUNCEMENT: The nomination process is now open for the next Pop Rocket Seal of Approval. This quarter we’re looking for veterans with a large body of work who have been underappreciated and haven’t received the acclaim that their body of work and stellar character deserve. If you want to submit a name, you must call[...]

Take a trip down memory lane with Wynter, Karen and Margaret as they revisit 1991 in music. If you’ve ever been curious what song was playing when Karen experienced her first same sex kiss, tune in. If you grew up in the nineties, this episode will bring you back to that moment in time. If[...]

Pop Rocket’s come early this week! Alonso Duralde guest hosts for this, our second week of the MaxFunDrive. The deadline for supporting this show is fast upon us, so if you haven’t yet become a new or upgrading member, do it now! Go to our donation page. You can donate while listening to this special Thursday[...]

It’s the first live episode of Pop Rocket. Professor Karen Tongson invited the panel to give a lesson on why pop culture matters, with a focus on the past decade. You’ll learn what pop culture of the 2010s will last, and what culture won’t be remembered. Plus we’ll hear from some of Karen’s students, including[...]

In honor of Women’s History Month, the panel lives vicariously through women who sought revenge, from Lorena Gallo (formerly Bobbit), to Thelma & Louise. They touch on their favorite films centered around women seeking revenge...or, perhaps more accurately, justice. All Abouts Margaret: Uncover: Escaping NXIVM Karen: “Operation Varsity Blues”, aka the college admissions scandal Wynter: Free Solo Guy: Zumbo’s[...]

When she was 17, Dame Angela Lansbury quit her job at a department store to take a part in a movie, as 17-year-olds are wont to do. She played a young maid to Ingrid Bergman’s character in Gaslight, a film that garnered seven Oscar nominations and two wins, including one for Best Actress for Bergman.[...]

Matt Rogers joins us to help tidy up the Oscars. The 91-year-old institution has gotten a bit cluttered, so the Pop Rocket panel applies the KonMari Method to the Academy Awards. We’ll keep everything that sparks joy, and the rest will be dropped off at an Out of the Closet in a Hefty bag. Will[...]

We’ve got a SCREAMINGLY great episode this week as the wonderful Tananarive Due joins us in studio for a deep cinematic dive into the world of black horror. Tananarive Due is the UCLA lecturer whose class on Get Out--The Sunken Place--was crashed by non-student Jordan Peele . She is also the executive producer of Shudder’s very[...]

Are you ready for the 64th most electrifying show in Hollywood? Well get ready because it’s here, in your podcatcher: The Fifth Annual Pop Tart Awards! The panel comes together to recognize the best of the best in TV, film and everything else entertaining. What will take home the Warm Blanket Award for fuzzy comfort[...]

On this week’s show, the panel play catch up. Each panelist was assigned to watch one film from this past year they missed when it was still in theaters. At the behest of Guy, Margaret watched Can You Ever Forgive Me. Karen Tongson was assigned Roma, but decided she wanted to check out Support the Girls, so Wynter[...]

Will Terry Crews receive the second-ever Pop Rocket Seal of Approval? Why wasn't Margaret on this week's show? Is Adam McKay a craftsman or an artist? These questions and more will be answered on this week's Pop Rocket! Plus, in the wake of the PRSOA "Bloom backlash", the voting process has been amended. Tune in[...]

This week's show is a double dose of schadenfreude! The gang compares the dueling documentaries Hulu's "Fyre Fraud" and Netflix's "Fyre," which tell different versions of the tropical shit show that landed its mastermind Billy McFarland behind bars. All Abouts Wynter is all about Crashing and True Detective. Margaret is all about the memoir Love and Trouble: A Midlife[...]

Once again we’re firing on all cylinders this week! It’s an ultra-packed show covering everything from The Masked Singer, Surviving R. Kelly, MATANGI / MAYA / M.I.A. and the need to move beyond moralistic posturing in critiquing comedy. The panel get into a lively discussion of Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up on Netflix show. One panelist loves it, one panelist thinks[...]

The ENTIRE PANEL is back together for a jam-packed episode! They talk Golden Globes, Bandersnatch and react to some of the commercial jingles you beautiful listeners sang to us on the Pop Rocket voicemail line. All Abouts Wynter, fresh off a romantic holiday trip to Paris, is all about the Louis Vuitton Foundation's Basquiat exhibition Guy is all[...]

Guy Branum is back for our first episode of 2019! Sadly, Margaret couldn’t join us because #health and Wynter was busy being a jet setter. This week, the panelists share their pop culture resolutions for 2019, and own up to resolution fails from the past year. Writer and comedian Tara Jepsen joins us in studio and Guy[...]

Happy Holidays, everyone! Wynter and Karen are joined by special guest panelists Tre’Vell Anderson (Director of Culture and Entertainment at Out Magazine) and 'Who Shot Ya?'s' Alonso Duralde to create the ultimate holiday playlist. Each panelist created a top ten list of their favorite holiday songs, out of which they’d select twenty for inclusion in the official Pop Rocket[...]

How right, but mostly how wrong, does Hollywood get it when it comes to capturing artists in film? Margaret Wappler asks these very questions of her esteemed panel. And this, the panel is comprised of LA Times staff writer Carolina Miranda, who covers visual arts, culture and architecture, media scholar and TV critic Sarah Kessler--filling in for[...]

Guests:     Karen Tongson    Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh    Sarah Kessler We're getting down into the down and dirty story Dirty John, the new Bravo show based on the LA Times and Wondery podcast of the same name. Joining us in the discussion this week is media scholar and TV critic Sarah Kessler who happens to also be married[...]

It's well known in the Rocketeer community that our host this week, Wynter Mitchell-Ragnarok, is a huge horror buff. She watches two to three a week, and she is running out of horror flicks to watch on all the streaming services. Send her your recommendations! In the meantime, Wynter forced Karen, Margaret and Who Shot[...]

Happy Thanksgiving, Rocketeers! We at Pop Rocket are thankful for you, our listeners. For the purposes of this episode, Wynter will be playing the role of Margaret’s sister who always criticizes her stuffing recipe, while Karen is the gay aunt who sold Wappler a bunk Subaru. There was a lot of tension in the studio,[...]

This week Pop Rocket celebrates its 200th episode!!! To commemorate this auspicious occasion, Karen, Margaret and Wynter take a look at how each of them has evolved from the quaint, carefree days of 2015 to the unrelenting hellscape that is 2018. Remember the blue dress? Sorry, remember the white dress? They'll reminisce about that fun[...]

Kanye West’s rambling, pro-Trump speech on SNL late September may have surprised casual observers, but by that point, his fans had heard both his outrageous statements and his frank talk about mental health for months. Charlagmane tha God lamented his canceled TimesTalk with Kanye on Instagram as a missed opportunity, writing, "Normalizing being mentally healthy is a[...]

The Pop Rocket Seal of Approval Before registered parliamentarian Guy Branum takes an extended leave for some much-needed relaxation at home and abroad, the panelists came together to consider, once again, whether they would be able to award the first-ever Pop Rocket Seal of Approval. Without an acting Nominating Committee Head to sift through listener[...]

**Note: Next week the panel will cast their votes to award--or not--The Pop Rocket Seal of Approval. You still have an opportunity to influence the panelists. If you want your voice to be heard, literally, call the Pop Rocket hotline and make a case for the person you want to win, and why. Call: (530)[...]

It’s 1969. Four guests check into the El Royale Hotel: a priest (Jeff Bridges), a vacuum salesman (Jon Hamm), a singer (Cynthia Erivo), and a hippie (Dakota Johnson). They all - save one - have something mysterious going on behind the scenes and the hotel itself is not what it appears to be. When they[...]

This week gay America received so much, but in particular, A Star is Born starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, who also directed the movie. Guy, Wynter, Karen & Margaret--aka the full panel--got a chance to watch, cry, and be torn apart by the story of a lady who gained the world, but lost the man that[...]

***Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of sexual assault. You may want to sit this one out if hearing this kind of discussion is likely to do more harm than good.*** Current events have us (and many others) reconsidering the way high school and college relationships were depicted in the '80s, particularly in romcoms[...]

The autumn TV season has officially begun, and let's be honest, there is TOO MUCH stuff to watch out there. If you're feeling overwhelmed, fear not. The Pop Rocket panel has lots of binge-worthy shows to recommend, and a couple new shows they think you should skip. One panelist will tell you why they loved[...]

We’ve got another full panel! This week, Guy, Wynter, Margaret, and Karen tackle the ornery romcom Destination Wedding, starring Gen X darlings Winona and Keanu. Does their star-power shine bright enough to carry an entire film wherein they’re the only two people with dialogue? Has Hollywood discovered how to effectively harness their charm and charisma? You’ll[...]

Between the VMA's and Yom Kippur, we've got our own version of the high holidays here at Pop Rocket: The SUMMER JAMS episode! We will anoint OR NOT anoint the title of Song of the Summer to the most banging artist of the past few months. And yes, the band is back together again. The[...]

It’s time, once again, to start deleting programs from our DVRs to make room for new ones. It's almost fall, y'all, which means award shows and the arrival of new network comedies, dramas, dramedies, and what have you. Sooooo Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Wynter Mitchell let us in on all the films and TV[...]

Hop on the PARTY LYFT as we jam out for the long-awaited return of our favorite newlywed Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh. She joins Karen Tongsen and frequent favorite Pop Rocket guest LA Times Film Reporter Tre'vell Anderson as they get into their thoughts on season 3 of HBO's Insecure. The crew touches on the careers of the leading ladies- specifically[...]

We did the book, now we're doing the movie! Goddess Guy Branum and dyke-about-town Karen Tongson are joined by fellow MaxFun host Alonso Duralde of the movie podcast Who Shot Ya? and returning favorite Andrew Ti, host of the podcast Yo, Is This Racist? to talk Crazy Rich Asians. Listen in to find out who the gang thought had the breakout performances? Did the[...]

Goddess Guy Branum returns from his book tour just in time for Pop Rocket's annual Summer Book Club. He joins Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler to finally dig into Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians book trilogy. By the way, the movie Crazy Rich Asians is out in theaters now. Go watch it! Kwan's trilogy is essentially about the crazy rich people of[...]

This week, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler get happy with Matt Bellassai and Bari Finkel, the host and producer of Pineapple Street Media's Unhappy Hour podcast. Today's show is like a Snuggie for one's soul. The panel dishes on the pop culture that brings us pure joy, from songs that compel us to dance, to the spots[...]

***Warning - this episode contains spoilers*** This week, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler chat it up with pop culture maven and Pop Rocket's own podcast godmother Linda Holmes, the host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour. The ladies revisit that wonderfully awkward time of their lives of Clearasil and body self-consciousness also known as 8th Grade while[...]

  We've got a SUPERSIZED Pop Rocket for our first-ever Friday release, so strap yourselves in! This week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler are joined by TV powerhouse Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, co-creator and executive producer of the Lifetime drama Unreal. The crew discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of comedian Sacha Baron[...]

***Warning - this episode contains major spoilers*** This week, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler are joined by Bay Area comedian and two-time Emmy winning writer Kevin Avery. He was head writer on Totally Biased w/ Kamau Bell, staff writer on Last Week Tonight w/ John Oliver and writer on The Jim Jeffries Show. The gang is deep diving into Boots[...]

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson discuss HBO’s Sharp Objects. It’s based on the Gillian Flynn Novel of the same name and is about a woman, Camille Preaker, played by Amy Adams, who returns to her childhood home to combat her personal demons and look into a number of unsolved murders. Margaret[...]

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are declaring their independence from screens, push notifications and batteries. That’s right, it’s all about the pop culture that you’ll still be able to experience after the grid goes down. Margaret is all about The Moment app which displays just how much time you spend on[...]

This week, Guy Branun, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by Lindy West, New York Times opinion writer and bestselling author of the book Shrill to discuss the AMC show Dietlandand one of TV’s best fat characters ever: Plum Kettle. Lindy is all about is all about the UK show Grand Designs, which offers[...]

This week, Guy Branun and Karen Tongson are joined by Jordan Morris, writer of the new Maximum Fun scripted series Bubble, and Sudi Green, former Totally Biased w/ Kumau Bellproduction assistant, current model and current writer for Saturday Night Live. In honor of Bubblethe team will discuss which shows and films help create their safe[...]

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, the hosts of the Las Culturistas podcast. The gang will discuss the show Pose which focusses on the Ball culture of 1980’s New York. Bowen is all about everything going down at E3, especially the long-awaited crossover madness[...]

**Warning: This episode contains spoilers from The Americans series finale. If you, like Margaret, want to avoid the spoilers, skip from 7:01 to 14:20.** This week, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by Alonso Duralde, one of the hosts of the Max Fun podcast Who Shot Ya?, a movie podcast that isn’t hosted by[...]

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by Katherine Spiers, host of the podcast Smart Mouth, which asks people about their favorite foods. The gang will discuss international travel and all the best things that come from it, including people, food and pop culture. Katherine is all about the actress Jameela[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

Guy 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

It’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[...]

Karen 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[...]

This 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[...]

Karen 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,[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

This 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[...]

It'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[...]

This 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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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 Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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 Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Pearl Bailey - Five Pound[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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 Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, and Alonso Duralde. That’s My[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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.[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

**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 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[...]

Hello 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[...]

This 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![...]

This 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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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.[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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.[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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

  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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

 This week, Guy sits down comedians Solomon Georgio, Kara Klenk, and

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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,[...]

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.[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

It's wedding season, Rocketeers! This week, the Pop Rocket team discuss everything weddings. The Graduate? Of course! Bridezillas? Obvs. Punjabi weddings? Yes! Margaret talks Game of Thrones...again, Guy finds another Song of the Summer contender, Oliver defends soccer, and Jesse Williams' BET speech shakes Wynter to the core. NOTE: MAJOR Game of Thrones season finale[...]

Guy, Wynter, Oliver, and Margaret talk about all things Florida. Also, producer Christian gets on mic to discuss E3 and VR! He’s the coolest. Margaret nerds out over Game of Thrones, Wynter has some things to say about The Neon Demon, Guy finds a summer jam he loves, and Oliver chats about Henry Stone’s impact[...]

Guy, Wynter, and Margaret are joined by special guests Ricky Carmona and Corin Tucker for our first ever live show! This week's topic, summer camp and campy camp movies. Pop culture trivia! Xanadu! Movie and music advice! All that and more on this special episode of Pop Rocket!! With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler,[...]

It’s our 75th episode! To celebrate, the gang talks 1975 (and some 1974…and 1976) in pop culture. They talk JAWS, Farrah Fawcett, and everything in between! Oliver finally talks about something that isn’t the Golden State Warriors, Guy discusses the beauty of 8-tracks, Wynter is in love with Joan Crawford’s autobiography, and Margaret is all[...]

Guy, Oliver, and Margaret are joined in the studio by special guest, writer and host of the podcast Call Your Girlfriend, Ann Friedman. This week, the group discuss politics in TV and film. Also, the search for Pop Rocket’s song of the summer officially begins today, so look for the official thread on the Facebook[...]

Wynter takes over hosting duties on this week’s Pop Rocket. Oliver, Margaret, and Wynter are joined by tech reporter and VP of Original Content, Sarah Lane to talk about working women in pop culture. Wynter has a few words to say on the new Ghostbusters movie, Margaret gives her take on The Night Manager, and[...]

The Pop Rocket team sits down to discuss RuPaul’s Drag Race and drag culture in general! Oliver is in love with the newest season of Veep, Wynter finds another song that hits all four quadrants, and Margaret has an announcement for everyone about Pop Rocket’s summer reading book club. Plus, Guy explains why Chris Evans[...]

On this week’s show, subcultures! The gang discusses ASMR, Hatsune Miku, and a special interview with Dominic Rodriguez, director of Fursonas (a documentary about Furries). Oliver and Guy have a few thoughts on Captain America, Wynter finds a song that hits all four quadrants, and a special announcement for the Pop Rocket Facebook group from[...]

Guy, Wynter, and Margaret are joined by academic and Pop Rocket’s official Fifth Beatle, Karen Tongson to discuss all things Game of Thrones. Be warned, GoT spoilers ahead! The gang also talk about the Met Gala, Radiohead’s weird disappearance from social media, and why UnREAL could be the next big thing. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell,Karen Tongson,[...]

The gang reunites this week in a special double discussion episode of Pop Rocket! First up, Queen Bey's most personal and controversial album yet, Lemonade. Oliver has some critiques for the "visual album" while Guy reveals the problem some of the younger gay men are having with the record. Then, a very special discussion of all[...]

Guy and Wynter are joined by special guests Humphrey Ker and Jameela Jamil to talk about the Royal Family in pop culture, just in time for the Queen’s birthday. Sit down, have a cup of tea, and listen to our most British episode yet.  With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Humphrey Ker, and Jameela Jamil

The Pop Rocket gang answer YOUR questions from the Facebook group and the MaxFun subreddit. Guy discusses the old G4 days, Oliver talks basketball, Wynter voices her love for The Real Housewives, and Margaret goes into her wild college days.   With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler.   That’s My Jam:[...]

The team talk about real and fictional divorces in TV and film. Plus Crowds on Demand, Glen Weldon's new book The Caped Crusade, #AWP16 and Hamburger Helper's April Fool's Mixtape. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - FML (Feat. The Weeknd) TLOP by Kanye West Oliver[...]

Wynter hosts an episode dedicated to gaming culture, how different generations are engaging with games and whether VR headsets are going to stop making users nauseous any time soon. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and guests Soha Kareem and Hal Lublin. You should subscribe to Hal's MaxFun podcast, We Got This. That’s My Jam: Wynter[...]

For our final show of #MaxFunDrive 2016 we decided to pander and devote an entire show to sex. So we're asking what pop culture turns us on? What films, TV, books or music first made us burn with desire? And what are our favorite sex scenes? With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret[...]

Join the #MaxFunDrive, support our work and get fantastic thank you gifts by visiting MaxiumumFun.org. This week Wynter reports live from SxSW, Margaret learns about Eggplant Friday, Guy Gushes about Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Oliver is double-about Kendrick's new “untitled,unmastered” EP. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler. Each week we’ll add everyone’s[...]

New seasons of Broad City and House of Cards are both stronger than ever, but the TV show that's rocking our worlds right now is The People Vs. O.J. Simpson. Wham Bam Pow's Ricky Carmona joins us to talk it through. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Ricky Carmona and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Wynter[...]

The gang share their reviews of Chris Rock's hosting and get into which awards that the Academy got right and which it got wrong. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - Make It Last Forever by Inner Life Oliver Wang - Candy by El Alamo Margaret[...]

It's our 60th episode so the team discuss ageing in pop culture, plus Kanye's Life of Pablo album (?) and #FreeKesha. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - Feelin' So Good by Jennifer Lopez Oliver Wang - Ultralight Beam by Kanye West (Feat. Chance The Rapper,[...]

The team talk Full Frontal with Sammantha Bee, The People vs. OJ Simpson, Kanye's Epic week of tweets and the Grammys. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson. Produced by Colin Anderson & Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Margaret guest hosts, steering discussion around the commercials and half time show of last weekend's Super Bowl. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and special guest, comedian and former copywriter Asterios Kokkinos. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - The Gift of Life by Teddy Prendergrass Oliver Wang - Sun Godess by Ramsey Lewis featuring[...]

The gang talk about the role of tech in TV, film and music. Plus they share their personal favorite animation shows. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - Same Ol' Mistake by Rihanna, Oliver Wang - Lonesome Drifter by Jericho Brown, Margaret Wappler - Husbands by Savages, Guy Branum[...]

Wynter's back and the team celebrate with a conversation about how we deal with death in pop culture. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Guy and Margaret talk about favourite duets, stand-up comedy and the best books from the past year and coming up in 2016. Plus producer Christian Dueñas drops by the studio to talk about video games. With Margaret Wappler and Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson and Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Emmy-winning writer of 30 Rock, The Mindy Project and several previous Golden Globe ceremonies, Tracey Wigfield joins the team to dissect Sunday's awards, remember David Bowie and spill secrets about watching Star Wars with Guy Branum. With Tracey Wigfield, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Karen Tongson sits in with the team to review and reward the greatest pop culture of the last 12 months. With Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org.

A whole episode devoted to the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens. With Oliver Wang, Josh Greenberg, Karen Tongson and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org.

Karen Tongson joins the team to talk politics in the context of pop culture. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Karen Tongson and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

The team celebrate 50 episodes with a look back at the pop culture of 50 years ago. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Oliver Wang. Jams:  Wynter Mitchell - Wooly Bully by Sam the Sham and the Pharaos and California Girls by The Beach Boys. Oliver Wang - A Change is Gonna to Comel by Sam Cooke Margaret Wappler - It’s Not Unusual[...]

The team sits down to share their thoughts on Spike Lee’s new movie Chi-Raq which uses the premise of women withholding sex from their men to stop a gang war. They also touch on their favorite Spike Lee films. With Guy Branum MaximumFun.org (http://www.guybranum.com), Wynter Mitchell (http://wyntermitchell.com), Margaret Wappler (http://www.margaretwappler.com) and Oliver Wang (http://www.margaretwappler.com) Favorite Jams[...]

  The team talks about their favorite holiday jams from traditional to contemporary. .   With Guy Branum MaximumFun.org(http://www.guybranum.com), Wynter Mitchell (http://wyntermitchell.com), Margaret Wappler (http://www.margaretwappler.com) and Oliver Wang (http://www.margaretwappler.com)   Holiday Favorite Tunes   Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping”   Vince Guraldi’s “Christmas Time Is Here”   Fiona Apple’s Frosty the Snowman   John Lennon - War[...]

The team gets together to talk about cooking shows as well as how food is portrayed in film, plus they’ll talk about what’s piqued their interest in pop culture this week With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Oliver Wang. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - Walking with Thee by Clinic Oliver Wang -[...]

The team talks about the content they listen or watch during difficult times; plus they share their thoughts on Aziz Ansari's new Netflix comedy series Master of None. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Oliver Wang. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - That's Life by Shirley Bassey Oliver Wang - Go Back Home[...]

Paul Gilmartin joins the team to help discuss issues around mental health in popular culture and argue why The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" is the greatest song of all time. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Paul Gilmartin. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - BUFFALO by Tyler, The Creator Paul Gilmartin - Gimme[...]

The team say goodbye to Grantland, consider whether Twitter's business model is broken and discuss the good, bad and ugly of TV's current Late Night offerings. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - Kathy Lee by Jessy Lanza Oliver Wang - As One by Low Leaf[...]

Young Adult fiction, hip hop podcasts and our favorite horror movies. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - Used To by Mutemath Oliver Wang - Why Can't We Live Together by Timmy Thomas Margaret Wappler - The It Follows Theme by Disasterpeace Each week we’ll add[...]

Margaret Wappler leads the team in discussing the new Star Wars Trailer, Love and Hip Hop Hollywood, Project Greenlight and the new Fall TV shows. With Wynter Mitchell and Oliver Wang. That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - Angel Tongue by Light Asylum Oliver Wang - Unbreakable by Janet Jackson Margaret Wappler - Hot Chip's cover of Dancing[...]

The team gets together to discuss the state of print media including a major change at Playboy and they’ll also share their favorite jams for this week. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum.   That’s My Jam: Wynter Mitchell - Novacane Oliver Wang - Hamilton’s Ten Duel Commandments   Produced[...]

Throwing Shade's Bryan Safi and Erin Gibson take over Pop Rocket as part of MaxFun's #GreatSwitcheroo. With Bryan Safi, Erin Gibson, Drew Droege and Jessica Jardine. Every week we start the show by taking a question from a listener about our own pop culture tastes. This week: What piece of culture (movie, song, TV show)[...]

The team share the songs they'll always sing along to, talk about some of their favorite current TV and try to work out what went wrong with the new movie, Stonewall. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler. This week's jams: Wynter Mitchell - I Can't Help It by Stevie Wonder (Live[...]

Johnny Depp's Black Mass, Fear The Walking Dead, Borgen and Joe Meno's new book, Marvel and a Wonder. Plus the winners, hosting and dresses of this year's Emmys. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and Margaret Wappler Jams and Recommendations: Wynter Mitchell - Recognize (feat. Drake) by Partynextdoor and Fear the Walking Dead Oliver[...]

Comedian Karen Kilgariff joins the team to talk about the Disneyland, Disney movies and Disney-produced celebrities. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and guest, Karen Kilgariff. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Donald Trump videos, Muppet raps and Gyno-Star. Plus Oliver's daughter drops in to help discuss Kids TV. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Karen Tongson joins the group to help discuss the events of the VMAs (Video Music Awards) and the Ashley Madison Hack. With Karen Tongson, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org.

Comedians Joan Ford and Rye Silverman sit in for Wynter and Margaret to talk about TV shows that were cancelled too soon, whether we'd want to go to Disney's proposed Star Wars Land and what's been going on with the Hugo Awards. With Guy Branum, Oliver Wang, Joan Ford & Rye Silverman. Produced by Colin[...]

Louis Virtel joins the team to talk about emotional pick-me-ups, Soundcloud takedowns and the comedy world's reaction to an alleged internet plagiarist being signed by a major talent agency. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang and special guest Louis Virtel. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Linda Holmes (from NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour) stops by to talk about the most exciting upcoming TV shows and to get serious about romantic comedy. Plus, music to fight to, #periodsarenotaninsult and Wynter’s met all of her teenage crushes. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and special guest, Linda Holmes. Produced by Colin[...]

Relationship author and TV writer, Tracy McMillan joins the team to talk #SquadGoals and dating shows – both real and fictional. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and special guest Tracy McMillan. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Which of the Pop Rocket team have tattoos and what are they? Find out this week thanks to a twitter question from our Reddit group. Plus has nerd culture gone mainstream and how do we feel about that? With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

It’s 20 years since the release of Clueless so we talk about the best high school movies and argue over whether Boyz n the Hood counts as one. Plus Trainwreck, Bree Newsome, and Bridget Everett’s “Gynecological Wonder”. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

The team share their first videogame experiences, debate what should be done with offensive culture (and shoddy critique) and Guy picks his official Summer Jam 2015. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

We share our own hot-takes on Rihanna’s new Bitch Better Have My Money video. Is it about race? Is it about feminism? Is it awesome? Plus we share our best summer reads and Wynter celebrates the songs that she claims are bringing oral sex back. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy[...]

Jesse Thorn guests on an episode in which we decide which celebs will narrate our autobiographies, call out the elements of pop culture we think have jumped the shark and discover which member of the team is secretly into pool porn. With Oliver Wang, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Jesse Thorn. Produced by Colin Anderson[...]

The gang marvel at the young Patrick Swayze, discuss which characters in Game of Thrones are better at game of throning, share their reactions to the new Pixar movie, Inside Out and go deep, talking about the new David Thorpe documentary Do I Sound Gay? Plus handies and brain orgasms! With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang,[...]

The gang share their fantasy contract riders, discuss the Rachel Dolezal debacle and take a team fieldtrip to see Jurassic World. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun

MaxFun boss Jesse Thorn drops by for a #ThatCism update focussing on the lack of diversity in computer games characters. Plus the team share their favorite movies, TV shows or songs about their hometowns. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler, Guy Branum and Jesse Thorn. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

The team are excited about Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover, the TV show Cucumber and the FIFA corruption investigation. But all that’s just a warm-up for Guy’s Official 2015 Summer Jam Search Committee. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Comedian Megan Koester joins the team to talk about the pros and cons of online dating, nuanced portrayal of ethnicity in Silicon Valley and our own dream Pop Rocket guests. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Megan Koester and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson and Jennifer Marmor for MaximumFun.org

The team review Age of Ultron, Mad Max: Fury Road and Pitch Perfect 2. Plus The Mad Men Finale, Jams and Vodka. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson & Jennifer Marmor for MaximumFun.org.

Which Spice Girl would each of the team be? Plus, why Oliver’s all about basketball at the moment, which cancelled TV shows are we sad about and which have already overstayed their welcome and Wynter reveals her 5th and 6th quadrants! With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin[...]

Reunited, the gang judge the dresses from the Met Gala and discuss which actresses the industry might consider “hot enough to get a Hemsworth”. Plus Wynter shares her home rental strategy. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Comedian Jeffrey Jay joins the team to talk about Bruce Jenner’s 20/20 interview and why it’s the single most important trans event we’ve seen. Plus we hear which what person’s involvement guarantees that each of our panel will see a film. Hosted by Guy Branum with Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and guest Jeffrey Jay. Produced by Colin Anderson[...]

How damaged was Ben Affleck by the revelation he tried to keep his slave-owner heritage quiet? And did Wikileaks go too far in sharing such personal details about Sony’s Amy Pascal? With Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, Guy Branum and special guest, Karen Tongson. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org.

Game of Thrones is back so we talk about “learning to Cersei”, ask whether a TV show can ever have enough incest and get into the wonders of sexposition. Plus we name the pieces of culture we initially disliked but then came to love. With Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by[...]

Karen Tongson (USC Professor of English and Gender Studies) joins the team this week to talk Mad Men and the entropy of the patriarchy, classic movies that we should have seen but haven’t and watching The Slap as “Norm-Porn”. With Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, Guy Branum and special guest, Karen Tongson. Produced by Colin Anderson[...]

Is it fair to hold the new Daily Show host to task for tweets he made before getting the job? What’s the lure of Scientology and is HBO’s new documentary any good? Plus some of the planet’s biggest music stars have launched a streaming service, will any of the Pop Rocket team be signing up?[...]

Guy and Margaret are both all about Monica Lewinsky’s recent TED presentation, Wynter’s been at South by Southwest Interactive and Oliver thinks you should listen to the new Earl Sweatshirt album.   Plus it’s the last week of the MaxFunDrive and we’ve got some Pop Rocket bonus offers to encourage you to donate. With Wynter[...]

Jesse Thorn drops by to explore American racism in his beloved signature segment, #ThatCism. Plus, Guy’s got an actual Jam! With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Jesse Thorn and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

We share our first inappropriate movie experiences, chat Grey Gardens, frat racism and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Plus Wynter ranks the Hemsworth Brothers and Margaret takes us through a discussion of where we’re all going to discover new music. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for[...]

Hate-watching Downton Abby, Wynter’s favorite new live-stream video app and #TheDress, plus Broad City and Fresh Off the Boat are making us all lol hard. We’re missing Guy this week so will just say it here: Oh hey there, listener! With Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and guest-host Oliver Wang. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

The spectacle, the magnificence, the sh*t show that was the 2015 Academy Awards. Why did Neil Patrick Harris miss the mark as host? What was with all those political speeches? And John Travolta… Plus everyone’s first gigs and music recommendations. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson[...]

This week we’re all about 50 Shades, Jupiter Ascending and SNL at 40. We’ll have a conversation about social media in which Guy explains how it can tickle the “witch-hunty part of your brain” and finish up with a selection of everyone’s jams of the moment. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host[...]

We’re all about the Grammys this week, with opinions on Beyonce, Beck, Madonna and awards in general. Then we get into biopics. We talk about our favorites, common biopic mistakes and Wynter shares some strong feelings about Michael Douglas’ performance in Behind the Candelabra. Plus, which books have influenced the team most significantly? And we[...]

The team unpack last weekend’s Super Bowl, argue the merits of original, animated and re-booted Ghostbusting and call out a sports themed batch of #ThatCism. With Wynter Mitchell, Jesse Thorn and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

The New England Patriots “deflate-gate” scandal, privilege in the arts and whether the latest music sales stats signal the end of the album. Wynter’s been to see The Boy Next Door and guy’s jam is a podcast about Canadian politics. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum.

HBO’s Looking has been billed as the gay, male, Sex and the City or Girls. We ask why TV can’t do gay right. Plus MaxFun boss Jesse Thorn drops in for his new signature segment. With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler and host Guy Branum. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Guy Branum is joined by digital strategist Wynter Mitchell, comedian Santina Muha, academic and DJ Oliver Wang and journalist Margaret Wappler for an energetic debrief of last weekend's Golden Globes.

Our debut episode, Guy Branum is joined by digital strategist Wynter Mitchell, comedian Santina Muha, and journalist Margaret Wappler to talk Kanye, McCartney and Coachella. Plus our latest jams and the most shameful media we've each consumed in the past week. Theme music by Osymyso. Produced by Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org.