Popstuff

Have you ever wondered what Tracy and Holly smell like? They’ll tell you! They’re also eager to talk about how people use and perceive perfume, and why cottage-industry perfumeries attract such devoted followings.

Both Tracy and Holly love new games, but they also fondly recall the early days of the video game industry. Take a trip down memory lane as talk turns to arcades, “Wreck-it Ralph” and why gamers get so attached to the titles.

The entertainment market is saturated with supernatural creatures, but vampires and zombies seem to be the most popular, with werewolves coming in a close third. What will we be seeing the most of once the various iterations of the undead are played out?

PopStuff is addicted to coffee. This stimulant seems to have a stranglehold on humanity, and an entire culture has sprung up around it. Where does coffee actually come from, and why is our love affair with it so solid?

From Rosie to Bender and far beyond, robots have been a part of the media we consume for decades. Tracy and Holly talk about R2D2, Wall-E, Terminators and a host of other mechanical pals, trying to figure out why we love them so.

" Marketers often depend on hype to foster interest in a product, but sometimes, the hype machine backfires. Tracy and Holly talk about the hype cycle and hash out how it applies to tech, movies, music and other consumables."

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? That’s an earworm, and it’s an extremely common phenomenon. Holly and Tracy wonder why our brains latch onto small pieces of information, how you get rid of them, and why it’s important to study this field.

Hipster. The very word makes people sneer. Why are hipsters viewed with such disdain? And what makes a person a hipster, anyway? Tracy and Holly examine the history of the word “hipster,” as well as the various definitions of what a hipster is.

Bon appétit! There are more cooking shows on television than ever before, but it seems fewer and fewer people are actually prepping their own food. Has cooking become a spectator sport? Listen in to learn more.

We all know the Internet is awash with garbage, but there are also some hilarious and creative gems floating around the ether. When Tracy and Holly separate the wheat from the chaff, what Web memes and other delights do they fall in love with?

Love them or hate them, weddings are a part of our lives. But why are they so expensive, and why does everyone feel entitled to judge everyone else’s nuptials?

Tracy and Holly are a little late to the “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” party, but now that they’ve started watching the show, they totally see the appeal. Tracy may even be a pegasister. But what makes the ponies so popular with male viewers?

Running continues to grow in popularity, but are all runners happy about that? Holly and Tracy talk about their experiences at races, their training, their gear and yes, their injuries, all while debating the merits of this hobby/sport/fitness regimen.

One’s a wisecracking rabbit and the other’s a giggling mouse. Both have devoted fans. How did these famous animated rodents get their starts and nestle into their niches, and why has only one reached juggernaut status?

She’s quirky, nutty and totally unfettered. She shows brooding screen heroes that life is full of fun and wonder. She’s Manic Pixie Dream Girl, and her roots as a cinema archetype go back further than you probably suspect.

It’s exciting, it’s a rite of passage, it’s expensive and often a letdown. Few people look back on their proms and think “That was one of the greatest nights of my life!” Tracy and Holly relay memories of their proms and the origins of this tradition.

Glittery, glamorous drag queens – Holly and Tracy love them. But what is drag, exactly? What social trends cause the popularity of queens to wax and wane? And why do straight girls love RuPaul and his tribe so much?

Do you believe in love at first sight? How about soul mates? Movies and TV shows certainly seem to. Holly and Tracy talk about whether movies are setting us up for failed romance, and about Tracy's complicated relationship with the romantic comedy.

You can get Hello Kitty everything. Everything. Tracy and Holly talk about the famous cat’s beginnings, staying power and her many Sanrio friends. Just how did a feline with no film or television origin get so popular in the first place?

Most of your friends probably like the same things you do and have similar views on religion and politics. In this episode, Tracy and Holly discuss the benefits and challenges of diversifying your pal portfolio, and why sloganism is bad.

Whether it's a queue of podcasts, a pile of unread books or hours of content languishing on your DVR, odds are that you may find yourself inundated with loads of content. So how can we handle this constant stream of new stuff? Tune in to find out.

How do you know when you have crossed into the world of uberfandom? Join Tracy and Holly as they discuss the good and the bad of super fans.

When a show wraps up, the finale episode can either be the cherry on top of the ice cream, or salt in a wound. Tracy and Holly run down some of the best and the worst episodes that ended TV shows, and talk about some of the record-holders as well.

PopStuff has some fantastic listeners who write us some fabulous missives. Tracy and Holly share some of their faves as evidence, from comments on previous episodes to really cool show suggestions.

She’s a hero to some, a villain to others. But how did Barbie get so much power in the first place? And has she been treated unfairly? Join Tracy and Holly as they break down the cultural impact of the world’s most famous doll.

If everyone has an ethnicity, doesn’t that make all food ethnic? After wading through the semantics, Tracy and Holly dig in to the topic of food imported to the U.S. from other cultures. Listen in to learn more.

It’s that time of year! Tracy and Holly run down the 2013 Oscar nominees for Best Costume and wax rhapsodic about hand stitching. With everything from giant epic musicals to odd versions of the Snow White story, the field is wide open.

Have critics and audiences panned your favorite film? There are some things so universally disliked that only crazy people would be into them, right? Well, Tracy and Holly are outing themselves on the embarrassing things they love.

Valentine's Day is one of those polarizing holidays. People tend to either think it's magical and wondrous, or that it's the most torturous 24 hours on the calendar. But what if we all just relaxed about it?

Fat Tuesday may conjure images of debauchery and wild behavior, but that's not an accurate picture of what the celebration is about. From religious roots to king cake, Tracy and Holly break down the origins, pageantry and misconceptions of this festival.

The first rule of maintaining sanity online might be this: Never read the comments. Why do people express their opinions in negative ways on the Web? How do comments sections on news sites color a reader’s assessment of the information?

Commentary tracks can offer great insight to filmmaking, but bad ones can be an irritating snooze fest. Holly and Tracy talk about how DVD bonus content is now a part of the process of how a film is made, and give shout outs to some of their favorites.

Parents often feel attacked by proponents of the childfree movement, and childless people become frustrated by insinuations that their lives can’t be fulfilling. What makes this topic as potentially divisive as politics or religion? Tune in to learn more.

People freely admit to losing hours on Pinterest, but does all that pinning lead to any actual creating? And how often are pinners just parroting other people’s ideas? Tracy and Holly delve into the good, the bad and the gray areas of Pinterest.

It’s no secret that Atlanta shuts down in even light snowfall. Tracy and Holly share the Southerner’s point of view on winter storms and wonder why people with little exposure to snow and ice are criticized for their ability to navigate it.

It’s a ratings powerhouse, and even people who don’t watch it know enough about it to make jokes based on its plot lines. Is the story of the Crawley family so appealing to so many because it’s really just a soap opera wrapped in a high-class package?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the beholder’s eye is informed by the culture that surrounds it. Tracy and Holly peek into some of the odd aspects of beauty, and the lengths people are willing to go to achieve the “ideal” look.

Chapeaux and sombreros! Caps and bowlers! Tracy and Holly have hats on the brain. How have head coverings gone from utility accessories to haute couture? Listen in to learn more about the evolution of hats.

As members of an editorial team, both Tracy and Holly love grammar and punctuation, but neither of them understands why people sometimes shame others for the occasional typo or mistake. What is it about minor errors that makes people so crabby?

Anyone who has had a child will tell you that in reality, the happy event is NOT the way you see it on TV. When so many people have first-hand knowledge of birth, why does television always gets it so wrong? Tune in to learn more about TV and pregnancy.

There is always a swirl of confusion and misconceptions around massage. Tracy has insider knowledge; Holly has a standing appointment. They’ll talk about the different types of massage and the ways it’s been misrepresented in modern culture.

Mixed drinks have been a part of social culture for a long time, but where did cocktails actually come from? Tracy and Holly look at the prohibition roots of today’s cocktails, and ask you to please enjoy adult beverages responsibly.

Beyond the classic Christmas films, there's a whole world of movies that include Christmas, but aren't your standard fare. Tracy and Holly go way past "Die Hard" into a list of films that may surprise you (and even become your new holiday standards).

If you run in circles with geeks, odds are that you know someone who is a full-on "Dr. Who" fan. You might be one, too! Tracy schools Holly on all things Whovian, and talks about the tradition of the "Dr. Who" Christmas episode.

The end of the world has been predicted so many times, we're fairly blasé about it. But so many people are fretful about the Mayan calendar and December 21. Why are we so obsessed with Armageddon scenarios, and is the end actually near?

It's time for a trip to Middle Earth! Peter Jackson's latest film based on Tolkien's work is here, and Tracy and Holly are eager to talk about it. And they both want to fly Air New Zealand, just for the pre-flight safety video.

While many of us grew up with Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, there's a whole new world of tabletop games out there -- and their popularity is on the rise. How has this entertainment arena endured, and why are so many people returning to non-digital games?

There’s been lots of talk about women making great strides towards workplace equality, but what about men who take on occupations traditionally held by women? Join Tracy and Holly as they ask why the fight for gender equality only seems to go one way.

From “This is Spinal Tap” to “Borat” and beyond, Tracy and Holly talk about faux documentary style, the difference between a spoof and a hoax, and the ethics of mockumentary filmmaking.

National Novel Writing Month is exactly what it sounds like: a month-long challenge to turn out a 50,000-word novel. Tracy’s done it; Holly hasn’t. Is it really the best way to spend your creative time? Listen in to learn more.

We’ve all experienced the heartbreak of losing a show too soon. It’s common knowledge that bad ratings are the usual cause of cancellation, but there are many reasons ratings suffer. Tracy and Holly take a look at the factors that make shows disappear.

Gobble gobble! As the U.S. Thanksgiving celebration approaches, Tracy and Holly are ready to talk turkey. And stuffing, and gravy, and all the other delicious things that land on the table on this very food-o-riffic holiday.

The television landscape is becoming more diverse, and that includes more storylines about LGBT characters. But how many of these characters are based on stereotypes, and how well do they represent the community?

It’s the shoe show! Despite their best efforts to buck gender stereotypes, both Tracy and Holly love shoes. Running shoes, Louboutins, bound feet, the role of the shoe in storytelling – Holly and Tracy cut a wide swath through the landscape of soles.

Even casual viewers love James Bond. Tracy and Holly load their custom weapons and fire out a discussion about why this character has endured, how 007 became a symbol of greatness for England, and of course, which Bond actors they prefer.

You can start shopping for winter holiday goodies in September, and Easter candy is hitting shelves as early as December. Why has the marketing for holidays crept up earlier and earlier on the calendar each year, and is it a bad thing?

You’ve probably heard of Nixon and Kennedy’s 1960 debate and how it hurt Nixon’s campaign. But that was in the beginning of televised politics. How has the television – and more recently, social media – affected the political landscape?

Both Tracy and Holly love new games, but they also fondly recall the early days of the video game industry. Take a trip down memory lane as talk turns to arcades, “Wreck-it Ralph” and why gamers get so attached to the titles.

The entertainment market is saturated with supernatural creatures, but vampires and zombies seem to be the most popular, with werewolves coming in a close third. What will we be seeing the most of once the various iterations of the undead are played out?

Women who want to let out their sexy side on Halloween have all the choices in the world. But what about ladies who don’t want to go bare? Tracy and Holly discuss the body shaming, freedom of expression and bizarre designs of the sexy costume trend.

Public proposals are more and more common, but why is this a trend? Is the epic staging and expense of a lavish spectacle to pop the question the way today’s grooms prove their love to would-be brides? And what happens when the proposer gets turned down?

You can get Hello Kitty everything. Everything. Tracy and Holly talk about the famous cat’s beginnings, staying power and her many Sanrio friends. Just how did a feline with no film or television origin get so popular in the first place?

Neither Tracy nor Holly is really into yoga, but they’re both fascinated by its history and culture. Do you have to be flexible to get something out of yoga? Why is yoga’s history in the U.S. so scandalous, and is practicing yoga beneficial or dangerous?

It’s pretty difficult to find someone who doesn’t like playing with Legos. It’s not difficult, however, to find someone who doesn’t like Lego’s gendered marketing approach. Tracy and Holly talk about the good, the bad and the great things about Legos.

When a celebrity gets arrested, the whole world knows about it. Does being famous drive you to make foolish choices? How does a very public arrest impact a person’s career? And how can you get past being booked when your mug shot lives online forever?

The PopStuff gals are big fans of Tim Burton’s work. There’s a lot of gushing in this episode. What is it about this creator’s spooky vision that inspires such devotion in fans?

Tracy and Holly are a little late to the “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” party, but now that they’ve started watching the show, they totally see the appeal. Tracy may even be a pegasister. But what makes the ponies so popular with male viewers?

It's true. Tracy and Holly are talking about bras. There's discussion of brassiere history, fashion, lingerie and (warning) even cup sizes. The gals also compare notes on life with and without an ample bust line.

PopStuff is addicted to coffee. This stimulant seems to have a stranglehold on humanity, and an entire culture has sprung up around it. Where does coffee actually come from, and why is our love affair with it so solid?

It’s that magical time of year when we become obsessed with television anew. Which shows are returning? What new programs are we excited about? Tracy and Holly share their plans for autumn viewing and express some tentative hope for a few newcomers.

Join Tracy and Holly as they recount their time at Dragon*Con, which touts itself as “the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe!”

Some people are afraid of clowns, but not Tracy and Holly! They are excited to talk about the different types of clowns, clown hierarchy and how clowns became scary characters. Of course, there’s talk of Herschel Krustofsky. Tune in to learn more.

Does the mention of stop motion animation conjure images of Rankin and Bass holiday specials, or does your mind turn to big-screen productions like “Paranorman”? Tracy and Holly love this medium. You might just hear them get rabid about it.

It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate, Tracy and Holly are dishing on television shows that also hit the same milestone, and they’re wondering why they didn’t think to bring cake.

While autocorrect can be helpful, it's far from perfect. Those automated corrections can change the entire meaning of a text -- and the results aren't always pretty. Join Tracy and Holly as they explore the pros and cons of of automated text correction.

Why are we so obsessed with hair? It’s the one physical characteristic that we can easily alter, but is there more to our hair fixation than mere self expression? And what does hair really say about the person wearing it?

Cheating on a romantic partner is extremely common. But why do people cheat, and why are there online communities devoted to helping would-be cheaters find one another? Does monogamy need a makeover, or is every relationship unique?

Yes, we’re combining two great loves in one slightly odd discussion. Even Princess Leia had to eat, right? Tracy and Holly talk about the instances where food appears in the Star Wars universe, as well as all the yummy Star Wars-themed edibles fans make.

Why do diagnoses of some diseases and conditions seem to skyrocket from time to time? Tracy and Holly, like many people, wonder how much of it is increased knowledge. They also wonder why anyone would want to self-diagnose with an unpleasant condition.

From Rosie to Bender and far beyond, robots have been a part of the media we consume for decades. Tracy and Holly talk about R2D2, Wall-E, Terminators and a host of other mechanical pals, trying to figure out why we love them so.

What does it take to make good television? Critical darlings on TV often share a lot of traits. Is it as easy as using Tracy's three G's: grim, gritty and gratuitous?

Marketers often depend on hype to foster interest in a product, but sometimes, the hype machine backfires. Tracy and Holly talk about the hype cycle and hash out how it applies to tech, movies, music and other consumables.

Chocolate is one of the most beloved sweets the world over. Tracy loves it and Holly’s indifferent, but what really fascinates them both is the culture around this confection.

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? That’s an earworm, and it’s an extremely common phenomenon. Holly and Tracy wonder why our brains latch onto small pieces of information, how you get rid of them, and why it’s important to study this field.

Google “Comic Sans,” and you’ll instantly see a world of ire in the results. Many people just do not like this font, while others defend it as harmless and friendly. Tracy and Holly are wondering how a typeface can make people so very angry.

Even the most relaxed person can become irate behind the wheel. Do you or someone you know experience road rage? Tracy and Holly break down the statistics and contemplate the reasons so many people turn furious in their cars.

It’s time for the summer Olympics! Holly has Olympics rabies, whereas Tracy is a more casual viewer. PopStuff examines the appeal of Olympic competition from the spectators’ point of view.

So many people dream of their perfect home -- and many decide to take matters into their own hands, armed with inspiration from DIY TV shows. In this episode, Tracy and Holly discuss DIY home renovations and whether TV is helping or making things worse.

Hipster. The very word makes people sneer. Why are hipsters viewed with such disdain? And what makes a person a hipster, anyway? Tracy and Holly examine the history of the word “hipster,” as well as the various definitions of what a hipster is, and try to figure out where all the negative press comes from.

No, Tracy and Holly are not donning flapper costumes and talking about the era of speakeasies. They’re discussing digital piracy and how the Free Culture movement is changing the way people think about creative work in the digital space.

Who really writes in to advice columns? Tracy did once, but that was long ago. From Emily Post to Dan Savage, Tracy and Holly discuss advice columns and their place in the cultural landscape.

Is grilling a guy thing? Why does the word "barbecue" mean different things to different people? The PopStuff gals are celebrating summer by noshing on grilled goodies, and it's got them thinking about burgers and slaw and -- yum! -- grilled fruit.

When taking a flight, do you make single-serving friends? Do you people-watch at the terminal? Are you a pro at getting through security? In this episode, Tracy and Holly examine airports, planes and how people behave in these places.

We are in the thick of swimsuit season, which has Tracy and Holly wondering about the history of swimsuits and their status in the modern wardrobe as the most stress-inducing garment imaginable. What’s the skinny on the teeny-weeny bikini?

Bon appétit! There are more cooking shows on television than ever before, but it seems fewer and fewer people are actually prepping their own food. Has cooking become a spectator sport? Listen in to learn more.

Holly recently returned from the Electronics Entertainment Expo, and Tracy’s ready to grill her about all the things she saw. From Oswald hats to the latest from the Star Wars franchise, we’re ready to rehash. Buckle up and grab your S.M.A.R.T. gun!

Until "Brave," Pixar made movies with heart, but no female lead characters. How can it be that such a creative collective struggles with telling stories from a female perspective? Will Pixar give girls more screen time after Merida’s big debut?

Do you have a non-negotiable thing that would cause you to ditch an otherwise good relationship? In this episode, Tracy and Holly share their dealbreaker lists and marvel at the rules people set up when searching for the perfect mate.

Is summer camp like it is in the movies? Neither Tracy nor Holly went to camp in the standard sense, but they sure are curious about it. Is it just a place to keep kids occupied and let them spread their wings when school’s out, or is there more to it?

Is this really a valid way to keep an audience interested, or is it just lazy writing? From old-school cinema serials to modern day season enders, PopStuff takes a look at the pros and cons of the now-common “To be continued … “ phenomenon.

We all know the Internet is awash with garbage, but there are also some hilarious and creative gems floating around the ether. When Tracy and Holly separate the wheat from the chaff, what Web memes and other delights do they fall in love with?

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. As smoking bans and legislation have become more restrictive, have smokers become societal pariahs? Tracy shares her experiences of growing up in the tobacco belt as PopStuff examines the social implications of smoking’s ebb.

Millions of people watched William and Kate’s wedding. Diana still has devoted fans. What is it about royalty, that so captures our attention and imagination? And why does Holly love Queen Victoria so much?

Love them or hate them, weddings are a part of our lives. But why are they so expensive, and why does everyone feel entitled to judge everyone else’s nuptials?

Have you ever wondered what Tracy and Holly smell like? They’ll tell you! They’re also eager to talk about how people use and perceive perfume, and why cottage-industry perfumeries attract such devoted followings.

Tracy and Holly both have some embarrassing confessions to kick this one off. What is it about astrology and horoscopes that makes even non-believers check their sign’s daily predictions? Is there really science that validates astrology?

Is it true that everyone collects something? Many of us feel compelled to acquire and curate our hearts’ desires, but why are we so attached to this idea? Which one of the PopStuff gals is most likely to be a hoarder?

Good tunes can make the difference between a mediocre run and a great one. What music moves Tracy and Holly to run, and why are they drawn to their favorite workout songs? Tune in to find out.

How long should something exist before it’s remade, and what’s the difference between a reboot and a remake? Tracy and Holly dish on the good, the bad and the groan-worthy movie, television, comics and video game do-overs.

Since comic books are a visual medium, it seems natural to translate them to the silver screen. Why then, do so many adaptations of comic books flop as movies? Tracy and Holly ponder this matter, and share their lists of favorites and not-so-favorites.

Is a diamond really a girl’s best friend? Tracy and Holly aren’t so sure. They’ll hash out the history of the diamond engagement ring, and debate over the merits of the whole concept.

Concerts, exhibits, panels -- the Penny Arcade Expo has become a huge show for all things geek, but it remains a gaming paradise. Tracy shares her experiences from this year’s PAX East, and her enchantment with the many independent games she saw there.

Some people think of pets as their children, while others think that’s ridiculous. Spending on pets has dipped slightly in the recent past, but why? There’s also talk of rescue organizations and whether or not it’s OK to put clothes on your furry friends.

Is a T-shirt just a thing to keep you from being naked, or is it art? How do graphics on T-shirts represent you, and how are Web sites opening the door to cottage industry? How do Tracy and Holly categorize their shirts, and do they own any crass ones?

Cupcakes, bacon, sriracha. Food has trends, just like fashion. Why do some edibles garner nearly cult-like followings? Tracy and Holly talk about their favorite fashionable treats, and touch on a few that are on the way out of the spotlight.

He creates worlds and characters that fans fall in love with, but what is it, really, about Joss Whedon’s work that’s so engaging? Can the soon-to-be-released film projects “Cabin in the Woods” and “The Avengers” draw us in with that same Whedon magic?

Running continues to grow in popularity, but are all runners happy about that? Holly and Tracy talk about their experiences at races, their training, their gear and yes, their injuries, all while debating the merits of this hobby/sport/fitness regimen.

Swearing promotes group bonding, but does it also rob you of your class? We know it’s not for best princess behavior, but when is cursing appropriate? Can Tracy and Holly keep it clean while weighing the merits of “bad” words? (The answer is yes.)

One’s a wisecracking rabbit and the other’s a giggling mouse. Both have devoted fans. How did these famous animated rodents get their starts and nestle into their niches, and why has only one reached juggernaut status?

She’s quirky, nutty and totally unfettered. She shows brooding screen heroes that life is full of fun and wonder. She’s Manic Pixie Dream Girl, and her roots as a cinema archetype go back further than you probably suspect.

It’s exciting, it’s a rite of passage, it’s expensive and often a letdown. Few people look back on their proms and think “That was one of the greatest nights of my life!” Tracy and Holly relay memories of their proms and the origins of this tradition.

Psychologists agree: Guilt is actually good for you. So go ahead and indulge your love of “Weekend at Bernie’s” and other low-brow entertainment. Tracy and Holly will get you started by confessing what trashy things they love.

It’s natural to want to shield kids from evil and darkness, but could there be a place for such themes in media aimed at young people? Tracy and Holly have researched the value of violence, and noticed how much of it there is in well-loved children’s entertainment.

In the U.S., we tend to think of St. Patrick’s Day as a green-tinted street party with loads of drinking and leprechauns. But what are the holiday’s real roots, and how did they get lost in a sea of plastic pots of gold and green beer?

The Snow White story has always been popular, but lately, everyone seems to have a version of it to tell. Which ones are Tracy and Holly excited about, which ones make them cringe and why are we all so fascinated by this story?

Adapting a book into a film is no easy task, and fans of books are often disappointed by the versions of their favorite stories that end up on the big screen. What literature-inspired films do Tracy and Holly love and loathe?

The Bechdel test is a basic set of rules to gauge the representation of women in films. While it’s an interesting tool, Tracy and Holly think there are a lot of incredible films that completely fail this test (and many bombs that pass with flying colors).

If you were an online celeb, would you use your power for good or for evil? Join Tracy and Holly as they discuss those Internet moments when influential people mobilize their followers, sometimes with ill intent.

Are the friends you make online the real deal? Tracy and Holly say they are, but the research is divided. Is the Internet the ideal place for shy people to reach out, or is online socializing just creating a world of detached, lonely people?

It’s Oscar time, and we have costume nominees on the brain. Tracy and Holly talk about the 2012 contenders and give their thoughts on the costumes in each of the films. There’s also some ranting about bodices.

Glittery, glamorous drag queens – Holly and Tracy love them. But what is drag, exactly? What social trends cause the popularity of queens to wax and wane? And why do straight girls love RuPaul and his tribe so much?

Get in the car! Why does the thought of hitting the open road conjure up a sense of freedom for some, and dread for others? Tracy and Holly are ready to pack their bags and floor it on an adventure through the rules and thrills of the road trip.

Being famous puts a unique spin on romance, and a level of pressure non-celebs never have to deal with. Beyond nicknames like Brangelina, what is it that fascinates us about the loves of the famous, and which celebrity couples do Tracy and Holly love?

Do you believe in love at first sight? How about soul mates? Movies and TV shows certainly seem to. Holly and Tracy talk about whether movies are setting us up for failed romance, and about Tracy's complicated relationship with the romantic comedy.

Razor-bladed apples, hooks dangling from car doors, alligators in the sewer ... if you believe in urban legends, the world is overrun with danger. Tracy and Holly get to the bottom of where these stories come from and why we can't stop sharing them.

Many critics feel that the Disney princesses are setting poor examples for young girls and are setting the women’s movement back by decades. Tracy and (admittedly biased) Holly point out what’s good about these animated silver-screened heroines.

It’s the Japanese film studio where magic seems to come from. From "Totoro" to "Ponyo" and all points in between, why are Studio Ghibli’s films so mesmerizing to Western audiences, and what’s a radish spirit?

Is 3-D just a gimmick, or is it really a valid tool for film makers? Tracy and Holly both saw “Hugo” and loved it, and now they can’t stop talking about the merits and perils of 3-D cinema (and Holly’s crush on Sacha Baron Cohen).

It’s a social meal and often involves ham and adult beverages. What’s not to love? In this episode, Tracy and Holly deconstruct brunch and discuss whether it’s the ultimate hipster repast.

Do you have a movie that may as well be permanently implanted in your DVD player? Or a game that you have to play over and over? Tracy and Holly share their fave replayables, and discuss what makes some media so very addictive.

OMG, did you hear the dirt on Tracy and Holly? Oh, for real – they are totally talking smack about gossip and acting like it’s totally OK to talk about other people. Seriously!

Why do rational people believe in things like lucky numbers and good luck charms? Knocking on wood can’t possibly keep bad things from happening, can it? Holly’s openly superstitious. Tracy is less so. But nobody in the podcast wants to hex anything.

What’s in a name? Everything, apparently. Everyone has an opinion about baby names, even if they’re not parents. Tracy and Holly also have opinions, and they’re wondering why we all get so wrapped up in what other people decide to call their offspring.

Odds are good you know someone who is on a diet right now. Tracy and Holly traverse the ins and outs of diet fads, healthy eating and finding ways to be realistic and sensible while still enjoying delicious favorites. Also, Holly praises Tracy a lot.

It’s that magical time when many people set the goals for the year that they fully expect to abandon by mid-January. Tracy and Holly share their resolutions for 2012, and dig through the research to find out why some people stick to resolutions while others struggle.

Every region gets misrepresented in television and film, but it seems the South gets the lion’s share of stereotyping. Because Tracy and Holly live in the South, they’re experts on Southerners, and they’re ready to educate film and television industry.

They can’t all be Michael Scott. (We wouldn’t want them to be.) What makes a television boss endearing or upsetting? As a boss of things, Tracy has different criteria than Holly, but they’ve talked it out, and you’re invited to eavesdrop.

Are you wracking your brain trying to come up with the perfect gift for the PopStuff gals? Tracy and Holly have compiled fairly comprehensive lists of what geeks are hoping to find under the tree Christmas morning.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … for entertainment! The Oscar contenders come out to play, and the television schedule is full of holiday programming. What are Tracy and Holly eager to watch this year?

As the Oscar hopefuls and family movies are opening en masse, the box office choices can be overwhelming. Don’t sweat it. Tracy and Holly are sharing their lists of films they’re looking forward to this holiday season to help you sort it all out.

It’s the entertainment equivalent of rubbernecking as you pass by a car accident. Sometimes, something is incredibly difficult to watch, but we seek it out just the same. Tracy and Holly have some theories about painful entertainment.

If a cheat code is built into a game, are you really cheating? Lots of gamers use cheats, but there's a wide range of justifications for them. Find out where Tracy and Holly stand on cheating in video games (one of them is a Cheaty McCheaterson).

Do you live for pumpkin coffee, peppermint cheesecake and Cadbury crème eggs? Grab some eggnog and listen as Tracy and Holly work their way through all the holidays on the calendar in a drool-worthy discussion of their favorite treats.

It’s an art, it’s a form of self expression and it also can be painful. Tracy and Holly discuss the fascinating world of tattoos, Tracy’s maybe possible secret ink and why Holly’s still too chicken to go under the needle.

The undead are all the rage. No longer relegated to cult films, they’ve now got their own shows, merchandise and even 5k races. Tracy and Holly wonder what’s behind the zombie craze, and how long it will last.

Tracy and Holly originally thought there weren't many Thanksgiving movies, but it turned out, they just didn't remember there were. Listen in as the ladies ponder why most films about this holiday are all about family awkwardness.

Everyone loves the Muppets! (Seriously, it's suspicious if you don't.) In this episode, Tracy and Holly discuss the new movie, as well as what makes Jim Henson's creations so very special.

With media outlets hosting their own geek blogs, the idea that geek culture is mainstream is making news (and dredging up its own backlash). Has geek culture become exclusionary? Has it been co-opted by hipsters? Tracy and Holly wax pensive about geekdom.

The "Twilight" series is wildly popular, but why? Join Tracy and Holly as they examine just what makes people love (and loathe) Stephanie Meyer's vampire romance novels.

Why do some people play multiplayer online games, only to work through all their missions solo? Join Tracy and Holly as they share their reasons for going lone wolf in social games. (Hint: It’s not an antisocial thing.)

Most of your friends probably like the same things you do and have similar views on religion and politics. In this episode, Tracy and Holly discuss the benefits and challenges of diversifying your pal portfolio, and why sloganism is bad.

Does knowing how a movie or book will end ruin it for you? Yes. No. Maybe. But probably not. Tracy and Holly talk about spoilers and whether they ruin or enhance the entertainment experience.

Slasher films, psychological thrillers and ghost mysteries have a certain appeal during Halloween. Join Tracy and Holly as they discuss scary movies, and how your body can't differentiate between movie-generated fright and fear of a real threat.

The parents on this list of fictional moms and dads aren’t the Huxtables, that’s for sure. In this episode, Tracy and Holly have chosen the best examples of bad parenting to be found on television.

It’s an incredibly popular genre of speculative fiction, but what is steampunk, exactly? Tracy and Holly beg you: Please do not put goggles on your hat and call yourself steampunk.

There’s a lot of garbage on television, but there’s plenty of quality programming, too. And really, even the garbage has its place. Tracy and Holly promise you that television won’t rot your brain. Tune in to learn why.

Celebrities are more connected to their fans than ever, thanks to conventions and social media. Join Tracy and Holly as they hash out the benefits and drawbacks of knowing what your favorite famous people are doing every minute of the day.

Taste is a subjective field, and no show can be universally loved by every viewer. But why do personal opinions differ to such extreme degrees? Join Tracy and Holly as they look at popular shows and films that -- in their opinion -- just don't pop.

Whether it's a queue of podcasts, a pile of unread books or hours of content languishing on your DVR, odds are that you may find yourself inundated with loads of content. So how can we handle this constant stream of new stuff? Tune in to find out.

Whether you're at the opening night of a musical or just checking out a film, an audience can make -- or break -- your experience. Listen in as Tracy and Holly give you the best tips for watching movies without the caterwauls of a ruinous audience.

How do you know when you have crossed into the world of uberfandom? Join Tracy and Holly as they discuss the good and the bad of super fans.

Join Disneyphile Holly as she and Tracy gush over the 40th anniversary of Disney World. What are the tips to having the best visit to Disney World? And what secrets is Holly going to spill about her many Disney World adventures?

Join Tracy and Holly as they laugh and snark their way through the 2011 Fall TV line-up.