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Pop Rocket

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

MaximumFun.org

**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 the show--marriages, deaths, birth, book deals, finding a new home, and so many other memories. It’s raw. It’s wonderful. In addition, we’ll hear phone calls from listeners and friends of the show about what Pop Rocket meant to them. Plus, Guy shares the best abortion joke he’s ever heard. Lastly, Wynter and Karen reveal their new, upcoming podcast, and how you can stay in touch with them beyond Pop Rocket. ALL ABOUTS Margaret: Broad City series finale Karen: Gentleman Jack Wynter Veep Guy: Long Shot That's My Jam Margaret: George Harrison-If Not for You Karen: The Postal Service - Such Great Heights Guy: Christine Anu, David Hobson - Now Until the Break of Day Wynter: Sid Vicious - My Way   Announcement Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh have a new podcast in the works called Waiting to X-hale     Waiting to X-hale Podcast   Waiting to X-hale is a brand new woman-of-color driven podcast hosted by Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Karen Tongson, revisiting the pop culture and transformative social issues that defined Generation X. Our discussions, debates, and instructional interludes will let you see your favorite (and least favorite) aspects of GenX culture in a way that sheds new light on both then, and now. A special preview episode is dropping in early June with regular episodes recurring after Karen returns from her book tour in July. For more information, sign up for the Waiting to X-hale newsletter, and follow the show on Twitter: @waiting2xhalepd With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.  

The Final Episode

**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 for everyone? The answer’s in the cards. Also, Karen Tongson tells us about her phone call with Elizabeth Warren this week. Presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren called Karen Tongson on the phone. Personally. Listen to hear how it went down. If you were as impressed with Amanda’s reading as the panel was, you can subscribe to her podcast  Strange Magic. Lastly, if anyone wants to ask the panelists for advice--about anything!--you’ve got less than 24 hours to call and leave a message with Guy’s mom: (530) 237-4108 That's My Jam Margaret: Weyes Blood (Natalie Mering) -A Lot’s Gonna Change Guy: Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut to the Feeling Karen:  Vampire Weekend (wth Danielle Haim) - We Belong Together Song: IN: 1:38 - Fade 2:19 Amanda:  Alice Coltrane -Govinda Jai Jai With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, Amanda Yates Garcia, The Oracle of LA Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 224 - What’s in the Cards for the Pop Rocket Panel w/ The Oracle of LA

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, Guinevere was able to draw from her experiences and insight to tell the story from the point of view of the women who were targeted and groomed by Manson, and killed for him. It’s a fascinating discussion. Plus, the panel convened once again to vote on another Pop Rocket Seal of Approval. The final three nominees were Sandra Oh, Toni Collette and Catherine O’Hara. There are two more Pop Rocket episodes to go in its nearly five-year run. If you’d like to share with the panelists what this show meant to you, or tell them about your favorite episodes, you can call Guy’s mom and leave a message at: (530) 237-4108 You can also email poprocketpodcast@gmail.com a recording of your message made with your phone’s voice memo app. If you haven’t already, please make sure to follow all four panelists on social media. You can find their Twitter handles below. That's My Jam Margaret: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues Guy: John Cale - Paris 1919 Karen: Heart - Never Wynter: Tame Impala - Borderline Guinevere: King Princess - 1950 With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, Guinevere Turner Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 223 - Charlie Says with Screenwriter Guinevere Turner

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 have aired. Assembled in the studio this week: Guy "I've read all the George R.R. Martin books in the series" Branum Sarah "I'm in a viewing group with a gaggle of lesbians and their gaybies" Kessler Laura "I prepared delicious direwolf-shaped crackers" Krafft Margaret "I host GoT viewing parties at my house" Wappler This episode will reveal which Game of Thrones character Guy has dressed up for--TWICE!--for Halloween. Sarah finds one GoT character extremely annoying, and it's not Bran. Laura pines for a Winterfell man she fears will die in the next episode, and Margaret is pretty sure she knows who will take the throne. This was a raucous, expansive conversation that will both delight and frustrate Game of Thrones fans. All Abouts Margaret: The podcast Going Through It hosted by Ann Friedman Guy: Chasten Buttigieg’s Twitter account Sarah:  Dr. Pimple Popper, now on Hulu Laura: The FX show What We Do in the Shadows That's My Jam Guy: Lizzo - Better in Color Margaret: FKA Twigs - Cellophane Sarah: Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way Laura: Stone Roses - Fool’s Gold With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Sarah Kessler, Laura Krafft Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 222 - Game of Thrones w/ Laura Krafft & Sarah Kessler

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 with a similar sensibility. All Abouts Wynter: No Good Nick Karen: Season 4 of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Ellington: Britney's Gram podcast special episode That's My Jam Ellington: Ava Max - Sweet But Psycho Guy: BTS (방탄소년단) IDOL (Feat. Nicki Minaj) Wynter: Nat King Cole - Harlem Blues Karen: An Luu - Pourquoi tu me fous plus des coups? With Karen Tongson, Ellington Wells, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep. 221 - The New Negroes & Black Sketch Comedy

**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 and leave a message on Guy’s mom’s voicemail to tell us who you’d like to nominate and why. That number is: 530-237-4108** This week we’re joined by food writer Tien Nguyen whose love of food is only rivaled by her admiration of Sandra Oh, an Asian woman with amazing hair. We talk about Oh, her hair and why Killing Eve is killing it for the panel. Why is this show unlike any other in the spy genre? The panel has a lot of insight on this. Also, Wynter admits she was wrong for not embracing the show sooner. All Abouts Karen: Survivor Season 38: Edge of Extinction Wynter: Wynter is all about Joe Bob Brigg’s show The Last Drive-In on Shudder Tien: Kim-Joy’s new cookbook Baking with Kim-Joy   That's My Jam Karen: Weyes Blood’s “A Lot’s Gonna Change” Wynter: Moon Boots - Keep the Faith Tien: Aretha Franklin - Jumpin’ Jack Flash With Karen Tongson, , Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, Tien Nguyen Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep. 220 - Killing Eve & the Asian Woman with Amazing Hair

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 you spent your formative years in the aughts, and want to experience the 90s vicariously through Pop Rocket, the panel goes into great detail about what makes 1991 such a pivotal epoch, giving us grunge, new jack swing, schmaltzy ballads and music fans that could embrace Nirvana, Boys II Men, C+C Music Factory and REM at once. As an added bonus, we created a Pop Rocket 1991 Mixtape that you can listen to on Spotify. All Abouts Margaret is on thatPen15 tip, and reliving those awkward middle school years via Maya and Anna Karen is all about the season three episode of This Is Us, entitled R & B Wynter has fallen hard for Celine Dion after attending an event with the Québécoise chanteuse to promote her new album and tour That's My Jam Karen: Cathy Dennis - Too Many Walls Wynter: Tame Impala - Patience Margaret: Billie Eilish - Bad Guy Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced and edited by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 219 - 1991 in Music

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 edition of the show. This episode has something for everyone--sapphic sisters, metal heads, Hallmark Channel enthusiasts and, of course, horror buffs. One note of caution: There are spoilers, so if you haven’t yet seen Us, and you want to see it before learning about any of its twists and turns, you should skip the discussion. If you HAVE seen it, brace yourself for the in-depth discussion. Does this movie live up to its hype? Is the symbolism in the movie effective? Why does Wynter think she has to watch it again? These questions, and more, will be answered. All Abouts Margaret is all about Amanda Deibert's defense of Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill, in response to a negative article in Jezebel Karen is all about Scary Spice Mel B's confession that she hooked up with Ginger Spice, Geri Halliwell Alonso is all about Hallmark hiring the hosts of the Hallmark podcast The Bubbly Sesh Wynter is all about the Netflix Mötley Crüe biopic The Dirt That's My Jam Margaret: James Blake - Power On Karen: Mel C. and Northern Star (feat. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes) - Never Be the Same Again Alonso: XTC - The Wheel and the Maypole Wynter: Lil Nas X - Old Town Road

Ep 218 - Jordan Peele’s Us

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 a special jam brought to the show by Clayton. You won’t want to miss this must-listen episode! All Abouts Margaret: Out for Blood Karen: Shrill Wynter: The Fox-Disney merger That's My Jam Margaret: Lizzo - Cuz I Luv You Clayton: 4 Non Blondes - What’s Up Wynter: Beyonce feat. Frank Ocean - Superpower Karen: Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep. 217 - Pop Rocket Goes to USC to Teach the Kids Why Pop Culture Matters

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 Just Desserts That's My Jam Margaret: Pistol Annies - Got My Name Changed Back Guy: Carly Rae Jepsen - Now That I Found You Wynter: Work - Charlotte Day Wilson Karen: Cate le Bon’s - I Just Wanna Be Good With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep. 216 - Lady Vengeance: From Bobbit and Beyond

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. It’s the typical tale of a young actress trying to make it big and having to struggle, role after role after role after role, to hold her own on screen with the most celebrated actors in the world, on Oscar-winning film after Oscar-winning film. She’s now 93 years old and has been in the business for nearly eight decades, dominating the big screen, the small screen and the stage. For this episode of Pop Rocket, we felt it important to give Dame Lansbury’s career a discussion worthy of the legend that she is, and we couldn’t do it by ourselves. We needed to bring in the biggest Fangelas we could find outside of her immediate family: April Wolfe and S.A. Smythe, two individuals that get positively giddy noting which Murder She Wrote episodes comment on on colonialism and the prison industrial complex. You guys, this is such a great episode, and that’s not even including everyone’s All Abouts!

Ep. 215 - Dame Angela Lansbury with April Wolfe and S.A. Smythe

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 the short film and animated short categories survive? What about song and dance numbers? Find out. Let us know if you agree with the panel, or take issue by sharing your thoughts in the comments section below. All Abouts Guy remembers his friend and beloved comedian Brody Stevens, who died by suicide last week. Wynter is all about Kind Hearts & Coronets. Margaret wants everyone to take a moment to appreciate actress and wordsmith Dame Emma Thompson for her recent letter to Skydance detailing why she will not work with John Lasseter. Karen Tongson is NOT about the speculation that Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are boffing. And for everyone going gaga over their duet, she reminds us of another live performance with off the charts chemistry, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond at the 1980 Grammys singing You Don't Bring Me Flowers Matt Rogers, the self-described “roller coaster bitch” is all about Hagrid Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride that’s coming to Disneyworld.

Ep. 214 - We Marie-Kondo the Oscars w/ Matt Rogers

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 first original documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. The panel cover A LOT of ground. For horror buffs and cinephiles alike, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN. All Abouts Margaret Wappler - The Bodyguard on Netflix Karen Tongson -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLkEpO3k514 on Hulu Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh - Lorena on Amazon Prime 14:00 Tananarive Due - The Passage on Fox Jams Karen - Lion - You've Got a Woman Tananarive - Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock - It Takes Two Wynter - James Brown - Living In America Margaret - Orion Sun - Stretch With  Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Karen Tongson Margaret Wappler Tananarive Due Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep. 213 - Horror Noire with Tananarive Due

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 entertainment? Who delivered the best performance of the year? Could the panelists find consensus on the best album of the year? Barely. Plus, a bona fide celebrity makes a cameo that...Will. Blow. Your. Mind. And if not, it will at least make you smile. Lastly, we encourage any and all winners of a Pop Tart to call in with your acceptance speech. Note, however, that if your speech runs long, we'll have to play you off with music. If you received an award, call us at: 530-237-4108. 

Ep: 212 - The Fifth Annual Pop Tart Awards!

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 was tapped for Roma instead. Lastly, both Wynter and Karen wanted to talk to Guy about A Simple Favor. Each panelist reported back. Who thought Roma was too slow? Did Margaret show enough love for her pick? And what did Karen appreciate most about the breastaurant drama? **Spoiler Alert** If you haven't seen Roma, you may want to skip that part of the discussion. All Abouts Margaret - Velvet Buzzsaw Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh - Russian Doll Guy Branum - Season 5 of Schitt’s Creek Karen Tongson - Showtime’s Black Monday That's My Jam Karen Tongson - Sylvan Esso - PARAD(w/me)E Margaret Wappler -   Maggie Rogers - Alaska Guy Branum - Liam Payne - Strip That Down Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh - Sampha - Treasure

Ep: 211 - Mega Movie Catch-up Edition

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 to find out how, and when there will be another nomination period. That's My Jam Wynter: Summer Walker - Girls Need Love Karen: James Ingram - Just Once Guy: RuPaul (feat. Myah Marie) - Adrenaline With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep 210 - The State of Adam McKay & Terry Crews Gets a Vote for PRSOA

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 Reckoning by Claire Dederer, who you may recognize from her article in the Paris Review What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men. Karen is all about CATWALK: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit on Netflix, and the rivalry between a “well-muscled” Turkish Angora named Bobby, and a voluminous Red Persian named Oh La La . Guy is all about Sex Education on Netflix. That's My Jam Wynter: Phil Collins - I'm Not Moving (Idjut Boys remix) Karen: Queen - Play the Game Margaret: ROSALÍA - MALAMENTE Guy: Mark Ronson (feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like a Heart With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep 209 - SchadenFYRE - The Most Epic Fyre Fest Discussion Ever

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 it’s “sinister”, and a panelist named Guy is so obsessed with one of the families featured on the show he couldn’t stop talking about them. All Abouts Margaret shares her thoughts on the heartbreaking and disturbing six-part series Surviving R. Kelly Guy is all about the 1998 film The Opposite of Sex, and explains how Terry Gross’ recent conversation with Kevin Hart made him appreciate it more. Wynter is all about the M.I.A. documentary. And Karen loves the new reality singing competition show The Masked Singer.

Pop Rocket Ep - 208 Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

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 about Can You Ever Forgive Me Margaret is all about Regina King's Golden Globes speech Karen thinks everyone should check out the new Aussie show Instant Hotel on Netflix That's My Jam Margaret: Sleater Kinney - Oh! Guy: Lizzo - Juice Karen: Mitski - Nobody Wynter: Listener Temple’s rendition of Attorney Hal Cook’s commercial jingle from Little Rock, Arkansas With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 207 Highlights & Lowlights of The Golden Globes & Netflix’s Bandersnatch

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 is awed by the combined power of her and Karen’s “lesbian efficiency.” If you're curious about what Guy has been up to these past couple months, he catches us up. Spoiler alert (though not really): He consumed a lot of theater. In particular, he saw Matthew Lopez’s seven-hour, two-night play The Inheritance, and had LOTS of opinions about it. From “learn more commercial jingles” to “master a new recipe a month,” the panel reveals an ambitious list of resolutions they may or may not be able to stick with for an entire year. All Abouts Karen is all about Bird Box the new Netflix thriller starring Sandra Bullocks. Tara is all about hating a bootleg recording of a recent standup set by disgraced comedian Louis C.K.. Guy is all about The Inheritance by Matthew Lopez, which is loosely based on Howard's End. Call to Action Inspired by one panelist’s resolution to learn more commercial jingles, we are asking Rocketeers to call in and sing their favorite jingles on the Pop Rocket voicemail. We want to hear those jingles that will forever be lodged in your brain. That's My Jam Guy: Janet Jackson -Together Again Tara: Hey Jellie - Going Back Karen: Labi Siffre - Watch Me With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Tara Jepsen. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 206 Pop Culture Resolutions for 2019

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 Holiday Playlist. Well, that was the plan, anyway. In practice, when faced with making the tough choices, they flopped. Whose version of "Sleigh Ride" should be on the playlist: Andy Williams’s, Ella Fitzgerald’s or TLC’s? Spoiler alert: They couldn’t decide. Plus, the panelists describe their holiday family traditions, and if you’ve ever been curious what the most popular Philippine Christmas song is, resident scholar Karen Tongson reveals the answer. From Ella Fitzgerald to Donny Hathaway, from the Morehouse Glee Club to Quad City DJs, the variety of musical stylings in this episode will get your feet tappin'. All Abouts For the last All Abouts of the year, each panelist picked one thing in 2018, that they could watch, listen to, read, or consume, OVER & OVER again. Alonso is all about the Amber Ruffin segment on Late Night With Seth Meyers - 'Amber Says Why' Karen is still all about the series finale of The Americans. Tre’Vell is awed by EVERYTHING about Cardi B, but especially her recent appearance with James Corden in Carpool Karaoke. Wynter can’t stop watching Mission Impossible: Fallout.   That's My Jam For this week’s jams, each panelist picked a song that best summed up the year that was 2018. Karen: Sound of Music Soundtrack - So Long, Farewell Tre’vell: Fantasia - Lose to Win Alonso: Lizzo - Good as Hell Wynter: Drake - Nice for What Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback, or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 205 The Pop Rocket Holiday Playlist Spectacular

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 her under-the-weather wife Karen Tongson--and Cal Arts professor and visual artist David P Earle, who is better known to Pop Rocket listeners as father to Silas and husband to our very own Margaret Wappler. From Mike Leigh's Mr. Turner to Antonio Banderas's Golden Globe-nominated performance in Genius: Picasso, the crew highlights all the tired tropes Hollywood can’t resist when depicting artists. They’ll tell you about the films that get it right, and the films that get it deliciously wrong. Plus, why are all the portrayals of Andy Warhol on the big screen so...different? Was the real Andy Warhol more like Crispin Glover in The Doors or David Bowie in Julian Schnabel's Basquiat? Does Salma Hayek really do Frida justice? And which actress nails the stereotype of the insufferable, pretentious artist on the head? Join us as we try to suss out: is art about art art, or t-shirt at the giftshop bullshit? All Abouts Sarah is all about Valerie Solanas's SCUM Manifesto with forward by Michelle Tea. Carolina is all about narco-novelas, in particular Netflix's Narcos: Mexico starring Diego Luna. David is all about his algorithmically generated list of top songs of 2018 from Spotify. Margaret is all about the 18th century period piece The Favourite, a feminist reimagining of Queen Anne's court starring Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, and Olivia Colman. That's My Jam Sarah - Laura Branigan - Gloria David - Saba - LOGOUT Carolina - The Bucketheads - The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall into My Mind) Margaret- Katzù Oso - Crazy4luvinU With Margaret Wappler, David Earle, Carolina Miranda, and Sarah Rebecca Kessler. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 204 From Dafoe’s Van Gogh to Hayek’s Frida: A Look at Hollywood’s Attempt to Make Art about Artists

Guests:     Karen Tongson    Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh    Sarah Kessler We're getting down into the down and dirty story <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/dirty-john">Dirty John</a>, 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 <a href="http://usc.academia.edu/SarahKessler">Sarah Kessler</a> who happens to also be married to our very own Karen Tongson. Dirty John is the true crime story about Debra Newell, a successful Orange County businesswoman who seemed to have everything going for her except when it came to love. In her middle age, she began online dating and met this guy who her two daughters found extremely shady. Obviously, throughout the course of the limited series starring Connie Britton and Eric Bana, she and we find out why. We take a deep dive into what it is that titillates and draws us into the dark and disturbing world of true crime. The panel takes a look at podcasts like Teacher's Pet, Serial and Bear Brook, among others, as well as shows such as Making a Murderer, Lifetime’s A Woman Scorned and the sensational, made-for-tv accounts of the most notorious serial killers. What does true crime tell us about women and what does it tell women to watch out for? Find out! List of All the True Crimes Stories Referenced in the Episode <a href="https://serialpodcast.org/">Serial</a> <a href="https://www.bearbrookpodcast.com/">Bear Brook</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-teachers-pet/id1385379989?mt=2"> Teacher's Pet</a> <a href="https://atlantamonster.com/">Atlanta Monster</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_VsB_NZLSs&t=1s">Star 80</a> <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/steve-mcnair-fall-of-a-titan-podcast">Fall of a Titan: The Steve McNair Story</a> <a href="https://www.apmreports.org/in-the-dark/season-one">In the Dark</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/49-chris-watts-family-annihilator/id1200565928?i=1000419870302&mt=2"> Crime & Scandal: Chris Watts</a> All Abouts Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh is all about the interpersonal dynamics at play at H.W. Bush’s funeral. Sarah Kessler is all about <a href="https://www.hbo.com/my-brilliant-friend">My Brilliant Friend</a> on HBO based on the bestselling series by Elena Ferrante. Karen Tongson is all about a recent stand-up set she saw of <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/80213800?trackId=200257859">Aparna Nancherla</a>. That's My Jam Sarah Kessler - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1sTQe7ejS8AFBN1KuFcSGf">Stereolab - Outer Accelerator</a> Wynter - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kSZVtLFygs">Grace Jones - Slave to the Rhythm</a> Karen Tongson - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7BhYvR5JIfzeQqcezhQy0X">Juliana Hatfield - A Little More Love</a> With <a href="https://twitter.com/InlandEmperor">Karen Tongson</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/wyntermitchell">Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/moveablejaw">Sarah Rebecca Kessler</a>. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/761201723957421/">Facebook group</a> or via <a href="https://twitter.com/PopRocket">@PopRocket</a> on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/poprocketpodcast/?hl=en">Instagram</a>. Produced by <a href="http://maximumfun.org/laura-swisher">Laura Swisher</a> for <a href="http://www.maximumfun.org/">MaximumFun.org</a>. Edited by <a href="https://twitter.com/sjdaloria?lang=en">Shana Daloria</a>.

Pop Rocket Ep. 203 Bravo’s Dirty John & Our True Crime Obsession w/ Sarah Kessler

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 Ya?’s Ricky Carmona to subject themselves to some of her favorite movies from the holiday genre, such as Black Christmas, Silent Night, Deadly Night, and their sequels. Our special guest this week is the hilarious Ricky Carmona, the host of the Maximum Fun movie podcast Who Shot Ya? and he's also a staff writer on the Comedy Central TV series Tosh.0. All Abouts Margaret is all about ROMA, a new film by acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón. The movie is heavily based on his childhood in Mexico City in the 1970s and his family's live-in housekeeper. Karen has a backhanded All About on Netflix's bro-y, new food competition show The Final Table. Ricky is all about Adam Sandler's latest stand-up comedy special also on Netflix called 100% Fresh. Wynter is all about season 1 of the USA Network crime drama The Sinner starring Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman. That's My Jam Margaret - Phosphorescent - New Birth in New England. Karen - This Is Me (Reimagined Remix) - Keala Settle, Kesha & Missy Elliott Ricky - Sounds of Blackness - Optimistic Wynter - Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band - Great to Be Here With Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler , and Ricky Carmona/a>. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 202 Holiday Horror w/ Ricky Carmona

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, and everyone was walking on eggshells. Will our panelists be able to make it through a discussion of awkward family gatherings without bursting into tears? Will Wynter be triggered by a clip of The Family Stone? Will Margaret angrily scream, “Eat the fish, b***h!”? The panel dissects some of their favorite awkward moments--on screen and off--and try to figure out why we’re so captivated by angry, obnoxious relatives. If any of you out there have concerns about fraught dinner conversations over turkey, stuffing, and sides, the panelists are here for you! All Abouts Margaret alerted us to a fine piece of writing from New York Times critic Amanda Hess, who laments, “nothing ever ends anymore and it’s driving me insane.” If you’re overwhelmed by sequels, prequels, reboots, and overlapping universes, she’s a kindred spirit. If no one spots Wynter out in the wild over the next two weeks, it’s probably because she’s playing her newest video game obsession Red Dead Redemption II. Karen recently discovered the new ABC sitcom Single Parents starring Taran Killam, Leighton Meester and Jake Choi. That's My Jam Wynter - Michelle Obama - Becoming Karen - Shawn Mendes - Lost in Japan Margaret - Barrie - Michigan With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 201 Our Awkward Thanksgiving Show

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 moment in pop culture, talk Taylor Swift then and now, and how much things have changed in terms of trans visibility from back in 2015 when Caitlyn Jenner sat down for an interview with Diane Sawyer on 20/20, and the strides we've made since then. In addition, Guy takes us with him to the seaside town of Mendocino and lets us eavesdrop as he attempts to talk to his mother Deb and his niece Olivia about the pop culture they are currently consuming. All Abouts Margaret highly recommends There There: A Novel by Tommy Orange. Wynter is all about Michelle Obama’s new book Becoming, but in audiobook format. Karen’s into Survivor 37: David vs Goliath. That's My Jam Wynter - Rihanna - Bitch Better Have My Money Karen - Carly Rae Jepsen - Party for One Margaret - Lower Dens - To Die in L.A. With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 200 Our 200th Episode!

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 conversation that I really wanted to have with Kanye because he's been so vocal about his own mental health struggles. Unfortunately, I think to have that conversation with him right now would not be productive and a total distraction from the point of the convo which is to eradicate the stigma of mental health especially in the black community." Well, we’re going to have that conversation today and we're joined by Clarkisha Kent, film and pop culture critic- known to some as a "professional hater." The panelists discuss rapper Mac Miller's death, Chris Brown's history of domestic violence, and Jay-Z's openness about lacking the necessary emotional tools for marriage, among other things. To be clear, we are not medical professionals. All Abouts Margaret is all about Lucy McBath. Lucy is the newly elected Representative of Georgia's 6th Congressional district. She is a national spokeswoman for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, which she joined after her son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed in what is believed to be a hate crime. Karen is all about Sharice Davids. She's one of the two Native American women elected to Congress in the midterm election and represents Kansas's 3rd district. Clarkisha is all about the Twitter beef between herself and other black critics and Rebel Wilson over Rebel's claim that she is the first plus-sized woman to lead a romantic comedy. Wynter is all about Season 4: The Dream Door of the Syfy channel's horror anthology TV show "Channel Zero." That's My Jam Margaret - Jamie Isaac - Doing Better Karen - Ariana Grande - thank u, next Clarkisha - The New Respects - Something to Believe In Wynter - Tori Amos - Cornflake Girl With Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and Clarkisha Kent. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria. This episode was engineered by Christian Dueñas.

Pop Rocket Ep. 199 Hip Hop, Pop, and Mental Health w/ Clarkisha Kent

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 suggestions on Facebook and Twitter, this time the panel decided to consider the names of only the most committed Pop Rocket listeners--those who cared enough about voting that they called in to make their case. One listener even called TWICE. Special thanks must go to everyone who called in. Your grassroots efforts to influence the panelists worked. Names that might have been dismissed out of hand if merely tweeted, were taken much more seriously. So, who will get to update their IMDB page awards section with a Pop Rocket Seal of Approval win? And might this episode feature a DOUBLE nomination? It might! Here is the full list of names submitted to the panel for consideration. They are listed in the order their calls were received: Tina Turner, Kristen Bell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kelly Clarkson, Robyn, Carly Rae Jepsen, Angela Lansbury, and Terry Crews. So who is the first-ever PRSOA recipient? You’ll find out. Jam Abouts = All Abouts + That's My Jam Karen - Les Misérables: New York 1987 Original Broadway Cast - One Day More Wynter - Michael Jackson - Leave Me Alone Margaret - Willie Nelson - Vote 'Em Out. Guy is all about the new Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix, which is darker and sexier than the original show about the half-mortal, half-witch teen Sabrina Spellman. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 198 The Very First Pop Rocket Seal of Approval

**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) 237-4108** Jamie Lee Curtis is smashing box office records, and the Pop Rocket panel APPROVES. In this episode, Guy, Wynter, Karen, and Margaret share their favorite scares, from new shows like The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix and the CW's Charmed, to the latest season of American Horror Story: Apocalypse. Plus, they tackle the important questions, such as, “What Stephen King movie is the best?” and “What is it really going to take for Jamie Lee Curtis to kill Mike Myers?” And they lament that we are still awaiting a Halloween novelty song to top Michael Jackson's Thriller. All Abouts Wynter is all about the Lifetime TV psychological thriller/romance You, which stars Penn Badgley and delves into themes of stalking, obsession, social media, and sociopathic detachment. Margaret is all about Girl Talk's 2010 album All Day, which is the only album that will get Silas to sleep these days. Karen is all about an impassioned voicemail she received from Tina Turner devotee Nick White, who made an exceptionally strong case to award the very first Pop Rocket Seal of Approval to Tina Turner. Guy is all about food writer Samin Nosrat's Netflix show Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. That's My Jam Karen - ANOHNI - Hopelessness Wynter - Chaka Khan - Like Sugar Margaret - Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind - The Shining Main Title Theme. Guy - The Go-Go's - Vacation With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to let us know who you think should receive the first Pop Rocket Seal of Approval, or just call to get advice, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 197 Halloween & the Horror We Love

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 check in, there’s a storm a-brewin'. Join Guy, Karen, Margaret, and producer/film festival programmer/Who Shot Ya contributor and now Pop Rocket guest Drea Clark as they pick apart Drew Goddard’s neo-noir ensemble Bad Times at The El Royale. They get into the movie's twists, turns, non-linear construction, Cynthia Erivo's breakout performance, and how it's kind of likeQuentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, but not nearly as macho. All Abouts Drea is all about a long read article from The Texas Monthly called The Love Story that Upended the Texas Prison System about the alliance and romantic relationship between a lawyer and an inmate that ultimately brought attention to a nationwide scandal and disrupted the system of abuse of prisoners in Texas. Margaret is all about the second season of the Slate podcast Slow Burn, which covers the impeachment of former president Bill Clinton. Karen is all about The LA Dodgers pulling ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers (as of last Wednesday) in the National League Championship Series. Guy is all about Glenn Close's performance in her new movie The Wife. That's My Jam Karen - Trashcan Sinatras - All Night Margaret - Alvvays - In Undertow. Drea - Tierra Whack - MUMBO JUMBO With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Drea Clark, and Margaret Wappler. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 196 Bad Times at the El Royale w/Drea Clark

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 she loves. On this episode, we go over the history of this film and all the remakes, share predictions on whether The Academy will hand out statues to Lady Gaga and/or Bradley Cooper, or if they'll have to settle for the less-prestigious adulation from foreign journalists. Plus, Karen pushes back on Sam Adams's Slate article, which argues that "the movie's battle between rock and pop, authenticity and artifice, and art and commerce is outdated at best." All Abouts Wynter is all about the new Halloween starring Jamie Lee Curtis and the kerfuffle over Curtis's views on gun ownership on Fox News. Karen is all about NBC's new primetime airplane sci-fi thriller, Manifest. Margaret is all about the Twitter beef between Lana Del Rey and Azealia Banks over rapper Ye formerly known as Kanye West's MAGA-ness. Guy is all about Katmai National Park & Preserve's Fat Bear Week competition. That's My Jam Karen - Barbara Streisand - Evergreen (Love Theme from "A Star is Born" 1976) Wynter - Lady Gaga - Why Did You Do That? (A Star is Born Soundtrack) Margaret - Judy Garland - Over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Guy - Cher - Waterloo With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 195 A Star is Born

***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 and raunchy sex comedies. Margaret Wappler hosts our discussion this week with Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and our guest, actor, and comedian Ted Alexandro who has a new comedy special Senior Class of Earth. The panel revisits supposedly harmless, goofball adolescent comedies and considers how they may have influenced the way a whole generation views consent (and yes, we are talking about rape culture). Does a culture that permits youthful experimentation -mistakes and all- open the door to complacency about assault? All Abouts Wynter is all about an article in GQ by author Marian Bull that explains how men can talk to women in their lives about all the triggering stuff in the news involving the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Karen is all about Chris, the new album by Christine and the Queens (aka Heloise Letissier), in particular, the song: Comme si. Ted is all about celebrating his one-year wedding anniversary with his wife, Madalyn, who joins him in Los Angeles this week to promote his album Senior Class of Earth. Margaret is all about Matt Damon's performance as Brett Kavanaugh on SNL. That's My Jam Karen - Selena Gomez - Back to You Wynter - Little Wayne - Uproar (Official Audio) Carter V Ted - Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity Margaret - Noname - Self. With Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Ted Alexandro. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 194 We Hate the 80s and Brett Kavanaugh Edition w/Ted Alexandro

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 Netflix's Maniac, and another who couldn't make it through the season. If you're curious whether Amazon Prime's The First is worth your time, Tongson's got some opinions. They'll cover Bojack Horseman, National Treasure, Ozark, The Sinner and more. All Abouts Wynter is all about the tea behind Kevin Systrom, CEO and co-founder of Instagram, departing Facebook, which bought the photo-sharing app six years ago. Karen is all about basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar's latest gig: staff writer on the new Veronica Mars. Guy is all about the new Netflix romcom Nappily Ever After starring Sanaa Lathan. That's My Jam Karen - SWV (Sisters with Voices) - Right Here Guy - Troye Sivan - Seventeen. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 193 Our TV Shows You Should Binge-Watch Right Now Episode

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 find out as the panel weighs in on these questions and more. The Pop Rocket Seal of Approval The full quorum convened to vote on another nominee for the Pop Rocket Seal of Approval. Listeners will remember that the last time a quorum was convened, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson did not receive enough votes from the three panelists present--Guy, Karen & Margaret. He was denied the award based on damaging GOP convention and Ballers-related critiques. In this episode, the panelists vote on whether to grant the accolade to Crazy Ex Girlfriend star and creator Rachel Bloom. Will her boundary-pushing musical-making hustle and sexualization of the hot, Asian bro win the judges over? Jam Abouts = All Abouts + That's My Jam Wynter is all about André & Sarah - the sixth episode in the Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen Amazon series Forever. Karen is all about the new Paul Feig film A Simple Favor starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Crazy Rich Asians’ Henry Golding. Margaret is all about the 3rd season of HBO's Insecure. Guy is all about the adorably cute YouTube video series Kids Try by HiHo Kids. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 192 The Pop Rocket Seal of Approval - Is It Rachel’s Time to Bloom? Plus Destination Wedding

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 full panel - Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell (don't forget) Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler - put on their Grammy judge hats and measure up the best cuts from music makers this past season. What criteria make a tune a summertime anthem? Is it the dance beat? The song's ubiquity? The convertible factor? A dark city feeling? Does the magic of Cardi B's "I Like It" rest solely on its sample of Peter Rodriquez's I Like It Like That? Is Zedd, Marren Morris, Grey's "The Middle" too much negotiation and not enough sex, love, and urgency? Find out which song made Silas get down like no one was watching and which panelist has a knack for converting jams into pet cat lullabies. Shout outs also go to honorable mentions and listeners' suggestions that didn't quite make the cut. All Abouts Margaret is all about Mandy Moore's newly remodeled mid-century modern home in Pasadena. Wynter is all about TV writer and producer Linda Bloodworth Thomason's op-ed in The Hollywood Reporter where she channels a glowing fury and details the misogynistic bullying she faced from disgraced former CBS CEO Les Moonves. Les Moonves, Go fuck yourself! Karen is all about the post-BBC reboot of The Great British Baking Show. Guy is all about Cynthia Nixon's appearance at the old school, crusty Brooklyn gay bar The Metropolitan before the New York Governor Primary. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler. Summer Jam Finalists: Cardi B - I Like It Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey - The Middle Ariana Grande - R.E.M. Maroon 5 - Girls Like You Lizzo - Boys Years & Years - All For You Migos - Walk It Talk It Drake - In My Feelings Drake - Nice For What Calvin Harris feat. Dua Lipa - One Kiss Troye Sivan - Bloom Summer Honorable Mentions: Big Freedia feat. Lizzo - Karaoke Years & Years - If You're Over Me Matt Rogers - Be A Bitch To Your Friends (This Pride) Aloe Blacc - Brooklyn in the Summer You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 191 2018 Summer Jams

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 shows they're most excited about this upcoming season. Rocketeers, this here preview is the closest most of us will get to an actual harvest. The guys pick over the latest crop of entertainment offerings, including the Murphy Brown reboot, the end of Big Bang Theory, American Horror Story's upcoming convergence of its former Murder House and Coven seasons, the Italian supernatural horror film Suspiria, buzz around Lady Gaga's performance in A Star is Born, and Chloë Sevigny's disappointment over the toning down of the "smash the patriarchy" vibe in her new biopic Lizzie, about Lizzie Borden, notorious for killing her parents with an axe in 1892. All Abouts Karen is all about the actor Geoffrey Owens, who played Elvin on The Cosby Show, talking to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America about work, labor shaming, and the false idea that some jobs carry more dignity than others. Wynter is all about Succession, which is HBO's new drama loosely based on Rupert Murdoch and his family. Guy is all about Support the Girls starring Regina Hall. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh. That's My Jam: Wynter - Ariana Grande - R.E.M. Karen - Genesis- That's All. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 190 Our Pumpkin-Spiced Fall Preview

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 white privilege problems at Issa's nonprofit We Got Y'all, Issa's side gig as a Lyft driver, and Molly's experiences at her new black corporate law firm. They also talk about which characters they want moved from periphery to center. Do they miss Issa's ex, Lawrence? And do they buy into Molly's polyamorous relationship? Or is she's really just a glorified side b****? All Abouts Wynter is all about the horror film Hereditary. Tre'vell is all about the new musical covering the life and times of the Motown group The Temptations called Ain't Too Proud. Karen is all about more Asian American representation in Hollywood via John Cho's new thriller Searching. That's My Jam: Tre'vell - Teyana Taylor - WTP Wynter - DJ AM - Unreleased Mixes. Karen - Christine and the Queens- 5 dollars You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Tre'vell Anderson. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 189 HBO's Insecure Season 3 w/ LA Times Film Reporter Tre'vell Anderson

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 food porn in the book match up with the food porn on screen? Who would be the leading man in the sequel? Was the movie "Asian enough"? In lieu of our regular segment That's My Jam, Andrew shares one of his favorite Chinese language covers of a Western hit and how he really felt about all the Asian language covers in the movie. Also, the gang offers up some real talk about the movie's celebration of #AsianJoy, the uncomfortable ways that class played out in the film, and colorism among Asian ethnicities. All Abouts Andrew is all about Season 3 of the Syfy TV series The Expanse. Alonso is all about the new comedy Support the Girls starring Regina Hall. Karen is all about the social media eruption over the prominent queer-identified theorist Avital Ronell and her alleged sexual harassment of a male graduate student. Guy is all about the other Asian American centered movie you should be paying attention to Netflix's To All The Boys I've Loved Before. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Andrew Ti, and Alonso Duralde. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Ep. 188 Crazy Rich Asians (The Movie) with Alonso Duralde & Andrew Ti

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 Singapore, but the main story in the first book Crazy Rich Asians centers around Rachel and Nick-a young couple who've been dating for two years. They're both professors living in contemporary New York. Very much in love- Nick finally invites Rachel to travel to Singapore to meet his family. Curiously, Rachel knows nothing about them and once she gets there realizes that they are insanely, filthy, rich billionaires. The panelists give us their rundown of the most fascinating themes and threads in the books including: the food, the fashion, colonialism's legacy, money vs. class, tensions between Singaporeans and mainland Chinese, hierarchies among Asian nations, assumptions about Oliver T'sien's sexuality, and then they decide who from the book they'd marry, fuck, kill, (and add to their book club). As if that weren't enough, one of the panelists--and we won't say which one--muses, "Maybe she was dickmatized?" Feel free to guess which one of our esteemed panelists said that in the comments section below. All Abouts Margaret is all about the Kevin Kwan's descriptions of Astrid's fashion "it-girlness." Astrid is Nick's cousin who is super beautiful, posh, and interesting. She's every panelists favorite character in the series. Karen is all about the reading list in the second book China Rich Girlfriend that is given to a character who is undergoing an image makeover. The character hires an image consultant who is trying to teach her about all the "right" things to talk about and all the "right" cultural references to use in conversation. Guy is all about the pineapple tarts described in the book in that they represent the very fascinating place of colonialism in Singapore's history. Spoiler alert: Singapore was under British rule for about 400 years. These tarts are an Asian modification of a French dessert that represent nostalgia, warmth, and memories of home, but also symbolize status. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler,. That's My Jam: Margaret - Dua Lipa and Calvin Harris - One Kiss. Karen - Faye Wong - Summer of Love Guy - Aretha Franklin - Freedom from Blues Brothers movie You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Ep. 187 Summer Book Club: Crazy Rich Asians

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 we gravitate toward on the Internet when we need a dose of adorable. Go ahead, try not to smile when you listen to this episode. All Abouts Margaret is all about the Vulture interview by David Marchese with Kathleen Turner. Bari is all about the birthday and career renaissance of the child actor twins Cole Sprouse and Dylan Sprouse. Matt is all about Beyonce and Jay-Z's On The Run II concert. Karen is all about the season 4 premiere of The Food Network's Episode 7 of Chopped Grill Masters. With Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler,, Matt Bellassai, and Bari Finkel. That's My Jam: Bari - Beyonce - If I Were a Boy/You Oughta Know (live). Matt Mamma Mia Soundtrack - Mamma Mia. Karen - Maroon 5 - Girls Like You feat. Cardi B.. Margaret - James Blake - Choose Me. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Ep. 186 Joyful Pop Culture w/ Matt Bellassai and Bari Finkel

***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 doing an in-depth exploration of Bo Burnham's debut film Eighth Grade. The movie centers around this socially awkward teen girl who tries really hard to fit it and be popular at school, but can't quite get there. Karen, Margaret, and Linda harken back to the drama of that time in their own lives, and also flesh out whether one of the scenes in the movie should--or not--be labeled a #MeToo moment. All Abouts Margaret is all about journalist href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/25/magazine/big-business-gwyneth-paltrow-wellness.html">Taffy Brodesser-Akner's latest article in the NYTimes Magazine about Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand company Goop and how it went from Paltrow's Martha Stewart-like project to a 250 million dollar company. Linda is all about a new (and disappointing) study on inequality in film out of USC Annenberg that highlights the lack of progress in inclusion in film. Karen is all about Episode 7 of The Affair, specifically the scene that features “sapphic dabbling in a yurt” between Helen (Maura Tierney) and Sierra (Emily Browning). With Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and Linda Holmes. That's My Jam: Linda- Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone. Margaret - Nine Inch Nails - Down In It. Karen - Debbie Gibson- Only In My Dreams. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 185: “Eighth Grade” and Awkward Adolescence w/ NPR's Linda Holmes

  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 Cohen's new Showtime series Who Is America. Not unlike his previous series, Da Ali G Show, which aired on HBO in the early aughts, Cohen continues his controversial schtick of interviewing people in character while trying to get them to humiliate themselves all for our viewing pleasure. They draw the connections between Cohen's comedy and Sarah's show Unreal. The fourth and final season of Unreal recently came out on Hulu. Jonathan Gold First, the crew pays tribute to the late, great Los Angeles food critic Jonathan Gold. Gold was the city's unofficial ambassador whose reviews propped up great restaurants on the verge of going out of business, gave a spotlight to forgotten histories, but more than anything taught Angelenos to be less afraid of their neighbors. The Pop Rocket Seal of Approval Two weeks ago Guy created the Pop Rocket Seal of Approval and quickly submitted its first nomination: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This week we had enough of a quorum to hold our first-ever vote. Guy, Margaret, and Karen each weigh in with the pros and cons of awarding this prestigious honor to The Rock, and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro comes in hot with her own opinions (but no voting rights). Will The Rock earn Pop Rocket's first ever Seal of Approval? Find out! With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro. That's My Jam: Margaret - Demi Lovato - Sober. Karen - Lisa Loeb - Stay (I Missed You). Sarah- Nina Simone - Ain't Got No, I Got Life (Live). Guy - Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey - The Middle . You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Pop Rocket Ep. 184: "Who is America?" w/ "UnReal" Creator Sarah Gertrude Shapiro

***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 Riley's new movie Sorry to Bother You. Guy, Kevin and Margaret discover that, like Sorry to Bother You's Cassius Green, they all worked as telemarketers. Plus Guy reveals the film's best actor and Kevin tells us about the time he asked Boots for help on a short film. All Abouts  Margaret is all about Bhad Bhabie- a troubled Florida teen turned rapper based off of a performance on Dr. Phil where she was a guest with her mom. There's this really smart analysis of the Bhad Bhabie phenomenon in the NY Times by Jamie Lauren Keiles who breaks down what she means for the entertainment industry. Kevin is all about not being about Drake's latest song and the dance challenge it spawned that's sweeping the nation: In My Feelings. The challenge even got Will Smith dancing on a bridge. Guy is all about the hard-working, talented, and badass Korean-Canadian actress Sandra Oh, who has had to work twice as hard to get half as far in entertainment. She's finally getting her due as the first woman of Asian descent to be nominated for an Emmy in the category of lead actress for Killing Eve. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, and Kevin Avery. That's My Jam: Margaret - The Coup - 5 Million Ways to Kill a C.E.O. Kevin- Justin Timberlake - Higher Higher. Guy - Years & Years - All For You. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Ep. 183: "Sorry to Bother You" w/ Kevin Avery

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 is all about Won't You Be My Neighbor?, the Fred Rogers biopic that’s guaranteed to conjure up feelings of love and kindness even in this divisive time. Karen is all about the second season of the Netflix series GLOW, especially the eighth episode, which may be the show’s crowning achievement. Guy is all about the video game Fobia on Steam, which finally gave him the type of gaming that he can embrace. The group will give their thoughts on the HBO series Sharp Objects, including why Amy Adams works so well playing a real person. They also discuss what makes the HBO television production model work so well, and why that might change in the future. Plus, they’ll introduce some new elements to the podcast: The Wappler Test and the Pop Rocket seal of approval. The Pop Rocket 2018 Summer Book Club is a go! We’re reading  Crazy Rich Asians. Join the Facebook group and get in on the conversation. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret -  Kiira - Messy. Karen -  Swingout Sister - Breakout. Guy -  Pitbull - Free Free Free. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

Ep. 182: HBO's Sharp Objects and the Wappler Test

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 your phone every day, which she hopes will help keep her phone out of her motherhood. Karen is all about  LeBron James being signed to the LA Lakers and everyone celebrating something good finally happening for the Lakers. Guy is all about the Amazon Prime movieThe Little Hours which features plenty of effective comedy and just the right amount of Aubrey Plaza. The group will take an extensive look at modern media that doesn’t require a screen; everything from drawing, tarot cards, The Joy of Cooking, the card game Set and so much more The Pop Rocket 2018 Summer Book Club is a go! We’re reading  Crazy Rich Asians. Join the Facebook group and get in on the conversation. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret - My Bathroom Is a Private Kind of Place. Karen -  10,000 Maniacs - These Are Days Guy -  Betty Who - Taste. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Ep. 181 Unplugged: Declaring Independence from Glowing Screens

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 a respite of pleasantness in the current world of television. Margaret is all about Michelle Goldberg's NYT op-ed  We Have a Crisis of Democracy, Not Manners, which takes a look at the morality behind Sarah Huckabee Sanders being kicked out of a restaurant. Karen is all about The World Cup, especially the Group that includes Mexico, Sweden, Germany and South Korea. Guy is all about the Netflix series  Alex Strangelove a show with a lot of potential…but suffers from the unfortunate issue of being stuck in white suburbia. The group will take an extensive look at Dietland and the history of fat characters on television. Why is it that even the “good” takes on this archetype often end up feeling incomplete? What would it take for people to get past the message of “body empowerment” when writing stories about fat bout fat people? The Pop Rocket 2018 Summer Book Club is a go! We’re reading  Crazy Rich Asians. Join the Facebook group and get in on the conversation. With Lindy West, Karen Tongson, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret -  The Carters - NICE. Karen -  Germans - Cruel Lindy -  Bobby McFerrin - Don’t Worry Be Happy. Guy -  Lizzo - Boys. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Ep. 180: Dietland is Unapologetically Fat w/ Lindy West

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 bubble from the rest of the scary world. Jordan is all about is all about Hearts Beat Loud, a summer film that offers the perfect respite from the deluge of CGI battles on the silver screen. Sudi is all about the book  Educated, a memoir from Tara Westover that’s startlingly dark, but compulsively readable. Karen is all about The Showtime series The Affair, which just began its latest season and has all the hetero-disaster-kink that fans of the show have come to expect. Guy is all about the Netflix film  Set it Up, a rom-com that’s getting a lot of love online… but he just couldn’t quite get into. The group will take an extensive look at their personal pop culture bubbles; the things that help define their outlook on life in an unchallenged way. But as this country feels more and more divided, not just politically but in media tastes, what shows and films are there that transcend the borders of the Bubble and unite everyone in their consumption? They’ll provide the answers. With Sudi Green, Karen Tongson, Guy Branum and Jordan Morris. The Pop Rocket 2018 Summer Book Club is a go! We’re reading  Crazy Rich Asians. Join the Facebook group and get in on the conversation. That’s My Jam: Sudi -  Rachel Crow - Dime. Karen Tongson -  Huey Lewis and the News - Do You Believe in Love? Jordan Morris -  Rachel Cantu - Love Rush. Guy Branum -  Calvin Harris (with Dua Lipa) - One Kiss. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Ep. 179: What's in YOUR (pop culture) Bubble? w/ Jordan Morris and Sudi Green

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 that is Kingdom Hearts III. Margaret is all about Ocean's 8, a film that may be full of missed opportunities, but also has enough iconic moments to make it worth the watch. Karen is all about Hannah Gadsby and her newest show  Nanette which showcases plenty of laughs and an explanation for why she’s quitting comedy. Matt is all about the trailer for A Star is Born. Guy is all about the Netflix show  Lost in Space a sci-fi show that he says is a perfect example of “Competence Porn.” The group will take an extensive look at Pose, including which characters they enjoy (and which they can’t stand), how they first learned about Ball culture, and why fans of Ru Paul’s Drag Racemight enjoy the show. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson,  Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. That’s My Jam: Matt Rogers -  Shea Couleé - Crème Brûlée. Karen Tongson-  Christine and the Queens - dis-moi Margaret Wappler -  Bryan Ferry - Slave to Love. Guy Branum -  Little Big Town - Summer Fever. Bowen Yang -  Big Freedia - Play feat. Goldiie You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Ep. 179: Strike a Pose with Las Culturistas

**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 dude-bros. The gang will discuss the finale of FX Series The Americans and the effect of the Cold War on pop culture. Alonso is all about is all about  National Drive-In Day, which is on June 6th but can absolutely be celebrated all month. Margaret is all about Ali Wong’s new Netflix Special Hard Knock Wife , which has gained a lot of attention for being equal parts hilarious, honest and raunchy. Karen is all about the finale of The Americans which - SPOILER ALERT - she and Alonso will discuss in detail. And in honor the Russian spy drama coming to an end, the team will take a look at what effect the Cold War, nuclear anxiety and cloak-and-dagger politics had on pop culture, both in the modern context and in the 80’s. With Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde -  The Police - Miss Gradenko. Karen Tongson -  Sting - Russians Margaret Wappler -  The Smiths - Ask. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Pop Rocket Ep. 178: We Say Goodbye to The Americans

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 Jamil, who criticized  Kim Kardashian for advertising appetite suppressing lolly-pops, in spite of the wrath that Jamil may incur. Margaret is all about the first episode of Patrick Melrose, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a heroine addicted man whose life is hard to watch, but who is so strongly portrayed that it’s hard to look away. Guy is all about the Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary RBG, which he hopes will finally help people understand why she was such an important woman. Karen is all about the recent series finales, even the ones for shows that aren’t confirmed to return and ended on huge cliffhangers like NBC’s Timeless. It’s going to be Summer soon and that means peak travel season is almost here! The panel will discuss some of their favorite places to travel abroad, what they look for when they have two weeks to spend in a new location and With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and Katherine Spiers . That’s My Jam: Katherine Spiers -  Charlie Puth - Done For Me. Karen Tongson-  Backstreet Boys - Don’t go Breaking My Hear Margaret Wappler -  Henry Green - Something. Guy Branum The We Knows Parenting podcast. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Ep. 177: The Passport Edition

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 to be friends with other women. Margaret is all about the podcast The Habitat, which tracks people as they live out a simulated mission on Mars to learn that no matter which planet you’re on, living with strangers will always annoy you. Guy is all about the film The Dressmaker, which he fell in love with the only way he knew how: by reading the Wikipedia article. Karen is all about the surprisingly affecting Netflix documentary The Rachel Divide. In honor of Summer reading season being on the horizon, the panel will discuss what books, magazines and articles have caught their eye lately. Plus they’ll talk about where and how often they love to read, and Mallory will share one book that she absolutely can’t stand. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and Mallory O’Meara . That’s My Jam: Mallory O’Meara -  A Perfect Circle - Hourglass. Karen Tongson-  Tears for Fears - Ideas As Opiates Margaret Wappler -  Madonna - Borderline. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Ep. 176: Baby Got Books w/ Mallory O'Meara

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 world. Margaret is all about the podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones, which tells the history of country music, warts and all. Guy is all about The Party, a movie he was certain he would hate, but it flipped his expectations in the best possible way. Andrew is all about the cancellation and swift revival of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The panel will discuss the upcoming Royal Wedding, why this sort of extravaganza captures the attention of a global audience and why it was worth a Lifetime TV movie. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Andrew Ti and Humphrey Ker.

Ep. 175: A Royal Good Time: Englishman Humphrey Ker Joins Pop Rocket to Talk Meghan & Harry

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 pop culture. Edan is all about  the novel Blue Bird Blue Bird by Attica Locke, which she says is filled with the best kind of thriller tropes. Margaret is all about the Netflix series The Letdown, a show that features all the joy of motherhood… and just the right amount of its dark side. Guy is all about Natasha Leggero and Moshe Kasher’s new comedy special The Honeymoon Tour, a three-part piece that features one of the scariest and greatest things a comedian can attempt: interacting with the audience. Andrew is all about Childish Gambino’s music video This is America, including the analysis and backlash to the analysis. The panel will discuss how they feel the portrayal of motherhood in pop culture has evolved over the years, in everything from Fresh Off the Boat and Transparent to Tully and Carrie. Plus, they’ll explain some of the damaging tropes of mothers on TV, and which shows are finally starting to get it right. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler,  Andrew Ti and  Edan Lepucki. That’s My Jam: Edan Lepucki -  Gino Paoli - Sapore di Sale. Andrew Ti - B.B. King & UGK (mixed by AMERIGO GAZAWAY) - Make Love To My Car Margaret Wappler -  Kacey Musgraves - Space Cowboy. Guy Branum -  Troye Sivan - Bloom. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. And you can follow us on Instagram as well. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Ep. 174: Bad Moms

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 Bledel in Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, even though it puts a character she cares about though even more difficulties. Margaret and Guy are all about Michelle Wolf’s routine at The White House Correspondent’s Dinner and are very confused about the outrage that’s surrounded it. Andrew is all about Avengers: Infinity War even though he didn’t quite understand the storytelling subtleties of the plot. The panel will their discuss what they think of Scandal; everything from the finale, how closely they’ve watched the show since it started and where Olivia Pope fits in with the pantheon of women anti-heroes on TV. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Andrew Ti. That’s My Jam: Karen Tongson -  Maroon 5, SZA - What Lovers Do Andrew Ti - The Higher Brother - Made in China Margaret Wappler -  The Pointer Sisters - Automatic. Guy Branum - Kacey Musgraves - High Horse. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Ep. 173: The Rogue Robots of Westworld...and Beyond

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 an important addition to Asian representation in popular media (which, let’s face it, is limited). Margaret is all about a recent article about parents raising their children as “Theybies”. Guy is all about the new film I Feel Pretty, a comedy that, while not without a slightly problematic message, shines through with plenty of laughs from Amy Schumer. The panel will their discuss what they think of Scandal; everything from the finale, how closely they’ve watched the show since it started and where Olivia Pope fits in with the pantheon of women anti-heroes on TV. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Karen Tongson -  Joe Jackson - Steppin’ Out. Margaret Wappler - Sampha - (No One Knows Me) Like the Piano. Guy Branum - Kacey Musgraves - High Horse. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

#172: In Praise of the Pope of Washington

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 video for  Janelle Monáe’s new music video for the track PYNK, which she says may have established her as a force in queer performance and art. Guy and Wynter are all about Beyonce’s Coachella performance, which may have single-handedly made the music festival relevant again. Riley is all about the movie Wynter Mitchell and Riley Silverman. That’s My Jam: Riley Silverman - Jeremy Jordan - She Used to be Mine Karen Tongson -  Windy - The Association  Margaret Wappler -  Nat King Cole - Nature Boy Wynter Mitchell -  Prince - Purple Music Guy Branum - Mel Tormé - Stardust Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Pop Rocket #171: SHHHHHHHHHHH...a quiet place

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 Zen Diaries of Gary Shandling  on HBO, Judd Apatow’s love letter to one of the best and most complex comics in history. Akina is all about Ron Chernow’s biography of Ulysses Grant, which is guaranteed to NOT have not be adapted into a musical. Margaret is all about Junot Diaz’s  New Yorker article about the trauma he experienced as a child. Guy is all about John Sherman’s  Buzzfeed article about Love Simon’s shortcomings as a movie featuring queer characters. The panel will their why cults have become such a fascinating subject in entertainment, including Far Cry 5, Wild, Wild Country and more. Plus, Akin will share her experience of growing up in an actual cult and her thoughts on some of the modern famous charismatic religious figures. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell and Akina Cox. That’s My Jam: Akina Cox - SASAMI - Callous Karen Tongson -  Jens Lekman -To Know Your Mission  Margaret Wappler -   Nat King Cole - Nature Boy Guy Branum  Rex Orange County - Loving is Easy  Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

#170: The Cult Episode

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 way it used music. Guy is all about the Netflix show On the Block. With the Roseanne reboot smashing all kinds of viewing records, the panel weighs in on what it is about the show that gives it such a broad appeal. They also look at why Roseanne is problematic and why the show’s take on gender non-conformity may not be as culturally relevant as the show’s setting would have audiences believe. With  Guy Branum Karen Tongson Margaret Wappler That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Vacationer - Magnetism Karen Tongson - Indigo Girls - Everything’s Alright Guy Branum - Dem Beats - Todrick Hall Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Seeing the World Through Roseanne-Colored Lenses

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 shooting at Stoneland Douglas High School. Karen is all about the NBC drama, Rise, even though it falls into some unfortunate tropes of the white man passing over the qualified woman of color for the job. The panel will explain their first experiences with therapy in their personal lives. Then, they’ll get into therapy in such movies and shows like Big Little Lies, Meet the Fockers, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Sopranos and more. Plus, Megan will give her professional opinion on the benefits and downsides of TV therapy shows like Dr. Phil. With Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and  Megan Auster-Rosen. That’s My Jam: Megan Auster-Rosen - Alicia Keys - No one Karen Tongson - Lovin' Spoonful - Butchie's Tune. Margaret Wappler - Peter Gabriel - Come Talk to Me Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Pop Rocket Ep. 168: On the Couch w/ Megan Auster-Rosen

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 Fight, and Guy has just discovered The Supersizers Go With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell.  That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Led Zeppelin - Good Times Bad Times Karen Tongson - Tove Styrke - I Changed My Mind Guy Branum - Topsy Turvy - Three Little Maids (The Mikado) Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Problematic Faves

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 activist Seren Sensei, who thinks Mars appropriates black culture. Guy Branum comes late to the Insecure party, but he’s seen the light and apologizes to everyone who insisted he should watch the show. Wynter is all about Hypothetical, the OJ Simpson special that, for whatever reason, recently aired. Margaret and Karen both saw A Wrinkle in Time and share their thoughts on the film. Then the gang delve into time travel, and make some profound realizations. If you want to hear about Outlander or Doctor Who, sorry. But if you want to hear their thoughts on Time Traveler’s Wife, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Back to the Future, Quantum Leap, The Arrival and lots of other titles, you’ll be in luck! With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Teena Marie - Deja Vu Karen Tongson - Tracey Thorn - Dancefloor Wynter Mitchell - James Bay - Pink Lemonade Guy Branum - The 5th Dimension - Aquarius Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

An Excellent Adventure in Time Travel

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 Guy Branum is all about the Great White Way, fresh off his trip to New York with his niece. Then the gang delve into Oscar talk, sharing tips on how to guess the most wins on the ballot, how they each watched the awards show and all the hot takes they have. There’s just the right balance of reverence and cattiness. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Chris Schleicher. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Sufjan Stevens - Visions of Gideon Karen Tongson - Jackson Brown - Somebody’s Baby Guy Branum - from Don’t Even Know It - Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Chris Schleicher - BeBe Zahara Benet - Drag Up Your Life Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

A Nonagenarian Named Oscar w/ Chris Schleicher

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 reboot of Heathers, and Wynter discusses GQ's article on Brendan Fraser. And producer Christian comes into the studio for a very special announcement and his very first jam. With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Tavia Nyong'o. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Ella Jenkins - Who's Gonna Be Your Man? Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell- Janelle Monae - Make Me Feel Tavia Nyong'o - MeShell Ndegeocello - Waterfalls Christian Duenas - Frank Ocean - White Ferrari Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org. Farewell Rocketeers! It's been a blast getting to know you all on the Facebook and on Twitter. I'm gonna miss you so much! Christian Dueñas

Wakanda Forever with Tavia Nyong'o

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 his first podcast appearance, Wynter discusses Chris Rock's Netflix special, Guy talks Queer Eye, and the panel has a conversation on Parkland and Emma Gonzalez' speech on gun control. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Tammy Wynette - Stand By Your Man Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell- Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA - All the Stars Guy Branum - Angela Lansbury in The Manchurian Candidate Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Hail to the Matriarchy

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, and Wynter has a few more words on Versace. With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Dave White. That's My Jam: Karen Tongson - The Shins - Heartworms (Flipped) Wynter Mitchell - Justin Timberlake - Filthy Dave White - Trina - Pull Over Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Pop Rocket is for Lovers with Dave White

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 The Alienist, Margaret gets into more podcasts, and Guy is in love with One Day at a Time. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - First Aid Kit - America Karen Tongson - Matthew Wilder - Break My Stride Guy Branum - The comedy of Bob Smith Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

That's What I Do!

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 and her legal feud with Dr. Luke. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, April Wolfe and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Rayvn Lenae - Sticky April Wolfe - Tweak Bird - Whorses Louis Virtel - Colonel Adams - I'm Not Gonna Let You Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

The Fourth Estate in Film

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 Karen discusses The Hollywood Reporter's feature on Ellen Pompeo. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - The Mountain Goats - Wear Black Karen Tongson - Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good Wynter Mitchell - Gary Numan - M.E. Guy Branum - Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

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 Season 15 of Top Chef Colorado, and Guy gives Karen half of his "all about" time so he can share his Top Chef thoughts. Guy's spends the other half of his time telling us about a video reel that played at the gay male wedding he attended this past weekend. For anyone thinking of introducing such a reel at his or her own wedding, Guy's got some opinions on it. Wynter Mitchell's all about Tom Segura's new Netflix comedy special. That's My Jam: Karen Tongson - The Cranberries - Linger Wynter Mitchell - The Cranberries - Ode to My Family Guy Branum - The Sauce Podcast With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket; on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org;.

Call Out Culture

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 let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.  Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

The Third Annual Pop Tart Awards

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 Guy argues on Facebook about Call Me By Your Name. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Jonny Greenwood - House of Woodcock Karen Tongson - Japanese Breakfast - Machinist Wynter Mitchell - ABBA - Happy New Year Guy Branum - Curtiss Maldoon - Sepheryn (Ray of Light) Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

The Endless Red Carpet

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 a 1 second video, and Guy loves Beatriz at Dinner. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song) Karen Tongson - Wham - Last Christmas Wynter Mitchell - Bjork - Arisen my Senses Guy Branum - Lou Bega - Mambo No 5 Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

The Best of the Worst

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 sex therapy podcasts. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - St. Vincent - Pills Karen Tongson - General Public - Never You Done That Wynter Mitchell - Beck - Wow Guy Branum - Lizzo - Truth Hurts Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

I, Tonya

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 - Darlene Love - Christmastime for the Jews Karen Tongson - Fiddler on the Roof - Do You Love Me Wynter Mitchell - Giraffage and Matosic - Slowly Guy Branum - Matisyahu - Miracle Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Hanukkah is a Holiday Too

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 jam makes everyone a little misty eyed, and Karen has a few stories to share about Barbra Streisand. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. Margaret Wappler - LCD Soundsystem - Oh Baby Karen Tongson - Skeeter Davis - The End of the World Guy Branum - Bette Midler - Hello Dolly! Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

The Gang is Back Together

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 soul? Tune in and find out! Plus, Dave wants to dive into sad Christmas, Karen gets into true crime, Wynter's Gotta Have It, and Louis can't help but love Call Me By Your Name. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Dave White. That’s My Jam: Dave White - The Partridge Family - I Can Feel Your Heartbeat Karen Tongson - Mel C - Suddenly Monday Wynter Mitchell - Teen Titans Go! Cast - Work on an Episode Louis Virtel - Boy Krazy - That's What Love Can Do Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Who's in Your Coven?

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 Box of Money Karen Tongson - The Psychedelic Furs - Ghost in You Wynter Mitchell - Spice Girls - Too Much Louis Virtel - Laura Nyro - Wedding Bell Blues Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Once More into the Mailbag

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 talk show host, and Dave can't deal with Oprah's Favorite Things. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Dave White and special guest Katherine Spiers That’s My Jam: Dave White - N.E.R.D - Lemon Karen Tongson - Train - Drops of Jupiter Wynter Mitchell - Joji - Pills Louis Virtel - Jody Watley - I'm the One You Need Katherine Spiers - George Benson - Give Me the Night Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Thanksgiving with Katherine Spiers

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 Dave can't stand any of the Bad Moms. With Louis Virtel, Karen Tongson and Dave White. That’s My Jam: Dave White - Bikini Kill - New Radio Karen Tongson- Icicle Works - Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly) Louis Virtel- Olivia Newton-John - Make a Move on Me Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Faux-tige Fatigue with Dave White

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 Jam: Alonso Duralde - Cheryl Lynn - Star Love Wynter Mitchell - Beck - Seventh Heaven Louis Virtel - Rufus ft. Chaka Khan - Do You Love What You Feel Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

The Unusual Suspect

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 Fierstein's infamous Barbara Walters interview. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Hayley Kiyoko - Feelings Karen Tongson - Etta James - One for My Baby and One More for the Road Wynter Mitchell - Janet Jackson - You Louis Virtel - Alice Merton - No Roots Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Monsters Under The Bed

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 some concerns about the new Mamma Mia. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Bleu - DDBDD  Karen Tongson - St. Vincent - Pills Wynter Mitchell - Da Brat - That's What I'm Looking For Louis Virtel - Klymaxx - The Men All Pause Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Gone But Not Forgotten

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 cupcakes, and a lengthy discussion on the ongoing Weinstein debacle. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Prince - Good Love Karen Tongson - Yaz - Only You Wynter Mitchell - Alt-J - Hunger of the Pine Louis Virtel - Baby - I Want It All Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

When Athletes Become Activists

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 the newest season of You're the Worst, Alonso needs you to listen to KEOM, and Louis can't wait for the First Wives Club TV show. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Bruce Springsteen - Viva Las Vegas Karen Tongson - Color Me Badd - All 4 Love Wynter Mitchell - Tom Petty - I Won't Back Down Louis Virtel - Half the Way - Crystal Gale Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brienfor MaximumFun.org.

It's the End of the World!

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 Gaga's documentary, and Louis wants more genuine "73 Question" interviews like Tracee Ellis Ross. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Curtis Mayfield - Don't Worry If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go Karen Tongson - Melissa Etheridge - I'm the Only One Wynter Mitchell - Debbie Deb - Funky Lil Beat Louis Virtel - Teena Marie - Behind the Groove Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brienfor MaximumFun.org.

Biopics

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 Wife, Grey's Anatomy, American Housewife, This Is Us). Plus, Margaret Wappler calls in to tell us about the pop culture she's been taking in since she's become a mom (hey Silas!) Alonso can't stop talking about Ex Libris Karen is all about the sapphic/sapphic-adjacent content on the Emmy's, and Louis reads a bit of Olivia de Havilland's letter to Ryan Murphy. That’s My Jam: Karen Tongson - The Carpenters - Maybe It's You Alonso Duralde - Liza Minnelli - Don't Drop Bombs Louis Virtel - The Dixie Chicks - Don't Let Me Die in Florida Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brienfor MaximumFun.org.

Fall TV Preview 2017

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, Wynter discusses the new season of American Horror Story, Karen is rewatching The L-Word, Louis can't stop watching British game shows, and Alonso wants to let us all know that Episodes is still on and still pretty great. With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - Roger Joseph Manning Jr. - Too Late for Us Now Karen Tongson - Earth, Wind and Fire - In The Stone Wynter Mitchell- 24hrs - What You Like Louis Virtel - Fergie - You Already Know Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brien for MaximumFun.org.

Remembering 9/11 with Louis Virtel

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 all about the Hallmark Drama channel, Wynter is keeping a close eye on Taylor and Katy, and Guy finally threw in the towel and watched NBC's "This Is Us". He's now convinced one of the actors on the show can survive a nuclear attack. Summer jam contenders: Alonso - Amelia Airhorn - Miracle Wynter - Calvin Harris - Feels Karen - Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut To The Feeling With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. Superfan Beth made a Spotyify playlist featuring EVERY song nominated for Summer Jam. We also made a Spotify playlist for the songs we talked about during this episode. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brien for MaximumFun.org.

Summer Jams 2017

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. Wynter details Princess Diana as the trendy jet-setter, while Karen explains the lasting effects of the People's Princess on the throne and the world at large. Dave reveals what he learned from the most recent Princess Diana documentary, the conspiracy filled TLC docu-drama, Princess Diana: Tragedy of Treason?. Plus, the gang discusses Queen Elizabeth's salty relationship with Princess Di. This week Karen is all about the recent GQ article by Rachel KaadziI Ghansah, A Most American Terrorist: The Making of Dylann Roof. While Wynter is all about the Ryan Reynold's vehicle The Hitman's Bodyguard. Plus, Dave recommends another Michael Almereyda film, the soulful, futuristic drama Marjorie Prime. With Wynter Mitchell, Dave White, and Karen Tongson. Jams: Dave - Earth is a Cage - The Body & Full of Hell Wynter - Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve Karen - Last Chance On The Stairway - Duran Duran Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy August Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brien for MaximumFun.org.

Remembering Princess Diana with Dave White

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 film Risky Business. The gang also dives into adult education, discussing the films and TV where adults go back to school. Karen shares with us the lessons learned from Will Smith's character in the film Six Degrees of Separation. Plus, the crew explores the current lack of value placed upon education and how that may be the death knell for future classic movies about the school experience. This week Karen reveals some *SPOILERS* for the show Insecure and is also all about it. While Alonso is all about Netflix's The Defenders. Plus, Wynter gets her popcorn ready as she is all about Taylor Swift's social media scrubbing and her ongoing feud with Katy Perry. With Wynter Mitchell, Alonso Duralde, and Karen Tongson. Jams: Alonso - Axolotl - The Veils Wynter - Mediate - INXS Karen - Haim - Little of Your Love Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy August Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brien for MaximumFun.org.

Back To School

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 jumping from the ABC ship, and Dave discusses his need from Netflix for more sugary reality TV shows, like Chasing Cameron. The gang compares and contrasts all the streaming services from Hulu to Crackle. Plus we also discover that Guy has a great affinity for the theme song to the Patti Lupone vehicle Life Goes On . Guy and Karen have a semi-shared What We're All About in discussing their love for Difficult People. But Guy is all about a lot this week as he also shares his passion for Big Brother. Dave and Alonso are both all about documentaries, but they couldn't more different films. Alonso talks about the new Ferguson documentary Whose Streets?, and Dave is all about Escapes, a film chronicling the life of Blade Runner writer and actor Hampton Fancher. With Dave White, Alonso Duralde, Karen Tongson, and Guy Branum. Jams: Alonso - The Summer Knows - Laura Fygi Dave - Polegnala e Todora - Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares Karen - Matthew Morrison - You've Got to Be Carefully Taught Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy August Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brien for MaximumFun.org.

Netflix and Chill with Dave White

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 the Queen Bey herself. We learn about Wynter's love for Desus & Mero, and Karen tells us about the drama in Kentucky surrounding the bourbon heiress Hollis Bulleit who is claiming her family is shafting her since she came out. Plus, Wynter throws down the gauntlet when it comes to the song of the summer, and Karen serves us music that pays tribute to Margaret Wappler. With Wynter Mitchell, Alonso Duralde, and Karen Tongson. Jams: Alonso - In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening - Rosemary Clooney Wynter - Creature Comfort - Arcade Fire Karen - Haley - Big Thief Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy August Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Unpopular Opinions

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, Queen Latifah, and breakout star Tiffany Haddish. They discuss Tiffany Haddish's hilarious performance in this movie, but does Hollywood know what to do with her next? They talk about the role of blackness and black female friendship in this movie, and why it's important more of these films get made. And finally, and probably most importantly, they talk about the role that black hair plays in the movie, and what each of the character's hair styles tells you about their personality. Guy is all about The Beaverton, which is Canada's answer to The Onion News Network, and Wynter is all about the Jason Bateman led Netflix series Ozark. Plus, Karen catches up on Queen Sugarand Alonso is still watching Degrassi. Plus, we hear what each of the panelists is listening to this week. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Alonso Duralde, and Karen Tongson. Jams: Guy - Cars That Go Boom - L'Trimm Alonso - Better The Devil You Know - Kylie Mynogue Wynter - Idolize Me - Yellow Alex Karen - Way Back - TLCand Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy August Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Girls Trip with Alonso Duralde

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 shows affected them the most as a child, and Margaret reveals how she would stage her pregnant photo shoot. Plus, Karen brings in an old school Summer Jam, Guy and Margaret are still gaga for Game of Thrones (no spoilers), and Wynter is in love with Ready Player One.   We all love you and wish you the best, Margaret! With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - REM - Untitled (Track 11) Karen Tongson - Flo Rida - My House Wynter Mitchell - Brandy - Baby Guy Branum - Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry   Each week we'll add everyone's jams to this handy  Spotify playlist You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org Other Links: Charlotte: no no no Ready Player One trailer  Cindy Crawford on W Magazine

We're Podcasting for Two!

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 real about their personal experiences with weight, and how that has affected how they see weight in the media. They talk about how race, class, and weight intersect, and how the media moralizes fat people in order to make them redeemable in the media consumers mind. They also talk about weight in the age of Instagram, the Kardashians, and unattainable body standards, which Wynter thinks is worse now than ever. Karen pseudo-recommends the new Naomi Watts led Netflix series Gypsy, Wynter talks about the new Marti Noxon film To The Bone and Guy and Margaret talk about the return of Game of Thrones. Plus we hear what the panel is listening to this week. With Guy Branum,  Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, and  Karen Tongson. Jams: Wynter Mitchell - Calvin Harris feat. Future and Khalid Margaret Wappler - Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place on Earth Karen Tongson - Icona Pop - Girls Girls Guy Branum - Olivia Gatwood - Ode to the Women on Long Island Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy  Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

The Fat Episode

**This episode contains spoilers** This week Guy, Margaret, and Wynter talk about The Big Sick, the new romantic comedy from Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani which tells the story of how they met and fell in love. Because because the film is based in tragedy, with Emily falling into a coma in the middle of the film, some people are hesitant to call it a romantic comedy. But not our panel! They discuss how the usual tropes of a romantic comedy get flipped around, and how those changes allow for a more candid and interesting story. They also discuss why brown men falling for white women on screen is problematic, but maybe not in the case of The Big Sick. Guy talks about why he's all about this season of Big Brother, and Wynter tells us why we should forget about all of the other iterations of Peter Parker and go see the Tom Holland led Spider-Man: Homecoming. Plus, the "Song of the Summer" thread is live in the Facebook group and the panelists aren't too happy with the nominations. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler Jams: Guy Branum - Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber - Despacito Margaret Wappler - Toro Y Moi - Girl Like You Wynter Mitchell - Rockell - In A Dream Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Other Links:  I'm Tired of Watching Brown Me Fall In Love With White Women Onscreen Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

The Big Sick

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 Kerry Washington in Confirmation With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Cat Powers - Lived in Bars Karen Tongson - The Killers - The Man Wynter Mitchell - Ice Cube - My Summer Vacation Guy Branum - Katy Perry - Firework Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Declarations of Independence

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 Rocket Facebook group. Plus, Karen is super into Ken dolls, Margaret is in full summertime jam mode, and Guy has a few words on The Beguiled. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - The Magic Numbers - Love Me Like You Karen Tongson - SWV - Right Here (Human Nature Remix) Guy Branum - Ricky Martin - Vente Pa' Ca Each week we'll add everyone's jams to this handy Spotify playlist  You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

The Pop Rocket Summer 2017 Book Club

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! We're opening up Jumbotrons for Pop Rocket. If you ever wanted to have YOUR message read on the show, well now is your chance! Just go to maximumfun.org/jumbotron and click on Pop Rocket. Next week is the Pop Rocket Summer Book Club episode so if you haven't purchased your copy of Parable of the Sower, you can get it  HERE With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and special guest Tre'vell Anderson. That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Imperial Teen - Our Time Guy Branum - The Walker Brothers - The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore Wynter Mitchell - Katy Perry - Tsunami Karen Tongson - Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut to the Feeling Tre'vell Anderson - Todrick Hall ft. Bob the Drag Queen - Wrong Bitch Each week we'll add everyone's jams to this handy  Spotify playlist You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org