Jordan Morris sits in for Guy and is joined by Margaret, Wynter, and Karen to talk about the Oscar nominations announced last week. Guy Branum calls in to discuss Annette Bening’s performance in 20th Century Women. All that, plus everyone’s jams. It's a jam-packed show this week, friends. With Jordan Morris , Margaret Wappler , Karen Tongson , and Wynter Mitchell That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Laura Marling - Soothing Karen Tongson - india.arie - Heart of the Matter Wynter Mitchell - Thunderc...
Feb 02, 2017•54 min
This week, Jordan Morris fills in for Guy Branum while he’s away filming his new Tru TV program, Talk Show The Game Show . The gang talks about what pop culture from their childhood has withstood the test of time (and political and social advances) and what hasn’t. Margaret brings up late 90’s bands that make her smile and some that make her cringe. Wynter talks about why horror films from her childhood still hold up, and Karen discusses the manifestation of her baby feminism in relation to Doll...
Jan 25, 2017•58 min
This episode, Jordan Morris of @midnight and Jordan Jesse Go ! sits in for Guy while he is away. Jordan and the gang discuss the upcoming Inauguration, the President elect’s difficulty in securing entertainment, and the different media choices that people from different parts of the country consume. They talk about the red/blue divide in terms of the reality TV choices of particular zip codes around the country. Karen tells us why she’s all about "Blackish” this week, and Wynter sets the record ...
Jan 19, 2017•57 min
It’s finally 2017, Rocketeers! Guy, Wynter, and Karen sit down to discuss their new year resolutions for pop culture. Should we be watching less Housewives and more musicals? Who is reupping their subscription to THR this year? What kind of books should we try to read this year? Plus, the gang remember George Michael, Carrie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds. That’s My Jam: Guy Branum - Good Morning Wynter Mitchell - Love is a Losing Game Karen Tongson - If You Were There With Guy Branum , Wynter Mitc...
Jan 05, 2017•53 min
It's that time of year again! Guy, Wynter, Karen, and Margaret are all dressed in their most fabulous attire to award Pop Tarts to the greatest things in pop culture. Movies, music, artists, even iTunes reviewer names. Plus, who will take the coveted Tart d'Or this year? All that and more in this jam-packed episode of Pop Rocket. With Guy Branum , Wynter Mitchell , Margaret Wappler , and Karen Tongson Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org...
Dec 28, 2016•1 hr 7 min
On this week’s episode, Guy sits down with the newly assembled Pop Rocket gang and welcomes Karen Tongson to the team! In honor of her arrival, they discuss reboots; and the conversation gets heated! We find out the differences between reboots, remakes, and reimaginings. We also find out what everyone’s favorite reboot is, who has done it best, and why Americans aren’t good at making versions of British shows. And we find out, as we do every week, what everyone’s current jam is, and what they’re...
Dec 21, 2016•49 min
This week, Margaret hosts a very bittersweet episode with the whole gang present (Guy via phone). This is Oliver Wang’s last show as a co-host, and the gang is talking about pop culture farewells. They talk about the departure of which characters affected them most growing up, good and bad series finale’s, and the most recent pop culture departures that really got to them. And later, Guy joins the conversation to talk about their latest jams and to say his own farewell. P.S. because this show is...
Dec 14, 2016•57 min
This episode, Guy and Margaret are joined by two very special guests to talk about Netflix’s most expensive series to date, The Crown . They talk about Queen Elizabeth II, her sister Margaret, whether Prince Phillip is hot or not, and who has played the best Elizabeth on screen. And as always, the panel discuss what they’re all about this week and what their latest jams are. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Playing Elevator Guy Branum - Am I The Same Girl Chris Schleicher - Camelot Finale Karen...
Dec 08, 2016•55 min
This is our 100th episode! In honor of this, Guy, Margaret (via skype), Oliver, and Wynter talk about pop culture families as a way of paying tribute to the Pop Rocket family that has formed over the past two years. Guy finds out which pop culture family the gang wishes they were a part of, and which TV and movie families represented their own. Then, they talk about the best pop culture families composed of friends (**Spoiler: Friends isn’t one of them**). Then, as always, we find out what the p...
Dec 01, 2016•59 min
This week, Guy sits down comedians Solomon Georgio , Kara Klenk , and Riley Silverman to talk everything cooking shows. Who is everyone’s favorite celebrity chef? Who is the panel’s least favorite? Why do they like Top Chef more than Chopped? And who is Fanny Cradock and can she be the British grandmother I never knew I needed? All of this plus everyone’s latest jams and pop culture “All About’s”. With Guy Branum , Solomon Georgio , Kara Klenk , and Riley Silverman . That’s My Jam: Guy Branum - ...
Nov 23, 2016•53 min
This week, Guy sits down with Margaret and special guests Danielle Radford of the Maximum Fun podcast Tights and Fights and Andrew Ti of Earwolf's Yo, Is This Racist? to talk about Monsters of all kinds. We find out what monsters scare them them the most, what kind of monster would characterize today's society the most, and why zombies are so scary. With Guy Branum , Margaret Wappler , Danielle Radford , and Andrew Ti . That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Everybody Knows Danielle Radford - Daddy L...
Nov 16, 2016•54 min
This week, the gang tries to get rid of some of the anxiety surrounding this week's election by discussing their favorite dumb comedies. They discuss everything from Judd Apatow to the demise of Adam Sandler, whether physical comedy can be smart, and why so many comedies are tied to “The College Experience”. Guy proposes a theory to explain why Troop Beverly Hills has a longer shelf life than Down And Out In Beverly Hills and Wynter talks about why she loves Mike Judge. That’s My Jam: Margaret W...
Nov 09, 2016•50 min
Wynter takes over hosting duties and is joined by Margaret and Oliver for a discussion on all things Westworld! Plus, Story Editor Charles Yu calls in to give us some details on the process behind creating the show. Margaret talks about The Electric Grandmother (yes this is real), Wynter wants to know exactly how much $40,000 can get you in Westworld, and Oliver welcomes back basketball. With Wynter Mitchell , Oliver Wang , and Margaret Wappler Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for Maxi...
Nov 02, 2016•1 hr 15 min
Guy, Margaret and Oliver are talking tricks and treats (pop culture hoaxes and candy) this week on Pop Rocket’s second annual Spooktacular! Why are memoir hoaxes always the juiciest? Where do we draw the line between hoax and just straight up lies? Why are Snickers candy bars so fancy? Plus, Guy has a new Halloween/bar mitzvah song to share, Margaret talks A Million Little Pieces, and Oliver can’t stand Reese’s. Also, Producer Christian comes in for his millennial minute and talks horror videoga...
Oct 26, 2016•1 hr 4 min
Oliver takes over hosting duties and is joined by Margaret and the always lovely Karen Tongson to talk about celebrity pets! Does that mean pets of celebrities or pets that are themselves celebrities? Well, why not both? Cats from Outer Space, Bubbles, talking dog movies, YouTube cat conventions…it’s all here. Plus, Margaret adores Dolly Parton, Karen has a few thoughts on Pitch, and Oliver tells us why baseball is one the most fascinating sports on TV right now. With Oliver Wang , Margaret Wapp...
Oct 19, 2016•1 hr 1 min
Guy, Margaret, and Wynter are joined by writer and host of The Gilmore Guys podcast, Demi Adejuyigbe to talk about Atlanta on FX! How long should this show go for? What makes this show really shine? What’s with the Justin Beiber episode?! Plus, Demi tells us what it’s like to write on The Good Place, Wynter is excited for Westworld, Margaret doesn’t get Bruno Mars, and Guy talks about one of the biggest arguments he and Demi had over Macklemore. With Guy Branum , Wynter Mitchell , Margaret Wappl...
Oct 12, 2016•1 hr 11 min
Margaret takes over hosting duties this week in a special supersized episode of Pop Rocket! She's joined by author Jade Chang, LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe, and host of Pop Rocket’s sister show Bullseye, Jesse Thorn to talk about documentaries! Plus, Margaret talks to Jade about her new book, The Wangs vs. The World. Jesse talks about the Golden State Warriors, April has a few words to say on The Handmaiden, and Margaret reviews the Anthony Weiner documentary. With Margaret Wappler and gues...
Oct 05, 2016•1 hr 40 min
This week, the Pop Rocket gang gives out pop culture and life advice to listeners! We learn what movie and dish pairs well with getting to third base, how to deal with breakups, and why DVR privileges should never be abused. Plus, we get a special question from a very lovely Rocketeer with a new lease on life. Get the tissues ready, it gets a little emotional. Wynter finds the last great Vine song, Margaret tells us about her OK Cupid alter ego, Oliver tells us how he deals with his daughter’s c...
Sep 28, 2016•1 hr 7 min
The gang is here to talk about the 2016 Emmy’s and prominent pop culture come-backs! Why does Veep get so much love? Do we even care about the Emmy’s anymore? Why can Drew Barrymore make a comeback but not Lindsay? All of these questions, and more are answered on this week’s Pop Rocket! With Oliver Wang , Wynter Mitchell , and Margaret Wappler . Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org ....
Sep 21, 2016•1 hr 2 min
Guy, Wynter, and Oliver are joined by Fifth Beatle and all around lovely person Karen Tongson to talk about the 2000’s in pop culture! What movies, trends and music will live on through the ages? How in the world did Crash win Best Picture over Brokeback Mountain? Plus, Wynter professes her love for Ludacris, Karen gives her thoughts on Hey Ya, Guy talks about his experience at an anime convention, and Oliver is touched by Allen Iverson’s Hall of Fame speech. With Guy Branum , Wynter Mitchell , ...
Sep 14, 2016•1 hr 6 min
Wynter takes over hosting duties this week and is joined by comedian and writer Sara Benincasa to talk about fall TV shows! Atlanta, Frequency, Designated Survivor, and more! What’s going to make it to season 2 and what will fall flat on its dumb face? Plus, Oliver is finally able to talk about Stranger Things, Sara is surprised by Joe Swanberg’s hotness, and Wynter has a few words to say on Rob Lowe’s roast. With Wynter Mitchell , Oliver Wang , and special guest, Sara Benincasa Produced by Chri...
Sep 07, 2016•1 hr 3 min
It’s finally going to happen, people. Many songs enter, but only one jam can be crowned the Song of the Summer. Guy, Oliver, Margaret, and Wynter bring their picks and some suggestions from the Facebook group and discuss what really makes a summer jam. Writer and analyst Chris Molanphy comes in with hard data to see what is objectively the Song of the Summer. Sia, Calvin Harris, DNCE, Lizzo, and so many more are brought into the fight. Who wins? The answer may shock you. With Guy Branum , Oliver...
Aug 31, 2016•1 hr 7 min
Margaret is back you guys! She takes over hosting duties and is joined by Oliver and Wynter to go through the mailbag and answer YOUR questions from the Facebook group and Twitter. The gang discuss good baby making songs, Harry Potter, time travel, and more! Plus, Margaret has some travel stories, Wynter mourns the death of Gawker, Oliver just can’t get enough Frank Ocean, and producer Christian just can’t take all the sex talk in the studio. With Margaret Wappler , Oliver Wang , and Wynter Mitc...
Aug 24, 2016•1 hr 4 min
Guy, Wynter, and Oliver are joined by academic and Pop Rocket’s fifth Beatle, Karen Tongson to talk about vacations in pop culture! The gang has some suggestions on how to pass the time on a plane, train, and/or automobile. What’s the difference between a vacation and travel movie? Why are ABC show families always taking vacations? Karen talks about her trip to the Philippines and Vietnam, Oliver and Wynter aren’t too sure about The Get Down, and Guy is slowly losing hope in finding a truly amaz...
Aug 17, 2016•58 min
Oliver takes over hosting duties today and is joined by Wynter and special guests, comedian (and writer for MaxFun podcast International Waters!) Riley Silverman and Editor in Chief of Birth.Movies.Death, Devin Faraci. This week, the gang talks about this summer’s blockbusters with a focus on DC and Marvel movies! Is Suicide Squad a beautiful trainwreck or just a trainwreck-y trainwreck? Why does Marvel seem to be killing it at the box office and with critics while DC struggles to do either? Who...
Aug 10, 2016•1 hr 3 min
Guy and Wynter are joined by two special guests, host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour Linda Holmes and television producer Clinton Trucks to discuss the Netflix series Stranger Things! Linda is pretty pumped for the Splash remake, Clint talks about his first D&D experiences, and Guy and Wynter finally find some common ground in a Jam. Hey! Margaret Wappler's new book, Neon Green, is out now. Go get it! Find it at your local independent bookstore or grab it HERE . She's also on tour to promot...
Aug 03, 2016•56 min
Guy, Oliver, and Wynter are joined by special guest, comedian and actress Melissa Villaseñor to talk about reality competition shows! Is Shark Tank any good? Are we still allowed to like The Apprentice? How “real” are these reality shows anyway? Also, Guy has a few words to say on Star Trek, Melissa talks about her AGT experience, Wynter is a huge fan of this year’s Comic-Con, and Oliver gives us a preview of his special “kitchen sink” mix for donors. Regular host Margaret Wappler’s book is avai...
Jul 27, 2016•49 min
The Pop Rocket gang (well, most of them) went to go see the new Ghostbusters this weekend and are here to tell you all about it! Is Leslie Jones the next big movie star? How amazing is Kate McKinnon? Where was Rick Moranis in this whole thing? Plus, Margaret puts on her tin foil hat and discusses her theory about Kimye and Taylor's latest feud. Oliver talks about his latest DJ gig, Guy explains why Ghostbusters is getting so much criticism from certain internet communities, and Wynter closes wit...
Jul 20, 2016•1 hr 8 min
Rocketeers, it's been a very strange couple of weeks. The gang all come together to talk about the recent events in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Falcon Heights. This week, Guy, Oliver, Margaret, and Wynter escape reality for just a bit and talk about all things fantasy. Wynter and Guy just can't agree on Summer Jams, Oliver discusses his first Choose Your Own Adventure book, and Margaret tries to draw the line b sci-fi and fantasy. You guys, Margaret's book, Neon Green, is out NOW! Pick it up HERE ....
Jul 13, 2016•1 hr 9 min
Guy, Margaret, and Oliver are joined by special guest, comedian and writer Jonathan Rowell to talk about Mexico and Canada's pop culture. Sabado Gigante, Walter Mercado, You Can't Do That On Television, Porky's and so much more! Plus, The Pop Rocket Book Club talks all about Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel. With Guy Branum , Oliver Wang , Margaret Wappler , and special guest Jonathan Rowell Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org...
Jul 06, 2016•1 hr 11 min
