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 every...
Mar 14, 2018•1 hr 6 min
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 mo...
Mar 08, 2018•1 hr 8 min
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 s...
Feb 28, 2018•1 hr 11 min
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 Bra...
Feb 22, 2018•1 hr
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 - Just...
Feb 14, 2018•1 hr 6 min
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...
Feb 07, 2018•57 min
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 ...
Jan 31, 2018•59 min
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 ...
Jan 24, 2018•1 hr 4 min
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 ...
Jan 18, 2018•1 hr 4 min
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 Due...
Jan 11, 2018•1 hr 24 min
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...
Jan 04, 2018•1 hr 4 min
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 ...
Dec 27, 2017•52 min
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 - Nev...
Dec 20, 2017•51 min
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 - Giraffag...
Dec 13, 2017•53 min
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 K...
Dec 06, 2017•59 min
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. Wit...
Nov 29, 2017•1 hr 9 min
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 -...
Nov 22, 2017•57 min
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 Kat...
Nov 16, 2017•1 hr 3 min
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...
Nov 08, 2017•57 min
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 Fe...
Nov 01, 2017•51 min
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 - Ha...
Oct 25, 2017•59 min
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 -...
Oct 18, 2017•56 min
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:...
Oct 11, 2017•56 min
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 Dural...
Oct 04, 2017•1 hr 3 min
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:...
Sep 27, 2017•59 min
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!) Alo...
Sep 20, 2017•1 hr 2 min
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...
Sep 13, 2017•53 min
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 acto...
Sep 06, 2017•1 hr 5 min
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 Prince...
Aug 30, 2017•1 hr
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...
Aug 23, 2017•56 min
