Turn up Peter Cetera on your 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible and tighten your black belt, because this week we’re talking all about the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai! Micah and Pam dive into the storylines and characters over the first six seasons, reminisce on growing up karate kids, and discuss the producers' ability to transcend generations of fans. Are we team Johnny Lawrence or Team Daniel LaRusso? Cobra Kai or Miyagi-do? Do we find ourselves getting wrapped up more with the kids or the a...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 28
This episode contains major spoilers for ‘Fourth Wing’ and ‘Iron Flame’ by Rebecca Yarros. In our last ‘Empyrean’ episode, we got a ‘Fourth Wing’ primer, but now we are fully up to speed on all our reading! We talk s*x scenes, character development, romantic tension, political suppression, and more in this debrief of ‘Iron Flame.’ Soon, we’ll release a theories and predictions episode for the upcoming third installment to the series, ‘Onyx Storm.’ Looking for our Fourth Wing primer episode? http...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 27
Join us for a stroll down the witch’s road to unpack the latest Marvel Television series ‘Agatha All Along.’ In a refreshing move for Marvel, ‘Agatha All Along’ is simultaneously part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe without beating viewers over the head with unnecessary cameos. We address where ‘Agatha’ fits into the larger MCU story, but honestly, this is a story all its own with new characters and plenty of twists and turns along the way. We also discuss the current state of Marvel, and wheth...
Nov 09, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 26
Calling all Sassenachs! This week on What The Hype, we’re diving into the world of ‘Outlander’! Join Pam, Laura, and Micah as they break down the basics of this beloved television series adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s best selling book series, which follows Claire— a World War II combat nurse who suddenly finds herself time traveling back to 18th century Scotland. Our ‘Outlander’ newbies talk about what it’s been like watching season 1 for the first time, in addition to weighing in on Claire as ...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 25
It's Spooky Szn! We're celebrating by diving into the world of Halloween movies! We're exploring the thrill of fear, our earliest memories of scary films, and the evolution of horror as a genre. We celebrate iconic films and their impact on audiences, look at the psychological aspects of fear and the cultural significance of horror narratives, and share personal favorites. Plus, we ask if scary movies are ONLY for Halloween, and what the point of these movies are in the first place. Learn more a...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 24
This week, What the Hype?! looks at the vibrant world of pop culture conventions! Tapping into our personal experiences attending cons like SDCC, NYCC, Harry Potter fan events, Star Wars Celebration, WonderCon, we share the highs and lows of con-going, and why so many people see it as an escape from reality. We also talk about the sense of community and escape that conventions provide, as well as memorable moments from our own con trips (Warning: Do NOT touch Andrew's light saber). Later, we cha...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 23
In our second What the Hype?! on Heartstopper, the hosts react to season 3 of the Netflix graphic novel-to-TV series! We look at Heartstopper's character development, how the show has matured, and its balance between happiness and realism in LGBTQ storytelling. Plus, we look at when to expect Heartstopper Season 4 / Graphic Novel 6, the series' evolving soundtrack (Has it gotten too mainstream?) and make recommendations for another queer books and shows now that Heartstopper is over for a while....
Oct 11, 2024•42 min•Ep. 22
Grab your pitch forks because in this episode of What the Hype?!, we're looking at why Banned Books deserve ALL the attention! We discuss the significance of Banned Books Week, explore the reasons behind book censorship and its impact on youth, identity, and society. We share our own personal experiences with censorship, and review the top challenged books of 2023, and how things are trending for Banned Books in 2024. Report censorship by visiting this page on the ALA's website, and visit UniteA...
Oct 04, 2024•56 min•Ep. 21
In this week's episode of What the Hype?!, we're looking at music biopics! From Elton John to Whitney Houston to Queen to a forthcoming biopic about Britney Spears, these films give us inside-looks at lives of artists who we adore. But how much truth bending can we tolerate, and how do artists and viewers benefit from these stories? Plus, Eric, Andrew, and Pam look at forthcoming biopics and our favorites that we've seen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 27, 2024•51 min•Ep. 20
Grab your torches and dip them into the fire because on this week’s episode of What They Hype?! we’re talking all about Survivor! Join Micah, Andrew and friend of the show Christine Riccio as we dive into what's made Survivor arguably the most successful reality television show of all-time. What drew us in, what's kept us watching and why should you throw on a buff and join us? How do we feel about the evolution of the game? Are we cool with the New Era and all of its changes? Who are some of ou...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 19
It's showtime! Spooky szn is here and we're excited to kick it off with 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' but first we need to explain the hype behind the 1988 original. We surprise even ourselves when we realize what a cultural touchstone from our childhoods this movie is. Is that the secret ingredient that made audiences still turn out for Beetlejuice 36 years later? Join us as we embark to the Netherworld alongside the Ghost with the Most and Edgar Allan Poe's Daughter to get everyone HYPE for 'Beet...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Baby, let the games begin! This week on What The Hype, Pam (our resident Swiftie) is joined by Andrew, Eric, and special guest, Meg, to talk about Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation!’ In an effort to better understand Swift’s sixth studio album, Pam takes us through a brief history of the events that lead to the birth of ‘Reputation.’ Armed with a crash course in Swiftie history, our panel wraps things up by discussing the album on the whole, in addition to detailing some of their favorite and least fav...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 4 min
The supernatural comedy from 1984 starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis has stood the test of time. While some things (the proton pack) aged more well than others (Dr. Pete Venkman), this episode is devoted to exploring the movie as a whole. Have we learned everything we need to know about New York from the movie? What does each ghostbuster bring to the group? Is Dana Barrett such a cool character because she reminds us of Margaret Dumont? In this episode of What the Hype?! Micah an...
Aug 30, 2024•42 min•Ep. 16
Dragons, Magic, Romance, oh Gods! Andrew and Pam introduce the Fourth Wing series to fandom newbies Laura and Eric, and the panel discuss why the first two books in the Empyrean series have gone viral online. We catch those who haven't read up to speed, look at what makes the books unique, and take on readers who've claimed that the story is unoriginal. If you haven't checked out Fourth Wing yet, let us show you what the hype is all about! This episode is a spoiler-free look, except for mild spo...
Aug 23, 2024•56 min•Ep. 15
Pam and Andrew welcome special guest and fellow podcaster Kaylan (host of Long Live Taylor Podcast) to talk about the annual pop cultural event that is the Song of the Summer. Together, they run through the history of the concept, break down the key components a contending single must have to qualify for the coveted title, and reminisce over past hits that ruled the airwaves between the months of May and August. Plus, Kaylan chats with us about working at a major record label in Nashville, and o...
Aug 16, 2024•51 min
On this week’s episode, Micah, Eric and Laura return to Westeros to discuss the hype around Season 2 of House of the Dragon. We connect the threads between the first two seasons of Game of Thrones and the first two seasons of House of the Dragon, share our favorite Season 2 storylines and characters and discuss whether or not the finale lived up to expectations. From rolls in the mud to dragonrider issues to weirwood edibles, join us as we break down the finale of HBO's hit series! Learn more ab...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Turn on your favorite lamp and keep an eye on your favorite toys, because this week we're discussing the wonderful world of Pixar! 'Toy Story' was the very first feature-length computed animated film, and it changed Hollywood forever. Nearly 30 years later, Pixar is still blowing our minds. We trace the origins of Pixar and discuss what makes these films unique, plus we dive into the studio's incredible storytelling power through movies like 'Inside Out' and the new sequel. Elsewhere, we discuss...
Aug 02, 2024•56 min
Now that season 4 of ‘The Boys’ has wrapped, Laura, Eric, and Andrew come together to recap, review, analyze, and make season 5 predictions! Is Butcher still in there, or has he gone full Kessler? Will Ambrosius see her revenge? How will the team finally defeat Homelander once and for all? Get ready for ‘Generation V’ season 2 before the 5th and final season of ‘The Boys’ - we think Gen V is set up to have an even greater impact on the 5th season! We also plug some fun easter eggs to look into i...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Things are heating up on What The Hype as we dive into the world of smut in romance and romantasy! This week, Laura and Pam are joined by special guest and romance author, Jennifer Hennessy (‘Degrees of Engagement’), to discuss spicy scenes in romance and romantasy reads. There’s no denying that there’s been an uptick in interest in spicy reads thanks to BookTok, but what makes for a good steamy moment while reading? And more importantly, what gives us the ick and automatically takes us out of t...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min
On this week’s episode, Micah, Eric and Laura soar into Westeros to discuss the hype around HBO’s hit series House of the Dragon. Taking place 100 years after the unification of the Seven Kingdoms but nearly 200 years before Game of Thrones, does House of the Dragon have what it takes to live up to its predecessor? Are dragons alone enough of a sell? On this primer episode, the hosts discuss their relationship to the original series, what drew them back in and share the storylines and characters...
Jul 12, 2024•53 min
Hey, has anyone seen a ghost?! Just over 40 years since its theatrical debut, the firmly adult comedy ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) that spawned 2 animated television series and 4 film sequels has stood the test of time. Just what is it about this working-class underdog story set in grubby New York City (back when the city still had, Micah says, “some big problems”), why was it the second-highest grossing film of 1984 (launching on the same day as ‘Gremlins’), and is it even relevant today? In this epis...
Jul 05, 2024•39 min
‘Heartstopper’ is a queer, British coming-of-age romantic dramedy series based on Alice Oseman’s webcomic and graphic novel of the same name. The story was loyally adapted by Netflix and became an instant hit thanks to its feel-good and unique LGBTQ storytelling. In this episode of What the Hype?!, Pam, Andrew, and Eric are joined by Andrew's boyfriend and Heartstopper superfan Pat to celebrate Pride Month and share why the novels and show are worth watching! What makes it unique compared to oth...
Jun 28, 2024•53 min
Part two of our ‘Bridgerton’ series finds Pam, Laura, Micah, and special guest, Morgan (That Nerd Thing Podcast) taking a deep dive into ‘Bridgerton’ season 3. This time around, we aren’t holding back— spoilers for all season of ‘Bridgerton’ are fair game and run rampant! So consider this your official warning, dearest gentle listeners! We kick things off by checking in with Laura and Micah to see if they feel compelled to update their fan status from the last time we recorded. ‘Bridgerton’ seas...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 6
What's the Hype about Audiobook listening? This week we have the full panel on board to discuss the pro's and con's of listening to audiobooks, and we compare it to reading a normal book. Some on the panel are a little rude when it comes to the idea of listening to an audiobook versus traditional reading, but we try to convince them otherwise. Elsewhere, we share the state of audiobook listenership (It's growing!). Later, we try our hand at narrating an audiobook and share the best ways to liste...
Jun 14, 2024•55 min•Ep. 5
Bridgerton is a television show based on the bestselling book series by Julia Quinn. Its first season premiered on Netflix in December 2020, and is produced by Shonda Rhimes’ production banner, Shondaland. In this episode of What the Hype?!, Pam, Micah, and Laura are joined by special guest Natasha Polis of the podcast Those Forking Fangirls to discuss this book-to-TV adaptation! We discuss who the show is for, why it's so damn good, the show's diversity, and much more! Don't forget to follow us...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 1
With so much going on in our day to day lives, how do we manage to stay on top of the fandoms, shows, movies, and books we love? Andrew, Laura, and Eric take out some time to discuss strategies, and how to tell our friends NO when they suggest a new show. Plus: Would we ever miss an important personal event to catch big pop culture moments like a TV series finale airing live? These topics and more are discussed in this episode of What the Hype?! Don't forget to follow us in your favorite podcast...
Jun 04, 2024•45 min•Ep. 3
Amazon's comic-to-TV adaptation 'The Boys' is anything but your typical Marvel or DC tale -- It's gritty, gross, funny, heartwarming, AND outrageous! In this episode of What the Hype?!, Laura, Andrew, Eric, and Pam discuss why the show is so popular, who the show is for, what you should know before going into watching, and more! Damn, Vought SUCKS. Don't forget to follow us in your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a friend about the show! We're also releasing full video episodes...
Jun 04, 2024•52 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to a brand new podcast from the creators of MuggleCast and #Millennial, called What the Hype?! What The Hype?! is the class you always wanted, but were never offered in school! Each week, a panel of pop culture junkies educate each other on today’s biggest books, shows, movies, and more. No matter your experience, there’s something for everyone. Total Noob? We'll educate you on why the fandom took off and what makes someone a true fan! Already an expert? We’ll just see about that! Our su...
Jun 03, 2024•24 min•Ep. 1
