When They Popped - A Y2K Pop Culture Podcast - podcast cover

When They Popped - A Y2K Pop Culture Podcast

Were you team Backstreet Boys or NSYNC? Britney or Xtina? Simple Life or Newlyweds? With When They Popped, you don’t have to pick a side, because we’re going to mention it all! When They Popped retells the stories of the late 90s and early 2000s biggest celebrities, trends, and phenomena like boy band mania, celebrity-based reality TV, and the rise of “famous for being famous” socialites who ruled the tabloids. Hosts Kelsey and Mary are discussing Y2Ks most impactful cultural moments, icons, and celebrities while chronicling their rise to stardom and discussing when they reached the pinnacle of pop culture, or, when they “popped!” The girls will also consider the cultural impact of Y2K on todays society and will look to see where our beloved Y2K stars are now. 

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Episodes

Backstreet Boys at the Sphere

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! Oh my God, we're back again... In this episode, Mary & Kelsey recap their second trip to Vegas to see Backstreet Boys at the Sphere, giving a play-by-play of everything they’ve learned from their four shows including what time to arrive to the venue to get a spot close to the stage, which side of the stage they prefer (after trying out left, center, and right!), and more! Plus, they discuss Max Martin’s new collaboration with Taylor Swift for her recently-anno...

Aug 18, 202542 minSeason 3Ep. 35

Revisiting Disney’s Freaky Friday & Freakier Friday

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey dive into the body-swapping icon of a movie that is 2002’s Freaky Friday (2003) featuring Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Chad Michael Murray. They discuss the behind-the-scenes stories, including the very last-minute musical chairs casting process, its incredible soundtrack, cultural impact, and their take on the brand new film, Freakier Friday ! Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email:...

Aug 11, 202552 minSeason 3Ep. 34

Revisiting Jessica Simpson’s “In This Skin”

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary & Kelsey go back to the days of Juicy tracksuits, colorful Louis Vuitton bags, and flat irons with a deep-dive listening party of Jessica Simpson’s iconic 2003 album, In This Skin. From “With You” and its cheeky self-parodying video to Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, this album feels like a true Y2K-era time capsule. Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.com Website: linktr...

Aug 04, 202550 minSeason 3Ep. 33

GTL Forever: A Jersey Shore Deep Dive

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! Cabs are here! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey go back to Seaside Heights in 2009 to chronicle the origins of MTV’s generation-defining series, Jersey Shore. From Snooki’s iconic entrance (party’s here!) to fist-pumping at Karma and working at the Shore Store, they detail their favorite moments from the beginning seasons up to now Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. It’s T-shirt time! Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whe...

Jul 28, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 32

Catching Up with Visionary Director Joseph Kahn

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey sit down with Grammy-award winner and visionary film and music video director Joseph Kahn. They discuss Joseph’s new 2000s nostalgia-packed horror comedy movie “Ick” which hits theaters for a limited time July 27-29, how he became one of the most sought-after music video directors in the industry, and his work with with the world’s biggest names in music including Backstreet Boys (Everybody, Larger Than Life, Incomplete), Britney S...

Jul 21, 202554 minSeason 3Ep. 31

Answering Backstreet Boys at the Sphere FAQs

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary & Kelsey answer all of your questions from opening weekend of Backstreet Boys Into The Millennium at the Sphere in Las Vegas. From how they got front row on opening night, to what bags to bring, to merch selection, to the Backstreet Boys pop-up experience at the Venetian, this episode is a must-listen if you’re planning a trip to see the show! Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy...

Jul 16, 20251 hrSeason 3Ep. 30

Live from Backstreet Boys at The Sphere Part 2

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary & Kelsey share yet another unhinged episode live from Vegas recapping Backstreet Boys residency at the Sphere night two on July 12, 2025. They discuss the When They Popped met up, the official Backstreet Boys After Party at Voltaire, merch FAQs, and more. Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.com Website: linktree.com/whentheypopped Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.pa...

Jul 13, 202533 minSeason 3Ep. 29

Live from Backstreet Boys at The Sphere Part 1

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary & Kelsey share their raw and unedited post-show ramblings following opening night of the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Las Vegas on July 11, 2025. They share what surprised them most, their favorite moments, and so much more! **MAJOR SPOILERS are included in this episode! Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.com Website: linktree.com/whentheypopped Subscribe to our Pat...

Jul 12, 202539 minSeason 3Ep. 28

Hayden Panettiere

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey deep dive into the career of Hayden Panettiere from her soap opera start to Disney Channel star (Tiger Cruise and Disneymania 5, hullo) and leading lady of appointment television series including Heroes and Nashville. Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.com Website: linktree.com/whentheypopped Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=85610411...

Jun 30, 202552 minSeason 3Ep. 27

Songwriter Lauren Christy on Avril Lavigne, Hilary Duff, Jason Mraz and more

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey catch up with Lauren Christy, songwriter, singer, and 1/3 of legendary production trio The Matrix, to discuss writing Avril Lavigne’s breakthrough hit album, Let Go, and other hits for Hilary Duff, Jason Mraz, Liz Phair, and more. Follow Lauren at @thelaurenchristy on IG and TikTok Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.com Website: linktree.com/whentheypopped Subscr...

Jun 23, 202556 minSeason 3Ep. 26

In the Spotlight: Tania Baron on Dancing with Britney Spears & More!

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by dancer Tania Baron to discuss Tania’s professional dancing journey including touring with Britney Spears and appearing in her iconic music videos including Baby One More Time, (You Drive Me) Crazy, and Oops!… I Did It Again. Tania shares how she got into dancing, what it was like to perform with the princess of pop as she experienced a meteoric rise to fame, behind-the-scenes of auditioning and landing roles (like REN...

Jun 16, 202556 minSeason 3Ep. 25

American Idol Season 1 Memorable Moments

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey rewind all the way to 2002 to dive into the dazzling debut of American Idol Season 1 — the show that turned everyday dreamers into pop royalty and gave us unforgettable gems like Kelly Clarkson, Simon Cowell’s savage zingers, and memorable if not cringe-worthy auditions. This episode sheds light on the show’s British origins, its American makeover, and the iconic chemistry between Simon, Paula, and Randy. Plus, remember how season ...

Jun 09, 202548 minSeason 3Ep. 24

20 Years of BSB’s Never Gone with Kelli Williams

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by Beyond the Blinds co-host Kelli Williams (aka Laguna Biotch!!) to celebrate two decades of Backstreet Boys’ Never Gone album. They go track by track and dive deep on bops like Incomplete, I Still…, Crawling Back To You, Just Want You To Know, Siberia (a song that continues to be criminally underrated, if you ask us) and more! Follow Kelli at @laguna_biotch and @beyondtheblindspod Support the show Instagram: @whentheyp...

Jun 02, 20251 hrSeason 3Ep. 23

Howie Dorough Dishes On His New Restaurant, The Sphere, Millennium 2.0 & More!

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, recorded live from the shores of Cocoa Beach, Mary and Kelsey pull up a chair at Coa, the new restaurant from Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys, for a flavor-packed convo. Howie dishes on Coa, spills tea on the upcoming BSB residency at the Sphere in Vegas, and gives a taste of Millennium 2.0. Plus, he reveals who’d snag an invite to his dream dinner party and the most memorable moments from his 30+ year career. Huge thanks to Howie and the tea...

May 26, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 3Ep. 22

Ke$ha’s Animal + Cannibal 15 Years Later

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey celebrate 15 years of Ke$ha’s debut album Animal and sister EP, Cannibal. This listening party is a track-by-track dissertation on Ke$ha’s hits from TiK ToK, Blow, Your Love Is My Drug, We R Who We R and other songs you may have forgotten about like Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, Dinosaur, and Boots and Boys. Hey, I like your beard. Check out our sister Patreon episode which dives deep into Ke$ha’s lawsuit against Dr. Luke here: ht...

May 19, 202559 minSeason 3Ep. 21

Dream Street’s Greg Raposo on 25 Years of Dream Street

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey discuss all things Dream Street with original founding member, Greg Raposo! Greg shares how he ended up performing at Graceland after a call from Priscilla Presley, when he knew Dream Street popped off, his solo career and upcoming performances with Matt Ballinger this summer! Follow Greg at @gregraposomusic Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.com Website: linktre...

May 12, 202557 minSeason 3Ep. 20

The Anatomy of a BSB Marketing Campaign with Jade Driver and Cassie Petrey

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by Jade Driver and Cassie Petrey, co-founders of Crowd Surf digital marketing agency. Crowd Surf has an all-star client roster including Backstreet Boys, and Jade and Cassie shared behind the scenes of the latest campaign from the best-selling boy band of all time - the announcement of their Millennium 2.0 album and their upcoming Sphere residency - including what it was like to be with the group in NYC on announcement d...

May 05, 202548 minSeason 3Ep. 19

How Good Charlotte Helped Emo Go Mainstream

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey discuss Good Charlotte’s monster hit album, The Young & The Hopeless, which took them from Maryland-based punk rockers to internationally-known household names. They discuss the history of emo music, how MySpace and social media brought the movement to the masses and popularized the genre, and the impact music had on bringing conversations of mental health to light. TW: This episode mentions self-harm. There is also mentions of...

Apr 28, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 3Ep. 18

How Pitbull Became Mr. Worldwide

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! Mary and Kelsey dive into the deep discography of global chart-topping sensation Pitull aka Mr. 305 aka Mr. Worldwide. They discuss how Pitbull has charmed the world with his signature catchphrases, iconic interpolations and guest features, and uplifting lyrics that have inspired arenas of women to don baldcaps and suits in his honor during his summer tour. Dale! Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gma...

Apr 21, 20251 hr 23 minSeason 3Ep. 17

“The Carters: Hurts To Love You” Documentary Recap

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this unedited episode, Mary and Kelsey recap the new two-part documentary from Angel Carter Conrad examining the family dynamics of the Carter family and tragic deaths of her and Nick Carter’s three siblings Aaron, Leslie, and Bobbie Jean. They share the biggest revelations and reactions from the documentary which is now available on Paramount+. TW: This episode contains references to violence, addiction. Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 24 minSeason 3Ep. 16

Celebrity Feuds of the 00s with Fluently Forward’s Shannon McNamara

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode Mary and Kelsey are joined by Shannon McNamara of Fluently Forward podcast to discuss the biggest feuds of y2k: Mariah Carey vs, Eminem, Sarah Jessica Parker vs. Kim Cattrall, and Miley & Mandy vs. Selena & Demi. Whose side were you on? Thanks to Shannon for joining us! Make sure to follow Shannon at @fluentlyforward and make sure to listen to Fluently Forward wherever you get your podcasts! Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod Ti...

Apr 07, 202556 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Christian Burns on 25 Years of BBMak, his solo music, upcoming tour and more!

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey catch up with Christian Burns. Christian is 1/3 of multi-platinum-selling British pop group BBMak, and he's been featured on Grammy-nominated electronic music albums and performed his EDM hits to tens of thousands of people. Christian shares how he got into the electronic music space through an unlikely DM from Tiesto, his new EP "Evolution," how BBMak is celebrating 25 years of "Back Here," their upcoming Pop2000 shows, new solo m...

Mar 31, 202547 minSeason 3Ep. 14

Dax Holt on TMZ, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears & More Y2K Tabloid Headlines

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by Dax Holt, former TMZ correspondent, pop culture expert, and Hollywood Raw podcast co-host to discuss y2k’s biggest tabloid headlines. Dax shares what life was like behind the scenes at TMZ during the early 2000s and his favorite celebrities to cover like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, and more. They discuss the height of celeb post-clubbing photos, why it seemed like every celebrity was al...

Mar 24, 202545 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Tyler Hilton Talks One Tree Hill, Songwriting, Touring & New Children’s Book!

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey catch up with singer, songwriter, actor, and author Tyler Hilton. Tyler shared his experiences playing the guy you love to hate - Chris Keller - in One Tree Hill, his upcoming tour, and how he wrote his top 40 hit, When It Comes, as a high school student. He also shared how Taylor Swift asked him to star in her Teardrops On My Guitar music video, his bromance with Chad Michael Murray, and how a fortuitous run-in with Joaquin Phoeni...

Mar 17, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Andreas Carlsson On Writing I Want It That Way, Bye Bye Bye & Shaping the Pop Landscape

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by legendary pop songwriter, producer, Grammy and Emmy nominee, Andreas Carlsson. Andreas’ incredible body of work work has been streamed more than 1 billion times and sold 150M+ albums with credits including pop anthems we all know and love like BSB’s I Want It That Way and Drowning, *NSYNC’s Bye Bye Bye, Britney Spears’ Born To Make You Happy and Can’t Make You Love Me, Celine Dion’s That’s The Way It Is, and more. And...

Mar 10, 202557 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Backstreet Boys Millennium 2.0 XL Episode

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this XL-sized episode, Mary and Kelsey dive deep into Backstreet Boys' Millennium with a track-by-track analysis of the multi-platinum record. Including quotes from interviews with Millennium writers, producers, and record execs, and their own memories from this era to bring, this nostalgic dissertation explains why I Want It That Way lyrics don't make sense, the controversy behind The One becoming a single over Don't Want You Back, and the personal tragedies t...

Mar 03, 20251 hr 22 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Leighton Meester’s Underrated Music Career

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey dive deep into Leighton Meester’s criminally underrated discography including bops like Good Girls Go Bad, Somebody to Love, Your Love’s A Drug, and her first and only album to date, Heartstrings. They also touch on her lost iconic roles and her love story with husband Adam Brody (Seth + Blair 4ever). Justice for Leighton’s music! Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gma...

Feb 24, 202551 minSeason 3Ep. 9

When Disney Channel Popped w/ “Disney High” Author Ashley Spencer

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by Ashley Spencer, reporter and author of "Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire” to dive into the shows, movies, and franchises that shaped their childhoods. From Hilary Duff to the Jonas Brothers to High School Musical, Ashley's book uncovers the real stories behind how Disney Channel created a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation (and what was really happening beh...

Feb 17, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Perez Hilton Dishes on Y2K Celebs, His Career, & More!

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by “the queen of all media” and original influencer, Perez Hilton! Perez started his revolutionary blog, PerezHilton.com, 21 years ago from a coffee shop in LA and quickly gained traction as a global media personality. Perez talks about his career, the celebrity interaction that stands out to him most, when he popped off, and so much more. For more hot takes, follow Perez at @theperezhilton and listen to his podcast, The...

Feb 10, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 3Ep. 7

AnnaLynne McCord - Part 2

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message! In part two, AnnaLynne gets vulnerable and discusses her organization, The Love Storm, which raises awareness of human trafficking, her experience getting diagnosed and healing from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), her global meditation retreats, and more. We are so grateful to AnnaLynne for her vulnerability and openness in sharing these personal stories with us. TW: This episode contains references to sexual assault. You can follow AnnaLynne at @theannalynn...

Feb 05, 202548 minSeason 3Ep. 6
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