Pop Rocket

Margaret takes over hosting duties this week and is joined by film critic/Pop Rocket's Fifth Beatle April Wolfe to talk about Wonder Woman! What did the film do so right? Is this record-breaking film a sign that DC is finally turning around? Plus, the gang takes some of your questions from the official Pop Rocket Facebook group. Don't worry, Rocketeers, this discussion is SPOILER FREE! By the way, Pop Rocket's Summer Book club is underway! If you still need to buy a copy of Parable of the Sower, click HERE to get it on Amazon. With Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and guest April Wolfe. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Marika Hackman - My Lover Cindy Karen Tongson - k.d. lang - Summerfling Wynter Mitchell - Missy Elliott - 4 My People April Wolfe - Look Blue Go Purple - I Don't Want You Anyway 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

Guy, Wynter, and Karen are once again joined by film critic Dave White to talk about medical dramas! How accurate was Doogie Howser? How is the Nurse's Ball on General Hospital a real thing? Was Scrubs secretly genius? Plus, Dave tells us why Getting On was such an important show in his life, Guy tries to defend DNCE again, Wynter is semi-confident she can become a doctor, and Karen reminds us why ER was worth watching even in the later seasons. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, and guest Dave White. 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

On a special mini episode, the gang is joined by film critic Dave White to talk about films that memorialize war, soldiers, and veterans. We get history lesson from Karen about the origins of Memorial Day, and how it spread across America eventually becoming a national holiday. The gang talk about the huge responsibility war films have, in both their messaging and cinematography, and how some miss the mark. Wynter tells us why she doesn't watch war movies, and the panel talks about the one war comedy that was able to pull it off (just barely). And in lieu of all abouts and jams, Dave tells us about a four hour black and white art house film that we must not miss (he promises that it is very watchable). You can catch Dave on his podcast Linoleum Knife and read his film reviews on The Wrap. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Dave White. 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

This week, Karen takes over as host as the gang discusses Summer Blockbusters. They are joined by film critic and writer Alonso Duralde to discuss which summer films they're most excited for, which ones they aren't, and which ones just shouldn't have been made. Margaret tells us what she expects from the perfect Summer blockbuster. We find out what the logistics are for a hit film's international release, and the gang takes on the DC versus Marvel movie debate. Plus the panel discusses summer releases that don't have explosions and muscles but rather heart and wit. We are treated to some awesome recommendations from the gang, from season two of Master of None (watch out for a few tiny spoilers!) to a biography of Harvey Kurtzman, the creator of Mad Magazine. And as always, the gang tells us what their jam of the week is. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and Alonso Duralde. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think

This week, we have the gang back together plus celebrity journalist and novelist Abby Stern to talk the evolution and the current disintegration of celebrity journalism. We get a historical outline of celebrity journalism, from Hedda Hopper and Louis B. Mayer to TMZ and Instagram influencers. The gang explores the symbiotic relationship between celebrities and the press, and how that has evolved over time. We find out where each of our panelists' "do not report" line is when covering celebrities, and which era they think is best for celebrity journalism. We get a postmortem from Wynter regarding Phaedra's dramatic exit from Real Housewives of Atlanta and the jealousy of the French people that Margaret feels after their latest election. Karen tells us about why she loves May sweeps and Guy gives us a reason to stop being mad at Susan Sarandon. Abby's brand new book According To A Source, which will be released May 23rd, can be pre-ordered now! With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell

This week we have an all ladies episode of Pop Rocket! Karen is hosting, and the gang is talking about the new Hulu series of Margaret Atwood's 1985 classic novel The Handmaid's Tale. Margaret tells us about the differences between the series and the book. They explore whether or not Offred's internal dialogue works when portrayed as voice over, and whether the racial make-up of the show was intentional. Does the music work, and does the show reflect anything from our current political climate? Margaret's all about is relishing in the dismantling of Fox News by the hands of its key contributors and Wynter talks about Netflix's Dear White People. Plus, the panel shares some light, vintage jams to help cleanse our palates after a particularly heavy discussion. Reacd Margaret's interview with Margaret Atwood for the Los Angeles Times and don't forget to listen to Guy's interview with Atwood on Bullseye from 2015. Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and Wynter Mitchell Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this

This week, the gang (minus Guy) is joined by Gerrick Kennedy, music writer at the Los Angeles Times, to discuss the best album releases of 2017. For the first time in 33 years, there are no women in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100's chart. The gang discusses whether they think this is a fluke or a trend, how they think streaming services affect the numbers, and what this means for women musicians of color. They discuss the importance of the new Kendrick Lamar album D.A.M.N. and about early contestants for "The Song of the Summer" title. They talk about whether they think Ed Sheeran is creepy and why Harry Styles is a #HeForShe hero. Then, in lieu of jams and because Coachella just kicked off the start to the music festival season, the panel tells us about their dream music festivals-where they would be, who would be playing, and how much they would cost. All of this, plus each panelist tells us what they're all about. Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Gerrick Kennedy Each week we’ll

This week, the Pop Rocket panel has some extra help to talk about the 5 years and 6 seasons of Girls that ended this past Sunday from the New York based comedy duo Las Culturistas. As you can imagine, the gang has a lot to say during this post mortem. They talk about whether we got closure from the final episode, and whether Lena should have just stopped at the penultimate episode. Did the producers of Girls do enough to deal with the lack of racial diversity on the show over the 5 years? What role did nudity and sex play on show, and why was it so refreshing? Was Elijah used as a trophy and crutch or seen as a peer by Hannah? And did we think that this was a genuinely funny show? All of these questions will be answered, plus Bowen and Wynter are all about new video games, and Matt can't stop listening to the new Gaga. In lieu of jams this week, we get a master class in the signature segment on the Las Culturistas podcast, "I Don't Think So Honey"-- things get rowdy. We also want to thank everyone who donate

On this week's Pop Rocket, Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell and Karen Tongson are joined by LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe  for a deep dive into the French horror film Raw by director Julia Ducournau. The movie centers on Justine, a young vegetarian who, along with her sister, is studying to become a veterinarian. When Justine is pressured to eat a rabbit's kidney at a party, that act unleashes all her carnal desires, such as the desire to eat people. When Raw screened in Los Angeles, theaters handed out barf bags to moviegoers because some people can't handle the graphic realism. In this episode, you'll find out why April considers this to be one of the best horror movies of all time. Karen Tongson impresses with a quick history lesson on French veterinary science, and Guy and Wynter explore the ways fear of female sexuality plays such a core role in horror films. Also in this episode, April's all about the Anne Hathaway film "Colossal", Wynter's all about that Pepsi ad, Guy's all about Shit Town and Karen thi

In honor of the premier of Guy Branum's new truTV show, the gang is talking about game shows this week! Karen reminisces about the implicit corniness of 70's and 80's game shows, Wynter talks about the accessibility differences between quiz shows like Jeopardy and Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, and Margaret tells us about the time she was on The Price is Right. Plus, we learn about Wynter's new obsession with ASMR-adjacent Youtube click-holes, and Guy tells us why he was stunned by the latest episodes of Feud, Girls, and the gang discuss the series finale of Big Little Lies. Finally, the gang tell us which tracks they can't stop listening to. **There are many plot revealing spoilers in this episode, particularly about the series finale of Big Little Lies** Rocketeers, don't forget to tune into Guy Branum's NEW tv program called Talk Show The Game Show every Wednesdy at 10/9c on truTV, with a premier date of April 5th! Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler Jams: Margaret Wappler

This week the gang is here to talk about the year 1997 in music and culture. There are a surprising number of 20 year old infallible pop hits that were influenced by a number of factors; the internet, CD-R's, Princess Diana passing, the death of Gianni Versace, the 24-hour news cycle, and of course Tupac and Biggies deaths. Wynter and Karen make it clear that they had the best 1997 as they were living in the city of possibilities (San Francisco), Margaret tells us why she doesn't know any Spice Girls songs, and we find out which panelist played sax in a ska band. Plus, in lieu of jams, we hear from each of the panelists what podcasts they are listening to lately. And remember, if you haven't yet become a member or upgraded your membership, please do it before the end of #MaxFunDrive. Margaret Wappler has vowed to send every new person that joins a denim jacket w/ a celebrity inside, Karen Tongson will eat weird vending machine food for you and Guy Branum will share his family's fruit cobbler recipe. And his f

This week we have a bonus Pop Rocket episode for all of you Rocketeers! Jesse Thorn, our boss and creator of Pop Rocket, interviewed Guy for Pop Rocket's sister show Bullseye with Jesse Thorn about his new truTV show Talk Show the Game Show. Although the Bullseye interview won't air for a couple of weeks, Jesse wanted to release this episode to you, our beloved listeners, as a thank you for your continued support. As I'm sure you know by now, it is the MaxFun Drive, the 2 weeks out of the year where we ask you, our listeners, to give back in whatever way possible. You can go to the MaxFun website to donate at whatever level you can. You can also pick up some awesome thank you gifts, among which is the INCREDIBLE Pop Rocket enamel pin designed by Megan Lynn Kott. We really can't make this show without you and we so appreciate anything that you can give. Make sure to make some noise about your contribution to Maximum Fun by using the hashtag #MaxFunDrive. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and su

Guy, Wynter, and Karen are joined by comedian and actress Tara Jepsen to examine Hollywood’s depiction of lady love on the big screen, and TV. The panel delves into what gets them all hot and bothered, and what just gets them bothered. Plus, Tara throws down for her sapphic sister Rachel Maddow, Guy discusses the wonder that is Throwing Shade the TV show, Wynter reports back from SXSW, and Karen is all about drunk Asians on Fresh Off the Boat. But there’s more!, Pop Rocket debuts our newest segment, 4 Questions, with our first guest Lisa Loeb! It's a jam-packed show, Rocketeers! It's MaxFunDrive folks! If you enjoy listening to Pop Rocket, why don't you join the Maximum Fun family and become a donor. We'd really appreciate it. But there’s more! Pop Rocket debuts our newest segment, 4 Questions, with our first guest Lisa Loeb! Everyone should check out her new album Feel What U Feel. It's a jam-packed show, Rocketeers! With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, and guest Tara Jepsen That's My Jam: Tara J

This week, Guy and Margaret are joined by the host of My Favorite Murder, Karen Kilgariff, as well as LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe to talk FX's Feud, the Ryan Murphy miniseries Guy describes as "the most important story in the gay canon". Also, GUY BRANUM KNOWS WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN GAME OF THRONES SEASON SEVEN!!! Like, for real. No joke. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Kilgariff, and April Wolfe. That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Elliott Smith - Say Yes Karen Kilgariff - Rihanna - Desperado April Wolfe - Orties - Putes Que Toutes Les Poutes Guy Branum - Nicki Minaj - No Frauds 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

This week, Guy, Wynter, Margaret, and Karen talk about Jordan Peele's newest horror film Get Out*. They discuss the racial and political implications of the film, Wynter contextualizes the role of black people within the horror genre, and the gang discuss their favorite scenes from the movie. As always,the panel tells us what they are all about this week. Karen talks about 45 eating America's meat of choice with ketchup, Margaret recommends a mémoire and Wynter talks about Feud. Plus Guy keeps us up to date on his latest obsession with Calypso, and the rest of the gang provide their latest jams. *Please note that this episode is rife with spoilers, so if you haven't seen the movie yet, please keep this in mind! With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler,    Jams:   Guy Branum - Calypso Rose - Leave Me Alone Margaret Wappler - Sharon Van Etton - End of the World Wynter Mitchell - Phonte - Something Karen Tongson - Go West - King of Wishful Thinking   Each week we’ll add everyone’s j

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. After the craziness of the Oscars on Sunday, we needed to calm down and talk about our favorite Facebook discussions from the official Pop Rocket Facebook group! Guy, Karen, Margaret, and special guest Chris Schleicher are here to talk about traumatizing movie scenes, TV shows that made them cry, and films that are better than the books they're based on. Plus, perhaps the best Jams so far in the history of Pop Rocket (imho)! By the way, if you want to hear the panel's thoughts on the 2017 Oscars ceremony, check out our bonus episode released earlier this week! With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and special guest Chris Schleicher.  That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Intro - Mica Levi (from "Jackie") Karen Tongson - Hello Stranger - Barbara Lewis Chris Schleicher - Ne Me Quitte Pas - Michel Legrand (from "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg") Guy Branum - Someone in the Crowd - Justin Hurwitz (from "La La Land") Each week we'll add everyone's jams

This is a rush edition of Pop Rocket focusing on The Oscars. Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and special guest Chris Schleicher waste no time in dishing on cinema's biggest night. They skip the "all abouts" and jams and get right to the WTF of it all--the best picture debacle, Casey Affleck and Brie Larson, bad hair, bad clapping and Hacksaw Ridge. Plus, we'll get to the bottom of why Margaret Wappler wants to be Taraji P. Henson's eyebrows when she grows up.   Guy Branum explains why he has a problem with standing ovations, and reveals a fact about director Ezra Edelman (OJ Made in America) that blew him away. Margaret Wappler hearts Natalie Portman's performance in Jackie and, apparently, Taraji P. Henson's eyebrows. Karen Tongson analyzes the ways Moonlight was successful in moving the lens away from gay white people. And Chris Schleicher gets all Zapruder film in breaking down the Best Picture fiasco and gives us his theory about Faye Dunaway.   Dive in!   Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret W

This week Guy has returned from New York and the gang is back together to talk about legal dramas! They talk about the new CBS All-Access series The Good Fight, their favorite legal dramas of all time, and they get real about which TV or movie lawyer they would want to represent them in court. Wynter talks about her love for true crime, Margaret tells us what The Accused got right, and Karen talks about a Barbara Streisand classic. Plus we learn why Guy is currently obsessed with Calypso music and which documentaries you should be seeing this weekend. As with every week, we find out what the panel is all about and why jams they cannot stop listening to.   Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler   Jams:   Margaret Wappler -  Room 29 - Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzalez Wynter Mitchell - I Feel It Comin' - The Weeknd Karen Tongson - It Ain't Me - Kygo, Selena Gomez Guy Branum - No Wuk For Carnival - Lord Kitchener   Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.  

This week, Guy is in New York but not to fear! Margaret Wappler fills in as host with Wynter Mitchell and Karen Tongson to talk about music’s biggest night, The Grammys. They talk about everything, from the production to the performances to the winners and almost more importantly, the losers. Music critic for outlets like Slate, NPR, and Pitchfork Chris Molanphy pops in to provide context about The Grammys and to deliver his opinion on the results. Plus the panelists share what they’re all about this week, and what they can’t stop listening to. Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, and Chris Molanphy Jams: Margaret Wappler - Kourosh Yaghmaei - Leila Wynter Mitchell - Bambaata - Unconditional Karen Tongson - Prince - Starfish and Coffee   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: Buffalo Bill’s Dance Scene Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamo

Guest host Jordan Morris sits down with Karen, Margaret, and Guy to talk about their favorite topics brought up in the official Pop Rocket Facebook group! They talk chicken nuggets, indie comic books, and Beyonce’s pregnancy photos. Guy chats about Mary Tyler Moore, Karen can’t get enough K Stew and Jordan loves Jen Kirkman’s newest Netflix special. And of course, some jams to top it all off. With Jordan Morris, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, and Karen Tongson That's My Jam:  Jordan Morris - Pigeon John - She's Loud Margaret Wappler - Cherry Glazerr - Told You I'd be with the Guys Guy Branum - Kids in the Hall - Buddy Cole Sketch Karen Tongson - Team Dresch - Freewheel   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