Inside Pop

After two years, and thousands of hours of tv viewing, music listening and theater attending . . . Inside Pop's 100th episode has arrived! Join us as we celebrate 100 episodes of pop culture obsession! First up, we present our interview with director Dee Rees (Pariah, Bessie) and Charles King, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder of Macro. The pair sit down with Sean to discuss their new film, Mudbound; and in addition to sharing a behind the scenes view of their epic new film, they also discuss their unique working relationship; why they both choose to work in film AND television and their future plans to tell diverse stories. Next, we celebrate our 100th episode with a special edition of the Inside Pop quiz called, " You Don't Know Me Inside Pop . . .Quiz!" Sean and Amita quiz each other on how well they know . . . their own podcast. Can you guess who has won the equivalent of the Inside Pop EGOT? Can you name all of the inductees in Sean's 'House of Hyperbole'? Play along to see if your attention span and y

This week, Christmas comes early in the form of the new single "Lemon" from N.E.R.D & Rihanna! We try (and fail) to contain our excitement about the song, video and their upcoming album. We provide an N.E.R.D primer and also bow down to the dancer in the music video- Mette Towley. Then, Sean gives a review of Thor: Ragnarok he was not expecting to give; and we question whether we're in the midst of a superhero films and TV overload. Plus, we have a frank discussion about the recent sexual harassment allegations in Hollywood - our reactions, opinions and a personal story. And of course- there is no Inside Pop without the Big Sell! Amita gives her thoughts, rating and review on Sean's suggestion- the music documentary George Michael: Freedom and sells Sean on an innovative floral artist Makoto Azuma. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook You can also find us on MaximumFun.org

We've come along way, baby! This week Inside Pop celebrates two years of weekly pop culture podcasting! We start with a round-up of the Producers Guild of America's Produced By NY conference. We attended this event along with 100s of other television and film producers and gathered information about some major upcoming projects including Black Panther, Mudbound, Marshall, The Post, Call Me By Your Name, The Shape of Water and more! And we share some great stories with you! Then we review the first few episodes of Stranger Things 2. One of us is as happy as Dustin playing Dig Dug to be back with the gang from Hawkins. The other is worried the series may be in danger of repeating itself. Finally we wrap our #BigSell30 day challenge and discuss some of the pop culture we consumed over the past 30 days. And Sean rates Amita's Big Sell from last week (a photo project from Stefan Draschan) and Big Sells her on a new documentary about George Michael. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Face

The falling leaves, the crisp chill in the air, the smell of a distant fireplace burning - all of those signs of Fall compel us to do one thing - head into a dark theater and watch as many movies as possible! This week we discuss four new movies we've seen that we want you to know all about. Hear our thoughts on Call Me By Your Name, Wonderstruck, The Florida Project and Suburbicon. Within our discussion Sean reveals why you're not going to hear him use the 'O' word (Oscar) until 2018 and Amita shares why she's planning to limit her movie trailer consumption. Also, we have a special guest #BigSell30 from Zara Findlay-Shirras who double Big Sells us her new travel site Half Moon Guides and her podcast Totes Faves   (last year we big sold Zara's fab instagram feed - @DanaScullyStyle ). And Amita Big Sells Sean on a favorite new photographer, Stefan Draschan. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Facebook You can also find us on MaximumFun.org www.insidepoppodcast.com  

Why not take a break from re-watching the Black Panther trailer and listen to this brand new episode of Inside Pop! First up, we discuss cover songs. What makes a great cover song and what are some of the best? We discuss covers and originals performed by Prince, Adele, Joni Mitchell, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox and more!   Remember the sense of optimism you felt at the beginning of the TV season? That belief that you'd be bowled over by a ton of new amazing shows and that all of your favorite returning shows would continue to be your favorites? Well we felt that way too and now it's time to face the music (or the should we say 'the flat screen'). We're doing a mid-season check in to see which shows are must-see and which are about to be deleted from the DVR. We discuss This is Us, The Deuce, Queen Sugar, The Defenders, The Exorcist, Wisdom of the Crowd and more! And we'll also check in on the #BigSell30 Challenge and discuss how our lives have improved while experiencing one new pi

This week we dive inside Box Office Busts, a bold new doc and #BigSell30 is underway! First up,  Sean and Amita examine why the highly anticipated, sure fire hit Blade Runner 2049 actually failed at the box office. Why did the masses stay away from Denis Villeneuve's artistry and Ryan Gosling's baby blues? And are the masses actually missing out on a great film? We'll discuss! Also,  Amita was in the same room with her celebrity husband, Riz Ahmed, and didn't faint! Find out how she got to see him in person and what happened. Then, Amita interviews Oscar nominated director, Amanda Micheli about her new documentary, Vegas Baby, which follows multiple stories of women and couples and their struggles to have a child. Plus, Amita reviews last week's Big Sell from Sean, an early film from Ava DuVernay, Middle of Nowhere, and then sells him on a new single from Lin-Manuel Miranda featuring a slew of popular Latino singers and hip hop artists, who came together to raise funds for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico. And

  It's a family Affair this week on Inside Pop! We start off with a discussion of our favorite pop culture families - both real and fictional including The Jacksons, The Fischers, The Pearsons and The Knowles Sisters (Beyonce AND Solange). Then we bring you the second part of our interview with Kat Candler, the producing director of Queen Sugar. We dive into the mid season premiere and illuminate the character development, storylines and memorable scenes from the episode which was directed by film legend Julie Dash (Daughters of the Dust). Then Amita shares her favorite Tom Petty songs in tribute to the recently deceased singer. And finally we check in on the Big Sell 30 Day Challenge and discuss how our daily intake of new pop culture is changing our lives for the better. And Sean shares the Big Sell Day 4 of 30 - Middle of Nowhere by Ava DuVernay! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Popinsiders Visit our website at www.insidepoppodcast.com Find us at Maximum Fun

The Fall season is already delivering on its promise of bringing us prestige, platinum perfect pop culture and we're all over it! First up, Sean reviews the premiere of Star Trek: Discovery while teaching Amita some Trek etiquette in the process. Then, Amita talks about the special screening of Battle of the Sexes she attended, which has made her a huge fan of one of the legends of tennis (Billie Jean IS her girl!). Plus, we’re ecstatic to share our interview with Queen Sugar Producing Director, Kat Candler about her work on Ava DuVernay's acclaimed series. Kat discusses the experience of working with an all female directing crew; the job of helping multiple creative visions coalesce into one consistent series; and the indie film vibe that  permeates the set. Sadly, Kat refused our pleas to reassure us that Aunt Vi is going to be okay. This is an illuminating discussion on what goes into creating one of the great shows on TV right now and the perfect thing to listen to for Queen Sugar fans (like ourselves) wh

We're donning our imaginary capes to bring you the very best of a very busy Pop Culture week! First, we chat new music from Sam Smith, Miguel and Mavis Staples. Then, the Emmy Awards were awarded on Sunday night and we discuss how overwhelmed and overjoyed we were by how many of our favorite shows and actors won! Amita gives her Red Carpet Fashion Slay or Nay and we discuss all of the 'firsts' of the evening. Were we rooting for the Black and Brown people? Listen to find out! Plus, we announce the return of The Big Sell 30 Day Challenge! Find out what #BigSell30 is all about, why we need you to be part of it and hear about some of our favorite Big Sells from last year's challenge. And in this week's Big Sell, Sean reviews the Glamour article written by Reese Witherspoon about ambition and sells Amita on an interesting coming out video by actor Haaz Sleiman. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders You can also find us at MaximumFun.org Visit our official site at www.insidepoppodcast.com  

This episode is hella full with the very best of a great week in pop culture! Don't hand in that Emmy office pool ballot until you listen to our '100% guaranteed to be right' Emmy predictions. We'll let you know the actors and series that will win television's big night. We also pick our jaws up from the floor in time to recap the Season 2 Finale of Issa Rae's Insecure (Issa, the couch - REALLY?!). Also, Sean reviews the box office monster (pun most definitely intended) It and tells you if It lands in his Top 9 Stephen King Adaptations of all time. Finally, Amita rates Sean's photo focused Big Sell from last week, and then sells Sean on an article written by an Oscar-winning and Emmy nominated actress. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders You can also find us at MaximumFun.org And visit our official site at www.insidepoppodcast.com      

We put away our white shoes and are previewing some of the upcoming Film, TV and Music we're looking forward to this Fall! There's an overwhelming amount of pop culture coming out in the next few months, but we'll help you select the best of the best that cannot be missed. Which television shows in the era of Peak TV have caught our attention and demand us to check them out? Which films could be awards contenders AND crowd pleasers? And what albums and concerts do we plan to line up to listen to and experience? We reveal all! And Sean reviews last week's Big Sell, the Game of Thrones behind the scenes series, "Game Revealed," and gives Amita a unique Big Sell - a multi-media article featuring Issa Rae, James Davis, Rachel Bloom, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders You can also find us at MaximumFun.org Visit our official site at WWW.InsidePopPodcast.com  

It's all about our two favorite places on this week's episode; New York City and . . .Westeros! We recap the Game of Thrones season seven finale, “The Dragon and the Wolf,” and celebrate the Stark Siblings' team work, analyze the Kings Landing Meet-Up Royale and question the ramifications of Jon and Dany's union (and when we say 'union' we mean they SMASHED!) We also tell you where we think this season ranks compared to others and let you know how long you'll have to wait for the 8th and final season of this epic series. We also talk about the jam packed week of pop culture consumption we experienced in our hometown of NYC ( the greatest city in the world – just ask the Schuyler Sisters!). Our 7 days of being out and about include: AfroPunk - where we saw live performances from Solange, Sampha, Soul II Soul, Raphael Saddiq, Michael Kiwanuka, Macy Gray, Nao, Blitz the Ambassador and hung out with hundreds of people representing Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy! Dave Chappelle & Solange at the iconic Rad

Faster than you can sail from Dragonstone to Winterfell - another week has gone by, and another epic Game of Thrones episode has arrived that can NOT be overlooked! We discuss the penultimate episode, Beyond the Wall, of this fast paced season and talk Dragons and Zombie Polar Bears and White Walkers and oh so much more! Be warned again - spoilers ahead!   Then, Sean shares his initial thoughts on Netflix's The Defenders - and you may be surprised to hear his reaction.   And of course, there is no Inside Pop without the Big Sell.  Sean reviews last week's 'soft ball' musical recommendation from Amita (a song by Bosco featuring St. Beauty) and recommends a politically charged Big Sell that involves Kal Penn, Jhumpa Lahiri, Chuck Close and 'he who shall not be named' (but who SHALL be protested). Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders You can also find us at MaximumFun.org Visit our official website: www.insidepoppodcast.com  

We look forward and backward and completely nerd out this week! First up, we recap the latest Game of Thrones episode, "Eastwatch" and look ahead to how these tangled plot lines may play out. Is Cersei Lannister with child? Will Lord Baelish put his little finger between the recently reunited Stark sister act? Then Amita completely surprises Sean with a Game of Thrones Inside Pop Quiz! Does Sean know a Tully from a Tarly? Can he name all three of Daenerys' dragons? Listen to find out! Then, in anticipation of this week's premiere of The Defenders on Netflix, we revisit our conversation with Marvel's Luke Cage Creator and Executive Producer Cheo Hodari Coker who discusses his future plans for the Luke Cage character. And in the Big Sell, Amita shares her reaction to an Afropunk 2017 playlist and she big sells Sean a new song by BOSCO featuring St. Beauty. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders You can also find us at MaximumFun.org Visit our official website for bonus content: www.insi

This week, we have a spoiler FILLED discussion about the latest episode of Game of Thrones (You've been warned!) Reunions, Deaths (?) and Dragons- oh my! Plus, we discuss the mid-season finale of one of our favorite shows- Queen Sugar and talk about how the series is taking it up a notch in its 2nd Season. And we read some listener feedback to our discussion last week about the portrayal of South Asian relationships in Film and TV. Then, we talk about the lackluster box office for the film Detroit and our thoughts on why audiences may not have embraced the film as expected. And of course, we have another brand new Big Sell! Sean gives his thoughts on last week's suggestion- the band, The Suffers, and sells Amita on a playlist that features artists from the upcoming AfroPunk music festival. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders You can also find us at MaximumFun.org Visit www.insidepoppodcast.com for bonus content  

This week we discuss the film, television, music AND music videos that have grabbed our attention! First up, we highlight some of our favorite new music videos from Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Grimes featuring Janelle Monae. These artists are creating work that's thought provoking and gorgeous. Then, we discuss the depiction of South Asian interracial relationships on television and in film. Our conversation is inspired by a recent article that critiques the lack of Asian love interests in the works of South Asian creators like Aziz Ansari, Mindy Kaling, Kumail Nanjiani and Hasan Minhaj. We tackle the issues of personal expression, cultural responsibility and the need to see Brown Love on the screen. Finally in The Big Sell, Amita rates Sam Dew's cover of the Bill Withers song "Use Me" and then she gives what Sean calls, "the greatest big sell in the history of the show!" It's not because of what she sells - but how she sells it. Let's just say Sean likes it when Amita shares personal info. Follow us on Twitte

We've had a busy pop culture filled week- starting with an exclusive screening of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power followed by a Q&A with Former Vice President Al Gore! We weren't sure if we should bow or curtsy upon seeing him on stage. Then, we analyze some of the most talked about trailers featured at San Diego Comic Con- including The Defenders, Thor: Ragnarok, Justice League and Star Trek: Discovery. Do they stir up excitement or fall flat? Plus, we chat about the season two premiere of Insecure - guess how many times Amita mentions Lawrence? And we bring you another installment of "Way Into . . ." with our guide to get way into one of our favorite Brits- Idris Elba. And Amita gets her wish- Sean FINALLY watches one of her favorite episodes of the critically acclaimed Donald Glover FX series- Atlanta in The Big Sell. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders And you can also find us at Maximum Fun Subscribe, listen and find bonus content, including links to our Way Into . . . Idris Elba G

Join us and raise a glass to toast the return of Game of Thrones - but before you take a swig just make sure you're not on Arya's sh*t list! On this episode of Inside Pop, we dissect the Season 7 premiere of Game of Thrones which has us talking about everything from filthy chamber pots to Ed Sheeran cameos to Vermeer paintings to the one thing Daenerys has in common with Prince and the Revolution! (There are Spoilers in this conversation- you've been warned) Then - we give you many reasons why you should be over the moon (just like us)  for the the new trailer for the Ava DuVernay epic, A Wrinkle in Time. We're also joined by special guest, DJ and Television Producer James Barker (aka DJ Chaotic) who shares his favorite albums and singles of the first half of 2017. A must listen if you're looking for thoughtful, upbeat, quality tunes to add to your playlists! Plus, we give you our thoughts on the Emmy nominations. And it's quid pro quo time in The Big Sell. Amita rates Sean's Big Sell from last week (an episo

This week, Inside Pop dives into Jay-Z's new album 4:44- we discuss some of the personal issues he revealed in his lyrics along with his evolution from his first album to now. We then discuss other artists who have bared their soul through music and some of the confessional - like songs with which we have connected -  including Beyonce, Lauryn Hill, Prince, Mary J. Blige and more. Plus, we revel in the abundance of programming that Peak TV has given us in 2017 with our Best of TV picks of the last 6 months. Find out which shows made our individual lists and which shows we shared our undying affection for. Then, Sean gives his Big Sell review and rating of last week's suggestion from Amita- the singer/songwriter, Bishop Briggs. Then, he shares his Big Sell which comes from one of the series on his Best of TV (So Far) list. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders www.insidepoppodcast.com You can also find Inside Pop on Maximum Fun network.

The holiday weekend is over but the fun is just about to begin! Take a deep dive inside the world of pop culture and join Sean David Johnson and Amita Patel as they celebrate their debut episode on Maximum Fun! Who are Amita and Sean? I mean who are they REALLY?: The co-hosts of Inside Pop (aka The Pop Insiders) give you a quick (re)introduction. Inside Pop Quiz: Summer Blockbuster Movie Edition. Sean quizzes Amita on everything from which Spielberg summer flick has made the most money to which of Rihanna's lines of dialogue from Battleship are the most memorable. Best Movies of 2017 . . .  So Far: Special guest Mike Cecchini, editor-in-chief of Den of Geek joins Sean and Amita to discuss his favorite films of the first half of the year. Plus he shares an early review of Spiderman: Homecoming. The Big Sell: Each week Sean and Amita take turns recommending something from the world of pop culture the other has yet to experience. Last week, Sean's Big Sell to Amita was the Viceland episode of Earthworks featuri