Hooked: A Pop Culture Podcast with Mary Carver

Latest Episodes:

#178 - Hooked on Long-Distance Movie Nights Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

I'm excited to share a conversation with you this week that I had a while back with three of my dear friends who frequently join me for a virtual movie party – and have done so pretty consistently for almost six years now! We share our origin story, our best tips for starting your own movie watch tradition, and, of course, where we are finding or creating delight in our days.

You may remember these friends from a previous episode, but just in case, I'm excited to introduce them now. Joining me on the podcast today are Amanda, who works for a nonprofit in homeless outreach; Sarah, a college professor; and Anna, best friend of the show, corporate marketing pro, and writer extraordinaire.

We had so much fun making this episode for you, and I hope you feel like you're sitting on the couch with us as we talk and laugh, sometimes all at once.

Of course, because side notes and rabbit trails are still welcome on this show, we do get into scented pens, new earrings, Crock Pot recipes, and machines that speak in pirate. This is such a fun one, so let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

How I Met Your Mother
Man on the Inside
Episode #173 with Candace Shaw
The Sorta Awesome podcast
Set It Up
@yourbarefootneighbor on Instagram

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Mary on Instagram or in her Facebook group.
Find Anna on Instagram or on her website.
Find Sarah and Amanda in Mary's Facebook group.

#177 - Hooked on Children's Books with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

My friend and friend of the show, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, is here today to talk about some of the children's books we're loving right now. You're in luck because we're both supremely qualified on this topic, as I'm a children's library worker and she's a children's author – but also, we can't resist talking about kids' books anytime we chat!

Of course, because side notes and rabbit trails are still welcome on this show, we do get a sneak peek into Dorina's newest writing project, while I share about the book reviewer I'm currently obsessed with. I know you'll love this episode, so let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Littlest Drop by Sasha Alper
Mamie Takes a Stand by Marie Chan
Sometimes I Am Furious by Timothy Knapman
Downtown Doors by Natasha Tripplett
Seoul Food by Erin Russell
Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
Kailani's Gift by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
Twelve Dinging Doorbells by Tameka Fryer Brown
I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown by Xochiti Dixon
Penny Preaches by Amy Dixon & Rob Dixon

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Mary on Instagram or in her Facebook group.
Find Dorina (and sign up for her newsletter) on her website.

#176 - Hooked on Netflix Holiday Movies (and More) with Becky Keife Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Today is about stories -- both the holiday movie variety you expect and something completely different! I'm joined by my good friend Becky Keife today to talk about stories and storytellers we're hooked on. Becky is a writer, speaker, and mom to three – as she puts it – hungry teenage boys, and we've known each other and worked together for nearly a decade. This is the first time she's been on this podcast, and we had a lot of fun sharing our very different stories with each other and with you.

Of course, because side notes and rabbit trails are still welcome on this show, we do get into my favorite seasonal snack and Becky's favorite all-time seasoning. Obviously you don't want to miss any of this, so let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Hot Frosty (yes, again)
A Merry Little Ex-Mas
Champagne Problems
Jingle Bell Heist
My Secret Santa
Meet Me Next Christmas (yes, again!)

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Mary on Instagram or in her Facebook group.
Find Becky on Instagram or on her website, and find her book, A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, wherever books are sold.

#175 - The Show Must Go On (and On and On...) with James Walters Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Lights, curtains, action! It's time for a very special episode. For the first time since relaunching this podcast, my brother and friend of the show, James Walters, is with us! And because we cannot stop ourselves from rambling about all the things, it's a supersized episode. You're welcome.

As a refresher, James is not just my brother but a small business owner, professional musician, and expert on many things pop culture-related. Today we're talking about how we have long been–and continue to be–hooked on live theater, and we share our recent theater-going experiences. Brace yourself for excellent and detailed descriptions from James and somewhat vague descriptions from me of the shows we've seen.

And, of course, because side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome at Hooked, we also get into activism, our listening habits of 2025, Chinese restaurant soundtracks, and Muppets. We had a blast making this episode for you, and I can't wait for you to listen. Let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Arrested Development
Hooked Podcast episode #173
My favorite candle
Qobuz (an alternative to Spotify)
Lion King
Death Becomes Her
Ragtime
Oh Mary!
And Juliet
Sesame Street meets Knives Out
Nativity chicken

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Mary on Instagram or in her Facebook group.
Find James on Instagram or on his website.

#174 - Hooked on Holiday Movies (even in this 2025 of a year!) Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

How many new holiday movies have you watched so far? I'll admit I haven't watched all of them yet, but this week my friends and I are talking about it anyway! In this episode, we share some of last year's favorites and our hopes for this year's new holiday movies.

That's right - friends! Multiple! I was joined in person with THREE of my closest friends during a weekend retreat, and we had a blast sharing with you the holiday movies we were hooked on last year and the ones we're looking forward to this year. Who are these friends, you ask? They are Amanda, who works for a nonprofit in homeless outreach; Sarah, a college professor and, as it turns out, devoted Pez collector; and Anna, best friend of the show, corporate marketing pro, and writer extraordinaire.

We had a blast making this episode for you, and I hope you feel like you're sitting on the couch with us as we chat and laugh and do our very best not to talk over each other. Enjoy!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Letterboxd
Anna's article about being on a movie set (and check out her photos in her Instagram highlight!)
Hooked on Holiday Movies
Joy to the World on Hulu
An interview with Jonathan Bennett
Merriam-Webster's hilarious Instagram account
And this recipe from my friend Terri:

Nearly Sugar-Free Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai

3/4 c Oregon Chai concentrate (sugar-free) 2/3 c milk (I use Fairlife skim milk)

2 Tbsp half and half 1 Tbsp milk 1 Tbsp canned pumpkin 1 Tbsp sugar-free vanilla syrup

The chai and milk is the main drink. The half and half, milk, pumpkin, and vanilla are the pour-over cream. Using a frother helps mix it up completely. Serve over ice. (Makes one drink.)

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Mary on Instagram or in her Facebook group.
Find Anna on Instagram or on her website.
Find Sarah and Amanda in Mary's Facebook group.

#173 - But What if Book Club Could Be Way Better? Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Hey there! and welcome to a new episode of Hooked, a podcast where we share the things that we're hooked on. From books and TV shows to snacks and skirts with pockets, we're talking about whatever is helping us deal with life when life is just too much.

I'm your host, Mary Carver, and while I'll still be hanging out on the couch with friends and we'll still be talking about pop culture and why it matters, Hooked is now the new and improved show you need today.

And speaking of today, I'm so excited for you to hear this week's episode. I'm joined by my friend Candace Shaw, who I met online and then in person and now hang out with almost every month! What a world! Anyway, Candace is a book nerd and the creator of my favorite thing I am 100% hooked on, and she's here to tell us all about it.

If you've ever wanted to start or join a book club but so much better, this episode is for you. Let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Mary on Instagram or in her Facebook group.
Find Candace on Instagram.

#172 - Music, Audiobooks, and Upcoming Holiday Movies (oh my!) Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

And speaking of today, in this week's episode, I'm going solo and telling you about all the things I'm hooked on right now, including pop music, a book I never imagined I'd love so much, Halloween costumes, and—of course—new holiday movies.

It's a fun one, so let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

LET'S CONNECT:

· Find Mary on Instagram or in her Facebook group.

#171 - Cozy TV for These Times with Kathi Lipp Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to a new episode of Hooked, a podcast where we share the things that we're hooked on. From books and TV shows to snacks and skirts with pockets, we're talking about whatever is helping us deal with life when life is just too much.

And speaking of today, in this week's episode, I'm joined by my dear friend and friend of the show, Kathi Lipp. Kathi is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, writing and marketing coach, and my kindred spirit in many ways, including all things TV.

I'm excited for you to listen to this episode. So let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Somebody Somewhere (HBO Max)
Shrinking (Apple TV)
Nurse Jackie
Mum (Britbox)
Ludwig (Britbox)
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Army Wives
Cobra Kai
Gilmore Girls
Howdy streaming service
The Couch Podcast #167: Home Reno Shows & Accidental Homesteading with Kathi Lipp

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Kathi in her Facebook group, the Clutter Free Academy.
Find Mary on Instagram or in her Facebook group.

#170 - What It Sounds Like When Grown Adults are Hooked on K-Pop Demon Hunters Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Today we're diving into the inspiration for this year's hottest Halloween costumes. That's right -- it's time to talk K-Pop Demon Hunters!

In this week's episode, I'm joined by my friend and friend of the show, Tasha Jun. Tasha is the author of Tell Me the Dream Again: Reflections on Family, Ethnicity, and the Sacred Work of Belonging, and as you'll hear, the perfect person for this conversation.

I know you're going to love this episode. So let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

K-Pop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
'Kpop Demon Hunters' Draws from Korean Folklore With This Scene-Stealing Character (Collider)
Lemonade Mouth (Disney+)
Julie & the Phantoms (Netflix)
The Couch Podcast episode #160 with Tasha: Celebrating Asian American Stories All Year Long
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (you can rent it on Apple TV+)
The Couch #160: Celebrating Asian American Stories All Year Long

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Tasha on Instagram or her Substack.
Find Mary on Instagram or her Facebook group.

#169 - We're Back & We're Hooked! TV Series We're Loving with Anna Rendell Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

And speaking of today, in this week's episode, I'm joined by my best friend and best friend of every show I've ever hosted . . . Anna Rendell. Anna is a writer, speaker, and mom of four – and you probably know her from Hooked on Holiday Movies, our annual endeavor to bring all the best holiday movies to you and, as you might have guessed, the inspiration for this podcast's name change.

I think you're going to love this episode. So let's get started!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

North of North (Netflix)
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
Yarn Fever (the game for your phone)
Libraries
Hooked on Holiday Movies
The Couch #168: 23 New Holiday Movies to Watch in 2023

LET'S CONNECT:

Find Anna on Instagram (@annaerendell) or on her website.
Find Mary on Instagram (@marycarver) or on her website.
Join us both in the Facebook group.

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