Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias

Latest Episodes:

Phoenix Parnevik Talks Crystal Lake, Barry & Friday the 13th Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Phoenix Parnevik joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss Crystal Lake, playing Barry, and stepping into the Friday the 13th franchise.

Phoenix shares how revisiting the original Friday the 13th helped shape his performance, why he believes Barry and Claudette truly love each other, and what it was like filming the boathouse sequence.

We also explore the unexpected comedy behind Barry’s scenes, the supportive atmosphere on set, and Phoenix’s favorite filming memories.

Episode highlights:
• Landing Barry after thinking he wouldn’t get the role
• Preparing with the original Friday the 13th
• Finding the heart of Barry and Claudette’s relationship
• Filming the boathouse sequence early in production
• Why his serious approach made the crew laugh
• His curiosity about a possible second season

⚠️ Spoiler warning: This episode discusses Crystal Lake storylines and specific scenes.

Watch the video interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa9AkW0bkoc

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Follow Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias for more actor interviews and conversations about movies and television.

Willem Dafoe Talks Tenzing, John Hunt & the Journey to Everest Oct 18, 2026

Show notes

Willem Dafoe joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss Tenzing, his portrayal of expedition leader John Hunt, and finding the humanity behind the journey to Mount Everest.

Dafoe shares what drew him to the film, how he balanced Hunt’s military discipline with his compassionate nature, and why research is only the beginning of creating a character. He also explores Hunt’s changing perspective on Tenzing Norgay and praises his co-star’s humility, physical preparation, and commitment to learning English and Sherpa for the role.

Episode highlights:
• Why the adventure of Tenzing attracted Dafoe
• Bringing John Hunt’s leadership and sensitivity to the screen
• How research shapes his acting process
• Hunt and Tenzing’s different approaches to Everest
• The dedication behind the film’s central performance

Watch the video interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRzB9EoPK9Y

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

Got a burning question or a topic suggestion? Reach out to us at popcultureunplugged@gmail.com

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Jimmi Simpson on Dark Matter Season 2: Ryan’s Guilt, Amanda & a Devastating Revelation Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

Jimmi Simpson returns to Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias to break down Ryan’s emotional journey in Dark Matter Season 2, including the plague revelation, a heartbreaking family discovery and his evolving relationship with Amanda.

Following our Season 1 conversation, Simpson explores why returning home doesn’t bring Ryan the peace he expected—and how guilt pushes him to consider his responsibility to the worlds he visits.

In this episode:
• Ryan’s reaction to another version of himself potentially bringing the plague into this world
• The devastating revelation involving his sister, Camila
• Why reaching the box represents a chance to make things right
• How Amanda’s crisis forces Ryan to step into a different role
• Why Simpson describes Ryan’s journey as “fun, expansive and devastating”

Spoiler warning: This episode discusses Dark Matter Season 2 plot developments.

Watch the video interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWgnbtdh81A

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

Got a burning question or a topic suggestion? Reach out to us at popcultureunplugged@gmail.com

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Jordan Leftwich Talks Coven Academy: Sasha’s Secrets, Cast Chemistry & Season 2 Hopes Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Jordan Leftwich joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to go inside Coven Academy and the secrets behind her character, Sasha.

From originally auditioning for Brier to bringing Sasha’s mind-reading powers to life, Jordan shares how she built a character whose guarded exterior hides a deeply emotional story. She discusses Sasha’s friendship with Brier, behind-the-scenes cast chemistry, and her reaction to the shocking reveal about Sasha’s brother.

We also explore the Elixir of Life storyline, what Jordan hopes to see for Sasha in a possible Coven Academy Season 2, and the emotional scene she’s especially proud of.

Plus, Jordan opens up about her journey from modeling to acting, how living with Crohn’s disease shaped her determination, and her excitement about a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show opportunity.

Spoiler warning: This episode contains major Coven Academy Season 1 spoilers.

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V09EksYfyJ8

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Follow Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias for more actor interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations about your favorite TV shows and movies.

Alison Thornton: Inside Chris Hargensen’s Dark Side in Mike Flanagan’s 'Carrie' Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Alison Thornton joins Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias to discuss playing Chris Hargensen in Mike Flanagan’s Carrie, the series adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic horror story.

Alison explores the insecurity, family dynamics, and fractured friendships behind Chris’s cruelty—and why understanding her character doesn’t mean excusing her actions. She also shares how social media makes Carrie’s world more dangerous, how she built trust with Summer H. Howell for their intense scenes, and the advice Mike Flanagan gave the cast that she’ll carry into future roles.

Plus, Alison reflects on her acting journey, including School Spirits and Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, and the message about kindness and belonging she hopes audiences take away from Carrie.

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5qDEsKhVjP8

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

Got a burning question or a topic suggestion? Reach out to us at popcultureunplugged@gmail.com

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June Laporte Goes Inside American Hostage: Finding Ginny Hughes’ Voice Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

June Laporte joined Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about American Hostage, playing Ginny Hughes, and working alongside Jon Hamm in the true crime drama.

June shares how they prepared for the role through the American Hostage podcast, archival footage, and research into 1970s radio journalism. They explore Ginny’s ambitions, her relationship with Fred, and the Episode 3 fallout that challenges her trust in her mentor.

We also discuss Giovanni Ribisi’s portrayal of Tony, building the newsroom dynamic through rehearsals, and Ginny’s journey toward finding confidence in her own voice. June reflects on their theater background, their growing passion for directing, and why they’re excited for audiences to see the season finale.

Spoiler warning: This episode discusses events through Episode 3 of American Hostage

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nVYVTVYU4p8

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

Got a burning question or a topic suggestion? Reach out to us at popcultureunplugged@gmail.com

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Cover photo credit: Pooya Nabei

Jordan Alexa Davis Talks The End of Oak Street, Dinosaurs and Her Film Debut Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Jordan Alexa Davis joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss The End of Oak Street, her feature-film debut, and stepping into the movie’s mysterious world.

Jordan shares what drew her to the story, how she developed the reserved but courageous Jeannette, and what it was like working alongside Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. She also takes listeners behind the scenes of the film’s dinosaur sequences, from reacting to performers in blue suits to using dinosaur heads on sticks for eyelines.

The conversation also explores the movie’s deeper themes of family and survival, the physical and emotional demands of filming a thriller, and how Jordan learned to separate herself from the anxiety-driven scenes she performed.

Watch the full video interview on the Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias YouTube channel.

Topics include: Jordan Alexa Davis, The End of Oak Street, Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Jeannette, dinosaur scenes, feature-film debuts, acting, family, survival and thriller movies.

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p5ZmHr1Nc48

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

Got a burning question or a topic suggestion? Reach out to us at popcultureunplugged@gmail.com

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Karen Cliche on Ice Cream Man, Reuniting with Eli Roth & Her Creepiest Scene Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Karen Cliche joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss playing Alison Mayfair in the new horror movie Ice Cream Man and reuniting with filmmaker Eli Roth following Thanksgiving.

Karen shares how Eli casually offered her the role, the extensive improvisation behind their family scenes and what it was like having him serve as both her director and onscreen husband. She also discusses the film’s talented young cast, shooting the creepy ending in a real cemetery and why ice cream trucks have always made her uncomfortable.

Plus, Karen compares Alison to her Thanksgiving character Kathleen, reveals her desire to do more comedy and previews her upcoming 1950s crime film alongside Vince Vaughn, Theo James and Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_Wvz7j-8uTs

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

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Kiori Mirza Waldman on Ice Cream Man, Mia’s Fate and What Comes Next Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Kiori Mirza Waldman, who plays Mia in Ice Cream Man, joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to discuss her character’s surprising journey, the film’s bloody school scenes and working with director Eli Roth.

Kiori shares how she landed the role, approached Mia’s transformation from a popular small-town teenager into a courageous survivor and handled the chaos surrounding her on set. She also reveals the acting advice Eli Roth gave her and why not laughing with her young co-stars became one of her biggest challenges.

The conversation explores Mia’s shocking final transformation, the sequel possibilities created by the ending and whether Kiori would return as a fully possessed version of her character. She also teases an upcoming television role and explains why she no longer trusts ice cream trucks.

Spoiler warning: This episode contains major Ice Cream Man spoilers.

Photo credit: John Bregar

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QZ3jOYaYU9I

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

Got a burning question or a topic suggestion? Reach out to us at popcultureunplugged@gmail.com

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John Ross Bowie on Barry Kripke’s Return in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Aug 02, 2026

Show notes

John Ross Bowie joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to discuss returning as Barry Kripke in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the new Big Bang Theory spinoff on HBO Max.

John opens up about learning that Kripke would become a full-time character, how the series gives Barry a deeper storyline and why he compares Kripke’s new role to Doctor Smith from Lost in Space. He also discusses Barry shooting Raj, Kripke’s explanation for that controversial moment and what the multiverse could mean for the character.

The conversation also covers Barry’s evolving relationship with Bert, John’s chemistry with Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus and Brian Posehn, the possibility of alternate versions of Kripke and what John hopes to explore if the series returns for Season 2.

John also reveals what Kripke would immediately ban from Caltech, which television universe Barry would thrive in and details his upcoming historical drama, Brink of War.

Warning: This interview contains spoilers for the opening episodes of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is now streaming on HBO Max.

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5VPQqZO2dZU

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

Got a burning question or a topic suggestion? Reach out to us at popcultureunplugged@gmail.com

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