Pop Rocket

Latest Episodes:

Monsters Nov 16, 2016

Show notes

This week, Guy sits down with Margaret and special guests Danielle Radford of the Maximum Fun podcast Tights and Fights and Andrew Ti of Earwolf's Yo, Is This Racist? to talk about Monsters of all kinds. We find out what monsters scare them them the most, what kind of monster would characterize today's society the most, and why zombies are so scary.

With

Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Danielle Radford, and Andrew Ti.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Everybody Knows

Danielle Radford - Daddy Lessons

Andrew Ti - Classic Man (Chopped and Screwed)

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.

Super Dumb Comedies Nov 09, 2016

Show notes

This week, the gang tries to get rid of some of the anxiety surrounding this week's election by discussing their favorite dumb comedies. They discuss everything from Judd Apatow to the demise of Adam Sandler, whether physical comedy can be smart, and why so many comedies are tied to “The College Experience”. Guy proposes a theory to explain why Troop Beverly Hills has a longer shelf life than Down And Out In Beverly Hills and Wynter talks about why she loves Mike Judge.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - At Last and Unsatisfied

Oliver Wang - Somebody Kill Me Please

Wynter Mitchell - Heaven Is A Place On Earth

Guy Branum - Daddy Lessons

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart

Westworld with Story Editor Charles Yu Nov 02, 2016

Show notes

Wynter takes over hosting duties and is joined by Margaret and Oliver for a discussion on all things Westworld! Plus, Story Editor Charles Yu calls in to give us some details on the process behind creating the show. Margaret talks about The Electric Grandmother (yes this is real), Wynter wants to know exactly how much $40,000 can get you in Westworld, and Oliver welcomes back basketball.

With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, and Margaret Wappler

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Tricks and Treats! Oct 26, 2016

Show notes

Guy, Margaret and Oliver are talking tricks and treats (pop culture hoaxes and candy) this week on Pop Rocket’s second annual Spooktacular! Why are memoir hoaxes always the juiciest? Where do we draw the line between hoax and just straight up lies? Why are Snickers candy bars so fancy? Plus, Guy has a new Halloween/bar mitzvah song to share, Margaret talks A Million Little Pieces, and Oliver can’t stand Reese’s. Also, Producer Christian comes in for his millennial minute and talks horror videogames! I hear he’s a super chill dude.

With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, and Oliver Wang

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Celebrity Pets with Karen Tongson Oct 19, 2016

Show notes

Oliver takes over hosting duties and is joined by Margaret and the always lovely Karen Tongson to talk about celebrity pets! Does that mean pets of celebrities or pets that are themselves celebrities? Well, why not both? Cats from Outer Space, Bubbles, talking dog movies, YouTube cat conventions…it’s all here. Plus, Margaret adores Dolly Parton, Karen has a few thoughts on Pitch, and Oliver tells us why baseball is one the most fascinating sports on TV right now.

With Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler, and guest Karen Tongson

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Atlanta on FX with Demi Adejuyigbe Oct 12, 2016

Show notes

Guy, Margaret, and Wynter are joined by writer and host of The Gilmore Guys podcast, Demi Adejuyigbe to talk about Atlanta on FX! How long should this show go for? What makes this show really shine? What’s with the Justin Beiber episode?! Plus, Demi tells us what it’s like to write on The Good Place, Wynter is excited for Westworld, Margaret doesn’t get Bruno Mars, and Guy talks about one of the biggest arguments he and Demi had over Macklemore.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, and guest Demi Adejuyigbe

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Debut Novels and Documentaries with Jade Chang, Jesse Thorn, and April Wolfe Oct 05, 2016

Show notes

Margaret takes over hosting duties this week in a special supersized episode of Pop Rocket! She's joined by author Jade Chang, LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe, and host of Pop Rocket’s sister show Bullseye, Jesse Thorn to talk about documentaries! Plus, Margaret talks to Jade about her new book, The Wangs vs. The World. Jesse talks about the Golden State Warriors, April has a few words to say on The Handmaiden, and Margaret reviews the Anthony Weiner documentary.

With Margaret Wappler and guests, Jesse Thorn, Jade Chang, and April Wolfe

Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Dear Pop Rocket... Sep 28, 2016

Show notes

This week, the Pop Rocket gang gives out pop culture and life advice to listeners! We learn what movie and dish pairs well with getting to third base, how to deal with breakups, and why DVR privileges should never be abused. Plus, we get a special question from a very lovely Rocketeer with a new lease on life. Get the tissues ready, it gets a little emotional. Wynter finds the last great Vine song, Margaret tells us about her OK Cupid alter ego, Oliver tells us how he deals with his daughter’s creative goals, and Guy explains how writing mean Yelp reviews can help with stress.

With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Oliver Wang, and Wynter Mitchell

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Emmy's and Pop Culture Comebacks Sep 21, 2016

Show notes

The gang is here to talk about the 2016 Emmy’s and prominent pop culture come-backs! Why does Veep get so much love? Do we even care about the Emmy’s anymore? Why can Drew Barrymore make a comeback but not Lindsay? All of these questions, and more are answered on this week’s Pop Rocket!

With Oliver Wang, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler.

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

The 2000's in Pop Culture with Karen Tongson Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

Guy, Wynter, and Oliver are joined by Fifth Beatle and all around lovely person Karen Tongson to talk about the 2000’s in pop culture! What movies, trends and music will live on through the ages? How in the world did Crash win Best Picture over Brokeback Mountain? Plus, Wynter professes her love for Ludacris, Karen gives her thoughts on Hey Ya, Guy talks about his experience at an anime convention, and Oliver is touched by Allen Iverson’s Hall of Fame speech.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, and guest Karen Tongson

Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org