Pop Rocket

Latest Episodes:

Fall TV Preview with Sara Benincasa Sep 07, 2016

Show notes

Wynter takes over hosting duties this week and is joined by comedian and writer Sara Benincasa to talk about fall TV shows! Atlanta, Frequency, Designated Survivor, and more! What’s going to make it to season 2 and what will fall flat on its dumb face? Plus, Oliver is finally able to talk about Stranger Things, Sara is surprised by Joe Swanberg’s hotness, and Wynter has a few words to say on Rob Lowe’s roast.

With Wynter Mitchell, Oliver Wang, and special guest, Sara Benincasa

Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Searching for the Song of the Summer with Chris Molanphy Aug 31, 2016

Show notes

It’s finally going to happen, people. Many songs enter, but only one jam can be crowned the Song of the Summer. Guy, Oliver, Margaret, and Wynter bring their picks and some suggestions from the Facebook group and discuss what really makes a summer jam. Writer and analyst Chris Molanphy comes in with hard data to see what is objectively the Song of the Summer. Sia, Calvin Harris, DNCE, Lizzo, and so many more are brought into the fight. Who wins? The answer may shock you.

With Guy Branum, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and guest, Chris Molanphy

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Rummaging Through the Mailbag Again Aug 24, 2016

Show notes

Margaret is back you guys! She takes over hosting duties and is joined by Oliver and Wynter to go through the mailbag and answer YOUR questions from the Facebook group and Twitter. The gang discuss good baby making songs, Harry Potter, time travel, and more! Plus, Margaret has some travel stories, Wynter mourns the death of Gawker, Oliver just can’t get enough Frank Ocean, and producer Christian just can’t take all the sex talk in the studio.

With Margaret Wappler, Oliver Wang, and Wynter Mitchell

Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Vacations and Travel with Karen Tongson Aug 17, 2016

Show notes

Guy, Wynter, and Oliver are joined by academic and Pop Rocket’s fifth Beatle, Karen Tongson to talk about vacations in pop culture! The gang has some suggestions on how to pass the time on a plane, train, and/or automobile. What’s the difference between a vacation and travel movie? Why are ABC show families always taking vacations? Karen talks about her trip to the Philippines and Vietnam, Oliver and Wynter aren’t too sure about The Get Down, and Guy is slowly losing hope in finding a truly amazing Jam that is deserving of the Song of the Summer crown.

Our regular host Margaret Wappler thinks it would be pretty cool of you to buy her new book Neon Green. Get it HERE or at your local independent bookstore. Check her website for tour dates.

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

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Summer Blockbusters with Devin Faraci and Riley Silverman Aug 10, 2016

Show notes

Oliver takes over hosting duties today and is joined by Wynter and special guests, comedian (and writer for MaxFun podcast International Waters!) Riley Silverman and Editor in Chief of Birth.Movies.Death, Devin Faraci. This week, the gang talks about this summer’s blockbusters with a focus on DC and Marvel movies! Is Suicide Squad a beautiful trainwreck or just a trainwreck-y trainwreck? Why does Marvel seem to be killing it at the box office and with critics while DC struggles to do either? Who in the world wanted another Independence Day movie? All that, plus, Oliver finds a new weird Olympic sport to obsess over, Wynter brings in some more KCRW-esque Jams, Riley has a few words to say on Rio de Janiero, and Devin still holds hope for one final potential summer blockbuster.

NOTE: Mild Harry Potter spoilers from 03:35-07:01 YOU’VE BEEN WARNED, NERDS!

Hey, you! Margaret Wappler’s book is out now! Treat yourself tonight and get Neon Green HERE or at your local independent bookstore. Check her website for tour dates.

With Oliver Wang, Wynter Mitchell, and special guests, Riley Silverman and Devin Faraci.

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Stranger Things with Linda Holmes and Clinton Trucks Aug 03, 2016

Show notes

Guy and Wynter are joined by two special guests, host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour Linda Holmes and television producer Clinton Trucks to discuss the Netflix series Stranger Things! Linda is pretty pumped for the Splash remake, Clint talks about his first D&D experiences, and Guy and Wynter finally find some common ground in a Jam.

Hey! Margaret Wappler's new book, Neon Green, is out now. Go get it! Find it at your local independent bookstore or grab it HERE. She's also on tour to promote it. Check her website for dates and see if she's coming around to your town.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, and special guests, Linda Holmes and Clinton Trucks

Produced by Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org

Reality Competition Shows with Melissa Villaseñor Jul 27, 2016

Show notes

Guy, Oliver, and Wynter are joined by special guest, comedian and actress Melissa Villaseñor to talk about reality competition shows! Is Shark Tank any good? Are we still allowed to like The Apprentice? How “real” are these reality shows anyway? Also, Guy has a few words to say on Star Trek, Melissa talks about her AGT experience, Wynter is a huge fan of this year’s Comic-Con, and Oliver gives us a preview of his special “kitchen sink” mix for donors.

Regular host Margaret Wappler’s book is available now and is currently on tour! Find it at your local independent bookstore or buy it HERE. Check her website for tour dates.

The search for the Song of the Summer is still underway. Look for the official thread on the Pop Rocket Facebook group and submit your pick!

With Guy Branum, Oliver Wang, Wynter Mitchell, and guest Melissa Villaseñor

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Who You Gonna Call? Jul 20, 2016

Show notes

The Pop Rocket gang (well, most of them) went to go see the new Ghostbusters this weekend and are here to tell you all about it! Is Leslie Jones the next big movie star? How amazing is Kate McKinnon? Where was Rick Moranis in this whole thing? Plus, Margaret puts on her tin foil hat and discusses her theory about Kimye and Taylor's latest feud. Oliver talks about his latest DJ gig, Guy explains why Ghostbusters is getting so much criticism from certain internet communities, and Wynter closes with a Bustin' remix.

Hey! Margaret's new book, Neon Green, is out now! She's going on a book tour soon! Check HERE to see if she's coming around to your town. You could also buy her book HERE.

The search for the Song of the Summer still rages on, folks. Look for the official thread on the Pop Rocket Facebook group and send in your submissions.

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

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Fantasy Movies, Shows, and Books Jul 13, 2016

Show notes

Rocketeers, it's been a very strange couple of weeks. The gang all come together to talk about the recent events in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Falcon Heights. This week, Guy, Oliver, Margaret, and Wynter escape reality for just a bit and talk about all things fantasy. Wynter and Guy just can't agree on Summer Jams, Oliver discusses his first Choose Your Own Adventure book, and Margaret tries to draw the line b sci-fi and fantasy.

You guys, Margaret's book, Neon Green, is out NOW! Pick it up HERE.

Time is running out for the search for the Song of the Summer. Look for the official thread on the Facebook page and send in your submission so Guy and Wynter can berate your choices on the show.

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

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

Mexico and Canada's Pop Culture Jul 06, 2016

Show notes

Guy, Margaret, and Oliver are joined by special guest, comedian and writer Jonathan Rowell to talk about Mexico and Canada's pop culture. Sabado Gigante, Walter Mercado, You Can't Do That On Television, Porky's and so much more! Plus, The Pop Rocket Book Club talks all about Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel.

With Guy Branum, Oliver Wang, Margaret Wappler, and special guest Jonathan Rowell

Produced by Christian Dueñas and Colin Anderson for MaximumFun.org

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