Pop Rocket

Latest Episodes:

An Excellent Adventure in Time Travel Mar 14, 2018

Show notes

This week, Guy, Karen, Wynter and Margaret tackle A Wrinkle in Time and time travel tropes in TV and film.

Margaret Wappler is all about the New York Times publishing the obituaries they overlooked going back to 1851, people like Ida B. Wells and countless others. Karen is all about defending her Pinoy brother Bruno Mars from YouTuber and activist Seren Sensei, who thinks Mars appropriates black culture. Guy Branum comes late to the Insecure party, but he’s seen the light and apologizes to everyone who insisted he should watch the show. Wynter is all about Hypothetical, the OJ Simpson special that, for whatever reason, recently aired.

Margaret and Karen both saw A Wrinkle in Time and share their thoughts on the film. Then the gang delve into time travel, and make some profound realizations. If you want to hear about Outlander or Doctor Who, sorry. But if you want to hear their thoughts on Time Traveler’s Wife, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Back to the Future, Quantum Leap, The Arrival and lots of other titles, you’ll be in luck!

With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Teena Marie - Deja Vu Karen Tongson - Tracey Thorn - Dancefloor Wynter Mitchell - James Bay - Pink Lemonade Guy Branum - The 5th Dimension - Aquarius

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

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 Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

A Nonagenarian Named Oscar w/ Chris Schleicher Mar 08, 2018

Show notes

It’s another fun-filled Pop Rocket. This week, special guest Chris Schleicher is all about the Best Documentary Short Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405; Margaret Wappler is all up in season three of Unreal; Karen Tongson wanted to be about Unreal, but Wappler stole her thunder so Karen tells us about the new show Good Girls, and Guy Branum is all about the Great White Way, fresh off his trip to New York with his niece.

Then the gang delve into Oscar talk, sharing tips on how to guess the most wins on the ballot, how they each watched the awards show and all the hot takes they have. There’s just the right balance of reverence and cattiness.

With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Chris Schleicher.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Sufjan Stevens - Visions of Gideon Karen Tongson - Jackson Brown - Somebody’s Baby Guy Branum - from Don’t Even Know It - Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Chris Schleicher - BeBe Zahara Benet - Drag Up Your Life

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

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 Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

Wakanda Forever with Tavia Nyong'o Feb 28, 2018

Show notes

Karen Tongson takes over hosting duties and is joined by special guest Tavia Nyong'o to discuss Black Panther! The gang chats about the impact the soundtrack had on them, afro-futurism/afro-centrism as part of the storytelling, and "double consciousness." Plus, Margaret talks Monica Lewinsky, Karen just finished watching Ugly Delicious, Tavia has some thoughts on the reboot of Heathers, and Wynter discusses GQ's article on Brendan Fraser.

And producer Christian comes into the studio for a very special announcement and his very first jam.

With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Tavia Nyong'o.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Ella Jenkins - Who's Gonna Be Your Man? Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell- Janelle Monae - Make Me Feel Tavia Nyong'o - MeShell Ndegeocello - Waterfalls Christian Duenas - Frank Ocean - White Ferrari

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

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 for MaximumFun.org.

Farewell Rocketeers! It's been a blast getting to know you all on the Facebook and on Twitter. I'm gonna miss you so much! Christian Dueñas

Hail to the Matriarchy Feb 22, 2018

Show notes

This week, Guy and the gang talk about their favorite first ladies and lady presidents in movies and TV. Is there a fictional first lady that ISN'T some kind of commentary on Hillary? What kind of media would we like to see about the Obamas? When will Melania spill the tea? Plus, Margaret's baby makes his first podcast appearance, Wynter discusses Chris Rock's Netflix special, Guy talks Queer Eye, and the panel has a conversation on Parkland and Emma Gonzalez' speech on gun control.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Tammy Wynette - Stand By Your Man Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell- Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA - All the Stars Guy Branum - Angela Lansbury in The Manchurian Candidate

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

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 for MaximumFun.org.

Pop Rocket is for Lovers with Dave White Feb 14, 2018

Show notes

Karen Tongson takes over hosting duties this week and film critic Dave White joins the panel to discuss all things Valentine's Day. Who are our favorite TV couples? Are rom coms over? What couple do our panelists aspire to be like? Plus, Karen talks the Winter Olympics, Dave tells us about his new favorite chef, and Wynter has a few more words on Versace.

With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Dave White.

That's My Jam:

Karen Tongson - The Shins - Heartworms (Flipped) Wynter Mitchell - Justin Timberlake - Filthy Dave White - Trina - Pull Over

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

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 for MaximumFun.org.

That's What I Do! Feb 07, 2018

Show notes

This week, Guy and the gang discuss different representations of their respective careers in pop culture. How accurately is stand up comedy portrayed in Seinfeld? Are the lives of archaeology professors anywhere near as interesting as Indiana Jones'? Does ER do a good job of showing the process of having a baby? Plus, Karen talks The Alienist, Margaret gets into more podcasts, and Guy is in love with One Day at a Time.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - First Aid Kit - America Karen Tongson - Matthew Wilder - Break My Stride Guy Branum - The comedy of Bob Smith

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

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 for MaximumFun.org.

The Fourth Estate in Film Jan 31, 2018

Show notes

This week, Louis Virtel takes over hosting duties to talk about The Post and journalism movies with Margaret and special guest April Wolfe! What kind of stories would the gang like to see in the future? Is Broadcast News secretly creepy?

Plus, Louis LOVES awards season, April talks SNL, and Margaret discusses Kesha's Grammy performance and her legal feud with Dr. Luke.

With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, April Wolfe and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Rayvn Lenae - Sticky April Wolfe - Tweak Bird - Whorses Louis Virtel - Colonel Adams - I'm Not Gonna Let You

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

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 for MaximumFun.org.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story Jan 24, 2018

Show notes

This week, Guy and the gang discuss The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. How amazing is Penelope Cruz' performance? How "true" is this true crime story and does it matter? Plus, Guy is getting into faith-based comedy, Wynter is watching even more stand up comedy, Margaret has some thoughts on The Chi, and Karen discusses The Hollywood Reporter's feature on Ellen Pompeo.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - The Mountain Goats - Wear Black Karen Tongson - Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good Wynter Mitchell - Gary Numan - M.E. Guy Branum - Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy

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 for MaximumFun.org.

Call Out Culture Jan 18, 2018

Show notes

This week the panel weighs in on call out culture. This episode was recorded shortly after the an article about a woman's date with Aziz Ansari came out. They examine the origins of call out culture, and its impact on the culture at large. It's a rich and nuanced conversation.

Plus, Karen's All About is Season 15 of Top Chef Colorado, and Guy gives Karen half of his "all about" time so he can share his Top Chef thoughts. Guy's spends the other half of his time telling us about a video reel that played at the gay male wedding he attended this past weekend. For anyone thinking of introducing such a reel at his or her own wedding, Guy's got some opinions on it.

Wynter Mitchell's all about Tom Segura's new Netflix comedy special.

That's My Jam: Karen Tongson - The Cranberries - Linger Wynter Mitchell - The Cranberries - Ode to My Family Guy Branum - The Sauce Podcast

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, 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 for MaximumFun.org;.

The Third Annual Pop Tart Awards Jan 11, 2018

Show notes

It's that time of the year again! Guy and the gang and special guest Louis Virtel go over the very best of 2017 pop culture in this super-sized episode! Who will take the coveted Tart d'Or this year? Plus, the gang deliberates over categories suggested by listeners.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and Louis Virtel.

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 for MaximumFun.org.