POP THEORY

The Sabrina Carpenter Episode Sep 03, 2024

On this week’s episode, we talk all things carpentry as we react to Sabrina Carpenter’s brand new studio album, “Short ’N’ Sweet.” In true Pop Theory fashion, we cover it track-by-track talking about our favorite lyrics, production moments and overall which ones hit and which ones miss. We may even have a confession from Zach about his take on the album!

But before we get into our carpentry era, we begin the episode by answering some of the questions from the listeners of the pod. We dive into topics like what were the first pieces of music that we purchased with our own money, our favorite R&B songs, our thoughts on lesbian culture in pop music and more. SPECIAL THANKS to all the listeners who took the time to submit their questions!

Queer Pop, Fame & Lady Gaga Aug 27, 2024

DJ John Michael returns to the pod to discuss several moments in pop music in recent weeks.

First we take a dive into “Die With A Smile” the brand new duet between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

After, we have a great discussion on queer artists in pop music, specifically highlighting the talented ZEE MACHINE and the release party for his EP “Can I Be Honest...?”

From there we discuss fame and personal boundaries as it was highlighted by Chappell Roan.

We also may or may not give some controversial takes on some of the biggest hits the world has ever seen!

Xtina's Debut Turns 25 Aug 20, 2024

Get ready for your mind to be blown: Christina Aguilera’s debut album is officially TWENTY-FIVE years old! On this brand new episode of POP THEORY, Jeff and Zach do a track-by-track reminiscing of “Christina Aguilera.”

From the classics like “Genie In A Bottle”, “What A Girl Wants”, and “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)” to album cuts like “So Emotional”, “When You Put Your Hands On Me” and “Love Will Find A Way” we leave no stone left unturned. We even revisit a special bonus track during our now FAMOUS segment, “Songs We Don’t Talk About Enough.”

Additional topics include Britney's "In The Zone" and "Blackout" as well as our first reactions to Katy Perry's latest single, "Lifetimes."

Charli, Chappell & Jade Aug 13, 2024

DJ John Michael returns to discuss all the important questions currently permeating the pop music zeitgeist. Who will be featured on Charli XCX's rumored "Brat" remix album? Will Chappell Roan ever release "The Subway?" Will Tyra Banks ever put "Shake Ya Body" on streaming? When will JADE release the follow up to "Angel Of My Dreams?" Plus, Zach tasks Kelly Rowland to put out a forgotten banger onto streaming.

Main Pop Girlie Talk Aug 06, 2024

On this week's episode we take a dive into the current climate of music releases in 2024. From feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated to feeling horny with anticipation, we talk about all the main pop girlies of the moment. We reflect on releases from earlier this year like "Cowboy Carter," current releases like "Brat" and it's anticipated remix album companion, and future releases from Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. We even sprinkle in some love for Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott for good measure.

The Katy Perry Episode Jul 23, 2024

DJ John Michael returns for our first "three-way" episode! On this episode of POP THEORY, the boys discuss all things Katy Perry's return with her new single "Woman's World." Did the song live up to our expectations? Are we excited for the album? What are our thoughts on Dr. Luke's involvement? All is revealed in this VERY juicy episode.

Brat Summer & Kesha Jul 16, 2024

We are back from summer break, baby! Jeff makes his triumphant return to the pod and is ready to talk all things "brat." Speaking of triumphant returns, we also take a dive into Kesha's brand new single and first release as an independent artist, "JOYRIDE." We also sprinkle some love to 2005 "dad rock," Robyn, and our beloved Lenny Kravitz.

The Brat Episode Jun 25, 2024

On this episode of POP THEORY, DJ John Michael is BACK with a BRATitude to talk all things Charli XCX and her new album "Brat." We do a track-by-track of the deluxe album, talk about dream collaborations and remixes and even discuss some of our favorite lesser known Charli XCX tracks.

Tori Kelly Put Us In PURGA-TORI! Jun 18, 2024

On this very special episode of POP THEORY, we are joined by the incredible Devin Way! The Geminis were strong in these ones as we talk all things music from Tori Kelly, Kelly Clarkson and Beyoncé to Becky Hill, David Archuleta, and Tanner Adell. Devin answers the infamous "Desert Island" question and also recalls his love of American Idol.

Glory for Gloria Estefan's "Gloria!" Jun 11, 2024

On this episode, Peloton's DJ John Michael returns to help Zach celebrate Gloria Estefan's magnum opus "gloria!" The colossal album that fuses latin dance pop with electronica, disco, and hip-hop celebrated it's 26th anniversary in the world and it's time to give this album the flowers it rightfully deserves. In this episode we do a track-by-track including it's singles "Heaven's What I Feel," "Oye," "Don't Let This Moment End" and "Cuba Libre" as well as dive into it's slew of remixes, megamixes, and medleys.

The Real Drug Is Fergie Jun 04, 2024

On this episode I am joined by the ICONIC Joe Santini where we go down a deep dive of some of his favorite artists. We talk about everyone from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Lorde and Bad Bunny. But there's one special artist in mind who stole the show completely: Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson. You are not going to want to miss this episode and the presentation that Joe gives for one of Fergie's most iconic singles.

What is "Pop Music?" (with Jesse Chambliss) May 28, 2024

This week we welcome back Jesse Chambliss, host of Jesse's Girls podcast, and we have an incredible - and chaotic - discussion as we try to define what exactly is pop music!? We cover all of the faves as we use everyone from Madonna, Kylie and Janet to Avril, Harry and Alanis to exemplify and identify the pop landscape. We also end with a very special round of "Sounds We Don't Talk About Enough: Kylie Minogue Edition."

1997: A Shot of Serotonin May 21, 2024

This week I am joined with the LEGENDARY wedding photographer extraordinaire and hello Bey Hive member, Jill DeVries-Dryer! In this episode, we take a stroll down memory lane and go through Billboard's Year-End Chart for 1997. From Madonna to Los Del Rio to the Spice Girls to Chumbawumba to the Backstreet Boys to Usher - we were left yearning for the 90's!

A Radically Optimistic Review (with DJ John Michael) May 14, 2024

Peloton's DJ John Michael is back for a THREE-PEAT and came prepared as we took a dive -- pun intended -- into Dua Lipa's third studio album, Radical Optimism. We go track by track talking everything from the songwriters and producers to our favorite moments and our hopes and wishes for the remainder of this album cycle. We also took some time to reflect on Madonna's final Celebration Tour show in Rio de Janeiro.

Toxic Sniffies Cock! May 07, 2024

This episode of POP THEORY is a VERY special one as Zach is joined by the absolutely brilliant ZEE MACHINE. Together we take a dive into their discography, talking about songs like "The Radio," "Better Off" and his upcoming single "Worse" which is out May 9th! We also get the opportunity to talk about his creative process, their current TEARS & GEARZ TOUR with Bentley Robles and some of the incredible artists that would keep him sane if stranded on a deserted island.

Queen Mother, Madonna, We Luh Ya! Apr 30, 2024

This week we welcome back an official two-time friend of the pod, DJ John Michael from Peloton! With the intention of talking all things Madonna -- we uncover the moments that officially turned us into Madonna stans as well as talk about her impact in music and her advocacy with the LGBTQ+ community. But as how conversation goes amongst friends we also discuss Beyoncé's COWBOY CARTER, Katy Perry's "Walking On Air," Britney Spears' "Stronger" and even throw in some Janet Jackson and Gloria Estefan for good measure.

The Tortured Listeners Department Apr 23, 2024

This week the boys discuss their initial thoughts on Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated project: The Tortured Poets Department. Stay tuned as POP THEORY recaps the good, the bad, the ugly- and all in between!

It's Giving Scraps Apr 16, 2024

This week the boys recap their top 5 COWBOY CARTER tracks, discuss Dua Lipa’s new single + music video for “Illusion” as well as the Radical Optimism era (or shall we say radical floptimism?), Kelis, The fever dream that is Alanis Morissette covering “My Humps”, Tori Kelly, “The Tortured Poets Department” predictions, Azealia Banks and the gatekeeping of genres within the music industry.

Justice for Damita Jo Apr 09, 2024

This week on Pop Theory, Zach and Jeff celebrate TWENTY YEARS of Janet Jackson's criminally underrated DAMITA JO. We revisit the album to discuss some of our favorite songs - where are the "All Nite (Don't Stop)" fans at? - from the project plus some songs that were scrapped from the album's final tracklist like the Neptunes produced "Ruff" and the Rich Harrison assisted "Pops Up!" We also celebrate 7 days of COWBOY CARTER, reflecting on our initial reactions of the album, discussing our current favorite moments from the album, and try to figure out what the HECK she is up to with the visuals! We even through in some anticipation for Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" for good measure.

The COWBOY CARTER Episode Apr 02, 2024

The wait is OVA ... COWBOY CARTER is here! Jeff has made his valiant return on the perfect weekend as Beyoncé releases her highly anticipated follow-up to RENAISSANCE. Recorded about 36 hours after the album was officially released in the states, Zach and Jeff give their reactions to each track off the album from AMERIICAN REQUIEM all the way to AMEN. The boys also take a few stabs at what they think Beyoncé might have up her sleeve for Act III and the alleged visuals that have been filmed to support the albums. Now, for this next episode, we want ya'll to sit back, inhale and go to the good place your mind likes to wander to. And if you don't wanna go, go find yourself a jukebox!

Remix Boots The House DOWN (feat. DJ John Michael) Mar 26, 2024

You are NOT going to want to miss this one! This week, Zach is joined by the one and only DJ John Michael from Peloton. We instantly kiki the boots house DOWN starting with how John Michael burst onto the scene by working with the legendary Junior Vasquez. From there we absolutely geek out over remixes of the 90's and early 00's -- shoutout to Junior's Hard Mix of Mariah Carey's "Heartbreaker/If You Should Ever Be Lonely." And even state we want to create a docu-series that covers the remix greats from that time period. We also discuss John Michael's OFFICIAL remixes for Demi Lovato and Donna Summer and make our official begging plea to Celine Dion's record labels to release her remixography to streaming. We also talk about his meeting with Lenny Kravitz, Debbie Gibson, Shep Pettibone (producer of Madonna's "Vogue") and more! John Michael even reveals which one of his remixes is getting the official release treament next! What are you waiting for? Hit play!

I didn't hear her YUH once on this album! Mar 19, 2024

Please welcome back Camille Adams! In this episode, Camille and Zach give their reactions to two of the most anticipated albums of the year: Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine" and Justin Timberlake's "Everything I Thought It Was." We talk about songs we enjoy, things that we don't, and we even give a little love to Ariana's "Focus" ... the false lead single from "Dangerous Woman." After going on a tangent about the reality competition show The Traitors, we also talk about our love for the leaked Brandy/Timbaland collaboration "Chinese (Home)," the album title for Beyonce's Act II "Cowboy Carter," and even have a mini discussion about our favorite Michael Jackson songs.

Gay guys named Jesse STAN Tinashe! Mar 12, 2024

CROSSOVER ALERT! This week Zach is joined by pop connoisseur and host of Jesse's Girls podcast Jesse Chambliss. Together the boys discuss pop titans Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, and J.Lo. Jesse also gives Zach a crash course in Tinashe101 as well as the intro course to Denniz PoP -- the mentor to pop megaproducer Max Martin. The boys also discuss their anticipation for Ariana Grande's highly anticipated new album "eternal sunshine." Tune in for all this and more!

JESSE'S SOCIALS

TikTok: @chambreezey

Instagram: @chambreezey

Podcast: Jesse's Girls

Where is the 10-Minute Mariachi Version of Americano? Mar 05, 2024

Zach is joined by special guest Andrew Pattee as they talk about all the girlies. They discuss Charli XCX's brand new single "Von Dutch," the anticipation of the latest release from Miley Cyrus and Pharrell, reminisce about their experience of seeing Madonna's Celebration Tour together, and put together some idyllic Lady Marmalade-esque collabs. But most of all -- Zach and Andrew DEMAND answers to Lady Gaga's false promises!

TLC invented A.I. Feb 27, 2024

This week, Zach and Jeff take a moment to react to J.Lo's latest musical/visual experience "This Is Me ... Now" both album and film. The boys give her some much deserving hearts AND flowers, but did the album live up to their expectations? The boys also take a trip down memory lane celebrating the 25th anniversary of TLC's "FanMail," going into a deep dive of the album's tracklist. And speaking of anniversary, the one and only JoJo is also celebrated, as her debut single "Leave (Get Out)" was officially released TWENTY years ago. Where has time gone!?

Spring Is Coming with NEW MUSIC in the EARS Feb 20, 2024

WOW, what a week it has been for music!

In this episode, the boys discuss all the new music that was released this past week as well as upcoming announcements including: Caroline Polachek’s deluxe version of “Desire, I Turn Into You”, Kim Petras’ follow up to “Slut Pop”, J.Lo, Mariah Carey surprise-hopping on the remix of “yes, and?”, Dua Lipa’s “Training Season”, Usher’s Super Bowl performance, and last (but CERTAINLY NOT least) Beyoncé’s Super Bowl announcement of Act II (including a review of the two new singles “16 CARRIAGES” and “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”).

Release the Singles, J.Lo! Feb 13, 2024

On this episode, Zach & Jeff gave their final Usher Superbowl predictions and took a trip down memory lane revisiting some of his favorite works. The boys also discuss J.Lo's upcoming visual album "This Is Me...Now" and her affinity for teasing songs from projects only to never release them, the new single from Kylie Minogue and Sia, Kim Petras' "Slut Pop" sequel, and Brandy's birthday. Buckle up because 2024 is about to be a HEAVY music release year!

The Grammys Recap (...Stop Embarrassing Beyoncé) Feb 06, 2024

This week POP THEORY recaps the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.

What a Night! The boys highlight the ‘Big 4’ award winners (Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist), talk about their favorite (and least favorite) performances of the night, surprise special guest appearances, the continual public embarrassment of Beyoncé at award shows… and much more!

I Love the Beat ... I was tapping my BIGFOOT over here! (feat. Camille Adams) Jan 30, 2024

Filling in for Jeff tonight is the one and only Camille Adams - dietitian, singer, and self-proclaimed "Big Fat BARB!" We left no stone unturned as we discussed the soon-to-be infamous feud between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, the post Britney book comeback of Justin Timberlake, the ICONIC lineup for the Lovers & Friends Fest, and even take a couple guesses at what Usher might have up his sleeve for his Super Bowl Halftime Show. For more Camille, visit her socials below:

Instagram: @easy.peasy.nutrition

TikTok: @easypeasynutrition

Mi Gente Latino! Jan 23, 2024

This week on POP THEORY: Zach recaps and reviews Madonna’s Celebration Tour in Detroit (including a special highlight of her song “Frozen”), the boys talk about Jack Harlow and Ariana Grande fighting for the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, The Coachella 2024 lineup + Jeff’s experience with going last year, Kali Uchis’ latin music and her latest project “ORQUíDEAS”, J.Lo’s upcoming film + album, Lady Gaga being compared to Madonna in the media, Janet’s upcoming “Together Again”-AGAIN tour, the Atlanta concert scene and Robyn’s “Honey”.

"maybe, and?" Jan 16, 2024

This week the boys talk all about the highly anticipated release of Ariana Grande’s new single “yes, and?”, Britney Spears’ iconic debut album “…Baby One More Time” turning 25 Years old and have a candid discussion on Kali Uchis during an all new segment of “Songs We Don’t Talk About Enough”.

Back to 1999 (Pt. 2) Jan 09, 2024

Can you believe 1999 is now 25 YEARS OLD?! Miss XCX really said it best after all: “I Just want to go back… back to 1999”. From Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la vida Loca” to TLC’s iconic “No Scrubs”, it’s no question that this year was STACKED with legendary hits.

Tune in as the boys recap this iconic year for music and countdown #43 - #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Year End chart.

Back to 1999 (Pt. 1) Jan 02, 2024

Can you believe 1999 is now 25 YEARS OLD?! Miss XCX really said it best after all: “I Just want to go back… back to 1999”. From Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca” to TLC’s iconic “No Scrubs”, it’s no question that this year was STACKED with legendary hits.

Tune in as the boys recap this iconic year for music and reexamine the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1999.

(PS: Stay tuned for part 2 next week!)

The Power That "U" Has Dec 19, 2023

This week the boys talk about how putting “U” into a song title makes it instantly a BOP, Nicole Scherzinger’s solo career deserving much better (including her song “Whatever U Like”), Songs written for other artists that ended up becoming smash hits, Sia’s questionable film career, Zach’s close run-in with Janet Jackson at a local hair salon, “Grown Woman” finally being released to streaming platforms, speculations for Act II and III of RENAISSANCE, Madonna’s Celebration Tour hitting the U.S and M.I.A’s artistry.

So Long, Gag City Dec 12, 2023

This week the boys share their candid thoughts on Nicki Minaj’s highly anticipated “Pink Friday 2” and celebrate Beyoncé's iconic self-titled album turning 10 years old.

Topics of conversation this episode include: Nicki Minaj and the state of the music industry in 2023, the RENAISSANCE film, POP THEORY being Destiny’s Child stans, Jeff’s dreams being crushed by the “This is the Remix” album, compilation CD culture in the 2000’s, being obsessed with drawing female pop stars as a kid, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s music career and lastly, Beyoncés first digital drop; including a track by track review of the album.

Down at the Z100 Jingle Ball Dec 05, 2023

This week the boys talk about the anticipation of Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday 2" album as well as Beyoncé's RENAISSANCE film, Kelly Rowland's brief, but memorable acting career, Missy Elliott's "This Is Not a Test!" turning 20 (can you believe?!), the Mean Girls re-boot, David Archuleta being more famous than Lady Gaga at one point in time, a heated discussion on Taylor's 'reputation' era and reminisce on the brilliantly talented Natasha Bedingfield.

Did You Know That There's TENSION Under Ocean Boulevard? Nov 28, 2023

From breaking the TENSION to asking people if they knew that there was a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard— you can’t deny 2023 had some memorable music moments!

This week the boys take a trip down memory lane and re-cap their 2023 Apple Music Replay (or ‘wrapped’ for you Spotify listeners out there), including their top 5 artists, top 5 albums and top 10 songs (plus some honorable mentions).

My Only Wish (This Year)… is to be BAD! Nov 21, 2023

This week the boys recount their favorite Y2K holiday pop classics, Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas One And All!" Tour, Willa Ford’s illustrious music career, Patti LaBelle’s earth shattering performance of “This Christmas”, Jennifer Paige's impact, and celebrate the birthday of the iconic “X” album by Kylie Minogue.

BONUS: Grammy Noms & Dua Songs Nov 14, 2023

Join POP THEORY on a very special bonus episode as the boys celebrate and discuss Dua Lipa’s new single “Houdini” and re-cap some of the 2023 Grammy nominations including: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist.

Rainbow, SPICE and Everything Nice Nov 14, 2023

This week POP THEORY discusses the 1989 (Taylor's Version) re-release + the new vault tracks, Zach's personal definition of "rock music", The 24th birthday of Mariah Carey's Rainbow album + a deep dive into the all of the songs, the 26th anniversary of Spiceworld and Jeff's take on what what a rainbow would sound like sonically. Don't miss out on a special anniversary themed "Songs We Don't Talk About Enough" segment at the end of the episode!

The Woman in US: A Very Special Britney Episode Nov 07, 2023

It's Britney, Binch! This week the boys highlight and recap Britney Spears' highly anticipated memoir "The Woman in Me".

Get ready for a very special Britney episode as Zach and Jeff take you down a journey of iconic and underrated Britney Spears discography, discuss their candid thoughts and feelings around the book, how Cara Cunningham was RIGHT all long, Blackout being Britney's spookiest album, the "Free Britney" movement, Britney's icon status and much more!

WEL-COME... TO OUR ISLAND Nov 07, 2023

Wel. Come.... to our Pod. Cast... (cue the Caroline Polachek)! Follow pop music enthusiasts, Jeff Beach and Zach Rickel (aka @afunctioninggay on Instagram®), as they go on an unhinged deep dive of all things POP music.

This week the boys talk about their serendipitous meeting and each of their formative pop music upbringings (including the birth of @afunctioninggay), Zach's "Desert Island" music question, Janet Jackson's Icon status and how the world did her DIRTY, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, POP THEORY being Samantha Mumba historians, Zach's music picks for Madonna's concert, Tyra Banks' unhinged interview tactics, and the first official segment of "Songs We Don't Talk About Enough"-- celebrating your favorite unforgotten pop music gems and deep cuts.

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