Culture Pop

Mase & Sue review MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING, and THE LAST OF US Season 2 finale. Plus, Tony Award winning actor Joe Mantegna talks about his role in the original Broadway production of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, David Mamet's distinctive writing style, 19 seasons portraying David Rossi in CRIMINAL MINDS, and his fellow Chicagoan, Pope Leo.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast04:00 Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review09:36 The Last of Us Season 2 Recap20:03

Luigi: The musical. What??? And Jamie Lee Curtis' big cosmetic surgery regret. Plus, 30 ROCK alums Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield talk about showrunning with Tina Fey on their new Netflix series THE FOUR SEASONS, the stellar cast, writing staff and why an homage to the original Alan Alda film. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast01:38 Luigi Mangione Musical Discussion09:06 Jamie Lee Curtis and Plastic Surgery Regrets15:20

Mase & Sue talk about Ryan Coogler's musical horror film SINNERS plus the finale of HBO'S hilarious THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES. Then, comedian/writer Carol Leifer talks comedy condos, HACKS, SEINFELD, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, and her new book, HOW TO WRITE A FUNNY SPEECH.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast02:17 Discussion on 'Sinners' Movie12:21 Review of 'Righteous Gemstones' Finale18:06

Mase and Sue talk about some of the buzziest shows on TV. They talk about Episode 3 of THE LAST OF US, the Netflix series ADOLESCENCE and Seth Rogen in THE STUDIO. Also, Carrie Preston talks about her latest project ELSBETH, featuring the character she created 16 years ago on THE GOOD WIFE. They discuss the inside skinny of her quirky character, the iconic villainous guest cast, her first film, her Broadway debut, and being cast in HBO's vampire hit, TRUE BLOOD.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Sue's San Francisco Trip03:01 TV Show Discussion: The Last of Us07:13 TV Show Discussion: Adolescence13:46 TV Show Discussion: The Studio20:37

Mase & Sue discuss some must see Broadway shows, The Eagles at The Sphere, a wedding in St. Petersburg, Salvatore Dali, and an incident in a LYFT. Plus, Paul Guilfoyle chats about his new oddball art heist film, ANY DAY NOW, The Actor's Studio, working with Al Pacino, Curtis Hanson's directing style, and his long run on CSI. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:40 Vacation Stories and Wedding Fun08:17 Saturday Night Live Experience12:32 Broadway Musicals Review18:04 Vegas Trip and The Sphere Experience25:44

Mase & Sue chat about Mase's 60th Birthday Bash, the latest episode of THE WHITE LOTUS, and Jennifer Lopez's odd new crush. Plus, Jesse L Martin discusses the science behind his gig on HULU'S hit crime drama, THE IRRATIONAL, how its bled into his real life, and landing a career defining role in the original cast of Jonathan Larson's iconic Broadway musical RENT. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Steve's Birthday Party Highlights15:44 Pop Culture Talk: White Lotus23:54 Celebrity Dating Rumors28:17

Mase & Sue honor

Mase & Sue discuss the OSCARS – Conan's performance, favorite moments, and Mikey Madison's bracket busting best actress win over Hollywood legend, Demi Moore. Plus, Krys Marshall talks about her role as agent Robinson in HULU's hit political thriller, PARADISE, embracing a polarizing character, the depth of creator Dan Fogelman's writing, and would you want to be one of 25,000 people to live if the world were coming to an end?00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:37 Academy Awards Recap06:20 Oscar Winners and Surprises12:53 Conan O'Brien Anecdote15:33

Do you want to win your office OSCARS pool? CULTURE POP PODCAST fave - comedian & ROTTEN TOMATOES host Mark Ellis joins Mase & Sue as they give some savvy advice based on something, nothing, and everything in between. Plus, the stellar writing staff, and what to expect from first time master of ceremonies Conan O'Brien on Hollywood's biggest night.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:40

Mase & Sue's take on the rise of AI, a sauna debacle, and Variety's top 100 TV performances of the 21st century. Plus, Mayan Lopez, from NBC's LOPEZ VS LOPEZ discusses the dynamic of working with her famous dad, how it's healed their relationship, and the challenge of turning real life serious subject matter into comedy.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Rambling Start: Sauna Story Begins15:29 AI and Creativity24:51 Variety's Top 100 Performances36:12

Mase & Sue give their picks for favorite 2024 films. Some Oscar nominated, some not, and some off your radar. Plus, Wendi McLendon-Covey chats about her role in the hilarious NBC mockumentary series,

Mase & Sue give their Super Bowl picks and entertainment journalist Richard Rushfield talks about the beginnings of his candid, insightful industry newsletter,

Richard Rushfield on creating The Ankler & how to save the Oscars.

CULTURE POP PODCAST fan Jamie Beth, making her first appearance as a music critic, joins Mase & Sue to discuss

The episode is out today at 8 AM PST.

Mase & Sue chat about 2024 at the movie box office numbers, talk about the shortage of truly original films in the market, and review Nicole Kidman's latest, BABYGIRL. Plus, Bobby Moynihan talks about his role on the HULU animated series THE BRAVEST KNIGHT. They also discuss his prolific voice over career, getting cast on SNL, the inspiration for his characters, most fun guest hosts, and being a part of the history of the legendary show. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Fitness and Health Talk 02:26 2024 Box Office Review 09:52 Review of 'Babygirl' Movie 21:01

Mase & Sue talk 60 days to 60, LA'S Fire Aid concert lineups, and a deep dive into the critically acclaimed,

Mase & Sue react to the SAG nominations plus they review A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, starring Timotheé Chalamet. Also, actor Mark Ivanir discusses his role in EMILIA PÉREZ, his personal connection to working on SCHINDLER'S LIST, and the role that Robert Deniro has had on his acting career. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Discussing the Los Angeles Fires 10:44 SAG Award Nominations: Male Actor in a Leading Role 14:24 SAG Award Nominations: Female Actor in a Leading Role 17:12 SAG Award Nominations: Male Actor in a Supporting Role 19:53 SAG Award Nominations: Female Actor in a Supporting Role 21:24 SAG Award Nominations: Best Ensemble 26:12 Review of 'A Complete Unknown' 35:29

O'Shea Jackson, Jr. joins Mase & Sue to talk about his upcoming film DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA. They discuss his anxiety surrounding the premiere, watching himself on-screen, second-guessing his acting choices, surprise executive producer credit, the evolution of his character, Donnie, how he mirrors his real life, chemistry with Gerard Butler, the trappings of being famous and a random exchange with Tony Hawk. Plus, his pro wrestling passion, why he cut his music career short, being the son of a famous father, and how being cast in INGRID GOES WEST affected his acting career. Also, a moral quandary, monkeys and Shakespeare, the barrage of movie theater promos and trailers and a review of the body horror film, THE SUBSTANCE. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 New Year's Eve Highlights 07:04 Movie Theater Experience Rant 17:46 Review of 'The Substance' 29:47

The episode 347 with O'Shea Jackson Jr. is today at 10 AM PST!

On the CULTURE POP PODCAST year end show, Mase & Sue reveal their

How about you? What was your favorite show of the year?

Executive Producers Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg join Mase & Sue to talk about NETFLIX's hit series,

A conversation with the creators of

Rocky Carroll joins Mase & Sue to discuss 17 seasons of the hit

Actor/Singer/Composer Chris Jackson talks to Mase & Sue about his coming-of-age film

Mase & Sue talk about two of their favorite films of 2024 - ANORA and EMILIA PÉREZ. Plus, Sue has crow and boob concerns, Mase gives a master class on all things JOHN WICK, the casting of Timothée Chalamet in A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, and an unusual proposal for theater projectionists.

Tim Matheson joins Mase & Sue to discuss the inspiration for his new memoir, DAMN GLAD TO MEET YOU, chronicling seven decades of his colorful career. They talk about growing up in Hollywood, learning his craft as a child actor, the benefit of reaching success at a later age, working alongside Jackie Gleason, Dick Van Dyke, Lucille Ball - their sage advice, landing the role of Otter in the iconic college frat film, ANIMAL HOUSE, a close call before the first day of shooting, a famed character he almost got to play, WEST WING days, the Aaron Sorkin walk and talks, becoming a director, how he reconciled his strained relationship with his dad, and his list of films everyone should see. Plus, a few of Mase & Sue's favorite films of 2024, FIGHT CLUB gets a remaster to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and a well-known actor thinks Mel Gibson deserves a second, third or fourth chance despite his past inflammatory remarks.

Anna Camp joins Mase & Sue to talk about her new thriller series HYSTERIA! streaming on Peacock October 18th. They discuss this coming-of-age story wrapped around the Satanic Panic of the 80's, how the nostalgia sparked first love memories, her character in TRUE BLOOD and our fascination with the occult, ouiji boards, why people like to be scared, co-starring in the PITCH PERFECT films, reasons for choosing her roles, auditioning for Woody Allen, and her surprise scene partner in MAD MEN. Plus, Sue continues her GAME OF THRONES journey with the origin of Hodor's name and characters she can't wait to see die. Plus reaction to the top Netflix streaming film, THE UNION starring Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg, and how reality TV is creating a coarsening in society.

Creator/Executive Producer Stu Zicherman and Executive Producer Nina Jacobson join Mase & Sue to talk about the first season of their F/X anthology series AMERICAN SPORTS STORY:AARON HERNANDEZ which focuses on the rise and fall of the polarizing former NFL player. They discuss the inspiration for tackling this project, where they found their source material, the culture of college and pro football that overlooked his behavior, the pressure of his secret life, the challenge of writing dialogue for real characters and hiring a former NFL player to capture the authenticity. Also, casting actors who check all the boxes, how you become a showrunner, the complex CTE issue, the gladiator aspect, and the million-dollar question – what will it take to make football safe? Plus, the Mets save Sue from having a heart attack, Mase's media day with the Lakers, coffee talk, the October 4th premiere of JOKER: FOLIE  Á DEUX, famous movie psychopaths, and Mase and Sue's take on the HBO Max series THE PENGUIN.

Kristian Nairn joins Mase & Sue to talk about his beautifully written, brutally honest memoir BEYOND THE THRONE, chronicling his colorful life before and throughout his years portraying the beloved character Hodor on HBO's epic series, GAME OF THRONES. They discuss the inspiration for writing the book and how he was cast, his physical challenges and limited dialogue, the backstory he created, the enduring relationships formed, growing up as an outlier in Belfast, and living under civil unrest. Also, how he became one of Ireland's best house DJs, and the story behind Revlon, his drag queen persona. Plus, George Clooney's beef with Quentin Tarantino, Buzzfeed is in the AI business, their hot takes on Minions, Disney live action remakes, THE JOKER, LA LA LAND, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, HAMILTON and to binge or not to binge TV shows.

One of the hardest working actors on the planet, Michael Beach, joins Mase & Sue to talk about THE PERFECT COUPLE, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, TULSA KING, and everything in between. They discuss juggling multiple characters, what's most important in choosing a project, the secret sauce of Taylor Sheridan's success, ride-alongs with cops, the process in creating his roles, the dynamic of working with Sylvester Stallone and Nicole Kidman, and his rivalry with Liev Schreiber. Plus, Emmy's hits, misses and THE BEAR brouhaha.

Byron Bowers joins Mase & Sue to talk about APPLE TV+'s 60's set drama thriller miniseries, LADY IN THE LAKE, based on the novel by Laura Lippman. They discuss his creative and personal relationship with the show's director/EP Alma Har'el, how they hooked up, the connection between his character and stand-up career, owning who he is on stage, how it's evolved, and the years it took to gain confidence and respect as a comedian. They also talk about his father's schizophrenia, its effect on his life and how he tackles it in his act, the qualities that a woman director brings to the table vs men, working with a visionary, the series mix of genres, the compelling soundtrack, and acting opposite Oscar winner, Natalie Portman.  Also, his maiden acting voyage into the Marvel Universe and the car loving LA destination event, THE GOOD VIBES BREAKFAST CLUB. Plus, Mase's latest Broadway favs, and their picks for upcoming films in October.

Comedian & Rotten Tomatoes Podcaster Mark Ellis joins Mase & Sue for some pumped up Emmy talk, and a dash of NFL football. They discuss the hosting duo of Eugene and Dan Levy, SHOGUN garnering the most nods - will it be the darling of the night or will SLOW HORSES be a dark horse for Best Drama? Can Donald Glover edge out Hiroyuki Sanada? Has THE CROWN lost its appeal? The bizarre placement of THE BEAR in the comedy column. Quinta Brunson or Jean Smart? Andrew Scott or Richard Gadd? Will the unique cultural phenomenon BABY REINDEER reign over the dark, thrilling, aesthetically beautiful RIPLEY? And will Jodie Foster take home the gold for TRUE DETECTIVE? Also, a crazy take on why Gary Oldman won't win, and a terrible show that we continue to watch. Plus, what to expect from the Washington Commanders this season.

Katy O'Brian returns to the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk to Mase & Sue about the blockbuster box office smash, TWISTERS, her experience with real tornadoes, landing her role, reuniting with MANDALORIAN director Lee Isaac Chung, the challenge of acting with visual effects, getting tips from real storm chasers, the dynamic of starring in a film as opposed to being part of an ensemble, dealing with Crohn's disease, Mission Impossible 8 and her take on Tom Cruise. Also working with George Romero's daughter, how being a queer actor has impacted her career, and a dinner date with mussels. Plus, weight training, lessons in osteoporosis, another triathlon, a BABY REINDEER legal uproar update, the stellar casting of the GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Broadway revival, Madonna's new biopic, biopic's that haven't been made and Jason Reitman's upcoming SNL film, SATURDAY NIGHT.

Academy Award winning producer Bruce Cohen joins Mase & Sue to discuss his new psychological thriller, BLINK TWICE and prolific career. They talk about the connection between he and first-time director, Zoë Kravitz, the development process in making a film, how the location where it was shot mirrored the story, decompression after a shoot, getting his start working with Steven Spielberg, the greatest lessons learned, and his path to winning an Academy Award for AMERICAN BEAUTY. They also talk about the films RUSTIN, MILK and SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, how his personal life is inherent in the movies he's produced, the difficulty getting gay themed films made, his political and social activism work and a fascinating introduction by Sean Penn to one of his friends. Plus, what sitcom would you most want to be trapped in? And bizarre celebrity behavior.

Mase & Sue go deep with their pal Jay Mohr - from growing up in New Jersey, getting sober,  to marrying LA Laker's owner, Jeanie Buss. They talk about his childhood antics, becoming a stand up, how he learned to do impressions, the transition to SNL, his struggle with panic attacks, Sarah Silverman coming to the rescue, JERRY MAGUIRE - his first film role, how he got the part, his praise of Tom Cruise and what Tom taught him. Plus, his recovery from Adderall, rehab life, the brilliance of Colin Quinn, radio host days, meeting Jeanie, and a little something called, angry packing. Also, Mase & Sue talk Olympics, the finales of PRESUMED INNOCENT & HOUSE OF THE DRAGON and Neilson's new streaming chart, the effect it's having on rebooting shows that were put out to pasture and how shows like YOUR HONOR are finding a whole new audience on Netflix.

William Stanford Davis joins Mase & Sue to talk about his breakout performance on the Emmy Award winning ABC comedy, ABBOTT ELEMENTARY – how a ZOOM audition for one episode turned into a career defining series regular role, the personal connection to his character, collaborating with the writing staff, the evolution of Mr. Johnson's backstory, the dynamic of working with kids, how his public-school experience growing up relates to his TV school. They also discuss the “square jobs” he held prior to acting, driving Sidney Poitier, being the frontman for the R&B band, The Fabulous Paramount Revue, and opening for The O'Jays. Plus, a sleep remedy that causes sleeplessness, and Emmy nomination inclusions and omissions.

Tanner Buchanan joins Mase & Sue to talk about COBRA KAI, Netflix's sequel to the iconic THE KARATE KID films, and the secret to its success. They also discuss his early introduction to martial arts, working alongside the original cast members and the effect they had on the evolution of his acting chops, the importance of soaking up all aspects of production, choreography of the fight scenes, the prep involved in getting and staying in shape, his move at a young age from Ohio to Hollywood to pursue his acting career, how he avoided the pitfalls of being a child actor, growing up a tap dancer, the film that sparked his interest in performing, an intriguing description of himself on his Twitter page, and what it feels like to be famous. Plus, Mase & Sue's take on the Channing Tatum/Scarlett Johansson rom com, FLY ME TO THE MOON and the stars big enough to open a film.

David Arquette joins Mase & Sue to talk about his colorful career. They discuss his latest film THE GOOD HALF, working with Nick Jonas and Elizabeth Shue, the theme of grief and how you process it, being cast in the classic slasher franchise SCREAM, his relationship with the late, great Wes Craven, the bond he shared with Marlon Brando, becoming a WCW champion, being raised on a commune, and his connection to Bozo the Clown. Plus, the first film festival at a prison, what the future holds for the remainder of Kevin Costner's four-part HORIZON:AN AMERICAN SAGA film franchise and Ellen DeGeneres' farewell to show business announcement. 

Corbin Bernsen joins Mase & Sue to discuss the Donald Sterling debacle depicted in the HULU miniseries, CLIPPED, based on Ramona Shelburne's provocative ESPN 30 for 30 podcast. The dynamic of working alongside Ed O'Neill and Jacki Weaver, the exquisite way they portrayed real-life figures, growing up in a show business family, how he got bitten by the bug, the role that put him on the map - Arnold Becker on LA LAW, the influence the show had on the legal profession, the brilliance of Steven Bochco and his flair for the perfect casting. They also talk about the classic sports film, MAJOR LEAGUE, David Ward's masterclass in writing a screenplay, and the inspiration for writing, directing and starring in the suspenseful thriller, RUST. Plus, SONY PICTURES purchase of The Alamo Drafthouse, the future of movie theaters, Francis Ford Coppola's mixed reviewed, self-financed film, MEGALOPOLIS lands at Lionsgate, and the best political films of all time.

Kelly AuCoin chats with Mase & Sue about FX series, CLIPPED, the scandalous story of the LA Clippers based on Ramona Shelburne's 30 FOR 30 podcast THE STERLING AFFAIRS. They discuss his love for Bill Walton and the Portland Trailblazers, his six degrees of separation with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the pieces to portraying Andy Roeser, Ed O'Neill's nuanced character work, their relationship during and in between takes. They also talk about his role as Dollar Bill in SHOWTIME'S hit series, BILLIONS, the obscure dialogue, saying goodbye after seven seasons, fan's love/hate for Pastor Tim in THE AMERICAN'S, and how his father's role as a U.S. Congressman impacted his life and career. Plus, two new shows coming Broadway – TAMMY FAYE: THE MUSICAL and STUDIO 54: THE MUSICAL, and Mase & Sue's review of Jeff Nichol's American crime drama, THE BIKERIDERS.

Director Clare Kilner chats with Mase & Sue about her latest gig on HBO's hottest show, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. They discuss the beauty of releasing one episode per week, directing CGI scenes, her process with actors and personal connection to the material, the amazing team that puts it all together, the massive production schedule, enormous sets, various locations, the moving music, what motivates characters behavior, staging a brotherly fight scene, and the dynamic of who you root for in the series. Plus, is there too much STAR WARS? Do we need a remake of SPACEBALLS? And does the alleged stalker portrayed in BABY REINDEER have a legitimate defamation case?

Jacob Scipio joins Mase & Sue to talk about his villainous role in the blockbuster hit comedy BAD BOYS RIDE OR DIE, being cast in its predecessor BAD BOYS FOR LIFE - his first big studio film, reuniting with the cast and crew, trying to keep a straight face working alongside Martin Lawrence and Will Smith and what makes great chemistry. They also discuss the great script, ad libbing, choreographing fight scenes, stunt work, martial arts background, his adolescent  stage performance at the London Palladium, TV role at nine months old, and the disappointment of working on a film that was shot and never released. Plus, Mase's signature named sandwich at “Ike's Love & Sandwiches," the Ray J/Kim Kardashian sex tape scandal and its effect on society, Only Fans, porn sites and the amount of traffic they get, the public's interest in westerns, Kevin Costner's upcoming HORIZON:AN AMERICAN SAGA, and why it pays to be an AMC Stubs A-List member.

Mase & Sue do a double-header - first up Mark Feuerstein and Michael Chiklis discuss their polar opposite roles in the MGM+Original crime thriller series, HOTEL COCAINE. They talk about the drug-fueled 70's Miami scene, the real hotel the show is based on, the authenticity of their roles, the process of building their characters, and mutual admiration for each other's work. Next – executive producer, writer, showrunner Meredith Scardino talks about the inspiration behind her hilarious NETFLIX Emmy-nominated series GIRLS 5 EVA, collaborating with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, casting Broadway stars, how pieces of the cast's real lives were used for their roles, her show biz debut at the age of four, writing stints on SNL, Letterman and Stephen Colbert, the process of landing a late night tv gig, and cranking out jokes vs penning scripts. Plus, the hits and misses of the new flick, HIT MAN, Glen Powell's hotness, how movie studios should handle their theatrical releases, Sony buying Alamo Drafthouse and the prospect of studios purchasing theater chains.

Lili Taylor talks to Mase & Sue about her role in OUTER RANGE  - the American neo-Western supernatural mystery thriller streaming on Amazon Prime. They discuss the challenges of shooting out of sequence, reaction to seeing the finished product for the first time, time travel and strange unexplainable events, the concept of predetermination, Noah Reid's sweet performance, and acting opposite co-star/executive producer Josh Brolin. Also, the classic film MYSTIC PIZZA, her relationship with the cast, Robert Altman's SHORT CUTS, the pros and cons of working with a director who encouraged improv, her experience working on HOUSEHOLD SAINTS, I SHOT ANDY WARHOL, THE CONJURING, and decompressing from certain roles. Plus, the premiere of HULU's new FX miniseries CLIPPED, best-selling musical acts of all time and show business nepo babies.