Pop Culture Confidential

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Pop culture conversations with today's innovators, entertainers and newsmakers - podcast hosted by Christina Jeurling Birro.

Pop Culture Confidential


    • May 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 479 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Pop Culture Confidential

    Episode 466: And That's a Wrap: Cannes 2025 with guest Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 67:05


    Joining Christina is film critic and writer Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch as they wrap up the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. From what it was like covering this year's festival, to the Palme d'Or winners, major Neon and MUBI acquisitions, standout titles from Joachim Trier and Spike Lee, The Secret Agent, The History of Sound, and more—this episode dives into all the unforgettable moments that made this edition one for the books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    465: Dispatch 5 from Cannes 2025. Interview: Stellan Skarsgård (‘Sentimental Value')

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 13:51


    In this special dispatch from the Croisette, Christina is joined by the brilliant and effortlessly cool Stellan Skarsgård, starring in Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value—a strong Palme d'Or contender at this year's festival. Skarsgård plays Gustav, a once-renowned director who tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter by casting her in his comeback film. They discuss Sentimental Value, the state of cinema and the world, why Skarsgård often chooses Norwegian films over Swedish ones, the importance of good catering—and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    464: Dispatch 4 from Cannes 2025: The Phoenician Scheme, Pillion, Urchin & The Chronology of Water. Guest John Bleasdale, critic & author

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 38:07


    Christina is joined by critic and author John Bleasdale (The Magic Hours: The Films and Hidden Life of Terrence Malick) for a new dispatch from the Croisette. They dive into some of the most talked-about titles at the festival, including The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson, Pillion starring Alexander Skarsgård, and two films directed by actors: Kristen Stewart's The Chronology of Water and Harris Dickinson's Urchin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    463: Dispatch 3 from Cannes 2025: Eddington, The Plague, Sound of Falling & Mission: Impossible with Ryan McQuade

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 31:20


    462: Dispatch 2 from Cannes 2025 with Ryan McQuade! – On Tom Cruise & McQuarrie, Neon's Cannes Reign & De Niro

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 26:53


    461: Dispatch 1 from Cannes 2025 – From the Opening Press Conference with Jury President Juliette Binoche, Jeremy Strong & More

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 6:00


    Christina's first dispatch from Cannes 2025!Highlights from the Opening Press Conference with Juliette Binoche, Jeremy Strong & more—on festival expectations, Trump's tariffs, and the new red carpet dress rules. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Special Episode! AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 287 – 78th Cannes Film Festival Preview with Guest Christina Birro

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 57:05


    Sharing a special episode! Christina joined the AwardsWatch podcast for the 78th Cannes Film Festival Preview . On episode 287 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson, Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello, and special guest Christina Birro of Pop Culture Confidential to preview the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which they will all be attending for the next two weeks. They talk about what it is like going to the festival, the film's in and out of competition that they are looking forward to see, and which film they think will win the Palme d'Or this year. You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, YouTube and more. This podcast runs 55m. We will be back in next week for our thoughts on the first week of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Till then, let's get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    460: Countdown to Cannes — Mission: Impossible, The Franchise, and The Final Reckoning (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 56:14


    We're just days away from the 78th Cannes Film Festival, and one of the most anticipated moments is the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 14 at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in this eighth installment of the legendary action franchise, joined by director Christopher McQuarrie and an all-star cast. In this episode, we're joined by Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch to break down why this premiere is such a major event — not just for Cannes, but for Mission: Impossible fans around the world. We explore the franchise's legacy, its cultural impact, and what to expect from this highly anticipated Cannes debut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    459: A Conversation With Barbie Ferreira ('Euphoria', 'Nope') On Her New Film 'Bob Trevino Likes It'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 30:28


    On the show this week: the exceptionally talented Barbie Ferreira, best known for her breakout role as Kat Hernandez on HBO's Euphoria. Christina talks with Barbie about her wonderful new film Bob Trevino Likes It, where she plays Lily, a young woman grappling with the pain of a self-centered, absent father. After forming an unexpected bond with a stranger online who shares her dad's name, Lily finds a path toward healing and self-acceptance. The film is inspired by director and writer Tracie Laymon's own relationship with her father. They discuss playing and shaping the character of Lily, the film's themes of found family, and how the story resonated with Barbie personally, having grown up without a father figure. They also talk about Euphoria, how her portrayal of Kat continues to resonate deeply with fans, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    458: Ryan Coogler's Sinners, Oscar Rule Changes & Iconic Movie Twins (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 80:48


    This week, Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade, Executive Editor of AwardsWatch, to dive into Sinners—Ryan Coogler's ambitious, multilayered, and visually stunning new film. They also break down the latest Oscar rule changes and announcements, and discuss what they could mean for the upcoming awards season. Plus, in honor of Michael B. Jordan's phenomenal dual performance as twins in Sinners, they share their favorite on-screen twins played by the same actor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    457: Emmy-Winning Editor & Co-Producer Timothy Good ('The Last of Us') Unpacks the Powerful & Heartbreaking Season 2, Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 35:08


    Emmy-winning editor and co-producer Timothy Good ('The Last of Us') joins Christina to break down the episode everyone's talking about — Season 2, Episode 2, “Through the Valley.” This unforgettable episode took over a year to bring to life, and Timothy takes us deep behind the scenes of its emotional and technical construction. From Joel's (Pedro Pascal) fate to the extraordinary work behind that scene, Tim unpacks the editing process, his collaboration with Craig Mazin and director Mark Mylod, the visual effects, the music, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    456: Our Reactions to the Cannes Film Festival 2025 Lineup (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 88:25


    The 2025 Cannes lineup was just announced, and there's a lot to talk about. Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina to break down the buzziest titles heading to the Croisette—including Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, Kelly Reichardt, Spike Lee, and yes… Tom Cruise. And the notable names missing from the lineup. They also dive into last week's surprise announcement at CinemaCon of a Quentin Tarantino–David Fincher collaboration, and share their reactions to the full trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson's highly anticipated new film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    455: Inside 'Adolescence': A Conversation with Actor Christine Tremarco

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 30:18


    Christina is honored to speak with the brilliant Christine Tremarco from the powerful, hit series Adolescence. Written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the show follows a 13-year-old boy named Jamie who is arrested for the murder of a girl from his school. Tremarco plays Jamie's mother, Manda. Adolescence is a raw, unflinching exploration of internet culture, toxic masculinity, and the online radicalization of young boys. It's also a story about parenting in an increasingly complex world. In this episode, Christina talks with Christine Tremarco about the powerful reactions the show has received, incel and internet culture, the intensity of filming Adolescence, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    454: Coming Soon! Trailer Talk for the Most Anticipated Movies (With Ryan McQuade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 84:55


    In this episode, Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch to break down the latest trailers for some of the year's most anticipated upcoming movies. Some look awesome, some look... questionable — and a few totally surprised us! We talk about Celine Song's Materialists, Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, Pixar's Elio, the Minecraft movie, Happy Gilmore 2, F1, Spinal Tap II, Ryan Coogler's Sinners, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    453: We Talk TV – Adolescence, Severance, The White Lotus, The Studio & More (with Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 40:24


    On this episode of Pop Culture Confidential, we're diving deep into the latest TV must-watches! Join us as we break down some of the biggest shows of the moment—Severance, The White Lotus, and The Pitt—all heading into their highly anticipated season finales. Plus, we discuss Adolescence, one of the most impactful TV experiences in recent memory, and look ahead to the upcoming premiere of The Studio. And that's not all! We also talk about John Mulaney's new talk show and the buzz surrounding the highly anticipated return of Hacks. To help unpack it all, we're joined by Tyler Doster, TV editor at AwardsWatch. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation about all things TV! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    452: ‘‘The Pitt' Star Taylor Dearden on the Hit Show, Medical Boot Camp & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 29:42


    This week on Pop Culture Confidential, Christina chats with actor Taylor Dearden, who delivers an incredible performance as Dr. Mel King in the gripping new medical drama The Pitt—now streaming on Max. From producer John Wells (ER), creator R. Scott Gemill, and actor/writer Noah Wyle, The Pitt follows doctors and nurses over a 15-hour shift and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of emergency medicine. In a wide-ranging conversation, Christina and Ms. Dearden discuss filming the intense drama, attending medical boot camp, character preparation, how ADHD shaped her performance, working with Noah Wyle, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    451: 2025 Oscars Recap & Reactions (With Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 94:51


    Sean Baker makes history. Conan triumphs. Christina & Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor, AwardsWatch) react and recap the 97th Academy Awards— the winners, the losers, the surprises, the speeches, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    450: Final Oscar Predictions (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 111:05


    Christina and Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor of AwardsWatch) go through their final Oscar predictions for the 97th Academy Awards! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    449: Pop Culture Grab Bag: SNL 50, BAFTAs, SAG Predictions & More! (w/ Ryan McQuade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 59:17


    It's been a wild few weeks in pop culture! Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor, AwardsWatch) joins Christina for a massive recap—Kendrick, SNL 50, Cher & Costner, Meryl, the BAFTAs, Matt Damon & Nolan, SAG predictions, awards season scandals, and more. It's a bonanza! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    448: The Oscar Race Heats Up! DGAs, PGAs, Surprises & Frontrunners (with Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 31:40


    Things are heating up! Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AwardsWatch, Erik Anderson, joins us with a comprehensive update on the state of the Oscar race! From all the surprises to Anora's sweep last weekend, actor frontrunners, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    447: Talking The 2025 TV Season: Trends, 'Severance', 'The Pitt', And More With The Ringer's Chris Ryan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 31:21


    Chris Ryan, co-host of The Watch, joins Christina for a wide-ranging conversation about the 2025 TV season. They discuss the new seasons of Severance and The Pitt, the 50th season of SNL, trends, and much more. Don't miss it! Chris Ryan is the Editorial Director at The Ringer and co-host of The Watch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    446: Oscar Nominations 2025 (with Ryan McQuade) . The Surprises, Snubs & More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 97:34


    Christina & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) recap the Oscar nominations 2025. The surprises, the snubs and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    445: Our Most Anticipated Movies of 2025! + Oscar Nomination Predictions (with Ryan McQuade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 111:08


    Ryan McQaude (Executive Editor, AwardsWatch) joins Christina for a MASSIVE 'Most Anticipated Movies of 2025' episode! Paul Thomas Anderson, Luca Guadagnino, Spike Lee. Cruise, Blanchett, Chalamet. 2025 is shaping up to be a great year at the movies! Plus Oscar nomination predictions ahead of Fridays announcement. Listen now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    444: A Conversation With Mona Fastvold, Co-Writer of 'The Brutalist'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 18:56


    Mona Fastvold talks to Christina about the award-winning epic 'The Brutalist' which she co-wrote with partner and director Brady Corbet! On her writing process & collaboration with Corbet, the filmmakers personal connections to the story and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    443: A Conversation With Actor Alessandro Nivola ('The Brutalist')

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 57:47


    Christina is honored to be joined by actor Alessandro Nivola for a wide-ranging conversation about his incredible performances, his role in the critically acclaimed epic 'The Brutalist', how he drew from his own family's experience shaping the character and much more. Mr. Nivola is a triple threat this season, delivering three incredible performances. He stars in Pedro Almodóvar's English-language feature debut 'The Room Next Door'. As 'Rhino', the villan in  J.C. Chandor's Spider-Man spinoff movie 'Kraven the Hunter' & in Brady Corbet's 'The Brutalist'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    442: A Conversation With Pop Superstar Robbie Williams ('Better Man')

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 12:26


    Christina speaks to pop superstar Robbie Williams about his new movie 'Better Man', based om the true story of Robbie's stratospheric rise to fame, his dramatic falls and remarkable comeback as a record-breaking solo artist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    441: Golden Globes 2025 Recap & Reactions! The Highlights, Surprises, Fashion And Much More. (With Sophia Ciminello & Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 89:33


    Sophia Ciminello & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) join Christina to talk about their immediate reactions to the Golden Globes 2025. The winners, losers, best speeches, surprises, fashion and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    440: A Conversation with Director RaMell Ross & Cinematographer Jomo Fray ('Nickel Boys') About Their Visionary Adaptation.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 29:47


    Christina talks to director RaMell Ross & cinematographer Jomo Fray about their brilliant new move 'Nickel Boys'. A conversation about their powerful visual and emotional approach to the Colson Whitehead novel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    439: Two Conversations with Jesse Eisenberg ('A Real Pain')

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 39:18


    Writer, director, actor Jesse Eisenberg joins Christina to talk about his brilliant film 'A Real Pain', a funny & moving story about two cousins who embark on a trip to Polen to honor their dead grandmother. This episode also includes Christina's live interview with Eisenberg from the Stockholm Film Festival, where he received the Stockholm Achievement Award. Christina talked to Jesse Eisenberg about the very personal nature of 'A Real Pain', dealing with grief, generational trauma, his role as actor/director/writer, what he learned from working with directors like David Fincher, working with Kieran Culkin and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    438: Creating The Body Horror In 'The Substance'. Guest: Special Makeup Effects Designer Pierre Olivier Persin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 24:55


    Christina is joined by prosthetics and makeup effects designer Pierre Olivier Persin to talk about his work on Coralie Fargeat's body horror hit The Substance, a dark satire about beauty standards, aging, and the entertainment industry. His sensational work is already receiving awards buzz. The Substance stars Demi Moore & Margaret Qualley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    437: A Conversation With Bill Skarsgård ('Nosferatu')

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 23:28


    Bill Skarsgård joins Christina for a conversation about his role as Count Orlok in 'Nosferatu', one of 2024's most anticipated movies! Bill talks about first being introduced to the classic 'Nosferatu' (1922) by his father actor Stellan Skarsgård, his immense preparation for 'Nosferatu', working with director Robert Eggers, creating the voice, why he's attracted to playing villains and much more. Photo: Shane Anthony Sinclair for Universal Pictures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    436: Our Reactions To The Golden Globe Noms And More Awards Season News! (Guest: Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 73:05


    Ryan McQuade, Executive Editor of AwardsWatch.com, joins Christina to discuss the Golden Globe nominations, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association & NY Film Critic Circle winners, the AFI list and more. What these jam packed awards season weeks tell us about the Oscars! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    435: Sean 'Dino' Johnson ('Sing Sing') On The Inspirational True Story 'Sing Sing' & Rehabilitation Through Theater.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 24:41


    Christina is joined by actor and advocate Sean 'Dino' Johnson. Mr. Johnson stars in 'Sing Sing' (also starring Colman Domingo and Paul Raci) which follows a theater production at the maximum security prison Sing Sing. A moving film about the power of art. The film is based on Mr. Johnson's actual RTA participation (Rehabilitation Through The Arts Program). He discovered the theater program while incarcerated at Sing Sing serving a 15 year prison sentence. Mr. Johnson talks to Christina about his personal experiences, the emotional journey making the film, his work as an advocate for at risk youth and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    434: A Conversation With Writer/Director Sean Baker ('Anora')

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 27:03


    Christina is thrilled to have writer/director Sean Baker ('Tangerine'. 'The Florida Project') on Pop Culture Confidential! His wonderful new movie 'Anora' won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and is receiving major awards buzz. In this wide ranging conversation Christina talks to Baker about 'Anora', Mikey Madison's career making performance, exploring the lives of sex workers in several of his films, how his own addiction and recovery factors into his stories, his writing process and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    433: The Most Emotional Movie Scenes Of 2024! Plus Gladiator II Reactions. (With Ryan McQuade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 65:00


    We are thrilled to have Ryan McQuade (executive editor, AwardsWatch.com) back for a jam packed episode! After an emotional week we thought it would be fitting to discuss what has made us emotional at the movies. We pick our most emotional scenes in 2024, so far. Plus our reactions to this week's big premiere Gladiator II. And from Ridley to Francis to Clint, we talk about octogenarian (and nonagenarian!) directors who are everywhere right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    432: The brilliant Karla Sofía Gascón, 'Emilia Pérez'! Audio Interview In Spanish, Subtitled On YouTube (Episode first aired in May)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 37:23


    The brilliant Karla Sofía Gascón, groundbreaking star of ‘Emilia Pérez'! Catch my subtitled interview on YouTube or listen on Pop Culture Confidential. The trans actress is making history this awards season! She talks to me about the incredible reactions from audiences to ‘Emilia Pérez', her own difficult and inspiring journey, how she'd love to star in an action film next and much more. (This interview first aired in May 2024) WATCH subtitled on YouTube. Exclusive interview with 'Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J8yQVQ5OT8&t=4s ‘Emilia Pérez' premieres on US Netflix Nov 13th Christina ha tenido el honor de hablar con una de las estrellas del festival de Cannes 2024, ¡Karla Sofía Gascón! Gascón nos habla de 'Emilia Peréz', la película dirigida por Jacques Audiard que ha sido la sensación de Cannes. Nos habla de la importancia que tiene esta película para ella como persona trans, su historia y mucho mas! 'Emilia Perez' narra la historia de la abogada Rita (Zoe Saldaña). Un día recibe una llamada telefónica de un poderoso extraño que resulta ser un capo del cártel. Manitas tiene una petición secreta: ayudarlo a desaparecer de su vida, incluidos sus hijos y su esposa Jessi (Selena Gomez), y someterse a una cirugía de confirmación de género para convertirse en la mujer que siempre quiso ser. Karla Sofía Gascón interpreta ambas papeles de Manitas y Emilia! Christina had the honor of speaking to one of the stars of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Karla Sofía Gascón! Gascón talks to us about 'Emilia Perez', the film directed by Jacques Audiard, which was a sensation at Cannes. She talks about how this film & role is important for her as a trans person, her story and much more! 'Emilia Perez' is about Rita (Zoe Saldaña), a lawyer, who one day receives a phone call from a powerful stranger who turns out to be a cartel boss named Manitas. Manitas has a secret request to help him disappear from his life, including from his children and his wife Jessi (Selena Gomez), and undergo gender confirmation surgery to become the woman she's always wanted to be. Karla Sofía Gascón plays both roles of Manitas and Emilia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    431: Harris & Trump's Media Strategies In The Final Weeks & The Political Power Of Pop Culture (with journalist Chris Smith, Vanity Fair)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 34:04


    With less than 2 weeks until the US election Christina is joined by journalist Chris Smith, contributing editor at Vanity Fair and best-selling author ofThe Daily Show (the Book), to discuss Harris and Trump's media strategies. They talk about the candidates many podcast interviews, media appearances and their messaging. If celebrity endorsements move the needle, Elon Musk, SNL, the political power of popular culture this election and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    430: Guest Robert Steen On The Beautiful Story Of His Son Mats (A Norwegian Gamer), What They Learned After Mats Passed Away, The Moving Netflix Doc 'The Remarkable Life of Ibelin' (Encore)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 55:34


    This is an encore episode (previously aired in Feb 2024) When Robert and Trude Steen's son Mats passed away at age 25 from a degenerative muscular disease they grieved over what they thought had been an isolated and lonely life but what they found out would change everything. Mats, a gamer known as 'Ibelin' in World of Warcraft, had despite his physical disabilities formed strong friendships, fallen in love and was a beloved and vibrant member of his digital community. Christina was honored to talk to Mat's father Robert Steen about Mats, his story and how it can give us deeper perspectives on gaming, on life and everything in between. The documentary 'The Remarkable Life Of Ibelin' (dir Benjamin Ree) premieres on Netflix Oct 25th, 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    429: 2025 Oscar Predictions! (with Ryan McQuade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 98:47


    It's time for Pop Culture Confidential's first Oscar predictions episode of the season! Ryan McQuade, (Executive Editor @ AwardsWatch) joins Christina for a huge Academy Awards predictions show. With the Venice, Telluride & Toronto film festivals behind us what is the state of the race? What films are dominating the awards conversation? Ryan & Christina dive into an exciting awards season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    428. BONUS! A Conversation with Ken Leung, 'Industry'. (This Bonus Episode Includes Talk About The Season Finale!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 43:53


    Christina had the honor of interviewing the brilliant Ken Leung! This bonus episode includes their previously unaired talk about the season finale of 'Industry' now that the episode has aired. Christina is joined by actor Ken Leung for this wide ranging conversation! Ken Leung is electrifying in his role as Eric on Industry (HBO Max) which takes place in the cutthroat world of finance and is now on it's critically acclaimed third season. Ken Leung's career includes roles on TV shows like Lost and The Sopranos and in the films Rush Hour, Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the upcoming Joker 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    427: Coppola's 'Megalopolis'. SNL's Election Cast & Brady Corbet's 'The Brutalist'. A Conversation With Ryan McQuade.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 62:32


    Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina to talk about the big film & movie news of the week! They talk about Saturday Night Live season 50's election cast (which includes Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and Dana Carvey as Joe Biden), Coppola's 'Megalopolis' and 'The Brutalist' written & directed by Brady Corbet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    426: We Discuss & Review 'The Substance' From Writer/Director Coralie Fargeat & Starring Demi Moore (with Ryan McQuade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 62:28


    Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor AwardsWatch) joins Christina to review and discuss the new body horror film 'The Substance' from writer/director Coralie Fargeat. The film stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley & Dennis Quaid. Spoilers! Plus 'Musical-fishing'! Why are studios hiding the fact that their movies are musicals in their marketing campaigns and trailers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    425: Alan Zweibel, An Original Saturday Night Live Writer & Five Time Emmy Award Winner! On The Early Years at SNL & The New Movie 'Saturday Night'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 50:07


    It's a huge fall for SNL! Saturday Night Live will be back for its 50th season on September 23rd and Jason Reitman's movie 'Saturday Night', (about the first ever SNL episode in 1975) premieres in October. Christina is honored to have Alan Zweibel on the show. Alan is an original SNL writer and a 5 time Emmy awards winner. (Josh Brener plays Zweibel in 'Saturday Night) Alan talks about seeing a movie about his first episode of SNL and takes us behind the scenes of the American institution that is Saturday Night Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    424: AwardsWatch Podcast Telluride Film Festival Roundup (with Special Guest Christina Birro)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 121:45


    Christina joins The AwardsWatch Podcast to discuss their reactions to the films at the 51st Telluride Film Festival! On episode 250 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson, Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello, and special guest Christina Birro of Pop Culture Confidential come together The 2024 film festival season has begun and many of the biggest titles of the fall film slate, Oscar season are being released over the last week with both the Venice Film Festival and Telluride Film Festival. Based on our past episode, the Telluride Film Festival announced their line-up with the world premieres of Conclave, Nickel Boys, Saturday Night, The Piano Lesson, The End alongside with several other films, as well as movie that have premiered at other festivals like Anora, The Outrun, Maria, A Real Pain, September 5, Emilia Perez, and more. It made for a great lineup over the Labor Day weekend, and the group break down their time at the festival, talk about all the movies they saw above and more. You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. This podcast runs 2h01m. We will be back next week to discuss Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and talk about our favorite “legacy sequels.” Till then, let's get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    423: Telluride Film Festival Mini Dispatch 2. 'Nickel Boys'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 8:24


    In a new Telluride Film Festival 2024 mini dispatch Christina talks to Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch.com about 'Nickel Boys', RaMell Ross narrative directorial debut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    422: Our first dispatch from the 51st Telluride Film Festival! The exciting movie line up and more.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 14:07


    Our first dispatch from the 51st Telluride Film Festival! Christina is in the mountains of Colorado covering the legendary film festival. Christina talks about the exciting 2024 movie line up that was just announced yesterday. And talks to AwardsWatch Ryan McQuade about why Netflix buying Pablo Larraín's 'Maria', starring Angelina Jolie, sent shock waves through the film community. Stay tuned for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    421: A Conversation With Ken Leung (Lost, The Sopranos) On His Electrifying Portrayal Of Eric On TV's Industry And Much More.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 38:29


    Christina is honored to be joined by actor Ken Leung for this wide ranging conversation! Ken Leung is electrifying in his role as Eric on Industry (HBO Max) which takes place in the cutthroat world of finance and is now on it's critically acclaimed third season. Ken Leung's career includes roles on TV shows like Lost and The Sopranos and in the films Rush Hour, Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the upcoming Joker 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    420: Our Massive Fall Movie Preview! (with Ryan McQuade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 77:47


    Nosferatu & Maria Callas. Guadagnino & Almodovar. Popes & Gladiators. Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina for a discussion about (a mostly:) thrilling season of movies ahead! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    419: A rundown of the exciting fall TV season! (with Tyler Doster)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2024 30:06


    A fantastic new season of 'Industry'! 'Squid Game' returns! New shows starring Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum are on the schedule! It looks like it's going to be an exciting TV season coming up this fall. Tyler Doster (TV editor @ AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina for a rundown of 2024 fall/winter TV season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    418: Best Of The Year So Far! (with Ryan McQuade)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 93:41


    Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina to countdown their favorite movies of 2024 so far. A great mix! From Challengers to Hit Man and so many more. Plus the latest movie news, Horizon Part 2 heading to the Venice Film Festival, who will host the Oscars after Kimmel and Mulaney pass up the offer, Chalamet as Bob Dylan and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    417: A conversation with actor Paul Raci about his powerful new movie 'Sing Sing'.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 27:32


    Paul Raci, Oscar nominated for his role in 2019's 'Sound Of Metal', is back on Pop Culture Confidential to talk about his phenomenal new film 'Sing Sing'! The film centers on a group of inmates putting up a play at the maximum security prison Sing Sing through (the real) Rehabilitation Through the Arts Program. Mr. Raci, who plays theater director & group leader Brent Buell, stars alongside recent Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. The film also stars many formerly incarcerated men who were themselves real alumni of the program during their years in prison. The film is directed by Greg Kwedar who co-wrote the screenplay with Clint Bentley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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