Pop Culture Five

This episode is by request from quite a few people. With the Cowboy Carter Tour having just kicked off, the guys are finally talking about a pop-music icon. This week, it's five essential Beyonce songs. And they have a returning guest! Joining Deremy and Thomas is a proud member of the BeyHive, and all-around great pop-culture mind, Quinnon Taylor. Find out if YOUR favorite Beyonce song makes the cut.You can read Quinnon's work on That Grape Juice at thatgrapejuice.netTo hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Bill Kenney from The SNL Hall of Fame podcast and the Saturday Night Network joins Thomas and Deremy to talk about arguably the greatest TV series of all time, David Chase's groundbreaking The Sopranos. This time, though, Bill and the guys are exploring characters and not episodes. The world of The Sopranos is so rich that there are plenty of possible choices, so let's see if any of your favorite characters make the cut. Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

In the wake of Gene Hackman's passing, the guys are celebrating someone who is almost inarguably one of the greatest actors of all time. Join Deremy and Thomas as they unpack why Hackman was so great and they breakdown five of his essential movies. This one may produce a few surprises, especially when the guys discuss why they may not be so into a certain beloved film, even though Gene is great in it. See if you agree with what they chose.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys talk about a classic rock and a modern rock staple. Aerosmith is in the discussion for all-time greatest American rock band because of a 50+ year run of relevance. Deremy and Thomas talk about what makes them rock icons and breakdown down five of the band's essential songs. See if your choices made the list!To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Few artists have had a bigger impact on pop music over the past 25 years than Pharrell Williams. On this episode, Deremy and Thomas are in search of Five Essential Pharrell songs. Everything he produced, wrote, and performed is on the table. There is so much there, find out how the guys narrow things down.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

In 1985 saw the debut of one of the major annual pop-culture events of the past 40 years. Today on Pop Culture Game Changers, Deremy and Thomas celebrate WrestleMania by re-visiting the very first one held at Madison Square Garden. Join the guys as they geek out and discuss what stood out to them about WrestleMania I.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Today, the guys talk about what they feel is an underappreciated sitcom. Join Deremy and Thomas as they pull up a seat in a modest but roomy LA apartment, and spend time with Jess, Winston, Schmidt, Nick, and CeCe. We're breaking down Five Essential New Girl episodes. Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

The incredible and influential director, David Lynch, passed away on January 16th. The honor him and his unique style, the guys are taking on the task of choosing his essential movies. Deremy and Thomas were wondering how to approach this episode, but they ended up having a great discussion about a man with such a distinct cinematic voice.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Today, the guys are talking about someone who has a rightful claim as being the greatest of all time in his genre. Deremy and Thomas are celebrating the legendary Christopher Wallace a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G. Find out what made Biggie so impactful, the essential songs in his catalog, and what the guys think about Biggie and Tupac's relationship.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Today, the guys talk about a band that, on the surface, might be a surprise topic even to them. In what became one of the more rewarding PC5 experiences to date, Deremy and Thomas talk Five Essential Linkin Park songs. They welcome special guest Jaylan Salah to break down why Chester, Mike, and the rest of the group deserve to be recognized as the talented important musicians that they were.Special thanks to listener Rachel Johnstone for the request!To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys are going back to what might be the golden age of sitcoms. They, and a friend, explore Five Essential 80's Sitcoms. The friend this episode is Shari Fesko, co-host of the SNL Hall of Fame Water Cooler. Shari, Thomas, and Deremy talk about what made the 80's such a special time for sitcoms. Find out which shows, episodes, and characters resonated with them and see if you agree.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Today the guys celebrate an amazing woman who is widely regarded, and possibly even by the folks on this very podcast, as the greatest singer of all time. It's time to talk Five Essential Whitney Houston songs.They brought a guest for the occasion! Whitney Houston superfan Quinnon Taylor breaks down his essentials and what makes Whitney so special.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Pop Culture Blind Spots is back, and this time it's Thomas who has gone his whole life without really digging into a classic. Thomas enjoys sitcoms, but one of the great 80's sitcoms has escaped him. This week, Deremy introduces Thomas to The Golden Girls. Throughout Deremy's life, his mom was always watching the fun dynamic between Rose, Sophia, Dorothy, and Blanche. Deremy is excited to pass his appreciation on and hopefully make GG Nation proud.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter: @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Deremy and Thomas are piggybacking off of Monday's episode and talking about a key player in The Greatest Night in Pop. This week, they're crossing a legend off the list as they discuss Five Essential Michael Jackson Songs. This might sound easy, but there's a twist to the episode! A few obvious songs are banned from being selected. Find out which songs are off limits and which ones the guys picked.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Nearly 40 years ago, most of the biggest pop stars in the world gathered as USA for Africa to record a song and raise money for a great cause. On this episode of Pop Culture Game Changers, Deremy and Thomas dive into what made this night so fascinating and what stood out to them the most.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Today on PC5, the guys chat about their first big director of 2025. They focused on one movie in a recent Game Changers episode, but this time they'll dive into the complete work of Quentin Tarantino. Gary Seith from The Not Ready for Prime Time Project joins Thomas and Deremy to breakdown which films rise above the rest and can truly be called "essential."Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Deremy and Thomas always love exploring legendary musical acts, and they're doing their first one of 2025 as they chat about Five Essential Rolling Stones songs. The Stones are beyond iconic, with Mick and Keith as the big personalities and, of course, that one-of-a-kind logo. But the guys feel like The Stones should be appreciated way more for what amazingly talented musicians they are. Let's see if Thomas and Deremy gave a good look at what makes these icons pop from a musical standpoint.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

While we were away, one of the greatest actors of all time turned 70! Denzel Washington has wowed us on screen for nearly half of his life, and the guys take the time to celebrate him as they go over Five Essential Denzel Washington movies. See if Deremy and Thomas throw any curveballs and find out why they both hold Denzel in such high regard. Plus, one of the guys made a sports analogy (surprise surprise) that feels spot on.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Coming January 6th, 2025.

Happy New Year from Pop Culture Five! Deremy and Thomas are taking the week off, but they'll be back next week with a brand new episode. Five Essential Denzel Washington Movies.Have a great New Year and we'll see you next week as the guys officially kick off 2025.

Happy Monday to you! Christmas is on Wednesday, so we're dropping an episode a little bit early. And, of course, tis the season to talk Five Essential Christmas Movies. Grab a glass of egg nog and find out what Deremy and Thomas consider to be holiday must-watches. See if any of your favorites make the list. Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Over the past 40 years, the biggest innovation in TV just might be the production of reality television. From Survivor to The Bachelor, reality TV has become a staple of entertainment. It all started to grow in 1992 when The Real World debuted on MTV. Deremy and Thomas explore their favorite aspects of The Real World and why they think it's such a pop-culture game changer.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys are exploring a band that was the biggest band in the world in their prime. It's U2 week on Pop Culture Five! They're coming up on nearly 45 years of putting out albums and delighting the world with their music, so it will be a challenge to narrow down the essentials. Also, Deremy wonders how U2 compares to a certain band that's been covered before on the show.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This episode has been a long time coming! It's been an inside joke between the guys that Thomas is surprised that Deremy isn't very familiar with the great TV show, 30 Rock. Deremy is a huge SNL and Tracy Morgan fan, but has only seen maybe a couple of 30 Rock episodes, which didn't really connect with him. Find out if Thomas was able to help Deremy see the show in a new light.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Join Deremy and Thomas as they talk about the work of a modern musical genius. Since he was just 12-years old, Stevie Wonder has shared amazing song after amazing song with the world. The guys talk about what Stevie means to them and have the nearly impossible task of choosing five essential songs from Stevie's vast catalog.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

The podcast is going back to its roots this week, as Deremy and Thomas explore the music of another big grunge band. This week, the guys tackle Five Essential Pearl Jam Songs. Find out why Thomas and Deremy think this band is so important, and what songs they chose to reflect that.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys are going back to their childhoods and flipping channels as they talk about Five Essential 90's Sitcoms. There was a shared monoculture in the 90's, so many shows from that decade mean so much to a lot of people. Find out if Deremy and Thomas picked your favorite show and if you think their choices are, in fact, essential.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys welcome a returning guest! Author and sports fan, Erin Carlson, comes back to discuss Five Essential Sports Movies. There may or may not be disagreements as Deremy, Thomas, and Erin break down what appeals to them when they watch a sports movie. Be sure to subscribe to Erin Carlson's newsletter, "You've Got Mail." https://erincarlson.substack.com/Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Welcome to the 2nd edition of Pop Culture Game Changers! Today, Deremy and Thomas talk about a legendary performance by an iconic band. It's been 30 years since Nirvana MTV Unplugged in New York was released on record, so the guy decided to share their essential moments and reasons why this performance has gone down in history.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

It's under a week until Election Day, so the guys are taking a look at a show that has been referenced quite a bit over the past few months. Deremy and Thomas choose their Five Essential Veep Episodes. This show has an outstanding cast, led by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and it quite possibly one of the funniest television shows of all time. Let's see which episodes the guys choose to represent this hilarious series.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Deremy and Thomas have been on a roll talking about some of their favorite and most influential musicians. They continue with exploring a truly iconic influential American band. Today the guys discuss Five Essential R.E.M. Songs. This is a beloved band to both Deremy and Thomas, and even a top-5 favorite band for one of them. Let's see if they chose wisely.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Today, Deremy and Thomas talk about someone who is in the running as the most successful and prolific actor of his generation. It's Five Essential Matt Damon Movies. The amount of quality material here is striking, so it's anybody's guess as to what the guys will pick.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Welcome to a BONUS episode of Pop Culture Five! This is the first installment of a new concept called Pop Culture Game Changers. Deremy and Thomas will use these episodes to do more of a deep dive on one specific topic. They start with a movie that has been on the scene for 30 years and, in its own way, was a movie game changer. The guys will explore different aspects of Pulp Fiction. Join them in celebrating this groundbreaking movie, and get the first taste of a new episode concept.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Thomas and Deremy have been talking about a lot of music legends on the show over the past few weeks. So why not continue the trend? This week, they discuss the amazing Elton John! Joining them is Elton John connoisseur, and co-host of The Not Ready for Prime Time Podcast, Brad Robinson.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Today we're going to Arlen, Texas to visit one of Thomas' pop-culture blind spots. He's a huge fan of Mike Judge, but has somehow never watched King of the Hill. Deremy loves the show and has taken the job of schooling Thomas on this important animated series. Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

It's an extra-special celebration this week on the show! It's the 50th episode of the podcast and, call it serendipity, the season premiere of the 50th season of Saturday Night Live is premiering in just a few days. The guys are celebrating by talking SIX Essential SNL Sketches (one for each decade).Joining them is Jon Schneider, from the Saturday Night Network. Jon, Deremy, and Thomas are all SNL superfans and are up to the task of figuring out which sketch from each decade is essential to SNL's history.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys talk about a band that has released some of the most iconic songs in music history. Get ready to rock out, in a sort of operatic way, as they discuss Five Essential Queen Songs. Did they make the correct choices and do justice to Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and the rest of the band? Deremy and Thomas think so, but what do YOU think?To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Prestige television isn't just for HBO, it can also exist on network TV. Deremy and Thomas explore a great example in a show that means so much to both of them. Join them as they discuss Five Essential The West Wing episodes. There were many memorable moment during the Bartlet administration, so this is a tough (but fun!) task for the guys.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Join the guys as they celebrate a member of a pop-music royal family. They're digging into the catalog of Janet Jackson! Thomas and Deremy have long histories with Janet's music. Find out which songs from her amazing career stick out to them and why she means so much to both of them.To hear every song Deremy and Thomas have covered, all in one place, search Spotify for the playlist: Pop Culture Five: Essential SongsLet us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Take a trip down memory lane and join the guys as they discuss Five Essential 90's Comedies. All comedies released from 1990 to 1999 are on the table. There are people who were comedic staples in the 90's, but is there room for them all on this list? Thomas and Deremy have an absolute blast talking about movies that mean a lot to them. Find out if your favorites make the cut.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Treat yo self to another fun episode! This week, the PC5 boys visit Pawnee, Indiana as they discuss Five Essential Parks and Recreation Episodes. Superfan Elizabeth Zbinden joins them and it's an absolute blast. Find out if they did Leslie, Ben, Ron, Tom, April, Andy, Donna, Chris, Ann, and Larry proud.(RIP Lil' Sebastian)Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys talk about maybe the most influential and popular woman in music history. Certainly pop music. Deremy and Thomas are tackling Five Essential Madonna Songs. They get into a good discussion about how important Madonna is as a visual and performance artist, and how much that should be a factor in whether a song is essential. So join them as they celebrate one of the major pop-culture icons of the past 40 years.(Also, see if a certain song from the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie makes an appearance!)Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

It's been 10 years since the passing of a comedic legend. This week, the guys are celebrating Robin Williams. Join them and their guest, Eric Paul from the Everything is a Primary Source podcast, as they reminisce about everything that made Robin Williams great and choose Five Essential Robin Williams Movies. See if your favorite Robin movie is mentioned as an essential.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

Pop Culture Blind Spots is back, and this week it's Thomas attempting to get Deremy into a TV show that Deremy hasn't quite latched onto on multiple attempts. We're talking Mad Men, which is often considered one of the four greatest prestige television shows of all time. It took Thomas multiple tries to get into Mad Men, himself, so we'll see if Deremy can follows that path. Or maybe Mad Men just isn't for him.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This episode is by request, as a few listeners extended a challenge to Deremy and Thomas. This week, the guys are talking Five Essential Destiny's Child Songs. Find out what the guys think of one of the great R&B groups to come out of the 90's, and what might stand out as essential. Let's see if Kelly, Michelle, and Beyonce think they can handle this.Thomas also reveals a connection to a pop-culture icon, and Deremy asks the philosophical question, "Can you monetize magic?" Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys chat about a TV series that's a modern classic. Deremy and Thomas take on the challenge of choosing Five Essential Atlanta Episodes. Both of the guys love this series, but may come at it from slightly different directions. Get their perspectives on what makes this show so great, and see if you agree with their picks.Oh. There's a Pop Culture Five first in this episode, as well!Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, Deremy and Thomas are sticking with music but they're switching from hip-hop to rock. They're hashing out Five Essential Green Day songs, and they have a guest! Mr. G from The Fandalorians podcast will get nostalgic with the guys and talk about his history with Green Day and what constitutes essential in his eyes. There are a lot of twists, turns, and laughs in this one. Join the fun and find out if your favorite Green Day song made the cut.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This is a by-request episode and one that Deremy and Thomas have been super excited to do! This week they look at Five Essential Kendrick Lamar Songs. Kendrick has been top of mind in pop culture over the past few months. The guys touch on that and on what makes Kendrick a generational MC. See if you agree with the choices of the guys and the choices of Astrid, the listener who requested the episode.Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys are talking action stars! They're diving into the filmography of Sylvester Stallone. They have a guest to help them out! Adam Galloway from Raised on Film is on one of the hot seats. There's also a catch. Only one Rocky movie and one Rambo movie are allowed to be picked. Deremy, Thomas, and Adam are up for the challenged and pumped to celebrate Sly.Let us know what you think!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

This week, the guys are celebrating another amazing television show. This time, though, they're talking characters as they discuss Five Essential The Wire Characters. Joining them is a podcaster, NBA Twitter voice of reason, and The Wire superfan, Jabari Davis. The Wire has a wealth of characters to choose, so let's see if the guys got this one right.Let us know what you think!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com

After the success of their 90's Hip-Hop Songs episode, the guys are tackling another decade of hip-hop. This time, they're discussing Five Essential 2000's Hip-Hop Songs. This is January of 2000 through December of 2009. Deremy and Thomas talk about how hip-hop evolved heading into the new millennium, and give each other a sampling of songs that they loved from around that time.Let us know what you think!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com