POP CULTURE MONDAYS...ON THURSDAYS

Happy Friday, you pop culture junkies! Well, better late than never as the saying goes? Thank you for your patience this week. We had some technical difficulties which prevented us from publishing on Thursday. And while the audio is still a little wonky in areas, it was saved! And I would like to personally thank the incredible Rachel Sklar and Ron Passaro the producer extraordinaire who made this entire thing possible and brought it back to life. I am SO grateful. This was the first guest we have had in a long time so it was so sad to think it would never see the light of day. We have the LEGENDARY Alyssa Mastromonaco who was the youngest White House Deputy Chief of Staff who served under Obama. She is a best-selling author of TWO books, She is the podcaster behind the hit podcast, Hysteria. She is a jam maker. A cat mom. And just an incredible friend. And we get INTO it. We do a little DC dish because we HAVE to, of course. We talk Harry and Meghan. Gaga and Rio. And of course, the MET GALA. Keep in mind, this was recorded before the new Pope so you have to read next week's newsletter for that. And housekeeping news. We are going to take a little break from the pod while I build up the team and bring it back to life in a format that will be delightful. Stay tuned! Order “Who Knew” by Barry Diller https://www.amazon.com/Who-Knew-Barry-Diller/dp/1668096870 PCM Newsletter/The Royal Edition https://popculturemondays.com/2025/05/05/the-royal-edition/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke can't stop thinking about "Sinners", the movie you have to RUN, do not walk, to see. Brooke dives into the movie's incredible cultural significance, the cool tech behind the scenes, details you might have missed, and her vision for a "Sinners," the musical. You can see it too, can't you? To avoid totally becoming a "Sinners" podcast, Brooke also has to discuss the hilarious "I'm so hungry..." trend shocking parents all over TikTok and her newest FoodTok-inspired craving, egg flights.    This week's PCM: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/04/28/the-labubu-madness-edition/  The official Sinners Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX9cgnKcytSCK?si=cd0c0aca02ce4f28

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! So much to discuss. This week, Brooke looks back at the life of the late Pope, what his death means for the future of the papacy, and, of course, all of the memes. The internet says JD Vance killed the Pope and, honestly, we're all thinking it. She also talks about the Trader Joe's pastel mini totes that people are obsessing over. Also, have you seen the Australian identical twins who witnessed a carjacking? Much to discuss. Brooke also explores how fast AI is evolving and how it's affecting people emotionally, especially when it comes to personal memories and connections. There's a trend right now of using AI to bring dead celebrities back to life. Oh, and SINNERS. The MOVIE everyone is talking about. Shhh, no spoilers!! Additionally, she addresses the rise of anti-Semitism, and the responsibility cultural figures and events have in combating hate following what took place at Coachella.    This week's PCM: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/04/21/the-conclave-edition/   Australian Twins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maF9HNRcWxo  

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. And welcome to the first-ever video version of PCMOT! This is a work in progress, but we bit the bullet and will play around in different formats, so please let us know your feedback. You can still listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, but now on YouTube as well! While this week's newsletter focuses heavily on Coachella, Brooke decides to take a more serious tone and talk about the Blue Origin all-female "space" flight that is getting more negative attention than U2's album on your iPhone. This one is a doozy, and while there's lots of humor and all the memes going around, Brooke takes a moment to talk about why this false feminism moment is such a miss. She also talks about Chinese manufacturing TikTok as a reaction to the tariffs, where China is taking matters into its own hands brilliantly. And lastly, let's all make sure we support our favorite "The White Lotus" cast member, Amiee Lou Wood, and protect her from all the teeth bullies. Looking at you, SNL.      This week's PCM:  https://popculturemondays.com/2025/04/14/the-coachella-edition/    The Daily Article - Her Business Was Thriving, Then the Tariffs https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/podcasts/the-daily/trump-tariff-small-business-busy-baby.html

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies…   This week, Brooke tries to find humor while the economy and democracy come crashing down. What's one to do when the world is on fire? Check out ALL the memes obviously. But truly, in this moment in time, we need all the humor we can get, so Brooke looks at how some creators are navigating the world of crashing stock markets and economies. And of course…the penguins.    You cannot talk culture this week and not talk about the season finale of “The White Lotus,” so if you don't want spoilers, make sure to fast forward through that part. But also, how come you have NOT watched it? Come for the White Lotus memes, stay for the definition of Edging. You're welcome.   And did you hear that Madonna and Elton John have MENDED FENCES and made up after a multi-decade feud? At least something in the world is healing.   And of course…we all must tune into “Love on the Spectrum”   Mike White interview where he discusses Edging: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/mike-white-defends-white-lotus-season-3-slow-boring-1236362151/   Madonna's Instagram with Elton John: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIJ5fWExX68/   “Love on the Spectrum” season 3 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXSiyvI8cFU   This week's PCM: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/04/07/the-well-this-is-fun-edition/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke is on a tear. This was recorded right as Cory Booker was finishing his record-breaking filibuster, and she was full of emotion. Her opinion is Cory Booker is now the de facto head of the Democratic Party. The Democrats are having a much better week than the Republicans, partially due to Signalgate, which she has to address because there are just so many memes! Once she gets politics out of her system, she moves on to talking about "The Beatles" movies that were just announced, where the cast was disclosed and the fact that there will be four movies, each from the perspective of a band member. You have to listen to find out more! This week Brooke also talks about the phenomenon of "RichTok" as well as why the internet is turning on creator Remi Bader. Not to mention the trend of “Brocasting” that seems to be only growing. Grab your headphones and some candy and enjoy!    This week's PCM: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/03/31/the-put-the-phone-down-edition/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! What a week it's been and it's not even Friday! This week, Brooke can't help but get into the weeds of the Signal chat debacle rocking the U.S. at the moment. 18 of the country's “finest” intelligence and defense leaders created a war plan group chat while inadvertently including the editor-in-chief of “The Atlantic”. If this were a movie, no one would believe the premise. Let's play a drinking game of who's gonna get fired first. While America's democracy crumbles, we have a viral moment that did briefly tie us all together, Saratoga Water guy! Otherwise known as Morning Routine guy, and Brooke breaks down the viral video and impact. Brooke also talks about the must-read “Teen Vogue” interview of Vivian Wilson, the trans daughter of Elon Musk who wants nothing to do with Elon Musk, and who blames her? We're right there with you baby! Grab some tea and some headphones and enjoy.   Links   Tuesday's The Daily podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736?i=1000700734181   Bonus link: Wednesday's The Daily podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736?i=1000700895051   Vivian Wilson's Vogue Interview: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/vivian-jenna-wilson-elon-musk-trans-youth   Pop Culture Mondays newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/03/24/the-morning-routine-edition/   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/    Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke     Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling     Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/   

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke dedicates the pod to her friend and work colleague Rebecca who has moved to London from LA this week. So Brooke's therapy is talking about it on the pod! But she is able to rebound emotionally thanks to her undying love for all things Walton Goggins. from “The Righteous Gemstones” to “The White Lotus”, it is ALL about Goggins. And while we are talking White Lotus, Brooke talks about THAT scene with Walton and Sam Rockwell. She didn't talk about it in the newsletter because she was STILL processing. But there is loads to say! Brooke also talks about another show dominating the pop culture world right now, and that is the incredible “Adolescence” on Netflix. If you haven't watched it? RUN do not walk. Of course, there is some Elon talk because how do we not at this point? Grab your headphones and enjoy!   Walton Goggins/MIsbehavin': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-znj7Uf9Oo   “When it Happens” trend examples: https://www.tiktok.com/@dailyhaley/video/7480334911325556014?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbi_360/video/7481677263478459690?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   This week's PCM: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/03/17/the-thank-god-for-the-irish-edition/   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/   

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke gives a little rundown of her experience in Austin for SXSW — a must-listen. Monday's newsletter was titled “Re-heated Nachos," and Brooke explains where that term comes from and why it's relevant today with regards to Lady Gaga and T-Swift. Have you heard the new Gaga album “Mayhem"? It's fabulous. And back to her pop roots, which is where Brooke's happy place is. And you can't have pop culture without Elon (lol, UGH!!) who's having a very terrible, horrible, most definitely bad week. But don't worry, Donald Trump is selling his cars now! Brooke also covers a few other moments in pop culture that simply must be discussed. Enjoy!      Cuomosexual NY Post Article: https://nypost.com/2025/03/08/us-news/cuomosexuals-not-coming-back-for-cuomo-mayor-race/     SNL's No More Slay ft. Gaga  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xzXSPAGNwY     Pop Culture Mondays newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/03/10/the-reheated-nachos-edition/    Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/    Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke     Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling     Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/   

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke dips her toes into the world of politics to discuss the ever-growing JD Vance Baby Face memes circulating the internet. While Brooke strives to be Trump-free, sometimes Trump-adjacent is necessary. From Vermont kicking JD Vance out to Trump becoming a storyline in the latest “White Lotus” episode, politics is having a pop culture moment. Of course, Brooke talks about the Oscars and some of the hits and misses. And speaking of misses, we also have Mark Zuckerberg cosplaying Benson Boone and Meghan Sussex (aka Markle)'s new Netflix show, which is getting a lot of blowback. Enjoy!     Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/03/03/the-its-been-a-week-edition/   L to the OG:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ote9AdFKKaA    TikTok response to Adrien Brody's Oscar acceptance speech: https://www.tiktok.com/@fredasquith/video/7477553228993891606    Mannings in a Waymo https://www.tiktok.com/@uber/video/7477955203140947242?_r=1&_t=ZT-8uRuGjcD3aF   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke is out of the country, so we're bringing back one of her favorites from the archives: a conversation with her dear friend, screenwriter, and novelist, Gary Whitta. Brooke and Gary have been friends since the ‘90s when they were gamer kids, and Gary was the head editor of PC Gamer Magazine. Since then, Gary has become a hit screenwriter, with movies like “Book of Eli” and “Rogue One” part of the “Star Wars” franchise. Gary is also a successful novelist. Gary and Brooke talk about their experience in gaming, and Gary gives us a detailed look into what the writing process is like for the screen and books. And, of course, how all this ties into pop culture. IT DOES.   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/  Buy Gun Dog here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gundog-gary-whitta/1142657728 Listen to the Gun Dog podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/gundog/id1631586716

This week, Brooke kicks off the pod with a wholly warranted rant because a children's book by Julianne Moore about a little girl with freckles who feels different has been banned. BANNED. The Orwellian fever dream (except it's real!) we find ourselves in continues… At least we have TikTok angels with spoof Republican Makeup tutorials to bring us joy! Brooke also gets into some of the best (and worst) moments from this past weekend's SNL celeb-packed 50th-anniversary celebration extravaganza. And of course, we have the long-awaited premiere of White Lotus Season 3, and its less than boppin' theme song. Enjoy!    Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/02/17/the-winter-break-edition/      

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke talks about Kendrick Lamar's earth-shattering performance at the Super Bowl. If you've seen any negative press — and Brooke explains why it might be in your feeds — ignore it. There are too many Easter Eggs to uncover, but she does a deep dive into some of the symbolism and meaning behind the performance. But also…. The Jeans! Thanks to Kendrick and Celine, the brand behind the $1,200 viral jeans, bootcut jeans (or flares, however you see them), are back in style. There's lots of Super Bowl talk, but obviously, Kendrick was the star of the show. Brooke also gives an update on the American woman in Pakistan and all the drama over at Poppi. Buckle up!      The New York Times "The Daily" Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736?i=1000689933228     TikToks to check out: https://www.tiktok.com/@tessclynes/video/7470066622598827282?_r=1&_t=ZT-8tro1DUzZjX      https://www.tiktok.com/@marabird93/video/7469633115296746798?_r=1&_t=ZT-8tro3Nz94NW      https://www.tiktok.com/@raeonartez/video/7469845988862135582?_r=1&_t=ZT-8tro34TMKhK      https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolestorydent/video/7469873185769458974?_r=1&_t=ZT-8trpTn7vwKc      Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter:  https://popculturemondays.com/2025/02/10/the-bootcut-jeans-edition/   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/    Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke     Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling     Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke dives into some of her favorite moments from the Grammys… And the one that grossed everyone out! But focusing on the positive, it was definitely a Girls' Grammys! From Beyoncé to Chappell Roan to Doechii and Charlie XCX and Sabrina Carpenter…it was a SHOW. And can we talk about Shakira and Diana Ross and their beauty regiments!? Brooke also talks about the basketball trade that shocked the world and what it means from the perspective of somebody who knows next to nothing about basketball. And of course, always some fun other things happening at the moment. Grab your headphones and enjoy!     Check out Doechii's performance at the Grammys: https://www.tiktok.com/@gloss/video/7467387369797389614?_r=1&_t=ZT-8tfe56SmpAs   And Chappell Roan's: https://www.tiktok.com/@love.brenna/video/7467013604517186862?_r=1&_t=ZT-8tfe80T3sdf    Click here to read the newsletter:  https://popculturemondays.com/2025/02/03/the-naked-edition/   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

Happy Thursday pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke starts off on an RFK Jr rant due to his confirmation hearing and the jaw-dropping letter from Caroline Kennedy to Senators about her cousin, the “predator. Brooke also gets into some of the Gen Alpha terms of the moment which everyone needs to know since it's a new language. And why do the kids a.k.a. TikTok… Hate Emilia Perez? Skibidi Toilet https://youtu.be/WePNs-G7puA?si=yr3DA0MFRQZiraI_   New York Times article: Blake Lively lawsuit https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/business/media/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-it-ends-with-us.html?smid=url-share   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke, who has escaped to Jamaica for a break, does a play-by-play of the TIKTOK-pocalypse — the lead-up to the shutdown, the actual shutdown, and the revival of the platform after a very long, terrifying 14 whole hours! And then, of course, we have the inauguration and all the memes. The hat! The bra! The Nazi salute! The Handmaid's Tale outfits! It's a spectacle spectacular. Grab some headphones and candy…   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke takes more of a serious tone discussing the LA fires. She brings in a little bit of her own experience and also explains some of the things happening on the socials. Speidi! While she thinks TikTok has been a critical tool during this time, she also talks about the fact that TikTok may not exist by this time next week. Other things going on include the Elon-ization of Mark Zuckerberg (who is styling that guy??) and his involvement with the TikTok shutdown.    Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/     

On this last week before everything shuts down, Brooke talks drones drones drones. Since every household has it on their minds. WHAT IS HAPPENING? And speaking of what is happening…will TikTok be banned come January 19th, or will TRUMP SAVE GEN Z? Who is to say? Brooke also gets into some of her favorite content and some last-minute gift ideas!   Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2024/12/16/the-drones-edition/ Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke unleashes (always fun!) on the online community celebrating an assassin. We've all been tracking the assassination of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare, and the subsequent capture of his killer. While many were rightfully shocked, there are too many who are celebrating him as a folk hero.    Some could say, it's mainly the people who are perpetually online. Brooke discusses the ins and outs of this moment from a pop culture perspective. And in other news, there's the end of the Eras Tour, there's Doechii, and there's more pop culture nuggets!    Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke breaks down some of the fashion trends you're sure to see, whether on your kids, at work, or walking down the street. From blue jeans and black t-shirts to bubble skirts to sweatpants tucked into socks, there's something for everyone. Also, Drake has lost his mind. And has no one telling him otherwise. Find out why! Brooke's fave new music this week is from Rosé, and her fave movie is Conclave!   https://popculturemondays.com/2024/12/02/the-trend-edition/   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekr2nIex040&feature=youtu.be    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t915aZmyEBg    Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, we're diving into the archives. It's an oldie but goodie! Happy Thanksgiving!!    Brooke talks with the Mother of Dragons, Emma Freud. Emma wears a million hats, each of them bigger than the next, from producer to script editor to exec producer of Comic Relief to broadcaster to writer to painter to girlfriend to mother of Spike, Charlie, Jake and Scarlett. Emma and Brooke ANALYZE (as only a Freud can) how Americans have destroyed sausages. As well as look further into the psychology of Twitter and the Johnny and Amber trial. And obviously so much more.    Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

Happy Thursday, pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke dives into the viral video of the moment from New Zealand's Parliament! Never thought these words would be written. But it's all haka all the time. Also, of course, we have the fight — if that's what we want to call it — between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul (not to be confused with his older brother Logan). And, of course, some political memes because we live in a simulation.    https://popculturemondays.com/2024/11/18/the-haka-for-everything-edition/   https://www.tiktok.com/@waateanews/video/7437269478649498896    Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke reflects on some of the things she's found that are making her feel better post-election. First and foremost, deleting Twitter. At least from her phone. Game changer. Second, stop watching the news. Stop reading the news. Stop the news! Third… Watch ALL the content. Tune in to listen for all the tips.   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke veers a little away from pop culture to discuss the election and the feelings many are having. Including here. And what we can do to move forward.    Gracie Abrams' “That's So True” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7djQsPAGIxc   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

Before Brooke heads out on a quick vacation, she gives us an explainer for all things Chicken Shop Date and its host, Amelia Dimoldenberg, and why she and Andrew Garfield have broken the Internet. Brooke also raves about her new favorite show straight from across the pond, “Rivals,” on Hulu. It's a bonkbuster, as they say! And, of course, a few more pop culture moments are discussed.    https://popculturemondays.com/2024/10/21/the-chicken-shop-edition/   Chicken Shop Date https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFS5vxYlfY8   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/             

SNL isn't always at the center of pop culture these days, but this past weekend was a doozie with Stevie Nicks as the musical act and Ariana Grande as the host. It was a show full of some great moments, which Brooke highlights.  But it's also a heavy time as the election creeps up, and Brooke acknowledges that the anxiety is impacting a lot of people. And why a pop culture escape is necessary! From “In da club” on TikTok to a totally AI generated restaurant in Austin, Brooke breaks down some of the ways people are escaping this week.   Can you also add the links of the videos that Brooke already shared with you for audio? The SNL links on YouTube.   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Taylor Lorenz Newsletter: https://www.usermag.co/ My Best Friend's Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zejK1XHIDcI Bridesmaid Speech SNL: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RLn5qNngGn4&pp=ygUMRXNwcmVzc28gc25s Gloryhole Sushi SNL: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e8oR4DB6SAA&pp=ygUKR2xvcnkgaG9sZQ%3D%3D What do you have to offer my daughter?: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFHbdEha/ In Da Clurb: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFHbRCFA/ Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke spends a lot of time talking about the horrifying hurricane that is impacting Florida and promising to be one of the most destructive. She looks at how people are taking to social media not just to show what they're doing to prep or to evacuate but also to use the opportunity to tell stories about themselves that, let's just say, are in poor taste.    Brooke also talks about her thrill at being featured this week in Bob Lefsetz's iconic newsletter, The Lefsetz Letter, and tells the story of how that came to be. Then we have sleepmaxxing and mouth tape and the new phenomena of sparkly freckles brought to us by Taylor Swift.   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Nobody Wants This lefsetz.com   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/       

This week, Brooke talks about the world needing some joy with all the bad news surrounding us and election anxiety. From our newest obsession, Netflix's “Nobody Wants This,” to Pesto, the giant baby king penguin, to Moo Deng, our fave pygmy hippo, the world is trying to heal.     Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com   Nobody Wants This Trailer   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn2PsXD8m4A   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

Brooke starts off this week by explaining her personal reasons for being more publicly vocal against Trump. Then, while the Diddy news has been much discussed, including in this week's newsletter, Brooke talks specifically about the growing noise around an alleged Justin Bieber song that includes lyrics about a Diddy party, but which is actually an AI-generated track that's been making the rounds since April. And we can't talk pop culture this week and not talk about Moo Deng, the adorable, chonky potato pygmy hippo from Thailand. We finish off with a little Menendez brother chitchat and Brooke's favorite new show, The English Teacher.    Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke talks about the exciting launch of popculturemondays.com and the new newsletter format. Thank you to the amazing team at WordPress! She also breaks her cardinal rule, which is being Trump-free, but it's worth it because she gets into all of the debate memes, from eating cats and dogs, to Monica Lewinsky and the Drudge Report, to Elon and Taylor Swift and even Scooter Braun. It's been a mad week. Brooke also covers the news of the moment and that is the arrest of Puff Daddy and what got us here. There's a bunch of other pop culture goodies, so settle in for a wild ride!    New Website: https://popculturemondays.com/    Monday's Newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2024/09/16/the-welcome-to-the-new-pcm-edition/   Eating the Dogs & Cats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BrCvZmSnKA   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke is back after the Labor Day long weekend and is coming to you from the tail end of a brutal Los Angeles heatwave. There's a lot to catch up on, from TikTok trends to new TV shows, but first, Brooke talks about the backlash she received on Threads for posting about how we have to be friends with people who have different political beliefs than us in reference to Taylor Swift hugging Brittany Mahomes at the US Open (note: this episode was recorded before T-Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris). We also have the Trauma Candy Salad, the absurd but brilliant opening dance sequence in the new *murder mystery* show “The Perfect Couple,” Kendrick Lamar v Drake Super Bowl edition, and finally, a masterclass in PR from Craftmix.    https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-9-9-24-b46fffb9ca9f   https://www.tiktok.com/@craftmix/video/7409310249536081183    Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke starts off with a little recap of all the most meme-able moments from the DNC. While there's lots of other pop culture things happening, Brooke breaks down the Oasis comeback and why it's so impactful. Anyone remember Blur?? Enjoy!    Pop Culture Mondays/8.26.24 medium.com     37 likes, 2 comments. “Part 2: Treating my dog who has cancer. Today we talk about chemotherapy for animals, called Palladia.” TikTok · Brooke Hammerling tiktok.com   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke looks at the “Very Demure, Very Mindful” trend that has ripped through every part of culture. You really would be living under a rock if you missed it. From brands to the White House, this is the follow up to BRAT that we were all waiting for. But where did it come from? Brooke will give you all the background intel. She also touches on the ongoing Blake Lively drama and why it's happening — in her opinion. Grab your headphones and enjoy! Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/   

This week, Brooke tries to say more in less time! No one needs an hour-long podcast, so she's working at keeping it tighter... for now! Brooke talks about the Elon/Trump dumpster fire of an interview because she has to but doesn't want to. She really only wants to talk about her favorite moment from the Olympics (not the breakdancer). And we also have a break down of the controversy around the movie “It Ends with Us.” Short & sweet!     Pop Culture Mondays/8.12.24 medium.com     33 likes, 2 comments. “Part 1: Series on how I am helping my dog with cancer. Helpful tips and treatments that are working for him.” TikTok · Brooke Hammerling tiktok.com Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

The Olympics are still going strong and this week, Brooke kicks off with a quick summary of some of the latest memes coming out of the Paris games. Then, despite this not being a political podcast, politics and pop culture have once again collided and launched an epic meme-fest, which Brooke digs into. From Tim  Walz referencing JD Vance and the couch in his speech in Philadelphia, to the Republicans trying to lampoon the new Democratic VP pick with bad nicknames that only make him look better, like “Tampon Tim” (he has advocated for free tampons in public school bathrooms - the horror), to the slew of Vance gaffes, the socials are having a field day!      https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-8-5-24-e0c66b6ba4af    GM Dealership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=SK8ypdr3S8Xrm-Fg&v=3r-AugMz0qI&feature=youtu.be   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

While there's still some politics to go over, Brooke quickly gets into the only thing that seems to be unifying the nation — or is it?? — the Olympics. While the Opening Ceremony admittedly was bonkers (but maybe in the best of ways…), America is once again divided, and this time, over whether a tableau featuring drag queens et al. in the ceremony was an homage to the Greek god Dionysus (it was confirmed that it was) or an outrageously triggering parody of The Last Supper that has the Christians up in arms. Was there a ménage à trois as well??? Answer, yes. But we also have the US women dominating the medals, our favorite new Clark Kent aka Stephen Nedoroscik, hype man extraordinaire Flavor Flav, and surfers and Colin Jost surviving Tahiti. That and a lot more, including Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the Marvel universe.    https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-7-29-24-6a3a40b33a14

This week, Brooke speaks almost exclusively about the vibe shift the US is seeing thanks to the Presidential campaign shake-up and how much of a pop culture story it is. Coconuts for days! Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/   

Brooke took a pod break so this week she catches us up on some trends including: -Brat Summer  -Teen boys and smellmaxxing and chiseled jaws    But inevitably she had to address the assassination attempt on Trump and how the Internet responded. Sometimes humor is the best way to handle stressful situations.   And then there were big losses, especially for Gen Z with the deaths of Dr. Ruth, Richard Simmons and the super untimely death of Shannen Doherty.     There's a whole lot more, but don't read about it…check it out!    This week's PCM: Pop Culture Mondays/7.15.24 medium.com Black Twitter's take on assassination attempt:   I

For a week where we thought the biggest news was Justin Timberlake's arrest, little did we know that this was just the beginning. From the DUI that launched a billion memes, the pop culture world decided to tell us, “Hold my beer.” We have Hawk Tuah girl. We have Chappell Roan. We have Kendrick Lamar's unbelievable shade. We have Taylor Swift breaking London. Grab some snacks!   PCoM Newsletter https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-6-24-24-2059ded0107c   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke weighs in on the pop culture topic everyone is talking about… Justin Timberlake's DUI arrest in Sag Harbor. What was he thinking? Why didn't he have a driver? What does this do to the tour? Why didn't he have a driver? Why didn't he have a driver? WHY DIDN'T HE HAVE A DRIVER?? Just some of the questions we're asking! But it also brings up a conversation around mugshots and whether the public really needs to see these. And of course, there are lots and lots of memes. But it's not just JT! Brooke talks about her personal reasons for loving REM and her delight in them being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this past week. Grab your headphones!!   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week is our 100th episode! Brooke gives us a little of the backstory and process behind PCMoT and some insights into what's to come. In pop culture news, she talks about the songs of the summer, from “Looking for a Man in Finance" to all things Sabrina Carpenter. She also breaks down the ridiculous media narrative around the made-up trend of “hot rodent men” and gives The New York Times a stern talking to. So grab your headphones, and let's celebrate!     https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-6-10-24-5ca4b2bc767c   https://www.thecut.com/article/drake-oversized-trousers-beef.html    Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke breaks her no Trump rule, but for good reason, as the former President's conviction led to a hilarious explosion of memes. Focusing on one in particular, Brooke gets into the backstory. She also discusses the power of an AI generated photo that went viral, for better or worse. Why, and how, and what's to come? We then have this week's hot topic, which is the news that Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria are launching their own reality show. WTF? And there's Pete Davidson and Eminem and Natalie Portman and Paul Mescal… Enjoy!   https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-6-3-24-752e9c60e293   Eminem Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=22tVWwmTie8     Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke discloses she works with Live Nation and gives a brief summary of why they are in the news. But most of the episode is devoted to her experience attending the BottleRock music festival that took place last weekend in Napa Valley. We have Stevie Nicks. Pearl Jam. The Offspring. Stephen Sanchez. And Ed Sheeran. Oh, and Brooke met BABA BOOEY! Also a few more pop culture updates. Check it out!    North West in Lion King https://www.tiktok.com/@dailymail/video/7373595686488558891   Pop Culture Mondays 5/28/24 https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-5-28-24-fbea5353ad67   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/   

This week, Brooke digs into the story of the moment straddling tech (her real job) and pop culture: Scarlett Johansson's accusation that OpenAI, whose CEO Sam Altman is obsessed with the movie “Her,” copied her voice for its new AI assistant named Chat GPT Sky, after she had already told him NO, she would not do the voice — hence, “SkyGate.” Scar Jo's statement on the issue is so powerful, Brooke reads it in full. She then discusses loser of the moment, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and his highly problematic, misogynistic commencement speech at Benedictine College that HAD NO MENTION of his incredibly well-respected PHYSICIST MOTHER. We also have the Four Seasons Orlando baby and - speaking of Orlando - JoJo Siwa's cringy drunken 21st birthday bash at Disney. Buckle up!    Scar Jo's full statement:  https://x.com/BobbyAllyn/status/1792679435701014908   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

Brooke is back and bringing you up to speed on the pop culture news you may have missed while she was away. She begins with a summary of her wild travels, from D.C. to Jamaica to Germany to France, including more about Jelly Roll and a lot about Kim Kardashian.    Brooke then gets into the Tom Brady Neflix Roast, how Kim K has been bullied and abused for her part, and how the roast, in general, was in pretty poor taste. She also talks about the Met Gala, and yet more drama around Kim and also AI Rihanna. We have the Drake x Kendrick Lamar feud, the “controversial” Apple iPad ad, and finally, the latest TikTok trends: The Black Wife Effect, the Barbara Dance, and Men in Finance. Enjoy!    Dancing Voicemails From Crazy Ex https://www.tiktok.com/@therealghostgirl/video/7365319857887317291   The Black Wife Effect https://www.tiktok.com/@roxleeofficial/video/7366001710881410346   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke is on the road at a big tech conference in Germany, so we're bringing back a fan favorite from the archives: her conversation with Jason Hirschhorn, the legendary media and tech entrepreneur and CEO & Chief Curator of digital content company REDEF. It's a fun one, filled with juicy stories and pop culture banter.   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

Brooke is coming to you this week from her happy place, the magical GoldenEye, Jamaica, where she's hosting her 50th birthday extravaganza! She kicks off with Barbra Streisand's not-so-private IG note to Melissa McCarthy; we then get into a bit of Fairy Porn, the latest lit phenomena, and Governor Kristi Noem's memoir, outing her as an animal murderer. Brooke ends with all the memes of the moment. It's a mixed bag for this week's bday edition of PCMoT. Grab some bubbles for the birthday girl!    https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-4-29-24-eea6158f4f17   https://kalejunkie.com/viral-chicken-crust-caesar-salad-pizza/   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke explains the hoopla around the new Taylor Swift album, The Tortured Poets Department. The surprise double album. The genre. The criticism. The emotion. The pettiness. The brilliance. And everything in between. She also talks about Baby Reindeer on Netflix and Mark Zuckerberg's new swagger even if it is AI generated. And is M. Night Shyamalan making a comeback thanks to Josh Hartnett?  Grab some candy! Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke shares her experiences at both the premiere of Zendaya's masterful new movie, “Challengers,” as well as Kara Swisher's interview extraordinaire of the cast and creators of "The Morning Show,” kicking off PaleyFest. She then brings people up to speed on the latest pop culture news, from Keith McNally's misogynistic meltdown over Lauren Sanchez, to Nike's Olympic track & field uniforms for Team USA, to the extreme storm in Dubai. There's also a little bit of Coachella and a little bit of O. J. (sorry, sorry, but it had to be done). Grab your tennis whites and enjoy!    https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-4-15-24-68d1348b8039     https://www.tiktok.com/@dailymail/video/7358739000095558954?_r=1&_t=8lc8leesrRO    https://www.tiktok.com/@abcnews/video/7358793557802569006?_r=1&_t=8lc8mxGyUNx   Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke dives into the natural phenomena "double feature” we got in the U.S.: the solar eclipse and the New York earthquake. On Monday, it seemed like the entire nation was out with their glasses on, cocktails in hand, going nuts over coronas and totality. And last week, out of nowhere, New Yorkers experienced the ground shaking, things falling from bookshelves, lights swaying. People were perplexed. And out of these two earthly episodes came a deluge of incredible memes, and, for a moment, Twitter became fun again. Brooke also talks about some content she's loving at the moment and some content she - and the whole internet - are not loving: namely, JoJo Siwa's latest single, “Karma,” and her “re-brand” in general. It's a fun one!    Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter: https://medium.com/popculturemondays  Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/ 

This week, Brooke decided to go deep on a topic she skipped in the newsletter. Baltimore. And specifically, the reaction online to Baltimore's mayor. Specifically on X, let's be honest. She also tells us about her experience walking across the border from Juarez to El Paso, which was not at all like it's been shown to us on the news. Then, of course, she gets to Beyoncé and the cultural chokehold Cowboy Carter had on the nation. Finally, Brooke looks at the wildly viral recent stories from New York Magazine. Happy Thursday!  https://medium.com/popculturemondays/pop-culture-mondays-4-1-24-921aa4469387 Pop Culture Mondays/4.1.24 The COWBOY Edition medium.com   Brooke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke/  Brooke's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooke   Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookehammerling   Potato's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potato/