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Sit back, relax, and pop the culture. Each week, friends Nia and Megan will discuss their pop culture flavors of the week. From Real Housewives to the latest Netflix documentary to their latest library books checkouts - they'll dive into what culture is b

Megan Chamberlain and Nia Gillenwater


    • Nov 30, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 43 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Pop the Culture!

    Remember to Use Your Noodle | Hamilton

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 28:31


    Don't worry Poptarts, we only cover the most recent and relevant pop culture here on this podcast! Which is why we are talking about this fun indie musical Hamilton, which we are certain no one has ever heard before! We discuss how we felt about the performance we saw, how Hamilton makes us think our Founding Fathers were good dudes (tm) and weirdly, the Real Housewives of Potomac. Idk y'all but it's one for the ages! Follow us on Instagram! Plz Rate, Reveiw, Subscribe, and Follow us so you never miss an ep :)

    Cozy books for cozy seasons | Whatcha' reading?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 21:14


    As we transition to colder months, we want you to have some cozy reads you can turn to. In this episode, we discuss books that feel like a warm hug to us. From fantasy to romance to war stories, we're talking books. Let us know what your favorite cozy reads are and if you take us up on any of our reocommendations.     Follow us on Instagram!

    We answer for our standom | The Art vs The Artist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 28:02


    Join us on a relevant and hopefully chill conversation on whether we can separate the art from the artist. Is this a worthwhile thing to do? Does it just make us feel nice? Are we just trying to cover up how we still listen to The 1975? Definitely yes to that one! We discuss Matty Healy, Kanye, and Lizzo and somehow end up at the SAT? Unclear to me how we got there but oh well. Hope you enjoy a more subdued (some might even say mature) episode of your fav pod from your fav podcast ladies! Follow us on Instagram!

    F*cK, marry, kill: Halloween edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 18:59


    It's exactly what it sounds like. In this very silly and spooky episode, Nia and Megan play various rounds of F*ck, Marry, Kill with Halloween or Halloween-adjacnet characters. We will post all rounds on our social so you can vote as well. Cannot recommend enough playing this game with your friends. Much discussion will be had. Happy Halloween and maybe consider going back to therapy.

    Everybody was doping | Did Lance Armstrong cheat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 30:38


    Nia walks Megan through the storied story of Lance Armstrong and asks a key question: Did he actually cheat? Regardless of your feelings on cycling, this is an interesting and wild time. Plot twist: Megan doesn't know shit about this athlete except the bracelets and his brief relationship with Sheryl Crow. Follow us on Instagram!

    Now I Am Become Death, Mojo Dojo Casa House | Barbenheimer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 34:53


    Welcome back to another glorious season of Pop the Culture! We come in hot (and late) with our feelings on the biggest pop culture of the summer: the movies Barbie and Oppenheimer. It's an episode that covers when we laughed, if we cried, and which actor Megan hates the sight of! It's a strong start with a smooth finish, like our favorite cans of seltzer. Follow us on Instagram!

    Why we took an unplanned break | Pupdate!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2023 17:34


    Dogs are good and Nia just adopted a great one! Listen in to hear about Nia's adoption story - big shoutout to One Tail at a Time in Chicago. We discuss the stresses of adopting pets, things to think about that you may not be thinking about, and the general greatness of bringing a furry/feathered/scaley loved one into your home. We'll return to our regularly scheduled programming soon and we thank you for your continued support of our little passsion pod project. If you want to see more photos of Alife, head over to our Instagram. Make sure you like/subscribe/follow and rate/review us on your favorite podcasting app!  

    Gods, Talking Books and Frostbiten Penis | Whatcha' Reading

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 31:42


    We back back back again talking books! Literature! Symbols on a piece of dead nature we all agree have meaning! We start off talking about seeking black joy and end up talking about the British Monarchy (aka the exact opposite) because we all contain multitudes. We also manage to cover Christianity and songs from our favorite Nick Jr television shows. If you're wondering how all of that and 6 books gets discussed, well you'll just have to listen! Books Discussed: Wings of Ebony by J. Elle How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki Spare by Prince Harry Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez Make sure you like/subscribe/follow and rate/review us on your favorite podcasting app! Twitter Instagram

    It's a wee bit shite | Luck of the Irish

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 29:28


    Just in time for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations, we're talking about a beloved Disney Channel classic: Luck of the Irish. And as the title may indicate, it didn't age well! However, we still had a blast visiting this movie from our past and found it a great jump-off point for several meaningful discussions. From the efficacy of local cultural festivals to racism to how the f*ck does a leprechaun and a human man create a child, there are a lot of bases to cover.  So, grab a Guinness (or just a nice pint of water) and get to listening.   Remember to like/follow/subscribe/etc etc Twitter- @popthculturepod Instagram- @poptheculturepod

    We promise it's not a p*rn | Milf Manor

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2023 22:49


    We're sorry but we are covering TLC's worst reality show today Milf Manor, where mothers date other mother's sons? The concept is weird! We try to add some depth and maybe succeed? But also maybe cause deep fractures in our relationship because one of us did ~not~ enjoy this show. Anyway, it's a silly one and we hope you enjoy! Remember to like/follow/subscribe/etc etc Twitter- @popthculturepod Instagram- @poptheculturepod

    Album review: Being Funny in a Foreign Language | The 1975

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 24:34


    Have we told you we love the 1975? Well, if you didn't know, we mention it almost every episode. But today we are talking specifically about the band's latest album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language, and what a few of the standout songs mean to us. Throw this episode on and sit with us. Then, blast the album and stare at Matty Healy. Make sure you like/subscribe/tell a friend and follow us on Instagram (@poptheculturepod) and Twitter (@popthculturepod)

    Rating Our MCU | Heroes and Villains of RHOP

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 30:53


    Join Megan and Nia as they blast from the past to cover the only Housewives franchise that matters the Real Housewives of Potomac! While they do briefly cover the dark hellhole that is RHOSLC, they spend the episode uplifting a few (Candiace and Wendy) and dragging those who deserve it (Mia and Robyn). They manage to cover physical altercations, toxic relationships and whether penis makes you happy! Idk we contain multitides! ~~this episode was recorded before we learned Juan was cheating on Robyn, so we do not cover it at all~~ Make sure you like/subscribe/tell a friend and follow us on Instagram (@poptheculturepod) and Twitter (@popthculturepod)

    Is Sharpay a murderer? Bet on it. | High School Musical 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 27:27


    This episode takes place after Megan watched HSM2 for the first time, and Nia for the umpteenth time. With incredibly layered (literally) 2010s fashion, certified bops, and maybe unexpected themes of class warfare - there's plenty to discuss. Whether you revisit the movie before this episode or jump right in, we're certain you'll enjoy this fever dream that can be chalked up to "the Disney of it all." Follow us on Instagram (@poptheculturepod) and Twitter (@popthculturepod)

    It's Cupid, B*tch | Valentine's Playlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 26:46


    Starting ~strong~ in season 4 with a playlist of love songs! We define love songs, get too emphatic about having emotions in college and middle school and, whether we're good at karaoke (spoiler alert: we aren't!). We end the episode with some rom com movie recs to really set the mood, it's gonna be a great season so enjoy this premiere poptarts! It's Cupid B*tch Spotify Playlist sad girl starter pack Spotify Playlist   Follow us on Instagram (@poptheculturepod) and Twitter (@popthculturepod)

    Spotlight on a Soapbox | Christmas music and movies

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 28:24


    Enjoy this advent calendar of topics as a nice holiday treat for all you poptarts! We truly cover all you could ask for and a few topics you would never ask for (sorry for the manslaughter talk! it probably will never happen again): Christmas music, Christmas movies, going home for the holidays, the death of rural America and whether we cut out enough people from high school. We also give some top notch recommendations for Holiday content: 12 Days Pod and Matt Rogers Have You Heard of Christmas. Make our darkest season a bit brighter by rating/reviewing/subscribing/following and telling a friend! Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Selling the OC | First Impressions

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2022 23:56


    Grab a seltzer and sit with us for a delightfully curvy-turvy conversation. As Selling Sunset lovers, we couldn't quite commit to the OC in its entirety - which is why we watched a few episodes and discussed our first impressions! Is it worth watching? Should we get our real estate license? Have we done slam poetry before? Somehow we cover all this in a nice, short convo. Also, have we continued to watch the full show since recording this and now have slightly different opinions on cast members? YES.   Like/Follow/Subscribe/Rate/Review please and thank you Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Convincing you to Vroom Vroom Bitch | Formula 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 27:23


    Screeching into your ears this Thursday morning with Nia trying to convince Megan (and the rest of the poptarts) to watch her favorite sport Formula 1! She covers how easy it is to understand, why it makes a perfect reality tv show, and (a maybe too earnest) monologue on how special Lewis Hamilton is. Also we discuss if Megan has ever seen a car before, how hot every driver is, and whether 23 makes you a kid or an adult. It's a hoot! Like/Follow/Subscribe/Rate/Review please and thank you Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Memoirs, romance, and horror — oh my! | Whatcha' reading?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 24:47


    What's up you beautiful nerds! It's time for our seasonal book update. We discuss what we've been reading lately, from memoirs to romance to horror. And while we typically keep things positive, this time we do discuss a dud of a book (at least for Megan). Let us know if you've read any of these books or plan to! Books discussed: Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy Can I Say by Travis Barker The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren N0S4A2 by Joe Hill Y'all know the drill by now: like/follow/subscribe, rate and review, engage with us online via Instagram (@poptheculturepod) or Twitter (@popthculturepod)

    It's Not Too Late to Apologize | Try Guys, The Bachelor and Public Apologies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2022 30:08


    It's another beautiful autumnal episode for your enjoyment Poptarts! "Chronically Online" Megan and Nia give you so much context on the Try Guys (in case you somehow missed it) and one instance of racism in The Bachelor Franchise, tell you the 3 steps required for an apology and still manage to have a gr8 time. Y'all know the drill by now: like/follow/subscribe, rate and review, engage with us online via Instagram (@poptheculturepod) or Twitter (@popthculturepod)

    Get tattoos (or don't) | TV Show: Inkmaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 25:03


    In this episode, Nia and Megan discuss their new obsession: Inkmaster, a reality TV competition where the stakes are high and the tattoos range from fantastic to tragic. We take a walk down memory lane with our own tattoo experiences, implore everyone to learn about the background of tattooing (in general), and pitch why Inkmaster may be your new favorite "brain-off" show. Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Aliens, Squids, and Found Footage | Scary Movies

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 25:57


    It's Megan's favorite time of year and this episode does not disappoint! Despite starting with bathroom humor, we manage to cover the movies that scared us as children, why horror movies deserve more prestige and awards, Jordan Peele's Nope and whether Hocus Pocus is a good movie. The reviews on that are mixed tbh but the review on PtC and the Poptarts couldn't be more positive. Keep the buzz? going by following/liking/subscribing to the pod and following us on all social media applications! Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Gloomy girl Autumn | Talkin' Tunes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 23:00


    We're kicking off season three with some autumnal vibes! This playlist is for when the leaves have started to change, it's always kinda misty, the heat has kicked on, and you just wanna sit in your feelings and brood for hours. Each host selected 7 songs for a playlist of 14 songs total. The companion playlist to this podcast episode can be found on Spotify. Unfortunately, we cannot build it this playlist on Apple music, but we will post the entire setlist to our IG if you'd like to make your own. Now, throw on this playlist and go for a hot, gloomy girl autumn walk!     Make sure you subscribe, rate/review us and follow the socials for fun bits! Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Our Most Problematic Fav | Misogyny in Pop Punk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2022 25:23


    It's the end of season 2 and wow do we have some understated nuanced conversation for y'all lol jk this ep is still full of laughs, Nia being dragged for a truly bad take and gratitude for no longer being mean children going through puberty. It does also have discussions on sexual assault/harrassment and a mention of groming so if that's not for you, maybe skip this one? Make sure you like, subscribe and follow so you know when season 3 (!!!!!) drops and never miss a second of our foolishness. Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Simpsons, Sims, and sucking at Super Smash | Video games

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 27:44


    Join Megan and Nia as they discuss the videogames that made them. This week's episode will leave you feeling nostalgic and ready to dive back into your old favorites (or maybe something new). Whether it's literally any Mario game, Sims, Simpsons, Club Penguin, or others, they had a blast thinking back on the games that molded them. Not a gamer? Don't worry, this chat is approachable for all levels. Just videogames and vibes. Remember to subscribe, follow, like, rate, and review the pod whever possible! Twitter- @popthculturepod Instagram- @poptheculturepod

    Warping back to live music | First concerts

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 26:33


    Join Megan and Nia as they warp back in time to talk about their first concerts/music festival memories! This should be a straightforward topic but somehow this episode includes sparking water preferences, top iPhone games from high school and another plea for sponsorship. You should know what you're in for at this point I guess? Remember to subscribe, follow, like, rate, and review the pod whever possible! Twitter- @popthculturepod Instagram- @poptheculturepod

    The beef isn't the only thing that's hot | The Bear

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 28:15


    This week we nerd out over the new FX show, the Bear! From the cinematography to how aesthetically pleasing the main character is, we can't shut up about The Bear. As Chicago girls (one of us born and bread, another a transplant), we discuss why we love this show so dang much and what we think it does well. Remember to like/subscribe and follow the socials for extra content! @popthculturepod- Twitter @poptheculturepod- Instagram

    Chin wags and book recs | Whatcha' reading?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 30:41


    Join Megan and Nia as they dive into the recently read pile! Covering 3 books each, they manage to jump between apocolyptic mysteries, smut from Punjabi windows, sentient AI and the Real Housewives franchises. A true testament to the multitudes contained within all of us. Remember to like/subscribe and follow the socials for extra content! @popthculturepod- Twitter @poptheculturepod- Instagram

    Songs of the Summer | Talkin' Tunes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2022 27:14


    We're back with another playlist for y'all, just in time to close out the Summer. We each picked seven songs that reminded of us summer vibes, summer memories, etc. We share stories, why we love each tune, and what we hope you take away from them. The companion playlist to this podcast episode can be found on Spotify. We are working to make playlists available on Apple (unfortunately neither host has Apple Music.) Now go throw on this playlist and go for a hot person summer walk. xoxo.     Make sure you subscribe, rate/review us and follow the socials for fun bits! Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Rummaging Through MTV | Room Raiders and Parental Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 23:19


    This week Megan and Nia cover Zac Efron's episode of Room Raiders and MTV's weirdest dating show Parental Control. They remember how fucked up black lights are, why child ZEfron was real weird and whether their childhood rooms could get them a date (they couldn't). It's a silly one about culture that was pervasive 10-15 years ago, so very much top of mind! Make sure you subscribe, rate/review us and follow the socials for fun bits! Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    A perfect summer romcom | Fire Island

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 24:01


    This episode contains *SPOILERS* about the movie Fire Island - so proceed with caution but know that we loved this film with our entire hearts. The cast? Amazing. The references? Unmatched. The soundtrack? Stuffed with bops. This movie is a love letter to both romantic relationships and platonic love as it pulls heavily from heavy hitter romcom tropes. It is delightful, heartfelt, and sincere. A perfect summer film that will leave you feeling happy! Also, if you need a drinking game just take a sip everytime Megan says "Marisa Tomei." Make sure you're following the socials so you don't miss behind the scenes and updates. Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Harry's House | Harry Styles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 21:47


    This week's discussion is full of giggles as semi-longtime fan (Megan) and newer listener (Nia) talk about what the best songs are on the album Harry's House by Harry Styles. Let us know what your top 5 songs on the album are, and if you agree with our assessment. We're giving this album a solid B+, loving many of the bops, but still wanting just a bit more from Mr. Styles. Make sure you're following the socials Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Proof there's still good in the world | Heartstopper

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 23:44


    Megan and Nia are coming in hot for your first episode of season 2!! They get sincere and talk about the best? show of the summer Heartstopper season 1. Listen to them discuss why this show makes their heart hurts, why Tao is a bad friend and their favorite scenes of the season. Honestly, run don't walk to watch this show!! Future grammy winning soundtrack found here Make sure you're following the socials Instagram- @poptheculturepod Twitter- @popthculturepod

    Power ranking powerful ladies | Selling Sunset

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 30:38


    Join Megan and Nia on the final episode of season 1 as they discuss their favorite twin-owned Los Angeles based real estate brokerage! They discuss general thoughts on the season and go through the cast to decide who needs to go (spoiler alert, it's most of the cast lol). Even though we're taking a short break from the pod, we're keeping socials active so make sure to follow us! Instagram- @PopTheCulturePod Twitter- @PopThCulturePod

    Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers | Kendrick Lamar

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2022 28:17


    Hi Poptarts! In this week's episode, we discuss five songs from Kendrick Lamar's latest album. If you'd like to skip ahead to hear us chat about a certain song, see the time stamps below. Please be mindful of the content warnings included in this description. CONTENT WARNING: Violence, sexual violence TRACK LIST DISCUSSION TIMES: United in Grief: 4:23 Worldwide Steppers: 9:35 Die Hard: 12:31 Father TIme: 14:48 Auntie Diaries*: 17:08 *Note: Nia and I are both cisgender women. Please also seek out all the smart writing trans people have already done to futher unpack Auntie Diaries.

    Minimum wage, minimum effort | First jobs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2022 20:20


    Welcome back poptarts for another episode! In this one Megan and Nia discuss their first forays into capitalsm, share some good and bad mems from being a working teen and the literal shit Nia cleaned up once.   Don't forget to like, subscribe/follow and rate us! Twitter- @popthculturepod Instagram- @poptheculturepod

    Sitcoms are back, baby | Childhood faves & Abbott Elementary

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2022 21:03


    This week, learn what shows captured the young hearts and minds of little Nia & Megan. We go over our childhood favorites and share memories along the way. Then, we discuss why we think sitcom quality really fell off in the 2010s and how shows like Abbott Elementary (and others) are reviving the genre. Let us know if you share our love of these shows - or - give us recommendations please! If you enjoy our pod, please do us a solid by subscribing and liking.

    Hotties have library cards | Whatcha' reading?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 29:21


    You guessed it! This week Nia and Megan are talking about books. It doesn't matter whether you prefer e-books, paperbacks, or would rather die than touch anything but hardback - all that matters is that you have your library card. We chat through what each of us is currently reading, our different book clubs (along with why we love them), and nerd out over our love of public libraries. Let us know what you're reading over on Instagram (@poptheculturepod) or Twitter (@popthculturepod). Xoxo, go to your local library.

    The bad bitch experience | Talkin' Tunes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 29:50


    Join your favs Megan and Nia as they go track by track on a playlist they made for each other but also for you! The theme is "songs that make you feel like that bitch" which is a genderless emotion. They can't play clips of any of the songs but they will give you many tangents during this ep, so you win some and you lose some. The playlist can be found here for you to listen along: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1vlynP4KtZZwE5H4mXxL7O?si=100a7e795df74c9b Make sure you like/subscribe and follow us! @poptheculturepod- Instagram @popthculturepod- Twitter

    Reliving the golden(?) years of reality TV | Flavor & Rock of Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022 25:31


    Join Megan and Nia as they revist the golden age of reality tv via Flavor of Love and Rock of Love! They discuss the incredible casting VH1 did, the terrible interior design of the mansion, how bad 2000s fashion was and somehow foot stuff?   Make sure you like/subscribe and follow us! @popthculturepod- Twitter @poptheculturepod- Instagram

    Hot for hand-holding | Bridgerton

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 33:49


    Sit down with us as we discuss Bridgerton S2! Did you enjoy the yearning glances of this season over the multitude of saucy scenes from season one? Nia and Megan spill what their first foray it the Regency genre was, overall thoughts on the characters of this season, and explore some valid criticisms of the show.  Please rate and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode. Share with your friends

    Where is Jasper's antiracist workbook? | Twilight

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 23:48


    In this episode, we discuss parts of Twilight that have never (?) been discussed before. We will cover whose team we found ourselves on, the flexibility of marble, Jasper being a confederate soldier and whether Twilight is poised for a Get Z fueled comeback! If we gave you at least one (1) chuckle, please rate and subscribe! Follow us here: Instagram: @poptheculturepod Twitter: @popthculturepod

    Three cheers for ending a friendship of 10 years | Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 24:36


    In the inaugural episode of Pop The Culture, we discuss the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. And don't worry, unlike Mary Cosby's fashion sense, our audio will improve in future episodes. We get into what episodes had aired from the reunion at the time of recording, how Bravo would benefit if they hired interns to do a modicum more of social media digs, and the dissolution of Lisa and Meredith's friendship. If you enjoy our chat, please rate and subscribe.  Follow us here: Instagram: @poptheculturepod Twitter: @popthculturepod

    Trailer | Pop the Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 0:51


    Welcome to Pop the Culture, a weekly podcast where your hosts - Nia and Megan - discuss what has recently bubbled up for them in the world of pop culture.  From the latest Bravo hit to the next binge-able Netflix show to the absolute necessity of public libraries - we're hitting various aspects of culture. And, hopefully bringing you laughs while doing so. Each week will vary from the most recent hot topic to a fun blast from the past. After all, we think pop culture is timeless. So sit back, grab a seltzer, and let's get fizzy. Keep up with us on Twitter (@popthculturepod) and Instagram (@poptheculturepod)

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