A show about what divides us! Every week, Rocky (she/her) is joined by a new guest to talk about something polarizing in pop culture. pulpfriction.substack.com
You've waited. You've begged. You've cried. And now your prayers have finally been answered. This year, Rochel and Claire reflect on 2024's music in over 20 categories, from country to jazz, from Brats to Brits, from Sabrina to femtanyl.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com. Stay tuned for Rochel's 2024 movie list.Full list of nominees and winners:ALBUM OF THE YEARBRAT - Charli XCXChallengers (Original Score) - Trent Reznor & Atticus RossCHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, The CreatorThe Great American Bar Scene - Zach BryanPetrichor - 070 Shake#RICHAXXHAITIAN - Mach-HommySilence Is Loud - Nia ArchivesStill - Erika de CasierSugar Water - Maude LatourThe Thief Next to Jesus - KaSONG OF THE YEARCrowded Roomz - Nia ArchivesDisease - Lady GagaEspresso - Sabrina CarpenterGirl, so confusing featuring Lorde - Charli XCX, LordeHoly, Holy - Geordie Greepmeet the grahams - Kendrick LamarMy guy (Corporate Shuffle) - UnderscoresNot Like Us - Kendrick LamarSIN MIEDO - JPEGMAFIAStarburned and Unkissed - Caroline PolachekBEST NEW ARTISTAnyciaBaby KiaLustSickPuppyPOLO PERKS
As 2024 draws to a close, Rocky and Rose return to the Twilight saga once again to reflect on the peak of Team Edward vs. Team Jacob: Eclipse. Chris Weitz is out! David Slade is in! Bella must make the ultimate choice that she already pretty much made two movies ago. Is it better than New Moon? You bet! Is it good? It's complicated. Persons of interest include Stonewall Jackson, Bree Tanner, and, regrettably, Harry Potter.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
2016 seems so long ago, and yet, it increasingly feels like we didn't learn as many lessons from it as we once thought. What are we, some kind of Thunderbolts*—er, Suicide Squad? Rocky and Blurry break down the good, the bad, and the deeply ugly of a film truly emblematic of its time… and maybe, just maybe, of ours. Persons of interest include Ryan Gosling, Zack Snyder, and the vibrant nation of Australia.Rocky is currently fundraising for her first short film! It's called We Need More S.A.F.E. Spaces for Women! and the fundraiser is live on Indiegogo throughout the month of November. If you're a fan of the show, we'd really appreciate your support. It's gonna be fun, I swear.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
For this year's Pulp Friction Halloween Spec-Dracular, a massive Sawhead takes Rocky on the ride of a lifetime, starting where it all began: Saw (2004). This tightly-wound thriller bears little resemblance to the “torture porn” label often applied to the series—if anything, it's more like gay porn. Halloween ghouls of interest include Hawk Tuah, Art the Clown, and Taika Waititi.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
When you're having a dialogue about what kind of movie you want to see, that is Megalopolis. Sam and Rocky are here to break down the most polarizing and endlessly fascinating film in theaters right now. Persons of interest include Paul Newman, Jon Hamm, and Spike Lee.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Yes, that's “hundred” with an “H”. Thanks to listeners like you, we've hit a huge milestone, and we're celebrating the only way we know how: by being unfettered haters. Annas will be Invented, Jacobs will be Defended, we'll find out which forgotten MCU property outlasted Endgame, and we'll spend the length of an Avengers movie complaining. There may even be a post-credits scene? Persons of interest include Karl Rove, Morbius, and Disney Facebook groups.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Thank you all for your support, and expect more exciting things in the very near future. And as always, send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
On-set feuds. Studios collapsing. Tragic celebrity deaths. Real-life vampirism. The story of how AMC's Anne Rice's Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire came to be is undoubtedly one of the most harrowing we've ever covered. But what about the end result? Myles says yay, Rocky says… fine. Persons of interest include Cher, Bryan Fuller, and #JaredLeto.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Let's look back on a time when superhero comedies could be, y'know, funny. First-time guest Lily joins Rocky to talk about a modern animated classic that may or may not stand in the shadow of another modern animated classic. Is it the big screen's best Batman? Was it the death knell for the super-serious era of capeshit? Persons of interest include Ryan Reynolds, Michael Jackson, and Gob Bluth.See Lily introduce Dracula's Daughter at the Los Feliz Theater this Sunday!Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
This week on Pulp Friction, Rocky and Ruth are cancelling themselves before Gen Z gets a chance as they look at the latest record from hip-hop's incorrigible clown prince, Eminem. The rapper has spent the better part of the past 15 years trying to relive his old glory, but has he finally managed it here? Persons of interest include Spider-Man, Caitlyn Jenner, and Juvenile.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
We asked for your riddles, and you failed to deliver. Now, our intrepid heroes (Rocky, Sam, and Leon) find themselves at their lowest point, playing skiffle for scraps on the Universal Studios backlot. That won't stop them in their quest to solve the Beatles' riddle once and for all as they look at the band's 4th studio album, Beatles for Sale. Persons of interest include Berry Gordy and his beam attack.Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Rocky and Alex come together once again to discuss Pixar in the A.D. (After Death) (of Steve Jobs) era. In some ways, it's the depressing and slow death of a once-cherished creative force in American culture. In other ways, it's an inevitable and much-deserved reckoning with the Great Man theory. In other ways, maybe things are on the right track? Persons of interest include John Lithgow.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Turns out, it takes way more than 90 minutes to talk about all the epic highs and lows of Pixar. That's why it's getting 2. This time, Rocky and Alex cover the legacy of Pixar in the B.C. (Before Cars 2) era. Persons of interest include Michael Eisner, Francis Ford Coppola, and Shrek.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Hey, did you guys know there was a Met Gala last week? We did, and we're giving you a primer on some of the night's best and worst fits, from lettuce to chips and princesses to pince-nezes. Who popped, who flopped, and what was the theme anyway? Persons of interest include Taylor Swift, Ice Spice, and Katy Perry, none of whom were in attendance for obvious reasons.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Find Simone on Twitter @parasocialyte. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
A few years ago, Taylor Swift said everybody was a sexy baby. Today, she says everyone smells like either weed or little babies. What is the truth, TayTay? This week, Rocky is joined by resident Swiftie Brig to discuss what may be Taylor's least defensible album to date. Is she bad? Is she mad? Is she… wise? Persons of interest include Katy Perry, Lana Del Rey, and DRAAAKE???Intro (0:00)Fortnight (17:10)TTPD & My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys (25:28)Down Bad (31:11)So Long, London (33:13)Florida!!! (34:59)But Daddy I Love Him (36:10)Fresh Out the Slammer (39:09)Guilty As Sin? (41:50)Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? (44:28)I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) (45:58)loml (49:03)I Can Do It With a Broken Heart (51:03)Smallest Man Who Ever Lived (53:43)The Alchemy (55:11)Clara Bow (57:21)The Black Dog (59:07)imgonnagetyouback (1:04:47)The Albatross (1:06:06)Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus (1:07:25)How Did It End? (1:09:08)So High School (1:10:37)I Hate It Here (1:13:11)thanK you aIMee (1:16:15)I Look in People's Windows (1:21:11)The Prophecy (1:21:47)Cassandra (1:22:08)Peter (1:23:50)The Bolter (1:24:43)Robin (1:25:51)The Manuscript (1:27:09)Outro (1:28:34)Pulp Friction can be found wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Noted Brit Alex Garland makes a film about American politics. What could go wrong? This week, Rocky (she/her) and Ruth (he/him) are fresh out of the theater to address the elephant in the room: Civil War is kinda interesting? Persons of interest include Jean-Claude Van Damme, Andy Ngo, and Brian De Palma.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Send riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Niche internet celebrity Natalie Wynn is back in the niche internet news, and Rocky is joined by Cody, our resident expert on the online left (and right), to tell Contra's side of the story. If her screen name leaves a bad taste in your mouth, this episode invites you to ask, “Why?” Persons of interest include Rian Johnson, Hillary Clinton, and the Westboro Baptist Church.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
This is the big one, folks. Rocky and Blurry are talking about Zoomer Nickelback themselves, the band everyone loves to hate, Imagine Dragons. Were they always this bad? Were they lightning before the thunder? Is there actually something of value in their catalog? And most importantly, are they still Mormon or what? Persons of interest include Brendon Urie, Jesus, and Spider-Man.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Find Blurry's animations @ Paranimate Productions on YouTube. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
What if you could watch a whole movie… on a screen? The screenlife films of Timur Bekmambetov imagine this twisted world, and Rocky is joined by Violet this week to look at the likes of Unfriended, Unfriended: Dark Web, Searching, and Missing. Persons of interest include Justin Bieber, Drake, and Roger Corman.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Each year, dozens of teens all over the world are driven mad with beguilement by the Beatles' riddle. Rocky, Sam, and Leon are within a country mile of cracking it, and we need your help to continue our Beatle studies. For just riddles a day, you can promote this vital academic work.Pledge a recurring riddle donation, or simply share whatever riddles you have, by reaching out to Rocky, the Pulp Friction Discord server, or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.You can donate riddles on a weekly, monthly, or even quarterly basis. Every riddle you submit will be read live on-air by our esteemed experts, and high-volume donors will receive special perks like:* A one-of-a-kind custom tote bag* A chance to appear on a future episodeOr whatever. So give a riddle. Just a little. Today.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
The movies are back in a big way this year, and Rocky (she/her) and Ruth (he/him) are looking back at a great year for cinema. Superheroes will die! Beau will be afraid! Canada will be nominated for Best International Feature!Check out the full list of winners below, or listen to the episode if you don't want it spoiled. Listen to Pulp Friction wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Worst Picture: Haunted MansionBest Sequel: Magic Mike's Last DanceBest Action: John Wick: Chapter 4Scariest Movie: SkinamarinkFunniest Movie: Dicks: The MusicalBest Animated Picture: The Boy and the HeronBest International Film: BlackBerry (Canada)Best Cinematography: Haris Zambarloukos (A Haunting in Venice)Best Use of an Existing Song: “Push” by Matchbox Twenty (Barbie)Best Original Song: “Dear Alien (Who Art in Heaven)” (Asteroid City)Best Score: Leo Birenberg & Charli XCX (Bottoms)Best Original Screenplay: Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola (Asteroid City)Best Adapted Screenplay: Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer)Best Cameo: Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon)Best Ensemble: Killers of the Flower MoonBreakout Performer: Alyssa Sutherland (Evil Dead Rise)Best Supporting Actress: Catalina Saavedra (Rotting in the Sun)Best Supporting Actor: Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things)Best Lead Actor: Jason Schwartzman (Asteroid City)Best Lead Actress: Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon)Best First Feature: A.V. Rockwell (A Thousand and One)Best Director: Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer)Best Picture: Oppenheimer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
We're baaaack!2023 is over, Rocky's moved in to her new place, and she and Claire are breaking down the past year in music. There will be live changes! There will be bad opinions! Rocky will misremember the name of a Kesha album! Claire will mistakenly refer to Flyana Boss as one person! Slowthai!Check out the full list of winners below, or listen to the episode if you don't want it spoiled. Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Biggest Earworm: “Hollywood Baby” by 100 gecsBest Comeback: Everything But the GirlBest Experimental Album: SCARING THE HOES by JPEGMAFIA and Danny BrownBest Country Album: Strays II by Margo PriceBest Jazz Album: The Omnichord Real Book by Meshell NdegeocelloBest Alt Album: Heavy Heavy by Young FathersBest R&B Album: Lahai by SamphaBest R&B Song: “Good Good” by Usher, Summer Walker, and 21 SavageBest Electronic/Dance Album: That! Feels Good! by Jessie WareBest Electronic/Dance Song: “Nothing Left to Lose” by Everything But the GirlBest Rock Album: Black Rainbows by Corinne Bailey RaeBest Rock Song: “Johnny johnny johnny” by underscoresBest Hip Hop Album: Welcome 2 Collegrove by 2 Chainz and Lil WayneBest Hip Hop Song: “Jenn's Terrific Vacation” by Danny Brown feat. Kassa OverallBest Pop Album: Desire, I Want to Turn Into You by Caroline PolachekBest Pop Song: “One of Your Girls” by Troye SivanProducer of the Year: JPEGMAFIASongwriter of the Year: underscoresBreakout Artist: hemlocke springsSong of the Year: “Jenn's Terrific Vacation” by Danny Brown feat. Kassa OverallAlbum of the Year: Wallsocket by underscores This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
It's the last podcast of 2023, but Rocky (she/her) and Brig (she/he) couldn't make it too easy on themselves. We covered Taylor Swift's most seminal album to date, 1989, plus its recent rerecording. Is it as good as music journalists from roughly 2016-2019 said it was? How does Taylor's version hold up with Max Martin on the ones and twos? Persons of interest include Mariska Hargitay, Welvin Da Great, and Henry Kissinger.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries. Stay tuned in January for the 2023 Pulpy Awards!Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
We all remember where we were when Fall Out Boy dropped their first-ever hip hop remix album, Make America Psycho Again. And if you don't, Rocky, Sam, and Emily are here to jog your memory. The ill-fated album is a who's who—and in some cases, a who's that?—of 2015's famous-but-not-too-famous rappers. Is it terrible? Take a wild guess. Persons of interest include two guys named Gabe, the extended Wilco family, and my mom who was studying spiders in the Amazon right before she died.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Halloween is over, but Hollywood is here to stay! This episode, Rocky takes a look at one of the most beloved and divisive Best Picture losers in recent memory, La La Land, with the help of Flop Soup's own Cassandra Kyriazis! You hate it, Cassandra loves it, Rocky's ambivalent about it, but hey… that's showbiz, baby! Persons of interest include Channing Tatum, Max Martin, and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile.Pulp Friction and Flop Soup are both available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Who was Bobby “Boris” Pickett? How do you actually do the Monster Mash? Is Dracula a dad, or a daddy? We'll try to answer all this and more as Rocky (she/her), Claire (she/her), and Nico (they/he) dive into the surprisingly rich text of “Monster Mash.” Persons of interest include Joe Manganiello, J Dilla, and Cloris Leachman.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Check out Claire's band, The Death of James Dean, on Bandcamp. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Help civilians in Gaza survive by donating to trusted organizations like PCRF.https://www.pcrf.nethttps://www.map.org.uk This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
It's time for the annual Pulp Friction Halloween specdracular! First up, it's one of the great Halloween movie classics, Henry Selick's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Join Rocky and Cody as they ask the hard questions like, “Are those Oogie's biological children?” and, “What's the racial vibe of Thanksgiving Town?” Persons of interest include Beetlejuice, Betty Boop, and Jeffrey Katzenberg.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries. Check out Cody's new project, Rabbithole, on his Instagram.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Rocky (she/her) and Ruth (he/him) uncover a lost episode from the Pulp Friction archives, our first post-9/11 Pulpy Awards. Hear us cover all the hits and misses of 2001, from famous disasters to underappreciated gems. Did Reese Witherspoon deserve more recognition for Legally Blonde? Which racing movie did BT provide the better soundtrack for? Persons of interest include Bradley Cooper, Hugh Neutron, and Jean-Claude Valjean.Pulp Friction is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Google, and everywhere else pods are cast. Send inquiries and riddles to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com. What year do you want to hear?Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
(Disclaimer: This is a comedy podcast. The Beatles did not kill JFK.)Rocky, Sam and Leon are taking another stab at solving the Beatles' riddle, and this time they're covering their first foray into film—and maybe the best thing they ever did?—A Hard Day's Night. Is it another insidious piece of Beatleganda, or an admission of guilt for their crimes? Persons of interest include running, jumping, and standing still.This episode also sees us exhaust the last of our riddles for teens. If you'd like to have your own riddle read on the air, send it to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com.Pulp Friction is made possible by listeners like you. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
That Eurodance you like is coming back in style! Rocky, Baph and Eddie are here to break down the little novelty song that could, “Planet of the Bass.” Who is DJ Crazy Times? WHERE is Ms. Biljana Electronica? How does it MEAN? Persons of interest include David Guetta, David Guetta, and David Guetta.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Two movies fifteen years in the making, from beloved filmmakers making massive creative leaps. Both are monster hits, particularly as a DIY double feature, but do they transcend their fraught subject matter? And more importantly, how many ways can Rocky pronounce “Baumbach” in two hours? Persons of interest include Sandra Bullock, Hobie Doyle, and the life-giving Diablo Cody.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries. Subscribe and share to support the show. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Fans have been asking, “Rocky, where the hell have you been loca?” Worry not, Pulp Friction is back! And we're finally returning to the Twilight saga with New Moon, the nexus point for Team Edward vs. Team Jacob. Does it succumb to sequelitis, or is it, like Twilight, a quietly interesting blockbuster? Persons of interest include Barbie, some guy from One Tree Hill, and the Christ.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Altar boys, altered boys, join us as Rocky (she/her) and Emily (she/he) take another dip into Fall Out Boy's chaotic catalog. Scratching your head at the band's “We Didn't Start the Fire” cover? Take a stroll down memory lane to 2015, when they followed up their big comeback with their most relevant record to date—one that left fans divided. Persons of interest include Drake, Jason Derulo, and my enemy.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
If you've been online at all this month, you've heard thousands sing the praises of the year's biggest pop culture phenomenon, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Only Pulp Friction is brave enough to tell you what stinks about it. Join Rocky (she/her), Simone (they/she), and Alex (they/them) as they cut through the noise. Persons of interest include Seth Rogen, Logan Lerman, and Voltron.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
40,000 years ago, an Early European modern human sculpted a lion-man hybrid, one of the earliest sculptures ever discovered. Since then, anthropomorphic animal characters have fallen in and out of vogue more times than one can count, but today, they have some true diehards: furries. Rocky (she/her) is joined by two esteemed furries, Blurry (xe/any) and Flan (they/she) to talk about the fandom's underground roots. Persons of interest include Theodore Roosevelt, Jared Leto, and the Tepid Furs.Rocky is a writer and comedian based in Philadelphia. Blurry and Flan are both visual artists; Blurry's latest animated short, “VAMPIRIC,” is out now on YouTube. Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Berry Gordy III is known professionally as Berry Gordy, Jr. The Beatles' third US release is called The Beatles' Second Album. Coincidence? We think not. In our latest attempt to solve the Beatles' riddle for teens, Rocky (she/her), Sam (he/him), and Leon (they/them) uncover the coordinated plot to launch the band in America. Persons of interest include Sally, influential endocrinologist Dr. Richard Asher, and three presidents.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries. No, the Beatles didn't really kill JFK.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
It's Myles on Styles this week as Rocky (she/her) and Myles (they/he) break down the strange arc of perpetual heartthrob Harry Styles. What is it about his persona that invites such extreme fandom and such extreme criticism? Is he baiting, or has he done enough? Persons of interest include Nick Jonas, Katy Perry, and our dear policeman.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Get ready for some of Rocky's worst takes yet on this exceptionally nice episode. Rocky (she/her) and Ruth (he/him) are talking Eminem, who once caused more friction than basically anyone else alive. The Eminem Show was his commercial and critical pinnacle, but was it also the beginning of the end? Persons of interest include Machine Gun Kelly, Steve Irwin, and our ol' pal Elvis.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
From “miss me when I'm gone” to Bumper in Berlin, the Pitch Perfect franchise is one of the rare original film series of the ‘10s to leave a massive impact on pop culture, yet they're looked back on with a certain derision. Do they deserve the hate? Can Rocky, Ned and Cody break down all three films before they break down completely? Aca-persons of interest include Australian John Lithgow, Jewish Ariana Grande, and the troops.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. You can find Rocky and Cody on Substack and elsewhere. Subscribe and share to support the show, reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Pulp Friction is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
The disgusting brothers on m***********g tour! Rocky (she/her) and Sam (she/they) return to talk about the highlights from Succession's barn-burner of a season premiere. It's the last season and anything could happen, but one thing's for sure: Logan's about to come up with a brand new slur for whatever Greg and Tom have going on. Persons of interest include Jonah Ryan, Bridget Randomfuck, and Terry Turnip Truck.Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts. Rate, review, subscribe, and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Movie's biggest night has come! All the stars came out for a glittering night of Tinseltown excess, but who took home the gold? Only Pulp Friction has your answer! Rocky (she/her) and Em (they/them) are covering all the highs and lows. Persons of interest include Matt Damon, Tammy Faye, and Morgan Freeman's new look.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
The three amigos are back on their neverending journey to solve the Beatles' enigmatic riddle for teens. Last time, Rocky (she/her), Sam (he/him), and Leon (they/them) uncovered the shocking truth about the Fab Four and JFK. This time, they scour the band's second record for clues about their motives—and who's cutting the checks.Pulp Friction is available wherever pods are cast. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Knock at the Cabin is here (and it rocks), so Rocky and special guest Shirt Bimbo are talking about the long and winding career of M. Night Shyamalan. Is he a hack who got lucky? One of the true visionaries of pop cinema? Both? Only two online trans women can crack the code. Persons of interest include Dick Tracy, Stuart Little, the borzoi of people, and women.Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts. Check out shirtbimbo.com for cool tees, custom booty shorts, and more. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries. Subscribe and share to support the show!Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
With the year in review behind us, we're moving forward with a hard look at an iconic band gone far too late. Panic! at the Disco is no more, and Rocky (she/her) and Emily (she/he) are reflecting on the band's career—starting with their only certified classic—to ask the question: what was that all about? Persons of interest include Dallon Weekes, the Beatles, and Chuck Palahniuk.Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries. Subscribe to support the show, gain access to our Discord server, and more.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Just in the nick of time (January 19th), Rocky (she/her) and Ruth (he/him) are back to break down some of their favorites in film from 2022. We talk categories like:* Best Picture* Worst Picture* Best Director* Best Lead Performances* Best Supporting Performances* Best First Feature* Best Ensemble* Best Cameo* And much more!Persons of interest include M3gan, Maverick, and Eminem.Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries. Paid subscribers get access to comments, exclusive access, our Discord community, and much more.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
It's that time again! Rocky (she/her) and Lye (any) are here to break down their favorites from the year in the following categories:* Song of the Year* Album of the Year* Artist of the Year* Best Debut Album* Plus their favorite songs and albums in pop, rock, jazz, alt, hip hop, R&B, country/folk, and electronic/dance.You can listen to Pulp Friction on any major podcast platform. Subscribe and share to support the show, reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries. Substack supporters (and friends of the show) get access to our Discord server.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
2022 is wrapping up, which means it's time to kick off year in review season! Before we get to the second annual Pulpy Awards, we're starting out chill with a look back at 2022's animated films. Can Disney recover? Is Netflix the new frontier? Rocky (she/her) and Alex (they/them) share their thoughts on the year in animation. Persons of interest include Beavis, Butt-head, and Mussolini.Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and share to support the show, and reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries. If you're a real fan, join our burgeoning Discord community.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
One day in the mid-'80s, an executive at Scholastic bravely asked the question, “What if there was a babysitters club?” This week, Rocky (she/her) and Glenn (they/them) scratch the surface of this series' illustrious history, including books, spinoffs, the 1995 film, the two TV shows, and more. Persons of interest include Kristy, Sissy Spacek, and ‘Arry Potter.Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Discord server to stay up to date with our community. Subscribe and share to support the show, and reach out to pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
After a few weeks off, Pulp Friction is back and bigger than ever. Rocky (she/her) is joined by Rose Camille (she/her) to discuss one of the few pieces of media that's barely lost its volatility nearly 20 years after its release: Twilight. Persons of interest include Henry Cavill, Percy Jackson, and one dozen hard boiled eggs.You can find Rocky on Twitter (while it still stands) and Rose on Instagram. Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts. Fans and friends of the show can also join the new Pulp Friction Discord server!Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
Halloween is back on the menu! Rocky (she/her), Sam (she/they) and Eddie (he/him) are teaming up to tackle two Carries—don't worry, no pigs were harmed! Does the 1976 film's reputation overpromise? Is the 2013 version worth a second look? Persons of interest include Zack Snyder, Lindsay Lohan, and Luke Skywalker.You can find Rocky on Twitter and Pulp Friction wherever you get your podcasts (now including Amazon!). Subscribe and share to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any inquiries.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
It's official, folks: “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals holds the record for the most weeks a song has spent on the Hot 100 in history (and it's still at #20!). How did this happen? What does it mean for music? Is the song any good to begin with? Rocky is joined by Kadin and River to break down what, exactly, is going on here. Persons of interest include Ed Sheeran, Dream, and an ever-lurking Johnny Depp.You can find Rocky, Kadin, and River on their respective Twitters. Pulp Friction is available wherever you get your podcasts (now including Amazon Music and Audible!). Subscribe and share to support the show, reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe
The creepiest time of the year is upon us, and Rocky (she/her) and Ruth (he/him) are talking about one of the year's big frights (in more ways than one), They/Them. Along the way, they also assess the year in horror and the state of streaming movies. Persons of interest include John Woo, Kylo Ren, and P!nk.You can find Rocky on Twitter and Pulp Friction wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, share, and rate to support the show. Reach out to Rocky or pulpfrictioncast@gmail.com with any business inquiries.Rocky's Good Takes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pulpfriction.substack.com/subscribe