Podcast appearances and mentions of margaret wappler

Luke Perry biographer Margaret Wappler joined us for a conversation about her hybrid memoir profiling the '90s heartthrob, and the impact Perry had on viewers from 90210 to Riverdale. We dug into Fran Rubel Kuzui's 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer, starring Perry alongside Kristy Swanson and Donald Sutherland. We particularly loved the comedic swings of supporting cast members Paul Reubens and David Arquette. Overall, we think the movie's feminist message and uneven tone are almost anachronistic, but can't deny its lasting impact.Discussed in this episode:Margaret's latest book, A Good Bad Boy: Luke Perry and How a Generation Grew UpFind Margaret:instagram.com/margaretwapplermargaretwappler.comFind Kat:twitter.com/kat_ex_machinaletterboxd.com/katexmachinaFind AC:instagram.com/aclambertyletterboxd.com/aclambertyFind Us:Join Our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsTwitterInstagramNEW: Letterboxd

In this episode, Erin and Elizabeth talk with Margaret Wappler, author of A Good Bad Boy: Luke Perry And How a Generation Grew Up, which was excerpted in Vanity Fair. The "Bad Boy" refers to Luke Perry's character on Beverly Hills 90210, Dylan McKay, a Gen-X James Dean with a tender heart. A Good Bad Boy is a dual biography of Luke Perry and Margaret as a teenager mourning her father's death. Margaret regales us with tales of Luke's heroism, like defending Tori Spelling from her abusive boyfriend and waking Jason Priestly from a coma. We also discuss the art of the masculine identity drag show that is the WWE, which Luke admired and his son proudly performs in under the names "Jungle Boy" and "Scapegoat." Luke Perry was a good man, an acclaimed dad, and a mensch in an industry known for its hubris. We salute him this Father's Day month, five years after his loss. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tell-me-about-your-father/support

Catherine journey's to Northanger Abbey where she finds disappointingly normal decore. Henry tells tales tall tales and Catherine gets freaked out by pieces of furniture. We do some horse math and talk about the “Moonie travel network” What we're reading/watching/listening to: Grey's Anatomy, Cowboy Carter, The Good Bad Boy by Margaret Wappler, Deacon King Kong by James McBride, The Tuba Thieves  We have a twitter!  We have a TikTok!  Email us: Janeaustenculturenight@gmail.com Hosted by Laurel Nakai and Akina Cox Music and Production by Laurel Nakai Ad Music by Asepirawan20 Budiman

Author of the book 'A Good Bad Boy', Margaret Wappler joins Charles, Larry, Pete and Bryan as they dive deep into some incredible Luke Perry stories! Check this out, and an also check her book. 

"Canonball" is a segment on Bullseye that gives us a chance to take a closer look at albums that should be considered classics, to find out what makes them great. This time, Margaret Wappler makes the case for why Bjork's 1995 record "Post" deserves to be added to the canon of classic albums.

This week, we teamed up with our old pals Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler and raised $750 for Stacey Abrams' FAIR FIGHT! During our taping the day before election day, we covered everything from Who's the Boss, The Queen's Gambit, the fall of Quibi, and what everyone's election day drink of choice would be.  As we continue to wait anxiously for this year's election to end, please enjoy an extra-long and special episode. Thanks again to everyone who donated!  Find all things W2X at w2xpodcast.com

Wynter and Karen reunite with their former podmates Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler in this supersized episode fundraising for G.L.I.T.S and SummaEverything! The fierce foursome indulge in a deep catch-up about everything from the demise of the “girl boss,” to 90 Day Fiance and Top Chef All Stars (Margaret even cameos at a boozy brunch in one of the episodes), all while processing the pop culture in the last year that they’ve missed talking to each other about since they wrapped Pop Rocket in May 2019. The gang puts their Gen X heads together for an analysis of Generation Z, who are revved and ready to lead the revolution. Plus,  Nuo Lingo tips us off to what’s become of the influencer class, and our beloved guests bring us home with two radiant songs of the week. Instead of another plea to contribute to us this week, we ask that you contribute to the social justice organizations of your choice, especially those promoting peace, and racial, gender and sexual equality. We, and our guests this week  recommend the following:  G.L.I.T.S. - https://www.glitsinc.org/donations SummaEverythang - https://summaeverythang.org/

In The White Album, Joan Didion wrote that “a place belongs forever to whoever claims it hardest, remembers it most obsessively…loves it so radically that he remakes it in his image.” Cruising the freeways in her Daytona yellow Corvette, taking it all in behind dark glasses, Joan Didion claimed California for all time. Slouching Towards Los Angeles is a multi-faceted portrait of the literary icon who, in turn, belongs to us. This collection of original essays covers the turf that made Didion a sensation—Hollywood and Patty Hearst; Malibu, Manson and the Mojave; the Summer of Love and the Central Park Five—while bringing together some of the finest voices of today’s Los Angeles and beyond. Slouching Towards Los Angeles is a love letter and thank you note; personal memoir and social commentary; cultural history and literary critique. Fans of Didion, lovers of California, and fellow writers alike will all find something to dig into, in this rich exploration of the inner and outer landscapes Joan Didion traveled, coloring our own journeys in the process. This evening's event will feature contributors DAN CRANE, JESSICA HUNDLEY, TRACY MCMILLAN, CAROLINE RYDER and MARGARET WAPPLER along with editor STEFFIE NELSON reading and discussing the book and Joan Didion's life and work.

How right, but mostly how wrong, does Hollywood get it when it comes to capturing artists in film? Margaret Wappler asks these very questions of her esteemed panel. And this, the panel is comprised of LA Times staff writer Carolina Miranda, who covers visual arts, culture and architecture, media scholar and TV critic Sarah Kessler--filling in for her under-the-weather wife Karen Tongson--and Cal Arts professor and visual artist David P Earle, who is better known to Pop Rocket listeners as father to Silas and husband to our very own Margaret Wappler. From Mike Leigh's Mr. Turner to Antonio Banderas's Golden Globe-nominated performance in Genius: Picasso, the crew highlights all the tired tropes Hollywood can’t resist when depicting artists. They’ll tell you about the films that get it right, and the films that get it deliciously wrong. Plus, why are all the portrayals of Andy Warhol on the big screen so...different? Was the real Andy Warhol more like Crispin Glover in The Doors or David Bowie in Julian Schnabel's Basquiat? Does Salma Hayek really do Frida justice? And which actress nails the stereotype of the insufferable, pretentious artist on the head? Join us as we try to suss out: is art about art art, or t-shirt at the giftshop bullshit? All Abouts Sarah is all about Valerie Solanas's SCUM Manifesto with forward by Michelle Tea. Carolina is all about narco-novelas, in particular Netflix's Narcos: Mexico starring Diego Luna. David is all about his algorithmically generated list of top songs of 2018 from Spotify. Margaret is all about the 18th century period piece The Favourite, a feminist reimagining of Queen Anne's court starring Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, and Olivia Colman. That's My Jam Sarah - Laura Branigan - Gloria David - Saba - LOGOUT Carolina - The Bucketheads - The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall into My Mind) Margaret- Katzù Oso - Crazy4luvinU With Margaret Wappler, David Earle, Carolina Miranda, and Sarah Rebecca Kessler. Did you know that you can now call and leave voicemails for the show? You can! If you want to comment on an episode, give us any feedback or just call to get advice from a panel member, the number is: (530) 237-4108 You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Edan and Amelia share their self-care methods. When is self-care a necessity for good parenting, and when can it slide into selfishness? Then, novelist and journalist Margaret Wappler comes on (32:00) to talk about doing "mini" IVF and what it's been like to care for a newborn while grieving her mother's death.

***Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of sexual assault. You may want to sit this one out if hearing this kind of discussion is likely to do more harm than good.*** Current events have us (and many others) reconsidering the way high school and college relationships were depicted in the '80s, particularly in romcoms and raunchy sex comedies. Margaret Wappler hosts our discussion this week with Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and our guest, actor, and comedian Ted Alexandro who has a new comedy special Senior Class of Earth. The panel revisits supposedly harmless, goofball adolescent comedies and considers how they may have influenced the way a whole generation views consent (and yes, we are talking about rape culture). Does a culture that permits youthful experimentation -mistakes and all- open the door to complacency about assault? All Abouts Wynter is all about an article in GQ by author Marian Bull that explains how men can talk to women in their lives about all the triggering stuff in the news involving the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Karen is all about Chris, the new album by Christine and the Queens (aka Heloise Letissier), in particular, the song: Comme si. Ted is all about celebrating his one-year wedding anniversary with his wife, Madalyn, who joins him in Los Angeles this week to promote his album Senior Class of Earth. Margaret is all about Matt Damon's performance as Brett Kavanaugh on SNL. That's My Jam Karen - Selena Gomez - Back to You Wynter - Little Wayne - Uproar (Official Audio) Carter V Ted - Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity Margaret - Noname - Self. With Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Ted Alexandro. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Between the VMA's and Yom Kippur, we've got our own version of the high holidays here at Pop Rocket: The SUMMER JAMS episode! We will anoint OR NOT anoint the title of Song of the Summer to the most banging artist of the past few months. And yes, the band is back together again. The full panel - Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell (don't forget) Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler - put on their Grammy judge hats and measure up the best cuts from music makers this past season. What criteria make a tune a summertime anthem? Is it the dance beat? The song's ubiquity? The convertible factor? A dark city feeling? Does the magic of Cardi B's "I Like It" rest solely on its sample of Peter Rodriquez's I Like It Like That? Is Zedd, Marren Morris, Grey's "The Middle" too much negotiation and not enough sex, love, and urgency? Find out which song made Silas get down like no one was watching and which panelist has a knack for converting jams into pet cat lullabies. Shout outs also go to honorable mentions and listeners' suggestions that didn't quite make the cut. All Abouts Margaret is all about Mandy Moore's newly remodeled mid-century modern home in Pasadena. Wynter is all about TV writer and producer Linda Bloodworth Thomason's op-ed in The Hollywood Reporter where she channels a glowing fury and details the misogynistic bullying she faced from disgraced former CBS CEO Les Moonves. Les Moonves, Go fuck yourself! Karen is all about the post-BBC reboot of The Great British Baking Show. Guy is all about Cynthia Nixon's appearance at the old school, crusty Brooklyn gay bar The Metropolitan before the New York Governor Primary. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, and Margaret Wappler. Summer Jam Finalists: Cardi B - I Like It Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey - The Middle Ariana Grande - R.E.M. Maroon 5 - Girls Like You Lizzo - Boys Years & Years - All For You Migos - Walk It Talk It Drake - In My Feelings Drake - Nice For What Calvin Harris feat. Dua Lipa - One Kiss Troye Sivan - Bloom Summer Honorable Mentions: Big Freedia feat. Lizzo - Karaoke Years & Years - If You're Over Me Matt Rogers - Be A Bitch To Your Friends (This Pride) Aloe Blacc - Brooklyn in the Summer You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

Goddess Guy Branum returns from his book tour just in time for Pop Rocket's annual Summer Book Club. He joins Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler to finally dig into Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians book trilogy. By the way, the movie Crazy Rich Asians is out in theaters now. Go watch it! Kwan's trilogy is essentially about the crazy rich people of Singapore, but the main story in the first book Crazy Rich Asians centers around Rachel and Nick-a young couple who've been dating for two years. They're both professors living in contemporary New York. Very much in love- Nick finally invites Rachel to travel to Singapore to meet his family. Curiously, Rachel knows nothing about them and once she gets there realizes that they are insanely, filthy, rich billionaires. The panelists give us their rundown of the most fascinating themes and threads in the books including: the food, the fashion, colonialism's legacy, money vs. class, tensions between Singaporeans and mainland Chinese, hierarchies among Asian nations, assumptions about Oliver T'sien's sexuality, and then they decide who from the book they'd marry, fuck, kill, (and add to their book club). As if that weren't enough, one of the panelists--and we won't say which one--muses, "Maybe she was dickmatized?" Feel free to guess which one of our esteemed panelists said that in the comments section below. All Abouts Margaret is all about the Kevin Kwan's descriptions of Astrid's fashion "it-girlness." Astrid is Nick's cousin who is super beautiful, posh, and interesting. She's every panelists favorite character in the series. Karen is all about the reading list in the second book China Rich Girlfriend that is given to a character who is undergoing an image makeover. The character hires an image consultant who is trying to teach her about all the "right" things to talk about and all the "right" cultural references to use in conversation. Guy is all about the pineapple tarts described in the book in that they represent the very fascinating place of colonialism in Singapore's history. Spoiler alert: Singapore was under British rule for about 400 years. These tarts are an Asian modification of a French dessert that represent nostalgia, warmth, and memories of home, but also symbolize status. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler,. That's My Jam: Margaret - Dua Lipa and Calvin Harris - One Kiss. Karen - Faye Wong - Summer of Love Guy - Aretha Franklin - Freedom from Blues Brothers movie You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

This week, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler get happy with Matt Bellassai and Bari Finkel, the host and producer of Pineapple Street Media's Unhappy Hour podcast. Today's show is like a Snuggie for one's soul. The panel dishes on the pop culture that brings us pure joy, from songs that compel us to dance, to the spots we gravitate toward on the Internet when we need a dose of adorable. Go ahead, try not to smile when you listen to this episode. All Abouts Margaret is all about the Vulture interview by David Marchese with Kathleen Turner. Bari is all about the birthday and career renaissance of the child actor twins Cole Sprouse and Dylan Sprouse. Matt is all about Beyonce and Jay-Z's On The Run II concert. Karen is all about the season 4 premiere of The Food Network's Episode 7 of Chopped Grill Masters. With Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler,, Matt Bellassai, and Bari Finkel. That's My Jam: Bari - Beyonce - If I Were a Boy/You Oughta Know (live). Matt Mamma Mia Soundtrack - Mamma Mia. Karen - Maroon 5 - Girls Like You feat. Cardi B.. Margaret - James Blake - Choose Me. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

***Warning - this episode contains spoilers*** This week, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler chat it up with pop culture maven and Pop Rocket's own podcast godmother Linda Holmes, the host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour. The ladies revisit that wonderfully awkward time of their lives of Clearasil and body self-consciousness also known as 8th Grade while doing an in-depth exploration of Bo Burnham's debut film Eighth Grade. The movie centers around this socially awkward teen girl who tries really hard to fit it and be popular at school, but can't quite get there. Karen, Margaret, and Linda harken back to the drama of that time in their own lives, and also flesh out whether one of the scenes in the movie should--or not--be labeled a #MeToo moment. All Abouts Margaret is all about journalist href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/25/magazine/big-business-gwyneth-paltrow-wellness.html">Taffy Brodesser-Akner's latest article in the NYTimes Magazine about Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand company Goop and how it went from Paltrow's Martha Stewart-like project to a 250 million dollar company. Linda is all about a new (and disappointing) study on inequality in film out of USC Annenberg that highlights the lack of progress in inclusion in film. Karen is all about Episode 7 of The Affair, specifically the scene that features “sapphic dabbling in a yurt” between Helen (Maura Tierney) and Sierra (Emily Browning). With Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and Linda Holmes. That's My Jam: Linda- Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone. Margaret - Nine Inch Nails - Down In It. Karen - Debbie Gibson- Only In My Dreams. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

  We've got a SUPERSIZED Pop Rocket for our first-ever Friday release, so strap yourselves in! This week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler are joined by TV powerhouse Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, co-creator and executive producer of the Lifetime drama Unreal. The crew discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of comedian Sacha Baron Cohen's new Showtime series Who Is America. Not unlike his previous series, Da Ali G Show, which aired on HBO in the early aughts, Cohen continues his controversial schtick of interviewing people in character while trying to get them to humiliate themselves all for our viewing pleasure. They draw the connections between Cohen's comedy and Sarah's show Unreal. The fourth and final season of Unreal recently came out on Hulu. Jonathan Gold First, the crew pays tribute to the late, great Los Angeles food critic Jonathan Gold. Gold was the city's unofficial ambassador whose reviews propped up great restaurants on the verge of going out of business, gave a spotlight to forgotten histories, but more than anything taught Angelenos to be less afraid of their neighbors. The Pop Rocket Seal of Approval Two weeks ago Guy created the Pop Rocket Seal of Approval and quickly submitted its first nomination: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This week we had enough of a quorum to hold our first-ever vote. Guy, Margaret, and Karen each weigh in with the pros and cons of awarding this prestigious honor to The Rock, and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro comes in hot with her own opinions (but no voting rights). Will The Rock earn Pop Rocket's first ever Seal of Approval? Find out! With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro. That's My Jam: Margaret - Demi Lovato - Sober. Karen - Lisa Loeb - Stay (I Missed You). Sarah- Nina Simone - Ain't Got No, I Got Life (Live). Guy - Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey - The Middle . You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

***Warning - this episode contains major spoilers*** This week, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler are joined by Bay Area comedian and two-time Emmy winning writer Kevin Avery. He was head writer on Totally Biased w/ Kamau Bell, staff writer on Last Week Tonight w/ John Oliver and writer on The Jim Jeffries Show. The gang is deep diving into Boots Riley's new movie Sorry to Bother You. Guy, Kevin and Margaret discover that, like Sorry to Bother You's Cassius Green, they all worked as telemarketers. Plus Guy reveals the film's best actor and Kevin tells us about the time he asked Boots for help on a short film. All Abouts Margaret is all about Bhad Bhabie- a troubled Florida teen turned rapper based off of a performance on Dr. Phil where she was a guest with her mom. There's this really smart analysis of the Bhad Bhabie phenomenon in the NY Times by Jamie Lauren Keiles who breaks down what she means for the entertainment industry. Kevin is all about not being about Drake's latest song and the dance challenge it spawned that's sweeping the nation: In My Feelings. The challenge even got Will Smith dancing on a bridge. Guy is all about the hard-working, talented, and badass Korean-Canadian actress Sandra Oh, who has had to work twice as hard to get half as far in entertainment. She's finally getting her due as the first woman of Asian descent to be nominated for an Emmy in the category of lead actress for Killing Eve. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, and Kevin Avery. That's My Jam: Margaret - The Coup - 5 Million Ways to Kill a C.E.O. Kevin- Justin Timberlake - Higher Higher. Guy - Years & Years - All For You. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Shana Daloria.

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson discuss HBO’s Sharp Objects. It’s based on the Gillian Flynn Novel of the same name and is about a woman, Camille Preaker, played by Amy Adams, who returns to her childhood home to combat her personal demons and look into a number of unsolved murders. Margaret is all about Won't You Be My Neighbor?, the Fred Rogers biopic that’s guaranteed to conjure up feelings of love and kindness even in this divisive time. Karen is all about the second season of the Netflix series GLOW, especially the eighth episode, which may be the show’s crowning achievement. Guy is all about the video game Fobia on Steam, which finally gave him the type of gaming that he can embrace. The group will give their thoughts on the HBO series Sharp Objects, including why Amy Adams works so well playing a real person. They also discuss what makes the HBO television production model work so well, and why that might change in the future. Plus, they’ll introduce some new elements to the podcast: The Wappler Test and the Pop Rocket seal of approval. The Pop Rocket 2018 Summer Book Club is a go! We’re reading Crazy Rich Asians. Join the Facebook group and get in on the conversation. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret - Kiira - Messy. Karen - Swingout Sister - Breakout. Guy - Pitbull - Free Free Free. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. If you haven't already, follow us on Instagram.

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are declaring their independence from screens, push notifications and batteries. That’s right, it’s all about the pop culture that you’ll still be able to experience after the grid goes down. Margaret is all about The Moment app which displays just how much time you spend on your phone every day, which she hopes will help keep her phone out of her motherhood. Karen is all about LeBron James being signed to the LA Lakers and everyone celebrating something good finally happening for the Lakers. Guy is all about the Amazon Prime movieThe Little Hours which features plenty of effective comedy and just the right amount of Aubrey Plaza. The group will take an extensive look at modern media that doesn’t require a screen; everything from drawing, tarot cards, The Joy of Cooking, the card game Set and so much more The Pop Rocket 2018 Summer Book Club is a go! We’re reading Crazy Rich Asians. Join the Facebook group and get in on the conversation. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret - My Bathroom Is a Private Kind of Place. Karen - 10,000 Maniacs - These Are Days Guy - Betty Who - Taste. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

This week, Guy Branun, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by Lindy West, New York Times opinion writer and bestselling author of the book Shrill to discuss the AMC show Dietlandand one of TV’s best fat characters ever: Plum Kettle. Lindy is all about is all about the UK show Grand Designs, which offers a respite of pleasantness in the current world of television. Margaret is all about Michelle Goldberg's NYT op-ed We Have a Crisis of Democracy, Not Manners, which takes a look at the morality behind Sarah Huckabee Sanders being kicked out of a restaurant. Karen is all about The World Cup, especially the Group that includes Mexico, Sweden, Germany and South Korea. Guy is all about the Netflix series Alex Strangelove a show with a lot of potential…but suffers from the unfortunate issue of being stuck in white suburbia. The group will take an extensive look at Dietland and the history of fat characters on television. Why is it that even the “good” takes on this archetype often end up feeling incomplete? What would it take for people to get past the message of “body empowerment” when writing stories about fat bout fat people? The Pop Rocket 2018 Summer Book Club is a go! We’re reading Crazy Rich Asians. Join the Facebook group and get in on the conversation. With Lindy West, Karen Tongson, Guy Branum and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Margaret - The Carters - NICE. Karen - Germans - Cruel Lindy - Bobby McFerrin - Don’t Worry Be Happy. Guy - Lizzo - Boys. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

Edan and Amelia share their self-care methods. When is self-care a necessity for good parenting, and when can it slide into selfishness? Then, novelist and journalist Margaret Wappler comes on (32:10) to talk about doing "mini" IVF and what it's been like to care for a newborn while grieving her mother's death. https://www.momragepodcast.com Support us! https://www.patreon.com/momragepodcast

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, the hosts of the Las Culturistas podcast. The gang will discuss the show Pose which focusses on the Ball culture of 1980’s New York. Bowen is all about everything going down at E3, especially the long-awaited crossover madness that is Kingdom Hearts III. Margaret is all about Ocean's 8, a film that may be full of missed opportunities, but also has enough iconic moments to make it worth the watch. Karen is all about Hannah Gadsby and her newest show Nanette which showcases plenty of laughs and an explanation for why she’s quitting comedy. Matt is all about the trailer for A Star is Born. Guy is all about the Netflix show Lost in Space a sci-fi show that he says is a perfect example of “Competence Porn.” The group will take an extensive look at Pose, including which characters they enjoy (and which they can’t stand), how they first learned about Ball culture, and why fans of Ru Paul’s Drag Racemight enjoy the show. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson, Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. That’s My Jam: Matt Rogers - Shea Couleé - Crème Brûlée. Karen Tongson- Christine and the Queens - dis-moi Margaret Wappler - Bryan Ferry - Slave to Love. Guy Branum - Little Big Town - Summer Fever. Bowen Yang - Big Freedia - Play feat. Goldiie You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

**Warning: This episode contains spoilers from The Americans series finale. If you, like Margaret, want to avoid the spoilers, skip from 7:01 to 14:20.** This week, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by Alonso Duralde, one of the hosts of the Max Fun podcast Who Shot Ya?, a movie podcast that isn’t hosted by dude-bros. The gang will discuss the finale of FX Series The Americans and the effect of the Cold War on pop culture. Alonso is all about is all about National Drive-In Day, which is on June 6th but can absolutely be celebrated all month. Margaret is all about Ali Wong’s new Netflix Special Hard Knock Wife , which has gained a lot of attention for being equal parts hilarious, honest and raunchy. Karen is all about the finale of The Americans which - SPOILER ALERT - she and Alonso will discuss in detail. And in honor the Russian spy drama coming to an end, the team will take a look at what effect the Cold War, nuclear anxiety and cloak-and-dagger politics had on pop culture, both in the modern context and in the 80’s. With Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde. That’s My Jam: Alonso Duralde - The Police - Miss Gradenko. Karen Tongson - Sting - Russians Margaret Wappler - The Smiths - Ask. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by Katherine Spiers, host of the podcast Smart Mouth, which asks people about their favorite foods. The gang will discuss international travel and all the best things that come from it, including people, food and pop culture. Katherine is all about the actress Jameela Jamil, who criticized Kim Kardashian for advertising appetite suppressing lolly-pops, in spite of the wrath that Jamil may incur. Margaret is all about the first episode of Patrick Melrose, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a heroine addicted man whose life is hard to watch, but who is so strongly portrayed that it’s hard to look away. Guy is all about the Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary RBG, which he hopes will finally help people understand why she was such an important woman. Karen is all about the recent series finales, even the ones for shows that aren’t confirmed to return and ended on huge cliffhangers like NBC’s Timeless. It’s going to be Summer soon and that means peak travel season is almost here! The panel will discuss some of their favorite places to travel abroad, what they look for when they have two weeks to spend in a new location and With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and Katherine Spiers . That’s My Jam: Katherine Spiers - Charlie Puth - Done For Me. Karen Tongson- Backstreet Boys - Don’t go Breaking My Hear Margaret Wappler - Henry Green - Something. Guy Branum The We Knows Parenting podcast. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson are joined by novelist Mallory O’Meara, host of the Max Fun Podcast Reading Glasses. The gang will discuss books and reading habits. Mallory is all about is all about the book Text Me When You Get Home, which looks into the myth that women aren’t meant to be friends with other women. Margaret is all about the podcast The Habitat, which tracks people as they live out a simulated mission on Mars to learn that no matter which planet you’re on, living with strangers will always annoy you. Guy is all about the film The Dressmaker, which he fell in love with the only way he knew how: by reading the Wikipedia article. Karen is all about the surprisingly affecting Netflix documentary The Rachel Divide. In honor of Summer reading season being on the horizon, the panel will discuss what books, magazines and articles have caught their eye lately. Plus they’ll talk about where and how often they love to read, and Mallory will share one book that she absolutely can’t stand. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson and Mallory O’Meara . That’s My Jam: Mallory O’Meara - A Perfect Circle - Hourglass. Karen Tongson- Tears for Fears - Ideas As Opiates Margaret Wappler - Madonna - Borderline. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Andrew Ti are joined by British actor and comedian Humphrey Ker. The gang takes a look at the biggest transatlantic pairing of the year: The Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Humphrey is all about Eurovision, the global music competition that showcases some of the best singing--and host banter--in the world. Margaret is all about the podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones, which tells the history of country music, warts and all. Guy is all about The Party, a movie he was certain he would hate, but it flipped his expectations in the best possible way. Andrew is all about the cancellation and swift revival of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The panel will discuss the upcoming Royal Wedding, why this sort of extravaganza captures the attention of a global audience and why it was worth a Lifetime TV movie. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Andrew Ti and Humphrey Ker.

Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Andrew Ti are joined by novelist Edan Lepucki. Together, they’ll take a look at our favorite bad moms, and grapple with how they're portrayed in popular culture. It turns out that being in the golden age of television could also mean the golden age of the portrayal of matriarchy in pop culture. Edan is all about the novel Blue Bird Blue Bird by Attica Locke, which she says is filled with the best kind of thriller tropes. Margaret is all about the Netflix series The Letdown, a show that features all the joy of motherhood… and just the right amount of its dark side. Guy is all about Natasha Leggero and Moshe Kasher’s new comedy special The Honeymoon Tour, a three-part piece that features one of the scariest and greatest things a comedian can attempt: interacting with the audience. Andrew is all about Childish Gambino’s music video This is America, including the analysis and backlash to the analysis. The panel will discuss how they feel the portrayal of motherhood in pop culture has evolved over the years, in everything from Fresh Off the Boat and Transparent to Tully and Carrie. Plus, they’ll explain some of the damaging tropes of mothers on TV, and which shows are finally starting to get it right. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Andrew Ti and Edan Lepucki. That’s My Jam: Edan Lepucki - Gino Paoli - Sapore di Sale. Andrew Ti - B.B. King & UGK (mixed by AMERIGO GAZAWAY) - Make Love To My Car Margaret Wappler - Kacey Musgraves - Space Cowboy. Guy Branum - Troye Sivan - Bloom. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. And you can follow us on Instagram as well. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org. Edited by Julian Burrell.

This week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and  Margaret Wappler are joined by Andrew Ti, host of the “Yo, Is This Racist?” podcast. They take a look at HBO’s West World. Season Two just got started and the team is fairly certain it will be just as complicated as the first. Karen is all about Alexis Bledel in Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, even though it puts a character she cares about though even more difficulties. Margaret and Guy are all about Michelle Wolf’s routine at The White House Correspondent’s Dinner and are very confused about the outrage that’s surrounded it. Andrew is all about Avengers: Infinity War even though he didn’t quite understand the storytelling subtleties of the plot. The panel will their discuss what they think of Scandal; everything from the finale, how closely they’ve watched the show since it started and where Olivia Pope fits in with the pantheon of women anti-heroes on TV. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Andrew Ti. That’s My Jam: Karen Tongson - Maroon 5, SZA - What Lovers Do Andrew Ti - The Higher Brother - Made in China Margaret Wappler - The Pointer Sisters - Automatic. Guy Branum - Kacey Musgraves - High Horse. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler discuss the finale of the Shonda Rhimes led show, Scandal. The ABC series wrapped up last week and it stirred up all sorts of thoughts from the team on the female anti-heroes on television. Karen is all about the upcoming Pixar short Bao, which she says is an important addition to Asian representation in popular media (which, let’s face it, is limited). Margaret is all about a recent article about parents raising their children as “Theybies”. Guy is all about the new film I Feel Pretty, a comedy that, while not without a slightly problematic message, shines through with plenty of laughs from Amy Schumer. The panel will their discuss what they think of Scandal; everything from the finale, how closely they’ve watched the show since it started and where Olivia Pope fits in with the pantheon of women anti-heroes on TV. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler. That’s My Jam: Karen Tongson - Joe Jackson - Steppin’ Out. Margaret Wappler - Sampha - (No One Knows Me) Like the Piano. Guy Branum - Kacey Musgraves - High Horse. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell are joined by LA-based artist Akina Cox to discuss the Netflix documentary series Wild Wild Country and cults in pop culture. Karen Tongson is all about Killing Eve on BBC America, which features the return to TV of the beloved Sandra Oh. Wynter is all about The Zen Diaries of Gary Shandling  on HBO, Judd Apatow’s love letter to one of the best and most complex comics in history. Akina is all about Ron Chernow’s biography of Ulysses Grant, which is guaranteed to NOT have not be adapted into a musical. Margaret is all about Junot Diaz’s New Yorker article about the trauma he experienced as a child. Guy is all about John Sherman’s  Buzzfeed article about Love Simon’s shortcomings as a movie featuring queer characters. The panel will their why cults have become such a fascinating subject in entertainment, including Far Cry 5, Wild, Wild Country and more. Plus, Akin will share her experience of growing up in an actual cult and her thoughts on some of the modern famous charismatic religious figures. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell and Akina Cox. That’s My Jam: Akina Cox - SASAMI - Callous Karen Tongson - Jens Lekman -To Know Your Mission  Margaret Wappler -  Nat King Cole - Nature Boy Guy Branum  Rex Orange County - Loving is Easy Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Karen Tongson watched the Roseanne reboot and they have feelings about it. Strong feelings. Margaret Wappler is all about Glynn Washington’s podcast Heaven’s Gate which features interviews and stories of surviving members of the deadly cult. The final season of The Americans kicked off last week with the episode Dead Hand and Karen savors the way it used music. Guy is all about the Netflix show On the Block. With the Roseanne reboot smashing all kinds of viewing records, the panel weighs in on what it is about the show that gives it such a broad appeal. They also look at why Roseanne is problematic and why the show’s take on gender non-conformity may not be as culturally relevant as the show’s setting would have audiences believe. With Guy Branum Karen Tongson Margaret Wappler That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Vacationer - Magnetism Karen Tongson - Indigo Girls - Everything’s Alright Guy Branum - Dem Beats - Todrick Hall Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler are joined by clinical psychologist and actress Megan Auster-Rosen to discuss therapy in film and television shows. Margaret Wappler is all about High Maintenance on HBO and the show’s weed dealer/confidant The Guy. Megan is all about Parkland student, Emma Gonzalez and her six minutes of silence, dedicated to the victims of the shooting at Stoneland Douglas High School. Karen is all about the NBC drama, Rise, even though it falls into some unfortunate tropes of the white man passing over the qualified woman of color for the job. The panel will explain their first experiences with therapy in their personal lives. Then, they’ll get into therapy in such movies and shows like Big Little Lies, Meet the Fockers, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Sopranos and more. Plus, Megan will give her professional opinion on the benefits and downsides of TV therapy shows like Dr. Phil. With Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and  Megan Auster-Rosen. That’s My Jam: Megan Auster-Rosen - Alicia Keys - No one Karen Tongson - Lovin' Spoonful - Butchie's Tune. Margaret Wappler - Peter Gabriel - Come Talk to Me Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy, Karen, Wynter and Margaret bare their souls and confess their problematic faves. Not sure what that means? Don’t worry. They break it down. Wynter Mitchell is all about Cynthia Nixon running for governor of New York. Margaret Wappler is all about Nina Riggs’ memoir The Bright Hour. Karen’s digging CBS All Access’ The Good Fight, and Guy has just discovered The Supersizers Go With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Led Zeppelin - Good Times Bad Times Karen Tongson - Tove Styrke - I Changed My Mind Guy Branum - Topsy Turvy - Three Little Maids (The Mikado) Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy, Karen, Wynter and Margaret tackle A Wrinkle in Time and time travel tropes in TV and film. Margaret Wappler is all about the New York Times publishing the obituaries they overlooked going back to 1851, people like Ida B. Wells and countless others. Karen is all about defending her Pinoy brother Bruno Mars from YouTuber and activist Seren Sensei, who thinks Mars appropriates black culture. Guy Branum comes late to the Insecure party, but he’s seen the light and apologizes to everyone who insisted he should watch the show. Wynter is all about Hypothetical, the OJ Simpson special that, for whatever reason, recently aired. Margaret and Karen both saw A Wrinkle in Time and share their thoughts on the film. Then the gang delve into time travel, and make some profound realizations. If you want to hear about Outlander or Doctor Who, sorry. But if you want to hear their thoughts on Time Traveler’s Wife, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Back to the Future, Quantum Leap, The Arrival and lots of other titles, you’ll be in luck! With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Teena Marie - Deja Vu Karen Tongson - Tracey Thorn - Dancefloor Wynter Mitchell - James Bay - Pink Lemonade Guy Branum - The 5th Dimension - Aquarius Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

It’s another fun-filled Pop Rocket. This week, special guest Chris Schleicher is all about the Best Documentary Short Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405; Margaret Wappler is all up in season three of Unreal; Karen Tongson wanted to be about Unreal, but Wappler stole her thunder so Karen tells us about the new show Good Girls, and Guy Branum is all about the Great White Way, fresh off his trip to New York with his niece. Then the gang delve into Oscar talk, sharing tips on how to guess the most wins on the ballot, how they each watched the awards show and all the hot takes they have. There’s just the right balance of reverence and cattiness. With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler and Chris Schleicher. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Sufjan Stevens - Visions of Gideon Karen Tongson - Jackson Brown - Somebody’s Baby Guy Branum - from Don’t Even Know It - Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Chris Schleicher - BeBe Zahara Benet - Drag Up Your Life Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week, we reside in Paris, France and it's our annual Fall TV preview! Louis, Karen and Alonso give us the lowdown on all the new shows they're excited about (Star Trek: Discovery, Will & Grace, 9JKL, 90's House), the shows they don't really want to see (Young Sheldon, Dynasty), and returning faves (The Good Wife, Grey's Anatomy, American Housewife, This Is Us). Plus, Margaret Wappler calls in to tell us about the pop culture she's been taking in since she's become a mom (hey Silas!) Alonso can't stop talking about Ex Libris Karen is all about the sapphic/sapphic-adjacent content on the Emmy's, and Louis reads a bit of Olivia de Havilland's letter to Ryan Murphy. That’s My Jam: Karen Tongson - The Carpenters - Maybe It's You Alonso Duralde - Liza Minnelli - Don't Drop Bombs Louis Virtel - The Dixie Chicks - Don't Let Me Die in Florida Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Casey O'Brienfor MaximumFun.org.

This week on Pop Rocket Karen hosts and the gang considers unpopular pop culture opinions. Sparked by a conversation in the Pop Rocket Facebook group, the panel talks about the opinions that they hold that run counter to the collective cultural narrative. In this episode no opinion is too unpopular to air, not even one concerning the Queen Bey herself. We learn about Wynter's love for Desus & Mero, and Karen tells us about the drama in Kentucky surrounding the bourbon heiress Hollis Bulleit who is claiming her family is shafting her since she came out. Plus, Wynter throws down the gauntlet when it comes to the song of the summer, and Karen serves us music that pays tribute to Margaret Wappler. With Wynter Mitchell, Alonso Duralde, and Karen Tongson. Jams: Alonso - In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening - Rosemary Clooney Wynter - Creature Comfort - Arcade Fire Karen - Haley - Big Thief Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy August Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

It’s a very special episode of Pop Rocket. We throw Margaret Wappler a baby shower before she takes an extended leave of absence to become a mother. There were games, tears, laughter, joy and even a guest appearance by One Bad Mother’s Biz Ellis.   The gang talk about their favorite lullabies, share what tv shows affected them the most as a child, and Margaret reveals how she would stage her pregnant photo shoot. Plus, Karen brings in an old school Summer Jam, Guy and Margaret are still gaga for Game of Thrones (no spoilers), and Wynter is in love with Ready Player One.   We all love you and wish you the best, Margaret! With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, and Margaret Wappler That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - REM - Untitled (Track 11) Karen Tongson - Flo Rida - My House Wynter Mitchell - Brandy - Baby Guy Branum - Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry   Each week we'll add everyone's jams to this handy Spotify playlist You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org Other Links: Charlotte: no no no Ready Player One trailer Cindy Crawford on W Magazine

This week the gang talks about body diversity, and fatness in particular, in the media. The idea for this show came from a thread in the Pop Rocket Facebook group, and because there were so many varying opinions on the topic, they knew that they had to cover it on the show. The gang gets real about their personal experiences with weight, and how that has affected how they see weight in the media. They talk about how race, class, and weight intersect, and how the media moralizes fat people in order to make them redeemable in the media consumers mind. They also talk about weight in the age of Instagram, the Kardashians, and unattainable body standards, which Wynter thinks is worse now than ever. Karen pseudo-recommends the new Naomi Watts led Netflix series Gypsy, Wynter talks about the new Marti Noxon film To The Bone and Guy and Margaret talk about the return of Game of Thrones. Plus we hear what the panel is listening to this week. With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler, and Karen Tongson. Jams: Wynter Mitchell - Calvin Harris feat. Future and Khalid Margaret Wappler - Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place on Earth Karen Tongson - Icona Pop - Girls Girls Guy Branum - Olivia Gatwood - Ode to the Women on Long Island Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

This week, the gang sits down with LA Times film critic, Tre'vell Anderson to talk about the LGBTQ film festival, Outfest! Guy, Margaret, and Karen discuss the documentary Chavela, Wynter gives her take on the sci-fi horror(?) film Rift, and Tre'vell talks about the Ferguson documentary Whose Streets. Plus, a special announcement for you Rocketeers! We're opening up Jumbotrons for Pop Rocket. If you ever wanted to have YOUR message read on the show, well now is your chance! Just go to maximumfun.org/jumbotron and click on Pop Rocket. Next week is the Pop Rocket Summer Book Club episode so if you haven't purchased your copy of Parable of the Sower, you can get it HERE With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and special guest Tre'vell Anderson. That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Imperial Teen - Our Time Guy Branum - The Walker Brothers - The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore Wynter Mitchell - Katy Perry - Tsunami Karen Tongson - Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut to the Feeling Tre'vell Anderson - Todrick Hall ft. Bob the Drag Queen - Wrong Bitch Each week we'll add everyone's jams to this handy Spotify playlist You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

Margaret takes over hosting duties this week and is joined by film critic/Pop Rocket's Fifth Beatle April Wolfe to talk about Wonder Woman! What did the film do so right? Is this record-breaking film a sign that DC is finally turning around? Plus, the gang takes some of your questions from the official Pop Rocket Facebook group. Don't worry, Rocketeers, this discussion is SPOILER FREE! By the way, Pop Rocket's Summer Book club is underway! If you still need to buy a copy of Parable of the Sower, click HERE to get it on Amazon. With Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and guest April Wolfe. That’s My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Marika Hackman - My Lover Cindy Karen Tongson - k.d. lang - Summerfling Wynter Mitchell - Missy Elliott - 4 My People April Wolfe - Look Blue Go Purple - I Don't Want You Anyway Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Karen takes over as host as the gang discusses Summer Blockbusters. They are joined by film critic and writer Alonso Duralde to discuss which summer films they're most excited for, which ones they aren't, and which ones just shouldn't have been made. Margaret tells us what she expects from the perfect Summer blockbuster. We find out what the logistics are for a hit film's international release, and the gang takes on the DC versus Marvel movie debate. Plus the panel discusses summer releases that don't have explosions and muscles but rather heart and wit. We are treated to some awesome recommendations from the gang, from season two of Master of None (watch out for a few tiny spoilers!) to a biography of Harvey Kurtzman, the creator of Mad Magazine. And as always, the gang tells us what their jam of the week is. With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and Alonso Duralde. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Other Links: Yacht Rock Harvey Kurtzman: The Man Who Created Mad and Revolutionized Humor in America Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

This week, we have the gang back together plus celebrity journalist and novelist Abby Stern to talk the evolution and the current disintegration of celebrity journalism. We get a historical outline of celebrity journalism, from Hedda Hopper and Louis B. Mayer to TMZ and Instagram influencers. The gang explores the symbiotic relationship between celebrities and the press, and how that has evolved over time. We find out where each of our panelists' "do not report" line is when covering celebrities, and which era they think is best for celebrity journalism. We get a postmortem from Wynter regarding Phaedra's dramatic exit from Real Housewives of Atlanta and the jealousy of the French people that Margaret feels after their latest election. Karen tells us about why she loves May sweeps and Guy gives us a reason to stop being mad at Susan Sarandon. Abby's brand new book According To A Source, which will be released May 23rd, can be pre-ordered now! With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell, and Abby Stern. Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Other Links: Phaedra's Fall From Grace Guardian article on the French media not reporting on the Macron leaks Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

This week we have an all ladies episode of Pop Rocket! Karen is hosting, and the gang is talking about the new Hulu series of Margaret Atwood's 1985 classic novel The Handmaid's Tale. Margaret tells us about the differences between the series and the book. They explore whether or not Offred's internal dialogue works when portrayed as voice over, and whether the racial make-up of the show was intentional. Does the music work, and does the show reflect anything from our current political climate? Margaret's all about is relishing in the dismantling of Fox News by the hands of its key contributors and Wynter talks about Netflix's Dear White People. Plus, the panel shares some light, vintage jams to help cleanse our palates after a particularly heavy discussion. Reacd Margaret's interview with Margaret Atwood for the Los Angeles Times and don't forget to listen to Guy's interview with Atwood on Bullseye from 2015. Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler, and Wynter Mitchell Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. Other Links: The Smarthmouth Podcast You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

This week, the gang (minus Guy) is joined by Gerrick Kennedy, music writer at the Los Angeles Times, to discuss the best album releases of 2017. For the first time in 33 years, there are no women in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100's chart. The gang discusses whether they think this is a fluke or a trend, how they think streaming services affect the numbers, and what this means for women musicians of color. They discuss the importance of the new Kendrick Lamar album D.A.M.N. and about early contestants for "The Song of the Summer" title. They talk about whether they think Ed Sheeran is creepy and why Harry Styles is a #HeForShe hero. Then, in lieu of jams and because Coachella just kicked off the start to the music festival season, the panel tells us about their dream music festivals-where they would be, who would be playing, and how much they would cost. All of this, plus each panelist tells us what they're all about. Margaret Wappler, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Gerrick Kennedy Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist. You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Other Links: Phil Elverum Pitchfork Piece by Jayson Greene Here Lies Love Ed Sheeran's Rolling Stone cover story No Women in Hot 100's top 10 For The First Time in 33 years Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

This week the gang is here to talk about the year 1997 in music and culture. There are a surprising number of 20 year old infallible pop hits that were influenced by a number of factors; the internet, CD-R's, Princess Diana passing, the death of Gianni Versace, the 24-hour news cycle, and of course Tupac and Biggies deaths. Wynter and Karen make it clear that they had the best 1997 as they were living in the city of possibilities (San Francisco), Margaret tells us why she doesn't know any Spice Girls songs, and we find out which panelist played sax in a ska band. Plus, in lieu of jams, we hear from each of the panelists what podcasts they are listening to lately. And remember, if you haven't yet become a member or upgraded your membership, please do it before the end of #MaxFunDrive. Margaret Wappler has vowed to send every new person that joins a denim jacket w/ a celebrity inside, Karen Tongson will eat weird vending machine food for you and Guy Branum will share his family's fruit cobbler recipe. And his family is from Arkansas!   Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler Podcast Recommendations: Margaret Wappler - Baby Geniuses Karen Tongson - Minority Korner Guy Branum - Las Culturistasr We made a special playlist with all of the songs we talked about in this week's episode (plus some other gems). You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter. Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

This week, Guy and Margaret are joined by the host of My Favorite Murder, Karen Kilgariff, as well as LA Weekly film critic April Wolfe to talk FX's Feud, the Ryan Murphy miniseries Guy describes as "the most important story in the gay canon". Also, GUY BRANUM KNOWS WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN GAME OF THRONES SEASON SEVEN!!! Like, for real. No joke. With Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Karen Kilgariff, and April Wolfe. That's My Jam: Margaret Wappler - Elliott Smith - Say Yes Karen Kilgariff - Rihanna - Desperado April Wolfe - Orties - Putes Que Toutes Les Poutes Guy Branum - Nicki Minaj - No Frauds Each week we'll add everyone's jams to this handy Spotify playlist You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org

This week, Guy, Wynter, Margaret, and Karen talk about Jordan Peele's newest horror film Get Out*. They discuss the racial and political implications of the film, Wynter contextualizes the role of black people within the horror genre, and the gang discuss their favorite scenes from the movie. As always,the panel tells us what they are all about this week. Karen talks about 45 eating America's meat of choice with ketchup, Margaret recommends a mémoire and Wynter talks about Feud. Plus Guy keeps us up to date on his latest obsession with Calypso, and the rest of the gang provide their latest jams. *Please note that this episode is rife with spoilers, so if you haven't seen the movie yet, please keep this in mind! With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Margaret Wappler,    Jams:   Guy Branum - Calypso Rose - Leave Me Alone Margaret Wappler - Sharon Van Etton - End of the World Wynter Mitchell - Phonte - Something Karen Tongson - Go West - King of Wishful Thinking   Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to this handy Spotify playlist.   You can let us know what you think of Pop Rocket and suggest topics in our Facebook group or via @PopRocket on Twitter.   Other Links: Key and Peele's "Shining" Sketch Helen Rosner "Actually, How Donald Trump Eats His Steak Does Matter"   Produced by Christian Dueñas and Kara Hart for MaximumFun.org.

Ep 40 Margaret Wappler & David P. Earle: The People On this episode our guests are Margaret Wappler & David P. Earle. Margaret Wappler lives in Los Angeles and has written about the arts and pop culture for the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, Elle, The Believer, The Village Voice and several other publications. Her work has appeared in Black Clock, Public Fiction and The Anthology Joyland Retro. Her first novel, Neon Green, is coming out from Unnamed Press in July 2016. David P. Earle is an artist and writer living in Los Angeles. He also is a co-director of Elephant Art Space here in Glassell Park, Los Angeles. http://www.davidpearle.com This episode in our Notes segment we feature a short radio piece by David Earle called The Searchers (Based on a True Story) which was produced for the 2008 Third Coast International Audio Festival. To close out the show, we have music from Chris Cohen, the title track from his new album As If Apart, released May 6, 2016 on the Captured Tracks label.

Yes Is the Answer: And Other Prog Rock Tales (Barnacle Books/Rare Bird Books) Progressive rock is maligned and misunderstood. Critics hate it, hipsters scoff at it. Yes Is The Answer is a pointed rebuke to the prog-haters, the first literary anthology devoted to the sub genre. Featuring acclaimed novelists, Rick Moody, Wesley Stace, Seth Greenland, Charles Bock, and Joe Meno, as well as musicians Matthew Sweet, Nathan Larson, and Peter Case, Yes Is The Answer is the first book that dares to thoughtfully reclaim prog-rock as a subject worthy of serious consideration. So take a Topographic Journey into a 21st Century Schizoid land of Prog-Lit! Marc Weingarten is the author of The Gang That Wouldn't Write Straight and Station to Station. He is producer of the 2011 documentary God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, as well as television's The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. He lives in Malibu, CA. Tyson Cornell is the founder of Rare Bird Lit, a Los Angeles and New York-based literary PR and marketing company specializing in book promotion for authors, publishers, and organizations in North America and Europe. He lives with his wife and two children in downtown Los Angeles. Joining the editors of Yes is the Answer in lively discussion will be the following contributors:  John Albert cofounded the semilegendary cross-dressing band Christian Death and also enjoyed a stint as the drummer in Bad Religion. He lives in Los Angeles and has contributed to LA Weekly, Hustler, and BlackBook, among others. He won the Best of the West Journalism Best Sports Writing Award in 2000, for the LA Weekly article from which his first book, Wrecking Crew, derived. Margaret Wappler has written for LA Weekly, Rolling Stone and The Believer. She loves ginger tea, F. Scott Fitzgerald and the judicious use of the drum solo. Matthew Specktor is the author of That Summertime Sound and The Sting, his writing has appeared in Harper's Magazine,Salon, and Open City, and is forthcoming in Tin House, The Believer, and The Paris Review. He is presently collaborating with James Franco on a film adaptation of Steve Erickson's novel Zeroville. A MacDowell Colony fellow and a founding editor of theLos Angeles Review of Books, he lives in Los Angeles. THIS EVENT WAS RECORDED LIVE AT SKYLIGHT BOOKS JUNE 13, 2013. COPIES OF THE BOOK FROM THIS EVENT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE:  http://www.skylightbooks.com/book/9780985490201