Pop Rocket

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.

Karen Tongson takes over hosting duties and is joined by special guest Tavia Nyong'o to discuss Black Panther! The gang chats about the impact the soundtrack had on them, afro-futurism/afro-centrism as part of the storytelling, and "double consciousness." Plus, Margaret talks Monica Lewinsky, Karen just finished watching Ugly Delicious, Tavia has some thoughts on the reboot of Heathers, and Wynter discusses GQ's article on Brendan Fraser.

And producer Christian comes into the studio for a very special announcement and his very first jam.

With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, Margaret Wappler and Tavia Nyong'o.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Ella Jenkins - Who's Gonna Be Your Man?
Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell- Janelle Monae - Make Me Feel
Tavia Nyong'o - MeShell Ndegeocello - Waterfalls
Christian Duenas - Frank Ocean - White Ferrari

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 Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Farewell Rocketeers! It's been a blast getting to know you all on the Facebook and on Twitter. I'm gonna miss you so much!
Christian Dueñas

This week, Guy and the gang talk about their favorite first ladies and lady presidents in movies and TV. Is there a fictional first lady that ISN'T some kind of commentary on Hillary? What kind of media would we like to see about the Obamas? When will Melania spill the tea? Plus, Margaret's baby makes his first podcast appearance, Wynter discusses Chris Rock's Netflix special, Guy talks Queer Eye, and the panel has a conversation on Parkland and Emma Gonzalez' speech on gun control.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Tammy Wynette - Stand By Your Man
Karen Tongson and Wynter Mitchell- Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA - All the Stars
Guy Branum - Angela Lansbury in The Manchurian Candidate

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 Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

Karen Tongson takes over hosting duties this week and film critic Dave White joins the panel to discuss all things Valentine's Day. Who are our favorite TV couples? Are rom coms over? What couple do our panelists aspire to be like? Plus, Karen talks the Winter Olympics, Dave tells us about his new favorite chef, and Wynter has a few more words on Versace.

With Karen Tongson, Wynter Mitchell, and Dave White.

That's My Jam:

Karen Tongson - The Shins - Heartworms (Flipped)
Wynter Mitchell - Justin Timberlake - Filthy
Dave White - Trina - Pull Over

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 Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy and the gang discuss different representations of their respective careers in pop culture. How accurately is stand up comedy portrayed in Seinfeld? Are the lives of archaeology professors anywhere near as interesting as Indiana Jones'? Does ER do a good job of showing the process of having a baby? Plus, Karen talks The Alienist, Margaret gets into more podcasts, and Guy is in love with One Day at a Time.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - First Aid Kit - America
Karen Tongson - Matthew Wilder - Break My Stride
Guy Branum - The comedy of Bob Smith

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 Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Louis Virtel takes over hosting duties to talk about The Post and journalism movies with Margaret and special guest April Wolfe! What kind of stories would the gang like to see in the future? Is Broadcast News secretly creepy?

Plus, Louis LOVES awards season, April talks SNL, and Margaret discusses Kesha's Grammy performance and her legal feud with Dr. Luke.

With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, April Wolfe and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Rayvn Lenae - Sticky
April Wolfe - Tweak Bird - Whorses
Louis Virtel - Colonel Adams - I'm Not Gonna Let You

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 Christian Dueñas for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy and the gang discuss The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. How amazing is Penelope Cruz' performance? How "true" is this true crime story and does it matter? Plus, Guy is getting into faith-based comedy, Wynter is watching even more stand up comedy, Margaret has some thoughts on The Chi, and Karen discusses The Hollywood Reporter's feature on Ellen Pompeo.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - The Mountain Goats - Wear Black
Karen Tongson - Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good
Wynter Mitchell - Gary Numan - M.E.
Guy Branum - Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy

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 for MaximumFun.org.

This week the panel weighs in on call out culture. This episode was recorded shortly after the an article about a woman's date with Aziz Ansari came out. They examine the origins of call out culture, and its impact on the culture at large. It's a rich and nuanced conversation.

Plus, Karen's All About is Season 15 of Top Chef Colorado, and Guy gives Karen half of his "all about" time so he can share his Top Chef thoughts. Guy's spends the other half of his time telling us about a video reel that played at the gay male wedding he attended this past weekend. For anyone thinking of introducing such a reel at his or her own wedding, Guy's got some opinions on it.

Wynter Mitchell's all about Tom Segura's new Netflix comedy special.

That's My Jam:
Karen Tongson - The Cranberries - Linger
Wynter Mitchell - The Cranberries - Ode to My Family
Guy Branum - The Sauce Podcast

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson,
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 for MaximumFun.org;.

It's that time of the year again! Guy and the gang and special guest Louis Virtel go over the very best of 2017 pop culture in this super-sized episode! Who will take the coveted Tart d'Or this year? Plus, the gang deliberates over categories suggested by listeners.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and Louis Virtel.

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 for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy and the gang talk about awards season and give some Oscar predictions! How will awards shows change in the #metoo era? Are we all tired of obvious Oscar bait? WHY DO THE GRAMMYS EXIST?! Plus, Karen catches up on Downton Abbey, Wynter discusses Black Mirror, Margaret loves Amazon's Rose Parade show, and Guy argues on Facebook about Call Me By Your Name.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Jonny Greenwood - House of Woodcock
Karen Tongson - Japanese Breakfast - Machinist
Wynter Mitchell - ABBA - Happy New Year
Guy Branum - Curtiss Maldoon - Sepheryn (Ray of Light)

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 for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy Branum and the gang discuss their favorite "so bad it's good" movies, tv, and music. How was Small Wonder a real thing? What's the difference between schlock, schmatlz, and just straight up bad? Plus, Wynter has a few words on 45 in the Hall of Presidents, Karen just watched Masterminds, Margaret takes a 1 second video, and Guy loves Beatriz at Dinner.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.
That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
Karen Tongson - Wham - Last Christmas
Wynter Mitchell - Bjork - Arisen my Senses
Guy Branum - Lou Bega - Mambo No 5

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 for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy and the gang talk about the film I, Tonya. Was Margot Robbie the best choice to portray Tonya Harding? Is the movie maybe just a bit too Oscar bait-y? All that, plus Guy talks Marvelous Ms. Maisel (again), Karen loves The Big Family Cooking Showdown, Wynter discusses Omarosa, and Margaret gets into sex therapy podcasts.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - St. Vincent - Pills
Karen Tongson - General Public - Never You Done That
Wynter Mitchell - Beck - Wow
Guy Branum - Lizzo - Truth Hurts

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 for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Guy and the gang talk about Hanukkah and their favorite representations of the Festival of Lights in pop culture. Plus, Margaret discusses "Cat Person" Karen watched ALL of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Wynter and Guy can't stop talking about The Crown episode 8.

With Guy Branum, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

That’s My Jam:

Margaret Wappler - Darlene Love - Christmastime for the Jews
Karen Tongson - Fiddler on the Roof - Do You Love Me
Wynter Mitchell - Giraffage and Matosic - Slowly
Guy Branum - Matisyahu - Miracle

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 for MaximumFun.org.

Guy and Margaret make their triumphant returns and what better way to celebrate than a discussion on the best and worst reunions in pop culture! Why do TV reunions feel so special and do they ever live up to the hype? What reunions are we dying to see happen? Plus, Guy talks Lady Bird, Margaret's jam makes everyone a little misty eyed, and Karen has a few stories to share about Barbra Streisand.

With Guy Branum, Karen Tongson and Margaret Wappler.

Margaret Wappler - LCD Soundsystem - Oh Baby
Karen Tongson - Skeeter Davis - The End of the World
Guy Branum - Bette Midler - Hello Dolly!

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 for MaximumFun.org.

It's Louis Virtel's last week guest hosting Pop Rocket and so we let him choose today's topic. Louis decided to have the panelists create their own covens and fill it with 5 of the raddest living women. Which of the panelists feels Chrissy Teigen is their spirit animal? Who believes Jane Curtin really represents their soul? Tune in and find out! Plus, Dave wants to dive into sad Christmas, Karen gets into true crime, Wynter's Gotta Have It, and Louis can't help but love Call Me By Your Name.

With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Dave White.

That’s My Jam:

Dave White - The Partridge Family - I Can Feel Your Heartbeat
Karen Tongson - Mel C - Suddenly Monday
Wynter Mitchell - Teen Titans Go! Cast - Work on an Episode
Louis Virtel - Boy Krazy - That's What Love Can Do

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 for MaximumFun.org.

Happy Thanksgiving, Rocketeers (if you live in the US)! This week, the gang sit down and open up the Pop Rocket mailbag to answer a few of your questions. There's relationship advice, feminist awakenings, dog discussions, and everything in between!

With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson and Alonso Duralde.

That’s My Jam:

Alonso Duralde - Pearl Bailey - Five Pound Box of Money
Karen Tongson - The Psychedelic Furs - Ghost in You
Wynter Mitchell - Spice Girls - Too Much
Louis Virtel - Laura Nyro - Wedding Bell Blues

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 for MaximumFun.org.

Louis and the gang sit down with writer and host of the Smart Mouth podcast, Katherine Spiers, to talk about Thanksgiving traditions and trade a couple of great (and terrible) Thanksgiving stories. Plus, Wynter loves Bruno Mars, Karen talks fried chicken, Katherine needs more Lady Dynamite in her life, Louis declared Rosie O'Donnell the greatest talk show host, and Dave can't deal with Oprah's Favorite Things.

With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, Karen Tongson, Dave White and special guest Katherine Spiers

That’s My Jam:

Dave White - N.E.R.D - Lemon
Karen Tongson - Train - Drops of Jupiter
Wynter Mitchell - Joji - Pills
Louis Virtel - Jody Watley - I'm the One You Need
Katherine Spiers - George Benson - Give Me the Night

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 for MaximumFun.org.

This week, Louis, Karen and film critic Dave White sit down to discuss faux prestige (or faux-tige) movies and television. What exactly makes something faux-tige? Karen breaks it down for us. Plus, Louis talks about the time he asked Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell some hard questions, Karen brings in some more Stranger Things..things, and Dave can't stand any of the Bad Moms.

With Louis Virtel, Karen Tongson and Dave White.

That’s My Jam:

Dave White - Bikini Kill - New Radio
Karen Tongson- Icicle Works - Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly)
Louis Virtel- Olivia Newton-John - Make a Move on Me

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 for MaximumFun.org.

This week, the gang talks about THAT actor. Is his career through? Has Kevin come out of the closet in the worst possible way? Plus, a spoiler-free discussion on Stranger Things season 2, Louis reviews 3 classic movies, and Alonso is ready for the Hallmark Christmas movie onslaught.

With Louis Virtel, Wynter Mitchell, and Alonso Duralde.

That’s My Jam:

Alonso Duralde - Cheryl Lynn - Star Love
Wynter Mitchell - Beck - Seventh Heaven
Louis Virtel - Rufus ft. Chaka Khan - Do You Love What You Feel

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 for MaximumFun.org.