General

Game Of Thrones: The Long Night, Avengers: Endgame, Tribeca Film Festival – IP 150

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

It’s official- good things happen in April and this past weekend was proof positive with two of the most anticipated pop culture events of the year- the Game of Thrones epic white walker showdown and Avengers: Endgame. Somehow, we handled (survived) all of the epic pop culture offerings this weekend and have thoughts, questions and predictions! (Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Game of Thrones, but NOT Avengers)

We start off with our reactions to the epic third episode of Game of Thrones  and one of the most surprising and satisfying Stark moves of the entire series! We chat about the suspense, horror and action filled 87 minute journey that took us on a fire and icy ride through Winterfell. Plus, we pour some out for those who didn’t make it and try to predict what will happen next.

Then, Sean tries to discuss Avengers: Endgame without spoiling anything for Amita. We discuss what it was like to avoid spoilers all weekend and how it may have been easier than expected.

Plus, Sean attended a few screenings at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival and gives his take on the new Wu-Tang Clan doc series, Of Mics and Men and a new Naomi Watts and Octavia Spencer film called Luce.

And in the Big Sell, Amita reviews the 2019 playlist from our podcast friends JoJCast and sells Sean on an interesting essay from Vulture about pop plagiarism.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Game of Thrones Season 8 Premiere, Guava Island – IP 149

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

The wait is over and the end is also near. The season premiere of the final season of Game of Thrones has arrived and we have oh so many thoughts! [Do we need to say there are spoilers ahead? Cause there are.]

We dissect the record-breaking premiere episode – the call backs to the very first episode, our favorite lines, which moments gave us joy and also which ones left us asking questions. We also share some bold predictions for the rest of the season including who we think will claim the Iron Throne. And of course we discuss the dragon riding scene. Whether you love it or hate it you will definitely want to check out the dragon ride mashup Amita references here).

Plus, we review Guava Island, the tropical fable starring Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino and Rihanna which leads us to discuss the risks of setting high expectations for our favorite artists.

Then, Sean gives his rating and review of last episode’s Big Sell- the Kore Conversation between Queer Eye’s Tan France and The Good Place’s Manny Jacinto about Asian representation in pop culture and shares his Big Sell for this week- a 2019 Spotify playlist from our friends and fellow podcasters JoJCast featuring their favorite tracks so far this year.

Links:
The White Walkers spiral theory

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Inside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – IP 148

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

This week we interview music journalist Brian Ives who shares everything that went down at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony last Friday night. We discuss the history of the RRHOF, the controversies surrounding voting, memorable moments from the past, and the class of 2019 including The Cure, Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard, Roxy Music, and Janet Jackson. Brian discusses who showed up, who showed out and who pulled a no-show. Plus we discuss the artists Brian thinks should be inducted in future years and which artists don’t make the grade.

And in this week’s Big Sell, Amita rates new music from Tierra Whack and sells Sean on a one on one interview featuring cast members from The Good Place and Queer Eye.

Check out Brian’s RRHOF coverage at the links below:

https://power98fm.com/2019/03/29/janet-jackson-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/
https://wmmr.com/2019/03/30/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-2019-no-drama-great-vibes/
https://wmmr.com/2019/03/30/def-leppard-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/
https://wmmr.com/2019/03/29/stevie-nicks-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/
https://wmmr.com/galleries/2019-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-red-carpet/

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

A Conversation with the director of American Horror Story, Mayans M.C., and Raising Dion – IP 147

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

This week, we are excited to bring you our conversation with Rachel Goldberg, a successful TV and Film director who has worked on episodes of American Horror Story, Mayans M.C., and the upcoming Netflix series Raising Dion. Rachel discusses how she approaches directing in different genres, the recent shift in Hollywood when it comes to hiring female directors and gives some sage advice on how to be successful in the industry.

We are also in the midst of the Max Fun Drive! Take the time right now to head over to maximumfun.org/donate to become a member, renew or upgrade your membership. We appreciate your support!

Then, in this week’s Big Sell, Sean gives his review and rating of a recent album from the soul/funk band with an international vibe, Khruangbin, and sells Amita on new music from Tierra Whack.

You can find more info about Rachel Goldberg here.

Check out Khruangbin’s Tiny Desk Concert performance of Maria Tambien here.

Sean’s Top 4 female bass players:

4. Melissa Auf der Maur

3. Gail Ann Dorsey

3. Tina Weymouth

1. Meshelle NdegeOcello

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

The Hollywood Apology Trend & Inside Pop Quiz: Oscars Edition – IP 146

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

This week, we bring you another installment of the Inside Pop Quiz – but this time, Sean quizzes Amita on her Academy Award History knowledge and also gets a few predictions for the upcoming awards ceremony. Then, we discuss the increasing amount of apologies in Hollywood – from Aziz Ansari to Kevin Hart, it feels like every day a celebrity is apologizing, or *not* apologizing for suggestive behavior, comments, tweets or actions. The sheer number of mea culpas these days makes it hard to tell who is being genuine and who is trying to get ahead of bad PR. We dissect who seemingly is getting the apology right and who may be a little too late to say sorry.

Plus, Amita reviews Sean’s big sell- the Oscar nominated Animated Short – Bao – and shares an album from the soul/funk band with an international vibe, Khruangbin.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Inside the Production Design of Fargo, American Crime, Strange Angel + Casting Disabled Actors – IP 145

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

In this episode we speak to Warren Alan Young, the production designer of some of the most beautiful television shows and films we’ve ever watched. From Fargo to Strange Angel to American Crime to the upcoming film Harriet, Warren has been responsible for creating, designing and executing a look that propels the plot, illuminates the characters and elevates the overall storytelling of all of his projects. He shares the secrets of the craft of production design and reveals his journey as one of the only production designers of color in Hollywood.

And in this week’s Big Sell, Sean rates an article on Hollywood’s Disability problem and recommends the Oscar nominated animated short, “Bao”, to Amita.

Warren Alan Young’s Official Site

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Oscar Nominations – IP 144

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

And the nominees are…

In this episode, we share our immediate reaction to the 2019 Academy Award Nominations- what films we think might win Best Picture, what documentaries were snubbed and Sean shares his secret adoration for one of the Supporting Actor Nominees!

Plus, Amita gives her rating and review of the Actors on Actors conversation between Mahershala Ali and John David Washington. Then, she sells a thought piece about Hollywood’s Disability problem.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Winter 2019 Pop Culture Preview – IP 143

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

We kick off the new year with a special Winter Preview edition of the Inside Pop Quiz! Sean tests Amita’s knowledge of major upcoming releases in TV, Music and Movie. Play along and see how much you know (and how much you find out) about some of the most anticipated offerings of the season.

Plus – the Big Sell returns in a big way! Find out why Amita’s Big Sell of a conversation between  Gina Rodriguez, Gabrielle Union, Ellen Pompeo and Emma Roberts gets four stars! Plus hear all about Sean’s Oscar campaign season influenced Big Sell – a revealing discussion between actors Mahershala Ali and John David Washington.

Links/Info:

The Horror films Jordan Peele asked Lupita Nyong’o to Watch Before Filming Us:

Dead Again, The Shining, The Babadook, It Follows, A Tale of Two Sisters, The Birds, Funny Games, Martyrs, Let the Right One In, and The Sixth Sense.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Inside the World of a TV Casting Director: A Conversation with Evan Majors (Rhythm + Flow, The Real World) – IP 140

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Have you ever wondered what minds were behind the casting of your favorite unscripted TV shows and how they found the personalities who’ve grown to feel like family?

In this episode, we chat with Casting Director Evan Majors to find out his approach to finding talent worthy of TV screens and pop culture obsessions. He shares how he approaches meeting and interviewing talent, the need for more representation in film and TV and a little insider info on his latest project, the recently announced Hip Hop reality competition show, Rhythm + Flow for Netflix featuring Cardi B, Chance the Rapper and T.I. as judges. He also reveals the one casting video he’d love to get his hands on.

Then, in this week’s Big Sell, Amita gives her review of Sean’s suggestion- an article about Stan Lee after his passing- and then sells Sean on an honest conversation between Gina Rodriguez, Gabrielle Union, Ellen Pompeo and Emma Roberts about equal pay and representation in front of and behind the camera.

Links:

Find and follow Evan Majors on Twitter, Instagram and check out his website here.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Movie Trailers: An Insider’s Guide to How They’re Made – IP139

| insidepoppodcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Have you ever wondered how a movie trailer is created? Have you ever questioned why you see a shot in a trailer that doesn’t exist in the film or fretted over the amount of plot detail a trailer reveals? Well wonder no more! This week, we speak to Nati Braunstein, Co-President and Creative Director at the Creative Advertising agency, Aspect, and get a look inside the process of making memorable movie trailers.

Nati discusses the collaborative effort behind the production of  trailers and reveals some inside info about the trailers and TV spots for the highly anticipated Aquaman and Mary Poppins Returns.

Plus, in the Big Sell, Sean reviews the new Riz MC single, “Mogambo” and sells Amita on an article about Stan Lee after his passing.

Aspect Website

Aspect on Twitter

Aspect Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode check out:

Our conversation with the Music Supervisor of The Florida Project and Tangerine

Our conversation with the Cinematographer of 20 Feet From Stardom and Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders

Like us on Facebook

And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org