Game of Thrones “Eastwatch” recap; Marvel’s Luke Cage Executive Producer Cheo Hodari Coker interview – IP 87

We look forward and backward and completely nerd out this week!

First up, we recap the latest Game of Thrones episode, “Eastwatch” and look ahead to how these tangled plot lines may play out. Is Cersei Lannister with child? Will Lord Baelish put his little finger between the recently reunited Stark sister act?

Then Amita completely surprises Sean with a Game of Thrones Inside Pop Quiz! Does Sean know a Tully from a Tarly? Can he name all three of Daenerys’ dragons? Listen to find out!

Then, in anticipation of this week’s premiere of The Defenders on Netflix, we revisit our conversation with Marvel’s Luke Cage Creator and Executive Producer Cheo Hodari Coker who discusses his future plans for the Luke Cage character.

And in the Big Sell, Amita shares her reaction to an Afropunk 2017 playlist and she big sells Sean a new song by BOSCO featuring St. Beauty.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders

You can also find us at MaximumFun.org

Links:

HBO Viewers Guide

For our full interview with Cheo Hodari Coker- check out Inside Pop Episode 54

Game Of Thrones: The Spoils of War, Queen Sugar mid-season 2 finale, Detroit reactions, The Suffers – IP 86

This week, we have a spoiler FILLED discussion about the latest episode of Game of Thrones (You’ve been warned!) Reunions, Deaths (?) and Dragons- oh my!

Plus, we discuss the mid-season finale of one of our favorite shows- Queen Sugar and talk about how the series is taking it up a notch in its 2nd Season.

And we read some listener feedback to our discussion last week about the portrayal of South Asian relationships in Film and TV.

Then, we talk about the lackluster box office for the film Detroit and our thoughts on why audiences may not have embraced the film as expected.

And of course, we have another brand new Big Sell! Sean gives his thoughts on last week’s suggestion- the band, The Suffers, and sells Amita on a playlist that features artists from the upcoming AfroPunk music festival.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders

You can also find us at MaximumFun.org

Links:

Den of Geek Game of Thrones Death prediction article
Spotify AfroPunk Playlist

New Music Videos; South Asian Interracial Relationships in TV & Film – IP 85

This week we discuss the film, television, music AND music videos that have grabbed our attention!

First up, we highlight some of our favorite new music videos from Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Grimes featuring Janelle Monae. These artists are creating work that’s thought provoking and gorgeous.

Then, we discuss the depiction of South Asian interracial relationships on television and in film. Our conversation is inspired by a recent article that critiques the lack of Asian love interests in the works of South Asian creators like Aziz Ansari, Mindy Kaling, Kumail Nanjiani and Hasan Minhaj. We tackle the issues of personal expression, cultural responsibility and the need to see Brown Love on the screen.

Finally in The Big Sell, Amita rates Sam Dew’s cover of the Bill Withers song “Use Me” and then she gives what Sean calls, “the greatest big sell in the history of the show!” It’s not because of what she sells – but how she sells it. Let’s just say Sean likes it when Amita shares personal info.

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Links:

Jay-Z – The Story of OJ

Jay-Z – 4:44

Kendrick Lamar – ELEMENT

Kendrick Lamar ft Rihanna – LOYALTY

Images in ELEMENT pay homage photographer Gordon Parks.

Comic-Con Trailers, Insecure Season 2, An Inconvenient Sequel, Way Into Idris Elba, Atlanta – IP 84

We’ve had a busy pop culture filled week- starting with an exclusive screening of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power followed by a Q&A with Former Vice President Al Gore! We weren’t sure if we should bow or curtsy upon seeing him on stage.

Then, we analyze some of the most talked about trailers featured at San Diego Comic Con- including The Defenders, Thor: Ragnarok, Justice League and Star Trek: Discovery. Do they stir up excitement or fall flat?

Plus, we chat about the season two premiere of Insecure – guess how many times Amita mentions Lawrence?

And we bring you another installment of “Way Into . . .” with our guide to get way into one of our favorite Brits- Idris Elba.

And Amita gets her wish- Sean FINALLY watches one of her favorite episodes of the critically acclaimed Donald Glover FX series- Atlanta in The Big Sell.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders

And you can also find us at Maximum Fun

Links:

Comic Con Trailers

Idris on The Big C

Idris on The Wire Clip #1

Idris on The Wire Clip #2

Luther Trailer

Beasts of No Nation Trailer

Idris in Pacific Rim

Bastille Day Trailer

 

Game of Thrones Returns, Emmy Nominations, A Wrinkle in Time, Best Music of 2017 (So Far) – IP 83

Join us and raise a glass to toast the return of Game of Thrones – but before you take a swig just make sure you’re not on Arya’s sh*t list!

On this episode of Inside Pop, we dissect the Season 7 premiere of Game of Thrones which has us talking about everything from filthy chamber pots to Ed Sheeran cameos to Vermeer paintings to the one thing Daenerys has in common with Prince and the Revolution! (There are Spoilers in this conversation- you’ve been warned)

Then – we give you many reasons why you should be over the moon (just like us)  for the the new trailer for the Ava DuVernay epic, A Wrinkle in Time.

We’re also joined by special guest, DJ and Television Producer James Barker (aka DJ Chaotic) who shares his favorite albums and singles of the first half of 2017. A must listen if you’re looking for thoughtful, upbeat, quality tunes to add to your playlists!

Plus, we give you our thoughts on the Emmy nominations.

And it’s quid pro quo time in The Big Sell. Amita rates Sean’s Big Sell from last week (an episode of the Amazon series, I Love Dick) and in turns sells Sean on an Emmy nominated episode of Atlanta he (shamefully) has not yet seen.

 

James’ Best of 2017 (So Far)

Albums:

Harry Styles – Harry Styles

Lorde – Melodrama

Qveen Herby – Qveen Herby

Singles:

Maty Noyes – The Making of ‘London’

Geordie Kieffer- Red Line

Carly Rae Jepsen- Cut to the Feeling

 

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www.insidepoppodcast.com

http://maximumfun.org/shows/inside-pop

Jay-Z’s 4:44, Best TV of 2017 (So Far), Bishop Briggs – IP 82

This week, Inside Pop dives into Jay-Z’s new album 4:44- we discuss some of the personal issues he revealed in his lyrics along with his evolution from his first album to now. We then discuss other artists who have bared their soul through music and some of the confessional – like songs with which we have connected –  including Beyonce, Lauryn Hill, Prince, Mary J. Blige and more.

Then, we revel in the abundance of programming that Peak TV has given us in 2017 with our Best of TV picks of the last 6 months. Find out which shows made our individual lists and which shows we shared our undying affection for.

Plus, Sean gives his Big Sell review and rating of last week’s suggestion from Amita- the singer/songwriter, Bishop Briggs. Then, he shares his Big Sell which comes from one of the series on his Best of TV (So Far) list.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders

You can also find Inside Pop on Maximum Fun network.

Spiderman: Homecoming, Best Movies of 2017 (So Far), Summer Blockbusters, Miguel – IP 81

The holiday weekend is over but the fun is just about to begin! Take a deep dive inside the world of pop culture and join Sean David Johnson and Amita Patel as they celebrate their debut episode on Maximum Fun!

  • Who are Amita and Sean? I mean who are they REALLY?: The co-hosts of Inside Pop (aka The Pop Insiders) give you a quick (re)introduction.
  • Inside Pop Quiz: Summer Blockbuster Movie Edition. Sean quizzes Amita on everything from which Spielberg summer flick has made the most money to which of Rihanna’s lines of dialogue from Battleship are the most memorable.
  • Best Movies of 2017 . . .  So Far: Special guest Mike Cecchini, editor-in-chief of Den of Geek joins Sean and Amita to discuss his favorite films of the first half of the year. Plus he shares an early review of Spiderman: Homecoming.
  • The Big Sell: Each week Sean and Amita take turns recommending something from the world of pop culture the other has yet to experience. Last week, Sean’s Big Sell to Amita was the Viceland episode of Earthworks featuring musician (and Inside Pop object of objectification) Miguel.  This week Amita big sells Sean music from British singer/songwriter, Bishop Briggs.

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Our Website www.insidepoppodcast.com

On Max Fun

The Big Sick, Top LGBT TV Characters, TLC – IP 80

This week, Amita discusses the new film, The Big Sick, written and starring Kumail Nanjiani. Will it be the sleeper hit of the summer?

Then, in honor of Pride Month, we revisit one of our favorite countdowns- our Top 3 LGBT Television Characters – with special guest Kevyn Fairchild.

And Sean gives his review of TLC’s new single “Way Back” in the Big Sell and suggests a Viceland show featuring IP favorite, Miguel.

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Big Announcement, Alabama Shakes – IP 79

This week we’ve got a big announcement in a short episode. After we share some exciting news about our podcast, we bring you Amita’s review of Sean’s last Big Sell, Alabama Shakes new/old song, “Killer Diller Blues.” After her review, Amita big sells Sean on a new joint by an older group.

And Sean also gives a bonus big sell and tells Amita about the fantastic Georgia O’Keefe exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum.

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Wonder Woman, Master of None, Tickling Giants, Sense8 – IP 78

This week- we dive into the world of pop culture with:

  • Wonder Woman – Amita gives her reaction and we discuss the film’s record breaking box office.
  • Master of None – We can’t get enough of the Season 2 and talk about Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang’s decision to hold off on Season 3…for now.
  • Sean pours some out for the final season of one of his favorite Netflix series, Sense8.
  • We share an excerpt of our interview with Sara Taksler, the writer/director/producer of the documentary, Tickling Giants.
  • And Sean rates and reviews last week’s Big Sell, the soul/funk/blues artist, Earl St. Clair and shares his Big Sell- a new single from Alabama Shakes.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PopInsiders