Culture Pop Podcast

Mase & Sue talk Golden Globe results, Nikki Glaser’s return to the helm, and favorite jokes of the night. Plus, Elex Michaelson chats about his big move to CNN, the dirty business inside the Golden Globes, 2025’s best thing on the big or small screen and HBO’s HEATED RIVALRY phenomenon.00:00 Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast 01:36 Golden Globes: Predictable Wins, Growing Fatigue 20:34 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐍𝐍’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭 25:36 Journalism in a Polarized America 32:21 How Heated Rivalry Took Over the Culture 37:21 Inside the Golden Globes’ Power Problem 43:53 The Movies and Shows That Defined 2025

Mase & Sue review Oscar contender HAMNET plus the limited series DEATH BY LIGHTNING and the new doc BEING EDDIE MURPHY. Also, comedian Wendy Liebman shares stories from her stand-up career, talks about her father-in-law Robert Sherman who, with his brother, were composers of some of Disney’s iconic musicals, and describes her experience doing the TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny Carson. Then, everybody reacts to Variety’s list of the funniest movies of all time, and they offer up their picks. 00:00 Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Movie Review: Hamnet 08:01 Discussing Death by Lightning 14:09 Eddie Murphy Documentary Review 22:46 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐛𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 29:59 Wendy's Comedy Journey 33:41 Comedy Albums and Vinyl Revival 40:34 Disney's Musical History 45:09 Favorite Funny Movies: Variety's Top 10 59:24 Performing on The Tonight Show

Mase & Sue review Season 3 of THE DIPLOMAT and offer up early reactions to Vince Gilligan’s PLURIBUS. Plus actor, singer-songwriter Joey McIntyre chats about his Christmas Musical Event, TINSELCOLOR: Holiday Soundtracks Live at the amazing CineVita in Los Angeles. They also talk about his amazing run with NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, his Broadway career, and being a born-and-bred Boston sports fan. 00:00 Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast 06:05 TV Show Review: The Diplomat 10:24 TV Show Review: Pluribus 20:51 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐯 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐜𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐲𝐫𝐞 21:41 TINSELCOLOR: Holiday Soundtracks Live 27:43 Reflecting on New Kids on the Block Fame 32:33 Boston Sports Fandom 41:05 Joey's Broadway Debut 45:06 Podcast Wrap-Up

Mase & Sue chat about Sue’s Portugal vacation and the EAGLES at the Las Vegas SPHERE. Plus, reviews of Paul Thomas Anderson’s ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, Springsteen biopic DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE, Colin Hanks documentary, JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME and Yorgos Lanthimos’ wild black comedy, BUGONIA. 00:00 Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast 04:30 The Amazing Sphere Experience 13:29 One Battle After Another Review 18:01 John Candy Documentary Review 23:02 Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere Review 29:15 Review of the Movie Begonia 37:45 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

A trip to the Emmys for Steve Mason with an insider’s look at the ceremony, and Mase & Sue react to Nate Bargatze as host and all of the winners…including a couple of big upsets. Plus actor Martin Starr joins the show to talk about his legendary role on FREAKS AND GEEKS and playing opposite Sylvester Stallone on TULSA KING. Then the Potash Twins, Ezra and Adeev pop in to talk about co-creating, with Martin, a new candy called SWEET STASH JAMS. 00:00 Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Steve's Emmy Awards Experience 12:37 Reunion Parties and Nostalgia 14:47 Chicago Concert and Creepy Encounter 18:17 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐬 22:30 Real Stories Behind Freaks and Geeks 27:53 Working with Sylvester Stallone on Tulsa King 34:42 Samuel L. Jackson Joins the Cast 37:35 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐬 39:44 Candy Preferences and Inspirations 42:46 Creating High-Quality Gummies 48:08 Collaborations in Music and Candy

Mase & Sue review the brilliant, revelatory Billy Joel HBO documentary AND SO IT GOES, TV pioneer Ed Sullivan’s SUNDAY BEST, the reboot of NAKED GUN and the silly, erotic, murder mystery, THE HUNTING WIVES. Plus, Lisa Edelstein talks about her sweet, hilarious Netflix animated series, LONG STORY SHORT, working on THE WEST WING, and the role she almost had on SEX AND THE CITY. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Pickleball obsession 03:43 San Francisco trip & cable cars 06:35 Billy Joel documentary 11:57 Ed Sullivan’s impact 17:26 Naked Gun reboot with Liam Neeson & Pamela Anderson 24:30 The Hunting Wives on Netflix 30:11 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐄𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐢𝐧 31:00 Netflix’s “Long Story Short” 34:26 Voice Acting Insights 40:32 Experiences on 'The West Wing' 43:25 Seinfeld Guest Star Experience 48:06 Impact of the Pandemic on Auditions 58:36 Favorite Movies and TV Shows

Mase & Sue talk competitive sports after the age of 60, irritating public behavior, losing the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, and Netflix’s chilling murder mystery, UNTAMED. Plus, Eric Roberts drops by to discuss his prolific career and brutally candid memoir, RUNAWAY TRAIN: OR, THE STORY OF MY LIFE SO FAR. They chat about his breakout role in KING OF THE GYPSIES, the part he originally chose in THE POPE OF GREENWICH VILLAGE, battling drug addiction, and his relationship with sister, Julia. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Sue's Triathlon Experience 03:33 Steve's Retirement from Sports 08:33 The Neil Diamond Musical Review 18:23 Ozzy Osbourne: A Personal Reflection 23:26 Untamed: A Harrowing Crime Drama 29:15 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 32:36 King of the Gypsies: A Breakthrough Role 33:53 Runaway Train: A Grueling Experience 39:24 The Memoir: A Reluctant Journey 43:43 Family and Fame 47:05 A Legacy of Work

Comedian Mark Ellis from ROTTEN TOMATOES returns for Emmy nominations talk with Mase & Sue. They discuss snubs, sleepers and shoo-ins. Will the youngest male actor and oldest female actor make history? Can Jeremy Allen White’s winning streak be broken? Who are the front-runners in Best Comedy, Best Drama ad Best Limited Series? And what series take home some surprise hardware on TV’s biggest night? 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Emmy Nominations Overview 07:35 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series 09:29 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series 16:55 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series 18:49 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series 21:14 Discussion on 'The Residence' 24:46 Hacks: A Divisive Season 25:03 The Studio: Hollywood's Favorite 27:11 The Bear: A Return to Form 29:23 Outstanding Drama Series Nominees 31:08 The Pitt: A Surprise Contender 34:08 Adolescence: A Unique Limited Series 37:42 Superman Movie Review 39:14 Jurassic World: A Fun Adventure

Mase & Sue review F1: THE MOVIE, THE PITT and the notorious Netflix documentary – TRAINWRECK: POOP CRUISE. Plus, writer/producer Pam Brady talks about the Amazon Prime post-911 animated series #1 HAPPY FAMILY USA she co-created with actor/comedian Ramy Youssef, being on the ground floor of Comedy Central’s iconic SOUTH PARK, working alongside Trey Parker and Matt Stone, writing satire and the line between funny and mean. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Sue's New Mexico Adventure 04:56 Mason's Costa Rica Trip 08:26 F1: The Movie Review 11:31 The Pitt: A Realistic ER Drama 21:22 Poop Cruise: A Hilarious Disaster 27:01 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐲 30:15 Reflecting on Post-9/11 Experiences 38:36 MTV's Wild Creative Environment 47:55 The Line Between Funny and Mean 50:26 Final Thoughts on '#1 Happy Family USA'

Mase & Sue discuss their favorite episodes of Seth Rogen’s THE STUDIO and the biggest pop culture moments of the 21st century…so far. Plus, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING star Greg Tarzan Davis talks about his trip from high school teacher to movie star, working with Tom Cruise on multiple films, the realism that comes with practical stunts & how that Double Ultimate Football game in TOP GUN: MAVERICK works. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:40 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast 03:37 New Series: The Studio 09:42 Cocaine Stories 14:43 Top Pop Culture Moments of the 21st Century 30:49 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐳𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬 37:00 Practical Stunts vs. CGI 41:04 Tarzan's Journey to Acting 46:23 Hurricane Katrina's Impact 47:39 Staying Focused on Set 48:57 Fitness and Training for Roles

Mase & Sue review MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING, and THE LAST OF US Season 2 finale. Plus, Tony Award winning actor Joe Mantegna talks about his role in the original Broadway production of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, David Mamet’s distinctive writing style, 19 seasons portraying David Rossi in CRIMINAL MINDS, and his fellow Chicagoan, Pope Leo. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast 04:00 Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review 09:36 The Last of Us Season 2 Recap 20:03 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚 25:55 Show Evolution and Network Restrictions 28:48 David Rossi's Character Development 45:37 House of Games and Critical Acclaim 48:10 David Mamet's Unique Writing Style 51:56 Criminal Minds Evolution and Cultural Fears

Luigi: The musical. What??? And Jamie Lee Curtis’ big cosmetic surgery regret. Plus, 30 ROCK alums Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield talk about showrunning with Tina Fey on their new Netflix series THE FOUR SEASONS, the stellar cast, writing staff and why an homage to the original Alan Alda film. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast 01:38 Luigi Mangione Musical Discussion 09:06 Jamie Lee Curtis and Plastic Surgery Regrets 15:20 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐠𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 15:44 Origins of 'The Four Seasons' 20:12 Generational Gaps in the Writers' Room 22:06 Audience Reactions and Relatability 24:33 Challenges of Personal Storytelling 30:55 Exploring Emotional Depth in Acting 32:58 Alan Alda's Cameo and Legacy 36:57 Hopes for a Second Season

Mase & Sue talk about Ryan Coogler’s musical horror film SINNERS plus the finale of HBO’S hilarious THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES. Then, comedian/writer Carol Leifer talks comedy condos, HACKS, SEINFELD, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, and her new book, HOW TO WRITE A FUNNY SPEECH. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast 02:17 Discussion on 'Sinners' Movie 12:21 Review of 'Righteous Gemstones' Finale 18:06 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫 21:50 Challenges and Support in Comedy 27:43 Favorite Seinfeld Episode: The Marble Rye 32:16 The Writer's Room Dynamics 34:13 How to Write a Funny Speech... 45:46 Writing for Award Shows 47:47 On-the-Fly Jokes During Live Shows

Mase and Sue talk about some of the buzziest shows on TV. They talk about Episode 3 of THE LAST OF US, the Netflix series ADOLESCENCE and Seth Rogen in THE STUDIO. Also, Carrie Preston talks about her latest project ELSBETH, featuring the character she created 16 years ago on THE GOOD WIFE. They discuss the inside skinny of her quirky character, the iconic villainous guest cast, her first film, her Broadway debut, and being cast in HBO’s vampire hit, TRUE BLOOD. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Sue's San Francisco Trip03:01 TV Show Discussion: The Last of Us07:13 TV Show Discussion: Adolescence13:46 TV Show Discussion: The Studio20:37 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧23:49 The Evolution of Elsbeth's Style30:16 Guest Stars and Iconic Collaborations35:15 The Journey to Julliard38:19 Hollywood Breakthrough: My Best Friend's Wedding40:59 Landing True Blood45:32 Broadway Debut with Patrick Stewart51:34 Elsbeth's Unique Approach

Mase & Sue discuss some must see Broadway shows, The Eagles at The Sphere, a wedding in St. Petersburg, Salvatore Dali, and an incident in a LYFT. Plus, Paul Guilfoyle chats about his new oddball art heist film, ANY DAY NOW, The Actor’s Studio, working with Al Pacino, Curtis Hanson’s directing style, and his long run on CSI. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Vacation Stories and Wedding Fun 08:17 Saturday Night Live Experience 12:32 Broadway Musicals Review 18:04 Vegas Trip and The Sphere Experience 25:44 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 '𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐰' 29:23 Fictionalizing the Real Story 37:44 Challenges of Making Movies Today 43:33 Theater vs. Film 50:19 Memories of LA Confidential 54:39 CSI: Behind the Scenes 01:00:55 The Golden Age of Movies

Mase & Sue chat about Mase’s 60th Birthday Bash, the latest episode of THE WHITE LOTUS, and Jennifer Lopez’s odd new crush. Plus, Jesse L Martin discusses the science behind his gig on HULU’S hit crime drama, THE IRRATIONAL, how its bled into his real life, and landing a career defining role in the original cast of Jonathan Larson’s iconic Broadway musical RENT. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Steve's Birthday Party Highlights 15:44 Pop Culture Talk: White Lotus 23:54 Celebrity Dating Rumors 28:17 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞 𝐋. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 28:52 The Science Behind 'The Irrational' 31:33 Micro Expressions and Poker Tells 37:45 Detective Tropes and Real-Life Observations 40:35 Memories from 'Rent' 52:46 Working with Jonathan Larson

Mase & Sue honor 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 by discussing their top five performances by a female actor in film history. Plus, Jon Beavers chats about the twists and turns of HULU’s hit political thriller, 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄, working alongside Kevin Costner in the epic western 𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐎𝐍: 𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐀, and his unique approach to locking into his character. Also, if you’re looking for good eats in Pittsburgh two words - 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐒. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 Sue's Triathlon Experience 05:54 Preparing for a Big Party 07:34 Top Female Performances in Cinema 23:15 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 29:03 The Complexity of Uncle Billy's Character 32:09 Parallels Between Characters' Lives 33:47 Sterling K. Brown's Impact on Set 42:30 The Mamba Mentality and Its Influence 01:02:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Mase & Sue discuss the OSCARS – Conan’s performance, favorite moments, and Mikey Madison’s bracket busting best actress win over Hollywood legend, Demi Moore. Plus, Krys Marshall talks about her role as agent Robinson in HULU’s hit political thriller, PARADISE, embracing a polarizing character, the depth of creator Dan Fogelman’s writing, and would you want to be one of 25,000 people to live if the world were coming to an end? 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:37 Academy Awards Recap 06:20 Oscar Winners and Surprises 12:53 Conan O'Brien Anecdote 15:33 𝐊𝐫𝐲𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 23:34 The Realism of 'Paradise' and Climate Change 27:50 Xavier's Moral Dilemma in Paradise 31:50 Influences and Inspirations 33:04 Space Exploration and 'For All Mankind' 44:12 Behind the Scenes of 'Paradise' 54:23 Conspiracy Theories and Final Thoughts

Do you want to win your office OSCARS pool? CULTURE POP PODCAST fave - comedian & ROTTEN TOMATOES host Mark Ellis joins Mase & Sue as they give some savvy advice based on something, nothing, and everything in between. Plus, the stellar writing staff, and what to expect from first time master of ceremonies Conan O’Brien on Hollywood’s biggest night. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:40 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬 03:36 Oscar Predictions: Best Original and Adapted Screenplay 05:29 Oscar Predictions: Visual Effects and Sound 07:36 Oscar Predictions: Short Films 10:04 Oscar Predictions: Original Song and Score 12:17 Oscar Predictions: Makeup, Hairstyling, and International Film 14:27 Oscar Predictions: Film Editing and Documentaries 18:10 Oscar Predictions: Animated Films 24:02 Best Director Front Runners 25:53 Supporting Role Standouts 29:12 Lead Role Predictions 35:07 Best Picture Analysis 39:13 Conan O'Brien as Host

Mase & Sue’s take on the rise of AI, a sauna debacle, and Variety’s top 100 TV performances of the 21st century. Plus, Mayan Lopez, from NBC’s LOPEZ VS LOPEZ discusses the dynamic of working with her famous dad, how it’s healed their relationship, and the challenge of turning real life serious subject matter into comedy. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message 00:39 Rambling Start: Sauna Story Begins 15:29 AI and Creativity 24:51 Variety's Top 100 Performances 36:12 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳: 𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳 𝐯𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳 38:35 Mayan Lopez on Family, Comedy, and Mental Health 44:41 Mayan's Social Media Journey 50:09 Growing Up with a Comedian Dad 57:23 Mayan as Co-Executive Producer 01:02:23 Mental Health Advocacy