Culture Pop Podcast

Episode 277 - Director Stephanie Laing, Physical on Apple+

Director/Executive Producer Stephanie Laing joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST for a deep dive into the Apple TV+ series PHYSICAL. We discuss what drew her to the project, her approach to directing, and working with the remarkable Rose Byrne. Plus, the brilliant choreography in nailing the 80’s style workouts and the importance of a show that deals with the trials and tribulations of eating disorders.

Episode 276 - Comic/Writer Larry Amoros

The hilarious comedy writer Larry Amoros joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his ghostwriting gig that landed both Joan and Melissa Rivers on the NY Times Bestseller List, his close relationship with the legendary comedian, the hey days of being a stand-up at the iconic Catch-A-Rising Star, his ice hockey playing career and touch with NHL greatness. Plus, the TV series that inspired his comedy chops, and the joke that garnered him decades long employment writing banter for Barry Manilow. 

Episode 275 - Mychal Thompson, 2-time NBA champion

Two-time NBA Champion and LA Laker analyst Mychal Thompson joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his legendary rise from the basketball courts of the Bahamas, Miami Jackson High School State Championship, stellar collegiate career at the University of Minnesota to being the overall number one pick in the 1978 NBA Draft. Plus, his prolific playing years with the PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS, the magical SHOWTIME ERA, the style of today’s NBA coaching, dress codes, retirement and the thrill of seeing sons Klay and Trayce fulfill their dreams of becoming professional athletes.

Episode 274 - Paul Sparks, Physical

Paul Sparks talks to Mase & me about the terrifying Broadway play GREY ROOM, working alongside Rose Byrne on the Apple TV+ 80’s set comedy-drama PHYSICAL, and his not so bad gig as Robin Wright’s lover in Netflix’s political thriller HOUSE OF CARDS. Plus, the compelling message behind the biographical musical drama film, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, his admiration for Hugh Jackman, the Martin Scorcese inspired element he brought to his Mickey Doyle character in the epic HBO series BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and how a kid from a small town in Oklahoma adapted famously to the madness of Manhattan.

Episode 273 - Director Marc Turtletaub, Jules

Producer/Director Marc Turtletaub joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his new sci-fi comedy film JULES starring Ben Kingsley, Jane Curtin and Harriet Sansom Harris. We also discuss the inspiration of his character driven projects THE FAREWELL, PUZZLE, SAFETY IN NUMBERS, A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD and the evolution of how the critically acclaimed LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE came to be. Plus, his unique directing style and how the former President and CEO of THE MONEY STORE became one of the most prolific movie producers in Hollywood.

Episode 272 - Co-creator/Showrunner Max Borenstein, ”Winning Time.”

Co-creator/Executive Producer/Showrunner Max Borenstein joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST for a deep dive into the HBO sports drama series WINNING TIME. We talk about everything from adapting Jeff Pearlman’s book SHOWTIME, the impeccable casting, unique film style, incredible soundtrack and working alongside Adam McKay. Plus, his early love of film and the bold phone call he made as a young teen to Oliver Stone’s production company. 

Episode 271 - Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff

COO of the LOS ANGELES RAMS, Kevin Demoff, joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about Steve’s favorite football team, his early broadcast aspirations, internship at MASON & IRELAND, his stint with the LOS ANGELES AVENGERS, and how he got into the NFL business. Plus, growing up with his famous sports agent father, Marvin Demoff, his gig with the TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, the RAMS monumental move from St. Louis to LA, winning the SUPER BOWL, food at SOFI STADIUM, and fielding hardball questions on the state of the team for the upcoming season.   

Episode 270 - Stephen Root, Praise Petey & Barry

This interview was recorded before the beginning of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Stephen Root, one of the greatest character actors in the business, joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his new animated series PRAISE PETEY. Plus, the HBO black comedy crime show BARRY, and his daring audition decision for his role in the Coen Brothers masterpiece, O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?

Episode 269 - Nico Santos, Guardians of the Galaxy/Happiness fort Beginners

THIS INTERVIEW WAS RECORDED ON JUNE 30TH, 2023: Comedian/Actor Nico Santos joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his breakout role on the NBC sitcom SUPERSTORE, working with America Ferrara, being cast in the mega hit comedy CRAZY RICH ASIANS, his evil character in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 3 and his current new film HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS streaming on Netflix. Plus, growing up in the Philippines, the shows that informed his sense of humor, and the teacher who discouraged him from a career in acting.

Episode 268 - Comedy Legend Steven Wright

Comedy royalty Steven Wright joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his hilarious and deeply profound debut Novel HAROLD, the innerworkings of his brilliant mind, comedians that influenced his career, his first appearance on THE TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny Carson and his unprecedented second shot. Plus, winning an Oscar for the short comedy film THE APPOINTMENTS OF DENNIS JENNINGS, his thoughts on acting, love and the state of being a stand up today.