Culture Pop Podcast

Episode 333 - Producer Bruce Cohen talks “Blink Twice” & which sitcom would you want to live in

Academy Award winning producer Bruce Cohen joins Mase & Sue to discuss his new psychological thriller, BLINK TWICE and prolific career. They talk about the connection between he and first-time director, Zoë Kravitz, the development process in making a film, how the location where it was shot mirrored the story, decompression after a shoot, getting his start working with Steven Spielberg, the greatest lessons learned, and his path to winning an Academy Award for AMERICAN BEAUTY. They also talk about the films RUSTIN, MILK and SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, how his personal life is inherent in the movies he’s produced, the difficulty getting gay themed films made, his political and social activism work and a fascinating introduction by Sean Penn to one of his friends. Plus, what sitcom would you most want to be trapped in? And bizarre celebrity behavior.

Episode 332 - Comedian Jay Mohr plus “Presumed Innocent” & “House of the Dragon” finales

Mase & Sue go deep with their pal Jay Mohr - from growing up in New Jersey, getting sober,  to marrying LA Laker’s owner, Jeanie Buss. They talk about his childhood antics, becoming a stand up, how he learned to do impressions, the transition to SNL, his struggle with panic attacks, Sarah Silverman coming to the rescue, JERRY MAGUIRE - his first film role, how he got the part, his praise of Tom Cruise and what Tom taught him. Plus, his recovery from Adderall, rehab life, the brilliance of Colin Quinn, radio host days, meeting Jeanie, and a little something called, angry packing. Also, Mase & Sue talk Olympics, the finales of PRESUMED INNOCENT & HOUSE OF THE DRAGON and Neilson’s new streaming chart, the effect it’s having on rebooting shows that were put out to pasture and how shows like YOUR HONOR are finding a whole new audience on Netflix.

Episode 331 - “Abbott Elementary” star William Stanford Davis & reaction to the Emmy nominations!

William Stanford Davis joins Mase & Sue to talk about his breakout performance on the Emmy Award winning ABC comedy, ABBOTT ELEMENTARY – how a ZOOM audition for one episode turned into a career defining series regular role, the personal connection to his character, collaborating with the writing staff, the evolution of Mr. Johnson’s backstory, the dynamic of working with kids, how his public-school experience growing up relates to his TV school. They also discuss the “square jobs” he held prior to acting, driving Sidney Poitier, being the frontman for the R&B band, The Fabulous Paramount Revue, and opening for The O’Jays. Plus, a sleep remedy that causes sleeplessness, and Emmy nomination inclusions and omissions.

Episode 330 - “Cobra Kai” star Tanner Buchanan plus a review of “Fly Me to the Moon"

Tanner Buchanan joins Mase & Sue to talk about COBRA KAI, Netflix’s sequel to the iconic THE KARATE KID films, and the secret to its success. They also discuss his early introduction to martial arts, working alongside the original cast members and the effect they had on the evolution of his acting chops, the importance of soaking up all aspects of production, choreography of the fight scenes, the prep involved in getting and staying in shape, his move at a young age from Ohio to Hollywood to pursue his acting career, how he avoided the pitfalls of being a child actor, growing up a tap dancer, the film that sparked his interest in performing, an intriguing description of himself on his Twitter page, and what it feels like to be famous. Plus, Mase & Sue’s take on the Channing Tatum/Scarlett Johansson rom com, FLY ME TO THE MOON and the stars big enough to open a film.

Episode 329 - “The Good Half” star David Arquette & good riddance Ellen

David Arquette joins Mase & Sue to talk about his colorful career. They discuss his latest film THE GOOD HALF, working with Nick Jonas and Elizabeth Shue, the theme of grief and how you process it, being cast in the classic slasher franchise SCREAM, his relationship with the late, great Wes Craven, the bond he shared with Marlon Brando, becoming a WCW champion, being raised on a commune, and his connection to Bozo the Clown. Plus, the first film festival at a prison, what the future holds for the remainder of Kevin Costner’s four-part HORIZON:AN AMERICAN SAGA film franchise and Ellen DeGeneres' farewell to show business announcement. 

Episode 328 - “Clipped” star Corbin Bernsen plus Sony acquiring Alamo Draft House

Corbin Bernsen joins Mase & Sue to discuss the Donald Sterling debacle depicted in the HULU miniseries, CLIPPED, based on Ramona Shelburne’s provocative ESPN 30 for 30 podcast. The dynamic of working alongside Ed O’Neill and Jacki Weaver, the exquisite way they portrayed real-life figures, growing up in a show business family, how he got bitten by the bug, the role that put him on the map - Arnold Becker on LA LAW, the influence the show had on the legal profession, the brilliance of Steven Bochco and his flair for the perfect casting. They also talk about the classic sports film, MAJOR LEAGUE, David Ward’s masterclass in writing a screenplay, and the inspiration for writing, directing and starring in the suspenseful thriller, RUST. Plus, SONY PICTURES purchase of The Alamo Drafthouse, the future of movie theaters, Francis Ford Coppola’s mixed reviewed, self-financed film, MEGALOPOLIS lands at Lionsgate, and the best political films of all time.

Episode 327 - “Clipped” star Kelly AuCoin plus a review of The Bikeriders

Kelly AuCoin chats with Mase & Sue about FX series, CLIPPED, the scandalous story of the LA Clippers based on Ramona Shelburne’s 30 FOR 30 podcast THE STERLING AFFAIRS. They discuss his love for Bill Walton and the Portland Trailblazers, his six degrees of separation with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the pieces to portraying Andy Roeser, Ed O’Neill’s nuanced character work, their relationship during and in between takes. They also talk about his role as Dollar Bill in SHOWTIME’S hit series, BILLIONS, the obscure dialogue, saying goodbye after seven seasons, fan’s love/hate for Pastor Tim in THE AMERICAN’S, and how his father’s role as a U.S. Congressman impacted his life and career. Plus, two new shows coming Broadway – TAMMY FAYE: THE MUSICAL and STUDIO 54: THE MUSICAL, and Mase & Sue’s review of Jeff Nichol’s American crime drama, THE BIKERIDERS.

Episode 326 - “House of the Dragon” director Clare Kilner plus “Baby Reindeer” goes to court

Director Clare Kilner chats with Mase & Sue about her latest gig on HBO’s hottest show, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. They discuss the beauty of releasing one episode per week, directing CGI scenes, her process with actors and personal connection to the material, the amazing team that puts it all together, the massive production schedule, enormous sets, various locations, the moving music, what motivates characters behavior, staging a brotherly fight scene, and the dynamic of who you root for in the series. Plus, is there too much STAR WARS? Do we need a remake of SPACEBALLS? And does the alleged stalker portrayed in BABY REINDEER have a legitimate defamation case?

Episode 325 - Jacob Scipio from “Bad Boys Ride or Die” plus Ray J talks OnlyFans & Costner’s “Horizon” gamble

Jacob Scipio joins Mase & Sue to talk about his villainous role in the blockbuster hit comedy BAD BOYS RIDE OR DIE, being cast in its predecessor BAD BOYS FOR LIFE - his first big studio film, reuniting with the cast and crew, trying to keep a straight face working alongside Martin Lawrence and Will Smith and what makes great chemistry. They also discuss the great script, ad libbing, choreographing fight scenes, stunt work, martial arts background, his adolescent  stage performance at the London Palladium, TV role at nine months old, and the disappointment of working on a film that was shot and never released. Plus, Mase’s signature named sandwich at “Ike’s Love & Sandwiches," the Ray J/Kim Kardashian sex tape scandal and its effect on society, Only Fans, porn sites and the amount of traffic they get, the public’s interest in westerns, Kevin Costner’s upcoming HORIZON:AN AMERICAN SAGA, and why it pays to be an AMC Stubs A-List member.

Episode 324 - Mark Feuerstein and Michael Chiklis on HOTEL COCAINE plus Meredith Scardino Talks Girls5eva

Mase & Sue do a double-header - first up Mark Feuerstein and Michael Chiklis discuss their polar opposite roles in the MGM+Original crime thriller series, HOTEL COCAINE. They talk about the drug-fueled 70’s Miami scene, the real hotel the show is based on, the authenticity of their roles, the process of building their characters, and mutual admiration for each other’s work. Next – executive producer, writer, showrunner Meredith Scardino talks about the inspiration behind her hilarious NETFLIX Emmy-nominated series GIRLS 5 EVA, collaborating with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, casting Broadway stars, how pieces of the cast’s real lives were used for their roles, her show biz debut at the age of four, writing stints on SNL, Letterman and Stephen Colbert, the process of landing a late night tv gig, and cranking out jokes vs penning scripts. Plus, the hits and misses of the new flick, HIT MAN, Glen Powell’s hotness, how movie studios should handle their theatrical releases, Sony buying Alamo Drafthouse and the prospect of studios purchasing theater chains.