Culture Pop Podcast

Author/Movie critic Josh Larsen is back on the CULTURE POP PODCAST joining Mase & Sue for their annual Oscars preview show. They talk about the diversity in 2023’s films, the state of animation, shoo-ins, curveballs, sentimental favorites, who got snubbed and the nominees we would remove for those we wanted. Plus, how the SAG Award winners will fare, and Jimmy Kimmel’s return as Hollywood’s biggest night’s host.  

America’s favorite potty mouth, the hilarious Susie Essman returns to the CULTURE POP PODCAST to chat with Mase and Sue about her career defining decades on HBO’s CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. They talk about the final season, the unconventional amount of ad libbing, being part of the creative process, the genius and loyalty of Larry David, favorite scenes throughout the series, what’s inherent in all comedians and nightmare gigs that helped hone her craft. They also pay tribute to the legendary Richard Lewis, his special bond with Larry and the classic moments on the show that defined their relationship. Plus, a March movie preview.

Screenwriters Terence Winter & Frank E Flowers join Mase & Sue to talk about BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE, which chronicles the rise of one of the most influential music artists of all time. We talk about how the message of his music impacted the world and continues to resonate today, the process of penning a biopic, the dynamic of writing partners, the intimate collaboration with Marley’s family, Bob and Rita’s complicated relationship, the authenticity of Kingsley Ben-Adir’s performance and the lack of subtitles. Plus, lessons in customer service, Steve’s grownup wardrobe and the films that made us movie fans.

On this episode of the CULTURE POP PODCAST, Mase & Sue start with a SAG Awards preview, then lots of laughs with good pal Bryan Cranston. They talk to him about his new film, ARGYLLE, his bevvy of bad guy roles, working with visionary directors Matthew Vaughn and Wes Anderson, his approach to staying in character during breaks between scenes, his reunion request for the cast of THE OFFICE, the contrast between Steve Carell and Ricky Gervais, the extraordinary communal viewing of BREAKING BAD, stage acting vs film and TV, brief stint with standup, iconic roles he’d like to portray, actors he’d love to work with, his system for choosing projects, favorite current films, he and Mase’s obsession with the LA RAMS, the DODGERS 1.2 billion budget, baseball memorabilia, how the media sometimes gets it wrong, the dynamic of being the partner of a celebrity, and did they get their SUPER BOWL predictions right?

Tragically, opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died in a Russian prison. He bravely fought for freedom for his country, but his life was cut short by authoritarian dictator Vladmir Putin. Last year, the documentary, NAVALNY won the Academy Award for Best Documentary. It is now more important than ever to see it. Director Daniel Roher & journalist Christo Grozev joined the podcast last year to talk about Navalny's life and the making of the film.

Actor Gideon Glick joins Mase & Sue to talk about his role as Tommy Cothran in the Oscar nominated film MAESTRO. We discuss acting opposite director Bradley Cooper, the abundance of improvising, their unconventional communication in between scenes and the use of Panavision. Also, being cast in the original production of the groundbreaking Broadway musical, SPRING AWAKENING, the compelling HBO reunion documentary, working with Aaron Sorkin in his staged adaptation of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, our favorite Broadway performances and Gideon’s picks for must see plays in NYC. Plus, Sue’s abstaining from booze and weed continues, the perks of Medicare and why movies are less fun to talk about than they used to be.  

Actor Chyler Leigh joins Mase & Sue to discuss her Hallmark Channel time travel drama series, THE WAY HOME. We talk about the personal connection with her character, her executive producer role, the challenges of Zoom auditions, her breakout role in the cult classic NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE, how she went public with her mental health issues and the work she’s done to help others. Plus, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s alleged CIA love connection and the obsession with their relationship, Mase’s commitment to not running, the dark side of AI, a lawsuit over its use with an iconic comedian, and the surge of 18–34-year old’s flocking to Independent Films. 

Actor John Magaro joins Mase & Sue to discuss his role in the Oscar-nominated film, PAST LIVES. They talk about his shared personal connection with director Celine Song, her brave filmmaking debut, rules she laid out on set, the complex relationship between the main characters, the challenges of shooting an indie film, working with minimalist director/screenwriter Kelly Reichardt on FIRST COW, the tricks of cinematographer Chris Blauvelt’s trade, what all great auteurs have in common, and the importance of awards shows. Plus, the new season of TRUE DETECTIVE on HBOMax, the powerful series A SMALL LIGHT, a review of MJ THE MUSICAL, a missing down vest caper, being more like Usher in 2024, TM meditation, mantras, sleep and anxiety aids.

Mase & Sue reveal their favorite movies of 2023. Then Actor/Writer Bryan Greenberg joins  to discuss his directorial debut, JUNCTION, a film he also wrote and stars in, about the modern-day opioid crisis in America, premiering on January 26.  We talk about his personal connection to the subject matter, the process of finding the means to make the film, the research it entailed, mentors that helped him along the way, and the movies that inspired his vision. We also chat about how he got Griffin Dunne on board, his dream job working with George Clooney on the HBO series, UNSCRIPTED, and an early acting gig opposite Meryl Streep in PRIME. 

Actor/comedian/writer Chris Estrada returns to the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk with Mase & Sue about Season 2 of his HULU hit series THIS FOOL. They discuss the darker turn the show takes, the hysterical minutiae, the casting of co-star Frankie Quinones, the old school inspiration for their character’s relationship, working with Michael Imperioli, his punk museum takeover, being featured Esquire magazine, his rise from warehouse worker to being recognized, incorporating his real life, and the importance of embracing social issues. Plus, coffee talk, a magical massage chair, some new bling, and a healthier way to smoke weed.