Culture Pop Podcast

Episode 293 - Emmys Preview with Makho Ndlovu

On this episode of the CULTURE POP PODCAST, entertainment reporter, host of PEOPLE IN 10, Makho Ndlovu joins Mase & Sue to talk about the Emmys. Will JURY DUTY be the Cinderella story spoiler? Can anyone beat Jeremy Allen White for best actor? Will Quinta Brunson add an elusive acting Emmy to her collection? Is SUCCESSION a shoo in? Great performances by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in THE LAST OF US, Bob Odenkirk due for best actor in BETTER CALL SAUL and Jeremy Strong’s very method style of acting. Also a discussion about the black comedy, psychological thriller, SALTBURN. Plus, Sue makes a very big announcement. 

Episode 292 - Will Brill, Fellow Travelers

What’s a day in the life of a theater actor? Will Brill joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his stage career & his role as the ruthless Roy Cohn in the Golden Globe-nominated limited series FELLOW TRAVELERS. They discuss the challenge of portraying a despicable character, the bizarre science fiction, fantasy mystery drama THE OA, working with brilliant creator/showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino on THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, Pittsburgh grub, love of dogs, the time he got arrested and his unique musical talent. Plus, movie talk including, ANATOMY OF A FALL and POOR THINGS, Sue’s printing problem and Mase’s massage chair.

Episode 291 - Mase & Sue solo

On this Episode of the CULTURE POP PODCAST Mase & Sue go solo for the last show of 2023. Great conversation about holiday spirit entertainment, LAWRY’s restaurant and what the hell is a medium rare plus steak? Plus, their takes on a few of our favorite and not so favorite films, including PAST LIVES starring  Greta Lee, MAY/DECEMBER with Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman and Charles Melton, RUSTIN with Colman Domingo in the title role. Also, the final season of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, it’s legacy and the real-life Larry David. Plus, a Kenyan golf course with some unlikely hazards, a Pew research sex survey and who does and doesn’t watch porn?

Episode 290 - Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers

Broadway, Film and TV star Da’Vine Joy Randolph joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to discuss her Golden Globe-nominated role in Alexander Payne’s warm and brilliantly written film, THE HOLDOVERS. We talk about her love of Turner Classic Movies, Bette Davis’ inspiration for a specific character choice, the mutual trust between actor and director, working with Dominic Sessa in his first feature film, and the dynamic on set with Steve Martin and Martin Short in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING. Plus, we talk about the Golden Globe nominations.

Episode 289 - Matthew Goode & Matthew Brown, Freud’s Last Session

On this episode of the CULTURE POP PODCAST actor Matthew Goode and director Matthew Brown join Sue & me to talk about their new provocative film, FREUD’S LAST SESSION, an imaginary conversation between C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud as they debate the existence of God. We discuss adapting a stage play to the screen, how the movie mirrors the world today, the irony of working opposite Anthony Hopkins, who portrayed Goode’s character in Richard Attenborough’s biographical film, SHADOWLANDS, finding the proper voice for his part, and the backstory on how he landed the role. Plus, the Las Vegas Sphere, murder in a Sin City hotel, skydiving at the tender age of 104, and people we wish we could have talked to before they passed.

Episode 288 - Ron.Nyswaner, Fellow Travelers

Showrunner Ron Nyswaner joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his masterful adaptation of Thomas Mallon’s novel, FELLOW TRAVELERS, Showtime’s historical romance political thriller starring Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey. He shares the rules he set with his writing staff, the creative behind the intimate, honest sex scenes, the significance of the end credits songs, studio executive notes, and the importance of casting gay actors. We also discuss his Academy award winning screenplay for PHILADELPHIA, the story behind the iconic Tom Hanks aria scene, the impact director Jonathan Demme had on his career and how he bounced back from a dark period in his life. Plus, mental health, Gotham Award winners and a 70-year old woman becomes a first time mom. 

 

Episode 287 - Andrew Jenks, Billion Dollar Babies

On this episode CULTURE POP PODCAST, Mase & Sue delve into the colorful career of filmmaker Andrew Jenks. From creating a film festival at the age of 16, HBO’s bittersweet documentary, ROOM  335 – his life in an assisted living facility, the inspiring MTV doc series, WORLD OF JENKS to the Village Voice endorsed, “Must-see wrongful conviction doc,” Dream/Killer. We also discuss his latest feature, BILLION DOLLAR BABIES: THE TRUE STORY OF THE CABBAGE PATCH KIDS, narrated by Neil Patrick Harris. Plus, the psychological thriller film SALTBURN, Taylor Swift’s effect on the upcoming Oscars and crazy fads from the ‘60’s, 70’s and 80’s. 

Episode 286 -Writer/director Brian Helgeland, Finestkind

Screenwriter/Producer/Director Brian Helgeland joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to discuss the road in making his latest film, FINESTKIND, streaming on Paramount+. It is a semi-autobiographical crime thriller starring Tommy Lee Jones, Ben Foster, Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega. We also talk about his Academy Award-winning adapted screenplay, LA CONFIDENTIAL, his long-standing friendship with author James Ellroy, his scripts for MYSTIC RIVER, & 42, working with Chadwick Bozeman, and a movie studio pitch meeting that went awry. Plus, first-hand knowledge of being buried alive and Snoop Dogg’s faux announcement.

Episode 285 - Comedy Legend Rita Rudner

Comedian Rita Rudner joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to discuss her path to becoming a stand-up, why she ditched her Broadway dance career, Woody Allen and Jack Benny’s impact on her joke writing, the dynamic of penning scripts with producer husband, Martin Bergman, how he influenced her elegant style of dress on stage and an encounter with former NY Knick, Spencer Hayward. Plus, a ukulele event involving Grace Slick and how quarterback Patrick Mahome’s lucky underwear launched into a conversation about an obsession with odd numbers. 

Episode 284 - Josh Larsen, Filmspotting

Author & co-host of the FILMSPOTTING podcast, Josh Larsen joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to discuss Martin Scorcese’s epic western crime drama, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, Greta Gerwig’s modern take on BARBIE, and Christopher Nolan’s biographical thriller, OPPENHEIMER. We also talk about his compelling new book, FEAR NOT! A Christian Appreciation of Horror Movies and his editor gig at THINK CHRISTIAN, a community of pop culture enthusiasts that help believers connect with their fandom and faith through a theological lens. Plus, growing a mustache for Movember and Sofia Coppola’s biopic, PRISCILLA.