Culture Pop Podcast

Episode 283 - Tom Arnold & Monika Casey, Divorce Party

You or someone you know looking for a silly and liberating way to celebrate a divorce? On this episode of the CULTURE POP PODCAST, the delightfully entertaining Tom Arnold and Monika Casey join Mase & Sue to discuss DIVORCE PARTY – their unique podcast that gives the uncoupled a safe space to intimately air their marital mishaps. They share stories ripped from their own personal experiences and how they’ve encouraged others to get out of dodge with a sense of humor and dignity. Plus, life on the rebound, dating anew as a celebrity, and our favorite romantic films of all time. 

Episode 282 - Legendary producer George Schlatter, LAUGH-IN

Legendary TV Producer George Schlatter joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to discuss his new book, Still Laughing - A Life in Comedy. We talk about his bouncer days at Hollywood’s iconic Ciro’s nightclub, his brash and brilliant creative style that put him on the map in creating the groundbreaking variety comedy series, LAUGH-IN, where he launched the careers of Goldie Hawn, JoAnne Worley and Lily Tomlin. Also, working with Mae West, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan and a bunch of show biz chimps, Robin Williams and every stand-out stand-up comedian on the planet. Plus, what we want to be different about ourselves in five years, and our favorite pop songs of all time.

Episode 281 - Tom Russo, Frasier

Executive Producer Tom Russo joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to discuss the reboot of the iconic sitcom, FRASIER – 30 years since its original premiere. Kelsey Grammer knocks it out of the park with a new concept, sharp writing and supporting stellar cast. We also talk about the TV shows and films that impacted Tom’s prolific career, his first big break, and returning to the Paramount Lot 16 years after leaving his decade plus Network Executive position, great comedy series lineups of the 70’s and 80’s, and whether streaming services are good for TV.  Plus, in honor of us not celebrating Halloween, the reasons why, our favorite candy and the scariest movies of all time. 

Episode 280 - Rich Cohen, When the Game Was War

Bestselling author Rich Cohen joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to discuss his latest book, When the Game was War, a gritty and uncensored account of the NBA’s 1987-1988 season, which he believes was the best in NBA history. They discuss the 4 players and teams that defined the season: Magic Johnson for the Lakers, Larry Bird for the Celtics, Isiah Thomas for the Pistons and Michael Jordan for the Bulls. Plus whether the more physical style of the 80’s is better to watch than the NBA’s current 3-point era. Also, timeshare madness in Mexico, sports fan angst, Taylor Swift’s ERAS concert film and what makes Pink such a compelling live performer. 

Episode 279 - Larry Kasanoff, A Touch of the Madness

Looking to kick up your creative side? Legendary movie producer Lawrence Kasanoff joins the CULTURE POP PODCAST and gives Mase & Sue a master class on how to be more innovative in your professional and personal life with his new book, A TOUCH OF THE MADNESS. He shares how a little bit of crazy propelled his prolific filmmaking career – from Academy Award winning Best Picture PLATOON to blockbuster hits TRUE LIES, TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, and MORTAL COMBAT. Plus, the power of mindfulness, fun with fan mail and a double dinner date at a swanky Hollywood hot spot.

Episode 278 - A Martinez, NPR

NPR host A Martinez joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about the arc of his unique career. From his early days as a board operator on Mason & Ireland to the time he spent traveling with the Los Angeles Dodgers and his job doing pre & post for the ESPN LA Lakers Basketball Network, A was known for sports. We talk about his challenging transition from sports to LA’s great public radio station KPCC and his big promotion to co-hosting MORNING EDITION and UP FIRST. 

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.