Podcast
And Let Me Tell You This with Daniel Ryan
Hosted by danielryan · EN
& Let Me Tell You This with Daniel Ryan is your go-to pop culture fix —from movies and music to TV and books and everything in between — with unfiltered takes, iconic moments, and the hot (and probably unsolicited) opinions you didn’t know you needed.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The One That Got Away: Katy, Girl, What Happened?
May 14, 202500:32:54Tap to summarizeClass is back in session—yes, I know, I disappeared for two weeks. Apologies, life was life-ing. But I’m back and so is the chaos. In this episode, I launch straight into a necessary rant about the tragedy that is Katy Perry’s career arc… and let’s be real, it’s kind of her own fault. We’re talking missteps, missed eras, and whatever “Smile” was supposed to be. Then, in true speed round fashion, I give a rapid-fire recap of this year’s Met Gala looks—who understood the assignment, who came to play, and who should’ve just stayed home. Buckle up.
Transcribe →Pedro Pascal Once Again Doesn't Go Shirtless
Apr 23, 202500:21:01Tap to summarizeStep into the classroom of pop‑culture with this week’s episode of “Lecture Hall Lowdown”! Professor Daniel Ryan is on the syllabus:Screen Studies LectureWe’ll be unpacking the emotional wreckage (and occasional laughs) of The Last of Us, from Ellie’s fierce loyalty to Joel’s bittersweet redemption, then pivot to the razor‑sharp wit of Hacks—examining how Deborah Vance schools life’s punchlines better than any stand‑up academy.Literary Lab NotesI’ll share the leather‑bound details of my current reading roster—mysteries, memoirs, and magical realism—culminating in the big reveal that I’m finally about to crack open Throne of Glass and begin my journey through assassin academies and court intrigues.Homework HintI’ll tell you how I’m inching closer to that “first chapter” moment, what’s motivating me to finally enroll in Sarah J. Maas’s world, and how you can turn your reading goals from daydreams into diplomas.Song of the Week (Pop Quiz)We’ll close with a sonic assignment: “If You Get Lonely” by Aly & AJ—a wistful tune guaranteed to earn you an A in feels.So grab your notebook (or your favorite mug), pull up a desk, and get ready for a lesson in binge‑watching, book‑crunching, and melodic studying. Class is officially in session—let’s learn something new together!
Transcribe →Coachella and Crumbl Cookies
Apr 16, 202500:33:01Tap to summarizeClass is officially in session. In this week's episode, I step up to the front of the classroom to give my weekly "what I've been reading" update—yes, I did the homework, and yes, I have thoughts.Then we take a sweet detour (literally) to discuss the Kardashian x Crumbl collab… and listen, I hate to admit it, but those cookies kinda smacked. I'm not proud, but I am honest.Right after snack time, we head straight to the desert to break down the chaos, the fits, and the standout moments from this year's Coachella. From iconic sets to eyebrow-raising flops, we’re getting into it.From there, it’s all things moody and melodic as we enter the Church of Ethel Cain and Lana Del Rey. I spiral over the new single cover from Lana (it’s giving 2012 meme-core tragedy), but please know—I love her with my whole soul and nothing will change that.We also dive into TV time with the snappy brilliance of Hacks andunravel over the devastatingly disappointing season finale of Yellowjackets. And of course, I close out with the Song of the Week—a moment of musical clarity you didn’t know you needed.📝 Attendance is mandatory, snacks are allowed, and pop quizzes are just passionate rants.
Transcribe →I'm Just Happy To Be At the Table
Apr 9, 202500:39:22Tap to summarizeAlright class, take your seats—homeroom is in session. In this episode, I'm dishing on the books I’ve actually finished (yes, miracles do happen), the current state of my TBR that’s looking more like a crisis than a list, and my ever-shifting reading goals that may or may not be based on vibes alone.Then—we need to talk about Yellowjackets. I had high hopes, but some of these girls are testing my patience. Like, detention-worthy behavior. No notes… but not in a good way.Then we pivot to something worth extra credit—the jaw-dropping, soul-shattering White Lotus season finale. I break down that Carrie Coon monologue like it’s Shakespeare, and I’m not afraid to assign it required reading.And of course, I wrap things up with Song of the Week: a moody little number from the one and only Ethel Cain that’s been living rent-free in my head.Pencils down, headphones up. Class starts now. 🎧✨
Transcribe →RIP Starbucks Brownie 2007-2025
Apr 2, 202500:40:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m absolutely spiraling over Starbucks discontinuing the Double Chocolate Chip Brownie—like, why would they do this to me?? I get into my feelings about it and demand justice. Then, I shift gears to something much sweeter: Ariana Grande’s deluxe album release! I break down my thoughts, my favorite tracks, and what this era means to me.I also update you guys on my reading journey—what I’ve been loving and what’s next on my TBR. Plus, I share my latest show watch. And to wrap it all up, I give you the Song of the Week, so stick around to add a banger to your playlist!Grab a snack (preferably one that Starbucks hasn’t discontinued 😤) and tune in! 🎧✨
Transcribe →Brittany Broski is Hozier and Florence + The Machine's Lovechild
Mar 26, 202500:38:29Tap to summarizeWe’ve got a packed episode today! First up, I dive into Brittany Broski’s unexpected (but iconic) leap into music—breaking down her sound, her influences, and whether this is just for fun or the start of something major. Then, I share my thoughts on two books I recently finished: The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden and Kiss the Villain by Rina Kent—spoiler-free, of course!Plus, I’m recapping the latest episodes of Yellowjackets and The White Lotus—from wild plot twists to theories that might just blow your mind. And to wrap it all up, my Song of the Week comes from rising artist Leah Kate—trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.🎧 Tune in for all things books, TV, and music!#BrittanyBroski #NewMusic #BookReviews #Yellowjackets #TheWhiteLotus #LeahKate #PopCulture #Podcast
Transcribe →Nikki Blonsky Makes Me Crash Out
Mar 19, 202500:37:25Tap to summarizeIn this chaotic yet oh-so-entertaining episode, I fully admit to crashing out at the mere mention of Nikki Blonsky (you already know!). But that’s just the beginning—I'm diving deep into my current reads, with a special spotlight on God of Fury by Rina Kent because, honestly, I’m obsessed. We’ll explore the worlds of both Rina Kent and Freida McFadden, so if you love dark, twisty, and slightly unhinged storytelling, you’re in the right place.Somewhere along the way, I manage to segway into a discussion about Nosferatu (because why not?), and if you listen closely, you may just catch me dropping a spontaneous rap verse. You’ve been warned.Then, of course, we need to address the hot mess that is The White Lotus—because those characters? Unhinged. Finally, I wrap things up with the song of the week, the track that’s been living rent-free in my head.Buckle up, it's a wild ride. 🎙🔥
Transcribe →Lady Gaga is the Perfect Celebrity
Mar 12, 202500:48:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I admit defeat with Normal People and proudly dive headfirst into the chaotic brilliance of God of Fury — and y’all, I am OBSESSED. I celebrate the well-deserved winners of The Traitors and break down every twisty, messy, glorious moment of the finale. Then, it’s time for TV talk: I recap the latest drama from Yellowjackets and The White Lotus, spilling all my love (and plenty of disdain) for these unhinged, unforgettable characters. And finally — Mother Monster has RETURNED! I gag over Lady Gaga’s new album Mayhem, relive the nostalgia, share my honest thoughts, and throw some shade at the haters. Hope you missed me, it's going to be a ride!
Transcribe →All Hail Gabby Windey, Queen of the Faithfuls
Mar 5, 202500:37:45Tap to summarizeOkay, y’all — this episode is a whole vibe. First, we need to talk about my (tragically) spot-on Oscar predictions. I hate being right sometimes, but here we are. Also, I PROMISE this is the last time I’m bringing up Emilia Perez... unless it’s not. I have a problem, and I own it.Then, we dive into the absolute madness of Yellowjackets and the rich people shenanigans of The White Lotus. I’m recapping every twist, turn, and awkward stare — because you know I live for this mess.Next up: my full-blown Gabby Windey fangirl era. I’m now a FULL-TIME Gabby stan thanks to her slaying every second on The Traitors. Team Gabby forever — don’t @ me.Of course, I have to take a moment to express my horror and disgust at the return of Casey Anthony. I’m shocked. I’m appalled. I have words.Finally, we close it out with the music I’m desperately waiting for — including upcoming bops from Lady Gaga! You know I’m ready to lose my mind.Buckle up, besties — this episode’s a wild ride!
Transcribe →Give Tate McRae Her Flowers
Mar 5, 202500:35:01Tap to summarizeI’ve HAD IT! In this episode, I rant about the absolute injustice of Tate McRae not getting the recognition she so rightfully deserves — and yes, I’m taking it personally. Then, I dive into this year’s Oscar nominations, where I lose my mind fangirling over Wicked and share my very strong (and not so flattering) feelings about Emilia Perez. Plus, I recap the absolute chaos and brilliance of shows like The White Lotus, Yellowjackets, Traitors, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. And because I love suffering, I discuss my uphill battle trying to finish Normal People. Buckle up — it’s a ride.
Transcribe →