BroadwayRadio Presents: Some Like It Pop Free - Best of May 2025

Release Date: June 16, 2025

BroadwayRadio's "Some Like It Pop" podcast offers a vibrant recap of the latest in pop culture, focusing on Broadway and beyond. Hosted by Matt Tamanini and Jennifer McHugh, this episode delves into their top picks from May 2025, discusses the recent Tony Awards, and shares personal insights and upcoming plans. Here’s a detailed summary capturing the essence of their lively conversation.

1. Introduction and Podcast Overview

[00:00 - 01:24]

Matt Tamanini opens the episode by welcoming listeners and introducing Jennifer McHugh, Broadway Radio's Los Angeles bureau chief. They briefly mention the recent Tony Awards and outline the podcast's format: reviewing and ranking their top three favorite pop culture items from the past month, spanning TV, movies, books, music, podcasts, and events.

Quote:

• Matt Tamanini: “...if you are unfamiliar with what we do here on something like a pop. But we look back at all of the pop culture that we consumed in the previous month and tell you the three things that we enjoyed the most...”
  [00:47]

2. Jennifer’s Top Pick: Murderbot (TV Show)

[01:24 - 06:41]

Jennifer shares her enthusiasm for the new Apple TV+ series, Murderbot, starring Alexander Skarsgard. She provides an overview of the show, highlighting its basis on Martha Wells' book series, the intriguing character of the cyborg gaining autonomy, and the comedic element of its in-universe soap opera, "The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon."

Notable Points:

• Alexander Skarsgard's portrayal of a cyborg seeking autonomy.
• The show blends sci-fi elements with quirky comedy.
• Jennifer appreciates the exploration of AI and humanity.

Quote:

• Jennifer McHugh: “...Alexander Skarsgard plays a cyborg and he's recently figured out how to become autonomous by overriding his pre-programmed coding... it's an interesting, you know, it's very sci-fi to see if... AI and things like that could find humanity.”
  [04:35]

3. Matt’s Top Picks: Movies and Books

a. Sinners (Movie)

[06:41 - 09:34]

Matt discusses Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role. Set in 1932 Clarksdale, Mississippi, the film intertwines themes of crime, community, and supernatural elements with vampires.

Notable Points:

• Genre-bending narrative combining crime drama and supernatural.
• Strong performances by Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld.
• Themes of ambition, community, and moral ambiguity.

Quote:

• Matt Tamanini: “...it is genre bending, funny, on the edge of your seat, thrilling. Everything that you want out of a movie you will get with Sinners.”
  [06:41]

b. A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall (Book)

[09:34 - 13:36]

Matt presents A Killing Cold, a gripping thriller about a woman’s unsettling experience at her fiancé’s family retreat. He contrasts it with familiar Stephen King-style settings, praising its twists and engaging narrative.

Notable Points:

• Themes of mystery and suspense in an isolated setting.
• Comparison to Stephen King’s horror locales.
• Enjoyable despite some predictability.

Quote:

• Matt Tamanini: “...if you're looking for a thriller, maybe to combat how hot it is wherever you live, this would be a good one.”
  [13:36]

c. The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (Book)

[09:34 - 11:27]

Jennifer’s favorite book of the month is The Lion Women of Tehran, a historical fiction novel set during significant periods in Iran’s history. She praises its portrayal of friendship, revolution, and personal struggles against a rich historical backdrop.

Notable Points:

• Insightful look into Iran’s revolution and societal changes.
• Deep character development and emotional narrative.
• Educational and engaging read on Middle Eastern history.

Quote:

• Jennifer McHugh: “...it is just a really, really fascinating book. And it is it... I read it so fast because it was just so compelling...”
  [09:34]

4. Additional Recommendations and Discussions

[13:36 - 20:56]

The hosts exchange further book recommendations, discussing Matt’s current read, Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Jennifer’s participation in a pub choir led by Astrid, a dynamic performer from Brisbane. They also touch upon the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, praising its charm and heartfelt performances despite some changes from the original.

Notable Points:

• Carrie Soto is Back explores themes of athletic comeback and personal struggles.
• The pub choir experience emphasizes community and joy through music.
• Lilo & Stitch remake maintains the original’s heart while introducing new elements.

Quote:

• Jennifer McHugh: “...this lady Astrid, she's this bombshell, both figuratively and literally. Talent down from Brisbane... it is about getting out of your comfort zone and singing and having fun...”
  [16:15 - 18:38]

5. Tony Awards Recap and Analysis

[20:55 - 24:35]

The conversation shifts to the recent Tony Awards. Jennifer praises host Cynthia Erivo for her effortless and flawless hosting. They discuss standout performances, memorable moments, and the absence of a Lifetime Achievement segment due to time constraints.

Notable Points:

• Cynthia Erivo’s seamless hosting and engaging performances.
• Highlights from performances like “Just in Time” and "Buena Vista Social Club."
• Critique of the Tony broadcast’s structure, particularly the exclusion of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Quotes:

• Jennifer McHugh: “...Cynthia was great. She just... everything she does is so effortless...”
  [21:24]

• Jennifer McHugh: “...Harvey Fierstein gave this beautiful and important speech that just deserved to be heard.”
  [23:51]

6. Personal Insights and Upcoming Plans

[24:35 - 28:12]

Matt and Jennifer share their personal engagements and future plans. Jennifer talks about attending Broadway shows in New York for her birthday, while Matt reveals his excitement for the upcoming season of The Bear, participating in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, and watching the new Ironheart miniseries on Disney+.

Notable Points:

• Jennifer’s trip to New York includes attending Broadway performances.
• Matt’s bucket list includes participating in a major poker event and watching Ironheart.
• Both hosts express enthusiasm for upcoming entertainment and personal events.

Quote:

• Matt Tamanini: “...I am fulfilling a bucket list thing and checking off playing in a World Series of Poker event starting on June 26th.”
  [27:04]

7. Conclusion and Listener Engagement

[28:12 - End]

Wrapping up the episode, Matt and Jennifer encourage listeners to share their favorite May moments and Tony Awards opinions via social media or email. They express gratitude for their audience's support and tease upcoming content for June, including Jennifer’s trip to New York and Matt’s poker event.

Quote:

• Matt Tamanini: “...let us know what you enjoyed most from the month of May or what your takes were on the Tony Awards on social media at Broadway Radio or via email at Patreon broadwayradio.”
  [28:12]

Final Thoughts

The episode of "Some Like It Pop" successfully encapsulates the hosts' diverse interests and deep passion for pop culture. From TV shows and movies to books and live performances, Matt and Jennifer provide insightful and entertaining commentary, enriched with personal anecdotes and notable quotes. Their discussion on the Tony Awards adds a critical yet appreciative lens to the event, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement.

Whether you’re a Broadway enthusiast or a general pop culture aficionado, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of May 2025’s highlights, coupled with the hosts' personable interactions and thoughtful recommendations.