BroadwayRadio: Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive — Best of July 2025
Date: November 6, 2025
Hosts: Matt Tamanini (B), Jennifer McHugh (A)
Episode Overview
In this exclusive Patreon episode of Some Like It Pop, hosts Matt Tamanini and Jennifer McHugh reflect on their favorite pop culture picks from July 2025. From fiction and TV to movies and personal journeys, the episode highlights standout works and meaningful experiences. Notably, for the first time in their decade-long collaboration, both hosts share glowing enthusiasm for the same book, Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin. The conversation moves through standout TV shows (Fallout, Shrinking), the film Sinners, and Matt’s introspective journey via repeated cruises—all delivered with their signature insightful and conversational style.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Pop Culture Roundup Format [00:30–02:12]
- Each month, the hosts select three pop culture highlights (books, TV, movies, etc.).
- Occasional inclusion of theater, but focus here is on broader pop culture.
2. Shared Favorite: Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin [02:12–09:48]
- A landmark: Both hosts read and loved the same book in the same month, a show first.
- “We both read the same book and we both loved it.” — Jennifer [02:17]
- Book synopsis:
- Follows Freya, a broken woman returning to her dilapidated family home, reuniting unexpectedly with her estranged niece, Aubrey.
- Explores family dynamics, found family, acceptance, and healing.
- Themes and Appeal:
- Realistic portrayal of complicated family; not everyone is redeemable or fixable.
- “It was refreshing to see a story about accepting when people can’t or don’t and letting go...it was real.” — Jennifer [06:01]
- Not a high-drama thriller but emotionally resonant and beautifully written.
- “You just feel like it takes you on such an incredible journey without these huge OMG moments.” — Matt [05:14]
- “Evocative” prose that envelops the reader, with emotionally immersive storytelling.
- “There’s just a floating way that...you read her prose and it’s just like, oh, that was beautiful.” — Matt [07:14]
- Both highly recommend, with Matt calling it his best book so far in 2025.
- Realistic portrayal of complicated family; not everyone is redeemable or fixable.
3. TV Highlight: Fallout (Amazon Prime) [10:00–13:46]
- Jennifer’s Pick:
- Surprised by how much she enjoyed this video game adaptation.
- “It is action packed. It’s a lot of fun. It’s scary, but it’s also funny. And I love anything retro futuristic.” — Jennifer [12:29]
- Set in a post-nuclear apocalyptic world, exploring trauma and survival generations after the disaster.
- Standout performances: Walton Goggins (especially as his character evolves), Ella Purnell, Kyle MacLachlan, Leslie Uggams.
- Season 2 confirmed, making it a safe binge.
- On why she watched:
- “My boyfriend wanted to watch it ... The first episode, I wasn’t like, I don’t know about this, but we really got into it.” — Jennifer [13:12]
4. TV Highlight: Shrinking Season 2 (Apple TV+) [13:46–16:59]
- Matt’s Pick:
- Catching up late; credits Jennifer for recommending the show.
- Strong cast: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Ted McGinley, Krista Miller, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, and guest stars like Kelly Bishop, Cobie Smulders.
- “It’s just a show where I love to hang out and spend time with these characters.” — Matt [15:32]
- Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, Brett Goldstein; Bill Lawrence’s comedy track record praised.
- “Just easy to love” and emotionally rich; “worth the price of a subscription.”
- Jennifer notes its local connection and recommends to new viewers.
5. Film Highlight: Sinners (Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan) [18:11–22:22]
- Jennifer’s Pick:
- Admits forgetting Matt had previously discussed the film; offers her fresh perspective.
- “There’s a scene in there that I felt like I was almost high watching ... it’s so mesmerizing.” — Jennifer [19:14]
- Initially unaware it was a musical or that Michael B. Jordan played twins.
- Praises Ryan Coogler’s genre-defying, evocative direction, comparing his range to Jordan Peele’s depth in horror but noting Coogler’s versatility.
- Matt echoes: “Centers is the best movie I’ve seen all year ... he seemed to excel and thrive and elevate everything that he does across all genres.” [21:15]
6. Personal Highlight: Matt’s Cruising and Mental Health Journey [22:20–28:01]
- Matt describes taking four cruises in July (and four more planned in August):
- Cruises are valuable “balm” for solo introspection and personal relaxation.
- “I have really had an opportunity ... to really sit with myself.” — Matt [23:55]
- On being introverted but reminded of the value of old and new relationships after reconnecting with a high school acquaintance on board.
- “Explore all aspects of your ... social barometer and be open to things that might be different than what you expect.”* — Matt [26:56]
- Jennifer sums up: “I would say that was a mental health journey.” [27:28]
7. August 2025 — Anticipation & Theater Previews [28:10–31:34]
- Jennifer looks forward to:
- New seasons: Wednesday and Peacemaker (“that would be an interesting show if combined!”).
- New film: Naked Gun (Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson’s rumored romance).
- Several theater outings: Some Like It Hot, Shucked, Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl with Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert, notes COVID-related recasting.
- Pop culture travel: Doing a Twin Peaks location road trip in Seattle.
- Matt is excited for:
- Peacemaker Season 2 (especially the opening credits song).
- Kelly Clarkson’s music miniseries (Songs and Stories with Kelly Clarkson, mid-August).
- College football kickoff, especially Ohio State vs. Texas (Aug. 30), coinciding with his mom’s 65th birthday.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- [02:17] Jennifer: “We both read the same book and we both loved it.”
- [06:01] Jennifer: “It was refreshing to see a story about accepting when people can’t or don’t and letting go...it was real.”
- [07:14] Matt: “There’s just a floating way that...you read her prose and it’s just like, oh, that was beautiful.”
- [12:29] Jennifer: “It is action packed. It’s a lot of fun. It’s scary, but it’s also funny. And I love anything retro futuristic.”
- [15:32] Matt: “It’s just a show where I love to hang out and spend time with these characters.”
- [19:14] Jennifer: “There’s a scene in there that I felt like I was almost high watching ... it’s so mesmerizing.”
- [21:15] Matt: “Centers is the best movie I’ve seen all year ... he seemed to excel and thrive and elevate everything that he does across all genres.”
- [23:55] Matt: “I have really had an opportunity ... to really sit with myself.”
- [26:56] Matt: “Explore all aspects of your ... social barometer and be open to things that might be different than what you expect.”
- [27:28] Jennifer: “I would say that was a mental health journey.”
Important Timestamps
- 00:30 Introduction to the monthly “Best Of” segment
- 02:12 Discussion of Home of the American Circus (book review)
- 10:00 Fallout (TV, Amazon Prime)
- 13:46 Shrinking (TV, Apple TV+)
- 18:11 Sinners (Film)
- 22:20 Matt’s cruising experience and self-reflection
- 28:10 What the hosts are looking forward to in August (TV, theater, travel)
- 31:34 Closing remarks / call to listeners for feedback and favorites
Tone & Takeaway
Friendly, honest, and engaging, Matt and Jennifer blend enthusiastic recommendation with introspective commentary, all while sharing pop culture as a means for both joy and self-discovery. Their chemistry and respect for each other's picks make the show warm and relatable, perfect for listeners wanting both depth and entertainment in pop culture commentary.
End of Summary