Podcast Summary: Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive: Best of October 2025

Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Episode: Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive: Best of October 2025
Date: November 3, 2025
Hosts: Matt Timine, Jennifer McQ

Overview

In this episode of BroadwayRadio’s Some Like It Pop, hosts Matt Timine and Jennifer McQ look back at their favorite pop culture picks from October 2025. They each bring three recommendations, spanning TV, books, movies, and more, with plenty of banter, deep dives, and laughter. The discussion opens with Halloween traditions and transitions into a lively exchange about Only Murders in the Building, Slow Horses, book and baking picks, the Hallmark 'Countdown to Christmas' slate, a new horror film, and anticipations for November releases.

Halloween Traditions & Setting the Scene

[01:10 - 04:12]

Halloween Styles:
- Jennifer shares her low-key Halloween routine: cozying up with her boyfriend and cats for scary movies, no costumes or trick-or-treaters due to her apartment.
- Matt describes the madness of Halloween in Celebration, FL, where trick-or-treaters flood the streets, but his condo remains peaceful and untouched by the commotion.
Quote:
- Matt: “It is a nightmare getting around Celebration, but I am not bothered by people ringing my doorbell, so... Or I don’t have a doorbell. Actually, they would have to knock.” [03:34]

Pop Culture Picks: Matt & Jen’s Top Three Each

1. TV: Only Murders in the Building, Season 5

[04:18 - 12:29]

Matt’s Take:
- Less invested in the central mystery, more thrilled by the character ensemble: “I am just excited to hang out with my friends in this show... that’s the joy of it. While I still thought that the mystery at the center of it was interesting...to me, the joy of Only Murders at this point is the hang and it’s the vibe.” [05:34]
- Praise for the show’s guest stars (Bobby Cannavale, Paul Rudd, Jackie Hoffman, Christoph Waltz, Diane Wiest, Beanie Feldstein, and the judicious use of Meryl Streep).
- Anticipates a change of scenery and mystery as the next season heads to London.
Jen’s Take:
- Agrees the whodunit is almost beside the point: “When the murderer was revealed, it was almost like, ‘oh right, that’s why we’re here.’” [06:55]
- Loves expanded roles for secondary characters; highlights comedic moments (Paul Rudd, Jackie Hoffman).
- Obsessed with the “five brothers” in the show, hopes for a podcast spin-off.
- Shout-out to Richard Kind and the ensemble’s chemistry.

2. Book: "Buckeye" by Patrick Ryan

[12:33 - 17:04]

Jen’s Pick:
- Historical fiction set in a fictional post-WWII Ohio town; focuses on two connected families rebuilding after the war.
- “It is a beautiful novel about people post-World War II... It was really compelling.” [13:13]
- Found via Jenna Bush Hager’s book club, which Jen now trusts for solid choices.
- Recommends it especially to Matt for its “love letter to Ohio” vibes; Matt shares recent family trip to rural Ohio and plans to add this book to his reading list.

3. TV: Slow Horses, Season 5

[17:17 - 23:56]

Matt’s Take:
- No spoilers as Jen is not caught up, but he notes Season 5 felt less character-driven than earlier ones; still loving the tight plotting and ensemble (Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce, Saskia Reeves).
- Applauds the show for knowing exactly what it is: “It knows what it is and it is not trying to do too much.” [18:50]
- Praises the show for its momentum, recurring ‘end of season, here’s the next trailer’ format, and the static (but fun) nature of the Slough House team.
- Appreciates rare glimpses into Jackson Lamb’s backstory, but enjoys that the character remains “mean spirited” and undiluted.
Jen’s Take:
- Eager to binge the show, loves its strong propulsion and compact episode lengths.

4. Social Media: Chigs & George from The Great British Bake Off

[24:06 - 29:02]

Jen’s Pick:
- Recommends following Chigs and George (GBBO alumni) as they recreate Technical Challenges on Instagram—either together or over Zoom.
- “They're both hilarious and they just love each other so much and it's just an extension of how much we love that show.” [25:41]
- Their chemistry, comic banter, and authenticity = must-watch for Bake Off fans.
- Matt agrees Series 12/Collection 9 is possibly the best season, echoing praise for casting and narrative unpredictability.

5. TV: Great British Bake Off, Season Impressions

[27:47 - 29:02]

Both Discuss:
- Jen: “There's been some real endearing characters... but to me, there's a clear winner...anything less than that would be shocking.” [28:06]
- Matt notes the unpredictability, thanks to week-to-week judging, keeps the finale dramatic.

6. Film: Hallmark "Countdown to Christmas" 2025

[29:07 - 36:38]

Matt’s Pick:
- Enthusiasm for this year’s slightly pared-back Hallmark Christmas offerings, highlighting stars (Fiona Gubelmann, Jenna Claire Mason, Janel Parrish, Jonathan Bennett, Laura Vandervoort, Lacey Chabert, et al.).
- Identifies the formula: “Stereotypical Hallmark movie where she...runs into the owner’s son and they help each other make some realization about their life. It’s just lovely.” [31:00]
- Notes crossovers (NFL collaborations) like "Holiday Touchdown: A Bill’s Love Story," featuring Bills players, Broadway names, and famous Hallmark actors.
Jen’s Fun Fact:
- Personal connection to Caroline Aaron; her university’s football stadium is named after Andre Reed, who cameoed in the Bills Hallmark movie.

7. Movie: "Weapons" (Dir. Zach Cregger)

[37:06 - 39:21]

Jen’s Pick:
- Recent horror film on HBO Max, directed by “Barbarian” filmmaker. Standout performance by Amy Madigan; hopes for an Oscar nom despite genre bias.
- Premise: Third graders vanishing in the night, switching between timelines to reveal causes and consequences.
- “It is the same guy that did ‘Barbarian’—Zach Kreger—and he is a master at storytelling where he presents: here's what happened, now we're going to go back and show you why that happened.” [37:34]
- Also stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong.
- Matt, a horror skeptic, is intrigued—particularly for Amy Madigan.

Anticipated Releases for November 2025

[39:21 - 44:33]

Both Hosts Excited For:
- Wicked: For Good (the movie adaptation)
- Edgar Wright’s The Running Man remake (closer to the original Stephen King novel; starring Glen Powell, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, etc.)
Matt’s Pick:
- "Pluribus" (new Apple TV series from Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn; praised for interactive promotions—Matt has been getting “creepy” preview texts/audio).
- Quote: “Very creepy. Definitely has a weird, creepy vibe. So yeah, we'll see what that's all about here in a few weeks.” [43:57]
Jen’s Picks:
- Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein adaptation
- Film "Hamnet" with Paul Mescal
- A Man on the Inside S2 with Ted Danson
- Stranger Things final season
Matt:
- “Frankenstein, one of my top five favorite books of all time. I cannot wait for that one.” [43:18]

Notable Quotes

Matt: “The hero of GBBO is whoever is in charge of casting, because they just get the best people.” [26:52]
Jen on Only Murders in the Building: “When the murderer was revealed, it was almost like, ‘oh right, that’s why we’re here.’” [06:55]
Matt on Slow Horses: “For the last couple seasons we haven’t gotten enough of the backstory on why Jackson Lamb is who Jackson Lamb is. And so the fact that we got a little bit of it is great. I hope that we get more of that.” [21:27]
Jen on Chigs & George: “These two are so funny together...not only interesting to see their dynamic...but it’s fun to see a Technical Challenge broken down, not in real time, but slower and not edited for the episode.” [25:41]
Matt on Hallmark Christmas movies: “They help each other make some sort of realization about their life, and it’s just lovely.” [31:07]
Jen on "Weapons": “All I'm going to say is...the teacher comes into her class and there's only one student and the rest of her class is gone...and it takes off from there and it is, it is the same guy that did "Barbarian"—Zach Kreger—and he is a master at storytelling.” [37:23]

Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | |----------------------------------|----------------------| | Halloween banter | 01:10 – 04:12 | | Only Murders in the Building | 04:18 – 12:29 | | Buckeye (novel) | 12:33 – 17:04 | | Slow Horses | 17:17 – 23:56 | | GBBO: Chigs & George | 24:06 – 29:02 | | Hallmark Countdown to Christmas | 29:07 – 36:38 | | Weapons (film) | 37:06 – 39:21 | | Anticipated November releases | 39:21 – 44:33 |

Closing Thoughts

This lively episode blends TV, books, film, and personal stories with the familiar, friendly banter of two seasoned pop culture aficionados. Whether you watch for the comfort of beloved TV ensembles, crave book recommendations with a Midwestern heart, or secretly binge Hallmark movies on your holiday cruise, Matt & Jen have a recommendation for you—and a laugh along the way.

For feedback, recommendations, or to share your own October pop culture picks, email patreon@broadwayradio.com.

Podcast Summary: Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive: Best of October 2025

Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Episode: Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive: Best of October 2025
Date: November 3, 2025
Hosts: Matt Timine, Jennifer McQ

Overview

Halloween Traditions & Setting the Scene

[01:10 - 04:12]

Halloween Styles:
- Jennifer shares her low-key Halloween routine: cozying up with her boyfriend and cats for scary movies, no costumes or trick-or-treaters due to her apartment.
- Matt describes the madness of Halloween in Celebration, FL, where trick-or-treaters flood the streets, but his condo remains peaceful and untouched by the commotion.
Quote:
- Matt: “It is a nightmare getting around Celebration, but I am not bothered by people ringing my doorbell, so... Or I don’t have a doorbell. Actually, they would have to knock.” [03:34]

Pop Culture Picks: Matt & Jen’s Top Three Each

1. TV: Only Murders in the Building, Season 5

[04:18 - 12:29]

Matt’s Take:
- Less invested in the central mystery, more thrilled by the character ensemble: “I am just excited to hang out with my friends in this show... that’s the joy of it. While I still thought that the mystery at the center of it was interesting...to me, the joy of Only Murders at this point is the hang and it’s the vibe.” [05:34]
- Praise for the show’s guest stars (Bobby Cannavale, Paul Rudd, Jackie Hoffman, Christoph Waltz, Diane Wiest, Beanie Feldstein, and the judicious use of Meryl Streep).
- Anticipates a change of scenery and mystery as the next season heads to London.
Jen’s Take:
- Agrees the whodunit is almost beside the point: “When the murderer was revealed, it was almost like, ‘oh right, that’s why we’re here.’” [06:55]
- Loves expanded roles for secondary characters; highlights comedic moments (Paul Rudd, Jackie Hoffman).
- Obsessed with the “five brothers” in the show, hopes for a podcast spin-off.
- Shout-out to Richard Kind and the ensemble’s chemistry.

2. Book: "Buckeye" by Patrick Ryan

[12:33 - 17:04]

Jen’s Pick:
- Historical fiction set in a fictional post-WWII Ohio town; focuses on two connected families rebuilding after the war.
- “It is a beautiful novel about people post-World War II... It was really compelling.” [13:13]
- Found via Jenna Bush Hager’s book club, which Jen now trusts for solid choices.
- Recommends it especially to Matt for its “love letter to Ohio” vibes; Matt shares recent family trip to rural Ohio and plans to add this book to his reading list.

3. TV: Slow Horses, Season 5

[17:17 - 23:56]

Matt’s Take:
- No spoilers as Jen is not caught up, but he notes Season 5 felt less character-driven than earlier ones; still loving the tight plotting and ensemble (Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce, Saskia Reeves).
- Applauds the show for knowing exactly what it is: “It knows what it is and it is not trying to do too much.” [18:50]
- Praises the show for its momentum, recurring ‘end of season, here’s the next trailer’ format, and the static (but fun) nature of the Slough House team.
- Appreciates rare glimpses into Jackson Lamb’s backstory, but enjoys that the character remains “mean spirited” and undiluted.
Jen’s Take:
- Eager to binge the show, loves its strong propulsion and compact episode lengths.

4. Social Media: Chigs & George from The Great British Bake Off

[24:06 - 29:02]

Jen’s Pick:
- Recommends following Chigs and George (GBBO alumni) as they recreate Technical Challenges on Instagram—either together or over Zoom.
- “They're both hilarious and they just love each other so much and it's just an extension of how much we love that show.” [25:41]
- Their chemistry, comic banter, and authenticity = must-watch for Bake Off fans.
- Matt agrees Series 12/Collection 9 is possibly the best season, echoing praise for casting and narrative unpredictability.

5. TV: Great British Bake Off, Season Impressions

[27:47 - 29:02]

Both Discuss:
- Jen: “There's been some real endearing characters... but to me, there's a clear winner...anything less than that would be shocking.” [28:06]
- Matt notes the unpredictability, thanks to week-to-week judging, keeps the finale dramatic.

6. Film: Hallmark "Countdown to Christmas" 2025

[29:07 - 36:38]

Matt’s Pick:
- Enthusiasm for this year’s slightly pared-back Hallmark Christmas offerings, highlighting stars (Fiona Gubelmann, Jenna Claire Mason, Janel Parrish, Jonathan Bennett, Laura Vandervoort, Lacey Chabert, et al.).
- Identifies the formula: “Stereotypical Hallmark movie where she...runs into the owner’s son and they help each other make some realization about their life. It’s just lovely.” [31:00]
- Notes crossovers (NFL collaborations) like "Holiday Touchdown: A Bill’s Love Story," featuring Bills players, Broadway names, and famous Hallmark actors.
Jen’s Fun Fact:
- Personal connection to Caroline Aaron; her university’s football stadium is named after Andre Reed, who cameoed in the Bills Hallmark movie.

7. Movie: "Weapons" (Dir. Zach Cregger)

[37:06 - 39:21]

Jen’s Pick:
- Recent horror film on HBO Max, directed by “Barbarian” filmmaker. Standout performance by Amy Madigan; hopes for an Oscar nom despite genre bias.
- Premise: Third graders vanishing in the night, switching between timelines to reveal causes and consequences.
- “It is the same guy that did ‘Barbarian’—Zach Kreger—and he is a master at storytelling where he presents: here's what happened, now we're going to go back and show you why that happened.” [37:34]
- Also stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong.
- Matt, a horror skeptic, is intrigued—particularly for Amy Madigan.

Anticipated Releases for November 2025

[39:21 - 44:33]

Both Hosts Excited For:
- Wicked: For Good (the movie adaptation)
- Edgar Wright’s The Running Man remake (closer to the original Stephen King novel; starring Glen Powell, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, etc.)
Matt’s Pick:
- "Pluribus" (new Apple TV series from Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn; praised for interactive promotions—Matt has been getting “creepy” preview texts/audio).
- Quote: “Very creepy. Definitely has a weird, creepy vibe. So yeah, we'll see what that's all about here in a few weeks.” [43:57]
Jen’s Picks:
- Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein adaptation
- Film "Hamnet" with Paul Mescal
- A Man on the Inside S2 with Ted Danson
- Stranger Things final season
Matt:
- “Frankenstein, one of my top five favorite books of all time. I cannot wait for that one.” [43:18]

Notable Quotes

Matt: “The hero of GBBO is whoever is in charge of casting, because they just get the best people.” [26:52]
Jen on Only Murders in the Building: “When the murderer was revealed, it was almost like, ‘oh right, that’s why we’re here.’” [06:55]
Matt on Slow Horses: “For the last couple seasons we haven’t gotten enough of the backstory on why Jackson Lamb is who Jackson Lamb is. And so the fact that we got a little bit of it is great. I hope that we get more of that.” [21:27]
Jen on Chigs & George: “These two are so funny together...not only interesting to see their dynamic...but it’s fun to see a Technical Challenge broken down, not in real time, but slower and not edited for the episode.” [25:41]
Matt on Hallmark Christmas movies: “They help each other make some sort of realization about their life, and it’s just lovely.” [31:07]
Jen on "Weapons": “All I'm going to say is...the teacher comes into her class and there's only one student and the rest of her class is gone...and it takes off from there and it is, it is the same guy that did "Barbarian"—Zach Kreger—and he is a master at storytelling.” [37:23]

Key Timestamps

Closing Thoughts

For feedback, recommendations, or to share your own October pop culture picks, email patreon@broadwayradio.com.

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Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive: Best of October 2025

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Summary

Podcast Summary: Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive: Best of October 2025

Overview

Halloween Traditions & Setting the Scene

Pop Culture Picks: Matt & Jen’s Top Three Each

1. TV: Only Murders in the Building, Season 5

2. Book: "Buckeye" by Patrick Ryan

3. TV: Slow Horses, Season 5

4. Social Media: Chigs & George from The Great British Bake Off

5. TV: Great British Bake Off, Season Impressions

6. Film: Hallmark "Countdown to Christmas" 2025

7. Movie: "Weapons" (Dir. Zach Cregger)

Anticipated Releases for November 2025

Notable Quotes

Key Timestamps

Closing Thoughts

Summary

Podcast Summary: Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive: Best of October 2025

Overview

Halloween Traditions & Setting the Scene

Pop Culture Picks: Matt & Jen’s Top Three Each

1. TV: Only Murders in the Building, Season 5

2. Book: "Buckeye" by Patrick Ryan

3. TV: Slow Horses, Season 5

4. Social Media: Chigs & George from The Great British Bake Off

5. TV: Great British Bake Off, Season Impressions

6. Film: Hallmark "Countdown to Christmas" 2025

7. Movie: "Weapons" (Dir. Zach Cregger)

Anticipated Releases for November 2025

Notable Quotes

Key Timestamps

Closing Thoughts