Podcast Summary: Something Wrong With The Podcast
Episode: SWWP #30 - Blockbusters & Beats: The Latest Summer Movie & Album Reviews
Host: Julian Delgado
Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction

In the 30th episode of "Something Wrong With The Podcast," host Julian Delgado dives deep into the latest summer releases in both the music and movie industries. Balancing his role as a cultural critic and an unlicensed therapist, Julian offers insightful reviews, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt tributes, making this episode a rich tapestry of entertainment and personal reflection.

Music Reviews

Malice's "The Clips Album"

Julian kicks off the episode with an enthusiastic endorsement of Malice, declaring, "Malice Rapper of the Year. I've really been living and listening to their album the Clips album nonstop" ([00:05]). He delves into the lyrical complexity of the album, appreciating how Malice's work resonates even with listeners who aren't typically hip hop aficionados. Julian highlights the album's impact on his social interactions, noting how friends unfamiliar with hip hop are now engrossed in Malice's tracks.

Bryson Tiller's "1/2 Vices"

Transitioning to Bryson Tiller's latest release, a double album titled "1/2 Vices," Julian offers a detailed analysis. He praises the second disc for its heavier hip hop influence and collaborations with artists like Rick Ross and T-Pain. However, he expresses some reservations about the deviation into modern drill rap, stating, "It deviated a little too much into the modern day drill kid rap" ([12:45]). Despite this, Julian remains a staunch supporter of Bryson, commending his consistency and the depth of his music.

Jid's "God Does Like Ugly"

Julian continues by discussing Jid's album "God Does Like Ugly," drawing comparisons to the Midwest hip hop movement led by Rhymesayers. He appreciates Jid's experimental approach, particularly his decision to feature Westside Gun at the album's onset, breaking traditional sequencing norms. Julian remarks, "Jid will always give you the bar your ass down like heavy rapity rap stuff. But it's always substantive and really exciting and fun to listen to" ([20:10]). He anticipates that this album marks Jid's significant step into stardom, appreciating the risks taken in tracks like "Skate" featuring Clara and Earth Gang.

Personal Anecdote: Basketball Injury

Midway through the episode, Julian shares a personal story about a recent basketball injury. During an undefeated game, Julian collided with a teammate, resulting in a shoulder separation. He describes the incident vividly: "I ran into a wall and immediately went down, knew something was up" ([05:30]). Despite the setback, Julian maintains a positive outlook, discussing his upcoming physical therapy and the impact on his routine. This segment offers listeners a glimpse into Julian's life outside of his professional reviews, adding a relatable and humanizing element to the episode.

Movie Reviews

Ari Aster's "Eddington"

Julian reviews Ari Aster's latest film, "Eddington," praising its unique take on the COVID-19 pandemic set in a small New Mexico town. He highlights the film's blend of mystery, gore, and social commentary, commending Aster for "elevating the absurdity and matching it with visual cues" ([18:50]). Julian appreciates the film's pacing and visual storytelling, likening some elements to Tarantino's style. He encourages listeners to watch the film, asserting its effectiveness in portraying the chaos and absurdity of the pandemic era.

Zach Kreger's "Weapons"

Transitioning to Zach Kreger's "Weapons," Julian offers high praise for the director's ability to balance dark themes with comedic relief. He notes, "Weapons has a lot of good comedic relief in a very stressful film that is, you know, deeply dark in nature" ([25:15]). Julian admires the film's unconventional approach to horror, particularly its use of daylight scenes to heighten tension instead of relying solely on darkness and traditional jump scares. He also touches on the behind-the-scenes story of the script's bidding war, mentioning Jordan Peele's near involvement and celebrating Kreger's triumph in bringing the film to fruition.

Tribute to Journalists

In a poignant segment, Julian pays homage to the five Al Jazeera journalists killed in Gaza by an Israeli airstrike. He shares, "Anas Mohammed, Ibrahim Mohammed and Mo Men, these heroes and arbiters of truth were simply out there doing a job and continuing to try to offer a voice for the voiceless" ([27:45]). Julian emphasizes the importance of these journalists' work and the ongoing dangers they face, urging listeners to honor their sacrifices by seeking truth and supporting journalistic integrity. This heartfelt tribute underscores Julian's commitment to social justice and the value he places on truth in media.

Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Julian reflects on reaching the significant milestone of episode 30. He expresses gratitude to his listeners, highlighting the personal growth and comfort he has found in hosting the podcast solo. Julian invites listeners to continue engaging with the show by leaving voicemails at 877-557-SWWP, encouraging them to share their own experiences and thoughts. He wraps up with a warm sign-off, fostering a sense of community and anticipation for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• "Malice Rapper of the Year. I've really been living and listening to their album the Clips album nonstop." – Julian Delgado ([00:05])
• "Jid will always give you the bar your ass down like heavy rapity rap stuff. But it's always substantive and really exciting and fun to listen to." – Julian Delgado ([20:10])
• "Anas Mohammed, Ibrahim Mohammed and Mo Men, these heroes and arbiters of truth were simply out there doing a job and continuing to try to offer a voice for the voiceless." – Julian Delgado ([27:45])

Conclusion

Episode 30 of "Something Wrong With The Podcast" offers a comprehensive exploration of summer's hottest music and movies, intertwined with personal stories and meaningful tributes. Julian Delgado's engaging commentary and thoughtful analysis make this episode a must-listen for fans eager to stay informed about contemporary culture while enjoying a blend of humor and heartfelt discussions.