Podcast
The Pop Break
Hosted by Alex Marcus · EN
The Pop Break is a collection of podcasts executive produced by Pop Break Director Alex Marcus, featuring the very best conversations about television, film, music, anime, wrestling, and more!
This includes weekly pods like Roses & Rejections on Wednesdays, providing coverage of the best of reality dating, as well as new episodes of monthly podcasts like The Anniversary Bros, TV Break, Not Couple Goals, Blerd Watchers, Anime x Pop, Batman By The Numbers, & Bill vs. The MCU every Monday and Friday!
47episodes
Episodes
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Podelay: Sea Change, 2002
2w ago01:22:30Tap to summarizeThis is Podelay, a podcast dedicated to alternative rock pioneer Beck Hansen! After completing their Pod of Doom series, Randy Allain (Media/Lit) and Justin Mancini (TheCineMaverick.com) are back to take on a whole new genre. Our resident music podcasters are joined by Kris Ingersoll of Batman by the Numbers and the Media/Lit podcast, and this time, Randy steps into the host chair so that Justin can discover something new.In the seventh episode, Justin, Kris, and Randy explore a far more somber outing with the fittingly named Sea Change. They cover the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop, the oscillations in the stages of grief, and what it means to drive all night…even when it’s day. And as always, they recommend other artists for your listening pleasure.In every episode, each host will spotlight the following:· Where It’s At: a track they really like.· It’s A Loser, Baby: a track they don’t.· Sing It Again: a favorite lyric.· Such A Beautiful Way: a favorite musical moment.Join them as they travel to a destination a little up the road from the conversations and the pods you know. Please join us for the show that poses one simple question: I’m a podcast, baby, so why don’t you stream me?Host Picks: Where It’s At (A Song We Think Is Underrated or Just Really Like)Justin – Round the BendKris – The Golden AgeRandy – Lonesome Tears It’s a Loser, Baby (A Song We Don’t Like So Much)Justin – Sunday Sun (qualified)Kris – Side of the Road (qualified)Randy – Already Dead (qualified) Sing It Again (A Favorite Lyric)Justin – Lonesome TearsKris – The Golden AgeRandy – Round the Bend Such a Beautiful Way (A Favorite Musical Moment)Justin – Already DeadKris – Paper TigerRandy – Guess I’m Doing Fine Other Artists We’ve Been Listening To:Justin – YesKris – Punk Rock FactoryRandy – Jocie Adams
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Roses & Rejections: Drag Race All Stars S11 Episode 3 + Love Is Blind S4 Update
2w ago00:43:09Tap to summarizeYour reality TV besties have arrived! Michelle Chapman and Mostly Nitpicking’s DJ Chapman are dishing on all the drama, delusion, and occasionally genuine emotion from your favorite dating and competition shows. Love is Blind? Covered. RuPaul's Drag Race? Absolutely. The entire Bachelor franchise and whatever Netflix dropped this week? Honey, they watched it so you don't have to — but honestly, you should watch it too.This week Michelle and DJ discuss Ru Paul's Drag Race All Stars 11 Episode 3. They discuss their thoughts on the Orange bracket now that we know who the top 2 Queens are and if the right decision was made. They also briefly dish on the news that Kwame and Chelsea from Love Is Blind Season 4 have broken up.
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The Anniversary Brothers - Captain America: Civil War 10th Anniversary
2w ago01:55:28Tap to summarizeJosh and Aaron Sarnecky are here to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Captain America: Civil War. Joining them is special guest Kris Ingersoll, co-host of Batman By The Numbers.Captain America: Civil War is a superhero movie directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. It is the sequel to Captain America: The Winter Soldier and a loose adaptation of the Marvel Comics event series “Civil War” by Mark Millar. It opened in theaters on May 6, 2016. In the film, Captain America (Chris Evans) must clear the Winter Soldier’s (Sebastian Stan) name after a bombing at a United Nations summit. Complicating matters is the UN’s Sokovia Accords, restricting the actions of the Avengers. The Accords cause a schism in the team, with those for led by Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and those against led by Captain America. Pulling each’s strings is the mysterious Zemo (Daniel Brühl).Other heroes include Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Black Window (Scarlett Johansson), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Vision (Paul Bettany), War Machine (Don Cheadle), and Spider-Man (Tom Holland). Additional characters include Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt), CIA agents Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei).Captain America: Civil War was the highest-grossing film of 2016, making over $1.1 billion on a $250 million budget and received mostly positive reviews.Aaron, Josh, and Kris talk about their relationships with the movie before going into its plot, characters, and action. They also discuss the legacy of the film.For more Captain America, you can listen to Aaron and Josh’s podcasts on Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.Captain America: Civil War is streaming on Disney+
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Anime x Pop: 30th Anniversary Pokemon Fantasy Draft
2w ago02:39:21Tap to summarizeThere’s never a dull moment in the world of anime and Pop Break is diving right into the action! Join anime enthusiasts Amanda Rivas and Josh Sarnecky as they geek out monthly with dedicated experts and special guests on exciting anime news, trending anime in TV and/or movies, and anime recommendations spanning different genres that everyone should be watching. If you are a lifelong anime lover or taking the initial leap into the genre that has something for everyone, this is the podcast for you!In this episode, Josh and Amanda celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with a high-energy Pokémon draft packed with nostalgia, strategy, and plenty of passionate debate. Joined by a panel of fellow Pop Break favorites, they build their dream teams across categories like cute, powerful, legendary, psychic, ghost, and wild card picks. From Mewtwo and Cubone to Nidoking, Wheezing, and beyond, each selection sparks memories, arguments, fun facts, and unexpected emotional connections. The draft balances competitive team-building with pure Pokémon love, as the panel weighs type synergy, personal favorites, childhood icons, and undeniable vibes. As the final teams come together, everyone makes their case for why their lineup deserves to win.
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Blerd Watchers: House of the Dragon S3 & Practical Magic 2 Trailer Reactions + Reviews of The Boys, Daredevil: Born Again, and more!
3w ago01:34:05Tap to summarizeWelcome to Blerd Watchers! ThePopBreak.com's monthly podcast about TV shows with a Blerdy twist! Come hang out with Courtney & Marshall, two married Blerds, as they navigate all the dopeness on TV and share insights and opinions on the monthly show topics!Marshall and Courtney are back for May 2026. wishing a Happy Mothers Day to all the amazing Mothers and Mother Figures out there! They start with Entertainment News, highlighting a few live action films that have been announced to be in the works as well as announcements for upcoming movies like I Am Legend 2 and possibly Marvel's Midnight Suns! Then, they get into this month's Snap Trailer Reactions, including what could be a redemption season for Devil May Cry on Netflix, Practical Magic 2 coming to theaters, the final season of Legend of Voxx Machina on Prime Video, a *very* sneak peak at Kagurabachi from CrunchyRoll, the Season 3 trailer of House of the Dragon, and finally, an emotional Trailer for Season 4 of Ted Lasso!The couple then chill out a bit while discussing their Anime recommendations for comfort Anime, if we all end up stuck inside during another Panini, before finishing up with thoughts on the current season of The Boys on Amazon Prime as well as season reviews of Daredevil: Born Again on Netflix and Invincible on Prime. This is an episode of peak that you won't want to miss!
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Roses & Rejections: Drag Race All Stars S11 Premiere!
3w ago00:53:44Tap to summarizeYour reality TV besties have arrived! Michelle Chapman and Mostly Nitpicking’s DJ Chapman are dishing on all the drama, delusion, and occasionally genuine emotion from your favorite dating and competition shows. Love is Blind? Covered. RuPaul's Drag Race? Absolutely. The entire Bachelor franchise and whatever Netflix dropped this week? Honey, they watched it so you don't have to — but honestly, you should watch it too.Michelle and DJ are back to discuss the premiere of Ru Paul's Drag Race All Stars 11. Before that, they give a quick update on some Bachelorette news. Then, they discuss the updated bracket format and what they think from the first 6 Queens showcased. They give their predictions for who they think will come out of the orange bracket and what Queens they are looking forward to in the upcoming weeks.
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TV Break: May 2026 - Reviews of Daredevil: Born Again, Widows Bay, This is a Gardening Show, Frieren + Netflix Debuts Vertical Clips!
3w ago01:04:49Tap to summarizeWelcome to TV Break, where Pop Break’s Podcasts Editor Alex Marcus is joined by editor-in-chief Bill Bodkin, and TV Columnist Josh Sarnecky to talk about the happenings in television.This month Alex is continuing his work to get Suits: LA back on the air, so this month Josh & Bill are flying solo.Here’s the format of the show:The Best Thing I Saw on TV Last Month – Bill, & Josh talk about a show/episode/event they liked from the last month including: Netflix’s Frieren Season 2 and This is a Gardening Show, Demons of the Shadow Realm on Crunchyroll, and Disney Plus' Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 and Maul: Shadow Lord.Newsbreak – This month, they are discussing the news of Netflix adding “clips” feed on vertical video on their mobile app. This feed will feature YouTube Shorts/TikTok-esque clips from current shows and movies as well as past favorites. Disney+ has done something similar called “Verts.” Bill and Josh discuss this and if it’ll work … and if they’re too old to be the target audience.Streaming Wars – Bill, & Josh each selected their top streamer of the month. Josh honorably mentions HBO MAX due to the buzz around Euphoria Season 3, The Pitt and its finale, but ultimately picks AppleTV. This is due to the new series Widows Bay which has received high reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. There’s also Shrinking Season 3, the return of F1 Racing, For All Mankind and Ted Lasso, the success of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and the new season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Meanwhile Bill gives it to Disney+/Hulu/ESPN due to May being a huge month for Star Wars, Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 and Zootopia 2 as well its sports presentation of the NFL Draft, the NBA Playoffs, Savanna Bananas, and their first broadcast Wrestlemania.New Series Spotlight – This month Bill and Josh return to TV Break’s most watched streamer (that could be a lie) AppleTV for Widows Bay. The series was created, written and produced by Katie Dippold who wrote Ghostbusters (2016), The Heat, Spy, and Haunted Mansion … and is a fellow Rutgers University Journalism alumnus like Bill. The series stars Matthew Rhys (The Americans, Perry Mason) as the beleaguered mayor of a small New England island. He’s trying desperately to drum up summer tourism business via a NY Times article, but a mysterious fog and an apparent curse may derail his plans.
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Not Couple Goals: “The Skulls” (2000)
4w ago01:35:54Tap to summarizeWelcome to “Not Couple Goals” where co-hosts Allie Nelson and Tyler McCarthy do a deep dive into a different ridiculous romantic thriller from the vantage point of their long-term relationship.Allie, a TV writer/producer and actress, has an affinity for romantic thrillers, the more salacious the better. Tyler, an entertainment reporter and critic, often finds himself drawn in despite his better judgment. Join them as they explore all the ways it’s possible to love too hard… like WAY too hard.In this episode, Allie and Tyler peel back the curtain behind cinema’s most poorly kepy secret society with “The Skulls.” Join them as they rage at this movie’s poorly executed plot, unnecessarily shaky camera work and its ability to get Creed’s “Higher” stuck in their heads. They also briefly get into this film’s two — yes, somehow TWO — direct-to-DVD sequels.Special thanks to Mallory Johns for the introduction music.Please don’t forget to follow our hosts on Twitter @ANelRetentive & @TylerMcCarthy and Instagram @ANelRetentive and to check out Tyler’s writing at USA Insider and Allie’s at Parade and Business Insider!
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The Pop Break Presents: Build a Star Wars Dream Crew
4w ago02:17:53Tap to summarizeThis year, The Pop Break is excited to bring you some very special programming during those extra long weeks when your favorite Pop Break podcasters are taking a rest. Pop Break staffer and host of the Media/Lit Podcast Randy Allain is your master of ceremonies as we take some creative journeys down the corridors of popular culture. This month, in anticipation of May the Fourth, we’ve gathered some Pop Break all stars and friends to build multiversal super teams from across the Star Wars canon. Randy is joined by Pop Break superstars Bill Bodkin, Amanda Rivas, Ben Murchison, and Kris Ingersoll; also travelling to a galaxy far far away are Kris “PerCos” of the Conculture Podcast, Case Aiken of the Certain POV podcast network, and Kelvin Kately of the DFPN.Join us as we gather unique crews and forge new partnerships to tell epic stories across the Star Wars canon we know and love.
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Batman By The Numbers: Revisiting the Schumacher Era + Ranking ICONIC 90s Batman Costumes and Gear
May 102:17:10Tap to summarizeThere’s arguably no superhero in existence that has been reimagined, redefined, or reinterpreted more than Batman. No matter how many times he’s been rebooted, audiences are always willing to come back to Gotham City’s greatest defender. With so much Bat content out there, there’s plenty to dissect, analyze, and of course, rank! This podcast is dedicated to a surgical evaluation of Batman’s history, with a focus on ranking several topics in the world of Batman, among other classic Bat themes and characters.Join hosts Daniel Cohen, Pop Break’s former Film Editor, and Kris Ingersoll, co-host of the Media/Lit podcast, as they bring on several guests every month to share their passion for the one and only Dark Knight. From Adam West to Robert Pattinson, no bat stone will be left unturned. Bottom-line: If you’re a Batman fan, this is required listening.In our continuing yearlong theme for the Eras of Batman, we enter one of the most divisive eras of them all…THE SCHUMACHER ERAThe Batman franchise has seen many iterations, but few are as polarizing as the films helmed by director Joel Schumacher in the 1990s: Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. If you've ever wondered about the legacy of these films, or if you’ve found yourself laughing at their campy charm, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll delve into the Schumacher era of Batman, examining its initial reception, the nostalgic reassessment it has undergone, and why it remains a beloved topic among fans today. After that, they run down the top ten most iconic 90s costumes and gear from these two films!Joining Kris and Daniel to break it all down, we have both hosts of the Anniversary Brothers Podcast, Aaron and Josh Sarnecky!
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