Post Election Pop Culture, A Tribe Called Quest, SNL, Years of Living Dangerously, Hamilton Mixtape – IP 53

File this episode under “Life Goes On”. Yes brothers and sisters, we’re still coming to terms with last week’s election, so we begin this week’s show with a discussion of the pop culture we consumed over the past week as a means of escape, comfort and inspiration. We watched everything from Westworld to Moana; listened to Nina Simone and attended the Maxwell and Mary J. Blige show at MSG in an effort to soothe our hearts and minds.

atcqThen, we discuss the album that was a tiny light amidst the gloom – A Tribe Called Quest’s new release, We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service. We review the album, talk about Tribe’s place in the Hip Hop canon, rate favorite tracks and celebrate their triumphant performance on Saturday Night Live. We also talk about highlights from what we think will go down as one of the most important episodes in SNL history thanks to Kate McKinnon’s incredible cold open performance and Dave Chappelle’s brilliant turn as host.

hamilton-mixtape-artist-lineupWe also preview the highly anticipated Hamilton Mixtape, a collection of re-recordings of the songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical, Hamilton. Sean is a Hamilton obsessive (remember the House of Hyperbole?) and Amita has yet to see the musical or listen to the cast album. Listen to hear their reviews from two very different perspectives.

yearsWe’re also excited to bring you the first in our Producer to Producer series in which we interview a producer about their latest work. We launch the series with Joel Bach, co-creator of the Emmy Award-winning series, Years of Living Dangerously. The show explores the effects of climate change in the world through the eyes of high-profile celebrities. We find out how producers sent Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Middle East, Gisele Bundchen to the Amazon and also learn what YOU can do to join the battle to save our planet.

And we cap the show off with The Big Sell. Find out what Amita thinks of Sean’s Valerie June Big Sell. And discover the new music video Amita has to share with Sean.

LINKS

  • Actor Riz Ahmed ( The Night Of, Rogue One) appears on the Hamilton Mixtape as Riz MC. Here is a clip that features his flow with none other than Childish Gambino! Check out this dynamic duet right HERE!
  • Post election, Sean traveled back to the early 90’s. A time where a Clinton won the presidency! Enjoy this clip of Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant performing To Sir, With Love to celebrate a new era.
  • Kate McKinnon’s stunning performance on SNL as Hillary Clinton singing “Hallelujah.”
  • Head to the Years of Living Dangerously Action page to get more information on how you can contribute to the climate change movement.

Alicia Keys, Common, Dr. Strange, The Exorcist, Inside Pop Turns 1 Year! – IP 52

So…That happened.

But here at Inside Pop we’re going to take Luke Cage’s mentor, Pop’s advice, and move “FORWARD!” And believe it or not, we do have something to celebrate. Inside Pop turns 1 year old this week and we honor this momentous event in the best way we know how – with a super sized episode filled with the week’s top film, television & music.

alicia-keys-hereFirst, we review new albums by Alicia Keys (Here) and Common (Black America Again) and discuss how these works are two more examples of how 2016 is turning into one of the greatest years for music with a message.common-black-america-again

Next, Marvel proves thedr-strangemselves to be unstoppable with the release of Doctor Strange, another record breaking film in the MCU canon. But are the special effects and the great cast enough for us to recommend the film to you?

Then, we honor one year of Inside Pop by looking back at our very first episode and looking forward to our plans to take our podcast to the next level!

excorcist_fox_title_cardPlus – Sean tells you why The Exorcist is new Fall Television show you should definitely NOT be sleeping on!

 

And of course we conclude with the informative, inspiring, ‘reach one teach one’ segment – The Big Sell.

So – take a break from the reality of the election results and escape with us for an hour.

Links:

Download a free MP3 of “Seriously” here.

Watch the trailer for The Exorcist here.

Favorite Fictional Presidents, Atlanta, Luke Cage creator Cheo Hodari Coker – IP 51

us-presidential-sealWe are witnessing history with this latest episode of Inside Pop! This is the last episode we’ll release before our country elects a new president. In honor of this historic moment, we each countdown our top 3 favorite FICTIONAL pop culture presidents; from President Whitmore of  Independence Day to President Palmer of  24 to President Shepherd of The American President and many more.

luke-cage-showrunner-cheo-hodari-coker-and-star-mike-colterWe also share our experience attending the Producers Guild of America’s Produced By NY conference. The event was a who’s who of producers in film, television and digital programming. We’ll give you the inside scoop of on everything from what Chris Rock thinks of Donald Glover’s Atlanta to our exclusive interview with the creator and showrunner of Marvel’s Luke Cage, Cheo Hodari Coker.

We also take a moment to wrap up the biggest project Inside Pop has ever tackled – The Big Sell 30 Day Challenge! We discuss the highlights, shout out all of our collaborators and let you know where to go to find all of the Big Sells in one place.

And we return to our regular Big Sell format allowing Amita to sell Sean on a song he’s never heard of, written by one of her favorite singer/songwriters and sung by one of his favorite vocalists.

All of that plus Sean performs one of the worst Morgan Freeman impressions ever recorded!

 Pop Culture Presidential MOMENTS

Battlestar Galactica

Independence Day

Deep Impact

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

Additional Links

Nathaniel Zablan of The Tone Podcast Writes About Ben Folds

Leslie Odom, Jr. Sings President Obama’s imagined thoughts written by Sara Bareilles

Big Sell 30 Day 30: Trick Baby

We made it to the FINAL BIG SELL of #BigSell30! Amita here to finish up this incredible month filled with so much pop culture. I’m creating a new phrase- Peak Pop Culture y’all!

I felt a ton of pressure to give you guys the last Big Sell and realized that sometimes you have to go back to the beginning to figure out the end. The Big Sell has been a part of our podcast since the first episode and has evolved into one of our favorite segments because of all of the new pop culture we both have been able to experience. When we went to Podcast Movement in Chicago this year, we had the privilege to learn from one of the best in the podcast community- Pat Flynn, host of the Smart Passive Income Podcast. He suggested ways to change up your format to gain listeners and one of his tips was to do some type of challenge. That session was where the Big Sell 30 Day Challenge was born.

Also at Podcast Movement, we took the Big Sell to the next level and got a couple of guest Big Sells- one of which was a multiple big sell from the fun and fabulous ladies of the Sistah Speak Podcast Network. We connected with them immediately and if you are a loyal listener, you may recall that we got 4 Big Sells from them and only featured 3 in our podcasts in September. It only seems appropriate to bring everything full circle on this final big sell of #BigSell30.  So the final Big Sell comes from that incredible weekend meeting some amazing ladies and where the Big Sell 30 was born- we’d like to share that episode and Big Sell with all of you!

trick-baby-images-5be8a1ff-888a-4a85-b9f0-4c131c1857dThe lively and hilarious Sistah J wanted to challenge our listeners and gave us a Big Sell of the 1972 Blaxploitation film, Trick Baby. It’s a throwback big sell! So put on some polyester pants, pick out your afro and enjoy this bad ass movie!

Thanks for being part of our 30 Day Challenge. It was fun, enlightening, inspiring and also pretty challenging as well! We loved all of the response on Twitter @PopInsiders and we’re looking forward to doing it again in 2017!

Big Sell 30 Day 28: The Secret History of Twin Peaks

Sean Johnson here with my final solo Big Sell of #BigSell30.

If you’re reading this post or if you’ve listened to our podcast I assume you know something about the joy that comes with allowing yourself to indulge in pop culture obsession. I’m describing the type of fanaticism that compels you to grab onto something in the world of pop culture and study it, analyze it, discuss it and  become more emotionally involved with it than what might be considered healthy. Today I’m going to Big Sell you something that is connected to the origins of my pop culture devotions.

Before I spent hours attempting to figure out the meaning of the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42; or fretting over the potency of the alien black oil or debating the ramifications of having more than one slayer exist at a time — there was one question that consumed me:

WHO KILLED LAURA PALMER?

twin-peaksThe first season of Twin Peaks ushered in what is now considered to be the second golden age of television. The weirdly brilliant show from co-creators David Lynch and Mark Frost is an exquisite mixture of horror flick, comedy, Nancy Drew detective story and a very niche food channel show that focuses on damn good coffee and pie.

You may have heard that the show is being re-booted and a third season will air on Showtime next year. Yay? Uh-oh?

I am praying to the pop culture gods that this new season will not disappoint. It’s a safe bet we’ll discuss the new season on Inside Pop as soon as it premieres. But for now I will Big Sell you on what can be considered a prequel to the reboot. To tide fans over until the new Twin Peaks season arrives, Mark Frost has written “The Secret History of Twin Peaks.” It’ a 300 page hard cover novel that details the history of Twin Peaks; from a Lewis and Clark encounter up until Agent Cooper’s run in with a mirror. My guess is the ratio of answers provided versus question raised will be low – but that’s what we expect – and what we love – about the Twin Peaks experience, right?

the-secret-history-of-twin-peaks-cover-mark-frostThe Big Sell of the novel is for the die hard Twin Peaks fan. But if for some reason you have yet to discover this amazing show do yourself a favor and watch it (don’t binge; savor each episode). The Pilot is phenomenal and the rest of the first season just gets better. The second season goes off the rails – but the episode that finally reveals the identity of Laura Palmer’s murderer is one of the scariest things you’ll ever see on television (yes, the scene is just as blood-curdling as last week’s The Walking Dead depcition of Negan’s bloody bad; but instead of a dark forest, it takes place in Laura Palmer’s living room).

If you give the book a try, make sure to tweet me @popinsiders. We can obsess together over every mention of owls, logs and lodges.

Check out the book trailer (chock full of easter eggs) HERE

Lady Gaga, The Walking Dead, Mary J Blige, Big Sell 30 – IP 50

While you’re scouring costume stores to find a David S. Pumpkins Halloween costume, get your pop culture fix in this week’s episode!

lady-gaga-album-coverWe review Lady Gaga’s new album, Joanne, with friend, DJ and devoted Lady Gaga fan, James Barker. We discuss the music, her slightly stripped down image, last weekend’s SNL performance, and so much more! (Seriously, we couldn’t stop talking about her and well…multiple tangents occurred).

the-walking-dead-jeffrey-dean-morganThen, Sean tries to contain himself while describing the violent and tragic season premiere of The Walking Dead. SPOILER ALERT- he reveals details of what went down with hot but deadly Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Negan and his deadly bat, Lucille.

Plus, we continue #BigSell30 with a special Big Sell from guest Matthew Billy, host of the music history podcast, Between the Liner Notes. It’s an incredible account of an impromptu jam session with Pete Seeger of “Sailing Up, Sailing Down” that he had the privilege to witness.

All that and Amita’s thoughts on the Mary J. Blige short-lived Crispy Chicken commercial- no spoiler necessary…you can probably guess her reaction.

Check us out on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders to see what we’re enjoying in pop culture throughout the week and don’t forget to send us your Big Sells for #BigSell30!

Big Sell 30 Day 26: Rose by Jeanne Balibar

Hello – Sean here with DAY 26 of our Big Sell 30 Day Challenge. Today’s #BigSell30 is inspired by one of our listeners, @miniarcadia150 who recommended the video “Mirate,” by Latin singer, Aldrey. The song is in Spanish and the video includes English subtitles. It’s a power pop ballad with a message of self acceptance. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

This video got me thinking about all of the music I love that’s sung in a language I don’t understand. Usually when  it comes to songs, lyrics are just as important (if not more important) to me as the music. But in the case of this Big Sell – I have loved the song “Rose” by French singer Jeanne Balibar for years and have no idea what it’s about. But it still moves me.

roseCheck out “Rose” on Spotify or here on YouTube. It’s moody, ethereal and hypnotic. I love it and sing along in made up French words and can only hope the song isn’t about killing kittens or the merits of reality stars turned political candidates. And I also ask you to think of your favorite song that is sung in a language you don’t understand. Leave a comment here or tweet us @PopInsiders and let us know why you love it!

Just a few days left in our #BigSell30! We hope your head is bursting with all of the new pop culture you’ve discovered this month. We have some great Big Sells ahead for you in these last few days. Stay tuned!

Big Sell 30 Day 25: The Perfect Podcast

perfectpodcast-a2Sean here with our 25th #BigSell for our Big Sell 30 Day Challenge. This is a ‘perfect’ big sell. It’s also a bit narcissistic! Hosting and producing Inside Pop with my partner in crime Amita Patel has been creatively fulfilling, challenging in the best way possible and super fun! I’ve enjoyed it so much that I decided to launch a second podcast a few months ago. My big sell for you today is my ‘other’ podcast, The Perfect Podcast.

The Perfect Podcast celebrates the highest achievements in music, film, literature, food, visual arts and more! In each episode I talk to a different person about the creation they believe achieves perfection. From the perfect short story to the perfect music video to the perfect cocktail to the perfect skyscraper – the show explores and celebrates the artists who have achieved the elusive, intimidating, confounding and 100% subjective state of . . . Perfection!

So far I’ve interviewed a runner about the time he unexpectedly achieved a Perfect Run, an editor from Publisher’s weekly about his pick for a Perfect Graphic Novel, and a cigar aficionado about his go-to daily Perfect Cigar.

Recently I interviewed Jamie Broadnax, the founder of Black Girl Nerds, about her choice for a perfect fictional character. I was ecstatic when she chose the leader of the X-Men and former queen of Wakanda – Storm. It’s a great conversation that touches on representation, feminism and kick-ass Mohawks.

The goal of the podcast is to celebrate all types of culture with a diverse roster of super smart, passionate people. In addition to getting my guests to share their expert opinions I also ask them to discuss their personal connections to the subject. In my most recent episode art critic Vince Aletti discusses his Perfect Portrait: a picture that inspired him to come to NYC 50 years ago and has remained a totem for him ever since.

In my “perfect world”: 1) You take a listen to and love The Perfect Podcast and subscribe 2) In the future I get to interview Mark Romanek about “Got Til It’s Gone” (my pick for a perfect music video); Nile Rodgers about Bowie’s Let’s Dance (or Duran Duran’s “The Reflex” or Madonna’s “Like A Virgin”); Shonda Rhimes, David Mitchell, Annie Lennox, Questlove and the list goes on and on and on.

Coming soon . . . A Perfect Song (you’ll have to listen to hear what my guest chooses).

Follow Inside Pop @PopInsiders and let us know how you’re enjoyed #BigSell30.

Big Sell 30 Day 24: Instagram’s Beautiful Destinations

Happy Monday! Amita here again starting the home stretch of the Big Sell 30 Day Challenge. #BigSell30 has enlightened me on so many new things that I want to try to branch out and experience more and more every day. (Truth be told, it’s also a fun challenge to find something really unique to share with y’all everyday!)

I know you can all agree that going back to work after the weekend can be tough so today’s Big Sell is a little Monday escape. I’m a big fan of Instagram and enjoy nature and scenic photography. I also enjoy traveling and while I wish I could travel more than I do, the Beautiful Destinations Instagram account lets me live vicariously through their incredible photos and videos. Now, with over 7 million followers, sbeautiful-destinationsome of you may already be following them or have at least heard of them, but if you haven’t, you’ll feel the itch to travel really soon.

When you scroll through the stunning photos – you can enjoy the colorful fall foliage in the Catskills, see white sand beaches in Îles Aux Cerfs (Had to google this one- it’s actually on the island of Mauritius) and then be transported to a beautiful waterfall in the lush landscape of Iceland! I’ve said enough, and now want to book a trip to Iceland…

Here’s a sampling of some of their posts:
bd-chile bd-portofino bd-turkey

Take a minute, escape from the norm, beat the Monday blues and be prepared to book a vacation soon!

Be sure to tweet us @PopInsiders to let us know how your #BigSell30 is going. Only a couple of days left to send us a Big Sell- don’t wait!

 

 

Big Sell 30 Day 23: Kerry Washington & Aziz Ansari

Amita here with your #BigSell30 today! We’re in our last week of Big Sells and looking back at the last few weeks, as much as we felt like this was a challenge for us and for you, I have also realized how much I’ve learned about myself and felt like I’ve also revealed a lot about myself through this process. The Big Sell is getting deep!

That being said, I’ll reveal a little more to preface today’s Big Sell: As a television and digital producer, one of my favorite jobs is to interview someone about their process. I had the honor and pleasure to do this recently with some of music’s biggest stars (Can’t discuss who now, but will soon!) and I just revel in hearing who inspires them or what it took to create a specific project/album/role.

actors-on-actorsVariety Magazine’s Actors on Actors series does exactly that but with a slight twist on the typical interview format. In this web series, two actors interview each other – it feels like you’re in a personal conversation- you get to see actors learn about each other, and from each other. The episode I’d like to Big Sell features two of Television’s biggest stars (and friends of the podcast): Kerry Washington and recent Emmy Award winner Aziz Ansari.

kerry-and-azizTheir conversation is a revealing look into who they are as performers; but also focuses on roles they took behind the camera (Aziz on Master of None and Kerry on Confirmation). It’s smart, funny, insightful and at 22 minutes, it’s a rare opportunity to dive deep into their individual processes as actors, their struggles as people of color in Hollywood and how they are now in positions of power because of their hard work and success. I love to hear insider info like this and you don’t always get this much information in a 5 minute late night talk show appearance or 3 minute morning show chat.

Kerry gives great insight into her role as a producer on the HBO movie Confirmation and I think she’s a great interviewer. Whenever Scandal is over, she should consider some type of interview series, she’s really smart, thoughtful and asks great questions. (Agent Advice!)

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Variety/REX/Shutterstock (5622630r) Kerry Washington and Aziz Ansari Variety Studio: Actors on Actors, Los Angeles, America - 03 April 2016

Aziz gives a great insider look into how his hit Netflix series Master of None came about and he reveals a great tidbit about the two episodes he directed- “Parents” and “Nashville” (they were his first attempts at directing and they shot the series out of order, so those two were shot at the end).

It’s such a great series and I’m already excited to watch the Mindy Kaling/Conan O’Brien conversation as well as the Courtney B. Vance/Tracee Ellis Ross one as well. Enjoy!

Leave a comment below or tweet us @popinsiders to let us know what you think of today’s Big Sell. Also, be sure to let us know how #BigSell30 is going for you and you still have a few days to tweet us a Big Sell to be featured in the Big Sell 30 Day Challenge!