Culture Pop Podcast

Mase & Sue talk competitive sports after the age of 60, irritating public behavior, losing the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, and Netflix’s chilling murder mystery, UNTAMED. Plus, Eric Roberts drops by to discuss his prolific career and brutally candid memoir, RUNAWAY TRAIN: OR, THE STORY OF MY LIFE SO FAR. They chat about his breakout role in KING OF THE GYPSIES, the part he originally chose in THE POPE OF GREENWICH VILLAGE, battling drug addiction, and his relationship with sister, Julia.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:40 Sue's Triathlon Experience03:33 Steve's Retirement from Sports08:33 The Neil Diamond Musical Review18:23 Ozzy Osbourne: A Personal Reflection23:26 Untamed: A Harrowing Crime Drama29:15 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬32:36 King of the Gypsies: A Breakthrough Role33:53 Runaway Train: A Grueling Experience39:24 The Memoir: A Reluctant Journey43:43 Family and Fame47:05 A Legacy of Work

Comedian Mark Ellis from ROTTEN TOMATOES returns for Emmy nominations talk with Mase & Sue. They discuss snubs, sleepers and shoo-ins. Will the youngest male actor and oldest female actor make history? Can Jeremy Allen White’s winning streak be broken? Who are the front-runners in Best Comedy, Best Drama ad Best Limited Series? And what series take home some surprise hardware on TV’s biggest night?00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:40 Emmy Nominations Overview07:35 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series09:29 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series16:55 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series18:49 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series21:14 Discussion on 'The Residence'24:46 Hacks: A Divisive Season25:03 The Studio: Hollywood's Favorite27:11 The Bear: A Return to Form29:23 Outstanding Drama Series Nominees31:08 The Pitt: A Surprise Contender34:08 Adolescence: A Unique Limited Series37:42 Superman Movie Review39:14 Jurassic World: A Fun Adventure

Mase & Sue review F1: THE MOVIE, THE PITT and the notorious Netflix documentary – TRAINWRECK: POOP CRUISE. Plus, writer/producer Pam Brady talks about the Amazon Prime post-911 animated series #1 HAPPY FAMILY USA she co-created with actor/comedian Ramy Youssef, being on the ground floor of Comedy Central’s iconic SOUTH PARK, working alongside Trey Parker and Matt Stone, writing satire and the line between funny and mean.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:40 Sue's New Mexico Adventure04:56 Mason's Costa Rica Trip08:26 F1: The Movie Review11:31 The Pitt: A Realistic ER Drama21:22 Poop Cruise: A Hilarious Disaster27:01 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐲30:15 Reflecting on Post-9/11 Experiences38:36 MTV's Wild Creative Environment47:55 The Line Between Funny and Mean50:26 Final Thoughts on '#1 Happy Family USA'

Mase & Sue discuss their favorite episodes of Seth Rogen’s THE STUDIO and the biggest pop culture moments of the 21st century…so far. Plus, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING star Greg Tarzan Davis talks about his trip from high school teacher to movie star, working with Tom Cruise on multiple films, the realism that comes with practical stunts & how that Double Ultimate Football game in TOP GUN: MAVERICK works.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:40 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast03:37 New Series: The Studio09:42 Cocaine Stories14:43 Top Pop Culture Moments of the 21st Century30:49 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐳𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬37:00 Practical Stunts vs. CGI41:04 Tarzan's Journey to Acting46:23 Hurricane Katrina's Impact47:39 Staying Focused on Set48:57 Fitness and Training for Roles

Mase & Sue review MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING, and THE LAST OF US Season 2 finale. Plus, Tony Award winning actor Joe Mantegna talks about his role in the original Broadway production of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, David Mamet’s distinctive writing style, 19 seasons portraying David Rossi in CRIMINAL MINDS, and his fellow Chicagoan, Pope Leo.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast04:00 Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review09:36 The Last of Us Season 2 Recap20:03 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚25:55 Show Evolution and Network Restrictions28:48 David Rossi's Character Development45:37 House of Games and Critical Acclaim48:10 David Mamet's Unique Writing Style51:56 Criminal Minds Evolution and Cultural Fears

Luigi: The musical. What??? And Jamie Lee Curtis’ big cosmetic surgery regret. Plus, 30 ROCK alums Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield talk about showrunning with Tina Fey on their new Netflix series THE FOUR SEASONS, the stellar cast, writing staff and why an homage to the original Alan Alda film. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast01:38 Luigi Mangione Musical Discussion09:06 Jamie Lee Curtis and Plastic Surgery Regrets15:20 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐠𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝15:44 Origins of 'The Four Seasons'20:12 Generational Gaps in the Writers' Room22:06 Audience Reactions and Relatability24:33 Challenges of Personal Storytelling30:55 Exploring Emotional Depth in Acting32:58 Alan Alda's Cameo and Legacy36:57 Hopes for a Second Season

Mase & Sue talk about Ryan Coogler’s musical horror film SINNERS plus the finale of HBO’S hilarious THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES. Then, comedian/writer Carol Leifer talks comedy condos, HACKS, SEINFELD, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, and her new book, HOW TO WRITE A FUNNY SPEECH.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Welcome to the Culture Pop Podcast02:17 Discussion on 'Sinners' Movie12:21 Review of 'Righteous Gemstones' Finale18:06 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫21:50 Challenges and Support in Comedy27:43 Favorite Seinfeld Episode: The Marble Rye32:16 The Writer's Room Dynamics34:13 How to Write a Funny Speech...45:46 Writing for Award Shows47:47 On-the-Fly Jokes During Live Shows

Mase and Sue talk about some of the buzziest shows on TV. They talk about Episode 3 of THE LAST OF US, the Netflix series ADOLESCENCE and Seth Rogen in THE STUDIO. Also, Carrie Preston talks about her latest project ELSBETH, featuring the character she created 16 years ago on THE GOOD WIFE. They discuss the inside skinny of her quirky character, the iconic villainous guest cast, her first film, her Broadway debut, and being cast in HBO’s vampire hit, TRUE BLOOD.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Sue's San Francisco Trip03:01 TV Show Discussion: The Last of Us07:13 TV Show Discussion: Adolescence13:46 TV Show Discussion: The Studio20:37 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧23:49 The Evolution of Elsbeth's Style30:16 Guest Stars and Iconic Collaborations35:15 The Journey to Julliard38:19 Hollywood Breakthrough: My Best Friend's Wedding40:59 Landing True Blood45:32 Broadway Debut with Patrick Stewart51:34 Elsbeth's Unique Approach

Mase & Sue discuss some must see Broadway shows, The Eagles at The Sphere, a wedding in St. Petersburg, Salvatore Dali, and an incident in a LYFT. Plus, Paul Guilfoyle chats about his new oddball art heist film, ANY DAY NOW, The Actor’s Studio, working with Al Pacino, Curtis Hanson’s directing style, and his long run on CSI. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:40 Vacation Stories and Wedding Fun08:17 Saturday Night Live Experience12:32 Broadway Musicals Review18:04 Vegas Trip and The Sphere Experience25:44 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 '𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐰'29:23 Fictionalizing the Real Story37:44 Challenges of Making Movies Today43:33 Theater vs. Film50:19 Memories of LA Confidential54:39 CSI: Behind the Scenes01:00:55 The Golden Age of Movies

Mase & Sue chat about Mase’s 60th Birthday Bash, the latest episode of THE WHITE LOTUS, and Jennifer Lopez’s odd new crush. Plus, Jesse L Martin discusses the science behind his gig on HULU’S hit crime drama, THE IRRATIONAL, how its bled into his real life, and landing a career defining role in the original cast of Jonathan Larson’s iconic Broadway musical RENT. 00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Steve's Birthday Party Highlights15:44 Pop Culture Talk: White Lotus23:54 Celebrity Dating Rumors28:17 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞 𝐋. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧28:52 The Science Behind 'The Irrational'31:33 Micro Expressions and Poker Tells37:45 Detective Tropes and Real-Life Observations40:35 Memories from 'Rent'52:46 Working with Jonathan Larson

Mase & Sue honor 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 by discussing their top five performances by a female actor in film history. Plus, Jon Beavers chats about the twists and turns of HULU’s hit political thriller, 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄, working alongside Kevin Costner in the epic western 𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐎𝐍: 𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐀, and his unique approach to locking into his character. Also, if you’re looking for good eats in Pittsburgh two words - 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐒.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:40 Sue's Triathlon Experience05:54 Preparing for a Big Party07:34 Top Female Performances in Cinema23:15 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬29:03 The Complexity of Uncle Billy's Character32:09 Parallels Between Characters' Lives33:47 Sterling K. Brown's Impact on Set42:30 The Mamba Mentality and Its Influence01:02:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Mase & Sue discuss the OSCARS – Conan’s performance, favorite moments, and Mikey Madison’s bracket busting best actress win over Hollywood legend, Demi Moore. Plus, Krys Marshall talks about her role as agent Robinson in HULU’s hit political thriller, PARADISE, embracing a polarizing character, the depth of creator Dan Fogelman’s writing, and would you want to be one of 25,000 people to live if the world were coming to an end?00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:37 Academy Awards Recap06:20 Oscar Winners and Surprises12:53 Conan O'Brien Anecdote15:33 𝐊𝐫𝐲𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰23:34 The Realism of 'Paradise' and Climate Change27:50 Xavier's Moral Dilemma in Paradise31:50 Influences and Inspirations33:04 Space Exploration and 'For All Mankind'44:12 Behind the Scenes of 'Paradise'54:23 Conspiracy Theories and Final Thoughts

Do you want to win your office OSCARS pool? CULTURE POP PODCAST fave - comedian & ROTTEN TOMATOES host Mark Ellis joins Mase & Sue as they give some savvy advice based on something, nothing, and everything in between. Plus, the stellar writing staff, and what to expect from first time master of ceremonies Conan O’Brien on Hollywood’s biggest night.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:40 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬03:36 Oscar Predictions: Best Original and Adapted Screenplay05:29 Oscar Predictions: Visual Effects and Sound07:36 Oscar Predictions: Short Films10:04 Oscar Predictions: Original Song and Score12:17 Oscar Predictions: Makeup, Hairstyling, and International Film14:27 Oscar Predictions: Film Editing and Documentaries18:10 Oscar Predictions: Animated Films24:02 Best Director Front Runners25:53 Supporting Role Standouts29:12 Lead Role Predictions35:07 Best Picture Analysis39:13 Conan O'Brien as Host

Mase & Sue’s take on the rise of AI, a sauna debacle, and Variety’s top 100 TV performances of the 21st century. Plus, Mayan Lopez, from NBC’s LOPEZ VS LOPEZ discusses the dynamic of working with her famous dad, how it’s healed their relationship, and the challenge of turning real life serious subject matter into comedy.00:00 Introduction and Jacob Emrani Message00:39 Rambling Start: Sauna Story Begins15:29 AI and Creativity24:51 Variety's Top 100 Performances36:12 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳: 𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳 𝐯𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳38:35 Mayan Lopez on Family, Comedy, and Mental Health44:41 Mayan's Social Media Journey50:09 Growing Up with a Comedian Dad57:23 Mayan as Co-Executive Producer01:02:23 Mental Health Advocacy

📺 The very funny Mayan Lopez talks about working with her Dad on “Lopez vs Lopez."The episode is out today at 10 AM PST.