podcast – Pop University

Maddie Lazer and Hannah Rowston are 20-something trashbags living in a B-list celebrity’s mansion in Los Angeles. They’re here to talk about pop culture so you don’t have to. Time to get schooled, losers.

Comparative Socialite Studies: The Olsen Twins’ Aloof Manifesto

Summer classes are now in session. You’ve fallen behind on your Socialite Studies coursework, but do not worry: we have the Olsen Twins ready for extra credit. In today’s lecture, we cover Mary-Kate’s and Ashley’s evolutions from “recent fetuses” to fashion elites. We tackle subjects light and dark, and challenge you to consider: what is … Continue reading Comparative Socialite Studies: The Olsen Twins’ Aloof Manifesto

06-18
01:25:13

TV Standards 2202: Shondaland

In today’s lecture, we discuss the reigning Queen of Television, Shonda Rhimes. We examine her childhood, badass moves, and insane character and plot choices on her many iconic series. We also take an extended look as to why Derek Shepherd is the worst. Find your reading list here.

03-18
01:31:13

Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Britney, Bitch – Part Two

STUDENTS! We’re back with Part Two of Encyclopedia Britannicney’s “It’s Britney, Bitch” edition, covering the BLACKOUT era of Britney’s career. Once again, we are joined by special guest professor Jordan Miller of BreatheHeavy.com, and visiting professor Sal. As in last lecture, you can find a full timeline of this era here (we know it gets … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Britney, Bitch – Part Two

03-09
01:09:04

Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Britney, Bitch – Part One

Attention, students! It’s not often we have a Nobel Laureate* in our midst! In today’s ultimate edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney, “It’s Britney, Bitch,”, the professors sit down with Jordan Miller to discuss the era surrounding Blackout. Jordan founded Britney’s largest fan site, BreatheHeavy.com, when he was 15 years old. BreatheHeavy.com ushered many young stans (your professors … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Britney, Bitch – Part One

02-23
01:00:01

Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Getting Chaotic

Hello students! As you are undoubtedly aware, Encyclopedia Britannicney takes a full year to cover. Your second semester will be more challenging than the first. Take notes as we celebrate the complex life of our president this President’s Day: Ms. Britney Jean Spears. In “It’s Getting Chaotic,” we cover the end of Britney’s Onyx Hotel Tour, … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Getting Chaotic

02-20
57:51

TV Standards 2202: ANTM

Hello, students! We hope you enjoyed your extremely prolonged winter break. But it’s spring semester, and you should know what that means. In today’s extended lecture, we cover the television phenomenon that was, and is, America’s Next Top Model. Our focus is on its defining cycles (1-7). We spend extra time on the undefinable Ms. … Continue reading TV Standards 2202: ANTM

02-09
02:02:41

Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling – Part Two

The professors are back with Part Two of the “It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling” edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney. In this episode, they delve in to the acoustically-delicious In the Zone album, as well as the affiliated shenanigans surrounding its release and supporting tour. Focuses include why Moby is canceled, how Rihanna’s navy stacks up against Britney’s … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling – Part Two

01-04
01:13:27

Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling – Part One

In the “It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling” edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney, we cover the massively consequential In-the-Zone-Madonna-kiss-Onyx-Hotel-shotgun-wedding-Unholy-K-Federation era. In Part One, we focus our studies on Britney’s life and promo leading up to the release of the rapturous In the Zone. Topics of discussion include Fred Durst’s undying love for Britney, NYLA, the supremely harsh Diane … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling – Part One

12-19
01:00:59

Encyclopedia Britannicney: Get Nasty, Part Two

In Part Two of the “Get Nasty” edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney, we cover Britney’s self-titled album (the one that’s not Britney Jean), the Dream Within A Dream Tour, Crossroads, and Justney’s demise. Special guest professor Vince Rossi joins us. Also, justice for Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. You can find your reading list here.

12-13
56:28

Halloween Special: Haunted Spookywood

In today’s lecture, the professors discuss celebrity ghosts and their favorite haunts. They also investigate the recent surge of crystal-related activity in Hollywood, Hannah’s feud with Food God, and how they were not …Ready for It (because it’s dumb). Please be warned, this episode does include graphic descriptions of murders in addition to normal pop … Continue reading Halloween Special: Haunted Spookywood

10-30
01:28:01

Encyclopedia Britannicney: A Star Is Born, Part Two

In Part Two of “A Star Is Born,” we focus on Britney’s rise to superstardom, as well as her apparent clairvoyant skills, the many obnoxious interviews she was forced to sit through, and the fact that Beyoncé once opened for her (yes, that Beyoncé). Please find your reading list for here. PS- Pop U is … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: A Star Is Born, Part Two

10-09
49:03

Encyclopedia Britannicney: A Star Is Born, Part One

In 1999 and 2000, Britney Spears went from being a little-known cootie patootie to the most influential pop star in the world. Her rise was rapid, and her promotional opps were plentiful. In today’s edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney, professors Hannah and Maddie are joined by visiting lecturer Marcus, who has seen Britney 40 – we … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: A Star Is Born, Part One

10-02
51:38

Pop Emergency: Kylie’s New Jenneration

Over the past few weeks, we’ve received several distressed notes from students requesting help understanding current events. With this week’s katastrophe, we decided it’s time for a Pop Emergency. Kylie Jenner is pregnant. Hillsong Church is a networking hotspot. Mother! was a hoot. Taylor Swift aint sh**. We discuss these issues and more in today’s … Continue reading Pop Emergency: Kylie’s New Jenneration

09-25
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Conspiracy Theories 1101: Kontrolling the Kardashians

Professors Hannah and Maddie examine the rise and perpetuation of the Kardashian Klan’s fame. Does their celebrity stem from a government plot? Could it be a purposed, extended Illuminati konspiracy? Or, is Kris Jenner truly the best hustler of all time? We weigh competing theses, and discuss Ray J’s thirst, copycat stardom, and why MKUltra … Continue reading Conspiracy Theories 1101: Kontrolling the Kardashians

09-18
01:20:13

Encyclopedia Britannicney: Pre-Fame, Part Two

When class last left off, we were discussing Britney’s past with the girl band Innosense. In today’s lecture, we will continue to examine Britney’s early years, and will focus on her first single, tour, and album. Really: when. will. your. faves. We are again joined by guest lecturer Sal, and have a VERY special introduction … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: Pre-Fame, Part Two

09-10
01:08:52

Encyclopedia Britannicney: Pre-Fame, Part One

On December 2, 1981, Godney was born in McComb, Mississippi. In addition to singing, dancing, and eating crawfish, little Britney Jean Spears was forging her path to the highest reaches of fame. With special visiting Professor Sal, Professors Lazer and Rowston explore Britney’s early years. This is part one of a two-part episode, and a … Continue reading Encyclopedia Britannicney: Pre-Fame, Part One

08-22
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Conspiracy Theories 1101: Larry Stylinson & The Teen Choice Awards

The past few days have been an absolute whirlwind for your esteemed professors. Not only did they get credited by the likes of Breatheheavy, US Weekly and Bustle, but they also got discredited by ET. Just remember, students, the public scoffed at Galileo once. In today’s lecture, the professors guide you through their experience at … Continue reading Conspiracy Theories 1101: Larry Stylinson & The Teen Choice Awards

08-15
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Britmergency: JUSTNEY, PART TWO

We’re breaking some news from Timbaland himself regarding our favorite former pop couple – Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. This episode is presented in unofficial partnership with Unsolved Mysteries. #justney

08-11
14:35

Pop Emergency: Parks and Wrecks/ Halsey’s Weird Edition

Dear students: due to the profound and disturbing dissolution of Anna Faris’s and Chris Pratt’s marriage, we invite you to attend our office hours. We’d like to help you work through this confusing time. We also draw your attention to an important issue: Halsey’s secret Harry Styles ~stan~ past. If you think we’re extra, just … Continue reading Pop Emergency: Parks and Wrecks/ Halsey’s Weird Edition

08-10
50:02

Comparative Socialite Studies: Leonardo DiCaprio, Bro Posses, and the Conquest of P*ssy

In this week’s lecture, the professors examine an under-studied phenomenon: the rise of the male socialite. We unpack the events surrounding the Pussy Posse and its most notable member: Leonardo DiCaprio. Please note that headphones and a vape pen are required for this episode, as is a general disregard for women.

07-20
01:03:02

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