Back To Pop

Back To Pop
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Back to Pop Podcast: Your All-Access Pass to Pop Culture IconsDive headfirst into the vibrant world of pop culture with the “Back to Pop Podcast,” where we celebrate the legends and lore of the entertainment universe. From the visionaries behind the scenes to the iconic faces in front of the camera, we bring you exclusive, heart-to-heart conversations with the diverse talents that have shaped our cultural landscape. “Back to Pop” is not just a podcast; it’s a vibrant dialogue with the movers and shakers of music, movies, TV, and comics. Each episode is a unique journey, offering you a front-row seat to the untold stories, creative inspirations, and behind-the-scenes insights from your favorite pop culture personalities.“Back to Pop” is where nostalgia meets novelty, where we reminisce about classic moments while exploring the latest trends that are defining the future of entertainment. It’s your chance to hear from the legends you admire and the rising stars you’re curious about, all in one place.So, if you’re looking to get your pulse on pop culture’s past, present, and future, tune into “Back to Pop Podcast.” Be part of a community that thrives on the excitement, creativity, and passion that pop culture brings into our lives. Join us, and let’s celebrate the stories that connect us all.

  1. Caitlin Yarsky: Mythology, Emotion, and Visual Storytelling

    7 HR AGO

    Caitlin Yarsky: Mythology, Emotion, and Visual Storytelling

    Send a text Comic Creator  Caitlin Yarsky joins us to discuss her journey from early creative impulses to becoming one of comics’ most distinctive visual storytellers. Known for her work on Coyotes, Bliss, Black Hammer, and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Yarsky shares insights into her creative process and evolution. We explore how Coyotes became a breakthrough moment, the intentional balance of mythology and emotion in her work, and what she learned stepping into beloved universes like Black Hammer and Masters of the Universe. Yarsky discusses the shift to writing and drawing Living Hell, her latest project Untold Stories: Jace at Dark Horse, and how design choices—from lettering to pacing—shape emotional storytelling. The conversation also examines the reality behind the phrase “comics have always been open to women,” offering perspective on industry access versus genuine creative space. Topics covered: Early artistic development, the Coyotes-to-Bliss creative arc, craft and visual storytelling, working with legacy properties, the writer-artist experience, and navigating the comics industry as a woman!  To learn more about Caitlin head over to her website https://www.caitlinyarsky.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinyarsky?igsh=ZjdvaGV1aWM0dGtq Follow us:  Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

    1h 19m
  2. From Two Dimes to TerrifiCon: Mitch Hallock’s Comic Book Journey

    5 FEB

    From Two Dimes to TerrifiCon: Mitch Hallock’s Comic Book Journey

    Send us a text What happens when a lifelong comic book fan decides to build the convention he always wanted to attend? You get TerrifiCon – Connecticut’s largest comic book convention and a love letter to creators and fans alike. In this episode, we sit down with Mitch Hallock, the visionary behind TerrifiCon, to explore his journey from discovering Marvel Team-Up #12 as a kid to producing one of the Northeast’s most beloved pop culture events at Mohegan Sun. Mitch shares the origin story every comic fan dreams about – how years of attending conventions up and down the East Coast sparked an idea: what if creators, not celebrities, were the real stars? We dive into the risks, the breakthroughs, and the relentless passion it took to make that vision a reality. You’ll hear about: ∙The Marvel comic that changed everything for young Mitch ∙Why he chose Mohegan Sun and how he keeps each year fresh ∙His philosophy of putting creators first and building community ∙Behind-the-scenes moments from running a major convention ∙Connecticut’s overlooked but rich comic book history ∙What the future holds for cons in the streaming age Whether you’re a convention regular, a comic book collector, or someone who just loves a great underdog story, this conversation celebrates what happens when fandom meets determination. Guest: Mitch Hallock – Producer of TerrifiCon, CTGAMERCON creator, podcaster, and Connecticut’s self-proclaimed “King of the Nerds” Grab your tickets now for March 14th - 16th https://www.ctgamercon.com/ TerrifiCon returns to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut August 7-9 2026. Visit  https://www.terrificon.com/ for the guest announcements and more!  Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/terrificons-power-cosmic-podcast-with-mitch-and-jerry/id1215501150 https://theindycast.com/ https://pintocomics.com/ Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@mitchedsexcellentadventure?si=5xN2eV6kKY9Fi-Ce Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

    1h 28m
  3. Ron Fazio: From the NFL to The Toxic Avenger to Saving Lives in Surgery

    29 JAN

    Ron Fazio: From the NFL to The Toxic Avenger to Saving Lives in Surgery

    Send us a text The most unbelievable three-act story in pop culture. Ron Fazio suited up for the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. Then he became the man inside the costume in The Toxic Avenger Part II and Part III. Today, he saves lives as a cardiothoracic surgery professional. In this episode, Ron shares: ∙Life in the NFL and the injury that ended his football career ∙Taking over the role of Toxie mid-production and the chaos of filming Parts II & III back-to-back for Troma ∙Wild behind-the-scenes stories from Japan, convention appearances, and Toxie’s enduring cult legacy ∙How a hospital stay sparked an unexpected calling that led him to medicine — and what it’s like when coworkers realize they’re working with The Toxic Avenger This is a story about reinvention, resilience, and redefining what it means to be a hero. 🎧 Listen Now Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Back to Pop is your destination for conversations with creators shaping pop culture today. Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

    1h 2m
  4. Patrick Piazzalunga: Drawing Gunpowder, Grindhouse, and Italian Gothic

    22 JAN

    Patrick Piazzalunga: Drawing Gunpowder, Grindhouse, and Italian Gothic

    Send us a text Join us for an in-depth conversation with talented comics artist Patrick Piazzalunga as he shares his journey from Bergamo, Italy to the international comics scene. Patrick opens up about his early days studying at the Scuola Internazionale di Comics in Florence, working as an inker on series like Dampyr, and developing his distinctive style that blends dynamic action, horror elements, and grindhouse aesthetics. We dive deep into his latest project, Gunpowder Prophets (Mad Cave Studios), a ‘70s-style horror series written by Justin Jordan. Patrick discusses his creative collaboration with Jordan, the visual references that shaped the book’s gritty atmosphere, and his workflow bringing characters Huck and Marley to life on the page. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a comics fan, or curious about the international comics industry, Patrick offers valuable insights on making the leap from smaller projects to major publishers, navigating language barriers in the creative process, and staying inspired in the demanding world of sequential art. Topics covered: ∙Early influences and Italian comics tradition ∙The transition from assistant work to leading artist roles ∙Creating the visual language of Gunpowder Prophets ∙Page production workflow and technical tools ∙Advice for non-native English speakers entering the industry ∙Staying creative and avoiding burnout Follow Patrick’s work and pick up Gunpowder Prophets from Mad Cave Studios. Follow Patrick Piazzalunga here  https://www.instagram.com/patrickpiazzalungacomics?igsh=MTEyamp6dXIwZTkyNg== Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

    33 min
  5. Keith Williams: The Line Between Art and Story

    15 JAN

    Keith Williams: The Line Between Art and Story

    Send us a text Every line in a comic tells a story. Some shout. Others whisper. Today on Back to Pop, we’re sitting down with Keith Williams — an inker who’s defined the look of Superman, The Phantom, and so many heroes we grew up with. This isn’t just a career retrospective. It’s a conversation about craft, rhythm, and what it means to tell stories one line at a time. From a childhood moment with Batman #184 to over a decade drawing The Phantom, from Marvel’s legendary bullpen under John Romita Sr. to redefining Superman alongside John Byrne, Keith takes us behind the ink to reveal what makes a line feel alive. We explore: ∙How a single comic from his grandmother changed everything ∙What it means to learn the trade in Marvel’s bullpen ∙The difference between tracing and storytelling with ink ∙The unique challenge of daily adventure strips ∙Why rhythm and restraint define great comic art ∙What this generation of artists left behind for the next This is what comic history looks like when it’s drawn by hand — one confident, intentional stroke at a time. New episodes of Back to Pop drop every Thursday at 6 AM Eastern. Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhza Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

    1h 7m
  6. Ink with Breath in It: Afua Richardson on Myth, Memory & the Feminine Creative

    8 JAN

    Ink with Breath in It: Afua Richardson on Myth, Memory & the Feminine Creative

    Send us a text What happens when a classically trained flutist who beatboxed with Parliament-Funkadelic picks up a pen and starts drawing worlds? You get Afua Richardson — musician, illustrator, mythmaker, and cultural architect whose work refuses to stay inside the lines. In this soul-stirring 60-minute conversation, we trace Afua’s journey from Carnegie Hall at eleven to the panels of Marvel’s Black Panther: World of Wakanda, where she wove Adinkra symbols and ancestral memory into every frame. We talk about her alter ego “Docta Foo,” the power of self-taught artistry in gatekept spaces, and why mermaids aren’t just fantasy — they’re spiritual revolution. This isn’t your typical artist interview. We’re going deep into the waters of feminine imagination, cultural reclamation, and what it means to create mirrors so people can see they already belong. Afua shares why her current project Aquarius: The Book of Merr demands a soundtrack, how anger became calm through alter egos (featuring the Bo Jackson story you’ve never heard), and what the ancestors whisper when you’re drawing love between Black women. We explore: ∙Music as first language, art as second sight ∙Building your own door when gatekeepers won’t open theirs ∙Translating feminine strength into visual mythology ∙Water as emotional weight, softness as revolutionary act ∙The difference between prayer, protest, and play in creative work For the young artist with a sketchbook who’s been told their stories are “too much,” for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re dancing between disciplines rather than choosing one, for souls who understand that myth isn’t escape but reimagining — this one’s for you. Connect with Afua: ∙Instagram: @afuarichardson ∙Website: www.afuarichardson.com ∙Support Aquarius: The Book of Merr This is rhythm in line form. This is ink with breath in it. Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

    1h 20m
  7. The Queen of Martial Arts: Cynthia Rothrock’s Journey from PA to Hong Kong Legend

    1 JAN

    The Queen of Martial Arts: Cynthia Rothrock’s Journey from PA to Hong Kong Legend

    Send us a text She was a five-time World Karate Champion before the world even knew her name. Then Hong Kong discovered her, and Hollywood spent the next three decades trying to keep up. From the high-octane streets of 1980s Hong Kong in Yes, Madam! to the cult-classic grit of China O’Brien and her latest powerhouse project Black Creek, Cynthia Rothrock didn’t just join the action genre—she redefined it. In this career-spanning deep dive, Cynthia joins Back to Pop to reveal how a 13-year-old girl from Pennsylvania became a global icon. Inside the Episode: • The Leap of Faith: Stepping onto a plane to Hong Kong in 1984 with no acting experience and zero Cantonese. • Golden Era Greatness: What it was really like filming with Michelle Yeoh and training with Jackie Chan’s legendary stunt team. • Survival of the Fittest: The physical toll of doing her own stunts in the world’s most dangerous film industry. • Building a Legacy: Transitioning from "The Queen of Video" to taking total creative control with Black Creek. • The Philosophy of the Kick: Why discipline on the mat translates to resilience in life. This isn’t just a celebration of fight choreography—it’s a masterclass in conviction, courage, and carving your own path when the door is locked. Connect with the Legend: 🎬 Stream: Black Creek (Available now) 🎧 Follow: Back to Pop for more deep dives into the icons of pop culture. Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

    1h 7m
  8. A Christmas Special in Gotham: Mask of the Phantasm (The Story Behind the Shadows)

    25/12/2025

    A Christmas Special in Gotham: Mask of the Phantasm (The Story Behind the Shadows)

    Send us a text In December of 1993, a small team of artists was handed an impossible assignment: take a direct-to-video project, pivot to a theatrical film, and deliver it in just eight months. It should’ve been a disaster. Instead, it became the gold standard. This week on Back To Pop, we’re celebrating Batman: Mask of the Phantasm—a noir tragedy wrapped in a mystery, draped in Art Deco shadows that still haven’t faded. Decades later, fans don’t just call it a great animated film… many call it the most definitive Batman story ever put on screen. And today, we’re joined by the architects who built it: Alan Burnett (writer), Kevin Altieri (director), and Brad Rader (artist/storyboard). We go deep on: The theatrical pivot: shifting from DTV to widescreen filmmaking under insane deadlinesThe graveyard sequence: crafting grief and guilt before a single line is spokenAndrea Beaumont’s “Bacall energy”: elegance, danger, and timing that sells the heartbreakPhantasm vs. Joker: silent mythic terror colliding with chaotic noir violenceThe World’s Fair finale: spectacle, storyboarding collaboration, and that haunting final imageBy the end, we’re left with the question that still stings: did Batman win… or did Bruce lose everything? Merry Christmas, Gotham. Go back to the graveyard. Go back to the World’s Fair. And go rewatch the masterpiece. 🎧 Listen now and celebrate Mask of the Phantasm with us. Connect with Back to Pop: • Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com/ •   Composer Ron Wasserman  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Alex Ray - "Galaxy Kid"  custom background song Support the show If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1 Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

    1h 11m
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About

Back to Pop Podcast: Your All-Access Pass to Pop Culture IconsDive headfirst into the vibrant world of pop culture with the “Back to Pop Podcast,” where we celebrate the legends and lore of the entertainment universe. From the visionaries behind the scenes to the iconic faces in front of the camera, we bring you exclusive, heart-to-heart conversations with the diverse talents that have shaped our cultural landscape. “Back to Pop” is not just a podcast; it’s a vibrant dialogue with the movers and shakers of music, movies, TV, and comics. Each episode is a unique journey, offering you a front-row seat to the untold stories, creative inspirations, and behind-the-scenes insights from your favorite pop culture personalities.“Back to Pop” is where nostalgia meets novelty, where we reminisce about classic moments while exploring the latest trends that are defining the future of entertainment. It’s your chance to hear from the legends you admire and the rising stars you’re curious about, all in one place.So, if you’re looking to get your pulse on pop culture’s past, present, and future, tune into “Back to Pop Podcast.” Be part of a community that thrives on the excitement, creativity, and passion that pop culture brings into our lives. Join us, and let’s celebrate the stories that connect us all.

Information

  • Creator
    Back To Pop
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Back To Pop
  • Show Website
    Back To Pop