The Pop Break

Alex Marcus
  • 4.0 (8)
  • Entertainment News
  • Updated Semiweekly

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!

  1. Podelay: Guero, 2005

    3d ago

    Podelay: Guero, 2005

    This 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 eighth episode, Justin, Kris, and Randy are joined by Doug Lief of Nostalgia Arcanum and Playing by Ear as they get back to Beck’s wide-ranging, eclectic rhythms. They offer thoughts on the religious connotations of scarecrows, stadium anthems that may (or may not) wear out their welcome, and the versatile voicework of one Christina Ricci. 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) Doug – Rental Car Justin – Missing Kris – Qué Onda Guero Randy – Go It Alone   It’s a Loser, Baby (A Song We Don’t Like So Much) Doug – Broken Drum Justin – E-Pro (qualified) Kris – Missing (qualified) Randy – Rental Car (qualified)   Sing It Again (A Favorite Lyric) Doug – E-Pro Justin – Scarecrow Kris – Emergency Exit Randy – Hell Yes   Such a Beautiful Way (A Favorite Musical Moment) Doug – Earthquake Weather Justin – Earthquake Weather Kris – Earthquake Weather Randy – Black Tambourine   Other Artists We’ve Been Listening To: Doug – The Who, Led Zeppelin, The War on Drugs, The National, Shearwater Justin – Jonny Greenwood Kris – Jimmy Eat World Randy – Harry Styles

    1h 44m
  2. Roses & Rejections: Roses & Rejections: Love Island S8 Week 2 + Drag Race All Stars Update

    4d ago

    Roses & Rejections: Roses & Rejections: Love Island S8 Week 2 + Drag Race All Stars Update

    Your 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 the second week of Love Island USA. They cover all of the re-couplings and which couplings they think will stick. They wrap up with catching everyone up with Ru Paul's Drag Race All Stars.

    55 min
  3. Anime x Pop: Devil May Cry S2 with Blerd Watchers and DJ Chapman

    Jun 15

    Anime x Pop: Devil May Cry S2 with Blerd Watchers and DJ Chapman

    There’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! Join us as we bring the band back together to chow down on pizza and strawberry sundaes while doing karaoke! Blerd Watchers’ Marshall and Courtney Stevenson and DJ Chapman of Roses and Rejections and Mostly Nitpicking make a triumphant return to talk about the second season of Netflix’s Devil May Cry.  Our enthusiasts take a stroll through the anime content minds to discuss favorite series they’ve been watching recently, including Josh’s recommendation of Marriage Toxin, Amanda’s recommendation of Agents of the Four Seasons, DJ’s recommendation of Ace of Diamonds - Season 2, Marshall’s recommendations of Daemons of the Shadow Realm and Claymore, and Courtney’s recommendation of Witch Hat Atelier. All recommendations are found on Crunchyroll except for Claymore, which is on Amazon Prime.  For our Anime Pregame, they share their thoughts on what video games they would like to see adapted into a future anime or animated series as an homage to this month’s topic.   In their feature review section, our enthusiasts discuss Vergil’s anime introduction, Dante’s story arc this season, new characters and villains, the soundtrack, and so much more.

    2h 12m
  4. The Anniversary Brothers: Superman Returns 20th Anniversary

    Jun 12

    The Anniversary Brothers: Superman Returns 20th Anniversary

    Josh and Aaron Sarnecky are here to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Superman Returns. Superman Returns is a superhero film directed by Bryan Singer, who co-wrote the movie with Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris. It is based on the DC Comics character Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film acts as both an alternate sequel to Superman II and a reimagining for the 21st century. The film opened in theaters on June 28, 2006. In the film, Superman/Clark Kent (Brandon Routh) returns to Earth after five years in space looking for the remains of Krypton. He must stop Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) from reshaping the map with stolen Kryptonian technology. Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) now has a husband and son, Richard (James Marsden) and Jason (Tristan Lake Leabu). She has moved on from Superman until he flies back into her life. Other characters include Daily Planet Editor-in-Chief Perry White (Frank Langella), photographer Jimmy Olsen (Sam Huntington), Luthor’s henchwoman Kitty Kowalski (Parker Posey), and Clark’s mother Martha Kent (Eva Marie Saint). Superman Returns received generally positive reviews, though over the years it has been less well-received by fans. The desire to forget the film is due in part to Singer and Spacey’s legal issues. The film was nominated for one Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Superman Returns was the ninth-highest grossing film of 2006 but a commercial disappointment, grossing $391 million on a $204 million budget. No sequel was made and the franchise was rebooted with Man of Steel. Brandon Routh donned the cape again on The CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths. Josh and Aaron discuss the first time each of them saw Superman Returns before going into the movie’s plot, performances, action, and how the movie ties into previous installments. They also ponder the tricky question of what the movie’s legacy is. For more superheroes, you can listen to Josh and Aaron’s podcast with Kris Ingersoll on Captain America: Civil War. Superman Returns is streaming on HBO Max

    1h 21m
  5. Roses & Rejections: Love Island S8 Premiere with Allie Nelson

    Jun 11

    Roses & Rejections: Love Island S8 Premiere with Allie Nelson

    Your 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 we’re cracking open the first seven episodes of Love Island USA Season 8 with guest host Allie Nelson from Not Couple Goals — and trust us, the villa is already a beautiful disaster. We roast the Islanders, salute the bombshells who showed up ready to ruin someone’s week, and marvel at the sheer volume of questionable choices being made under the guise of “connection.” If you like romance, chaos, and people confidently making the wrong decision, this episode is your new home.

    1h 38m
  6. Blerd Watchers: The Boys Series Finale; The Punisher: One Last Kill; and Trailer Reactions to X-Men, Avatar, and Lanterns

    Jun 8

    Blerd Watchers: The Boys Series Finale; The Punisher: One Last Kill; and Trailer Reactions to X-Men, Avatar, and Lanterns

    Welcome 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! Fresh off the celebrations of Courtney's birthday, she and Marshall return with plenty of news and rumours to discuss! From Alan Ritchman expanding his footprint at Amazon, to the return of a hidden gem anime, the duo cover all the news you need to know this month!   From there, its snap trailer reaction time, as they cover the run-down of trailers that have been released since they last recorded. These include, X-men: '97, Avatar the Last Airbender, Lanterns and more!  Turning the page on those, the couple then gets into wrapping up the Boys for the final time, reviewing s5 and giving their lasting thoughts on a great show and THAT finale! They then review Punisher: One Last Kill-a Disney+ one shot that lets us know what Frank Castle has been up to, before telling you why you NEED to be watching Man on Fire on Netflix! Finally, a blast from the past returns in the form of Bloodhounds on Netflix, the first season of which Courtney and Marshall finally finished.

    1h 12m
  7. Not Couple Goals: “Obsession” (2025)

    Jun 5

    Not Couple Goals: “Obsession” (2025)

    Welcome 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. It’s a terrifying new release as Allie and Tyler break down the 2025 movie “Obsession” at the height of its theatrical dominance. Join them as they discuss writer/director Curry Barker’s masterpiece and cover everything from Inde Navarrette’s shockingly impeccable and horrifying performance, Barker’s not-so-humble YouTube beginnings and (for some reason) shout out their favorite pasta place in NYC. Is “Obsession” worth the obsession? Listen and find out.  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!

    1h 50m
  8. TV Break: June 2026 - Reviews of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Spider-Noir, Hacks, and Maul - Shadow Lord + Stranger Things and CBS Dominate Nielson Ratings

    Jun 1

    TV Break: June 2026 - Reviews of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Spider-Noir, Hacks, and Maul - Shadow Lord + Stranger Things and CBS Dominate Nielson Ratings

    Welcome 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. Here’s the format of the show: The Best Thing I Saw on TV Last Month  – Alex, Bill, & Josh talk about a show/episode/event they liked from the last month including Prime Video’s Spider-Noir, HBO’s Rooster, HBO Max’s Hacks, AppleTV’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles and Disney Plus’s Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord.  Newsbreak – This month, they are discussing the news that Netflix and CBS/Paramount Plus dominated the Nielsen ratings for the 2025-2026 TV year. Streaming Wars – Alex, Bill, & Josh each selected their top streamer of the month. Josh opted for YouTube after a few YouTube grads who used the platform to build a cult following recently springboarded those humble beginnings into massive box office returns with a pair of hit horror films in Obsession and Backrooms. Alex went all in on AppleTV on the strength of their recent programming slate, their big Peanuts summer, and the recent news of a new spy thriller starring James Marsden on the horizon. Meanwhile, Bill stood up for Prime Video after they earned praise for the final season of the Boys, their new hockey romance Off Campus, Spider-Noir, and lots and lots of sports! New Series Spotlight  – This month Alex, Bill, and Josh discuss Apple TV’s Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed created by David J Rosen and starring Tatiana Maslany as a recently divorced mom and professional fact checker who, while in a custody battle with her ex-husband, played by New Girl’s Jake Johnson, she finds herself blackmailed by a camboy, which is only the start of her troubles.

    1h 14m
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4
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Marcus
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    780
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alex Marcus
  • Show Website
    The Pop Break

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