This Won't Teach You Anything: A Pop Culture Podcast

Andrew
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

This Won’t Teach You Anything is a pop culture podcast about movies, music, travel, collecting, and the moments that stick with us longer than we expect. Hosted by Andrew, each episode takes a familiar piece of pop culture and looks at it through a personal, honest, and occasionally irreverent lens — less “hot takes,” more reflection. If you like thoughtful conversations about the things you love (and sometimes grew up with), this won’t teach you anything… but it might make you think about it differently. Follow us on: X - @thiswontteach Instagram - this_wont_teach_you_anything Facebook - @thiswontteach Gmail - thiswontteach@gmail.com

  1. Rewatching a Childhood Favorite as an Adult: Mary Poppins

    2D AGO

    Rewatching a Childhood Favorite as an Adult: Mary Poppins

    Send a text Ever notice how the movie you remember isn’t quite the movie on the screen? We explore how Mary Poppins shifts when you grow up—from flying umbrellas and dancing penguins to a layered story about a father rediscovering joy—and why the magic doesn’t fade when you learn how it’s made. We revisit the theater seat of childhood awe and map what changes with time: the overture that quietly sets the film’s DNA, Julie Andrews’ surgical restraint against Dick Van Dyke’s buoyant chaos, and the storybook London built with practical sets and matte paintings. We dig into choreography that looks effortless because it’s anything but, and the optical compositing that let live actors step into chalk worlds long before digital tools. The Sherman Brothers’ songs don’t just dazzle; they drive character and plot, turning melody into meaning. Then the frame widens. Walt Disney’s promise to his daughters and P. L. Travers’ protective skepticism add stakes behind the scenes. After watching Saving Mr. Banks, it’s hard not to see George Banks as the true center: a man who confuses rigidity with love until laughter cracks the shell. Mary arrives to restore balance, then leaves without ceremony, as if wonder’s job is to visit, heal, and move on. That’s why the film grows with you—children see magic, adults see architecture, and both are true. If this journey made you see Mary Poppins with new eyes, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves movies, and leave a quick review. It helps more curious listeners find us. What childhood film revealed a new story when you rewatched it?

    27 min
  2. The Album that changed the way I listen to Music: Back to Black

    FEB 24

    The Album that changed the way I listen to Music: Back to Black

    Send a text What if you stopped treating Back to Black like a set of hits and started hearing it as a document of collapse told with surgical restraint? We unpack how Amy Winehouse turned heartbreak into emotional architecture, choosing analog warmth, live rooms, and open space so her voice could carry the weight without gloss. From the first bars, the album resists spectacle, creating a quiet that makes honesty louder—and that choice changed how many of us listen. We trace Amy’s path from a jazz-steeped North London childhood to a debut that felt too polished for her taste, then into the raw directness that defines Back to Black. The breakup that became the album’s spine isn’t framed as gossip; it’s read through attachment, humiliation, and the inability to detach when love already has. “Rehab” becomes a negotiation instead of a wink—denial riding a great groove, with I just need a friend cutting through the bravado. Alongside the music, we examine addiction as regulation, not recklessness, and why fame’s acceleration can shatter a nervous system even as talent stays razor sharp on stage. We also confront the culture around Amy: paparazzi that curated decline, a gendered gaze that punished visible struggle, and an industry that prioritizes momentum over stabilization. The 27 Club myth gets dismantled for what it is—comfort that hides responsibility. What remains is craft: phrasing that hangs behind the beat, bends used sparingly, silence deployed for maximum ache. The title track reads like an emotional autopsy; Love Is a Losing Game devastates by refusing melodrama. Her influence ripples through modern pop’s appetite for vulnerability and live texture, reminding us that albums can still function as narratives in a shuffle-driven world. If this conversation resonates, queue the record from start to finish—no skipping—and sit with the space between phrases. Then share the episode, leave a review, and tell us: which track tells you the truth you needed to hear?

    34 min
  3. Why Physical Media Still Matters in a Streaming World

    FEB 10

    Why Physical Media Still Matters in a Streaming World

    Send a text We explore why vinyl still matters in a world of infinite streaming, focusing on attention, ownership, and the small rituals that change how music feels. Travis from "Roody’s Roundup" joins to share memories, first records, and must‑have albums for any collection. • streaming solves access but flattens attachment • playlists replacing albums and context • the vinyl ritual as intentional listening • ownership beyond licenses and algorithms • record stores, Discogs, and smart collecting • first media memories and 45s nostalgia • must‑own pressings from Stones to Amy Winehouse • balancing convenience with presence If you enjoyed this episode, or if this show has ever felt like a quiet place to land for a bit, leaving a review really does help more people find it

    32 min
  4. Why We Keep Rewatching the Same Movies

    JAN 27

    Why We Keep Rewatching the Same Movies

    Send a text Ever wonder why you scroll past new releases and land on Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or that one Pixar film you could quote in your sleep? We dig into the deeper pull of rewatching and how familiar stories deliver something rare in a noisy world: emotional certainty. From the swell of a John Williams cue to the warm hit of a long-known character arc, we unpack why “safe” does not mean shallow—and why it often beats the gamble of an untested two hours. We talk about movies as emotional time capsules, where first-view wonder lingers inside the rewatch. Then we stack that against the modern pressure cooker: new films must be original, relevant, meme-ready, discourse-proof, and somehow sequel-ready without feeling incomplete. We look at Marvel’s after-credits culture and how “what’s next” can steal thunder from “what just happened,” pushing audiences back to stories that finish their sentences. Franchises aren’t the enemy; uncertainty is. Older pillars feel confident in their identity, while many recent entries read like placeholders waiting for the payoff. Cost and context matter too. A family night at the theater can approach triple digits, and after COVID-era streaming normalized staying in, the threshold for leaving the house got higher. We trace how access changed everything—from rare second viewings in the ’80s to instant replay today—and why that ease supercharges nostalgia and trust. Along the way, we touch on the cycle of reviving icons, the draw of familiar heroes, and how comfort rewatches become family rituals that onboard the next generation. We want to hear from you: what’s your comfort movie and why does it still work? Share your pick, then follow and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.

    24 min
  5. Why Seeing Oasis Live Still Matters (Even Now)

    09/10/2025

    Why Seeing Oasis Live Still Matters (Even Now)

    Send a text The impossible has happened. After sixteen years of bitter feuding that had fans convinced they'd never share a stage again, the Gallagher brothers reunited for Oasis Live 25—and I was there to witness it all at Chicago's Soldier Field. Remember that feeling when something you've accepted would never happen suddenly becomes reality? That's what washed over me as I joined 62,000 fans watching Liam and Noel walk out hand-in-hand. This wasn't just another concert; it was the culmination of decades of hoping against hope that one of rock's most contentious sibling rivalries might somehow heal enough for one more show. From the moment "Hello" kicked things off, the energy was electric. The setlist read like a dream—"Acquiesce," "Cigarettes & Alcohol," "Live Forever," and of course, the monumental encore of "Don't Look Back in Anger," "Wonderwall," and "Champagne Supernova." But what made this truly special wasn't just hearing these anthems live. It was seeing the subtle moments between the brothers—the shared glances, the visible respect, the undeniable chemistry that reminded us why their creative partnership produced some of the most enduring songs of the Britpop era. When Noel stepped away from the microphone during "Don't Look Back in Anger," allowing 62,000 voices to carry the chorus under the Chicago night sky, it transcended from concert to communal experience. For longtime fans, every song carried additional weight. "Live Forever," Liam's favorite track dedicated to their mother. "Don't Look Back in Anger," with its ironic message about letting go of grudges. The psychedelic closer "Champagne Supernova" with its questions about how we find ourselves "caught beneath the landslide." These weren't just songs anymore—they were the soundtrack to a miracle unfolding before our eyes. Have you ever experienced that rare moment when music becomes something more—when it repairs what seemed permanently broken? Share your own bucket list concert experiences or musical reunions you're still hoping to witness.

    27 min
  6. Rewatching Indiana Jones: Why It Still Works (And Where It Doesn’t) Pt 2

    10/20/2023

    Rewatching Indiana Jones: Why It Still Works (And Where It Doesn’t) Pt 2

    Send a text Ready to unlock the secrets of the Dial of Destiny? Join Funcle Hipster and myself as we whip through the rugged terrain of the Indiana Jones universe. We start our adventure by examining the incredible CGI technology that breathed life into the captivating flashback scene. We analyze the notable kill counts, revel in the signature sound of an Indiana Jones punch, and discuss the age-defying stunts of Harrison Ford. Plus, there's a fun fact for fans - Indiana Jones has punched 20 Nazis in the face throughout the franchise! But that's not all! We turn our lenses to the chilling villains of the film, particularly Mads Mikkelsen's character, Voler. We unpack his time-traveling plot to wipe out Hitler and unravel the mysterious connection between the Antikythera and the Dial of Destiny. We dig into the palpable on-screen chemistry between Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller Bridge, before shifting gears to examine the curious plot hole from 'Back to the Future.' How does 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' handle time travel differently? Stick with us to find out! Lastly, we step outside the cinematic universe to explore how the blurred political landscape impacts the box office returns of films like 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'. We reflect on the need for open conversations between people with opposing views, and how the lack thereof can lead us to miss out on great films. We round off our discussion by sharing personal insights about our podcasting journey, the bumps we've encountered, and the growth we've enjoyed. So sit back, buckle up, and join us on this roller-coaster ride through the Indiana Jones franchise. Remember, "It's not the years, it's the mileage" that counts!

    49 min
  7. Rewatching Indiana Jones: Why It Still Works (And Where It Doesn’t) Pt 1

    10/06/2023

    Rewatching Indiana Jones: Why It Still Works (And Where It Doesn’t) Pt 1

    Send a text Calling all movie buffs and pop culture enthusiasts! Get ready for an enthralling journey as we welcome back Funcle Hipster, the charismatic co-host of Culture Dudes podcast. Funcle and his nephew Justin are known for their dynamic generational perspectives, and they're here to inject it into our discussion on the legendary Indiana Jones series. We kick things off with Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny", exploring how this actor has made an indelible mark on the cinematic universe. Prepare your popcorn as we move to our second act, featuring "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". Did you know Tom Selleck played a significant role in the casting process? Or that this film led to the introduction of the PG-13 rating? We'll also be reminiscing about the magic of watching films in the theater - an experience that certainly adds an extra dimension to the film-watching process. Finally, we'll give you an insider's look into the Indiana Jones franchise, highlighting John Williams' timeless music scores, and the jaw-dropping special effects from Industrial Light and Magic. We also discuss the on-screen chemistry of Harrison Ford and Sean Connery, which undeniably added a spark to the series. And let's not forget Shia LaBeouf's role and the subsequent transition of James Mangold into the director's chair. Intrigued? Join us as we pay tribute to the classic Indiana Jones series and its undeniable impact on the world of film.

    48 min
  8. Recounting Our Magical Disney World Resort Experience

    09/22/2023

    Recounting Our Magical Disney World Resort Experience

    Send a text Ever fantasized about wandering through the magical realms of Disney World? My wife, Colleen, and I are here to make that fantasy almost feel real. Join us for a lively recounting of our recent Disney adventure, where we journeyed through the Magic Kingdom and dined at the fabulous Steakhouse 71. Colleen vividly describes her first encounter with the enchanting world of Disney while we also reflect on how convenience in air travel has evolved family vacations from our parents' days. Have you ever imagined a shopping paradise nestled in the world of Disney? Let us escort you through Disney Springs, where the allure of high-end stores meets the mesmerizing world of Disney. We savored delectable meals, indulged in dessert fantasies, and even visited the unmissable Lego store. Colleen and I also share our insider's perspective on the benefits of investing in a resort stay to elevate your Disney experience, using our own experiences at the Saratoga Springs and Polynesian resorts as examples. Finally, we invite you to sit back and imagine the warm sand beach of the Polynesian resort under your feet, the mesmerizing fireworks show over the Seven Seas Lagoon painting the sky, and the joy of exploring different parks. Leaving nothing out, we share tips and tricks like knowing your departing airport in Orlando, and our personal recommendations for dining and activities. As we look back on our memorable stay at the Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, we welcome you, our listeners, to share your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. Here's your chance to step into a magical world and experience Disney, just like we did!

    45 min
See All (37)

Trailers

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

This Won’t Teach You Anything is a pop culture podcast about movies, music, travel, collecting, and the moments that stick with us longer than we expect. Hosted by Andrew, each episode takes a familiar piece of pop culture and looks at it through a personal, honest, and occasionally irreverent lens — less “hot takes,” more reflection. If you like thoughtful conversations about the things you love (and sometimes grew up with), this won’t teach you anything… but it might make you think about it differently. Follow us on: X - @thiswontteach Instagram - this_wont_teach_you_anything Facebook - @thiswontteach Gmail - thiswontteach@gmail.com

Information