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Pop Culture Pros

Come hang out as we cover all things Pop Culture! That means movies, sports, television, entertainment, music, and more!

  1. MAR 12

    Am I On The Air? #222 - Here Comes The Bride

    Season 31, Episode 15 – Here Comes The BrideHosted by: DONMEGADONMEGA is back once again with another full breakdown of the latest movie and TV headlines, covering everything buzzing in entertainment from March 4 through March 10. This marks Episode #222 on the PopCulturePros Network, which at this point feels less like a milestone and more like proof that DONMEGA has been grinding in the podcast game longer than some of these streaming services have even existed. Veteran status fully unlocked.On the movie side, the spotlight this week is on The Bride, the newest cinematic spin on the classic monster mythology. DONMEGA digs into the film’s tone, performances, and visual style while unpacking how this modern take reshapes the legendary character. Classic monster stories tend to come with high expectations and even higher pitchfork counts from fans, so the big question becomes whether this version honors the legacy or stitches together something entirely new.TV is just as busy this week with a wave of premieres and returning favorites. HBO launches its newest original series Rooster, and DONMEGA breaks down early impressions to see whether this one has the potential to join the network’s long line of “everyone is suddenly talking about this show” hits. Meanwhile, Taylor Sheridan continues expanding his empire with Marshals, the latest addition to the ever-growing Yellowstone universe that introduces another corner of that sprawling frontier drama.Crime drama fans also get something new with CIA, the latest spin-off expanding the FBI television world, proving once again that television agencies apparently never run out of letters to build shows around. And on the comedy side, Ted: The Series returns to Peacock for Season 2, bringing back the foul-mouthed teddy bear and the kind of chaotic humor that definitely isn’t meant for family movie night.As always, the episode rounds out the week with additional entertainment headlines, trailers, streaming drops, and industry buzz. Sharp takes, veteran perspective, and just enough sarcasm to keep things honest — Here Comes The Bride keeps Am I On The Air? doing what it does best: keeping you up to speed on what’s hitting your screens and what’s worth paying attention to.

    32 min
  2. MAR 11

    Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Ep 137: NFL Free Agency Chaos, Maxx Crosby Drama, Bam’s 83

    Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Episode 137It’s Episode 137 of Unsportsmanlike Conduct and the A-Team is mostly locked in as Farace and Tim grab the microphones again, with Anthony potentially jumping in if he feels like adding to the chaos. And this week the sports world delivered exactly what March usually does — a whole lot of headlines, a little bit of insanity, and enough debate material to keep sports fans arguing for days.Naturally the conversation starts in the NFL, because free agency has officially taken over the entire sports news cycle. Deals are flying in every direction as teams try to reshape their rosters before the draft, and the rumor mill is moving even faster than the transactions themselves. Some franchises are clearly pushing their chips into the middle of the table while others look like they’re quietly resetting their future. The guys will break down the biggest moves from the early free-agency frenzy and which teams might have already changed the balance of power before the season even gets close.One of the strangest storylines to come out of the week involves star pass rusher Maxx Crosby and the bizarre trade situation involving the Raiders and Ravens. At one point it looked like Crosby was headed to Baltimore for a massive package of draft picks before the deal suddenly fell apart after a failed physical. Now the league is left wondering what actually happened and whether Crosby is still on the move somewhere else. It’s the kind of situation that makes front offices nervous and fans start inventing conspiracy theories.The NFL headlines kept coming on social media as well, especially through Adam Schefter’s feed where the most talked-about updates of the week ranged from free-agency agreements to roster reshuffling and teams positioning themselves for the next wave of moves. If you blinked for a few hours this week, there’s a good chance you missed three signings and a trade rumor.Over in the NBA, the league had one of those nights that reminds everyone why the sport never runs out of storylines. Miami’s Bam Adebayo exploded for an unbelievable 83-point game, the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history and one of those stat lines that almost feels fake when you first see it. Meanwhile in Boston, Jaylen Brown managed to get himself ejected in the second quarter after arguing with officials, adding another layer of drama to a Celtics season that has had plenty of intensity already.And just when you thought things couldn’t get any weirder, the World Baseball Classic delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament when Italy shocked Team USA. International baseball always brings a different kind of energy, and moments like that are exactly why fans love the tournament — even if it leaves the American side wondering how they let that one slip away.So Episode 137 is shaping up to be another classic Unsportsmanlike Conduct mix: NFL free-agency chaos, one of the wildest scoring nights the NBA has seen in decades, international baseball drama, and the constant flood of breaking news that keeps every sports fan refreshing their phone. Farace and Tim are confirmed, Anthony might jump in if he wants to stir the pot, and by the end of the show there’s a very good chance somebody will be yelling about NFL front offices, NBA referees, or how Team USA managed to lose that game.In other words, just another completely normal week in sports.

    1h 24m
  3. MAR 11

    The Put It in the Books Show - S8 E25: Lindor Rehab, Senga Velocity, Manaea Debut & Mets Camp

    Spring training is entering its final stretch and the Mets are starting to get a clearer picture of what this roster might look like when Opening Day arrives. Farace and Rodriguez are back in the booth to break it all down — and with Producer Joe missing the show on some very questionable unapproved time off, things might actually stay on track for once.The biggest storyline right now revolves around Francisco Lindor, who has begun playing rehab games as he works his way back from hamate bone surgery. Lindor says he’s confident he’ll be ready for Opening Day, and if that holds true it’s a major boost for the Mets lineup and clubhouse.There’s encouraging news on the pitching side as well. Kodai Senga’s velocity is reportedly right back where the Mets want it, sitting around 97–98 mph this spring, while Sean Manaea made his first appearance of the spring as the Mets continue evaluating their rotation depth. Meanwhile, Freddy Peralta is already speaking openly about the possibility of a future extension, which raises questions about how the Mets plan to structure their long-term pitching core.The roster picture is also beginning to take shape. Prospect Jonah Tong has been optioned to Triple-A, while Carson Benge continues competing for a role on the major league roster. Rodriguez was actually at the game on Friday and got a firsthand look at Benge in action — and even managed to end up in the background of a video featuring David Wright talking about Bo Bichette.Elsewhere around camp, Luis Robert Jr. reminded everyone about his power with a home run in a minor league game, while the Mets continue to work with Bichette behind the scenes as he gets comfortable in the organization.The World Baseball Classic is also creating some drama around the Mets organization. Nolan McLean is part of Team USA, which just suffered a surprising loss to Italy and now needs help in its next game to advance. It’s another reminder of how much Mets talent is scattered across the tournament and how closely fans are watching to make sure everyone comes back healthy.We’ll also take a look at MLB Network’s Top 10 Right Now list for outfielders and where the game’s elite stack up at the position.Spring training decisions are getting closer, roster battles are heating up, and Opening Day is right around the corner. Farace and Rodriguez break it all down — this time without Producer Joe behind the wall.See you in the booth. #Mets #PiitB #PutItInTheBooks

    52 min
  4. MAR 6

    Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Ep 136: Aaron Rodgers Watch, NFL Trade Chaos & Kyler Murray Rumors

    The A-Team might be back for Episode 136 of Unsportsmanlike Conduct as Farace and Tim take the microphones, with Melo and Anthony possibly sliding in to add some extra noise if they decide to show up. It’s one of those sports weeks where nothing feels like a massive headline on the surface — but a lot of things are quietly shifting across the leagues.Naturally the conversation starts in the NFL, where the offseason trade market has already started doing what it always does this time of year: flipping rosters before free agency even begins. The Chiefs stunned the league by dealing All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie to the Rams for a major draft haul, while the Bills shook up their offense by acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore from the Bears. These aren’t minor tweaks — they’re the kind of moves that reshape contenders and force everyone else to start thinking about their next move.Of course none of that stops the biggest offseason storyline from hanging over the league again: Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers still hasn’t confirmed whether he’s playing in 2026, which means every quarterback-needy team in the league is watching and waiting. Retirement? One more run somewhere else? Rodgers has a way of controlling the entire news cycle without actually saying anything — and once again the league is stuck waiting.Another potential quarterback earthquake could also be coming out of Arizona, where reports suggest the Cardinals may release Kyler Murray. A former No. 1 overall pick suddenly hitting the open market would instantly become one of the biggest QB stories in years and could send several teams scrambling to figure out whether he’s still worth building around.Meanwhile the NFL Combine just wrapped up in Indianapolis, which means front offices are fully entering the real offseason phase — evaluating hundreds of prospects while preparing for what could be a very active free agency period.Over in the NBA, the Eastern Conference race has taken an interesting turn. Detroit currently sits at the top of the conference standings, something nobody predicted back in October, while teams like Cleveland, New York, and Boston are right behind trying to position themselves for the playoffs. The Celtics are also getting a huge boost with Jayson Tatum now cleared to return, which could immediately shake up the race down the stretch.The league is also pushing forward with stricter anti-tanking rules expected to take effect next season. The NBA wants teams competing instead of quietly chasing lottery odds late in the year — though history suggests front offices are always going to find creative ways to work the system.There’s movement on the ice too as NHL contenders start loading up ahead of the trade deadline. Teams like Vegas and Colorado have already made moves to strengthen their rosters as the playoff push begins.So Episode 136 has a little bit of everything: NFL trade chaos, quarterback uncertainty, a surprising NBA playoff race, anti-tanking politics, and the usual offseason rumors that somehow turn into real news a week later. Farace and Tim are confirmed, Melo and Anthony might jump in, and by the end of the show somebody is almost guaranteed to be yelling about quarterbacks or front offices trying to outsmart the system.In other words, just another normal week on Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

    1h 9m
  5. MAR 6

    The Put It in the Books Show - S8 E24: Mets Rotation Debate, Scott Returns, Peralta Extension Talk

    Spring training has entered that strange middle phase where the World Baseball Classic is grabbing attention and Mets camp has slowed down just a bit. But there’s still plenty happening in Port St. Lucie as Opening Day continues to get closer.One of the biggest conversations right now centers on the Mets rotation and whether a six-man setup actually makes sense. If we’re being honest, the reason this topic keeps coming up starts with Kodai Senga. Keeping the Mets’ ace fresh for the stretch run could be the biggest reason to consider spreading out innings, but the question remains whether altering routines early in the season is worth it.Christian Scott also returned to the mound in the Mets’ exhibition win over Team Israel, throwing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out two. It’s another positive step for a pitcher the Mets hope can provide valuable depth to the staff this season. Mark Vientos helped power the offense in that 5–0 win with a home run as the Mets handled Israel comfortably.Elsewhere around camp, Brett Baty is beginning to look like the Mets’ version of a super-utility player. With Jeff McNeil no longer in the picture, Baty has been getting reps in right field while still seeing time around the infield as the Mets search for ways to keep his bat involved.There’s also encouraging news on the health front. Francisco Lindor has resumed baseball activities after his hamate bone surgery and says he’s confident he’ll be ready for Opening Day — a major boost for a lineup that depends heavily on his production and leadership.We’ll also dive into the early discussion surrounding a potential Freddy Peralta contract extension and whether the Mets should pursue a long-term deal or take a shorter approach for flexibility. Plus, MLB Network’s Top 10 Right Now lists at third base and shortstop always spark debate around the league.And to close things out, we’ll take a trip through Mets history and look at some of the worst shortstops and third basemen to ever wear the uniform — players who struggled both offensively and defensively during their time in Queens.Spring training might feel quieter right now, but there’s still plenty to break down as the Mets continue preparing for the season.See you in the booth. #Mets #PiitB #PutItInTheBooks

    54 min
  6. MAR 4

    Am I On The Air? #221 - Twisting The Knife

    Season 31, Episode 14 – Twisting The KnifeHosted by: DONMEGAAnother week, another mountain of entertainment headlines, and DONMEGA is here to sort through it all on Am I On The Air?. This episode covers the biggest movie and TV news from February 25 through March 3, delivering Episode #221 on the PopCulturePros Network. For a show that’s been around as long as this one has, you’d think Hollywood might eventually slow down… but clearly nobody told them.The movie side of things is led by the highly anticipated return of Ghostface in Scream 7. DONMEGA breaks down the latest chapter in the legendary horror franchise, looking at how the series continues to honor its legacy while trying to keep things fresh for a new generation of horror fans. Is the knife still sharp after all these years, or is Ghostface just working overtime at this point? He also takes a look at the Prime Video action release The Bluff, digging into the performances, the action, and whether this streaming debut is worth carving out some time for.TV is just as busy this week. HBO rolls out its new original series DTF St. Louis, and DONMEGA gives his first impressions on the show’s tone, style, and the kind of audience it might attract. Meanwhile, the long-awaited return of Scrubs finally brings the beloved medical comedy back for a new chapter, raising the obvious question: can lightning strike twice in Sacred Heart? On top of that, the MonsterVerse keeps expanding as Monarch: Legacy of Monsters returns for Season 2, continuing to build out the giant-creature chaos on the small screen.And because Hollywood never sleeps, the episode also tackles a massive industry story — the reported Paramount buyout of Warner Bros. DONMEGA dives into what a potential merger of that size could mean for studios, streaming platforms, and the overall future of entertainment. It’s the kind of headline that could reshape the business… or just give executives new logos to print on coffee mugs.Movies, TV premieres, industry drama, and the usual dose of veteran insight and sarcasm — Twisting The Knife keeps Am I On The Air? doing what it’s done for years: cutting through the noise so you know what’s actually worth paying attention to.

    42 min
  7. FEB 26

    The Put It in the Books Show - S8 E23: 28 Days and Strawberry’s Warning

    The Put It in the Books Show – Season 8 Episode 23: 28 Days, Spring Flags, and Fresh ArmsWe are officially 28 days from Opening Day, which means spring optimism is undefeated, everyone looks great in shorts, and Farace is already mapping out playoff scenarios like it’s mid-September. Rodriguez is annoyed at an international tournament that hasn’t even started yet, and Producer Joe is behind the wall waiting for the exact moment things get serious so he can derail it with a sound drop.We start with Darryl Strawberry stepping into the time machine and basically saying Pete Alonso might regret leaving the Mets — just like Straw says he still regrets leaving for the Dodgers. That’s not just nostalgia from a caller on WFAN. That’s lived experience from a franchise icon. It opens up the emotional side of Mets history, loyalty, legacy, and whether players really understand what Queens means until it’s too late. Farace will lean into the history. Rodriguez will pretend it’s just business. Joe will absolutely stir the pot.On the field, there’s actual good news. Francisco Lindor is progressing well and looking good for Opening Day after the hamate bone surgery. That’s not a small thing. That’s the engine of the lineup trending in the right direction. A healthy Lindor changes the tone of the entire spring, and you know Farace is going to remind everyone exactly how important that is — repeatedly.Then we hit MLB Network’s Top 10 Right Now at first and second base. Where do Mets land? Are we in elite territory? Are we being disrespected? Or are we right where we should be? Expect stats, opinions, and at least one “how is that guy ranked ahead of ours?” rant before the segment is over.Now let’s talk World Baseball Classic. Rodriguez hates it. Flat out. The Mets have been burned before with injuries in this thing, and now look at the list: Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean, Juan Soto, Huascar Brazoban, Mark Vientos, and a parade of Mets pitchers representing half the globe. It’s great for the sport. It’s terrifying for Mets fans. We don’t hate baseball. We hate important Mets throwing max effort in March. Producer Joe will try to sell the global growth angle just to get Rodriguez heated.Carson Benge is off to a nice start. Good swings. Good at-bats. But so what? It’s spring. Every March somebody looks like an MVP for two weeks. Is this real momentum or just grapefruit league noise? Meanwhile, Jonah Tong is working on a cutter. A cutter. Which either means growth and development or “let’s see how many bats we can snap before April.”Quietly, the Mets’ infield depth looks real. Backup infielders who can actually give starters a day off without turning the lineup into a minor league showcase? That matters. Depth wins in August. Depth keeps you alive in September.And then the rotation conversation. Do you split things up? Do you go to six starters to keep arms fresh for the end of the year? Or do you trust your top five and let them roll? Farace loves being proactive. Rodriguez thinks rhythm matters more than rest. Producer Joe will pretend he invented the six-man rotation somewhere between segments.It’s 28 days until Opening Day. Lindor is trending up. The roster is packing passports. The depth looks solid. The arms look interesting. And for the first time in a few weeks, Mets fans can squint and see a version of this thing that works.Which, of course, makes us nervous.See you in the booth. #PiitB #ThePutItInTheBooksShow #Mets

    49 min
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

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Come hang out as we cover all things Pop Culture! That means movies, sports, television, entertainment, music, and more!