Culture Pop Podcast Steve Mason

Mase & Sue do a double-header - first up Mark Feuerstein and Michael Chiklis discuss their polar opposite roles in the MGM+Original crime thriller series, HOTEL COCAINE. They talk about the drug-fueled 70’s Miami scene, the real hotel the show is based on, the authenticity of their roles, the process of building their characters, and mutual admiration for each other’s work. Next – executive producer, writer, showrunner Meredith Scardino talks about the inspiration behind her hilarious NETFLIX Emmy-nominated series GIRLS 5 EVA, collaborating with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, casting Broadway stars, how pieces of the cast’s real lives were used for their roles, her show biz debut at the age of four, writing stints on SNL, Letterman and Stephen Colbert, the process of landing a late night tv gig, and cranking out jokes vs penning scripts. Plus, the hits and misses of the new flick, HIT MAN, Glen Powell’s hotness, how movie studios should handle their theatrical releases, Sony buying Alamo Drafthouse and the prospect of studios purchasing theater chains.

Lili Taylor talks to Mase & Sue about her role in OUTER RANGE  - the American neo-Western supernatural mystery thriller streaming on Amazon Prime. They discuss the challenges of shooting out of sequence, reaction to seeing the finished product for the first time, time travel and strange unexplainable events, the concept of predetermination, Noah Reid’s sweet performance, and acting opposite co-star/executive producer Josh Brolin. Also, the classic film MYSTIC PIZZA, her relationship with the cast, Robert Altman’s SHORT CUTS, the pros and cons of working with a director who encouraged improv, her experience working on HOUSEHOLD SAINTS, I SHOT ANDY WARHOL, THE CONJURING, and decompressing from certain roles. Plus, the premiere of HULU’s new FX miniseries CLIPPED, best-selling musical acts of all time and show business nepo babies.

Fresh off the news of a fourth season, HACKS co-creator, co-showrunner and star Paul W. Downs talks to Mase & Sue about the evolution of the critically acclaimed HBO series. They chat about the inspiration for the show, the casting of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, the stigma of women of a certain age, the comedy, poignancy, attention to detail in the writing, the dynamic of working with a spouse and how they nailed the season ending episode. Plus, the return of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, THE BEAR, Prime Video release of the documentary I AM:CELINE DION and the state of Jennifer Lopez’s complicated professional life.

Josh Segarra joins Mase & Sue to talk about the quirky, feel-good APPLE TV series, THE BIG DOOR PRIZE. They discuss how the theme of the show reflects their real lives, what fueled his character’s transformation in Season 2, why people connect to the show, the dynamic of working with showrunner David West Read, his love of professional wrestling and how it was implemented in an episode. Plus, how his parents affected his career, his role of Lance in THE OTHER TWO, the art of auditioning and throwing out first pitches and singing National Anthem. Also, Mase & Sue’s Furiosa review, theories on why it wasn’t a box office hit and the sad state of affairs with reality TV.

Christopher McDonald comes back for seconds to chat with Mase & Sue about the return of his hilarious Shooter McGavin role in HAPPY GILMORE 2, what made the film a cult classic, Adam Sandler’s mad dramatic acting skills, and season 3 of HBO MAX’s hit series, HACKS. They talk about the star-studded guest roles, brilliant writing, the exploration of the sensitive side of his character, Marty, and where he hopes the story of he and Jean Smart’s Deborah may lead. Also, the certain quality of many of the parts he’s portrayed, where he finds the traits for his roles, and the state of his beloved Buffalo Bills. Plus, a sunglass expedition in Florida, Justin Timberlake brings sexy back in his live stage show, KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES incredible special effects, the issue with the first of a trilogy film series, the ridiculously long standing ovations at Cannes and Francis Ford Coppola’s 120-million-dollar polarizing self-financed film, MEGALOPOLIS.

Mase & Sue end their SUGAR Watch-Along series with a wrap up of the 8th episode finale and speculations as to what a hopeful second season may bring. Sugar succeeds in getting Olivia safely home, the polyglots are scrambling to get back to their planet, Miller doesn’t make it, Ruby’s fate is left unknown, Sugar’s confidant Henry’s sordid secrets are revealed – the kidnapping of Sugar’s sister, Jen and involvement with the crooked Senator’s creepy son, and the reveal of Sugar’s true identity to Melanie. After turning down Jonathan Siegel’s offer to head up his security, Sugar is committed to remain in the place that has made him more human. Henry declares he will do the same. If APPLE TV takes another whack at a sophomore season, will the power of Sugar’s “love” prevail in preventing the “hate” Henry’s embraced from getting more out of hand on the streets of LA? And will Sugar finally be at peace by finding his beloved sister?