Culture Pop Podcast Steve Mason

On their first “Watch Along Series,” Mase & Sue do a deep dive into the first three episodes of Apple TV +’s modern noir series, SUGAR, starring Colin Farrell in the titular role. We discuss elements of his character, a theory of who he is, comparisons to CHINATOWN, the homages to the genre, and the use of classic film noir black & white cutaways. Plus, who was Jen? Where’s Olivia? Is her family complicit?  What’s the deal with the secret society? Who’s Stallings? And what great mysteries will be revealed? Stay tuned!

Julia Duffy joins Mase & Sue to talk about her high society role in Apple TV+’s sixties set comedy-drama PALM ROYALE. They discuss how she landed the part, digging into her Minnesota roots to find her character, working with an all-star cast, the spot-on midcentury scenic and costume design. Also, her childhood obsession with Carol Burnett, the dream job of playing opposite Bob Newhart, garnering seven Emmy nominations, her journey into pursuing an acting career, whether it’s harder for a woman to work as an actor that a guy, how the streaming vs advertising model has opened the door to content that appeals to older age groups, her deep admiration for stand-up comics and binge worthy crime shows. Plus, Mase’s hammered evening at The Whisky, Sue’s News – Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Kevin Bacon and a high school prom, their Kevin Bacon degree-age, celebrities who do cool things for fans, Kim Kardashian’s quiet donation, a Triple A team’s controversial mascot-naming contest and our biggest celebrity dinner tables.

Mase & Sue kick off the episode shooting the breeze about the best meals and greatest trips of their lifetime before writer/producer and favorite foodie, Phil Rosenthal joins in to talk about the new season of SOMEBODY FEED PHIL. They discuss the sitcom elements of the show, how the locations are chosen, the beauty of serendipity, what doesn’t make the final cut, respectfully dodging situations, an emotional food connection in Dubai, observing Ramadan, Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen as a religious experience and the emigration of chefs incorporating their native influences. Plus, the inspiration behind, JUST TRY IT! - the children’s book he co-wrote with his daughter Lily and his upcoming 25-city U.S. tour – a live show of funny stories from over 30 years in show business. Tickets @ philrosenthalworld.com

Actor Simon Baker chats about his starring and producing roles in the acclaimed Independent Australian film, LIMBO – the outback noir mystery-crime gem directed by Ivan Sen. Mase & Sue talk with him about his experience working with the Indigenous auteur filmmaker, an intimate crew, authentic undressed location settings, shooting monochromatic, casting local kids, and the relationship between indigenous Australians and white Australians. Also, his first film, LA CONFIDENTIAL, directorial debut, BREATH, seven years on the hit show THE MENTALIST, moving back to his homeland Australia, future projects, and his decision to break from safer conventional roles. Plus, Sue’s triathlon training update, Mase’s unwanted weight gain, his plan for a body transformation, Oprah and  Charles Barkley using Mounjaro and the new AppleTV+ series PALM ROYALE.

First, chewing betel nut in Guam, an acupuncturist adjustment gone wrong, new shows MR. AND MRS. SMITH and THE REGIME, on HBO and a 22-year-old model who had a creepy encounter with Leonardo DiCaprio.
 
Then Actor/Comedian Rory Scovel returns to the show to talk to with Mase & Sue about his new HBO MAX standup special RELIGION, SEX AND A FEW THINGS IN BETWEEN. They discuss what inspired the controversial topics, his improvisational style, being the product of a bible belt upbringing, audience artistic entitlement, being married to a witch, how family members deal with his racy subject matter, being cast in the movie BABLYON, self-taped auditions, and his lucrative pandemic driven painting obsession. 
 

Independent Spirit Award nominee, Judy Reyes talks to Mase & Sue about her lead role in the Frankenstein-inspired film, BIRTH/REBIRTH. We discuss why she took the part, the evolution of her character, working with co-star Marin Ireland, dealing with brutal subject matter, and director/co-writer Laura Moss’ straddling of the lengths one will go in order to achieve the thing you’re afraid to lose. Also, Judy's dream roles on SCRUBS and DEVIOUS MAIDS. Plus, the loss of a beloved dog, their lack of longevity, to clone or not to clone, tattoos, Sue’s inspiration for signing up for a sprint triathlon and the season ending episode of TRUE DETECTIVE.