Culture Pop Podcast Steve Mason

Mase & Sue do some detective work on their Watch Along of Episode 4 of APPLE TV +’s LA set noir series, SUGAR, starring Colin Farrell. They discuss the introduction of Olivia’s disturbing social media posts, Melanie’s suspicious dealings with Bernie, David and his Henchman’s visit with Sugar’s purported mother, and a possible clue as to “what” her “son” truly is. Also, why is Sugar so optimistic about the human condition, yet constantly questioning it? What’s behind the discussion with his secret society doctor about an alien related scene in John Carpenter’s, The Thing? David’s predatory behavior becoming public, if he sexually assaulted his half-sister, and the significance of a dress worn by Olivia’s late actress mother in a film directed by her grandfather seen in photos on his current wife. In the vein of CHINATOWN, is Olivia his daughter or granddaughter? What’s with the treasure trove of women’s jewelry the villainous Stalling’s creepy girlfriend combs through, one of which, a necklace Olivia is wearing in her video posts? And is Olivia on the other side of the padlocked door in his basement? Plus, ESPNLA producer and self-proclaimed Swiftie Emily Hybl drops by THE CULTURE POP PODCAST for an in-depth discussion about The Tortured Poets Department. They talk about their favorite tunes and Emily sets the record straight on who’s who in Taylor’s heartbreak songs. Also, the significance of some of the locations, her signature track 5’s, easter eggs, bestie Emma Stone’s contribution, the possible connection between ‘Fortnight’ and ‘Florida!!!’ the brilliant specific lyrics, hidden/ not so hidden Kim Kardashian jab, thanK you aIMee and the inspiration behind the poem, “For T and Me” penned to Taylor by Stevie Nicks.   

Katy O’Brian chats with Mase & Sue about her tailor-made role in Rose Glass’ provocative indie revenge thriller LOVE LIES BLEEDING. We talk about the training process, her martial arts and bodybuilding journey, the path to landing the part, chemistry and playfulness with co-star Kristen Stewart, working opposite Ed Harris, the game changing departure from her sci-fi and superhero characters and fun with end credits, Plus, peeks into CIVIL WAR, MONKEY MAN, the Broadway revival of FUNNY GIRL, MAX’s limited series THE REGIME, the unearned standing ovation and housekeeper complaints.

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.