The Pop Break

Alex Marcus
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Entertainment News
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Pop Break is a collection of podcasts executive produced by Pop Break Director Alex Marcus, featuring the very best conversations about television, film, music, anime, wrestling, and more! This includes weekly pods like Roses & Rejections on Wednesdays, providing coverage of the best of reality dating, as well as new episodes of monthly podcasts like The Anniversary Bros, TV Break, Not Couple Goals, Blerd Watchers, Anime x Pop, Batman By The Numbers, & Bill vs. The MCU every Monday and Friday!

  1. TV Break: June 2026 - Reviews of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Spider-Noir, Hacks, and Maul - Shadow Lord + Stranger Things and CBS Dominate Nielson Ratings

    3h ago

    TV Break: June 2026 - Reviews of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Spider-Noir, Hacks, and Maul - Shadow Lord + Stranger Things and CBS Dominate Nielson Ratings

    Welcome to TV Break, where Pop Break’s Podcasts Editor Alex Marcus is joined by editor-in-chief Bill Bodkin, and TV Columnist Josh Sarnecky to talk about the happenings in television. Here’s the format of the show: The Best Thing I Saw on TV Last Month  – Alex, Bill, & Josh talk about a show/episode/event they liked from the last month including Prime Video’s Spider-Noir, HBO’s Rooster, HBO Max’s Hacks, AppleTV’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles and Disney Plus’s Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord.  Newsbreak – This month, they are discussing the news that Netflix and CBS/Paramount Plus dominated the Nielsen ratings for the 2025-2026 TV year. Streaming Wars – Alex, Bill, & Josh each selected their top streamer of the month. Josh opted for YouTube after a few YouTube grads who used the platform to build a cult following recently springboarded those humble beginnings into massive box office returns with a pair of hit horror films in Obsession and Backrooms. Alex went all in on AppleTV on the strength of their recent programming slate, their big Peanuts summer, and the recent news of a new spy thriller starring James Marsden on the horizon. Meanwhile, Bill stood up for Prime Video after they earned praise for the final season of the Boys, their new hockey romance Off Campus, Spider-Noir, and lots and lots of sports! New Series Spotlight  – This month Alex, Bill, and Josh discuss Apple TV’s Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed created by David J Rosen and starring Tatiana Maslany as a recently divorced mom and professional fact checker who, while in a custody battle with her ex-husband, played by New Girl’s Jake Johnson, she finds herself blackmailed by a camboy, which is only the start of her troubles.

    1h 14m
  2. Batman By The Numbers: Reviewing Absolute Batman Vol 1 with Justin DeVoe

    3d ago

    Batman By The Numbers: Reviewing Absolute Batman Vol 1 with Justin DeVoe

    There’s arguably no superhero in existence that has been reimagined, redefined, or reinterpreted more than Batman.  No matter how many times he’s been rebooted, audiences are always willing to come back to Gotham City’s greatest defender.  With so much Bat content out there, there’s plenty to dissect, analyze, and of course, rank!  This podcast is dedicated to a surgical evaluation of Batman’s history, with a focus on ranking several topics in the world of Batman, among other classic Bat themes and characters. Join hosts Daniel Cohen, Pop Break’s former Film Editor, and Kris Ingersoll, co-host of the Media/Lit podcast, as they bring on several guests every month to share their passion for the one and only Dark Knight.  From Adam West to Robert Pattinson, no bat stone will be left unturned.  Bottom-line: If you’re a Batman fan, this is required listening. If you're a Batman aficionado or a curious newcomer, you're likely asking: What makes the latest "Absolute Batman" series so compelling? How does this reimagined universe differ from the classic Gotham stories we know, and why does it matter now? In this episode, Dan had to take some time this month for his wedding and honeymoon, so Pop Break Director of Podcasting Alex Marcus has returned to his old cohost chair, and he and Kris welcome the fantastic Justin DeVoe aka @reallifelobo for an in depth discussion of Absolute Batman Vol 1: The Zoo.  Together, they uncover the innovative storytelling, character redesigns, and the fresh take on familiar characters — all crafted with love for the mythos and a desire to push boundaries. From the towering, terrifying new Batman to the gritty, real-world Gotham, this series offers a bold twist on a beloved universe. They explore how the creative team balances fresh storytelling with respect for tradition, reimagining heroes and villains alike. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of comics, this is the future of Batman that deserves your attention, so let Kris, Alex, and Justin be your guide!

    2h 25m
  3. Roses & Rejections: Drag Race All Stars S11 Episode 4 + Love Island S8 Preview

    5d ago

    Roses & Rejections: Drag Race All Stars S11 Episode 4 + Love Island S8 Preview

    Your reality TV besties have arrived! Michelle Chapman and Mostly Nitpicking’s DJ Chapman are dishing on all the drama, delusion, and occasionally genuine emotion from your favorite dating and competition shows. Love is Blind? Covered. RuPaul's Drag Race? Absolutely. The entire Bachelor franchise and whatever Netflix dropped this week? Honey, they watched it so you don't have to — but honestly, you should watch it too. This week Michelle and DJ cover Ru Paul's Drag Race All Stars 11 Episode 4. They talk about the start of the Pink bracket, which Queens they like and who they think will move forward. They wrap up the pod getting ready for Love Island USA Season 8!

    44 min
  4. Bill vs. The MCU: Podding the Spider-Verse Part 5 - Morbius, Madame Web, + Kraven the Hunter

    6d ago

    Bill vs. The MCU: Podding the Spider-Verse Part 5 - Morbius, Madame Web, + Kraven the Hunter

    Hello and welcome to Bill vs the MCU! Each month your hosts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Pop Break Podcasting Director Alex Marcus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pop Break Editor in Chief Bill Bodkin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ are taking another step into the wider Marvel Multiverse as the MCU dives deeper into their Multiverse Saga. Bill & Alex spent all of 2022 rewatching the first four phases of the MCU, and, in the years since, they have covered the first four seasons of Agents of SHIELD, the entire Netflix Defenders Saga, Fox’s X-Men,  Fantastic Four, and Daredevil films, the Blade trilogy, a few Punisher films, Ang Lee’s Hulk, and, most recently, Marvel’s Modern Animation line up of shows. This month, Alex & Bill are wrapping up the Sony Pictures rewatch portion of their season with a deep dive into SPUMC! That’s right they are reviewing Morbius (2022), Madame Web (2024), and Kraven the Hunter (2024) - aka the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters or SPUMC for short! Come back next month for their biannual check in on the MCU with reviews of Wonder Man Season 1, Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, and The Punisher: One Last Kill, all available to stream on Disney Plus!

    2h 30m
  5. Podelay: Sea Change, 2002

    May 22

    Podelay: Sea Change, 2002

    This is Podelay, a podcast dedicated to alternative rock pioneer Beck Hansen! After completing their Pod of Doom series, Randy Allain (Media/Lit) and Justin Mancini (TheCineMaverick.com) are back to take on a whole new genre. Our resident music podcasters are joined by Kris Ingersoll of Batman by the Numbers and the Media/Lit podcast, and this time, Randy steps into the host chair so that Justin can discover something new. In the seventh episode, Justin, Kris, and Randy explore a far more somber outing with the fittingly named Sea Change. They cover the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop, the oscillations in the stages of grief, and what it means to drive all night…even when it’s day. And as always, they recommend other artists for your listening pleasure. In every episode, each host will spotlight the following: ·        Where It’s At: a track they really like. ·        It’s A Loser, Baby: a track they don’t. ·        Sing It Again: a favorite lyric. ·        Such A Beautiful Way: a favorite musical moment. Join them as they travel to a destination a little up the road from the conversations and the pods you know. Please join us for the show that poses one simple question: I’m a podcast, baby, so why don’t you stream me? Host Picks:   Where It’s At (A Song We Think Is Underrated or Just Really Like) Justin – Round the Bend Kris – The Golden Age Randy – Lonesome Tears   It’s a Loser, Baby (A Song We Don’t Like So Much) Justin – Sunday Sun (qualified) Kris – Side of the Road (qualified) Randy – Already Dead (qualified)   Sing It Again (A Favorite Lyric) Justin – Lonesome Tears Kris – The Golden Age Randy – Round the Bend   Such a Beautiful Way (A Favorite Musical Moment) Justin – Already Dead Kris – Paper Tiger Randy – Guess I’m Doing Fine   Other Artists We’ve Been Listening To: Justin – Yes Kris – Punk Rock Factory Randy – Jocie Adams

    1h 23m
  6. Roses & Rejections: Drag Race All Stars S11 Episode 3 + Love Is Blind S4 Update

    May 20

    Roses & Rejections: Drag Race All Stars S11 Episode 3 + Love Is Blind S4 Update

    Your reality TV besties have arrived! Michelle Chapman and Mostly Nitpicking’s DJ Chapman are dishing on all the drama, delusion, and occasionally genuine emotion from your favorite dating and competition shows. Love is Blind? Covered. RuPaul's Drag Race? Absolutely. The entire Bachelor franchise and whatever Netflix dropped this week? Honey, they watched it so you don't have to — but honestly, you should watch it too. This week Michelle and DJ discuss Ru Paul's Drag Race All Stars 11 Episode 3. They discuss their thoughts on the Orange bracket now that we know who the top 2 Queens are and if the right decision was made. They also briefly dish on the news that Kwame and Chelsea from Love Is Blind Season 4 have broken up.

    43 min
  7. The Anniversary Brothers - Captain America: Civil War 10th Anniversary

    May 19

    The Anniversary Brothers - Captain America: Civil War 10th Anniversary

    Josh and Aaron Sarnecky are here to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Captain America: Civil War. Joining them is special guest Kris Ingersoll, co-host of Batman By The Numbers. Captain America: Civil War is a superhero movie directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. It is the sequel to Captain America: The Winter Soldier and a loose adaptation of the Marvel Comics event series “Civil War” by Mark Millar. It opened in theaters on May 6, 2016.  In the film, Captain America (Chris Evans) must clear the Winter Soldier’s (Sebastian Stan) name after a bombing at a United Nations summit. Complicating matters is the UN’s Sokovia Accords, restricting the actions of the Avengers. The Accords cause a schism in the team, with those for led by Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and those against led by Captain America. Pulling each’s strings is the mysterious Zemo (Daniel Brühl). Other heroes include Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Black Window (Scarlett Johansson), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Vision (Paul Bettany), War Machine (Don Cheadle), and Spider-Man (Tom Holland).  Additional characters include Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt), CIA agents Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). Captain America: Civil War was the highest-grossing film of 2016, making over $1.1 billion on a $250 million budget and received mostly positive reviews. Aaron, Josh, and Kris talk about their relationships with the movie before going into its plot, characters, and action. They also discuss the legacy of the film. For more Captain America, you can listen to Aaron and Josh’s podcasts on Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Captain America: Civil War is streaming on Disney+

    1h 55m
  8. Anime x Pop: 30th Anniversary Pokemon Fantasy Draft

    May 18

    Anime x Pop: 30th Anniversary Pokemon Fantasy Draft

    There’s never a dull moment in the world of anime and Pop Break is diving right into the action! Join anime enthusiasts Amanda Rivas and Josh Sarnecky as they geek out monthly with dedicated experts and special guests on exciting anime news, trending anime in TV and/or movies, and anime recommendations spanning different genres that everyone should be watching. If you are a lifelong anime lover or taking the initial leap into the genre that has something for everyone, this is the podcast for you! In this episode, Josh and Amanda celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with a high-energy Pokémon draft packed with nostalgia, strategy, and plenty of passionate debate. Joined by a panel of fellow Pop Break favorites, they build their dream teams across categories like cute, powerful, legendary, psychic, ghost, and wild card picks. From Mewtwo and Cubone to Nidoking, Wheezing, and beyond, each selection sparks memories, arguments, fun facts, and unexpected emotional connections. The draft balances competitive team-building with pure Pokémon love, as the panel weighs type synergy, personal favorites, childhood icons, and undeniable vibes. As the final teams come together, everyone makes their case for why their lineup deserves to win.

    2h 39m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Pop Break is a collection of podcasts executive produced by Pop Break Director Alex Marcus, featuring the very best conversations about television, film, music, anime, wrestling, and more! This includes weekly pods like Roses & Rejections on Wednesdays, providing coverage of the best of reality dating, as well as new episodes of monthly podcasts like The Anniversary Bros, TV Break, Not Couple Goals, Blerd Watchers, Anime x Pop, Batman By The Numbers, & Bill vs. The MCU every Monday and Friday!

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Marcus
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    773
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alex Marcus
  • Show Website
    The Pop Break

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