Executive Producer Tom Russo joins Mase & Sue on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to discuss the reboot of the iconic sitcom, FRASIER – 30 years since its original premiere. Kelsey Grammer knocks it out of the park with a new concept, sharp writing and supporting stellar cast. We also talk about the TV shows and films that impacted Tom’s prolific career, his first big break, and returning to the Paramount Lot 16 years after leaving his decade plus Network Executive position, great comedy series lineups of the 70’s and 80’s, and whether streaming services are good for TV.  Plus, in honor of us not celebrating Halloween, the reasons why, our favorite candy and the scariest movies of all time.

Episode 281 - Tom Russo, Frasier

#CulturePop is a look at pop culture through the mind of Steve Mason, co-host of the #1-rated sports talk show in Los Angeles Joined by stand-up comic Sue Kolinsky, they hear from their friends, plus comics, actors, filmmakers and celebrities talking about movies, television, technology,, trends and completely random stuff.

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Mase & Sue discuss Episode 7 and what the finale may reveal in their SUGAR Watch Along with Dennis Boutsikaris, who portrays the cagey Bernie Siegel. Is Olivia dead or alive? The connection between her and Sugar’s sister, Jen, the aftermath of the thwarted secret mission, the federal government being hip to their existence, a senator’s son’s involvement and will Sugar flee with his Polyglot pals? Plus, Dennis takes the fifth on a crucial question, his early reaction to where the show was heading, the clues that led to Sugar’s real identity, the abundance of handheld camerawork, the controversy over the alien reveal, and the beauty of working with Colin Farrell.

Episode 317 - “Sugar” Watch-Along Episode 7 - The mission is over. Sugar still looking for Olivia.

Comedian/actor Allan Havey returns to the CULTURE POP PODCAST to chat with Mase & Sue about surviving the pandemic, acting, stand up, comedy influences and performing overseas. We also discuss our admiration for Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, how their polar opposite styles meshed to create SEINFELD, misconceptions about comedians, the dynamic of working on MAD MEN, the brilliant finale, and how precious going to a movie theater used to be. Plus, stage fright, leaving your craft at the peak of your career, and life after standup.

Episode 316 - Comedian/Actor Allan Havey on Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, the movie theatre experience & the perfect MAD MEN finale

Was the true identity of Colin Farrell’s lead character revealed? IOr another twist coming in APPLE TV+’s noir nail-biter, SUGAR? Episode 6 of Mase & Sue’s Watch Along Series brings Alex Hernandez into the fold to discuss his role as David Siegel’s henchman and keen perspective on the show. We talk about the artistic intercutting of the classic film NIGHT OF THE HUNTER, his path to being cast, what plot points he was privy to, the clues we’ve been fed, the tropes subverted, Los Angeles as a character, the cinematic handheld camera freedom, and how the mystery of how the Siegel’s play into the "alien" mission.

Episode 315 - “Sugar” Watch-Along Episode 6 - The twist. Where do we go from here

Matt Walsh joins Mase & Sue to discuss MANHUNT, the APPLE TV+ historical fiction thriller about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, the conspiracy to overturn the government, how clueless we were about the events, the eerie parallels to today, landing the villainous role of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the process of portraying a real-life character, his improv background coming into play, and how a big budget, noncommercial series got green-lit. We also discuss his time on and away from VEEP, top five funniest shows of all time, what draws him to a project, the strategy and pressure of fantasy sports, and the new Chicago Bears draft class. Plus, the result of Sue’s sprint triathlon, Mase’s poetic homage, and his praise of the new film, CHALLENGERS.

Episode 314 - “Manhunt” star Matt Walsh, Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” & Sue’s triathlon

Nate Corddry, “David,” not “Davey,” drops by the CULTURE POP PODCAST for the Episode 5 Watch Along Series of the APPLE TV+ noir thriller, SUGAR. Mase & Sue open the show discussing the secret society John Sugar’s a part of, and his boss Ruby’s fears about what Sugar may find out. Will he discover who he is or once was? His seemingly superhuman qualities - who perfectly parallel parks a car at 30MPH? Was he created? Is he AI? An Alien? Strange that when Melanie stayed at his hotel he walked out of the bedroom without pants, and the odd reference he makes about the effect Los Angeles is having on him, “maybe I’ve been here too long.” After speculating the identity of John Sugar, Nate joins in to talk about the rare opportunity of portraying the dark David Siegel character and the anxiety of being out of his comfort zone. Plus, the collaborative directing style of Fernando Meirelles, the freedom he allows his actors, the cinematic beauty from DP Cesar Charlone, working opposite Anna Gunn and Colin Farrell, the dream vibe on set, the moment David breaks, the discovery of who he is, and the confession that leads to his tragic demise… or not. At the end of the episode, he’s wheeled out on a gurney attached to an IV, still breathing. Another crazy plot twist or mislead?

Episode 281 - Tom Russo, Frasier

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