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Hey Pop Culture Time Travelers! Ready to rewind the cassette and plug into the electrifying 80s? 

This week on Back to Pop, we're joined by a truly, truly, truly outrageous icon whose voice defined a generation: the incredible Samantha Newark!

Get ready to go behind the microphone as Samantha shares her journey, from a global childhood spanning London and Africa to becoming the unforgettable speaking voice of Jerrica Benton AND her sensational alter-ego Jem in the beloved series Jem and the Holograms. 

We dive deep into the audition process, the magic of bringing both Jerrica and Jem to life, and revisit iconic episodes like "Glitter and Gold" and "The Day the Music Died."

But the 80s magic doesn't stop there! Samantha also takes us back to her earlier role voicing Ariel (Elita One) in The Transformers, sharing memories of working alongside voice acting legends.

Join us as we explore:

 * Samantha's early start in music and performing.

 * Breaking into the world of voice acting.

 * Behind-the-scenes stories from the Jem recording sessions.

 * The enduring legacy and impact of Jem and the Holograms.

 * Samantha's vibrant solo music career and her albums Somethin' Good, Hologram, and Hologram 2.0.

 * Connecting with fans at conventions and what's next!

Tune in for fascinating stories, waves of nostalgia, and an inspiring conversation about navigating the entertainment industry then and now.

Find out more about Samantha Newark, her music, and appearances:

 * Official Website:

 https://houseofjem.fans/home

SAMANTHA NEWARK

Don't miss this incredible conversation with the voice that powered Starlight Music! Listen now to Back to Pop wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio by: Gabe Fletcher 

Backtopopmedia.com

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Dive deep into comic book history with legendary artist and writer Mike Grell in this captivating episode of The Grell Method. Join us for an exclusive interview with the creative force behind iconic works like Tyroc,  The Warlord, Jon Sable Freelance, and the revolutionary Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters.
Grell shares his journey from Air Force veteran to transforming comic book storytelling across multiple decades. Hear firsthand accounts of his groundbreaking work that redefined Oliver Queen, his pioneering creator-owned series, and how his realistic artistic style changed superhero comics forever.
This episode explores:
•The creation of Skartaris and The Warlord’s unique blend of sword-and-sorcery with science fiction
•Behind-the-scenes insights into DC Comics’ Legion of Super-Heroes
•The revolutionary Green Arrow redesign that influenced decades of adaptations
•Grell’s transition to creator-owned work at First Comics and Image
•His artistic process and approach to mature storytelling themes
•Rare insights on the Jon Sable television adaptation
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mike Grell’s distinctive art style or new to his influential work that shaped modern comic storytelling, this episode offers a masterclass in comic book creation from one of the industry’s true innovators.

Audio by : Gabe Fletcher 

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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Get ready for a trip down memory lane! Legendary voice actor Neil Ross (Shipwreck, Springer, Rambo, Mean Gene Okerlund, and so many more) joins Back to Pop. Hear incredible stories about voicing heroes and villains for G.I. Joe and Transformers, the hilarious origins of some iconic voices, wild studio sessions for Rock 'n' Wrestling, and the surreal experience of voicing Rambo.

Neil also shares insights from his must-read memoir, "Vocal Recall." Tune in for nostalgia, laughs, and a masterclass in voice acting!

Grab Neil's book, "Vocal Recall: A Life in Radio and Voiceovers":

https://www.amazon.com/Vocal-Recall-Life-Radio-Voiceovers/dp/172156148X

Audio By: Gabe Fletcher 

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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Step into Toontown with us as Back to Pop welcomes the legendary Gary K. Wolf, the creative mind who brought Roger Rabbit to life and forever changed the way animation meets reality. From his humble beginnings in Earlville, Illinois to his time flying missions in the Air Force, Gary’s journey is anything but ordinary.

In this deep-dive episode, we trace the evolution of Who Censored Roger Rabbit? from page to screen and explore the seismic impact of Who Framed Roger Rabbit—a film that broke barriers, won Oscars, and united the worlds of Disney and Warner Bros. We’ll revisit iconic characters like Jessica Rabbit, peel back the curtain on his legal battles with Disney, and discover how his beloved creations continue to shape pop culture.

Whether you’re a fan of animation, film history, or just love a good noir-meets-cartoon mashup, this episode is your nostalgic backstage pass.

For all things Gary : https://garywolf.com/

Grab a copy of his work, like the new novel Jessica Rabbit: Xerious Buisness! 

Tune in, press play, and remember: he’s not bad… he’s just drawn that way.

Audio by: Gabe Fletcher 

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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The 90s took animation in a direction of more adult themes, then there was Exo-Squad—a bold, serialized animated series that tackled war, politics, and identity with the depth of adult sci-fi and the heart of Saturday morning cartoons. In this season premiere, we sit down with the man at the creative core of it all: Will Meugniot.

From designing iconic E-Frames to guiding the show’s layered characters and mature themes, Meugniot helped shape a series that never talked down to its audience. We dive deep into the making of Exo-Squad, the anime influences, network pushback, the truth about canceled third season, and what could’ve been. Plus: behind-the-scenes stories, collaborations with writing legend Eric Lewald , and answers to fan-submitted questions.

Whether you grew up watching Marsh and Phaeton square off—or you’re discovering the Neosapien War for the first time—this is your front-row seat to the legacy of a cult classic.

Back to Pop is back. And we’re going deep.

Audio: by Gabe Fletcher 

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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What does it take to guide a performance from good to unforgettable? In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed acting coach and director Michelle Danner, whose work behind the scenes has helped shape some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Michelle pulls back the curtain on the actor’s process, what she looks for in raw talent, and how the emotional truth of a scene is built moment by moment. A must-listen for actors, directors, and storytellers alike.

For more info on Michelle Danner 

https://www.michelledanner.com/

Audio by Gabe Fletcher 

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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In this episode of Back to Pop, filmmaker Jonathan Bowen joins us to talk about his upcoming movie and the deep influence of comic shop culture on his creative journey. We explore how these nostalgic spaces shaped his storytelling, the power of indie filmmaking, and the future of geek-driven cinema. Whether you’re a film buff, comic fan, or just love a good origin story—this conversation is for you.

Audio edited by: Gabe Fletcher 

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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Richie McGinniss has stood in the middle of American flashpoints — Kenosha, Portland, the Capitol steps on January 6 — not behind a Zoom lens, but with his boots on the ground and his camera rolling.

He’s been a witness, a documentarian, and at times…a character in the very stories he’s trying to tell.

He’s also the author of RIOT DIET, a raw, unfiltered journal of his time spent embedded in the American unrest of 2020 and beyond.

https://richiemcginniss.com/

Edited By: Gabe Fletcher 

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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Join us this week as we sit down with animation legend Frank Paur, the visionary director who helped bring Disney's "Gargoyles" to life. Frank takes us behind the scenes of this groundbreaking series that defied expectations with its mature storytelling and cinematic approach.

In this episode, Frank reveals the origin story of Angela, Goliath's daughter who became a fan-favorite character during the iconic Avalon World Tour. Discover the creative decisions that shaped her design, personality, and the powerful father-daughter relationship that added new emotional depth to the series.

Frank shares never-before-heard stories from the production, including the challenges of creating the show's distinctive dark visual style, memorable voice recording sessions, and how the team pushed the boundaries of what was possible in animated television during the 1990s.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Gargoyles, you won't want to miss this intimate conversation with one of the creative forces who turned stone statues into unforgettable characters.

Listen now and discover why, decades later, these warriors of the night continue to captivate audiences worldwide.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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Episode Description

Join us for an extraordinary deep dive into the world of voice acting with Zach Hoffman, the talented artist who brings the notorious master of disguise, Zartan, to life. In this exclusive interview, Hoffman pulls back the curtain on his fascinating journey into voice acting and shares the intricate process of creating one of animation's most complex villains.

Throughout our conversation, Hoffman reveals:

- The unexpected path that led him to become the voice of Zartan

- His unique approach to voicing a shapeshifter who maintains a distinct personality

- Behind-the-scenes insights into the recording process

- Memorable moments from his time in the recording booth

- The challenges and joys of being part of an iconic franchise

Whether you're a long-time fan of the series, an aspiring voice actor, or simply curious about the art of voice acting, this episode offers a masterclass in bringing animated characters to life. Hoffman's candid stories and professional insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of voice acting and the dedication required to maintain such a distinctive character.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear how one of animation's most notorious villains found his voice!

#gijoe #VoiceActing #Animation #BehindTheScenes #Zartan #ZachHoffman #VoiceActor #Animation #CharacterVoice #VoiceoverArtist

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==