Step behind the scenes of sci-fi splendor with Emmy-winning makeup maestro Michael Key, as he recounts his transformative journey from apprentice to artisan on the set of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." His backstage stories reveal the painstaking attention to detail that breathes life into the most memorable extraterrestrial beings. Meanwhile, Michael's reflections on how technical expertise shapes his viewing experience resonate with Makayla, an aspiring cinematographer. Together, they illustrate the fine line between analyzing the craft and surrendering to the story—a balance every film aficionado strives to find.

Bask in the warm glow of cinematic nostalgia as we traverse the past and present of movie-watching marvels. From the rekindled magic of "Titanic" lighting up today's theaters to the immersive thrill of "Top Gun: Maverick" in ScreenX, we unpack how advancements in technology can reforge our connection with classic tales. Savor the communal joys of drive-in theaters that once flickered under the stars, and explore the poignant chapters of our cinematic journeys that continue to resonate through the decades.

As the curtain falls, we linger on the emotional tapestry woven by the potent combination of visuals and scores, with Hans Zimmer's melodies and the haunting silent command of Darth Vader being but a few examples. These powerful moments underscore the crucial roles of meticulous editing and a resonant soundtrack in the alchemy of film. With heartfelt gratitude, we look forward to the boundless possibilities of future dialogues that celebrate the collective passion and expertise that fuels the enduring allure of film and television storytelling.

 This episode of Generation Pop serves as a time capsule of our most significant pop culture experiences. We're sharing the tunes and tales that have shaped our own generational beats, from the top five artists who forged the soundtrack of our lives to the top five movies we can't help but re-watch. We reminisce about the palpable excitement of concert-going and the nostalgia-laden memories of movies that marked our coming of age.

These are the stories that reveal how films and music weave into the fabric of our lives. We celebrate the shared joy of those go-to films that feel like home and discuss how we bravely navigate social anxieties to engage with our favorite artists.

To round out our inaugural journey, we get candid about our digital habits and the blend of control and guilt they bring into our lives. Lent isn't just a season—it's a metaphor for the self-control we grapple with year-round, extending beyond religious boundaries. Join us as we open the pages of our family's pop culture scrapbook and offer a heartfelt discussion that extends an invitation into our world of generational pop. We're here to share, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear as we traverse the emotional beats of entertainment that grows alongside us.

Imagine the strength required to rise above a life as a migrant worker, escape an abusive family, and break free from a suffocating tradition. It's a tale of courage and resilience found in our own Angelica, a woman who dared to dream of a better life amidst her struggles. As the one of the youngest of 13 children, born into a family of migrant workers from Guadalajara, Mexico, Angelica's life was far from easy. Yet, even as she faced verbal and physical abuse, she held onto the hope she found in the world depicted in shows like The Brady Bunch and Disney movies.

Follow us as we journey through Angelica's life, fraught with harsh realities, yet illuminated by extraordinary moments. We delve into the complexities of her upbringing, her struggle with identity, and the heart-wrenching incident of her sister being sold off. Despite the shadows of her past, Angelica harbored dreams of a better life, and with a bold move, she decided to step away from her family's migrant worker lifestyle.

Her story is one of hope, faith, and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. From narrowly escaping a forced marriage, to finding love in a church, Angelica's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Listen to her remarkable story of escaping the chains of suppression, the challenges of finding a place to call home, and the road to acceptance and love. Tune in and let Angelica's story inspire you to believe in the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit.

What does it mean to not just survive, but thrive after experiencing extreme hardship and trauma? This is the question we explore with our guest, Adriana, who graciously shares her powerful journey of growing up in a restrictive cult in Portland, Oregon. She opens the door to the stark realities of being raised within the confines of a cult and the lasting impact it had on her life and her family. Adriana’s story will shake you to your core, as she reveals disturbing details about the fear and manipulation tactics employed by the cult, and the deep trauma caused by prolonged abuse.

Don't miss out on this touching narrative of overcoming adversity, faith, and resilience.

This was a really fun pod. I worked with Amanda for a couple of years. She's Australian. Which is fun in itself but she has an infectious personality. She has posted on Facebook a moment of happiness and appreciation for 7 years without missing a day. We talked about doing a podcast about happiness because of that. That's a  challenging feat but it helps her focus on the small things when that may be all she has.  We haven't done that pod yet but her mom, Linda and brother Adrian are visiting from Australia. I thought it would be fun to talk to all three of them. It was more than fun. It was insightful & educational. It was a real blast sitting with them. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. 

This episode is a little different. It's not one through story like the others. 

I started a new series from a game called, "Where Should We Begin?" by Esther Perel. She’s an amazing therapist and podcast host of the same name as her game. 

We only got through two questions but they filled an hour. 

Brit and I will mostly likely continue this conversation over other episodes as she discovers who she is and overcoming the fear of being known. 

Enjoy. 

Riley is a long time family friend. She's really family. 

She talks about early childhood anxiety and horrendous nightmares she battled growing up. Later, she shares about the loss of her dad. 

She's survived and persevered  through a lot. 

She concludes with some good advice for those going through it. 

Jenn walks us through growing up with her dad and then later into life when her family finds that he has Alzheimer’s. It’s a beautiful and heart breaking story. 

If you want keep up with Jenn, click the link to her blog, It Is Well With My Soul.

thepainfulreality.com

Matt found out in late November 2021 that he has a brain tumor. Several days later he discovered he was terminal. This is the story about how his life and specifically the last six years prepared him for this moment. It's a story about learning, disappointment, faith,  forgiveness, and love.

To help the Miller family follow this link.
https://givetaxfree.org/campaigns/miller-family-brain-cancer/