Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is probably the best Batman movie. Yes, we know this isn't that hot of a take. However, we do think Batman--as a concept--can't function well outside of the way he is presented in this film. In the 21st episode of Pop The Culture Podcast, we are joined by Michael's older brother Kyle Ruiz in a special sibling episode where we deconstruct The Bat! We also talk about who our favorite Robins are and the upcoming film starring Robert Pattinson as Vengeance himself. 

Legend of Korra season 4 ends on a high note! But that's only after Korra hits her personal lowest of lows. In the 20th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast, Michael and Joe discuss how the series has led up to this personal struggle for Korra, what it's like to write Fascism for a kids show, and even--talk about their own lows. Join us for the final episode of our Legend of Korra mini series!

Link for Dijon Kizzee's Funeral Fund: https://gf.me/u/yv3fyt 

The Legend of Korra season 3 has got to be the best season so far! The villains are Anarchists, Korra is challenged mentally, and Team Avatar has to learn how to build a freaking Nation! In the 19th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast, we are joined again by friend-of-the-pod Celine to discuss all the goodness of Korra season three. We also talk about why kids maybe shouldn't be incarcerated for theft. Spoilers for S3, E2 and all of Season 3! 

The Legend of Korra Season 2 is--how you would say--not the best season. However, it still dives into some really interesting psychological and spiritual territory for Korra. After all the season is about spirits! On the 18th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast, we are joined by our good friend Celine as she helps us navigate this season's themes around the Spirit World and the Power of the (Little) Girl. She also helps Michael and Joe settle their debate over Mako and Bolin!  WARNING: We do have content that discusses sexual assault in the series. It's between the approximate time frames of 29:19-31:09. 

Is The Legend of Korra better than Avatar: The Last Airbender or is the comparison a moot point? It's the beginning of a new mini series! In the 17th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast, Michael and Joe analyze the pros and cons of The Legend of Korra season one. They talk about the Equalists's ideology, why Korra is so awesome, and who is the worst bro: Mako or Bolin. 

Peni Parker grew to prominence in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, but she's based on a comic with only two issues. Not only that, the comics are inspired by a mech anime called Neon Genesis Evangelion and created by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance! What the hell is going on here?! In the 16th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast and finale of our Spider-Person mini-series, Michael and Joe make sense of this strange intersection of fandoms by finding the link between Spider-Man and anime. Spoiler warning for Neon Genesis Evangelion (NGE). 

Miles Morales is Spider-Man! After many reboots and comic book universe convergences, Miles has shaped into being his own Spider-person--even getting a movie. In the 15th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast, Michael and Joe continue the Spider-person mini series by chronicling  Miles' entire comic book history. They discuss the good runs, the not-so-good runs, and how he's come to stand on his own from Peter Parker. Warning: there's some extra nerdy side-tangents! 

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse showed a whole generation that anyone can wear the mask. Little did some of you know, Michael and Joe have their own masks and spandex onesies! In the 14th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast, we begin a new mini-series about Spider-People by discussing the hit animated movie. Michael and Joe talk about why Spider-Verse is so special to them, their seemingly undying love for Spider-Man, and how many spider-themed objects they own.   

Atlanta reminds us why we love Donald Glover so much--his absurdist sense of humor! In the 13th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast, Michael and Joe break down season 1 of Atlanta. They talk about the Montague episode ("B.A.N."), their favorite moments from the season, and how Donald uses Absurdism to highlight the comedy of tragic realities. 

Batman Beyond, Blade Runner, and Spider-Man Unlimited all have one thing in common: Cyberpunk. In the 12th episode of Pop the Culture Podcast, Michael and Joe discuss the cyberpunk roots of Batman Beyond. They also discuss the impact Terry McGinnis left on them and why that intro song is so lit.