PopCultX

In this lively episode of PopCultX, our hosts dive into a whirlwind of pop culture hot takes and nostalgic deep dives! Gabriel and Danny kick things off with a tribute to Winona Ryder, celebrating her iconic roles in Heathers, Beetlejuice, and more. Then, Gabriel introduces a new band called Magic Potion, bringing a throwback rock sound, while Danny shares a recent album discovery from The Cure.

In this episode of PopCultX, Gabriel and Danny take listeners on a nostalgic journey through Gen X pop culture, reminiscing about iconic toys like Transformers and Ninja Turtles while musing on their impact today. They dive into the eerie Late Night with the Devil, unpacking its devilish plot twists, and debate the cultural impact of horror classics like The Exorcist. From haunted objects to chilling movie recommendations and a sneak peek at Lady Gaga’s latest horror-inspired single, this episode blends horror, humor, and a dash of nostalgia for a Halloween-inspired thrill ride.

In this spellbinding episode of PopCultX, Danny, Gabriel, and Josh stir up a magical conversation in “The Ultimate Witch Guide: Famous Witches in Pop Culture and Why We Love Them” The trio kicks things off by sharing which fictional universes they’d love to live in for a week, sparking plenty of imaginative ideas and laughs. From there, they dive deep into their favorite witches in movies and TV, discussing everything from classic portrayals to more modern takes on the craft.

In Episode 160 of PopCultX, titled “Zombies We Love: The Best Undead Moments in Pop Culture”, Danny and Gabriel immerse themselves in all things zombie—from fast-moving flesh-eaters to slow, tension-building hordes. They dive into what makes zombies so terrifying, debating the classic horror trope of fast versus slow zombies and what their personal strategies would be if the world suddenly fell into a zombie apocalypse.

Gigi Saul Guerrero: Culture Shock, Horror, and Filmmaking from Two Worlds

In Episode 159 of PopCultX, Danny and Gabriel delve deep into vampire culture in pop culture. The episode kicks off with a look at music inspired by vampires, featuring tracks like Annie Lennox’s haunting song from the Bram Stoker’s Dracula soundtrack and Concrete Blonde’s “Bloodletting (The Vampire Song).” They also dive into a detailed appreciation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula—the book, the film adaptation, and its far-reaching influence on vampire lore in modern cinema.

In this episode of PopCultX, Danny & Gabriel welcome panelists Jack Foster and Adrian Quintero to kick off spooky season with a deep dive into ghost stories, eerie encounters, and a shared love for horror films. Gabriel shares a chilling family ghost story from Tucson, while Adrian recounts an experience with a childhood toy that seemed to move on its own. The crew discusses their personal beliefs about the paranormal, from Gabriel’s emergency crucifix to Jack’s unsettling dreams and vivid encounters.

In this special episode, PopCultX celebrates Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month with a spine-chilling dive into spooky folklore! Hosts Danny & Gabriel are joined by Rob Alicea & Gen X ( @genx_comics ) and they explore how these stories preserve culture, teach moral lessons, and shape our understanding of fear. The discussion also highlights the influence of folklore on pop culture and horror films, while touching on broader themes like Afro-Latinidad and colorism. The team shares personal supernatural experiences, childhood fears, and explores the intersection of belief, superstition, and cultural identity. Throughout, they express pride in supporting Latino filmmakers and keeping these rich stories alive in media. The team also explores this year's Emmy awards.

In this special PopCultX episode, hosts Gabriel and Danny are joined by comedian  @JoseSarduy  as they share memories and reflections on the legendary James Earl Jones. The conversation delves into his incredible career and lasting impact on pop culture.

In this special bonus episode of PopCultX, Danny & Gabriel welcome back Professor Frederick Luis Aldama, aka Professor LatinX, for an exciting deep dive into auteur theory and creativity. Using Robert Rodriguez as a prime example, they explore what defines an auteur and discuss the balance between innovation and intentional storytelling in both film and comics.

Aldama also shares insights into his latest book, The Absolutely (Almost) True Adventures of Max Rodriguez, reflecting on the challenges of bringing a two-spirit character to life and navigating the publishing world. Together, they discuss the influence of filmmakers of color, the evolving role of technology, and how diverse voices are shaping the future of storytelling.

Join us for this engaging bonus episode, where creativity, diversity, and the power of auteurs take center stage!