Socially Distanced

We're reacting to all the LucasFilm news from Disney's D23 Expo last weekend. Hosts Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas are joined by the newly married Pop Break senior staff writer Ben Murchison to discuss Willow: The Series, Indiana Jones 5, and all things Star Wars. They dive deep on the future of a potential "Indyverse" and how Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge could make for an interesting successor to Harrison Ford. Willow and how it scared and scarred everyone on the pod is discussed as well as Bill's dislike for Burgelcutt. Amanda takes the lead on Star Wars they quickly touch on casting news and stills from The Skeleton Crew, The Acolyte and more. The episode concludes with analysis of the trailers for: Tales of the Jedi, The Bad Batch Season 2, Andor and The Mandalorian Season 3.

Socially Distanced makes its return to Middle-Earth! In this episode host Bill Bodkin is joined by Alex "The Grey" Marcus -- the wizard of all things podcast on Pop Break and Rachel Freeman -- The Galadriel of The Pop Break (aka Comic Books and Anime Editor) to discuss Amazon Prime Video's high-priced new series, Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.

In the episode we discuss our relationship with Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy (yay!) and his Hobbit trilogy (booooo) and how that impacted our anticipation for Rings of Power. Other topics discussed includes the set design and visuals of the series, the return of Elron and Galadriel, as well as new characters Nori, Bronwyn, Arondir and more. They discuss the "stranger" and if he just might be a wizardly character, the disconnect with some of the stories, the controversy over non-white characters in the series (spoilers: that controversy is stupid), and so much more.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has so many new films and TV shows on the horizon. Hosts Bill Bodkin and Al Mannarino are joined by Allie Nelson and Tyler McCarthy of The Not Couple Goals podcast to predict the future of the MCU.

In the episode they stunt cast the roles of the entire Fantastic Four, Wonder Man, Wolverine, Professor X, Doctor Doom, Storm, Jean Grey, Cyclops and other X-Men. They talk about the futures of Thor, The Defenders (minus Daredevil) and The Winter Soldier and what their involvement in Phase 4 and Phase 5. 

They also discuss the fates and futures of some of Marvel's more beloved side characters like: Jimmy Woo, Darcy Lewis, Korg, The Swordsman, Red Guardian, Scarlet Scarab, Isaiah Bradley and more. They also discuss who will be taking up the mantle of Black Panther and what characters will appear in Thunderbolts.

After three years, the doors to "The House Pop Break" have re-opened as we return to Westeros to discuss the brand GoT Universe series, House of the Dragon. Host Bill Bodkin is joined by the new third host of the show, Amanda Rivas to discuss the new series along with Socially Distanced regular, Pop Break staff writer and the #1 Washington Guardians fan Ben Murchison and Aaron Sarnecky, the co-host of the Anniversary Brothers podcast, and a long-time senior writer and editor for the site. On the episode they get their final thoughts and feelings out there about the Game of Thrones finale, how that influenced their hype level for House of the Dragon, the best performances, severed members, Matt Smith's butt, sexposition, dragons, hopes for the series and so much more.

It's time for the lawyer show. The incredible packed month of August rolls on with Socially Distanced's review of Disney+'s latest Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law starring Tatiana Maslany. Hosts Al "Smart Hulk" Mannarino and Bill "Smug Hulk" Bodkin are joined by the hosts of Not Couple Goals -- Tyler McCarthy (our resident guest for Moon Knight) and Allie Nelson (making her SD debut). On this laugh-filled episode, the team talks about Marvel's track record for can't-miss casting, the sitcom format for the series, the chemistry (literal and figurative) between Maslany and Mark Ruffalo, conversations on the Quinn Jet, bad takes about the series for insecure men, and the biggest question of all -- is Captain America a virgin?

Welcome dreamers, collectors and vortexes to Socially Distanced's review of the hit Netflix series, The Sandman. Hosts Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are joined by their favorite childless millennial and Pop Break senior writer Alisha Weinberger and Bill's longtime (and long suffering) friend Ed Chang to discuss the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's famously "undapatable" comic series. The quartet of dreamers discuss the show's previous, rumored adaptations (including the scrapped Joseph Gordon-Levitt version), their love for (the character) Death, the perfect casting, Doctor Who, a potential second season and what tickles Alisha Weinberger's fancy about this entire series.

ARRRRRRR!!!!! The Socially Distanced Podcast heads to the high seas to wax poetic about HBO Max's original series, Our Flag Means Death. Hosts Bill Bodkin and Al Mannarino are joined by the scourge of the seven seas (and one of our favorite people), Kelly McGovern (@KelatTheMovies) to go in-depth about the love between Stede (Rhys Darby) and Ed/Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) and why it's become so popular on the internet. Also discussed on the episode is the series' respect and celebration of queerness, the hilarious cameos, the brilliant supporting cast and wishes for Season 2. However, before the OFMD lovefest, they discuss all the happenings with Warner Brothers Discovery, the future of HBO Max, the impact big business will have on queer, independent and outside-the-box content as well as what these moves mean for the future of the crew of The Revenge.

It's a bit of a different episode of Socially Distanced this week. Al Mannarino is off searching for Love and Thunder (aka taking the week of to hang with the family), so we're throwing it back to our old format and talking about news stories! Bill Bodkin is joined by Pop Break senior writer and editor Murjani Rawls (also of Substream Magazine) and resident Star Wars expert Amanda Rivas to talk about their favorite things from San Diego Comic 2022, Vince McMahon resigning from WWE and its impact on WWE and the entire wrestling world, Marvel, the new Lord of the Rings Amazon series, Sandman, and the lack of hype and the load of trepidation HBO's Game of Thrones' prequel House of the Dragon is garnering.

Author Preeti Chhibber (http://www.preetichhibber.com)joins The Socially Distanced podcast this week! Preeti joins Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin to discuss her new book Spider-Man's Social Dilemma which drops on Tuesday July 26 in all major book stores. She discusses her journey creating a fresh take on Peter Parker, working within the Marvel Universe and her immense Spidey fandom. She recommends a number of great Spider-man titles for fans to check out as well. The episode also includes discussion on the first, excellent season of Disney+'s Ms. Marvel -- from expectations heading into the series, impeccable casting, the issues with the six-episode run and everyone's love of Bon Jovi (well maybe just Bill). The episode also includes talk about San Diego Comic Con, thoughts on the future of Marvel and more!

Check out Preeti's Wheel of Time Podcast, Tar Valon or Bust: https://shows.acast.com/tarvalonorbust/episodes

It's Love and Thunder time! This week, Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are joined by the actual, better hosts of the Socially Distanced Podcast, our version of the West Coast Avengers -- Kat Manos (Pop Break Music Editor) and Cole Rothacker. In this episode, they discuss the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and where any of Thor: Love and Thunder and frankly all the current and upcoming shows fit in the grand scheme of things. They talk about the dreaded discourse over the film, debates on the amount of humor in the film, The GOATS, Korg, the lack time dedicated to Valkyrie and Mighty Thor, the amazing Russel Crowe performance, thoughts for Thor 5 and so much more!