It's the penultimate episode of our Mando & Music ... because we're talking the penultimate episode of The Mandalorian aka Chapter 15, "The Believer."  Hosts Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are rejoined by Ken Grand-Pierre as well as special guest Pop Break Television Editor Alex Marcus and Pop Break Comic Book Editor Rachel Freeman to discuss the episode .. which feature no Baby Yoda. In the episode they discuss the decision to give a side character a major redemption arc instead of a jailbreak episode as well as what the finale has in store for our heroes. The episode also looks at Disney's announcements of all the new Star Wars properties.

Music in a Time of Quarantine Holiday Edition:

Al Mannarino: "Underneath the Tree" by Kelly Clarkson

Bill Bodkin: "I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Slowey & The Boats

Ken Grand-Pierre: "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" by The Ramones

Rachel Freeman: "What's This?" by Leslie Odom Jr.

The 38th (holy smokes) episode of The Socially Distanced Podcast is the continuation of our "Mando & Music" mini-series where the gang reviews the latest episodes of Disney+'s The Mandalorian. On this episode Ken Grand-Pierre rejoins Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin's rogue squadron to discuss Chapter 14 "The Tragedy." The trio delve into the deep labyrinth of Star Wars mythology, discuss Robert Rodriguez's direction of the episode, and discuss the re-introduction (and salvation?) of one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe, Boba Fett.

Music in a Time of Quarantine:

Al Mannarino: "4 out of 5 (Live at Royal Albert Hall)" by Arctic Monkeys & "Happy Holidays" by Andy Williams

Bill Bodkin: "Ground Below (Royal Jewels Remix)" by Run the Jewels featuring Royal Blood & "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (Live C.W. Post College)" by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Ken Grand-Pierre: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by ALA.NI

Welcome to the most crowded edition of the Socially Distanced Podcast! Your hosts Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are rejoined by Kat Manos, Ken Grand-Pierre and Lucas P. Jones for another edition of the "Mando & Music" Series. This week they're talking about "The Jedi" aka Chapter 13. This chapter features the long-awaited debut of Ahsoka Tano (played by Rosario Dawson) and the gang discusses this character's debut as well her future in the Star Wars Universe. There's a lot of deep, deep dives into the mythology brought up in the Dave Filoni directed episode (e.g. Grand Admiral Thrawn). And of course, we talk about the reveal of The Child's name which we will refer to as "Sweet Baby Grogu" going forward.

Music in a Time of Quarantine -- It's Time for Christmas Music...and Lucas' Pick:

Al Mannarino: "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay

Bill Bodkin: "The Season's Upon Us" by Dropkick Murphys

Kat Manos: "Night's Falling" by Andrew Bird

Ken Grand-Pierre: "Zombie Christmas" by Tim Wheeler & Emmy the Great

Lucas P. Jones: "Another World" by Gojira

We celebrate 9 months of the Socially Distanced Podcast with special guest -- comedian Taylor Allen (host of Callin' the Shots and Hon, Take My Side podcasts). Taylor joins Al Mannarino, Bill Bodkin and returning guest -- our producer Lucas P. Jones for a most beardy episode of the show. We talk Thanksgiving food, Metallica "infused" whiskey and of course, The Mandalorian! In this episode, we discuss the Carl Weathers-starring and directed Chapter 12 of The Mandalorian entitled "The Siege." This episode also features the return of Gina Carano's Cara Dune and Horatio Sanz's Mythriol. They talk about the easter eggs of the episode as well as Carano's politics and how that impacted the viewing of the episode.

Music in a Time of Quarantine:

Al Mannarino: "Iris" by Phoebe Bridgers & Maggie Rogers

Bill Bodkin: "Something Salty, Something Sweet" by River City Extension

Lucas P. Jones: "Synthesize Her" by TWRP

Taylor Allen: "Socks" by JD McPherson

Welcome to the third week of our weekly reviews of Disney+'s The Mandalorian. This week we discuss "Chapter 11 -- The Heiress" along with Pop Break comic book and anime editor Rachel Freeman and the returning Ken Grand-Pierre, the host of The New Exchange  with Ken Grand-Pierre. In this episode we talk about the star-studded episode. 

The episode does stray a little from Star Wars as the foursome give their music picks for the week which include:

Al Mannarino: "chinatown" by Bleachers featuring Bruce Springsteen

Bill Bodkin: "No Save Point" by Run the Jewels

Rachel Freeman: "Wolf Totem" by The Hu

Ken Grand-Pierre: "A Hero's Death" by Fontaines D.C.

Welcome to the second week of our weekly reviews of Disney+'s The Mandalorian. This week we discuss "Chapter 10 -- The Passenger" along with Pop Break staff writer and podcaster engineer Lucas P. Jones and the returning Ken Grand-Pierre, the host of The New Exchange  with Ken Grand-Pierre. In this episode we talk about Baby Yoda eating eggs, space spiders, The Frog Lady, Star Wars Squadrons and more. 

 The episode does stray a little from Star Wars as the foursome give their music picks for the week which include:

Al Mannarino: "Shame, Shame" by The Foo Fighters

Bill Bodkin: "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Ken Grand-Pierre: "Losers" by Balthazar

Lucas P. Jones : "Protect the Land / Genocidal Humanoidz" by System of a Down

The Socially Distanced Podcast is ushering a new concept for the remainder of 2020 -- weekly reviews of the second season of Disney+'s The Mandalorian. Each week Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin welcome in guests to review the latest episode. This week the unofficial/official third host of the show, Pop Break music editor Kat Manos rejoins the guys to talk about Mando. But she's not alone! Her partner Cole Rothracker makes an amazing cameo in the episode giving us his best Werner Herzog impression. However, still not done with guests! Making his Socially Distanced debut is Ken Grand-Pierre -- concert photographer extraordinaire and host of The New Exchange  with Ken Grand-Pierre. Ken joins the gang to talk about all things Mando! The episode does stray a little from Star Wars as the foursome give their music picks for the week which include:

Al Mannarino: Phoenix Live at Brooklyn Steel

Bill Bodkin: "Trouble's Coming" by Royal Blood

Ken Grand-Pierre: "TRY JESUS" by Tobe Nwigwe

Kat Manos: "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" by Arctic Monkey

Longtime Pop Break staff writer and Comic-Con correspondent, Ryan DeMarco joins Al and Bill on the podcast this week. This week's "Seriously WTF" segment focuses on the announcement that San Diego Comic-Con will be honoring all 2020 passes for the 2021 event. The obvious discussions of "can this happen?" pop up as well as virtual alternatives the con may have to consider in order to stay solvent for years to come. They also discuss the potential and probable halting of pop up events at the con as well. This week's "Glimmer of Hope" segment looks at the trailer for George Clooney's Netflix film The Midnight Sky and why his polar bear beard is magnificent. They conclude the episode with a "Glimmer of Hope" where they discuss Oscar Isaac's potential casting as Moon Knight and who'd they cast in a potential Fantastic Four film.

The Watchlist This Week:

Al Mannarino: Anna & The Apocalypse, What We Do in the Shadows

Bill Bodkin: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Bruce Springsteen's Letter to You

Ryan DeMarco: Stranger Things Season 2 

Music in a Time of Quarantine:

Al Mannarino: "Last Man Standing" by Bruce Springsteen

Bill Bodkin: "Power of Prayer" by Bruce Springsteen

Ryan DeMarco: "The Adults are Talking" by The Strokes

Comedian and Pop Break Staff Writer Melissa Jouben joins Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin on the latest episode of The Socially Distanced Podcast. On this episode they discuss the idea of comedy in a quarantine -- how the pandemic has changed their thoughts on what's funny and what's not, how it's been difficult to find humor in what they used to, the future of sketch and stand-up as well as comedians they turn to for laughs during this time. They also discuss the hot Twitter question "if you had a billion dollars and could create a theme park based on a film - what would it be?" Bill's choice is ridiculously obvious. They also discuss the return of Dexter to Showtime. However, the big talking point is Melissa's impassioned sales pitch to Al, Bill and the world on why they should watch Adam Sandler's new Netflix special Hubie Halloween.

The spooky season is upon us and the gang heads to the Black Lodge in Twin Peaks, Oregon to speak with one of their favorite past guests, Kelly McGovern. Kelly joins Al and Bill to talk about Disney's news that they're putting a major focus on streaming content and what that means for not only their own future in regards to movies, but how this will impact the entire movie theater industry in general. They also discuss the brilliant trailer for Hulu's revival of Animaniacs as well as the absolutely bonkers cast for the Mad Max: Fury Road prequel, Furiosa...and why one the gang feels this movie will never get made.

In the recommendations section this week, Kelly drops a number of Halloween movies to watch including: Scare Me starring Aya Cash (The Boys) now streaming on Shudder as well as Bram Stoker's Dracula (Directed Francis Ford Coppola), Twin Peaks, and for the non-spooky fun,  the FX series You're the Worst. Meanwhile, Al choses Shaun of the Dead and Tucker & Dale versus Evil  and Bill recommends Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor.

Music in a Time of Quarantine:

Al Mannarino: "I Know The End" by Phoebe Bridgers

Bill Bodkin: "Haunted Sea" by The Budos Band

Kelly McGovern: "Halloween" by Phoebe Bridgers