Socially Distanced

Socially Distanced does its first rankings episode in a long!

With Hoppers being #1 at the box office the first two weekends in March, Bill and Amanda have decided to dedicate an entire episode to Pixar. In the episode they discuss their first Pixar watches, their Pixar blindspots, how Bill watched Planes and not Cars which is weird, the films that make them ugly cry, the ones that are wildly overrated (looking at you Incredibles 2), hot takes on Woody, why more people need to watch Soul and Luca, the impact Pixar had on the perception of animation and finally, their Top 5 Pixar films of all-time.

In the pre-game segment they discuss the odd roll out of the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer (which was only leaked in pieces on the day of the recording), the Maul trailer, and the trailer for Dune 3. They also discuss the Timothee Chalamet of it all and wonder if his current public perception could impact the film's box office, and if coming out the same day as Avengers: Doomsday will have the same effect as Barbenheimer.

Socially Distanced heads to The Grand Line to discuss Netflix's One Piece Season 2.

Amanda Rivas and Bill Bodkin are joined by Branden Hilton (aka Branden Vice), Avani Goswami and Joshua Jacob (on his first-ever pod) to discuss the second installment of adventures featuring Luffy, Nami, Sanji, Usopp and Zoro. In the episode they discuss the addition of such characters as Dr. Tony Tony Chopper, Smoker, Mr. 3 and more. They discuss the evolution of the main straw hats, their thoughts on the second season, where the third season will take our heroes and what worked and didn't.

In the pre-game segment they pick their winners for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director!

Socially Distanced returns to The Ton with an in-depth, off-the-wall review of Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2.
"Queen Charlotte" herself Amanda Rivas is on the host's throne and is joined by Pop Break's Lady Whistledown, Bill Bodkin, her sister Vanessa Gonzales, Bridgerton hot-taker and gas station sushi aficionado Yassmin Elmouzaieg, and making her Pop Break podcast debut, Molly Minnium.
In this episode they discuss Sophie and Benedict's rollercoaster romance, their shared disappointment with Jonathan Bailey's return as Anthony, the "Avengers: Endgame" post-credit sequence, Mama Bridgerton and her "rake era," Eloise's future, the lackluster Lady Whistledown storyline, and how some on the podcast find this season to be their favorite, while others (Bill) find it to be a living nightmare.

In the pre-game, they discuss their favorite snacks to consume while watching their favorite binge drop dramas!

For the final time this year, Socially Distanced heads to Ashford Meadow to discuss A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas are joined by "The Man of Many Podcasts" Josh Sarnecky (TV Break, The Anniversary Brothers, Anime x Pop) to discuss the finale of the popular HBO series and Game of Thrones spin-off.

They discuss how Josh, like many people, dove into the series mid-season, and immediately fell in love with it. They talk about the show's immense popularity, how it's impacted the perception of Game of Thrones perception and whayt they hope for in the second season. They discuss their fears of spin-offs from popular IP,  and how levity is needed in this time in history. They discuss Sir Lyonel's speech, if the ending was a good season ender, and even dip their toes into the third season of House of the Dragon. Oh yeah, and find out about BARDCORE.

In the pre-game segment, they head to a galaxy far, far away to gush over the new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Socially Distanced celebrates 300 episodes! Join Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas for a split episode. In the first half of the episode they throw it back to the very first episode of the podcast where Bill and then co-host Al Mannarino discuss Rosario Dawson joining the cast of The Mandalorian Season 2, Tom Brady heading to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Netflix docuseries Tiger King. Special guest Randy Allain (Podelay!, Media/Lit) joins in this throwback discussion which also touches upon the country's obsession with podcasts, social distancing, drive-in concerts and comedy shows, the NBA and NHL bubble, the impact on movies, working from home, and more.

In the second half of the episode finds Bill, Amanda and Randy back in Westeros to discuss A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. They discuss the show's rise back to the top of the streaming charts, why it's gained popularity, the chemistry between Dunk and Egg, the violence in the penultimate episode, predictions for the finale and a potential second season, Henry Cavill and more.

Gentlest Reader, welcome back to the 'ton. Yes, we've returned to Shondaland to regale you with our opinions on Part 1 of Season 4 of Netflix's Bridgerton. Join "The Queen" herself Amanda Rivas as she leads the podcast his week. Joining her is Pop Break's resident Bridgertonian "Amanda Jr." Amanda Hoffman, "The Resident Hater" Aria Clark, Olivia "Why Can't Penelope Just Start a Newspaper" Aiere, and "Lord Whistledown" Bill Bodkin, who is in absolute hell throughout this podcast.

In the episode they discuss the hotly anticipated Benedict/Sophie storyline ... and if it actually works. They discuss and debate whether the season should have left Benedict be Benedict and let Sophie have her own non-Bridgerton centric romance. They also discuss pinnacles, bon bons, Mama Bridgerton getting her groove back, the many issues with Lady Whistledown, the problem with too many Bridger-kids, and the ton itself.

In the pre-game part of the episode they discuss the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny's halftime performance, Lady Gaga being invited to the carne asada, The Mandalorian and Grogu, The Adventures of Cliff Booth and moe.

Socially Distanced reconvenes the NFC East Group Therapy Session for one last visit for the 2025-2026 NFL season.

Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas are joined by Marshall Stevenson of Blerd Watchers, and Ben Murchison & Al Mannarino of Don't Tail This to discuss the Big Game on Sunday between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. They discuss if the Pats and Drake Maye are for real or the luckiest team alive, and if the Seahawks can dominate like everyone's predicted or will the ghosts of not running Marshawn Lynch come back to haunt them. They also discuss the performances of Bad Bunny and Green Day and the trailers they're hoping for while also fantasy booking the halftime performer for next year.

They also take time to discuss the coaching decisions that have happened to their teams - the New York Football Giants,  Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. Bill and Al celebrate the hiring of new head coach John Harbaugh, Marshall looks at the new OC for Philly as a sign of turning things around, Ben is confident they've found the right OC for Jayden Daniels, and Amanda continues her perpetual mourning over Jerry Jones still owning the Cowboys.

In a quick pre-game, they discuss the shows they're loving right now — The Muppet Show, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Wonder Man and more!

In this episode of the Socially Distanced podcast, Amanda Rivas and guest host Alex Marcus welcome Matt Farley of MarvelGuides.com to discuss his new novel The Last Beacon (follow this link to purchase your pre-order!). They explore the character-driven narrative of Marvel's 'Wonder Man', highlighting its unique take on Hollywood and the struggles of actors. They explore the series connections to the MCU, character dynamics, and the emotional depth of the storyline. They also touch on the integration of Hollywood references, the redemption arc of Trevor Slattery, and the potential future of the character within the Marvel universe. 

In the pre-game, Amanda, Alex, and Matt breakdown the latest Masters of the Universe trailer and Highlander production stills while trying to determine which of these two classic 80’s franchises have a chance breaking through with fresh audiences on the big screen.

Socially Distanced heads back to Westeros to hang with the super awkward, yet super lovable Sir Dunk in the new HBO series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

"The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas is in the host seat to discuss the return to the pages of George R.R. Martin, and a galaxy far, far away (more on that shortly).

Amanda is joined by Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin, and Gigi Ford of the Conculture Podcast. In the episode they discuss the hype level they had for the series, if A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the breaking point for the Game of Thrones universe, why they adore the lead character, Amanda's fascination with the new Baratheon, and if the humor lands. There's also a of talk about poop. If you know, you know.

In the pre-game segment they analyze the departure of Kathleen Kennedy from LucasFilm, her exit interview with Deadline, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan taking her spot, Kennedy's film legacy and most importantly -- where they see Star Wars heading.

Welcome to Camp Half-Blood, as Socially Distanced dives deep into the realm of Poseidon to discuss Season 2 of Disney+'s Percy Jackson and Olympians.

Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin, "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, and Liv Aiere of Liv Talks Too Much are your questing party and they've got plenty to discuss. Liv, a writer for Pop Break, brings her vast knowledge and love of the Percy Jackson novels to the discussion while Bill thirsts over Percy Jackson's mom and Amanda tries her best to keep order. The addition of the cyclops Tyson, all-star cameos, the forced will/they won't they romance, the emergence of Clarice and well-crafted action sequences are on the menu for the pod.

In the pre-game segment ... well there's two pre-games this episode. First, the crew heads to the Grand Line to discuss the trailer for the second season of Netflix's One Piece. Second, they head to the MCU to discuss the teaser trailers for Avengers: Doomsday.