Socially Distanced

Socially Distanced kicks off 2026 by going back into the Upside Down one final time.

Join host "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas with her guests Bill Bodkin, Randy Allain, Aria Clarke, and Josh Sarnecky as they discuss Stranger Things Season 5 Episode 8. This episode has a little bit of everything — big laughs, some tears, and hot takes on Mark Twain.

The party discusses the wild internet theory about Conformity Day, spin-offs, the flaws in the finale, and if The Duffer Brothers stuck the landing. They also discuss the series in general and who were their favorite Day 1 characters, their favorite characters the series brought in, beloved catchphrases, the song of the series, and so much more.

Socially Distanced heads back to the Upside Down to discuss Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2.

Bill Bodkin, Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief, is in the host seat and has one heck of a party assembled to discuss the controversial middle chapter of the hit Netflix series' final season. He's joined by "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, Kelvin Kately of The DFPN & BCP+,  Pop Break staff writer Sam Niles and the youth of the site, Aria Clarke.

They discuss the highs, the lows, and review bombing of this trilogy of episodes. They discuss Will's coming out, the creation of the Abyss, Max and Holly deciding to have a podcast instead of escaping Vecna's grasp, and most importantly they discuss who's making it out alive, and who's not by series end. Theories centered around Dungeons & Dragons, Funko Pops, Return of the Jedi, and more abound.

In the pre-game, the party discusses the things they're most excited in the world of pop culture, and the stuff they're ready to hate watch in the new year. 

Disclaimer: There is a discussion about the issue of characters taking their lives in the penultimate episode. This happens around the 37:00-42:00 time period.

In this holiday special episode of the Socially Distanced Podcast, hosted by Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas and featuring special guest Alex Marcus, delves into a discussion about the 1990 film 'Die Hard 2: Die Harder'. The episode kicks off with a light-hearted segment about past Christmas movies they've made their podcast director Alex watch. The show also pays homage to the late Rob Reiner, celebrating his contributions to film and television, and touches on his significant efforts in advancing marriage equality. Additionally, they review the exciting lineup of HBO Max's 2026 upcoming releases. The main event is a detailed discussion and critique of 'Die Hard 2', exploring its action sequences, tonal differences from the original, and overall reception.

(00:00) Welcome to the Holiday Edition!

(04:53) Remembering Rob Reiner

(17:51) HBO Max 2026 Preview

(31:37) Die Hard 2: Die Harder Discussion

(44:59) Nostalgic Reflections on Die Hard

(48:38) Character Critiques and Plot Holes

(53:55) Favorite Action Scenes

(01:02:24) What Didn't Work in Die Hard 2

(01:19:25) Final Thoughts and Ratings

(01:22:03) Outro and Christmas Movie Recommendations

Socially Distanced goes back to a galaxy far, far away as they discuss the 10 Year Anniversary of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

"The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas hosts the episode with Bill Bodkin, and Batman by the Numbers' Dan Cohen as the guests this week. They discuss how much they love The Force Awakens, especially Dan who originally gave this film a 9.5 on Pop Break. 

They break down all the film's (now wasted) potential and how it breaks their hearts. They discuss their favorite performances including Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. They debate whether JJ Abrams should have helmed all the new trilogy, and more.

In the pre-game they chat about Supergirl, and the entire Warner Bros Discovery/Netflix/Paramount debacle.

In this episode of the Socially Distanced podcast, Amanda Rivas hosts solo as Bill Botkin is on vacation. The discussion dives deep into the first part of Stranger Things Season 5, exploring the introduction of new and returning characters like Holly the Heroic and Callie. The guests, Aria Clarke and Kelvin Kately, share their thoughts on the character developments, theories for the upcoming episodes, and potential outcomes for key relationships. They also touch on their love for Dungeons and Dragons, reflecting on its integration into the Stranger Things narrative. The show ends with predictions for how the series might conclude, with everyone hoping for the best for their favorite characters.

In the pre-game, the group digs into the news that The Exorcist is getting another reboot, this time with Scarlett Johansson in talks to star.

Chapter Breakdown:

(01:15) Special Guests Introduction

(02:58) Pre-Game Discussion: New Exorcist Movie

(09:07) Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 Discussion Begins

(10:26) Character Analysis: Mike and Eleven

(19:19) New Character: Holly the Heroic

(40:22) Dustin's Storyline and Bromance Troubles

(47:41) Romantic Relationships in Stranger Things

(56:14) Max and Callie's Return

(01:02:27) Will's Awakening and Powers

(01:08:46) Theories and Predictions for the Finale

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at The Socially Distanced Podcast!

This week, we're heading back to the wonderful land of Oz to discuss Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the cultural phenomenon known as Wicked.

In this episode "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas is joined by the Glinda to her Elphaba, her very own sister Vanessa Gonzales. The sisters' heated rivalry continues throughout the episode, so buckle up! Jokes aside, they are also joined by Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin, and mid-episode by Jonathan Bailey's biggest supporter for Sexiest Man of the Year, Alex Marcus.

This review of Wicked: For Good includes criticisms against the incorporation of the Wizard of Oz story, praise for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, numerous references to Jonathan Bailey and his slutty little glasses, the future of the film franchise and more.

In the pre-game segment they discuss their Thanksgiving pop culture traditions which includes football, Knives Out, Indiana Jones and reading about natural disasters. They also talk about their favorite things to eat during the big day.

Socially Distanced returns to the upside down for its look back at Stranger Things Seasons 3 and 4.

Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief, Bill Bodkin, is in the host seat as is joined by "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas and special guests "The Party Princess" Aria Clarke or WRSU's RU Entertained? and Randy Allain of Podelay! and Media Lit to discuss the most recent chapters in the Duffer Brothers saga of Hawkins, Indiana.

All things Starcourt Mall and Surfer Boy Pizza are discussed, and the foursome are not shy about their dislike of Mike, The Russians, Vecna's look, and te annoying hype around Eddie Munson. However, it's not all goopy monsters and bad vibes, listen as they extol the virtues of Sadie Sink's performance, the joys of girl's trips to the mall, well choreographed action sequences, and of course The Never Ending Story.

In the pre-game, they discuss the head-scratching affair that is the teaser trailer for Disney's live action version of Moana.

Socially Distanced is heading back to The Upside with a little stop in Metropolis first.

"The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas is in the host seat for this episode as the show discusses Stranger Things Season 1 and 2. Amanda is joined by Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin, podcasting legend Josh Sarnecky, and making her return to the show, Aria Clarke -- host of WRSU's RU Entertained? Show.

These four get on their bikes and get back to the early days of Hawkins before Vecna and The Mind Flayer tore it asunder. They rewatch brought out some hot takes on the boys -- in particular Mike and Jonathan -- who both kinda suck. They extol the virtues of Dustin and his hair, they also discuss how Joe Keary carries the second season as Steve Harrington and how maybe he wasn't as much of a bad guy in Season 1 as we all thought. They also reminisce about their first viewing of Stranger Things including Aria watching the series in Germany as literally the same age as the series' heroes. They also give their predictions for Season 5, and lament the loss of Sean Astin's Bob.

In the pre-game they discuss the news of a V for Vendetta series from DC Studios and why it's an important subject matter to broach. They also discuss the Jimmy Olsen series where the ace photographer is on the search for Gorilla Grodd ... and a French gorilla?

Socially Distanced travels to the heart of rock 'n' roll, which as Huey Lewis once told us, is indeed in Cleveland. That's right they're talking about the Class of 2025 Rock + Roll Hall of Fame Inductees which streams live on Disney+ this weekend.

Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas are joined by Pop Break writer Alex Biese to discuss the merits of the inductees: Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes. Find out why Amanda hates The White Stripes, how Bill and Alex ended up at a lot of the same concerts, the disgust over Cyndi Lauper not being inducted sooner, and how the "influence" awards given to Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon are essentially consolation prizes.

They also give their thoughts on Mariah Carey, Mana, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis and Phish not getting in this year, and which artists they believe are being ignored by the Hall.

Finally, in the pre-game segment they discuss the first trailer for Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1. Find out who never got past Season 1 and who bailed halfway through Season 2. Hint, for once, it was not Bill Bodkin.

Socially Distanced concludes its spooky season coverage with an absolute bang -- reviewing the first episode of HBO's new series, IT: Welcome to Derry.

Join the very scared host duo of Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas, and their fearless, debuting guest Marissa Ruiz, as they go back to the world of Andy Muschietti's version of Derry, Maine. They discuss their history with the IT property and they find out about Marissa's crush on John Ritter, which absolutely derails the podcast at one point. They discuss the lame "baby batwing" creature that sucks the air out of multiple scenes, and how the military scenes drag on a bit too long. But that's where the negative ends as the trio put over the terrific acting performances from the kids in the series, as well as the overwhelming sense of fear that propelled the IT: Chapter 1 to success.

In the pre-game segment they bring the audience into their homes during Halloween to discuss their pop culture musts -- in regards to TV, film and music, that abounds during the spooky season.