Socially Distanced

Socially Distanced continues its spooky season mini-series with a look at The Mummy franchise.

Join Bill Bodkin, Amanda Rivas and special guest Olivia Aiere as they go back to ancient Egypt, or at least 1999 to discuss the Brendan Fraser/Rachel Weisz adventure film that was a huge box office success as well as the sexual awakening for so many. The trio discuss the sequels - The Mummy Returns, the Scorpion King, that third one where they replaced Weisz with the very American Maria Bello, and the subsequent Scorpion King sequels.

They also discuss the 2017 Tom Cruise Mummy film that tanked Universal's Dark Universe, the charm of Brendan Fraser, the universal appeal of guyliner, who they'd bring back and how they'd bring this universe for a 4th film, and the wild CGI used for The Rock in The Scorpion King.

In the pre-game segment they discuss the news of the lost Ben Solo film written by Adam Driver and Steven Soderbergh. Liv and Amanda become best friends discussing the future of Star Wars on screen as well as deep cuts from the books.

It's Alive! It's Aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive!!!!!!!!

Socially Distanced is officially in its spooky era as for the next three weeks we'll be discussing Halloween-centric goodness. This week, Bill and the newly engaged Amanda, kick things off with Allie Nelson and Tyler McCarthy of Not Couple Goals to discuss the 1974 Mel Brooks classic comedy, Young Frankenstein.

They discuss the sheer brilliance of Gene Wilder in the role of Frederick Von Frankenstein (pronounced Frahnken-Steen) and how his co-writing with Mel Brooks elevated this to probably Brooks' best film. They discuss the performances of Cloris Leachman, Madeline Khan, Teri Garr, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Gene Hackman and Kenneth Mars, and how this is one of the best ensembles in comedy history. They discuss Brooks' use of real props from the original Frankenstein film, as well as the potential of "Very Young Frankenstein" -- a new pilot ordered by FX produced by Brooks and Taika Waiti.

In the pre-game, they discuss New York Comic Con, and how everyone met in person for the first time. They chop it up about height misperceptions, Amanda's engagement, Amanda's cool mom, and their favorite things coming out of NYCC weekend.

In this episode of the Socially Distanced Podcast, hosted by Bill Bodkin, Amanda Rivas, and special guest host Podcast Director Alex Marcus, the team dives deep into Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, 'The Life of a Showgirl.' Joined by guests from Rutgers University, including Aria Clarke, Jafreisy Garcia, and returning guest Yassmin Elmouzaieg, they analyze key tracks, lyrics, and the overall vibe of the album. Discussion points include the impact of Max Martin and Shellback's return, the narrative intricacies of songs like 'Ruin the Friendship' and 'Father Figure,' and the playful depth of collaborations with Sabrina Carpenter. The episode also touches on Taylor's personal growth, her evolving music style, and the emotional resonance of tracks like 'Eldest Daughter' and ‘Actually Romantic.’ Concluding with a roundup of everyone's favorite tracks and general impressions, this episode offers a comprehensive review for Swifties and casual listeners alike. And if you are wondering, they absolutely do go long on ‘Wood.’In the Pre-Game, the panel provides some of the other pop culture giving them life this fall, including Lorde’s Virgin, the Tron: Ares Soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails, One Battle After Another, The Great British Baking Show, and revisiting the Twilight Saga.

00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions

02:01 Excitement for New York Comic-Con

06:05 Pre-Game: Current Pop Culture Favorites

15:28 Deep Dive into Taylor Swift's New Album

37:22 Analyzing the Album's Sound and Production

38:59 Discussing the Album's Tracklist and Themes

40:59 Elizabeth Taylor: A Standout Track

42:55 The Lead Single: Fate of Ophelia

56:36 Father Figure: A Victory Lap

01:08:05 Track Five: Eldest Daughter

01:17:46 Debating Taylor Swift's Love Life

01:22:16 Analyzing the Emotional Impact of 'Ruin the Friendship'

01:33:22 Taylor Swift's Pettiest Track Yet: ‘Actually Romantic’

01:41:17 The Controversial 'CANCELLED!' 

01:56:40 The Controversy Behind Taylor's Cancellation

02:01:31 Analyzing 'The Life of a Showgirl' and Collaborations

02:12:26 Favorite Tracks and Overall Album Review

Socially Distanced is without Bill Bodkin this week, but co-host Amanda Rivas is joined by a panel of Marvel podcasting all stars to fill the gap. Bill vs. The MCU and It’s Tom-plicated host Alex Marcus and Blerd Watchers’ Marshall & Courtney Stevenson are all in attendance as they break down a surprisingly big week for Marvel!

First up, the team explain why this week’s announcement that Disney will be releasing The Simpsons Movie 2 in July of 2027 means bad news for Marvel die-hards who were hoping to see a few more installments of the Multiverse Saga before Avengers: Secret Wars is released in December of 2027. They also provide their histories with The Simpsons as a franchise, spanning TV, film, and video games, and reflect on their memories of seeing the first Simpsons’ film in theaters nearly 20 years ago.

Next, Amanda leads an in depth breakdown of all four episodes of Marvel Zombies, the latest series to be released from Marvel Animation Studios, which features a ragtag team of Marvel heroes trying to survive inside a Marvel universe overrun by zombies.

For Bill’s thoughts on Marvel Zombies, be sure to follow Bill vs. The MCU’s Animated Adventures season, running all fall, where he and Alex survey all the animated series released from Marvel over the last four years, concluding with their review of Marvel Zombies this November!

Also, please remember to support Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month by donating to The Pop Break’s St. Judes’ Charity Drive!

Socially Distanced is guestless this week as Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas chop it up about the world of pop culture.

The trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu is first up. They discuss their new hope for Star Wars, whether this film is coming way too late, the impetus of Disney+ and how the new Ryan Gosling Star Wars film is the one they’re most excited for.

Next up they go to the year 2000 to discuss things that make them feel real old. They have an in-depth talk about TRL, celebrity crushes, Amanda’s rave past, Bill’s nu metal regrets, tribal tats, tamagotchi and more.

They then close things out by recapping Pop Breaks last year as the 16 year anniversary is coming up.

Socially Distanced wraps itself a warm, cozy blanket, brews a piping pumpkin spice beverage, channels their inner hashira and dives deep into the worlds of autumn and anime.

This dual episode finds Bill Bodkin, Amanda Rivas, and special guest Avani Goswami (Pop Break's TV Editor) discussing the rise of anime in mainstream pop culture. They focus on the long-lasting popularity of Netflix's K Pop Demon Hunters and how it is not only dominating Netflix's charts, but the Billboard Music Charts. They also bring in Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle's $70 million opening in the US box office and why Tanjiro and company became gold for Sony. The trio talk about mainstream acceptance of anime, the influence Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z has had on the past 30 years, and their fears over the supersaturation of anime and what that could lead to for the beloved genre.

In the pre-game, they take a moment to discuss the life and legacy of the late actor/director Robert Redford, their favorite films of his, and how much Amanda and Bill's moms both had massive crushes on him. They also discuss all things autumn -- what they love about it plus the movies, music, and television dropping this season that they're excited for.

Pop Break is celebrating its 16 year anniversary by raising money for St. Jude! If you have a few dollars, please consider giving to help children and their families out! Click here to donate.

Socially Distanced is  heading back to Nevermore Academy to finish their coverage of Wednesday Season 2.

Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin is in the host seat and is joined by his co-host Amanda Rivas and Pop Break staff writer Nynoshka Vazquez (who has written all the site's Wednesday reviews) to discuss the second half of the hit Netflix series' sophomore series. They discuss their issues with the first half of the second season and how it felt like it could have been one episode. They discuss the drop in viewership for the second batch of episodes, and if the time between episodes was long enough. They discuss the "Freaky Friday" scene, the Addams Family heart, the underuse of Steve Buscemi, their love of Fester, and more.

In the pre-game, they discuss Halloween -- are we celebrating too early, or too much?

Get ready for the wildest episode of The Socially Distanced Podcast.

Pop Break celebrates the beginning of football season by taking you into draft room of Pop Break's Fantasy Football League. The League dubbed "The Michael Bay Cup" is in its 10th season and is now at its largest with 12 teams!

Join Bill Bodkin (The Dilfy SOB's), Amanda Rivas (Henry Cavill's Chest and Abs), Branden Vice (BigGg Dak Energy), Kris Ingersoll (The Paddy Wagons), Al Mannarino (Brock You Like a Hurricane), Ben Murchison (Nji-Nji-gbagonna Lose Anymore!), Josh Sarnecky (Krypto Currency), Lucas P. Jones (The Max Deebo Band) and league commissioner Dan Cohen (Drake Maye Will Be the NFL MVP) as they draft their teams. Find out why everyone boos Dan Cohen, listen to Al and Ben end their podcast (Don't Tail This), listen to Amanda's vendetta against Mike Evans, and then regale yourself in how no one knows how to draft in Rounds 11-15.

The show kicks-off with Bill and Amanda discussing the bloody good time that is the Marvel Zombies trailer.

Socially Distanced asks once again, do you wanna do you wanna do you wanna taste it!

Pop Break's editor-in-chief Bill Bodkin and everyone's favorite goth mom Amanda Rivas welcome back Pop Break Podcasting Director Alex Marcus and wrestler JP Harlow.

They start off with their Pre-Game segment, where they share laughs and insights on the beloved series The Office and the intriguing The Paper. 

Then, their main review takes center stage with an in-depth discussion of Peacemaker Season 2. Alex brings exclusive insights from the San Diego Comic-Con panel, revealing exciting details and behind-the-scenes stories. The team explores the season's themes, character developments, and what makes this season a must-watch for fans. 

In this episode, authors Kase Wickman, Joanna Weiss, and Moira McAvoy join the Pop Break Podcasting Director Alex Marcus to discuss their upcoming book, Taylor Swift: Album by Album, set to release on October 7th, 2025.

The conversation touches on various topics including Taylor Swift's announcement of her 12th studio album 'The Life of a Showgirl,' her re-recording projects, and her impact on fans and the music industry. The authors share insights from their book, discuss their personal journeys as Swifties, and explore how Swift engages with her fanbase through her music and Easter eggs.

In the pregame segment, Alex is joined by your regular hosts Bill Bodkin and Amanda Rivas in order to recap the summer movie season’s biggest surprises, check in on the results of Superman and The Fantastic Four’s face off at the summer box office, and preview what’s to come in 2026 when Spider-Man: Brand New Day will square off against Supergirl for summer movie supremacy!