Zeitgeist by Pulp Culture

In this episode, Jordan and Niv talk about the beginning of the new DC Cinematic Universe, and a breakpoint for Marvel's nearly twenty year run. They begin by talking about Supergirl (15:30), explore its connection to its source material (22:12), and the film's mixed reception (29:55). They dissect the film's themes of family and revenge (34:40), and how the adaptation struggles to focus (39:20). As they transition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' (40:13), they compare it to previous Spider-Man iterations and discuss its unique take on the hero's journey (52:30). They analyze the film's villains and the implication around their introduction (1:01:15), while pondering the future of Spiderman in the MCU (1:10:22).

Jordan and Niv dig deep into the horror craze taking over the world, beginning with the folk horror of our era, 'Backrooms.' They discuss the intersection between horror and comedy (2:57), as well as its dramatic renaissance (5:37). They dig into the larger Zeitgeist and connections to 'Love Island (USA)' (10:12), who the main character might be (21:10), and how the central conflict might be more elusive than you might think (24:49). Then they talk about 'Obsession (29:33), what it's about (33:18), how the Monkey's paw has affected all of cinematic history (37:21), its cast (40:50), its impact and behind the scenes (43:05). They go deeper and wrangle with its unique take on possession (54:50), immoral complacency (01:02:43), and implicit consent (01:05:22).

Jordan and Niv dive deep on the Zendayaverse, beginning with her portrayal of Rue on 'Euphoria.' They kick it off by talking about the show as an adaptation (03:52), the newcomer character of Alamo (07:03), creator Sam Levinson (14:45), the biblical references (25:50), and how the show's past has changed its future (31:21). In the second half, they transition to 'The Drama (36:31). They share their thoguhts on the star power of the movie's two leads (45:17), the harrowing twist (49:26), how the film tackles its difficult topic (55:16), and how movie stars combat our contemporary Hollywood (01:04:25).

Jordan and Niv discuss the characters in 'Industry'(3:24)  and the rot inherent in the financial system (21:56). Then, Niv overcomes his fears to watch 'The Pitt' (34:16), they compare seasons one and two (40:21), discuss Dr. Robby and the broader ensemble (46:50), fan theories around the show (1:03:01), the show's politics (1:04:13), the younger generation on the show (1:07:59), before discussing the next episode of our podcast (1:14:23).

Thanks to the Powerknobs for the theme music and we'll see you at the end of June for our episode on 'Euphoria' and 'The Drama'!

Jordan and Niv talk about Netflix's flirtation with nostalgia bait: they talk about which generations gravitate towards it (0:56), and how Stranger Things fits in (7:10). With Stranger Things specifically, they talk about why Steve Herrington is the standout character of the show (16:16), which other characters stand out in the later seasons (20:31), and why there may be too many (24:05). Getting into spoilers for this section (25:40), they discuss the permanence of death for TV at large, which cast member has the best chance at breaking out (31:03), and why Stranger Things has become an "actor attractor" (36:34) before touching on the now-infamous conformity gate (40:46). In the second half (47:36), they discuss how Cobra Kai has grown season by season (58:51), whether it needed to class up (1:04:44), what makes it so memorable (1:10:50), and the secret to how it stays fun to the very end (1:13:38).

Jordan and Niv delve into the arthouse film world with A24's 'Sorry Baby,' 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You,' plus Demon Slayer? Firstly, they discuss the wave of popular anime this year (05:24). Then, they discuss the development and hype train around this batch of Oscar movies (13:34), how the character of Linda deals with her sick child in 'If I Had Legs...' (21:57), the cast (25:08), the tone (29:38), and awards chances (43:27). In the second half, they discuss what makes a film about trauma rewarding (48:03), how it came to be (58:55), the cast (01:03:01), the dark tone and plot (trigger warning) (01:05:52), the importance of interdependence (01:15:49). After, they compare and contrast the two across the larger arthouse offering (01:20:48) before touching on the role hope plays (01:30:34).

For the very first Zeitgeist Mulligan, Jordan and Niv revisit some shows from previous years' podcasts and discuss how they've evolved. They begin as Niv recaps The Last of Us (1:32), then The Boys (5:44), then Jordan explains how Only Murders in the Building (9:34) has begun to stretch its premise. Before a musical interlude, they discuss House of the Dragon (16:11). After that, they talk about Hacks (22:02) Season 4, and that same season of The Bear (31:33), and how much both have evolved since their respective Zeitgeist episodes.

Special Thanks to Producer Jahlyn Reyes-McKinley and for music, The Powerknobs.

In this Halloween-themed episode of Zeitgeist, Jordan and Niv plunge into the lore of vampires, beginning with Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners.' They investigate Michael B. Jordan's contribution to his filmography (2:23), and how it fits into the blockbuster landscape of 2025 (5:57). They talk about its relationship to the blues (9:34), black joy and storytelling (13:32), and its award-winning composer (24:54).

In the second half, they discuss the Robert Egger's reimagining of 'Nosferatu' (34:52). They discuss the historical context of what makes a vampire (48:12), the design elements (57:59), the cast (1:00:46), and how effectively the narrative structure works in our modern context (1:15:32). 

Ologies: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/vampirology

Our Black Panther 2 episode: https://www.mixcloud.com/pulpculture/the-heart-of-the-modern-blockbuster-with-top-gun-maverick-and-black-panther-wakanda-forever/

Pour a sbagliato and join us under the cabana as Jordan and Niv discuss the dark side of leisure, first leading into Tina Fey's 'The Four Seasons' on Netflix (2:01). They discuss the actors, where some of them (specifically Steve Carell) have disappeared into their late careers (5:23), and recount the cast, characters, and what makes this show appealing to create (8:44). Finally, we psychoanalyze a core relationship dynamic of the show (31:39), and how weaponized incompetence plays a role. 

Then, they move to White Lotus (41:09). They discuss one of hosts' personal connection to Thailand as a setting (55:55), the various characters taking to the resort this season (1:15:40), and how the show's penetration into the mainstream has been an impairment (1:31:16). They get into the juicy gossip behind the scenes (1:40:53) before discussing the final takeaways on the show moving forward (1:48:53).

Podcasts referenced:

https://overthinkpodcast.com/episodes/episode-106

https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/critics-at-large/is-travel-broken

This show contains spoilers for both the programs 'Adolescence' and 'You' on Netflix. In this prestige-packed episode, Jordan and Niv dig into the hit show 'You,' discuss whether its pulp or schlock (06:30), the formula behind the show (14:22), and who stands out as a performer (25:32) heading into the show's last moments. They dig into the last season (31:12), and how well its female lead holds the bar of quality relative to seasons past, particularly in the very last episode (43:18). Before the break, they discuss how the two shows connect (48:11). In the second half, they discuss 'Adolescence' and do a deep dive on all four episodes beginning with episode one (00:57:20). They investigate whether the show may be more like a play (or if any filmed art deserves that title) (01:07:03), before getting into episode two (01:24:47). They touch on the manosphere (01:24:47) before getting into episode three (01:41:07). They end on a sentimental note once they discuss episode four (01:53:35).

Special Thanks to The Powerknobs for the theme music!

Killer Empathy by Radiolab