With the constant presence of televisions, tablets, phones, and computers in our lives, it is nearly impossible to get a dose of pop culture news and analysis without some sort of screen. But not all activities are screen-friendly—driving, exercising, and running chores around the house are all best done without the added visual distraction. So it’s always a good idea to have a couple of decent podcasts on hand to fill in those mind-numbingly boring moments when they strike. Here are just four entertaining and insightful pop culture podcasts available on iTunes that are worth your time.
Fruitless Pursuits
Forget whatever conceptions you have of movie reviewers being pretentious art snobs. Luke and Jacinta’s discussions of the latest movies to hit cinemas are refreshingly candid, self-deprecating, and bluntly honest. The weekly Fruitless Pursuits podcast series feel less like a structured news show than they do like a couple of mates sitting down to chat over the latest trailers, movie announcements, or general pop culture news of the week. Conversation flows naturally, their reviews are informative without dragging on unnecessarily, and the whole podcast is a pretty chilled out affair.
Shat the Movies
Sometimes our favourite childhood movies don’t quite stack up to our fond memories of them when re-watched years later. But when they do, the nostalgia can be wonderful. Shat the Movies is the sort of podcast you might want to go for when you find yourself reminiscing over the good old films of the 80’s and 90’s. Movie buffs Roger, Dick, and Gene don’t hold back, often crossing into touchy territory as they praise and criticise those movies for which they and many others hold soft spots. Whether they are covering the beloved Back to the Future or the contentious 10 Things I Hate About You, every moment is funny, opinionated, and enjoyable.
I Think You’re Interesting
Actors and directors get a lot of media attention, but it’s often those individuals that get less recognition who have the most fascinating insights into the entertainment industry. Vox’s weekly podcast I Think You’re Interesting describes its target subjects as “influencers in the world of art, entertainment, and pop culture”, and so each week news editor Todd VanDerWerff dedicates an hour to interviewing someone who fits this description. From celebrities like Bill Nye to lesser-known figures like Obama’s comedic speechwriter, David Litt, VanDerWerff probes his subjects with all the obscure questions we didn’t even realise we were wondering. I Think You’re Interesting offers an up-to-date look into areas of the entertainment industry that don’t always get the attention they deserve, and the result is incredibly stimulating.
Pop Culture Happy Hour
For something a bit more concise that takes a broader approach to pop culture reports, Pop Culture Happy Hour presents the latest news on movies, television shows, live events, and award shows. Brought to us by National Public Radio, the opinions offered in the biweekly podcast are as varied as they are grounded. They are delivered confidently by a roundtable of pop culture fanatics who are keen to share what in the world of entertainment is worth checking out and what you can probably give a miss. The format of Pop Culture Happy Hour is more structured than most of the other podcasts listed here, so while its vibe is less intimate it allows for a more sensible, rational approach to its reviews and news delivery.
One True Pairing! https://apple.co/2HppCoq The hosts of this show are hysterical and make me want to gossip over wine with them at happy hour. The show looks at pop culture and literary couples and talks about sex, feminism, relationships goals, little-known facts, and gossip! Sometimes they also have romance writers as guests!