Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!   We’re kicking off 2026 with a week that feels more like a fever dream than reality. Today, we’re dissecting the total collapse of the wall between politics and pop culture. From Nicolás Maduro’s arrest photos turning a grey Nike tracksuit into the first "must-have" fit of the year, to the internet’s obsession with the stars of Heated Rivalry, we’re covering the moments that are actually shifting the needle. Plus, we dive into the polarizing Erika Kirk memes and why the internet refuses to let them go.   Pivot podcast:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SYc8k8FEeJAUQTWR6xn4d?si=Z0u6eqNlQwyIEyFO4lErsA   Connor Storrie/Like a Prayer:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThLaTEFy/   This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/01/05/we-are-back-baby/    

Happy Wednesday you pop culture junkies.   Yes, we know — Pop Culture Mondays on Thursdays is out on Wednesday - and it hits a little different this week because this is a special Christmas Eve episode, and honestly? We’re delivering gifts.   This week’s pod dives headfirst into the full-blown phenomenon that is the hit show “Heated Rivalry,” a.k.a. the gay hockey show that has completely taken over the internet. People are losing their minds — and for very good reason. We break down why the show has struck such a nerve, spotlight some of the funniest, thirstiest, and most emotional posts lighting up TikTok and Instagram, and yes… there’s drama. Because of course there is.   We also turn our attention to the Vanity Fair profile and photo spread featuring the leaders of the Trump Administration. It’s glossy. It’s surreal. It’s honestly a shocker — and we unpack why it’s landing the way it is right now.   And finally, the best trend on the internet at the moment involves Jon Hamm and a 10-year-old song that has somehow clawed its way back into the Top 10 thanks to one perfectly timed cultural moment. Proof once again that nostalgia, timing, and hot men are an unbeatable combo.   Pop culture chaos, internet obsession, unexpected revivals — all wrapped up with a Christmas Eve bow.   You’re welcome. 🎁✨   https://popculturemondays.com/2025/12/22/o-canada-we-thank-you/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. This week’s conversation includes: A devastating weekend in the news:We talk through the senseless shooting at Brown, the horrific terrorist attack at a Jewish event in Australia, and the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. We also unpack the deeply troubling, inhumane response from the current U.S. President—and why moments like these demand leadership, empathy, and moral clarity. Erika Kirk everywhere:From her book tour to that CBS interview everyone’s dissecting, we break down what’s being said—not just by the public, but by creators themselves. Is Erika Kirk a demon or just divisive? We get into it. Niche TikTok chaos:There’s some very specific, very online drama unfolding around SolidCore, and yes—we explain why it matters (and why you might suddenly care). Closing on a lighter, steamier note:We end with joy, absurdity, and horniness: HBO’s new gay ice hockey series, Heated Rivalry. Skates, rivalry, feelings, and heat. Exactly what we all needed. Heavy at the top, unhinged at the end—because that’s pop culture, baby.

Happy Thursday you Pop Culture junkies.   This week, Brooke is not holding back. She dives headfirst into the Quentin Tarantino discourse that’s been dominating every corner of the Internet, from film Twitter to gossip feeds to group chats everywhere. And for the first time on the pod, Brooke opens up with deeply personal anecdotes about her own experience with Tarantino—stories she’s never shared publicly. It’s raw, revealing, and yes… a bit of a mic drop.   From there, we pivot to another chaos magnet: Billy McFarland, who has somehow managed to out-Fyre himself. Brooke breaks down the unfolding meltdown of Fyre Festival 2 in Honduras, a fiasco that proves history does repeat itself—especially when the same guy is in charge.   We also get into the latest around Netflix’s explosive Diddy docuseries, with new public reactions.    There was no newsletter this week! 

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. We kick things off by revisiting last week’s PCM newsletter, where we dove into menopause in pop culture — and how, finally, it’s having its moment. From celebrity conversations to brand campaigns, menopause has gone from whispered to widely amplified, and we love to see it. We also touched again on two delightful cultural nuggets: Ralph Lauren Christmas — what is it and why? Parmigiano Reggiano… with a talent agent! Yes, the cheese. Yes, an actual agent. And yes, this story continues to bring us immeasurable joy. Moving onto this week’s topics. You can’t scroll TikTok or turn on a streaming service without bumping into Mormon plots, Mormon aesthetics, Mormon family dynamics, Mormon drama and Mormon everything. We explore why Mormon culture is suddenly everywhere and what’s driving the current fascination. And a fiancé was pranked by her future in laws and husband into thinking they run a 10K turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning. Right up until they were meant to race she thought she had to do it. The Internet is divided what do you think? And did you know 50 Cent has a docuseries on Netflix on Diddy with never before seen footage. It’s. Wild. And everyone has feelings about the Olivia Nuzzi situation — and Brooke has thoughts about those thoughts. Another week, another swirl of pop culture delight, chaos, and cheese representation. Enjoy the episode! Last week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/11/24/ralph-lauren-christmas/ This week's newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/12/01/mormons/

Happy Thursday you pop culture junkies!   This week’s pod takes a look at the hilarious social media reactions to the rainstorm in Los Angeles. Angelenos really do lose it the moment a single raindrop hits the ground, and the memes did not disappoint. We also dive into the newest gourmet food sensation in New York, Meadow Lane, opened by a social media influencer and quickly becoming the Erewhon of the East Coast.   Plus, we get into the absolute travesty of Apple’s latest accessory, the iPhone Pocket, and why the internet is collectively cringing. There are also some wonderfully awkward TikTok trends making the rounds that we can’t ignore. And as always, we wrap with what to watch this week — from new releases to comfort binges you’ll be obsessed with.   https://popculturemondays.com/2025/11/17/its-raining/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke dives headfirst into the intersection of culture wars and pop culture, starting with the now-viral Gold’s Gym locker room incident and how TikTok, Twitter, and the rest of the internet decided to litigate every angle of it. From performative outrage to surprisingly thoughtful commentary, Brooke breaks down how the discourse unfolded across platforms—and what it says about where we are right now. She then shifts into the ever-expanding universe of Sydney Sweeney drama, exploring why the reactions on TikTok and Twitter feel like they’re coming from two different planets. The memes, the critiques, the overblown narratives—Brooke untangles the noise and looks at what’s really going on. Plus! Brooke taps into the latest TikTok trend built around military cadence which is wildly catchy. And of course, she rounds things out with a look at what to watch next, including buzzy new releases like Pluribus, All Her Fault, and All’s Fair. A packed week in pop culture—let’s get into it. This weeks newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/11/10/golds-gym-starbucks-cup-genes-jeans-again-and-so-much-more/

Ethan to provide    Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!    This week, Brooke talks about some of her favorite highlights from the NYC marathon and how she’s paying more attention to marathoners than ever before. And of course there is World Series and the bling the boys were wearing and our love of all things Ohtani. And the man formerly known as Prince Andrew makes an appearance. Because the memes!     Rounding this week out were some poor choices as always this Halloween. And even if she wants to, Brooke can’t ignore the JD Vance/Erika Kirk saga that has the Internet in a chokehold.    Enjoy!   Mentioned this week:   WellisAir Total Home Purification | Surface & Air Disinfectionwellisairpure.com Best Air Purifiers with HEPA | FDA-Cleared | MOLEKULEmolekule.com   Check out my list on Amazonamazon.com   This weeks newsletter:BASEBALL MANIApopculturemondays.com

Happy Thursday you pop culture junkies!   This week, Brooke (who recorded the podcast before Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica) showcases what was unfolding online before it hit. The good, the bad. The ugly. Jamaica is deeply personal to Brooke and she is able to paint a picture of what the island is like.   And then we have Lily Allen who dropped a BANGER of an album. A SCOARCHED EARTH album if there ever was one. David Harbour might be in witness protection at this point.   Grab your headphones and some candy!   YouTube/Live Weather: https://www.youtube.com/live/qitHKtkqN_w   This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/10/27/worrying-about-jamaica-%f0%9f%87%af%f0%9f%87%b2/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!    This week, Brooke is as taken with the Louvre heist as the rest of the world is. Watch some of the fun TikToks and commentary that has come out of this staggering - and heartbreaking - moment in time.    Brooke also looks at what is happening with the musician Sombr and why everyone online is mad at him. This TikTok famous musician has a young fan base and one of his “older” fans took to TikTok to complain about the experience at one of his shows and how inappropriate his actions could be knowing his audience is so young. And Sombr decided to post a reaction video and well, it’s all downhill from there.    Also, learn all about what GROUP 7 is. We are Group 7s and we are BADDIES.    That and more! Enjoy.    This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/10/20/jewel-heist-of-the-century/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!    This week, Brooke looks back at Diane Keaton’s impact through movies and style and music. She shares some of her favorite Diane Keaton moments and some of the bajillion reactions of grief by so many.    We also take a look at the growing subculture of STICK NATION which is a bit of good news from around the world. For the tech peeps, we have a breakdown of the newest tech media channel, TBPN and for those wondering why your kids are asking about Mt. Everest, we have Everest Tok.    And of course, we have show recommendations. This week, Brooke is loving: “The Last Frontier” on Apple TV and “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu.    This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/10/13/this-one-hurt/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. Whether you like the album or bot, you’re likely talking about or heard the chatter. People have THOUGHTS about Taylor Swift’s latest album, “Life of a Showgirl.” And Brooke showcases some of the conversation. The consensus over at PCMoT? It’s a GROWER! ;)   Brooke also talks about the AI video madness that’s only just beginning. There’s a funny pudding trend coming out of Germany that needs some explaining. And a professor and her class at University of Washington have gone viral.    And Brooke saw the new movie, “One Battle After Another” and has thoughts. Those thoughts are that the movie is flawless.    This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/10/06/its-showgirl-time-2/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies.    This week Brooke (with special guest, Potato) talks about Lewis Hamilton and his beloved dog Roscoe who died over the weekend. The world was rooting for Roscoe and while he lost his battle, we got to see a macho F1 all star athlete, show a very vulnerable side. And we are all there to support Hamilton who admitted that Roscoe was his best friend.    Brooke also talks about Bad Bunny and the Super Bowl and the positive and negative responses to the news. And while the Swifties were disappointed, they will soon forget once the album drops this Friday!    There’s also a little bit of drama around the comedy festival taking place in Saudi Arabia.    Grab your headphones and candy and enjoy! 

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies.    You might have a headache this week so go ahead and grab some Tylenol!  Trust us. Grab your Tylenol.    Besides the Tylenol debacle, Brooke talks about Kimmel and the fall out and his return (recorded before he actually returned) and of course….RAPTURETOK.    Come for the pop culture, stay for the sass.    This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2025/09/22/jimmy-kimmel-the-rapture-nothing-to-see-here/  

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies.   This week, Brooke debated even doing the podcast due to her trepidation in how to handle the assassination of Charlie Kirk in terms of what was unfolding online. But she decided to go forward and give her take on the state of things while also looking at SOME of the social media response.   To counter the heavy, there is light. From the Snack Time Bedtime lady on TikTok to a new trend popping up where creators are actually creating their own shows, Brooke break it all down.   And please check out this week’s newsletter:   https://popculturemondays.com/2025/09/15/rainbows-butterlies/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. On this anniversary of Sept. 11th and the day after a political assassination, we have a little pop culture escapism to help us get through it all.    This week, Brooke talks about her experience at the Oasis concert and why she thinks this tour has become such a cultural moment.    We also have the adorable Coop on a Stoop who is now adored by the Internet (and celebs and brands) and why this series is our new Bones/No Bones.    And for a little this and that we have Becca Bloom’s wedding, the Gen Z meltdown over the New York Times putting a paywall on some of its popular word games and of course, baseball Karen.    This week’s newsletter: COOP ON THE STOOP popculturemondays.com

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!   This week, Brooke, who is just back from Jacksonville, FLA finally addresses the engagement heard around the world. She tells us more about the ring (and it’s JAX connection) and the reactions around the world. We are now on wedding watch 24/7.   There is also an update on the hat stealer from the US Open and the Cardi B trial (she won!) but it gave us so many gifts, and of course, the weighted vest trend.   And lastly…all anyone is talking about right now on TikTok is Netflix’s “Unknown Number: the High School Catfish” which is the most bonkers documentary we have seen in a minute. There will be SPOILERS but Brooke gives you a heads up.   Grab some candy and enjoy!

Happy Thursday, you darling pop culture junkies! The world has stopped as a result of the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce engagement, we know this. Brooke recorded the pod before the world-changing news broke so this covers all the pop culture moments this past week BEFORE the world came to a standstill. And Brooke will unpack all the engagement excitement NEXT week.   This week, we have US Open drama, and Burning Man drama (ever heard of a Haboob?), and of course CRACKER BARREL drama. In fact, Cracker Barrel has since reversed course and gone back to its old logo after ALL the drama. And then of course…then DENIM WARS. Gap wins!     This week’s newsletter:   https://popculturemondays.com/2025/08/25/the-world-has-gone-crackers/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. Brooke is back a whole week since the world stopped with the news that Taylor Swift is dropping a new album on October 3rd, “The Life of a Showgirl.” And she announced it on her boyfriend’s podcast, “New Heights” with a few teasers that literally made the world pause for a moment. From Swiftie Nation Easter egg hunting to every single social media manager of every single brand working overtime, there is a lot to uncover.   Brooke also gives a review of the movie, “Weapons,” spoiler – she LOVED it.   She also goes over the controversy around the Minnesota Vikings and gives a back-to-school lesson on all the new slang/lingo the kids are using.   New Heights pod: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lX9XESvDE   Pop Culture Mondays newsletter:

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!   This week, Brooke walks us through some viral trends that unfold into other viral trends. From women lip synching Hamilton songs and sneaking out of windows, to explaining what a FINAL BOSS is and breaking down The Culture Awards and the song of the summer, “Diet Pepsi”, by Ben Platt NOT Addison Rae. And of course we have the dark sides of pop culture. A woman going viral on TikTok for falling in love with her psychiatrist and turning to the community to talk about it while seemingly in an AI psychosis as she relies entirely on ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude for all her communications and counsel. WOO BOY. We also have a warning about an “energy drink” called Feel Free which seems to be highly addictive. BE WARNED. And Brooke has decided that MAHJONG is the new Pickleball.   PCM Newsletter This week: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/08/11/hamilton-ai-psychosis-diet-pepsi-its-pop-culture-summer/   The Culture Awards CLIP TO WATCH: IN ABSENTIA -  https://www.tiktok.com/@bravotv/video/7535598076484914487?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc