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.
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, Jafraisey 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 Weise, 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!
Socially Distanced returns to the Nevermore Academy as they review Wednesday Season 2 Part 1.
Pop Break's editor-in-chief Bill Bodkin is in the host seat and he is joined by everyone's favorite goth mom Amanda Rivas, and special guest Ella Jay (A Wrestling Gal) who is making her Socially Distanced debut.
In the pre-game segments of the podcast they discuss the breaking news straight from the New Heights podcast where Taylor Swift announced her new album The Life of a Showgirl, the October 3 release date and that Sabrina Carpenter will be on the titular track.
They also have an in-depth discussion on the Season 2 trailer for Netflix's One Piece, and if Ella - who has never seen the series - was convinced to check the first season out.
In the main event, they delve into the first part of Wednesday Season 2. Bill, Amanda and Ella discuss their history with The Addams Family, their thoughts on Season 1 of Wednesday and their hype level for the new season. They discuss the new characters and why Slurp and Steve Buscemi gave Ella the ick, and why Slurp is just an unsettling name. They discuss the brilliance of Fred Armisen as Fester Adams, the promotion of Pugsly to a bigger role, Enid taking a back seat, conspiracy theories and more.
In this episode of the podcast, the hosts discuss their experiences at Comic-Con, including highlights from the George Lucas panel and insights into upcoming projects like Peacemaker Season 2 and Project Hail Mary.
They also delve into the recent Marvel rankings, debating the placement of various projects, including Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 and Hawkeye, while expressing their thoughts on the overall quality of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the rankings of Marvel movies, discussing their personal favorites and least favorites. They explore missed opportunities in Marvel projects, the future of the MCU, and share their top five worst and favorite Marvel films. The discussion is filled with passionate opinions, humor, and insights into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In their pre-game segment, the group discuss Matt Smith’s potential role in Ryan Gosling’s new Star Wars project, Starfighter, his past with the franchise, and his persistent predisposition for villain roles since leaving Doctor Who.The Rundown
02:48 Comic-Con Experience and Highlights
05:40 George Lucas Panel Insights
08:33 Peacemaker Season 2 Preview
11:42 Coyote vs. Acme Panel Discussion
14:27 Project Hail Mary Movie Preview
17:25 Star Wars Starfighter Casting News
27:11 Anticipation for Upcoming Films
33:52 Marvel Projects Ranking Discussion
45:56 Critique of the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
48:35 Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3: Too Low on the List?
50:50 What If: A Missed Opportunity?
53:33 Eternals: A Disappointing Ranking
58:01 Captain America: Brave New World - A Missed Opportunity
01:04:21 Shang-Chi: The Forgotten Hero
01:07:17 Female-Led Projects: A Disrespectful Ranking
01:09:12 The Uncertainty of Marvel's Future
01:14:22 The Missed Opportunities in Marvel Projects
01:16:48 The Anticipation for Upcoming Marvel Releases
01:31:14 Exploring Wonder Man's Origins and Character Dynamics
01:34:49 Ranking Marvel Projects: The Worst of the Worst
01:43:29 Celebrating Marvel's Best: Top Favorites and Iconic Moments