 In honor of the premiere of the Netflix series Rhythm + Flow we bring you an encore of our interview with the producer who worked to find the amazing talent featured on this show. In this episode, we chat with Casting Director Evan Majors to find out his approach to finding talent worthy of TV screens and pop culture obsessions. He shares how he approaches meeting and interviewing talent, the need for more representation in film and TV and a little insider info on his latest project, Rhythm + Flow for Netflix featuring Cardi B, Chance the Rapper and T.I. as judges. He also reveals the one casting video he'd love to get his hands on. Links: Find and follow Evan Majors on Twitter, Instagram and check out his website here. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

Inside Pop

Inside the World of a TV Casting Director: A Conversation with Evan Majors (Rhythm + Flow, The Real World) - IP 160

 Fresh off of the multiple Emmy wins for Fleabag and Killing Eve, we discuss our love of one of the smartest writer/director/actors in TV - Phoebe Waller-Bridge. We discuss the second seasons of Killing Eve and Fleabag, two creations of this absurdly talented multi-hyphenate (ok – and maybe we go on a teeny tiny tangent and discuss how some series are better than others at concluding). Then, Amita interviews costume designer Marci Rodgers about her work on Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have it and BlacKkKlansman. Finally, Amita reviews Sean’s Big Sell from last week – the Netflix series, Special, and then sells him a new singer, Masego, who is headed to the Afropunk stage later this summer. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

The Genius of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Costume Designer Marci Rodgers - IP 159

In this episode we speak to Warren Alan Young, the production designer of some of the most visually captivating television shows and films. From Fargo to Strange Angel to American Crime to the upcoming film Harriet, Warren has been responsible for creating, designing and executing a look that propels the plot, illuminates the characters and elevates the overall storytelling of all of his projects. He discusses his process to approach each unique project and shares his thoughts on being one of the only production designers of color in Hollywood. And in this week’s Big Sell, Sean rates an article on Hollywood’s Disability problem and recommends the Oscar nominated animated short, “Bao”, to Amita. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Inside the mind of a Hollywood Production Designer and Casting Disabled Actors – IP 158

If you've ever admired the soundtrack to a film or TV show and wondered who was behind the music, we've got you covered! Sean sat down with Music Supervisor Matthew Hearon-Smith, who has selected songs for the award winning films Tangerine and The Florida Project and also has curated the soundtracks for various television shows including Viceland’s My House. We discuss his process for finding the right song for the right moment and how he collaborates with directors and showrunners to create the mood for specific scenes. Then, we share some of our top picks for popular songs that have been featured in films and TV programs and have indelibly changed the memory of that song for us. Plus, Amita gives her rating and review of Sean’s Big Sell- Fantastic Negrito’s latest album, Please Don’t Be Dead and big sells an honest and revealing interview from The Good Place actress Jameela Jamil about the standard of beauty that women have been held up to and how she’s trying to rise above to help women love themselves for who they are, as they are. Links: Matthew Hearon-Smith- IMDb | Website | Twitter Sense8‘s use of the song- “What’s Up?” Blue Velvet’s use of the song – “In Dreams” Blue Velvet’s use of the song – “Blue Velvet” Captain Fantastic‘s use of the song- “Sweet Child o’Mine” Little Miss Sunshine‘s use of the song- “Super Freak” Jameela Jamil Channel 4 Interview Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on Maximumfun.org

Inside the Mind of a Music Supervisor: A Conversation with Matthew Hearon-Smith - IP 157

 Why is it still rare to see a romantic relationship between a black man and a white woman on TV? Is Netflix more progressive depicting interracial relationships than other networks?  How did the casting of a Cheerios commercial ignite a racist backlash? In this week’s episode, we chat with Lori Tharps, a former Entertainment Weekly and Vibe Magazine writer, novelist and Associate Professor of Journalism at Temple University about how interracial relationships are portrayed on film and TV. Lori breaks down the positive and negative aspects about the depiction of some of the more memorable interracial relationships in pop culture including Tom and Helen Willis on The Jeffersons, Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in The Bodyguard and Aziz Ansari’s love interests in Master of None. Then, Amita gives her rating and review of Jose James’ latest covers album Lean on Me and sells Sean on a new single from her multi-talented fantasy husband- Riz MC aka Riz Ahmed. Links: Follow Lori on Twitter & Instagram Lori’s blog- My American Melting Pot Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org Riz MC- “Mogambo”  

Interracial Relationships in Pop Culture - IP 156

Summer movie blockbuster season is well underway and there's no better time to revisit our episode that focuses on what goes in to making movie trailers. Have you ever wondered how a movie trailer is created? Have you ever questioned why you see a shot in a trailer that doesn't exist in the film or fretted over the amount of plot detail a trailer reveals? Well wonder no more! This week, we speak to Nati Braunstein, Co-President and Creative Director at the Creative Advertising agency, Aspect, and get a look inside the process of making memorable movie trailers. Nati discusses the collaborative effort behind the production of trailers and reveals some inside info about the trailers and TV spots for Aquaman and Mary Poppins Returns. Plus, in the Big Sell, Sean reviews the new Riz MC single, "Mogambo" and sells Amita on an article about Stan Lee after his passing. Aspect Website Aspect on Twitter Aspect Instagram If you enjoyed this episode check out: Our conversation with the Music Supervisor of The Florida Project and Tangerine Our conversation with the Cinematographer of 20 Feet From Stardom and Won't You Be My Neighbor? Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org

Movie Trailers: An Insider's Guide to How They're Made - IP155

 We continue our celebration of Pride Month with an interview with Adam Vazquez - the co-creator and co-producer of Other Boys NYC - a 50 part documentary series that explores and celebrates the lives of queer and transgender men of color living in the big apple. We discuss why Adam and his producing partner, Abdool Corlette, felt the need to create the series and we also talk about the current state of life for queer men of color on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. Plus, Amita reviews Sean's Big Sell from last episode - a playlist he created featuring the guest verses of Andre 3000. Then, Amita keeps 'reaching for the stars' and sells Sean a 'far out' Spotify playlist. Links: Listen to our recent episode featuring the producers of a new Stonewall Documentary. Other Boys NYC Other Boys NYC on Facebook Other Boys NYC on Twitter Other Boys NYC on Instagram Adam Vazquez on Instagram Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Visit our website www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

Other Boys NYC: Queer Men of Color doc series, Andre 3000 - IP 154

June is bursting at the seams with pop culture and we are here for it! We're celebrating Pride month with a conversation with the producers behind the MSNBC documentary special- Rebellion! Stonewall. Katherine Linton & Joe Danisi share their journey to making this important and timely film, the queer history surrounding the Stonewall Riots and how it directly connects to present day politics and our future. The documentary premieres on MSNBC on Sunday, June 16th at 10pm, but can also be found on demand and will have multiple airings throughout the month- Tune In! Then, Amita shares some of her pop culture escapades over the last few weeks including the screenings she attended as part of the Split Screens Festival in NYC. She took in the Season 3 premiere of The Handmaid's Tale, the Season 4 premiere of Queen Sugar and the highly acclaimed mini-series from Ava DuVernay, When They See Us.  Amita also attended an early screening of the Mindy Kaling/Emma Thompson comedy- Late Night, had the privilege to meet the fabulous writer, producer and actor afterwards and lived to tell the tale! Plus, in the Big Sell, Sean gives his review of R&B artist Masego and shares a custom playlist that he curated featuring the best guest verses by the uber talented André 3000. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Visit our site at www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org   

Rebellion! Stonewall on MSNBC, Split Screens Festival, Handmaid's Tale, Queen Sugar, When They See Us & Late Night - IP 153

 If you're tired of hearing about the collective disappointment of a certain dragon-centric TV show - have no fear - in this episode we celebrate successful achievement of some of the most satisfying shows on television! First up, Sean and Amita discuss the second seasons of Killing Eve and Fleabag, two creations of the absurdly talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge (ok - and maybe we go on a teeny tiny tangent and discuss how some series are better than others at concluding). Then Amita interviews costume designer Marci Rodgers about her work on Spike Lee's She's Gotta Have It and BlacKkKlansman. Finally Amita reviews Sean's Big Sell from last week - the new Netflix series, Special, and then sells him a new singer, Masego, who is headed to the Afropunk stage later this summer. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Visit our site www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

Killing Eve & Fleabag: The Worlds of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Costume Design of She's Gotta Have It, Netflix's Special - IP 152

 Fan anticipation is at a fever pitch as Game of Thrones races towards its final episode. This week we review the show's penultimate episode, "The Bells" which may go down as one of the series' most divisive episodes. We breakdown why so many fans of the show were disappointed and also highlight what worked well. Then we present a one-on-one interview with Takashi Doscher, the writer and director of the film Only which premiered this month at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film stars Freida Pinto and Leslie Odom Jr. as a couple fighting to survive in a world in which Pinto's character may be the only woman left alive. Takashi and Sean discuss the inspiration of this apocalyptic romance, the six year journey from screenplay to its premiere and the experience of showing one's film at one of the word's most prestigious film festivals. Plus Sean review's Amita's Big Sell about pop plagiarism and then sells her a very Special new show on Netflix. Links: Takashi Doscher's Official Site Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Visit our site at www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org      

Game of Thrones: The Bells, Tribeca Film Festival premiere of ‘Only’ – IP 151

 It's official- good things happen in April and this past weekend was proof positive with two of the most anticipated pop culture events of the year- the Game of Thrones epic white walker showdown and Avengers: Endgame. Somehow, we handled (survived) all of the epic pop culture offerings this weekend and have thoughts, questions and predictions! (Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Game of Thrones, but NOT Avengers) We start off with our reactions to the epic third episode of Game of Thrones  and one of the most surprising and satisfying Stark moves of the entire series! We chat about the suspense, horror and action filled 87 minute journey that took us on a fire and icy ride through Winterfell. Plus, we pour some out for those who didn't make it and try to predict what will happen next. Then, Sean tries to discuss Avengers: Endgame without spoiling anything for Amita. We discuss what it was like to avoid spoilers all weekend and how it may have been easier than expected. Plus, Sean attended a few screenings at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival and gives his take on the new Wu-Tang Clan doc series, Of Mics and Men and a new Naomi Watts and Octavia Spencer film called Luce. And in the Big Sell, Amita reviews the 2019 playlist from our podcast friends JoJCast and sells Sean on an interesting essay from Vulture about pop plagiarism. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Visit our site www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

Game Of Thrones: The Long Night, Avengers: Endgame, Tribeca Film Festival - IP 150

 The wait is over and the end is also near. The season premiere of the final season of Game of Thrones has arrived and we have oh so many thoughts! [Do we need to say there are spoilers ahead? Cause there are.] We dissect the record-breaking premiere episode - the call backs to the very first episode, our favorite lines, which moments gave us joy and also which ones left us asking questions. We also share some bold predictions for the rest of the season including who we think will claim the Iron Throne. And of course we discuss the dragon riding scene. Whether you love it or hate it you will definitely want to check out the dragon ride mashup Amita references here). Plus, we review Guava Island, the tropical fable starring Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino and Rihanna which leads us to discuss the risks of setting high expectations for our favorite artists. Then, Sean gives his rating and review of last episode's Big Sell- the Kore Conversation between Queer Eye's Tan France and The Good Place's Manny Jacinto about Asian representation in pop culture and shares his Big Sell for this week- a 2019 Spotify playlist from our friends and fellow podcasters JoJCast featuring their favorite tracks so far this year. Links: The White Walkers spiral theory Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Visit our official site at www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

Game of Thrones Season 8 Premiere, Guava Island - IP 149

 This week we interview music journalist Brian Ives who shares everything that went down at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony last Friday night. We discuss the history of the RRHOF, the controversies surrounding voting, memorable moments from the past, and the class of 2019 including The Cure, Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard, Roxy Music, and Janet Jackson. Brian discusses who showed up, who showed out and who pulled a no-show. Plus we discuss the artists Brian thinks should be inducted in future years and which artists don’t make the grade. And in this week’s Big Sell, Amita rates new music from Tierra Whack and sells Sean on a one on one interview featuring cast members from The Good Place and Queer Eye. Check out Brian's RRHOF coverage at the links below: https://power98fm.com/2019/03/29/janet-jackson-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/ https://wmmr.com/2019/03/30/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-2019-no-drama-great-vibes/ https://wmmr.com/2019/03/30/def-leppard-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/ https://wmmr.com/2019/03/29/stevie-nicks-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/ https://wmmr.com/galleries/2019-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-red-carpet/ Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Visit our site at www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

Inside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - IP 148

 This week, we are excited to bring you our conversation with Rachel Goldberg, a successful TV and Film director who has worked on episodes of American Horror Story, Mayans M.C., and the upcoming Netflix series Raising Dion. Rachel discusses how she approaches directing in different genres, the recent shift in Hollywood when it comes to hiring female directors and gives some sage advice on how to be successful in the industry. We are also in the midst of the Max Fun Drive! Take the time right now to head over to maximumfun.org/donate to become a member, renew or upgrade your membership. We appreciate your support! Then, in this week's Big Sell, Sean gives his review and rating of a recent album from the soul/funk band with an international vibe, Khruangbin, and sells Amita on new music from Tierra Whack. You can find more info about Rachel Goldberg here. Check out Khruangbin's Tiny Desk Concert performance of Maria Tambien here. Sean's Top 4 female bass players: 4. Melissa Auf der Maur 3. Gail Ann Dorsey 3. Tina Weymouth 1. Meshelle NdegeOcello Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

A Conversation with the director of American Horror Story, Mayans M.C., and Raising Dion - IP 147

 This week, we bring you another installment of the Inside Pop Quiz - but this time, Sean quizzes Amita on her Academy Award History knowledge and also gets a few predictions for the upcoming awards ceremony. Then, we discuss the increasing amount of apologies in Hollywood - from Aziz Ansari or Kevin Hart, it feels like every day a celebrity is apologizing, or *not* apologizing for suggestive behavior, comments, tweets or actions. The sheer number of mea culpas these days makes it hard to tell who is being genuine and who is trying to get ahead of bad PR. We dissect who seemingly is getting the apology right and who may be a little too late to say sorry. Plus, Amita reviews Sean's big sell- the Oscar nominated Animated Short - Bao - and shares an album from the soul/funk band with an international vibe, Khruangbin. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @PopInsiders Visit our site: www.insidepoppodcast.com Like us on Facebook And you can also find us on MaximumFun.org 

The Hollywood Apology Trend & Inside Pop Quiz: Oscars Edition - IP 146

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Inside Pop

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