PopaHALLics #122 "Pop for the People"Aliens headed for Earth! An amnesiac pursued by killers! Julia Roberts suffers the apocalypse! And did we mention Shakespeare's young son and John Wilkes Booth? We discuss pop culture offerings that are all over the place. In a good way.Streaming:"3 Body Problem," Netflix. In a sci-fi series based on Chinese author Cixin Liu's novels, a group of friends try to prevent an invasion by aliens after a bitter astronomer invites them to Earth.  From the makers of "Game of Thrones.""The Tourist," Netflix. The Man (Jamie Dornan) wakes up in a hospital with no memory of who he is. Unfortunately, the bad guys remember all too well in this British series set in the Australian Outback."Renegade Nell," Disney +.  A young woman (Louisa Harland) falsely accused of murder discovers she has unpredictable powers and becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. Just don't call her "Nellie.""Manhunt," Apple +.  This miniseries, a conspiracy thriller, follows the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect Lincoln's ideas for Reconstruction. With Anthony Boyle as Booth, Hamish Linklater as Lincoln, and Patton Oswalt as, well, kinda himself, playing a detective."Leave the World Behind," Netflix. When the apocalypse begins happening in this foreboding drama, characters played by Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali, Myha'la Herrold, and Kevin Bacon try to make sense of it.Books:"Hamnet," by Maggie O'Farrell. This gorgeous bestseller uses William Shakespeare's son (a real person, who died young) to explore Shakespeare's family dynamics and the beginning of his writing career. Click the links to watch and read what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #121 "This Ain't Texas"Kate and Steve wrestle with existential questions: Is Beyonce country enough? Is Steve Martin a sad and lonely guy instead of a wild and crazy one? And why does James Taylor's biography start in Scotland hundreds of years ago?!Streaming:"Steve (!) Martin, a Documentary in 2 Pieces," Apple +. Morgan Neville's documentary (180 minutes total) follows Martin's career from his days as a kid magician through rock-star standup to TV star/happy guy today."The Gentlemen," Netflix. This action comedy from Guy Ritchie ("Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels," "Snatch")  follows a duke's second son who inherits his father's estate—and a whole heap of trouble.Books:"What You Are Looking for is in the Library," by Michiko Aoyama. In this charming international bestseller from Japan, the perfect book recommendation can change the reader's life."James Taylor: Long Ago and Far Away," by Timothy White. This authorized biography by a well-known music writer views the singer/songwriter's life and career through the prism of his family—immediate and ancestral, too.Music:Curious about Beyonce getting country with it? Check out our playlist with selections from "Cowboy Carter" and for good measure Taylor Swift too: "Tay Tay Bey Bey Yay Yay."

PopaHALLics #120 "Let the Bite One In" Dracula's sister is undead with evil intent in "Dracula: The Count's Kin," an indie film shot in the Indianapolis area. We talk to writer/director Eric Pascarelli and actors Daisy Hickey and James Tackett for a behind-the-scenes look at this movie starring Leanne Johnson ("Extraction USA"). We also pick our favorite screen vampires!

PopaHALLics #119 "Highly Recommended"Instead of dissing pop culture offerings, dad and daughter rave about them on this episode. Steve's a fan of "American Fiction," "The Last Repair Shop" and "Colin from Accounts." Kate really likes "All of Us Strangers," "Bottoms," and "The New Look." Streaming:"American Fiction," in theaters and for purchase. In this Best Picture nominee, a black novelist (Jeffrey Wright) writes a satire of the stereotype-heavy books he despises—and it becomes a hit."All of Us Strangers," Hulu and rental. In this acclaimed film, a screenwriter (Andrew Scott) develops a relationship with his neighbor while also finding an unusual way to reconcile his grief over the loss of his parents at an early age."Bottoms," Prime. Kate found this 2023 satirical teen comedy a little shocking, violent, and foul-mouthed—but very funny. The plot: Two unpopular queer female high school students start a fight club to have sex before graduation."Colin from Accounts," Paramount +, Prime, other streaming services. This Australian rom-com developed by its stars, Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammell, follows two flawed people caring for a special needs dog and falling in love."The Last Repair Shop," YouTube, Hulu, Disney+.  This Oscar-nominated documentary short explores how music has changed the lives of a few dedicated craftsmen who repair some 80,000 instruments in the Los Angeles school system."The New Look," Apple TV+. This limited series is the true story of how Christian Dior (Ben Mendelsohn) and his contemporaries, including Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche), navigate the horrors of World War II and launch modern fashion."Upgraded," Prime.  Cinderella, anyone? In this rom-com, Camilla Mendes plays a lowly intern who fibs about her role at an art auction house to a handsome stranger and is drawn into the world of his wealthy, glamorous  mother (Lena Olin).  Marisa Tomei plays Mendes' ridiculously demanding boss.Books:"Anna O," by Matthew Blake. In this dark and twisty thriller, a young woman commits a double murder while sleepwalking, and then never opens her eyes again. "John Prine: In Spite of Himself," by Eddie Huffman.  A music journalist traces the the career and life of a songwriter's songwriter, from Prine's childhood to the stories behind many of his songs. There's a wealth of great ones to choose from, including "Angel from Montgomery," "Sam Stone," Hello In There" and "Paradise."

PopaHALLics #118 "It Takes Two to Tango"Relationships can be a tricky dance, whether you're mismatched cops working a murder case ("Deadloch"), a movie star & a "civilian" falling in love ("Starstruck"), or socialites mistakenly trusting a writer who will betray them ("Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans"). Not to mention two assassins living together ("Mr. & Mrs. Smith")!Streaming:"Masters of the Air," Apple +.  Austin Butler ("Elvis") and Callum Turner play pilots and friends more like siblings in this "Band of Brothers"-esque look at the 100th Bomb Group during World War II."Deadloch," Prime. A local straightlaced cop (Kate Box) and a brash outsider (Madeleine Sami) reluctantly team up to solve murders in a small town in this quirky feminist noir comedy."Mr. & Mrs. Smith," Prime. In a relationship dramedy inspired by the 2005 Angelina Jolie/Brad Pitt movie, Donald Glover and Maya Erskine play assassins who become a couple."Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans," FX. Writer Truman Capote becomes friends with a group of rich glamorous socialites and then spills all their secrets in a magazine article. Starring Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, Chloe Sevigny, and Tom Hollander as Capote."Starstruck," Max. A movie star (Nikesh Patel) and a "little rat nobody" (Rose Matafeo) try to have a relationship in this screwball BBC rom-com created by Matafeo."Death & Other Details," Hulu. A young woman (Violett Beane) boards a luxury liner, only to find "the world's greatest detective" (Mandy Patinkin) who abandoned her in her childhood time of need. But she'll need the help of the hard-drinking sleuth to prove her innocence when a murder occurs.Books:"Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud & The Last Trial of Harper Lee," by Casey Cep. In this true story, a rural preacher murdered five family members for insurance money until a relative shot him dead at the funeral for one of the victims. In the audience at the vigilante's trial: "To Kill a Mockingbird" author Harper Lee, hoping to write a book like her friend Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood." "Furious Hours" also follows the attorney who first defended the preacher and then his killer."Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, & a Swan Song for an Era," by Laurence Leamer. The bestseller that inspired the miniseries "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans" (see above).

PopaHALLics #117 "Unpleasant People"They're self-centered ... pushy ... arrogant ... and sometimes murderous. But difficult people—an orchestra conductor, a marathon swimmer, two battling cops, even a serial killer—can make for great pop culture, as this episode attests. Streaming:"Maestro," Netflix. Bradley Cooper cowrote, directs, and stars as conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein and Carey Mulligan plays his actress wife in this drama about their relationship. The film received 7 Oscar nominations."Nyad," Netflix. In this true story, Annette Benning plays marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, who decides at age 60 to swim from Cuba to Florida. Jodie Foster is her long-suffering best friend and coach. Both received Oscar nominations. "True Detective: Night Country," Max. In the spooky 4th season of the series, a sheriff (Jodie Foster) and state trooper (Kali Reis) frequently butt heads as they investigate the strange disappearance of 7 men from an  Alaska research station."Boston Strangler," Hulu. In this 2023 movie based on a true story, reporter Loretta McLaughlin  (Keira Knightley) is the first to connect the murders of 13 women and report on the notorious serial killer. With Carrie Coon."Zorro," Prime. This 2024 Spanish TV series reinterprets the avenging vigilante in black, first created in 1919.  Miguel Bernardeau plays the swordsman in a show with lots of action and a greater emphasis on indigenous and Mexican characters."The Man From Nowhere," Netflix. In this intense South Korean action flick, a little girl befriends her next door neighbor, a reclusive pawn shop owner. When bad guys take her, they quickly discover he's much more than he appears.Books:"Shuggie Bain," by Douglas Stuart.  In this acclaimed novel, young Hugh "Shuggie" Bain is a sweet, lonely boy who spends his 1980s childhood in run-down public housing in Glasgow. "A heartbreaking story of addiction, sexuality, and love" (Goodreads)."The Music Shop," by Rachel Joyce. In London in 1988, a music shop owner has the gift of connecting people with just the music they need. A beautiful young woman asks him to teach her about music—but she's not what she seems. Named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post and The Times (UK).

PopaHALLics #116 "Moviemaking with Mike"Last time we talked about "Extraction USA," it was a trailer for a movie that didn't exist yet. Writer/director Mike Yonts updates us on its progress toward the big screen— an interesting conversation about what it's like to make a movie. Dad and daughter also dish on Britney Spears, Mark Wahlberg, and what we think of each other's faves.Here's the "Extraction USA" trailer. Books:"The Woman in Me," by Britney Spears. Kate has a new appreciation for the pop singer after this memoir. It traces her incredible journey from childhood to international stardom, wild days, and the controversial conservatorship.Streaming:"The Family Plan," Apple +.  In this action comedy,  a suburban dad's family has no clue he's a former skilled assassin. Then the bad guys start showing up. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Maggie Q, and Ciaran Hinds."A Murder at the End of the World," FX and Hulu. Kate offers her thoughts on this Iceland-set murder mystery previously recommended by Steve. Starring Emma Corwin, Clive Owen, and Brit Marling (who co-created the miniseries)."The Crown," Netflix. Steve weighs on Corwin's turn as the young Princess Diana in the British monarchy series previously recommended by Kate. Also starring Olivia Colman (Elizabeth), Gillian Anderson (Margaret Thatcher) and Josh O'Connor (Prince Charles).

PopaHALLics #115 "Poppanew!"Happy New Year! We kick off 2024 with a chat about Paul Giamatti's Oscar-buzz performance in "The Holdovers," the discomfort of "Saltburn," Stephen King's return to a favorite character—and more!Streaming:"The Holdovers," theaters and rental. In this drama, Giamatti plays a much-disliked history professor at a  New England boarding school forced to oversee a group of boys with nowhere else to go for the holidays."Saltburn," Prime. A university student's obsession with a rich classmate turns into a series of horrifying events when he's invited to the family castle.  Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Alison Oliver star."American Symphony," Netflix. In this intimate documentary, musician Jon Batiste sets out to write a symphony as his partner, author Suleika Jaouad, struggles with the return of her cancer."Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret," Hulu, Sling, other channels. In this adaptation of Judy Blume's beloved novel, an 11-year-old girl (Abby Ryder Fortson) navigates new friends, feelings, and adolescence after her family moves to the suburbs. With Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates. "Blue-Eye Samurai," Netflix. In this French-American adult animated series, a half-Japanese/half white swordswoman seeks vengeance on four white men for their wrongs to her mother.  Gorgeous visuals, violence, and sex.Books:"Holly," by Stephen King. Holly Gibney is one of King's more memorable recurring characters—a vulnerable, insecure young woman overcoming a difficult upbringing to become a private detective. Here she investigates a series of disappearances caused by an unlikely pair of serial killers.Music:Popahallics #115 Playlist features songs such as "Le Freak," "We Are Family," "Like a Virgin" and "Let's Dance"  written,  composed and/or produced by guitarist Nile Rodgers. If you'd like to see Nile in action, this NPR Tiny Desk Concert is great.

PopaHALLics #114 "Avoid These Shows!"You want some turkey? We take out the knives to carve up "Obliterated," "The Buccaneers," and "Monarch: A Legacy of Monsters." But we also make two recommendations for holiday viewing—including one not traditionally thought of as a "Christmas" movie.Streaming:"Obliterated," Netflix. An elite special forces team drunk and stoned from partying must find a nuclear bomb before Las Vegas is, well, obliterated. Steve says this violent, sexual dramedy is a comedy dud."The Buccaneers," Apple+. A group of  American girls go to England in search of rich husbands in this period drama with modern touches—think a cross between "Bridgerton" and "The Gilded Age."  Kate kept falling asleep."Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," Apple+. This action drama comes alive when Godzilla and other monsters are onscreen. Unfortunately, most of it's about the humans. Kurt Russell and son Wyatt play the same character at different ages."Falling for Christmas," Netflix. In this holiday rom-com, pampered heiress Lindsay Lohan gets amnesia and is taken in by handsome widower with super-cute young daughter. Stop us if you can see where this is going."Moonstruck," streaming and rental. Cher won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a widowed woman who falls in love with her fiance's estranged, hot-tempered younger brother (Nicolas Cage) in this 1987 romantic comedy drama."For All Mankind," Apple +. This speculative sci-fi series depicts an escalating space race after the Russians put a man on the moon first. Books:"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," by Barbara Robinson. This bestselliing holiday classic follows the shenanigans of  "the worst kids in the history of the world" when they get involved with a church Christmas pageant. "In the Lives of Puppets," by T.J. Klune. Set in the future after robots have taken over, this novel is a charming PInocchio-inspired fable about what makes us human and the families we choose.Music:PopaHALLics #114 Playlist features our favorite songs from our PopaHALLics playlists this year, from Los Bitchos to Beyonce, from Leonard Cohen to Talking Heads.  Rock on!

PopaHALLics #113 "Cry Murder!"Is that red on the holiday decorations blood? In an unplanned twist, dad and daughter both come to the show with murderous streaming and reading recommendations. A killer episode, wouldn't you say?Streaming:"A Murder at the End of the World," FX & Hulu. When a reclusive tech titan (Clive Owen) holds a retreat in Iceland, his guests start getting iced, so to speak. A 24-year-old hacker turned true-crime sleuth (Emma Corrin) must figure out the killer's identity in this mystery from the makers of "The OA.""The Crown," Netflix. Part one of the sixth and final season focuses on the final years of Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and the impact of her life and death on the royal family. "Fargo," FX & Hulu. Season 5 of this black comedy crime drama finds Juno Temple ("Ted Lasso") as a Minnesota housewife who is not who she says she is. Jon Hamm ("Mad Men") is the rule-breaking sheriff who wants to track her down.Books:"Mother Daughter Murder Night," by Nina Simon. In this mix of mystery and family drama, three generations of women try to solve a murder while also learning to live together. A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick."My Lovely Wife," by Samantha Downing.  A husband spices up his marriage by finding victims for his wife, a serial killer, in this thriller. Dark, sexy, and disturbing."My Murder," by Katie Williams. In this novel named an NPR Best Book of the Year, the victim of a local serial killer is brought back to life by cloning. However, fitting back into her family and solving her murder proves harder than she thought.Music:Santa's bag—i.e., our Found Tree 2023 playlist—contains plenty of cool, off-the-beaten-track holiday tunes for you! A special thanks goes out to Mike Bode, our show's resident composer, and his wife Mary Kay. Their annual Cool Yule collections for family and friends introduced us to many of these tunes.

PopaHALLics #112 "More Boos for You"Someone forgot to tell us Halloween was over! We discuss streamers about alien invaders, witches, a co-dependent Dracula, a horror-plagued family, and a novel about a witchhunt. Plus the comedy movie "Quiz Lady" and Poirot and his moustache.Streaming:"The Menu," Hulu. In this horror comedy, a foodie (Nicholas Hoult) and his date (Anya Taylor-Joy) are excited to attend the island restaurant of a celebrity chef (Ralph Fiennes). Let's just say they may not be down with what he's serving up."Invasion," Apple+. When an alien species threatens our existence, five ordinary people across the globe try to deal with the chaos unfolding around them in this series. Steve says the emphasis is on the humans, not those aliens."A Haunting in Venice," Hulu. Kenneth Branagh directs and stars again as Agatha Christie's mustachioed detective Hercule Poirot. This time he's investigating a Halloween seance in a spooky palazzo. With Tina Fey and Michelle Yeoh."Renfield," Prime. What's a guy (Nicholas Hoult) to do when his boss is super-demanding, violent, and oh yeah, Dracula (Nicolas Cage)? Awkwafina also stars in this "action comedy horror film." "Quiz Lady," Hulu. Tightly wound Anne (Awkwafina) must deal with her hot mess of a sister (Sandra Oh) to help pay off their mom's gambling debts.  With Will Ferrell, Holland Taylor, and a dog named Linguini."The Fall of the House of Usher," Netflix. In this limited series from horrormeister Mike Flanagan ("The Haunting of Hill House"), an unscrupulous family begins to pay for their sins in ways inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's stories and poems. With Bruce Greenwood, Carla Gugino, Mark Hamill, and more.Books:"Daughters of Witching Hill," by Mary Sharratt. Inspired by an infamous witch trial in England in 1612, the novel follows a family of strong women as they try to survive "the hysteria of a witchhunt."Our special macabre music for this episode is once again by Mike "What's that thing behind you?" Bode. Thanks, Mike!

PopaHALLics #111 HALL-oweenTime for vampires, spooky spirits, and movies with plot holes so big the wind moans through them like a ghost. Oh, and David Beckham and the brain, too. Streaming:"El Conde," Netflix.  Former Chilean dictator Pinochet is actually a 250-year-old vampire who can't remember where he hid his money in this satiric arthouse flick. A French accountant nun will help him remember and/or stake him."Trick r Treat," Max. This darkly comic horror anthology from the creator of "Krampus" tells four different, interwoven stories one Halloween night. With Brian Cox, Anna Paquin, and a creepy kid-sized spirit of Samhain, "Sam.""Beckham," Netflix. The life and career of soccer legend David Beckham is examined in this four-hour documentary from director/actor Fisher Stevens."Something from Tiffany's," Prime. An engagement ring meant for someone else leads a woman (Zoey Deutch) to the person she was meant to be with in this rom-com. With Kendrick Sampson and Ray Nicholson, son of Jack."Red Eye," Prime. This Hitchcockian thriller from horror maven West Craven  finds hotel manager Rachel McAdams happy to be seated next to a handsome stranger (Cillian Murphy) on a flight—until he reveals a nefarious plot.Books:"Sunshine" by Robin McKinley. A young woman working as a baker becomes entangled in a vampire feud in this "near perfect fantasy" (Neil Gaiman)."The World Behind the World: Consciousness, Free Will, and the Limits of Science," by Erik Hoel. A scientist recognized by Forbes explores how the brain creates our conscious experiences—potentially revolutionizing neuroscience and the future of technology.Music: The Spooky Halloween Mix #111 playlist put together for us by Spotify's AI is scary good! It's perfect for your Halloween party or handing out candy to trick or treaters.The Halloween-themed instrumentals in this episode are by our own Maestro of Musical Mayhem, that keyboardist who slays the 88s—Mike Bode! Fangs a lot, Mike.

PopaHALLics #110 "Popalicious!"From a chemist doing a cooking show in a serious drama to a time-traveling teen in a horror comedy, we offer the ideal recipes for pop culture enjoyment! We even sprinkle aliens, monsters,  and goshawks on top, and polish it off with pumpkin ale. Yum!Streaming:"Lessons in Chemistry," Apple +. In this miniseries based on Bonnie Garmus' bestslling novel, sexism and life's troubles force chemist Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) away from the lab in the 1950s. Instead, she hosts a popular TV show where she gives housewives lessons in more than cooking."Jules," rental. No one will believe retiree Ben Kingsley when he says a UFO has crashed into his flowerbed in this sweet offbeat comedy drama from one of the makers of "Little Miss Sunshine." With Harriet Sansom and Jane Curtin."Theater Camp," Hulu. The eccentric staff members of a theater camp must band together when their beloved founder falls into a coma in this musical comedy. With Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Amy Sedaris, and more!"Totally Killer," Prime.  In this horror comedy that draws inspiration from slasher movies, a killer murdered three girls 35 years ago and got away. When he murders a mom in the present, her daughter (Kiernan Shipka) time travels back to the 1980s to catch the killer and save her mom. Silly but heartfelt."The Monster," Max. This horror flick finds a troubled mom and her preteen daughter having a breakdown on a deserted road in a rainstorm—and realizing they're not alone in the woods.Books:"Horse," by Geraldine Brooks. This masterful novel interweaves three stories from the 1850s, 1950s, and 2019 that all relate to Lexington. The real thoroughbred was the fastest runner of his time and sired many champions."H is for Hawk," by Helen MacDonald. In this acclaimed memoir, a British woman reeling from the death of her father takes on the notoriously hard training of a goshawk. The book also examines the life and work of goshawk enthusiast T.H. White ("The Once and Future KIng")."Bad Cree," by Jessica Johns. A young Cree woman's dreams lead her on a journey of self-discovery in this horror-laced debut."House of Ghosts: A Gripping Murder Mystery Set in a Haunted House," by W.C. Ryan. During World War I, British intelligence sends two agents to a weekend of planned seances at the island home of a munitions manufacturer. In addition to ghosts, a German spy is present in this blend of Agatha Christie-esque mystery and gothic ghost story.NOTE: You can find the links for more information  about these books in the episode's chapter markers. Buzzsprout was acting up and wouldn't include the links here.

PopaHALLics #109 "Start Making Sense"Steve experienced the re-release of the restored "greatest concert film of all time," "Stop Making Sense." Just in time for "spooky season," Kate talks about two indigenous horror novels. And don't forget the home invasion thriller with 1 line of dialogue!In Theaters:"Stop Making Sense." Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Demme ("Silence of the Lambs") and the Talking Heads directed this 1984 movie with arty staging and  everyone playing with "intense energy and joy" (Steve).Streaming: "Virgin River," Netflix. When you're in the mood for a soapy drama where you don't have to think too much, this show's for you! Kate kinda likes it."No One Will Save You," Hulu. What's a girl (Kaitlin Dever) to do when skinny grey bug-eyed aliens try to invade her her remote home? Fight back, of course. Books:"White Horse," by Erika T. Wurth. In this horror novel, an Indigenous woman must face her past when she discovers a bracelet haunted by her mother’s spirit."Bad Cree," by Jessica Johns.  A young Cree woman’s dreams force her to confront a legacy of violence on her family, community and their land in this gripping, horror-laden debut."So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star," by Jacob Slichter. The drummer for Semisonic describes their wild ride to a #1 hit ("Closing Time") and how the music business worked in the 1990s. ("Money, money, money, MON-ey!")"Small Mercies," by Dennis Lehane.  Against the backdrop of racially-charged school integration in 1974 Boston, tough Southie broad Mary Pat Fennessy goes looking for her missing daughter in this acclaimed novel. Music:Our Popahallics #109 Playlist features songs from the Talking Heads' "Stop Making Sense" soundtrack and Minneapolis trio Semisonic, the subject of the book "So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star."

PopaHALLics #108 Who Are You?Dad and daughter disagree on the merits of Netflix's "Who is Erin Carter?"—who do you think is right? We also look at two series: the "Justified" reboot and "Painkiller," about the origins of the opioid crisis. And new music (Kate) and, um, classic music (Steve).Streaming:"Who is Erin Carter?", Netflix. In this British TV series, a substitute teacher (Evin Ahmad) foils a robbery with fighting skills she shouldn't have. Then her secret past comes calling."Painkiller," Netflix. Matthew Broderick, Uzo Adoba, and Taylor Kitsch star in a provocative drama exploring the roots of this century's most pressing health epidemic. The perpetrators, the victims, the investigator seeking the truth all play their part."Justified: City Primeval," Hulu. Timothy Olyphant dons the cowboy hat once again as lawman Raylan Givens. This time he's chasing a sociopathic killer in Detroit and trying to cope with a rebellious 15-year-old daughter. Shudder.Books:"The Burning Girls," by CJ Tudor. In this 2021 horror novel from the UK's answer to Stephen King, an unconventional vicar and her teenage daughter come face to face with the dark secrets of an English village. And the ghosts of two girls burned at the stake centuries ago. Music:Kate talks about the British electronic music project Jungle —think soul, with computers—and Steve revisits the Indianapolis Colts kickoff concert with John Mellencamp, Heart's Ann Wilson, Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band, Stephen Stills, and more. All are showcased on our Popahallics #108 Playlist!

PopaHALLics #107 "Murderous & Foreboding"Characters are killing it—literally—in the streaming options and novels we discuss. A wife killing her "perfect" husband. A Broadway star taking an elevator shaft down without the elevator. And did we mention the creepy Swedish cult festival?Streaming:"Midsommar," streaming & rental, In this 2019 horror film written and directed by Ari Aster, a dysfunctional couple (Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor) travel to a rural town for a midsummer festival that turns out more bizarre and violent than they expected. "Only Murders in the Building," Hulu. Season 3: When an actor dies on opening night of the play by Oliver (Martin Short), he and his neighbors (Steve Martin and Selena Gomez) begin an investigation. With Meryl Streep, Jesse Williams, and Ashley Park."Ahsoka," Disney +. In an 8-episode "Star Wars" series, the Jedi/not Jedi (it's complicated) warrior (Rosario Dawson) goes in pursuit of evil Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) with her headstrong Padawan (Natasha Liu Bodrizzo). With Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Hayden Christiansen. "The Book Club," Peacock & rental. Reading "50 Shades of Grey" sparks the love lives of four women (Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, and Diane Keaton) in this romantic comedy.Books:"Since We Fell," by Dennis Lehane. A woman develops a fear of leaving the house in this acclaimed 2017 novel adroitly mixing up suspense, romance, and possibly madness from the author of "Mystic River," "Shutter Island," and 'Gone Baby Gone.""The Mistborn: The Final Empire," by Brandon Sanderson. In book one of a trilogy, a thief and his companions take on the ultimate caper: Overthrowing the government of a being who has ruled for 1,000 years. Music:Steve recently saw a ParliamentFunkadelic show featuring funk pioneer George Clinton as well as the band Fishbone. Experience some of their best numbers—and other funk as well—here!Click through the links to watch, read and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #106 "Barbie & the Bomb"Millennial daughter and boomer dad both think director Greta Gerwig did a great job playing with dolls in the global phenomenon "Barbie." Kate also saw director Christopher Nolan's biopic "Oppenheimer" and reveals if the movie was a bomb or a blast. (Sorry!) We also joke about fans at a Vampire Weekend concert. (Sorry again!)In Theaters:"Barbie." Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling play Barbie and Ken in this ambitious, entertaining comedy, also with America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, Rhea Perlman, and more."Oppenheimer." This acclaimed biopic traces the career of the physicist (Cillian Murphy) who led the Manhattan Project and later fell from grace. With Robert Downey, Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, and more.Books:"Vampire Weekend," by Mike Chen. Punk rocker Louise Chao's hermit-like existence as a vampire is upended when she befriends a troubled teen. "A love letter to music," Steve says."Bloodroot," by Amy Greene. "A dark and riveting story of the legacies--of magic and madness, faith and secrets, passion and loss--that haunt one family across the generations.""V2," by Robert Harris. This thriller from the "Fatherland" author follows two people on either side of the WWII missile program designed to terrorize London—a German rocket scientist and an English woman determined to stop the V2."American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer," by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. This 2005 biography is the basis for the "Oppenheimer" film.Music:The novel "Vampire Weekend"  about a punk-rock vampire has so many musical references someone should build a playlist. Hey, someone has!Click through the links above to watch, read, and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #105 "Popagumbo"Dad and daughter record in the same room for a change—but they're still all over the pop landscape. Dolls that kill! Dealing-with-grief memoir! Dirty deeds in LA! Dungeons & Dragons! And yet we still find time to be mean to one of the Hemsworth brothers. Streaming:"M3GAN," Prime and rental. In this hit horror comedy, a high-tech toy designer (Allison Williams) invents the perfect robot companion for her niece. What could possibly go wrong?"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," Prime, Paramount +, and rental. This fun action-packed heist comedy just happens to be set in a fantasy world. Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, and Michelle Rodriguez are among the stars."65," Netflix.  Pilot Adam Driver crash-lands his spaceship on a strange world—Earth 65 million years ago. Can he get off the planet before dinosaurs eat him or a giant asteroid hits?"The Witcher," Netflix. Season 3 is your last chance to see Henry Cavill as mutated monster hunter Geralt, before Liam Hemsworth (younger brother of Chris and Luke) becomes the star of this fantasy adventure.Books:"What Looks Bravery: An Epic Journey from Loss to Love," by Laurel Braitman. In this memoir, Braitman explores how losing her father at an early age helped  transform her into the person she wanted to become."Everybody Knows: A Novel of Suspense," by Jordan Harper. In this acclaimed modern noir thriller set in LA, a fixer must discover why her boss was murdered before the dark side of the entertainment industry destroys her."Shrines of Gaiety," by Kate Atkinson.  A queen of the underworld in glittering Jazz Age London faces threats from enemies—and her own family."The Woman in the Library," by Sulari Gentill. In this mystery-within-a-mystery, four strangers in the reading room of the Boston Public Library become friends. But one of them is a murderer ... Click through the links above to watch and read about what we're discussing.

PopaHALLics #104 "Good Books & Bad Guys"Still looking for a good summer read? We got you covered with a warm, spooky coming of age story, a murderous thriller, a memoir about family and addiction, and a collection of hopeful climate change-themed short stories. Or you can watch Bill Hader, Chris Hemsworth, and Emily Blunt kill people. Yes, even that nice Emily Blunt. Books:"The Last Catastrophe: Stories," by Allegra Hyde. This collection of stories speculates about how mankind might grapple with climate change, from a RV caravan crossing the country until the fuel runs out to, well, zombies. "The Saturday Night Ghost Club," by Craig Davidson. In this bittersweet coming-of-age novel, a group of misfit kids and an eccentric adult set out to investigate local ghost stories, and discover way more than they bargained for."Stray: A Memoir," by Stephanie Danter. The bestselling author of "Sweetbitter" writes about" growing up in a family shattered by lies and addiction, and (her) attempts to find a life beyond the limits of her past.""One by One," by Ruth Ware. In this  suspense thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians," an avalanche traps a group of tech types in a Swiss chalet—with a killer among them.Streaming:"Barry," HBO Max.  A hit man (Barry Hader) wants to become an actor in this acclaimed dark comedy. Henry Winkler and Stephen Root also play memorable characters in the show, which wrapped up this year after four seasons."The English," Prime. In this revisionist Western, a limited series, a Pawnee ex-scout (Chaske Spencer) trying to make his way home teams up with an Englishwoman (Emily Blunt) bent on revenge. "Extraction," Netflix. A black market mercenary (Chris Hemsworth, a long way from Thor here) is enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an international drug lord in this action thriller.  If you like it, there's already "Extraction 2!""High Desert," Apple +. In this erratic comedy/mystery series, a woman (Patricia Arquette) grappling with her mother's death and her ongoing substance abuse talks her way into working for a struggling PI (Brad Garrett).Let's Dance!With tunes from Subwoolfer, Fatboy Slim, and more, PopaHALLics #Playlist 104 will make you move. And answer the question of why you should give that wolf a banana.

PopaHALLics #103 "Indiana Jones & The Last Movie"We review "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and speculate why  Harrison Ford's final outing in the brown fedora is doing poorly at the box office. For those of you not into 80-year-old action heroes, we also discuss season 2 of "The Bear," the new "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," and "Violent Night," about a drunken embittered Santa on a slay ride. Get it?In Theaters:"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge want to stop ex-Nazi Mads Mikkelsen from bending the laws of time and space. James Mangold, not Steven Spielberg, directs."Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." Brooklyn's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man Miles Morales clashes with a team of Spider-People tasked with protecting the Multiverse in this animated adventure.Streaming:"The Bear,"  Hulu.  In season 2 of the dramedy, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) tries to turn his neighborhood hot-sandwich joint into fine dining while still dealing with his rough crew. A recipe for disaster?"Violent Night," Prime and rental. Bad guys better watch out when a drunken, embittered Santa (David Harbour) interrupts a home invasion in this violent action comedy. Ho, ho, KA-POW!"Peggy Sue Got Married," rental. Steve revisits this 1986 movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola and has some reservations about it this time around. A struggling middle-aged woman (Kathleen Turner) is transported back to her senior year of high school.  Whoops!Two mistakes we caught post-editing: That's Buddy Holly himself singing the theme song in "Peggy Sue Got Married"—not Marshall Crenshaw, as Steve says. And the actress we're trying to remember in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"? Kate Capshaw, who screams a lot in that movie. How could we forget?A Movie-Themed PlaylistPopahallics #103 Playlist features music used in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," "Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse," "Peggy Sue Got Married," and "The Bear." For "Violent Night," we got creative with songs about bad Santas. Enjoy!