Pop Trash Podcast

Unexpected Company

Come and knock on our door... we've got a new episode waiting for you that covers unexpected performances from John Ritter, Suzanne Somers, Don Knotts, and the lovable cast of Three's Company.

Faye Through the Ages

On the occasion of Faye Dunaway's 83rd birthday, we celebrate several of her unexpected performances through the 70s, 80s, and 90s—including Eyes of Laura Mars, Supergirl, A Wicked Lady, and The Temp.

Pop Culture Predictions for 2024

Hosts Mike and Eric conjure their best guesses for what’s to come in 2024 in our annual New Year’s predictions episode.

Unexpected Christmas Gifts

Move over Rudolph, and make some room at your holiday table for Pee Wee Herman, Solid Gold Dancers, and even a murderous toymaker played by Mickey Rooney! Pass the fruitcake, we're serving up some Christmas treats from pop culture's past.

What Ever Happened to Hagsploitation?

We're re-examining and redeeming the genre of films lovingly (and somewhat controversially) called "Hagsploitation" or "Psycho Biddy" films, including 1964's Strait-Jacket (with Joan Crawford) and 1969's What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? (starring Geraldine Page and Ruth Gordon). Mike and Eric also discuss the qualities these movies have in common with another shocking flick, 1965's Who Killed Teddy Bear? (with Sal Mineo).

Attack of the Critters!

You never quite expect being locked in combat with ants, bees, and bats! We discuss what it takes to prevail against creepy vermin in the disaster horror movies Empire of the Ants (1977), The Swarm (1978), and Bats (1999).

Why You So Possessed with Me?

Hollywood's obsession with possession was never stronger than the years following The Exorcist. This episode looks at some of the unexpected performances by a few beloved 1970s stars who did battle with demons and spirits: Telly Savalas and Elke Sommer in Lisa and the Devil, Marsha Mason and Anthony Hopkins in Audrey Rose, and James Brolin in The Car.

Expect the Unexpected: Season 4 Teaser

In our fourth season, we'll be exploring surprising performances — from silver screen legends getting out of their comfort zones by trying out unfamiliar genres to Hollywood's leading ladies reinventing their careers with cult classic characters. These left turns and detours from beloved icons exiting their expected lanes helped steer them right into pop culture history.

Big Ones

In the last episode of our third season, we're discussing two big TV movies that shaped 20th century pop culture: 1983's "The Day After" and 1971's "Duel."

Troubled Teens

Are the kids alright? Primetime TV movies from the 70s through the 90s gave teens and their parents plenty to worry about. We're revisiting three dramas from the genre that have now become cult classics.